Ferrari’s highest profile employee, two-time Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso, has chosen a Maserati GranCabrio as his company car. The Scuderia’s race winner at the season opening Bahrain GP “collected” his new car at the Fiorano track. The fact that he picked Maserati’s big drop top over something from Ferrari’s road car range shows that the ex-Renault man prefers a relaxed driving experience off the track.

Alonso’s stealthy GranCabrio is in “Grigio Granito” body colour, while the Maser’s two-tone cabin upholstery is a combination of Pearl Beige and Bordeaux leather. The car’s canvas top is in the same dark red hue. Alonso, whose wife is a Spanish pop star, was said to be particularly impressed by the space offered by the GranCabrio, which has plush seating for four adults.

Based on the Trident brand’s GranTurismo coupe, the Pininfarina penned cabriolet is powered by a 4.7-litre V8 with 440 bhp/490 Nm mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic gearbox. Its canvas top folds up in only 20 seconds, and is available in six colours. Naza Italia, official importer of Ferrari and Maserati in Malaysia, should be importing this model in the near future. Both the GranTurismo and Quattroporte limo are currently available at the company’s Petaling Jaya showroom.

More images after the jump.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

Here’s what Mazda France came up with to celebrate 20 years of the MX-5 in the country – a matt black version of Mazda’s super successful roadster. To be paraded at the Lors du salon du cabriolet, coupé & SUV show, this (relatively) sinister looking MX-5 comes with matching black alloys. It is based on the folding metal top 2.0i variant, which 2.0-litre MZR engine puts out 158 bhp and 188 Nm of torque via the rear wheels.

I would take out the chrome surround on the “mouth”, but this MX-5 looks quite cool if you ask me, although the lady in the gallery looks very intimidating! Matt black seems to be very “in” these days, and many in the car modifying scene are opting for this finish – I’ve seen everything from Perodua Myvis to Nissan GT-Rs in matt black running around KL. Would you have your car in matt black? And for those who have already joined “the dark side”, is it easy to care for and maintain?

More images after the jump.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

The Honda NSX is a legend, and owners can always boast that another legend, Formula 1 great Ayrton Senna, had a hand in the mid-engined sportscar’s development. Now, future owners of the McLaren MP4-12C can claim that their 600 bhp supercar is endorsed by not one, but two Formula 1 champs! Well, almost. With the two most recent F1 champions racing under its name, McLaren couldn’t resist letting Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton have a go at the “XP Beta phase” prototypes of the MP4-12C, although testing road cars isn’t part of their official job scope.

The two British champs tried out XP8 and XP10 at Goodwood Motor Circuit earlier this month. Being self confessed ‘petrolheads’ and having seen the 12C at the McLaren Technology Centre in February, they were keen to get behind the wheel and share some views. Their time on the tight and fast circuit in southern England returned feedback on the 12C’s launch control, Brake-Steer application and threshold levels of the electronic stability control programmes, as well as driver comfort at speed.

Good comments are expected from the two well-paid employees, but we believe that the MP4-12C is truly a cracking car to drive coming from the people who brought us the McLaren F1. Read what Jenson and Lewis have to say after the jump. Images and video of the MP4-12C are available here.

Jenson Button commented, “The 12C is so easy to drive. Its cockpit is a nice place to be and really makes you feel at one with the car. The driving seat is very comfortable and the layout of the controls is completely logical. I like the fact that there’s no switchgear on the steering wheel. You simply select the mode you want before you begin driving and after that there’s no need to concentrate on anything but the driving itself.

“It was clear when meeting the Automotive test team that they share the same competitive focus as our race team. We’re obsessed with winning and we’ll do all we can to make sure that happens. If the 12C team say they are aiming to make the best performance car on the market, then I’m convinced that is what they will do.”

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

Every carmaker has an electric car “planned”, but most of these concepts are what they are – concepts – and few actually “walk the talk”. However, some of them mean business. Mitsubishi is a pioneer in putting EVs on the road with the i-MiEV, which will also sell in Europe with Peugeot and Citroen badges.

Renault-Nissan is also betting big time on an electric future – the Alliance aims to be the world leader in electric vehicles and will roll out 500,000 units per year across the globe from 2012. Designed to be affordable and mass market, Renault’s Z.E family of EVs and Nissan’s Leaf are on track to “electrify” the industry.

Nissan has announced that its Leaf will be made in Sunderland, UK, joining two other manufacturing hubs for the EV. Production will begin in Oppama, Japan later this year followed by Smyrna, Tennessee, USA in 2012. Sunderland will come on-line in early 2013 with an initial annual production capacity of about 50,000 units. Also, construction of Nissan’s advanced lithium-ion battery plant will begin next month. The facility, which will be located at Sunderland, will have a production capacity of 60,000 units per year. It will start supplying battery packs to Renault and Nissan come 2012.

To go on sale later this year, the Leaf is a zero-emissions EV powered by an 80kW electric motor. It has a real world range of 160 km and charges to 80% capacity in under 30 minutes. Top speed is “more than 140 km/h”, so this is not a city-only vehicle. Billed as the “world’s first affordable, mass produced zero emission car”, the Leaf is a five-seater C-segment hatchback sitting on an all-new dedicated EV platform. Will it come to Malaysia in the future? Possible, since the official pictures show a right-hand drive car, but it’s not easy for car companies to plan ahead when our country doesn’t have a clear roadmap on green cars and technology.

Click here for videos and images of the Nissan Leaf.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

Proton invited a few Persona Elegance pre-launch booking customers from East Malaysia to the launch of the new Persona Elegance at their COE headquarters by the KESAS highway yesterday. They were also here to visit Proton’s plant, Proton’s test track and of course the launch itself. It’s all part of the My Proton Journey program.

But anyway just in case there are other Persona Elegance customers who would have liked to have watched the presentation by Datuk Syed Zainal, here’s a video recording of the launch for you to have been there ‘virtually’.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

Thonet, a furniture brand, showed off its first automotive part at the Geneva show: a gear shift lever. Done in cooperation with famous Volvo tuner Heico Sportiv and the Swedish carmaker itself, the launch took place in the exclusive ‘Volvo S60 Lounge’ which was completely fitted out by Thonet.

Jointly developed by Thonet and Heico, the gear lever represents a combination of tradition and modernity, harking back to Thonet’s longstanding tradition of wood manufacturing. The curved shape of the lever “conveys lightness and reflects the design language of the floating centre console”. Crafted from the fine oak, beech or walnut wood and hand made in an elaborate multi-stage process, it’s seen here in the refreshed Volvo C70, with interior fittings by Heico.

The Volvo C70 is a four-seat coupe convertible that sells from RM345,381 (for the 2.4i, T5 goes for RM400K) in Malaysia. It’s a full four seater with a three-piece steel roof that folds in 30 seconds, pretty long for today’s standards. Given a facelift late last year, the C70 now comes with Volvo’s new front end look, as seen on the XC60 and new S60, and a fresh design for the rear light cluster.

For images and a video of the facelifted C70, click here. More pictures of the Heico-Thonet variant and the gear knob is after the jump.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

We’ve posted about smaller BMWs going front-wheel drive, but here’s a small BMW that keeps it true – it’s by the M division, lightweight and rear driven! This limited edition BMW M Bike features disc brakes, a cool matt anthracite frame, leather saddle and stylish rims and handles. There are M badges too, of course.

BMW says that with the M Bike you’ll “attract a lot of attention – at least for a few seconds” as “the high total gear ratio transmission delivers astonishing speed” – they’re talking about the light and robust Shimano SLX gear system there. No turbos here, speed depends on your legpower, but at least you’ll be seated well on the fi’zi:k saddle (with red inlay) designed for comfort and superior grip. Other notable components include the Manitou Match suspension fork with 80 mm spring deflection. The M Bike weighs 12.9 kg.

It is available in June online at www.bmw-shop.com, which also sells a full M Collection for you to look like a riding advertisement. Profits go to making real M cars. Larger image after the jump.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

Lexus Malaysia has opened a new 3S facility in Penang, the brand’s second outlet after Mutiara Damansara. The RM1.5 million facility is situated at Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Georgetown, and the showroom part occupies a total built-up area of 10,000 square feet, including a “luxury lounge” and a café. Another 15,000 square feet is allocated for a service centre and customer parking area, to open in June this year. It is operated by Telagamas Motors, which has 28 years of auto industry experience in the northern region.

“Having completed the ‘Brand Awareness Phase’ over the past three years, we are now moving to expand the network presence. With expansion plans in place, we aim to grow our market share. The opening of Lexus Penang marks the start of extending our reach to be even closer to our customers,” said Kuah Kock Heng, President of Lexus Malaysia.

Last year, Lexus Malaysia put more than 300 new Lexus vehicles on the road, and the RX350 SUV was its biggest seller by some margin. With this new Penang outlet, the UMW Toyota division is targetting 400 vehicles in 2010. Next up for the brand is an outlet in Johor Bahru by the end of the year and possibly a presence in the East Coast and East Malaysia in 2011.

Images of the newly opened centre is after the jump.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

UPDATE: Since we first published this article we’ve received more information on the new Persona Elegance. The changes go beyond just an aesthetic make-over. We already know there’s a new bodykit, front grille, bumpers and new LED tail lamps. But beyond that, here’s what’s different:

• The seat backrest angle has been changed to offer better comfort.
• Extra soundproofing material has been added to pillars to improve interior NVH.
• Despite power output and torque being the same, a source has indicated that the engine should feel livelier and more responsive. We’ll try to get an initial impression from the showrooms over this weekend.

The original story continues below…

We just got back from the launch of the facelifted Proton Persona, which is officially called the Proton Persona Elegance. Available in three trim levels – Base Line, Medium Line and High Line – the Persona Elegance is powered by the familiar 1.6-litre Campro IAFM engine with 110 bhp at 6,500 rpm and 148 Nm of torque from 4000 rpm. Buyers can choose between a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual, but the High Line model only comes with the auto ‘box.

Although output remains, the Campro IAFM in the Persona Elegance comes with a new 32 bit ECU from Continental, which also supplied the previous 16 bit version. According to a Proton source, the new 32 bit ECU has more capabilities compared to the older 16 bit version – capable of more inputs, you can configure more parameters, and it can also interconnect with more systems such as “talking” to a Body Control Module such as the one in the Exora.

It is more of a future-proofing and cost-effectiveness move. Torque and power output remains the same as before. Firstly, Siemens VDO have been moving their global ECU manufacturing to 32 bit being the minimum, so it is not feasible for Proton to continue ordering 16 bit ECUs when the 32 bit version can be had at a far more competitive price. This move is also in preparation for the new Project Phoenix engine that we will soon see in Protons, which will require the capabilities of the new ECU.

There are a couple of changes to the exterior. As all of you already know from our previous reveals, the Persona Elegance comes with a new rear lamp cluster, now with LED brake lights. The nine LEDs are arranged in two rows – four up and five down. All trims except for the Base Line come with a bodykit, slim rear spoiler and foglamps, although the turning lamps on the side mirrors (illuminates in a cool light bar form) and chrome door handles are standard across the board.

Up front, the facelifted Persona uses the same nose as the Gen 2 CPS along with its “black out” headlamp housing, but with a different grille design. The Proton logo and its “wings” is pushed up to the top of the grille while the Gen 2 CPS has a central emblem. The 15-inch rim design is also new, although the 195/60 size of the tyres are unchanged. As before, the Base Line makes do with steel rims and hubcaps.

Inside, the most apparent change is the replacement of the previous custom designed audio head unit for a conventional single-DIN unit, once again by Blaupunkt. The USB compatible unit should be easier to operate than before with minimal and large buttons, and all trims but the Base Line get steering wheel controls. The meter cluster graphics are also new, now with white numbering and red needles plus a red inner ring, much more “premium looking” than the plain orange dials used before. Proton also says that the angle of rear seat has been changed for improved comfort.

Medium and High Line cars get a GPS navigation set stuck on the windscreen, driver’s seat height adjuster and electric side mirrors. Only the High Line gets leather seats and trim (Base and Medium Line sports a new fabric material), cruise control and remote release for the trunk.

Safety kit wise, the High Line comes with ABS and EBD, two airbags and two pre-tensioner seatblets. Out of this, the Medium Line only gets a driver’s airbag and pre-tensioner seatbelt, while the Base Line gets none of the above.

Here is the price list for the Persona Elegance:

Base Line (M) RM46,499
Base Line (A) RM49,499
Medium Line (M) RM52,999
Medium Line (A) RM55,999
High Line (A) RM59,499

Proton’s latest is available in two new colours – Chiffon Green and Bronze Garnet – in addition to silver and black. Brilliant Red is a colour exclusive to the High Line. Now in showrooms and ready for booking, the Persona Elegance comes with a 2-year/50,000 km manufacturer’s warranty plus a 3-year/125,000 km extended warranty programme – that’s a total of 5 years.

Pictures from the launch this morning, studio images, a video and a full scan of the brochure showing the equipment list of all variants are after the jump.


Click for enlarged version of image

Proton Persona Elegance live images from the launch

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

This is the dashboard of the new Suzuki Swift, which was caught on camera and published by Italian website alvolante.it. According to reports, the new Swift will be launched in UK sometime in the third quarter of 2010, riding on a new platform and featuring evolutionary styling from the current car, which has been a hit worldwide. With Volkswagen as Suzuki’s new stakeholder, will the Swift come with Wolfsburg’s TSI and TDI engines? Not unless VW wants to create another “in-house rival” for the VW Polo and Skoda Fabia, but we’ll see.

From the above image, we can see that the new Swift’s dashboard replaces the simple and basic layout of the current car for a more “sophisticated” flowing look normally found in bigger cars – in fact, much of the dash architecture is similar to Suzuki’s D-segment Kizashi sedan.

The current car’s single line stereo display has grown by quite a bit, and the circular side air con vents are replaced with conventional square units. Also seen here are simple VW-style dials with a silver outline flanking a central LCD display. Look lower and you’ll find a start/stop button. Current keyless entry equipped Swifts require you to twist a knob located at where the ignition normally is.

A bigger copy of the image is after the jump. Swift owners, what do you think?

Source

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

BMW’s Dr Norbert Reithofer unveiled today what we were sort of expecting for quite some time now. It is the finishing touch in completely rewriting the rules of what one expects a BMW should be.

First we had a BMW SUV, and then came the turbocharged BMW. And then turbocharging invaded the sacred temple of BMW M, which also spawned not just one but two BMW M SUVs. Today comes the biggest shock of all – there is going to be a front wheel drive car with a BMW badge in the near future.

The new front wheel drive BMW cars will share the same next generation platform of front wheel drive platforms (with all wheel drive capability) as the next generation range of MINIs. These new BMWs could be about 3,800mm to 4,300mm long. BMW currently has a car around the upper ranges of that size – the 1-Series hatch, which has a rather seriously compromised interior space compared to its rivals thanks to the space taken up by rear wheel drive.

It seems like the ultimate sacrilege to enthusiasts but somehow I’m not that worried. BMW engineers have worked some pretty good magic on making the new MINI handle like its on rails. So there probably wouldn’t be anything wrong with the new Bavarian compact go karts of the future. There just won’t be any powersliding action with them.

I was already expecting this when talks between BMW and Mercedes-Benz as well as a few other potential manufacturers on sharing the development costs of a next generation front wheel drive platform did not result in anything concrete. The MINI brand alone simply does not have the economies of scale needed to be profitable with compact cars that have lower profit margins.

Look after the jump for Dr. Reithofer’s full speech.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

Mercedes-Benz has AMG, BMW has its M and now Volkswagen’s R joins these famous names as a proper, full-fledged performance division. From now on, Volkswagen R GmbH will be responsible for sporty, performance versions of Volkswagen cars as well as R Line design packages and luxurious Volkswagen Exclusive items. VW’s current range has two full-on R cars, the Scirocco R and the Golf R, and blue seems to be the “official colour” of the brand.

The formation of Volkswagen R GmbH is VW’s response to the “increased global demand for individualised vehicles with contemporary sportiness and exclusivity”. Based in Warmenau near Wolfsburg, the division employs 350 staff. “Our vehicles contribute to the emotionalisation and growth of Volkswagen brand,” explained Ulrich Riestenpatt, General Manager of Volkswagen R GmbH.

Click here to see a video of the Golf R and Scirocco R strutting their stuff on track!

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

Following the footsteps of its quirky sister brand Citroen, Peugeot will be launching a new sub-brand that will be used on more upmarket models with higher profit margins, similiar to Citroen’s DS sub-brand. The new sub-brand will be called hors-série, which is French for ‘custom-made’ or ‘out of series’.

The sexy Peugeot RCZ will be the first hors-série model and Nasim has announced intentions to offer it here in Malaysia. The next hors-série model will be a wagon version of the new Peugeot 508. The 508 is a new model that will replace both the 407 and the 607, and it has been previewed in the form of the 5 by Peugeot concept. The third hors-série model will be unveiled only in 2012.

They will keep the word hors-série in all markets without translating it, much like how Volkswagen uses the tagline Das Auto even here in Malaysia. This can sometimes cause some rather amusing conclusion. A friend of mine actually thought Das Auto was a Malaysian-Indian owned Volkswagen dealership as Das is also an Indian name Until he saw it in Germany of course.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

Petrobras does not confirm this, saying that the deal is still in negotiations, but I think there won’t be smoke without fire! The deal is said to be worth US$9 million and Petrobras logos are expected to debut at the Spanish GP. Petrobras is not new to F1 sponsorship – they were a sponsor of Williams in the past.

Being the only new team that finished the race with both cars, I suppose the team’s Bahrain results has worked in the Malaysian-backed team’s favor in terms of potential sponsor confidence!

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

Remember Bugatti’s 16C Galibier concept? Unveiled at last year’s Frankfurt show to a very select audience, the “four-door Veyron” remains a concept for now, but new images have surfaced showing the Galibier in black, looking much sleeker than the initial car which had a two-tone blue and mirror like aluminium finishing.

Black allows us to focus more on the 8.0-litre W16 powered Galibier’s interesting detailing and body shape. The chrome strip that starts from the base of the A-pillar wraps around the doors and continues after the front wheels to make a loop with the other side, only interrupted by the imposing grille. The sloping rear sports four exhaust tips on each side and a spine brake light that divides the rear screen. This spine runs the length of the car – it looks like a fish when seen from the top.

The new gallery also shows the amazing detailing of the sumptuous four-seat cabin, which is covered in tan leather and fine wood. There’s also a full set of matching Galibier luggage, because for the owner of a car as exclusive as this (if it ever makes production), even limited edition Louis Vuittons won’t do.

Amazingly excessive! Gawk at the pictures after the jump! Previous set of images can be viewed here.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

The Ferrari California does very well for an “entry-level” model, with its front-mid mounted 460 bhp/485 Nm 4.3-litre V8 paired to a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox for 0-100 km/h in four seconds and a top speed of 310 km/h. German based tuner Novitec Rosso aims to put the California’s performance beyond doubt by plonking in a supercharger for the V8.

The result is 606 bhp at 7,900 rpm and 603 Nm of twist. Now the 2+2 GT can complete the century sprint in under 3.8 seconds and reach maximum velocity of 325 km/h. The cogged belt driven mechanical charger’s boost pressure is at 0.4 bars. New components include a water-to-air intercooler, custom intake manifold and larger injectors. The Cali is also equipped with a Novitec stainless-steel exhaust system with sport catalysts. An integrated flap mechanism activated by the steering wheel manettino switch controls the intensity of the exhaust note.

I must say that the white example seen here isn’t too over the top (can’t always say that for tuned cars), and the add-ons blend in nicely without looking like add-ons. Novitec says that its front spoiler was wind tunnel developed and reduce front axle lift at high speeds. New rocker panels with integrated airfoils and black side markers are the changes to the side profile. For the rear, of course there’s a diffuser and a spoiler lip, but also here is a carbon-fibre strip surrounding the number plate.

Novitec’s springs lower ride height by 35 mm, but what’s cool here is a hydraulic lift system for the front axle that can raise the Ferrari’s chin by 40 mm at the push of a button. This will make it easier to navigate speed bumps or car park ramps. The front reverts to its original position at a second button push or automatically upon reaching 80 km/h.

Lastly, those pretty three-piece star spoke Novitec NF3 wheels of 21 inches up front and 22 inches at the back are wrapped with special order Pirellis measuring 255/30 and 315/25, respectively.

More pictures after the jump. For videos and images of the standard California (with Michael Schumacher getting cozy in it!), click here.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

Honda will recall about 344,000 Odysseys and 68,000 Elements in the US from 2007 and 2008 model years to fix the “vehicle stability assist modulator” after receiving customer complaints about “brake pedals that feel ’soft’ or that gradually exhibit a pedal height that gets lower (closer to the floor) before the vehicle stops.”

The problem is due to some of the parts allowing air to get in, and it gets worse over time. A Honda spokesman told the Associated Press that if left unrepaired it could cause loss of braking power. He added that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reports of three crashes with minor injuries but no deaths.

The wife and daughter of US Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid were badly injured last week in a highway crash, when their Odyssey reportedly began braking in stop and go traffic and was rear ended by tractor trailer. However, the said Odyssey is a 2005 model, and probably did not suffer from the same problem stated for the recall.

On the issue, Honda Malaysia clarifies that the VSA related recall for the Odyssey DOES NOT concern units sold in Malaysia, saying that the affected models were manufactured in the US, which have different basic structures to those manufactured in Japan, where our Odysseys come from. Basically, the US Odyssey and JDM model are different cars using the same name.

Full press statement by Honda Malaysia is available after the jump.

Odyssey sold in Malaysia not affected by recent recall in overseas

The Company further added that there was no report of direct incident caused by the possible product defect.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

Abu Dhabi is slowly but surely catching up with its showy sister emirate Dubai. It’s already a Formula 1 host, and later this year we’ll see the world’s largest indoor theme park and the first ever Ferrari theme park open its gates at Yas Island. The mega development covers the already in use racetrack, shops, hotels, thrill rides and everything else that will make it a “Disneyland” for the car enthusiast.

Unsurprisingly, everything here is the biggest or the fastest. The theme park’s red roof, which is supposed to be inspired by the side profile of the Ferrari car, shades over 2.15 million square feet and is imprinted with the largest Prancing Horse emblem ever made (66-metre diameter).

The star ride at Ferrari World will be the world’s fastest rollercoaster. Travelling at speeds “in excess of 200 km/h”, one doesn’t need to be in Alonso’s car to feel extreme G-force and wind on the face at 200 km/h. Passengers can expect to be launched over 62 m through the roof and back down again to replicate the F1 G-force experience. Another rollercoaster ride is the GT Racing Coaster which will have two “competing” cars racing along parallel tracks to the “finish line”. As you can see here, the car is a replica of a Ferrari F430 Spider with a cabin for four – another world’s first?

Those who attend the Abu Dhabi GP this year are bound to have a blast! More pics after the jump.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

The Lexus LFA is heading back to Nürburgring this May, the place where it clocked plenty of testing miles in pre-production form. This time, the mission is to challenge for glory in the famed 24 hours endurance race.

It will be the first time the production LFA enters a competition. However, the car isn’t a stranger to the Nürburgring 24 Hours as development versions of Lexus’ supercar were entered in two previous occasions to help hone performance and handling. Toyota president Akio Toyoda took his turn behind the wheel in those outings.

Gazoo Racing will prepare two LFAs for the race. Led by top Toyota test driver Hiromu Naruse, the team will include four Japanese and three German drivers who between them have outstanding GT and endurance racing experience.

Takayuki Kinoshita is a six-time winner of the Super Taikyu Endurance Series and is the most experienced Japanese driver in the Nürburgring 24 Hours. Akira Ida was overall winner of the Tokachi 24 Hours in 1995 and 2007, and both Juichi Wakisaka and Kazuya Oshima race in Super GT.

The Germans are Armin Hahne, winner of the Spa 24 Hours in 1982 and 1983; Jochen Krumbach, who finished second overall in the 2008 Nürburgring 24 Hours; and Andre Lotterer, reigning Super GT 500 champion. Sepang Super GT regulars will recognise Lotterer as the man who drives for championship winning Team Petronas Tom’s.

The Lexus LFA is powered by a 552 bhp mid-mounted V10 engine, and is capable of 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed beyond 320 km/h. More images after the jump.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

Toyotas running away from their owners are occuring at a frequent rate these days, but are all cases genuine or is there something sinister behind the allegations? Could it be like the scandals facing celebrities, where the first few bonafide revelations open the gates for many “victims” trying to “cash in” on the situation?

One James Sikes called 911 earlier this month, saying that his 2008 Prius was traveling at a high rate of speed, the accelerator pedal was stuck, and that the vehicle was out of control and could not be stopped. The operator repeatedly instructed the driver to shift the car into N and turn off the power button. A California Highway Patrol officer intercepted the vehicle and instructed the driver to press firmly on the brakes, apply the emergency brake and turn off the car, at which time the Prius came to a safe stop.

Toyota engineers employed data analysis, static and dynamic testing and inspected all related components of the “problem car”. A final report is not due yet, but there are “strong indications that the driver’s account of the event is inconsistent with the findings of the preliminary analysis”. Toyota believes that Sikes’ assertion that the vehicle could not be stopped with the brakes is fundamentally inconsistent with basic vehicle design and investigation findings. A congressional staff member and NHTSA officers were present during Toyota’s examination, and the latter are conducting their own investigations.

Among the points raised by the embattled carmaker were that Sikes’ car’s accelerator pedal was tested and found to be working normally (the Prius is not subject to the sticky accelerator pedal recall) and the floor mat wasn’t even touching the gas pedal. During testing, Toyota abused the brakes on purpose by continuous light application in order to overheat them. The vehicle could be safely stopped by means of the brake pedal, even when overheated, and there were also no diagnostic trouble codes found in the power management computer.

Read Toyota’s full press release on its findings after the jump.

PRESS RELEASE

NHTSA investigators were present during Toyota’s examination, and are conducting their own investigation of the vehicle and its performance. Toyota’s examination was also observed by a congressional staff member.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

The Audi R8 Spyder may be very stylish, but it’s no mere poser – the open top variant of Ironman’s machine comes only in V10 form with 525 bhp and 530Nm, good for 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 313 km/h. That’s no small sum, but German tuners will never leave enough as enough, so here’s what ABT, the biggest name in Audi/VW tuning, did to Audi’s drop top supercar.

The 5.2 litre V10 has been massaged to deliver 600 horses, lowering the century sprint time to just 3.8 seconds, while top speed is now a round figure of 320 km/h. Suspension springs lowers the car further and is claimed to improve handling. “When you take a look at the car you can see that it is one of the fastest of the fast – and is really ready for anything,” says ABT. Hmmm…

The Kempten based tuner also says that with its exterior mods, the R8 Spyder’s “power can be seen even when it is at a standstill”. The front grill, front apron, side sills, rear apron, rear spoiler as well as the dual-colour coated ABT BR alloys have been merged into the original design, and as with ABT’s R8 coupe, all the parts are made from carbon fibre. On the options list is ABT’s CR Superlight alloys, which really suit the R8 Spyder with its claw-like spokes.

For a gallery and video of the Audi R8 Spyder, read our previous post here. More pictures of ABT’s version is after the jump.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

GM Europe’s Director of Advanced Design, Anthony Lo, will move to become Vice President of Exterior Design at Renault. In France, he will work under recently appointed Design Director Laurens van den Acker, who replaced Patrick le Quément.

Van den Acker’s flowing style (he previously headed the Nagare movement at Mazda) is in contrast with le Quément’s fascination with boxes – the latter was responsible for daring designs like the Avantime, Vel Satis and the previous generation big booty Megane.

At GM, Lo designed one of my favourite concept cars, the Saab Aero X concept (2006 Geneva), and the Opel Flextreme (2007 Frankfurt). The sleek Saab’s windscreen, doors and windows moved upward in one piece, which not only looks cool, but is a good solution for a low slung sportscar. Prior to GM, Lo sketched for Mercedes and Audi and began his career at Lotus after graduating from the Royal College of Art’s Vehicle Design program.

Source

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

Well, this sounds quite disturbing, to me at least. As we all know, Hummer’s proposed sale to China’s Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machines failed, and GM is in the process of winding down the brand’s operations. To clear stock, dealer Lynch Hummer is giving away a Browning Citori White Lightning Shotgun with every new Hummer purchased! Just confirms the type of owner Hummer targets, doesn’t it?

Lynch Hummer has teamed up with Browning to make this offer. The Citori White Lightning is a premium over and under shotgun with a retail value of $2,000. “There is now real reason to believe that the current inventory on hand at dealers may be the last of the new Hummers, we wanted to send them off with something memorable,” says Hummer dealer Jim Lynch. “Browning and Hummer are prestigious brands and American Icons – bringing them together is a natural fit.”

Last summer Lynch Hummer, a Hummer dealer since 1994, added guns to the products they offer in their suburban St. Louis location. “Hummer inventory got so low we had to add another product to make up for lost sales. The guns have been a huge hit with our Hummer customers and now we are taking the ‘Guns and Hummers’ concept one step further,” said Lynch. “My hope is that someone will come in and rescue the brand. The right buyer with the right vision could do very well. It will be a real shame if the brand doesn’t survive,” he added.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

According to the latest Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence data, Hyundai in the US recently surpassed Honda and Toyota when it comes to making customers happy and retaining them. In addition, Hyundai resale values have been outperforming the car segment average, which is something reserved only for Toyota and Honda in our market. The new Sonata YF was also the fifth most researched car in kbb.com’s Top 10 Most-Researched New Vehicles list.

Comparing February 2010 data to Q4 2009, Hyundai owners looking at new models within the brand increased by 10.4% to 56.3%, good enough for it to top the chart for the first time, up from third place in Q4 2009. In the same timeframe, Toyota fell from top to third spot while Honda held steady at second place. Toyota owners considering a repeat purchase fell by 4.4% to 53.3%. Honda’s score is 55.8%.

At the same time, Kelley Blue Book Values data for Feb 2010 showed that Hyundai outperformed the overall car segment average by a healthy margin, increasing 2% month-over-month, relative to a 0.3% increase for the entire car segment.

“Hyundai is clearly benefiting from ‘a perfect storm’ – a result of introducing passionate new products like the 2011 Sonata and 2010 Tucson, while Honda’s mainstream vehicles like the CR-V and Accord are a bit stale in the marketplace and Toyota is experiencing a huge consumer perception crisis,” said James Bell, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.

This should be another warning sign for the Japanese carmakers, whose models like the Accord and Camry have deep roots in the US top ten best sellers list. Hyundai, along with sister brand Kia and Subaru, were the only carmakers to have increased market share in a troubled 2009.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

We have managed to get hold of some high-res images of yesterday’s Bahrain Grand Prix which served as the 2010 season opener. Fernando Alonso was the first driver to cross the finish line in his scarlet Ferrari followed by his Brazilian teammte Felipe Massa making it a 1-2 victory for Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton of McLaren was the other driver who made it onto the podium as Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel suffered from a spark plug problem which forced the pole-sitter to finish in fourth place.

Apart from familiar faces, the Grand Prix also featured new faces on the grid including Virgin, Hispania and Lotus Racing. Among these three teams, Lotus emerged on top as both of its drivers managed to finish the 49-lap race. Virgin and Hispania did not enjoy the same as they were part of a retirement sandstorm.

The race also marked the return of 7-times World Champion Michael Schumacher to the sport since 2006 with the Mercedes GP Petronas outfit. Although I was looking forward to the race, I am disspointed with the lack of entertainment as overtaking was very minimal. Despite having more teams the race was quite boring. I believe the race would have been better off without the mid-race refueling ban.

Nevertheless continue reading to view the image gallery.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

While the rest of its competitors have slung back and sleek cab rearward designs, the Zonda is unique with its unusual cab forward design. This is the official video commercial for the Pagani Zonda R, and there’s also a really high resolution download link for you in case you want to enjoy it on your desktop. It features two units of the supercar trashing a race track, both dry and wet. Check the video out after the jump!

VIDEO: Pagani Zonda R Official TVC – Download the 1080P HD version

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

Lotus Racing fared the best among the rookie teams in yesterday’s Bahrain GP, with both Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli classified as finishers (15th and 17th). In contrast, the two Virgin and two HRT cars retired, so the team’s stated mission is firmly on track.

Team Principal Tony Fernandes was delighted at the result. “I’m completely over the moon! I cannot describe the feeling. Six months of work and to have both cars finish is just unbelievable. We’re thrilled, we’re happy and the spirit in the team is fantastic. I’m really proud of Jarno and of Heikki and everyone here. It’s a great start and better than I could have dreamt of. We wanted to finish the race and to do so ahead of established teams is fantastic.

“From here we keep going. Before the race Clive Chapman gave me Colin Chapman’s old Lotus cap and said ‘when you win the first race you’ll be the man to throw this up in the air like my Dad used to.’ That meant a lot to me, it was a wonderful gesture and it’s like handing over the mantle of one of motor racing’s great dynasties”

Tech chief Mike Gascoyne was also contented. “I have to say thank you to both drivers. They drove great races – Jarno struggled early on but when he changed to the soft tyre he was much more competitive. Apologies to Heikki because he may have suffered from the strategy, and apologies to Jarno because he had a hydraulics problem and he had to slow down to get the car to the finish, but overall a great result.”

The Lotus Racing pit box and hospitality area saw former stars Emerson Fittipaldi, Mario Andretti and Nigel Mansell dropping by. Perhaps they were drawn in by the fragrance of the nasi lemak served by the Malaysian owned team!

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

Talking to BBC, McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh said that Formula 1 needs to consider immediate rules tweaks to make it more spectacle than processional. “Today was not the best show, we know that and we have all got to work together to improve it.

“I personally believe that more challenging tyres will help the spectacle of the show. I also personally believe that we should have two stops mandated because we want to stop this. Today, if we had had a safety car on lap five, we’d have all piled in (to the pits) and we’d have all gone on the prime tyre and run to lap 49 without a stop. That was a real danger.

“I think that the tyres are allowing you to do that, I’m not trying to pass the blame (on to Bridgestone). We are all in this together. We do need to look at mandatings stops, we do need to look at the tyres and make them more fragile, and we do need to work on making the cars capable of racing close together and easier to overtake,” he said.

The lack of overtaking is an issue, and the Brit has this to say: “Unfortunately the double diffuser, and we have all got them, has really worked against that in the last two years, we have got rid of it for next year but that is arguably a year too late. What can we do this year? It’s go to be work with Bridgestone and potentially mandating more stops in the race.”

What do you think of Formula 1 in its current form?

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

Nissan Motor Thailand (NMT) has announced that the new Nissan March will be the first model offered for sale under Thailand’s “eco-car” program, created to encourage the development of energy-efficient vehicles. Still fresh from its Geneva debut, production has started and the car will be launched at the Bangkok motor show on March 26.

Designed to appeal to both developed and emerging markets, the March is built on a new platform. It will come with a new 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder engine with 78 bhp/108 Nm. Nissan’s Thai dealers have begun accepting bookings, and vehicle delivery will start within a few weeks for the five-speed manual version. The CVT variant will reach buyers in June. The price range is from 375,000 baht to 537,000 baht.

Our northen neighbour will join China, India and Mexico as global manufacturing hubs for the March (known as the Micra in some markets), which ultimately will be offered in 160 countries. NMT will export the March to countries in the Asian and Oceania markets, according to Toshiyuki Shiga, COO of Nissan Motor Co.

As a recap, to obtain eco car status, a car has to achieve at least 20 km/l and emit less than 120g/km of CO2. Engine capacity must not exceed 1.3 litres if petrol-powered and 1.4 litres for diesels. The manufacturer is rewarded with a 50% cut in excise duty, no income tax for eight years and no import duty for factory machinery imports.

Live images of the March from the Geneva show is after the jump.

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.

You’ve already read about it here on this blog, and now you can buy it in the showrooms. The Focus TDCi is now officially part of the Sime Darby Auto ConneXion line-up here in Malaysia and it goes for RM128,888.

The 2.0 liter Ford Duratorq engine makes 134 horsepower and a class-leading 320Nm of torque, which beats the Peugeot 308 Turbo’s previous class-leading 240Nm figures. The 2.0 TDCi’s 320Nm can also be boosted 20Nm up to a total of 340Nm for a short period of 8 seconds, although the ECU manages this feature automatically. There’s no “push to pass” button. The Pug does have more horsepower of course.

It’s not an apple to apple comparison anyway since one is turbodiesel while the other is a turbo direct injection petrol engine. The 308 has a quicker 0-100km/h acceleration time of 9.3 seconds versus 9.8 seconds for the Focus.

And of course, the other star feature is the nice 6-speed Powershift transmission, which is a twin clutch transmission. Shifts quicker and moves power more efficiently to the wheels than a slushbox automatic. Combined with the inherent frugality of a diesel engine, Ford pegs the Focus TDCi’s fuel consumption at just 5.8 liters per 100km on the combined urban and extra urban cycle!

Other features include a leather interior, a 6-CD changer with MP3 support, auto up/down power window controls for all four windows, dual airbags, ABS brakes, ESP stability control and TCS traction control. That ESP is a must have feature in a car that makes so much torque at a low rev count as a mid corner surge in torque from an over-eager right foot without the aid of stability control in keeping the car true to its line could result in hefty repair bills.

Only two colours are available – Diamond White or Panther Black. Only the hatchback body is available and it is a CBU from Thailand. The Diamond White car you see above has been kitted up with optional racing stripes which are an RM600 option. For the Panther Black car, the racing stripes are light silver in colour instead of blue. The stickers on the side of the car come standard.

We’ve already reported our first impressions of the car on a short drive, but we’ll be back sometime next month with a full test drive report including fuel consumption – how much does the car really consume on an average Malaysian driving cycle? Look after the jump for a nice hi-res gallery of the new Focus TDCi.

Related Post:
Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Powershift Short Test Drive

© 2010 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 21 Mar 10 18:18:15 +0000.