Max@Speed

Pics coverage on Nismo Festival 2007, Fuji Speedway

noreply@blogger.com (Max) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:36:00 +0000

Zerotohundred.com has publish the recent Nismo Festival 2007 at the Fuji Speedway, coverage by Neweraimports and words by Nismo-parts.info

At this Nismo Festival, the GT-R35 is first seen publicly on the racetrack, and also the Nissan GTR 35 GT500, being the first GTR to enter into the Japanese GT Championship for four years.

Various Nissan Fairlady 350Z on display, various choice of front bumpers for you to choose upon! :P

The Nismo Festival is just not about official Nismo race cars, though many will make an appearance, many of the aftermarket tuned vehicles also feature. If you are interested in any generation of Nissan or Datsun, chances are there will be a rare example at the Nismo Festival.

And last but not least, thanks to Zerotohundred, Neweraimports and Nismo-info for all the great pics! For more pics, head on to here, here and here

Honda Civic Type-R Modulo : Racetrack Ready Concept

noreply@blogger.com (Max) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 05:21:00 +0000

Honda will introduce a street-legal, track-ready version of the Civic Type-R sedan at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon in January. Apart from the racing livery, the Civic Type-R Modulo Concept’s exterior is enhanced by a wing spoiler, clear tail-lights and a set of cool 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/35 R19 rubber.

Not much, but wait until you take a look at the concept’s interior. Honda’s designers removed anything they could in order to lower the car’s weight. The door panels were replaced with carbon fibre, the door handles gave their place to latches while the stock front seats were swapped for a pair of impressive (and lightweight) Recaro bucket seats. Honda kinda overdid it with the carbon fibre as the lightweight material has been used among other things on the new sports steering wheel, the handbrake and the centre dash.

Since there is no official press release from Honda, it is unknown if there is any mechanical changes. However, it is evident from the pictures that the Civic Type-R Modulo Concept is fitted with electronically controlled adjustable dampers. Expect more on the concept closer to the Tokyo Auto Salon opening which is set for January 11, 2008.

If you ask me about this car, I would say that the exterior and interior styling does not live up to the point. The front bumper is not fierce enough for a track day, and the green interior just doesn't fit the Type-R, where has the red gone?

The only changes i like is the 19" rim, that fits the bill.

However, since this is only a concept car, we will wait till Tokyo Auto Salon for more official pics. In the meantime click on the thumbnail for more pictures.

Nissan Skyline GTR-35 Performance Parts by Mine's

noreply@blogger.com (Max) — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 04:48:00 +0000

A mere 3 weeks since the all new 2009 GT-R was delivered to dealerships in Japan, the top premier Nissan tuner, MINE'S has already come out with a line up of performance aftermarket parts for the Godzilla. Some how the math doesn't add up how in the hell they pulled it off so fast but lets just imagine that Mine's president Niikura-san made his employees work day and night without sleep to get these products developed quicker than anyone else in the world. This also means that by the time the GT-R hits the streets States side, Mine's will already have parts available for anyone who wants to go faster than the other guy in line.

Mine's Silence -VX Pro Titan II exhaust with the Super CatalyzerII

Mine's Super CatalyzerII

Mine's Front Brake Rotor Kit Φ400mm　24 slits

Mine's Rear brake rotor kit 　Φ400mm　16 slits　

In this photo you can get a sneak peak of their suspension system which is currently in development. Mine's Niikura-san has also stated they will release the VX-ROM (tuned ECU) and the VX-Air filter.

Prices of these kits are still not disclosed.

Source:
GT-Channel

Impreza WRX STi versus Lancer Evolution X : The ultimate shakedown!

noreply@blogger.com (Max) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:48:00 +0000

Here it is, finally and exclusively on NihonCar.com, one of or probably THE most anticipated Japanese sportscars matchup of the year: the everlasting battle between two kings of rally stages over the last decades; the Subaru Impreza WRX STi versus the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X!

Over the past few years we had the privilege to test drive some pretty amazing and exclusive cars by each of those two manufacturers, for example the Imprezza with the longest name ever: the Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C Type RA-R produced at only 300 units and the excellent Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 9 Wagon, only produced at 2000 units.

Evos and WRXs always had their very own feel and character, making each one very easy to identify once behind the wheel, but we also always struggled to designate a CLEAR winner in all those confrontations... the first thing you need to know here is that, once again, we had a hard time choosing which one was the winning machine. The second thing is: do these cars still deserve to be called "sportscars"? Don't worry, here come the explanations.

Presentations

Impreza WRX STI vs Lancer Evolution X

Subaru Impreza WRX STI.
The new Impreza has had a lot of people talking about it, but not the way most would have imagined...the "questionable" design was highly criticized, but most were hoping for a better tomorrow thanks to the STi version, which usually tops the sports range of the manufacturer. To "deserve" the STi designation, the new Impreza was fitted with a new aero bodykit including the usual front/rear bumpers, side skirts, rear spoiler and new exhaust. Under the bonnet lies a 2 liter Boxer 4 cylinders turbocharged motor, producing something around 310HP (almost impossible to get the real figures without using a dyno) and 422Nm of torque.

Lancer Evolution X.
On the other hand, the "Beast" Evo X, was instantly acclaimed for its incredibly mean and aggressive style, and the amount of new and impressive technology which it was carrying mechanically.
Unlike its "enemy", the Evo X receives a sporty treatment in the form of a raging bodykit including an enormous rear spoiler which fits right in. The interior got us pretty disappointed as Mitsubishi didn't prepare anything original; of course you're reminded here and there that you're inside an Evo, but the whole layout and equipment are coming straight from a "standard" Lancer/Galant... we would have appreciated bigger ways to differentiate the beauty from the beast...

Specifications

Subaru Impreza WRX STI:
- 4WD
- 308 PS
- 422 Nm (torque)
- 1470 kg.

Lancer Evolution X
- 4WD
- 280 PS
- 422 Nm (torque)
- 1420 kg (RS)

WRX STI Versus EVO X, a match-up between two sporty family sedans.

Such a title is probably having you wondering if you clicked on the right review, but the facts are here, you cannot honestly consider those 2 vehicules as "sportscars" anymore, but rather some "Sports Family Sedans".
Technically speaking, both cars are faster than their own predecessor, but most of what made each so famous seems to be gone... the kick in the *ss effect when you hit the throttle? Gone. The mind-blowing braking abilities? Gone. The raging noise of the engine? Gone. The fun? Gone, The sensations? Gone.

In order to give you the best, most fair and neutral point of view possible on both cars, we got our friend and pro race driver Nishihara-san to push these machines further than I ever could. Masaki is a 5 times All Japan Gymkhana champion and uses an Evo 9, but in a recent past, he worked with a WRX STI, so he knows very well how to judge these cars. Here's a recap of what he had to say:

Lancer or Impreza, his first reproach was the important gain of weight on both cars, close to a full 100kg more on certain versions. Second issue: the gearbox, it is the main reason why the cars fail to provide the thrilling acceleration it became famous for... on the Impreza the ratios are simply way too long, while on the Evo the grid is too wide.

His words on the Impreza now:
Apparently, the Double Wishbone suspension wasn't well tuned and the car isn't balanced the way you'd ideally like, and as a result, it can be tricky to drive. Oversteer on one hand and understeer on the other, that's what you'll get with the stock suspensions if you feel like going for a "dynamic ride". Another problem with the suspensions is the lack of comfort, but that's something that potential buyers know and are ready to deal with.
Below 4000rpm, the WRX STi feels just like your average Impreza and when you cross that limit, even though you can climb up to almost 8000rpm, you always feel that this is a 1470kg car (3234 lbs).

About the Evo:
We agree to say that the Evo looks better, but the whole picture is far from perfect here as well.
The weight is, again, a problem. 100kg more than the previous Evo, 1420kg and a 4 cylinders 2 liter turborcharged engine to move this big baby.
Behind the wheel, the Evo is more fun to drive, the boost kicks in at 2000rpm and the precision of the steering and the AWD system makes the ride much more enjoyable; as a result the driver feels more confident and can keep on pushing.

Conclusion:
Do you remember the VW Golf GTI which, generation after generation was trading performance for comfort (until things changed for good recently again)? Well it now seems that our 2 beloved Japanese car manufacturers are hit with the same disease. The best example has to be the "ECO" mode on the Impreza Wrx STi; it has the ability to turn what is commonly known as a sportscar into a snail.
We, at NihonCar, are huge fans of the Evo 9 and Impreza RA-R, and this is why we have been very disappointed by those two new generations which seem to slip down the hill to feel more and more like a Lexus minus the real interior comfort.
If we had to choose, we'd pick the Evo X because the handling and style are better.
I could only recommend the fans to stick to their Evo 9 or WRX STi 2006 until Ralliart or Subaru prepares something really worth it (2008 RA-R??). Maybe the major tuners (Mine's, Top Secret, HKS...) will show them the way, but don't get us wrong, those are good family cars offering sweet sensations... just not what we expected really.

Download the video here :

Stage6 · Impreza WRX STI vs Lancer Evolution X - Video and Download · NihonCar
(DivX 6 HD 720p, Hosted by Stage6)

Source : Subaru Impreza WRX STI Versus Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X... IT'S ON !

How about a GT-R goodies or Ferrari Dice for your X'mas Gift?

noreply@blogger.com (Max) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 10:19:00 +0000

What's good for this year Christmas present? Can't think of something special and exclusive? If you are buying a gift to a car enthusiast friend, the following items might let them jump for joy :D

How does a Ferrari made dice sounds? This will set you back for € 48,33, that is about $340 in Ringgit Malaysia. Then complement with one of these shopping bag, which cost only €3, :

If you are Nissan GT-R die hard fan, then these Nissan goodies are more suitable for you. What's a men favourite? Letter and carbon fibre anyone? Nissan have produced a luxurious range of GT-R embossed leather and carbon fiber accessories ranging from briefcases to keyrings.

Available now at your local (for the Japanese anyway) Nissan Gallery.

Click below for Hi-Def image :

Briefcase
Wallet
Keyring
Gloves

Source : Nissan GT-R Collection: Luxurious Accessories On Sale Now

Ferrari Store : www.ferraristore.com

Shell Citibank credit card, smart consumer or smart marketing?

noreply@blogger.com (Max) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 01:37:00 +0000

Recently one of the newest credit card that caught all the driver's attention is the Citibank Shell credit card, their poster can be seen in all Shell petrol station. The main attraction of this card is the 5% fuel rebate as advertise on it. As fuel prices are continuing going up and never comes down (similar to everything in m'sia, except the stock prices :D), everyone is trying to save every penny that they could, and this promotion came right in time.

So, smart consumer will want to take advantage of this 5%, but does it really seems like so? This is the point where smart consumer vs. smart marketing, if you never pay attention to their Terms and Condition, u might fall into their plan.

As you can read from below, smartconsumerbanking.com has a full writeup on this :

The newly launched Shell Citibank credit card is not as good as its sounds - to enjoy the rebate, you must have a carry forward balance. Yes, a carry forward balance that you have to pay Citibank 18% interest per annum. But that’s is not all, your so called ‘rebate’ is based on your current month spending. That means if you have a carry forward of RM10,000 but did not use the card at all for the current month, you get ‘zero’ rebate.

To be precise, this ‘rebate’ card is an old card - it has been around for about 2 years. But now taking advantage of the fuel cost concern, Citibank co-branded it with Shell.

This is how the rebate scheme works:

First, you need to have a carry forward balance. The amount of that carry forward determines the rebate rate (%) that the card holder is getting.

Then based on your current month spend, you will get the rebate (as shown by the rebate table above) - your rebate is not based on your total carry forward balance. Repeat: your rebate is not based on your total carry forward balance, but current month spending

In short, to get your ‘rebate’ you must have at least of RM2,000 outstanding balance in you card AND continue use the card. The outstanding balance is the net of previous month balance minus current month payment. If you do that, every month you will be paying RM30.00, or RM360 a year for the minimum RM2,000 outstanding balance.

Let’s do a simple math here:

If you spend RM500/mth on shell petrol and your classic card has a RM2,000 outstanding balance, at 1.5%, you are getting RM7.50 as ‘rebate’, while at the same time, paying RM30.00 for the interest. The ‘nett’ profit for Citibank is RMRM22.50. Your are essentially “over paying” 4 times the price (30/7.5)

To ‘break even’ (so that your RM30.00 interest payment = rebate value), you need to pump RM2,000 shell petrol a month, or charge RM6,000 a month for non-shell related purchases.

The USD100.00 per barrel of crude oil won’t kills you, but the Citi-Shell card will.

Source : smartconsumerbanking.com

GT500 - Nissan's GT-R machine in action + video

noreply@blogger.com (Max) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 10:04:00 +0000

While top billing at the recent annual NISMO festival went to next year's Super GT500 GT-R, the surprise appearance made by the GT-R prototype that set the 7:38 lap time at the Nurburgring earlier this year got the most attention.

First Nissan had the masked maverick run a slalom course, flat out, down Fuji Speedway's mile-long main straight, demonstrating the preternatural abilities of the latest ATTESSA-ETS system. It then ran a quick 1/4-mile drag race against a 2007 Super Taikyu Class 1 350Z race car, which it didn't just win, it won by several car lengths. Unfortunately, the run wasn't timed and neither were the following laps, where the GT-R out-classed the endurance racer in every section of the circuit. Watch the video below :

GT-R Birth Place : Nissan Tochigi Plant

noreply@blogger.com (Max) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 08:18:00 +0000

The launch of new Nissan Skyline GT-R has made the fans go wild around the globe. Before you actually planning to put your cold hard cash to buy one, or are in the waiting list to be deliver to you (lucky bastard!), take a view at the birthplace of the new GT-R @ Nissan Tochigi Plant. It is located about 100km north of Tokyo.

Now it looks neat isn't it?

If those pics can't doesn't satisfy you, watch the video below :

Cornetto "Love Perhaps" Season 2

noreply@blogger.com (Max) — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 03:41:00 +0000

Guys and girls, the popular tv reality show, "Love Perhaps" is coming back with Season 2 !

For now, If you are confident on your outlook, not shy of camera, speaks english fluently, has the desire to become the
next favourite TV star, and win RM 100,000 worth of cash and prizes in your hand, join Now before is too late.

Read the details below.

Requirements :

Shooting period : Every Saturday, Sunday & Monday, from Oct 07 till Dec 07.

Age : 18-35

Gender : Female & Male too !

Race : Chinese, Indian & Mix

Prizes : RM 100,000 worth of cash and prizes. Plus instant celebrity status!

Email me your profiles with personal particulars and attach photo to this email.

Remember, guys are welcome too!

What's your readability?

noreply@blogger.com (Max) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 06:01:00 +0000

Well according to this site, my blog's reading level is "Genius", that means YOU, all of you that are reading my blog are somewhat genius? Haha, well no harm to try it out. This works even for your friendster, facebook or myspace profile

Jogoya 2nd anniversary offer

noreply@blogger.com (Max) — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 16:04:00 +0000

Celebrating Jogoya 2nd anniversary, 50% off buffet price is offer to ladies, while guys get King Prawn (Hei, we guys want 50% off too :P). Valid only on Monday - Wednesday, from 19th Nov till 18th Dec.

Call them at 03-21421268 for more details.

p/s : If anyone did call them, please drop me a comment whether this offer is valid the whole day or only certain time period? Arigato.

p/s 2 : Click on the banner that links to Jogoya main page for more info.

p/s 3 : Free flow of red & white wine, cocktail, and unlimited buffet (Did i mention this includes the Haagen Dazs ice cream too?), from 10pm to 12am everyday.

p/s 4 : Now after knowing this great news, is there anyone kind enough to bring me out for a Jogoya? :D

p/s 5 : Now for the bad news, the reservation for this promotion is fully booked, up until 18th Dec. Well i guess that's my luck for this offer :( (Updated 10th Dec)

Marche November Offer - Sausage Madness!

noreply@blogger.com (Max) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:42:00 +0000

This news came a bit late, but nevertheless is still a good promotion to share with everyone.

Marche @ The curve is having promotion for this Deepavali season, and they have more than 10 variety of sausages starting from RM 5.80 ++, looks good from the picture :D

This promotion starts from Nov 1 till Nov 25, so there is still one more week to go!

Call them now at 03-7727 8461 !

RM1 beer is back!

noreply@blogger.com (Max) — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 05:43:00 +0000

The OKTOBERFEST will be back again in 1Utama this year for the third time! Starting from 26 Oct till 28 Oct @ Lower Ground Floor Rainforest, the official Oktoberfest beers are : Franziskaner, Lowenbrau and Becks will be going that great bargain and offers along with best of Bavarian Cuisine from Euro Deli. Apart from that, this year’s festival will see German Band Inntaler Musikanten performing five hours of heart stumping Bavarian folk songs & dances and yodeling.

So see you there!

What's your favourite car?

noreply@blogger.com (Max) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 10:28:00 +0000

Ok is time to back to some automotive news. What's your favourite car in your mind? Right here right now? Porsche? Ferrari? Lamborghini? Well i dunno about you, but mine is still Ferrari on top of the list.

And therefore i came across this news, after few months of the Ferrari F430 debut, the Italians had come up with a F430 Scuderia version, with a same engine, more horsepower, and less weight(which is now weight less than a Golf GTI)

Weekday Sweetaholics' specials @ Pyramid Tower Atrium Lounge

noreply@blogger.com (Max) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 09:57:00 +0000

Just received this from Sunway Hotel, they are having a promotion at Pyramid tower Atrium lounge, for all the sweeeett stuff lovers.

From Monday to Friday, you can enjoy all the sweet dessert available at Atrium, be it the tempting brownie cakes, yummy pastries, appetizing rainbow of ice creams, or the irresistible chocolate fountain, you can know have ALL of it for your enjoyment!

Details :

Mondays to Fridays
2.30pm till 5.30pm

RM 26++ (Adult) | RM 13++ (Children)
Free flow of tea, coffee, floats and soft drinks are available

Click here to download the flyer.

Call them now for reservation! Please leave your comments after you try it out.

Deluge...the one that solve your P2P needs

noreply@blogger.com (Max) — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 10:45:00 +0000

For the past few months i have been having problems with my p2p downloads, my download speed are getting crapier and crapier, drop from 80++ kb till 5kb as of today. This forced me to look for alternative solution. Dropping by at the local Lowyat.net forum, found this software recommended by the forummers - Deluge.

Deluge was designed for Linux use only, then came this great guy from slurdge.org that ported everything to Windows. However this Windows version are still in early stage, this worried me abit initially, but i was glad i try it out.

I downloaded the Alpha 19 version, the setup was easy, just drag and drop the torrent file into Deluge, and it will prompt you where do you want to save the file, and that's it!

At the start i tried downloading 2 files, it wasn't moving real fast at first, then about a minute or two past and i check back again, is already over 100kb/s! Then i took this image down and post it here as a reference.

Just for comparison, the same 700mb file that i am downloading with utorrent is only getting 5kb/s, and that is a popular file.

But, as i said earlier, this software is still in alpha stage, and when i add the 3rd torrent file, it just crash. Still trying to figure out how to solve it.

I had post my experince in Lowyat forum too, do post your comments or solution there after you tried it out.

Official Site : http://www.deluge-torrent.org/ (Linux)
Windows Site : http://www.slurdge.org/deluge-on-windows
Lowyat forum : http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/496617

Mediaplex end of lease SALE !

noreply@blogger.com (Max) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 06:53:00 +0000

Mediaplex in KLCC is having their "end of lease" sale, from 8th-14th Oct, although is abit late to post this up, but you still have two more days to grab things from there during this Raya season, not sure whether their Midvaley showroom is having any promotion or not.

Their main highlights discounted items :

Samsung Plasma PS63P5HX - RM 25,000
Sharp 52" HD LC-52G7M - RM 18,999
Samsung 52" HD LA52F71BX - RM 18,888

Check it out and let me know !

8 ways to scare a telemarketer

noreply@blogger.com (Max) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 02:25:00 +0000

Often got calls by telemarketers? HSCB credit card promotion? Fitness centre pre-sales membership? Loan shark? Extra services? Whatever it is, here are 8 ways recommended for you to handle the situation, and make sure you use them wisely.

My personal favorite will be No.4 :

"If he says he is Tan Ah Seng's from ABC Sdn Bhd, ask him to spell his name. Then ask him to sell his company name. Then ask him where it's located. Continue asking him personal questions about the company as long as you feel like it"

Enjoy!

Toyota - “Human Touch”

noreply@blogger.com (Max) — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 09:00:00 +0000

Yet another creative automobile ad from Toyota, they have named it “Human Touch”. The message that brings out from this is the human element that Toyota has put into their car when they are designing it. It shows the most important element of a car, that it is meant for the people sitting inside the car, the usefulness of each function, and put it in a creative way to show to the public.

Amazed is the only word i can say for this! If you have more of this video, please share and drop me a comment.

Haagen Dazs “All You Can Eat” !

noreply@blogger.com (Max) — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 08:32:00 +0000

Good news for ice-cream lover! Haagen Dazs in Bangsar Village II is having this “All you can eat” promotion for RM 33.90++ for adults and RM 29.90++ for children aged 12 and below, from Monday to Friday, available till 31st Oct 2007.

Sounds too good to be true,but i bet kids will love you till death if you bring them there. Just be prepare to bring them to your friendly dentist after this if they ate too much!

Click here to download the coupon.

Touching Nokia marry ad

noreply@blogger.com (Max) — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 07:51:00 +0000

What will you do if this realy happens to u? Make sure you are using a nokia phone though...:P

Armin Van Buuren is coming to town!

noreply@blogger.com (Max) — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 07:47:00 +0000

The god of “A state of trance” is coming to town! Just got to know this news, i hope is still not too late to gather some “sheep” and book a table. :D

Details :

Heineken Music presents Armin Van Buuren & Remy:

Sunday 14^th October

Mainroom, Zouk, KL

RM65 (Men), RM55 (Ladies) including 1 Heineken Beer

50 years of Nissan Skyline

noreply@blogger.com (Max) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 10:36:00 +0000

Just saw this post on 50 years of Nissan Skyline, where they have photos on a TOMICA GTR Skyline R30 with a LZ Engine of 570ps, then a R32 GT-R which was running on the Super Taikyu until 1993... And finally her majesty the Nismo R34 GT-R...

Head on to nihoncar.com for those awesome pictures!

Tips 101 for husband and wife

noreply@blogger.com (Max) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 06:59:00 +0000

Tips of the week :

Next time if your husband is going out for a night during the weekend, make sure he sign this form.

Now, scroll down for the ladies application form :

Funny Shit !!!

BMW M3 Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Max) — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 05:58:00 +0000

BMW has developed a computer game for their new release BMW E92 M3, it is title “BMW M3 challenge”, where anyone can download the game for free from BMW website (Is about 350MB). The download speed is quite fast, i am getting 1xx kb/s and it took me less than an hour to finish it.

Installation was a breeze, loading of the game was consider fast on my AMD 1700+ Athlon Xp machine. Inside, there is two different Nurburgringtracks inside, with only one car (The new E92 M3 of course, what else? :D), and with several colours to choose from.

The game itself is quite realistic as you are able to customize alot of option, such as Traction Control, DSC, ABS etc. It also supports force feedback using steering wheel. However i am only using a normal keyboard to play, and it seems hard to control with it.

Anyway, the main point is that BMW will be having a competition on this, however i couldn’t find any details on the rules and regulation for this, if you do know, please drop me a comment and let me know.

Link : BMW M3 Challenge