Sunway Tuner

Naza Build GM Cars In Malaysia?

2010-09-06T15:03:39Z

After back in March this year Malaysian company Naza Group announced it will distribute GM-built cars in the country, news of the company considering a possible assembly deal with the American giant surfaced.

Naza, who says it plans to sell 1,600 American built vehicles this year, now plans to assemble the cars locally and then export them to countries in the Association of South East Asiatic Nations (ASEAN) region. The models currently sold in Malaysia by Naza are being imported from Thailand.

According to just-auto.com, the distributor already plays the role of carmaker for Peugeot, for whom it assembles several models at its facility in Gurun, Kedah. The same facility might accommodate the production of GM models, should an agreement be reached. The models targeted are the same ones currently imported, namely the Aveo, Captiva, Cruze and Optra.

“I am optimistic we will be able to set up an assembly plant. GM is keen. We want the investment to come to Malaysia,” Faisal Nasimuddin, NAZA CEO was quoted as saying by the source. “GM sees Malaysia as a very strategic market,”

For Peugeot, Naza will begin manufacturing a new compact car in Malaysia, after signing a letter of intent with the French manufacturer back in July. Peugeot plans a production run of 70,000 units of the new model, to be sold in the ASEAN region, in Thailand and Indonesia.

Production of the model, which will be manufactured in both left- and right-hand versions, will be handled by the Naza plant in Gurun starting the second semester of 2011.

Technorati : GM, Malaysian, Naza, Naza Group, Peugeot
Del.icio.us : GM, Malaysian, Naza, Naza Group, Peugeot
Zooomr : GM, Malaysian, Naza, Naza Group, Peugeot
Flickr : GM, Malaysian, Naza, Naza Group, Peugeot

HJC RPS-10 Helmet

2010-09-06T15:00:30Z

While introducing its latest product, the RPS-10, HJC Helmets has also offered some details concerning the development process of what it likes to call “the lightest Snell 2010 helmet on the market.” There have been more than 20 different 3D prototype samples made, each tested in many ways and in many environments, including dynamic tests with an engineer seated on a motorcycle inside HJC’s new 130-mph wind tunnel.

The RPS-10 features Premium Integrated Matrix (PIM) construction, which incorporates three different materials: carbon fiber, aramid fiber and fiberglass. Next, precisely sized segments of the PIM material are carefully hand-laid into a special pre-mold for shaping.

According to HJC, only six people who trained for a year are qualified to perform this pre-mold process. This method also allows for a more precise amount of resin to be used in the forming process. The shell is then formed with the use of a new, proprietary blend of resins. Now weighing in at less than 1500 grams, it is more than 100 grams lighter than a shell constructed in a more conventional manner.

Moreover, this development process also incorporated testing and feedback from World Superbike Champion and MotoGP rider Ben Spies. For example, the helmet’s shield locking system. He specifically requested that HJC develop this feature since he often turns his head to look around while racing.

Therefore, the RPS-10 has a unique and patented self-locking/center locking system, but yet it can be instantly and easily opened with one touch of the finger. The shield itself is a Pinlock-ready 2D Flat-Racing Shield that mounts via HJC’s RapidFireII Shield Replacement System.

Inside, the RPS-10 helmet benefits from a premium SilverCool Plus interior that is fully removable and washable, and it also combats odor buildup with an advanced antibacterial fabric. Also, the helmet features the company’s innovative Max Air-Flow Top Vent and its Advanced Channeling Ventilation System (ACS). The RPS-10 is 50% more ventilated and 4dB quieter than previous designs.

Technorati : HJC, HJC Helmet, Helmet, PIM, Premium Integrated Matrix, RPS-10, aramid fiber, carbon fibre, fiberglass
Del.icio.us : HJC, HJC Helmet, Helmet, PIM, Premium Integrated Matrix, RPS-10, aramid fiber, carbon fibre, fiberglass
Zooomr : HJC, HJC Helmet, Helmet, PIM, Premium Integrated Matrix, RPS-10, aramid fiber, carbon fibre, fiberglass
Flickr : HJC, HJC Helmet, Helmet, PIM, Premium Integrated Matrix, RPS-10, aramid fiber, carbon fibre, fiberglass

Shoya Tomizawa Dies in Misano Crash

2010-09-06T14:56:11Z

Japanese Moto2 rider Shoya Tomizawa died yesterday following a crash during the Moto2 race at the Misano World Circuit. The incident happened on lap 12, when Tomizawa fell in Turn 10, a fast right-hand corner, losing grip in his rear tire. He was then hit by the motorbikes of Scott Redding and Alex de Angelis in which he suffered cranial, thoracic and abdominal trauma.

Tomizawa, aged 19, was immediately treated at the Misano World Circuit medical centre and put under artificial respiration, and then transferred to hospital in Riccione. He died from his injuries at 14.20.

“Both Honda Motor Co. Ltd and Honda Racing Corporation would like to extend their deepest condolences to Tomizawa’s family and friends,” a statement from Honda reads. “Nineteen-year-old Tomizawa, from Chiba, was a very popular rider in the MotoGP paddock, known for his sunny smile and determination on the racetrack.”

Tomizawa was considered by many a rising star. He became a full-time GP rider last season, and this year he moved into the new Moto2 series and made history by winning the opening round.

“We are very saddened by this news and our thoughts of course are now with Shoya’s family and friends. He was at the start of his Grand Prix career and today we have lost fine young rider and a talent for the future. Shoya had fighting spirit, we will all miss him very much…” stated Shuhei Nakamoto, Vice-President, Honda Racing Corporation.

Neither de Angelis and Redding had any chance to avoid Tomizawa. However, while de Angelis managed to walk away from the incident, Redding had suffered serious injuries, receiving ten stitches to a laceration in his back.

Tomizawa is the second rider killed during a motorcycle grand prix. The first one was Daijiro Kato, in the MotoGP class, at Suzuka 2003.

Technorati : Crash, Died, GP, Honda, Honda Racing Corporation, Misano World circuit, Moto2, MotoGP, Shoya Tomizawa, Tomizawa
Del.icio.us : Crash, Died, GP, Honda, Honda Racing Corporation, Misano World circuit, Moto2, MotoGP, Shoya Tomizawa, Tomizawa
Zooomr : Crash, Died, GP, Honda, Honda Racing Corporation, Misano World circuit, Moto2, MotoGP, Shoya Tomizawa, Tomizawa
Flickr : Crash, Died, GP, Honda, Honda Racing Corporation, Misano World circuit, Moto2, MotoGP, Shoya Tomizawa, Tomizawa

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

2010-09-03T14:08:57Z

Here we are, just one year after Ford introduced its extreme off-roader, the F-150 SVT Raptor and the company is already announcing an upgrade for the vehicle. The most important changes brought by the 2011 model year are the addition of a SuperCrew cab version and the addition of a more powerful 6.2 liter engine.

The SuperCrew option adds 12 inches to the vehicle, coming with two extra doors and an additional set of seats in the back, as well as with a 5.5 foot box for the extra stuff.

Under the hood of all the 2011 Raptors, Ford will install a 6.2 liter V8 powerplant that replaces the 5.4 liter V8 unit used by the beast until now. The engine, which was previously only available as an option, delivers 411 hp and a maximum torque of 434 lb-ft. The beefier unit will increase the price of the vehicle.

Ford has also added other changes, with these targeting the aesthetic area. One example would be the fact that the Raptor can come dressed in a new color, Ingot Silver Metallic (the one you see in the adjacent image), with special graphics on the hood.

The interior has also been updated, receiving a new instrument panel that includes a 4.2 inch LCD display as a standard feature. The vehicle also comes packed with more standard technology such as a perimeter alarm, a 110 V power inverter installed in the center console and others.

The order books for the 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor are already open, with the first vehicles scheduled to hit showroom floors by the end of the year.

Technorati : F-150 SVT, Ford, SuperCrew, off road, superCrew cab
Del.icio.us : F-150 SVT, Ford, SuperCrew, off road, superCrew cab
Zooomr : F-150 SVT, Ford, SuperCrew, off road, superCrew cab
Flickr : F-150 SVT, Ford, SuperCrew, off road, superCrew cab

Dodge Durango 2011

2010-09-02T15:34:39Z

As the first step in its new product offensive, Dodge is introducing the all-new 2011 Durango SUV.

The vehicle comes with a stiffened unibody structure, with the company promising that the driving experience will be an involving one. All the areas of the car have been modified, with the SUV offering a fresh, manly design.

Based on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s platform, the Durango comes with two petrol powerplants. The entry-level one is a 3.6 liter Pentastar V6, while the second one is a 5.7 liter Hemi V8 that comes with a Multi-displacement system, which shuts down four of the unit’s cylinders when power is not needed in order to save fuel. Both units use variable-valve timing (VVT) and are available with all-wheel-drive. Dodge emphasized that both engines offer a high fuel efficiency, as well as exceptional towing capacity. The Durango comes with standard trailer sway control, with the V8 version being able to tow up to 7,400 lbs and the V6 one up to 6,200 lbs (a class-leading value).

Dodge hasn’t revealed the specifications for the engines, but we’ll remind you what these can do under the bonnet of the Grand Cherokee model. The V6 delivers 260 hp & 353 Nm of torque, while the V8 comes with 360 hp and a maximum torque of 520 Nm.

The interior promises to offer luxurious materials that are soft are refined, as well as offer a high level of functionality. This offers three rows of seats, with a total of 22 seating configurations.

The company’s engineers have been keen on offering a safe vehicle, with the SUV being fitted with 45 safety and security features including standard front seat-mounted side air bags and standard side-curtain air bags that cover passengers in all three rows, as well as all-new standard active head restraints. Electronic Stability Control also is standard. Other available safety and security technologies include Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and Keyless Enter-n’ Go.

The 2011 Dodge Durango will come to the world via the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit Michigan, arriving in showrooms later this year.

Technorati : Dodge, Dodge Durango, Durango, SUV
Del.icio.us : Dodge, Dodge Durango, Durango, SUV
Zooomr : Dodge, Dodge Durango, Durango, SUV
Flickr : Dodge, Dodge Durango, Durango, SUV

Pirelli Quit WRC

2010-09-02T15:30:01Z

Having secured a spot as a tire supplier in Formula 1, tire manufacturer Pirelli announced today through unofficial channels it will retire from the World Rally Championship (WRC), leaving the series open to rival Michelin, which has already stated its interest.

The news, although not yet officially announced, has been confirmed by Pirelli’s motorsport director Paul Hembery in an interview with Autosport. According to the executive, the main reason behind the retirement is the fact that the tire maker wants to focus on its new engagement with Formula 1, but also as a result of the disagreements between the sanctioning body and the supplier.

“In December we tendered for another three-year deal to supply tires for WRC. Once again, our tender was set out to provide finance for continued investment in the FIA, in the sport’s promoter and, of course in the Pirelli Star Driver scheme which we financed from its inception in 2008,” Hembery was quoted as saying by Autosport.

“That three-year tender was rejected and we were offered a one-year extension on the same terms as the current three-year deal, then a one-year deal on the new tender conditions - that was something we felt was unacceptable.”

As said, Pirelli spot is already being targeted by Michelin, who said today through the voice of Nick Shorrock, Michelin’s competitions manager, that the company has already approached the FIA and stated its goal.

More on the subject is expected to surface throughout the day and, as usual, autoevolution will be online for further updates.

Technorati : FIA, Formula 1, Michelin, Pirelli, WRC, World Rally Championship, tire, tires, tyre, tyres
Del.icio.us : FIA, Formula 1, Michelin, Pirelli, WRC, World Rally Championship, tire, tires, tyre, tyres
Zooomr : FIA, Formula 1, Michelin, Pirelli, WRC, World Rally Championship, tire, tires, tyre, tyres
Flickr : FIA, Formula 1, Michelin, Pirelli, WRC, World Rally Championship, tire, tires, tyre, tyres

Michelin Coming Back for WRC?

2010-09-02T15:36:01Z

Michelin is determined to make its World Rally Championship comeback, with the move marking the tire maker’s first presence on the WRC stage, as Autosport reports.

Nick Shorrock, Michelin’s competitions manager offered the information to the aforementioned source, explaining that the company has approached the FIA in order to show its intentions of coming back to WRC.

Michelin pulled out from WRC after the 2005 season, still offering tires for the 2006 and 2007 championships under its BF Goodrich brand. Subsequently, Pirelli became the exclusive WRC tire supplier. However, Michelin didn’t completely part ways with rallying. The company remained involved in the sport, as its BF Goodrich brand was present in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) since 2007.

“There’s a process involved with the FIA and the first part of that process is to inform the FIA that we want to supply tyres. We have done that and I can confirm it is Michelin [not BF Goodrich] which we hope will be competing in the WRC,” the executive told the aforementioned source.

“Now we have to wait until September 13, when the FIA will let us know the tyre companies which are to be permitted to supply tyres. And then we have to find out if anybody wants to run with our tyres,” he added.

Of course the move would also affect Pirelli, which has not announced if it plans to stay in the series or not. The tire maker is currently weighing its options and is expected to release a statement soon.

Technorati : BF Goodrich, FIA, Michelin, Pirelli, WRC, World Rally Championship, tire, tires, tyre, tyres
Del.icio.us : BF Goodrich, FIA, Michelin, Pirelli, WRC, World Rally Championship, tire, tires, tyre, tyres
Zooomr : BF Goodrich, FIA, Michelin, Pirelli, WRC, World Rally Championship, tire, tires, tyre, tyres
Flickr : BF Goodrich, FIA, Michelin, Pirelli, WRC, World Rally Championship, tire, tires, tyre, tyres

Remaps the BMW 3.0D Engine By Superchips

2010-09-01T15:33:28Z

The UK automotive electronics specialist Superchips announced that it has developed an ECU remap for BMW’s 245 hp 3.0-liter six-cylinder direct injection common rail diesel engine.

As a reminder, we’ll tell you that the powerplant can be found on a wide variety of current BMW models: 3 Series (E90/1/2/3), 5 Series (F07), 7 Series (F01), GT (F10), X5 (E70) and X6 (E71/2).

The tuning company’s engineers worked to improve both the performance and the efficiency of the 3.0D engine, optimizing the fueling and turbo boost settings. The modifications have been validated through multiple tests, including real-world sessions and dyno tests.

But let’s get to the numbers. Superchips’ ECU remap brings the power up by 44hp, with the unit now offering 313 hp at 4,183 rpm. The power improvements can be noticed starting from 1,500 rpm. As for the torque, this has been upgraded by 90 Nm, with the engine now delivering 627 Nm at 2,222 rpm.

The company has decided to use a safety-first approach, leaving the factory 155 mph rev limiter unaltered.

The company says that the ECU remap will also make the engine more efficient, as it has removed stock compromises that were designed to compensate for service neglect or low grade fuel.

“Behind the wheel, the Superchips remapped BMW 3.0D feels much more potent. Throttle response is sharper, the engine feels keener, more urgent and more willing, pulling harder throughout the rev range. Meanwhile, the additional torque available from the Superchips ECU remap enables relaxed, stress-free overtaking, cruising and towing,” stated the press release.

Technorati : BMW, ECU, ECU remap, Superchips, remap
Del.icio.us : BMW, ECU, ECU remap, Superchips, remap
Zooomr : BMW, ECU, ECU remap, Superchips, remap
Flickr : BMW, ECU, ECU remap, Superchips, remap

BMW X6 widebody

2010-09-01T15:30:05Z

German tuning firm Enco Exclusive has put together a new widebody package for the BMW X6. The €15,000 (tax included) package comes with new body parts, lighting elements, and a set of 23-inch wheels.

Appearance changes come by way of a new front end, with a bumper that has LED daytime lights and three oversized air intakes to allow the brakes and the engine to cool down. The huge wheel arches give credit to the “widebody” moniker, requiring a different set of side sills and modified rear doors to give the car a more uniform design. This was also done to fit in with the oversized, robust bumper with quad tailpipes mounted closer to the middle.

The vehicle itself sits on huge 23×11-inch Jura wheels, making the vehicle look like it genuinely needs the new arches. The wheels are wrapped in 315/25 R3 tires. A new paint job is also included, but it is hopefully not limited to the contrasted design of the demo car.

Enco Exclusive says that no other “BMW has had such a polarising effect as the gigantic X6.” We’re not sure that this package solves the problem, but several tuner enthusiasts will surely like the kit.

Technorati : BMW, BMW X6, Enco Exclusive, X6, widebody
Del.icio.us : BMW, BMW X6, Enco Exclusive, X6, widebody
Zooomr : BMW, BMW X6, Enco Exclusive, X6, widebody
Flickr : BMW, BMW X6, Enco Exclusive, X6, widebody

Epic EV Torq 200hp three wheeler

2010-09-01T15:34:27Z

If you’ve ever wanted an uglified KTM X-Bow, with an electric powertrain and headlights from the first-generation Cadillac CTS, you’re in luck as Epic Electric Vehicles has unveiled the three-wheel Torq.

While details are limited, the Torq measures 162″ long, 87″ wide, and 48″ tall. It has a wheelbase of 111 inches and styling inspired by leftover sheet metal (not really).

Power is provided by a 24-30 KWh lithium-ion phosphate battery pack which motivates a 200+ hp (149 kW / 203 PS) electric motor. Performance specifications weren’t released, but the 1700 lb (771 kg) roadster should offer rapid acceleration.

More information will be released this fall, so stay tuned for details.