Trucking News: Volvo Trucks Announces the Fuelwatch Challenge 2014 Champion

Volvo Trucks have announced the winner of this year's Fuelwatch Challenge. Clocking the lowest fuel consumption over the 40-kilometre drive challenge in the final stage, En Ahmad Bin Othman from Logistik Petikemas Sdn Bhd in Prai emerged as the victor of this year’s Fuelwatch Challenge. He achieved a strong result of 2.52 kilometres using only 1 litre of fuel driving a Volvo truck with a 40-footer container carrying 20 tonnes of load. As the national champion and the next Fuelwatch ambassador, En Ahmad Bin Othman is set to represent Malaysia at the Fuelwatch APAC and World Finals 2014, to be held in Volvo’s home country in Gothenburg, Sweden later this September. Go and make us proud.

New car launch: McLaren launches the McLaren 650S at its KL Showroom

I attended the launch of the new McLaren 650S supercar in both coupe and spyder form earlier today. This marks the third car launched by McLaren after the 12C and the P1. Some may say that the 650S is an evolution version of the 12C as it looks similar. But underneath is a whole slew of parts which differ from the 12C. One of which is the suspension hydraulics which have been placed closer to the top of the strut instead of being in the middle of the car. This does all sorts of things, but I would have to actually drive the car to find out and see. Fingers crossed (big time).

Iconic Cars: The original Citroen DS

The original Citroen DS Brake Pedal......is actually something called a mushroom button. It isn't even a pedal. Really. As exotic and as unreal as how it looks inside and out. Note that you also have a tiny little stick as an accelerator pedal too. The 'normal' looking pedal you see on the left is the DS' park brake. The rest of the interior is also cool. Note the single spoke steering wheel, column mounted gear shift (4 or 5 speed manual, 3 speed automatic or 4 speed semi-auto) and an actually modern looking dashboard for a car that was first produced in 1955. In fact, it was so futuristic, Citroen kept on producing it till 1975.

New car launch: Volkswagen officially launches the Mk 7 Volswagen Golf R for Malaysia

The Volkswagen Golf R is officially in town. It will costs those interested RM245,888 without insurance and if you opt for the optional tech pack, RM285,888 without any insurance too. 

This new Mk 7 Golf R is fitted with a newly designed 2.0l TSI engine producing 290hp and 380Nm of torque from as low as 1750rpm via the usual wet clutch DSG transmission unit through all four wheels (a Haldex All-wheel drive system). This allows the Golf  R to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 5 seconds and onwards to around 250kmh easily. It, like any Mk7 Golf is based on VW's pretty good Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform. As with any performance hatchback the Golf R built on a chassis that starts of as a regular Golf hatchback and gets extra engineering built into it. A good foundation is all important, and when it comes to ride, handling as well as NVH, the engineers already have the brilliant chassis of the basic Golf and makes it into the Golf R. 

Car News: Launches this week - Nissan Teana and the Range Rover Sport

Nissan launches the ALL-NEW 2014 L33 Nissan Teana (aka Nissan Fuga elsewhere). It looks good, has a name that no one will make fun of and is now without a 6 cylinder engine (now a 2.0 136hp  4cylinder and a 173hp 2.5 4 cylinder driving the front wheels via a CVT - not that powerful if you compare to the Honda Accord or even Hyundai's i40). Boo Hoo for ultimate affordable refinement but prices are more affordable and servicing costs should go down a tad bit. RM139,800 for the base 2.0, RM149,800 for the 2.0XL and RM169,900 for the full monty 2.5XV. All with insurance.

BMW Celebrates 25 years of the BMW 8 series Coupe

 

Recently BMW celebrated the 25th anniversary of the BMW 8 series coupe. This flagship coupe was basically BMW's halo car in the late 1980s and the early to mid 1990s. Launched in 1989 the BMW 850i was quite close to what a BMW supercar could have been (aside from the earlier BMW M1 that is). It had a 5.0 liter V12 engine that also powered the 750i and it made 300hp with 450Nm enabling the sleek coupe to have a 0-100kmh of 6.8seconds (with either a 6 speed manual gearbox or slightly slower with a 4 speed automatic). This was later upgraded to a 5.6liter V12 in 1993 and the car could hit 100kmh in under 6 seconds. One must remember that this was the 1990s and this was good enough those days. 

BMW also launched a 840i with a 4.0liter V8 making 286hp. Not as fast as the V12 versions, but still having the same sleek styling, pop up headlights and was also filled with tech. Note that the 8 Series actually had active steering as well as some rear wheel steering too. It had a lot of stuff that we see today in the latest BMWs. 

News: The Castrol Edge Titanium Trial - Video with Ken Block and others

THE TITANIUM STRONG BLACKOUT TRIAL

MAN AND MACHINE TAKE ON A CHALLENGE LIKE NO OTHER IN 

A PITCH-BLACK RACE AGAINST THE LIGHTS



(5 June 2014) Witness jaw-dropping car stunts like never before in the first Castrol EDGE

Titanium Trial: Titanium Strong Blackout. YouTube sensation Ken Block, Augusto Farfus (BMW

Motorsport works driver/DTM), Mike Rockenfeller (Audi Sport works driver/DTM) and Adrian Zaugg

(Lamborghini Squadra Corse test driver) team up for the first time to take on this one-of-a-kind race

against the lights, on a course drenched in darkness. Powered by Castrol EDGE now boosted with

TITANIUM FST™, it was up to the drivers to step up, push it and be Titanium Strong.

Hyundai provides 1,021 vehicles for the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil

1,201 is a huge amount of vehicles! This is what we call good promotional marketing as Brazil (even with all the controversy surrounding how the country is preparing for the competition) is one of the most promising emerging markets these days. You spend money to make money. This is one good example of it being done.

PRESS RELEASE

Hyundai Motor Kicks Off 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™

By Providing Vehicles For Ground Transportation

− Hyundai Motor delivers 1,021 premium sedans, SUVs and vans to be used as

official tournament transportation, and decorates the 32 official national team

buses with the slogans of the ‘Be there with Hyundai’ competition

Wanna Win A VW Polo Sedan??

Interested? 

You only need to head over to test drive Volkswagen models in any Volkswagen dealerships nationwide or log on to http://bit.ly/emelxVW from June 10 to July 10 in order to fill out a simple online survey to be in the running to win the grand prize. No purchase is required to enter. 

PRESS RELEASE:

Win a Polo Sedan with the Volkswagen “Safe and 

Stylish Balik Kampung” campaign in collaboration 

with Melinda Looi 

Sunday Car Porn: Mini Superleggera Vision Concept and the Lamborghini 5-95 Zagato

I know this is a bit late as almost all the websites have published this bit of news. The car, touted as BMW Mini's challenge to the Mazda MX-5 is indeed a stunner. It brings back a look from an era that has long gone - the 1960s. Small roadsters as well as gorgeous looking coupes existed back then. Think Lotus Elan, Aston Martin DB5 (which is by Touring Superleggera and you can see the similarity in its DNA too) and the Jaguar E-type to name a few. Super glamorous. And if Mini does make it its flagship model, it could possibly be the most gorgeous small roadster/coupe on sale which you can buy.

Trucking News: Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Makes its First UD Trucks’ Quester Delivery in Malaysia

Press Release

Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Makes its First UD Trucks’ Quester Delivery in Malaysia

SELANGOR, 30 May 2014 – In response to the ever increasing demand for reliable transport solutions in Malaysia’s growing economy, Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd (TCIE), the authorized sole distributor for UD Trucks in Malaysia, made its first batch of delivery of the all-new Japanese heavy duty truck, Quester, to its long term customer, Kim Ma Oil Palm Transport Sdn Bhd (Kim Ma).

NEWS RELEASE: The Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 2WD: New variant to Malaysia launched

KUALA LUMPUR, 30 May 2014 – Volkswagen Group Malaysia today introduces the new choice for driving pleasure, the Tiguan 1.4 2WD, a fully imported compact SUV from Germany which is available for viewing at all Volkswagen dealerships in Peninsular Malaysia starting today.

A pure fusion of innovation and performance, the Tiguan is a sporty SUV that is both practical and versatile, yet a safe and durable set of wheels. True to its tagline of “Explore Life”, the Tiguan combines exceptional performance with fuel efficiency and innovative, enabling discerning drivers to get the most out of their experience behind the wheel whether it’s at the most happening spots in the middle of town or on the open road.

News Release: Total Oil Malaysia Annouced Strategic Partnership with Wing Hin Motorsports

Partnership Launch officiated by (From L to Right) Mr. Antonio Miranda, Managing Director, Kenny Lee, Race Driver, Mr. Simon Loh, Dir. Sales & Racing and William Ho, Race Driver    

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – May 30, 2014 – Total Oil Malaysia, a leading worldwide producer of  cutting-edge innovation lubricants is excited to officially announced the partnership with Wing Hin Motorsports on 29 May 2014. Total, known for being an active Motorsports player, will be the exclusive provider of cutting-edge lubricants to Wing Hin Motorsports’ racing team in their upcoming races. In the fast-paced world of motorsports, both key players in their respective 
industries aim to set a whole new benchmark under the terms of this strategic partnership. 

Total’s role in the motorsports scene as a global lubricant sponsor for Infiniti Red Bull Racing Team in
Formula One™ ; Citroën in World Rally Championships, and DAKAR Rally, has established its strong
presence in these world leading competitions. On the other hand, Wing Hin Motorsports who has
garnered its status as one of the leading racing teams in Malaysia is well represented by their strong
professional race board leaders, Kenny Lee and William Ho, who collectively have been bringing
home multiple victories.

Review: CITROEN DS4 1.6 THP - The High Riding Coupe Hatchback

Hello folks, I am back after a few weeks of getting hit by a ridiculously bad case of flu. It was so bad that I had to stop writing for a while Anyway I am back and here's a review of the Citroen DS4 1.6 THP. I was allowed to play with it a little around the time I got sick. Fortunately I managed to drive around with it a fair bit. Unfortunately, I did not have enough energy to go shoot a short in-car vid about it. So here you go folks, a traditional, read only review on the DS4 Do enjoy it anyway.

The design, engine and drivetrain

Reason to buy a Mercedes Benz AMG

This is very interesting. And hilarious too. 2006 Mercedes Benz E55 AMG with a lawnmover on a trailier beats the shit out of a Nissan 350Z. And the 350Z driver seems to be slightly overconfident too. Watch this folks.

KAH MOTOR SELAYANG - HONDA'S FIRST 3S CENTRE TO ADOPT HONDA'S NEW CORPORATE IDENTITY

I attended the official opening of Kah Motor's Honda 3S centre in Selayang on Monday and it marked the start of Honda using its new (for Malaysia) Corporate Identity (CI). Those who follow the website on Facebook would be aware of this earlier. The centre boasts 28 repair bays and a state of the art workshop, sales and parts centre. Eco-friendly too with use of LED lighting here and there.

Honda seems to be on a roll with the new Accord and the recently launched Honda City. MD and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno (pictured above (left) with Oriental Holdings Bhd Deputy Chairman, Dato' Loh Kian Chong (right) - representing Kah Motors) also states that Honda Malaysia plans to sell up to 75,000 units of passenger vehicles this year. This is due to the expansion of its manufacturing facility in Melaka, the improved CI and the new models launched.

Public holiday post: My 'Mitsu' is as original as yours.

Honestly...why don't they just save their money and spare us the pain of looking at it.

30 Years of BMW M5 - May there be many more to come

The ultimate BMW 5-series has been around for 30 years. 

The first BMW M5, based on the E28 5 Series, made its debut in February of 1984. The original product placement for such a car was that it had the capacity of a sedan but the overall performance of a sports car. It utilized the top of the line 5 series, the BMW 535i chassis and an evolution of the engine from the BMW M1. At its launch, the E28 M5 was the fastest production sedan in the world. 282hp 3.5liter straight-6, 0-100kmh in 6.5seconds and a top speed of 246kmh. It was produced from 1985 to 1988. There was an earlier E12 M535i, but it wasn't officially badged as an M5, which is why it wasn't included here.

BMW Celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the BMW M5 with a special model - M5 "30 Jahre M5"

Has it been that long? I suppose it has. Starting from the E12 M535i, the E28 M5, E34, E39, E60 and currently, the F10. And so.......To mark the 30-year anniversary of the BMW M5 – the founder member of the high-performance business sedan segment – BMW has come up with an exclusive, special model version of the current, fifth-generation model boasting performance that sets it apart from its stablemates.

The BMW M5 “30 Jahre M5” (30 years of the M5) will be produced in a limited run of 300 examples vehicles worldwide. Developing 441 kW/600 hp and peak torque of 700 Nm (516 lb-ft), the new special model (fuel consumption combined: 9.9 l/100 km [28.5 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 231 g/km) is not only the most powerful BMW M5 ever to emerge from series production under the auspices of BMW M GmbH, but also the most powerful car in the history of the brand. The “30 Jahre M5” sprints from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in a lightning 3.9 seconds. 

KIA’S CHAMPS TO RIO WITH WINNER ANNOUNCED - Winning team to represent Malaysia at global futsal tournament in Brazil

Hurrah! A group of talented Malaysian Futsal players will represent us at a global futsal tournament in Brazil!! Good luck and all the best to them! Make us proud.

PRESS RELEASE

HIGH POINT AT KIA’S CHAMPS TO RIO WITH WINNER ANNOUNCED

Winning team to represent Malaysia at global futsal tournament in Brazil

Kuala Lumpur - Champs to Rio, a futsal tournament by Naza Kia Malaysia ended at a highpoint today with the announcement of the winning team after two gruelling days of round-robin challenges amongst 40 teams. The champion team, KSL FC comprising six players will represent Malaysia at the Kia Champ Into The Arena tournament in Salvador, Brazil on 4-7 July. In addition to the all-expenses paid trip to Brazil, the whole team will get RM10,000 in cash, a champion cup, champion medals, exclusive jerseys and tickets to the Quarter Finals of World Cup 2014.