News: Mercedes C-Class Updated

2013 is coming but it looks like Mercedes isn't going to replace the C-Class with an all-new model. Rather, the current W204 will be updated. 

New bodykit. Yay!

What gets updated are the introduction of new trims. You now get to choose Executive SE, AMG Sport and AMG Sport Plus for your new car. The C180 BlueEFFICIENCY gets a new engine as well. The engine is a turbocharged 1.6 that puts out 154 hp and 250 Nm of torque from 1,250 to 4,000 rpm.  Other updates include a new redesigned bodykit, LED DRL lights, Artico upholstery and 16-inch alloys. (Different trims get different updates though)

This is the AMG Sport trim. Gets 18-inchers instead.

I was actually thinking of giving you more information about what the new trims get in the updated model but I guess you would rather watch Vanilla Sky with your grandmother three times and would find it more intriguing than the information given. So here's a lustful picture of a C63 AMG. Cheers.

Look at that bulge on the bonnet.

News: Kia Forte/ K3 2013

You sure it is Korean?

Kia has unveiled their most important money making car, updated in all its glory. It looks very attractive, feels really premium just by looking at it and it just doesn't look Korean anymore, does it? This car puts the current one to shame. If the current and upcoming Forte were likened to as competitors in the F1 realm, the 2013 Forte should be the mighty Brawn while the current one being Renault. The current model is good. Well, it is till the upcoming replacement overshadows it. (Wait, did my explanation get through you?) I wouldn't delve into the intrinsic details but you can see more details over here.

The rear lights look like the Mondeo's

The current car exceeds my expectation by miles but one thing I do hope for is that the price will not increase much. Please, Naza.

More fluidic than all Kia-s of present

News: Lexus LS 2013

Mean

This is the new Lexus LS, everybody and boy does it look like THE car for the yakuzas or even the triads?  The most prominent thing that stands out when you look at the car is the new grille which befits the new lineup started by the new GS.

New grille looks good

F-Sport

 Other than that, the whole car looks roughly the same as the current one albeit with new bumpers and light clusters. Being the who's boss? car, it is expected to carry a V8 which puts out about 380 bhp. The top ranging model should be a hybrid coupled to a bigger V8. Not sure about the power, though I hope it passes 450 bhp. It should. Guns and missiles are always welcome.

Not your average CEO car

News: Lotus Giving Up Plans

Must make it to production!

During the 2010 Paris Motor Show, Lotus showcased 5 beautiful concepts and even stated a 5 year plan for them. It all seemed plausible. With the right amount of investments, a great team and a bold vision, what can go wrong? Everything. Well, almost.

When I was informed about the plan, I got all excited about it and really hoped for it to happen. The cars looked good, they wanted their own engine for the Esprit, the turnover plan sounded very positive. But it just seemed too good to be true and it is. With a global economy as bad as this, it's just not going to happen.

Now that Dany Bahar is out of Lotus, DRB has decided to stop this plan and instead, revise the plan into a more feasible one. More feasible most likely means that not all 5 concepts will see the light of day. I'm pretty sure Esprit will make it though but not with its own engine. Sigh, I want that engine to be a reality. Seems like it's never gonna happen.

News: Upcoming Mazda 6

Love the lights.

Mazda has revealed several official photos of its new Mazda 6 and I've got to say, It looks good. Not that the current one is bad now. Mazda has been known to create beautiful cars and with its statement previously saying that it aspires to be the Asian Alfa Romeo, I reckon the new 6 confirms it.

The grille just stands out, doesn't it? 

This car incorporates i-ELOOP. Alike KERS, it regenerates energy during braking. It gets the new SKYACTIV technology too and is based on the new design language, Kodo. It will preview in the upcoming Moscow Motor Show and will wear the SkyActiv-G 2.0-liter engine with a 6-speed SkyActiv-Drive transmission. Can't say much now since it is still a 'concept'. As for now, admire the pictures.
  

Concept? More like a production vehicle.

Still want that Camry?

News: Jaguar C-X75 with 500 bhp from a 1.6-liter Engine

Rims won't make it in production.

Jaguar's top concept, the C-X75 is gradually working its way into a working prototype. It gets 500 bhp from a 1.6-liter 4 cylinder engine connected to 2 electric motors. No, the jet turbines had to go. I know, I'm sad too. But more into the engine, the 4-cylinder is paired to a supercharger and a turbocharger that revs up to 10,000 rpm. The 2 electric motors which are placed at the front and rear part of the car to balance the weight distribution has a range of 60 km and gets the 0 - 100 km/h sprint done in 6.0 seconds without the assistance of the petrol engine. With all engines fully utilized, the car gets from 0 to 100 in less than 3.0 seconds and goes all the way to about 200 mph. Now that's something. 

Just sexy, this.

  The petrol engine either feeds the power to the rear wheels or charge the battery pack while the front electric motor works independently and sends the power to the front wheels. As both the electric motors work simultaneously, the car is considered a four-wheel drive. The car's transmission is a 7-speed automated manual instead of a dual clutch unit you get in most modern supercars to shave off 100 kg. Something to note, this car has an acclaimed 11 radiators to keep this car from burning. Hot! Mind the pun. Still, the radiators might be reduced. I hope.

Oh, you don't get the jet turbines in production form.

The car seems to be given the green light for production and will be priced from €781,000 (RM 3 million) to €1,000,000 (RM 3.85 million). Plus our crazy Malaysian tax, even multimillionaires in Malaysia will have to kiss this dream goodbye. There aren't many of it though, about 200 units will be produced. Still, it's a lot more than the Aston Martin One-77.  

If the interior looks like this in production form, I'd eat my hair. But please make it look like this. 

Here's how this 1.6-liter engine sounds. The sound is exclusive from Autocar UK. 

News: Audi R8 2013

Audi has updated their flagship, R8. And by saying update, Audi being Audi, it is nothing much. But as the saying goes, don't fix it if it hasn't gone wrong. 

New front headlamps. Looks good in blue

Rear lights are very very modern. Note that the exhaust end is round now. 

What has been changed has been subtle.The front splitter, rear diffuser, grille, exhaust pipes and most notably, the light clusters are all new. The tail pipes has been revised to a single circular pipe at two ends, the front and rear bumpers have been revised very mildly and the lights have been redesigned to a more updated look. 

With the roof off

Now this is what I call sexy.

A huge change in the car has to be its transmission. Instead of the dreaded R-tronic gearbox, you now get a 7 speed S-tronic gearbox which improves gear changes to a mere hundredth of a second. The S-tronic gear is basically two multi-plate clutches that engages with two independent sub-transmissions to select gears alternately. You still get the manual one for this car and trust me, it's good.

Interior remains the same to me

The engines are the same but the power from it has been bumped. The 4.2l FSI V8 now pushes 424 bhp & 430 Nm. The 5.2l FSI V10 though gets 2 variants. The base version produces 518 bhp & 530 Nm while the Plus model is bumped up to 542 bhp and 540 Nm. Mated to the new S-tronic transmission, the V8 makes the century sprint in 4.3 seconds (4.6 in the spyder) and the V10 Plus gets it done in 3.5 seconds ( 3.8 for the spyder. The base V10 though does it in 3.6 seconds, just shy of 0.1 seconds, not that you'd notice.

Yeap, definitely the same.

This new update is set to roll on the European streets at the end of this year. Prices start at €113,500 (coupe) and €124,800 (spyder) for the base model while the V10 is priced at €154,600 (coupe) and €165,900 (spyder). The range topping V10 Plus is priced at a cool €173,200. You only get one price for the plus version only because it comes in coupe only form. You want one? Not me though, I'd have the roofless MP4-12C instead.

News: Kia Forte 2013

Kia Forte. A car that is alike your moderately good looking friend that just fits in the group but never was an outstanding one. Now though, you get this.

Front bumper shows cues of the current Volvo V40 for me

I always thought of the Forte, a car that was out of its place when it comes to competing against its segment rivals. It was smaller than the Civic but bigger than a Mazda 2. It kinda stuck in the middle. Until 2013 that is since Kia has announced that it will be lower, wider, bigger. Also, the Forte is fast growing old with its looks compared to the rest of the family looking far more futuristic than it so with this update, it looks well prepared to be fit in the family once again. 

Lines becoming less angular and more curvy. A good thing. Note: Is it just me or does this thing look a bit like a Mondeo fused with the CC?

Seemingly a sister to Hyundai, it would be sharing some platform cues with the Elantra and I guess it would have about the same proportions when it is finally unveiled late this year. Can't wait? Here's a picture of a Cee'd to keep you wanting more of the upcoming Forte.

Just up there with the big boys, now.

News: Aston Martin Aiming for Lexus Engines

New Vanquish. The lines looks like they came from a body of a voluptuous woman.

Aston Martin has decided to....wait for it......get new engines! As Dr. Ulrich Bez pointed out, they need to downsize their engines to more efficient ones, more eco friendly ones, more...you get it right?

The IS-F engine. Yum!

 So it looks like Aston Martin is interested at Lexus' engines. More specifically, the LFA and IS-F's V10 & V8 engines with the LFA pushing 553 bhp and 480 Nm while the latter's V8 producing 418 bhp and 502 Nm. 

LFA engine. The engine cover looks like muscular arms connected to a ripped chest. Something to note: Orgasmic sound.

You must be also wondering how is Aston going to be able to purchase these engines. Remember the Cygnet-IQ car? That's where it all started with Toyota having a relationship with Aston Martin. So, it definitely looks possible but just one thing, Aston is supposed to be in terms with Daimler. Will it cause Daimler's relationship with Aston to deteriorate with Aston being so close to Toyota-Lexus for now? Anyhow, I want this to happen!

News: Perodua Alza Advanced

A weird name extension for an MPV, but nonetheless, Alza has a new top of the range model. The car undergoes changes though everything involved are aesthetics only. Firstly, it sports a bodykit and a spoiler which I dislike. You're better off with its stock form, really. Also, who would actually install a spoiler on their family van? Seriously.

Anyway, ignore that and you find a 6" touchscreen replacing your radio. It has USB and the sort. It also supports GPS supplied by Telekom and is capable of searching for WiFi. Not very smart though since you're always on the move, how can the car get a steady network? The multimedia system also gets Yellow Pages Search integration to ease your findings of places. Last but not least, the screen definitely comes with a reverse camera. Duh!

Taken from Paultan.org. This is because I wasn't invited so I have no choice but to take from them. Sorry Paul. you allow me right? :D

Perodua also highlighted about the window tinting.Something to note is that it is GPS and SmartTag friendly so no need to open your windows when approaching the toll. The seats are of course cladded in leather with what Perodua calls, Luxvelvet finish. All this comes with a price, RM 70 000 for all that. So far so good? Your choice, people.

Photos will be uploaded.

News: Lotus pulling out from Paris Motor Show

Looking sexy!

 During the reign of Dany Bahar, we saw 6 new concepts revealed in full glory in 2010. But after the takeover of Proton from DRB-Hicom, Lotus was left hanging. Bahar was ousted from the company, sales declined but DRB-Hicom later confirmed that they were keeping Lotus. 

California fighter

Esprit!!!!!!! V8!!!!! Built by themselves

Now, they are pulling out from the Paris Motor Show of 2012. Is the demise of Lotus soon? Not so with full bookings for the V6 Exige! DRB also showcased Lotus grandly at Goodwood too. So here's hoping Lotus remains and retains its roots though I wouldn't mind seeing an Esprit with its own high revving V8.

Exige V6, a technological marvel, boy racer but nope, it doesn't attract boobies

This does though.

News: Proton Preve R3 and Satria Neo Supercharged

According to Paultan ( I'm an avid reader btw), Proton showcased 2 notable cars. The first is the Preve with no notable performance bump but what it got is an R3 bodykit. The brochure states that you get the kit including the rims for RM 3000.

Not bad, I must say

RM 3000

This has got to be the nicest picture of the bunch for me

The other concept was the Satria Neo CPS with a different bodykit altogether and is said to house a Sprintex supercharger inside its CPS engine. Power output is rumored to be 180 hp and 200 Nm. The Satria's bodykit it priced at RM 4000. Now, this is news without crap in it. Full on details.

Rm 4000

Nice view

Notice the yellow outline on the diffuser? Looking good.

Note: Pictures are all taken from Paultan.org. 

News: New Honda Civic

The new Honda Civic is in town, boys and girls. It's the 9th generation and so far, it hasn't appealed to me, at least not yet. It comes in 4 variants; 1.8S, 2.0S, 2.0 Navi and the Hybrid. The 1.8l produces 141 PS and 179 Nm of torque while the 2.0l generates 155 PS and 190Nm. They are mated to a 5-speed auto. The hybrid though puts out 110 PS and 172 Nm and is mated to a CVT instead for more fuel saving action.

The Civic comes in Mac Phersons at the front and multi rear link at the back. ISOFix ( attachment points for child safety seats), VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist), EPS and ABS comes standard on all Civics while the airbags come as 2 in front for all variants while the 2.0S and Navi gets extra side airbags with Occupant Position Detection System ( OPDS) to enhance safety in the car. One other thing is G-CON which makes the car's structure more able to absorb impact as claimed by Honda.

Not digging that Civic butt

All variants get a USB input, AUX jack and a guidance function. What the guidance function does is that it monitors your driving ethics. If you drive economically, the dials become green. If you drive like your 18 year old son who is that daredevil with a Probational license, your dials become blue. It becomes turqoise (blue-green) if you drive with an average pace.

Directly? What does it actually mean? 

Nice gloves. 

What sets each other apart is that both the 2.0 gets cruise control switches and paddle shifters while the 1.8S does not. Other than that, the 2.0 Navi gets a 6 inch display with DVD player and navigation (duh!). It also gets rear view camera to help parking while the 1.8S and 2.0S gets an i-Mid Intelligent multi information display (You get that because you didn't get the 6 inch screen la). The i-Mid displays drive and audio information and vehicle warning messages. It even says you can change the wallpaper which is to me, ridiculous. The i-Mid controls can be done via switches on the steering wheel. Another thing, the 2.0S and Navi gets electric power seats while the 1.8S gets manual operated seats.The cars get a timer to turn the lights off too. When you turn off the engine, the lights do not immediately turn off. It stays on momentarily until you exit the car for a few seconds to actually guide your path during the dark. 

Interior looks good.  Techy.

Honestly, it's quite a bit of tech you get for the money. The 1.8S goes for RM 115, 980, 2.0S is RM 131, 980 and 2.0 Navi is priced at 136, 980 and not forgetting the Hybrid which goes for 119, 980 (tax free). It is offered with 5 year unlimited mileage warranty. So, what's there to wait? Of course, trade your OLD Civic in! Something, I'm not going to do. Still can't like that ass.