We're Moving

Due to a few hiccups in the naming process, we've decided to change our name. We're officially called Effing Cars and our new website is still in progress. For now, you can refer to this website or www.effingcars.wordpress.com for more awesome news and reviews. 

As we're rubbish at editing our website, time is definitely one of our weak points and this complication does take a while to settle itself. So we do hope your patience and loyalty towards us would stay fervent as we plough through the obstacles in front of us. Do tip us if you want to. A rough estimation of about 2 weeks is needed for this revamp. During the time gap, we forgive you for visiting other websites. And yes, we love you too. 

Thanks buds,

Editors at Effing Cars

News: VDS GT 001 Debuts

VDS. A name many mistaken for as a UPS alternative and probably thought to be managed by one of China's greatest. You'd be disappointed then that this isn't a cheap express delivery service but a niche car manufacturer. On first glance, it's as if Frankenstein's taken a loving towards American muscle and decided to build his own sports car. And that's half true because this car is created by Raphael van der Straeten, a lad involved in racing for a respectable amount of time in a GT3 Mustang. 

The VDS GT 001 hails from the land where dark chocolate and waffles are commonplace and their football clubs a shame, even to them. Yes, it's them Belgians but though they are rubbish in football, they make it up by knowing a thing or two about fast cars. Like the Gillet Vertigo. And to make this GT 001 project a winner, the insane looking thing is based on the Vertigo, which is no bad thing. What's more? It's got a Maserati 4.2l V8 worthy of 480 bhp with a 6-speed sequential gearbox and only 22 of these will be made. 

If that's not powerful enough, a track only R version is in the works and might see the light of day, if the standard version ever bears fruit. Still, the GT 001 should go like bonkers since it weighs no more than a feather. On a serious note, the machine looks a tad bit mad. But mad cars should always exist. They're like chili paste in a meatloaf. Weird but intriguing.

Photo credits: Jacques Letihon

News: Honda Reveals the CR-Z Mugen

You've got to agree with me that the CR-Z has got to be a car that looks the deal but never had the oomph to match it. And it had the potential for more power as shown by Jackson Racing, HKS and the mod king likes. But like me, you wanted a hot CR-Z that came out from Honda themselves, didn't you?

Well, Mugen - Honda's official tuner - has unveiled the CR-Z Mugen and it isn't a concept. Known also as a Mugen RZ, the hot CR-Z features a more aerodynamic body kit, an adjustable rear spoiler and sports exhaust system. Also in the list, there are also high performance brakes, sports suspension system, 17-inch alloys and Dunlop Direzza Z II tires. Inside, the seats will be in a two-tone colour and the gear knob will be in carbon fibre.

There will be a boost meter too which explains that the CR-Z Mugen hosts a supercharged 1.5l engine pushing 156 bhp and 185 Nm of torque. In addition to that, the IMA motor remains and that generates 20 bhp and 78 Nm of torque which totals to an overall output of roughly 170 bhp and 263 Nm of torque.

Only 300 will be produced and each model will be numbered and identified through a special individually-numbered plaque or rather, a plaque to brag to your neighbours that your CR-Z isn't a standard one. It will cost ¥4,494,000 a pop which translates to RM 174,465 in Malaysia. Want one? Highly unlikely since this will be made available in Japan only but who knows, with money anything is possible.

News: Artega Bought by Paragon AG, Still Dies

Artega's demise was to be expected. In fact, its death happened some time ago in July when it applied for insolvency and expectations of it dying a simple death was not surprising. But it wasn't. Apparently, Artega's assets has been bought over by Paragon AG and they haven't any plans to resume production. 

Instead, they bought Artega for its buildings and engineering expertise and allocating them to work at their Electromobility and Body-Kinematics division. Still, it shouldn't be worrying news for Artega GT owners as service and replacement parts will still be offered by Paragon.

It is definitely a sad day for us car geeks as Artega proved to be a very beautiful niche car marque. It was unique, interesting and German but its huge price tag and bad marketing should be blamed for its current state and its death is hard for me to accept. Nevertheless, I do hope Paragon revives Artega. 

News: Volkswagen Announces the Touareg Edition X

In a blink of an eye, Touareg's been in this world for 10 years and Volkswagen has decided to celebrate its lifetime with an Edition X - X denoting its lifespan. 

What you get with the Edition X are a bunch of additional aesthetics such as a large panoramic sunroof, bi-xenon headlights with LED DRLs, darkened rear LED lights, silver anodized roof rails and 19-inch Moab alloys. Other details include tinted windows, Touareg X logos and a Chrome & Style trim package.

The interior features Nappa leather upholstery in Amber brown, ebony wood trim available in as decorative inlays on the doors or the dash panel, special colour coordinated stitchings and illuminated door sill plates with Touareg X words on it.

Nope, no engine upgrade and yes, it is a shame they didn't fettle with the engine. 

News: Caterham Seven Superlight R600 Revealed

Caterham has revealed their quickest, maddest, most powerful Caterham Seven and it's called the Superlight R600. What makes this R600 an indication to a better future is that this race car's supercharged. Soooopercharged.

Under the hood is a 2.0l Ford Duratec unit bored out to develop 275 bhp and 270 Nm of torque, all of it channeled to the rear wheels through a 6-speed sequential shift 'box. And it should be a mightily quick car, this considering the fact that the R500, its predecessor managed the century sprint in just 2.88 seconds.

Topgear's Stig is in this? I didn't know he modeled 

This won't come cheap though, as it is priced at £44,995 (RM 221,823). Still, for the money, you get a Titan limited slip differential and Avon radial slicks or wets standard in the Seven. But for those who own an R300, the upgrade to the R600 is definitely possible. All you need is cash.

News: Ferrari FF Gets A Huge Sunroof

To those passengers who sits at the back in the Ferrari FF feeling claustrophobic, Ferrari has given its family supercar a nice treat. The roof can now be had as a full length panoramic sunroof instead. Here's the catch, it will be an option and it won't be cheap.

Everything else remains the same including its 6.3l V12 engine pushing 651 bhp and 683 Nm of torque. But that's no bad thing because that engine is enough to bring a 3.9 second sprint time from a standstill to 100 km/h and a top speed of 335 km/h. With that sunroof, the FF suddenly becomes more appealing to the eyes, no?