News: Newest Mazda 6 Officially Revealed

Mazda has officially unveiled the 6 ahead of the Moscow Motor Show and boy does it look stunning. The new 6 which borrows strong cues from the Takeri concept is the second model that follows the Kodo design language with CX-5 being the first one. According to Mazda's head designer Akira Tamatani, "We have created a design in which the wild and dynamic expressions of motion artistically realize a powerful presence. Simply looking at the car heightens one's expectations about the driving experience even before actually riding in it." Honestly, it does, doesn't it? 

Two engines were mentioned being available but there will be more options later. For now, there is SKYACTIV-G 2.0l with 148 hp and 210 Nm of torque and SKYACTIV-G 2.5l which pushes 189 hp and 256 Nm. Both the engines get a 6-speed auto but the 2.0l gets a manual option as well. Both engines will have start/stop technology and the i-ELOOP which generates energy when the driver's foot is off the accelerator pedal will be implemented into the 2.5l version only. Not sure about the 2.0l variant. 

The body of the vehicle will use ultra high tensile steel which reduces weight and increases tortional ridgity to 30% while the chassis is made up of  MacPherson struts up front and multi-link suspension at the rear. Also a highlight, the large 2,830 mm wheelbase of the 6 contributes to more legroom for the back passengers as well as the front.

The drive is said to be very good since the car is based on an aim of driving pleasure but I'm not entirely sure as it is using an electric power steering system. Although accurate, Porsche never made the electric version as authentic as the hydraulic ones. Can Mazda improve this? Wait for a drive report! 

P/S: Much better looking than its rivals. If it is priced at Camry's territory, I'd buy this in a heartbeat. 

News: Renault Scala in India

While we await the launch of the Almera, India is set to get Renault's alternative, the Scala. Renault's version of the Almera will come in a 1.5l four pot petrol pushing 97 hp or a1.5l diesel with 84 hp which are mated to a 5-speed manual. Lower engine output should increase fuel usage efficiency in vehicle. Everything else is similar to the Almera apart from its more attractive looks. The Scala is designed at Renault's studio in India instead of France and will be on sale next month in India. Better alternative with a quirky name, typical Renault.

News: A One-off Ferrari 599

A mix of old and new

Ever been a collector? Collected Gundam models? Or Pamela Anderson's playboy pictures? For collectors and non-collectors alike, wouldn't you agree that limited edition items are the peak of collected items?Sometimes, people do go over the edge to get limited edition items, like your rich neighbour for example. Another fine example is Cheerag Arya. His family owns a petrochemical company and he's from Dubai. He's a Ferrari collector and has a 575 Maranello, F430 Scuderia, an Enzo, a Daytona, a 599XX, a 599 GTO, an SA Aperta and finally, an F40 that started his passion towards Ferrari.

Cheerag Arya with his GTO

Not satisfied with his collection, Cheerag approached Ferrari and convinced them to build something unique to add to his collection. Like the P540 Superfast Aperta and Eric Clapton's special, the one-off model will be based on the 599, though Arya's 599 version is the GTO. Upon discussions, he was presented 12 model designs and he has already seen the chosen model in clay form. Nothing much is revealed by him but as quoted by the 32 year old businessman "It's not a recreation of a previous model. The car has a bit of everything in it, both old school and new. Once it's done, I'll keep it in Dubai, but will take it to Europe every summer. I won't be showing it to the world, as it's a personal thing to me." Rich farts these days. 

News: 2013 Toyota Mark X

Love the front diffuser and unique looking lights

The Toyota Mark X is often overlooked by buyers in Malaysia when looking for new cars based on the fact that it is not officially brought in by Toyota Malaysia themselves. However, among grey markets, the car is often one of the bestseller family sedans and to date, the Mark X though old still attracts young daddies. Still, it is fast looking its age already and a timely update is most welcome.

Enter the 2013 Toyota Mark X. Set to be released in Japan, the upcoming Mark X is an all new model from Toyota. As it seems that Toyota is in a roll of making beautiful updates to its car lineup, the Mark X is not spared. The Mark X ticks almost all the boxes in Toyota's new design direction but what it doesn't are cues from Lexus. As a whole, the Mark X looks nothing like a Lexus in a Toyota badge but a unique model altogether.

Rear boot has a unique look

A Toyota alternative to the GS model from Lexus, the Mark X has 2 engine choices, a 4GR-FSE 2.5l V6 pushing 200 hp at 6,400 rpm and 243 Nm 4,800 rpm and a 2GR-FSE 3.5l V6 generating 318 hp at 6,400 rpm and 380 Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm. All variants are mated to a 6-speed Super ECT automatic transmission but higher end models get an additional paddle shifters. I'm not sure what ECT means exactly but will update this as more info is revealed. There are 3 modes to select in the car as well - Sport, Snow and Eco mode. Since the car operates 4WD through an electronic control, it rides on 30 (front): 70 (rear) under normal conditions but the ditribution balances out if more grip is required.

Yum!

Cream interior makes the interior of the Mark X bland to me

The Mark X also sports a hefty amount of safety system but this will be updated later. Of highlighted items are Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) which integrates the safety precautions in the vehicle as one to operate more efficiently. Another highlight is the Pre-Crash Safety System (milimeter-wave radar system). When the car's sensors placed in the front grille detects that the car is approaching an obstacle and has excessive speed, it sounds a buzzer alarm to alert the driver, the braking force is further increased and if the obstacle is unavoidable, the seat belts gets tightened to prevent the driver or passengers from flying off the car or hitting the dashboard. It sports a bi-xenon lamp and has Intelligent AFS which allows the headlights to turn according to the movement of the steering wheel. Much like that in Volkswagen cars. The mirror is auto dimming as well to reduce glare and the windshield wipers have rain sensors. I don't trust rain sensors on wipers that much though as it would cost a bomb to replace the wiper if it ever wears out. There are control navigation, cruise control and radar cruise control on the higher end models. The Radar cruise control operates much like the Adaptive Cruise Control in Volvo's S60 that slows down automatically if the car ahead of you slows down.

Gazoo's tune

Looks good

Toyota Japan also incites that the Mark X is a very eco friendly car and has loads of acronyms labelled on the car but since I don't read Japanese and Google's translate isn't making any sense, I will find for another alternative to give you more details about this bold new Mark X. Sorry, guys!

News: Updated Lexus LF-LC Concept in Australia?

Teaser for the Australian one. Blue colour?

As far as I can remember, before the LF-A became what it is today, it had cosmetic surgeries as often as Nicki Minaj changing hair colour. Not that I hate it but to know that the LF-LC looks this good, I am a bit saddened to know that it will undergo another evolution of change to its looks.

The Detroit version

The LF-LC is reportedly going to be unveiled in the coming Australian International Motor Show but it isn't the same breathtaking model that was unveiled in Detroit not long ago. Instead, it is an updated version of the Detroit one. The word breathtaking should be retained though. The LF-LC that will go on display soon will get a 496+ hp power output from its hybrid module that will be distributed to all four wheels. The Detroit version is rear-wheel drive though. Not sure if the whole look will undergo change or a touch up or left unchanged but what is certain is that extensive use of carbon fibre will be utilized like the LF-A.

O.M.G.

A blue hued Lexus badge. Hybrid

Just to recap, the LF-LC concept is reportedly a cheaper alternative to the LF-A and is likened to be an SC successor. The LF-LC was imagined to be a concept only but due to high demands by the public to build it, it may go into production and may take 3 or more years before this is realized. I want this car!

LF-A like side sills

News: Nissan Almera in Malaysia

The Almera, set to be replacing the Latio will be released in Malaysia in the fourth quarter this year. I actually thought Nissan would call this Sunny but it seemed Sunny would be a lousy name for the car according to Edaran Tan Chong Motor. It is, isn't it? The name Sunny reminds me of an old uncle that likes cigarettes and long walks in his boxers. The Almera though sounds more professional. Glad the name Almera was chosen instead.

Instead of the sharp lines and boxy shape the Latio has, the Almera seems to have smoothen the lines and the edges seem more rounded. And unlike the Thailand specced car with a 1.2l three cylinder, ours uses the 1.5l four pot that powers the new Nissan Micra as well as the old. The mill generates 101 hp and 139 Nm of torque and it is mated to a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. As quoted by Nissan themselves, this car is capable of achieving 14.9 km per liter. Cheap on gas, this. The car as a whole doesn't differ much to the Latio in size but is a bit shorter in comparison - 4,426 long, 1,695 wide and 1,514 mm tall and packs an enormous 490 liters of boot space.

The Almera has automatic climate control, Intelligent Key with start stop function like the Forte, steering controls and Fine Vision Meter with Multi-Information Display. What FVM does is that the dials light up by its own. Doesn't seem to cause me to be struck with awe when I read the highlights of the car but since the Almera is rumored to be priced from RM 70,000 to RM 85,000, don't expect much. Will definitely update on the drive and its deeper details when it launches and has a car for test drive. Hang on tight!

News: 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed

Bentley has released further details about their upcoming 2013 flagship, the Continental GT Speed.  Unlike other cars that have gone the engine downsizing route, the GT Speed’s engine remain a beast – a 6.0l W12 twinturbo engine that has 616 hp at 6,000 rpm and 800 Nm of torque from 2000 – 5000 rpm to be more specific. The flagship GT will have an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox with close ratio which propels the car from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4 seconds flat and on to a max speed of 205 mph.

You would suspect that the GT Speed will be a big fuel guzzler but it actually isn’t relatively as the engine management and turbo has been recalibrated to give optimum fuel usage. The new transmission as well as a new feature, an energy recuperation system that is incorporated into the engine also adds to the 13% improvement in fuel economy. More about the new 8-speed transmission, it is the first of its kind to ever be associated with the W12 engine. It also is durable enough to contain the engine's 800 Nm of torque and has a trick up its sleeve, it features a Block Shifting technology. What it does is it shifts from 8^th gear to 4^th gear (example) instantaneously for direct power delivery and reduce power loss. Also, their exhaust system has been redesigned to produce a sportier, more intense baritone sound during hard accelerations while keeping a quiet note when cruising.

The front suspension consists of an aluminium double wishbone while the rear has a trapezoidal multi-link configuration and the air suspension, dampers have been tuned to provide better body control. You must be wondering what trapezoidal means or may have even skipped the whole sentence but for those wondering what it means, easiest explanation: a prism like structure. The car sports a 4WD system which favours the rear in a split 60:40 delivery in power and has humungous brakes – 405 mm (front) and 335 mm (rear) ventilated, cast iron brake discs with 8-piston calipers. Well, they need it anyway as the car is still an elephant compared to the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. If you do feel the car has been a bit too clumsy and bulky before, the new Speed has its ESP tuned for more sideways fun and a more enjoyable drive while retaining high safety precautions. Not sure how true that is till I ever get hands on this monster.

Physical looks have also been touched. For example, the exterior body has been fiddled for a more powerful look while retaining elegance. The interior gets handcrafted materials as always but now sports an 8-inch touchscreen, 30GB on-board infotainment system with satellite navigation. There is also an 8-speaker system standard in all GT Speeds while an 11-speaker Naim system is available as an option for audiophiles. Last but not least, it gets iPod connectivity too. Duh!

While I like the elegance of this car and the power it gives while retaining a comfortable environment for the driver and passenger, I wouldn’t want one. Why? Because it’s a footballer’s car, a playboy’s toy and it reminds me Paris Hilton’s pink Continental GT. In short, I’d get a yacht.

News: 2013 Toyota Auris

Looks fast, this

After the death of the Celica, Toyota was always associated with the word boring. Not anymore as it looks like Toyota is updating their model lineup with a more vibrant design and a more driver focused aim. Like the GT86, the Auris is a very good looking car if not beautiful.

Gorgeous lights with a blue hued Toyota badge. Hybrid

The mix of swoopy and angular lines adorn this car with cues of Lexus in it which is a good thing really. The light clusters are like crystals and the shape of the car seems to be moving even when standing still. The new Auris is 4,275 mm long, 1,760 mm wide and 1,460 mm tall which makes it 30 mm longer and 55 mm shorter than its predecessor. Also, it is about 40 kg lighter and at the same time, stiffer than before.

Panoramic Skyview sunroof

The interior reminisce the GT86 as the whole layout seems inspired by the sports car. The car comes with Skyview which means a panoramic sunroof like you get in the 308. The finish in the car is also of a high standard as it gets leather trimmed dashboard, silver bits here and there, the pillars are fitted with fabric and you can find soft touch materials and leather almost everywhere your hands usually touch.

Like I said, GT86 like interior

There will be different engine choices in different parts of the world. In Japan, you get an RS version which has a 1.8l with 144 hp at 6,200 rpm and 180 Nm of torque at 3,800 rpm when mated to a 6-speed manual. If you get a fake 7-speed CVT version, the engine is detuned to 143 hp and 173 Nm. There is another variant which is a 1.5l 4WD that makes 103 hp and 135 Nm. In Europe, you get a 1.3l petrol, a 1.6l petrol and a 1.4l diesel. There is a hybrid model too with a 1.8l petrol and an electric motor running on nickel-metal hydride battery.

Lights are gorgeous!

The Auris was always a car targeted to the First World countries so there will be a low chance that this beaut will make it to Malaysia. Still, who knows? The GT86 is here and let's hope that Toyota goes haywire and brings the Auris here. The upcoming Auris will be unveiled in the Paris Motorshow and will undergo production next year. More will be updated when it gets unveiled later next month but for now, enjoy the pictures. 

News: BMW's New Entry Level X3

Like all BMWs in the current lineup, the new entry level X3 has a long name - BMW X3 sDrive18d. And no, it doesn't have a 1.8l engine but a 2.0l diesel one and sDrive replaces the 4WD in the entry level variant. The four cylinder 2.0l TwinPower turbocharged engine puts out 143 hp and a respectable 360 Nm of torque. It does 0 to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds when it is equipped with a 6-speed manual and 10.3 seconds if it is coupled to am 8-speed automatic. This car is a fuel sipper too as it does 100 km in 5.1 liters of petrol. To achieve this, it gets Brake Energy Recuperation, Optimum Shift Indicator, Electric Power Steering, Auto Start-Stop and ECO PRO Mode. Not bad for a mommy car.

Not sure whether this new entry model makes it to Malaysia but will make a good town car for the mothers if it were introduced here. Since most of us Malaysians rarely go to the jungle, the sDrive would make a very logical choice and also a cheaper alternative for town folks. Give BMW a bump if you want it here.

News: Subaru XV Crosstrek 2013

Subaru has revealed the price of their upcoming XV Crosstrek. Tipped to be released in the US next year, it will be priced from $22,790 for the base model and goes on to $25,990 for the higher end one.

While it does look quite edgy for a start, its engine is more on the mundane side with a 4 pot pushing 148 hp at 6,200 rpm and 199 Nm. You can either mate the engine to a 5-speed manual or a CVT (ugh! Dislike CVTs). As with all Subarus, this comes with 4WD as well and rides on 17-inchers. It has the ability to tow things that weigh up to 680 kg and has carrying space of 632 liters when the seats are up and 1470 liters when the seats are down. Good for those who want to get things from IKEA and want to save on transport charges. Versions that are coupled to the CVT gets an electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch AWD system. What it does is that it is able to transfer more power to the rear wheels in situations which demands for more grip. On normal roads, it defaults the power distribution to 60 front / 40 rear.

I can only conclude that this car feels like it is aimed at mothers and people who own farms but its looks are more suited to the younger generation. Not sure what Subaru is thinking of but I won't be surprised to see an STi version of the XV Crosstrek. Now, that would be something. And please Subaru, please make it come here.

News: 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS

Remember the Sonic coming to Malaysia? Chevrolet has upped the ante for the Sonic as it now has an RS badge. Well, you get ricer like mods on the exterior such as a new bodykit, a bespoke RS grille, a more aggressive rear spoiler and 17-inch rims.You also get a sunroof much like the one in the Polo Gti.

But if you think the RS badge is a gimmick, let me tell you it is not. To match the modified overalls in the exterior of the RS, it now has a 1.4l Ecotec turbo engine that cranks out 138 hp and 200 Nm of torque. The Sonic in Malaysia doesn't have the turbo engine, FYI. It comes with a choice of a 6-speed manual or auto and four colours: Cyber Gray Metallic, Summit White, Victory Red and Black Granit Metallic. The price in the US starts from $20,995. Not sure if Malaysia gets it but I hope it does as it would make a good competitor to the Fiesta (If Ford decides to bring in their ST model) and the Polo.

Black piano trim and aluminium like inserts? Good stuff

A better angle

News: Trident Iceni Grand Tourer

Google 'Trident' and you'd get a fork like spear that the king in The Little Mermaid carries always. Add 'car' beside it and you will know that Trident is also a name of a small British car maker. With an already weird name comes an even quirkier looking car, The Iceni Grand Tourer.

The Iceni will be built to order with a base price of £75,000. Look past the weird looks and absurd price and you'll get a 6.6l V8 turbodiesel mill producing 430 hp and mind boggling 1286 Nm of torque from just 3,250 rpm. With that kind of firepower, the car gets from zero to hundred in 3.7 seconds and on to almost 200 mph. For those of you crazy enough for more, there is a more powerful one available, 660 hp and 1422 Nm. Crazy.

It's also friendly with your wallet as well as it sips fuel like a Honda Civic. Drive it at around 100+ km/h and the meter hovers around 980 rpm which gives a range of 16.8 km/l. With that kind of power and this kind of fuel efficiency, must be a dream for green lovers who want fast cars.

Just in case you didn't know