Down Under's TRD Aurion: Food for Thought for Toyota Camry' Owners!

Toyota Australia introduced a supercharged Aurion enhanced with TRD performance parts. The original 3.5L V6 engine has been forced-fed via a bolt-on Eaton (Twin Vortices Series, TVS) supercharger. Locally conceptualised and made, TRD Aurion is the most powerful Toyota ever seen in Down Under. It will shoot from 0 to 100km/h in 6.1seconds, while top speed is artificially limited to 250km/h.Click

Mitsubishi Concept-cX Prototype at Frankfurt 2007

Click on images to enlarge Mitsubishi Concept-cX has already taken shape ahead of the Frankfurt International Motor Show 2007 based on these released images from Mitsubishi Motor Corp. (MMC). Built on the 9th generation Lancer / new Outlander platform, the Concept-cX is equipped with a new 1.8L Clean Diesel engine with a Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) that churns out 136ps at 4000rpm and

Chevrolet Aveo Sedan 1.4 SE & SX

A new Chevrolet model called the Aveo Sedan was introduced to the Malaysian market recently, to kick off the formation of the new company called Hicom-Chevrolet Sdn Bhd. A joint venture between DRB-Hicom Bhd (49% holdings) and General Motors Asia Pacific Holdings (GMAPH) LLC (51% holdings), the newco serves to strengthen the Chevy brand in Malaysia. Hicom-Chevrolet will also explore the

All-New Audi A4 (B8) in 2008

Set to debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show 2007, the all-new Audi A4 has a host of improvements to keep it abreast of competition with the BMW 3series (E90) as well as the new Mercedes-Benz (W204) C-Class.Click on images to enlargeHaving grown up substantially over the current A4, the new B8 has a length of 4,703 mm. To put things in perspective, the current B7 measure in at 4,586mm.

Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0 GT Video

Another Facelift for Honda City 2007/08!

Honda Malaysia has executed a 3rd facelift for its top-seller, the City for 2007/08. Notable upgrades include a new honeycomb grille, glass-imprinted antenna, wing mirror turn signals, redesigned rear lights and body-coloured mud guards. Mechanically, both the i-DSI and VTEC are similar to the pre-facelift models.Available in five colours: Sparkle Grey, Bluish Silver, Alabaster Silver Metallic,

2008 All-New Honda Accord Sedan: Edmunds.com' First Drive Impression

2008 All-New Honda Jazz/Fit

The well-informed and enthusiastic guys at the 'Temple of VTEC' has these images from a Japanese Honda brochure scanned, revealing the all-new Jazz for 2008 model year, set to be unveiled at the upcoming Tokyo International Motorshow 2007.Interestingly, the 1.5L motor has gained Honda's improved i-VTEC valve train: variable valve-lift + cam-timing now vs VTEC (variable valve lift only)

JDM Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X punches out 280PS and 422Nm!

Images from Japanese brochure of the new Lancer Evolution X have leaked some specific details ahead of its appearance at the upcoming Tokyo International Motor Show 2007.Some interesting published facts are the all-aluminium 2.0L MIVEC Turbo engine spinning a power output of 280ps at 6500rpm and a heady 422Nm of torque at 3500rpm. For the first time ever, the Lancer Evolution series will have

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Turbo Ralliart Spied

Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0GT Road Test: A Summary

By Dr LongThis is upon request from some readers who found the last Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0GT report too lengthy for their busy lifestyles (working life et al).I shall be attempting an ‘abstract’ version now:Styling: 5/5Simply gorgeous from all angles externally, compared the last (8th) generation Lancer. The shark nose plus headlights is ever menacing while sidelines are taut and modern. Evo

Full Road Test: Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0 GT

By Dr LongMitsubishi Lancer: a vehicle model that has been synonymous with Malaysia's first national car. The Proton Saga, derived from the Lancer F or Fiore (3rd/4th generation) model of 1983 sold like hot cakes then, given the obvious pricing/tax advantage. Thereafter, the 6th generation Lancer became the ever-popular Proton Wira in 1993.Returning as Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) after about

2008 All-New Honda Accord

Click on images to enlargeSince its 1976 debut, the Honda Accord has spanned seven generations with the current one launched in 2003 in Malaysia. Now the eighth generation is due for worldwide release as a 2008 model. Depicted here is the US iteration of Honda’s popular mid-sized executive and possibly this is the model slated for ASEAN market, if previous trends are to be observed and adhered

Spied: VW Golf Mk6 on Test

Swedish magazine “Teknikensvarld” have scooped the next generation Golf Mk 6 performing test runs in Death Valley, Nevada, USA. The all-new Golf was supposed to debut next year at the Geneva Motor Show but VW’s new head, Martin Winterkorn, postponed its succession to Q4 2008. He was reportedly not very pleased with the new car’s appearance. What are depicted in these images was probably a test

Porsche 911 GT3: Jaseri Hong Leong - Kencana Racing 2007 MME Race Team

To mark Porsche’s entry into the 2007 edition of the Merdeka Millenium Endurance Race (MMER), the Hong Leong – Kencana Racing Team was launched at Wisma Hong Leong in Kuala Lumpur recently. The team which was known as Jaseri Racing Team for the 2006 edition of the MMER will be supported by the famed German racing team, Farnbacher Racing. This year’s challenger will be the formidable Porsche 911

New Mercedes-Benz 300 SLC

German car magazine “Auto Motor und Sport” has given its readers a glimpse of how the compact supercar 300 SLC from Mercedes-Benz might look like with the two renderings here. The headlights are notably different – looking like a single (but more upright) headlamp unit from the W211 - versus Autocar ASEAN’s ameboid (like W203 C-Class' but more edgy in shape)headlights of the 300 SLC renderings in

New Proton Persona 1.6 Campro sedan

Proton’s new Persona sedan is finally unveiled to the public today, signalling an end to the over-ageing Proton Wira sedan by replacing it. Available in Base and Medium specs with 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, the High Line version is only sold in automatic form.There are six colours options for now: Solid Red, Light Gold, Metal Grey, Tranquility Black, Iridescent White and Blueberry Tea.

Cayman S: Porsche Design Edition 1

Porsche AG will unveil the Cayman S “Porsche Design Edition 1”, a limited-edition sports coupe, in November 2007. Only 777 examples will be built for sale by the Stuttgart-based sportscar manufacturer, starting end-2007 through to 2008.Porsche has incorporated various design disciplines into this special edition mid-engine coupé: the black exterior emphasizes the purist nature of the 295bhp

Chevrolet Aveo Facelift for 2008

The 2008 model Chevy Aveo hatchback wears Chevrolet’s new design theme, as seen on the new Captiva SUV earlier at the Bangkok Motor Show 2007. The new Chevrolet frontal visage is characterised by a big horizontally split radiator grille with a body-coloured crossbeam and the brand logo sitting prominently in the center. The dynamic detailing includes large, curved, clear-glass headlamps and fog

2008 Subaru WRC Concept

Click on images to enlargeSubaru plans to debut the all-new Impreza in its most wicked form, as a high performance World Rally Car Concept at the upcoming Frankfurt International Motor Show 2007. Subaru WRC driver, Petter Solberg, is scheduled to speak at the Subaru press conference during the introduction of this future WRC rally car.Mr Matsatsugu Ngato, Fuji Heavy Industries’ Executive Vice

Suzuki Kizashi Concept

This is another one of those Japanese-language named concept car but it's not from Mazda or Nissan this time around. In turn, it's from aspiring-to-be-upper-market manufacturer, Suzuki.Soon to be displayed as a D-segment vehicle aka mid-sized sedan at upcoming Frankfurt International Motorshow 2007, this teaser image serve to signal Suzuki foray into the more profitable upper echelons of the

BMW New 1 series - Alternative Report

Yes, we were looking forward to really test drive the newly launched 1 series here in Malaysia and in away, it was my fault. I convinced Dr Long to go try out Sapura as I heard that they were eager and more hungry to grow their BMW business here. Alas, as what you have read earlier I think Sapura bombed this time. To make matters worst they should have come forth and admitted their mis-planning

BMW Un-Joyful Event at Sapura Auto KL!

By Dr LongHaving received a call from BMW Voice that I was invited to their “BMW Joy” event – new 1-series test drive experience – either at Auto Bavaria Glenmarie or Sapura Auto KL on 11th August 2007, I was happy to oblige. The very same day I had received an invitation card from BMW Malaysia or its PR company that narrated this: “Joy is driving. Discover why the new BMW 1 series is a leader in

BMW 5-Series Facelift

BMW’s mid-size executive contender for the luxury saloon market has undergone a facelift recently, in an attempt to ward off challenges in the form of the facelift E-Class from archrival camp, Mercedes-Benz. The refreshed 5-models are 523i SE, 525i Sport, 530i, 540i, 530d and the M5. The new 535i - with BMW’s award winning bi-turbo engine - is strangely missing from the line-up.BMW’s trademark

2008 Mitsubishi Colt

Representing nearly 30% of Mitsubishi Motors Europe sales, the B-segment hatch Colt soldiers on into its 4th year with some minor cosmetic upgrades and upsizing of alloy wheels. For the upcoming Franfurt International Motor Show in September 2007, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. is expeced to reveal special editions to the 2008 Colt range featuring tinted headlamps/taillights, black (instead of dark blue

Right-Hand Drive W204 New C-Class spotted in Bangkok!

Words: Dr Long and Peter LeePictures: Peter LeeMany people who have seen the new C-Class in the metal overseas have commended Mercedes-Benz for a job well done for the W204 looked upmarketly handsome, better than the printed or online images. The fresh lines and creases (especially the rising slant at the flanks plus lower chromed strips) are pleasantly reminiscent of the S-Class. Meanwhile, the

Mazda's Rotary Engine 40th Anniversary: RX-8 Limited Edition

To commemorate 40 years of Mazda’s rotary engine vehicles sold globally, Mazda Motor Corporation has commenced sales of a limited edition model Mazda RX-8 throughout Japan called the RX-8 Rotary Engine 40th Anniversary edition.Click on images to enlargeIn 1967, Mazda’s first vehicle powered by a rotary engine, the Cosmo Sport (known as the 110S overseas) was introdiced to the world. Since then,

Mazda6 full replacement model due in 2008?

Click on image to enlargeMazda Motor Corp. has revealed a teaser image of its all-new Mazda6 (known as the Mazda Atenza in Japan) ahead of the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Its underpinnings is shared with the new Ford Mondeo and S-MAX.Engine range is expected to be carried over from the last model, with possibly some power/torque hike and better efficiency. This new 6 replacement

Brabus 30th Anniversary

On occasion of its 30th anniversary, BRABUS will present an automotive ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing” at the Frankfurt International Auto Show IAA 2007. Rumoured to be a tuned-up W204 C-Class, this will be the fastest vehicle in its segment. The debut will be accompanied by the launch of the newly designed BRABUS website at http://www.brabus.com/.Bodo Buschmann founded BRABUS back in 1977. 30 years

All-New Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0GT in Malaysia

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has introduced the latest Lancer model for the Malaysian market last night. For a start, the 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer is only available in one form - the 2.0 GT. The more wicked Evolution X version will likely make in to our shores in 2008, as with the other markets worldwide. The new Lancer’s 2.0L 4-pot (codenamed 4B11) churns out 155PS at 6000rpm and 199Nm of

New Kia Spectra5 hatchback to replace liftback predecessor?

Sole distributor and franchise-holder for Kia vehicles in Malaysia, Naza-Kia Sdn Bhd will be launching the Spectra liftback (facelift of first gen Sephia) replacement model soon in hatchback form, badged as Spectra5.Pictured below is the true 2nd generation Kia Cerato hatchback, albeit in USDM form. The new Cerato has been available since 2005 but has undergone a facelift this year. While

AC Schnitzer E92 3-series Coupe

For those privileged few that have taken deliveries of the new twin-turbo 335i coupe or even the lesser sibling 323i coupe, here are some after-market suggestions from famed BMW tuner, AC Schnitzer: - Type II, Type III and Type IV alloy racing rims from 18” to 20”- sports rear silencers with chromed Racing tailpipe trims - depending on base model available as a single system or in right-left

All-New Kia Magentis/Optima coming soon...

By Dr LongSet to replace the long-serving Kia Optima, the new Magentis (debut in 2006) is still a platform-sharing cousin of the current Hyundai Sonata NF. Interestingly, unlike Hyundai, this mid-size executive sedan serves as KIA’s flagship vehicle. It is powered by a 2.0L engine with CVVT (variable valve timing), similar to the one found in the Sonata currently assembled by Oriental Holdings

New Brabus W204 C-Class

Concurrent with the market introduction of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class in stages the world over, BRABUS presents an exclusive sport program for the new junior executive sedan. Highlights of the product lineup are the BRABUS 4.0L displacement engine with 332 hp /244 kW for the V6 petrol models, an elegant aerodynamic-enhancement program, light-alloy wheels with 20-inch diameter and corresponding

Mercedes-Benz W204 C-Class Wagon

Looking much like a scaled down version of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, these are some images of the upcoming C-Class Estate, set to debut at the Frankfurt International Motorshow 2007.Engine range for this C-Class estate is expected to mirror its saloon sibling. In this connection, the most brutal version is expected to be the C63 AMG Estate, with a sporty silhoutte much like the R63 AMG. Expected

Nissan Livina 1.6 and 1.8 confirmed for launch before end-2007

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM), distributor of Nissan vehicles in Malaysia, will launch a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), the Nissan Livina in Q4 2007. Its executive director Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng disclosed (on 3rd August 2007) that the locally-assembled Nissan Livina with engine capacities of 1.6 litre and 1.8 litre would cost below RM100,000. The 7-seater MPV would target the

Honda Civic Type R and Hybrid Officially in Malaysia Now!

Honda Malaysia has launched the latest 3rd generation Civic Type R and 2nd generation Civic Hybrid, both based on the current 8th generation Civic. For the local market, the Civic Type R available now is the JDM four-door FD2 sedan form, unlike the hatchback version available in Singapore which is similar to the one for the U.K. market. Incidentally, Malaysia is the only country in Asia outside

Peugeot 308 RC Z Concept

Based on the new Peugeot 308 – which itself is slated for appearance at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show 2007 – another Pug sports concept will take centre stage in the form of Peugeot 308 RC Z Concept Car.The 308 RC Z Concept is a 2+2 Coupe with a lightweight body and chassis made largely of aluminium and carbon fibre components. With a length of 4.276 m (similar as the hatchback), a width of