Thursday 30 July 2009

New Nissan Murano at RM318,200 in Malaysia



Edaran Tan Chong Motors (ETCM) has introduced the latest Nissan Murano to Malaysia, retailing at RM318,200 (excluding insurance and on-the-road costs). The 2nd generation Murano is Nissan’s premium crossover which offers an enhanced sense of sporty and reassuring driving performance, a quieter and more comfortable interior with even more luxury features. The all-new Nissan Murano’s exterior styling has been described as a piece of sculptured modern art. With its clean-cut shape, the Murano exudes strength and sturdiness that spells reliability and years of enjoyable use.


“With new looks, enhanced performance and refinement, a host of innovative features and an impressive new interior, the all-new Nissan Murano is a significant evolution of the trend-setting original”, added Dato’ Dr Ang when introducing this all-new premium crossover at the media event. While the Murano’s exterior draws lingering looks, the interior presents total luxury. Described as a suite on wheels, the Murano’s cabin is spacious, functional and lavishly appointed. With the 60/40-split folding automatic rear seats folded, the luggage capacity rises up to 838 litres.



Like the original, the heart of the Murano is its advanced engine, transmission and chassis combination, which is anchored by Nissan’s proven VQ35DE V6 engine, paired with Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and rigid D-platform. The VQ35DE engine achieves improved output and fuel-efficiency (9.3km/L on JP 10-15 mode) through reduced friction. This award-winning member of the Nissan VQ engine series puts out 260ps and 336Nm with effortless precision. The Nissan D-platform helps optimize the balance between a flat, comfortable ride and the quiet, superb handling and stability of a premium crossover.



The ALL MODE 4×4-i all-wheel drive system and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) ensure smooth cornering and stable handling on slippery road surfaces by monitoring wheel spin and adjusting front/rear torque split accordingly for a balanced drive.



In the US, the all-new Nissan Murano has earned a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2008. IIHS recognised the all-new Nissan Murano as the best overall performer in front, side and rear crash during test evaluations. In addition, the Murano rides securely on 18” alloy wheels and active safety is taken care of by ABS, EBD and Braking Assist.



Other technological features include memory seats, stylish dual glass sunroof, power lift gate and rear view camera to embrace the driver and passengers with feelings of warmth, modernity, comfort, innovation and security. “While we find ourselves in challenging economic circumstances, we are confident that the 370Z and MURANO will be well received based on both critical and market reception to both these all new Nissan “Halo” models. The all-new Nissan 370Z and Murano will appeal to a segment of customers who have the means to demand the perfect blend of quality and safety, while aspiring for an uncompromising level of driving purity that comes from the pedigree of these premium performance models. ” said Dato’ Dr Ang.



Wednesday 29 July 2009

New Nissan 370Z launched in Malaysia





In less than a year since their world debut in Tokyo, Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) has now introduced the all-new fully imported NISSAN 370Z sports car tonight.

Now in its 40th year, the Z became an icon of global sports car passion with more than 1.7 million units sold since the 1st generation S30 model debuted in 1969. The all-new 370Z continues Nissan’s philosophy of design, performance and technical innovation, offering authentic performance, true sports car handling and athletic, agile design.


“The all-new Nissan 370Z builds on the best features of both the 1st and last generations Z-cars – respectful but retro, simple yet sophisticated, and unmistakably Z” , said Dato’ Dr. Ang Bon Beng, Executive Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd at the media event.


The all-new Nissan 370Z’s enhanced performance characteristics are a result of its shorter wheelbase, reduced weight and the adoption of the larger, more powerful VQ37VHR 3.7-litre V6 engine with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift). This power unit is the latest manifestation of Nissan's award-winning VQ engine series, which Ward's Autoworld proclaimed as one of the 10 best engines in the world. The VQ37VHR puts out 333ps and 363Nm for ultra-smooth delivery of power, better throttle response, better fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions.


Mated to the engine are two transmissions that perfectly complement the former’s high output and refinement. Malaysians have the choice of a 6-speed manual transmission and a newly developed 7-speed automatic with manual shift mode. The manual transmission is the enthusiast driver’s delight, being the world’s first SyncroRev Match control system which automatically blips the throttle to simulate heel & toe shifting.


The all-new Nissan 370Z, which made its global debut in December 2008, has already been recognised with prestigious awards in the field of design and performance such as the Ward Autoworld’s Interior of the Year Award for sports cars in April 2009 and the Edmunds’ Inside Line 2009 Readers’ Most Wanted Awards last June.


Offering high performance in superlative comfort, with high quality and a shape to please the eye, the all-new Nissan 370Z easily takes its place among the handful of the world’s top sports car offerings in Malaysia.


The selling price for the all-new Nissan 370Z starts from RM354,400 excluding road tax, insurance and registration related charges. Prices are valid in Peninsular Malaysia and subject to change without prior notice. Both vehicles come with a 3-year or 100,000km warranty whichever comes first.


The all-new Nissan 370Z can be exclusively viewed at selected Nissan showrooms in Malaysia from 19th August 2009 onwards.

Successor to Ferrari F430 revealed: The F458 Italia


Ferrari seem bent on upsizing the cubic cc of the engines of its "entry-level" super sports coupe through the generations, right form the 308, 328, 348, 355 to the 360 Modena up till the F430 Scuderia. Rising fuel prices (depleting petroleum resource), increasingly stringent emission control standards and energy/fuel conservation or not, it's now the F458 as the latest addition the the prancing horse stable. Still naturally aspirated, with no sight of any turbo, though it has direct fuel injection now.


In a nutshell, the F458 is the second Ferrari to have a 7-speed twin-clutch automated manual gearbox (after the California) and will zip to 100km/h in 3.4 secs, on the way to a top whack of 325km/h!

This is enabled by Ferrari's new 4.5-litre V8: with ratings of 570 hp at a heady 9,000rpm (!) and peak torque of 540Nm at 6,000 rpm.

Expect this to cross the RM2 million mark when it reaches Malaysia, sometime 2010 perhaps?








Saturday 25 July 2009

New Hyundai i30 in Malaysia now




INTRODUCING THE NEW HYUNDAI i30

The i stands for inspiration, a key driving force for all vehicle development at Hyundai Motor Company. But i also stands for intelligence and that is what customers have come to expect from Hyundai. In all these forms i lies at the core of any Hyundai brand promise. From this premise the "i" badge is a natural development.

Made and designed in the company’s Russelsheim Design and Technical Center for those who want stylish practicality with a distinctive dash of sporting flair, the i30 is aimed at Malaysians who wants something different, but with proven integrity and quality. The i30 opens a new chapter for Hyundai automobiles in Malaysia.

Creative Flair - the exterior

Flowing curves, emphasised by strong character lines highlight the broad stance and long wheelbase of the i30. The clearly defined unbroken waistline unifies a classic proportion. The effect is conservative, yet exciting, giving a dynamic impression of performance and capability.

The pronounced dual intake frontal styling seems to mould effortlessly into the bonnet and A-pillar lines. The upsweep of the rear window lines mirrors the lower character line. The harmonic effect creates a distinct and dynamic posture.

The sculpted rear appearance is achieved by a combination of qualified curves that extend the waistline and reflect the curvaceous front and side styling. Every element of the design works in harmony. The seemingly effortless interaction of front and rear light clusters, unobtrusive roof spoiler and superb front proportions, all contribute a powerful sense of proportion and purpose.

Dynamic refinement - the interior

The long wheelbase and generous width of the i30, combined with Hyundai’s acknowledged skill in interior space packaging have produced an interior fully focused upon class-leading comfort, functionality and practicality.

Dynamic refinement has been applied to every aspect, including air management, the light airy ambience, seating comfort and intuitive ergonomics.

The i30 was conceived from the beginning as a driver’s car. The clarity of the instruments, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, supportive bucket seats and optimal gearshift positioning are all evidence of this. For extra clarity, LCD technology has been used for the central info display and the instrument panel mounted display and warning lights. Generous directional air vents ensure optimum interior air management. Two-tone interior trim, with metallic soft paint treatment, together with special attention to the upholstery fabrics and materials has produced a vitalising and fresh, highly "European" interior environment.

Blue instrument lighting

Hyundai has adopted LED based blue instrument and minor control lighting throughout their upper market ranges. The advantages are less eyestrain and fatigue under all ambient light conditions, helping to maintain peak driver alertness and vision.

For years now Hyundai have been proving that a car does not have to be large to feel spacious or carry a premium price to offer an intelligent interior. Intuitive ergonomics are evident in all of the minor controls. The positive feel of the steering wheel audio/communication switches and column stalks, together with the easy to hand positioning of air conditioning and power windows and mirrors amply demonstrate this. The easy access to sunglasses holders, map pockets and other storage and storage areas are another Hyundai strength that characterises the i30. Even the positioning and precise feel of the automatic gearshift has been further optimised. All contribute to the reality of a driver’s car.

The ideal integrated interior

The i30´s dimensions at 4,245 mm long, 1,775 mm wide and 1,480 mm high, fit i30 totally to current C-segment expectations. In addition the long wheelbase of 2,650 mm offers superior inside spaciousness, which has received the full force of Hyundai intelligent interior design. The extra space allowed the designers to optimise every aspect of it. The result is increased freedom of movement, optimal seat and instrument positioning and increased comfort. Both front and rear legroom and headroom are well above the accepted average.

Rear space with the capacity to convince

The i30 matches above average occupant space with generous, easy access luggage capacity. A useful and fully useable luggage area gives an impressive 340 litres load volume with the rear seats upright. With the rear seats folded flat, the load space length and load volume are increased to 1,250 litres.

Engines and transmissions

The i30 comes with a choice of manual or automatic transmission power options. All petrol engines have 16v DOHC CVVT and variable inlet technology. The new 1.6 engine gives 121PS and 154 Nm torque, while the range topping 2.0 offers 143 PS with 186.3 Nm torque


Transmission

The 5-speed all-synchro transmission of the i30 has been specifically engineered to match the sporting nature of the car with short throw and really precise shifts. The 5-speed all-synchro transmission is only available for the 1.6 litre version.

The 4-speed automatic transmission has a new; more ergonomically located gate shift allows more precise control of the i30’s 4-speed automatic transmission. The result is smoother mode selection and access to quicker, easier more precise overrides.

Suspension and braking match the performance

In any of the three available launch versions the Hyundai i30 offers a dynamic, yet cultivated driving experience. Fitted with MacPherson strut front suspensions and multi-link rear suspension has been adopted to perfectly complement the high design rigidity. Ventilated 15 inch discs front and solid 14 inch rear* with 4-channel ABS and optional ESP* (only available for 2.0 litre version) mean the dynamic appearance is matched to real on-road handling control. The result is a car that simply demands to be driven.

Uncompromising safety

Like every other Hyundai, the i30 was safe even before it reached prototype stage. Advanced design systems and sophisticated computer simulation, combined with intensive component testing meant that by the time the real tests came only conceptual fine-tuning was required. That is typical of the Hyundai approach to safety. It begins on the drawing board, is thoroughly tested during prototype stage, and fulfils every expectation on the road.

Passive safety

The i30 is fully equipped to protect. In terms of passive safety it features dual front, side and seatbelt pre-tensioning. Also, as with every Hyundai vehicle, the passive safety features are fully grounded in a state-of-the-art safety structure. This includes deformable zones, occupant protection cell and 3-way load distribution technology. Further rigidity has been achieved with reinforced A-pillars, strengthened bulkhead, front and side members, toughened B and C pillars and full-length side impact protection.

Peace of mind features

Customer expectations in the C-segment have risen constantly over the past decade. The i30 is equipped to meet them. Rear mounted parking sensors that give and audible warning. ABS with EBD 4-channel ABS and deselectable ESP* (only available for 2.0 litre version) are standard on the i30 for advanced active safety. All Hyundai i30 comes with Hyundai’s assurance of 5 year, 300,000km warranty program which assures all customers of any unexpected repair or cost due to manufacturing defect. This is the longest warranty offered by any automaker in Malaysia.


The Hyundai i30 are priced at RM 92,388 (OTR) for the 1.6 M/T, RM 97,888 for the 1.6 A/T and RM112,888 (OTR) for the 2.0 A/T. The Hyundai i30 will be available for viewing at all Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn. Bhd. sales outlet from 1st August 2009 onwards.

Malaysian motorists can place their bookings at the nearest sales outlet or call its Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000 for more information.


Saturday 18 July 2009

Porsche Service Campaign 2009 in Malaysia

Click on image for more details


The annual Porsche Service Campaign is around the corner again. For 2009, the campaign will commence from the August 1st - 31st at Auto Eurokars' 3S Porsche Centre, Glenmarie in Shah Alam, Malaysia.

By participating in this campaign, Porsche owners will enjoy a free 24-points vehicle inspection with the new Porsche On Board Diagnosis II (OBD II) system and original parts discount up to 20% (additional 10% for Porsche Privilege Card holders).