All-new Porsche Cayenne previewed: price starts from RM550k in Malaysia!

This is the first new Porsche model to be unveiled under Porsche's new distributor in Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto Performance. Indeed, it has been quite a stellar performance under this new franchise holder's helmship, as reflected in its price tags, which have been revised to the tune of RM100,000 to RM150,000 downwards across the model range.

In a sneak preview of Porsche's all-new Cayenne for Porsche Club Malaysia (PCM) members, the 2nd generation Cayenne has been revealed to be priced as follows:

Cayenne 3.6 V6 - RM550,000
Cayenne S 4.8 V8 - RM680,000
Cayenne S Hybrid - RM720,000
Cayenne Turbo - RM940,000

All models come with 4-years free service + 4-years warranty.
Still want that BMW X5, X6 or even the Audi Q7?

All-new Peugeot 508

The all-new Peugeot 508 - successor to both Peugeot 407 and 607 - looks rather breathtakingly Germanic. Not to be undone by its brethren camp's Citroen C5, the body lines and contours are very teutonic versus its predecessors.

As the numbering nomenclature suggests, the new 507 will be bigger than the outgoing 407 in all dimensions. No engine sizes are confirmed at this moment but there will be a 200 hp-capable hybrid in the mix, available in both sedan and station-wagon (SW) guise. Expect a good range of turbodiesels and petrol units as the singular (fuel) power options.

The new 508 will go on sale sometime Q1 2011 in European markets, following a debut at the Paris Motor Show 2010 this October.

BMW 320d Sports

If the BMW 320d that you see above epitomizes the dawn of the modern turbo-diesel passenger cars in Malaysia, it is very promising indeed. Promising because it sips a maximum of only 8.1l/100km even with my persistent ('DS' mode) and absolutely maniacal highway blasts - with a power delivery that is absolutely intoxicating albeit churned out from a narrower powerband than a petrol motor. Even more promising is that it will beat the petrol-powered 320i hands down and renders it irrelevant. Most promising when the newer 'facelift' 320d will boast even higher outputs come year end (?) versus the current stock state-of-tune's 177 bhp + 350 Nm combo.




Needless to say, the E90's handling dynamics and steering's ability to convey agility/confident feel/feedback are one of the best in business. However, this is one selfish car. It will make the driver very happy, but less so the other occupants. Okay, perhaps the babe (or as the case may be: guy) riding along side will still be quite alright. Unlike the Mercedes W204 C-Class the rear seats are quite useless. They are cramped - with high central transmission tunnel not helping things and awkward curving side bolsters at the lateral shoulder level - ouch!

On rough and bad road surfaces, it just gets too jarring for the rear occupants . This sports suspension equipped E90 will easily induce car-sickness for back passengers, especially on B-roads as attested by my young ones. The other turn-off - for me at least least - is the gruffy idling (read: loud) and the incessant idling vibrations transmitted through the steering column, seat bottom and door trim which makes the 320d rather unbecoming for a premium Conti junior executive.

So in conclusion, if you love the drive of say, a Mk6 Golf GTI but would like something with a proper boot, a 'classier' badge and something that returns way higher kilometers to the litre of fuel, this should be top in your list. There is no other diesel-powered saloon like this at this price point, with such engaging and sporting intent. Just make sure you are a single yuppie - and loving it - or if you are married (without kids) you have a mother-in-law whom you would like to shake off from following you on roadtrips!











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Is this the all-new Porsche 998 slated for 2011/2012?

Well...at least according to German car mag 'Auto Bild'. Their renderings of the all-new Porsche 911 seem the brightest of em all - among all the grey/black spy shots thus far. On thing is clear though: the return of the new 998 series to the roots of the 993 - the stalked wing mirrors being a very prominent feature - with more upright headlamps versus the outgoing 997. However unlike the 993, the new 998 test mules have been spotted to have longer wheelbase, a more sloping rear screen and wider tracks too. Expect further power output hikes with probably even the base Carrera 3.6 with maximum punch of closer to perhaps 390 hp (currently 355 hp).