New Porsche Cayenne: Momentum Launch

A first time SUV for Porsche AG, the Cayenne has been a delightful success for the most profitable automaker in the world. More than 150,000 units have found affluent owners around the globe after rolling off the production line in Leipzig, Germany since 2002. The all-terrain sports car had indeed set many benchmarks for the segment and the second-generation model is expected to carry on the momentum of its predecessor with greater efficiency. What is certain is that the new Cayenne will definitely push the boundaries set earlier and raise the benchmarks once again. Indeed even in its earlier incarnations, it has surpassed the 1st generation BMW X5 in on-road performance, yet at the same time as capable as a Land Rover off-road.

The much awaited 2nd generation Porsche Cayenne was launched to a crowd of around 300 media and guests at the Cayenne Pavillion of the Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Resort on Friday 9th March 2007. Guests were treated to a spectacular launch sequence flagged off by race-horses run to highlight the model’s theme: Momentum. The launch at the resort also provided an outdoor and airy feel that was in keeping with the spirit of the new model. This was also to link the dynamism of horses and the adventurous sporting environment like polo, horse racing or even taming the wild outdoors on horseback, with the new Cayenne.

For this 2nd generation Porsche Cayenne, many enhancements - mostly under the skin - will bring it to the forefront of SUV technology. Most significant new feature across the new Cayenne range is DFI or Direct Fuel Injection which enables more power but with improved fuel efficiency! It is quite amazing that the new Cayenne models have increased engine capacities (V6 up from 3.2L to 3.6L, S and Turbo up from 4.5L to 4.8L), more power (V6 up from 250bhp to 290bhp, S up from 340bhp to 385bhp, Turbo up from 450bhp to 500bhp) and yet have lower fuel consumption. Truly engineering advancements: higher performance, less fuel consumption.

Living up to Porsche's sporting heritage and badge, the new Cayenne promises to drive more like sports cars. Thanks largely to the new optional PDCC and standard ‘Sport’ button found in all models. PDCC is short for Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, which actively limits body roll in bends and balances out the car’s angle under nearly all driving conditions (following braking, steering inputs and take-off). Body movements are therefore minimized during even spirited drives, with the sporty Cayenne able to corner almost flat during such outings. The ‘Sport’ button allows for a more sporting and dynamic drive for models equipped with the Tiptronic S automatic transmission and PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management).

The most obvious change is to the exterior and the new Cayenne sports a more dynamic and distinctive front view thanks to a new slimmer headlight design, enlarged front air inlets, re-positioned fog lights and more contoured front shoulders.

At the rear, the new LED taillights add to the enhanced visual appeal together with a redesigned bumper with a diffuser and tail pipes in the lower apron.

The roofline is also lengthened with clever use of a new rear spoiler. All these styling enhancements not only serve to give the New Cayenne it’s distinctive arresting visual appearance but also bring in greater aerodynamic efficiency.

The new Cayenne is available now at Porsche Centre Glenmarie, Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Prices start at RM650K for the base Cayenne, RM765K for the Cayenne S and a cool RM1.1million for the Cayenne Turbo. All prices are quoted with the 6-speed Tiptronic S gearbox, without insurance.

Related Post:

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/03/new-2007-porsche-cayenne-in-malaysia.html

All New Toyota VIOS launched in Bangkok

Courtesy of Mr Peter Lee reporting from Bangkok, Thailand, these are the official pictures of this popular model replacement from Toyota.

Prices start at RM50K equivalent in Thai baht to the top-spec G trim asking for around RM75K.
In the royal kingdom however, life does not get cheaper even with the basic entry-level model, since all variants come with ABS standard. Options include leather seats, airbags and immobilizer but not the all important safety braking system.

From the pictures, its 1.5L engine remains largely unchanged. Also, the centrally placed meters are still present, but now with Optitron gauges for the 'G' version.

Update:

Significantly, the all-new VIOS' wheelbase has been increased to 2550mm (previously 2500mm). As a result, the passenger cabin is more spacious now (120mm extra) but the overall length of the car has been increased by just 15mm. In other words, wheels are increasingly being pushed nearer to the four corners of the vehicle. In growing evolution, boot volume is 19% more capacious than its predecessor, offering up to 475 litres.

Not wanting to discard a proven powerplant and likely in the interest of cost, Toyota's 1NZ-FE DOHC 16 valve 1.5L VVT-i engine soldiers on in this replacement model, albeit with claims of some minor improvements. Perhaps better fuel efficiency now? Power output and torque figures are the same as the Yaris, at 109bhp @ 6,000rpm and 141Nm @ 4200 rpm respectively. Transmission options are either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. No CVT options are available for the Thai/ASEAN market, as opposed to the JDM Yaris and Ractis with Super CVT-i (Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent). CVT allows for a smoother drive, with no perceptible gear shifts at all, as gear ratios are infinitely varied with the use of steel belts and pulleys. Another welcomed benefit would be lower fuel consumption due to lesser loss of power in transmission.

Related post: http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/03/all-new-2007-toyota-vios.html

Are century dash figures accurate?

By Dr Long

More often than not, almost all of us are taken in by performance figures claimed by manufacturers, be it in brochures, pamphlets, specs sheets, showroom display stands, auto mags, popular auto blogs and of course, in media advertisements. But how accurate and reliable are these numbers?

We have tested a precision automotive timing device by Tesla Electronics Inc. called GTech Pro SS Performance Meter over the last 4 months. Here are the eye popping results.

For 0-100km/h sprint, it was indicated as 0-60mph on display, for it is an American instrument. Since every of the following vehicles are tested with the same device, any errors due to differences between timing a sprint up to 96km/h or 100km/h is nullified.

Best timings are recorded as follows, after 8-10 runs (claimed performance figures in bracket):

BMW 325i E90 = 9.66secs (7.7secs)

BMW M5 = 5.33secs (4.7secs)
Brabus K4 = 8.82secs (7.5secs)
Honda City 1.5 iDSI = 14.68secs (10.8secs)
Mercedes-Benz E200K = 11.32secs (9.9secs)
Mercedes-Benz R350L = 8.66secs (8.3secs)
smart roadster = 11.28secs (10.6secs)

So the conclusion is not to take things at face value, not when it comes to century sprint figures!

Next report on the possible reasons and causes for the 'consistent' discrepancies...

Or is it a well-known secret that auto manufacturers are often a tad over-enthusiastic with their claims?

New 2008 BMW M3

By Dr Long

This is one highly anticipated E92-based variant from BMW, seeing that the newly-launched BMW 335i coupe is about as fast as the outgoing E46 M3. Without a doubt, this 2008 M3 will be even faster and all the more furious…naturally (pun intended)! Under the shapely and muscular hood is likely a 4.0L V-8 that punches out power figures in excess of 400bhp circa 8,000rpm. Century dash is expected to be sub-5secs and top end nothing short of 300km/h if unlimited.

These are pictures of the upcoming all-new M3 being shown at the 2007 Geneva Auto Salon as a concept. The production car is expected to look no different. Remember the E60 M5 Concept shown the same way a few years ago? Anyway, notable changes as compared to the ‘lesser’ coupe include the power-bulged hood, more aerodynamic wing mirrors, fussier looking front/rear bumpers, rear diffusers, carbon fibre roof and vented front plastic fenders with that all-iconic embedded M3 emblem. The other body parts of the 2008 M3 are however nicked off the standard 3-series coupe production line. These are regular items like BMW’s signature angel-eye headlamps, E92 taillights, doors, windows, windscreens and boot lid.

The sixteen-spoke 19" M-alloys should make it to the showroom unit. BMW’s M division manic-revving V8 ‘monster’ will transmit its brute to the tarmac – by way of the rear wheels, of course - via a conventional six-speed manual transmission or a robotised dual-clutch unit, not unlike Volkswagen-Audi Group’s DSG. It looks like the still-juddery and lurchy SMGIII (as featured in the M5) is history in the books of high performance BMW M cars, if the new M3 is the yardstick for things to come.

* Watch this blog for an upcoming drive report of the BMW E60 M5.

All New 2007 Toyota Vios

For Wheels correspondent in Thailand, Mr. Peter Lee, has reported that the all new 3rd generation Toyota Vios will be officially unveiled in Bangkok next week.
To be launched well ahead of the upcoming Bangkok International Motor Show 2007 (from March 30 – April 8, 2007), the new sub-compact sedan based on the Yaris, is actually a rebadged and tropicalised version of the JDM Toyota Belta.

In a departure from the usual Soluna/Soluna-Vios lineage, this popular sedan is no longer based on a cost-cutting ASEAN market platform. For instance, the 1st generation Soluna was based on the 80’s Toyota Tercel underpinnings. The second generation Soluna-Vios meanwhile, is pretty much an ASEAN only model which was not available in Japan. Both models obviously had no DNA linkages to the previous Yaris/Echo/Vitz hatchback.

On the other hand – and ironically - Toyota Vios’ main competitor, the upcoming all-new 3rd generation Honda City is rumoured to have a bargain-basement ASEAN platform, unrelated to the all-new Jazz/Fit design and structure.

A reversal of roles in the cards for both these highly anticipated replacement models? In Malaysia, the all-new 2nd generation Toyota Vios (we never had the sub-standard 1st gen Soluna anyway) is rumoured due as early as Q4 2007.

Watch this space for more updates as the new Belta…oops! I mean all-new Vios comes unwrapped in Thailand….

New 2007 Porsche Cayenne in Malaysia

By Dr Long

Spotted at Porsche Centre Glenmarie in Malaysia recently, were the new 2007 model Porsche Cayenne, Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo parked in Auto Eurokars’ stockyard. The changes seen are quite subtle with no drastic changes made by Porsche. After all, the Cayenne has been a healthy profit-making model for the high performance automaker since its late 2002 debut. As such, the newer design is more evolutionary than revolutionary, although the facelift has certainly made them sleeker. One of the sportiest of SUV around, the new Cayenne cuts a lither and more modern figure now.

Definitely more refreshing are the slimmer headlamps and the re-sculpted taillights. A wider and lower stance – as visible from the front - has been afforded by the more protruding flanks, flatter headlights, wider-extending air dams and aerodynamic front fascia. Other notable changes are a pair turning/parking lamps now tucked vertically (except for Cayenne Turbo) into the bilateral gaping grilles of the front bumper. Less obvious but sportier now are details such as the dual exhaust tips now jutting out through ovoid openings in the rear bumper, plus what appears to be a posterior lower air diffuser. The new Cayenne now looks even more like a high-riding 996/997, especially for the Cayenne Turbo.

Under the hood, even the base Cayenne gets a healthy +40bhp of power boost. Its normally aspirated (N/A) six-cylinder engine sees an increase in cubic capacity from 3.2 to 3.6L, enabling it to churn out 290bhp and 385Nm. 0-100km/h is in a claimed 8.1secs, before topping out at 227km/h.

One rung up is the Cayenne S, powered by a 4.8L N/A V8 VarioCam Plus powerplant capable of 385bhp (previously 340bhp) and a bolt-wrenching 500Nm of torque (up from 420Nm). Century sprint is achieved in 6.6secs and this S variant will nudge 252km/h at full pelt.

The ‘bad-boy’ of the family must be the Cayenne Turbo. Its Bi-Turbo VarioCam Plus 4.8L V8 motor now punches out 500bhp (previously 450bhp) and 700Nm (620Nm before). It will shoot from standstill to 100km/h in 5.1secs, on its way to a Vmax of 275km/h.

All Cayennes have permanent 4WD system dubbed Porsche Traction Management (PTM). Torque distribution is 38% front and 62% rear with electronically controlled centre differential. Enhanced Porsche Stability Management (PSM) – electronic stability program equivalent - is standard on all new Cayennes while Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) – adjustable air suspension system - is only standard on the Cayenne Turbo. New bi-xenon headlamps with dynamic cornering light are also fitted standard on the Turbo but a paying option for the others.

Prices are expected to start from RM650K, marginally cheaper than the pre-facelift ‘predecessors’. The new 2007 Cayenne will be available at Auto Eurokars’ Porsche Centre Glenmarie showroom from March 10 onwards.

All New 2007 Honda CR-V

By Dr Long

Honda CR-V, the ‘car’ that started the SUV craze in Malaysia since 1995. With grey imports and reconditioned units selling like hot cakes in the 90’s - before then local distributor Kah Motor realized its mass-market appeal. A second generation soon followed in 2001, larger and much improved with K20A i-VTEC 2.0L engine. Based on the 7th gen Civic, it offered lots of space, versatility and reliability.

Fast forward to 2007, an all new replacement model will dawn upon the local automotive scene very soon, 8th of March to be specific. Notable changes for this 3rd generation CR-V include a more forward cabin (base of the A-pillar has been shifted forward by 150mm), a ‘seamless’ and curvy window area, double layer front grilles, projector headlamps, flat blade aero-wipers and of course, all new metal sheets.

Most significant will be its engine change...over to an SOHC block! Codenamed R20A, this i-VTEC unit is an extension of the 8th gen Civic 1.8L powerplant. Claimed to be more fuel efficient despite similar output and torque figures compared to the K20A, this 4-pot pushes out 150bhp @ 6,200 rpm and 190Nm @ 4,200rpm. Transmission is an improvement too, now updated to Honda’s superb 5-AT. The part-time 4WD is retained, but it is claimed to be an improved version of its proven Advanced-Dual Pump System (A-DPS), strangely dubbed Real-Time 4WD by Honda.

Aerodynamics has improved as well, with Cd factor dropping significantly from 0.43 to 0.39. The resultant reduce in air drag will translate to better fuel efficiency, higher top speed and lower wind noise at highway speeds. The all-new CR-V also have a lower centre of gravity by virtue of a lower engine mount, spare tyre in a dedicated cargo floor space and lowered body sills bilaterally. Along with wider treads – both front and rear – this new model promises better on-road agility and handling (as highlighted in Honda Malaysia’s teaser ad). Wheelbase however remains the same as its predecessor, at 2620mm. Could this be a re-skinned replacement model still based on the ‘old’ 7th gen Civic’s platform?

So how much would all these evolutionary advancements add on to its selling price? List price of the outgoing CR-V is RM139,800 at present. Expecting this more solid and classier looking successor to command a little premium over the last model, a safe bet for this SUV would be a tag circa RM150K. Or maybe by some 'miracle' of modern manufacturing cost-savings...the same asking price? All will be revealed by Honda Malaysia very soon…

Update: Honda Malaysia has announced an OTR price of RM147,800 w.e.f. 8th March 2007.