2009 Ferrari California: Prancing Horse's new baby GT with a V8!

Due to go on sale in 2009, Ferrari California is an all-new Prancing Horse (earlier codenamed F149) sporting a roadster body with a folding hard top. Both chassis and bodywork are all-aluminium, in line with other current Ferrari models. The California will be powered by a new 4.3L V8 engine, mounted for the first time in the marque's history in the mid-front position. In traditional Ferrari transaxle layout, the V8 is coupled to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that optimises the car's performance and yet reduces fuel consumption and emissions (c.310 g/km CO2). The new V8 engine features direct fuel injection and a "flat crankshaft”. It generates 460ps at 7,500 rpm with a flat torque curve that enables the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds.

In line with Ferrari tradition, the new model also features several innovations. Apart from its folding hard top, these include the original 2+ concept which guarantees exceptional versatility of use in the rear of the car. Drive comfort is further enhanced by a new multilink rear suspension system. The Ferrari California is also equipped with the exclusive F1-Trac traction control system which made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano and has been further honed to suit the typical driving conditions expected for this new GT. Brembo brakes featuring carbon-ceramic material discs as standard guarantee consistently powerful braking.

The new sports car will be officially unveiled to the public at the Paris International Motor Show 2008. There is currently no plan to make a coupe version of the gorgeous California…but who knows?

New Mitsubishi Triton variants coming soon to Malaysia

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, the exclusive distributor of Mitsubishi Motors passenger cars and commercial vehicles in Malaysia will launch two new variants of the popular Triton pick-up truck this June.

Backed by rally-proven heritage, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Sdn Bhd is confident of increasing its pick-up truck market share with the new 3.2-litre 4x4 automatic and 2.5-litre 4x2 manual variants.

The pick-up truck sales volume saw a remarkable growth with 3,480 units sold in 2007, up 59.6 per cent from 2006, making Mitsubishi Motors' pick-up truck the second most popular pick-up truck in the country with a 15.7 per cent share in the segment. "The two new variants of the Triton are expected to appeal to a wider market – the 3.2-litre 4x4 automatic is the most powerful pick-up truck in its class while 2.5-litre 4x2 manual variant is light on fuel and affordable. Meeting the needs of high-performance enjoyment and off-road ruggedness, Malaysians can choose the best variant to suit their needs – be it for daily use or weekend drive," said Mr Keizo Ono, Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

Prior to the official launch of the new variants, the Triton 3.2-litre 4x4 is estimated at RM100, 000 and the 2.5-litre 4x2 at RM60, 000. The current available model - Triton 4x4 automatic and manual which are equipped with 2.5-litre direct-injection common-rail intercooled turbodiesel engine are priced at RM91,782.00 and RM86,782.00 respectively (on the road with insurance).

The Triton pick-up truck has garnered immense response since its launch in November 2006. It has earned praises for its exceptional handling, best in its class engine performance, futuristic exterior styling and comfort of a luxury sedan. It was awarded the Pick-up Truck of the Year award at the New Straits Times/ Maybank Car of the Year Awards 2007. For the second year in succession, the Triton also claimed the top honours in the Pick-up of the Year category of the Autocar ASEAN Car of the Year Awards 2007.

Related post:

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/06/drive-review-mitsubishi-triton-25l-di-d.html

New Naza 2S Centre in Shah Alam for Naza Forza and Sutera

Naza Forza and Sutera owners can now rejoice with the opening of the new Naza Corporation Service Centre which caters specifically to the Forza and Sutera.

The new Naza Corporation Service Centre which is based at 43, Jalan Pentadbir U1/30, HICOM Glenmarie Industrial Park, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor will officially be accepting the Naza Forza and Sutera models from Monday, 12 May onwards.

The new facility is fully equipped with spare parts, special tools and diagnostic equipment. It will also be handling all warranty jobs with regards to the Forza and Sutera. The new facility is staffed with eight fully trained personnel who are able to keep the Forza and Sutera properly maintained. Eight service bays are also available to ensure that all Forza and Sutera owners receive prompt and efficient service at all times.

Naza Forza and Sutera owners who would like to make appointments for service at the new Naza Corporation Service centre are advised to call 03-5569 0886 / 887 / 889. Opening hours for the new facility are as follows:

Monday – Friday : 9:00am – 5:30pm
Saturday : 9:00am – 1:00pm
Sunday : Closed

SM Nasarudin Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Utama SM Nasimuddin, Director of Naza Corporation Sdn Bhd said that the company is firmly behind the Forza and Sutera and the opening of this new service centre exemplifies the company’s full backing and commitment for the Forza and Sutera. Owners of the two models can be assured of competitive pricing as well as professional and prompt services when servicing their cars at the new service centre at Shah Alam. He adds that this is not the only new Naza Corporation Service Centre and that there are plans to open at least another four such centres in Johor, Penang, Kelantan and Terengganu. He mentioned that the other new centres will be opened before the end of 2008.

At present, the Naza Forza is also exported to countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand and Singapore. Exports to Thailand and Singapore which only began earlier this year are also said to be very encouraging with strong acceptance for supermini cars from Malaysia. Export sales amount to about 30% of total Naza Forza sales. Orders for the Naza Forza from the Thailand distributor have reached almost 600 units. Naza Corporation is also in talks to export the Forza to countries like Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Mauritius.

Perodua Nautica 4WD: Kembara's successor at RM89,800

Most of you would have reacted 'accordingly' by now to the relatively whopping sticker price of almost-RM90k for a compact SUV - rebadged as a Perodua - which is a short wheelbase version of the Toyota Rush, albeit with permanent 4WD.

The new Nautica 4WD is powered by a 1.5L DVVT engine (3SZ-VE) with a max output of 109bhp at 6,000rpm and 141Nm of torque at 4,400rpm. The same engine is likewise longitudinally mounted in the Toyota Rush 2WD and Toyota Avanza 1.5 budget MPV. As with both other cousins from Toyota stable, tranny of choice is 4-speed automatic. However, being a full-time 4WD with a centre differential lock differentiates it from its 'lesser' siblings.


Perodua doesn't pretend that the Nautica 4WD is an "affordable" (read: value-for-money) SUV for the masses like the Kembara before this, with the 2nd national car company setting a sales target of just 150 -200 units per month.

Related post:
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2008/04/perodua-nautica-4wd-is-kembaras.html

2009 Opel Insignia

Opel has announced that it will showcase its new Insignia at the 2008 London Motor Show this coming July. The Insignia will replace Opel’s current Vectra sedan. Developed at GM Europe’s International Technical Development Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the new Insignia will be sold in the U.S. as the next-generation Saturn Aura.

The Opel Insignia is a 4.83m sedan with a coupe-like profile featuring a distinctive radiator grille with a newly-designed Opel emblem, a sweeping front and rear light “wing” signature and a “blade” side contour that begins directly behind the front wheel arch and glides through the entire body flanks.

This successor to Opel Vectra will have 7 engine variants mated to either manual or automatic tranny, both 6-speed boxes. All powerplants meet stricter Euro 5 emissions standards. Four of them are petrol engines ranging from a 4-cylinder 115 hp unit to a V6 with 260 hp. Mostly for European market, the other three are direct-injection diesels of 2.0L capacity in different state of tunes, producing 110 hp to 160 hp. Driveline options are either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (AWD) with Adaptive Stability Technology – what Opel called FlexRide - which has ride and handling settings adjustable by the driver.

The all-new Opel Insignia will go on sale in Europe by Q4 2008.

Naza Group founder dies of cancer

Founder, chairman and CEO of the Naza Group Tan Sri S.M. Nasimuddin S.M. Amin passed away today (Thursday in the U.S) at 1.15am Malaysian time in Los Angeles, California. He was 53 and had received treatment for lung cancer.

The Naza Group, formed in 1974, has diverse interests which encompasses motor trading, motorbikes, manufacturing, transport services, machine tools and parts, engineering, plantation, cigarette distribution, credit and leasing, water crafts, properties, hotel operation and insurance. Naza Group is the franchise holder for Kia, Peugeot, Brabus, Hamann and Ducati bikes in Malaysia. It was recently appointed sole distributor and importer of Ferrari in Malaysia via establishment of Naza Italia. It also holds the import permits (A.P.) for Mercedes-Benz and Mazda automobiles.

My heartfelt condolence to the family members of Tan Sri, in the trying times of their bereavement.

Courtesy Drive: Mercedes-Benz C230 V6 (W203)

By Dr Long

With the new W204 C230 V6 nowhere to be seen yet (still rumoured to be due June/July 2008) in Malaysia, I reckon the courtesy car of a C230 2.5 V6 Avantgarde Sports - on loan by Cycle & Carriage Bintang (CCB) Berhad recently - did provide a nice glimpse of what to expect of the drivetrain of the new C230 successor from Mercedes-Benz.

Those of you who know me would have known that I am pretty much a fan of the 1.8L supercharged (Kompressor) M271 engine. Needless to say, I like this forced-induced 4-pot best in its C230 Kompresssor form good for 193bhp at 5800rpm with peak torque of 260Nm at 3500-4000rpm. Below is the M272 replacing the C230's heart circa 2005 (2006 locally), in the form of an all-aluminium V6 of 2.5L displacement.

The V6 is good for 204 bhp at 6100rpm and max torque 245 Nm at 2900-5500rpm; herein lies the difference between the old C230 Kompressor and the newer C230 V6. While the supercharged 4-pot is indeed more thrilling to drive with more urgent torque delivery, the normally aspirated V6 spells of finesse and refinement (NVH) in the way it gets up to speed. Added to this the 7G-Tronic tranny felt less busy and don't lurch as much as the 5-speeder mated to the 4-pot. No Kompressor whine, no buzz, no busy swing of revs associated with relatively frequent gears hunting. Just smooth sweep of climbing rev with the sweet point circa 4000rpm. Toyed with the paddle shifters I did and with the engine kept on boil above 3500rpm it was sheer pleasure taking this tester (oops! I mean courtesy unit) on winding trunk roads and some hilly stretches. All these while enconsced in Mercedes-Benz trademark smooth-gliding comfort - firm damping yet compliant ride. One thing I must mention here is that finally Mercedes-Benz has got their bi-xenon headlamp beams right - to shine bright and squarely on the road ahead, unlike the halogen-micmicking HID items with patchy illumination on the Avantgarde W211 E-Class (pre-facelift).

The chunky steering (pic below) was very nice to handle while weight and feedback doesn't quite match the E90 325i Sports, it is much more confidence-inspiring than even the new W204 C200K. Same goes for the Avantgarde Sports suspension vs the new C200K, Agility Control (standard as in new C200K) bollocks notwithstanding. It is interesting to note that 2007 C230 has its paddle shifter AMG-style i.e. '-' on the left for downshift and '+' on the right for upshifting. Prior to this I truly dislike the confusing and nonsensical bilateral rocker-switches (+/-) placed discreetly behind the steering wheel of the C230K of 2003-2005.

What you see above is some of the nicest aluminium trim in-cabin, the other one being found in the Audi A4 (B7) 2.0TFSI. I somehow wished the gear shifter knob can be transplanted to my w211 E200K! Side borders of the somewhat concave centre console are of soft-padded trim. Please knock on the corresponding items in the W204 if you get the chance!

The standard 17" French-made Pilot Primacy was grippy and silent, not bad in the wet too...for a Michelin Pilot range! Cross-drilled and ventilated front brake rotor looked the part (pic above) and fared very well scrubbing off velocity.

So in conclusion, the W203 C230 V6 still appeared quite classy (pic above) and relevant in the used car (junior-exec) market. More importantly, it still drives very well, with the V6 powerplant lending a more refined, classy and upmarket appeal to it as the last bastion of the top-end W203 in Malaysia. Chassis and steering dynamics are without a doubt - at least in this C230 AV Sports guise - better than the W204 C200K. It is with this that I am looking forward to sample the new (W204) C230 2.5 V6, bragging its much-touted Advanced Agility Control et al.

You may want to read this:

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/10/parting-impression-mercedes-benz-c200.html