Wheels Weekly

Live Life Drive Nov 2011 Issue is Out! - The all new BMW 3 Series

2011-11-05T21:47:00.001+08:00

Live Life Drive Oct 2011 Issue is out! - Automotive Heritage Three Part Special

2011-10-31T23:21:00.002+08:00

Live Life Drive Sep 2011 Issue is out! - You don't need titles when you're awesome enough

2011-09-05T07:08:00.003+08:00

Live Life Drive Aug 2011 Issue is out! Celebrating 25 Issues of Shining Moments

2011-07-30T17:44:00.001+08:00

Wheels Weekly Issue 25 is out! - Just What Constitutes a Luxury Car?

2011-07-04T14:22:00.001+08:00

Wheels Weekly Issue 24 is out! - New Car vs Good Car

2011-07-04T14:21:00.000+08:00

Wheels Weekly Issue 23 is out! - Why Kuala Lumpur is better than Nürburgring

2011-07-04T14:19:00.001+08:00

Wheels Weekly Issue 22 is out! - Japan 110311

2011-07-04T13:59:00.002+08:00

Wheels Weekly Issue 21 is out! - Has the Japanese lost their MOJO?

2011-04-03T22:55:00.001+08:00

Wheels Weekly Issue 20 is out! - Lotus vs Lotus Is this FUN?

2011-04-03T22:54:00.001+08:00

Wheels Weekly Issue 19 is out! - FWD vs RWD Does it Matter?

2011-04-03T22:53:00.003+08:00

Wheels Weekly Issue 18 is out! - Sorry Kids, Cars Ain't Gonna Fly

2011-04-03T22:42:00.003+08:00

Wheels Weekly Issue 17 is out! - "Terima Kasih Proton"

2010-10-12T01:38:00.002+08:00

Wheels Weekly Issue 16 is out! - Celebrating 100 years of Greatness and Craziness

2010-10-05T03:01:00.003+08:00

Wheels Weekly Issue 15 is out! - Car Ads, Can You Remember Them?

2010-10-05T02:59:00.002+08:00

Wheels Weekly Issue 14 is out! - iPhone 4.0, CarMag 2.0

2010-10-05T02:58:00.002+08:00

Wheels Weekly Issue 13 is out! - Crossovers, are they the best of both world? Or belonging to neither?

2010-10-05T02:56:00.002+08:00

Taken with Sony's new NEX-5

2010-08-02T01:03:00.001+08:00

From My Car

Wheels Weekly Issue #12 is OUT! - "Toyota's Unintended DEceleration

2010-03-27T13:51:00.003+08:00

GOOD DAY FOLKS, welcome to one of the most interesting issue we’ve done. As said, we are different, we care about different things, we talk about different things, but nevertheless, it has something to do with the automotive industry. In this issue, as you can see from the very grim cover page, we talk about Toyota, on a global scheme, what exactly happened, why, and how we should view this entire incident that’s happening predominantly with Americans only, even though Toyota’s recall includes cars from Europe as well.

We also talked about the troubles that one has without a GPS, but also the loss of fun with a GPS. There’s a review on the BMW 320d, the first preview on the Audi A5 that’s bound for our shores, and also why we think policemen shouldn’t speed, even when they’re trying to apprehend a couple of crooks. Lastly, if you may notice, we’ve twitched our wonderwall into including only cars that range from RM70,000 and above towards RM1 million. Wondering how much they cost per month if you were to pay a 10% downpayment? Check it out.

As for those of you who thought the amounts are preposterous, check out the very last page where we show a road map to success, which is rather interesting. Enjoy the read.

Warm regards,

Bobby Ang

Editor

Wheels Weekly Issue 11 is out! 2010 Gen

2010-03-09T01:13:00.003+08:00

Finally, this may I say, is one of the hardest issue to do, and some of the hardest weeks we’ve gone through. First of all, there’s the CNY holidays that disrupts our delivery, hence the delay in this issue, apologies for all who asked for their favorite cup of white coffee. Here’s one extra large with double whipped cream added without charge. This week’s issue is definitely one that tested our editorial team’s capability to the very extremes, there’s almost a hundred newly unveiled cars in Geneva this week, and we have to handpick them, study their news worthiness and then deciding upon which to be published. We can’t group cars from the same automaker together, as that might be seen as a form of obvious support for certain automakers, those that eventually got placed alongside will then eventually be rearranged if the colors doesn’t quite match up within the same page. And then there’s the group collage photo of up to 60-70 pictures that we need to place to give you readers the feeling of being at the show. We are lucky though, as our European correspondent is the one who’s sweating and running around in helping us coming back with the entire motorshow’s coverage.

And of course, we talked about insights, and this week, something’s rather peculiar as we somehow find that car journalists are pretty much people you cannot trust. Yes, don’t trust us, as most of us could no longer tell the real side of the story. Hope you enjoy the massive coverage, enjoy!

Warm regards,
Bobby Ang
Editor

Wheels Weekly Issue #10 is OUT!

2010-02-23T05:31:00.003+08:00

Wheels Weekly's 10th issue is out! In this new issue, we became the first publication in Malaysia to review and reveal the Audi R8 V10! The gobsmackingly fast and technologically advance Audi supercar! Also, we are the first to reveal how the new Volkswagen Touareg and the new Kia Sportage that will send shivers over Toyota's RAV4!

We also delve in-depth into how the Mercedes Benz will split the upcoming Mercedes A-Class and B-Class, with one catering to the mini MPV market, whilst another will go head on with the likes of BMW 1-Series, Audi A3, and Lexus' CT200h. Interestingly, we also talk about how the Prius and peculiarly, the iPhone kills their competitors - in very much the same way.

Enjoy the world's fastest car magazine, and arguably - also the 'largest'. Ehem. :)

Bobby

Wheels Weekly Issue #09 is OUT! - Are Eco Cars The Way of The Future?

2010-01-26T14:21:00.001+08:00

Good day everyone, our 9th issue is out! In this week, as you can most probably see, we talk about Eco. Eco cars to be precise, are we moving in the correct direction? Is millions of affordable eco cars that's surging ahead into the market good for our future? This came about when our editor at large Jack Baruth visits the Detroit Auto Show, discovering manufacturers of all likes proclaiming their eco initiatives, yet knowingly hide an inconvenient truth that's bound to ricochet its way towards our future generations. As the first for new cars, there's the first four door Mini, Honda's beautiful small car for India, the Peugeot SR1 that previews and show how all forthcoming Peugeots will look like, the very first Volkswagen Coupe since the Corrado, Mazda's new MPV, Opel's new Meriva with suicide doors and much more.

Also, we took the new Mercedes Benz E-Class E300 to a 1000 kilometer test drive spanning 3 days, and we realized one thing, Mercedes is back in business to bring everyone back to senses on how a mid size premium executive sedan should be. Yes, everyone veered in the wrong direction for the past few years. Then we talk about 'Rich Corinthian Swaybars', cars that should be comfortable, spacious and luxurious trying to be sporty as well.

Lastly, we preview how the new Chevrolet Aveo will look like, and the new Audi R4 electric supercar. So what you folks are waiting for? Go ahead to your nearest (major) newsstands, 7-11 and MyNews.com outlets to grab a copy of the latest Wheels Weekly at the price of only a cup of white coffee. Caution: Hot.

Regards,

Bobby

Wheels Weekly Issue #08 is OUT! - The Sad Sad Saab Story

2010-01-10T14:54:00.004+08:00

Greetings to all readers of Wheels Weekly! In this issue that marks the beginning of a new year, it could've been easy for us to do an article on what new cars to expect for the new year - but then we aren't really car buying guides, most of our readers know what car they'd rather invest on, enthusiastically or practically. What we delve into this issue, as you can see from the cover page, is a story on how Saab, this brand loved by many and of course ourselves at Wheels Weekly - Failed.

Of course not all's doom and gloom, we have a grand feature of Brabus, in compliance with the launch of the new Brabus E-Klasse, we talk about how Brabus further refined Mercedes Benzes. As for Aston Martin's launch of the Cygnet, we talk about how on earth could one of the best and the worst car - is the same car. Next up, our review of the Volvo S80 makes us feel that there should be more of these on our roads. There's also an article on the Heico Volvo S80 HPC, where one might wanna re-think if they deem Volvo as un-sporty.

Interestingly, we have a special feature on just what Wheels Weekly is about, where for first time readers, we talk about how different we are, what we actually talked about from the beginning of the first issue, and of course, again clarifying that we are indeed a local produced, published car magazine where the entire concept, write up, editorial are all planned locally in Malaysia, even though we provide great global coverage and a special columnist from United States.

As for new cars to round up the issue, we feature the new Mercedes E-Klasse Cabriolet, the most powerful BMW Z4 sDrive35i and previewed Mini's new 4x4 Crossover.

So go grab a copy, all these, at the price of just a cup of hot, steamy White Coffee at RM3.90

Bobby

Wheels Weekly Issue #7 is OUT! - The Sun Shines on Volkswagen!

2009-12-18T05:30:00.005+08:00

Dear all readers! Issue 7 is ready and out! A very special issue as Volkswagen is on our front page! Not just Volkswagen, but the entire group consisting Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Seat, Skoda, Porsche and Lamborghini! Reason behind? Check it out, and we bring you from Volkswagen's past, to what they are today - "The World's Largest Car Manufacturer" and also winner of "European Car of The Year"

Also, we show you the new Mercedes E-Class, and a world's first, to publish the Mercedes Benz E-Class Cabriolet, and also a rumored E-Class Shooting Brake! Next, out of pure coincidence, the entire new lineups of Alfa Romeo was present in this issue, along with the unveiling of the new Audi A8.

In short, there's just too much excitement going on in this issue, along with the announcement of Car of the Year 2009/2010!

Drive Safe People

2009-12-12T15:54:00.002+08:00

Australia's population is slightly less than that of Malaysia, however car ownership is much higher. Yet, as shown in this video, 20 years back, 776 Australians died in road accidents, whereas by year 2008, the fatality rate has dropped to 303. Malaysia on the other hand, had 7,800 people meeting their fate on the streets every year. That is a staggering 20 fold that of Australia's. Drive safe people. You might get away today, but perhaps not tomorrow.

Issue 6 Center Cover

2009-12-07T12:46:00.000+08:00

Wheels Weekly Issue 6 Coming Soon! New BMW 5 Series & Perodua Alza !

2009-11-26T14:34:00.005+08:00

Hi all, issue 6 is coming soon!

In this issue, we're the first to bring you the new 2010 BMW 5 Series, the Perodua Alza and Kia's new Forte!

Not only so, contrary to what we all see and hear, we'll show you the Panamera's history, in that it is NOT Porsche's first take on a 4 door car. Interesting? You bet.

Also, we bring you two of the sexiest cars from Volkswagen's stable, a complete rundown on how Chris Bangle saved BMW and transformed the automotive industry.

Yeah, the cover's not all chili and spices, but the new 5 series is definitely something BIG.

Regards,

Bobby

TO ADD:

Here's what you will see in issue 7

Wheels Weekly Issue 5 On the WAY! & FT-86 Cabriolet Unveiled

2009-11-04T19:59:00.005+08:00

In our 5th issue, we go in depth into understanding the Lexus hypercar - LFA, with an exclusive center page spread of the LFA made up of thousands of thumbnails of Toyotas. There's also a great road trip to Taiping, where we travel in three Fiats, making our visit to a town where time still lingers to an era where Fiat's are still commonly known in Malaysia. There's also great story developments of how creations by our residential automotive manipulator, Theophilus managed to spin online medias in a rumor frenzy, resulting in PR divisions of Hyundai and GM stepping out to clarify things.

Interestingly, our man of men Jack Baruth gives tips into how a sloppy 20+ year old can enjoy test driving exotics with simple tactics and also our two cents into 'teaching' automakers how to make money by adopting telco's business practices.

Of course when it comes to cars, we're quick, whether its official, or AP. Anyone with some considerable cash to splurge on SUVs might want to check out what else is available in this market besides Muranos and XC60s? How about something from Toyota? By the name of FJ Cruiser? Yes, it is in Malaysia and we give you a first look at what's expected.

Lastly, we did interesting updates to our Off Beat section,which is certain to entertain.

Regards and hope all of you enjoy yet another exciting issue.

Bobby

P.S - What we miss out at time of print

Toyota mentioned the recently unveiled FT-86, which is slated to be a dedicated RWD affordable coupe that's designed for drifting, will have a cabriolet sibling. Here goes.

Wheels Weekly Issue #4 is OUT!

2009-10-22T00:46:00.004+08:00

Hi everyone, we're happy to announce that Issue 4 is on its way now on trucks, delivery vans to every newsstand and myNews.com!

In this issue, we bring you Takumi's new drifter! the new Toyota FT-86 drift machine that's set to fuel the fire burning within petrolheads.

Also we made a special trip to supercar valley, where we found the ultimate speed heaven for Malaysians. Lamborghini? Ferrari? Porsche? Aston Martins? Zagatos? Valentino Balboni? There're all there. Not for show thou, they're racing up and downhill. Initial D? Super Initial D to be exact. We also show you how the Koreans came from the humble years of the Gukje Sibal; to what Honda's CEO described as 'Awesome'. For new cars, we have a slew of cabriolets including the Chevrolet Camaro, Porsche Panamera, Peugeot RCZ. Crazy? You bet.

Lastly, we also talked about how automotive journalists, in their attempt of wanting to be perceived as 'a higher being' begin talking about a car's lack of soul. . . screw them? You bet. Read our point of view.

AND.... ever anyone wandered why certain countries drive on the left while others on the right? We'll tell you why.

Wheels Weekly, not just the fastest car magazine around.

Oh, and unlike many best seller, its 100% locally produced and published. (Ok, one of our editor's American thou)

Happy Deepavali from Wheels Weekly!

2009-10-17T14:46:00.003+08:00

Image: TheophilusChin

Wheels Weekly Issue #3 is HERE!

2009-10-08T04:49:00.001+08:00

Hi everyone, our third issue is now out and subsequently will reach vicinities of KL on Thursday, slowly covering market centers on Friday and reaching all places nationwide by Sunday.

So what do we have now in this issue? SUPERB stuffs as always, we're the first magazine in the world to publish the Lexus 'CT200h'; a new hybrid sports premium hatch by the Japanese juggernaut's luxury arm. Next up, Honda shows three eco-troopers that showcases how hybrids or EV cars can suit each's unique lifestyle needs. Subaru shows a unique 4 seater hybrid gullwing. Also, we're also the first in the world to show you Land Rover's LRX, a compact crossover that oozes style in every square inch.

Next up, our dear Jack Baruth reviewed the Audi S5 that packs a 4.2 liter V8 engine; decided that he loved the car just too much, AND BOUGHT ONE! He also ordered one with a very interesting color. We also show you the European Car of The Year candidates, all of them, and of course, our two cents on the panel's choices (some are really not that convincing). We'll also talk about why front wheel drive cars are underrated, and the problem with car buyers not confident enough to pick colors they liked.

Lastly, this month marks Mini's 50th birthday and we did a special commemoration article on the Mini, it's history, achievements and future; not only so, our little mascot is now a Mini!

Grab a copy now! For the price of just a cup of white coffee.

Wheels Weekly Issue #2 is COMING SOON!

2009-09-23T00:57:00.002+08:00

Hoped you all enjoyed our first issue last week, where we brought you exclusive insights into the new Ferrari 458 Italia, BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics and our review on not just any Nissan GTR, but a 800hp Nissan GTR; and oh for those who’ve just got back from your long holiday, preparing for work tomorrow…. FRET NOT … .our second issue’s here!

In this exciting second issue, we bring you first hand one of the greatest showdown – Mclaren MP4-12C VS Mercedes Benz SLS AMG! One carries the genes and DNA of the legendary Mclaren F1, while the other, had a predecessor that dominates motor racing 50 years back. Not only so, they both collaborated 10 years back developing the one and only Mclaren Mercedes SLR. Can both of them live up to expectations?

Next, we’re also the first that brings you exclusive preview of the one car that signifies the end of Rolls Royce’s dominance on the top of the automotive hierarchy charts – The Majestic Bugatti 16c Galibier, arguably the ultimate automobile; personified. Not contempt to let Bugatti stealing all the limelight for their first 4 door supersedan, we also show, first hand the Aston Martin Rapide.

There’s just too much in this second issue, two Mercedes that packs a combine 1,550hp; an Audi supercar that has three times the torque of a Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghini Reventon Roadster and so much more.

As for reviews, we bring you for a drive in the crazy Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, and a world’s first – The New Volvo S60 that would rather be called Sex Sixty. And lastly, we tell you why it is now the end, and the beginning of great Japanese cars.

Ok.. enough leaks, go grab a copy; for the price of a cup of coffee at only RM3.90

Cheers!

Bobby & Theophilus
Wheels Weekly Editor

Selamat Hari Raya (also)

2009-09-18T18:12:00.002+08:00

Greetings to all our Muslim friends, have a safe trip on the way back to your hometown. As for the picture, it's from one of our articles in our first issue that shows how Proton could build a car perfect for Malaysians who loved sedans, yet needs the seating capacity of an MPV. 3 seater up front, 3 seats at the back with 4 sets of seatbelts (just in case).

So for all of you who'd driving back, buckle up, drive safe, do not sms while you drive, as it not only endangers your family, it's also against the law.

Another extra advice here, even though it's permitted by law, DO NOT:

1. Pick your nose while driving
2. Scratch your anus while driving
3. Pick up items dropped onto the footwell
4. Make a sandwich
5. Apply lipstick or adjust your bra
6. Program your radio frequency for other states (i.e. Hitz is 95.00 in Seremban)
7. And plenty else, which are all permitted

Serious advice here:

If you happen to have a tyre puncture that is under control, light up your hazard lights and continue the journey at the leftmost lane (emergency at best) all the way until you reached a rest house or R&R/Petrol Station.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO STOP BY THE ROADSIDE OR EMERGENCY LANE TO CHANGE YOUR TYRES AS SEEN IN MOVIES

Yes, it sounds absurd, but continue to drive with a punctured tyre that might damage your rims a bit is not as dangerous as being rammed by a lorry from behind.

Take care and drive safe.

Ken Block gives surprise to big talking Dirt 2 rally gamers

2009-09-15T11:11:00.002+08:00

Think you're good at rally games? How bout the real thing? See how well you perform:

1. Screaming with the occasional OMG
2. Silent Scream
3. Practicing weird breathing

Must watch? A definite.

Wheels Weekly Magazine

2009-09-09T17:35:00.007+08:00

Hi to all auto-philes!

We bet most of you love reading car magazines, we too are loyal fans of Autocar, Top Gear and the likes of Car Magazine to name a few. However, like most of you, we finish reading them in about 2 days, and then sit hopelessly waiting for the next 28 days to go past, stretching our necks whenever we go past magazine stores.

This then, is the exact reason why Wheels Weekly Magazine is created, through collaborations from professional racing drivers in USA, automotive archivists in Europe, and your residential automotive manipulator, we bring you the fastest car magazine in town. Published every week, we’ll definitely quench your thirst whilst waiting for your favorite mag.

What you can find in Wheels Weekly is very different from the rest of your usual car magazines, what we bring you, are the latest new cars, yet to be unveiled cars, industry insights, studies into automotive designs, and non biased reports on cars. The reason being for us to have this high level of journalism integrity, is that not only we do not accept advertisements from products or brands we don’t encourage our readers to buy, we also limit our ads to a handful, and to make things (financially) worse, we do not even hire advertising sales personnel. This then gives us unprecedented freedom in automotive journalism, and we promise you, there won’t be car reviews that ends with ” ….. in the end, the choice is yours ….. ” we’ll just tell you fairly straight, which is better and why.

Also, in this first edition, we bring to you reviews of a 800hp Nissan GTR, the new 458 Italia, complete detailed information of the new BMW Vision ActiveHybrid Concept, and many more insights into automotive industry.

So, how much is one copy? At the price of a cup of white coffee – RM3.90 per issue.

Check it out at your nearest news stands by tomorrow (Friday September 11th) and all MyNews.Com outlets. Unfortunately, we still haven’t gain access into petrol stations, 7-11s, MPH and Borders; hopefully as we slowly gain support, we’ll be better looked up upon.

One apology we would like to make clear thou, is a huge error we’ve made in this very first issue, an article with photos and reports that don’t match (Page 9, ‘Audi Untamed Ze Electricity’), and the completely forgotten editorial notes that we left no space for after cramming in the most latest news at time of print. We assure you we regret the mistakes and would strive to reduce errors to the most minimal possible in upcoming issues.

Yes, in a world full of newspapers wrapping up, going online, we are the very first that’s reversing the trend, not because of strange economic theories, but from within the heart passion, that we think we’re answering many’s prayers.

Have an enjoyable read by tomorrow, and to all of Wheels Weekly's American, European readers, apologies as this blog will now be put on idle mode, till being replaced by our new website. But if any of you were to come over here to Malaysia, FREE copies, for as long as your holiday lasts. Cheers!

Regards,

Bobby

Editor

Reminder: Awesome Kias on the way to Malaysia

2009-09-01T11:22:00.004+08:00

Kia Soul, a wonderful crossover that's been winning reviews all over the world, show case Kia's design prowess (after snatching 25 year Audi design chief Peter Schreyer) and ambitions. Not exactly a small car, equipped with 1.6 or 2.0 engines, versatile, and fun. Yes, currently the only car that can wear stickers, checkers and vinyls as innocently as a Mini.

Yupe, the Spectra's a tired name, how about knowing Kia showing you their Forte? A genuine Civic/Corolla competitor; not sure if it'll snatch sales from either, but seeing from its handsome proportions, improved build quality, it stands like out smartly alongside hideous Nissan Latios.

The Kia Koup signifies the return of a segment we Malaysians used to love - Hairdresser's sports car. Remember the popularity of the first generation Hyundai Coupe? Our dear old Proton Putra? The great number of youngsters that just want a good looking car? Perhaps the lack of such a product from our market had faded interests in fans, but with the Koup coming back, we might see plenty of young owners in one.

Ok, there are other Kias along the pipeline, but these I reckon are the most significant ones (except the Koup which might not come at all), but they're all on sale overseas now thou. Kia has been catching my attention for quite a while now with their slew of excellent products, one thing that still bothers me is that I'd hope they come with individual model branding and badging aka Japanese Toyotas.

"America, We Have Re-Ignition"

2009-08-30T03:20:00.002+08:00

GM's new branding ad for Cadillac, themed "Re-Ignition" got Americans on a patriotic ride of 'space' adventure, only that it's Mojave rather than the Moon. Showing the countdown launch of the CTS Sedan, bursting out of a bunker like a space rocket, then a going thru three stages of 'deployment' (as if reaching outer space) of transition, showcasing the CTS Sports Wagon, SRX SUV and finally - The CTS Coupe; Yupe, the PRODUCTION version of the CTS Coupe. Thrilled? Am too. Cool ad. Here goes a few pics of the CTS Coupe.

Mini Coopé Concept Official!

2009-08-26T14:46:00.004+08:00

Mini unveiled the long rumored Coupe concept earlier today before the in-the-flesh debut at Frankfurt Motorshow. Marking its first foray into creating new segments for the Mini brand, continuing BMW's intent of expanding this Mini Money Minting Machine further. Shown here as a cabriolet, yet not naming it Mini Roadster, means there's gonna be a hard top following this. Drawing inspiration from the rather un-inspired-slightly-tired-Mini-look up front, the Coupe does its job by leaving behind the rear bench seats, and a roof that looked somewhat like a reversed baseball cap atop, leaving behind a rather tight rear view.

Of course since its a Mini, and coming from BMW, it will definitely handle well, not too sure if it intends to contend VW's upcoming BlueSports Concept or straight into Audi TT category; as a cute Mini it is, a tame one it isn't. The Mini Coupe Concept is powered by a rather high pressured 1.6 liter twin scroll turbo charged engine pumping out a strong 211hp and 260NM of torque, not contend, they even added an overboost function that temporarily boost torque figures to 280NM - Amazing for a 1.6 liter engine, and taming even the Mini John Cooper Works.

Inside, ~~featuring not only the quirky Openometer which debuts in the new Cooper Cabriolet that shows you how long you've kept the roof down, the Coupe Cabriolet~~ also comes with a big circular 'Stop Watch' for potential lap times and 0-100km/h sprints - I like, and a normal clock - I don't really like. (Thanks Paul for the correction)

Nevermind the fact that Mini itself is already a two door, and there's also a cabriolet, this Coupe Concept, should have no problem getting the nods from show goers on the upcoming Frankfurt Motorshow and then proceeding into production. As always, BMW rarely unveil concepts they don't intend to build, and we can always smell ones that they do.

Perodua Vois

2009-08-25T18:44:00.002+08:00

The almighty Theophilus Chin dreamt up of an affordable Perodua 4 door sedan derived from the old and obsolete Toyota Vios. Much like Seat's attempt with the old B7 Audi A4 Seat Exeo. Must say the render's pretty good with some stylistic changes familiar with Perodua (note the headlamp line-bump, aka Myvi's take on Passo)

One thing got me, even if Perodua really did the Vois, will owners start buying Vios bumpers and Toyota logo sticking all over it? LoL~ Good one Theophilus.

Source: TheophilusChin

Epic Crash Scenes from Macau Circuit

2009-08-25T18:26:00.004+08:00

Wonderfully entertaining, I believe hidden beneath the secret wishes of each racing fan that actually bought tickets and witness races, this is what they rather see. Thanks to Tom from ZTH for this amazing collage of race crashes.

Source: Zerotohundred

Le Mans practicing what F1 does best?

2009-08-25T17:07:00.002+08:00

Conventional wisdom suggests that if you worked hard, you'll be rewarded. But that wasn't always the case when it comes to economics, if you're trying to be a smart ass, someone earned less, you'd be penalize. That's what we frequently see in F1, or many other races for that matter, rules change in favor of your opponents if you worked hard, earned the medals - many times too often. It is exactly this sort of bullshit that turns off those in favor of advancements achieved from motor racing. Remember Audi debuting Quattro 4WD systems into Rally in the mid 80s, and subsequently the British Touring Car Championships? Having dominated the racing series, 4WD was banned. Yeap, instead of allowing car teams to quickly adopt new technologies, racing officials did the opposite, for fear of lesser income from spectators as a result from too predictable wins.

One racing series we've always hope to achieve F1 popularity is the 24Hr Le Mans, one that pushes cars running at velocities similar to F1 pods, yet requires them to run 24hrs continuously (For the record, most F1 races ends before hitting 120 minutes) this form of endurance racing arguably requires more both technological breakthroughs not only in speed, but reliability and durability as well.

As of year 2006, Audi after bringing 4WD into racing decades back, brought Diesel to the focal point of racing, by introducing the Diesel powered R10 Le Mans racer, Audi dominated the series, pushing diesel technology and popularity towards another spectrum, quickly, Peugeot followed suit with the 908 HDi Le Mans car, and quickly, they became the 1-2 podium standees race after race.

Sad thing is, the officials for Le Mans now decides to add a bit of Mosley and Ecclestone into the equation, by penalizing these fore runners of Le Mans technological frontiers. News has it that by 2010, all Diesel powered racers from Le Mans will be required to add a 30kg weight penalty, reduced air intake (imagine closing your mouth during a 100 meter sprint), and reduce turbo charging pressure from 2.75 bar to 2.59 bar.

As for Hybrid racers that carries an electric engine with them, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) says that nothing was put in place yet as 'statistical figures' haven't quite determined their advantage (Translate: Wait till they start winning races).

This startles me, as to why not allow individual teams to develop their own technology and race till death? So if there's a god-sent driver that wins regardless of what car you put him into, what're they gonna do? reduce his height? Or requires him to put on 30kg weight?

Samoa to Change Traffic Direction on 7th of September 09

2009-08-25T16:51:00.003+08:00

Tiny Pacific Island country Samoa is about to be charted into history books this coming 7th of September, by not only becoming the first ever country to switch sides of traffic since 1970, but also the very first one in history to do it from Left Hand Drive, to Right Hand Drive.

Reports suggests this move is more economically motivated than politically, as with many countries that had switched from RHD to LHD over the past century; Prime Minister Tuilaepa cited because Samoa's two nearest neighbors, New Zealand and Australia are both RHD countries, it would only benefit Samoans when after the switch, poor Samoans will then be benefitted by the 170,000 or so clunkers from these countries

For the record, there's no Right Hand Drive or Left Hand Drive, there's only Right Hand Drive and Wrong Hand Drive. As we're supposed to drive by keeping to the left, with the steering on the right; before Napolean Bonarparte switches it for tactical and political reasons, followed by Americans ideological move to distant themselves from the Brits, then rest is history with America producing most of the world's vehicles after WW1 and WW2.

BMW Test Mule spotted in Afghanistan

2009-08-25T16:23:00.004+08:00

Image Source: Jalopnik

Evo X turns prancing horse into somersaulting horse

2009-08-25T16:04:00.002+08:00

Remember the video we posted earlier on where an Israeli driver got the shock of his life when he thought horses should keep to their own lanes? Here's something better, horses attempting to jay~~walk~~trot over what appears to be an angry Mitsubishi Evo X rally car. What's next? Expect the horse to get the fastest ever 360 degree view in its lifetime.

Hondas are just amazing - NSX submarines (almost)

2009-08-25T15:42:00.003+08:00

Check out this Honda NSX, an 11 year old super car going through something that would stall a Toyota Camry. Must watch.

New Citroen DS3 First Photos!

2009-08-25T00:52:00.002+08:00

Another MIni beater? Yes, and Citroen's going all out considering this looks identical to the DS Inside Concept shown in previous motor shows. The first car from Citroen's more exclusive DS line, the DS3 sets to mark Citroen's slow revival of their past glories by allowing buyers to customize many aspects of the car, including interior panels, color combination for the roof and many others. By offering customers a high level of self customizability, Citroen is confident the new DS3 can bring them better profits, yet still undercutting the seemingly unstoppable Mini. Which up till now no Mini beater had beaten it.

The DS3? Well, let's not judge by its capabilities in toppling Mini, as almost all MIni beaters are better than Mini as a car, but not as well in showrooms.

Maserati Grancabrio First Pictures!

2009-08-24T19:24:00.005+08:00

Maserati finally unveiled its Gran Turismo open top today, sporting the same 4.7 liter V8 that produces 440hp, this will be Maserati's ever first cabriolet 4 seater. Despite common cabriolet's attempts on fake rear seats, Maserati claims rear passengers need not entirely be Richard Hammond, instead James May could fit in comfortably as well. I'm thinking Clarkson.

One surprising and disappointing fact is that Maserati chose to name it GranCabrio, instead of just dubbing it more subtly with a denotation 'C' added. Anyhow, more info will be made available following this unveiling. Most importantly, did Maserati ditched the hardtop halfway into development? Cos contrary to the previous spied junkyard Maser, this is a soft top.

Beautiful, of course, now where's my Quattroporte Wagon?

Funny Toyota iQ Commercials

2009-08-24T19:00:00.003+08:00

My Pledge to Malaysian Drivers

2009-08-24T18:04:00.004+08:00

Malaysians Unite for Road Safety 090909

2009-08-24T16:36:00.003+08:00

Read this on PaulTan, kinda interesting, first off, like the countless of private security guards and security blockades set all over housing estates in cities, it looks again like the common Malaysians bringing things into their own hands upon the disappointment of authorities not being able to educate, enforce better (insert anything agenda here) drivers in Malaysia. Only that this is rather educational and promotional in a way that calls for Malaysians to all participate in condemning themselves.

Of course we do participate, in both condemnation, and also what leads to it. In short, people behave collectively given the environment they're in, and only through education from young, and constant enforcement from authorities will such a mantra of change take place amongst common societal behaviors; yes, in retro speak, this seemingly warm gesture from 'caring parties of our society' will not work, and bad driving behaviors will prevail, and year on year movements like this will come and go, come and go.

Well, put aside the serious talks, there's an interesting poll where voters could pick their 5 most 'Annoying Driving habits' from Malaysians. Currently from the standings, its interesting the most annoying driving behaviors from pollers are "Aggressive Tailgating" and "Drivers who don't use their indicators" with "Mat Rempits" at the third.

First of all, 'Mat Rempits' are not 'bad driving habits'; instead, they're "a unique Malaysian culture that just need a better environment to further develop their amazing skills" according to yet another one of our (lagi) amazing politicians.

Others are usual culprits of what contributes to road accidents. There's only a handful that I disagree thou:

1. Lack of attention caused by talking on the phone - Drivers lack attention because they have to lookout for police officers who might be lurking nearby. If they can talk freely, they can drive as well as how we used to do it before some smart ass politicians start lobbying for such a claim and then (easily) implements it and completely fails in enforcing it, as its something almost impossible to enforce.

2. Hazard lights on heavy rain - Turning hazard lights ON during heavy rain improves visibility vastly. And since we have two eyes projecting three dimensional images that tells us whether that car is moving or stationary, I don't see a problem.

3. Where's SMS driving? This is the single most devastating bad driving habit we have now, and thanks to the law that prohibits talking on the phone while driving, (in comparison, talking on the phone while driving is a thousand times more easier for policemen to catch you compared to SMSing), plenty of drivers now switch to SMSing, knowingly its as if driving blindfolded. In fact, chances of you involving yourself in an accident whilst SMS driving is 23.7 times more than you don't, whereas talking on the phone while driving is 0 times more accident prone. Of course, dialing your phone (which is allowed under current law) poses 5 times more danger.

My take on the worst driving behavior in Malaysia? Motorcyclists swerving in and out, and cars that switch lanes without first checking.

My pledge: STICK TO YOUR OWN FKING LANE

Official Declaration: Hyundai = Toyota

2009-08-23T16:41:00.002+08:00

It's been awhile since I pondered over this conclusion. Well I have to make it a statement now, it's official, that I openly considers Hyundai is now (in my humblest opinion) on par with Toyota, whether in design/build/quality and that we can expect to see products that are not only as good as, but better than their Japanese counterparts. Just a matter of whether they want to or not.

As for Kia, I still strongly suggest whoever that's heading Kia, get a new logo. It's not about the name, its the design of the logo that's inherently ugly, unintuitive, and hopelessly unsalvageable in design perspective. Even a logo that somehow resembles '기아' looks better. (Kia in Korean)

Please give me the 2010 Hyundai Sonata!

2009-08-23T16:33:00.002+08:00

Alfa Romeo MiTo in Malaysia for a not-so-cool RM158,888 !

2009-08-21T18:22:00.002+08:00

The long wait is finally over, the much sought after Alfa Romeo MiTo is finally here, giving much needed competition for the all conquering Mini Cooper. With a price that undercuts the MIni and offering much more gadgetry, the MiTo seems like a formidable challenger, however with just a 6-speed manual coupled to the 1.4 liter turbocharged engine, its gonna appeal to mostly automotive purists, whereas the common target segment - white collar ladies - might be put off with the more extensive 'footwork' needed going around town. Wait for our review soon.

Irony at its best - Hyundai overtakes Ford as 4th largest car manufacturer

2009-08-21T14:32:00.002+08:00

With news of Hyundai overlapping Ford, and now being the 4th largest car manufacturer, the Korean manufacturer seems unstoppable in its global initiatives. Here's a video 20 years back when Hyundai's humble start in the (then) world's largest automotive market begins.

Do note the part where the Ford exec from this 'Dealer Training Video' mentioned Ford having 4,225 more dealers and service centers compared to Hyundai's mere 225... back in 1989.... 2009 figures would be interesting. Another thing is, considering the difference in outright size back in 1989, its surprising Ford did such a comprehensive video attacking this small and (then) insignificant brand.

Why drive something like a Golf?

2009-08-19T23:28:00.002+08:00

This rings into mind what many car buyers and designers alike had in mind for hatches - Something like a Golf ...... Hmm..... why not a Golf?

4 Second Parallel Parking by 4 year old!

2009-08-19T23:23:00.002+08:00

Cool or what? I bet he'd be dumbstruck knowing adults need park assists or sensors for that matter ....

Coolest Police Officer in the world

2009-08-16T16:23:00.004+08:00

Mitsubishi suggests if you're fat and ugly, get an Evo X

2009-08-16T16:08:00.002+08:00

Apparently, if you're hopelessly styleless, fat, ugly and just disgusting, you should drive a Mitsubishi Evo X, so that everyone would see something beautiful in you. From what it seems, everyone of us then should drive one, cos they look like fairly normal blokes to me.

Porsche Shooting Brake is a hoax!

2009-08-14T14:12:00.005+08:00

Apparently, the supposingly 'real' Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake is a fake.

Even though many sites did not carry news of this 'New Porsche'; auto blogosphere giants Autoblog and Jalopnik both bite the cheese.

Now, they're spitting updates of how they 'Initially warned it could've been a fake'

Yeah right, why don't you guys send people investigating and verifying the news?

Volvo Celebrates 50th Anniversary of our dear life saver - 3 Pointed Seatbelts

2009-08-13T00:00:00.003+08:00

Quick facts: Volvo invented Three Pointed Seatbelts.

Beside pharmaceutical stuffs, I can't really figure out which single invention saves more lives than our seat belts. Thank god seat belts are invented by Swedes, if it were the Americans, those who buy other car brands would just have to look in awe seeing a Volvo driver walking out of a crashed vehicle unscathed; as its almost very certain they'll ask for $$$

Not only did Volvo invented the seatbelt, but pre-tensioners, seatbelt warning systems and plenty of other advancements in vehicular safety are all invented by Volvo. Safest cars? You bet.

P.S. This Press Release came as a complete surprise to me as it was just today that I was telling someone that Volvo actually invented the seatbelt and made the patent available for all car manufacturers instead of patenting it for money making. Thus my respect for them.

GM says Chevy Volt gets 230MPG! Nissan chuckles with 367MPG

2009-08-12T04:02:00.003+08:00

In a statement noting that the upcoming 2010 Chevrolet Volt could rack up an unimaginable 230mpg (New Prius gets 51mpg) rating, GM was just about to announce its the world's most fuel efficient car - Until Nissan decided to crash GM's party with some quick scientific calculatoring.... and Twits this: The new Nissan LEAF will give you 367mpg! Let's see if Nissan succeeded in stirring up another controversial spat after the initial (GTR vs Porsche) debacle.

Our thoughts? Tucking mpg figures (originally designed to gauge cars that run on petrol) on alternative energy cars is pointless. Prius makes sense putting in its mpg figures because it doesn't draw power from your plug point, it recharges its own electricity. As for both LEAF and Volt (We believe Nissan's just poking fun on GM), they're pure EV cars. How about putting in the energy equivalent of burning gasoline to convert into electricity needed for both? That would give some interesting and rather legitimate perspective.

Automakers should continue focus on their prevalent jobs rather than being bitches spatting all over our LCD screens.

Breaking NEWS! Schumacher ain't coming back

2009-08-11T18:40:00.002+08:00

The much anticipated return of Michael Schumacher, which sent F1 fans all around the world into a ticket buying frenzy for the upcoming race had a rather surprising U-Turn. He ain't coming back. Citing reasons for his injured neck.

Hmm... let's see if all this is just a trick coming out of F1 .....

Obama vs US Economy

2009-08-11T02:31:00.003+08:00

Audi A8 SPOTTED in the wild looking like a ıɥsıqnsʇıɯ

2009-08-11T01:26:00.005+08:00

Whoah, Audi A8 picking up more and more news. A member of VWVortex Forums was on their way back from a trip to Vegas, guess what? Prototype valley, and they spotted this weirdly looking mashup car, coming from behind, they spotted its A7-esque neon tube tail lamps, and at first they thought they're looking at a premature Audi A6 C7; a few attempts of trying to overtake and catch a glimpse on the front, those non too happy Audi test engineers were dangerously trying to swerve over blocking them to pass - Traffic offense I reckon?

Funny thing is Audi engineers even put up an upside down ıɥsıqnsʇıɯ logo trying to make fools out of ~~mitsubishi~~ onlookers. Upon some confirmation after the news spread all over the web, its confirmed to be the new upcoming-but-delayed-Audi A8. Check out the pics.

Source: VWVortex

Quickpost: Tesla says they're profitable and no one believes them

2009-08-10T19:15:00.004+08:00

Tesla says they're 'profitable' in a recent statement, amidst news of some of the greatest money makers making huge losses (Toyota), and those being taken over whilst trying to take over (Porsche) - Tesla claims they're $20 million revenue made $1 million in July. So, picking a month out of a year meant profitable?

Where's that $465 million government loan they're awarded? Is this another try to get more loans?

Don't expect horses to understand what the horse lane dividers does - Horse gives car Muay Thai knee attack

2009-08-10T18:53:00.005+08:00

What if you're halfway driving and saw horses galloping your way, do you roll-by slowly like an idiot or jam your brakes? Watch as one horse decides to go medieval on that oncoming object. LoL~

Source: YouTube via CarScoop

LoL Spat~ Jalopnik calls MT "handjob-friendly" and got replied being not able to drive Manual

2009-08-10T17:54:00.007+08:00

Apparently, Jalopnik was rejected by Nissan when they asked for a test drive unit of the 2010 GTR, instead; Nissan chose to let Motor Trend had a hand on their new Godzilla. Of course being Jalopnik's boss, Ray Wert of course could somehow get his hands on one (who would reject Jalopnik?) with first impressions saying it's 0.5 seconds slower than the 2009 GTR

The LoL part is when Ray Wert calls MT (we're not implying here) 'handjob-friendly' media outlets, with a link to Angus Mackenzie's Twitter account (Road test editor for Motor Trend), where a quick visit there saw the latest updates saying:

"Wannabe websites make me laugh. Just read a guy who has trouble driving stick claim the 2010 GT-R feels half a sec slower to 60 than the 09."

We just love it when things go around this way. Either way, Nissan won, with three PR exposures instead of one.

2010 Audi A8

2009-08-10T14:02:00.007+08:00

Speculations speculations, its been an unending wait for the new Audi A8 to surface. Originally slated for official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Audi A8 is now said to have postpone its launch. Probably halfway in development some years back, Mercedes spoil the party with the excellent (if not vulgar in its styling) S-Class, and then along came BMW's technologically Star-Trek-ish 7-Series (if not ugly in its styling), then the superb new Jaguar XJ, which arguably is where I'd put my money if I'm in the market hunting for a big luxury limousine. After teasing us with that 'Get-Out-Of-My-Way' photo featuring an the new A8 streaking its LED beam through a dark veil, there has been no further news of the A8, of course plenty of renders, and renders after renders of speculations. Here's a(nother) render of the new A8 by Fox Syndication, first released by Inside Line. Could this be? If it were, I'd have to first take a good yawn and when I wake up, hopefully it won't be something that leaves the team behind the upcoming 2011 Audi A6 out of ideas. Common Audi, the McValue Meal Large, Medium, Small approach to automotive design is so yesteryear.

Source: InsideLine

New Toyota Prius in Malaysia - RM175,000

2009-08-07T10:17:00.003+08:00

First off, it does 51mpg. That's a staggering 4.6 liters of petrol per 100 kilometers. Or that each liter of petrol brings you 22.6 kilometers! Given that the new 2010 Toyota Prius comes with a 45 liter tank, that should mean it could practically go 1,017 kilometers before puffing to a halt.

Excellent, excellent car. Of course, there's a lot of pundits in USA especially, about the logical purchase behind a Prius, as it costs considerably more than something of its own segment, and therefore various calculations seemingly from the character of 'Numb3rs' citing you need to travel up to xxxxx amount of miles and drive the car for at least 13 years to make up for the premium price and ya da ya da...

Well, I believe this is the very first time one can feel 'lucky' for buying a car in Malaysia. (Don't kill me yet) As the Prius 'only' costs RM175,000; around the price of a Toyota Camry.

Mind you, it's not a small car either. Look how they compare when the Prius MK3 parks alongside a BMW 5 Series. So, thanks to our tax figures, and the slight tax relief of Hybrids here, it seemed 'reasonable' for us.

Oh, as always, we Malaysians are suckers, and since the government had reduced so much tax from Hybrid vehicles, and yet we're still paying almost twice what Americans are paying for, it's a familiar sight when we don't get as good a spec as other Hybrid owners around the world.

For the record, the new Prius comes with the 'innovative' (Yeah right, for long, it has been an optional thing when you buy an Audi A8 in Europe) Solar Panel roof, which helps cool the air of the car - literally the hotter the outside, the cooler it is inside. This thing alone would've justify the premium price anyone is paying for a car in Malaysia - AND YET, surprisingly, UMW Malaysia is leaving this option OUT.

YEAP, MALAYSIA BOLEH, BOLEH TAHAN PANAS. TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT THE PHOTO BELOW, this is what UMW Malaysia deliberately leave out for us Malaysians, arguably one innovation that's specially designed for us Equatorians.

So what are the other stuffs we're not getting? You guessed it. Saw this colorful screen at the center? That's exactly what we're not getting after paying something for twice the price of what Americans paid, yet not because of import taxes and excise duties.

And this dull little thing here is what we, after paying RM175,000 will get. Oh forgot, we don't get that for buying a Camry as well. (Apparently, a GPS is so expensive that it comes with the premium version of Persona)

Well ,enough. All in all, we're in a market that consumers are always at the loosing end, what to do? Just shut one eye, and think about what you're buying, something as large as a BMW 5 Series, Toyota build quality, decent ride, comfort and handling, that Green image, the cool factor, two engines instead of one, 1,017 kilometers between refill, and costs almost the same as a Toyota Camry. Pretty good deal? Ok lah.... Check out the photo galleries.

Audi will now only slaughter Bulls instead of Cows

2009-08-07T09:56:00.003+08:00

Making a prestige German car calls for an obsession for attention to detail with Audi now only selecting leather from bulls rather than cows to achieve the required upholstery standards for the 36,000 premium cars it will sell in the UK this year equipped with leather seats.

As many as 40 per cent of UK Audi customers specify real leather thanks to the company’s very high quality interiors achieved with soft and supple leather sourced only from bulls. Hides from cows are too small and less homogenous and do not meet their stringent quality standards.

The very high standards required for its customers start from when Audi selects its materials. Each hide destined for an Audi is divided into three quality zones. The best piece is the back area (croupon) where the grain is particularly even with cracks or scars due to injuries rare. Audi discards the outermost region of each hide again for quality control reasons.

The very high grade leather from the core of the bull’s back is used in all areas of a car seat where fine, smooth appearance and high robustness are most important – on the headrest, in the shoulder area, in the important lower seat squab area and on the side bolsters and seatbacks on the entry side.

The scent detectives – the Audi Nose Team
What is more, the legendary Audi attention to detail also ensures that the hides actually smell nice once installed. Audi’s remarkable Nose Team was formed in 1985 to combat potentially offensive aromas inside its cars. The six-member Nose Team cuts small pieces out of the materials to be tested – for example wood inlays and the leather upholstery used for the seats.

Leather specimens are each placed in a standard canning jar equipped with an odourless gasket. An oven heats the sealed jar to 80 degrees Celsius for two hours. Each tester briefly sniffs the contents of the jar, reseals it and passes it to his or her colleague. Each team member writes down their grade in secret.

The Audi Nose Team also examines complete components such as dashboards and also a car in its entirety. The “professional sniffers”, who analyse approximately 500 different components from the passenger compartment for each model, are chosen by virtue of their particularly sensitive noses.

Smoking is prohibited for these valued experts, while a cold, for example, can stop a team member from working. These experts also must not give off any scents of their own during testing – whether it be perfume, shower gel, after shave or maybe even garlic.

45 Leather Tests
In a pioneering move for the World’s car industry, Audi stopped using chromium salts for tanning hides as long as 15 years ago. The multiple stage leather tanning process is followed by 45 tests to determine the durability of the leather. Samples are mounted in automatic fixtures, which show that they expand evenly, where they begin to tear, when they begin to develop wrinkles and how resistant they are to abrasion and fire.

Audi is celebrating its centenary this year with the ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ brand recording a century of fitting real leather into its cars. Times have changed, technology has advanced, but the basic raw materials remain the same as they were as long ago as 1909 when the first Audi was produced.

Raw Hide - Audi is using leather only from bulls in pursuit of its very high quality standards. As many as 36,000 Audi cars equipped with leather will be sold in the UK this year alone. The German ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ premium car company is celebrating its centenary and has been fitting leather seats in its cars since 1909.

Audi UK has enjoyed an exceptionally rapid rise to prominence in the premium sector. In 2000 just over 43,000 Audi models found homes in the UK, and from that point until 2008 the brand has continually broken annual sales records, successfully passing the milestone 100,000 sales mark in 2007 and 2008, when it ended the year with a record 4.7% market share from 100,845 sales. Globally, the brand exceeded 1 million deliveries for the first time in its history in 2008, marking the occasion with its best ever revenue figure and a record profit-before-tax total of 3.177 billion Euros (£2.94 billion) in the process. With its programmes for both road and race cars the brand continues to maintain its dramatic trajectory. On the road it has extended its reach into important new segments with strong offerings such as the A3 Cabriolet, the Q5, the TT RS and the R8 5.2 FSI quattro, and in the near future will break further new ground with the A1 compact hatchback, the Q3 compact SUV and the A5 Sportback five-door coupe. On the race circuit Audi Sport has contested the 2009 Le Mans 24-hour marathon with the R15 TDI - a completely new sports prototype powered by a newly developed ten-cylinder diesel engine.

Ford Customizer is FUN! - Can this help its fledging sales against Camaro?

2009-08-06T19:07:00.004+08:00

Ford put up this customizer for Mustang fans, must say though, no matter how hard we tried, couldn't quite get to make something ugly out of it, a quick 2 minute job does this. Do your own version and you can download some decent (if not weird 4:3) wallpapers. Check it out here FORD MUSTANG CUSTOMIZER

Source: Jalopnik

New Mercedes E-Class Estate is S-U-P-E-R-B !

2009-08-06T15:50:00.007+08:00

Orginally slated for official debut at Frankfurt's motor show, the new Mercedes Benz E-Class Estate somehow (like every other attention seeking newcomers) finds its way onto the internet in all hi-res glory; and we like what we saw, in fact we love every bit of it.

Mercedes engineers seems to have recover from a decade long coma recently, churning one after another excellent product, and all of us knew how important the E-Class is, to Mercedes Benz. The very model that solidly concreted Mercedes' reputation for unbreakable, bullet proof engineering for so many years, only to witness its century long reputation destroyed in a mere five year interim (2000 - 2004) of the current E-Class.

We'll wait for further details, but what we can tease for now is that we can see plenty of effort's being put into place, especially what MB was always famous for - "Giving you something you never knew you needed, but then couldn't live without soon after".

How many times you're halfway loading stuffs into your Avant, or Touring and then realized the second row seats need to be folded down flat, yet you're all by yourself balancing your load halfway into the flatbed? Well, MB engineers integrated a latch on the very edge of the rear hatch's opening ledge, so a simple pull is all it takes and the bench seats at the back folds down, with the front seat's motors do their part if they're positioned too far behind.

Next, this is a cool touch we love, the rear flat beds had options of having one that comes with two completely collapsible, rear facing seats complete with three pointed seatbelt. Childish it may seem but I'd be the first to vote seating there as I've always wandered why couldn't anyone do so in a wagon. There's even a few inches of depressed area for the rearmost 'reversed' passengers acting as footwells. How thoughtful huh? Can't wait? Yup!

Check out the rest of the Hi-Res images and of course, a video. Oh, take a good peep from 1:10-1:12 in the video, someone from the ad agency's production team should be queuing for social welfare. Or perhaps its MB's latest slew of innovations allowing some saved hassle whilst refilling. Watch the great video, mind the music, MB's attempt to add in James Bond-esque music to a family hauler is rather unconvincing and annoying.

BMW's 4 Door Coupe Hatchback Concept LEAKED!

2009-08-06T05:30:00.007+08:00

Guys, get yourself prepared for a very radical new 3 Series that's coming your way circa next year end. This concept originally slated for 'World Premier' was scooped up by someone (Disgruntled employee presumably), and naturally, it quickly found its way onto the internet.

As we can clearly see here, it's a well proportioned coupe-like sports car, only to be betrayed by that splitting door line clearly visible in the middle of the uncovered portion. Up front, there's the Audi pioneered angry grill (Or rather Evo X's Very Angry Grill) with Aston One-77 like wheel arch air curtain. Assumingly for aerodynamics, cooling of the brakes and of course Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems that's almost a 99% thing going into production.

At the C-pillars, another interesting new element is also vaguely visible, at first glance it may seem like BMW ditched their famous 'Hoffmeister Kink' touch, which has been with BMW for more than 20 years; however, closer look suggests that the C-pillars seems to hide something never before seen on a 4-door sedan - the Flying Buttress; created by Audi's Quattro Spyder Concept from year 1991, brought to the world by Ferrari's 599 GTB. Of course we could be wrong.

We don't have much detail from these leaked images, moreover, it could be BMW playing us some little trick with a confusing intent. Nonetheless, this is very exciting news.

Source: Bimmerpost via Autoblog

Porsche announces new pricing in Malaysia! Now it starts from RM498,000!

2009-08-05T23:23:00.003+08:00

Every lineup seems to be 'CHEAPER' now. For Americans, do the conversion by dividing 3.5 and then cover your eyes.

Boxster - RM498,000
Boxster S - RM598,000
Cayman - RM540,000
Cayman S - RM640,000
911 Carrera - RM850,000
911 Carrera S - RM950,000
911 Carrera Cabriolet - RM950,000
911 Carrera Cabriolet S - RM1,050,000
911 Carrera 4 - RM910,000
911 Carrera 4S - RM1,010,000
911 Carrera Cabriolet 4 - RM1,010,000
911 Carrera Cabriolet 4S - RM1,105,000
911 Targa 4 - RM985,000
911 Targa 4S - RM1,085,000
911 Turbo - RM1,373,000
911 Turbo Cabriolet - RM1,409,000
911 GT2 - RM1,720,000
Cayenne - RM626,000
Cayenne S - RM763,000
Cayenne GTS - RM861,000
Cayenne Turbo - RM1,135,000
Cayenne Turbo S - RM1,350,000

Audi R8 Commercial - I don't really think it needs one, but hell this is awesome

2009-08-05T18:11:00.002+08:00

Most beautiful, saddening, car review ever

2009-08-05T00:34:00.001+08:00

Fastest fire engine - Nurburgring Rapid Response GTR

2009-08-04T22:43:00.006+08:00

We've seen proud troopers with their over-the-board Evo Xs, Dodge Vipers and even Gallardos. Remember the recent purchase of IS-F by UK police?

Well what about firemen? Here's the coolest of them all (luckiest); apparently at German's Nurburgring, where its almost an everyday event someone would pay for a race day, destroy their tyres and bang head on to a tree bursting into a fireball - Speed is crucial for safety cars rushing into the scene saving lives (That are not worth saving at the first place)

Pictured here is the Nurburgring Rapid Response team, essentially a fire truck taking form in a Nissan GTR, one that's supposingly able to go around Nurburgring in 7 minutes 26 seconds, (add another 32 seconds if it were driven by Porsche test drivers) complete with roll cage and a fire fighting hose, and of course those 'Who's Your Daddy' sirens mounted atop.

Hmm... with the Nurburgring getting more and more popular, perhaps they might be in need of an Audi RS6 hearse, just to be sure if the GTR's a bit late to the scene.

Porsche Panamera

2009-08-03T16:48:00.001+08:00

Remake of Singing in the rain by George Lucas

2009-08-03T13:57:00.002+08:00

Remember the VW Golf GTi MK V's excellent commercial "Singing in the rain"? Which remakes Gene Kelly's original movie 'Singing in the rain', adding a twist of modernity into the classic scenes. Here's a wacko version, done by 'George Lucas'. LoL~

New Suzuki Kizashi is disappointing

2009-08-02T14:53:00.010+08:00

On the left, is our new production Suzuki Kizashi, attempting to look like the excellent concept its conceived, toned-down from. Fortunately, the famous Automotive Manipulator, Theophilus Chin comes to the rescue, and had cleverly integrated the initial concept's design cues into the production Kizashi, making a hell of a good job, and proving that Suzuki designers are lazy arses. By trimming on the rear lamps and headlights, immediately, the Kizashi looked less retarded and less like a Jetta.

Image Source: Theophilus Chin

This is sad ... Volvo struggles its last breath as Cash for Clunkers program kills it

2009-08-02T12:31:00.003+08:00

Yes. The economy's in need for a big boost, the automotive sector needs consumers to start buying. As we all have heard of, the CfC program had run out of money in less than a month's time. In economics terms its of course fair for the government to have anti-fraud programs to prevent dealers from 'cheating' the government, but then is it necessary to 'kill' these traded in vehicles?

The CfC program includes the complete 'killing' of the vehicle by destroying its engine by first draining its engine oil, and then filling it up with a chemical solution called Sodium Silicate, a type of silicon that hardens when heated. Screwing up the cranks and pistons, rendering it not repair worthy, moreover, after this choking death, the vehicles will be sent for scrapping.

How effective this program is, or put simply, how 'logic' is it, is really something worth a thought. Just look at this perfectly functioning Volvo S80 choking its way to death, like all loyal companions, it put up quite a fight.

As a car lover, it just saddens me viewing this. Let's see if Pixar could do a CARS 2 on this story line.

Info: Honda recalling 300,000 vehicles in US for 'potentially' killer airbags

2009-07-30T14:27:00.001+08:00

Honda today announced 285,000 Accords and Civics that were made since 2001 on potentially defective airbags that would 'shoot' out shrapnels from its inflator. (Think grenade, since airbags work much like explosives, and grenades kill with small little pieces of shrapnels)

This came when one women was killed in an inflated airbag - Of which causes hasn't been confirm as yet.

At the same time, 1,500 Inspires and Sabers that was produced at the same plant and exported to Japan were also affected.

As for Malaysia, guessed we won't have much worry, as back in 2001, not many Hondas were equipped with airbags. Well even if they do, they should be just fine.

Again, photos? Nah.

Info: GM continues its leasing programs

2009-07-30T14:22:00.001+08:00

Sounds like good news. Is the economy getting better? Besides, the Cash for Clunkers program netted in 4,000 + sales in its first day in US. On a side note, Malaysia's RM5,000 rebate program for cars more than 15 years will end by December 09. Oh, I guessed there's not much need to upload photos for just a few quick line of news update.

Breaking NEWS! 'The Stig' will finish off Ferrari's 2009 F1 Grand Prix race.

2009-07-30T02:15:00.006+08:00

Following Felipe Massa's fallout for the following F1 season after the Hungarian Grand Prix's accident.

Rumors have been flying left right and center that Ferrari might opted for someone else to finish off the season.

Of course fans were quietly hoping for F1 GOD Michael Schumacher to return - which was commonly believed to be quite unlikely.

Well guessed we're all wrong, Schumacher's pretty happy with the whole damn thing; and he will return to F1, Scuderia Ferrari to be precise, for the remaining of the season.

So, will Schumacher be capable enough to stop Ferrari's embarrassing zero (YES, NIL, ZILCH) win this season? We'll see, but then I'm very sure F1's following season would definitely be a fully seated, and Bernie Ecclestone will be a very happy man.

Official: KIA VG to replace Opirus - Alas, only for those who drive on the wrong side

2009-07-30T01:54:00.003+08:00

Kia had officially revealed its flagship premium saloon. Previously code named VG, the Opirus replacement will be made available for the Wrong Hand Drive market as for time being, Continental, Korea and the States; like its (rumored) shared platform sibling - Hyundai Genesis.

Will this really come with Genesis' excellent RWD platform? Let's hope so. Will it find its way into the Right Hand Drive market? Let's really cross our fingers.

Reserves? The same gripe, I don't think KIA's logo would work on anything, they should go individual model branding a la Toyota's strategy in Japan now.

BMW quits F1 to embrace green technology

2009-07-29T19:28:00.004+08:00

Is this getting out of hand or what? BMW had just announced confirmation of ending their short F1 stint by the end of 2009.

Reason for disappointing their fans is that the ultimate driving machine will now put more emphasis and focus on green technology.

As much as F1 sucks, lame attempts of trying to be eco conscious sucks even more. And there ya go, they just left everything like that, perhaps they're bio-degradable.

No wonder Ferrari hasn't won a single F1 race this year - The new Ferrari F458 Italia is SUPERB!

2009-07-28T18:03:00.011+08:00

After months and months of neck spraining waits, Ferrari had unveiled the new F458 Italia, and we're the first to report it! The new F430 replacement, rather than being monikered the speculated F450, was aptly named 458, afterall, its a 4.5 ltr V8. Pumping out a massive 562hp and a massive 540nm of torque, which 80% is available at 3,250rpm.

Contrary to the usual dramatic increase in horsepowers, this will also be the first Ferrari that benefits from the Mille Chilli development program, of which Ferrari aims to progress by going 'less for more'; the entire car was constructed with aluminium and aircraft grade advance bonding techniques to keep weight down, and the result, for a modern supercar with a huge V8 engine, tipping the scales at 1,380kg is no mean feat. For some contrast, the SLR Mclaren, which was largely built using carbon fiber, ended up around 1,800kg.

As we know cutting size, mass and volume equals to massive gains in power to weight ratio, a lighter car would meant less rubber needed for grip, and that translates to more direct steering reaction and feedback - Which all comes back to the main point of being a Ferrari; and especially supercars. Driving enjoyment. Smile per hour would be the new benchmark in super car making.

One design element witnessed in this new F458 Italia, is the heavy reliance on aerodynamics, to a degree no other car manufacturers currently undertake. Starting from the bonnet line, there's a tiny scoop that provides extra downforce and presumably, cooling the LED headlamps. Going under, the radiator grill sports aeroelastic winglets that generates additional downforce on normal circumstances, yet when speeds pile up, they deform, reducing the radiator's intake section and cuts drag. How's that for a start?

A la 599 GTB, the F458 Italia also has a set of flying buttresses along the C pillars, of course, not to waste any of those air guided through, they're sucked into the rear engine bay; clearly visible on the sides, are two deep depressed areas on each side that forces air into between the rear integrated spoilers, again for rear end stability and downforce. Needless to say, the rear venturis are of course there to vent out air faster, creating a lower pressure zone on the underbody that presses the car onto the road, generating up to 140kg of downforce with speeds of just 200km/h.

All these impressive wind tunnel results, coupled with the new, direct injection V8, coupled with a 7-speed dual clutch F1 tranny gives the F458 a century sprint of less than 3.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 325km/h. It seems with every new Ferrari, there's no need for a case of Old vs New, the manic F430 now seems pale in comparison, even if its skin deep. As the Italia is not only advance and powerful, its beautiful; and its been a while since I've gave that comment on something wearing the prancing horse.

London Bus Hoppers

2009-07-25T18:06:00.003+08:00

Shenanigans they are, but funny as hell ... one question, how the heck that kid climbed up the pole that fast with bare hands? Watch it.

Official: Volkswagen AG now OWNs Porsche

2009-07-24T23:45:00.006+08:00

I bet if this turns up on tomorrow's newspaper crosswords, Ferdinand Piech would be one happy old man adjusting his specs while sipping down some warm frothy latte along with some pencil action. For everyone else except Wendelin Wiedeking, try circling out the others. Cheers!

Wendelin Wiedeking to quit Porsche immediately!

2009-07-23T17:05:00.004+08:00

Wendelin Wiedeking and Finance chief Holger Haerter will quit Porsche immediately. Following the turmoil that went around Porsche's appetite for Volkswagen, a sister company originated from the same founder, yet many times its size.

It wasn't too long ago when Wendelin Wiedeking was named European CEO of the year. Featured on Fortune's cover for his magical turn around of Porsche. The luxury sports automaker that seemingly breaks every rule in the elite, luxury market. Comparing Ferraris and Porsches are things we hear everyday, but considering Ferraris sell in the regions of 5000 - 7000 cars annually, Porsche cannot then be mentioned in the same breath with unit productions hovering above 100,000 units.

Engineered the infusion of backwards marketing of luxury sports manufacturers, Porsche first step foot onto BMW X5 and Range Rover's category with the Porsche Cayenne, hinting buyers of Mercedes ML63 AMG that they need not splurge the same amount of money on something that would eventually be mistaken for an ML350. The market responded and the Porsche that's seemingly too 'Greedy' was given an adrenalin shot.

Back in year 2008, when plenty of automakers suffer, Porsche posted a shocking 13 Billion profit, over 11 Billion revenue. How would that translate into accounting is already a nightmare to most companies. Porsche has become literally a hedge fund company that happened to 'by-the-way' produce cars. With Wiedeking constantly monitoring Volkswagen's shares, manipulating them, Porsche was able to bet on public's believe that its imminent for Porsche AG to 'takeover' Volkswagen to avoid new European gas emission taxes, which takes into account on average emissions of automotive groups.

Having the public believing firmly this is what Porsche's pursuing, Wiedeking then release a host of 'rumors' about when Porsche will takeover Volkswagen, pushing share prices of Volkswagen well over 1,000 Euros on one account, temporarily making VW the largest market capitalization company that very afternoon. These moves had angered Ferdinand Piech for quite a while, which publicly shunned Wendelin Wiedeking's move and even criticizing his fellow cousin Wolfgang Porsche, grandson of Ferdinand Porsche (Founder of Volkswagen AG), and son to Ferry Porsche (Founder of Porsche AG); leading to widespread rumors of Wendelin Wiedeking, having backed by Wolfgang, will be planning to oust Ferdinand Porsche once taking over Volkswagen.

The incident even involved Lower Saxony's government, which Volkswagen had great relationships with and also a law that predates the European Union, which rules no single party or group, even with any number or percentage of shares in Volkswagen, would have voting rights of no more than 20%. With this law in effect, Porsche would have no outright say in Volkswagen's board even if their plans of taking over 75% of VW succeeded. Porsche AG then brought this appeal to the European Union, which pressured onto Germany (laughingly) to remove this sanction, marking another important step for Wolfgang+Wiedeking's win in this episode.

Ferdinand Piech on the other hand, had long tried his every best securing Volkswagen's sovereignty, not that its too difficult a game as he had the Lower Saxony Government on his side, and Volkswagen's all-mighty and powerful Unions behind him, which employs most of Lower Saxony's residents. Opportunity arises when last month, word broke out that Porsche is now stranded in cash, having borrowed too heavily for the stunt of elephant swallowing, the snake's apparently left no room for itself to breath. Rumors then spread out that Porsche maybe facing bankruptcy if there's no cash infusion soon. This pose as the golden opportunity for the world's second largest automaker (first at times in these markets). Volkswagen offered buying over 51% of Porsche; which Porsche jokingly refuses and re-offered 49.9% will be the maximum they would give up (like there's a choice? ehem?)

Everyone knew from that point of time, Wendelin Wiedeking's prodigy is over, his 12 year stint in Porsche from engineering the most remarkable turnaround to one of the most humiliating force-quits just happened to be so similar to most of Wall Street's bankers and brokers - GREED.

Audi teases with new Audi A8

2009-07-22T06:59:00.004+08:00

Teasers seems to be all the craze with manufacturers recently. Audi had one of these press materials done up recently for the celebration of their 100 year centennial anniversary.

Clearly showing the next generation A8 complete the now signature Audi LED DRLs, this sure will stir up the current market dominated by the new S-Class, the 7 and the strong LS.

On second thoughts, do you think it looked like this?

Source: Autovisie via Jalopnik via World Car Fans

14 year old China boy drank petrol to become Optimus Prime

2009-07-22T06:53:00.001+08:00

A 14 year old Sichuna City boy first got his Cybertron stint by sucking up lighter fluid, of course upon his parent's discovery, the grocery shop owners (thanks to China's one child policy) asked him not to do that again.

Persuasion FAIL.

Boy continued his route to Optima Plime (that's how most Chinese would pronounce btw) by sucking dry their motorcycle's fuel tank, and their neighbor's.

Well, now Mr Transformers fanboy is RETARDED. Yes, R-E-T-A-R-D-E-D. He couldn't figure out what's 7+17....

Well in China, definitely the boy's to blame for his stupidity, and the parents for their leniency. If this were to happen in USA, I bet Exxon Mobil, Chevron and the likes would have a hard time explaining why they hadn't include "DO NOT CONSUME" stickers on their petrol stations.

Audi A1 arrives in October 2009!

2009-07-20T23:58:00.001+08:00

What do you expect? Ingolstadt's not gonna let Munich earn all the "MINI" cash of course. The two door's arriving first, and the four to follow of course.

Oh, a hatch is a hatch, not a door. I rather start being 'Wrong' than continue being silly.

New E Class Coupe Gallery

2009-07-20T21:02:00.000+08:00

The best RM5.50 I've spent in my entire lifetime

2009-07-20T13:53:00.002+08:00

Out of curiosity, I picked up a car magazine called Gear Up today. Selling at RM5.50, I'm surprised how competitively priced it is given that Top Gear sells for RM10.00

A few pages down, something caught my notice, a full one page spread on GM's filling of chapter 11 bankruptcy.

I must say Gear Up does give a lot of PR Value to GM. A full page with 176 (YES, HUNDRED AND SEVENTY SIX ONLY) words and a little small GM logo on the bottom right corner. As for the opposite page, an entire page dedicated to the news about the government's decision to launch RON95 petrol - In a full glorified 103 words, with a blown image of some piston.

The entire magazine, published monthly, consists only of 19 articles inclusive of news, and of course, press releases and mandatory images of scantily clad racing girls. Within minutes, its now stacked with my old newspapers. Sorry for advertisers thou, you've just made your worst

Go grab your issue today and be amaze by the editor's effort in giving you a magazine you can grab for just RM5.50, and finish reading it in 5 minutes. How considerate, especially with us modern consumers with not much time on hand.

So what did I get from the RM5.50 I've spent today? A magazine, and a lesson that I should top up another RM4.50 for the past issue of Top Gear or Autocar which I've already had.

Do you know how much CO2 you produce annually?

2009-07-18T17:13:00.003+08:00

We've all heard world leaders, environmentalists, tree huggers babbling day in day out on CO2 emissions; global warming or global dimming alike. Of course, US leaders "worrying" about BRIC's increasing CO2 output. Well, let's have a quick check on just how polluting YOU and YOUR COUNTRY is shall we?

Since the US is the undisputed leader in almost everything, we'll throw the gauntlet with this World Leader first:

USA produces 1000 tonnes of CO2 every 5.3 seconds, averaging 19.66 tonnes each person annually!

CHINA produces 1000 tonnes of CO2 every 6.4 seconds, averaging 3.7 tonnes each person annually, a far cry from USA.

In comparison to developing or developed countries, Republic of Congo, the largest country in Africa Continent, takes 4.2 hours to produce 1000 tonnes of CO2, and each person produces just 0.03 tonnes of CO2 a year!

To know how much CO2 you or your country produces each year, just log on to www.breathingearth.net; updated real time base on average statistics per year, this website developed by David Bleja gives you a graphical view using flash.

Quite interesting and fun i must say, if you're the sort of person who logs on to Facebook day in day out, this could provide some alternative fun. Of course, remember to log back onto www.wheels-weekly.com to get more of such interesting news.

Audi celebrates Centennial Birthday with a slew of awesome photos!

2009-07-17T21:52:00.003+08:00

The only premium automobile manufacturer that still posts profits over last year's market turmoil celebrates their bithday today! In conjunction with commemoration over a centennial's progress, Audi had put together a slew of wonderful photography, all the way from the yesteryears when it's just four circles resembling Auto Union, the company that soon merged Audi, Horch, DKW and Wanderer into what we knew today.

Even though its only for the last two decade that Audi established itself as a formidable player in the luxury automotive sector, it has for the past 100 years been actively involved in motorsports, advancement and involvement in innovative automotive technological developments.

Here's 4 galleries titled Audi Centennial Classics, Motorsports, Concepts and of course the one thing that gave Audi the much lauded competitive advantage - Quattro.

Porsche Service Campaign is COMING SOON!

2009-07-16T17:33:00.002+08:00

The annual Porsche Service Campaign is around the corner again, the campaign will commence from the 1/8 - 31/8/2009 at 3S Porsche Centre
Glenmarie.

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

Click the picture for enlarged view.

2010 Jaguar XJ Interior is SHAGUARTASTIC!!!

2009-07-16T16:59:00.000+08:00

Audi A5 Sportback - Detailed Preview

2009-07-16T14:04:00.003+08:00

To start with, let's call it a technological tour de force. The new A5 Sportback does what Audi's been claiming all these while - Vorsprung Durch Technik, as we'll be covering plenty of technological advancements in this new sports sedan with a flicker of utilitarian value in it.

By lenghtening the A5 Coupe's modular platform by almost 9 cm, Audi created a 4 door hatch with a wheelbase that's only 3cm shorter than the A6, which is largest in its class till the new E-Class came along with 1cm more. Not only it is longer than the class leading A4, it is also wider and sits almost 4 cm lower than the already low and squat A4. Giving the A5 Sportback a low lying sports profile to begin with before showing its talents in functionality.

Undoubtly, the A5 is a beautiful car to begin with, even though yours sincerely do have some reserves when the lines flow from the very sporty coupe front end goes along the window line and somehow crashes along with a bulgy cumbersome rear end that gives the impression of a Gran Tourer more than a sports coupe. The Sportback however, seems to have this identical crisis solved, with some help integrating BMW's famous Hoffmeister Kink, the tapered back rear window line immediately gives a more pleasant look to the overall of the this 4 door sports hatch. Of course Audi frantically denies in its press release by claiming its actually paying an homage to the 1969 Audi 100 Coupe S. (Lucky they found one with a rear window in an era where all are styled that way) Which just makes me giggling in wonder why the A5 Coupe doesn't pay the same 'respect' to its Grandpa.

The BMW signature kink aside, along with a folding line that flows from the front fenders all the way blending into the rear lamps. This, in my opinion is better penned than Walter de'Silva's favourite A5.

With a proper boot, the A5 Sportback comes with a decent 480 liter boot, with the rear seats folded down, this then translates into a capacious 980 liter.

Of course one might then ask what has all this got to do with a hatch? Well to begin answering, the hatch had nothing to do with the interior luggage capacity, but the opening determines what you could fit.

Even if a sedan's 60:40 splitting seats can both be folded down at once, no boot opening would be wide or high enough to even fit through a 32" Trinitron (yes, its all Plasmas and LCDs now). Thus making this hatch, the biggest differentiation, and also the best link between the A4 and A5 coupe.

But certainly, even thou it matches the A4 Avant's 980 liter capacity, the tapering rear window does make a whole lot of difference in outright luggage carrying capabilities. But of course, that's not the sole purpose of this car. Going to a red carpet event in an Avant makes you looked like an Audi ad-puppet, going there with an A5 Sportback makes you look like a brand ambassador.

Of course being part of Volkswagen Group, which arguably is now the largest manufacturer in the world, economies of scale is a crucial part of their success, with a non marketed tagline of 'Vorsprung Durch Kosten Sparen' underlies the very success of Technik; we wouldn't expect new interiors fitted on the Sportsback.

One gripe I do have and still hating it, is the deliberate attempt to make what could be 5-seaters into 4 seaters to enhance its sports appeal to potential customers. Of course unlike many manufacturers that wants you to either shoot your parent in law or third child, the A5 Sportsback at least does come with a 'bearable' cushioned, leather-ed middle bench for losers, but then the exclusion of another set of seat belts just goes to show losers are not recommended in 'Sporty cars'. I can't see how else it helps by limiting the choices of sitting five person would make a car more appealing. Speaking about middle east's increasing economic prowess as a great potential market, Mr Akhmed could only then marry 3 wives instead of 4.

Skipping the standard fare A5 interior console, there are of course remarkable additions, especially in technology aspects, fuel saving of course. First off, the A5 Sportback comes with all the expected range of Audi engines, 3 of each TDi and FSi engines. Of course we would expect the excellent 3.0TDi and 2.0TFSi to rack up most of the sales depending on regional availability.

Worth noting as well is that Start-Stop technology now comes standard even with manual transmission models, along with Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems, whereby when the vehicle coasts or under braking, the alternator kicks in to recapture electricity into the high powered batteries which serves as a support when Start-Stop system kicks in. For manual transmissions, the Start-Stop system will shut off the engine any moment the its in free gear and the driver lifts off the clutch pedal. As traffics ease and the clutch is depressed, the engine kicks back, resuming idle RPM when a gear is selected, and goes off when the clutch's release. Of course the Start Stop system can also be switch On/Off with a touch of a button.

Coupled along these new energy saving systems, is the new Modular Efficiency Platform, this feeds the driver with information such as a gear-change indicator to optimize consumption, and also constantly analyzes electricity flow within the vehicle, be it the air conditioning or rear screen defroster, then it translates these information back into energy consumption figures to help drivers save fuel. By providing better information, drivers could even safe up to 1 liter per 100km, driving it for a standard 25,000 - 35,000 km a year, that translates to considerable fuel saving.

Putting the engine's power to the tarmacs smoothly would of course be the 7-Speed S-Tronic's job (VW's DSG gearbox), which sports two sets of clutch providing lightning fast gear shifts. Of course performance was also enhanced with the 2.0TFSi engine's turbo charger, with variable exhausts vanes. The moment acceleration is required, as the driver floors the pedal, the blades of the turning fins changes their profiles, turning into flatter blades allowning the fins to spool faster.

Besides advancement in engine technology, the Audi Sportback was build to a different standard, using high strength steel, a material that could literally hang 10 tons of weight just with a 3cm x 0.02 inch thick cut out. This high strength steel would of course serves as the main protection for interior passengers in the event of a collision.

So? Highly desirable? Definitely. Let's wait for the higher performance S-RS models. If they do produce them. Check out the gallery