COMPLETELY NEMO!

Nemo Concetto illustrates the astonishing closeness between the Citroën Nemo and its clown fish homonym.

Like the fish, Nemo Concetto can be considered as “small” among its peers. However, its size is an asset, since it is able to nip in and out of traffic easily. In a world where it would be tempting to think that bigger is better, Nemo Concetto combines intelligent design with compact exterior dimensions and interior space. It shows that intelligence is the most important asset, whatever the environment.

Nemo Concetto does not claim to be what it is not. It clearly states its identity with a new take on conventional automotive cues. Resembling a small truck with fun looks, bright colours and unrestrained humour, Nemo Concetto is a rich mix with overwhelming appeal. Like the clown fish, Nemo Concetto has irresistible personality and looks.

Nemo Concetto reflects Citroën’s constantly renewed capacity to design vehicles with character, vehicles that adapt to the lifestyles and world of their owners… like fish in water!

2009 FORD KA

The exciting new Ka, Ford’s fresh, fun and funky small car, will take centre-stage at the 2008 Paris Motor Show in October.

The all-new Ford Ka brings new levels of style and enjoyment to affordable city cars.
Twelve years after the original Ka was launched to great acclaim, its successor captures the same youthful and cheeky spirit. The new model retains all of the qualities which made the Ka so popular – its compact size, great looks, lively dynamics and fun personality – but presents them in a fresh new package.

Ford designers have given the new Ka a fashionable, modern appearance based around the company’s ‘kinetic design’ form language. A number of visual cues provide a connection to the original Ka, but with its distinctive face and chunky proportions the new model has its own unique character. The interior of the new Ka also has a stylish, dynamic design, combining bold contrasts and expressive colours which reflect the more adventurous tastes of the typical Ka buyer. The new model is destined to continue the considerable success of the original Ford Ka, which is widely considered to be an automotive design icon. Launched at the Paris Motor Show in 1996, the Ka was immediately praised for its exciting “New Edge” styling and class-leading driving dynamics.

Throughout its 12-year life the Ka has remained tremendously popular among small-car buyers, inspiring fierce loyalty from its owners. In total, Ka production has exceeded 1.4 million vehicles.“We are very excited about the launch of the new Ka”, said Roelant de Waard, Chairman and Managing Director, Ford of Britain. “The original has been a huge hit in the UK with a sales record of over 480,000 – 80 per cent of which have been to retail customers, and many of those first-time buyers. I’m confident that the latest design will prove just as big a hit”, he added.
Further information on the new Ford Ka range will be released in time for the Paris Motor Show in early October 2008.

FLYING SAUCERS GO INTO PRODUCTION

While everyone else is stuck in traffic, you get to fly right over them. Here’s a vehicle to put you one step closer to making that a reality. So, get your spacesuit ready because aliens will not be the only ones who owns UFO. Not anymore.

The M200G Jetson designed and manufactured by Moller International, is engineered to take off and land vertically, and fly to a maximum altitude of 3 meters. The altitude has been restricted so drivers won’t need a pilot’s license. The vehicle is controlled by the fly-by-wire computer which responds to the driver’s input via a joystick. The maker claims operation is easy and takes little time to learn.

The altitude was also set to where it benefits from extra lift created by a cushion of air - known as ground effect. This allows the M200G to glide over terrain at 50mph, powered by eight of the Company's Rotapower rotary engines. Moller International has not arranged for training or licensing requirements to operate the vehicle. But it is prepared to offer demonstration sessions at its California base once the vehicle is ready for market.

The vehicle can be purchased only by way of an international auction that the company plans to conduct next year. Interested individuals can take part in the auction by proving that they can pay $150,000. Moller has been promising the world a flying car for over a decade, could it finally be making good on its pledge? Or a better question is, you already know the world is full of crazy drivers, do you really want to see them try to fly?

*source: Moller website

TECHART GT STREET RS based on the Porsche 997 GT2

TECHART Automobildesign GmbH presents its cutting-edge TECHART GTstreet RS, based on the Porsche 911 GT2 (997), with an impressive best time of 1.06:811 minutes on the short course of the Hockenheim circuit. Since 2001, TECHART GTstreet vehicles have been among the fastest and highest performance sports cars in the world. This high performance is reflected in the GTstreet RS’s statistics - 700 PS and 515 KW – with a maximum torque of 860 Nm. This power is achieved through the use of modified turbochargers, enlarged carbon inlet pipes, specially developed intercoolers, a sports flap exhaust combined with high-performance headers, modified pressure sensor and a sports air filter. The GTstreet model demonstrates a high level of performance in the wind tunnel: with a downforce of 10 kilos on the front and rear axles at a speed of 140 km/h.

GT RS front apron is fitted with a carbon splitter. A special air duct has been constructed to enable the cool air to pass directly behind the radiator and over the newly created air outlet thereby reducing the buoyant force on the front axle considerably. Side carbon flics support this effect in that they increase the downforce considerably by acting as a counterpart. All of the sporty basics are featured, creating a sporty appearance and fast model with its aero-bonnet, headlight shades, mirror shades, GT sill panels and carbon roof spoiler. The GT rear spoiler is particularly striking with its carbon winglets and gurney flaps. The GT RS rear apron with carbon diffuser, air outlet and carbon air wings complete the programme for this club sports car.

2009 HONDA OSM

Honda’s low-emission sportscar study model has been revealed at the British International Motor Show, at ExCel, London.The lightweight roadster design study displays one of Honda’s core engineering principles – to design stylish and exciting cars that are also environmentally responsible. Named the OSM (for Open Study Model), the two-seater joins the confirmed-for-production CR-Z sports hybrid and FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell car on the Honda stand at the show. “We’re trying to show that low emission cars can be attractive,” says Andreas Sittel, Project Leader for OSM. “There is no reason why a car that’s more environmentally friendly can’t look great too – and be sporty and fun to drive.”

The concept for the project was ‘Clean and Dynamic’ – and this direction was followed for both the exterior and interior design, ensuring a joined-up, consistent ‘language’ between the two. One example of this can be seen at the rear of the car, where the body actually extends into the cabin between the seats. The exterior design is a balance of smooth, rounded curves and sharp lines to provide definition in key areas. The headlights are cleverly integrated into the front end, stretching from the nose to the top of the wheel arches to look more like a part of the original body.

Inside, this uninterrupted, fluid approach is continued, with long sweeping curves extending from both door panels to form a frame for the instrument display. The concept for the dashboard was to avoid creating the traditional block of ‘heavy’ color and material in front of the driver; in keeping with the clean and lightweight theme. For that reason, the dash is broken into sections, with the most important instruments in direct line-of-sight of the driver.

Key information is displayed in a rounded, enclosed central binnacle, with levels and figures in bright blue on a black background. This matches the trim inside the car, with the seats and door furniture trimmed in a new, gloss-effect blue leather, accompanied by white leather sections, in line with the exterior body color, a one-off paint called Mystic Pearl. The driver’s main controls and functions are distributed in an intuitive layout, close at hand on a panel that curves downwards to the right of the driver. A centrally-mounted semi-sequential gear-shift points towards a fun-to-drive transmission, along with paddle shifts either side of the steering wheel. Integrated into the gearshifter itself is a red ignition ‘start’ button, which reinforces the sporty direction of the car.

The Honda OSM was designed by Honda’s R&D facility in Offenbach, Germany. It’s the latest example of the young talent being developed within Honda’s design studios in Europe – following the Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept (Geneva 2007) and the Accord Tourer Concept (Frankfurt 2007). At present, the Honda OSM is a design study model, and there are no plans for it to enter production.

i-Blue series unveiled by Hyundai

Hyundai has just launched in the UK a new range of cars – branded i-Blue - which will offer emissions below the crucial 120g/km barrier but which are priced at the highly competitive level buyers expect from Hyundai.

The first car in the range will be an i30 hatchback powered by the familiar and acclaimed 1.6-litre CRDi engine. With prices starting at £13,155, it is substantially better value than low emission rivals, including the offerings from Ford and Volkswagen.

The i30’s advanced engine design means there has been no need to resort to measures such as skinny tyres, expensive stop-start systems or lowered suspension to achieve the low CO2 figure. All that has been necessary to achieve the 6g/km drop over the existing model is a minor change to the gear ratios. As the revisions are so minor, the i30’s acclaimed roadholding, drivability, ride and equipment levels are unaffected.

The new model remains affordable too, with prices starting at £13,155 (approx. RM92,000) despite an enviable equipment list that includes ESP, air conditioning and alloy wheels as standard on all versions. As with all new Hyundai models, the i30 is also covered by a five year, unlimited mileage warranty (too bad it's only in the UK).

In addition the i-Blue badge will also be used on all i10 models which produce less than 120g/km. The introduction of the new 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine, available from September, means this will apply to every i10 with a manual transmission.

Even those Hyundai models which do not qualify for i-Blue status are still exceptionally efficient. For example, the Santa Fe is officially recognised as having the lowest CO2 in its class by the UK government’s Act on CO2website, beating even hybrid-powered rivals.

But the company is still striving to make all of its cars more efficient and future models wearing the i-Blue name could offer a variety of advanced fuel saving technology such as idle stop-start and hybrid powertrains in the short term with hydrogen fuel cell technology in the medium and long term.

More Kia Soul snapshots

Picture of the day

New Chevrolet Beat

Mitsubishi i MiEV police car

Chevrolet Aveo Penny. Everyone wants one (not the car)

Berlingo? Who cares..Picasso's better!

Remember my earlier post on the Citroen Berlingo? Close your one eye on that post and open both eyes wide as with the C3 Picasso, Citroën is once again shaking up conventional automotive ideas, introducing an innovative concept that is sure to play a leading role in the mini MPV segment.

The C3 Picasso bears all the hallmark creativity of Citroën and stands out with its bold styling, innovative architecture and outstanding ingenuity. The high-set seating and onboard visibility will delight all passengers, while the vehicle’s complete and intuitive modular design will make their days. And the Picasso’s nimble roadholding will satisfy drivers looking for pleasure and involvement at the wheel.

C3 Picasso drivers get a whole new experience that sets the standard high in the segment.The car’s compact dimensions and tight turning circle make it impressively agile and able to tackle obstacles with ease. The C3 Picasso has a vehicle attitude of a saloon, bringing drivers complete peace of mind in all driving conditions.The C3 Picasso is also fitted with a range of high-performance, economical engines. It will ship with two new-generation petrol units – the VTi 95 and VTi 120 – and two diesels, the HDi 90 and HDi 110 DPFS, renowned for their driving pleasure and efficiency. C3 Picasso models fitted with HDi engines carry the Airdream® environmental signature that identifies the Citroën models with the best environmental credentials.

Kia Soul Confirmed For Production

For the last few months, many Kia fans are getting excited by the develoment news of the prototype Kia Soul and Kia Forte. But that time, it's still not clear wether the 2 models will actually make it to the production line. The Forte was confirmed first but what about the Soul? Well, here's some good news.

Kia Motors Corporation has confirmed that its all-new production model, the Kia Soul, will be marketed globally with a choice of three highly efficient engines when it goes on sale in early 2009. The most powerful engine will be a 2-litre gasoline unit. A smaller capacity 1.6-litre gasoline engine will be offered in most countries, alongside a 1.6-litre diesel engine featuring a VGT (variable geometry turbocharger). Both the 1.6-litre, four cylinder, 16-valve DOHC power units are based closely on engines fitted to the hugely successful, European-built, Kia cee’d.

Kia has also confirmed that the new model, which will be available exclusively as a five-door hatchback with front-wheel drive, will have an overall length of 4,105 mm, and a 2,550 mm wheelbase. Height will be 1,610 mm and width 1,785mm - excluding door mirrors.

Will the Soul, the Toyota Rush likely proposition ever come here? Well, at least not for the immediate future i reckon. Naza still hasn't bring the latest Carens, remember?

My First Ecomodder Resolutions

I've decided to become an ecomodder. What and why? Ecomodding is not just hypermiling practice. People are drawn to ecomodding for many reasons. The "eco" in ecomodder suggests concern for the environment & conservation;but "eco" also points to the economic factor - the desire to save money through reduced energy consumption.

In true gearhead fashion, ecomodder enjoy the considerable technical/mechanical challenge of improving a machine & its driver, and some revel in the sheer sport of it! Squeezing the greatest distance from the least amount of fuel is an ongoing game against ourselves and other like-minded efficiency enthusiasts. Of course, no two ecomodders are alike. People bring different combinations of interests & motivation.

Ecomodding is not the unquestioned adoption of dubious additives or magic bullet add-ons. Ecomodders value the experimental method, and are skeptical of those who make claims and draw conclusions from observations made in uncontrolled conditions

"Wrench smart - drive smarter - save fuel"

As a novice ecomodder, these are my resolutions:

1. Use the lowest recommended octane. The lower octane gas is cheaper (read my previous posting on using lower RON)

2. Stay away from newly refill tanks. If i know that a station has just been filled by tanker, steer clear of it for a day or two. When the tanker dumps its thousands of litres of fuel into the containers below the station, the sediment and old fuel get stirred up. This sediment and bad fuel gets sucked into the cars that fill up first, and can cause a decrease in fuel efficiency, as well as wear and corrosion of the spark plugs in my vehicle.

3. Fill the tank full. If I need to fill up, fill up all the way. The more money i try to save by adding RM50 today and then RM30 tomorrow will be wasted since each time i will have to travel to the station and wait for a pump. Instead, i do it all at once to save time and money.

4. Stop at first click and don't top off the tank. It is wasted money and bad for the environment since the extra gas evaporates in 10 minutes of driving.

5. Throw...err..clean out any unnecessary items in the car. If my car is lighter, it will use less fuel to get where I’m going (spare your passenger, ok?).

6. Avoid idling. While idling, my car gets exactly 0 km, while starting the car uses the same amount as idling for 6 seconds.

7. Reduce speed. Aerodynamic drag increases exponentially with speed. The most efficient speed is my car's minimum speed in it's highest gear, since this provides the best "speed per RPM" ratio.

8. Take off slowly from a full stop. This is one adjustment that will have dramatic effects on my gas mileage. (Refer to step 12 afterwards)

9. Stay away from shops where i will spend significantly more time idling and waiting for parkings, pedestrians and other vehicles to move.(e.g Tesco Ampang during weekends..hehe).

10. Increase tyre pressure from in the manual which are for comfort rather than fuel efficiency. Generally speaking, a slightly higher pressure will improve fuel mileage and handling, but too high will degrade traction and wear the tires rapidly, as well as being unsafe.

11. Listen to slower music. Leave the speed metal at home. Fast paced music can make me more impatient, more agressive and likely to speed. At the same time, slower paced music is more relaxing and tends to promote a more sensible driving style while also reducing stress.

12. Constant throttle position cruising. Once up to speed, pick a throttle position and hold it.

13. Make fuel economy a game/challenge. Competing against myself (or others) to get the best possible fuel economy can do wonders for increasing motivation to learn more, refine my skills, and try harder.

14. Adjust my automatic transmission practice:

• key off, then Park. Save a few drops of fuel by modifying shutdown procedure: when parking, turn off the key *before* shifting to Park and setting the parking brake.
• highest gear/lowest RPM for posted speed. When cruising, drive the the speed that allows the lowest RPM for the speed zone we are in.
  EG. if the posted speed is 60 kmh and your car shifts into 3rd at 65, you may be able to achieve the 3rd gear shift, then reduce and hold 60 without causing a downshift.
• torque converter (TC) lockup. Drive at the speed that allows the TC (torque converter) to lock up. This is often around 75-80 kmh. Speeds just above this typically return the higest cruising fuel economy.
• neutral when stopped. Shift automatic transmissions to neutral when stopped (assuming i'm going to leave the engine running). Remaining in drive wastes fuel as the engine continues to try to creep the car forward while being held back by the brakes.
• upshift coaxing. Some automatic transmissions can be coaxed to upshift sooner when accelerating by briefly releasing some throttle pressure, then re-applying to continue accelerating.
• use OD (overdrive). If my transmission has an "OD" (overdrive) button or position, leave it engaged to ensure the transmission will shift into its highest gear as soon as possible.
• use economy mode. If my automatic transmission has a "power/economy" button, leave it in economy mode. This usually results in earlier upshifts and later downshifts, saving fuel.
  
• to be continued...
  

Why I change to RON92

Most of us drive around with premium grade RON97 in their tank, right? It’s famously called as “baru” while the other grade, RON92 was called “lama” (thanks to Bangladeshi petrol kiosk workers who popularized the terms that time). RON is an abbreviation for Research Octane Number. Google it for more info. For your information, all fuel provided at petrol stations in Malaysia now are unleaded fuels, regardless of their grades. So no more “merah”, only “hijau” fuels are available nowadays. Ok, I’m confused already. We're not talking about traffic lights, are we? The now obsolete leaded fuel was famously called ‘merah’(thanks again to the Bangladeshi), remember?

I used to believe that the higher RON will give more power. What I didn’t know power is limited by the maximum amount of fuel-air mixture that can be feed into the combustion chamber. These are controlled by the car ECU which is factory-preset by the manufacturer. If my car owner's manual says minimum RON91 to be used, so it means the engine are already designed and tuned to run with RON91 ( i believe most Hyundai-Kia engines are using these setup?). So, RON92 is good enough for me to use. Putting premium RON97 or V Power is not going to give me any performance advantage and just wasting money. Unless i have a high-compression engine which could be prone to pinging, i have totally no need for RON97 or higher. The only thing that higher RON gives me is less likelihood of pinging. Even so, most cars nowadays have knock sensors which detect the vibration or shock caused by detonation of lower octane fuel and can signal the engine management system to change the ignition timing to reduce or eliminate the problem.

Many people think that RON92 are inferior in quality because they don’t have the same additives (which provide the same cleansing effect/performance) as in RON97. Well at least Caltex have confirmed that both their RON97 (gold) and RON92 (silver) carries the same Techron additives (yeah, I know, confuse about the colours again right?). And I’ve read somewhere that Mobil-Esso also have the same additive package for theirs. Not sure about Shell Regular or Petronas Prima though (it’s becoming rare nowadays to find stations that sells one, anyway). For a full tank of 55 liters, at least I can save RM4 per tank by using this grade. Not much but still can buy me a good teh tarik & nasi lemak ayam combo once a week, or buy 4 tabloids per week (non mainstream only). For the last few months, i've been using the Infiniti from BHPetrol. So far so good compared to other brand. Manage to clock approximately 564km (on par with when i'm using RON97 for the same volume of fuel usage and still improving).

The problem now is my other car that requires minimum RON97 (guess which manufacturer that is). Say i fill it with RON92 anyway, trying to save some money. My car will still work fine because the engine management system will be detecting knock and retarding the ignition timing to compensate. But by changing the ignition timing, i could be losing efficiency in the engine, which could translate into worse fuel mileage. I may save a little money, but it costs more in the long term because I’m going to be filling up more often to do the same mileage. Hmmmm…anybody have a calculator, please??

Latest Perodua MPV spotted!!

One of avid Star reader, Elton, managed to capture the latest Perodua MPV production vehicle, originally slated for released next year, in one of a private workshop in Rawang (obviously near the Perodua factory). The MPV was disguised using the MK 1 Kancil skin with 1.3 DVVT engine from the Kembara transplanted inside. Interior wise, the tall roof line produced an extra roomy interior, which can occupy 7 or more passenger (depending on their size and how you arranged them),together with bus-styled folding door for easy access. Selling price was not indicated but expect it to be within 50K-70K, depending on grade, acessories and finishings. Coming to Perodua dealers nationwide soon. Heard that there will be special discount for mobile ice blended or canteen operators.

Ok, I made that up…credit to Elton though for the great picture.

Who says Berlingos are ugly?

You might have encountered an odd looking, or to certain extent, ugly looking ( although looks are subjective) Citroen Berlingo or it's sibling the Renault Kangoo many times before, especially if you live in Klang Valley. In case you didn't notice, its the UK's most popular value MPV. Although the current version's front end deserved notable credits, the rear end was aninomously voted as..errrr...you know what i mean.

Well, the latest version of Berlingo Multispace may change your perception, mine at least. Ok, maybe a little . Based on the running gear of the multi award-winning C4 Picasso, a cleaner and more flowing lines visually transformed the MPV, especially the rear end into a whole lot better appearance than the current version. Lot better than the Juara or Suzuki APV, i reckon. With its EuroNCAP rating (4-stars for adult and child occupant protection and 2-stars for pedestrian), the new Multispace offers an advanced level of protection . A reinforced body and cabin structure, ABS with EBD & EBA and three Isofix anchor points all come as standard . Six airbags, ESP with Hill Start Assist, a tyre pressure monitor system and automatic door locks for when the vehicle is in motion, are also available.

The original Multispace’s design feature, the Modutop® roof, has also been restyled and updated, utilising the height of the Berlingo to maximise the overhead storage space. The Modutop® system consists of front and central overhead compartments, with built-in scented air-freshener, and a dual-opening boot-mounted storage box which can be accessed on the move. Alternatively, the Multispace can be fitted with internal roof bars for long items such as skis (if you happen to ski here in Malaysia) to be transported inside the car eliminating the risk of theft and not impacting on fuel efficiency.

Multispace will be available with a choice of five engines. There will be two petrol units available and three HDi diesel powerplants, with a new to the range, upmarket 110hp 1.6HDi engine for punchy performance and strong economy. Berlingo Multispace, please do come here and kill the overpriced and overhyped Avanza!!!

Check out http://www.newberlingo.citroen.com/ for more decent looking images from various angles.

Subaru unveils Plug-in STELLA Concept

Use to heard of plug-in electrical appliances only? Now we can all plug in our car! Subaru automobiles today announced the successful development of its Subaru Plug-in STELLA Concept model, a prototype electric vehicle (EV). Subaru will provide five units of the Plug-in STELLA Concept for use at the Hokkaido Toyako Summit to be held July 7 through 9, 2008. Four of the five will be used to transport government officials and other participants at the summit, while one vehicle will be displayed at the Environmental Showcase, an exhibition and demonstration area in the International Media Center, and it will also be available for a test drive.

Subaru has placed emphasis on its mission to pursue the perfect integration of a pleasant and reliable driving with environmental considerations. While seamlessly improving the power units design and introducing such cleaner engines as the Horizontally-Opposed diesel engine in Europe (available since March of this year), the company has positioned EVs as another viable solution for environmental preservation, and it plans to accelerate its EV development work.

These plug-in concept are gaining momentum right now as it makes more sense, from the current fuel pricing point of view. Volkswagen AG and Citroen are also developing their own EVs, as the case of Toyota and Honda with their hybrid-EV projects. I wonder if the Stella will ever reach our shores. Likely not, considering the G's unfavorable tax structure with no clear incentives for environmental friendly cars. Refer to the Honda Civic Hybrid price and you know what i mean.

Talking about Subaru, do take a look at the new 7 seater Subaru Exiga. One good review is available from Paul Tan's blog here . Top of the line 2.0GT version comes with 211hp turbocharged engine, Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) system and SI-Drive, which offers three different driving modes: Intelligent; Sport; and Sport Sharp. Yummy....