2013 New BMW Z4

2013 New BMW Z4

The new BMW Z4 looks pretty slick, as it receives a new facelift and all-new drivetrain. Most noticeable is the more aggressively stanced head lights and tail lights, completed with sporty side vents.

The entry level Z4sDrive18i BMW Z4 now runs on a detuned 2.0-litre turbocharged 4 cylinder engine. The engine puts out 154bhp and 240nm of torque. With a lower power output, this BMW Z4 does 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds with a top speed of 220km/h. I'm pretty sure some aftermarket tune can unleash its true potential.

In the UK, the Z4sDrive18i retails for about RM127,680 or £27,610. Expect it to cost double here.

The Nissan Leaf is now better and more affordable!

The Nissan Leaf is now better and more affordable!

While all these might not be available for the Malaysian market, the British made version of the Nissan Leaf has received quite a number of improvements; over 100 in fact. There is also a battery leasing option, with three new trim levels. The best part will be the enhanced battery warranty.

A new pricing structure has been introduced to reflect the three trim levels and the battery-leasing options now available – but things are far from complicated. Cars bought with leased batteries will be known as 'Flex' models and buyers will be able to get behind the wheel of an entry-level Visia Nissan LEAF on that basis for £15,990 (after receipt of the Government's £5,000 plug-in grant). 

Dubai Police uses a Lamborghini Aventador Patrol Car

If you think only Need for Speed has exotic sports car for their patrol cars, or if you think our Malaysian Mitsubishi EVO 10 patrol cars are awesome, check out Dubai's Lamborghini Aventador police car! 

Known for their extravagant spending, Dubai's wealth seems to be limitless. The latest extravagant spending seems to be a Lamborghini Aventador for the police force. Donned in white and green, the Aventador costs about $550,000 USD, or 1.7 million ringgit. 

Based on the Dubai police's official statement, this spending is justified as more than 15% of traffic offenses are committed at speeds above 130mph; which is 205km/h!  In this case, the Lamborghini Aventador's 0-100km/h in 3 second performance figures, and the 700hp engine could be of great beneficial use. 

Maserati Presents The All-New Maserati Ghibli To Debut In Shanghai

Maserati has unveiled the official images for their new 4-door sports saloon, which will be seen in flesh at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month (April 2013). 

Dubbed the Ghibli, Maserati aims to create a new benchmark with its sportier character as compared to the larger Maserati Quattroporte. The Maserati Ghibli will feature a turbocharged  3.0-litre V6 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Maserati Ghibli's will be able to switch between rear wheel drive and the new "Q4" all-wheel drive system.

The Ghibli will also become the first Maserati production car in history to be powered by a diesel engine, with a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel.

Mitsubishi ASX Crashes into tree by service centre

Mitsubishi ASX crashed into tree by service centre mechanic

Story from Elizabeth Chai:

I sent my car for a routine service at the Mitsubishi service centre Balakong branch (Target Orion Star Sdn Bhd) for the 50,000km car service on 15th March 2013, Friday at 10am. My car was in a good condition when I left the service centre. One hour later, at 11.07am, I received a call from the service centre. I was told that my car was involved in an accident when the mechanic test drove my car outside the service centre and he rammed into a tree. I rushed over to see my car and took some photos of it. Both front airbags had deployed, the front windscreen cracked and the car bonnet was unable to open for me to view the engine. I have no idea of the internal damage because of this. I was told that the accident happened after the mechanic lost control of the car due to the steering wheel locking itself. At 4.10pm, I met with Mr Chang Tai Yean, Senior Service and Operation Manager. He told me that the offer for compensation was to repair the car for free with original parts and return to me. Mr Chang also told me that the car had a brake malfunction, which contradicted the earlier explanation. Mr Chang then also mentioned to me that I had signed the service order on which the Terms & Condition stated they shall not be responsible for any loss or damage to my vehicle. Please then tell me who should be held responsible for this accident caused to my car? I went to see the site of the accident with Mr Chang. We noticed that the car veered from left to right and left again before hitting the tree. There were no skid marks at all.

2012 Proton Saga FLX bolt on turbo

Running on a Subaru TD04. Fueling is helped a little with Works Fuel Pressure Regulator

Here is my own 2012 Proton Saga FLX bolt on turbo. Currently running without management, still able to boost up to 0.4 bar (albeit with bad fuel consumption). Saving up for a Haltech Sprint 500 standalone! To complement the power, a new semi-racing clutch will be dropped in. Next is to upgrade the brake system to a double servo pump, and better brake pads. The car is currently running on a lowered spring setup (Sapura sports spring) which is sufficient for daily usage. Overall quite satisfied with this bolt on turbo Saga FLX setup, as the sound emitted is not too loud, and sounds like a standard ride. Even my intercooler is well hidden inside, as I intend to achieve a sleeper look.

Proton Saga FLX bolt on turbo with subtle intercooler. Looks stock! 

Final objective will be to stroke it to 1600cc with new crankshaft, forged conrods and forged pistons; aiming at about 200whp! For a little car like this it is more than enough.

Enjoy the pictures. Any question feel free to comment!

Some FAQ I got from fellow Campro mod enthusiasts:

1) Can the Campro engine cope without management?
Not advisable  but as long as you don't boost recklessly you can drive it fine with occasional boost (not more than 0.4-0.5 bar, according to several tuners).  The car runs fine, nearly 2 months and counting. No problems encountered so far, except that my stock clutch is already slipping :)

2) Why don't you install management?
Campro's ECU runs on a closed loop system, so it will override piggy-back management such as E-manage (some had success with Works EMS-1 though). I plan to just use a standalone like Haltech Sprint 500. This Haltech Sprint 500 standalone ECU cost about RM4,000-5,000 with installation, tuning, and dyno. Planning to drop in the internals together.

3) What is the estimated horsepower without management?
I'm not going to lie and tell you fancy stories, since mine is only 1.3-litre my butt dyno tells me the car's current whp is about 90whp, albeit wtih much more torque.

4) Are forged internals even available for the Campro? How much?
Yes they are, CP forged pistons go for about RM2k+, and custom made forged conrods about RM1k+.

5) After bolt on turbo what is your top speed?
Unfortunately bolt on turbo doesn't modify my gear ratio. My current top speed on this Saga FLX is about 190km/h.

6) What is your fuel consumption without management?
When it was stock my FC was 10-11km/L (abysmal figure). After bolt on turbo, FC stands at about 8-10km/L (depending on how much I boost).

7) How much did you spend for this bolt on turbo project?
About RM2,800, without labour.

New Ford Kuga Production Increases To Meet Higher Demand

New Ford Kuga Production Increases To Meet Higher Demand 

The Ford Kuga, while not available in Malaysia yet, will debut soon, sometime during the middle of 2013. The waiting list may be long though; Ford Kuga’s production has been increased by 10% to cope with high demands from Europe.

The Ford Kuga is expected to reach 100,000 units annually. The Ford Kuga runs on a 1.6-litre EcoBoost turbocharged engine (150-180ps), and will be paired to a 6-speed SelectShift auto transmission. The Ford Kuga also has a 5 star NCAP and ANCAP rating.

New Lamborghini’s Veneno New Supercar New $3.9 Million

The Lamborghini Veneno is based on the Aventador, and features the same 6.5-Litre V12 four-wheel drive setup. The engine is ated to a 7-speed autobox. Power is increased to a whopping 740hp (690hp in the Lamborghini Aventador), and the top speed is now 354km/h. 

In a limited production run of only just 3 units, the Lamborghini Veneno retails for 11.7 million ringgit, or $3.9 million. 

Two has already been sold, and is destined for the U.S. Wonder where is the other one? Does the Sultan of Brunei own one as well? 

Keywords: Lamborghini, Lamborghini Aventador, Lamborghini Veneno, Veneno, Concept Car, Lamborghini Concept, Lamborghini Zero 

New Malysian Honda Civic 2013 Problem!

For a non-national car retailing at RM112,000 onwards (USD$32,000), you are expecting a problem free, high quality car. Well every make has its fair share of lemon cars, and this Honda Civic is one such case. Straight from the showroom, this Honda Civic immediately started having problems, pertaining to Honda Civic's VSC (reoccurring VSC problem perhaps?). What is your take? Bad customer service? Check out this poor Honda Jazz's accident.

Story from the owner himself

I recently bought a new 2013 Honda Civic 2.0s (the one without GPS) from Honda Setia Alam. Honda Malaysia said that I took the car on 29 March. But in actual fact, I only took the car on Apr 3rd (Wednesday). I only signed the 'checklist' and other docs for the car handover on Wednesday 3.30pm - 4pm.