Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2010 F1 grid comes into focus as Lotus signs Trulli and Kovalainen]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/2010-f1-grid-comes-into-focus-as-lotus-signs-trulli-and-kovalain/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/2010-f1-grid-comes-into-focus-as-lotus-signs-trulli-and-kovalain/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/2010-f1-grid-comes-into-focus-as-lotus-signs-trulli-and-kovalain/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The pieces to the puzzle that is the upcoming Formula One season are coming together bit by bit. In the latest development, the upstart Lotus F1 Racing team has announced the signing of two veteran drivers: Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen.

A former Monaco Grand Prix race winner, Trulli has driven for five different teams over the course of the past twelve years on the grid. Speculation was that he could switch to NASCAR following a recent test with Michael Waltrip Racing, particularly as the Toyota team for which he'd been driving for the past six years announced its withdrawal from the series. Finnish driver Kovalainen, meanwhile, is also a former race winner, left without a ride when McLaren replaced him with reigning world champion Jenson Button. Local aspirant Fairuz Fauzy, formerly of Malaysia's A1GP team, will serve as reserve/test driver.

The announcement was made by Malaysia's prime minister, whose government is backing the team. Although the outfit has no direct ties with the automaker of the same name - save for mutual patronage by Malaysia's state-run Proton - the British sportscar-maker and engineering firm could buy into the team at some point in the future as part of its comprehensive racing plan, giving Lotus the kind of operation Ferrari has run for decades.

With the Lotus drivers in place and Force India having recently confirmed the retention of Adrian Sutil and Tonio Liuzzi, the 2010 grid is rapidly taking form. The only remaining seats are with Mercedes/Brawn GP (which has yet to announce Nico Rosberg's team-mate as speculation intensifies over Michael Schumacher's return), Renault (which has yet to announce a wingman for Robert Kubica as the team's future remains in question), Sauber (which was only recently approved for next season), Toro Rosso, Campos Meta (which has announced only Bruno Senna), Virgin/Manor (which has confirmed only Timo Glock so far) and USF1.

Follow the jump for the full press release from Lotus.

[Source: Lotus F1 Team | Image: Bongarts/Getty]

Continue reading 2010 F1 grid comes into focus as Lotus signs Trulli and Kovalainen

2010 F1 grid comes into focus as Lotus signs Trulli and Kovalainen originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 malaysia1Malaysiaf1fairuz fauzyFairuzFauzyfauzyformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOneheikki kovalainenHeikkiKovalainenjarno trulliJarnoTrullikovalainenlotuslotus f1lotus f1 racingLotusF1LotusF1RacingmalaysiatrulliMon, 14 Dec 2009 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Bufori drops the retro and goes for the contemporary with new Malaysian-built CS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/bufori-drops-the-retro-and-goes-for-the-contemporary-with-new-ma/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/bufori-drops-the-retro-and-goes-for-the-contemporary-with-new-ma/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/bufori-drops-the-retro-and-goes-for-the-contemporary-with-new-ma/#commentsFiled under: ,

Bufori CS rendering - click above for high-res image gallery

First things first - these are renderings. In other words, an artist's conception of what the finished product will (probably) look like. Are these the best renderings ever produced? In a word, no. They actually leave quite a bit to be desired. But, they are just renderings. Got it? Good.

If you've never heard of the Bufori Motor Car Company - and odds are good that you haven't - it's a small Malaysian automaker founded by three Australians that until today has concentrated on cars that look like a Morgan crossed with an Excalibur. But never mind all that retro stuff, Bufori is looking to the future. They've just announced the Bufori CS, and the "CS" stands for "Compact Sports." A good starting point if you ask us.

The body will be crafted from carbon fiber and Kevlar, meaning it ought to be stiff and light - also good attributes in a small, sporty car. Better yet, it sits on a spaceframe chassis, similar to a Lotus 7, Shelby Cobra or Rolls-Royce Phantom. Power comes from an unidentified 2.0-liter turbo four-banger - which could mean anything from Subaru to Audi to General Motors' Ecotec. All four corners of the CS's suspension will be fully adjustable.

If you squint (and hope) hard enough, you might just be looking at a wonderful sports car, inline with Toyota's new FT-86, only fancier. Look for the CS to drop around 2011. Odds of it coming to the USA? Zilch. Full press release after the jump.


Gallery: Bufori CS


[Source: Bufori Motor Car Company]

Continue reading Bufori drops the retro and goes for the contemporary with new Malaysian-built CS

Bufori drops the retro and goes for the contemporary with new Malaysian-built CS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BuforiBufori CSBuforiCsMalaysiaTue, 17 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Malaysian-backed Lotus F1 Racing gears up for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/malaysian-backed-lotus-f1-racing-gears-up-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/malaysian-backed-lotus-f1-racing-gears-up-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/malaysian-backed-lotus-f1-racing-gears-up-for-2010/#commentsFiled under: ,


Lotus F1 Racing wind-tunnel model - Click above for high-res gallery

It's been fifteen years since Lotus last competed in Formula One, but that dry spell is about to come to an end as the British engineering firm and sportscar maker is set to join the grid once again for next season as one of four new teams in the series. Preparations appear to be going full-steam ahead, and Lotus F1 Racing (as the team will officially be known) has released a pair of images depicting a full-scale wind-tunnel model of the car they'll be running next year.

Like the other new entries - and possibly a handful of veteran teams - the Lotus F1 car will be running under Cosworth power, taking advantage of the low-cost engine package commissioned by the FIA. Having worked with nearly every team on the grid, Mike Gascoyne serves as technical director for the new outfit, with Air Asia owner Tony Fernandes temporarily serving as team principal. The team is being fielded by a consortium of Malaysian investors including the aforementioned airline, the government, Lotus owner and local automaker Proton, the Sepang circuit and the national motorsport and automobile associations.

There's been talk as well of Malaysia's former A1GP team folding into Lotus F1 Racing now that it has withdrawn from the series itself, while speculation continues regarding who'll drive for the team. Toyota's Jarno Trulli is tipped to be one leading candidate, while Malaysian driver Fairuz Fauzy - who has won races in A1GP, GP2 and World Series by Renault over the past couple of years - could prove a compelling choice for the team's Malaysian owners and sponsors, which could as well include national oil consortium and former Sauber sponsor Petronas. Follow the jump for the full press release from Lotus, and check out the images in the gallery below.


Gallery: 2010 Lotus-Cosworth wind-tunnel model


[Source: Lotus F1 Team]

Continue reading Malaysian-backed Lotus F1 Racing gears up for 2010

Malaysian-backed Lotus F1 Racing gears up for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cosworthf1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnelotuslotus f1lotus f1 racingLotusF1LotusF1RacingmalaysiaprotonFri, 16 Oct 2009 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[SPOILER ALERT: Weathering the Storm at the 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/05/spoiler-alert-weathering-the-storm-at-the-2009-malaysian-grand/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/05/spoiler-alert-weathering-the-storm-at-the-2009-malaysian-grand/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/05/spoiler-alert-weathering-the-storm-at-the-2009-malaysian-grand/#commentsFiled under:


2009 Malaysian Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery

After last weekend's Australian Grand Prix resulting in a brand new team claiming a devastating 1-2 victory and the incumbent world champion retroactively disqualified from the race, we knew right off the bat that 2009 would be a stormy season in Formula One. But nobody could predict what would happen next.

The track was dry earlier this morning as the green flag waved over the starting grid at the Sepang circuit on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, but dark clouds loomed ominously in the Malaysian skies as spectators, commentators and teams alike wondered if the notoriously temperate Southeast Asian weather would hold back long enough to complete the race distance. Follow the jump to find out.


Gallery: 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix

Continue reading SPOILER ALERT: Weathering the Storm at the 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix

SPOILER ALERT: Weathering the Storm at the 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Apr 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 malaysian grand prix2009MalaysianGrandPrixjenson buttonJensonButtonmalaysiamalaysian grand prixMalaysianGrandPrixtimo glockTimoGlockSun, 05 Apr 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Detroit Electric signs deal with Proton, plans two new electric cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/report-detroit-electric-signs-deal-with-proton-plans-two-new-e/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/report-detroit-electric-signs-deal-with-proton-plans-two-new-e/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/report-detroit-electric-signs-deal-with-proton-plans-two-new-e/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Last September, the revived Detroit Electric brand announced in Malaysia that it planned to produce a new line of electric vehicles by the end of 2009. At the time, nothing was official, but the electric cars on display were based on the guts of Proton Savvy and Persona sedans, leading us to wonder if there was a deal between Detroit Electric and the Malaysian automaker. Apparently, there is.

The two companies have announced that they will jointly create two electric vehicles under the Detroit Electric brand called the e46 and e63 (with apparent apologies to Mercedes-Benz), both based on existing Proton models. Various countries in Europe and Asia will get first crack at the EVs beginning in February of 2010. U.S. sales are expected to begin three to six months later.

The least expensive model is said to have a range of about 110 miles and will reportedly cost around $23,000. A higher-spec model will boast a 200 mile range and sell for around $30K. The upstart automaker has ambitions of selling 40,000 units in its first year and 270,000 by 2012.

[Source: Financial Times, Paul Tan]

REPORT: Detroit Electric signs deal with Proton, plans two new electric cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobloggreendetroit electricdetroit electric carsdetroit electric e46detroit electric e63DetroitElectricDetroitElectricCarsDetroitElectricE46DetroitElectricE63electric carElectricCarmalaysiamalaysianprotonTue, 31 Mar 2009 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Protection for Proton by Malaysian government ends]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/20/protection-for-proton-by-malaysian-government-ends/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/20/protection-for-proton-by-malaysian-government-ends/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/20/protection-for-proton-by-malaysian-government-ends/#commentsFiled under:

The Malaysian government has decided to end its protection of Malaysia's Proton Motors. In addition to the import duties and taxes levied against foreign carmakers, Proton was also the recipient of tax breaks and "other government incentives."

The decision could be seen as a blow to Proton, but Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is confident that the carmaker can and is turning itself around. Even though it has lost half of its market share while it was being protected by the government, Badawi said recently "No question of a bailing out. Proton is doing well today... they have a good program, they have secured exports to India, China, Indonesia and the Middle East."

For it's part, Proton's efforts to link up with a foreign car company didn't end well last year. For the moment, it has proposed that the government take an official stake in the company.

[Source: InsideLine]

Protection for Proton by Malaysian government ends originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 May 2008 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dutiesimport dutiesImportDutiesmalaysiaprotectionprotonsubsidiestaxesTue, 20 May 2008 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen/Proton on-again, off-again deal back on again?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/08/volkswagen-proton-on-again-off-again-deal-back-on-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/08/volkswagen-proton-on-again-off-again-deal-back-on-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/08/volkswagen-proton-on-again-off-again-deal-back-on-again/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Late last year reports first surfaced that Volkswagen was interested in taking a controlling interest in Malaysian car maker Proton. But by March the talks had apparently broken down. Now for the first time Volkswagen has actually made a statement about Proton.

Volkswagen is picking up the pace in talks with the Malaysian government who happens to be Proton's controlling shareholder. VW officials will meet with government officials in the coming weeks about how to proceed. The result could be either a takeover or just a partnership.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen/Proton on-again, off-again deal back on again?

Volkswagen/Proton on-again, off-again deal back on again? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Sep 2007 07:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buyoutmalaysiaprotonSat, 08 Sep 2007 07:53:00 EST<![CDATA[GM starts Malaysian joint-venture]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/gm-starts-malaysian-joint-venture/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/gm-starts-malaysian-joint-venture/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/gm-starts-malaysian-joint-venture/#commentsFiled under: , ,

GM has announced plans to start a joint venture with Malaysia's DRB-Hicom to sell a range of Chevrolets in the country and possibly set-up a manufacturing base for cars and parts for sale in southeast Asian region. Following the breakdown in talks with state-owned Proton earlier in the year, GM then turned to DRB-Hicom to help take advantage of the country's cheap labor and free trade agreements.

DRB-Hicom holds a 51% stake in the joint-venture with GM and plans to start operations by as early as October. By manufacturing in Malaysia, GM will be able to export cars and auto supplies to other Asian manufacturers based in Thailand, Japan and Indonesia with barely any taxes. No surprise that other foreign makes such as Volkswagen and PSA Peugeot-Citroen are interested in gaining a foothold in the country.

GM has had some limited success selling its products in Malaysia, where most foreign cars are heavily taxed. It previously sold Holden's older-generation VY Commodore in small numbers but ended this after a single model year due to poor sales. Despite this latest announcement, GM insists that it's still open to forming an alliance with Proton, revealing that there are "significant opportunities" in it.

[Source: Detroit News]

GM starts Malaysian joint-venture originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Aug 2007 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MalaysiaFri, 31 Aug 2007 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto, Malaysian style: 1 Porsche stolen by 1 thief... twice]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/19/grand-theft-auto-malaysian-style-1-porsche-stolen-by-1-thief/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/19/grand-theft-auto-malaysian-style-1-porsche-stolen-by-1-thief/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/19/grand-theft-auto-malaysian-style-1-porsche-stolen-by-1-thief/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The guy who pulled off this 2-part heist is probably now teaching cucumbers a thing or two about being cool, and instructing killer bees in the value of persistence. The unnamed -- and uncaught -- thief walked into a Porsche dealership in Malaysia nattily dressed and holding a checkbook. He asked if he could test drive a black 911. Once given the keys, he got in, started it up, and drove straight out through the dealer's plate glass window. There was only one thing he didn't realize: the car only had enough gas to go 2 km, so it took the police just 30 minutes to find it abandoned.

But this was no ordinary thief. When he abandoned the car, he took the keys. Then, when the police impounded the car, they put gas in it. Add it up... and you have the same Porsche stolen again, this time from police headquarters. You can read the first part of the heist here, the second, here. Neither the thief -- whom we'll call Cool Hand Ahmad -- nor the car has been found.

Thanks for the tip, Demio121!

[Source: Malaysian Star]

Grand Theft Auto, Malaysian style: 1 Porsche stolen by 1 thief... twice originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jul 2007 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>malaysiaporschetheftThu, 19 Jul 2007 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[VW & Proton deal on shaky ground]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/05/vw-and-proton-deal-on-shaky-ground/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/05/vw-and-proton-deal-on-shaky-ground/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/05/vw-and-proton-deal-on-shaky-ground/#commentsFiled under: ,

Looks like the talks between Proton and Volkswagen aren't going as well as they could... again. Both companies have said that talks are continuing, but The Edge business newspaper is reporting that no agreement appears likely in the near future. They reported that VW has been "less keen" about the deal lately. The first round of deal breaking news came in December but things appeared to be back on track since then. Seems like there have been a lot of delays in the negotiations, fueling rumors of some discord, even though VW has already signed their letter of intent to purchase 51% of the company.

The deal itself involves the manufacturing part of Proton, which is Malayasian owned. VW is looking for additional production capacity for its Passat sedan to help with Japanese exports. Malayasian built Passats would avoid the Japanese tariffs because of a free trade agreement between these two countries. And even better news for Volkswagen is the fact that Malaysia is also working on free trade deals with Australia and the U.S. So they could also increase manufacturing there in the future for export to those markets as well.

Other companies are still showing interest in Proton, including three Malaysian firms. Some industry insiders even say GM is going to throw its hat into the ring. Another automaker that had been involved in the bidding was PSA Peugeot Citroën, but it has announced that it's no longer interested.

[Source: Motor Authority]

VW & Proton deal on shaky ground originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Mar 2007 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>JapanMalaysiaPassatprotontariffsVWMon, 05 Mar 2007 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Malaysia implements e-Plate with RFID to quell auto theft]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/12/malaysia-implements-e-plate-with-rfid-to-quell-auto-theft/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/12/malaysia-implements-e-plate-with-rfid-to-quell-auto-theft/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/12/malaysia-implements-e-plate-with-rfid-to-quell-auto-theft/#commentsFiled under: ,

Yesterday it was chipped tires, today it's chipped license plates. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is becoming more popular in everything from credit cards and passports to toll transponders and now license plates. RFID tags can simplify life by providing an automatic ID when scanned. RFID uses a microchip and antenna that stores personal data and can be installed in a device or embedded into an object (or even under the skin). Although this raises a whole 'nother debate about the Big Brother aspect of monitoring people's movements and unwanted access to personal info by hackers, RFID can be used effectively to speed things up. Or to automatically register information. Which brings us to today's use generously shared by our brothers and sisters at Engadget: license plates.

Because of the frequency of auto theft in Malaysia, their Road Transport Department (RTD) has decided to start using RFID-equipped license plates. Integrated microchips will help make scanning and identifying vehicles easier for the authorities. Authorized mechanics will install the plates with the embedded microchips storing data about the vehicle's make, model, and driver info. Known as the e-plate, naturally, it has already been used effectively in Japan and the UK, where the chips can automatically record data from another vehicle's RFID in the event of an accident. Especially in hit-and-run situations this could be a Godsend. The RTD is hoping that Kuala Lumpur will see reductions in thefts as the new plates will make things tougher on carjackers because swapped plates won't match the vehicle ID. The program will start with new registrations and gradually work its way to older models on renewals. You just know these RFID tags are going to be implanted under the skin at birth in the not-too-distant future.

[Source: Engadget]

Malaysia implements e-Plate with RFID to quell auto theft originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Dec 2006 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-PlateEngadgetKuala LumpurKualaLumpurlicense plateLicensePlateMalaysiaRFIDTue, 12 Dec 2006 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Proton recruits expertise from Peugeot]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/19/proton-recruits-expertise-from-peugeot/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/19/proton-recruits-expertise-from-peugeot/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/19/proton-recruits-expertise-from-peugeot/#commentsFiled under: ,

Following earlier reports of talks between the two firms, Malaysian automaker Proton and PSA group (Peugeot/Citroen) have signed an agreement for inter-company collaboration.

Proton, which once enjoyed a practical monopoly in its domestic market, is facing higher competition after the Malaysian government began relaxing import laws and allowing foreign cars into the market. To keep up with the competition, Proton is entering into a partnership with PSA that will provide them with the French automaker's considerable experience, starting with product development, through assembly and quality control, and all the way down to distribution.

PSA, meanwhile, will benefit from an improved foothold in Malaysia which could serve as a base of operations for all of Southeast Asia.

[Source: Reuters via Yahoo! India]

Proton recruits expertise from Peugeot originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Sep 2006 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiacitroenmalaysiapeugeotprotonpsasoutheastTue, 19 Sep 2006 16:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Proton launches Satria Neo hatchback]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/19/proton-launches-satria-neo-hatchback/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/19/proton-launches-satria-neo-hatchback/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/19/proton-launches-satria-neo-hatchback/#commentsFiled under: ,



Malaysian carmaker Proton looks like it finally may be getting some mileage out of its U.K. subsidiary, Lotus. The company's new Satria Neo, an evolution of the Satria GTi, was apparently designed in partnership with Lotus, and the result is a handsome, if somewhat generic, two-door hatchback.

According to Proton, Lotus had its hand in everything from the exterior design to the engine and chassis dynamics, so there's reason to hope that the Satria Neo has reasonable performance potential.

The Neo is offered with 1.3 and 1.6 liter Proton CamPro four-cylinder, DOHC engines, with the more interesting 1.6 liter version offering 110 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 11.5 seconds with the five-speed manual transmission.

The all-new chassis has a typical MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear setup, with the 1.6-liter model rolling on "turbine-style" 16-inch alloys with 195/50 rubber.

Obviously targeted at a youthful demographic, the Proton Satria Neo launch party featured Malaysian rap superstars Too Phat and DJ Goldfish, and the Neo's minisite includes a "Celeb Blog." A full review of the Neo, including driving impressions, can be found here.

[Source: Proton]

Continue reading Proton launches Satria Neo hatchback

Proton launches Satria Neo hatchback originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jun 2006 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lotusmalaysiaprotonsatria neoMon, 19 Jun 2006 14:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Malaysian automaker Naza unveils Sutera supermini]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/01/malaysian-automaker-naza-unveils-sutera-supermini/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/01/malaysian-automaker-naza-unveils-sutera-supermini/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/01/malaysian-automaker-naza-unveils-sutera-supermini/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Last week, Malaysian automaker Naza unveiled their new Sutera, a well-equipped bargain basement supermini that's a veritable 'We Are the World' on four wheels. Sutera employs a 65-horsepower 1.1-liter DOHC 16-valve engine from Daihatsu (Japan), boasts a shape penned by Pininfarina (Italy) and features NVH tuning and final suspension fiddling by Lotus Engineering (England). This is a rather ambitious move for the Naza , which has previously dealt largely in rebadged Kias. Exterior styling is standard supermini fare, albeit with a good bit of flare in the triangular details-- the rear brake/turn signal lamps dominate both the rear and side aspects, and the three-pointed door pulls are an unusual element. The most unusual/controversial design element, however, would be the front turn signals, which are located at the base of the windshield (near the base of the A-pillars). Wheels are of the 14" alloy variety, and they definitely look smallish, but should be a good bet for keeping replacement costs down for the tires.

Inside the five door, standard equipment includes power steering, dual airbags, power windows/locks/mirrors, 60/40 split fold rear seats, underseat storage and an MP3-compatible CD stereo. Gauges are of the love/hate center console capping variety, which should enable easier RHD/LHD configurations. As Naza expects to assemble about 30,000 Suteras a year, with plans to sell them everywhere from Malaysia to Malta, Cyprus, India, Brunei, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, and interestingly, the United Kingdom.

Learn more about the Sutera by checking out Naza's site here.

[Sources: Naza, Channel4 UK]

 

Malaysian automaker Naza unveils Sutera supermini originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 May 2006 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Daihatsu SirionDaihatsuSirionLotusMalaysiaMalaysianNazaPininfarinaSuteraMon, 01 May 2006 11:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Drive-in massage parlor open for stressed drivers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/29/drive-in-massage-parlor-open-for-stressed-drivers/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/29/drive-in-massage-parlor-open-for-stressed-drivers/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/29/drive-in-massage-parlor-open-for-stressed-drivers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Yesterday the Malaysian government opened a drive-in massage parlor on the country's main highway, the North-South Highway. The facility offers massage chairs for patrons similar to those found in some malls in the U.S. Costs, if any, to use the chairs were not specified in the article.

The government approved and funded the parlor in the hopes of reducing traffic accidents by relaxing stressed-out drivers. There are plans to open a second parlor later this year.

[Source: Associated Press via ABC News]

Drive-in massage parlor open for stressed drivers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Mar 2006 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driversMalaysiamassage chairsmassage parlorstraffic accidentsWed, 29 Mar 2006 21:01:00 EST<![CDATA[[Not TiVoSafe] Motorsports Highlights: March 18-19]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/20/not-tivosafe-motorsports-highlights-march-18-19/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/20/not-tivosafe-motorsports-highlights-march-18-19/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/20/not-tivosafe-motorsports-highlights-march-18-19/#commentsFiled under:



American Le Mans Series:
As we reported earlier, Audi's debut of its R10 turbodiesel at the 12 Hours of Sebring was a qualified success, with the victory of Allan McNish, Dindo Capello and Tom Kristensen marred only by the failure of the second R10 to finish the race.

Porsche's rapid RS Spyders didn't fare as well, with neither car finishing the race - the LMP2 pole-sitting car of Lucas Luhr, Sascha Maassen and Emmanuel Collard dropping out with only 45 minutes remaining when a drive-shaft broke, to end the race in second place. The two Porsches were stunningly quick, with the car of Luhr et al falling to 32nd place after an early race stop to replace an alternator and battery, only to climb back to the LMP2 class lead and 2nd overall before its final failure. The Intersport Racing Lola of Jon and Clint Field and LIz Halliday ultimately won in LMP2, continuing their 2005 championship-winning ways.

Corvette won its GT1 showdown with Aston Martin, with the C6R of Gavin, Magnussen and Beretta securing the class win with over a lap in hand over the runner-up Aston Martin DBR9.

The best race was in GT2, where the Panoz of Bourdais, Brabham and Maxwell beat the Flying Lizard Porsche of van Overbeek, Fogarty and Lieb by only 33 seconds. The Risi Competizione Ferrari F430GT was very quick in its ALMS debut, fighting with the Panoz for the class lead through much of the race, before wheel-changing problems took the car out of contention. More details here.

Lots more motorsports after the jump.

Continue reading [Not TiVoSafe] Motorsports Highlights: March 18-19

[Not TiVoSafe] Motorsports Highlights: March 18-19 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Mar 2006 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsamerican le mans seriesf1formula 1gatornationalsmalaysianascarnhrasebringMon, 20 Mar 2006 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Proton ready to pair up with Chinese car maker this week]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/20/proton-ready-to-pair-up-with-chinese-car-maker-this-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/20/proton-ready-to-pair-up-with-chinese-car-maker-this-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/20/proton-ready-to-pair-up-with-chinese-car-maker-this-week/#commentsFiled under: ,

Malaysian automaker Proton will likely announce this week which Chinese automaker it's chosen as a dance partner. Any foreign automaker wishing to break into the highly lucrative Chinese auto market must buddy up with a local automaker in order to do business in the communist country according to state law.

A Chinese collaborator may be just one in a handful of new relationships Proton intends to pursue with various automakers around the world. After its talks with Volkswagen fell through executives at the company rethought their strategy and decided a number of partnerships would be better than just one.

Proton ready to pair up with Chinese car maker this week originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Mar 2006 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChinaMalaysiaProtonVolkswagenMon, 20 Mar 2006 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New free trade agreement expected to clear way for Proton, Perodua in U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/19/new-free-trade-agreement-expected-to-clear-way-for-proton-perod/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/19/new-free-trade-agreement-expected-to-clear-way-for-proton-perod/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/19/new-free-trade-agreement-expected-to-clear-way-for-proton-perod/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With American buyers just beginning to wrap their heads around inexpensive Chinese cars coming to market, a new free trade agreement between Malaysia and the U.S. promises to add a few unfamiliar names to the likes of 'Geely' and 'Brilliance.' The pending FTA (expected to be approved next year) could double two-way trade between the U.S. and Malaysia by 2010, paving the way for auto companies like Perodua and Proton to find access to U.S. roads.

The agreement should likewise engender access to Malaysia's marketplace for America's domestic automakers.

(Pictured: 2006 Perodua Kenari)

[Source: The Associated Press via Forbes]

New free trade agreement expected to clear way for Proton, Perodua in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Mar 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BrillianceFree TradeFreeTradeGeelyMalaysiaPeroduaProtontrade agreementTradeAgreementSun, 19 Mar 2006 12:00:00 EST