Nissan release all-new Fairlady Z in Japan

The new Fairlady Z is powered by the VQ37VHR engine with Nissan’s Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) system. It generates maximum power of 247 kW (336 PS) at 7000 rpm and maximum torque of 365 N-m (37.2 kgfm) at 5200 rpm.

The Fairlady Z comes with the world’s first 6-speed manual transmission with synchronized rev control that regulates the engine speed to the optimum level, matching the driver’s shifting action when changing gears. Also offered is a 7-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode.

List of standard safety features include:

- Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
- Nissan’s high-strength, safe Zone Body construction
- Body construction for mitigating pedestrian injuries (with pop-up engine hood)
- Dual SRS air bag systems for driver and passenger
- SRS side air bag systems for driver and passenger
- SRS curtain air bag systems
- Active Head Restraints
- Seatbelts with a pretensioner and load limiter
- And, low-friction seatbelts in both seats

Honda Insight brochure leaked!

Information leaked on the net, ahead of the car's worldwide premiere at the Detroit auto show on January 11.

As for the information that Honda has verified up until now, the production Insight will be equipped with a mild hybrid powertrain developed from the one found in the Civic IMA, combining an electric motor with a small displacement petrol engine and a CVT gearbox.

How I-VTEC Works

A video paints a million words! This presentation is for all you techkies out there :D

Genesis Coupe Korean Commercial

Operation desert storm! I hope Komocco will bring this model into the Lion City. The 2.0 Turbo version would be good enough for local consumption. If priced reasonably, I'll confident that it will sell well.

New Kia Forte

The all new Kia Forte is scheduled to arrive in Singapore during first half of 2009, replacing the Cerato. Local model is likely to be equipped with a 1.6L (124bhp) unit mated to a 4 speed tiptronic gearbox.

2010 E-Class Coupe Spy Video

Hyundai unveiled in-house six-speed auto transmission

Hyundai becomes the third company in the world to develop its own six-speed automatic transaxle, after Toyota and GM/Ford joint venture.

The new transmission will be applied to the new Hyundai Grandeur equipped with a 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine. In this application, it delivers a 12.2 percent gain in fuel economy and is 2.5 percent quicker in the century sprint.

Despite the extra gear, it is 12kg lighter than the five-speed it replaces. The addition of a sixth gear enables closer spacing between ratios, providing a better balance of performance and fuel economy.

More details on Volvo S60 Concept

To be unveiled at the Detroit Motorshow in Jan 09. The four-door coupe look for the S60 differentiates itself from established rivals such as the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes C-Class.

Another interesting detail concerns the headlamps as the lights create a silhouette of two miniature Viking longboats sailing side by side, one for main beam and one for dipped beam. The speedometer is designed as a three-dimensional glass spiral with the low numbers appear closest to the eye and the figures appear to be increasingly distant as the driver accelerates.

The S60 concept is equipped with a new four-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol unit featuring Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection technology that produces an output of 180 HP.

Next Hyundai Sonata Renderings

Codenamed YF, the next Sonata will feature a coupe-like profile and is expected to go on sale in South Korea during the third quarter of next yr. A hybrid version will be available as well.

2009 BMW Z4

The new Z4 is equipped with either a 3.0L naturally-aspirated (255bhp) or a 3.0L twin-turbocharged (300bhp) powerplant.

The turbocharged unit has an optional 7 speed double clutch sport automatic transmission that allows the Z4 to do the century sprint in 5.0 sec. Both versions come with a 6 speed manual gearbox.

Both versions of the new BMW Z4 come as standard on 17-inch light-alloy rims and with runflat tires as well as a Tire Pressure Monitor.

The new Z4 also come with Dynamic Drive Control as well as optional Electronic Damping Control.

Official photos of 2010 E-Class

Looks plain...

Ward's Automotive 2009 Ten Best Engines Award

The Awards go to.....drum roll :

- Audi AG: 2.0L TFSI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (A4 Avant)
- BMW AG: 3.0L turbocharged DOHC I-6 (135i Coupe)
- BMW AG: 3.0L DOHC I-6 Turbodiesel (335d)
- Chrysler LLC: 5.7L Hemi OHV V-8 (Dodge Ram/Challenger R/T)
- Ford Motor Co.: 2.5L DOHC I-4 HEV (Escape Hybrid)
- General Motors Corp.: 3.6L DOHC V-6 (Cadillac CTS)
- Honda Motor Co. Ltd.: 3.5L SOHC V-6 (Accord Coupe)
- Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.: 4.6L DOHC V-8 (Genesis)
- Toyota Motor Corp.: 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Lexus IS 350)
- Volkswagen AG: 2.0L SOHC I-4 Turbodiesel (Jetta TDI)

Awards will be presented at the Detroit auto show in January. This is the first time Hyundai receive this award, showing that you don't have to pay through your nose for silky power delivery and performance.

Live photos of New Mazda 3 hatch

Nice rear (I mean the 4 wheeled model !)

JDM Accord launched

Although it looked similar to the Euro Accord that was launched more than 6 months ago, the JDM Accord was officially introduced to the Japanese market only a few days ago.

The JDM Accord will be powered by the K24 unit, churning out 204 bhp. Sounds impressive compared to our Thai version, which only house 180 ponies.

I guess the PIs will be looking to bring in this model as soon as possible since the current generation of JDM Accord has been selling pretty well in Singapore.

Golf Plus debuts at Bologna Motorshow

VW unveiled the second generation Golf Plus at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy. The new VW Golf has a lower profile than the current generation and has a fully colour-coded redesigned bumper with revised 'cherry red' rear lights incorporating LED technology.

Inside the cabin, the Golf plus reaches a new level of quality with new upholstery materials and details carried over from the new Golf. The clearly defined white backlit instruments with brushed chrome surrounds, steering wheel options and air conditioning systems are similar to those in the new Golf and Passat CC.

An engine option will be the 1.4L TSI unit (good for 120bhp ) mated with the renowned DSG gearbox.