CAR CRAZY

Did you know that the current 2008 Porsche 911 Turbo line-up now includes a drop-top Cabriolet model, as compared to it being previously available only as an all-wheel-drive Coupe, offering the same power?

Both models, the Cabriolet and the Coupe have been noted to dish out 480 hp from their rear-mounted six-cylinder engines. Surprisingly this is power that exceeds even their previous generation’s limited-production 911 GT2 @ 477 hp. Transformations taken effect for these models go well beyond their new skin, with the additions of two variable-geometry turbochargers, includes a new all-wheel-drive system and laced with an updated engine transmission. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s been a busy weekend for the people at UMW Toyota, but nevertheless I’m pretty sure no one there is complaining, why would they anyway, as the car which the entire market has been waiting in anticipation for, the 10th Generation - all New Toyota Corolla Altis (301L), has finally reached our shores! This particular model will be sold as a CBU - from Thailand.

The earlier local assembled generation Corolla Altis 1.8 was without a doubt, a market leader from 2001 - 2005, doing on average of 33% market share and after selling a whopping 32,000 units since its first release back in 2001, the all New Corolla Altis is now back and is all set in Raising The Standards. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s only been about 5 months or so since the Concept X6 made its debut, but it’s not stopping BMW from revealing a Sport Activity Coupe set to raise the eyebrows of every car manufacturer in the market with envy. The BMW X6 production version surely redefines our common notion of a coupe as it combines coupe agility for one, and SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) versatility. It’s also no surprise that the BMW X6 production version will be propelled with an all new V8 twin-turbo, which in time, will definitely become a common spec on their upcoming models.

I’m sure that other automakers will have plans of their own to release similar SUV models into the market but given the current time and situation, BMW will undoubtedly be known as the world’s first to bring in such a SUV. In my opinion, the BMW X6 production version seems more like a X6 coupe-crossover. Read the rest of this entry »

Looks like UMW Toyota has picked the right time yet again, to launch another magnificent model - the New Toyota Rush, to compliment their current Malaysian line-up, and since yesterday, bookings were already taking place throughout the country. Officially the 7-seater all New Toyota Rush will be launched into the Malaysian market this coming Friday, 1st of February, 2008 and can be viewed at all UMW Toyota showrooms.

The New Toyota Rush will carry the tag-line - Define Your Lifestyle, as it begins its domination into the entry level SUV market, given the fact on the run-out of Perodua Kembara in Q2 2007. This will be a first for UMW Toyota, as the New Toyota Rush will be a completely-built-up unit (CBU) model direct from Indonesia.

If you love the thrill of city life as much as the great outdoors, the Rush is an SUV tailored just for you. Sleek enough for the cityscape’s, accommodating enough for weekend fun. Read the rest of this entry »

The new Audi TT Coupe made it’s debut in front of a huge crowd at the Audi Hangar in Glenmarie recently. The event was officiated by it’s Chairman, Datuk Syed Hisham Syed Wazir and Director, Datuk Donald Choo. The new TT Coupe with it’s dynamic design looks set to continue the legacy set by its predecessor with it’s timeless architecture and eminently recognizable presence on the roads. Read the rest of this entry »

Mention a sporty compact car and I think of the Suzuki Swift as we’ve always recognized the legendary Suzuki Swift as a great compact car. And even-more-so now with it’s 1.5 box style design added with its sporty demeanor. This definitely helps it earn worldwide appeal and respect. Currently the MK4 model is taking shape around a very unique mindset, which is ultimately, to build a promising Japanese car with Suzuki’s unique DNA in not only compact vehicles but also into motorcycles and have it developed in Europe, drawing inspiration from its people and landscape for today’s global market. And much to their delight, the result’s were well accepted and now we find more cars being lapped up with glee across the globe. Read the rest of this entry »

Well, the much-anticipated new 2.5-litre Ford Ranger TDCi 4X4 has finally arrived onto our shores. With the introduction of this model, I’m sure, Ford is hoping to fight lost ground against it’s rivals such as the Mitsubishi Triton and Toyota Hilux.

Focusing on Ranger’s fight back is their all new 2.5-litre, DuraTORQ TDCi common-rail diesel engine. The engine which stands true to its name has an inbuilt twin-cam with 16-valve four-cylinder capabilities offering a class-leading output of 141bhp and 330Nm (toppling Mitsubishi Triton’s 134bhp/314Nm), helping it deliver a 22 per cent better fuel efficiency compared to their previous engine. Read the rest of this entry »

Here we have the younger brother of the BMW X5, sporting a new front face kidney-shaped like grille that enhances its sporty looks, the new enhanced BMW X3 continues to set standards in the visual aesthetics of compact premium SAV’s (Sports Activity Vehicle).

Launched in March of this year in Malaysia, the X3 also sports a redesigned front air-dam and new fog lights. It is surprising though, that the X3 looks like it has a rather low roofline even though it sits on all 17″ alloy rims. Some may find it awkward looking, due to it’s narrow-looking styling that is presented in this model, but then again, it’s a BMW, so expect some superb road holding. Read the rest of this entry »

When anyone ask’s me about the perfect sports car, non comes to my mind besides the Mitsubishi Evo. It somehow has a character that stands out and captivates all car lovers with it’s speed and design. Recently, at Detroits motor show held in January this year, Mitsubishi revealed the production version of the all-new Lancer Evo, which resembled very much like the concept of Prototype X.

The all-new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a high-performance saloon. This is undoubtedly their 10th release of the famous Evo, and it is said to go on sale first in the UK, March 2008. Read the rest of this entry »

Zoom-Zoom, sounds like a child playing with his toy car! It’s also funny that Mazda had somehow started using this same expression to launch their first next-generation model - the Mazda6, back in 2002. They somehow wanted to express their love for motion, by using the phrase Zoom-Zoom, as children tend to imitate the sound of an engine in that similar manner. More than just a mere brand slogan for them, Mazda wanted a different and unique approach in describing their ultimate goal: a totally unforgettable driving experience.

Read the rest of this entry »