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Friday, April 29, 2011

AI 10: Casey Abrams proves too quirky for "American Idol"

NEW YORK (Reuters) – "American Idol" judges used their once-per-season save on Casey Abrams weeks ago, but fans of the hit talent show decided his time was finally up and eliminated him on Thursday during the show's Carole King week.

Host Ryan Seacrest teased at the top of the show that "a lot of fans are going to be disappointed" by the results, hinting that a popular finalist would go.

Abrams, 20, an unconventional but versatile musician who plays piano, guitar and upright bass, had not appeared in the bottom three since the judges trumped fan voting and decided to keep him in the running on March 24.

But the bearded California singer, who received less-than raves from the judges on Wednesday, got the boot after fans cast the fewest votes for his quirky twist on King's song "Hi-De-Ho."

Jacob Lusk, and 17 year-old country crooner Scotty McCreery were also among the last to hear their fate after Seacrest announced the results were being read out in random order.

Lusk has skated on thin ice several times, but McCreery has been a consistent favorite. Randy Jackson on Wednesday had praised his romantic rendition of "You've Got a Friend" as "flawless".

Abrams went out with a stirring performance of "I Put a Spell on You."
Seacrest paid tribute to the singer saying, "This is what talent looks like."

Thursday's show featured performances by last season's runner-up Crystal Bowersox, who sang "Ridin' With the Radio," and R&B singer Bruno Mars who did "The Lazy Song."

The five remaining finalists are rocker James Durbin, Lauren Alaina, Lusk, Haley Reinhart and McCreery.
"Idol," the nation's top-rated TV show, has recovered from several years of flagging ratings this season with new judges Jennifer Lopez and rocker Steven Tyler.

The finale airs on the Fox network May 24 and 25, when viewers will choose the next winner and he or she lands a recording contract.

Past winners such as Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, as well as runners-up like Clay Aiken and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, have gone on to successful careers on Broadway and in film.
(Editing by Jill Serjeant)

Final Song & Elimination - Casey Abrams - Spell On You - American Idol Top 6 Results - 04/28/11

Evolution of the Honda Accord

Evolution of the Honda Accord

Following the arrival of the updated Accord for 2011, Honda Malaysia has started a nationwide tour to showcase the legacy of the model's innovations, focusing on Honda’s engineering spirit. To convey this to the public, the tour will feature photographic images of the Accord across eight generations, artistically expressed through the eyes of three local photographers.
Explaining the rationale of the exhibition tour, Yoichiro Ueno, Managing Director & CEO of Honda Malaysia said: “The Accord has an illustrious history that spans across 35 years, during which it has grown into a global car with a legacy of awards and innovations.'

"In line with the target customers’ aspirations, the photography exhibition tour will present the drive and ambitions of Honda’s engineers whose determination to constantly advance the design and technology of Accord has delivered eight generations of innovations to consumers worldwide,” explained Mr. Ueno.

"The updated Accord is a refined version of the 8th generation model, highlighted by value-added features and enhanced styling and would appeal to those who aspire to succeed in life, carry a discerned image and enjoy a luxurious and high performance drive,” he said.
Entitled THE JOURNEY OF AMBITION, the tour started at the One Utama Shopping Centre in Selangor last weekend. It will then move to Bangsar Village in Kuala Lumpur (May 11 – 15); Empire Shopping Gallery in Subang Jaya, Selangor (May 25 to 29); and Tebrau City in Johor Bahru (June 21 to 26).

The seven past generations of the Accord (the first generation was launched in Japan in 1976 and the first units were on Malaysian roads the following year) featured in the exhibition’s pictures were shot by Darren Chang, an avid automobile photographer and owner of the country's most advanced automotive photography studio for production work. Also involved in the photography were Ashraf Lee, a self-taught photographer whose work currently focuses on corporate and industrial photography, and Patrick Yap, a music video and still photography director with his own studio.
Visitors can also see an actual model of the first generation Accord and understand how much advancement has occurred in the model over the years up to the latest 2011 model which will also be on display.
Darren Chang, who shot all eight Accord generations, expressed his admiration of the flagship model’s revolution from the first generation. “It is amazing to see how the Accord evolved from the first generation to the current through a camera lens. I was particularly intrigued by the first and 2011 models which marked the journey of Honda engineers in every conceptual and technical way you can imagine,” he said.
Images or photographic exhibits of the showcase will also be collected in THE JOURNEY OF AMBITION handbook available for visitors who test drive the new Accord during the exhibition tour and all customers at authorized Honda dealers nationwide.

My colleague and professional photographer Vince Khoo managed to captured some photos at  the 1st event ended last weekend at 1 Utama...


For more information, visit www.honda.com.my or call the Honda Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020.

World COTY Winners Announced

World COTY Winners Announced


Having been narrowed down to the last three nominees of each category at the Geneva Motor Show last month, the 2011 winners of the World Car of the Year, World Performance Car, World Green Car and World Car Design of the Year awards were finally announced at the New York Auto Show yesterday.
Bagging the top prize of the 2011 World Car of the Year was the Nissan Leaf, beating the Audi A8 and BMW 5 Series to the gong. The Leaf’s win ends two years of domination by Volkswagen, who took home the prize in 2009 with the Golf, and in 2010 with the Polo.

The Leaf was also in the final reckoning but not winning the 2011 World Green Car award. That accolade went instead to the Chevrolet Volt, whose trophy cabinet already includes prizes such as Motor Trend 2011 Car of the Year, Green Car Journal 2011 Green Car of the Year, and Car and Driver 10 Best for 2011.
“The selection of the Volt as the World Green Car is a further proof point of the fuel efficient technologies that are now being offered by the Chevrolet brand around the world,” said Rick Schiedt, Vice President of Chevrolet Marketing.

“This award, and the others that have preceded it, validate the efforts of the development team to build a truly remarkable vehicle with the potential to transform transportation around the globe,” Schiedt added.
At the other end of the spectrum, the 2011 World Performance Car award goes to the Ferrari 458 Italia, which held off stiff competition from the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and Porsche 911 Turbo. Meanwhile, Aston Martin’s take on a 4-door sedan has found immediate fans with the Rapide winning the World Car Design of the Year award.
KON of Autoworld
Pictures: Official manufacturers’ release.

Govt suspends plans to scrap old cars

Govt suspends plans to scrap old cars

 KUALA LUMPUR: The government does not plan to dispose of all vehicles over 15 years old because it does not yet have a suitable mechanism for doing so, Deputy Transport Minister Jelaing Mersat said.

The government would also have to get the views of non-governmental organisations and the public before disposal of all old vehicles could be enforced, he told the Dewan Negara.

Although use of these old vehicles was allowed, the road transport department and police were ensuring that they were road-worthy, he said when winding the debate on the motion to thank Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin for his royal address on Tuesday.


 -Bernama

Lotus snaps up Caterham

cat.jpg
i
LONDON: Caterham Cars moved into the glamorous world of Formula One on Wednesday when Team Lotus announced the acquisition of the great British sports car manufacturer.


cater.jpg

Lotus bought  Caterham, which specializes in making small lightweight sports cars, for an undisclosed sum from venture capitalist group Corven, in a deal labelled "the perfect partnership" by the F1 team.

Caterham's most famous car is the Seven, which was designed by Colin Chapman - the founder of the original Team Lotus. He sold the rights of the Seven to Caterham in 1973.


Lotus said the deal will allow Caterham to "expand its brand profile and product family."

"Caterham has a unique place at the heart of the motoring world," Lotus owner Tony Fernandes said. "As well as being proudly and staunchly British, it has an enviable and uniquely unblemished reputation within the industry for performance, handling and engineering excellence.

"It is already a successful business with sales across Europe, Japan, Australia and the Middle East ... we now have all the ingredients and the launch pad to further evolve that spirit and take Caterham to new exciting horizons."

Caterham's existing management team, headed up by managing director and former Lotus Cars executive Ansar Ali, will remain in place.

ansar.jpg
Ansar
In the last five years, Ansar has created Caterham's first brand new model in 15 years, the SP/300.R sports prototype racer.

"While the Seven will now have the global springboard it deserves and will continue to be evolved yet further," Ali said, "we also have the opportunity to expand the Caterham family beyond the Seven and SP/300.R and breathe new life into our uniquely respected brand and mature it into a truly global business."



HERE'S A VIDEO:
http://youtu.be/aGERIVg7ATE



 -AP

Sunday, April 24, 2011

CLOSE UP: Chery Alado Eastar 2.0 MPV

500th post, presenting: CLOSE UP: Chery Alado Eastar 2.0 MPV

In this blog entry, I'm covering the Chery Alado Eastar 2.0 MPV 7 seater.  Why Eastar?


It all started with the ad I saw on today's Star Metro, new batch comes with Electric Sunroof, tinting, roof rack...  I call the PJ HQ at Jalan 51A/225, spoke with a Nice Sales Exec (more on him later) he said closing in 30 mins time.  I quickly jumped into my car and drove to the Showroom by 15 mins.


Yup, I have a SOFT SPOT for Electric Sunroof cars since I played with one back in 1983.  My dad said that time I played with my relative's BMW 7 series with this feature.  I was only 4 years old back then.  Also, while I was in Hong Kong, my dad owned "Acura Legend" 3.2 V6, this car also comes with Electric Sunroof.  Especially during Spring/Autumn Morning (around 22 deg celsius), ah!  the breeze of air coming in when I opened the sunroof.  Something I will never forget.  By the way, I spent 4 years in Hong Kong as dad transferred there (2 years GCE O' level and 2 years A-levels).


Okay back to the topic, besides the Electric Sunroof, another reason why I rushed to the showroom to see the car is "RM8,000 discount" promised by the sales executive on the phone (more on him later). 


MECHANICAL:


The Eastar's powered by 2.0 ACTECO (European designed) DOHC Fuel injection engine with a max power of 136hp@5750rpm and a torque of 180Nm@4400rpm mated with 4 speed shift-tronic automatic.  It has Compression ratio of 10:1.  The Suspension: Front is Independent MacPherson Struts, coil springs, damper and anti-roll bar.  REAR: MacPherson, semi-independent trailing-arms.  Braking power is assisted with 4 disc brakes (front Ventilated) with ABS+EBD.  It comes with 16" Alloy wheels + 205/55R16 tyres.

Safety features includes the afforementioned ABS+EBD, Dual Airbags, Electronic Headlamps levelling, front and rear foglights.

FEATURES:

This MPV's quite well specced at RM79,988 OTR (leather version).  These includes:

1) Fully Automatic digital climate control with "2nd and 3rd row" floor (?) blowers.
2) Steering wheel mounted Audio control and cruise control
3) Single CD+MP3, player with 6 speakers and USB.
4) Optional Electric Sunroof
5) Roof rack, reverse sensor
6) Front and rear map reading lights with lighted Vanity mirror.

7) Beige fabric seats (optional, synthetic leather seats like photo above) with 8 way Manually adjustable Driver's seat.
8) Others: Scuff plates, Door airpress, Tinting film, Alarm+central locking.

COLOUR CHOICES:

Solid white, Rich Gold, Sliver (photos below)

Metallic Black and brown (picture below)



OTHER INFORMATION:

Interest rate 2.75%, waiting lists 3 weeks for silver, other colour 1 week.  RM8000 discount, 3 years or 100,000 warranty whichever comes 1st with 5,000 OR 3 months service intervals.

MY HONEST OPINION:

I don't have the chance to test drive as the Showroom's closing and almost everyone (except 1 friendly and patience sales exec)  left the showroom.  Kit count is EXCELLENT, value for money at RM79,988 OTR.  But I can't get over the Poorly designed dashboard finished with Cheap plastics and fake wood (Optional).  Also, the 2nd and 3rd row seats' air cond vents located on the "Floor" (to cool the leg?), what a stupid idea... (see photo below)

In addition, to get to the 3rd row seats requires YOGA Skills as the 2nd row slide not front enough.  But guess what?  I can FIT into 3rd row seats with 3 inch headroom to the ceiling and decent legroom. Though I struggled ingress and outgress (going in and out) I'm 210lbs, 5 feet 9 mind you!  As a comparison, it's AS GOOD AS the Honda Stream 1.8, Slightly better legroom than Proton Exora, Livina and Toyota Wish and PAWNED Mazda 5 (the poorest 3rd row head and legroom IMHO).  It helps that the 2nd row seats can slide fore and aft (photo below is 2nd row seat slide WAY BACK yet still good legroom).


As for built quality, I spotted "uneven gap on passenger airbag's cover", uneven gap between front bumper, grille and headlamp, 90% HARD PLASTICS.  But then there's a saying "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY". Can't expect much for RM79,988 OTR (after RM8k discount) which I feel is a GOOD BUY!

That's all I can comment, I did not test drive the car so I can't comment on the Ride and Handling, pickup, performance, wind noise etc...


Any recommended sales executive.  A resounding YES!  If you want to buy this car, look for "DENNIS TAN" (picture above), he's a Friendly, patience, sincere sales executive.  His No 012-90777-06.  He's attached to Chery Alado HQ Showroom At Lot 13S, Jalan 51A/225, 46100, Petaling Jaya.

Well, there's a saying a picture's worth 1000 words, here are some photos:


 Above: Optional Bodykits (front quarter)
Above: 205/55R16 Goodyear NCT5 tyres with Alloy rims...  Below: Optional bodykits (back quarter view)

 Above: "BOOT SPACE" Limited with all 7 seats up.  Spare tyre is underneath the car.


 Side profile.  Design reminds me of Nissan Presage 2.5.







I CAN"T UPLOAD PIX at moment.  Time for dinner.  Will upload after dinner. Before 12am.  PICTURES UPLOADED 8.30pm.

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.  An Original Jeff Lim's production.  My original work.

TOYOTA TO ADJUST PRODUCTION VOLUME IN MALAYSIA TEMPORARILY

Toyota to adjust production volume temporarily in Malaysia

The effects of the earthquake that hit Japan continue to show, this time right here. UMW Toyota Motor has issued an announcement that there could be disruptions in parts supplies coming in from Japan, and it is preparing for this by making adjustments to its production from April 25 to June 3.
The adjustments will come in the form of implemented cuts in overtime and a change to a single-shift operation from April 25. On June 6, a revised production plan will be made, in line with the recovery of parts supply, it says.
Seemingly, this will inevitably translate into delays in customers getting their new rides, but UMW Toyota stresses that it has communicated and will update all its customers individually concerning their vehicle delivery status. It adds that it will closely monitor the parts supply situation in Japan and will provide any updates or information in a timely manner.

Proton to give lifetime warranty on power windows

Proton to give lifetime warranty on power windows

 
SHAH ALAM: Proton’s power window problem is in the past, and in a show of confidence, the national car maker will give a life-time warranty.

Proton managing director Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said Proton power windows now had zero defects although people still thought otherwise.

“We have improved the quality by leaps and bounds, but the negative perception lingers,” he said after launching Proton’s campaign for quality here yesterday.

017016291.jpg
Proton guarantees that power windows in its cars built today like the Saga FL are reliable and back its words with the lifetime warranty.
“The perception of the public at large is very important, and it is our biggest challenge,” Syed Zainal said.

He chose to tackle the most widespread misperception – the infamous power window problem that had plagued Proton in the past.

“We will guarantee that the power windows will work,” he said.

However, he said, there would be conditions attached to the life-time guarantee and the guidelines would be out by the end of the month.

Earlier in his speech, Syed Zainal related his experience riding in a Proton Waja airport limousine from KLIA to his house in Subang Jaya.

“The driver would open his door instead of using the power window when we stopped at the toll booth. My wife was giggling and poking fun at me.

“So I asked him if the window was spoilt. He said no. He said his friend told him that if he used the power window too much, it would break down,” Syed Zainal said.

The Proton boss said this agitated him as the perception on the quality of Proton cars was very important – to the point of it being debated in Parliament.

“I gave the taxi driver my card, and asked him to do me a favour by using the power window. If it breaks down, he can call me on my mobile phone. He has yet to call me,” he said.

He said the quality of cars was not solely the responsibility of assemblers but started from the suppliers to the sales dealers, service dealers and stockists.

“We want parts to arrive at the factory in good quality. Some people, although they have never driven a Proton, are saying Protons are not good. We want to put a stop to that,” he said.
 

END OF ARTICLE... SOURCE (Star Motoring)


That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry,

Saturday, April 23, 2011

'American Idol' ousts Stefano Langone and determines Top 6 finalists

'American Idol' ousts Stefano Langone and determines Top 6 finalists


By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 04/22/2011

American Idol eliminated Stefano Langone and determined its Top 6 tenth-season finalists during Thursday night's live results show broadcast on Fox.





Langone became the seventh finalist -- and second male finalist -- sent home from American Idol's  tenth season after he received the fewest home viewer votes following  Wednesday night's performance show, which featured the Top 7 finalists  performing songs from the 21st century.

"It started my career man and that's something that's -- You can't put a  price on that -- That's everything. So, I'm just so blessed. I came  this far, and it's great. It really is. It's great. So, I can't wait to  sing right now!" the 21-year-old from Kent, WA told Idol host Ryan Seacrest when asked how the show has changed his life. 


                                                             


"This is the beginning of a new era in my life and I'm ready. I'm ready  for it. Words can't express how blessed I am to be here and to just be  alive and get to express myself through music. I mean, that's  unbelievable and I'm so thankful for that. You dream about this stuff  and you see it in the movies, and then to actually be a part of  something like this, that's a dream in itself and that's something that I  work for everyday," Langone added in a video montage that followed his  ouster. 

Prior to Langone's exit, Haley Reinhart, a 20-year-old from Wheeling, IL, and Jacob Lusk,  a 23-year-old from Compton, CA, were revealed by Seacrest to be the  other two members of this week's bottom three vote-getters. 

Langone -- whom the judges had initially selected as a "Wild Card" finalist -- had received very positive feedback from Idol judges Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson following his performance of Ne-Yo's "Closer" on Wednesday's show.  

"Yo, yo yo. Wow, Stefano, Stefano... Listen, I thought it was going to  be a little -- at first I thought, 'Look. He's going to come out, he's  going to do it, it's going to be a little jerky, a little kind of bad  karaoke,' but you know what? Dude, you turned me around. You know what?  You did a very good job," Jackson told Langone.

"You smoothed it out, and what I loved that you did in the first part of  the song was you took your time with the verses. That's what I always  want you to do. Jennifer And  I talk about this all the time. Take your time. We know you have the  power and you're going to slay it in the end with all the big huge  notes, but you took your time. I was really proud of you, and you kind  of worked the dance steps out a little bit too." 

"Stefano, nobody can say you weren't all up in it. I was hoping you'd dance and you did. Good job! Really good man," Tyler said.

"Speaking for the girls in the audience, I thought it was very, very  good. You really had your swag going on -- being the only girl on the  panel -- I really liked it. I really felt like you picked it up all  through here when you came around [our seats]," Lopez added. 

"It really felt like a concert. It felt good. It felt like a real  performance. If you own the song, it was more you than anything else. I  really, really liked it. I thought it was a really, really good job,  baby. Good job!"

In addition to Reinhart and Lusk, Casey Abrams, Lauren Alaina, James Durbin, and Scotty McCreery also still remain in the running for American Idol's tenth-season title. 

Over 52 million home-viewer votes were cast following Wednesday night's performance show, according to Seacrest.





Final Song - Stefano Langone - Lately - American Idol 2011 Top 7 Results Show - 04/21/11   






  Langone became the seventh finalist -- and second male finalist -- sent home from American Idol's  tenth season after he received the fewest home viewer votes following  Wednesday night's performance show, which featured the Top 7 finalists  performing songs from the 21st century. "It started my career man and that's something that's -- You can't put a  price on that -- That's everything. So, I'm just so blessed. I came  this far, and it's great. It really is. It's great. So, I can't wait to  sing right now!" the 21-year-old from Kent, WA told Idol host Ryan Seacrest when asked how the show has changed his life. 
                                                             
"This is the beginning of a new era in my life and I'm ready. I'm ready  for it. Words can't express how blessed I am to be here and to just be  alive and get to express myself through music. I mean, that's  unbelievable and I'm so thankful for that. You dream about this stuff  and you see it in the movies, and then to actually be a part of  something like this, that's a dream in itself and that's something that I  work for everyday," Langone added in a video montage that followed his  ouster.  Prior to Langone's exit, Haley Reinhart, a 20-year-old from Wheeling, IL, and Jacob Lusk,  a 23-year-old from Compton, CA, were revealed by Seacrest to be the  other two members of this week's bottom three vote-getters.  Langone -- whom the judges had initially selected as a "Wild Card" finalist -- had received very positive feedback from Idol judges Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson following his performance of Ne-Yo's "Closer" on Wednesday's show.   "Yo, yo yo. Wow, Stefano, Stefano... Listen, I thought it was going to  be a little -- at first I thought, 'Look. He's going to come out, he's  going to do it, it's going to be a little jerky, a little kind of bad  karaoke,' but you know what? Dude, you turned me around. You know what?  You did a very good job," Jackson told Langone. "You smoothed it out, and what I loved that you did in the first part of  the song was you took your time with the verses. That's what I always  want you to do. Jennifer And  I talk about this all the time. Take your time. We know you have the  power and you're going to slay it in the end with all the big huge  notes, but you took your time. I was really proud of you, and you kind  of worked the dance steps out a little bit too."  "Stefano, nobody can say you weren't all up in it. I was hoping you'd dance and you did. Good job! Really good man," Tyler said. "Speaking for the girls in the audience, I thought it was very, very  good. You really had your swag going on -- being the only girl on the  panel -- I really liked it. I really felt like you picked it up all  through here when you came around [our seats]," Lopez added.  "It really felt like a concert. It felt good. It felt like a real  performance. If you own the song, it was more you than anything else. I  really, really liked it. I thought it was a really, really good job,  baby. Good job!" In addition to Reinhart and Lusk, Casey Abrams, Lauren Alaina, James Durbin, and Scotty McCreery also still remain in the running for American Idol's tenth-season title.  Over 52 million home-viewer votes were cast following Wednesday night's performance show, according to Seacrest.

Final Song - Stefano Langone - Lately - American Idol 2011 Top 7 Results Show - 04/21/11  

nuffnang_bid = "272dfcd6b634a8934319853fcada4fcc";

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

New Puspakom used cars checks to help reduce crime

New Puspakom checks to help reduce crime 

SOURCE

PETALING JAYA: The requirement for used, reconditioned and modified cars to be approved by Puspakom before they can be sold will help to reduce crime.

Puspakom chief executive officer Hisham Othman said these checks would help it identify vehicles that had been stolen or illegally modified, or had a criminal history.

“Indirectly, it will help the Government fight crime in line with the country’s National Key Result Areas (NKRA) goals.

“The thorough inspection will also help protect finance and insurance companies from losses. It will also raise customer confidence in used-car dealers,” he said.
puspa.JPG


Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaacob had said on Monday that under an amendment to the Hire Purchase Act, used-car dealers and individuals would be required to send their vehicles to Puspakom to ensure that these were roadworthy.

Puspakom will conduct an 18-component inspection that will also help it identify kereta potong (cut-and-join) cars.

Hisham said inspections would be conducted in test lanes using computerised equipment.

“We use both visual and computerised testing to thoroughly inspect the vehicles. This includes testing for side-slip, smoke emissions, brakes and suspension,” he said.

Hisham said presently, Puspakom only conducted an identity check for used-cars to verify the chassis, engine and vehicle registration numbers.

He said although the current charge of RM30 for used-car inspection would go up with the implementation of the rule, the ministry had yet to finalise the new fee.

On tinted windscreens and windows, Hisham said Puspakom had no control over car modifications done after inspections.

“We only inspect vehicles brought into our centres. Any change done to the car after that can’t be controlled by us,” he said.

Puspakom had spent RM20mil to upgrade its inspection centres in preparation for the new regulation, including having new facilities at Taman Bukit Maluri, Batu Caves, Pandan Indah, Petaling Jaya, Seremban, Johor Baru, Juru, Bayan Lepas and Kota Baru.

Its biggest and most modern facility in Section 28, Shah Alam, costing RM14mil is under construction.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

2012 Beetle Revealed simultaneously in Berlin/New York/Shanghai...

2012 Beetle revealed simultaneously in Berlin/New York/Shanghai

 
 On 18 April 2011, the latest generation bug was unveiled in Shanghai, Berlin and New York, launched in the middle of MTV World Stage Concerts, with the official introduction at the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal – on the eve of the Shanghai Motor Show.


The FOLLOWING were Written By: Volkswagen of America, Inc

Wolfsburg / Shanghai / Berlin / New York – When the first Beetle rolled off the production line, it was called simply the Volkswagen — “the people’s car” — but its distinctive shape inspired nicknames across the globe: Beetle, Käfer, Vocho, Coccinelle, Fusca, Maggiolino or ???! In total, 21.5 million cars were sold.
More than 60 years later, in 1998, the “New Beetle” rekindled the spirit and imagination of the original to a new generation of Volkswagen owners. The second generation version sparked another round of uplifting and joyous enthusiasm known as Beetle Mania.
Today, the Beetle opens a new chapter in its remarkable story. The third generation of the internationally beloved Beetle is celebrating a transcontinental world debut simultaneously in Shanghai, Berlin and New York.
Updating an icon
Only someone who knows and respects the Beetle’s heritage could produce a new generation of this storied vehicle. The task for Volkswagen engineers was clear. They had to develop a modern interpretation of the Beetle, with all the benefits of today’s technologies and efficiencies, and the driving characteristics that define the Volkswagen brand. The result had to remain affordable and stay true to the Beetle’s spirit and great heritage.
The design of the new Beetle presented another challenge. How does one reinvent a look that is so recognizable and unique? Volkswagen Group Design Chief Walter de Silva and Volkswagen Brand Design Chief, Klaus Bischoff, welcomed the task and set an ambitious objective: “Design a new original!”
The designers wanted to develop the new car around the earliest Beetle profile rather than the 1998 New Beetle. They wanted a car that respects the past but looks toward the future. And that is what they created.

EXTERIOR:

The 2012 Beetle is an automotive icon reinvented. Placing the original Beetle and the 21st Century Beetle next to one another, it’s clear that the lines of the rear sections are nearly identical, but the overall look is bolder and more dynamic. The Beetle also breaks free of the design geometry defined by three semi-circles (front wing, rear wing, domed roof above it).
"The Beetle is now characterized by a clean, self-confident and dominant sportiness. The car not only has a lower profile; it is also substantially wider, the front hood is longer, the front windshield is shifted further back and has a much steeper incline. All of this creates a new dynamism,” explains Klaus Bischoff.
The 2012 Beetle is 71.2 inches wide (3.3 inches wider), 58.5 inches tall (.5 inches lower) and 168.4 inches long (6 inches longer). The new focal point is the C-pillar. The development team also increased the car’s track widths and wheelbase. All of this gives the Beetle a powerful appearance with muscular tension.
Another feature is the rear spoiler that is integrated into the design (standard on 2.0L TSI engines with 200 hp). The top surface of the rear spoiler is black, while the underside is painted in body color.
The Beetle is sportier, offering both turbo-charged TDI® Clean Diesel and turbo-charged gasoline engines, in addition to dual exhaust, performance-handling packages, 19-inch wheels, sport seats and new, sleeker styling. Volkswagen will offer a panoramic roof, a range of audio options, including the Fender® Premium Audio System, and a customization program for the 2012 Beetle with a large number of personalization options, including a wide variety of colors and wraps along with an annual theme model.

INTERIOR:


The 21st Century Beetle offers an agile, driver-oriented coupe experience with a quality of materials that goes beyond all class limits. The car’s styling, ergonomics and quality interact to create a new, friendly car with a highly individual nature.
The shape and use of color in the painted or carbon-look dashboards harkens back to the design of the first Beetle.
Three round instrument gauges are arranged in front of the driver (tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge) providing all key information at a glance. A multifunction display is integrated in the speedometer in middle position. The steering wheel is specially designed with optional painted accents in the spokes depending on the equipment line.
Framed by two air vents, the selected audio/navigation system is optimally located in the driver’s visual field on the dashboard. Within easy reach, climate controls are situated just below.
Similar to the original Beetle, the new car has an extra glove box integrated into the dash. The lid folds upward, while the standard glove box opens downward. Another classic feature: the optional auxiliary instruments above the selected audio/navigation system: oil temperature, clock with stopwatch function and boost pressure gauge.
The “cathedral ceiling” dome roof of the New Beetle has been replaced with a sleek and sporty roofline. Front and rear passenger headroom remains plentiful. In the rear seating area, the longer roof section results in more space. The trunk is significantly larger, offering 10.9 cubic feet of space. A split-folding rear seat and a wide opening trunk lid ease loading and unloading.
Premium Features
The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be available in two trim lines “Design” and “Sport.” Each has a unique character. The Beetle can also be customized with a wide choice of optional features. Key features include:
Radio-CD and radio-navigation systems. Standard in the Beetle is the RCD 310 sound system with 8 speakers (includes dual tuner). The premium VIII top audio system is the RCD 510 with integrated CD changer, interface for SD cards and touchscreen. For the first time ever, navigation will be offered in the Beetle, with the RNS 315 featuring a 5-inch touchscreen, CD player and SD card slot.
Panoramic roof. The transparent, panoramic tilt/slide glass sunroof is 80 percent larger than on the previous model. The insulating glass blocks 99 percent of UV radiation and 92 percent of heat energy.
Fender Premium Audio System. The 2012 Beetle will also offer concert quality sound with an optional Fender Premium Audio System equipped with an additional subwoofer and 400 watts of output power. Embedded in the vehicle design is proprietary Panasonic® speaker technology. The system covers the cabin with directional sound from front door speakers that generate imaging beyond the capabilities of traditional speaker designs. It cuts through the noise and other distractions with front dual voice coil speakers, with extended range for all musical genres. Those choosing this sound system also receive adjustable interior ambiance lighting.
Keyless Access. Volkswagen’s automatic keyless entry and starting system, which allows the driver to operate without a door or ignition key, is appearing for the first time in the Beetle. When one of the front door handles is touched, the system detects access authorization from a transmitter, then unlocks the Beetle and starts the engine with the push of a button.
BI-XENON headlights and LED daytime running lights. For the first time, the Beetle will be offered with Bi-xenon headlights. These will be available on future Beetle models, framing the xenon module on the outer perimeters of the headlights and serving as the daytime running lights and parking lights.
Safety
The 2012 Beetle features both active and passive safety. It includes Volkswagen’s advanced Intelligent Crash Response System, which initiates automatic safety protection in some types of collisions — the electrical supply to the fuel pump is shut off, the doors unlock and the hazard lights switch on. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is standard, as are driver and front passenger airbags and Side Curtain Protection® airbags in front and rear.
The 21st Century Beetle is also covered under the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. All scheduled maintenance is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Warranty – three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Additionally, all current Volkswagen vehicles use synthetic oil, which, when combined with state-of-the-art German engineering, eliminates the need for a 5,000 mile oil change, and allows owners to go farther between scheduled oil changes.
Key facts summary:
Name: The Beetle
World debut: April 18, 2011
Market launch, North America: September / October 2011
Market launch, Europe: October / November 2011
Market launch, Asia: February 2012
Equipment lines: “Design” and “Sport”
Engine specifications: 2.5L 5-cylinder (170hp/177lbs.-ft); 2.0L TDI (140hp/236lbs.-ft); 2.0L TSI (200 hp/207 lbs.-ft)
All US engines fulfil BIN5 / ULEV PZEV

Designers: Walter de Silva (Group), Klaus Bischoff (Brand), Exterior: Marc Lichte (team leader), Cris Lesmana, Nisan Kucam. Interior: Tomasz Bachorski (team leader), Ingo Brückmann. Colour and trim: Oona Scheepers (team leader), Susanne Gerken

REST OF THE WORLD ENGINES: (taken from Paultan.org)


Meanwhile, the rest of the world gets 105 PS, 140 PS, 160 PS and 200 PS mills. In markets such as Asia, Australia, Europe and New Zealand, the new Beetle will be offered exclusively with charged four-cylinder engines, in TSI or TDI guise.

The three charged TSI petrol engines are the 105 PS 1.2 TSI (with BlueMotion Technology, and including Stop/Start system and battery regeneration), 160 PS 1.4 TSI and 200 PS 2.0 TSI, while the two diesel engines are the 105 PS 1.6 TDI and 140 PS 2.0 TDI jobs (incidentally, the TDI engines are not going to be offered in China). All five engines get DSG transmission as a drivetrain option.

The 160 PS (European version) and 200 PS (worldwide) petrol-engine variants come with a factory-installed XDS electronic differential lock as standard. XDS – which extends the familiar EDS functionality – improves handling in fast curve driving and calibrates the car toward more “neutral” steering; it does this by using active brake intervention to prevent wheelspin of the unloaded wheel on the inside of the curve, and this improves traction. Elsewhere, electronic stabilisation programme comes as standard, as well as six airbags.

Without further ado, I present you 3 video clips of the new Beetle:


Video 1:  By EUROCARNEWS


Video 2: Also by EUROCARNEWS: 2012 VW Beetle Driving

Video 3: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle revealed - night scenes by worldcarfans



That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.