Google Search

Google

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Team Lotus cleared to race under current name

LONDON: Britain's High Court has cleared Team Lotus to continue racing in Formula One under its current name, following a dispute with a rival team.

The fight over the Lotus name in F1 went to trial in March.

Team Lotus used it last season, claiming it legally acquired the rights from the remnants of the former team. Group Lotus, the company's road-car division, also claimed the rights and is a major backer of Renault's F1 team.

The court ruled Friday that Team Lotus is the rightful owner of the name and can continue to use the iconic badge.

Group Lotus can use the Lotus name on its F1 car and use the black and gold colours, but can only display the badge on its road cars.
 -AP

Thursday, May 26, 2011

American Idol 10: Congratulations Scotty McCreery

 Congratulations Scotty McCreery for winning the 10th season of American Idol.


Here's some articles:

ARTICLE 1:

'American Idol' crowns a winner

(SOURCE CLICK THE TITLE) 

American Idol Gallery

LOS ANGELES (AP): Scotty McCreery won the American Idol battle of the fresh-faced country crooners Wednesday against Lauren Alaina.

A record 122 million-plus votes were received for the finale. "I never in my wildest dreams," said McCreery, a 17-year-old with a strikingly deep, old-soul voice that contrasts with his youth. "I've got to thank the Lord first ... he got me here."

McCreery and Alaina, 16, represent the first all-country finale and the youngest duo ever to compete on Idol, which is in its 10th season.

The exuberant, big-voiced Alaina performed on Tuesday's final sing-off despite a vocal cord injury that needed medical treatment. She received raves from the judges, who said she won the night.

But the consistently popular McCreery, who'd never been at risk of elimination, claimed the title and a record contract. The teenager seemed overwhelmed as he took the stage for a celebratory version of I Love You This Big, halting to embrace his parents in the audience, Alaina and others.

Then he playfully stuck his tongue out, trying to catch falling confetti. His victory continued a recent pattern: He's the fourth male in a row to win the Fox TV contest, with 2007's Jordin Sparks, 17, the last female Idol.
Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, two of the four female winners, have proved the winners with the most successful recording careers.

This season's vote total was more than three-quarters-of-a-billion, Seacrest announced Wednesday. For Fox, it's affirmation there's still life in the series that's had a long ratings reign as No. 1.

McCreery commented backstage Tuesday on the loyalty of country fans, and they clearly gave the show a boost. Last year, Fox didn't announce the number of votes for the much lower-key contest between winner Lee DeWyze and runner-up Crystal Bowersox.

In 2009, when winner Kris Allen and Adam Lambert duked it out in 2009, more than 100 million votes were cast.

The show also remains a hot promotional platform, with Seacrest helping some of the pop stars push either movies (Black's new Kung Fu Panda 2) or a Las Vegas show (Gladys Knight). Lady Gaga, whose new album Born this Way is out this week, was another performer.

The grandest bid for attention came from Broadway's troubled Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, with composers Bono and The Edge performing with the musical's star, Reeve Carney.

Other high-wattage stars who performed Wednesday at the Nokia Theatre included Beyonce and and Tony Bennett. McCreery and Tim McGraw sang Live Like You Were Dying, while Underwood returned to Idol to pair with Alaina on Before He Cheats.

Judge Jennifer Lopez - draped in a scanty outfit and shaking her famous booty - took the stage to dance while husband Marc Anthony sang, turning the night into a family affair.

On Tuesday, Alaina's tunes were Underwood's Flat on the Floor, Pam Tillis' Maybe It was Memphis and Like My Mother Does, an emotional tribute to her mother in the audience.

McCreery sang his future single, I Love You This Big, along with his version of Montgomery Gentry's Gone and George Strait's Check Yes or No.

"These kids are so young ... I just go, 'Wow.' They embody what this whole show is about," judge Randy Jackson said backstage Tuesday.

ARTICLE 2:

American Idol Season 10: Finale Recap

(SOURCE: Click the title)

Posted on 05/26/2011 by Gina in American Idol



by Gina Scarpa

Last night, things on American Idol came down to teen country singer Scotty McCreery and teen country singer Lauren Alaina for the win.

The top 13 performed Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" and throughout the night, some of the lucky members were paired up with music royalty. James Durbin rocked out with Judas Priest (did you ever think you'd see metal on Idol?!), James Durbin sang up with gospel star Kurt Franklin and Gladys Knight, and Casey Abrams appropriately teamed up with Jack Black - and it was awesome!

The ladies of American Idol got together for "Single Ladies" and "Deja Vu", showing off many of them at their best - and then Beyonce herself came out to join them for "Crazy In Love". They also performed with TLC on "Waterfalls" after the duo sang "Scrubs" with some help from Lil Jon.

The men of American Idol got in on the action, singing a medley of everything from Prince to Elvis that had one thing in common - Tom Jones, who eventually joined them on stage for "It's Not Usual". Do the Carlton!

There were the usual video montages: Randy's most memorable quotes of the season, Steven's outrageous comments after performances, and Jennifer's reaction to the crushes of the male contestants. We also had foul mouthed rejectees, the Top 13 reflecting back on the season, and Scotty's and Lauren's trips back to their schools to donate some money to help the music programs there.

More celeb/Idol duets included Haley Reinhart with the one and only Tony Bennett, Scotty McCreery got to sing with one of his idols, Tim McGraw, and Lauren took to the stage with Idol winner Carrie Underwood.

Marc Anthony performed with a little help from his wife and Lady Gaga took over the stage later on in the night for "Edge of Glory". Beyonce also returned to show off her new song, "One By One". The Broadway show Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark performed with Bono and The Edge from U2. Yep, still don't wanna see it. Steven Tyler also got in on the action on stage and performed "Dream On".

After two hours and over 120 million votes, Seacrest names Scotty McCreery the winner of American Idol!


(Image courtesy of FOX)


Follow Gina @ginascarpa





 

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Seller delayed sale of Waja 4G18 till...

The Seller, my Uncle delayed sale of 2001 Waja 4G18 till...

END OF JUNE...  Looks like I need to share car with my dad until then...

False start... 

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Malaysian Petrol price vs...

FOOD FOR THOUGHT!
Malaysia, Petrol : RM 2.90
Malaysia pengeluar ke-27 di dunia
Qatar, Petrol : RM 0.75
Qatar pengeluar ke-22 di dunia 
Oman, Petrol : RM1.00
.........Oman pengeluar ke-28 di dunia 
Egypt @ Mesir, Petrol : RM 1.06
Egypt pengeluar ke-29 di dunia 
Iran, Petrol : RM 0.35
Iran pengeluar ke-8 di dunia
 
Terima Kasih Muhyidin~! RAKYAT DIDAHULUKAN
Tanhiah Najib Razak
Kerana berjaya memperbodohkan rakyat yang dah semakin cerdik...

2011 International Engine of the Year Awards

International Engine of the Year Awards

(Source: Click the title)... 

 For further details/readings: 

http://www.ukipme.com/engineoftheyear/about.html

With four different engines receiving class victories in the International Engine of the Year Award 2011, the BMW Group repeated last year’s success whilst at the same time strengthening its position as the most successful manufacturer to take part in the competition. Since 1999, the company has been able to claim more than 50 class and overall victories in the “Engine of the Year Award” competition. Commendation for the awards is decided by an international jury, which this year consisted of 76 international motoring journalists from 32 countries.








In the capacity class 1.4 - 1.8 litres, the award went to an engine featured in the new MINI Cooper S. The 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine is equipped with a Twin Scroll turbocharger, direct petrol injection as well as variable valve control based on the BMW-patented VALVETRONIC system. This combination makes the 135 kW/184 bhp engine the world’s most efficient power unit of its type and size. It assumes the title from the predecessor engine used in the MINI Cooper S which was a class winner in the four times in a row.
The second victory in succession went to the 4-cylinder turbodiesel
engine with TwinPower Turbo technology. As in 2010, the 2-litre power unit featured of the 123d and the X1 xDrive23d was also successful in the engine category 1.8 – 2.0 litres. With its strong pulling power and exceptionally low fuel consumption and emission levels, the 150 kW/204 bhp engine still sets the benchmark in its class.

A BMW engine was able to repeat last year’s victory in the 2.5 – 3.0-litre class as well. The jury voted once again for the 3-litre, 225 kW/306 bhp straight 6-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (used in the latest 5-Series), the new X3, as well as in the new 6-Series Convertible/Coupe (235 kW/320 bhp). The engine incorporates a unique technology package comprising a Twin Scroll turbocharger, direct injection technology High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC valve control. In this area, it is said to even surpass its predecessor which was not only able to win the class valuation three times but also claim overall victory spanning several categories in 2007 and 2008.

The only non-turbocharged engine amongst BMW’s four award-winners is responsible for the currently most impressive series of victories. For the fourth time in succession, the 309 kW/420 bhp V8 powerplant of the M3 was judged the best in the 3.0 – 4.0-litre class. Other contenders in this class were the 3.8-litre Porsche engine in the GT3 and GT3 RS and McLaren’s 3.8-litre V8.

Volkswagen 1.4-litre TSI engine (left) and the Ferrari 4.5-litre V8 (right)

Getting my New ride this Sat. 2001 Waja 4G18

 Getting my New ride this Sat.  2001 Waja 4G18

I, Jeff Lim's getting my new ride this Saturday.  It's a 1 owner STOCK Standard Waja (my Uncle is the original owner).  Original Paint.  Mileage around 130,000kms.  Semi-synthetic since day 1.  Religiously serviced every 7000km.  Car is in TIP TOP Condition.  1 year roadtax, New MF Battery, newly serviced Air-cond, new Engine mounting. I bought it at BELOW MARKET PRICE.

According to my Uncle: Full tank of 55L can go 550km mixed driving (10km/L).  Up to 700km Long distance (14km/L)...


However, I planned to do the following:


1) K and N Drop in Air filter. RM240
2) Bendix Metalking Titanium Brake pad front: RM130
3) Refurbish stock rim.  Skim and polished RM220
4) SECRET...  (hint ECU map)
5) SECRET... 
6) ANOTHER SECRET...  to be revealed in due time...


Will Update every month from 23 May onwards.  Stay tuned...




Fwd: Car Prices in M'sia

Fwd: Car Prices in Malaysia




This is a good example of how BN is helping the ordinary Malay population. If i was a Malay i would say no thanks, i don't need your help.

I know you are all aware of the reasons why our car prices are artificially jacked up. This is just another reminder for you to resend to as many as possible to wake up as many as possible. This artificial price can't last forever or else Malaysia's economy will collapse! So stop buying new car and vote to change the corrupted  govt......


 
Toyota Camry 2.4L for RM69,396.00 (and not RM170,000.00)
 

Toyota Altis for RM46,000 (and not RM112,000.00)
 

Honda Jazz for RM36,000.00 (and not RM108,000)
 

Want more?
 

Read the following forwarded article.......by Syed Akbar Ali.  
And know the actual prices of your dream car.
 

Car Prices In Malaysia
Digest this article, after that, you may need to vomit. What is the Malaysian Govt doing all these while. Ripping off our Rakyat for the last 30 yrs with APs designed to benefit a few  well connected Bumis, the UMNO/BN have robbed millions of citizens in this fiasco, under the pretext of protecting our local industry. The Govt have forgotten we Malays are the largest customers in the country. What is the NEP policy doing ?? Ripping off the Malays (which forms 65% of the consumer base) to benefit a few UMNO politicians !!!    
BMW 535i sells for RM178,000 in the US
In the United States of America (a developed country which we are also aspiring to become by the year 2020) a 2009 model BMW 535i Sedan is selling for about USD50,367.00. This is only RM178,000 - about the price of a Toyota Camry 2..4L here in Malaysia . The same BMW sells in Malaysia for about RM530,000.
BMW 328i sells for RM155,000 in the US

The 2009 model BMW 328i 2 door Convertible sells for USD44,014 or RM155,369.00 in the US In Malaysia the same car sells for over
RM460,000.
This is an untenable situation.

Audi A4 2.0T Cabriolet Convertible sells for RM142,000 in the US

The 2009 model Audi A4 2 Door 2.0T Cabriolet Convertible sells in the US for USD40,328.00 or RM142,357. In Malaysia the same car would sell for about RM265,000.

VW GTI 2.0T sells for RM85,000 in the US

In the US the 2009 model Volkswagen GTI 2.0T sells for USD 24,039 or RM85,000 only. In China the same car will cost around RM60,000. Over here the same VW car sells for about RM200,000.

And the 2010 model Toyota Camry 2.4L sells in the US for USD 19,659...00 or RM69,396 In Malaysia the 2008 Toyota Camry 2.4L sells for RM170,000. Toyota Camry 2.4L, 2010 model. RM69,000 in the US

Car prices in Malaysia are about three times higher than the prices in the United States . We are a developing nation. Our land and labour costs are so much cheaper than the US . Why are our cars so expensive? It does not make any sense. Tak masuk akal.
Then here are some car prices from our neighbour Indonesia .
The Toyota Altis sells in Indonesia for about RM46,000. The same car sells here for around RM 112,000. Again we are three times more expensive than Indonesia

The Honda Jazz sells here for RM108,000.. In Indonesia the Jazz sells for RM 36,000. Three times more expensive.

We are paying ridiculously high prices (and actually impoverishing the Malays - who are the largest buyers of cars in Malaysia ) to support an out of date, out of touch with reality motor car policy.

We are paying the highest car prices in the world to support the Proton and other locally made cars as well as support a mind boggling AP policy which only benefits a relatively few rich Malays. A disproportionately large number of Malays and other Malaysians are being impoverished to subsidise the wealth of a few inefficient rich.

26 million Malaysians have to pay three times more for their cars just to support Proton and 120,000 people who are directly and indirectly involved in the motor sector in Malaysia and the AP holders. That is a ratio of 216:1.

This ratio of 216:1 is too skewed. 26.0 million happier people can contribute many more votes than 120,000 members of an inefficient motor industry.. 26 million unhappy people can change a Government. (The maths is not really difficult here)

And this outdated policy is impoverishing the Malays more than anyone else.

Here is some news from our DPM Tan Sri Muhyudin Yassin about our car policy. This is truncated:

Muhyiddin assures govt support for automotive parts and component sector

1. KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 - The deputy prime minister said special focus will be given to "facilitate and encourage" the development of the automotive parts and component sector despite the current global and regional economic downturn.

2. "Under the CEPT and Asean Trade in Goods Agreements, Malaysia has agreed to eliminate import duties on all products in the Normal Track on January 1, 2010. This includes motor vehicles, auto parts and components," he said.

3. He pointed out that the motor vehicle sub sector in Malaysia will not be directly impacted because of its heavy dependence on the domestic market.

4. "The Malaysian government recognises the contribution of the domestic automotive industry towards the development of the country."

Para 2 sounds promising but then Para 3 and 4 basically says that the Malaysian motor car industry will continue to be protected. This means we will continue paying the highest car prices in the world for automobiles.

Cuba kita kira : kalau kereta Honda Jazz di jual dengan harga yang sebenarnya (lebih kurang RM36,000 saja) dan bukan pada harga sekarang (RM108,000) maksudnya bayaran bulanan pembeli kereta akan jadi kurang, mungkin sepertiga sahaja daripada bayaran bulanan sekarang.

Jika sekarang orang bayar RM1,500 sebulan untuk beli Honda Jazz, kalau harga kereta lebih menepati harga pasaran dunia, orang kita perlu bayar sekitar RM500 saja sebulan.

Maksudnya tanpa Kerajaan perlu membuat apa pun (merangsang ekonomi, belanja berpuluh billion Ringgit duit rakyat untuk stimulus dan sebagainya) setiap rakyat Malaysia yang membeli kereta yang seharga dengan Honda Jazz akan dapat menjimatkan sehingga RM1,000 sebulan daripada kos sara hidup bulanannya.

This is like giving the car buyer an RM1000 pay rise without incurring any extra costs for the taxpayer, the Government or the economy. It will greatly reduce the cost of living in Malaysia and spur greater economic growth too.

Tapi sekarang, yang menjadi mangsa dulu dan yang menjadi miskin dulu orang Melayu juga. Orang Melayu yang paling ramai sekali menjadi pembeli kereta dalam negara kita. Orang Melayu kebanyakannya makan gaji - tiap bulan dapat gaji tetap. Bila harga kereta naik gila, yang menjadi miskin di saf depan sekali adalah orang Melayu juga.

In absolute numbers, the Malays are suffering the most because they are the most in number among the fixed income people who also buy cars.
Some folks said the other day that Proton has 150 major component suppliers, dealers, distributors and about 500 other parts suppliers too. Of the 150 major component suppliers, about 15 of them are listed companies. In total they employ about 120,000 people. The Proton supply chain is a mix of bumiputras and non bumiputras. But here is a sad fact : none of them are operating at their level best efficiency.
Our motor car policy is forcing Malaysians to subsidise Proton so that Proton can sustain major inefficiencies in the Malaysian economy.. This is not a good thing at all.

We have to unwind this situation. Set a target of 18 months from now to unwind all protection for our motor industry. Remove the impoverishing AP policy also in 18 months. Let Malaysian car prices reflect world market prices for the same makes of cars.

If a BMW 535 sells for RM178,000 in America , it should sell for a little less here in Malaysia (our rentals and salaries are cheaper). Fw: Car Prices In Malaysia

The Ministers continue making pronouncements about the car industry as though nothing has happened. I hope everyone will please wake up. The Government has a real chance of getting thrown out of office in about three years. The people will not accept inept answers anymore.

The ridiculous car prices in Malaysia is an issue that is just beginning to get more attention and publicity. It is going to become a really big issue in the near future. Be forewarned.

Posted by Syed Akbar Ali at 5:49:00 PM

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

LONGTERMER #1: Final Update, May 2011: Ford Telstar 2.0i4 Ghia


This is the final update of the Ford Telstar 2.0i4 Ghia Auto.  The mileage up to 11 May 2011, 5pm stood at 164,880km.  I handled the key to new owner at 5pm...

Let's proceed to logbook:

Average mileage per year:  13740km
Average mileage per month: 1145km
Fuel Consumption:
Best 10.2km/L (8 June 2010) (80% Highway Driving)
Worst: 5.9km/L (September 14,2009) 90% City driving
 TOTAL EXPENSES SPENT per year: Don't ask...  Estimated more than my selling price...



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















Without further ado, here's some specifications:

Engine

Cylinders: 4

Valves per cylinder: 4

Capacity: 1991 cc
Bore x stroke: 83,0 x 92,0 mm

Compression: 9,0:1

Max power: 86 kW (118 hp) @ 5500 rpm

Max torque: 173 Nm @ 4500 rpm

Fuel system: multipoint injection

Engine type: dohc

Turbo: no

Catalyst: regular

CAR CHASSIS

Drive: front

Front suspension: Independent, MacPherson Struts Coil Springs, Anti-roll bar

Rear suspension: Independent Multilink, Coil Springs, Anti-roll bar

Front brakes: ventilated discs

Rear breaks: discs

Tire: 195/65HR14 OR 205/55R15

Turning circle: 10.6 m



EXTERIOR SIZES

Length: 4695 mm

Width: 1750 mm

Height: 1400 mm

Wheelbase: 2610 mm

Front track: 1500 mm

Rear track: 1500 mm

Luggage space: 452-965 l
Fuel tank: 60 l






WEIGHTS
1185 kg




PERFORMANCE:

0-100 km/h     10.1 s / 11.8s Auto
Top speed     198 km/h (123 mph) / 193km/h Auto
Power-to-weight ratio     102.16 bhp/tonne







That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.  Goodbye WGS 1222.  I will surely miss you, comfortable, excellent ride and handling, stable yet quiet at high speed.  Only letdown is HIGHISH Fuel Consumption.























































Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Finally sold my Ford Telstar 2.0i4 Ghia Auto...

I Jeff Lim, finally sold my Ford Telstar 2.0i4 Ghia Auto for RM10,000 CASHTomorrow 5pm I'll hand over the key to new Owner. I will TRUELY MISS WGS 1222... A comfortable, stable car with great ride and handling.  I owned this car from 9 August 2005 to 11 May 2011.  I was the 3rd owner.  The 1st and 2nd owner owned this baby for 3 years only.  Car bought with 96,000km on the clock.  I added about 68,800 to it.


MY NEXT POST is Going to be dedicated to the Ford Telstar titled "Farewell Report: Ford Telstar 2.0i4 Ghia Auto".  Will post by 11pm tomorrow.  Stay tuned... 


Oh! I forgotten to update on April 29 for 34th update...  My mileage on April 29 was 164,500.  
Mileage last month: 163,588km
Mileage used in March 2011: 926km
Mileage used in April 2011: 912km...
Fuel used: RM220.

Expenses this month (April):
1) KW Fuel injection Cleaner: RM20
2) New GP Maintenence Free  battery: RM280.
3) Fuel used RM220
4) Parking: RM80
5) Electric Fan Starter Motor RM295
6) Alternator belt RM58
 7) Aircond and power steering belt RM68
8) Labour RM79
TOTAL: RM1100...

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





 

Sunday, May 08, 2011

Historic 125th year Mercedes Benz Concours 8 May 2011

I, Jeff Lim just came back from Historic 125th Anniversary Mercedes Benz Concourse.  It was divided into 3 categories. 


1) Vintage (1960 and older)



 2) Classic 1961 to 1975

3) Modern Classic (1976 to 1989).



The Grand prize is all expense paid trip for 2 to Germany for winner of all categories.  Well there's a saying a picture's worth 1000 words... Here are 100+ photos...  ENJOY:



























































































































 A Ferrari parked outside the Palace of the Golden Horse Hotel as I am leaving the place...