Google Search

Google

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

New Mazda6 Skyactiv Kodo launched in Moscow

SIDE NOTE: MAZDA Malaysia has started taking bookings for this car since Early August.  Refundable Deposit RM3000 only.


New 2014 Mazda6 Skyactiv launched in Moscow

Mazda has unveiled its all-new flagship saloon, the Mazda6, at the 2012 Moscow Motor Show.The new Mazda6 follows the CX-5 in adopting the Japanese company’s full range of Skyactiv technology and also continues the 'Kodo - Soul of Motion' design language.


The new model draws heavily on the 2011 Takeri showcar and features a widened, stretched version of Mazda's five-point grille. The grille is connected to the LED headlights via shiny metallic extensions, while Mazda has also developed a new colour, called Soul Red to accentate the shape of the car.



"In developing the third-generation Mazda6, we pursued Mazda’s intrinsic core value: ‘driving pleasure’. We wanted to create a car that reacts and behaves exactly as you expect it to. Part of this involved carefully crafting those parts of the car which you often touch to feel as though they are an extension of your own body," says Hiroshi Kajiyama, the new Mazda6 programme manager.


"The distinctive exterior design hints at the power and agility with which the car moves. A variety of original innovations support a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. Mazda’s superb engineering and craftsmanship have created a car that handles so well it seems to respond directly to the driver’s intentions rather than the physical manipulations of steering, braking and accelerating.


Under the bonnet, the Mazda6 offers two engines; the Skyactiv 2.0 and the all new Skyactiv 2.5 which delivers maximum torque of 256Nm/3250rpm. Both engines are petrol versions.


In addition to the new Skyactiv 2.5 engine, the Mazda6 is also the first model in the Mazda family to have the ‘i-ELOOP’ brake energy regeneration system, that begins charging a capacitor the moment the driver takes his foot off the accelerator and which contributes to an improvement in fuel efficiency in real world driving situations.


The Mazda6 will be introduced to global markets starting in late 2012.



VIDEO PREVIEW:

Further readings:
1) Paultan
http://paultan.org/2012/08/29/all-new-mazda-6-revealed-skyactiv-tech-kodo-design/

2) Autocar UK

Monday, August 27, 2012

Video++ review Suzuki Cappucino (Ver 2)

NOTE DELETED by blogger previously...  Formerly the 100th post originally posted on November 2008.  Repost on 27 August 2012.  Hence, Version 2.


In this blog entry, I'm posting about Suzuki Cappucino.  The Suzuki Cappuccino is a small 2-door, 2-seater demountable hardtop roadster produced by Suzuki Motor Corporation. The vehicle was designed to meet Kei car specifications for lower tax and insurance in Japan. Weighing just 725 kg (1,598 lb), the Cappuccino is powered by a turbocharged, three-cylinder, 657 cc DOHC engine (just under the 660 cc maximum displacement allowed for a Kei car). Its dimensions also conformed to Kei car regulations on length and width, being 3,295 mm (129.7 in) long and 1,395 mm (54.9 in) wide.

Front-rear weight distribution is claimed to be 50/50% when both seats are occupied. Layout is front mid-engined and rear-wheel drive. The hood, roof, roll bar and lower front guard panels are aluminium.



Three removable roof panels mean that the car can be used as a closed coupĂ©; T-top; targa; or, on retraction of the rear window and roll bar, a full convertible. (Photo combo above). Roof panels stow in the trunk (though it must be said that they will occupy 90 percent of the already modest space), and the rear window/rollcage assembly retracts into the body behind the seats. 

Unlike many convertibles of the time, the rear window is glass and wraparound, with demisting elements.

It was originally equipped with the F6A engine: later models were fitted with a K6A engine which was lighter and had chain-driven, rather than belt-driven camshafts and more torque. Both are DOHC 12-valve, inline 3-cylinder engines that were turbocharged and intercooled. Power output was a claimed 63 hp (47 kW; 64 PS) at 6500 rpm to fit under the maximum power allowed for Kei cars. (below: Engine bay photo).

The Cappuccino featured 4-wheel disc brakes and rear wheel drive. Later versions in Japan had an early production iteration of speed-sensing electric power-assisted steering and aluminium double wishbone suspension. Production began in 1991 and ceased in 1997. The Cappuccino's closest competitor of the time were the Autozam AZ-1, Honda Beat and the Daihatsu Leeza Spyder. (The Autozam AZ-1, Honda Beat and Suzuki Cappuccino were together called the Sporty K-Car's ABC.)

The Suzuki Cappuccino still remains one of the best-handling cars that money can buy. If you are looking for a fun and versatile 2 seater sports car with the classic "front engine, rear-wheel drive" arrangement, pin-sharp chassis and an affordable price tag, the Cappuccino is the ideal entry-level sports car for you!

As an endorsement to this, the popular "Auto Express" Magazine recently reported that the Suzuki Cappuccino had been voted as one of the 50 best cars of all time. It was pitched against the likes of the Porsche 911, Lotus Elise, Ferrari and McLaren - clearly showing that even to this day the Cappuccino has lost none of its leading edge.

The Cappucino also featured in Both Initial-D Anime and Sony GranTurismo Play station games.

Here's some Photos:  INITIAL D SCREENSHOTS.  



AE86 v.s. Cappuccino (Initial D)

GRAN TURISMO SCREENSHOTS:

Here's few reviews of this Baby:


Review 3:(Double click to enlarge)

MORE PHOTOS:
Above: Cappucino Front and rear mugshots.  Below: Side profile of the Cappucino (hardtop mode)

 Above and below: Cappucino interiors...
Below: STOCK Cappucino rim...

Without further ado, here's a collection of VIDEOS mostly taken from Youtube for your viewing pleasure:  Enjoy:

1991 Suzuki Cappuccino WalkAround

Cappucino test drive (JAPAN Promotional Video)

Cappuchino top speed (limited to 140km/h @ 5500rpm)

Cappuchino on Gravel

Gymkhana Suzuki cappuchino
Gymkhana 2

Cappuchino 0-140km/h in below 27 secs

ARE you POISONED?  Want to buy this car?  Here's some pointers (UK ONLY)


REFERENCES:
1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_Cappuccino
2) www.autotrader.co.uk

Used car dealers fear the worst

The Star Motoring, Monday, August 27, 2012

































PETALING JAYA: Industry players are hoping the reportedly gradual car price reduction in the upcoming National Automotive Policy will be of minimum impact to the current automotive industry, in particular the used car sector.

“These are all hearsay right now, but the impact on the industry would be extensive if this turns out to be true. Details need to be known before we can project anything. Right now we can only assume,” said a reputable industry source who declined to be named.

He said the used car sector would bear the brunt of the move as cheaper new cars would impact the resale value of second-hand cars, and used car dealers would have to shoulder the burden of squeezed margins and even losses should new car prices drastically affect the value of existing stocks. 
used.jpg


“The price reduction would be great for consumers and the industry if it is done well, otherwise it would change consumer patterns, where car buyers would put off their purchase plans. Should that happen, it might drive the industry to a grinding halt, slowing car sales and that would possibly have a rippling effect on the economy,” he said.

With the possibility of cheaper cars due to the NAP, some concerns and questions were raised particularly on how the authorities would implement it.

Market talk indicated a sort of mechanism would be in place to address the gradual reduction of car prices in the country. A source indicated the public could expect reduction of 5%-15% on a gradual basis until 2015. However, details are still scant pending the official announcement of the NAP.

Take for instance, if a Japanese marque car is priced at RM80,000 now, it may be trimmed to RM68,000 via the reduction in excise duty and sales tax.

The Government is also said to be contemplating on implementing the end-of-life vehicle policy, which was scrapped in 2009 after a huge public backlash just after the announcement of the move.

“It might be made as non-mandatory for the first few years, and subsequently be made mandatory depending on public feedback. The public should look forward to this as it would promote usage of safer vehicles,” said the source.

Although the NAP is reviewed again, the Government had said it would maintain the termination of the Approved Permit (AP) system starting end-2015. The Government will stop issuing open APs from Dec 31, 2015 while the franchise AP will be terminated by Dec 31, 2020.

Started in the mid-1970s, the AP system was once a platform to encourage bumiputra participation in car distribution. However, the often-abused system has become a major hurdle for the liberalisation of the local automotive industry.

RHB Research analyst Alexander Chia said the industry needed to be restructured over a gradual period to ensure that the market continued to grow going forward, adding that market participants (car buyers, lenders, dealers and distributors) would have to adapt to this transition phase in the next five years, and not just buyers and dealers.

“Used vehicle residuals could be vulnerable as the market tries to find a new level. The lack of policy transparency could result in volatility of used residuals that could also adversely impact new vehicle sales since used residuals typically form the down payment or equity for a new vehicle,” he said.

He said structural impediments to the continued growth of the domestic auto market included high vehicle prices (relative to income) and was a product of the present duty and tax structure.

“The total industry volume is already close to saturation. Look at the statistics on household debt. Malaysia is possibly the only country to have hire purchase loans stretching up to nine years. The Government needs to communicate its policy effectively to the market to ensure there is no misconception. Misconception and conjecture could lead to irrational behaviour among market participants,” he said.

The Best of the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

From Allard (and Arnold) to Zagato, the best of the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance



62nd Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Names 1928 Mercedes-Benz “Best of Show”


THE COMPETITION SHOWCASED 220 CARS FROM 33 STATES AND 15 COUNTRIES


PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (August 19, 2012) — A 1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Saoutchik Torpedo owned by Paul & Judy Andrews of Fort Worth, Texas, was named Best of Show at the 62nd Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, held Sunday on the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links. The event showcased 220 cars from 33 states and 15 countries and raised $1,077,220 for charity.

“I’m not sure I can put into words how I feel,” said Paul Andrews, founder and CEO of TTI. “It’s probably the most wonderful feeling I’ve had in my life. It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work by a lot of people. We’re all excited. We’re tickled to death.”

Of his car, he said, “It’s the whole package. There’s not a bad line on this car. It was the sports car, the high performance car of its era, and then Saoutchik gave it style and grace. It has power and it has beauty.”

Jacques Saoutchik made seven avant-garde Torpedo bodies for the Mercedes-Benz 680S chassis, each differing in their details. The combination of chrome accents and low windshield make this car, shown first at the 1928 New York Auto Show, both a sports car and a luxury touring car.

“This car really has everything,” said Concours Chairman Sandra Button. “It has fantastic German engineering, elegant French styling, and a wonderful restoration by Paul Russell. It’s a car you can imagine racing as well as touring. It’s just a marvelous embodiment of everything that is Mercedes-Benz.”

The judging process at the Pebble Beach Concours is two-fold: Class Judges focus primarily on originality and authenticity, while Honorary Judges direct their attention to design, styling and elegance. To be eligible to win Best of Show—the event’s top award—a car must first win its class.

Other nominees for Best of Show included a 1935 Duesenberg J Gurney-Nutting Speedster owned by the William Lyon Family of Newport Beach, California; a 1931 Duesenberg J Derham Tourster owned by Joseph and Margie Cassini III, of West Orange, New Jersey; and a 1933 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport Figoni Coupé owned by David and Adele Cohen of West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

In addition to Saoutchik Coachwork, the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance featured Maharaja Cars, Mercer, Fiat, Mercedes SLs, Sport Customs and German Motorcycles.

Tonight Show host Jay Leno made a guest appearance at the event, offering tickets to his show and tours of his Big Dog Garage, raising over $50,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County. The previous evening, at the Pebble Beach Auction presented by Gooding & Company, Leno’s Fiat 500 Prima Edizione, initially valued at $25,000 to 35,000, sold for $385,000 and attracted an additional $215,000, raising a total of $600,000 for the Fisher House Foundation. Also in attendance were Steve Carrell, George Lucas, Adrien Brody and Adam Carolla. 

Check out our gallery link below:

OFFICIAL LINK 

LINK 2

2012 Winners List

2012 PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE WINNERS ANNOUNCED


BEST OF SHOW


1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Saoutchik Cabriolet
Paul & Judy Andrews, Fort Worth, Texas


BEST OF SHOW NOMINEES

1935 Duesenberg J Gurney-Nutting Speedster
The William Lyon Family, Newport Beach, California

1931 Duesenberg J Derham Tourster
Joseph and Margie Cassini III, West Orange, New Jersey

1933 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport Figoni Coupé
David and Adele Cohen, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.


MOST ELEGANT AWARDS

J. B. & Dorothy Nethercutt Most Elegant Closed Car

1930 Bentley Speed Six H. J. Mulliner Saloon
John & Gwen McCaw

Gwenn Graham Most Elegant Convertible

1939 Delage D8-120 S Saoutchik Cabriolet
John W. Rich Jr., Auburn, Pennsylvania

Most Elegant Open Car

1929 duPont Model G Merrimac Speedster
Sam & Emily Mann, Englewood, New Jersey

Strother MacMinn Most Elegant Sports Car

1933 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport Figoni Coupé
David & Adele Cohen, West Vancouver, Canada


CLASS AWARDS

Class A-1: Small Horse Power
1st 1903 Packard Model F Rear Entrance Tonneau, Joseph & Janice Conzonire, San Marino

2nd 1901 De Dion-Bouton Motorette Vis Ă  Vis, John Banner, Long Melford, England

3rd 1904 Franklin Open Four Seater, Calilo Sielecki, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Class A-2: Antique
1st 1919 McFarlan Type 125 Touring, Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, Fairbanks, Alaska

2nd 1911 Isotta Fraschini PM Pavesi & Crespi Co. Roadster, Dick & Marcia King, Redding, Connecticut

3rd 1905 Clément SD Sedan, Barry G. Hon, Dana Point

Class C-1: American Classic Open
1st 1929 duPont Model G Merrimac Speedster, Sam & Emily Mann, Englewood, New Jersey

2nd 1930 Cadillac 452 Fleetwood Roadster, Bob & Brigitte Thayer, Atlanta, Georgia

3rd 1937 Cord 812 SC Convertible Phaeton Sedan, Bob, Pat & Chris White, Scottsdale, Arizona

Class C-2: American Classic Closed
1st 1931 Packard 845 Deluxe Eight Dietrich Sport Sedan, Rob & Jeannie Hilarides, Lindsay

2nd 1932 Lincoln KB Dietrich Coupe, Patti & Jim Shacklett, Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania

3rd 1931 Marmon Sixteen LeBaron Club Sedan, Gary Severns, Long Beach

Class C-3: Packard Open
1st 1932 Packard 906 Twin Six Dietrich Convertible Sedan, David & Linda Kane, Bernardsville, New Jersey

2nd 1930 Packard 734 Speedster Runabout, William & Helen Vaccaro, Bedminster, New Jersey (photo below)


3rd 1934 Packard 1107 Twelve Coupe Roadster, Charles & Amy Spielman, La Jolla

Class D: Mercer
1st 1913 Mercer Model 35 J Raceabout, Ray Scherr, Westlake Village

2nd 1931 Mercer Prototype Merrimac Raceabout Convertible Coupe, Dave & Denise Sanders, Bristol, Indiana

3rd 1925 Mercer Series 6 Raceabout, Johnny & Christine Crowell, San Ramon

Class E-1: Maharaja
1st 1935 Duesenberg J Gurney Nutting Speedster, The William Lyon Family, Newport Beach

2nd 1930 Bentley Speed Six H.J. Mulliner Saloon, John & Gwen McCaw

3rd 1925 Hispano-Suiza H6B Kellner Cabriolet, The Keller Collection, Petaluma

Class E-2: Maharaja Rolls-Royce
1st 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Barker Sports Torpedo Tourer, The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie, , Hong Kong

2nd 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Thrupp & Maberly Tourer, Keith Sherper & Kenneth Sherper, Bluemont, Virginia

3rd 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Thrupp & Maberly Drophead, William B. Ruger, Jr., Newport, New Hampshire

Class F: Saoutchik Coachwork
1st 1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Saoutchik Torpedo, Paul & Judy Andrews, White Settlement, Texas

2nd 1936 Hispano-Suiza J12 Saoutchik Cabriolet, William E. "Chip" Connor, Hong Kong

3rd 1939 Delage D8-120 S Saoutchik Cabriolet, John W. Rich Jr., Auburn, Pennsylvania

Class G: Duesenberg
1st 1931 Duesenberg J Derham Tourster, Joseph & Margie Cassini III, West Orange, New Jersey

2nd 1930 Duesenberg J Murphy Convertible Sedan, Peter & Marijane Thornton, Key Largo, Florida

3rd 1932 Duesenberg J Rollston Torpedo Berline, Richard & Elisa Stephens, San Francisco

Class H: Rolls-Royce
1st 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Hibbard & Darrin Transformable, Greg & Renee Wood, Henderson, Nevada

2nd 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Hibbard & Darrin Transformable, The Mitchell Collection – Richard & Irina Mitchell, Montgomery, Texas

3rd 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Springfield Brewster Tourer, Robert M. & Agata Matteucci, Jupiter, Florida

Class I: Mercedes-Benz
1st 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet A, The Nethercutt Collection – Helen & Jack Nethercutt, Sylmar

2nd 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster, Thomas & Rhonda Taffet, Chatsworth (photo below)

3rd 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Cabriolet, Ing. Alexander Schaufler, Vienna, Austria

Class J-1: European Classic: Sports Racing
1st 1933 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport Figoni Coupé, David & Adele Cohen, West Vancouver, NA

2nd 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport Aprile Spider Corsa, Mercurio S.r.l., Milano, Italy

3rd 1931 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster, Audrey & Martin Gruss, West Palm Beach, Florida

Class J-2: European Classic: Grand Touring
1st 1937 Bentley 4 1/4 Litre Windovers Drophead Coupé, Neal Kirkham, Saratoga

2nd 1938 Steyr 220 Gläser Roadster, Peter T. Boyle, Oil City, Pennsylvania

3rd 1929 Bianchi S8 Graber Cabriolet, Roy Sayles, Jamul

Class J-3: European Classic: French Grand Touring
1st 1937 Talbot-Lago T150C Figoni & Falaschi Cabriolet, The Patterson Collection, Louisville, Kentucky

2nd 1932 Delage D8 SS100 Figoni Cabriolet, The Keller Collection, Petaluma

3rd 1937 Peugeot 302DS Darl'mat Pourtout Cabriolet, Peter & Merle Mullin, Oxnard

Class K: Fiat
1st 1911 Fiat Tipo 6 Holbrook 4 Passenger Demi-Tonneau, Alan & LaDel Clendenen, Corona del Mar

2nd 1904 Fiat 75 HP Alessio Touring, George F. Wingard, Eugene, Oregon

3rd 1933 Fiat Balilla Roadster, Michael & Barbara Malamut, Thousand Oaks

Class L-1: Prewar Preservation
1st 1932 Stutz DV-32 LeBaron Sedan, Jim Callahan, Oakland

2nd 1905 Fiat 60 HP Quimby Touring, David Geisler, Murdo, South Dakota

3rd 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Super Sport Mille Miglia Zagato Spider, Fica Frio Limited, Jersey, United Kingdom

Class L-2: Postwar Preservation
1st 1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Pinin Farina Coupe, Jon & Mary Shirley, Medina, Washington

2nd 1952 Ferrari 212/225 Inter Touring Barchetta, Petersen Automotive Museum, Los Angeles

3rd 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, Les Wexner, New Albany, Ohio

Class M-1: Ferrari Grand Touring
1st 1955 Ferrari 375 Plus Pinin Farina Cabriolet, The Golomb Family, Springfield, Illinois

2nd 1964 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Pininfarina Coupe, Lammot J. du Pont, McLean, Virginia

3rd 1952 Ferrari 212 Inter Pinin Farina Cabriolet, Ken & Dayle Roath, Newport Beach

Class M-2: Ferrari Competition
1st 1951 Ferrari 212 Export Touring Berlinetta, Kevin J. Caulfield, Minneapolis, Minnesota

2nd 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Scaglietti Berlinetta, Peter & Kacey McCoy, Beverly Hills

3rd 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB Alloy Scaglietti Berlinetta, Andrew Gordon, Los Angeles

Class N-1: AC
1st 1960 AC Ace Roadster, Jonathan Parker, Vancouver, NA

2nd 1960 AC Ace Roadster, Jim & Stacey Weddle, St. Louis, Missouri

3rd 1956 AC Ace Bristol Roadster, Jerry F. Rosenstock, Encino

Class N-2: AC Cobra
1st 1964 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Competition Roadster, Steve Volk, Boulder, Colorado

2nd 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 Prototype Competition Roadster, Harry Yeaggy, Cincinnati, Ohio

3rd 1964 Shelby Cobra 289 Street Roadster, William H. & Cheryl K. Swanson, Boston, Massachusetts

Class O-1: Postwar Sports Open
1st 1949 Jaguar XK120 Roadster, Jeff Lotman, Los Angeles

2nd 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24 Pinin Farina Spider America, Joe & Sharon Hayes, Chicago, Illinois

3rd 1952 Allard J2 Roadster, Dana & Patti Mecum, Walworth, Wisconsin

Class O-2: Postwar Sports Closed
1st 1956 Maserati A6G 2000 Zagato Coupé, David & Ginny Sydorick, Beverly Hills

2nd 1958 Pegaso Z-103 Touring Berlinetta, Richard Kocka, Redding, Connecticut

3rd 1959 Lancia Flaminia Zagato Coupé, Larry & Jane Solomon, Woodside

Class O-3: Postwar Sports Touring
1st 1948 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport Franay Cabriolet, Michael Kaufmann, Ennsdorf, Austria

2nd 1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Touring Coupé, Larry & Jeanne Klein, Santa Rosa

3rd 1946 Delahaye 135 M El Glaoui Figoni & Falaschi Cabriolet, Richard Mahoney, St. Louis, Missouri

Class U: American Sport Customs
1st 1948 Norman Timbs Emil Diedt Roadster, Gary & Diane Cerveny, Malibu

2nd 1947 Vince Gardner Studebaker "Bubble Top" Roadster, John N. Allen, Naples, Florida

3rd 1939 Paul Planette Coachcraft Mercury Roadster, Derby & Paula Ahlstone, Ventura

Class V: Open Wheel Race Cars
1st 1911 Franklin D Race Car, Ted Davis, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

2nd 1914 Mercedes Grand Prix Race Car, The Revs Institute for Automotive Research at The Collier Collection, Naples, Florida

3rd 1914 Mercer Model 45 Race Car, George F. Wingard, Eugene, Oregon

Class X: German Motorcycles
1st 1934 BMW R7, BMW Group Classic, Munich, Germany

2nd 1954 BMW R68, Jeffrey M. Dean, Madison, Wisconsin

3rd 1968 Munch Mammoth, Dale Keesecker, Washington, Kansas



SPECIAL AWARDS

Alec Ulmann Trophy
1936 Hispano-Suiza J12 Saoutchik Cabriolet
William E. "Chip" Connor, Hong Kong

Ansel Adams Award
1919 McFarlan Type 125 Touring
Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, Fairbanks, Alaska

Art Center College of Design Award
1955 Lancia Aurelia B24 Pinin Farina Spider America
Joe & Sharon Hayes, Chicago, Illinois

Briggs Cunningham Trophy
1962 Shelby Cobra 289 First Production Roadster
Bruce Meyer, Beverly Hills

Classic Car Club of America Trophy
1930 Packard 740 Custom Eight Roadster
Margaret Dunning, Plymouth, Michigan

Chairman’s Trophy
1930 Hispano-Suiza H6C Kellner Transformable
Hugo Modderman, Monte Carlo, Monaco

Charles A. Chayne Trophy
1911 Franklin D Race Car
Ted Davis, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Dean Batchelor Trophy
1953 Mameco-Ardun Glasspar G2
Mark & Newie Brinker, Houston, Texas

Elegance in Motion Trophy
1939 Delage D8-120 S Saoutchik Cabriolet
John W. Rich Jr., Auburn, Pennsylvania

Enzo Ferrari Trophy
1955 Ferrari 375 Plus Pinin Farina Cabriolet
The Golomb Family, Springfield, Illinois

FIVA Prewar Trophy
1911 Franklin D Race Car
Ted Davis, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

FIVA Postwar Trophy
1964 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Competition Roadster
Steve Volk, Boulder, Colorado

French Cup
1931 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster
Audrey & Martin Gruss, West Palm Beach, Florida

Gran Turismo Trophy
1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Pinin Farina Coupe
Jon & Mary Shirley, Medina, Washington

The Lincoln Trophy
1932 Lincoln KB Dietrich Coupe
Patti & Jim Shacklett, Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania

Lucius Beebe Trophy
1924 Rolls-Royce 20 HP Barker Tourer
Arvind Singh Mewar, Maharana of Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Mercedes-Benz Star of Excellence Award
1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Saoutchik Torpedo
Berthold Albrecht, Essen, Germany

Montagu of Beaulieu Trophy
1930 Bentley Speed Six H. J. Mulliner Saloon
John & Gwen McCaw

The Phil Hill Cup
1914 Mercedes Grand Prix Race Car
The Revs Institute for Automotive Research at The Collier Collection, Naples, Florida
Road & Track Trophy
1933 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport Figoni Coupé
David & Adele Cohen, West Vancouver, NA

The Tony Hulman Trophy
1908 Benz Prince Heinrich Two Seat Race Car
Bruce & Jolene McCaw, Bellevue, Washington

The Vitesse - Elegance Trophy
1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Touring Coupé
Larry & Jeanne Klein, Santa Rosa

NOTE: DUE TO COPYRIGHT ISSUES by respective websites.  Please Google the car models for all images.  Or click on the link above.

A Night at the Mercedes Benz Museum


“A Night at the Mercedes-Benz Museum” creates its own magic




As part of a Mercedes-Benz outreach to bloggers in Germany, selected bloggers spent the night in the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.  They were free to roam around the profound pieces of motoring history. Photographer Teymur Madjderey used his time to create this atmospheric tour (click the highlight in blue to visit) of Mercedes history as only an empty museum at 4 a.m. can provide. The blue El Camino-like hauler is a replica of the Renntransporter, which carried race cars in the '50s.





Monday, August 20, 2012

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2012

Saya, Jeff Lim, ingin mengucapkan Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri kepada semua umat Islam.  Maaf. zahir dan batin.  TO those travelling drive safely.

TO end...  I present you few good Hari Raya TVC:

Honda Hari Raya Ads 2012

MAXIS Hari Raya ads 2012
BERNAS TVC 2012.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Who made the world's 1st MPV?

Pop quiz. Who made the world's first multi-purpose vehicle (MPV)? Depending on who you ask, you may get a different answer.

REAL ANSWER HERE:

1955-1966 Fiat 600 Multipla.  Further readings: Click the link below:




http://www.cbt.com.my/2012/08/15/who-made-the-worlds-first-mpv/


Tropicana City Mall Parking ripoff...


Yesterday, I went to Tropicana City mall for a Haircut.  But QUIKCUT Closed for renovation AGAIN!  (2nd time).  So I left the mall immediately.  

Guess what, I NEED TO PAY FOR MY 5 minutes PARKING.  RM1 might not be a lot since it's a WEEKDAY but when weekend comes it's RM2!!!  Enclosed my receipt which proved that I parked for 5 mins only.  I entered the parking at 16:47 and left 5 mins later.  I NEED TO PAY THE PARKING!!!

This defies the purpose of this shopping mall...  As there's POST OFFICE and MONEY Changer's there.  LOTS of people will zip in and out of the mall in under 15 mins.  

My suggestion to TROPICANA CITY MALL operator/Developer Dijaya group.  Please introduce 15 mins free / grace period parking.  If I don't see the changes within 30 days.  I SHALL BOYCOTT THIS MALL and asked my friends to do the same.  This is a shame as it's just 3km from my house.


Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Stop114A

#Stop114A


Today I'm supporting August 14 Internet Blackout Day in protest to Section 114A of the Evidence Act that was passed by parliament, this amendment means anything posted on the Internet even if it's posted by others that is deem seditious or defaming another. We the owner of the media, network or account is guilty of posting that said comment or information. The burden of proof is bear by the accused instead of the prosecutor like what is commonly practice. For example, if anonymous left a comment that is deem to defame certain VIP in my blog, 114A enabled the VIP is sue me even though I was not the one posting the defaming comment but because the comment is posted in my blog, I need to proof my innocence. This is a law that works the opposite way of innocent until proven guilty.



This not only works on blog. Your Facebook, Twitter or social networking tool on the Internet will be affected. Even if your wifi was leeched by someone that posted something seditious, you'll be the one that bear the consequences. You can read more about this draconian act here. We'll be living in the fear of even using the Internet, let's get this amendment repeal.

Check out this video for more info:

Monday, August 13, 2012

Nissan Almera Previewed

Nissan Almera revealed


(NOTE: I MISSED IT...  ALL IS NOT LOST.  It's on display on Paradigm Mall from 23 to 26 August)

THIS IS NOT MY WORK...  SOURCE: CLICK ME!

KUALA LUMPUR: Local Nissan distributor Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd, has unveiled its new B-Segment model called the Almera which claims a best-in-class cabin space and an indicative pricing from RM70,000 to RM85,000.
alme4-(1).jpg
alme2-(1).jpg
alme5-(1).jpg

Presented to the media at the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur From last Friday to yesterday, the Almera powered by a 1.5-litre twin cam engine featuring 102bhp and 139Nm of torque, will be sold with either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission.

The Almera claims a low fuel consumption and can travel 14.9km on a litre of petrol.

Edaran Tan Chong Motor executive director Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng said that besides a spacious interior, the Almera has generous rear legroom of 636mm.

He said the Almera is Nissan’s best selling global sedan with more than 460,000 units sold since its launch in 2010.

“More than 15,000 and 7,000 units of the Almera are sold monthly in China and Thailand respectively,” Dr Ang.

In addition, the Almera would also be equipped with features commonly found in more expensive models such as intelligent key entry system, push start button, automatic climate control and fine vision meter with multi-information display.

Other features include electric power steering, airbag system, anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist and a boot space of 490 litres. 

The Almera will be assembled at the Tan Chong plant in Serendah. 

Although the Almera will only be launched in the fourth quarter of the year, those interested in the car can register at www.nissan.com.my.

The Almera is open for public viewing at Pavilion from last Friday to Sunday.

The Almera showcase will also be held in Queesnbay Mall, Penang from Aug 16 to 21, Paradigm Mall, Kelana Jaya from Aug 23 to 26, Autocity, Juru from Aug 30 to Sept 2 and East Coast Mall, Kuantan from Aug 31 to Sept 2.


Next-Gen 2013 Kia Forte Debuts

Next-Generation 2013 Kia Forte Debuts Online



It doesn’t seem that long ago that the current Kia Forte sedan was being launched, heralding a new era in Kia small cars. The current Forte is perhaps the first truly competitive Kia small car, and we’ve taken a liking to the sporty Koup version. Since its launch though, the company has grown leaps and bounds, settling into a role as a bolder, more driver-focused brand than Hyundai.
Models like the Optima and upcoming Quoris (really now?) illustrate this change. The next step is a redesign of its small car, and Kia has revealed some images of the all-new 2013 Kia Forte, and boy does it look good. The 2013 makes its mark as a more substantial vehicle than it replaces – both in style and substance.

The new car is lower, longer and wider than the model it replaces. Stylistically the Forte moves up to a new level; the current Forte has an attractive but plain appearance. The 2013 is more dynamic and manages to not be as overwrought as the “Fluidic Sculpture” Elantra. Inside, we expect it to be a similar story, with a more driver-focused cockpit feel.

The Forte comes packing some upscale touches such as LED headlights front and back. Even in the mid-size segment we haven’t risen to that level of standard equipment yet. LED lighting helps gives the car a premium appearance and appears to be a standard feature. The Forte continues with the Hyundai/Kia strategy of next-generation Hyundai models debuting first. Staggered launches for the two brands help to keep sales stable. Today’s small car segment is filled with highly competitive models like the 2013 Dodge Dart, 2013 Chevrolet Cruze, 2013 Ford Focus and the company’s own 2013 Hyundai Elantra. Sorry Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, but those aforementioned models are the ones to beat now. With Kia’s success in other segments, we’re eager to see where the 2013 Forte places among the small car pack.

Kia K3 (2014 Kia Forte/Cerato) finally unveiled - exterior only 

Thanks to TnkfreePaul



Honda sculpts next Accord

First look at new American Accord



Honda-Accord-2013-02_use.jpgLOS ANGELES: Honda has revealed the first images of the all-new 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe, set to go on sale this fall in the United States. 

Honda-Accord-2013-03_use.jpg











The "most sculpted Accord ever" promises an even more spacious and luxurious passenger cabin wrapped in an upscale, sophisticated exterior.

The new Accord gets a new grille and multiple styling lines on the bonnet. 


A side character line flows through the door handles and rise upward towards the rear of the vehicle to convey a sense of motion. 

In the back, the inward slope where the fenders taper into the trunk and C-pillars is designed to convey a powerful, athletic stance from the rear.

In the ninth-generation Accord, smart interior packaging allows for increased passenger and cargo space in both the sedan and the coupe, while the overall exterior lengths are noticeably shortened, contributing to a sportier driving character and easier parking. 

The model will also feature an expansive greenhouse and generous rear seating that offers high visibility and comfort.

“This car is the most sculpted and the most dynamic Accord yet,” said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of product planning for American Honda. 

Among the premium items fitted as standard are LED daytime running lights, headlights and taillights.

Note that the current Accord sold in Malaysia is based on the Honda Inspire line, which sits between the Accord and the Legend flagship.

Being Inspire-based, the locally assembled Accords are typically bigger than the Accords sold in Europe and United States and have different styling.

BELOW: ACCORD COUPE!
Honda-Accord-2013.jpg
Honda-Accord-2013-01.jpg