[New post] Proton Iriz R3 touring car teased again with interior

Jonathan Lee posted: " The development of the Proton Iriz R3 touring car appears to be progressing – Proton Motorsports has released three new images of the little race car as the team scrambles to complete it in time for Round 4 of the Malaysian Championship Series (née Mala" New post on Paul Tan's Automotive News Proton Iriz R3 touring car teased again with interior by Jonathan Lee The development of the Proton Iriz R3 touring car appears to be progressing – Proton Motorsports has released three new images of the little race car as the team scrambles to complete it in time for Round 4 of the Malaysian Championship Series (née Malaysian Super Series) on August 28 to 30. Much has changed from the last time we've seen the car – the addition of the race-spec 1.6 litre naturally-aspirated Campro IAFM engine, a Forged Racing radiator, a dashboard, a Sparco removable steering wheel, a Recaro racing seat, a Tonnka floor-mounted three-pedal box and the familiar Iriz front fascia makes the touring car look much more track-ready. To recap, the Iriz touring car – built according to 1,600 cc Malaysian Touring Car specifications for MCS – is claimed to push out as much as 190 hp (that's 119 hp per litre without a turbo!), sent through a close-ratio five-speed manual transmission (probably the same dog-engagement unit as its Suprima S cousin) to the front wheels. Other mouth-watering components include a six-point roll cage (as per regulations), Öhlins adjustable suspension and large Alcon disc brakes. Again, we can't wait to see what it looks like! Jonathan Lee | July 31, 2015 at 3:19 pm | Categories: Cars, Local News, Motorsports, Proton | URL: http://wp.me/p1x6AR-1wtL Comment    See all comments Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Paul Tan's Automotive News. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://paultan.org/2015/07/31/proton-iriz-r3-touring-car-teased-again-with-interior/

[New post] Uber cars destroyed in Mexico City amidst protests

Gregory Sze posted: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qh_E-QlZef0 It would appear that the crisis surrounding international transportation network company, Uber, and local taxi drivers has taken a turn for the worse - at least in Mexico City. On July 28, Uber vehicles were v" New post on Paul Tan's Automotive News Uber cars destroyed in Mexico City amidst protests by Gregory Sze It would appear that the crisis surrounding international transportation network company, Uber, and local taxi drivers has taken a turn for the worse - at least in Mexico City. On July 28, Uber vehicles were violently attacked by a group of armed individuals within the vicinity of the Mexico City International Airport. According to reports by The Guardian and the International Business Times, parties involved in the assault "accused Uber of operating from taxi stands designated for traditional cabs authorised by the government." A video clip of the incident details the fracas with individuals seen pelting eggs and flour onto Uber vehicles. The clip also captures video evidence of rowdy individuals smashing a car's rear window with a boulder and prying off a car's side mirror along with one nasty scene whereby a man is seen shattering a window of an Uber car with what looks like a metal rod. Said attacks were believed to have occurred just a day before licensed taxi drivers in Mexico took to the streets to protest against the popular app-based service. Earlier in July, Mexico City became the first Latin American city to regulate Uber, with a 1.5% ride levy and an annual permit fee introduced. The move was interpreted by taxi drivers as the local government bending over to the demands of Uber. "What happened yesterday was a very serious incident that we condemn. Violence is unacceptable. We invite everyone to have a dialogue and we're open to working with authorities and taxi associations to benefit citizens," commented Lorena Villarreal, communications manager for Uber in Latin America. As violent as the clashes were, Uber has stated that none of the drivers were gravely injured - between 10 to 12 cars have been reported to be damaged. As for what caused the incident in the first place, reports are indicating that members of the mob became unruly after discovering that Uber vehicles were parked nearby the airport as they waited for customers to summon them - effectively depriving other taxi drivers of fares. In Malaysia, it was announced that Land Public Transport Act 2010 will be amended to allow the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) the authority to take action against transportation network companies such as Uber and Grabcar. For more info, check out our earlier story here as well as a video of a protest held not long ago by the Malaysian Taxi Drivers' Transformation Association (PERS1M). Gregory Sze | July 31, 2015 at 3:12 pm | Categories: Cars, International News, Public Transport, Videos | URL: http://wp.me/p1x6AR-1wue Comment    See all comments Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Paul Tan's Automotive News. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://paultan.org/2015/07/31/uber-cars-destroyed-mexico-city-protests/

[New post] VIDEO: Lexus NX and will.i.am in live music stunt

Graham Chin posted: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyTFhbmU1p0 Music rhythm games can be a challenge for even the fastest of fingers, but what if you swap out fingers for a Lexus NX instead? Wait, what? In another one of Lexus' "Amazing in Motion" stunts in collaboration w" New post on Paul Tan's Automotive News VIDEO: Lexus NX and will.i.am in live music stunt by Graham Chin Music rhythm games can be a challenge for even the fastest of fingers, but what if you swap out fingers for a Lexus NX instead? Wait, what? In another one of Lexus' "Amazing in Motion" stunts in collaboration with music artiste will.i.am, the Lexus NX dashes through a specially-made "note highway" that is brought to life through the use of sound-sensing lights and lasers. Three Lexus NX compact SUVs are steered by stunt drivers, very accurately, through the note highway at fast speeds with the aim of hitting each and every winding note in sequence, failing which, the lighting system will be cut, denoting that the player/driver has failed. The soundtrack for this one-time level is none other will.i.am's own tune, #thatPower, albeit a remix version. It is worth mentioning that the stunt, which was shot in Spain, enlisted the help of one Niki Faulkner, a precision driver who has done some awesome stuff for the F1 movie Rush, and is also an occasional driver for British motoring series Top Gear. Alain Uyttenhoven, Head of Lexus Europe said "we're projecting that the NX will represent one third of all Lexus sales across Europe this year, so it feels right that we've created something as bold as this event with will.i.am, something that truly embodies our brand philosophy of Amazing in Motion." Other Amazing in Motion projects include the advertisement "Strobe" and the soon-to-debut Lexus Hoverboard. The Lexus NX is already one of the top sellers in the Japanese premium brand's line-up - so much so that it helped boost Toyota's sales in the US for the first half of 2015. In Malaysia, the compact SUV comes in five different variants: base Lexus NX 200t, NX 200t Premium, Luxury and F Sport, and the hybrid NX 300h. Prices range from RM287k to RM372k. Graham Chin | July 31, 2015 at 2:55 pm | Categories: Cars, International News, Lexus, Videos | URL: http://wp.me/p1x6AR-1wtp Comment    See all comments Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Paul Tan's Automotive News. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://paultan.org/2015/07/31/video-lexus-nx-and-will-i-am-in-live-music-stunt/

[New post] 2016 BMW 750d to debut new quad-turbo diesel engine

Gregory Sze posted: " The 2016 BMW 750d will, reportedly, debut an all-new quad-turbo inline-six diesel engine, according to a report by Bimmertoday. Set to replace the brand's now-familiar tri-turbo diesel mill next year, the new engine (codenamed B57 TOP) has been slated f" New post on Paul Tan's Automotive News 2016 BMW 750d to debut new quad-turbo diesel engine by Gregory Sze The 2016 BMW 750d will, reportedly, debut an all-new quad-turbo inline-six diesel engine, according to a report by Bimmertoday. Set to replace the brand's now-familiar tri-turbo diesel mill next year, the new engine (codenamed B57 TOP) has been slated for operation in other models such as the X5 M50d, X6 M50d and incoming BMW X7 M50d. While additional information remain scarce for now, reports are indicating that the all-new engine is expected to produce somewhere in the region of 400 hp and 800 Nm of torque - all channelled through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Also, speculations remain on whether or not the quad-turbo diesel engine will actually employ four turbochargers or just three with a fourth electronically-driven unit. Obvious benefits from the new quad-turbo setup will likely include an even quicker engine response, a broader powerband and increased performance along with fuel efficiency. As is the case with the current tri-turbo engine in BMW models, the quad-turbo unit is expected to serve exclusively on all-wheel drive models equipped with the brand's trademark xDrive system. At the moment, the most powerful diesel engine in the G11-generation BMW 7 Series puts out a total of 265 PS and 620 Nm of torque in the 730d while the quickest model to employ the tri-turbo engine is the F10 BMW M550d xDrive - power figures include 381 hp and 740 Nm of torque. GALLERY: G11/G12-generation BMW 7 Series Gregory Sze | July 31, 2015 at 2:30 pm | Categories: BMW, Cars, International News | URL: http://wp.me/p1x6AR-1wsa Comment    See all comments Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Paul Tan's Automotive News. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://paultan.org/2015/07/31/2016-bmw-750d-debut-quad-turbo-diesel/

[New post] SPIED: Hyundai i20 Cross to take on VW Cross Polo

Anil Prabha posted: " These are the first shots of what is likely to be the European version of the Hyundai i20 Cross. Its going to take on competitors like VW's Cross Polo, as this front-wheel drive i20 five-door hatch has a little more ground clearance and rugged styling t" New post on Paul Tan's Automotive News SPIED: Hyundai i20 Cross to take on VW Cross Polo by Anil Prabha These are the first shots of what is likely to be the European version of the Hyundai i20 Cross. Its going to take on competitors like VW's Cross Polo, as this front-wheel drive i20 five-door hatch has a little more ground clearance and rugged styling that makes it look the part. It's quite heavily disguised, but if it's the version that is already in the Philippines, then there shouldn't be much of a mystery surrounding the vehicle. Apparently, reports do suggest that this version will have a much more sophisticated interior, with a new infotainment system as well. In the Philippines, for example, the i20 Cross Sport can endure the outdoors pretty well with its side mouldings, claddings and skid plate to take on rough roads and even floods. For the European market, it's speculated that the engine range for this variant could start all the way from the one offered in the regular i20 to the a turbo version wearing the 186 hp turbocharged mill. In the European market, pricing for this particular model is expected to start around €14.000 (RM58,700) for the cheapest one including a few extras. Currently, the i20 is on sale in the Philippines, and its price puts in the hatchback's range, with the cheapest one starting off at P858,000 (RM71,900). Anil Prabha | July 31, 2015 at 2:10 pm | Categories: Cars, Hyundai, International News, Koreans, Spyshots | URL: http://wp.me/p1x6AR-1wp1 Comment    See all comments Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Paul Tan's Automotive News. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://paultan.org/2015/07/31/spied-hyundai-i20-cross-to-take-on-vw-cross-polo/

[New post] New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport – first look at the cabin

Danny Tan posted: " The new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is making its world debut tomorrow in Bangkok, but we've seen much of it already. From the new 'Dynamic Shield' face to the long-tailed rear lamps, the seven-seater Triton-based SUV looks set for battle against the new To" New post on Paul Tan's Automotive News New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport – first look at the cabin by Danny Tan The new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is making its world debut tomorrow in Bangkok, but we've seen much of it already. From the new 'Dynamic Shield' face to the long-tailed rear lamps, the seven-seater Triton-based SUV looks set for battle against the new Toyota Fortuner and fresh Ford Everest. One thing we have not seen so far is the cabin, but here it is, the first leaked shots of the new Pajero Sport's dashboard, posted up on newpajerosportclub.com. Although the dash is clearly based on the Triton's, MMC has put in some effort to differentiate it, as they should for a more premium offering. The Pajero Sport's dash top is from the Triton, but its centre console is flowing and one-piece in design The dash top is carried over, and you can tell by the placement and shape of the air con vents and instrument binnacle. The dual-zone climate control panel is also familiar. What's new is not just the steering wheel - from the truck's three-spoke unit to a more substantial-looking four-spoke wheel with more buttons - but the section where the centre stack joins the centre console. The layout is more flowing in design here, giving the whole centre section a one-piece look to it. As a result, the automatic gear lever (new design) appears to be position higher than in the Triton, and is there a Honda HR-V style storage space below it? Behind the gear lever is a collection of controls which include a rotary dial for the 4X4 system and an electronic parking brake - no manual lever here. MMC has added colour to the dials and a bigger screen (with navigation) for the Pajero Sport The SUV's meter panel also looks more upmarket, with a nice blue theme. The central colour screen includes navigation info as well. The Triton's meter panel, even in top-spec VGT Adventure form, is more utilitarian in design and function. Also new is the door card design, which now has an elaborate door grip. The effort to make the Pajero Sport's cabin more premium and high-tech in feel over the Triton's is pretty effective in our view. What do you think? Danny Tan | July 31, 2015 at 1:24 pm | Categories: Cars, International News, Mitsubishi | URL: http://wp.me/p1x6AR-1wtf Comment    See all comments Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Paul Tan's Automotive News. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://paultan.org/2015/07/31/new-mitsubishi-pajero-sport-first-look-at-the-cabin/

[New post] VIDEO: Lewis Hamilton on the Mercedes GLE Coupe

Anil Prabha posted: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBRAbGIhb6I You've got to hand it to Mercedes-Benz. This new promotional video for the Mercedes GLE Coupe just hits the mark. It has got a cinematic feel to it right from the start. You've got F1 champ Lewis Hamilton givin" New post on Paul Tan's Automotive News VIDEO: Lewis Hamilton on the Mercedes GLE Coupe by Anil Prabha You've got to hand it to Mercedes-Benz. This new promotional video for the Mercedes GLE Coupe just hits the mark. It has got a cinematic feel to it right from the start. You've got F1 champ Lewis Hamilton giving the usual spiel about how what keeps him motivated, and just how challenging being in F1 can be. The positioning of this GLE Coupe in the psyche of its demographic is a true tribute to the hallmarks of this iconic marque. "I like to be on the edge, nothing is ever fast enough for a Formula 1 driver, you always want to go faster. The GLE coupe looks so sleek, it's got like a S-Coupe rear-end," he says. "It handles really well, it's lighter, younger than a big GLE. I'm just me, I race, I love it, I'm good at it, that hunger is still there, and when I drive I feel like there is nothing I cant do with the car," says Lewis. If you have a two-time F1 world champion as part of the this huge conglomerate, you might as well take full advantage of this fact. The GLE Coupe has a new take on style and substance, with its sensual lines and powerful engine variants. It's going to take on the BMW X6, and it will be interesting to see how this battle for outright supremacy pans out. Do check out the video above, it's definitely worth a look. Anil Prabha | July 31, 2015 at 1:21 pm | Categories: Cars, International News, Mercedes Benz, Videos | URL: http://wp.me/p1x6AR-1ws6 Comment    See all comments Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Paul Tan's Automotive News. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://paultan.org/2015/07/31/video-lewis-hamilton-on-the-mercedes-gle-coupe/