If the Megane RS is not hot enough, there is a hotter hot hatch – Megane RS Trophy. This Megan-e Fox of all Megane is more powerful and more torquey than the RS. Power is rated at 265bhp and twisted force is at 360Nm, up from 250 bhp and 340 Nm of the, erm, standard RS.
+Continue ReadingAn automatic upgrade has broken the custom theme TCG was previously using for the site. No fix is available yet. Scouring through the forum has revealed many anomalies with the recent upgrade, which was supposed to only be a security fix. Bear with us while we wait for a fix. Stay with us.
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Erich Marx, Nissan North America’s new head of social media and interactive media believes digital not only complements traditional media but is here for the long run and companies should give it full, undivided attention. Marx was formerly director of marketing communications, a position that covered all marketing, including social media.
Nissan’s goal is to grow its online presence whether it’s the number of followers on Twitter or the number of likes on Facebook. The goal is exposure for new products. To date, Nissan has not done any sort of gimmicks where you are required to be a fan before you can enter.
“We want to build our fan base that’s genuine and authentic, not to just grow the fan base for the sake of growing the fan base — we want fans who are truly fans and truly engaged with us.”
Read the full interview on AdAge Digital.
+Continue ReadingLEG 1 REPORT – THURSDAY, 2 JUNE 2011
Two of three Proton Satria Neo Super 2000 cars finished in the top 10 at the end of Leg 1 of the Prime Yalta Rally in the Ukraine, which is also round four of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC).
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Please be reminded that all materials posted on TCG from now until August, 2011 is still under construction (current: beta v0.30)
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Ford has just released a press statement that it is expanding its range of Ecoboost engines in North America with new 1.0 litre, 3 cylinder with 8 speed automatic transmission. The new 1.0 litre 3 cylinder Ecoboost engine will make its way into the Fiesta and may make it to the Focus range.
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14th March 2011 – The all-new BMW X3 media launch with a terribly photogenic MD Geoffrey Briscoe, technical jargons thrown around by Product Manager Kidd Yam, xDrive demonstration, and a wild gravel Hill Descent Control ride. All this and more for the overenthusiastic photojournalist Andrew Lee at Desa Park City.
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Second generation of the original, medium Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) sets new standards for sporting elegance, dynamic performance and best-in-class fuel-efficiency.
Kuala Lumpur, 14th March 2011 – BMW Group Malaysia today launched the all new BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), the eagerly anticipated four-wheel drive offering which complements the dynamic lifestyles of discerning BMW owners perfectly.
As the second iteration of the definitive premium medium SAV, the new BMW X3 represents a significant leap ahead compared to its predecessor as well as its rivals in terms of comfort, driving experience, spaciousness and sophisticated design, both inside and out. Continuing the legacy of BMW’s X Series of vehicles, the new BMW X3 is at home both on the road or off the beaten track as evidenced by its recent win of the “Off-Roader of the Year” accolade from Germany’s Off Road Magazine merely weeks after its international market launch.
“The first generation of the BMW X3 was the vehicle that created the small-medium Sports Activity Vehicle segment and set the bar when it came to the driving dynamics of vehicles in the segment. Now, the second generation builds on those exceptional traits, combining agility with an all-new suspension technology, electronically-controlled driver assistance systems and advanced four-wheel drive system for much more superiority. All these are successfully conceived based on current real world requirements and concerns. It is an SAV that surpasses competiting models of the same class by virtue of its advanced design, technology, class-leading passenger and luggage space as well as unrivalled performance and fuel efficiency.” said Mr. Geoffrey Briscoe, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
Briscoe continued by sharing that the new BMW X3 xDrive20d is the perfect representation of the BMW Group’s vision of successfully combining all the traits of the BMW X Series – sporty ruggedness and driving superiority with the latest technologies from BMW’s Sustainability strategy of BMW EfficientDynamics and Innovations strategy of BMW ConnectedDrive. The all new BMW X3 is a vehicle that sets a new benchmark for driver satisfaction and utility, while also being economical both in terms of cost to the consumer and environment.
“Based on the total sales for the first two months of 2011, BMW Group Malaysia has sold a total of 810 vehicles, representing 744 BMW, 40 MINI and 26 Motorrad. This is an overall growth of 29% if you were to compare it to the same period last year where we sold a total of 629 vehicles. We are confident that the new BMW X3 will contribute to the continued growth of the BMW brand here in Malaysia,” added Briscoe.
The new BMW X3 xDrive20d features the latest BMW Advanced Diesel Technology with a two litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel engine capable of producing 135kw/ 184 hp and a torque reading of 380Nm which is driven by an advanced 8-speed automatic transmission as standard.
The 8-speed transmission system allows the driver to enjoy an exceptionally smooth driving experience with power and efficiency to match that of a double-clutch transmission system. This potent combination allows the new BMW X3 xDrive20d to complete the 0-100kmh sprint in a respectable 8.5 seconds, whilst maintaining best-in-class fuel consumption rate of only 5.6 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 147gram per km.
“The two-litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel engine of the new BMW X3 features the latest BMW Advanced Diesel Technology which extends and reinforces our commitment to introducing as many Green and Sustainable Technologies as we can to the Malaysian market. It is our testament to our BMW EfficientDynamics strategy and spreading the good word on Advanced Diesel Technology as Clean and Green Technology.” said Briscoe.
Briscoe added that the fact that the all-new BMW X3 is introduced with a diesel powerplant also demonstrates BMW Group’s conviction and belief that Advanced Diesel Technology is the immediate solution to cleaner and more efficient energy sources for Malaysia at the current moment.
“BMW has been greatly encouraged by the Malaysian government’s commitment towards introducing the latest and most efficient green technologies, which mirrors our own efforts. The eagerly anticipated introduction of Euro IV standard fuel specification which is planned for 2015, is a particularly encouraging move which BMW is keen to support with the introduction of more diesel ranges such as the recent new BMW 520d and the BMW X3.” said Briscoe.
As part of the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy, the new BMW X3 features optimised aerodynamics, intelligent lightweight construction, Brake Energy Regeneration, Electromechanical Steering, demand-based control of ancillary components and functions and for the first time in any BMW vehicle in Malaysia, Auto Start/ Stop function in combination with automatic transmission.
The Auto Start Stop function helps to save fuel, by stopping the engine when stationary. For example in a traffic jam or at the traffic lights, the engine is automatically switched off when the car is at a standstill while the brake pedal is depressed. As soon as the driver takes his or her foot off the brake pedal, the engine restarts. If the Auto Hold function is activated, only brief pressure is needed on the accelerator pedal to restart the engine.
Aesthetically, the new BMW X3 merges the typically muscular design cues of the BMW X Series with a dynamically stretched silhouette to produce an elegant, durable and sporting car. The typical characteristic upright kidney grille and triangular headlight arrangement of the new BMW X3 ensures an undeniably robust presence, emphasised by the flared wheelarches, short wheelbase and horizontal rear lines. Further accentuating its external looks are Bi-Xenon headlights with daytime driving light function that feature the signature Corona Rings, a BMW feature that also aids in providing added safety.
And the improvements on its predecessor are not only limited to the external, as the new BMW X3 features a contemporary interior ambience characterised by top quality materials and superior craftsmanship, coupled with a generous sense of space. With 23 mm more knee room and a 20 mm increase in width over the previous BMW X3, the three rear seats certainly provide a sizeable space upgrade.
Providing a volume of between 550 and 1,600 litres, the luggage compartment of the new BMW X3 is also one of the best in its segment. It is, however, not just about pure volume as usable space is also essential to the SAV customer and the new BMW X3 has an adaptable interior which can be changed to suit personal requirements, with numerous ergonomically designed and useful storage areas throughout the vehicle. The rear seat backrests can be split 40:20:40 where the three segments can be folded down either individually or together. In this way, it is possible to adapt the luggage compartment according to individual user requirements.
As always with BMW interiors, the asymmetrical instrument panel and centre console are orientated towards the driver while the Radio BMW Professional, which includes a 6.5-inch monitor and 12 loudspeaker hi-fi system are a standard offering, ensuring all infotainment requirements are met and exceeded. With BMW ConnectedDrive, owners of the new BMW X3 will also enjoy complete USB connectivity and bluetooth hands free functions and are able to access a host of safety and infotainment functions such as BMW TeleServices and the optional BMW Telematics Platform Accessory (TPA), which includes an emergency Vehicle Recovery System as well as other BMW Assist remote services.
For superior drive feel and product uniqueness, the all new BMW X3 xDrive20d offers two optional packages which are the Technology and Comfort packages. The Technology package features BMW’s Dynamic Damper Control working in unison with BMW Performance Control, BMW Navigation System Professional and extended connectivity for mobile devices, whilst the Comfort package features the automatic operation of the tailgate, comfort access system and a panoramic glass roof. Limited units of the new BMW X3 xDrive20d Special Edition will also be available from launch, boasting addtional features such as Dynamic Damper Control, Performance Control and 18” light alloy wheels.
Dynamic Damper Control and Performance Control are two proprietary BMW technologies that allow drivers to further enhance their driving experience. With the Dynamic Damper Control, electronically controlled dampers adapt to the driver’s style and various road surfaces and when used with Dynamic Driving Control, the drive technology allows drivers to toggle between “NORMAL”, “SPORT” and “SPORT+” modes to unleash the full driving potential of their BMW X3.
On the other hand, BMW Performance Control works through controlled braking of the inner rear wheels when cornering, whilst increasing the amount of drive torque available to ensure drivers have a more responsive and agile steering when handling twists and turns.
The new BMW X3 xDrive20d is covered by BMW’s extensive service program, BMW Service + Repair Inclusive (BS+RI) which covers the normal wear and tear repairs or replacements as well as maintenance, service and repair of factory components of the vehicle. The service program offers peace of mind BMW ownership and provides cover from three years from its original registration date or 60,000KM, which ever comes first.
The retail price for the BMW X3 xDrive20d (on the road, without insurance), with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair (BS+RI) start from RM 348,800.
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This 17-19 June, the Sepang circuit will play host to the SUPER GT Round 3, the only SUPER GT race held outside Japan, and it promises to be nothing short of a spectacular weekend of entertainment.
In their debut role as race organisers, having acquired the rights and awarded the contract to organise the event for 2011 and 2012, JP Performance Motorsport (JPM) is pulling out all the stops in creating a weekend of excitement that appeals to not just racing fans, but fans of cars, music, dance, fashion, food, anime and all things Japan.
+Continue ReadingMalaysian SUPER GT Princess also visits to donate
KUALA LUMPUR, 30 MAY 2011: Altruistic blood donors at the MiCasa All-Suite Hotel were in for a pleasant surprise today when they each received a free RM100 ticket to experience the SUPER GT at Sepang from June 17-19.
Donors had the option to purchase more tickets at just RM50 each, while also receiving free caps, t-shirts and Touch ‘n Go cards to be used during the event.
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