Volkswagen Group Malaysia recently held the Volkswagen Service Qualification World Championship and Parts Expert National Final competitions in Kuala Lumpur. Participants of the competition were placed in scenarios to test their competencies in repair, technical proficiency, and procedural skills.

Three categories were contested, namely Master Technician, Service Advisor, and Parts Expert. Winner of each category will then represent Malaysia in International Finals to be held in Germany in May 2010.

Top spot for all three categories were swept by personnel from Sungai Besi-based Wearnes VW, with Mohd Adib Basar crowned top Master Technician, while Bryan Lee Chi Meng and Murat Abdul Talib named best Service Advisor and Parts Expert respectively.

L-R: Bryan Lee Chi Meng (Winner Service Advisor), Murat Abdul Talib (Winner Parts Expert), Mohd Adib Basar (Winner Master Technician).

Their boss, General Manager of Wearnes Automotive Sdn Bhd, Jack Zaal was notably proud of his boys, saying, “I am very proud of the way the guys performed. The excellent training and positive aptitude that they display in their daily work of caring for customers’ Volkswagens have given them the winning edge in a competition such as this.”

KON

Pictures: Official Wearnes release.

Formula One is a very expensive sport, be it to participate or even watch. On the Sepang International Circuit’s official website, the cheapest F1 ticket for sale goes for RM500, and prices inch upwards all the way to a nice round RM2,600 (a month’s pay for most of us mere mortals) for the Diamond package.

The more affordable, and not to mention sensible, option to follow F1, would therefore be from the comforts of home, where your costs would only be the subscription fee of your satellite TV, or your nearby mamak stall, for which you only have to pay for your glass of teh O’ ais.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur

Of course, if RM2,600 does not sound like too much money for you, you might want to consider the High Performance Formula 1 package being offered by the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. For US$575++/RM2,010++ per night, you get to stay in The Ritz-Carlton’s Executive Deluxe Room with transportation to and from the SIC for all three days included.

Also included in the package is a complimentary hamper containing ‘track-side’ essentials such as sun-block, hat, raincoat, earplugs, and some gourmet sandwiches to be enjoyed along the journey to the circuit. On Saturday evening before the race, guests under this package can also attend a complimentary F1 cocktail at The Lobby Lounge.

High Performance package gets you a stay in Executive Deluxe Room.

The other package offered by The Ritz-Carlton is the Podium package, which according to its press release, is tailored as ‘the ultimate indulgence for Formula 1 fanatics who appreciate the absolute finest life has to offer‘ (our emphasis). The experience starts the moment you walk out of your front door step, as you would be greeted by a personal butler assigned to you for the entire duration of your trip.

From your front doorstep, you will be ferried by limousine to the airport where you would be boarding a Ritz-Carlton private jet, furnished with Ritz-Carlton interiors complete with freshly prepared cuisine and an on-board massage.

Accommodation is a 5,000 sq ft penthouse situated on top of the hotel, with travel to the SIC provided by means of a helicopter with pitlane access included. At the end of every ‘tiring’ day, you then return to the comforts of your penthouse treated to an in-suite massage.

Podium package entitles you to stay in 5,000 sq ft penthouse complete with own swimming pool.

Sounds good? Yours for US$250,000++/RM875,000++. For reservations, please get in touch with The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur.

KON

Pictures: Official Ritz-Carlton release.

Official Press Release from the Naza Group of Companies

Naza World will be organizing a special “late night shopping” campaign at the PJ Auto Mall along Federal Highway on Friday (5/3/2010) and Saturday (6/3/2010), catering to customers who prefer to visit our showroom after working hours.

The showroom will be open from 9am till 10pm, 3 hours past the usual operating hours.

By doing this, the Naza Group of Companies intends to capitalize on the rush hour crowds to drop into our showroom instead of getting caught in the frustrating traffic congestion in and around the city.

Instead, they can all come to Malaysia’s biggest showroom, as offer a motor show-like atmosphere throughout the year with all types of cars that cater to various demands, including our platinum collection of exotic sports and super luxury cars.

As free refreshments are being served, customers can capitalize on this by kicking off their shoes and enjoying the many machines on display and at the same, picking a good deal or two.

Naza Group of Companies Joint Group Executive Chairman Dato’ Haji SM Faisal Tan Sri Nasimuddin said this is a way for the Group to address customers’ welfare and to cater to their convenience.

“Come over and check out the many deals that we offer. If not for buying a car, then come over to just enjoy the atmosphere and bask in the display of our special cars at Auto Mall,” he said.

In addition to the fire-burning RS 5, Audi also has two new green cars on display at the Geneva Motor Show. Looking to balance its corporate conscience perhaps?

Audi A1 e-tron

Based on the Mini-sized A1 hatchback, the A1 e-tron is what Audi calls a Mega City Vehicle. Following up from the e-tron concept which debuted at Frankfurt 2009, the two-door A1 e-tron seats four and is driven by an electric motor mounted transversely up front. Continuously, it produces 61hp of power and 150Nm of torque, though peak values stand at 102hp and 240Nm respectively.

Powering the motor is a T-shaped battery pack mounted below the vehicle’s floor. Comprising of 96 prismatic cells, the 380V lithium-ion battery has a nominal energy content of 12kWh. A full charge of a depleted battery can be accomplished in three hours from a 380V grid, giving the A1 e-tron a 50km cruising range, beyond which a 254cc rotary engine steps into the picture.

The rear-mounted petrol engine does not directly drive the wheels, so Audi has set it to run at a constant 5,000rpm – the engine’s peak efficiency speed. From its miniscule 12-litre tank, the engine helps extended the A1 e-tron’s range by around 200km. Quoted fuel consumption is an impressive 1.9 l/100km, while CO₂ emissions stand at 45 g/km.

Audi A8 Hybrid

The other car in Audi’s stand is the significantly larger A8 Hybrid, which sees the famous 2.0 TFSI engine of the VW Group teaming up with with a 45hp/211Nm electric motor in a parallel hybrid system. With 211hp and 350Nm coming out of the petrol engine, the combined system outputs a total of 245hp and 480Nm.

Joining the two motors is a hydraulically operated wet clutch to ensure smooth and seamless interchange and combinations between them. An 8-speed tiptronic auto sends power to the front wheels. Providing juice for the electric motor is a rear-mounted lithium-ion battery pack. Brake energy regeneration further helps with improving economy.

The A8 Hybrid’s powertrain setup, Audi claims, endows the 1,885kg vehicle with the performance of a larger six-cylinder engine. Zero to hundred is dealt with in 7.6 seconds, while max speed is a respectable 235kph. Consumption and CO₂ emission are, as expected, impressive – 6.2 litres/100km and 144 g/km respectively.

KON

Pictures: Official Audi Release.

Read also:
- Autoworld Blog >> Blog Archive >> Audi marks centenary with new A8 – KON (3/12/2009)
- Autoworld Blog >> Blog Archive >> Audi moves into hatchback market with A1 – KON (11/2/2010)
- Autoworld Blog >> Blog Archive >> Audi RS 5 set to debut in Geneva – KON (23/2/2010)

When stats like fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions begin to take greater importance than top speed and century dash times, it is understandable that the Mercedes-Benz pavilion at Geneva is focused on putting out the message of their ‘green credentials’. With the exception of the SLS AMG F1 safety car, all the other displays in their corner of the exhibition are focused on improving fuel economy and CO₂ figures.

However, Mercedes also wants to tell us we don’t need to satisfy all of the traditional petrolhead-cherished qualities in order to be kind to mother Earth as well. With the focus on increasing efficiency, we are looking to extract more power and cruising range from every drop of fuel burned. The room for improvement is such that environmental sustainability and driving pleasure need not be mutually exclusive.

But, doesn’t that sound familiar? Well, that’s because it does. The same message is being trumpeted by Merc’s arch-rivals from Munich, and believe it or not, the official press release from Mercedes on their Geneva displays is titled, “Efficiency can be this dynamic.” Are they kidding?

Mercedes-Benz in Geneva Motor Show 2010.

F 800 Style

Largely speculated to preview the styling to be used in the next gen CLS, the F 800 Style concept is previewed with both fuel-cell drive and as a plug-in hybrid as well. The former has a cruising range of 600km, whilst the latter is capable of 700km and an electric-only range of 30km. Mercedes claims that the packaging of both powertrain systems are sufficiently compact not to intrude into interior space, with various components housed in various cavities within the car’s chassis.

The plug-in hybrid variant mates a 300hp direct injection V6 petrol engine with a 109hp electric motor integrated into the casing of the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. According to Mercedes, the system’s combined output is a simple addition of the outputs of both motors – 409hp. The price to pay for that performance, according to Mercedes, is a paltry 2.9 litres/100km and 68 g/km of CO₂. In full-electric mode, the F 800 Style plug-in hybrid is capable of a 120kph top speed.

E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY & C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY

Also introduced at Geneva are revised versions of the C-Class and E-Class diesel models. The E 250 CDI, while maintaining its existing output figures of 204hp and 500Nm, has slashed its consumption and CO₂ emissions by 16% to 4.9 l/100km and 129 g/km respectively. Helping to achieve this is a newly developed ECO shifting programme for the 7G-T auto and lowered final drive (2.47 from 2.65).

The C 220 CDI, meanwhile, enjoyed a 6% cut in FC and CO₂ emission, achieving 4.5 l/100km and 119 g/km respectively. Output remains a formidable 170hp and 400Nm. Improvements made to the engines of both models include a lightened crankshaft, optimized oil pressure regulation and belt drive plus a self-regulating compressor for its turbo. Both models also now feature auto start/stop as standard.

E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID

Scheduled for a 2011 market launch is the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, which combines the 204hp four-cylinder from the E 250 CDI above with a 20hp electric motor to give a combined 224hp power output, while asking for only 4.1 litres of diesel for every 100km travelled. That, in turn, equates to CO₂ emissions of 109 g/km.

E-Class Cabriolet

Also showcased by Mercedes is the recently launched E-Class Cabriolet, with the marketing slogan “four seasons, four passengers”. A total of seven variants are available – four petrol and three diesel, all engine options lifted from the sedan variant as expected.

The E-Class Cabrio features what Merc calls an AIRCAP wind deflector that deploys at the touch of a button, and is claimed to ’significantly reduce’ interior air turbulence. The soft-top is operable at speeds up to 40kph, being able to open and close in just 20 seconds.

Also carried over from the sedan and coupe variants is the lengthy array of on-board electronic gadgets such as ATTENTION ASSIST, PRE-SAFE, Intelligent Light System, and DISTRONIC PLUS Cruise Control.

SLS AMG F1 Safety Car

The final exhibit of the Mercedes pavilion is a very prominent one – the 2010 Formula 1 season safety car, the SLS AMG. Taking over from the SL 63 AMG, this is set to be the highest-performing F1 safety car of all time. It will make its debut at the Bahrain GP on 12 – 14 Mar 2010.

KON

See also:
- Autoworld Blog >> Blog Archive >> W212 Mercedes-Benz E-class – TheGunner (22/2/2009)
- Autoworld Blog >> Blog Archive >> Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG – TheGunner (22/3/2009)
- Autoworld Blog >> Blog Archive >> Covers off: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG – KON (13/9/2009)
- New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Launched in Malaysia – Autoworld.com.my – YS Khong (25/11/2009)
- Mercedes-Benz C 250 CDI – Waiting For Euro 4 Diesel – Autoworld.com.my – YS Khong (27/1/2010)

Following up on the their earlier efforts at hybrid technology, namely the ActiveHybrid X6 and the ActiveHybrid 7, BMW is set to have twin propulsion powering the F10 5-series as well. Pencilled for a Geneva Motor Show 2010 debut, the lengthily-named BMW Concept 5-series ActiveHybrid features a twin-turbo straight six teamed up with a 40kW (54hp) electric motor, and an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Where the ActiveHybrid versions of X6 and 7-series received the 4.4-litre N63B44 twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, the ActiveHybrid 5 (ed: We know BMW will eventually use this name when it goes to production, so we shall take some liberties here) will instead be getting a twin-turbo straight six. Official BMW literature has yet to identify the engine, but Autoblog.com claims that it is the 2,979cc N55B30 direct injection motor that powers the F10 535i.

To help lower urban consumption and emission figures, BMW has engineered the ActiveHybrid 5 Concept to be capable of all-electric motoring besides being equipped with Auto Start/Stop.

Mechanically, the 54hp electric motor sits in between the petrol engine and the 8-speed auto, with an automatic clutch serving as connection between the two engines. A high-voltage battery pack powers the motor, which doubles up as a generator in overrun and braking. It is encased in a special high-strength casing near the rear-axle to satisfy Munich’s chronic obssession with weight distribution.

N55B30 mates with electric motor here.

As you would expect the electronics that go into this car makes for lengthy reading. We’ll leave it to you to decide if it’s desirable, but the energy management system of the ActiveHybrid 5 Concept goes as far as trying to predict future driving conditions using data from the engine & chassis electronics, driving aid sensors, and even the navigational computer. Based on its prediction, the system pre-coordinates energy allocation to various systems to best suit the predicted driving conditions. BMW claims that this feature is able to extend cruising range on electric power by up to 30%.

Still rear wheel drive. Still very much BMW.

KON

See also: Autoworld Blog >> Blog Archive >> BMW 5-series (F10) unveiled

Official Press Release from Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) is offering the following attractive interest rates to purchasers of Nissan Sylphy, Grand Livina, Sentra, X-Trail and Serena (for private registration only, valid for Peninsular and East Malaysia):

• 1 to 2 years   – 1.98% per annum
• 3 to 4 years   – 2.28% per annum
• Interest rates for loan period of more than 4 years will be based on prevailing market rates

Nissan Grand Livina

The special interest rates are offered by Tan Chong Capital Resources (TCCR). For the Grand Livina and Sentra models, the special interest rates are also offered by its participating panel of financiers.

This promotion is valid from 1^st March 2010 till 31^st March 2010.

For more information, please call Nissan Careline toll free at 1-800-88-8368 or visit www.nissan.com.my

Nissan Sylphy

We just had a feeling that it was bound to happen, and happen it did, as Audi is now set to introduce an RS version of the A5 coupe at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. Developed by Audi’s quattro division, the RS 5 receives power from a high-revving 4.2-litre V8 channeled to a rear-biased all-wheel drive system by the 7-speed S-tronic (DSG) gearbox.

Audi RS 5

Up front, the naturally aspirated 4,163cc V8, which in various forms have seen action in the Q7, RS 4, and R8, is renowned for its high-revving characteristics despite its long-stroke design (bore × stroke: 84.5mm × 92.8mm). Fuel is delivered by the VW Group’s FSI direct injection system operating at 120 bar injection pressure. That’s 1,740psi for those of you who operate in imperial.

Thus far, Audi engineers have managed to squeeze up to 414hp out of this engine as seen in the RS 4 and R8. For the RS 5, the ante has been upped to an impressive 450hp, produced at a stratospheric 8,250rpm. Its high-revving characteristic is further underlined with its maximum torque of 430Nm being spread over between 4,000 and 6,000rpm.

High-revving 4.2 FSI V8 under the hood.

Linking the engine to the famous quattro drivetrain is the 7-speed twin clutch transmission of the VW Group, dubbed S-tronic in Audi applications. The standard setting on the RS 5 sees a 40:60 front/rear torque distribution, but a self-locking crown-gear centre diff can vary it anywhere from 70:30 to 25:85 as and when needed. Electronic torque vectoring is also integrated into the system, appropriately decelerating the inner wheels during cornering. Available as an option is a sport differential installed at the rear axle to help actively distribute torque between the rear wheels.

Claimed performance figures are, as expected, impressive, whether or not you take the 1,725kg mass into account. Top speed is limited to 250kph, but raisable to 280kph by request. From a standstill, only 4.6 seconds is needed to break into the triple-digit range. Fuel consumption is claimed at 10.8 litres/100km. Even if we know this is not realistically achievable in day-to-day driving, what’s the worse that it can be? 15? 16? Certainly acceptable for this kind of performance.

No mistaking it for the vanilla-flavoured A5.

Sitting 20mm lower than a standard A5, the RS 5 is shod with 265/35 R19 rubber as standard, but bigger 275/30 R20 donuts can be specified at cost. Braking is performed by vented discs all-round, with 380mm carbon-fibre front discs optionally available over the standard 365mm rotors.

Sales of the RS 5 will begin in spring, with a starting price of €77.7k.

Sporty Interior

KON

Pictures: Audi Press Release.

Here comes another debut slated for what surely is set to be an eventful Geneva Motor Show – the new Volkswagen Polo GTI. The outgoing version of the Polo GTI, which was officially sold in Malaysia for RM140k with manual transmission, had a 178hp 1.8-litre blown four-pot. That has been ditched, and is now replaced by the 1.4-litre TSI engine good for the same output, but consuming 25% less fuel in the process.

Featuring direct injection, turbocharging and supercharging, the EU5-compliant TSI motor produces its peak power at 6,200rpm, but its maximum torque of 250Nm is usefully available from a near-idling 2,000rpm until 4,500rpm, ensuring a very flexible driving characteristic. Equipped with the VW Group’s famous DSG, this iteration of the Polo GTI, VW claims, has a rated fuel consumption figure of 5.9 litres/100km, down from 7.9 in the outgoing model.

Available in three and five-door variants, VW quotes a kerb weight of 1,194kg, which we believe applies to the former. Along the straights, the Polo GTI hits the century mark on the speedo in 6.9 seconds from rest, and tops out at 229kph. The chassis consists of MacPherson struts up front teamed up with a semi-independent rear suspension. Shod with 215/40 R17 tyres, the Polo GTI sits 15 mm closer to ground than standard versions of the Polo.

It is not short on electronics either. ABS goes without saying, and it is packaged into the ESP programme which contains other features such as hill hold control, Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), engine drag torque control (MSR), and electronic differential lock (EDS). The final piece in the Polo GTI’s electronic arsenal is the XDS transverse diff lock, which is essentially an extension of EDS. Standard equipment, the XDS acts based on sensor input of steering wheel angle, yaw rate, and wheel speed, appropriately braking the inner wheel in corners to kill off understeer.

KON

See also: Polo GTi – Pocket Rocket!

Hyundai has today announced that it will unveil an all-new concept car at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show 2010. In a press release, sent to us with a sketch of the concept, Hyundai stated that the car, dubbed the i-flow, will ‘pioneer a new look for a D-segment sedan’.

Hyundai i-flow – the next Sonata? So quickly?

The new look being refered to is dubbed ‘fluidic sculpture’ in the press release, but it is interesting that Hyundai is debuting a new D-segment concept having only recently launched the new Sonata YF. Is the firm looking that far into the future that they are already preparing the YF’s  successor?

… but Sonata YF has just only been launched!

Sharing centre stage with the i-flow will be the next generation Tucson, set to go on sale across Europe during spring. Additionally, Hyundai will also take the opportunity to showcase the latest developments of its BlueDrive programme, an implementation of environmentally friendly technologies in similar vein to Merc’s BlueEFFICIENCY, or BMW’s EfficientDynamics.

Hyundai Tucson

KON

Pictures: Official Hyundai release.