Lamborghini Gallardo MLE

If there’s something that Malaysian car buffs can be proud of, it would have to be our very own variant of the Lamborghini Gallardo.

The Gallardo MLE, or Malaysia Limited Edition, is the result of a year’s collaboration between Lamborghini KL and Automobili Lamborghini SpA. Only 20 units were built and so far 14 have found new homes. In the flesh, the Gallardo MLE looks every bit like the Superleggera 570-4. It’s no coincidence.

A Lamborghini survey showed that many Malaysians were flabbergasted by the Superleggera’s exterior design and the supercar maker obliged. Unfortunately, the interior also carries the same theme as the name suggests; spartan dashboard and racing seats that hug tighter than your mom does.

That’s not too comfortable for many owners who will only drive the car around the city. And so, the Gallardo MLE has a standard LP550-2 with the Superleggera 570-4 bodykit (titanium exhaust tips, carbon fibre skirting, carbon fibre rear diffuser and a sporty front bumper than juts out like Jay Leno’s chin) but the interior remains the same as the bog standard Gallardo LP550-2 with a sea of premium leather and Alcantar

 

Three colours are offered, Blanco Monocerus (solid white), Arancio Borealis (pearl orange) and Verde Ithaca (pearl green). An LME badge is installed on the window sill just behind the driver’s seat. A bigger sticker of the same logo is on the front spoiler.

The last time we drove a Gallardo was at the Goldenport Park Circuit in Beijing two years ago where we attended a driving course by Lamborghini SpA. Now, that did not instantly turn us into race car drivers but at least it helped us to familiarise ourselves quicker this time as we drove out from Lamborghini KL’s gates in Glenmarie.

The automatic e-gear transmission with six cogs is not the smoothest gearbox around. Built by Marelli and also supplied to Ferrari and Maserati, gear changes are done via the paddles located behind the steering wheel. We opted to change gears manually because in full auto mode the computer shifted up and down often at the wrong moment, resulting in a bucking ride. Trust us, manual was easier and smoother.

As we hit the highway, the e-gear started to shine, swapping the cogs in 0.0012 seconds. In downshifts, the gearbox worked in tandem with the engine management system to blip the throttle automatically. Yes, there’s that sexy exhaust bark.

Along the Gombak-Bentong highway, sixth gear was enough to pull us through most traffic situations. In the more aggressive Corsa mode, engine howling as we dropped to third, the car rocketed away like a err… rocket.

The beauty of a supercar is in its degree of rawness; like the engine growl in the cabin, or how the drivetrain kicks out the power as you accelerate at full throttle, or how the tail wiggles and shakes as you power out of a sharp bend. Sounds easy, except that it has to do all of the above without annoying or scaring the owner.

The Gallardo did that extremely well. More often than not we felt like professional drivers who could feather the accelerator to get the tail to spin out slowly, placing the car smack dab into the apex with nose pointing out ready for the fastest exit from the corner; or carry the rear tyre spin all through a long sweeping curve, smoking and screeching the rubber.

The car really needs a professional driver to do that well, and we are not.

We were lucky to have Lamborghini KL main man, Marcus Chye, seated next to us to explain how we could achieve some of that. Now, not many brands provide an experienced race car driver to assist you in a test drive. Lamborghini KL does, and Chye’s advice is worth thousands of Ringgit.

We even managed to coax him into driving from Hutan Lipur Lentang near Bukit Tinggi back to Glenmarie just to find out what this supercar could really do in the right hands. Find out we did. The Gallardo MLE’s abilities are exhilarating. Using throttle steer to sweep the corners, and shifting the pivot point of the whole car from the front and gradually to the back by again feathering the accelerator, Chye showed us. The Gallardo MLE danced on the twisty bits.

With a 5,204cc V10 DOHC engine that makes 550bhp and 540Nm channeled only to the rear wheels, the Gallardo MLE demands a lot of respect if it is to work for you. Knowhow and experience are a must to take it near its limits.

The good thing is Lamborghini has managed to make it docile enough for the not so experienced to drive it around town looking like Hollywood superstars. Once out on the open road, the Gallardo MLE will raise the urge to sign up for the next driver’s training so that you too can dance with this raging Italian bull. -Hezeri Samsuri

The Specs
Lamborghini Gallardo MLE

The numbers
5,204cc V10 DOHC, 550bhp 540Nm, 0-100 in 3.9 secs, top speed 320kmph

The cost
RM868,000 excluding duties, road tax and insurance

The verdict
Rear wheel Italian fun can’t be any better than this.

Rating
9


-Source From : http://www.topgear.com

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All-New 2013 Porsche Cayman & Cayman S Launched In Malaysia From RM500k

The new generation of Porsche Caymans have finally been launched here in Malaysia. Coming out in style, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the official importer of Porsche vehicles, introduced the new 2013 Porsche Cayman and Cayman S models today, at the Zebra Square, KL.

The enhanced performance and look of the mid-engine 2013 Porsche Cayman is priced from RM500,000. But if you demand a more powerful variant, the price for the 2013 Porsche Cayman S starts from RM610,000. All Caymans are inclusive of a four-year warranty and a four-year complimentary service maintenance package.

The new batch of Cayman models features improved styling, reduced weight and greater engine performance. Here are the details of the Cayman variants:

Performance: Meet the Cayman, and the Cayman S

2013 Porsche Cayman: The base model of the Cayman is powered by the latest 2.7-litre flat-six engine. With direct fuel-injection, the new Cayman delivers an output of 275HP, which is a significant increase from the previous 265HP 2.9-litre engine, and 290Nm of torque. Paired with the seven-speed dual-clutch PDK gearbox, the Cayman blasts itself to 100km/h in just 5.6 seconds, and will hit a top speed of 266km/h.

2013 Porsche Cayman S: The higher performance Porsche Cayman S is powered by 3.4-litre flat-six mid-engine with an output of 325HP and 370Nm of torque. Just as the base model, the Cayman S is fitted with a seven-speed PDK, but delivers much greater performance, achieving the 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.9 seconds, and has a top speed of 281km/h.

Exterior Styling:

Against its predecessor, Porsche has extended the Cayman’s wheelbase and shortened its rear overhang to improve its driving dynamics. Though the changes are subtle, the most noticeable upgrades in the Cayman are its new side air intakes, and the integrated daytime running lights. The new Cayman also receives new styling at the rear, featuring a new aluminium boot-lid, slightly redesigned LED brake lights, and a steeper-angled rear spoiler.

Complementing the new look, the all-new Cayman is equipped with standard 18-inch wheels while the Cayman S gets 19-inch alloys – all wheels will also come to a stomping halt thanks to the high-performance Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system.

Interior Design:

The cabin of the Porsche receives new styling with its slanting centre console inspired by the Panamera. Whilst featuring luxury-quality materials is a given for this Porsche, the cockpit retains emphasis on the driver with a simple three-gauge instrument cluster, moving the steering and gear shift to a closer distance, and welcomes a more accessible on-board computer system.

Aside from the typical range of features such as Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, power-adjustable seats and Burmester high-end surround sound system, owners of the new Cayman have the option to customise interior treatments and colours for individuality, albeit at an additional cost.

Standard and Optional equipment:

The Cayman models are fitted with new standard options including Bi-Xenon headlights with Porsche Dynamic Lighting System (PDLS), Park Assist, Power Steering Plus and the Sound Package Plus with 9 loudspeakers.

Both versions of the new Cayman come equipped with the Sport Chrono package as standard, inclusive of dynamic transmission mounts, a digital and analogue stopwatch, a performance display and a Sports Plus button. When activated, the Sports Plus directs the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) to undertake stiffer settings whilst sharpening the steering and throttle response.

Other standard equipment on the locally-available Cayman include a Tyre Pressure monitoring system, Bi-Xenon headlamps, Park Assist for the front and rear, Power Steering Plus, and the Sound Package Plus with 9 loudspeakers that offer 235W of power.

Porsche has also added a list of optional features for the Cayman such as the sports exhaust system and the first for its model Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which allows the Caymans to cruise at a safe distance to the car ahead without any throttle or brake input from the driver. Also available is a specially-developed Burmester High-End Surround Sound System that offers 821 watts through 12 loudspeakers.

2013 Porsche Cayenne S Diesel and Cayenne Turbo S

SDAP also took the opportunity to unveil their Cayenne Diesel and Cayenne Turbo S at the launch of the new Cayman models.

Priced at RM750,00, the Cayenne S Diesel packs a massive 850Nm of torque as its party piece; peak torque is available from a low 2,000RPM. From its 382HP 4.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, the Cayenne S Diesel rockets itself from 0-100km/h in just 5.7 seconds before reaching a top speed of 252km/h. It’s brochure-rated fuel-consumption figure is set at an equally impressive 8.3l/100km.

The Cayenne Turbo S enters the market at a much higher price; specifically, a price tag of RM1,330,000 has been reserved for the range-topping Porsche SUV. 550HP and 750Nm of torque is on tap courtesy of a 4.8-litre twin-turbo V8 propels the Turbo S to 100km/h in a short 4.5 seconds on its way to a top speed on 283km/h.

Buyer’s Guide:

The RM500,000 and RM610,000 price tags for the 2013 Porsche Cayman and Cayman S models respectively include a four-year factory warranty and a four-year complimentary service maintenance package; basically, for the next four years of buying your Cayman, you’ll never have to pay for anything more than your petrol and burnt tyres. The prices do however exclude registration fee, road tax and insurance.

The 2013 Porsche Cayenne S Diesel (RM750k) and Turbo S (RM1.3m) also have the same warranty and complimentary service maintenance packages, but prices still exclude road tax, insurance and registration.

SPECS: 2013 Porsche Cayman/ Cayman S

Price: RM500,000/ RM610,000
Engine: 2.9-litre direct fuel injection flat-six/ 3.4-litre direct fuel injection flat-six
Power: 275HP, 290Nm/ 325HP, 369Nm
0-100km/h: 5.4 seconds (266km/h)/ 4.7seconds (281km/h)
Transmission: Seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission

SPECS: 2013 Porsche Cayenne S Diesel/ Turbo S

Price: RM750,000/ RM1,330,000
Engine: 4.2-litre turbo-diesel V8/ 4.8-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 382HP, 850Nm/ 550HP, 750Nm
0-100km/h: 5.7s (252km/h)/ 4.5s (283km/h)
Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic S (both)

-Source From : www.livelifedrive.com

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2013 Toyota Camry Upgraded In Malaysia, Prices Start From RM149k

UMW Toyota Motor has recently revealed the 2013 Toyota Camry with new upgrades and enhancements. The popular executive sedan is now available in three locally assembled variants: the Camry 2.5V, the Camry 2.0G, and the Camry 2.0E. Essentially, the car remains mostly unchanged, apart from the addition of a few new safety, interior and exterior upgrades.

Enhanced Safety

Aside from the stapled safety from the current model, the new Toyota Camry 2.5V and the Camry 2.0G versions are now being fitted with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) for increased Active Safety. The VSC system works during cornering where it detects over or under-steer, and applies a variable amount of brake force on certain wheels to help regain vehicle stability.

The new Toyota Camry models have also been equipped with ISOFIX attachment points for compatible child seats to be mounted securely at the rear seats.

Interior Upgrades

Aware of customer preferences, Toyota has revised the colour scheme for the new Camry’s interior. Instead of beige, which is still maintained in the new Camry 2.0E, the new  interior colour of the Camry 2.5V and 2.0G is now featured in black. To enhance the Camry’s sense of luxury, the leather upholstery has been upgraded to a much smoother grain compared to the natural grain on the previous models.

In making the new Toyota Camry as convenient as possible, the new Camry 2.0G gets a Smart Entry and Start System; a similar system that has been featured as standard in the current Camry 2.5V.

Other than the standard equipment in the new Toyota Camry, the improved executive sedan now offers several optional features such as the custom-designed aerokit, Toyota’s premium security and solar film, and the advance DVD Audio Video Navigation system with larger 7-inch touchscreen.

Engine Specs

There are two engine options available including the 2.5-litre 2AR-FE and the 2.0-litre 1AZ-FE.The innovative all-aluminium 4-cylinder DOHC engines come with the single Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) for the 2.0G version, and the dual VVTi for the 2.5V featuring a significant power increase, an improved fuel efficiency and a reduction in CO2 emissions.

To complement the 2013 Toyota Camry variants, and to prove the Camry’s superior built quality, UMW Toyota Motor also offers a 36-month or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first) to future owners. With that, the new Camry are priced as follows:

• Camry 2.5V – RM180,917.10
• Camry 2.0G – RM158,915.30
• Camry 2.0E – RM149,915.30

For more information on the new and improved 2013 Toyota Camry, visit your nearest UMW Toyota Motor showrooms from May 17, 2013 onwards.

-Source From : http://www.livelifedrive.com

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Fuhh : 2014 Lexus IS by TRD

When it comes to updating Toyota or Lexus models, the best work comes from in-house tuner: Toyota Racing Developments (TRD). In the past, TRD has rolled out some awesome work and the upgrades offered for the new-generation Lexus IS are no exception.

As usual, TRD is offering nothing big, but just enough aerodynamic and chassis improvements to set itself apart from standard models. For ¥437,700 (about $4,300) customers get new side skirts, front spoiler, rear bumper with integrated diffuser, trunk-mounted spoiler and twin tailpipes for the sport exhaust system.

TRD also offers an updated suspension system with performance dampers and braces for an additional ¥288,750 ($2,900). For another ¥527,625 ($5,200), you can also get a set of 19-inch forged-aluminum wheels.

Up to this point, these updates are only available in Japan, but they might make their way to the U.S.

Click past the jump to read more about the Lexus IS.

-Source From : Topspeed.Com

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Volvo V40 Cross Country spotted in S.Alam

Here are the first pictures of a Volvo V40 Cross Country seen on Malaysian roads, sent in by eagle-eyed reader Mesh Naidu. Thanks mate! The new Swedish crossover was spotted along the Federal Highway nearby Volvo’s assembly plant in Shah Alam.

We can confirm that the V40 hatchback and its Cross Country relative will be launched here sometime in August. Here’s the kicker though: they will both be offered in CKD form, which is an unprecedented move by Volvo considering that it has barely been a year since the V40’s global debut. The Cross Country is newer still!

Volvo Car Malaysia’s entire range, the S60, V60, XC60, S80 and XC90 are all assembled at the Shah Alam plant, which is now the brand’s ASEAN manufacturing hub since it closed its Thailand assembly line in 2011. The S60 was first launched in CBU form before more affordable CKD models were introduced. It looks like the V40 pair is skipping that first step altogether.

The V40 Cross Country caught testing above is a front-wheel drive T5 variant. In most other markets the badge points to a turbocharged 2.5 litre inline-five engine with 254 hp and 360 Nm of torque, but for Malaysia expect it to use the familiar Ford-sourced 240 hp/320 Nm 2.0 litre turbo four seen on other local Volvos.

A 180 hp, 270 Nm T4 1.6 litre turbo option should be available too, mirroring the S60 and V60’s engine line-up. And should Volvo Malaysia choose to have a third and cheaper engine variant, there’s also a 150 hp/240 Nm T3 version of the same engine. All motors will be mated to a six-speed dual-clutch Powershift gearbox.

In T4 or T3 form the V40, if not necessarily the Cross Country, should significantly undercut the S60 T4’s RM220,000 price tag, putting it rather close to the similarly-sized but less powerful Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI. Now that should be interesting. Which European hatchback would you choose then; the one with genuine or perceived premium credentials?

-Source From : Paultan.Org

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Proton Preve Hatchback in downtown KL

Yet another sighting of the upcoming Proton Preve Hatchback. This time around, two units of the P3-22A were snapped in a jam in front of the Masjid Jamek LRT station in downtown KL. Nothing new we haven’t seen before, though – click the pic above to enlarge.

The most recent sighting was of the Preve hatchback doing some high speed runs on the NKVE, plus a bonus video of it in action. Before that, our colleague William saw a group test with multiple units racking up urban miles together. One of the mules wore smaller steel wheels instead of the big alloys on today’s car – a hint that there will be multiple specs on offer.

You’ve seen the test mules before – in January, on the 6th, 10th, 16th and 28th – so this sighting reveals nothing new, just another sign that the P3-22A is coming soon. No one knows exactly how soon though, so in the meantime, have a look at Theophilus Chin’s renderings here.

-Source From : Paultan.Org

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