Hummer H4 in 2010

General Motors has confirmed the 2010 Hummer H4. It will share its under body with another upcoming compact architecture but, the fun doesn’t stop there as the H3 sees the addition of a diesel model down under and the addition of a new H3 SUT model in 2008.

Martin Walsh mentioned the addition of a smaller Hummer that will sit below the current H3. "It will be another GM platform that will allow us to build a smaller vehicle," he says.

A Hummer insider admitted to fearing that its hard-won hardcore off-road image may be irreparably harmed if GM decides to go "soft" with the H4.

Hummer needs to maintain its 4WD reputation by ensuring that all its vehicles have a separate chassis, short overhangs, class-leading approach, breakover and departure angles, ample ground clearance and signature Hummer styling cues.

The Scots make award for Discovery

 

Land Rover Discovery 4

Land Rover's Discovery 4 was last night named the 2009 Scottish Car of the Year at a glittering awards ceremony at The Fairmont, St Andrews.

The latest generation model triumphed over a host of new cars to win the coveted overall title for the first time in the luxury brand’s long and illustrious history.

Organised by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, the Disco had the judging panel in a real spin with its sheer class, refinement and technological brilliance.

The iconic off-roader won the SUV category by a large margin to be considered for the ultimate Car of the Year title, one of the most coveted awards within the British automotive industry.

In other categories the all-new Volkswagen Polo was the ASMW's top small car while the all-action Ford Focus RS was judged to be the best sporting choice.

BMW took top honours in the drop-top sector with their Z4 while its German rival, Audi, triumphed in the luxury segment with the new A4 Allroad.

The remarkable Jaguar XF took the plaudits in the diesel category with its awesome new 3.0-litre twin turbo powertain.

Mazda maintained its impressive record by winning the best family car sector while the Citroen C3 Picasso was also named as the ASMW'S best MPV.

For the first time there was a new sector to recognise the growing demand for eco-friendly vehicles. The award was shared by Honda for the affordable Insight hybrid and BMW for its EfficientDynamics technologies.

Ultimately though it was the Discovery 4's  sheer breadth of all-round ability which pushed it ahead of the rest to take the overall honours.

Nearly 200 guests attended this year’s ceremony to witness Land Rover join some of the best known motoring marques who have previously won the prestigious Scottish Car of the Year title. These include Jaguar, Audi, Ford, Peugeot and Mazda.

Bill Caven, President of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, said: “As always there was a staggering wealth of new cars from which to choose this year. The standard has never been greater and the judges had a lot of tough decisions to make this time around.

“I think it reflects greatly on the motor industry that it has risen to the challenges being currently placed on them. The standard and build quality of the new breed of vehicles has never been better and the various motor manufacturers deserve enormous praise in achieving this despite difficult financial times.”

Bill added: “The Land Rover Discovery has always been a huge winner north of the border especially as our driving demands are different from anywhere else in the UK and the latest model has evolved into one of the best vehicles on the road today.

“The new diesel power-plant is not only cleaner and more fuel efficient but also beautifully flexible that you can’t fail to be impressed by it. In addition, the quality of the hugely versatile seven seat cabin greatly impressed the judges and helped tip the balance in favour of Land Rover.”

John Edwards, managing director for Land Rover UK added: "It's always fantastic to receive such recognition from the Industry, but to win the overall accolade of Scottish Car of the Year is a real privilege, especially when you consider the strength of the competition and the importance of the Scottish car market to our UK business.  And the timing couldn't have been better - Discovery is 20 years old on November 16.  It has certainly evolved over the years but it has always provided - and continues to provide - an unrivalled all-round package to customers.”

Toyota Alphard Vellfire – The King Of MPV

 

 

Toyota has launched the latest generation Toyota Alphard MPV, and this time around the Alphard also gets a twin with minor exterior differences portraying a more aggressive look called the Toyota Vellfire.

Toyota has been known to do this with its JDM cars – the Toyota Noahhas an evil twin called the Toyota Voxy, and the Toyota Allion’s twin is called the Toyota Premio.

As expected,  the new Toyota Alphard is a slightly toned down production version of theToyota FT-MV conceptshowed at last year’s 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. Toyota says the Alphard design represents “elegance and refinement”, while the Vellfire represents “power and innovation”.

The name Vellfire was derived by combining the words velvet and fire. The vehicles have slightly different front and rear looks, with the Vellfire having two-stepped headlamps at the front, and clear lense tail lamps at the rear. Both vehicles also feature rear wipers that fold away into the roof spoiler so that the rear looks cleaner when you do not need the rear wipers.

The Alphard (and Vellfire) is larger now, with a longer wheelbase of 2,950mm versus the previous generation’s 2,900mm wheelbase.

Each MPV has two engine choices – either a 2AZ-FE 2.4 liter DOHC VVT-i inline-4 engine mated to a Super CVT-i stepless gearbox with the option of 7 virtual gear ratios, or a 2GR-FE 3.5 liter V6 engine with a 6-speed Super ECT transmission.

 

The MPVs feature S-VCS (Steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control) which can correct steering angles as well as adjust power and brake in efforts to stabilize the MPV.

Honda Odyessy Absolute

Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd has updated it’s fully imported CBU Honda Odyssey to the latest facelift edition. The Odyssey has always been unique in the world of MPVs – it is much lower than other MPVs but not sacrificing space at the same time. A lower stance allows a lower center of gravity, giving the Odyssey a car-like driving experience.

On the exterior, the Honda Odyssey facelift gets new bumpers on the front and rear, and the grille gains Honda’s new floating design. The side mirrors have gained the obligatory signal lamps that seems to be making it’s way onto every car these days. The rear lamps are now lit up by LED, which are brighter and activate faster.

While the new Accord 2.4 gets 10 more horses, the Honda Odyssey’s 2.4 liter engine makes the same 160 horses at 5,500rpm as before, channeled to the front wheels via a 5-speed Sport Shift automatic transmission. Interior is also pretty much the same as the previous version, making this a minor aesthetic facelift.


The Honda Odyssey still retains it’s G-CON (G-Force Control) technology, where the car body can withstand a 55 km/h full-frontal collision; a 64 km/h front offset collision, a 55 km/h side collision, and a 50 km/h rear collision. Other safety features include ABS brakes, EBD, Brake Assist, and 10 airbags – two front, two front side, and side curtain airbags for the front to third row – that would be 2 + 2 + 6 = 10. Glad I can still count.



The new Honda Odyssey 2.4 liter i-VTEC which is a fully imported CBU retails for RM236,800 on the road, for Peninsular Malaysia. It’s available in five colours – Nighthawk Black, Grayish Mauve Metallic, Carbon Bronze, Alabaster Silver Metallic, and Premium White Pearl.

toyota Wish 2009 Unveiled!

The Popular Wish Get New Facelift



Toyota has unveiled a redesigned version of the popular 7-seater Toyota Wish MPV. The Wish goes on sale in Japan first and will probably come to Malaysia soon.

In Japan, the Wish receives Toyota’s new Valvematic engines. Valvematic is a continuously variable valve timing and valve lift mechanism, while VVT-i which affects timing. The engines are the 2ZR-FAE for the 1.8L model and the 3ZR-FAE for the 2.0L.



The 2.0L makes an impressive 158 PS at 6,200rpm and 196Nm of torque at 4,400rpm (of course the king of the hill is still the Optima facelift’s 163 PS), while the 1.8L units either put out 144 PS and 176Nm of torque or 133 PS and 164Nm of torque. The lower figures are for models equipped with the 4WD drivetrain.


All engines are mated to the Super CVT-i transmission, and some have manual paddle shifting for 7 virtual CVT gear ratios.

Fuel consumption is said to have improved and exceeds Japanese 2010 standards by 20% for the 1.8L model, and 15% for the 2.0L model. The 2.0L unit gets 15.2km/l based on the Japanese 10-15 cycle, and the 1.8L model gets 16.0km/l.



In terms of practicality, the maximum luggage capacity has had its width increased by 95mm. The slimmer seatbacks for the seats increase legroom for the rows behind it. Front diagonal visibility is better by attaching the side mirrors to the door panels and reducing the width of the A-pillars. Seat covers have been treated with an anti-mite agent, and the climate control system has the Camry’s Plasmacluster air-purifying technology. The steering wheel is both tilt and reach adjustable.

The Wish also adds an improved version of VSC called S-VSC, which also uses the electric power steering system to apply appropriate steering torque to help stabilize it. High spec models get features such as keyless entry and start via a push button starter. The Wish has a parking assist system that tells you when to turn the steering wheel and when to back up during parallel parking, but doesn’t turn the wheel for you itself. There is also a 10-speaker Wish Panoramic Live Sound System for surround sound audio.

Toyota Innova 2009

Toyota Motors introduces the upgraded version of Innova MPV has been launched by Toyota in India. The news model is an enhanced version of the old Innova that offers extra car-like comfort and convenience.

The 2009 Innova as known to all hails from the MPV class comes with graceful exteriors and spacious cabin. Higher performance, solid durability, excellent ride quality, state-of-the-art safety technologies and reliability are some of the bonus benefits related to Innova. The car manufacturer is also planning to introduce a CNG version of Innova to the Indian car market.

The 2009 Toyota Innova is supported with seven variants both in petrol and diesel version. - G, GX and VX and four diesel versions - E, G, GX and VX. It also offers a choice of two engine where the petrol version is equipped with a 2-litre engine and the diesel version is powered by a 2.5-litre engine. Coming to the description of petrol engine, it comes with the variable valve timing (VVT-i) technology and delivers 136 bhp, whereas the turbocharged diesel engine churns out 102 bhp. Both the petrol and diesel engines come with the 16-valve Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) are liquid cooled and associated to the rear wheels by a smooth 5-speed manual transmission.



Toyota adds new and refreshed features for 2009 Innova like reviveved front and rear bumpers, fog lamps, angular clear lens headlights, new front grille, electrical outside rear view mirror, a revamped rear end emphasized with impressive taillights, and new front skirt. The interior too get minor and impressive changes like wooden panel with automatic climate control system, premium quality seating, steering mounted audio controls and an in-dash CD changer.
The top end variants of the 2009 Innova are adorned with automatic air-conditioner, multi-function display, steering mounted multi-function controls, faux wood finish in the centre console and advanced car audio system. The sophisticated audio system placed inside the car is the 2 DIN AM/FM 1 CD with MP3. The wooden-finish in the cabin enhances the ambience of the 2009 Innova.

The large Innova offers comprehensive world-class safety features that include the Global Outstanding Assessment body, load sensing proportion valve, anti-lock brakes, airbags, large disc brakes (front only), collapsible steering column, three-point seatbelts for each row, child protector locks, side door impact beams, and high rigidity frame. Parking sensors are fitted in the rear bumpers to help car parking with ease.



While its older sibling, the Innova had set new benchmarks in the mini van market, the 2009 Innova goes a step further with more advanced features and updated designing.