Camry Price Increase

To all Malaysian car lover’s take note, UMW Toyota has decided to increase their CBU Camry prices. This increase will take effect on Monday, 06/08/2007. Apparently no reasons pertaining to this increase were given given by my source there but I guess it has to do with some increase in production costs back in Thailand.

Sadly this information just came in at the 11th hour and doesn’t give much time for the buyer’s to decide . Anyhow, it still does make a difference for those already targeting to get their Camry from UMW Toyota, by placing an order, latest tomorrow - Sunday, 05/08/2007.

This increase will effect both the current Camry models that are being sold here in Malaysia. The Toyota Camry 2.0E and 2.0G will see an increase of RM2,051 and subsequently, the Camry 2.4V will increase by RM2,450 respectively.

Suzuki Swift

Mention a sporty compact car and I think of the Suzuki Swift as we’ve always recognized the legendary Suzuki Swift as a great compact car. And even-more-so now with it’s 1.5 box style design added with its sporty demeanor. This definitely helps it earn worldwide appeal and respect. Currently the MK4 model is taking shape around a very unique mindset, which is ultimately, to build a promising Japanese car with Suzuki’s unique DNA in not only compact vehicles but also into motorcycles and have it developed in Europe, drawing inspiration from its people and landscape for today’s global market. And much to their delight, the result’s were well accepted and now we find more cars being lapped up with glee across the globe.

New Audi TT Coupe

The new Audi TT Coupe made it’s debut in front of a huge crowd at the Audi Hangar in Glenmarie recently. The event was officiated by it’s Chairman, Datuk Syed Hisham Syed Wazir and Director, Datuk Donald Choo. The new TT Coupe with it’s dynamic design looks set to continue the legacy set by its predecessor with it’s timeless architecture and eminently recognizable presence on the roads.

new corolla 2009

new corolla 2009

New Toyota Vellfire

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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 Noah has 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 the Toyota FT-MV concept showed 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.

More images of the two MPVs and a video of the Vellfire after the jump.


New Toyota Alphard

New Toyota Vellfire

Toyota Vellfire TV Commercial

Aston Martin V-12 Vantage

Aston Martin unveiled the production version of its most potent and focused car at Geneva. This new car combines the V-8 Vantage's compact 2-seat dimensions with the power of the company's 5.9-liter V-12—to the tune of 510 bhp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. Aston is predicting a 190 mph top speed, along with 0–62 mph (100 km/h) dispatched in a scant 4.2 seconds.
Although the V-12 engine weighs 220 lb. more than the standard car's V-8, carbon-ceramic brakes, lighter forged aluminium wheels, lightweight inner rear quarter panels and optional lightweight seats have resulted in the overall curb weight that's only 110 lb. heavier than its V-8 sibling's. And the weight distribution is near perfect, at 51/49 front/rear.

"More" has to be taken with a pinch of salt, as Aston only expects to build 300–500 examples a year at its Gaydon factory. Deliveries will begin this fall.

In A meanwhile,Aston Martin will return to the Nurburgring for the fourth year in a row to compete in the 24-hour endurance race. This year the new V12 Vantage will be joining the yellow V8 Vantage - nicknamed 'Rose' - on the grid.

The ADAC Nurburgring 24-hour race attracts a variety of entrants from factory backed teams (including Aston Martin, VW and Audi) to private entries in anything from Porsche 911 GT3s and BMW M3 GTS to more modest machinery. The strangest entry in last year's race was probably the Opel Astra Caravan, which finished ahead of a Lamborghini Gallardo!

This year Aston Martin will enter a V12 Vantage, driven by Chief Executive Dr Ulrich Bez along with members of Aston's engineering team. The car is described as being 'near standard specification', which means about 510bhp from a 6.0-litre V12. Changes include reduced weight, which necessitates re-tuned suspension and Pirelli has provided slick tyres for the race.