Sunday 23 February 2014

Introducing the All-New Honda City 2014


In 2014, Honda Malaysia drafted several plans to expand in Malaysian market. The growth will be supported with increasing the numbers of dealership and Body & Paint Centres, adding fully trained service technicians and sales advisors despite of several new models to the market.

The first model that will be launched this year will be the all-new Honda City – an instant favorite among Malaysians since introduced to Malaysia in 2003. Honda has given a special preview of the new Honda City 2014 last week.


The 4th Gen Honda City showed will be launched officially at the end 1st quarter in 2014. However, Honda did not provide any hints on the price it will be selling. Honda was sets 76,000 units to sell off in 2014 with 11% market share.

Honda said, the new City will be offered in 4 variants – S, S+, E and V. All 4 variants powered by 1.5 liter power-plant which provide 120 PS at 6600 rpm and 145 Nm at 4600 rpm. The upcoming City coupled with CVT gearbox which was developed under Honda’s Earth Dream Technology to drive the 4 cylinders 16 valve SOHC i-VTEC engine. The enhance gear ratios offer more efficient fuel consumption and exhilarating acceleration. The interior space was maximized to provide superior comfort for both driver and passengers.




From the brochures given, the new gen City will featuring ECON mode, cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheel, platinum front grille, push start button, 7-inch display audio with 8 speakers, illuminated meter cluster, rear air conditioning, smart entry, steering control, shark fin antenna and side mirror with turning light.

The latest City is the ideal entry sedan with its class-leading and advanced features. For the safety package, it received 6 airbags including side curtain airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and ISO Fix. Of course, all the features will vary across the variants offered.


Good news, the all new Honda City now opens for booking at all 73 dealers nationwide. Total dealership will be increased to 80 with Body & Paint Centers. Malaysian would be able to get a firsthand view of the all new City at 6 locations, ahead of its official launch.


1. Paradigm Mall – Selangor (21-23 Feb 2014)
2. The Curve – Selangor (24-26 Feb 2014)
3. East Cost Mall – Pahang (27 Feb – 2 Mar 2014)
4. KSL City – Johor (4-6 Mar 2014)
5. Tesco Ipoh Garden – Perak (7-9 Mar 2014)
6. Queensbay Mall – Penang (10 -12 Mar 2014)

Saturday 22 February 2014

Honda CRF 250L


It is quite long waiting for this bike. I think, the CRF 250L kept in Boon Siew’s store almost a year. Getting popular after served with Bond – Skyfall, the CRF 250L started capturing target segment’s eyes.

After a few times frustrated to get this bike until the day promised, keenly I headed to Boon Siew Honda Kepong branch. Completed all the documentation procedures, I checked the bike and there are a lot of scratches on some parts of the motorcycle.


CRF250L equipped with 21-inch rim at the front and 18-inch at rear. Sitting on it, riding position is comfort but not as I expected. I hope the handlebars would be wider. The suspension is too soft as I sat on it, the bike lowered down. But, from the positive side, this machine is quite suitable for the Asian and for the beginner. However, I like the wide and comfort seat. A very nice, simple digital instrumentation equipped with fuel indicators. From overall design, quality can be seen in terms body structure.


At the beginning of rides, CRF250 has a good engine response. The single cylinder was also used to the CBR250R. Coupled with six-speed gear box and it easily to handle with clutch provided. Although the performance not as sweet as the two-stroke engine, CRF250L could run smoothly without any jerking or tweaked power distribution.


Through the highway, I had to be extra careful with the wind. Sometimes I feel the rear of the bike swaying in a speed between 110 to 120 km/h.  Test this bike on soft sandy beaches, power from the engine is quite satisfactory, but may be a little exaggeration if I say this bike is too heavy to be used across the soft sand. I figured, it was built more likely to be used on normal roads.


Overall, handling CRF250L is good as it had telescopic front fork 43 mm. The fork is very soft and seemed to absorb all kinds of obstacles on the road. I'm happy to say, this bike is suitable for use on Malaysian road as there a lot if uncertain structure and uneven road surface. For me, the softness of the suspension system may be an advantageous to the jungle trekking enthusiasts. However, for extreme activities in dirt -track, the suspension system must be hardened for optimum handling.



Four-stroke engine with 250cc capacity probably may not the preferred choice to the extreme sports riders. Like me, I much more prefer a more powerful, aggressive engine and lighter body structure to achieve the required limit. Excellent on the fuel consumption, fuelling 7.7 litres petrol allowed me to travel almost 170 kilometres. Overall, I prefer to use the Honda CRF250L on normal road rather than off-road route. It was selling at RM22,688 and comes with a red color only.

MMW Rating:
Performance: 7/10
Handling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10
Design: 8/10
Features: 7/10
Fuel Consumption: 8/10
Value: 7/10

Specification Honda CRF250L
Engine: 249.6cc four-stroke single-cylinder liquid-cooled DOHC
Transmission: 6 -speed
Power: 22.8 hp @ 8500 rpm
Torque: 22 Nm @ 7000 rpm
Suspension: Telescopic 43mm (front), 40mm Pro-Link (rear)
Price: RM22688.00









Friday 21 February 2014

Ferrari 458 Speciale Launched in Malaysia


NAZA Italia Sdn Bhd, the Official Importer and Distributor of Ferrari in Malaysia, officially launched the Ferrari 458 Speciale at the Sepang International Circuit today, in conjunction with the first ever Ferrari Racing Days event.  The addition of this model to the product line-up housed by NAZA Italia, emphasises the brand’s commitment to providing Malaysian customers with a more comprehensive range of extraordinary cars by the Prancing Horse.

Present at the launch were Mr. Giuseppe Cattaneo (Head of Ferrari Far East), Mr. Simon Inglefield (Head of ASEAN, Ferrari Far East), Datuk Wira SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin (Joint Group Executive Chairman, NAZA Group of Companies), Datuk Maruan Mohd Said (Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategic Investment Division, NAZA World) and Mr. Wan Ahmad (General Manager of NAZA Italia Sdn Bhd).


The 458 Speciale is the latest product of Ferrari’s core philosophy of extreme technological innovation and research which, in this instance, has yielded powertrain, aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics advances that transform the already exceptional 458 Italia into a car genuinely worthy of the “Speciale” moniker. The result is a completely new, uncompromising, streamlined sports car concept.

Many of the sophisticated solutions being applied for the very first time to an in-range car in the 458 Speciale, including its advanced active aerodynamics, will become a standard feature of all new Ferraris in the future.

Flanked in the Maranello marque’s range by the multi-award-winning 458 Italia and 458 Spider, the new mid-rear-engined V8 berlinetta was designed to boost both performance and driving emotion to unprecedented levels, yet simultaneously guarantee smooth, effortless control in all kinds of situations.




Having lavished meticulous attention on the power unit that was named “Best Performance Engine” at the International Engine of the Year Awards for two consecutive years, Ferrari has now built its most powerful naturally aspirated V8 ever (605 cv) with an extraordinary specific power output of 135 cv/l , the highest ever achieved by a road-going naturally aspirated engine.

Thanks to an equally exceptional weight/power ratio of just 2.13 kg/cv, the 458 Speciale can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.0” (0-200 km/h in 9.1”) and also clocked a lap time of just  1’23”5 at the Fiorano Circuit.



Aerodynamic requirements guided the work of the Ferrari Styling Centre, which led the project in cooperation with Pininfarina, to sculpt the car’s forms to ensure they were more performance-oriented than ever. The most notable features in this sense are the front and rear movable aerodynamics which balance downforce and cut drag, thus helping make the 458 Speciale the most aerodynamically efficient range production car in Ferrari history.

The technology used in the vehicle dynamics subsystems which gives the driver instant confidence and control at high speeds, natural power oversteer management and precise response to commands are further advances in an area in which Ferrari is already a well-established leader.


One of the most innovative content of the 458 Speciale is the Side Slip angle Control system (SSC) which makes it easier to achieve car control on the limit, thereby greatly improving driving emotions. Thanks to the development of an accurate new algorithm SSC performs instant-to-instant analysis of the car’s side slip, comparing it with the target value and then optimising both torque management (via integration with F1-Trac traction control) and torque distribution between the two wheels (via integration with the E-Diff electronic differential).

Part and parcel of the car’s development included Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tyres which were specifically honed for it in an intensive collaboration programme involving, amongst other factors, numerous track test and simulator sessions. Conceived for the 458 Speciale, they boost performance over a single lap in the dry as well as improving performance consistency in subsequent laps. They also allow the car to avail of maximum available grip in the wet.





The 458 Speciale is available to Malaysian customers at the introductory price of RM1,238,800.00. The price mentioned is the base price excluding duty and options.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION SUMMARY
Engine Type: V8 – 90°
Total displacement:4497 cm3
Max. power output: 605 cv at 9000 rpm
Max. torque: 540 Nm at 6000 rpm
Dry weight: 1290 kg
Weight/power ratio: 2.13 kg/cv
Performance
0-100 km/h: 3.0”
0 – 200 km/h: 9.1”
Fiorano lap time: 1’23”5
Emissions (ECE + EUDC combined cycle) CO2 emissions**: 275 gr/km
**With HELE System

Ducati Monster 796 Corse Stripe Launched


Ducati Malaysia (Next Bike Sdn Bhd) told the tale of a new Monster as it launched the 796 Corse Stripe at Ducati Centre Petaling Jaya.

The latest incarnation of the Monster series combines the user-friendliness of the 696 with the sporty nature of the 1100 and brings the magic of the mid-range back to the Monster family.


“Still a roaring success more than 20 years after its sensational debut at the Cologne Motorcycle Show back in 1992, the Monster range continues to captivate motorcyclists across the globe with its subtle evolution. The 796 is a refined and sophisticated machine which boasts the unmistakable Monster style and has become the new ‘urban icon’ of hand built Italian naked motorcycles,“ said Datuk Wira SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, NAZA Group of Companies Joint Group Executive Chairman.

Present at the event were En Nik Danial Nik Mahmood, Vice President of NAZA Two Wheels Division and Mr. CW Juan, General Manager of Next Bike Sdn Bhd.


This mid-sized Monster is bound to become a new favourite amongst Malaysian riders and we estimate that this model will contribute 35% of Ducati’s sales for 2014. Available to the local market as Completely Knocked Down (CKD) units from Thailand, the Monster 796 Corse Stripe offers exceptional value for the price of RM63,888 (net selling price),” stated Datuk Wira SM Faisal.


BMW R NineT


What a cool bike? That is my first word after saw R NineT images on the website. A very special motorcycle with retro-classic and easily can be customized to suit individuals style. Open up BMW Motorrad Malaysia website, yes, the model was displayed even it did not launch yet to the market.


Looking back to the history, BMW is a sport motorcycle that was produced between 1973 and 1976. BMW unveiled its flagship model in the "Stroke Six" range to the global public. Boasting a top speed of just over 200 km/h (124 mph), it was one of the fastest production bikes of its day and went on to claim numerous prizes in a variety of race series.


The BMW Concept Ninety resurrects this spirit of the emotionally charged superbike, translating the emotionality and inspiration of the earlier model into a contemporary guise. This is a modern reiteration of the traditional essence of the motorcycle: the harmonious unison of man and machine – pure and emotional.


The BMW Concept Ninety takes to the stage as a sporty boxer with a battery of sophisticated details. Its basic proportions clearly take their cue from the forebear that inspired this concept: the fairing, tank, seat and tail instantly signal its family bond with the BMW R 90 S. The BMW Concept Ninety also picks up on the demarcation of the bike's proportions that was a hallmark of the time. The upper ergonomic and aerodynamic bodywork is visually separated from the black engine and chassis. The bodywork is hand crafted from aluminium. Its brushed areas can be seen in the tinted areas of the front fairing and tank, as well as at the tail. The rich orange shade of the BMW Concept Ninety is also a nod to the legendary Daytona Orange paintwork of the BMW R 90 S.


The BMW Concept Ninety delivers a very sporty interpretation of the front fairing. But whereas halogen was technically cutting-edge in the BMW R 90 S era, contemporary LED elements light up the face of the BMW Concept Ninety, honoring its ancestor with a round headlamp design.


Seamlessly mounted behind it, the dynamically shaped tank ensures an optimal connection between rider and machine. Further along, the tank and seat melt harmoniously into each other. A steadily ascending line from the handlebars to the tail creates a slight wedge shape, lending the BMW Concept Ninety an almost ready to attack stance when viewed from the side – like a sprinter about to explode into action.


Below the bodywork sits the air-cooled flat-twin boxer engine. Entirely in black with contrast cut details this section of the bike symbolises concerted power, precision and performance. The mechanics and technology as a whole are purposely rendered visible and reflect a keen attention to detail.


The R nineT personifies the PURE RIDING philosophy down to the last detail. State-of-the-art BMW motorcycle technology combined with classic, high-quality details make for a flat twin bike which leaves a lasting impression.



No compromises: the nineT is only available in pure Black with high-level equipment. This is intentional. However, it gives you a lot of room for individualisation and can be given a completely new character thanks to the wide range of accessories available.






Specification:
Engine: 1170cc Flat Twin Boxer air/oil cooled
Maximum power: 110 hp @ 7750rpm
Maximum torque: 88 lb-ft. @ 6000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed
Final drive: Cardan shaft drive
Front suspension: Upside-down telescopic
Rear suspension: Paralever single sided swing-arm with a central strut
Front tire: 120/70 ZR17
Rear tire: 180/55 ZR17


MV Agusta Revealed Brutale 800 Dragster

Last time, we shared a video of Dragster 800. And this one, we have more details on it as the Italian MV Agusta had revealed the specification. Of course, it had a 3-cylinder powerplant like other siblings - Brutale 675 and 800 engineered to provide riders experiencing true high-performance naked bike.
MV Agusta's press material:

Throttle wide open. Engine at the rev limit. The rear wheel spinning relentlessly trying to gain traction, surrounded by a cloud of white smoke, defenning tyre squeal, raw power, biting into the tarmac and devouring it metre after metre. The MV Agusta Brutale 800 Dragster is all this and much, much more. It is motorcycling reduced to the essence of pure riding pleasure. Emotional, freedom.

SPECIFICATIONS
In detail, the main features of MV Agusta Brutale 800 Dragster:
In-line three-cylinder engine, 798 cc
Bore 79.0 mm, stroke 54.3 mm
Maximum power 125 HP-EC (92 kW) at 11,600 rpm
Maximum torque 81 Nm at 8,600 rpm
Limiter at 13,000 rpm
Dry weight 167 kg
Power-weight ratio 1.34 kg/HP
Tyres Pirelli DIABLO Rosso II 120/70 - ZR 17 front, 200/50 – ZR 17 rear


ENGINE
Engineering at the service of manufacturing efficiency: the 3-cylinder MV Agusta platform demonstrates how conscientiousness at the concept and design stages can result in the development of completely original models from the same, shared technological basis. The new Brutale 800 Dragster is no exception to that rule, once again highlighting the versatility of the cutting-edge MV Agusta platform centred on the 3-cylinder engine - the power unit that has made the greatest developmental progress in its market segment.

The goals laid out in the project brief were highly ambitious: performance at the peak of their respective displacement categories (675 and 800), maximum elasticity, low fuel consumption and a torque curve spread evenly across the entire power range.

And unprecedented compactness: the three-cylinder MV Agusta engine, built to achieve all these goals, weighs just 52 kg, giving improved output flexibility and better load distribution on the axles, on both the new Brutale 800 Dragster and the other models that already possess this feisty in-line 3-cylinder Italian engine.

Key technical features include the shell-cast “closed-deck” crankcase with integral bore liners; the need for compactness has also imposed full integration of the water and oil circuits and the respective service pumps. Just as significant - and exclusive - is the choice of counter-rotating crankshaft, a solution with origins in the racing world where ride responsiveness has absolute priority, and the only judge of performance is the stopwatch. The counter-rotating crankshaft reduces inertia during changes of direction because it lowers that same inertia during deceleration; this enhances handling, the excellence of which is already a built-in top-priority feature of the MV Agusta chassis set-up. Compared to previous 3-cylinder configurations, the one specially developed for the Brutale 800 Dragster focuses on fast-response, linear power output, putting a mighty roar into this roadster.

The 125 HP power peak is reached at 11,600 rpm, while the maximum torque of 81 Nm comes at 8,600 rpm. Completing this highly sophisticated package is the removable 6-speed gearbox, with ratios designed to ensure awesome acceleration and a sports-category top speed should the bike be unleashed on the track.


ELECTRONICS
The new MVICS (Motor&Vehicle Integrated Control) injection-ignition system features the very latest software and an engine control strategy first implemented, with great success, on the Rivale 800 and now extended to the entire 3-cylinder MY2014 range. MVICS also features the Eldor EM2.0 engine control unit and a Mikuni Full Ride-By-Wire throttle body.

The fully integrated management allows, via the instruments and the handlebar switches, easy adjustment of numerous user-settable parameters. More specifically, the system lets the rider configure the torque setting with 4 different mappings. Three of these are set directly by the manufacturer and named according to the relative riding conditions (Sport, Normal and Rain) while the fourth leaves the rider free to define, within established limits, all the individual parameters: engine response, rev limiter, engine torque response, throttle sensitivity, engine braking. As one would expect, 8-level traction control (which can be disengaged) is also included: the relative algorithms have been tweaked to perfection for maximum precision, a must on a bike such as the new Brutale 800 Dragster as one of its defining characteristics is astounding acceleration.


CHASSIS SET-UP
The frame configuration, which has characterised the 3-cylinder platform since its inception, features an ALS tubular steel load-bearing structure, supplemented by lightweight aluminium alloy plates. This combination forms part of that production flexibility concept which inspired the 3-cylinder project and consequently allows the design of specially-developed frames for each model without disrupting the underlying look or essence. Note that this same set-up has characterised MV Agusta models since the launch of the astonishing F4: today's 3-cylinder Italian-built MV Agusta bikes offer up an even more highly evolved version of the concept. The front, tubular section employs a steel alloy with exceptional metallurgical qualities that, while extremely lightweight, provides outstanding torsional stiffness, especially in those areas most subject to stress, such as the steering head. The aluminium alloy plates close off the structure at the rear and act as the fulcrum for the single-sided swingarm.

A compact wheelbase of just 1,380 mm, identical to that of the Brutale 800, strikes a perfect balance, ensuring both excellent handling and stability; the 95 mm trail boosts the already outstanding front end performance, making for enhanced ridability and bike control. Another eye-catching feature perfectly in keeping with the Brutale 800 Dragster design ethos is the attentiongrabbing Pirelli DIABLO Rosso II rear tyre, having a width of 200 and a shoulder of 50.

The suspension system features fully adjustable units, allowing personalisation of compression and rebound settings, as well as providing a selection of spring pre-load options. The Ø 43 mm upside-down Marzocchi fork offers 125 mm of travel; the Sachs rear shock gives the single-sided swingarm - also in aluminium alloy - 125 mm of travel. The seat, with a height of 811 mm, has been redesigned to improve comfort and function: it also boasts a craftsman-like finish with stylishly stitched seams. The rider can also count on even more functional foot pegs and supports, and new heel guards which, just like the wheel rims, have been specially customised for the Dragster. Equipped with first class Brembo components, the braking system relies on a pair of Ø 320 mm floating front discs, equipped with 4-piston callipers (Ø 32 mm); the rear unit, instead, has a Ø 220 mm steel disc and mounts a 2-piston calliper (Ø 34 mm).

Dragster 800 is available in 2 color options: White & Matt Metallic Grey.

































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