Samsung Infuse 4G Smartphone Sneak Peek

Samung's Infuse 4G smartphone for the AT&T network is built upon a gorgeous 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with superb viewing angles, brightness, color saturation and a ton of screen real estate to get your geek on. The Infuse is powered by Samsung's new 1.2GHz Hummingbird processor and offers a robust multimedia experience as well.  We're lining up a full review in the days ahead, but since this smartphone is shaping up to be a hot commodity, we figured we'd give you a quick taste of things to come in this video preview...

Samsung Infuse 4G In Action
 

The video above really gives a good sense of scale versus a few other smartphones and also shows off some of the benefits of Samsung's Super AMOLED Plus display, like great viewing angles for example. You'll also be able to see how smooth and fast Froyo performs on the Infuse--the 1.2GHz Hummingbird SoC is speedy to say the least.

Samsung Infuse 4G - Click For Larger View
 

The Samsung Infuse 4G will be one of AT&T's premiere smartphones when it goes on sale this week. The fast SoC, huge screen (for a smartphone at least) and 4G radio certainly help differentiate it from the other Android-based phones currently in AT&T's product stack. We've got the full specifications listed below for those of you that want some more detail to hold you over until the full review hits.

Key Specifications:
• Android 2.2 platform
• 4G: HSDPA CAT 14 and HSUPA CAT 6
• 8.9 mm to 9.24mm thin
• UMTS 850/1900/2100
• GSM 850/900/1800/1900
• 1.2 GHz Samsung Hummingbird processor
• 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus screen
• 8-megapixel camera with HD 720p video camera and 1.3-megapixel front facing camera
• Virtual QWERTY keyboard
• Expandable memory up to 32GB with microSD card
• Text/Picture and Video Messaging support
• Samsung Media Hub, U-verse Mobile, U-verse Live TV, and Angry Birds

The Textured Back of the Samsung Infuse 4G

The Samsung Infuse is one big, sexy beast of a phone, we must admit.  And we'll of course be checking out AT&T's current 4G speeds here in the Boston marketplace, so make sure you check back for the full monty we're whipping up in the days ahead.-hothardware.com

Proton drivers beaten by helicopter ( video )

Proton drivers Alister McRae and Chris Atkinson lost out in a race against a helicopter as they prepared for the second round of the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship in Australia on Wednesday morning.

The pair were driving their Satria Neo S2000s in the promotional event at an airport close to the base for this weekend's International Rally of Queensland. The car won one race, but the 300bhp machine had no answer to the Eurocopter's 1500bhp in the other two. Atkinson admitted the result was a disappointment.

"It's a shame," he said. "We got him off the line and then at the turaround, but our car's geared for the forest stages which are coming this weekend."

Atkinson and McRae dominated the opening APRC round in Malaysia last month, taking first and third respectively in their Satrias. The pair tested earlier this week and Atkinson added: "The engine feels stronger again from Malaysia, it's more driveable. And the chassis and suspension feel very, very good."

The Proton pair dominated last year's Rally of Queensland, winning 15 from 18 stages, but a combination of big rocks and mistakes from the drivers kept them off the top step of the podium.

"We showed how quick we can be on this event last year," said Atkinson. "And this year we want to finish the job off. It's not going to be easy, there's some good competition out as always, but these stages are more flowing and should suit the S2000 car more than the stop-start nature of the roads in Malaysia."

The rally is based just north of Atkinson's family home in Queensland.

"I think we'll have plenty of family and friends out watching," said the former Subaru WRC star. "That does raise expectation, but nobody wants to win as much as we do."-autosport.com

Latest Lokatoo Map version 3.30 dated 12th May 2011

For your information, the latest map version 3.30 is now available for downloading from Lokatoo website for Navigation Software version 2.07, 3.10, 3.20 and ‘4.0 and above’. Majority of the road or POI updates in this version covers Klang Valley, Johor, Penang, Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak.


Click HERE to download.

2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatches a bit early

You're looking at what appear to be the patent images for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The images found their way into Belgian automotive site AutoScoop.be, and you can peruse them in the gallery below.

We expected the car to ditch most of the concept-crazy before it winds up in dealer showrooms. The version seen here does stick to the overall form of the concept, minus the hypnotic grille and several of the deep creases found all over the conceptual car's body.

What we're left with is a car that's clearly a Mercedes-Benz, but not particularly far from the hatchback standard. Bits of CLS can be found in the curving roof-line and that familiar MB mug is staring you down front and center. We're excited to see this hatch (expect CUV and sedan variants as well) in the flesh at an auto show later this year.-autoblog.com

Lubricheck will let drivers know when their oil needs changing

Imagine if every time you bought a pair of socks, you automatically threw them out after six months, regardless of their condition. While you would certainly always have newer socks, you would also likely end up throwing away quite a few pairs that could have lasted a while longer. When it comes to changing the oil in our vehicles, most of us do take the "every X miles" approach, however, as there's no easy way of telling if that oil really needs to be changed ... or is there? The designers of Lubricheck claim that their device will save money and minimize discarded oil, by analyzing samples of engine oil and letting drivers know if it's still good.

To use the credit card-sized Lubricheck, users place several drops of their car's oil in the device's sensor cup. By measuring the capacitive and resistive properties of that sample, it determines the oil's acidity, metal particulate content, carbonized particulate content, and the level of foreign liquids such as coolant or water. An LED display will indicate if the oil is in good condition, if it's so-so, or if it needs changing.

Users will also be able to log their results on the Lubritrack database tracking service, which will compare them to algorithms established for the make and model of car in question. If the numbers aren't where they should be, then users can check for possible engine trouble.

Lubricheck can assess standard or synthetic oil designed for gasoline engines, with a version for diesel engines in the works. Some newer vehicles do already come with built-in oil quality sensors, so they obviously won't need it.

Although not yet available for purchase, Lubricheck should sell for US$30. Interested parties can reserve one by pledging that amount towards product development, through the company website.-gizmag.com

FAW to produce plugin electric Besturn and Xenia MPV in July

FAW are gearing up for the future by producing a series of plugin electric vehicles, the first model will be a plugin hybrid Besturn B70 sedan whilst the second one will be the Xenia MPV which will be available as a pure electric model.

According to Chinese media reports the Besturn B70 and B50 plugin hybrids are among the leading hybrids in China, FAW are also working on a B50 pure electric model and also a Wei Zhi pure electric model. FAW are not yet betting the bank on their new energy products with only small scale production about to commence, FAW have  received an order for 1000 unspecified new energy vehicles from the Changchun City government, although it has been revealed that the majority of the cars being bough are the plugin hybrid B70 models.-chinacartimes.com

PROTON Launches Centralised Logistics Hubs In Sijangkang And Tanjung Malim

PROTON Holdings Berhad today through its subsidiary, Proton Edar Sdn Bhd (PESB) and leading total logistics provider, Konsortium Logistik Berhad (Konsortium) launched its state-of-the-art centralized logistics hubs in both Sijangkang and Tanjung Malim.PROTON Holdings Berhad today through its subsidiary, Proton Edar Sdn Bhd (PESB) and leading total logistics provider, Konsortium Logistik Berhad (Konsortium) launched its state-of-the-art centralized logistics hubs in both Sijangkang and Tanjung Malim. 

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The launch of the hubs, which are also known as Centre for Logistics, Allocation, Storage and Services (CLASS), gives the national car company the competitive edge to handle fast delivery of cars in the best possible condition for domestic and export markets.

PROTON Advisor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad launched the hubs, at an official opening ceremony in Sijangkang, Kuala Langat, which was attended by about 400 guests. Also present at the launch were PROTON Chairman Dato’ Sri Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh, PROTON Group Managing Director Dato’ Sri Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir and PESB Chief Executive Officer Encik Mohamad Shukor Ibrahim. Joining them at the event were Konsortium Chairman Haji Ismett Azyze Hamad Abbdul Azyze and its Chief Executive Officer Encik Che Azizuddin Che Ismail. Konsortium, which is majorityowned by Ekuiti Nasional Berhad and Lembaga Tabing Haji, is the appointed service provider for the hubs.

The Sijangkang CLASS and Tanjung Malim CLASS, the first-of-its-kind, fully computerized hubs set up by an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in Malaysia, have now entered its second phase, after commencing operations to cater to domestic dealers nationwide for over a year. Both the hubs officially began preparing cars for shipment to export market on 4 April 2011, meaning that all export bound cars now also go through rigorous pre-delivery inspection there to ensure that PROTON’s overseas distributors receive the cars in the best condition.

PESB, had since 1 April 2010, outsourced the task of managing its deliveries to KLB in an effort to improve its supply chain. With both hubs in operation, cars from PROTON Shah Alam manufacturing plant are now sent to the Sijangkang hub for staging, storage, pre-delivery inspection and pre-shipment inspection before being sent via trucks to sales outlets to be subsequently delivered to customers. Cars from PROTON Tanjung Malim manufacturing plant go through the same processes at CLASS hub located within the plant. Other services provided at the hubs are logistics planning, vehicle storage, stock storage maintenance, washing and fuelling.

The 50 acre-Sijangkang hub, which started operations on 1st April 2010, can accommodate 7,000 cars at a particular time while the 45-acre Tanjung Malim hub, which began operations in June 2010, can accommodate 6,000 cars at one time.

The event also saw the signing of a service level agreement which officially sets the service level of Konsortium in terms of storage maintenance, pre-delivery inspection and delivery preparation. Encik Mohamad Shukor and Encik Che Azizuddin signed on behalf of their respective companies.

Dato’ Sri Mohd Nadzmi said with the hubs, PROTON would now be well positioned to become a prominent and relevant global automotive player.

“With this, we have the competitive advantage of a fast delivery system and centralized supply chain center. We can proudly say that the centralized hubs give us the cost savings benefits in terms of operations and service charges compared to previously. 

“The hubs enable us to strengthen our position in the domestic and global markets by centralizing our operations and services to improve efficiencies of delivery of cars in the best possible condition to customers in the highly competitive marketplace,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dato’ Sri Syed Zainal Abidin said PROTON would be able to maximize its logistics efficiency by reducing costs and delivery time, thereby helping increase customer satisfaction domestically and globally.

“Previously, pre-delivery inspection was handled by local and international dealers at the respective service outlets prior to handing the cars to customers. That is no longer the case, as the process is now done at the hubs,” he explained.

“The hubs will help us standardize the pre-delivery inspection of all vehicles, and this is significant in ensuring fast delivery of cars for domestic market. The CLASS process enables us to reduce a host of problems including multiple handling by 40%, unnecessary waiting time to a maximum of three days, secondary defects and excess inventory at staging points,” he added.

Haji Ismett Azyze congratulated PROTON on the implementation of the hubs adding that: “Konsortium is proud to be PROTON’s trusted partner in this advanced hub and we are confident that we will grow stronger from here on,”

Encik Che Azizuddin said in April 2011, CLASS successfully delivered a total of 14,573 units of vehicles to its distributors and dealers.

“The total delivery units grow every month and this signifies that Konsortium has the know-how, dedication, creativity, innovation, capacity, technology and the most important element of skilled and highly-trained human capital to manage efficiently and effectively this critical part of the automobile industry.”

The launch of the hubs, which are also known as Centre for Logistics, Allocation, Storage and Services (CLASS), gives the national car company the competitive edge to handle fast delivery of cars in the best possible condition for domestic and export markets.

PROTON Advisor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad launched the hubs, at an official opening ceremony in Sijangkang, Kuala Langat, which was attended by about 400 guests. Also present at the launch were PROTON Chairman Dato’ Sri Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh, PROTON Group Managing Director Dato’ Sri Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir and PESB Chief Executive Officer Encik Mohamad Shukor Ibrahim. Joining them at the event were Konsortium Chairman Haji Ismett Azyze Hamad Abbdul Azyze and its Chief Executive Officer Encik Che Azizuddin Che Ismail. Konsortium, which is majorityowned by Ekuiti Nasional Berhad and Lembaga Tabing Haji, is the appointed service provider for the hubs.

The Sijangkang CLASS and Tanjung Malim CLASS, the first-of-its-kind, fully computerized hubs set up by an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in Malaysia, have now entered its second phase, after commencing operations to cater to domestic dealers nationwide for over a year. Both the hubs officially began preparing cars for shipment to export market on 4 April 2011, meaning that all export bound cars now also go through rigorous pre-delivery inspection there to ensure that PROTON’s overseas distributors receive the cars in the best condition.

PESB, had since 1 April 2010, outsourced the task of managing its deliveries to KLB in an effort to improve its supply chain. With both hubs in operation, cars from PROTON Shah Alam manufacturing plant are now sent to the Sijangkang hub for staging, storage, pre-delivery inspection and pre-shipment inspection before being sent via trucks to sales outlets to be subsequently delivered to customers. Cars from PROTON Tanjung Malim manufacturing plant go through the same processes at CLASS hub located within the plant. Other services provided at the hubs are logistics planning, vehicle storage, stock storage maintenance, washing and fuelling.

The 50 acre-Sijangkang hub, which started operations on 1st April 2010, can accommodate 7,000 cars at a particular time while the 45-acre Tanjung Malim hub, which began operations in June 2010, can accommodate 6,000 cars at one time.

The event also saw the signing of a service level agreement which officially sets the service level of Konsortium in terms of storage maintenance, pre-delivery inspection and delivery preparation. Encik Mohamad Shukor and Encik Che Azizuddin signed on behalf of their respective companies.

Dato’ Sri Mohd Nadzmi said with the hubs, PROTON would now be well positioned to become a prominent and relevant global automotive player.

“With this, we have the competitive advantage of a fast delivery system and centralized supply chain center. We can proudly say that the centralized hubs give us the cost savings benefits in terms of operations and service charges compared to previously. 

“The hubs enable us to strengthen our position in the domestic and global markets by centralizing our operations and services to improve efficiencies of delivery of cars in the best possible condition to customers in the highly competitive marketplace,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dato’ Sri Syed Zainal Abidin said PROTON would be able to maximize its logistics efficiency by reducing costs and delivery time, thereby helping increase customer satisfaction domestically and globally.

“Previously, pre-delivery inspection was handled by local and international dealers at the respective service outlets prior to handing the cars to customers. That is no longer the case, as the process is now done at the hubs,” he explained.

“The hubs will help us standardize the pre-delivery inspection of all vehicles, and this is significant in ensuring fast delivery of cars for domestic market. The CLASS process enables us to reduce a host of problems including multiple handling by 40%, unnecessary waiting time to a maximum of three days, secondary defects and excess inventory at staging points,” he added.

Haji Ismett Azyze congratulated PROTON on the implementation of the hubs adding that: “Konsortium is proud to be PROTON’s trusted partner in this advanced hub and we are confident that we will grow stronger from here on,”

Encik Che Azizuddin said in April 2011, CLASS successfully delivered a total of 14,573 units of vehicles to its distributors and dealers.

“The total delivery units grow every month and this signifies that Konsortium has the know-how, dedication, creativity, innovation, capacity, technology and the most important element of skilled and highly-trained human capital to manage efficiently and effectively this critical part of the automobile industry.”-proton.com 

New Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster in the Flesh and Undisguised

Last week, Mercedes-Benz previewed its upcoming SLS AMG Roadster ahead of its world premiere at this fall’s 2011 Frankfurt Motor Showwith some teaser shots illustrating a subtly masked prototype during testing.

For those of you that would like a better view of the soft-top version of Mercedes’ supercar, our spy photographers caught the SLS AMG Roadster out on the streets of Germany with almost no camouflage at all as the only parts of the car that were masked off were the lights and the logo on the hood. This particular example of the SLS AMG sported a black finish with a contrasting tan soft top.

Mercedes says because the Gullwing door coupe and roadster were created in parallel, engineers had the chance to take into consideration the structural differences between the two models and keep the open top model’s weight low. As an example, the company said the bodyshell of the Roadster tips the scales at only 536 pounds (246 kg), or just five pounds (2.3 kg) more than the Coupe.

The SLS AMG Roadster is powered by the same 6.2-liter V8 engine found in the Coupe, which produces 571HP in European specification, and 563HP for North America. The eight-cylinder unit is mounted just behind the front axle with the drive going to rear wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.-carscoop.blogspot.com

Audi Q5 Cabriolet

Our British sources are reporting that Audi is working on a cabriolet version of the Q5. Even though the details of the Q5 cabrio are slim at the moment, one thing's obvious. It will be based on the Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro concept premiered at the Frankfurt Auto Show back in 2007. The Audi Q5 cabriolet will keep the two-door configuration of the concept, and it will feature a soft canvas roof. The driver will be able to open and close the roof with the help of an electric motor. 

Company insiders admit that the Audi Q5 cabrio will not be a driver's car, but more a fashion accessory for style seekers. It will feature a luxurious interior, with various bespoke styling cues and high quality materials. -zercustoms.com

Kia Launches Soul Hamstar Edition

 The hip-hop hamsters that star in Kia's award-winning "This or That" commercial have inspired a new version of the Soul that will arrive at U.S. dealerships later this spring.

The Special Edition Hamstar Soul stands out with black exterior graphics, a rear spoiler, black fender vents, rear bumper appliqué and 18-inch alloy wheels. The cabin sports a push-button ignition, leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic climate control, black leather seats and Hamstar floor mats.

The price has yet to be revealed.

The hamsters have drawn a wide and appreciative audience, according to the Nielsen Company, which gave "This or That" the highly coveted Automotive Ad of the Year award at the 2011 New York Auto Show.

Kia won that same advertising honor in 2010 for the original hamster campaign, "A New Way to Roll." Nielsen said the campaigns have contributed to significant increases in consumer awareness, perception and consideration of the Kia brand, and led to record sales of the Soul. In March, the Soul became the second Kia vehicle to sell more than 10,000 units in a single month, and year-to-date sales are up 50.8 percent.-insideline.com

VW in talks with Isuzu on parts cooperation

Japanese truckmaker Isuzu Motors Ltd and Volkswagen AG are considering an operational tie-up in areas such as truck engines, but have no immediate plans for capital ties, a top Isuzu executive said.

"We're looking at cooperation in engines and other areas but nothing has been decided yet," the executive, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Reuters on Tuesday.

While the two companies were not discussing any capital ties now, that was a possibility in future if cooperation deals evolve, the executive added.

A spokeswoman for Volkswagen confirmed Europe's biggest carmaker is in talks with Isuzu over a possible cooperation on parts, but declined to be more specific.

Volkswagen Chief Financial Officer Hans Dieter Poetsch has said several times in recent weeks that taking a stake in Isuzu is not on the agenda, but that the company was looking for opportunities for cooperation, echoing comments from Isuzu.

Media reports have said Isuzu and Volkswagen were aiming to close an operational deal this autumn and that VW was looking to take a stake in Isuzu.

Separately, VW is pushing ahead with a plan to combine its truckmaking affiliates MAN and Scania by making a cash bid to increase its stake in MAN.

VW Chairman Ferdinand Piech is seeking to create Europe's biggest truckmaker to compete better with world leader Daimler AG and number two Volvo.

Isuzu, Japan's top maker of small trucks, could not immediately be reached for comment. President Susumu Hosoi is scheduled to hold a news conference at 0830 GMT in Tokyo on Wednesday to announce Isuzu's financial results for the year.

Isuzu has been looking to strengthen its mid-sized and large-sized truck business, and has been looking for a strategic partner to replace long-time shareholder General Motors Co to help develop its next generation of pickup trucks, which require expertise in passenger cars and big investments.

Volkswagen, meanwhile, is looking for a strong truck presence in Asia, which is dominated by Japanese brands.

"Isuzu and Volkswagen would be able to make up for each other's shortcomings, and looking around at the world's automakers, it would be a good combination," the source said.

Isuzu, which ended a 35-year capital partnership with cash-strapped GM in 2006, is now 5.9 percent owned by Toyota Motor Corp. But the two have cancelled a project to co-develop diesel engines and Isuzu is now alone among Japan's four truckmakers in not having a strategic capital alliance.-in.reuters.com