VW Beetle R to make its first appearance at 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show

Volkswagen has recently made an announcement stating that it’s getting prepared to debut its new vehicle – Volkswagen Beetle R at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. It is the new Vehicle Pre-Order Program with 2012 Volkswagen Beetle Black Turbo Launch Edition.

This Black Turbo Launch Edition is actually based on the 2.0 liter TSI Beetle which gives an output of 200 horsepower and 207 pound feet of torque from its 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbo engine. From this, two questions arise. One is what if someone wants more power than what this Edition is offering? Well, in this case, you can also divert your mind towards Volkswagen Golf R. However, the other option is of waiting until the Volkswagen Beetle R will be available.

According to the sources who have confirmed this model, Beetle R will get a 2.0 liter engine from its brother Golf R that produces 270 horsepower. However, this engine after sitting in the Beetle R may offer lower figures than what Golf R offers - 240 horsepower.

Like we say a rumor always does its work. Prior to the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle’s unveil this year in New York, we heard that the Golf R would produce a Beetle R variant. And now this rumor seems to make its existence soon in the month of September this year. Still, we at least know what the reports have to say which suggest that the Beetle R will debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.-inautonews.com

Report: Mazda CX-5 Crossover to Get 2.2-Liter Turbodiesel, Six-Speed Manual

Mazda had promised that its forthcoming CX-5 crossover would be the first vehicle designed ground-up to use the company’s new SkyActiv technologies, and now a new report gives us a preview of the CX-5’s fuel-efficient powertrain.

Autocar reports that the CX-5’s SkyActiv underpinnings begin with a lightweight, modular chassis and revised suspension designs. The chassis can reportedly be stretched or shrunk to cater to anything from the size a Mazda 3 to a CX-7 crossover. Coupled to thrifty engines and transmissions, the platform will help Mazda skirt stricter fuel-economy regulations with its upcoming vehicles.

The heart of the CX-5 will reportedly be a 2.2-liter turbodiesel producing 173 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a new six-speed manual transmission, the drivetrain will reportedly be 20 percent more efficient than Mazda’s existing 2.2-liter turbodiesel. Autocar says the engine will meet demanding Euro 6 emissions regulations, which don’t come into effect until 2014, and will be cheaper overall than equivalent current models. It’s unclear whether this powertrain combination will come to the U.S. market; Mazda’s proposed SkyActiv diesel engine is apparently designed to comply with U.S. regulations.

The CX-5 was previewed by the Minagi concept at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, and in April Mazda confirmed it was going into production as the CX-5 crossover. It’s the first new Mazda styled with the “Kodo” design language, with crisp flowing lines replacing the smiley-faced motif of current Mazdas. SkyActiv engines will debut in the U.S. market on the 2012 Mazda 3, with an efficient, direct-injected 2.0-liter inline-four bolted to a six-speed automatic or manual transmission.

The production CX-5 is expected to make its first public appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show this fall. It goes on sale in 2012, most likely labeled a 2013 model.-rumors.automobilemag.com

2011 Porsche Cayman R Officially Launched in Malaysia

The new top-of-the-range model for Porsche mid-engine coupes – Porsche Cayman R was first debut during 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show and it is now officially launched in Malaysia by CEO of Porsche Malaysia, Mr. Arnt Bayer. Since after Sime Darby took over the importer-ship in March 2010, Porsche Malaysia has done many exciting things to drive the Porsche brand in Malaysia to even greater heights by introducing many great models in Malaysia. 

The snappy flat-six (boxer engine) Cayman R now comes with +10bhp and 55kg lighter than the Cayman and Cayman S. The modifications that make up the Cayman R includes:-

- New exhaust system

- Improved engine sound

- New engine control

- More aggressive gas throttle/pedal mapping

- More radical gearshift strategy for Porsche double-clutch transmission (PDK) 

After the upgrades, the Cayman R specification as below:-

- 3.4-litre six-cylinder engine with 330 hp (243 kW) @ 7,400rpm and 370 Nm of torque @ 4,750rpm

- Rear wheel drive; six-gear manual transmission, 7-speed Porsche double-clutch transmission (PDK)

- Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds, 4.9 seconds with PDK

- Top speed 282 km/h, 280 km/h with PDK

- Fuel consumption (NEDC) 9.7 l/100 km, 9.3 l/100 km with PDK 

The main aim during the design of the Cayman R was to improve the two-seater even further in its performance, driving dynamics and agility through consistent weight reduction. In Malaysia, the Porsche Cayman R comes standard with air-conditioning system, audio head-unit system, 19” RS Spyder Wheels, 20mm sports suspension, rear differential lock, 7-speed PDK transmission, Sport Chrono package, and Park Assist.  The Cayman R is retailing in Malaysia and priced at RM630,000 (before optional upgrades); RM40,000 extra compared to the Cayman S. 

Overall, the vehicle weight of the Cayman R was reduced by 55kg to a DIN empty weight of 1295kg compared with the Cayman S. After adding the air-conditioning system, audio head-unit system and park assist to the car for Malaysian market, the Cayman R weight slightly more now. Moreover, potential owners of Cayman R can also opt for optional lithium-ion lightweight construction battery (for further weight reduction) and optional ceramic discs upgrades (for better braking capabilities). The interior colours can be specifically make-to-order based on customer liking. Drivers that preferred to drive with manual transmission just like me, you can also order the Cayman R in 6-speed manual transmission too (if you want). 

The Cayman R uses aluminium doors as used in the 911 Turbo and it saved a further 15kg. The front luggage compartment bonnet is also made from aluminium shell structure. CFRP light bucket seats with improve the driver’s side support in bends contribute to a further weight reduction of 12kg compared with the conventional seats used in the Cayman S. The reduced door trims without storage compartment and with door opening strap, dispensing with the instrument cluster cover and the cup-holder in addition to a wide range of minor measures round off the lightweight package. Cayman R provides the same passive safety system like all other Porsche cars; it comes standard with 6 airbags and POSIP, which is short for Porsche Side Impact Protection. Porsche Stability Management (PSM), also standard on Cayman R, it is specially calibrated to intervene later in the driver’s panic threshold, which makes the car wildly entertaining, yet still safe to drive. 

The Cayman R’s purpose and perfectionist character can be seen at first glance. The extended outline of the bodywork, which has been lowered by 20mm compared to the Cayman S, combined with the unique fixed rear spoiler, the high-quality 19″ RS Spyder Wheels and numerous sporting emphases in both the interior and exterior ensures an distinctive appearance. Personally, the styling of “Porsche” stickers on the side outstand the entire Cayman R similar to the 911 GT3 RS with “GT3 RS” stickers on the side. 

Comparing the tracking experience, this Porsche Cayman R is nowhere close to the 911 GT3 RS after a drive in Sepang International Circuit. However, this mid-engine Cayman R is absolutely fun after its entire upgrades. The engine is responsive with nice exhaust note, the handling is sharper than Cayman S, and the ride quality is reasonably comfortable for daily drive as a sports coupe.-fastmotoring.com

Sony reveals more details on PS Vita

Previously known as NGP, the new Sony PS Vita was announced last week during E3 fair in Los Angeles. Sony has now provided more details by posting a broad FAQ section on its website.

US Carrier, 3G

One of the two PS Vita versions offers 3G connectivity and the device will be sold through cell-phone provider AT&T exclusively in the US - but no word on AT&T data plans and pricing yet. Vita cannot be used as a cell phone and the VoIP support is unclear. Sony also says the console will not be region specific.

Games medium

There's no Universal Media Discs (UMD) support, instead there will be a new format of an unknown name and capacity which the FAQ section says will be "a small flash memory based card." That means it will be possible to store save games directly on the card, as well as additional game content data. Sony also clarified the compatibility issue - there are no plans on making PS Vita compatible with PS2 and PS3, though it will be possible to play PSP titles, minis and PSone classics.

No 3D, no gaming on the TV

Nintendo decided to feature the stereoscopic 3D technology (glasses-free) in its newest handheld console Nintendo 3DS, but Sony studied the glasses-free 3D technology and decided not to install it, focusing on the features and spec instead.

PS Vita does not support HDMI or video output in any form. That means it won't be possible to play games on bigger screen in contrast to PSP 3004, which supports video out.

Sony is still unclear on which functions other than gaming will be available, including Flash, YouTube, PDF, Remote Play, SenseMe or Skype support and there's no word on exactly how many games will be available at launch, nor their pricing.

Profitable within 3 years

In a recent Reuters interview, Sony consumer products head Kaz Hirai said that Vita is expected to be profitable within 3 years. That means in terms of Vita, Sony sticks to their well-known, patient 10-years console cycle ... it is rumored that Sony is still losing money on PS3 launched 5 years ago (in terms of hardware sales).-gizmag.com

What’s Wrong With This Picture: Lotus And The Chinese Branding Conundrum Edition

The auto enthusiast world has been torn apart of late by the re-boot of the Lotus brand, which is transitioning from hard-core enthusiast niche manufacturer to mass-appeal, high-end, branded premiumness. The photo above shows the first steps towards building a Porsche or Ferrari-like brand: Lotus Originals sells leather jackets and other branded goods in order to build up the exclusive appeal that the brand needs to bank on once its new cars arrive. But in China, Lotus’s branding issues are going to require more than just some sexy young things pouting in leather jackets while artlessly assembled around a piece of Lotus’s brilliant past.China Car Times reports that Lotus parent company Proton’s China-market deal with new Saab partner Youngman has already created some issues, namely

UK’s Lotus will enter the Chinese market on June 15 this year, but its Chinese name is Lu Te Si (“路特斯” – a transliteration of Lotus) rather than the well-known Lian Hua (“莲花” – Chinese for Lotus Flower), because China’s Youngman Lotus has used the famous brand to market its cars first, and Lotus does not want consumers to get confused between the low cost products from Youngman and its own high end sports models.

Youngman Lotus exhibited a Lotus sports car Europa at the Shanghai Auto Show this year, which is seen by Lotus as the latest irregular move violating the agreement with Proton, the parent of both Lotus Car and Youngman Lotus.
Some industry insiders believe that the problem between Lotus and Youngman Lotus may not be limited to brand. Some think there won’t be peace between the two as Lotus enters the Chinese market.

You see, Proton has allowed Youngman to prominently display its oblique ties to Lotus on its badge, as well as on performance-oriented versions of its license-built Proton front-drive cars. These tacky tuner cars were a poor reflection on the Lotus brand before it got its new emphasis on high-end branding, and now they’re just embarrassing. And with China accounting for huge amounts of growth at the high end of the car market, Lotus, Proton and Youngman need to sit down and figure out how they’re going to square this branding circle. Will the Lotus brand continue to be pulled between two versions of itself in China, just as it has in Formula One? Or will Dany Bahar’s mob force Proton to yank branding rights from non-Lotus approved road cars? It’s yet another lesson from the Chinese market: don’t introduce a brand until you really know what you want to do with it. After all, Proton’s desire to cash in on the Lotus name in order to move more Satrias and Personas may just have hurt Lotus’s comeback in one of the most important markets in the world.-thetruthaboutcars.com