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June 16, 2011

Renault Samsung Unveils All-new SM7

Renault Samsung SM7
Back in March, Renault-Nissan’s Korean division Samsung brought the first sketches of its big sedan offering, and a few weeks later the we got to see it as a conceptNow we get to see the full production-ready form of the upcoming car that was officially shown at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show this past April in concept form.

With the exception of some changes that are to be expected from a car that they can actually sell at a relatively affordable price, like the use of slightly smaller alloy wheels, changes to the front and rear bumper, the SM7 looks exactly like its concept form.

At the front, we spot the large and imposing single-structured grille flanked by the original look of the car’s adaptive and directional bi-Xenon headlights. At the back, the the SM7 still has exhaust on either side, 
but the configuration has been
changed to one with four tips in total.

The production version of this design study is set to enter the South Korean market in the second half of the year as a replacement for the current model, which is based on the aging Nissan J31 platform (also used by the Asian Nissan Teana and the North American Nissan Maxima). The new car will make use of an elongated version of the SM5 platform. Renault Samsung says Korean customers can expect to see the SM7 on the market by the end of the year.

Renault Samsung has not yet provided details on the available engine range, but given the size of the SM7 the lineup will most likely include a two V6 gasoline units.-autoevolution.com
Renault Samsung Unveils All-new SM7

Google brings Search by Image and Voice Search to desktops

Google now offers Search by Image on desktop computers

While Google is still by far the most dominant search engine on the Web, it can't afford to rest on its laurels with Microsoft constantly adding new features to its Bing search engine. At Google's 'Inside Search' event, the company has announced several new features designed to ensure it stays on top of the lucrative search engine game. Users will now be able to search using images, enter search terms by voice and have the top search results pre-rendered so they appear instantly.
Google Goggles has been letting users conduct searches based on pictures taken on mobile devices since 2009 and now Search by Image brings the same functionality to the desktop. Users can drag and drop an image from the Web or stored locally on their computer over the Google search box and Google will try and identify it and bring up relevant results. Users can also Search by Image by copying and pasting an image URL or uploading an image by clicking on the camera icon in the search box. Google is also releasing extensions for Chrome and Firefox browsers that will let users search an image on the web by right-clicking on it.
The company says it is rolling out the feature globally in 40 languages now, but it doesn't look to have been activated in my neck of the woods yet so I wasn't able to put it the test by attempting to identify the location of my holiday snaps. If you point your browser to images.google.com and see a camera icon in the search box, however, you should be good to go.
Another feature making its way from mobile devices to the desktop is Voice Search. The feature is limited to Chrome 11 or higher users who will see a microphone icon in the search box. Users can click on the icon and speak their search - provided their computer has a built-in or attached microphone.
Also revealed at 'Inside Search' is Instant Pages, which is basically an evolutionary step of its Instant Search feature introduced last year that provides search results as you type. To speed up things even further, Instant Pages will pre-render the top search result in the background so it will appear instantly when clicked. Instant Pages will be included in the next beta release of Chrome but can be tried now with the developer version.-gizmag.com
Check out the videos below for examples of the new Google features.
   

June 15, 2011

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

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

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
volkswagen-beetle-turbo-black-edition-interior

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

mazda-minagi-concept-front-three-quarter2
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

7659  630xfloat= img 5345 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. 
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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) 
7667  630xfloat= img 5409 2011 Porsche Cayman R Officially Launched in Malaysia
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 
7690  630xfloat= img 5576 2011 Porsche Cayman R Officially Launched in Malaysia
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. 
7673  630xfloat= img 5426 2011 Porsche Cayman R Officially Launched in Malaysia7669  630xfloat= img 5416 2011 Porsche Cayman R Officially Launched in Malaysia7686  630xfloat= img 5528 2011 Porsche Cayman R Officially Launched in Malaysia
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). 
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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. 
7685  630xfloat= img 5515 2011 Porsche Cayman R Officially Launched in Malaysia
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. 
7672  630xfloat= img 5425 2011 Porsche Cayman R Officially Launched in Malaysia
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
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