Rezvani Beast Alpha added removable targa-style hardtop and SideWinder doors

Source: http://www.rezvanimotors.com/beast-alpha/

After spawning the Beast and Beast X, Rezvani Motors, a Californian-based automaker, has unveiled the brand new Beast Alpha, with a twist.

Where the Beast and Beast X are roofless, the Beast Alpha adds a removable targa-style hardtop.

Source: http://www.rezvanimotors.com/beast-alpha/

The highlight of Rezvani's latest offering has to be the fancy 'SideWinder' doors, where the doors open by sliding them forward. Handy if your daily dealings involve a lot of tight parking spot.

The Beast Alpha will be motivated by the Honda-sourced K24 2.4 litre turbocharged DOHC engine, feeding 500 horses to either a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission or an optional sequential automatic. 0-60 mph is done and dusted at 3.5 seconds (3.2 seconds if you opt for the sequential automatic).

Thanks to carbon fibre construction, the Beast Alpha weighs only a scant 884 kg, giving it a brilliant power-to-weight ratio of 566 hp/tonne. 

Source: http://www.rezvanimotors.com/beast-alpha/

Step inside, and you'll be greeted by racing-style digital dashboard, providing information such as engine revs, road speed, shift light, lap time and engine temperature.

All Ferraris to be hybridised by 2019

Source: PSParrot via wikipedia CC BY 2.0

Think of hybrid, the first thing to cross our mind is a run-of-the-mill, family-carrying grocery getter, until full-fledged supercars such as Ferrari LaFerrari, McLaren P1, Porsche 918 Spyder and BMW i8 burst into the scene. Thanks to growingly stringent emission rules, even supercars are not exempted from the wave of hybridisation (not even race cars such as the current F1 cars). Seeing the increasing trend in hybridisation, Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobile, sees it fit to hybridise all Ferraris by 2019.

Marchionne has set the aim for Ferrari to sell "in excess of 10,000 cars in 2025". To do that though, requires pairing up the engine with the electric motor to cut emission. 

Meeting low emission demand is surely not Ferrari's sole purpose of going hybrid, but to also bolster performance potential. The LaFerrari is so far the only Ferrari production car to use hybrid approach, by hooking up the 789 horsepower naturally-aspirated V12 to the 161 horsepower HY-KERS for a total output of 950 horsepower.

It is also rumoured that by 2020 the first mainstream Ferrari to receive hybrid power is the successor to the F12, as reported by Autocar.

With Ferrari planning to hybridise all models by 2019, will we see more supercar makers hybridising their entire model line-up? In my opinion, with the tightening emission regulation, it wouldn't be surprising to see the road filling up with hybrid supercars, seeing that passing the all-important emission test nowadays is every car's, supercar or not, raison d'etre.    

  

More Audi RS cars coming soon

Source: Shawn Jooste via Wikimedia Commons CC BY 2.0

If you're a fan of Audi RS, the 4-ringed brand has a good piece of news to offer - more RS models are in the pipeline! According to Stephan Winkelmann, the current Audi Quattro CEO and former Lamborghini president, 8 new RS models are forecast to be introduced by 2018.

Currently, models receiving the RS treatment are the A3, A6, A7, TT, Q3 and R8. As reported by Autocar, the most likely model to receive the RS treatment are the A1, A4, Q5 and an even hardcore variant of the R8.

Let's hope we'll be seeing more RS-fettled Audi in the future.

This Toyota Land Speed Cruiser will have Bugatti Veyron for lunch

Source: http://www.equipmentworld.com/toyota-unveils-land-speed-cruiser/

You're driving your Bugatti Veyron down a highway, minding your own business. Everything seems to be heavenly, with its colossal 8.0 litre quad turbo W16 1000+ horsepower singing its beautiful musical note. Your eyes slowly shifted to your rear view mirror, only to have it filled by a big, towering SUV.

Say hello to the soup-up Toyota Land Speed Cruiser. Recently unveiled at the ongoing SEMA auto show, this has to be the attention grabber. 

The highlight of this SUV is the engine. Lurking under the bonnet is Toyota's 3UR-FE 5.7 litre V8 petrol serving up to 2000 horsepower thanks to the 'volleyball-sized' Garrett turbocharger hanging off each cylinder banks. You heard that right. 2000 horses! That's way higher than what the Veyron offers (the Grand Sport Vitesse, Veyron's most powerful iteration to date, only goes as high as 1200 horsepower). All this comes from smaller package (Toyota's 5.7 litre twin turbo V8 vs Bugatti's 8.0 litre quad turbo W16). 

To achieve this feat from a smaller displacement V8 feed by 2 turbochargers is a brilliant achievement by Toyota.   

Mercedes recalls new E300 sedan for stalling out with...oh, okay kiddos get off the rear seat!

Source: https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicles/model/class-E/model-E300W

Who would have thought an engine can stall out not due to a faulty ignition system or flat battery, but by...rear passengers? Apparently, according to Car & Driver, Mercedes discovered the problem while conducting an internal test on the new E300 and E300 4MATIC sedan in July. The recall affects models manufactured between 10th December 2015 to 30th June 2016. Thankfully, the 3100 affected vehicles have not been sold yet.

So, how can having rear passengers possibly kill the engine? According to NHTSA, the problem could possibly be caused by a faulty fuel-pump wiring located under the rear seat. The weight of passengers compressing the rear seat could have damaged the wiring, which Car & Driver reported can shut off the fuel pump, fuel tank pressure sensor and fuel gauge-or all three of them, stalling the engine.

The recall was initiated at the end of October, where the fuel-pump wiring was rerouted by dealers free of charge.

As much as infuriating the problem is, seems like this is a great excuse not to have rear passengers onboard. Weight reduction anybody? 

2017 BMW M550i the fastest 5-series...or maybe not

Source: http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicles/5series/sedan/2016/showroom/m_performance.html

With the world going bonkers over the launching of the seventh-generation G30 5-series, BMW decides to spice things up-by previewing the performance figure of the upcoming one-rung-below performance variant of the 5-series, the 2017 M550i. It turns out to be the F10 M5 killer.

Its 4.4 litre twin turbo V8 (the same engine found on the current F10 M5) churns out 462 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque to the eight speed automatic, good for 0-100 kph time of 4.0 seconds. That is 0.4 seconds faster than the current F10 M5 (4.4 seconds). This is in spite the fact the older M5 generates more power than the M550i. This could be due to the fact the M550i has the traction benefits of the proprietary xDrive all-wheel drive, while the F10 M5 is driven solely by the rear wheels.

Despite this, it can be assured the 2017 M550i would not be wearing the 'fastest 5-series' crown for long, as the upcoming F90 M5 is set to make more power (around over 600 horses), along with the fitment of xDrive all-wheel drive and lightning fast dual clutch transmission.

The G30 generation 5-series sports changes to the exterior to differentiate itself from the F10 5-series, such as the front headlights extending to the kidney grille a'la the current F30 generation 3-series, and the 'hockey stick' door recess a'la the new G11/G12 generation 7-series (good for going to hockey match??). 

Honda Civic FC

I was having dinner at IOI City Mall, Putrajaya recently and this baby on display. The tenth-generation Honda Civic FC was not the only model on display, but its sporty proportion had won over this writer's immediate attention.

The car is available in three trim levels: (1) 1.8S, (2) 1.5TC (turbo) and (3) 1.5TC-P (turbo Premium). The latter was the model on display, identifiable from the LED headlights, LED front fog lights and chrome door handle. The base 1.8S and 1.5TC will make do with halogen headlights, halogen front fog lights and body-coloured door handle.

Step inside, you will notice the change in dashboard styling from the previous generation Civic FB. Gone is the overhead digital speedometer, now integrated with the central tachometer. 

Leather seat is standard on the 1.5TC and 1.5TC-P variants. The base 1.8S will instead have fabric seat.

Opt for the 1.5TC-P, dual automatic climate control and Navigation are standard fitment. The 1.8S and 1.5TC will make do with single automatic climate control and without Navigation.

The coolest features available in all variants have got to be the Remote Engine Start and Walk Away Auto Lock. The Remote Engine Start allows you to start the engine from afar, handy in dealing with Malaysia's tropical weather by turning on the air-conditioning to cool the cabin before you step inside the car. The Walk Away Auto Lock will automatically lock the car as you walk away from it, ensuring you will never forget to lock your car ever again.

  

Now onto the juicy bits: the powertrain. The 1.8S will be powered by the 1.8 litre naturally aspirated SOHC 4 cylinder, putting down 141 PS at 6500 rpm and 174 Nm at 4300 rpm to the front wheels.

The 1.5TC and 1.5TC-P will have the more potent 1.5 litre VTEC turbo DOHC 4 cylinder with mouth-watering 173 PS at 5500 rpm and 220 Nm from 1700-5500 rpm channeled to the front wheels. 

All engine variants will be linked to the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with paddle shifter (not available on the 1.8S). Electric Power Steering, Electronic Parking Brake and disc brakes all-round are standard on all variants.

To the rolling bits, the 1.8S rides on 16" alloy wheels, rolling on 215/55R16 tyres. The 1.5TC and 1.5TC-P will ride on 17" alloy wheels, rolling on 215/50R17 tyres.

Safety features standard on all variants include:

• Airbags (dual front, side and curtain).
• ISOFIX rear child seat anchor.
• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA).
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
• Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD).
• Auto Brake Hold (ABH).
• Brake Assist (BA).
• Hill Start Assist (HSA).
• Emergency Stop Signal (ESS).
• Multi-angle reverse camera.
• Immobiliser.
• Ultrasonic and tilt sensor.

Pricing is as follow (Standard Colour):

• 1.8S: RM110,426.51 (OTR without insurance inclusive 6% GST).
• 1.5TC: RM124,076.29 (OTR without insurance inclusive 6% GST).
• 1.5TC-P: RM131,883.37 (OTR without insurance including 6% GST).

Pricing for White Orchid Pearl colour option:

• 1.8S: RM110,726.51 (OTR without insurance inclusive 6% GST).
• 1.5TC: RM124,376.29 (OTR without insurance inclusive 6% GST).
• 1.5TC-P: RM132,155.81 (OTR without insurance inclusive 6% GST).

Having problems with evasive maneuver? Ford's Evasive Steering Assist got you covered

The odds of surviving an accident in modern cars are getting increasingly likely thanks to the fitment of safety features, such as Automated Emergency Braking (AEB), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), airbags and many more. Well, Ford has decided to add another feature to the list of safety features, the Evasive Steering Assist (ESA).

Imagine you are dawdling around minding your own business when out of nowhere, say a crate, rolled into your path. Assuming you have AEB, the car will automatically slam on the brake to avoid collision. But, what if braking alone is not enough to avert disaster? Naturally you will jerk the steering to one side to steer around the obstacle, but what if you are not applying the right amount of steering to avoid the obstacle? This is where Ford's ESA can lend a helping hand.

Ford's ESA acts as a second pair of hand in case if the AEB could not prevent fender-bender alone. Just like AEB, ESA also relies on camera and radar system to determine if you are performing an evasive maneuver (ESA only kicks in during evasive maneuver, not before), and if necessary, speed up steering response to increase your chances of a successful evasive maneuver. Think of it like an invisible hand magically boosting the steering's response for a quicker evasion.

If you need more details on Ford's ESA, do watch the video below.

Video Credit: Ford Media

Honda NSX GT to terrorise Super GT

Source: Honda

It seems like Honda is not ceasing to produce more racing version of their NSX supercar. After the introduction of the NSX GT3 and the quad electric motor NSX Pikes Peak, Honda has rolled out their Super GT challenger, the NSX GT. 

Just like the NSX GT3, the NSX GT ditches the road-going version's Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) and 9-speed dual clutch automatic for rear-wheel drive and 6-speed sequential racing transmission. The difference though lies in the engine specs. Where the NSX GT3 retains the 3.5 litre twin turbo V6, the NSX GT makes do with a 2.0 litre turbo 4 cylinder projected to output around 600 horsepower.

Will Honda continue to spawn more racey NSX? This writer wonders if an LM GTE NSX is secretly being planned for future introduction?  

Nissan e-POWER electric drivetrain

Source: http://www.nissan.com.au/Discover/News/2016/November/02/NISSAN-INTRODUCES-NEW-ELECTRIC-MOTOR-DRIVETRAIN-ePOWER

Nissan has introduced its brand new electric drivetrain system under the Nissan Intelligent Mobility electrification strategy. Christened the e-POWER, the new electric drivetrain system is, according to Nissan, a result of knowledge gained from the development of the all-electric Nissan Leaf. The Nissan Note (pictured above) will be the first Nissan model to equip the new electric drivetrain system.

How does it work? According to Nissan, the e-POWER dispense of the need for external charging port thanks to the addition of a small petrol engine driving the power generator. The engine will fire up when the battery is low on charge. This will recharge the battery as you are driving along, which helps alleviate the so-called 'range anxiety' associated with all-electric vehicles. The battery will then feed its juice to the electric motor to propel you down the road.

This is in contrast to all-electric vehicles which does not lug around the internal combustion engine (ICE), nor the conventional hybrid where the ICE takes the propulsion duty over from the electric motor when the latter is low on charge.

Nissan's e-POWER is essentially a series hybrid system and in a way, it's nothing new. However, with the e-POWER technology, Nissan has managed to make the battery smaller compared to the Leaf's battery, which helps in weight reduction and more importantly, enables the electric motor to deliver high output for smooth, powerful acceleration.  

Nissan Tsuru discontinued; zero-rated NCAP safety rating

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Sentra#B11_.281982.E2.80.931986.29

Safety first folks! Nissan has decided to pull the plug on their Mexican-market Tsuru sedan (otherwise known as the B13 Sentra) by May 2017 due to its dismal zero-rated NCAP safety rating.

Global NCAP and Latin NCAP conducted a car-to-car crash test between the Tsuru and the five-star rated 2016 Nissan Versa (known as Almera in Malaysia). The result of the test revealed the squalid protection offered by the Tsuru.

A 50 percent overlap crash test revealed the Tsuru's main structure failed to absorb the impact, resulting in the driver's head hitting the steering wheel as shown in the video above. Global NCAP posited the driver of the Tsuru could easily suffer life-threatening injuries in an actual road accident. To compound matters, the Tsuru is not equipped with airbag.

Global NCAP secretary-general, David Ward, stressed on the importance of meeting minimum crash test standard to prevent sales of unsafe cars, "Our first ever car-to-car test clearly shows the importance of minimum crash test regulations. Mexico doesn't yet apply them and the US has had them for decades. The lack of standards can result in the sale of unsafe cars like the Nissan Tsuru".

Meanwhile, Latin NCAP reported on this April that the Tsuru was responsible for more than 4000 deaths on Mexican roads between 2007 and 2012.

Video Credit: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

Toyota and Mazda strike up connected cars and electric vehicle (EV) deal

Source: http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/business/technology/

Seems like Toyota and Mazda are getting greener. After inking a deal last year to share each other's efficiency-enhancing technologies (Toyota provides Mazda with their fuel-cell and hybrid tech; in return Mazda provides Toyota with their efficient, compression-optimised SkyActiv petrol and diesel), the Japanese duo has struck up a deal that will see them focusing in developing connected cars and electric vehicle (EV) technologies, according to Automotive News.

The details of the deal, however, still remains under wrap, as Akira Marumoto, Mazda's executive vice president, declined to share the details.

Source: http://www.autonews.com/article/20161102/OEM01/161109974/mazda-says-toyota-tie-up-could-yield-electric-connected-cars

Volkswagen officially withdrawing from FIA World Rally Championship (WRC)

Source: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/126936

So it is then. Volkswagen has called it a day to their FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) participation, after sister brand, Audi, officially ended their participation in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and Le Mans racing to focus more on developing electric cars technology with Formula E Team ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport next year (though they have not quitted DTM German Touring Car racing). 

Blame that on Dieselgate. With mounting calls for buyback and increasing fines worth billions of dollars, it just does not make sense financially to continue funding the brand's racing programme. 

Frank Welsch, Volkswagen's board member overseeing technical development, hinted on the brand's electrification alternative, "With the upcoming expansion in electrification of our vehicle range we must focus all our efforts on important future technologies".

Could this be hinting at Volkswagen's participation in Formula E, following Audi's footsteps?