Porsche Cayman GT4

Source: autocar

The 911 has for a long time cast its shadow over the Cayman when it comes to power output. Not a single Cayman managed to breach the 350 mark, which is the lowest figure for the 911s. The base Cayman makes 275 horsepower; Cayman S makes 325 horsepower; Cayman GTS makes 340 horsepower. 

That is set to change thanks to the most powerful Cayman model ever coming out from Stuttgart, christened the Cayman GT4. This signals the Cayman's penetration into the 911 territory, where Porsche has been imposing an invisible barrier preventing any previous Cayman models from overpowering any 911s output wise. Check out Porsche's website and you will see what I mean. But, with the arrival of the Cayman GT4, it is set to change except for a number of 911 models. 

Let's see...the Cayman GTS makes 340 horsepower, 10 less than the 350 horsepower 911 Carrera, 911 Carrera Black Edition, 911 Carrera Cabriolet, 911 Carrera Cabriolet Black Edition, 911 Carrera 4, 911 Carrera 4 Black Edition, 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet, 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet Black Edition and 911 Targa 4. Then, out came the Cayman GT4 with its 385 horsepower 3.8L flat-six, blowing away the 911 models I just list down (bear in mind the GT4 engine is derived from the 400 horsepower 3.8L flat-six 911 Carrera S).

Source: autocar

If you're interested in specifics, the flat-six engine is outfitted with direct fuel injection, VarioCam Plus and integrated dry sump lubrication. The power of the 3.8L flat-six is further augmented by a variable length intake manifold made possible by a resonance valve that opens or closes depending on engine load, rpm, etc. As a result, the flat-six makes a staggering 385 horsepower at 7400 rpm and 420 Nm of torque from 4750 until 6000 rpm.

Purist should be delighted due to the fact that unlike the newfangled 911 GT3 RS and 911 GT3, power is channelled to the rear wheels through a conventional six speed manual rather than Porsche's brilliant PDK dual clutch transmission. Most impressive is the auto-throttle blip function accessible by pressing the Sport Plus button to make you look like a heel toe downshift expert. Complementing the drivetrain is Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) and a locking differential to ensure none of the raw power figure is lost in a cloud of smoke.

As for the brakes, it is directly derived from the 911 GT3 along with the front suspension. The rear suspension, on the other hand, is specifically a GT4 spec. Outfitted along with the suspension is Porsche's own Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) that varies the damping rate in response to changes in driving style and road condition to deliver a comfortable ride and balls-out handling prowess.

As you can see from the above photo, the GT4 sports a fixed rear wing, a feature absent from the previous Caymans, and the diffuser is decked out with dual central exhaust.

With the most powerful Cayman ever in production, this writer reckons that the Cayman GT4 can offer purists with unadulterated, sporty experience that makes purists clamouring for more 'smiles per miles'.

 

Ferrari 488 GTB

      

Source: roadandtrack.com

Listening to the Prancing Horse roaring past with atmospheric pressure, only to be met with different tone, a tone that may cringe the naturally aspirated engine enthusiasts. Yes folks, The Prancing Horse has gone the route that the world is currently heading to: the trend of downsizing engine and slapping on a (gasp!) turbocharger. Newer models such as the California T has gone the turbocharging route, making it the first turbocharged Ferrari since the scintillating 2.9L twin turbo V8 F40. Next to follow California T in the realm of force induction is the 458 replacement, the 488 GTB.

Yep, you heard it right. Ferrari essentially took the F136 4.5L V8 from the 458 and reduced its displacement to 3.9L, adding on twin turbo to claw back the power deficit. Hence you have the F154 3.9L twin turbo V8 that makes 661 horsepower and 760 Nm of torque. Its predecessor made 562 horsepower on the Italia and 597 horsepower on the Speciale, and 540 Nm of torque, an increase in 99 horsepower (up by 64 horsepower from the Speciale) and 220 Nm of torque! 

The trend of using a small displacement engine and slapping on a turbo has enabled manufacturers to meet tough emission requirement while sustaining respectable power output. Top Gear compared the fuel economy and CO2 emission figure between the 488 GTB and the 2004 Ferrari 430. The former net 25 mpg and emit 260 g/km of CO2, while the latter net 18 mpg and 345 g/km of CO2. The effect of turbocharging on power is obvious but how does it contribute to lower fuel consumption and CO2 emission? 

In general, smaller engines are more efficient than larger engines due to lower internal friction from lower cylinder count and less inertial forces (shorter piston stroke and smaller piston). With that in mind, more of the power extracted from the burned air-fuel mixture is converted into useful energy to get the car down the road instead of being wasted as heat. Therefore, less fuel can be theoretically burned to make the same power. Also with less fuel burned, less CO2 is ejected down the exhaust pipe. In light of tighter emission, automakers are forced to downsize the engine which in general comes at the expense of power. In response, manufacturers slap on turbochargers to bring up the power figure.

Source: carscoops.com

Source: carscoops.com

Now, if you're interested in the specifics, the 488 GTB is powered by Ferrari's F154 3.9L twin turbo direct injected flat-plane V8 mid-mounted engine, channeling its raw power to the rear wheels. The turbo is a twin scroll type from IHI to ensure smooth exhaust flow and cut turbo lag. Also, the turbo's compressor wheel is made of titanium-aluminium alloy to further cut lag, and spins on ball bearing shaft to further cut lag and reduce friction. Lubrication will be taken care of by an all-aluminium dry sump, while keeping the turbocharged air cool are 2 air-to-air intercooler. 

Paired up to the V8 is a 7 speed dual clutch transmission sourced from Getrag. 

Stopping task is taken care of by carbon ceramic brakes with 398mm front disc and 360mm rear disc, surrounded by 5-spoke 20" alloy wheels with 245/35 tyres up front and 305/30 tyres at the rear. 

Handling also receives further boost, thanks to SSC2 (Side Slipangle Control 2), an enhanced version of the clever SSC introduced on the 458 Speciale, that combines F1-Trac (Traction Control) and E-Diff (Electronic Differential) with the adaptive magnetic damper to make a drift hero out of Joe Schmoe. 

Further boosting its handling is the aerodynamics. In between the 2 large lower air intakes (see the top picture) are Ferrari's so-called 'Aero Pillar' that directs air underneath the car to lower the pressure underneath, which helps boost downforce. At the rear, downforce is further increased thanks to the diffuser with active flaps that precisely adapt the diffuser's ramp angle in response to changes in speed.

In case if you are interested in buying this beast, Naza Italia, Ferrari's distributor in Malaysia, has launched it since last month at a base price of RM1,068,800 (excluding taxes and optional features).

Review: Honda HRV

                                                       

On a hot Sunday afternoon not knowing what to do, I decided to go out for a test drive, which brought me to Honda Showroom in Bangi just across from Warta. Test drive what car I heard you asking. Well, it is the car in the above picture, the Honda HRV (Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle), a compact SUV smaller than the CRV. Is it really worth the test drive? You bet it is because the HRV made this writer go 'wow' in a delightful way. How so? Read further to find out.

As usual we will begin with the nitty-gritty. The HRV is available with 3 trim levels, starting with the entry-level S variant, followed by the mid-range E variant and finally ending with the range-topping V variant. 

The pricing is as followed: RM98,689.80 (S variant), RM108,026.50 (E variant) and RM118,228.50 (V variant), all with insurance and inclusive GST. 

Throw in the optional Honda Genuine Accessory and you will be treated to Modulo Exterior Accessories and Utility Package. The Exterior Accessories is made up of Sport Aero Package (Front and Rear Aero Bumper, Side Under Spoiler and Door Mirror Garnish for RM3,928.20 inclusive GST) and Tough Advance Package (Front and Rear Lower Garnish, Front and Rear Bumper Garnish and Running Board for RM3731.30 inclusive GST). 

The Utility Package includes Smart Utility Package (Auto Dim Rear View Mirror, Trunk Tray, Cargo Step Protector and Trunk Organiser for RM1,622.40 inclusive GST) and Urbane Utility Package (Door Visor, Front Foot Light, Illuminated Side Step and Sports Pedal for RM1,532.30 inclusive GST). 

Not related to the Modulo package is the CSE CONNEX SVR, which is an advanced security system that safeguard your vehicle's safety that includes 24/7 Secure Operating Centre (SOC) service that takes care of theft alerts, theft response and stolen vehicle tracking and recovery. The latter will set you off at RM2,960 inclusive GST. 

Onto the exterior. Standard across the range are Auto Headlights, Front and Rear Fog Lights, LED Rear Combi Lights and Shark Fin Antenna. 

Choose either the S or E variants you will be treated to Halogen Headlights, Halogen Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and Body Colour Outer Door Handle. The S variant will do without Side Mirrors with Turning Lights. 

Choose the V variant, LED Headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights and Chrome Outer Door Handle are yours to have. 

Unlike the S variant, the E and V variant will be specced with Side Mirrors with Turning Lights. 

Available colours are Modern Steel Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Taffeta White and Alabaster Silver Metallic. As you can see from the above photo, the rear door handle is integrated with the C-pillar across the range. 

As for the interior, standard across the range are Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel, ECON Mode, Day/Night Rear View Mirror, Intermittent Rear Wiper, Power Adjustable and Retractable Door Mirrors. 

Standard only on the V variant are Cruise Control, Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, Half Leather Upholstery, Leather Steering Wheel and Gear Knob and Vanity Mirror with Illumination (driver and co-driver side). 

Standard on both the E and V variants are the Smart Entry with Push Start Button which required that you have the key in hand to unlock the car and start the engine, and Single Auto Air Conditioning. 

Meanwhile, standard on both the S and E variants are Fabric Upholstery, Urethane Steering Wheel and Gear Knob and Vanity Mirror without Illumination. 

Standard only on the S variant are Keyless Entry and Manual Air Conditioning. 

Worry about cargo space? No worries as the rear seat is foldable. Moreover, the HRV boasts a decently capacious interior space that you won't feel cram whenever you're sitting in the car. Impressive indeed.

On the safety front, the S and E variants will make do with just 2 airbags, while the V variant comes with 6 airbags. Reverse Sensors, Emergency Stop Signal, One Touch Lane Change, Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Anti-Lock Brakes, Electric Parking Brake (in the first picture, notice the absence of conventional handbrake lever), Brake Assist, Automatic Brake Hold, Immobiliser, Security Alarm System with Ultrasonic Sensor, Rear Seat ISOFix, Front Seat Pretensioner Seatbelt with Double Load Limiter and 3 Point Rear Seatbelt with ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) are standard across the range. 

Sitting under the bonnet of all 3 variants are Honda's fuel injected 1.8L 4 cylinders 16 valves SOHC i-VTEC with 10.6 compression ratio, pumping out 142 PS and 172 Nm of twist to the front wheels via Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), a 'gearless' automatic that utilises variable diameter pulley to infinitely adjust the ratio to keep the engine in its most optimum range for efficiency and performance. 

At the helm of the steering is a Rack and Pinion steering system with Electric Power Steering. 

The stopping task will be spearheaded by ventilated front disc brake and solid rear disc brake. 

Keeping you on the road are front Macpherson Strut and rear Torsion Beam suspension, rolling on

215/60 R16 tyres.

With all the boring bits out of the way, let's move on to the fun part: the test drive. The variant tested was a Modulo spec V variant (every Modulo spec HRV will have the Modulo badge emblazoned just behind the front wheels). 

Before getting behind the wheel I was briefed by the Sales Consultant about the car. Most salient of all is entering the car. No longer you need to fumble with your pocket to get the key. As long you have the key and standing at the door, just wrap your fingers around the door handle and press a tiny black button to unlock. Press the same button again to lock the car (only on E or V variant). Very neat indeed. 

After been shown here and there by the Sales Consultant, I slipped behind the wheel of the Honda HRV, with its steering replete with buttons for cruise control and the centre display (for volume control and channel switch), and off we went for the drive. 

So, what does this writer think of this second generation HRV? Let's see....it is impressive! The acceleration, even in ECON mode, literally took this writer's breath away. It accelerates with great alacrity that overtaking should be a cinch, with the CVT transmission and the 4 cylinders 1.8L i-VTEC engine ensuring you have the punch to make your way through traffic with ease. But it is the smoothness of the acceleration that rub off on me. It feels so smooth that you would not realise your speedometer just registered 3-digit figure unless you give it a quick glance. 

With powerful acceleration, comes the necessity to safeguard it with excellent braking power, and the HRV scores in this department. Press the middle pedal and it bites assertively, giving you the assurance that it is up to its task. 

On the handling department, it also scores, though nowhere near sports car-esque but decent enough for the daily grind. Chuck it around turns and it will not disappoint you. It feels so surefooted that it gives the drivers a sense of confidence in what it has up its sleeve, though the light Electric Power Steering seems to numb the feedback on what the tyres are doing. Nevertheless, the handling remains sharp and accurate. 

Considering we live in Malaysia with its pockmarked road, the state of our spine is of great importance and brilliantly, the HRV scores in ride comfort. It feels so smooth as if the car floats on bump. Its suspension filters out the shock with great aplomb, so kudos to the Honda engineers for tuning out the discomfort. 

In this writer's opinion, you cannot go wrong with this car. It is so well-balanced that it can potentially be a faithful servant for your daily driving needs. What more can you ask for?               

   

Review: A Day With Suzuki Jimny

Fancy yourself as a Sunday cruiser or an off-road enthusiast? Then you have hit the jackpot! The Suzuki Jimny ticks both boxes brilliantly to ferry you around in great comfort and when it is off-roading time, proves itself to be a commendable off-road warrior. This 4x4 is thus a highly versatile machine as both a cruiser and an off-roader.

Before we get to the behind the wheel experience, let's get down to the nitty gritty. This third generation JB43 3-door Jimny is powered by a 1.3L M13A 4 cylinder DOHC engine with 16 valves that channel 62.5 kw of horsepower and 110 Nm of torque to the part-time 4WD (with 2WD, 4WD and 4WD-L mode) either through a 5 speed manual transmission or a 4 speed automatic transmission. Fuel distribution to each 4 cylinders will be taken care of by the multipoint injection system. 

Stopping task will be taken care of by front disc brake and rear drum brake. 

Both ends are suspended on Suzuki's 3-link rigid axle with coil spring. The front wheels are steered by the recirculating ball type steering and power assistance is provided by the hydraulic power steering. 

Onto the exterior, the 4x4 sports 3 doors. Exterior colours are available with the options of Silky Silver Metallic, Superior White, Ever Green and Quasar Gray.

Headlamps are halogen multireflector, and fog lamps are standard for both manual and automatic variant.

The Jimny rolls on 205/70R15 with either steel wheels (manual variant) or aluminium-alloy wheels (automatic variant). The spare tyres also share the same dimension and rim material.

Now onto the interior. Open the door and you will be greeted by a rather spartan interior and its comfortable fabric seat, and by the way, the Jimny is a 4 seater only, both on the manual and automatic variants. If you are looking to ferry more than 4 people then this may be a deal breaker.

Power adjustable side mirrors, power windows (front), manual air conditioner and rear window demister are standard on both manual and automatic variants.

Luggage capacity is 816 litres, but you can add an extra 324 litres thanks to the 50:50-split single folding rear seat. Cup holders are available, front and back.

Just below the air conditioning control knobs are the buttons for switching between 2WD, 4WD and 4WD-L. To engage 4WD, make sure it is done with the 4x4 stationary and move the gear selector to neutral. Hold the 4WD button for a good few second until it makes a 'thud' sound signalling that it is engaged.

Onto the safety front, SRS dual front airbags, 3-point ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelts (front and back), ISOFIX child seat anchorage, anti-lock braking system and immobiliser will keep you secure behind the wheel.     

This 4x4 retails at (if you live in the Peninsular) RM 83,755.23 for the manual variant and RM 88,893.03 for the automatic variant, both OTR with insurance and inclusive of GST.

So how is it behind the wheel? I would say it is more of a cruiser, so do not expect any sports car performance. If that is what you are looking for, then the Jimny is not for you. 

The 4x4 filters out road bumps superbly, great not to draw complains from your spouse. It's steering is light and precise and offers decent feedback. 

However, overtaking can be a chore no thanks to it's lethargic automatic transmission (no manual variant available on the day of test drive). Floor the throttle, the engine rev spikes up but the extra rev does not translate into smooth, quick overtaking manoeuvre. The pick-up feels like orang makan angin punya style. 

Onto the brakes, the Jimny seems to take ages to stop. Stomp on the brake as hard as you want, the Jimny does not stop with great alacrity. 

So to reiterate about it's cruiser reputation, please do not treat it like a Porsche 991 GT3 RS or whatever sportscar that you can think of. The Jimny is built for on-the-road comfort cruising, not adrenalin pumping spirited driving. 

How is it when off-roading? Well, according to my sister's friend (who tagged along and took the wheel off-roading since he is an experienced off-roader), the Jimny feels a lot lighter in contrast to his Hilux, hence responsive. Extrapolating from his views, this writer feels this 4x4 is a highly capable off-road warrior that will appease any off-roading enthusiasts seeking to find great pleasure in their off-roading experience. 

To sum up, the Suzuki Jimny is perfect for a comfortable long distance cruising and muddy trails plus uneven terrain.     

Review: Tur...tur...turbo BOOST!!! Ford Fiesta ST

I have always wondered how a turbocharged car would feel like. I have always wondered how it feels when it kicks in. I even wondered if the so called 'turbo lag' would spoil the fun of driving. My questions were eventually answered when I test drove the brand new Ford Fiesta ST.

The test drive happened to be conducted in conjunction with the Asia Klasika Motor Show taking place from 31st October-2nd November 2014 at Pullman Putrajaya. Seeing that this will be the first turbocharged car that I will lay my finger on, I thought "Just do it la! Cannot afford to squander this chance!".

Before I get to the test drive, let's cover the nitty gritty bits first. The ST is powered by a 1.6L 4 cylinder Ecoboost (Ford's speak for turbo and direct fuel injection) that outputs 182PS (180hp) at 5700rpm and 240Nm at 1600-5000rpm. All those grunts are channelled to the front wheels via the 6 speed manual transmission (no automatic options).

The ST's steering is electric power steering. Stopping power is taken care of by disc brake all-round, and it rolls on 205/40R17 tires on all four corners with alloy rim. A 15" mini spare wheel is also provided.

Testament to its ST badge, the exterior is decked out with sporty bodykit that includes dual chrome exhaust and rear spoiler. Also, it comes with rear parking sensors, front fog lights, auto headlights, rain sensing wipers, daytime running lights (DRL), power adjustable side mirror and halogen projector headlamps.

The interior niceties include sports alloy pedal covers, telescopic steering adjust, power windows, leather wrapped steering and gear lever, Recaro bucket seat, manually adjustable seat and the foldable rear seat that offers 60:40 split to increase cargo space.

On the safety front, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), ESP (Electronic Stability Program) with Brake Assists and Traction Control, front airbags, left hand and right hand side airbags plus driver's knee airbag and seat belt pretensioners for front seats take care of keeping you safe while you wring the neck of your ST.

The ST is priced at RM149,888 OTR with insurance.

   

With the nitty gritty out of the way, let's head to the test drive. As I stepped into the ST, I was greeted by the lovely bucket seat along with the multi function display flanked by the tachometer and speedometer and of course the lovely sports alloy pedal cover. The interior space is plentiful so you would not feel claustrophobic.

       

Everything set and done, the test drive started. My first impression, the gearbox is very smooth. A nice flick of the wrist is enough to hook it into gear. The clutch is nicely weighted and easy to use. 

Next impression, the acceleration. The moment I set off, the car behaved like a normally aspirated (no turbo) car. So, I was a bit put off initially. Once climbing up a steep slope outside PICC, I floored the throttle and BAM the turbo kicks in and the car literally fly. The acceleration once the turbo kicks in is just....mindblowingly crazy. The car transformed from a sedate cruiser to an absolute beast once you spool up the turbo. All this while from Pullman to the slope I was experiencing the so called 'turbo lag'! It turns out that the turbo kicks in at roughly around 3000rpm and I was below it before I got to the slope. 

Worry about all those power? Do not worry. The ST's brake is powerful enough to keep you from wrapping yourself around trees. 

As for the ride and handling, the ride is a smidge uncomfortable, most probably because of its firm sports suspension and low profile tires (they did not put the ST badge for nothing), but I do not find it jarring to the point of rattling your teeth. 

Once the test drive is over, I was completely over the moon about the car. Despite being a performance-oriented hatchback, I doubt this car will be an impractical family car. The interior space is impressively vast that it does not feel like a wardrobe on 4 wheels. 

Worry about cargo space? No worries, just fold the rear seat and voila your hot hatch becomes your loyal grocery getter. 

Overall the Fiesta ST is a decent car. It is fast, surefooted and capacious. Hats off to the blue oval.

My fun car version

Whenever the phrase 'fun to drive car' is heard among car enthusiasts, loads of different ideas of fun cars conjured up. Some would envision a fun car as a tech-laden, highly computerized supercars that make one feel like an Autobahn warrior (Bugatti Veyron with its stonking 427 kph top speed), an old school classic cars with oodles of power and physically demanding to drive (Ferrari F40 comes to mind with its twin turbo V8, no ABS, no Stability Control, no Traction Control, no power brakes, no power steering, no dual clutch wizardry and instead, its lovely open gated 6 speed manual box), rally icons (Subaru Impreza, Audi Quattro, Mitsubishi Evo), or even modern supercars with dearth electronic driver aids and massive horsepower to boot (Noble M600 with its barking 650 bhp V8, manual gearbox, no ABS and no Stability Control). Different strokes for different folks, what is considered as a fun car to one camp may not always be fun to the other camp, which leads me to my own version of 'fun to drive cars':

1) Razor sharp pick-up

Nothing beats the feel of laying on the loud pedal and feel immediate surge of acceleration. It does not matter if the car in question is Kancil or Porsche 911 GT3, there is no fun in slamming on the throttle and wait for ages for the car to build up speed. There is also no fun when it takes forever to complete an overtaking manoeuvre only because the car being driven accelerates like a lazy bum. Hence, I personally believe cars with slow pick-up is a bane to the thrill of driving.

2) Handles like a boss

Horsepower. Always the most talked about subject when discussing about 'fun to drive cars'. Now, I can see the appeal of horsepower. Fun cars are supposed to be fast, but all those brute power is meaningless if the car handles like a piece of junk. A fun car strikes the balance between sheer power and handling prowess. Imagine chucking your 1000 bhp car into a fast sweeper, only to wind up upside down in the ditch when you get back on the power. Not fun right? Furthermore, the driving aspects that fascinates me most is handling dynamic. Lots of complex but interesting forces take charge as you barrel down your favourite roads which can affect the car's handling, ranging from the change in suspension geometry, change in weight distribution over the front axle relative to the rear and sundry more stuff at play in the handling department.

3) Manual transmission

I have to admit. Today's automatics are so brilliant that the performance advantages and stellar fuel efficiency that manuals used to enjoy are going out the window, especially if you are speaking of highly sophisticated 8 speed automatic or the highly vaunted dual clutch transmission. Pit two cars of the same models, year, brand and specs, but one is manual and the other is automatic, the latter is going to be faster as computers can shift way faster than any humans. But, nothing beats the tactile pleasure of feeling the cogs meshing under your arm, timing the coordination of the clutch and throttle and nailing a smooth heel toe downshift as you approach your favourite turns, things that cannot be replicated with automatics. Now before you get any wrong ideas, I am no way claiming that manual is the only means of upping the pleasure of driving. I have driven my mum's BMW which is an automatic and I have so much fun driving that thing. The argument on which is fun, manual or automatic, is highly subjective. But, if given the choice between manual or automatic, I personally crave for the engaging driving experience (subjective) of the manual.