Still have no clue what is drifting? You should run through this video featuring Rhys Millen (Drifting Champion and driver of the Red Bull Hyundai Genesis Drift machine) explaining the 101 in drifting, the rules and basically all you need to know about sliding your car with style.

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What a great debut for the new racing team, Brawn-Mercedes. Brawn GP dominated the first start off race in Melbourne placing 1st and 2nd place standing. The leader, Jenson Button and second place Rubens Barrichello followed by Lewis Hamilton in Mercedes third. None of the Ferraris able to finish the race due to problems with the tyres and mechanical failure.

"It's not just for me but for the whole team,” he said, “a fairy tale ending really to the first race of our career together and I hope we can continue this way. We are going to fight every way we can to keep this car competitive and at the front. This has got to continue and this is where we want to be. Bring on Malaysia!”- Jenson Button

The result of today's race:

Position. Driver_Team (Points)
1. Jenson Button_Brawn-Mercedes (10)
2. Rubens Barrichello_Brawn-Mercedes (8)
3 . Lewis Hamilton_McLaren-Mercedes (6)
4 . Timo Glock_Toyota (5)
5 . Fernando Alonso_Renault (4)
6 . Nico Rosberg_Williams-Toyota (3)
7 . Sebastien Buemi_STR-Ferrari (2)
8 . Sebastien Bourdais_STR-Ferrari (1)
9 . Adrian Sutil_Force India-Mercedes
10 . Nick Heidfeld_BMW Sauber
11 . Giancarlo Fisichella_Force India-Mercedes
12 . Jarno Trulli_Toyota
13 . Mark Webber_RBR-Renault
14 . Sebastian Vettel_RBR-Renault
15 . Robert Kubica_BMW Sauber
16 . Kimi Räikkönen_Ferrari
Retired . Felipe Massa_Ferrari


[Source: .itv-f1.com]

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Brawn GP the most anticipated race team this year is making a head lines by taking Pole and second position on the grid for tomorrow's race day. Where are the Ferrari's and Mercedes? Looks like tomorrow is going to be one of the best start off season race for formula one.


Here are the results of the qualifying:

Pos. Driver
1. Jenson Button Brawn-Mercedes 1:26.202
2. Rubens Barrichello Brawn-Mercedes 1:26.505
3. Sebastian Vettel RBR-Renault 1:26.830
4. Robert Kubica BMW Sauber 1:26.914
5. Nico Rosberg Williams-Toyota 1:26.973
6. Timo Glock Toyota 1:26.975
7. Felipe Massa Ferrari 1:27.033
8. Jarno Trulli Toyota 1:27.127


[Source:Formula1]

On 27th March 09, Boustead Sdn Bhd launched their new Nissan line up, the 2009 Nissan Serena at the Giant Hypermart in Tasek Rimba. The new Nissan Serena is looking fantastic and it has grown maturely since its 1st Model came out in 1991. The new Serena is capable of taking 8 passengers and is spacious especially the head room which is 1205mm from the floor. The new design of the Serena is similar to the Nissan MPV Flagship, the Nissan Elgrand.

The new Serena is using the Nissan latest engine the Aluminium MR20DE CVTV engine. It is designed to produce less friction during operation and with lightweight components, the engine generates the highest torque in its class. (137ps and 200Nm of Torque). Fuel efficiency 12km/Litre (City) and 13.2km/Litre (Highway). The transmission available for the Serena is a Xtronic CVT 5 speed transmission.

The new Serena comes with a lot of features such as the versatile seat arrangments (The seats can be folded and rearranged accordingly to accomodate more larger loadings), the side doors can be open/close via remote, keyless entry, full cabin Ionizer Air conditioning, reverse camera and Xenon headlamps.

The new Serena comes with a built in DVD player with two screens; Front and rear. This is surely one of the cool items to have especially travelling far places. With the availability of the front LCD screen and the reverse camera, parking in and out with Nissan Serena is now a breeze.

Front dual airbags comes as standard for this MPV. The new Serena comes with driving safety aids such as the Electronic Brake force distribution (EBD) and Anti lock braking system (ABS).


The new Serena is available for $59.204.00 (OTR) but with offer price $43,500.00 for limited time only. Better hurry!

The new Serena is available for viewing until 29 March at the Giant Hypermart in Tasek Rimba

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Photography by Orked

Here are the three heavy hitters from Land Rover which are available at QAF Transport Sdn Bhd; The Range Rover Sport TDV6 2.7, Range Rover Sport TDV8 3.6 and Freelander 2 TD4 2.2. These are the premium SUV from Land Rover for our market. Land Rover has been known for their rugged and highly dependable vehicles. And it serves a lot in the military too. QAF Transport Sdn Bhd has just launched the Freelander 2 on 27th March 2009.

The Freelander 2 is a premium SUV designed to tackle the hard terrain of the mountains and the price for it is reasonable.The Freelander 2 uses a 2.2 litre Turbo Diesel engine (160hp/118kW) mated with a 6-speed automatic with CommandShift® on TD4 delivering combined average fuel economy of 35.8 mpg (7.9l/100km)


The Freelander 2 is spacious and comfortable. The seats provide excellent support and durability: six-way adjustment is standard for the driver. Everyone gets superb leg, head and shoulder room, as well as a clear view thanks to tiered 'stadium' seating. A 60/40 split rear seat makes for versatile loadspace, but even when it's raised there's plenty of room for loads. The versatile rear loadspace can be expanded by folding the split rear seats to provide a flat load floor and up to 1,670 litres of space.


THe Freelander 2 features a Terrain response technology, Electronic traction control, Electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist, cornering brake assist, Roll Stablility control and Dynamic stability control.

An innovative full-time intelligent 4x4 system is always there when you need it. The electronic centre coupling, which ensures an even smoother pull away on slippery surfaces, continuously varies the drive to suit conditions, and gives better on-road fuel economy too.

Freelander 2's Roll Stability Control (RSC) system is Land Rover's most sophisticated roll technology yet. It monitors wheel speed and steering wheel angle, using a vehicle tilt sensor to deliver a rapid response. The new-generation Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) reacts quickly if the car isn't responding correctly to your steering. This system intervenes in less than 10 milliseconds to adjust the vehicle's course and cornering. It is particularly useful in slippery conditions.

The Freelander 2 is equipped with a Seven airbags and is a key role to protect all occupants. Driver and front passenger airbags provide head and chest protection. Driver and front passenger side airbags give side impact protection. Full-length curtain airbags provide head impact and rollover ejection protection for all occupants. And there's even a driver's inflatable knee bolster for additional lower body protection.

Land Rover's Freelander 2 has been awarded top 5-star rating in the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) for adult occupant protection when tested in 2007. It was also awarded four stars in the child protection category. In both the adult and child ratings it achieved the highest points of any vehicle in its category, making the Freelander 2 best in class for occupant safety.

The price tag for the Freelander 2 TD4 2.2 is $53,888.00

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Freelander 2 TD4 2.2










The Range Rover Sport is Land Rover's most performance-orientated vehicle yet. The Range Rover Sport comes in two forms; Range Rover Sport TDV6 2.7 and Range Rover Sport TDV8 3.6. Both of the Sport models shares luxury interior such as the leather seats, the low stance look thanks to the sport suspension, exclusive sporty body design and the 20inch alloy wheels. The big difference between the two models are the engines.

Range Rover Sport TDV6 2.7 uses a 2.7 litre V6 turbo diesel engine that rated 190hp with a 325lb-ft of torque. The V6 diesel engine is technically advanced, offering enhanced levels of refinement and fuel economy. The Turbocharged is to improve low-speed Torque and high-rev power, it's superb for smooth, refined cruising.

As for the Range Rover Sport TDV8 3.6, it uses a 3.6 litre Turbo diesel V8 engine that rated 270hp with a 472 lb-ft of torque. The power yet efficient TDV8 engine has outstanding power to hand. It's lightweight, economical and adapted to meet the demands of sports tourer driving. Fuel consumption is impressively low for its performance, making this our most exciting diesel to date. Fuel consumption is 25.5mpg. Performance wise, 0-100km/h is 9.2seconds.

Both of the models share a ZF 6-speed intelligent shift automatic gearbox delivers power and Torque equally to all four wheels for a smoother ride. It adapts to your driving style and the conditions. And it features a sports transmission mode, where the shift delay on the downshift is reduced for a faster response on the Range Rover Sport TDV8. In all instances, CommandShift® technology allows you to get involved and change gears manually

The Range Rover sports features a ZF Servotronic steering that incorporates speed-sensitivity to provide agile steering for easier manoeuvrability at low speed and greater feedback and stability at higher speeds.


Range Rover Sport has exceptional stopping power. The TDV8 is fitted with a 4 piston Brembo® calipers with large brake discs. Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) is also on hand to reduce braking distances in an emergency and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) helps deliver the confidence of maximum control without wheel lock.

The Range Rover Sport comes equipped with powerful network of advanced technology gives you total control everything from satellite navigation to Bluetooth® technology and 4x4 information. You also have a superb selection of entertainment, with a hybrid digital/analogue TV alongside a superb Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system.

The Range Rover Sport features a Adaptive cruise control (ACC), Centre electronic ´e´ differential, 8 airbags, Active Roll Mitigation and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).

Adaptive cruise control (ACC); using radar to scan the road 10 times a second, ACC dynamically matches the speed of the vehicle in front of you, settling in behind it and maintaining a constant speed and one of four cruise gap distances chosen by you. Should you close in on the vehicle ahead, Forward Alert quickly provides an audio and visual signal.

Independent front and rear suspension makes for exceptional ride, handling, control and balance. Computer controlled cross-linked air springs over each wheel help maintain a level ride height irrespective of load. They also enable exceptional wheel articulation for outstanding off-road handling and Traction.

Range Rover Sport harnesses all available grip on every surface. Centre electronic ´e´ differential (e-diff) is standard. The Torque gets distributed where the Traction control system thinks best. E-diff delivers superior on and off-road Traction by the cross wheel slip without the need for sudden braking, and acts sooner and more subtly than traditional ABS-based Traction control methods.

Range Rover Sport features eight airbags, with the front row having side thorax and front airbags. Each seat row also has its own curtain airbags. The vehicle displays real strength in impact tests, thanks to its hydroformed frame design and advanced engineering.

These two technologies assist safety while cornering. Active Roll Mitigation (ARM) predicts when the vehicle may become light on one side in a fast corner and helps stabilise the vehicle with the braking system. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) constantly monitors key indicators, correcting any tendency to over-steer or under-steer.

The price tag for the Range Rover Sport TDV6 2.7 is $132,000.00 and Range Rover Sport TDV8 3.6 is $155,000.00.

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Range Rover Sport TDV6 2.7




Range Rover Sport TDV8 3.6

Autocar.co.UK reviews the super small and incredibly cheap Tata Nano. The Tata Nano has been getting good reviews so far by journalist who have the chance to test drive the car.

Check out the video below:

Here comes the new Golf GTI MKVI. Looking better than the previous GTI i must say. The GTI new design derived from the VW Scirocco design. The Golf GTI MKVI is longer and wider than the MKV. It still maintains the red lining on the grill which symbolizes the GTI version. The rear part of the car features a twin pipe exhaust, rear diffuser and new design taillights that resembles similarly to VW Touareg taillight.

The new GTI comes with a reworked 2.0-litre TSI engine now pushing out 210PS and 280Nm of torque. That's 10 hp more than MKV. Performance wise, the new GTI will go from 0-100km/h in 6.9seconds and top speed of 240km/h.

The new Golf GTI is the 1st VW model to be equipped with an XDS electronic transverse differential lock. XDS is a functional extension of the electronic limited-slip differential (EDS) integrated in the ESP system therefore it improves traction and handling properties of the car.


Inside the new GTI is equipped with standard sport seats upholstered in a tartan fabric pattern and the leather seats are available as option. The GTI comes prepared few accessories such as sport pedals with brushed stainless steel caps, a customized GTI gearshift lever in aluminum look, a leather steering wheel with grip recesses and GTI emblem.




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[Source:VW]

* New Audi wins 12 Hours of Sebring (USA)
* Fastest Sebring race ever
* Audi also wins efficiency award

Ingolstadt/Sebring – The Audi R15 TDI has defeated its competition in its debut race: Dindo Capello (Italy), Tom Kristensen (Denmark) and Allan McNish (Scotland) achieved a historic victory in the 12 Hours of Sebring (US state of Florida) with the new diesel-powered sports car of AUDI AG. The Audi drivers completed 383 laps – beating the previous distance record by an impressive 13 laps.

In the fastest ever Sebring race, Audi Sport Team Joest’s pair of Audi R15 TDI prototypes ran the entire distance without technical problems despite the innovative Le Mans prototype having only completed its maiden run in December. Bad weather had hampered Audi Sport’s test program and temperatures never exceeded 15 degrees during the tests in Europe.

At Sebring, the Audi crew faced ambient temperatures almost double that and worked day and night to learn more about the new diesel sports car and to adapt it to the extremely bumpy race track in the center of Florida. They were able to solve all minor teething troubles which arose just in time for race day.

In the race the new Audi R15 TDI proved fast from the very beginning: Allan McNish outpaced the pole sitting Acura/Honda at the start completing the first lap with more than five seconds advantage. Later, however, it was not the Acura/Hondas which were the cars to beat but the two Peugeot 908s. The lead swapped no fewer than twelve times among the diesel-powered prototypes from Audi and Peugeot. Over long periods of the race, the four leading prototypes were covered by just a few tenths of a second.

In the exciting final stages of the race Allan McNish was able to fully exploit the optimized weight distribution and the sophisticated aerodynamics of the new R15 TDI compared to its predecessor, the R10 TDI. He was able to open such a big lead that he was able to stop for a ‘splash-and-dash’ just before the end of the race without losing the lead. He eventually crossed the finish line 22.279 seconds in front of the second placed Peugeot.

It was the ninth overall victory for the Audi brand at Sebring continuing an impressive series: After the Audi R8 (2000) and the Audi R10 TDI (2006) a new Le Mans prototype from Audi drove to victory in its debut race at Sebring for the third time. Tom Kristensen scored his fifth victory in the US endurance classic becoming the most successful driver in the history of the race. Dindo Capello won at Sebring for a fourth time with Allan McNish chalking up his third victory.

The Audi success at Sebring was completed by the three Germans Lucas Luhr, Mike Rockenfeller and Marco Werner finishing third at the wheel of the second Audi R15 TDI. Luhr and Rockenfeller had to complete almost the whole race on their own after Marco Werner had to be sidelined due to a rib injury. They kept contact with the leading sister car for a long time. Only in the final stages did they dropped back due to extreme pick-up on the front right tire which forced Lucas Luhr to pit an extra time just before the end of the race. It was the only unscheduled pit stop of the day for Audi Sport Team Joest.

The Audi R15 TDI was not only the most reliable and fastest prototype on its debut but also the most efficient: Audi celebrated a clear 1-2 victory in the so-called "Michelin Green X Challenge" in which the fuel consumption is measured in relation to the performance.

For Audi, the 12 Hours of Sebring was a dress rehearsal for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in which a total of three new R15 TDI prototypes will compete. An intensive test program is scheduled for Audi Sport Team Joest until the race on June 13/14.

Quotes after the race at Sebring

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): "This is a great result for a brand new car which came to Sebring with less mileage under its wheels than we had planned. We’ve seen not only the fastest 12-hour race in Sebring history, but also one of the most exciting with so many lead changes and a very tight battle between Audi and Peugeot – and this in the 100th ALMS race since 1999. I can remember that four cars have been setting almost identical lap times at Sebring for such a long time. Little things have been decisive in the end. It’s a shame that our second car, which was also running at the front for most of the race, lost some time at the end. I’m very happy with the debut of our new Audi R15 TDI and I would like to say a big thank you to everybody who made this success possible."

Ralf Jüttner (Technical Director Audi Sport Team Joest): "It was incredibly hard work but also a great experience. To finish first and third against such strong competition and with such little time of preparation and achieving a new record distance is really remarkable. We did not only have a new car here, we also had some changes in our team including a new chief mechanic for the winning car. It was a crazy race. The Peugeots were very fast. The game of double stints and single stints and having to fight back all the time was really nerve wrecking. I’m totally exhausted. Both crews did a fantastic job. I’m proud of the whole squad."

Dindo Capello (Audi R15 TDI #2): "It was a fantastic race and is a fantastic victory for Audi to add to the debut wins already scored here by the R8 (2000) and with the R10 TDI (2006). I honestly did not expect to win with the R15 TDI at Sebring because the car is so new and had little testing in Europe. To go from start to finish without any problems with such a new car is almost unbelievable. It’s a dream result and shows the incredible technology that Audi is able to exploit. I’m so proud to be a part of the team and thus the Audi brand, to be driving for Audi Sport and to have two great team-mates in Allan and Tom."

Tom Kristensen (Audi R15 TDI #2): "It’s an absolutely fantastic feeling. Wow, what a race – the fastest ever race at Sebring covering a record distance. Winning with such a young car which had completed low testing miles in dry weather before we got here is amazing. I won here on the debut of the R8, then the R10 TDI and now the R15 TDI – thanks to the know how and experience of the crew. Everyone at Audi Sport, and all six drivers here at Sebring, have worked very hard to be in a position to beat Peugeot here at this very difficult track and after an extremely hard fight. I’m proud to be a part of this team – it’s a cool feeling."

Allan McNish (Audi R15 TDI #2): "Our brand new R15 TDI was faultless throughout and allowed Audi to secure another Sebring victory. This must go down in the history books as one of the best Sebring 12 Hour races ever when you take in to account our competition, the intensity from start to finish making it a sprint race, with the final two hours especially typifying what Audi Sport is all about: grit and determination – the entire team can be proud in taking the laurels back to Germany."

Lucas Luhr (Audi R15 TDI #1): "This was a tough day for us. Marco (Werner) had to stop because of his injury. This meant we had to complete the race with two drivers. Of course we had preferred winning the race or completing a 1-2 for Audi. But we had strong competition. And our sister car was a little bit faster, that’s why they deserved to win. We just couldn’t make it. Despite the personal disappointment we can be content: Everybody at Audi Sport and Team Joest can be proud of coming through a Sebring race with two new cars without any major problems."

Mike Rockenfeller (Audi R15 TDI #1): "I’ve been in the car for three times and basically things went well every time. I could almost match the times of our sister car. Unfortunately we could not finish better than third in the end but I’m happy with my performance. The car was running well. It’s a shame that Marco (Werner) was injured, but it was no real problem for us to finish the race with just two drivers. Congratulations to our sister car and Audi. Many have come to Sebring with a new car – but we can be proud of completing the distance with both cars basically without any problems and we can build on this for Le Mans."

Marco Werner (Audi R15 TDI #1): "This was a fantastic day for Audi. What could be better than giving a new car a victory here? Allan (McNish) once again did a fantastic job as did the entire team. It was an exciting race, one of the most incredible races I’ve ever seen – unfortunately I have to say ‘seen’ because, with my rib injury, I was not able to continue."

The results at Sebring

1 Capello/Kristensen/McNish (Audi R15 TDI) 383 laps in 12h 00m 38.638s
2 Sarrazin/Montagny/Bourdais (Peugeot) + 22.279s
3 Luhr/Rockenfeller/Werner (Audi R15 TDI) - 2 laps
4 Fernandez/Diaz (Acura/Honda) - 23 laps
5 Minassian/Klien/Lamy (Peugeot) - 27 laps
6 Magnussen/O’Connell/Garcia (Chevrolet) - 34 laps
7 Beretta/Gavin/Fässler (Chevrolet) - 35 laps
8 Melo/Kaffer/Salo (Ferrari) - 51 laps
9 Companc/Russo/Bruni (Ferrari) - 53 laps
10 Farnbacher/James (Panoz) - 54 laps

Today, NBT Sdn Bhd Lexus has launched their new luxury suv, the all new Lexus RX350. The new RX350 is a crossover between a luxury sedan and the functionality of SUV. The new RX350 surpasses the highest demand for environmental and safety performance of a 21st century luxury vehicles. The new RX350 is sleeker and looks astounding as usual.

The new body design inherits from its other Lexus LX570 design especially the modern look headlamps and the massive chrome front grills. This symbolizes eligence whilst making a sporty statement. The new RX350 uses a new exterior design based on the Lexus design philosophy 'L-finesse", it combines a powerful wide track stance with sophistication characteristic of a Lexus vehicle. The front consist of a single, solid form from the hood to the bumper. The exterior frame of the front grill extends to the headlights, which have the unique Lexus 'arrowhead' profile. The smooth and simple door handles feature touch sensors.


The RX350 features the awesome but absolutely silent operation V6 gasoline engine that Lexus has been famous for. The 280PS 3.5Liter V6 engine is mated with a 6 speed automatic transmission (ECT). For maximum SUV capability, the RX350 features an AWD system for off road duties. The AWD features an Active Torque Control system that optimizes torque to the front and rear wheels depending on driving conditions such as vehicle speed and road surface, achieving both excellent fuel efficiency and responsive handling.

As for safety aspects, Lexus uses Side monitors that enhance safety by enabling driver to clearly view the area near the left side of the vehicle and avoid obstacles that may lie within the turning radius. Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system comes as standard which these device integrates control of drive power, steering and braking to achieve handling performance and high active safety performance. There's a total of 10 airbags used in RX350 which consist of dual stage supplement restraint system (SRS).


The price tag for the new Lexus RX350 is $111,596.00 (OTR)

For more information, Please head down to NBT Lexus Showroom.

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Photography by Hj Asri