Tuesday 23.8.2011

Experience the drive of a lifetime.

Right after an exciting Driving Experience in Songdo Korea earlier this month, new Audi buyers in Brunei will again have the chance to really put the ‘pedal to the metal’ in a high-performance Audi on a world class racetrack at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) in Kuala Lumpur next month.

T.C.Y. Motors Sdn Bhd as the sole dealer/importer of the Audi brand in Brunei is once again offering customers who purchase the Audi A4 Sedan with the Bauhaus style package now an exclusive Audi Sportscar Experience featuring Audi’s flagship supercar the R8 V10 which can accelerate from 0-100kmph in 3.9 seconds.


In this racetrack event, customers will get to really feel the majestic sportiness and might of the Audi R8 V10 and explore the physical limits of vehicle handling. Born of powerful ideas, with the Audi R8 V10 customers are assured an unforgettable driving sensation.


Customers will also get to test drive the new Audi A6 Sedan which will be introduced into Brunei either end of the year or early 2012. The seventh generation A6 features a unique lightweight hybrid body made up of aluminium and high strength steels; Audi is now one of the forefront pioneers in lightweight vehicle production which greatly increases engine efficiency and fuel economy.

The one day Driving Experience will include a hotel stay, shuttle service and luncheon at the SIC Paddock Club, all courtesy of T.C.Y. Motors.

Audi will have a huge presence at the SIC in September as it competes again in the 12-hour Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race (MMER) with two Audi R8 LMS in the GT3 class. The driver teams at Sepang: Frank Biela/Marcel Fässler/Marco Werner and Seiji Ara/Darryl O’Young/Alex Yoong.

The exclusive Driving Experience promotion will only be limited to 4 customers who book the Audi A4 Sedan between now and the 29th of August. For further details call 2390725.

[Source: TCY Motors Sdn Bhd]

Lexus Reveals All-New 2013 GS 350 at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

• A Sport Sedan with World-Class Luxury and Evocative Design Shows New Identity of Lexus
• Outstanding Driving Dynamics and Innovative Technology Combined
• Spacious Interior With Open, Modern Architecture



PEBBLE BEACH, Calif., August 18, 2011 – Lexus today unveiled the all-new GS 350 at a press conference in conjunction with the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The new 2013 GS combines bold, dynamic styling, precise handling, innovative technology, and a spacious interior. In addition to the GS 350, other 2013 GS models that will be launched in early 2012 include hybrid and F Sport versions, with further details to be announced later this year.


"Today, buyers in the mid-size luxury segment want a more engaging driving experience, styling that makes a statement, and a roomier interior package," said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. "With the all-new GS, we're giving them what they asked for, and more."


Along with a new Lexus signature spindle grille, the GS is a car that conveys a tangible sense of driver confidence, with a redesigned chassis and a wide, strong stance that inspires and rewards driver participation with crisp and precise handling.

GS engineers challenged themselves to develop a more spacious interior environment. While leaving exterior dimensions virtually unchanged, they dramatically increased cabin and trunk space to create an interior that can easily transport passengers and their luggage in luxury and style regardless of distance.

Richly endowed with world-class features and premium details, the new GS is supported by advanced, performance-enhancing technology that makes it more than just a luxury car. The driver and front passenger will enjoy the clean appearance of the new high-resolution central control display.


Below is video of Mark Templin officially unveils Lexus GS350 at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance:

A New Personality and An Invitation To Drive
Designing the new GS 350 to be both strong and agile was a key focus of the engineering team. They looked to the Lexus LFA supercar for inspiration and carried over some key elements to provide a more engaging driving experience, including a new aerodynamic body; a completely new platform with a wider stance and stiffer structure; a transmission with quicker shifts; distinctive engine sound and exhaust notes; and better seat support.

The new platform is more rigid compared to the current model. Engineers conducted extensive platform testing, ultimately increasing the number of spot welds and adding laser welds in very specific locations. The track, wider by almost two inches, works in combination with a revised suspension design to assure a more solid stance and superior cornering performance.

The new suspension system is designed to help guide the 2013 GS through corners with precision. In the front, upper and lower control arms are made from aluminum and employ larger bushings. The rear subframe has been completely redesigned to accommodate an all-new multi-link rear suspension, using improved suspension geometry that retains tire cornering force and enhances rear control. With the stiffer platform and lighter components, the shocks can use lighter-viscosity oil, so they move easily and respond to small inputs more quickly.

The use of front and rear aluminum control arms helps reduce unsprung weight and results in significant improvements in agility, roll damping, ride comfort, body control and steering precision. Overall, the suspension is lighter and stronger, allowing it to react to driver input readily, and ride quietly without harshness. Ventilated disc brakes featuring four-piston aluminum front calipers are endowed with the latest electronic enhancements to help provide braking balance and control.

Customized Driving Experience
The new GS is powered by an advanced 3.5-liter V6, four cams, and four valves per cylinder with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). At 306 horsepower, it is one of the most powerful base engines in the segment, as well as the only one with both port and direct injection. It propels the GS from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds and at the same time, fuel economy has been improved.

Acceleration from 30 to 50 mph can take just 3.0 seconds, and improved engine sound characteristics complement the bolder, more energetic personality of the new GS. The six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission has paddle shifters and sport driving functions as standard equipment.

The transmission incorporates many features adopted from the Lexus IS F high-performance sedan - including faster shifts, earlier torque converter lockup and downshift throttle blips - to support four driving modes that can be operated by toggling the new Lexus Drive Mode selector. In addition to the Normal mode, the following settings let the driver customize the driving experience:

• ECO mode revises throttle mapping, seat heating, and climate control systems for better fuel economy. In ECO mode, meter lighting changes to blue.
• SPORT S mode revises throttle mapping and transmission shifting priorities to fully exploit the capabilities of the powertrain. In SPORT S mode, meter lighting changes to red.
• SPORT S+ mode (available on some models) engages handling enhancements via a sport setting of the adaptive variable suspension, steering system, and vehicle stability control (VSC) together with the powertrain enhancements of SPORT S mode.


An optional electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system is designed to enhance traction in a variety of driving conditions. The system can vary front-to-rear torque balance from 50/50 to as much as 30/70, depending on driving conditions, for exceptional control.

Innovative Lexus Design
The 2013 GS expresses a new generation of Lexus' design philosophy with its precisely
sculpted exterior and will lead the rest of the lineup in an entirely new direction. When designers shaped the GS they visualized the flow of air around it and, like the LFA supercar, maximized aerodynamic efficiency for class-leading coefficient of drag.



The GS fuses distinctive style with engineering functionality. Fins incorporated into the side of the tail lamps and the design of the trunk area all help direct air over and past the car. The rear bumper underbody area was designed for reduced wind resistance to help keep the car firmly planted on the ground. Finally, air inlets located on the outer edges of the lower grille serve as cooling ducts.


The signature spindle grille with its trapezoidal contours evolved from current Lexus styling and fully integrates into the aggressive front bumper allowing for efficient airflow. This distinctive Lexus design feature combined with the deep-set, high-tech headlamps and L-shaped LED daytime running lamps further express the vehicle's confident and dynamic character. The headlamps use a projector beam design, adding a strong, chiseled appearance and excellent illumination.



From the side, the GS projects the image of a spacious sport sedan with a road-hugging wider stance. The tapered lower rocker panel and the short front overhang give the vehicle a sense of motion. Width-enhancing front and rear wheel arches adds an athletic stance enhancing the vehicle's dynamic presence.

The rear bumper features a distinctive exhaust diffuser and centered aero fins to help control underbody airflow. Combined with the L-shaped LED tail lamps, a Lexus design cue, these rear bumper features lend a high-performance appearance. Overall, the new GS sheet metal represents a significant extension of the Lexus L-finesse philosophy that is the core of all Lexus product design.

The GS 350 will feature three colors that are new to the Lexus color palette: Riviera Red, Meteor Blue Metallic and Liquid Platinum. Vehicles in Riviera Red will benefit from glass flakes incorporated into the coating that adds a high level of brilliance to the paint. Lexus engineers developed a new advanced coating process for Liquid Platinum exteriors. The GS 350 will be the first Lexus to adopt this new coating technology. Vehicles with the Liquid Platinum exterior will appear more radiant as an additional metallic texture gives both strong shading and defined, sharp highlights. This metallic effect makes subtle and defined bodylines more noticeable and the surface appear finely polished.

Spacious Interior with Premium Upgrades
The GS provides more overall space for all occupants. With these changes, the new GS
offers comfortable space for front and rear passengers.


Upgraded accommodations start with the driver. The entire cabin was created around the driver and the driving experience. A horizontal-themed instrument panel emphasizes the spaciousness through its wide layout. A redesigned seat frame and changes to steering column architecture enable an improved driver seating position for increased comfort, better forward visibility and overall command of the road. Equal attention has been paid to maximizing space for rear passengers, adding headroom, legroom, knee room and improved foot space compared to the current generation GS.


Door openings have also been revised for easier ingress and egress. Trunk space has been increased by almost 25 percent, and trunk access is improved with a wider, deeper opening.


Painstaking attention to detail was applied to the GS cabin as well to create a balance of luxurious and technological amenities and emotional design. The new layout of the long, sculpted dash gives the driver and front passenger a sense of roominess through its clean center stack and new, large high-resolution center control display placed deep near the front windshield. Most of the comfort and convenience controls such as audio and climate were relocated to provide a cleaner and more sophisticated dash layout.


The interior includes a number of embedded premium upgrades as standard equipment. A new energy-saving auto climate control system called S-Flow uses the occupant-detection system to focus airflow only to the front area where passengers are actually seated, a first-in-class technology. A next-generation Remote Touch with one-push confirmation is standard on all models and enables smooth, intuitive operations control.


The Remote Touch allows the user to operate the climate, audio, phone controls, optional navigation system and more. The screen menus are selected with the controller, eliminating the need to reach out. Remote touch also reduces eye movement and helps users operate functions with reduced effort and distraction. A standard rear back-up camera helps add security and convenience.

The finely crafted cabin detail is complemented further by ambient lighting that unobtrusively welcomes and guides the user into the vehicle, providing a carefully designed experience. New white LED lights are sequentially lit to illuminate the areas around the doors, center console and footwells. A new analog clock with LED indicators, carved from an ingot, adds a unique touch, at once both modern and traditional.

Cabin materials include three types of wood specially chosen to highlight the unique flavors of the model variations. Meticulously detailed contrast stitching is used as a visual accent on the instrument panel, door trim, center console, shift knob and steering wheel to create a rich, tailored interior space.

Seamless Connectivity
Next-generation Lexus multimedia brings a host of standard entertainment and connectivity enhancements, including enhanced Bluetooth® capability with automatic phonebook download and streaming audio.

GS buyers will get DVD audio and video compatibility, MP3 sound enhancement, 5.1 Surround Sound, and a high-resolution eight-inch central control display centrally located high up in the instrument panel. An SMS text-to-speech feature allows the driver to be read text messages and send preset responses with a compatible smart phone. HD RadioTM with iTunes tagging and a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM Satellite Radio are standard. The Gracenote Media management system creates dynamic music playlists and a voice recognition solution recognizes nicknames for music artists and even some mispronunciations.

By adding the optional navigation system, GS owners can get an industry-first 12.3-inch, split-screen, high-resolution multi-media display. The split-screen ultra-large display enhances visibility through the use of advanced, high-definition graphics that are easy to read and easy to use. The 12.3-inch screen is large enough to support simultaneous, split-screen viewing of a large map display, plus audio, climate or other vehicle information.

GS buyers will also have access to next-generation Lexus Enform®, the system that leverages mobile phone technology to provide a new level of connectivity and information management. Local searches can be conducted through Bing, or use voice-enabled apps to make restaurant reservations through OpenTable, get movie tickets via MovieTickets.com or tap into internet radio, including Pandora® or iHeartRadio.

They will also appreciate the ability to check-in on Facebook, and search for restaurant reviews on Yelp. SiriusXM data services offer information on stocks, traffic, weather, sports and fuel prices. The system is updatable and upgradeable through over-the-air downloads, so new apps and content can be readily added.

For audiophiles who insist on the ultimate in audio performance, an 835-watt, 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system is available. The system provides 7.1 Surround Sound through 10 channels using a new class D Digital amplifier and luxury-first Green EdgeTM speakers that are lighter, more energy-efficient and have less distortion. The new system produces almost three times as many watts per channel over the previous generation.

Integrated Safety Systems
In addition to enhanced braking systems and an impact-absorbing body structure, the new GS offers significant advances in both passive and active safety systems as standard equipment.

There are a class-leading 10 airbags in the new GS, including a knee airbag for both front driver and passenger. Rear seat occupants have seat-mounted side airbags, and all four outboard occupants are equipped with side curtain airbags.

New Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats increases the likelihood that occupants will be in optimum position at the moment of impact, enhancing the protective effect of the seatbelt system. Standard seatbelts with pretensioners with force limiters used for front and outboard rear seats further assist occupant protection.

Available options to help further enhance occupant safety include a pre-collision system, which uses the dynamic radar cruise control system to provide early warning of upcoming objects that might result in a collision. The system also uses a first-in-class infrared camera to monitor the driver's eyes to check on driver status. In the event that the driver does not appear to be looking forward when a collision appears imminent, the system will initiate the warning at an earlier threshold. If the driver still does not respond and make the appropriate maneuver, the system will initiate braking intervention up to two seconds prior to impact, helping to lessen the severity of the collision.

Other available safety systems include a Night Vision System that enhances driver visibility at night; Heads Up Display (HUD); a Blind Spot Monitor that helps detect vehicles in rear/side blind spots; and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW). GS is the first in its segment to offer LKA with active steering torque to provide a small amount to assist in maintaining course, while the LDW feature alerts the driver if the system detects that the vehicle is beginning to drift out of the lane.

"The new GS 350 combines luxury, outstanding driving dynamics and world-class technology features in a new and bold design," said Templin. "We expect this car to occupy a key position both at the core of the Lexus brand and at the heart of the mid-luxury sedan segment."

[Source: Lexus Press Release]

After the success of the 2010 Suzuki Swift Sport, Suzuki is going to reveal the new successor at the this year Frankfurt Motor Show.

The key highlights of the new Sport version are the revamped 1.6litre engine; now producing a hefty 134bhp and 118lb of torque plus the six speed manual gearbox and full arrays of suspension upgrades such as new struts with internal rebound springs and newly developed rear suspension to make this new swift a cornering frenzy car.


Continue to read Suzuki Press Release below:

NEW SUZUKI SWIFT SPORT TO MAKE WORLD DEBUT AT 2011 FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW

New Swift Sport: an evolution of Swift series' sporty flagship

The new generation Suzuki Swift Sport will make its world debut at the 64th International Motor Show (IAA), which will be held in Frankfurt, Germany, from 13 to 25 September 2011 *¹.

The new Swift Sport is a refined sport compact resulting from the first full model change since the launch of the original Swift Sport in 2006. It has a more aggressive and dignified exterior look thanks to a low-slung form that gives a sense of stability and tension, and a big front grille that evokes a sporty performance feel. The cabin combines essential sportiness with a high-quality look and feel, and design features that heighten excitement about the driving experience.

Higher power and lower fuel consumption are delivered by the 1.6-litre M16A engine, which Suzuki developed exclusively for the Swift Sport. The engine is mated to a specially developed six-speed manual transmission, resulting in performance that is both exciting and environmentally responsible. The new Swift Sport offers superior cornering stability and brisker, more responsive handling thanks to struts with internal rebound springs and an exclusive rear-suspension design.

High levels of safety are assured by features such as a light, stiff, impact-absorbing body, seven airbags (including curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag); and ESP® (Electronic Stability Program).

Specification
Overall length 3,890mm
Overall width 1,695mm
Overall height 1,510mm
Wheelbase 2,430mm
Treads Front 1,470mm
Rear 1,475mm
Piston displacement 1,586cm³
Maximum output 100kw/6,900rpm
Maximum torque 160N-m/4,400rpm


[Source: Suzuki]

Ken Block and his flame thrower Ford Fiesta is back folks. Its the forth episode of their epic gymkhana stunt videos. Now they are taking over Hollywood. Filmed over backlot of Universal Studios, California for five days by director Ben Conrad. One word for this; Awesome!

Quickly check out the video below:

Tuesday 16th August 2011

Local journalists invited to new A6 launch in Korea

Two local newspaper journalists Aziz from Borneo Bulletin and Vincent from Sin Chew Daily are off to Korea to cover the Asia Pacific Regional Launch for the new Audi A6 Sedan which is being held throughout this month for Audi dealers, their respective customers and journalists from around the region including Brunei. A Kuala Lumpur based journalist from the Muhibah in-flight magazine will also be joining them on the exclusive event.



The new Audi A6 Sedan features a new lightweight hybrid body featuring numerous aluminium components and high strength steels.

T.C.Y. Motors Sdn Bhd representatives as well as a number of their Audi customers including a Facebook contest winner have already attended the launch event over the last week. The exclusive launch trip is courtesy of the local Audi dealer as part of their branding and customer loyalty programme.

The new Audi A6 Sedan for Brunei is expected to be available either end of the year or early 2012 featuring a powerful yet efficient 2.0 TFSI petrol engine with 132kW output and 320 Nm of torque. Call 2390725 for more information on the new A6 Sedan.

Here are the highlights of the new Audi A6:


[Source: TCY Motor Sdn Bhd Press Release, Video via Youtube]

Ford Drives Expansion in Brunei with Preview of Award-Winning Figo

• Figo offers impressive product design features, stylish appeal and superior fuel-efficiency at excellent value
• The successful Figo continues Ford’s expansion in Brunei, increasing Ford’s line-up of world-class vehicles in the market


BRUNEI, 12 August 2011 – Ford today announced the arrival of the award-winning Ford Figo – further expanding its showroom with a class-leader in the small car segment. The Ford Figo is available at showroom of Premier Automobiles Sdn Bhd.

Recently voted as Indian Car of the Year 2011, earning the country’s top automotive award by a jury of leading automotive editors, the Figo delivers superior fuel-efficiency, with modern styling and attractive interior designs.





“The arrival of Figo in Brunei highlights Ford’s growth and commitment to support the increasing demand for our passenger vehicles in Asia, which started earlier this year with the Fiesta,” said David Westerman, Asia Pacific Regional Manager - Ford Export Operations. “The Figo is the ideal vehicle to complement Fiesta, offering eco-friendly powertrains, innovation, safety and advanced technologies.”


The Figo is available in both manual and automatic transmission with each providing leading fuel efficiency numbers without compromising on performance. The Figo’s 1.4L Duratec petrol engine delivers an impressive 15.5 km/L. Its kinetically-designed body shape and low-rolling resistance tires also contribute to the all-round efficiency and performance of the vehicle.



The Figo’s interior and exterior styling follows Ford’s global kinetic design elements, helping to harmonise it with other models in the global Ford lineup. The Figo’s crisp driving dynamics, cheerful styling, leading quality and smart technologies have propelled it to multi-award-winning success.


"We are committed to reaching new customers with Figo and are very pleased to welcome its addition to the Ford line-up in Brunei,” said Mr. Teng Chee How, Sales Manager of Premier Automobiles Sdn Bhd.

“Figo offers more features, interior space, technology and durability than other vehicles at this price in this segment. The Figo's fuel efficiency, value and innovation set the vehicle apart from its competition,” added Mr. Teng.

Besides being a fun-to-drive car, the Figo also provides a very competitive cost of ownership equation. For example, in the event of an accident or collision, Ford has developed specially designed ‘child parts’ which can be replaced at a fraction of the cost of a full panel.

For more information please call Premier Automobiles at +673 2421740 | 2441886.



Photography by Mamad A.k

[Source: Premier Automobiles Sdn Bhd Press Release]