Cars Original Design

Facelifted Toyota Vios is now Launched from the price of RM72K to RM92K!

Credits to: http://paultan.org/2010/04/15/facelifted-toyota-vios-launched-rm72k-to-rm92k/

UMW Toyota has launched the facelifted Toyota Vios this afternoon. Like most MC (minor change in Toyota speak) cars, the makeover is limited to the front and rear look, wheels and cabin trim while the internals are unchanged. Powered by the tried and tested 1NZ-FE 1.5-litre with 108 bhp and 141Nm mated to a four-speed automatic, the refreshed Vios sees a slight increase in price over the old car, ranging from RM1,100 to over RM2,000 depending on variant. Here are the new prices, which are OTR with insurance:

Vios TRD Sportivo RM92,000
Vios G RM87,300
Vios E RM81,500
Vios J (A) RM76,090
Vios J (M) RM71,990

Up front, the main change is the radiator grille, which brings some “Camry style” to the Vios. The grille now has two chrome horizontal bars as opposed to the previous single split, while the fog lamp housings are now in silver. At the launch event, UMWT showed off the range topping TRD Sportivo and the G-spec, and both came with new design 15-inch alloys and door visors. At the back, the MC Vios gets new taillamps that has more detailing compared to the plain old units. The chrome strip above the number plate is also longer and more prominent now. I have a feeling Toyota wanted to give the Vios a “classier” feel with this facelift, and the grille, chrome and multi-spoke alloys are supposed to create that effect.

Inside, the theme continues with piano black trim on the trademark “waterfall” centre console and chrome on the gear shifter base, hand brake knob and door handles (chrome package only for G). There’s also a new steering wheel with its base flattened off slightly and redesigned audio controls on the left spoke. In the G, the wheel is covered in dimpled leather while the TRD Sportivo gets red stitching to match the rest of its red/black cabin. The G gets combination leather seats and a light grey/beige theme, which further enhances the Vios’ airy, spacious feel. Variants lower down the range get dark grey fabric. We don’t get the Thai market’s HUD, start/stop button and AUX jack.

Equipment wise, all variants come with ABS with EBD and Brake Assist. J-spec cars get a driver’s airbag while the rest comes with two. Most of the goodies such as rear disc brakes, 15-inch rims and integrated stereo are only for the TRD Sportivo and G-spec. As before, the TRD Sportivo can be ordered with optional sports suspension. Scanning through the spec sheet, I saw that both manual and auto J-spec cars now come with power adjustable and retractable wing mirrors, which wasn’t the case previously, if memory serves right.
UMWT started taking orders for this car in February, and has over 2,500 bookings in hand as of now. The company plans to sell 32,400 units of the Vios this year and is confident of retaining the model’s No.1 position in the B-segment.

This Rear Brake light reminds me of the Subaru Impreza Version 9 which look quite similar to it.

This is the Rear Brake Lamp for Subaru Impreza Version 8. Looks alike huh?

The Interior

MTM R8 GT3-2: Supercharged, 560 bhp, RWD

Credits to: http://paultan.org/2010/04/09/mtm-r8-gt3-2-supercharged-560-bhp-rear-wheel-drive/#more-25097

Cold winters do strange things to German tuners. With the amount of snow they get, you’ll think that Wettstetten based tuner MTM would be grateful for the quattro AWD system on the Audi R8, but instead they have gone ahead and made a rear-wheel drive version of Audi’s supercar!

Presenting the MTM R8 GT3-2, which MTM says is the only RWD street-legal Audi around. The company “promises a complete new driving experience and pure driving pleasure” as you battle with the 560 supercharged horses from the 4.2 FSI engine. Torque is rated at 580 Nm. This is a big jump from 414 bhp and 430 Nm of the standard car and even surpasses the R8 V10’s 517 bhp/530 Nm. The GT3-2 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds on to a 317 km/h top speed. The 0-100 time is identical to the R8 V10, but remember that this tuned car puts its power to tarmac only via the rear wheels.

MTM adds on its own suspension kit with several settings, lightweight forged wheels on Dunlop Sport Maxx GT or Michelin Cup Sport tyres. The 20-inch rims hide 380 mm punched and ventilated brake discs. Nothing much is done on the outside except for a carbon fibre front spoiler, side skirt and rear wing for better air flow. I think the red chequred design looks quite cool on a black R8.

Besides selling the GT3-2 new, MTM has an open invitation to brave (or mad?) R8 owners to transform their Audi into a rear-wheel drive car.

Federation D Presents Nissan S14: Drift Car Construction

Credits to: http://federationd.com

Federation D proudly presents one of its drift machine which is a under construction Nissan S14. The pictures below shows the progress of the whole car is being done by purchasing the SR20 Engine, parts, Accessories, roll cage and etc.

SR20 engine ready to install

Waiting for parts in the workshop

Incomplete Interior

Could touch the floor through the gearbox hole

Roll-cage installed

Gearbox being ready for installation. Jack holds it up while they lower the car using the Hydraulic lift.

Note the new single-plate clutch that the gearbox attached to. Sweet

Close up shoot of the Single Plate Clutch

Installing the gearbox

New 2-way LSD (limited slip differential; essential for drifting) at the rear axle, between the 2 Rear Tyres. By seeing the exterior, that shows 2 shiny new cogs. The engine (through the clutch) connects to the gearbox which connects to the LSD.

The interior necessities have just been re-installed. dashboard should be in soon enough

Engine bay is gradually filling back up

The upgraded cam pulley close up shoot

Progress Update : Car is almost done... ~ 80%

Engine bay-passenger side : The custom exhaust manifold and header, with a waste gate attached (blue cap). This then connects to the turbocharger below (with a cloth sticking out).