Proton Persona SE now on sale for RM59,800

August 26, 2008 at 9:16 pm ·
Proton launched a special edition of the Proton Persona SE today, priced at RM59,800. The Persona SE is only available in two colours - Blue Haze and Brilliant Red. Like all new units of the Persona, the new Proton Persona SE is powered by the Campro IAFM engine which offers a smoother torque curve compared to the old Campro engine. It is only available with an automatic transmission.

The following are the differences in equipment for the special edition model:
· Leather-wrapped seats, steering wheel, gear knob and trim
· Meter panel from the GEN2 CPS
· Different alloy wheel design (15 inch)
· Cruise Control
· Smoked headlamps
· Silver matte door handles and front grille
· A bodykit consisting of front, side and rear skirts and a subtle spoiler
· A Proton-rebadged windscreen-mounted GPS navigation device

The GPS device loads its maps from an SD card, so it should be easy to replace the maps whenever there are updates. I noticed there were some points of interests loaded onto the map such as local restaurants so if you're in an area you do not know and want to grab a quick bite the GPS should be quite useful in that sense.

Mitsubishi Concept-cX

source : Terato

Tokyo, August, 2007 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and its European unit Mitsubishi Motors Europe B.V. will unveil The MITSUBISHI Concept-cX* at the 62nd Internationale Automobil Ausstellung (IAA; commonly known as the Frankfurt Motor Show) in September. Held at the Frankfurt Messe Complex, the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show will be open to the public from September 15 through 23, with press and media pre-viewing September 11 through 14.

The MITSUBISHI Concept-cX represents a new-generation compact SUV, realizing an ideal balance between environmental and everyday practical performance. The concept car uses a new high-output, high-efficiency 1.8-liter clean diesel engine, featuring a variable geometry (VG) turbocharger for optimum boost control and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) with diesel particulate filter (DPF) in the exhaust system for compliance with Europe's Euro 5 emission standards.

Mitsubishi's new Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) adds superior power transmission efficiency for a powertrain that delivers nimble performance alongside excellent fuel economy and low emissions.

Among the number of new environmental technologies applied in the Concept-cX is the extensive use of interior trim materials made from Mitsubishi's own Green Plastic — made from bamboo and other plant-based resins — in a step to stop global warming and slow the depletion of our oil reserves.

MITSUBISHI Concept-cX offers a number of proposals for better utility and road performance. Its high seating position expands the driver's field of view, providing the drivability expected in a SUV; the 4100 mm compact body makes for easy maneuvering around town; and the split tailgate — already well received on other Mitsubishi models — makes for easy loading and unloading of luggage. In the performance department, Concept-cX uses Mitsubishi's electronically controlled 4WD system driven through large 225/45R19 tires to deliver intuitive handling and outstanding stability on all road surfaces.

* 'Compact crossover' concept vehicle

2008 Subaru Impreza WRC

Posted by E-kereta
Subaru finally released the first images of the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRC STi along with the European spec Subaru Impreza and the 2008 Subaru Tribeca.

The 2008 Subaru Impreza WRC STi is expected to be first officialy unveiled at the 62nd International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in September.

Highlights of the Subaru booth this year will be three new models soon to be introduced in many European countries, as well as the Subaru WRC Concept.

Side and Curtain Airbags

Toyota has raised the bar on passenger safety once again, with an announcement that side airbags and curtain shield airbags will now be standard on all new passenger vehicle models in Japan, starting with the new models to be launched shortly.

An SRS side airbag is built into the front seat, and it deploys in the case of a side collision and reduces risk of upper body injury for front seat occupants.

SRS curtain shield airbags are located between the front pillars and the roof-side rails, which deploy and protect both front and rear passengers heads with a curtain-like barrier, reducing impact from side windows, pillars and other internal objects, as well as any external objects like poles.

This is for Japan domestic market cars of course - not sure if this will somehow trickle down to the Toyota cars available in our country sometime in the future.