New Mercedes C180K BlueEfficiency with 1.6L engine!

In this age of relentlessly spiralling oil prices, Mercedes-Benz will launch a new range of fuel efficient C-Class saloons at Geneva 2008 with the tag BlueEfficiency, a term probably coined as an extension from its BLUETEC technology applied to its CDI turbodiesel engines.

The pertinent model to Malaysian market – and likely most of ASEAN - will be the new C180 Kompressor which, now hear this, has an even smaller displaced 1597cc 4-pot beating under the hood! It was previously a 1796cc in-line 4.

Impressively, maximum power output has been maintained 156hp, along with 230Nm worth of torque, same ratings versus the 'old' 1.8L supercharged M271. This new C180K can cover 100 kilometres with just 6.5 litres of petrol. The previous 1.8L powered C180K needs an additional 0.9L of petrol to get the job done. The new econo-power C180K will sprint to 100km/h in 9.5secs, on the way to a top end of 230km/h.

Apart from a smaller capacity petrol engine, better aerodynamics with a CD factor of 0.25 (versus standard C-Class’ 0.27) and weight savings from the new alloy wheels, lighter plus lower rolling resistance Michelins, engine bay firewall foams and windscreen all adds up to higher fuel efficiency.

The other models offering TrueBlue solutions i.e. higher mileage to every litre of fuel are the new C200 CDI and C350CGI, with direct gasoline injection (finally!).

Proton GEN.2 facelift gets real-deal CPS, VIM and IAFM

Proton Gen.2 1.6 has finally undergone a facelift along with engine"lift" featuring true variable valve timing now in the form of CPS plus VIM (Variable Intake Manifold) for its Hi-Line models. These retail for RM57,488 and RM60,488 for the manual and auto versions respectively. Power output figures are 125bhp at 6500rpm, while torque is 150Nm peaking at 4500rpm.

The Medium-Line models apart from getting just one driver's airbag also ditches CPS in favour of a simpler variable air intake manifold, dubbed IAFM by Proton. Proton claims that the infamous torque dip of its Campro circa 3000rpm is now ironed out, by way of more responsive and constant low to mid-range torque delivery. A case in point is healthier torque delivery of 139Nm at 3000rpm, versus the basic Campro 1.6L (in pre-facelift Gen.2) which only managed 128Nm of torque at the same engine rpm.

In overview, Proton's 1.6L Campro without CPS gives 110bhp at 6000rpm, along with 148Nm of torque at 4000rpm. The M-Line facelifted Gen.2 retails for RM53,488 and RM56,488 with the 5-speed manual and 4 A/T options respectively.

Mazda gets new distributor in Malaysia

Cycle & Carriage Bintang Bhd (CCB) has given up yet another automotive franchise – with its previous Peugeot distributorship having ended by end-2007 – this time surrendering the Mazda brand. BerMaz Motor Sdn Bhd, a unit of Berjaya Corporation will acquire Cycle & Carriage Bintang Bhd’s wholly-owned current Mazda’s franchise holder, Hercules Automotive Engineers Sdn Bhd, for RM16.8million.

BerMaz Motor has sealed a 3 years distribution agreement with Mazda Motor Co. which will take effect as of 1st of April 2008. Berjaya Corp is currently involved with the sole distributorship of Skoda brand and has future prospect set on China’s Changan auto vehicles in Malaysia. With such acquisition, Bermaz Motor Sdn. Bhd. will officially take over all of Mazda’s automotive business in Malaysia by H2 2008.

You may want to read this:

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/10/ccb-gives-up-peugeot-in-malaysia.html

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IMG_5487, originally uploaded by Super-Fly.

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Mazda Concept, originally uploaded by 8348.

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Porsche GT3 RSR, originally uploaded by jarapet.

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Porsche GT3 RSR, originally uploaded by jarapet.