The Fun Stuff

Detroit Automakers One Step Closer to Being Saved

2008-12-11T10:30:00.003+08:00

Congress and the White House have come to an agreement on the proposed plan from the Detroit 3 for financial aid during these troubled times that the three automakers have been experiencing due to the current economic crisis. The current $15 billion bailout proposal already has most of its major points agreed upon and is now on its way to the Senate and House of Representatives.

The $15 billion plan will provide General Motors and Chrysler low-interest loans that should help the sustain the two until somewhere near March next year. Ford on the other hand will not be taking any loans until its financial situation worsens. The funds will most probably be drawn from a fund established earlier in the year by the Energy Department.

One of the conditions required in the financial aid proposal is that the President will appoint a person to oversee all the restructuring and management of the companies to ensure that all the plans submitted to Congress will indeed be followed and that the changes proposed will be made. The elected person will hold the power to give recommendations and direction during this critical period, and should these be ignored, the financial loans could be withheld or postponed. Bankruptcy could also be on the cards if so recommended, a move strongly in favor of by the Republicans.

Interestingly, the owners of Chrysler, private equity firm Cerberus Capital, were not required to be held accountable for the loans, should they be approved to Chrysler. This would mean that if Chrysler were to cease operations and fold, Cerberus would not have to repay the federal loans and that would be the last we will see of all that taxpayer money.

The bill will now have to pass through the Senate and House of Representatives before any of these federal loans can be approved. Even with their approval, possible lengthy legislative procedures might mean that it could take some time for GM and Chrysler to see any cash flow into their accounts.

Should The Big 3 Be Rescued?

2008-12-04T13:06:00.004+08:00

The current state of the economy has left the US automotive industry in dire straits and the Big 3 have been crying out for help from the U.S. government to the tune 25 billion of American taxpayers' dollars. Eric Reguly from Globe and Mail [via Paultan.org] argues that GM, Ford & Chrysler should be left to crumble and then rebuilt on their own efforts.

In his article, Eric points out that the root of their problems stemmed from general laziness and mismanagement from the automakers, hence the reason they should not receive any funding aids at all. He also points out that they have already been exploiting the U.S. government for decades through CAFE - the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard. In exploiting the CAFE, the Big 3 have been able to use the CAFE loopholes to sell massive cars at extravagant prices without having to be accountable or responsible, in a manner that other European and Japanese manufacturers without federal help had to achieve by creating essentially better cars in terms of quality & fuel economy, amongst others.

Now that petrol prices have risen substantially and sales figures of these gas-guzzlers have plummeted in favour of better cars by their competitors, the Big 3 are once again going back to the government for rescue, which is something they already expect. However, since automakers around the globe are also facing similar issues, would it mean that every manufacturer should receive some from of financial aid or subsidy from their respective governments?

I definitely agree with Eric when he says that the Big 3 have fallen into this pit due to their own actions. I strongly agree that the Big 3 are lazy and as a result they should have to overcome this situation on their own. How much longer can GM continue to pull the wool over their customers' eyes by introducing "new and improved" models which are actually just rebadged models to begin with, i.e. the Chevrolet Lacetti made famous by Top Gear UK in the Star In A Reasonably Priced Car segment is in fact a rebadged Korean Daewoo model. Similarly, the most recent Pontiac GTO model is in fact just a rebadged Australian Holden.

The respective CEOs from GM, Ford and Chrysler will be meeting with Congress again tomorrow with to elaborate on the plans they submitted detailing how each manufacturer will be using their cut of the financial aid, alongside the president of the United Auto Workers (UAW) Ron Gettelfinger. The UAW is also planning to contribute by possibly eliminating the Jobs Bank, which is a highly controversial program that allows laid off workers to receive up to 95% of their basic salary. Once again, this only seems to demonstrate the level of laziness that the American auto industry in shrouded in.

We can now only wait to see how Wagoner, Mullaly & Nardelli will present their detailed plans to Congress. Rest assured though, that after the personal jet fiasco of last time, all 3 CEOs will be driving to D.C. this time around.

Have a look at the plans submitted by GM, Ford & Chrysler and have your say in the comments.

[Source: Globe and Mail, Automotive News, Paultan.org, Autoblog, press releases]

Project Blackjack - Drifting & Video Made Art

2008-12-04T12:39:00.004+08:00

As gamers already know, driving games make up one of the main genres in console and arcade gaming alike. Driving game enthusiasts often fall in one of two categories; the arcade/family fun type racer such as the Need For Speed & Midnight Club series, and the simulation type racer such as the Gran Turismo, Forza Motorsport & Project Gotham Racing series.

Traditionally, the simulation racer community has always been in search of lower lap times and the perfect racing line, but now, there is a new emerging crowd that is slowly and surely spreading its influence across the driving game community - the drifters. The introduction of more realistic physics engines coupled with the ability to essentially fully tune the in-game cars down to exact suspension rebound settings & camber alignments, enabled gamers to successfully initiate very long & smooth drifts in-game.

A drift team in particular, Project Blackjack, caught my attention with one of their Forza Motorsport 2 drift videos which they titled The Rising Storm. Besides the drifting abilities of the drivers, an aspect of the video that intrigued me was that the entire video was shot in Forza 2, with in-game cars placed at strategic locations around the tracks as camera cars. One can only imagine the amount of time used and dedication of the team to be able to create a video such as this.

Catch the video from Youtube embedded below and have your say in the comments section.

More of their Youtube videos here: ProjectBLJK

Vietnamese Crack Face Recognition

2008-12-03T11:40:00.003+08:00

Many new laptop computers nowadays are brandishing the latest in personal face recognition technology in the latest of marketing activities by brands such as Toshiba and Asus. These new steps towards personal data recognition have been tested to be efficient and effective, until now.

BKIS, a Vietnamese security firm, has recently demonstrated that despite having these laptop face recognition systems set to their highest security level, these laptops can be duped to believe that a simple sheet of paper is as good as a face. Face recognition is currently offered by Toshiba, Lenovo and Asus, and uses the laptop's built-in webcam to capture faces and then analyze for authentication.

In a demonstration in Vietnam organized by BKIS, the firm showed that by using a simple picture printed on a mere sheet of paper, they were able to trick the face recognition systems from all 3 manufacturers. All that had to be done was to capture a simple photo of the authenticated person's face. The photo was then processed, possibly to enhance the particular features that the facial recognition softwares identify, and then printed out on a sheet of paper. When held in front of the laptop, surprisingly within moments the computer accepted the faux face and allowed full access to all data.

Thought that your face was unique, did you?

[Source: cnet news]

Exclusive Marques Feeling the Economic Crisis

2008-12-02T12:47:00.003+08:00

Now that it is official that the economy is now in recession, the auto market across the globe is now in turmoil, especially in the US. The Big 3 (GM, Ford & Chrysler) have yet to close the deal for its financial bailout, and it seems that the situation is very dire for the Americans manufacturers. Ford, for instance, recently sold off its stake in Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata, and even the controversial sale of Aston Martin which was thought the only profitable arm under Ford at that time.

However, news has arrived of layoffs at Aston Martin, which shows that despite the popularity of the DB9, the British marque is also suffering from drops in sales. AM have announced that they will be cutting off 600 jobs to save costs and will be working closely with the unions to reduce the workforce.

Even Bentley, who hit record sales in 2006, are also experiencing issues and have already cut their production figures by 15% in response to the drop in sales. Bentley are working closely with their dealers through these difficult times but we can expect more layoffs from the brand as well.

Only time will tell how the automakers will continue to respond to the recession but cost cuts seem to be the only way forward. The most evident of this would certainly be the absence of several major brands in the Detroit Motor Show this year. We can only hope that these big brands will pull through this crisis.

Feel free to have your say in the comments section.

Top Gear Trio interview

2008-12-02T06:14:00.002+08:00

A relaxing watch of the trio from Top Gear, in an interview:

This was posted recently in Finalgear but the video was taken down for some reason..boo

Guitar Hero III, On Drums?

2008-12-01T11:23:00.003+08:00

Guitar Hero World Tour just came out weeks ago and we have already gotten our hands on it. Many hours have been spent banging away on the new drum kit, and massive strumming on the new model guitar with its touch-sensitive fret board. A full review to come soon but before that, we will have to revert back to the good old Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock days.

Those among us who have played Guitar Hero III would remember the iconic track "Through The Fire And Flames" by Dragonforce, commonly known as TFFAF in the Guitar Hero community. TFFAF was designed by RedOctane to be the hardest track to master on GH3, and they were spot on. Countless online forums and communities established their own TFFAF boards to monitor the high score rankings for that one particular track. One who could master Expert level on TFFAF was indeed a true Guitar Hero.

Now imagine playing the same track, but on the drums. Impossible? Apparently not for this guy who posted a video of himself rocking out on TFFAF on the drums. Using his own custom MIDI drum set controller replacing the guitar and some mad drumming skills, this guy is out to prove that he can beat you on guitar, using drums. Have a look at the video below, and leave your say in the comments section.

[Source: College Humor]

Monster Pit R32 at Sepang Drag Battle

2008-11-17T12:21:00.014+08:00

As we pull into the Sepang parking area and notice the available lots rapidly diminishing, the excitement starts to build in anticipation of the night's Sepang Drag Battle event. The car park is full of modified and as well as stock cars, but the entire crowd consists of drag racing fans. For some it is even a family event as moms can be seen wheeling their children through the entrance on their strollers.

We pay the entrance fee (RM180 for participants, RM30 for spectators) and enter the pit area. Right from the start, you can see that these people mean business. Many of the participating cars aren't even road legal, evident by the fact that not only do they not even have a full chassis or body, the cars have to be actually towed or transported by flatbed to the event. I find it difficult even to refer some of them as actual cars but more of highly tuned engines with wheels fitted to lift them off the ground.

A short walk over to Pit 11 where the class B (2WD Forced Induction category) cars are parked, we find the Monster Pit car that we have come to support. The R32 Nissan Skyline of Monster Pit owner Ivan Tan is easily the most attractive car competing today. Fresh from the Mean Machines event at Juru recently, the Monster Pit R32 is still sporting its fresh show car paint and livery. Ivan and his chief mech have worked hard to get the car where it is today with its new RB26 powerplant ready to lay down a baseline 400m time in stock form with its new driver, Akina Teo.

As the qualifying session begins, our eyes are truly opened to the fact that these cars are really quick in the quarter mile. Plenty of cars in class B can be seen pulling off 10" and 11" runs. The class A (Open category) cars are even quicker, with cars including a highly tuned Satria, and an Impreza and Evo from Singapore.

In conclusion, the Sepang Drag Battle was an interesting experience indeed with the Monster Pit team having a very good first outing. The team will continue to grow with more experience and track time with Ivan's goal of building a powerful track weapon that works equally well as a daily driver set in the team's sights. We wish the best of luck to the Monster Pit team.

Pictures from the 15/11/08 Sepang Drag Battle below.

Ken Block doing wonders on 4 wheels.

2008-11-13T11:30:00.003+08:00

Found this video of Ken Block working his 530HP WRX. Great watch.

http://www.dpccars.com/car-videos-08/11-13-08page-Ken-Block-in-a-530whp-Subaru-WRX.htm

Reviewed: Honda Civic Type-R

2008-11-07T10:09:00.005+08:00

It’s almost 4am when we climb into the new Honda Civic Type-R and I nestle myself into the Type-R’s supportive passenger seat. Instantly I breathe in the subtle details that set this Civic apart from the regular ones we see so often on the roads. Besides the Type-R exclusive seats, only the red ‘H’ logo on the steering wheel and small Type-R emblems give tell-tale signs of the beast that lives within this Civic.

The exterior tells a whole different story, with the Championship White paint and colour-matched lightweight wheels echoing the looks and performance of Honda’s own NSX Type-R. The redesigned bumper with larger air dams and front spoiler give the car a very aggressive look, and at the rear the large wing and diffuser clearly state the new Type-R’s racing and track intentions.

As we close the doors and insert the keys into the ignition, the anticipation and excitement builds within me. A push of the red starter button brings the K20A powerplant to life, but not with the drama one would expect from such a highly-strung engine. At idle the Type-R feels no different from the regular Civic, and even a blip of the throttle at standstill does nothing to excite.

Moving along empty city roads, I am annoyed to find that the exhaust note is rather flat, with the engine sounding very harsh at higher revs. At low speeds, the Type-R seems to want to settle down like a regular Civic, but the very hard track tuned suspension leaves no room for passenger comfort. So far, the Type-R has failed to impress me, but the passenger seat is not where you would want to judge this particular Honda.

We pull over and I hop over into the driver’s seat. As soon as we set off, the answer suddenly becomes clear. The rev-loving engine pulls smoothly all the way to the redline. The throttle response is crisp and immediate, with no slack in the pedal. There is this sense of urgency throughout the car, encouraging you to rev the engine harder and shift faster. True to a highly tuned V-TEC engine, revs have to be kept high to keep the car pulling hard in its powerband and the close-ratio transmission on the Type-R is mated perfectly to the 4-cylinder masterpiece. The gearbox has a nice short throw and the shifts are very quick and precise. The combination of the narrow powerband and short, close-ratio gearing enables the driver to keep the car accelerating at its hardest, of which its usefulness should be evident on a closed track.

Another piece of the FD2 that is perfectly suited for the track are the brakes, courtesy of Brembo. The brakes were spectacular, being able to bring the car to a standstill quickly without even the slightest squirm. Pedal feel was excellent and modulation was easy at all speeds. Even with its track-tuned suspension, braking hard over bumpy, city roads posed no problems to the Type-R. All four wheels were always in contact with the road and the chassis allowed the car to be stable and settled at all times.

The Type-R’s sharp engine and drivetrain combination are indeed beautifully set up and can wear its badge proudly, but its real pièce de résistance is its handling; it is truly breathtaking. The steering is instantaneous and extremely precise, well weighted for spirited driving and communicates perfectly with the driver, letting the driver know and feel exactly what the tyres are doing. The front-end grip is phonomenal for a front-wheel drive car and the car does not push wide easily. The back end rotates very well to interpret the driver’s steering inputs, and the ability of the rear to follow the front into the corners enables the car to be very neutral in the corners when flat-out. The superb handling and high levels of road adhesion of this amazing cornering machine will over-flatter and keep increasing your confidence the more you drive it. It just begs to be driven hard, and it equally rewards the driver in return.

As we step out of the Type-R and I return the keys after our drive, I am still in a struggle to completely accept it. I love the way the car feels in my hands, how easy it is to communicate with it at high speeds, and how the car manages to instill a level of confidence that makes the car standout from the crowd. However, it just does not seem like it will make a good everyday car. Without a doubt, you could take your entire family and a day’s worth of supplies to the track, have a wonderful, all-out experience all day, and then just drive your family home after but it just does not feel like what the Type-R was built for. It was made for one purpose only and that is to be driven hard and flat-out on the track or closed mountain road all the time with a big smile on your face, and to that end the Type-R is a great success. Perhaps the biggest success of all is that at the end of the day, despite my doubts, not only did it leave a smile on my face, it left me wanting more.

Many thanks to Tom and Zerotohundred.com. Please have your say in comments.

Top Gear Around The World

2008-10-31T09:04:00.002+08:00

The 12th season of Top Gear UK will soon begin to air on November 2nd and the kind folks at the BBC have released a little teaser trailer for all of us to enjoy. From the looks of the trailer, the new series will be brilliant. The trailer shows cars such as the Dodge Challenger, Cadillac CTS-V, Corvette ZR1, Lamborghini LP560-4, racing driver Mika Hakkinen, and the usual three middle aged men just cocking about. The video can be found here.

Top Gear US has also had some news with the launch of their new site with some previews of what we can expect from the new series. The site is still quite UK oriented, but there is US specific material, and we can expect more as more work gets done and the pilot gets closer to air time. The US site includes a blog, photos, videos, and if you have spare time on your hands, some of those videos are actually worth a watch.

Top Gear Australia has aired 5 episodes so far and the cast seem to be on the right track. Although many reviews stated that they didn't see the Aussie trio mashing together as well as their British counterparts, they need to remember that the Brits have been doing it for years and that the Aussies have barely started. Having said that, I do see the Aussies coming together better now in the features, and the film work is coming close to that of Top Gear UK quality. They are not yet as entertaining as the UK trio, but the chemistry is definitely coming together. We'll just have to wait and watch the rest of the series to see if they can hit it off hard.

For those of you having never watched Top Gear, Finalgear.com is a great site to visit where you can find links to torrents for not only Top Gear but Fifth Gear as well. The Finalgear forums are also very busy and occasionally informative, where you can find episode reviews and ratings on the boards, and even previews for upcoming episodes.

Photo Hunt: Mean Machines 2008

2008-10-30T14:10:00.012+08:00

Deepavali marked the conclusion of the Mean Machines 2008 autoshow at Juru Autocity. Mean Machines is labelled to be the biggest car show in the Northern Region, but I would only say that the turnout was slightly above average. Some highlights of the cars on display include a pair of Lamborghini Gallardos and a few tastefully done BMWs at the Motorsport Division tent. Local motoring sites such as Zerotohundred and Autojunctions were also around to show their support. Enjoy some highlight pics below.

Lastly, which idiot thought that this was a good idea?

Rise of the GTR

2008-10-23T10:11:00.005+08:00

(picture taken from autoblog)

The Nissan GT-R. Known as Godzilla, or a 911 killer on the 'Ring....until Porsche started an accusation...

Anyway, there's a cool video about how Carlos Ghosn, hailed as Nissan's saviour, brought the GT-R to life.

They have a really good marketing strategy, getting the enthusiasts and crowed excited without the conventional media advertising. Smart indeed.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/21/video-nissan-gt-r-documentary-by-national-geographic/

The video is about 47 minutes but it's a nice watch.

If the video is not there anymore, try torrenting it. There's no guessing when it'll be off the site.

...

There has been news in forums about how Nissan is voiding warranty on the GTR when transmission problem occurs...well, tough luck for those owners who apparently launched the car far too many times...sadly enough it's hard to take forums seriously...

It apparently cost USD 20k for a new transmission....

Or USD 20k for a Nismo titanium exhaust system..

( from http://gt-rr.com/gt-r/r35/nismo_japan/part/exhaust_system_titanium_with_diffuser/pid/178 )

Either way...it's still a great car, depending on the hands of the owners.

-Seng Lee

Meet the Beckers

2008-10-15T09:31:00.002+08:00

Got to love it when automakers pay attention to owners demographically...and use that to blow other automakers.

It's rather true for drivers around my area, whether it's Boston or Rhode Island.

But nevertheless, it's an entertaining jab at other automakers with stereotyping at its best.

-Seng Lee

Photo Hunt: Pixar CARS Failed Audition Pictures

2008-10-13T18:13:00.005+08:00

Covers come off BMW's race S1000RR

2008-10-13T17:30:00.005+08:00

Cologne, Germany: BMW finally unveils the official colours their new WSB contender will sport when it hits the tracks next year. The official version looks very similar to the preview shots we saw of the bike earlier, and it is confirmed that the S1000RR will be ditching all of BMW's own suspension setups in favour of standard telescopic forks and coil-over.

The S1000RR will be going head-to-head with the Japanese litrebikes, Ducati & their 1098R, and the Aprilia RSV4 in 2009, with the BMW ridden by Ruben Xaus and Troy Corser.

Looking at the pictures now, I am sad to say that I feel the race livery is not only unattractive but also the least intimidating. However, how the S1000RR will perform on the track has yet to be seen, and we can be certain that BMW will definitely bring something new to the WSB table. Feel free to leave comments on BMW's latest effort.

[Source: BMW via Autoblog]

Porsche calls "Bullshit", Nissan fires back

2008-10-13T16:58:00.005+08:00

"7 minutes 29 seconds"; Words that have haunted German automakers Porsche since Nissan announced that their new GT-R had set a new record on the infamous Nurburgring in April 2008. Out to prove the Japanese wrong and to salvage whatever it could to uphold the pride of their 997 Turbo, Porsche actually bought a brand new GT-R in the U.S. and shipped it over to Germany, where they then proceeded to carry out their own 'hot laps' of the Nurburgring.

Porsche, however, were unable to emulate the lightning quick pace set by the Japanese, and then started pointing fingers at Nissan, saying that the Japs cheated by using non-standard tyres and that such a feat in the GT-R was not actually possible. Porsche even took the car back to the Nissan development shop near the track to ask for help in achieving the stated time, where apparently Nissan's chief engineer himself diagnosed the car as improperly broken in and performed the recommended servicing procedures for Porsche.

Nissan have now officially posted a video of the GT-R's lap accompanied by pictures of the tyres used on the car. Look below for the official released video. What do you have to say now, Porsche?

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

Photo Hunt: Chinese Fireworks

2008-10-08T14:24:00.011+08:00

Some random shots I took at a fireworks show in Xiamen, China. Feel free to post your opinions on the comments page. Enjoy (hopefully)

Introduction post...becareful on the roads

2008-10-08T12:35:00.005+08:00

I have the privilege of co-authoring this blog, and I have few things on my mind for this blog.

It'll be random but I can voice out opinions and thoughts of different articles, items or just typical news...

...

Snow...some people may not experiance it...some do. I did, many many times. And if it looks like this beautiful picture, means you're really screwed.

(taken from http://www.freefoto.com/images/16/08/16_08_25---Snow-Scene_web.jpg)

But firstly...i'll go with the most basic things every American should know...since i'm in America and drivers around me don't know signal lights are standard on any car sold on American soil...

Why is not that most people here don't bother to use their signal? They only blip the signal after they have turned.

It's like looking into Lehman Brothers and AIG's CEOs after it's too late. USD 480 million for 1 person? God dammit, that's heck alot of money...and the AIG issue, our taxpayers money supposedly went on a 1 week vacation...approximately USD 440k was used...from the taxpayer-funded USD 85 billion used to keep them afloat...

Not that i make bad wishes upon those greedy people, who was blamed for the economy's downfall but i'm sure karma will not descriminate the wealthy, well, the rest of America wishes the same thing....because whatever they did, it's not mixing well with us.

They make millions off compensation for drilling the company to the ground, at the expense of alot of jobs and our money...my money, and the economy. They go away loaded, we struggle to pay bills here.
Whoever is leading the investigation, go ahead and punish those responsible...but who am I? Just a puny legal tax payer paying for other people's lavish lifestyles.

Their logic and state is just like Darth Vader filling up his water with a Brita jug

....

Now that winter is kicking in at full speed, first thing people should know about is tires.

No, your ultra uber sport tires for summers that cost 2 arms and 1 torso won't work in winter...why?

Simple...temperature goes down like the stock market overnight, freezes up and the tire compound in summer tires pretty much harden...mother nature wins...having those kinda of tires on an icy slope is like waiting to get kicked in the nuts by someone who told you you're gonna be kicked in the nuts hard...

So there you go, a car with AWD or 4WD on summer tires are catastrophic as well, 4 hockey pucks on ice don't show mercy to all electronic nannys your car has to offer...all-weather tires don't harden as much but still requires owners to be extra careful...grip is there, but it's as easy to lose control...

Best bet, winter tires...soft compound made for extreme low temeperatures....most vehicles with winter tires will laugh at Hummers stranded with their blinged-out 22" rimz yo...

Of course i couldn't go that route due to financial strain...maybe next winter...
I survived with my Pirelli Pzero Nero all seasons...they're not the best, but does the job just fine as long as I know the car's limits.

Enough Mazdaspeed6s faced their demise with stock summer tires last winter...needless to say the forums were filled with haters...but the problem is with the equipment, not the car.

In places that don't have climate change, any tires would do perhaps...which is a huge plus.

It's one of thoes times where speeding kills, cause you can't beat mother nature.
...

A fitting song for my first post...yes, the dude is a prune but the tune is good

Some partial lyric i found:

wa chia ah si kuey so si zai ho tit toh
wu lang ai speeding
wu lang ai ban ban so
wu lang jit chiu hua chia jit chiu ka girlfriend po
wu lang kua char bor eh long tio lao ar po
ang teng ci tin kua bei chin cho chiong guay jiu chut chia ho
lim jiu hua chio eh long tio lang xi li yi xim eh tua cho

Spied: Nissan GTR V-Spec

2008-10-08T11:57:00.009+08:00

Hot on the tails of the blisteringly fast GT-R, Nissan has been spotted testing the V-Spec model due next year at the famed Nurburgring.

Spy shots show that the V-spec would have a slightly redesigned front lip, a new wheel design, carbon fibre body parts, and most probably an uprated exhaust system.

The new V-Spec would be lighter than the regular GT-R with the use of carbon fibre construction for body panels, and is expected to output about 100hp more with a retuned ECU and exhaust system. Handling and grip is also expected to be improved with revisions to the suspension and chassis.

[Pics: MotorAuthority]

Nintendo Reveals DS Lite Successor

2008-10-03T10:23:00.005+08:00

As hoped, Nintendo have announced the replacement for their DS Lite in Tokyo during their Fall Press Conference, officially named the DSi.

Specs confirm that the new DSi will feature a slightly larger 3.25" screen (3" for the DS Lite) and small reductions in both weight and thickness. To follow the trend of PMPs now gaining more popularity in the market, the DSi will also incorporate multimedia enhancements with its new 0.3 megapixel (640 x 480) camera, mp3 player, built-in browser and a very useful SD card slot that would allow pictures taken on the DSi to be viewed on a Wii.

The DSi will also feature its own online store similar to the Wii. Users will be able to use the internal browsers to purchase and download DSiWare onto their DSi, where downloadable games and apps would be priced on a system similar to the Wii online shop.

However, the DSi is not without its flaws. The battery life is significantly shorter when compared to the DS Lite (DSi 3-4hrs vs DS Lite 5-8hrs; highest brightness setting), and a major complaint is the removal of the GBA cartridge slot and its backwards compatibility.

Nintendo have announced that they will release the DSi in Japan in November, but will only arrive in other markets next year. Slight disappointment as Nintendo did not incorporate dual touchscreens into the replacement as many were hoping, but since sales figures show that the current DS Lite is indeed a success, maybe the small upgrades that Nintendo have brought to the table will truly establish the DSi as a true winner.

Would DS Lite owners be enticed to upgrading to the new DSi? One exciting aspect that we can take away from the new handheld is how long it will take before the homebrew community finds a way to exploit the SD slot and bring new DSi owners big smiles on their faces.

[Source: Kotaku]

Suzuki reveals the new GSX-R1000 K9

2008-09-30T17:55:00.004+08:00

It's that time of the year once again when Suzuki pulls off the covers to its new GSX-R1000, always better than the already superb model before it. The new K9 is obviously no different, but is it good enough to dethrone the current king of the superbikes; Honda's Fireblade?

Starting with the powerplant, the K9's 999cc inline-four is now lighter and more compact, with a slew of uprated internals including titanium valves and forged pistons just to name a few. Suzuki claims the new setup is able to produce more power and torque throughout the rev range while also reducing emissions and providing better fuel economy. A torque-limiting clutch should provide better feel for the clutch and the S-DMS (Suzuki Drive Mode Selector) with 3 different levels of performance should make it more user-friendly and improve its usability off the track.

The 2009 model will also have improved high-speed handling with its shortened wheelbase and lengthened swingarm. Fully adjustable front forks and rear shock will allow the bike to provide race-like handling coupled when requested, and its uprated brakes should bring the 203kg bike to a halt almost instantly.

Styling wise, the new bike sports a more angular design, comes with 17" cast aluminium wheels and a pair of titanium mufflers to complete the package. Overall, the new bike looks quicker and more aggressive than before.

It seems that the K9 will once again be a real winner from Suzuki, but the question that still begs to be answered is who will win the Gixxer vs Blade shootout?

VW Golf GTI MkVI preview

2008-09-25T17:44:00.005+08:00

Attendees of the upcoming Paris motor show would be able to view the highly anticipated MkVI GTI in the metal, but we can give a big thanks to evo UK for bringing us some preview pics for us to enjoy.

Fresh off the success VW have tasted with the MkV GTI, the new MkVI will have big shoes to fill. Sitting under the bonnet of this next-gen GTI will be a 207-hp TFSI engine, with a 10-hp boost over the previous model. New owners will also find a new electronic limited-slip differential between the front wheels, a first for a Golf GTI. The highly praised & proven DSG transmission will also be available as an option.

At first glance, the MkVI exudes inspiration from the Golf W12 concept, with its new front bumper design with the integrated fog lights shifted outwards and the 1-piece lower grille giving the new GTI a wide & aggressive stance. The red highlights on the upper grille would definitely shout out to the older crowd as they reminisce of the first generation GTIs.

Towards the back, the sleek redesigned taillights reduce the chubby look of the MkV GTI while matching the refreshed design of the front headlights, and a refreshed rear bumper with integrated rear diffuser and twin exhausts also pushed outwards further enhance the low-slung, squat look of the new MkVI.

Inside, the changes are minimal with a steering wheel similar to the fifth-gen but with more integrated control buttons. Overall, the results are good and the new hot Golf looks ever-ready to carve corners in the mountains while still looking posh enough to look pretty in front of the newest posh club.

[Source: evo]

Aprilia Readies Its WSB Contender

2008-09-23T10:26:00.009+08:00

Feel free to feast your eyes on the all-new 2009 Aprilia RSV4 which would be the Italian manufacturer's new entry into the World Superbike Championship for 2009. Initial production is planned in 2008, and fans will wave farewell to its predecessor the RSV1000R.

Powered by Aprilia's first four cylinder engine, the RSV4 should have about 180hp in street trim from its 999c V-4, designed specifically with racing intentions. The new engine features complete electronic management and will feature a ride-by-wire system with several interchangeable engine mappings to suit the rider for every situation.

Its racing intentions are loudly echoed throughout the rest of the bike. A six-speed gearbox coupled to a slipper clutch would definitely ease and quicken downshifts for less-experienced riders while enabling expert riders to fully push the bike to its maximum capabilities. Its unique aluminium frame and swingarm will allow a very wide range of parameter adjustments to suit every rider, even as far as to allowing tuning of the swingarm and engine positions.

As you would expect of a bike at this level, the fork, rear shock & steering damper are all sourced from Ohlins, with monoblock calipers from Brembo and forged aluminium wheels. With a claimed wet weight of only 190kgs, we can expect this new Italian litre bike to be properly fast on and off the track.

In race spec, the RSV4 would be making close to 210-hp to make it at least up to par with Ducati's 1098R and the Japanese litre bikes. With years of GP racing experience, it will be interesting to see how much of that experience and race technology would have trickled down to the new RSV4 and its V-4 engine. Would it become the benchmark for V-4 superbikes to come?

Needless to say, 2009 sounds like a great year for WSB. Keep a look out for new & updated bikes, including the possibly revolutionary BMW S1000RR.

[Source: Aprilia; Pics: Aprilia, Motorcycle.com]

Hyundai, the New Honda?

2008-07-05T10:02:00.004+08:00

It's official. As of 1st July 2008, the Automotive News' 2008 Global Data Group published that the Hyundai-Kia group has surpassed Japanese automotive manufacturers Honda and are now the 5th largest car manufacturer in the world based on global sales.

With sales numbers of almost 4 million cars in 2007, Hyundai-Kia have managed to climb six places up the list in just the last 8 years. In 1999, they placed 11th, but under the helm of Chung Mong-Koo as CEO, the Group has been expanding rapidly on a global scale by opening up new manufacturing facilities in the U.S., China & India just to name a few.

The Top 5 Automakers (Based on 2007 sales)

1. Toyota

2. GM

3. Volkswagen

4. Ford

5. Hyundai-Kia

Only years ago, were auto manufacturers laughing at the Koreans at their attempts to market their cars globally. Now that Honda have fallen, how long will it be before the Ford boat gets sunk too?

Which brings us to the question: "Are you getting a Hyundai?"

[Source: Auto Industry]

USB Hub Now With Switches

2008-06-20T11:17:00.004+08:00

If you had ever thought if USB hubs should come with on/off switches, do not worry for you are not alone. This 4-port USB cube hub by Brando has exactly that; the 2 ports located on its top face come with on/off switches, while the other 2 ports located on its sides are just, well, regular USB ports.

On one hand, I'm sure a USB port that you can turn on and off would definitely come in handy, somehow, but surely you would purchase the cubes for the aesthetics, just like your iPod. It comes in a great pallette of colours to brighten up your desk, is USB 2.0 compatible and costs USD12 (approx. RM38).

Check out a whole list of other interesting USB products on their site.

[Source: Brando]

The NSX Is Back!!... Well, On Its Way Anyway

2008-06-20T09:49:00.007+08:00

The prototype test mule for the new Honda NSX due in 2010 has been caught by photographers making its rounds on the Nurburgring. Our friends over at KGP Photography, who brought us these brilliant pictures of the development mule on the 'Ring, unofficially clocked the camouflaged prototype achieving a lap at 7 minutes 37 seconds.

Not forgetting that the 7:37 lap was done in midst traffic on the 'Ring, this is a great start for Honda and Honda CEO Takeo Fukui, who wants the new NSX to be able to post better lap times than the Nissan R35 GT-R's 7 minutes 29 seconds and the upcoming Lexus LF-A.

If the NSX with its rumoured 5.5L 550hp V10 powerplant and 8-speed transmission can already achieve those times, with continuous development over the next year or so, the new NSX could be well on track to dethrone the GT-R.

That is until the GT-R V-Spec is unveiled.

Visit Autoblog's gallery for more photos by KGP.

[Source: Autoblog, Photography: KGP]

TAG Heuer Reveals New Grand CARRERA Concept

2008-06-15T10:50:00.011+08:00

Ever fancied a timepiece that measures to 1/10th of a second? Fear no more, the wait is almost over. At Baselworld 2008, TAG Heuer revealed their new concept watch equipped with the world's first automatic chronograph able to measure and display 1/10th of a second.

The Grand CARRERA Calibre 36 RS Caliper Concept Chronograph can truly be described as a feat of engineering, with the seconds hand able to clearly display 1/10th second intervals when coupled with their own revolutionary Rotating Scale.

This innovative concept features a COSC-certified Calibre 36 RS movement that oscillates at an impressive 36,000 vibrations per hour, all housed beneath a tinted double sapphire crystal.

The stunning concept displays other its chronograph readings using two "Black Gold" Rotating Systems with the chronograph hours placed at 6 o'clock and chronograph minutes at 3 o'clock. In addition, there is also a Linear Second readout at 9 o'clock.

The watch is beautifully housed in a stylish 43mm black titanium carbide-coated case with its titanium-carbide coated rubber bracelet completing the entire package.

Check out the video below to view the masterpiece in action.

[Source: TAG Heuer]

108-inch Sharp LB-1085 on sale now in Japan

2008-06-14T10:36:00.004+08:00

In January 2007, Sharp introduced their new 108" LCD TV, which was set to be the current largest HD television set in the market. At CES 2008, Sharp officially announced at a press conference that the 108" monster will go on sale this year and true to their word, the huge HD TV has been launched in Japan.

The LB-1085 will dazzle owners with its 1080p resolution with the 108-ASV LCD panel adopting a 400cd/m² brightness, 1200:1 contrast ratio, 6ms response time and 176 degrees of viewing angle. Around the back, there are 3 HDMI ports, 1 DVI, 2 component, and many more including the regular S-video and composite jacks.

The giant stands 1.55m tall, is 2.5m wide, and weighs an understandable 195kg. Interested buyers can start placing their orders through direct order from Japan now.

[Source: Impress]

Subaru Liberty GT uncovered Down Under

2008-06-14T02:06:00.001+08:00

Australian Subaru owners now have something new to spot and pick out on the roads when they're out shopping; the special edition 2008 Subaru Liberty GT. The Liberty, known elsewhere as the Legacy, will only total 250 production units specific to the Aussie market.

The special Liberty GT, which will be tuned by STI utilizing most of their own performance parts, will feature 260bhp and 350Nm of torque from 6,000rpm and 2,800rpm respectively. Suspension upgrades include custom Blistein shocks paired with STI 5mm lowering springs, and braking is managed by black Brembo 4-pot calipers in front and 2-pot calipers in the rear coupled with stainless steel brake lines. Enkei will be providing the limited run production with 18" 12-spoke wheels which will be lighter than the stock Liberty GT wheels by 2.5kgs each.

Aesthetics are improved by means of an exclusive front grille install, redesigned muffler, and lip spoilers on the front bumper and rear boot lid to reduce lift and improve the aerodynamics. The interior is also properly dressed with leather and alcantara adorning the front seats with cherry red STI logo and stitching.

Sedan and wagon variants will both be available with either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed SPORTSHIFT auto transmission. Choice of colours include black, silver, grey, and white.

[Source: Subaru Australia]

UCS Lego Death Star II Part 1: The Unveiling

2008-06-14T01:08:00.000+08:00

Collectors' items have long been produced for highly successful franchises and George Lucas' Star Wars is definitely no exception with its huge and loyal fan base and cult following. Many have jumped on the train of opportunity to reap profits by marketing various types of collectors' items and fortunately, Lego has jumped on the bandwagon too.

Released in 2005, the Ultimate Collectors Series (UCS) Death Star II has ever since been one of the most sought after Star Wars Lego sets by enthusiasts. The 3,449pc kit stands approximately 65cm tall and is about 50cm in width.

Selected as the first feature for The Fun Stuff, I have managed to procure one such set, and the entire build process will be cataloged here with pictures from the unboxing to the final piece assembly.

The kit came in a rather large box measuring about 24"x18"x10". I would say that the artwork on the exterior carton was pretty decent and interesting, and as a plus the carton was easily collapsible for storage if necessary.

On the inside, the kit was segregated into 4 separate smaller boxes and a nicely bound 100-page instruction booklet. First impressions of the booklet were that it was made with pretty good quality paper with a well thought-out binding that befitted a collectors' item. The instructions were actually easy to follow in the early stages, but at certain points, the overall amount of grey and black pieces did create some confusion especially at the cutaway portion of the construction.

The 4 small boxes however were just plain white and only had minimal marking but were decently up to the job.

Stay tuned for Part 2 as all 3,449 parts are sorted and prepped for construction.

Welcome Mat: Inaugural Post

2008-06-14T00:33:00.000+08:00

Welcome to my new blog about random fun stuff in life. Unapologetically, the definition of fun will be extremely biased and as you will slowly come to see, there will be many posts on vehicles related to the combustion engine (literally referring to cars, motorbikes, etc), heaps of electronics (in and out of the car), models and figures of mecha, loads of toys, and hopefully I will be going as far as to cover beautiful places and wondrous sunset (or sunrise) scenes.

On top of that, I also intend to branch out eventually to food and drink, and possibly even begin reviews (once again very biased) on stuff like new cars, new gadgets, new restaurants, and anything and everything that might tickle my fantasy.

To sign off from my first post, I would like to thank anyone visiting this blog and I hope that you would not hesitate visiting again. Once again, welcome to The Fun Stuff, as "A day without fun, is a day incomplete".