Proton Inspira now officially open for bookings!

Proton has unveiled that Proton Inspira will be the official name for its Proton Waja replacement model, which has until now been only referred to by its internal codename, the Proton P3-90A.

The Proton Inspira is developed from a Mitsubishi Lancer with the choice of a Mitsubishi’s 4B10 1.8 liter engine with a 5-speed manual, a Mitsubishi 4B10 1.8 liter engine with a 6-speed virtual ratio CVT gearbox, or a top of the range 2.0 liter 4B11 engine with the same CVT transmission with added steering column paddle shifters.

At launch, the Inspira will have about 26% local content at launch, with the aim of raising it to 40% within the next few months and straight up to 65% within a year from the launch date once the local vendors have been fully prepped. It is built at Proton’s MVF plant.

Available in red, white, black or silver, the new Proton Inspira is now open for booking at any Proton dealer with a deposit of RM1,000. As an appreciation to early birds, Proton will be offering a 2 year (50,000km) free service package worth RM1,658 including parts and labor to those who take delivery of their brand new Proton Inspira for bookings made by the 15th of November 2010 that are delivered before the 31st of December 2010.

The tentative pricing starts from RM79,888 OTR for the 1.8 manual up to not more than RM95k for the top of the line. The 1.8 CVT will be somewhere in the middle. The official pricing will be unveiled at the official launch by the 10th of November 2010.

The photos above and after the jump provided by Proton is the only thing we can show you for now as there is an embargo that we must respect and official images will only be provided closer to the launch date in early November 2010.

AVUS Nissan GT-R

The Nissan GT-R build as a sportscoupe and direct opponent of the Porsche Turbo was revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007. As a direct successor of the Skyline GT-R R34 the bar has been laid high already. With only 480 examples for Europe the GT-R is one of those rare sports-cars.


For AVUS PERFORMANCE a Nissan GT-R Black Edition was the basis for a very ambitious project. Besides optical changes they also put the emphasis on more power. A new modified ECU and a special new exhaust pipe (2 cats and the middle silencer have been removed) help the GT-R up to an impressive 580bhp and 700 Nm of torque (stock 485bhp and 588Nm).


Visually you can only imagine the power the GT-R has. The matt black, the lowering via coilovers (stock adjustments for the dampers will be kept) and the black painted 20" wheels combined with wheel spacers sum up the package. Individually painted parts like the front bumper, the rear diffusor, air vents, tinted windows can be seen when taking a close look.
- matt black foliation - 2.499 Euro
- coilovers - 1.299 Euro
- modified ECU - 1.899 Euro
- exhaust pipe - 998 Euro
- painted 20" wheels - 999 Euro
- wheel spacers - 349 Euro

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

Mitsubishi has announced pricing for its newest addition to the multiple award-winning Lancer lineup - the versatile five-door 2010 Lancer Sportback GTS and Ralliart. The Lancer Sportback carries with it similar distinctive and aggressive styling as the rally-inspired Lancer Evolution, yet with greater flexibility to accommodate active lifestyles. 

The economical Lancer Sportback GTS features Mitsubishi's efficient 2.4-liter engine with 168 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque. MSRP for the GTS with a five-speed manual transmission is $19,190, while the six-speed CVT automatic transmission with magnesium paddle shifters starts at an MSRP of $20,190. 

The Lancer Sportback Ralliart is powered by Mitsubishi's 2.0-liter MIVEC turbocharged engine that pumps out 237 horsepower and 253 lb.-ft. of torque. All-Wheel Control (AWC) with Active Center Differential (ACD) is standard, as is the quick-shifting six-speed Twin Clutch-Sportronic® Shift Transmission (TC-SST) and magnesium paddle shifters that it shares with the high performance Lancer Evolution. The Lancer Sportback Ralliart starts at an MSRP of $27,590. 

"Today's new car buyers are moving toward smaller, fuel efficient cars, and yet, there is still a need for cargo capacity. The Lancer Sportback's carrying capacity, coupled with a more aggressive design than contemporary hatchbacks, perfectly fills the void," explains Bryan Arnett, manager of product strategy of MMNA. 

Mitsubishi designers created a dynamic and fluid shape for the Sportback that is instantly recognizable as a Lancer from the front, with its signature "jet fighter" grille, while being completely fresh from the C-pillar rearward. The sleek sloping rear door with integrated roof wing creates a visually distinctive shape while making the Lancer significantly more versatile. The door extends down to the rear bumper to make loading cumbersome objects like surfboards, camping gear and bicycles as easy as possible. 

The Lancer Sportback's overall length is just slightly longer than the Lancer four-door sedan, yet it gains substantial cargo-carrying flexibility--especially when the 60:40-split rear seats are folded flat by its one-touch auto-folding feature. To add still more volume, the rear cargo floor of the GTS can be cleverly lowered three inches, yielding 52.7 cubic ft. maximum cargo space. The roof will also conveniently accommodate a plug-in Thule® Sport Rack for additional flexibility. 

Premium interior features like those found on the Lancer sedans are also part of the Sportback's resume. Key components in the Ralliart version include a standard 140-watt CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers or an available 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate Premium Sound System, in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability, plus Sirius Satellite Radio. A hard disc-drive navigation system with Mitsubishi's exclusive Diamond Lane Guidance to provide route guidance is optional, as are Recaro sport seats that provide optimal support for the driver and front passenger. 

Safety Features 
Standard safety features in all Lancer models include an advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and side curtain air bags, plus a driver's knee air bag. Active Stability Control (ASC) also comes on every Lancer Sportback, and the GTS is equipped with Reinforced Impact Safety Engineering (RISE), a unibody construction designed to help absorb energy in a collision. Every Lancer Sportback has a built-in Anti-Theft system with immobilizer key, and the Touring Package adds HID (high intensity discharge) headlamps. 

Premium Warranty 
The 2010 Lancer Sportback GTS and Ralliart have comprehensive bumper-to-bumper warranties. The GTS comes with a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty with a fully transferable 5-year/60,000 mile warranty for subsequent owners, and a 5-year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. The Ralliart offers a fully transferable 5-year/60,000 mile powertrain package and a 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. Both the GTS and Ralliart come with a 7-year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty and 5-year unlimited miles Roadside Assistance benefits.

Ken Block Drift new Ford Fiesta 2011 on Snow and Ice HD

2009 9ff Porsche 911 Convertible Speed9

9ff is proud to present the new 9ff Speed9. Beside ours already known "world record car" from our vehicle and refining manufacture, the 9ff GT9 (world's fastest street legal car, top speed 409 km/h, put up on the April, 10th, 2008 in Papenburg / Germany) we now introduce with the new 9ff Speed9 our second independent complete vehicle.


Besides, the new 9ff Speed9 stands completely in the tradition of the legendary Porsche 356 / 1500S Speedster (1955) and the later small series of the Porsche911 Speedster (1989) as well as Porsche 964 Speedster (1993). The new 9ff Speed9 interprets the typical design elements of the Speedster, shortened windscreen as well as an emphatically level vehicle silhouette in a quite new and independent manner. The 9ff Speed9 aerodynamics package, consisting of front apron, rear apron as well as beautifully designed sideskirts underlines the sporty optics of the 9ff Speed9 and optimizes the handling characteristics of this amazing car.


In combination with 9ff typical optimization of the engine technology and chassis technology proves an unforgettable driving experience.

The 9ff Speed9 Bi Turbo engine generates 650 HP / 478 kW and delivers his torque strong as an ox of 890 nm with 2.850 1/min. This is reached by the 9ff F650 VTG turbochargers, 100 cells sports catalytic converter as well as the 9ff stainless steel exhaust manifolds. 

Other measures like the 9ff sports air fi lter, the 9ff ECU upgrade and the 9ff sports exhaust system Speed9 edition" grow the engine on proud 650 HP and 890 nm of torque. The powerful engine will leave open no acceleration wishes and leads in combination with the chassis specially conceived for 9ff Speed9 to a unique driving experience. 

The demanding chassis, consisting of adjustable stabilizers in front axle and rear axle, double springs and 4 aluminum spring plates, support sportily ambitious driving. Besides, one can count at any time on the 9ff brake system consists of 380 mm Compound brake discs in combination with the 6-pistons calipers and 9ff brake pads. 

The cockpit fascinates by his exquisite and sporty atmosphere. Perfectly sports-car feeling by a dashboard completely upholstered with Alcantara and door interior trim which is lined with a noble combination of Alcantara and leather. Special 9ff Speed9 sports seats and the 9ff sports steering wheel, by choice of the gear variation Tiptronic" of course with integrated Paddel-Shifts, are components of the interior design. Particularly in the area of the interior creation we realize with pleasure individual and specific customer wishes. 

Our 9ff Speed9 is available as a complete vehicle, as well as a rebuilding order on the basis of a Porsche 997 Turbo. In any case, it is a completely unusual vehicle with a special charisma and persuasive road performance and handling characteristics. 

Convince yourselves. On Essen Motor show", Germany from the 28th of November, 2009 to the 6th of December, 2009 the latest product from the house 9ff is presented for the first time to a wide public. 

You will fi nd us in the VDAT booth, exhibition hall 10, booth 304. We are looking forward to see you! 

2010 Audi R8 eTron Silvretta Rally Review

Audi ur-quattro with blind co-pilot clinches overall win in the Silvretta The Audi team secured a double victory for the four rings in the inaugural œSilvretta E-Auto Rally Montafon 2010 and the 13th œSilvretta Classic Montafon with the Audi e-tron technology demonstrator based on the R8 and the Audi ur-quattro from 1988. Three-time Mille Miglia winner Luciano Viaro clinched first place in the classic car rally. Development Chief Michael Dick and works driver Lucas Luhr took the Audi e-tron electric sports car across the finishing line with the best result over a course of 167.5 kilometers (104.08 miles).


œWe are delighted at the Audi e-trons victory in the first E-Auto Rally, declared Michael Dick, member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG with responsibility for Technical Development. œOn the Silvretta E-Auto Rallys challenging route profile, we were able to demonstrate that we are well on the way to bringing electric drive to production maturity with our e-tron technology demonstrator based on the R8.

Audi R8 e-tron wins Silvretta E-Auto Rally In the Å“Silvretta E-Auto Rally Montafon 2010, the 230 kW (313 hp) R8 e-tron technology demonstrator had to show what it is capable of over three stages and ten time trials. The two-seater was pitted against 23 other electric cars over three days of racing, clinching victory in the overall standings by more than half a second. This rally was not just about speed. The vehicles had to achieve specific target times in the time trials. 

The biggest challenge for the Audi team came on the second days racing in the famous Silvretta mountain and valley time trials. In the fourth time trial, the Audi R8 e-tron had to drive up the Silvretta High Alpine Road and handle an altitude difference of 1,000 meters (3,280.84 ft) over the mountain roads 15 kilometers (9.32 miles). Audi works driver Lucas Luhr nevertheless managed to finish third in the R8 e-tron. The Audi team even managed to advance to second place in the overall standings for the second day. Upon reaching the finishing line in Partenen at the end of the third stage, Development Chief Dick was able to celebrate overall victory for Audi. The Audi drive concept was particularly impressive. Four motors " two on the front and two on the rear axle " drive the wheels of the Audi R8 e-tron, making this experimental vehicle a genuine quattro. 

Audi Tradition scoops overall win in the Silvretta with blind co-pilot 

A team from Audi Tradition scooped its first ever overall win in the celebrated Silvretta Classic race. No other competitor in the race drove with greater precision than Luciano Viaro in the Audi ur-quattro from 1988. Although the multiple Mille Miglia winner was not thought of as an outsider, the remarkable fact is that his co-pilot is blind. Enrico Mussinelli read the roadbook in braille. Audi Tradition has teamed up with Luciano Viaro to support the Italian-inspired M.I.T.E. project, which has set itself the objective of making classic car racing equally accessible to the visually impaired. Viaro will be driving an Audi ur-quattro with blind co-pilots in a total of five events this year.

2011 Koenigsegg Agera 910 hp Review

Koenigsegg celebrate 15 years of making dream cars, by unleashing their latest jewel " the Koenigsegg Agera. A new supercar aimed to take the Koenigsegg experience to the next level, both on the road and the track. 

Agera, the Swedish verb Å“to act, has been chosen as the name for Koenigsegg´s latest super creation, as it symbolizes the Koenigsegg philosophy well. Koenigsegg is always striving forward, seeking challenges beyond limitations. The new supercar Agera is an outcome of that creative process and its functions respond very well to the given name. 

When we believe in something, we do it. We act. the car also has to act, when commanded to unleash its performance, forcefully and flawlessly. The development of the Agera has been evolutionary, following the Koenigsegg tradition of continuous improvements, by honing and perfecting the end result, all based on previous experience and innovative mindsets. The focus when developing the Agera was to maximize, driving experience, cornering speed, braking and adaptability, says Christian von Koenigsegg. 

The Koenigsegg Agera is a testament to time. The original shape and concept of the Koenigsegg CC, created 15 years ago, is still valid, fresh and highly competitive today. The Agera still stay true to the original philosophy, shape and size of the original CC. At the same time, it looks, feels and performs like something belonging to the future, with all new content. 

A Supercar is not better than the tires it use, as it is the only link between the road and the car. Therefore Koenigsegg has a deep and long term collaboration with Michelin, when it comes to tire development. The Agera program will take this collaboration to the next level and is expected to set new standards when it comes to overall performance -wet as well as dry handling. 

The Agera is as wide at the front as in the rear of the car. This gives very good balance in corners and minimizes body roll. 

The Agera also features the latest in braking technology, incorporating an adjustable ABS system, 392x36 and 380x34 ventilated and drilled ceramic discs, for unparalleled braking performance and zero fade regardless of track or road condition. Thanks to optimized breathing and Twin Turbo, power is now 910 hp, running on regular petrol. Torque is maximum 1100 nm and is reached at 5100 rpm. There is over 1000 nm of torque available from 2680 to 6100 rpm. 

The new traction control is the fastest reacting in the industry, with auto adapt functionality for different road conditions and driving styles as well as several manual settings. 

Koenigsegg has also developed a new type of interior illumination, which is a worlds frst in the car industry - Ghost light. The illumination shines through the billet aluminum buttons and surfaces by way of invisible nanotubes, creating excellent visibility of the symbols, as well as a very clean and stylish appearance, framed by an all-new carbon fibre centre console and tunnel assembly. Furthermore, the driver can easily select the information he wants displayed in front of him, on the all new multi-info cluster combined with the upgraded infotainment display, ranging from basic functionality, to G force meter, power meters, Sat-nav, music, lap-timer or compasses " to best suit the current driving conditions, be it highway cruising, touring country roads, city navigation or serious track driving. Furthermore the interior features the new Agera stitching and seams, which gives an beautiful fluidity to the interior. 

All in all the Agera is created to maintain Koenigseggs position as one of the most engaging and top performing cars on the road, on the track -on the planet. Still, maintaining the largest luggage space in the industry and the novel Koenigsegg doors and detachable/stow able hardtop, that really makes all Koenigsegg cars stand out. 

The Agera will be produced in parallel to the Award winning CCX and CCXR models. This gives Koenigsegg the ability to live up to our customers varying wishes and demands. The Agera is on display at the 80th Salon International de lAuto in Geneva. The pre-production show car will be put through its phases for the coming six month prior to the production car launch of the Agera. Finally, Agera is also short for the Greek word Ageratos, which in ancient Greek means œageless.