Lexus Malaysia recently announced that it began selling the new IS 250C, the sophisticated retractable hardtop convertible to its customers. The new IS 250C’s styling, quality, detailing and advanced safety features illustrate Lexus’ core philosophy of “Pursuit of Perfection” in action, further adding to the refinement of L-Finesse concept. Launched globally in 2009, the IS 250C became the first convertible car in Lexus Malaysia vehicle line-up offering Top-Down expressiveness with coupe-inspired styling.

The IS 250C retains its 2.5l V6 engine with Dual VVT-i that is fuel efficient yet powerful - 205 bhp, it returns respectable fuel consumption of 10.8 km/litre with strong acceleration of 9.0 seconds from 0-100 km/h. The smooth shifting 6-speed automatic with A.I. shift selects the correct gear and shifts seamlessly to allow maximum joy of driving. Suspension settings and steering ratio are also meticulously fine-tuned and honed for the IS 250C to achieve Lexus renown comfort and stability. These characters have definitely give credibility to the IS 250C sports image.

The IS 250C equipment is enhanced with Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), which is designed to anticipate the onset of a vehicle skid or slide and then help correct the situation with a combination of braking, throttle, and steering control in a way that is essentially transparent to the driver, to further improve dynamics.

The IS 250C benefits from numerous subtle exterior and interior styling although it maintains many IS 250 features. Featuring a convenient single-switch operation, the three-piece hard top provides open air freedom with top down in just 21 seconds without sacrificing the quiet and comfort of a coupe. Constructed primarily of lightweight aluminium, the hard top also provides surprising storage space but with low noise and increased security not typically found in soft top convertibles. The other exterior styling includes unique front bumper and fog lamp, special LED tail lamp that emphasize on width and also a rear ducktail spoiler that improve aerodynamics. IS-C comes with a unique multi-layered 10 spoke 17" wheels.

The IS-C is also equipped with sports pedal, unique combination meter to reduce glare and 8-speaker premium audio surround system. Apart from the standard colours available for the IS range, there are three exclusive colours offered for IS 250C - Blue Metallic, Silvery Blue Metallic and Cattleya Mica Metallic.

The IS 250C is available at Lexus Center Mutiara Damansara and the newly opened Lexus Penang starting today, and is priced at RM432, 000.00 for private registration (without insurance).

Highly Efficient and Ultra-Fast: Concept Car with Plug-In Hybrid

Presenting a high-performance mid-engine concept sports car with ultra-efficient, low-emission drive technology, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is further increasing the Company’s competence in hybrid technology.

This open two-seater is powered by a high-speed V8 developing more than 500 bhp and running at maximum speed engine of 9,200 rpm as well as electric motors on the front and rear axle with overall mechanical output of 218 bhp (160 kW). The V8 combustion engine is a further development of the highly successful 3.4-litre power unit already featured in the RS Spyder racing car and positioned midship in front of the rear axle, giving the car the right set-up for supreme performance on the race track through its good balance.

The energy reservoir is a fluid-cooled lithium-ion battery positioned behind the passenger cell. The big advantage of a plug-in hybrid is that the battery can be charged on the regular electrical network. A further point is that the car’s kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy fed into the battery when applying the brakes, thus providing additional energy for fast and dynamic acceleration. A button on the steering wheel allows the driver to choose among four different running modes: The E-Drive mode is for running the car under electric power alone, with a range of up to 25 km or 16 miles. In the Hybrid mode the 918 Spyder uses both the electric motors and the combustion engine as a function of driving conditions and requirements, offering a range from particularly fuel-efficient all the way to extra-powerful.

Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. recently unveiled the new CR-V with a refreshing makeover. Designed for drivers with urban active lifestyles, males and females alike, the new CR-V has been meticulously upgraded to reveal the fun and functions of a sport utility vehicle (SUV).

Powered by 150-horsepower 2.0-litre i-VTEC (Intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control), and coupled with a 5-speed automatic transmission, the new CR-V now covers advanced safety features, newly styled exterior as well as refined driving comfort. The new CR-V now comes with side airbags with OPDS (Occupant Position Detective System) for driver and front passenger, the first SUV in its class to introduce such addition, elevating the safety standard of SUVs in this segment one notch higher. Further equipped with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), CR-V now offers a more stable and sturdier drive.

Looking edgier than ever, the refitted front grille, redesigned alloy rims as well as a restructured bumper, uncover a deeper streak of vigour and charisma. Now, fitted with a new lens reflector, the overall visibility of the driver has been greatly enhanced. In the rear, the CR-V now comes with four (4) sensors, offering greater sensitivity in obstacle detection, thus making reversing more secure and safe. Stylish on the outside, comfortably finished on the inside, the interior of the new CR-V is now adorned with new fabric along with a wider armrest. It now has a USB port too!

Urban Titanium, a new colour in the colour choice, definitely captures a tint of rugged sportiness in the sporty ride. The rest of the colours available are Alabaster Silver, Polished Metal, Crystal Black and Taffeta White. For those who have been seeking for a ride that blends well with their charisma and fun-filled nature, head over to the nearest Honda authorised showroom for a test drive. For more information, please call 1800-88-2020.

A new and powerful limited edition Focus RS model, called the RS500, is being launched as the ultimate performance Ford and will provide the definitive driving experience for serious performance car enthusiasts. Making its global debut at the 2010 Leipzig Motor Show in Germany on April 9, the new model has been given the RS500 designation to highlight its strictly-limited production run of 500 individually-numbered vehicles, all of which will be offered for customers to purchase.

The new Focus RS500 features a muscular 350 PS 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine, which generates 15 per cent more power than the standard Focus RS and delivers truly exhilarating performance. The RS500’s breathtaking power is matched by an equally dramatic appearance.  The limited edition model sports a unique matt black 'foil' paint finish with matching alloy wheels to deliver a powerful visual impact which is unlike any other production Ford.

The Focus RS500 engine has been modified by a team enthusiast engineers from Ford TeamRS in partnership with Revolve Technologies, the automotive engineering firm which develops Ford approved performance upgrades through its Mountune brand.

National car manufacturer PROTON Holdings Berhad recently launched the Proton Satria Neo R3, Lotus Racing edition in conjunction with PROTON’s involvement in Formula One. With enhanced engine performance, braking, Lotus-tuned chassis and R3-tuned suspension, the Proton Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing promises an unmatched performance within its class. The new model remains true to the Lotus philosophy of performance with amazing handling, superior braking, and precise steering, coupled with a lightweight body - elements that are fundamental in a Lotus car.

Inspired by the spirit of Lotus Racing, the car is powered by PROTON’s race-proven 1.6 litre CamPro CPS engine, re-tuned by R3 for more power and torque utilizing R3’s Engine Management System, performance camshafts, carbon fibre air-intake and titanium exhaust headers.  Braking is provided by 4-pot AP Racing callipers and rotors in front with aerodynamic improvements gained in the form of the race-proven R3 bodykit. The Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing is available at RM115,000 (OTR).

The Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing taps on Lotus’ racing heritage, and bears the classic, eye-catching Lotus Racing Green, complete with Lotus-inspired yellow racing stripes and highlights.

The Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing edition is PROTON’s most exclusive and premium model to date. The new Satria Neo R3, Lotus Racing Edition will be available for test drive and booking at the PROTON Crystal showroom at the Centre of Excellence, KM 33.8, Westbound Shah Alam Expressway, Subang Jaya, from April 10, 2010.