Perodua Nautica 4WD: Kembara's successor at RM89,800

Most of you would have reacted 'accordingly' by now to the relatively whopping sticker price of almost-RM90k for a compact SUV - rebadged as a Perodua - which is a short wheelbase version of the Toyota Rush, albeit with permanent 4WD.

The new Nautica 4WD is powered by a 1.5L DVVT engine (3SZ-VE) with a max output of 109bhp at 6,000rpm and 141Nm of torque at 4,400rpm. The same engine is likewise longitudinally mounted in the Toyota Rush 2WD and Toyota Avanza 1.5 budget MPV. As with both other cousins from Toyota stable, tranny of choice is 4-speed automatic. However, being a full-time 4WD with a centre differential lock differentiates it from its 'lesser' siblings.


Perodua doesn't pretend that the Nautica 4WD is an "affordable" (read: value-for-money) SUV for the masses like the Kembara before this, with the 2nd national car company setting a sales target of just 150 -200 units per month.

Related post:
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2008/04/perodua-nautica-4wd-is-kembaras.html

2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R

The high performance Sentra SE-R will be available in two models: The SE-R comes with a 180-hp engine, while the SE-R Spec V boasts a high-output version of Nissan's 2.5-liter, 200-hp 4-cylinder engine.

2007 BMW 335i Convertible

This fourth generation BMW convertible uses a unique three-piece retractable hardtop that reduces cabin noise and increases rigidity. Power is from a turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, generating 300 hp.

2007 BMW Concept CS

The 2007 BMW Concept CS is a four door luxury Gran Turismo intended to compete with the upcoming Aston Martin Rapide, Porsche Panamera and upper-end versions of the Mercedes-Benz CLS. A production version of the Concept CS would likely be based on the modified underpinnings of the next generation 7 Series.

Nick Heidfeld at Turkish Grand Prix

Formula One driver Nick Heidfeld of BMW-Sauber during the Turkish Grand Prix in Istanbul, Turkey in August 2007.

2009 Opel Insignia

Opel has announced that it will showcase its new Insignia at the 2008 London Motor Show this coming July. The Insignia will replace Opel’s current Vectra sedan. Developed at GM Europe’s International Technical Development Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the new Insignia will be sold in the U.S. as the next-generation Saturn Aura.

The Opel Insignia is a 4.83m sedan with a coupe-like profile featuring a distinctive radiator grille with a newly-designed Opel emblem, a sweeping front and rear light “wing” signature and a “blade” side contour that begins directly behind the front wheel arch and glides through the entire body flanks.

This successor to Opel Vectra will have 7 engine variants mated to either manual or automatic tranny, both 6-speed boxes. All powerplants meet stricter Euro 5 emissions standards. Four of them are petrol engines ranging from a 4-cylinder 115 hp unit to a V6 with 260 hp. Mostly for European market, the other three are direct-injection diesels of 2.0L capacity in different state of tunes, producing 110 hp to 160 hp. Driveline options are either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (AWD) with Adaptive Stability Technology – what Opel called FlexRide - which has ride and handling settings adjustable by the driver.

The all-new Opel Insignia will go on sale in Europe by Q4 2008.

Naza Group founder dies of cancer

Founder, chairman and CEO of the Naza Group Tan Sri S.M. Nasimuddin S.M. Amin passed away today (Thursday in the U.S) at 1.15am Malaysian time in Los Angeles, California. He was 53 and had received treatment for lung cancer.

The Naza Group, formed in 1974, has diverse interests which encompasses motor trading, motorbikes, manufacturing, transport services, machine tools and parts, engineering, plantation, cigarette distribution, credit and leasing, water crafts, properties, hotel operation and insurance. Naza Group is the franchise holder for Kia, Peugeot, Brabus, Hamann and Ducati bikes in Malaysia. It was recently appointed sole distributor and importer of Ferrari in Malaysia via establishment of Naza Italia. It also holds the import permits (A.P.) for Mercedes-Benz and Mazda automobiles.

My heartfelt condolence to the family members of Tan Sri, in the trying times of their bereavement.