2008 All-New Honda Accord

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Since its 1976 debut, the Honda Accord has spanned seven generations with the current one launched in 2003 in Malaysia. Now the eighth generation is due for worldwide release as a 2008 model. Depicted here is the US iteration of Honda’s popular mid-sized executive and possibly this is the model slated for ASEAN market, if previous trends are to be observed and adhered to.

The JDM or Euro-Accord has not made its appearance yet. Interestingly, this US Accord is claimed to have moved up from Mid-sized sedan classification to Large size (US EPA).





At this point in time, it remains to be seen whether we will be getting the 177bhp 2.4L i-VTEC engine or the hotter 190bhp version of the same K24A powerplant. The 5-speed automatic transmission remains the same, with no extra cog in sight for this new generation Accord. The top-of-the-line Accord now is powered by a 3.5L i-VTEC V6 pushing out 268bhp. Strangely, such a powerful motor is still mated to a standard 5 A/T ‘box.

In addition, the rear passengers seem to have been neglected – yet again - with regards to standard rear A/C vents. For-Wheels hope that by the time this 8th gen Accord gets localised for the ASEAN market (Thai-made and sourced), it gains this class-standard A/C feature.

Honda Accord generations time-line:
1st generation - 1976 to 1981

2nd generation - 1982 to 1985

3rd generation - 1986 to 1989

4th generation - 1990 to 1993

5th generation - 1994 to 1997

6th generation - 1998 to 2002

7th generation - 2003 to 2007

8th generation - 2008 >

The all-new Accord will go on sale across USA by mid-September 2007. Expect this successor to be seen in Malaysia only sometime H2 2008...or would it make it to our shores earlier?

Spied: VW Golf Mk6 on Test

Swedish magazine “Teknikensvarld” have scooped the next generation Golf Mk 6 performing test runs in Death Valley, Nevada, USA. The all-new Golf was supposed to debut next year at the Geneva Motor Show but VW’s new head, Martin Winterkorn, postponed its succession to Q4 2008. He was reportedly not very pleased with the new car’s appearance. What are depicted in these images was probably a test mule based on the current generation Mk5 Golf.

The new Golf will likely carry on with VAG's forced-induction engines that include 1.4 TSI, 1.4 TSI (twin charged), 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI petrol units with outputs ranging from 122bhp to 200bhp (GTI), and 2.0 TDI diesel units producing 140bhp to 170bhp. However, the final outputs may be revised upwards throughout the range, which will be available in manual, with semi-automatic torque converters and of course, DSG. VW is expected to put on sale the all-new Golf Mk 6 models only sometime in 2009.

Porsche 911 GT3: Jaseri Hong Leong - Kencana Racing 2007 MME Race Team

To mark Porsche’s entry into the 2007 edition of the Merdeka Millenium Endurance Race (MMER), the Hong Leong – Kencana Racing Team was launched at Wisma Hong Leong in Kuala Lumpur recently.


The team which was known as Jaseri Racing Team for the 2006 edition of the MMER will be supported by the famed German racing team, Farnbacher Racing. This year’s challenger will be the formidable Porsche 911 GT3 RSR. Apart from the car, Farnbacher will also be providing one driver and a team of technicians to handle the technical side and strategy management of the team.

The drivers line up include Dato’ Mokhzani Mahathir, Chairman of Jaseri Automotive Group Sdn Bhd, Sven Herberger (both of which campaigned in the 2006 edition of the MMER with a 3rd place result) and Lars Erik Nielsen from Farnbacher Racing. Lars who also is the owner of this year’s car brings to the team much experience in endurance racing. He had also finished 3rd in Class at the 2007 LeMans 24 hours race and is a regular competitor at endurance races.

Commenting on the partnership with Hong Leong Bank and Hong Leong Assurance, Dato’ Mokhzani said “We can see the synergy that exists between Jaseri Racing and Hong Leong. Both aim for the top. Both share a relentless pursuit for excellence and intend to deliver where it matters most. This is why Jaseri Racing is proud to have on board the Hong Leong Financial Group this year.”

Also present at the launch were Group Managing Director of Hong Leong Bank, Yvonne Chia, Group Managing Director of Hong Leong Assurance, Charlie E. Oropeza, Motorsports Commission of Malaysia Chairman Datuk Azman Yahya, Jaseri Racing Team Manager Gary Khor and key personnel from Hong Leong Bank, Hong Leong Assurance and Jaseri Racing.

New Mercedes-Benz 300 SLC

German car magazine “Auto Motor und Sport” has given its readers a glimpse of how the compact supercar 300 SLC from Mercedes-Benz might look like with the two renderings here. The headlights are notably different – looking like a single (but more upright) headlamp unit from the W211 - versus Autocar ASEAN’s ameboid (like W203 C-Class' but more edgy in shape)headlights of the 300 SLC renderings in its August 2007 issue. Mercedes-Benz is reportedly having two potential design options for the 300 SLC, a retro styling inspired from the iconic 300 SL Gullwing of the 1950’s or a futuristic avant-garde look.

Codenamed R197, the SLC will share powertrains and basic platform with the next generation SL, which itself is due in 2012. In short, the SLC will use a spaceframe-based alloy construction with a front engine and rear wheel drive (FR) layout. Mercedes-Benz AMG division’s 6.2L V8 is expected under the hood, pushing around 620hp.

The 300 SLC lightweight-compact coupe (think:Cayman S) will be developed and built in-house without any collaboration with McLaren. This is in departure from the McLaren Mercedes SLR supercar.

New Proton Persona 1.6 Campro sedan

Proton’s new Persona sedan is finally unveiled to the public today, signalling an end to the over-ageing Proton Wira sedan by replacing it. Available in Base and Medium specs with 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, the High Line version is only sold in automatic form.

There are six colours options for now: Solid Red, Light Gold, Metal Grey, Tranquility Black, Iridescent White and Blueberry Tea. A basic solid white paint option will be available from September '07 onwards.

Proton’s familiar 1.6L Campro engine remains largely unchanged here. However, the transmission control electronics (TCU) has been remapped for a better low to mid-range torque delivery. It is also claimed to offer quicker throttle response i.e. more incisive gear downshifts.


A glovebox is made available now, even though the dashboard has been nicked from the Gen.2 but now in two-tone grey. The useful and funky-looking little clock is now missing, I would have thought a little improvements to its face and hands could improve its legibilty. Power windows switches are - thankfully - now on the door trim panel.

Boot space is larger than the liftback sibling, with 430litres worth of rump storage capacity. The Persona’s rear seats can be folded flat to further increase boot volume but this feature is only available for Medium and Hi Line models.

Safety features wise, dual SRS front airbags with seatbelt pre-tensioners, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) are available for the Hi Line model only while the medium-spec version gets a single airbag only for the driver.

Pricing for the new Proton Persona is as follows (all on-the-road, with insurance, in Peninsula Malaysia):

Base Line 1.6MT - RM44,999 (solid), RM45,449 (metallic)
Base Line 1.6AT - RM47,999 (solid), RM48,449 (metallic).
Medium Line 1.6MT - RM49,800 (metallic)
Medium Line 1.6AT - RM52,800 (metallic)
High Line 1.6AT - RM55,800 (metallic).

Related post:
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/07/new-proton-gen2-sedan-proton-pesona.html

Cayman S: Porsche Design Edition 1

Porsche AG will unveil the Cayman S “Porsche Design Edition 1”, a limited-edition sports coupe, in November 2007. Only 777 examples will be built for sale by the Stuttgart-based sportscar manufacturer, starting end-2007 through to 2008.

Porsche has incorporated various design disciplines into this special edition mid-engine coupé: the black exterior emphasizes the purist nature of the 295bhp sports car and is Porsche Design endorsed, celebrating the famous Chronograph 1s designed by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche.

Refined aesthetics, crafted by Porsche Design, imparts additional luxury and class on the Cayman S: the black leather and Alcantara upholstery harmonizes with refined details such as the instrument dials, the layout of which reflects that of all Porsche Design chronographs. Even the center console, dashboard, and door trims glisten in black, while the three-spoke sports steering wheel, the gear lever, the handbrake grip, and the roof lining are clothed in non-slip black Alcantara. Porsche logo (crest) is embossed on each of the headrests.

The vehicle’s technical features are equally sophisticated: beneath the 10mm lowered body, standard Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) actively controls the firmness or hardness of the shock absorbers. A highly tuned Sport mode that can be activated at the touch of a button for a really dynamic driving feel. 5mm spacers together with 19-inch turbo alloy wheels give the Cayman S “Porsche Design Edition 1” a presence that is reinforced yet further by 235/35 ZR 19 tyres at the front axle and 265/35 ZR 19 donuts at the rear.

The Porsche Design Studio, created by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche 35 years ago, has rapidly become a top international name for industrial design, luxury items and consumer goods.
The Cayman S “Porsche Design Edition 1” standard equipment thus includes an elegant briefcase containing the Flat Six Chronograph, a pocket knife, a pair of sunglasses, a pen, and a key ring – all in black, even the knife blade, in keeping with the vehicle’s styling. Each Cayman S “Porsche Design Edition 1” coupe is to be exclusive and will be identifiable from a badge, bearing one of the 777 serial production numbers, on the lid of the glove box.

Expect this to be seen – rare and exclusive - at Jaseri Automotive’s Auto Eurokars Porsche Centre showroom in Glenmarie or Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia only by 2008.

Chevrolet Aveo Facelift for 2008

The 2008 model Chevy Aveo hatchback wears Chevrolet’s new design theme, as seen on the new Captiva SUV earlier at the Bangkok Motor Show 2007. The new Chevrolet frontal visage is characterised by a big horizontally split radiator grille with a body-coloured crossbeam and the brand logo sitting prominently in the center. The dynamic detailing includes large, curved, clear-glass headlamps and fog lamps.

Chevrolet’s existing 1.4-litre engine for the Aveo remains unchanged, developing 98hp and mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission.

You may want to read this:

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/04/chevrolet-captiva.html