Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Red Line: Superior Protection and Performance

Rather than cutting costs by blending in petroleum products, Red Line motor and gear oils use superior polyol ester-based stocks that provide extreme stability at high temperatures and superior film strength at lower viscosities where more power can be produced.
This makes Red Line oil the premium product on the shelf. Red Line oil products are used by many of the world’s top racing teams and discriminating motor-sport enthusiasts. From drag racing, dirt tracks to super-speedways, the technology transfer in the development of Red Line synthetic motor oils, gear oils, additives and greases comes directly from racing to your vehicle.
Since 1979, Red Line synthetic Oil Corporation has grown to manufacture more than 100 quality products including motor oils, gear oils, assembly lubes and fuel additives. Based in Benicia, California, Red Line has a reputation with racers and enthusiasts alike for creating products that fulfill the high demands of the performance industry.
Here, among the popular Red Line products is the H-Type CVT (continuously variable transmission) fluid for Honda cars. It has an all synthetic formula designed for high protection properties and lack of shudder. Also, Red Line offers a non-slip CVT fluid for belt-type applications which caters for shiftronic transmission cars.
Besides above mentioned product, there are also synthetic manual transmission lubricants such as MTL and MT90 which are suitable for Nissan, Toyota, Mazda, Honda, BMW and even national models. A range of fully synthetic, offering improve thermal stability as well as engine lubricants ranging from 0W-40,5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-50, and 20W-50 are available besides the 75W-90 and 80W-140 gear oil.
In Malaysia especially and South East Asia generally, Red Line products is exclusively distribute by Cybertech Enterprise, based in Pusat Bandar Puchung, Selangor.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Toyota Prius MPV


Here about Toyota Prius MPV now call Alpha.
MPV model Toyota Prius is called Alpha. Alpha MPV are lithium-ion batteries and is the first vehicle in the range of the Prius, to do so. Alpha will be released in two versions, including seven seats with an extra row of seats in the back row. It is also in larger sizes than the standard Prius with a longer wheelbase than 3 cm and a total length of vehicles, more than 30 cm.
The lithium-ion batteries used in the Alpha MPV are capable of higher power generation. As the vehicle is a hybrid, it uses a 1.8-litre IC engine that functions according to the Atkinson cycle and is capable of generating 98 horsepower. The electric engine is also estimated to generate 81 horsepower with the combined output of both systems estimated to be at 135 horsepower. However, the vehicle’s fuel consumption could be slightly higher than the standard Prius due to its bigger size.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Exora orders exceed 35,000 units

PROTON Exora, multi-purpose vehicle model (MPV) of Malaysia's first product from Perusahaan Automotif Berhad (Proton), which exceeded the target when sales orders in excess of 35,000 units since its launch, is listed for Advertising and Marketing Effectiveness Award (AmE) organized by the New York Festivals, USA .
In addition, Exora marketing campaign also won a Gold Dragon after award for Best Marketing Campaign in Asia (PMA) in 2009 and Silver awards at the Malaysian Effectiveness Awards.
Deputy Chairman of McCann Worldgroup, Huang Ean Hwa, said AmE Award is recognition for the advertising industry.
"Through this award, the evaluation will be based on strategic work, the effects and can produce tangible results," he said in a statement issued, recently.
The effectiveness of the ad launch of the Proton Exora by advertising agency McCann Erickson Malaysia also provides a great instrument creating the best market for such products, especially when the automotive market is recovering from the effects of global economic crisis.
In fact, the first time in a period of 16 years, local judges evaluated AmE Award with cultural and economic backgrounds in their respective regions and in-depth knowledge of each market.
However, the campaign Proton Exora extended through the print media, television, radio, online advertising, events, customer testimonials and live throughout the country.
Meanwhile, the winner of AmE Awards will be announced on April 21 and three Malaysian companies were also listed in the Integrated Marketing category of the Canon, Pantene and Polident.

Source; METRO.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Vehicle Identification

The explanation on VIN numbers is quite long and one can find it in Wikipedia. In Malaysia, we do not use VIN numbers on our registration documents and so at best, any such number one can find on the car will be more for information than anything else.
On the other hand, all cars do carry a body number which in most cases is hidden from view and the location is only known to the assemblers.
In a situation, where there is doubt on the chassis number of a car, the police will usually contact the assemblers to track the body for verification.
The problem usually arises with used vehicles because the used vehicle may have been made up of a half-cut and the repairer may have re-punched the chassis number.

Monday, June 14, 2010

CAMPRO ENGINE

Proton has produced its first engine, known by the name of the joint venture CAMPRO lotus.Name CAMPRO stands for the cam profile (cam profile). The first proton car engine is CAMPRO Proton Gen-2, followed by models such as knights proton Neo persona.Engine steel and is designed to prove the ability of protons in the development of a powerful car engine and meet strict emission standards.
There are three types of CAMPRO DOHC engine was introduced and the use of Proton
- Basic DOHC
* DOHC CAMPRO S4PH (1.6), mounted on the Model Gen-2, Waja Campro.
* DOHC Campro S4PE (1.3L)-installed on the Model-2 generation Saga SAGA BLM.
- Engine Campro CPS and VIM (1.6), installed on the Model Gen-2 CPS, Waja CPS & Campro Exora.
- Engine Campro IAFM-installed on the Model Gen-2, Persona, Persona SE.
Campro Engine Base
Engine type is produced in two different products ,S4PH to 1600cc displacement and 1300cc displacement. During S4PE development stage, the engine is installed on the Proton Waja which is used specifically for road test. The engine began to be used in the Proton Gen-2. Although engine power is looked at high engine speeds, but the beginning of Gen-2 users had problems, especially lack of torque for hill climbing when the engine speed around the 3.000 ~ 3.500 rpm torque due to a decrease in speed prior to the increased back to 148 Nm at 4,000 rpm. As a result, the driver had a lot of change between the second and third gear when climbing hills. These problems are solved by mapping the engine ECU in the year 2005.

S5PH (1.6L)

• horsepower maximum are: 110 bhp (82 kW) @ 6,000 rpm
• Maximum torque: 148 N-m @ 4,000 rpm
• Hole x stroke: 76 x 88 mm
• Engine displacement: 1598 cc

S4PE (1.3 L)


• Maximum Horsepower: 94 bhp (70 kW) @ 6,000 rpm
• Maximum torque: 120 N-m @ 4,000 rpm
• Hole x stroke: 76 x 73.4 mm
• Engine Displacement: 1332 cc

The Campro CPS and VIM
In addition to the existing basic DOHC engine, Proton is also developing the engine CPS (cam profile change) and VIM (variable input cavity). CPS technology is variable valve timing technology developed similarly as VVTI VTEC by Honda and the Toyota. The Campro CPS 1.6 can produce up to 127 hp at 6.500 rpm and increasing the torque to 150 Nm @ 4.500 rpm going up to 5,000 rpm. Campro CPS engine will only start with a model started to be used in Proton Gen-2 and Proton Waja in 2008. The originally should be removed in 2005.
Both CPS and VIM technology work together in three different modes as follows: -

1. Low engine speeds (3,800 rpm and below): lower cam is used and the air in the cavity length to enter the air-fuel mixing better, thus saving fuel and remove junaman torque at low rpm.
2. Moderate engine speeds (3.800 ~ 4.800 rpm): CPS system to change the profile of the cam low to high, allowing more air-fuel mixture, thus contributing to a higher maximum power.
3. High engine speed (4.800 rpm above): VIM system to change the air flow to enter the cavity short and straight.

In addition to 1.6L engine, Campro CPS engine is also available in 1.8L version, but the extent of 30 April 2008 it has not been used on any model of the Proton otherwise make his first appearance in a hovercraft made in Malaysia.
Campro IAFM


IAFM 1.3L Campro engine which is installed on the second generation Proton Saga.
IAFM Campro engine is DOHC Campro engines installed base with adjustable input cavity system, known as IAFM module (Module Input Air-Fuel), jointly developed by Proton, Bosch and EPMB in April 2005. However, the difference between the system VIM IAFM Campro CPS engine are as follows: -

1. IAFM is the only module that can be installed directly on the basic DOHC engine but the VIM is to work in conjunction with the CPS system in the CPS engine.
2. IAFM engine running on vacuum pressure while the VIM works with ECU controlled electric solenoid.

IAFM Campro engine used in the second generation Proton Saga, which was launched in January 2008. The 1.3L engine can produce maximum power of 98 bhp @ 6.500 rpm. Maximum torque decreased slightly to 113.2 Nm, but the engine's torque range is wider IAFM and deterioration problems of common torque at mid-RPM has been addressed.
1.6 liter version will produce 110 bhp @ 6.500 rpm and 148 Nm torque hard @ 4,000 rpm, and torque junaman problems in the basic DOHC versions have been fully addressed. IAFM 1.6L engine was first used on the Proton Gen-2 M-line and the Proton Persona from the year 2008.
Hybrid Campro engine
(Planning the future of Proton)


Proton and Lotus have a prototype model of the Proton Gen-2 Campro engine hybrid that uses the 2007 Geneva Auto Show. The hybrid engine system known as EVE (Efficient, Competitive, Friendly Environment). It uses existing S4PH engine coupled with electric motor 144 V, 30 kW. to enable the system used on all existing Proton model without the need to develop a new platform for the separate models of hybrid cars.
Technical data of the hybrid system is as follows: -

• Maximum horsepower (engine only): 110 bhp (82 kW) @ 6,000 rpm
• Maximum torque (engine only): 148 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
• Maximum horsepower (combined): 141 bhp (105 kw) @ 5.500 rpm
• Maximum torque (combined): 233 Nm @ 1,500 rpm (limited to 180 Nm

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Modification Guidelines for Small Private Vehicles.

There are modifications or installation of accessories that are not required to obtain approval from the Director General of the RTD, especially the modification or installation does not give effect to the features, stability and security of such vehicles;
a) Installation of water in the front spoiler and rear.
b) Installation of side skirts, aerofoil and the door on the car visor.
c) Installation Protecting Guards at the front and rear of the car.
d) Minor modifications in the radiator grilles, bonnet or the shape and design lights.
e) Modification or installation of additional bumper (whether of steel or fiberglass) in the back or front.
f) Installation of rim and tire.
g) The installation of the roof.
h) Installation of an additional brake light (red) or the indicator light amber color.
i) Installation of spot-light or halogen light on the front only, that is additional to existing lighting.
j) Installation of wind barrier, fiberglass cap lamp and fiberglass engine cover on the front of the motorcycle where the accessories are not excluded from the end of the bike.
However, this installation should be in accordance with and meet the legal requirements as stated in the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Rules 1959 or the Motor Vehicles (Construction, Equipment and Use) Rules, 1988.

For example:

1) If the air spoiler, aerofoil or side kit installed, it can not be exceed 150mm measured from the outside rear tire.
2) If the door visor is installed, it can not be exceed 100mm width and height.
3) If the rim or tire width is used, it must be fully closed with mudguards or mud flaps.
4) If the Protecting Guards installed, it can not cover the vehicle lights. Not allowed sharp edges or protruding parts out of more than 100mm. The overall width shall not exceed the original vehicle.
5) If the extra large bumper Guards Protecting installed, over the front and back can not exceed 50% of the vehicle wheel base.
6) Distance headlamp and signal lamp shall not exceed 300mm and 400mm measured from the widest body after modification.
7) If the roof is installed, it can not exceed the length of the roof, or the width of the vehicle or the height of 400mm measured from the top of the roof.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Reliable Exora

Proton has nearly 20,000 booking for the Exora but we are not too swayed into believing that this is the best offering in the market.
The test unit has slightly above 10,000km on the clock, doing various jobs ranging from media test drives and trips for Proton’s internal events. Surprising, the Exora held its bits well.
A few Exora owners on the web complained about some suspension noise from front but it has been repaired with one visit to the service centre. The Exora 4-speed Mitsubishi gearbox required less downshifting. Air conditioning was tip-top, sometime you have to shut-off the rear blower as your children complained that it was too cold. The front blower was strong enough to hit the second row passengers with waves of cold air. With the rear blower shut-off, fuel consumption and performance should be better.
Using the RON95 from Shell posed no problems for Exora. In fact, the Exora really felt better. The Exora was spacious (bigger than the Eastar, Grand Livina and Avanza), comfortable and handle well for any MPV of this size priced below the RM 100,000 mark.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Small But Powerfull

The 1.6 liter Campro CPS engine used in the Proton Exora has been the subject of much criticism, whether called for or not. Yes, having a relatively small engine in a large vehicle is bound to require a little more pedal to the metal, a lots of people talks and express their thought that this 1.6 liter engine are too small for such a huge MPV like Exora.
Exora Owners Club Malaysia proves that all rumors about the small power are only speculation. They have organized a convoy up to Genting Highlands Resort and surprising the Exora went up and down without any difficulty. Congratulation to Proton because delivers us something good like this.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Proton Development of Exora






Within 18 months, up Exora
Multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) is the first Proton, Exora developed only in the last 18 months, faster than the international standard for developing vehicles that usually takes 24 months.
Proton Holdings Berhad chairman Datuk Mohd. Nadzmi Mohd. Salleh told, Exora also developed in a shorter period than when the company began developing its own car, Proton Waja which took 36 months.
The success of the Proton because not only are able to develop products in the past 18 months but the number of engineers involved only 250 people compared to when developing the Proton Waja which involved 1,000 engineers as well as engineering support provider of car company in Europe and Japan.
Mohd. Nadzmi told, Exora not just the latest Proton model, but the starting point for the local automotive technology and it is the first MPV locally.
Specifically, Exora developed 100 per cent of Malaysian children from research and development, design, and up to the stage of the installation.

Hybrid Car From Proton



Proton commercial hybrid in 2011
BANGKOK - National automotive company, Proton Bhd. planning began mass production of hybrid cars by 2011, said managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Syed Mohamed Tahir said.
He said the program was developed through a joint venture with subsidiaries based in Britain, Lotus, and some other component suppliers, such as a battery manufacturer.
"We have a dedicated team at Lotus to develop and test the car using Lotus technology. I tested the car two weeks ago and I was impressed with it," he told Malaysian media during the Thailand International Motor show, here.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, His Excellency Suthep Thaugsuban who launched the exposition was given a briefing on Proton project in Thailand and the current model, Exora.
Syed Zainal said, some hybrid cars Exora now tested in Britain and will be sent to Malaysia at the end of this month or early next year.

Malaysia’s first elegant MPV





This is what I think about the first Malaysia's MPV:

Proton Exora which was launched on April 15 2009 are really surprised compare to the price which is around RM69k to RM75k overall.
Proton Exora exterior is absolutely great and nothing else to say, it is the most desirable MPV in Malaysia. I'm personally proud of what Proton has made to produce our first MPV. The quality of the interior, nothing feels cheap although there a few weaknesses in my point of view but it's still valuable to the price paid. The interior of this 7 seater MPV is nice and well designed, especially the steering wheel which look like Honda's steering. The 5 spoke sport rims really satisfy the eyes of observer which looks fit to this first Proton MPV. From bonnet to bumper, your elegant cruising machine is fitted with only the best in aesthetics. Take a glance at its stylish body featuring a sporty winged grille, plus integrated head lamps and fender design. Look around some more and you'll soon realize how Proton concern to both aspect of aerodynamics and sophistication.
Exora is meant for 7 adults comfortably in plush leather seats*. For more room, the 2nd and 3rd rows can be arranged and folded in 6 different ways, including completely flat. (Just like one of Mazda's MPV)
Surprisingly, the 2nd and third row of Exora fit 5 adults with comfortable space. I have tried sitting at the back and I feel that there is no problem for me to sit there for a long journey because it can fit me without feeling uncomfortable. Amazing for an MPV below RM80k! I would say the space for third row is better than Citra, Rondo and Grand Livina. Third row of Exora is really for 2 adults, not just 2 small kids.
Proton Exora comes with dual blower and individual air-cond outlets at every row, built-in entertainment system* and 10 cup holders. Interior finishing of Proton Exora is very nice.
As conclusion Exora offer:
ALL-ROUND PROTECTION, SOLID PERFORMANCE and INTELLIGENT ELECTRONICS experience to their owner.