Description: 56 years old Rowan Atkinson, "Mr. Bean" actor, has done it again. He managed to crash his McLaren F1 for a second time, this time ripping the rear end off the vehicle. After losing control of the McLaren, it spun around 3 times and crashed into a tree and sign post. He sustained a fractured shoulder but should be ok.
Atkinson has crashed several other exotic cars in the past. In addition to his 1999 crash involving his 1st McLaren F1, he has also crashed an Aston Martin Zagato and a 1952 Jaguar racing car.
Location: Haddon, England
ARTICLE 1:
Mr. Bean "lucky to be alive" after McLaren F1 crash
The actor Rowan Atkinson, known to most as the clumsy Mr. Bean, apparently cheated death this evening when he lost control of his powerful McLaren F1 (pictured) and hit a tree. The actor escaped the wreckage before the car burst into flames. UPDATE!
Atkinson is an avid car collector and noted enthusiast who famously owns one of the rare McLaren F1 GTR models, which he smashed in 1999 after a fender bender. It's unknown whether speed was a factor in the crash, though the car does have a top speed of around 230 mph.
The actor proved his mettle as a driver earlier this year after posting a great time around the Top Gear test track. Medical sources say Rowan suffered a minor shoulder injury while another onlooker said he was "lucky to be alive."
ARTICLE 2:
Rowan Atkinson out of Hospital!
The actor Rowan Atkinson has been released from hospital following a crash in his high-powered McLaren F1 supercar, it has been reported.
VIDEO 1: Rowan Atkinson aka. Mr. Bean @ Top Gear.
MY (Otoreview's) OPINION: One more McLaren F1 written off. Note that they make only 70 street legal version (actually 100 but remaining 30 is "Track" OR "Racing" version) of this species. Estimated 25 of them crashed. Minus this one means 44 +/- left in the "wild". Me thinks he should stick to driving Minis...
PUTRAJAYA: Biodiesel is now available in the market.
From this month until October, the supply of the new fuel will be available in stages starting at Putrajaya followed by Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor respectively.
Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok launched the B5 biodiesel programme at the Petronas station at Precint 9 here on Wednesday.
With this, all five Petronas stations and one Shell station here will be dispensing the fuel.
Dompok fuelling up a BMW X3 xDrive20d with a full tank of B5 biodiesel during its launch in Putrajaya on Wednesday. Also present were representatives from BMW and Petronas.
B5 is a blend of 95% regular petroleum-based diesel and 5% biodiesel which can be used in normal diesel engine vehicles without any modifications. It will be sold at the same price as regular diesel at RM1.80 per litre.
Dompok said that the B5 price mechanism would be regulated and determined by the Finance Ministry.
“The rolling out of the B5 programme will not cause any price changes as the Government will continue providing subsidies to ensure that the B5 will be at the same cost as regular diesel,” he said.
“The production of the B5 is more expensive but the cost is absorbed by the Government,” he added.
Malaysian Palm Oil Board director general Datuk Dr Choo Yuen May said the fuel is more environment-friendly compared to regular diesel.
BMW, a strong diesel advocate, said it supported the government initiative. BMW Group Malaysia currently has an Advanced Diesel variant vehicle here in Malaysia for almost every BMW model introduced in the country.
It said modern diesel engines generate 20% more horsepower, 75% more torque and consume up to 30% less fuel compared to their petrol equivalents. They also produce up to 25% less carbon dioxide (CO2) than their equivalent petrol counterparts.
The next step forward for Malaysia is to go ahead as planned to introduce Euro 4M standard diesel this year, it said.
"Such a move would ultimately be most beneficial to consumers as well as the environment, who would obtain better performance while lowering fuel consumption and emission levels at the same time," it said in a statement.
"This would ultimately ensure the further takeup of green technology that is sustainable for both the nation and the environment in the long-run."
END OF ARTICLE Here's some videos I compiled related to biodiesel:
Video 1:
Video 2: Top Gear
Video 3: MythBusters... Cooking Oil as Economical Diesel Fuel
I now present a series of Videos review and 2 owner's review from carsurvey.org/. Enjoy!
Video 1: Whatcar? http://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews/ford/fiesta-hatchback/video/25846-5
Video 2: TopGear Ford Fiesta Road Test Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Zy78tFPQwQ
BBC Top Gear Ford Fiesta road test Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYIyCmcuQno
Video 3: iMotor Ford Fiesta Test Drive http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KJFp681kU0
Without further ado, let's proceed to Owner's review.
Owner's review 1: from carsurvey.org:
2009 Ford Fiesta Zectec S review from UK and Ireland
"The best car I have ever driven"
General comments?
The car is great, I only paid £11000 for it after the scrappage scheme and general arguing over the price, and have all the extras like the 17" wheels, USB bluetooth, leather interior, metallic paint and some other bits. Got it brand new and have not once been disappointed with it. Was really surprised how good it is on fuel, seeing as it's the highest BHP engine they do, getting about 38MPG.
Never had a car with low profile tires and lowered suspension before, and the first few days of having it I thought that something was wrong, as it felt very rough on some roads, but talking to friends they said it's normal, and it's just the bad roads in Cornwall. Take it on a proper tarmac road and the handling is better than my brother's Golf GTI. Never once has it under or over steered or got out of shape, but I backed off as I was to chicken to push it any harder LOL.
Acceleration is good, but it really kicks in in 3rd gear at about 4000 revs, where you feel the car just surge forward.
Brakes are perfect; went onto a quite road and did an emergency stop to see if I could feel the ABS working, not a thing!!! The car didn't even skid and I never felt the ABS working, but I knew it was as the light came on the dashboard.
The interior is good, really comfortable with the racing seats, and the stereo/phone controls are all voice activated, so no need for looking across at buttons.
The speakers in the car are very good; my last car I fully kitted out with subs and speakers with the intention of doing the same to the fiesta. There is no need unless you want to spend £1000 on your sound system; don't bother because you won't beat the quality you already have.
Boot not the biggest, but can still get a body board in the back with extra stuff, and the room for the rear passengers is surprising good from what it looks like outside. My 6'3" mate had no problem in the back when I had a car full.
The one minor thing I will say about the car is with the 17" wheels the turning circle is not the best, moving in and out of car parks and garages normally takes two shunts, but that could just be my bad driving. All I can say is get yourself down to the Ford dealership and have a test drive and a fiddle with all the stuff on the car, and see if it is for you, but I haven't found anyone that hasn't liked it yet. Look on youtube for Top Gear's review of it; after seeing that I got the car.
OWNER 2:
2010 Ford Fiesta Titanium review from UK and Ireland
"A quality family car that never fails to impress"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
No faults yet, but obviously still running in.
General comments?
Having been driving the previous model Fiesta for 2 years, a diesel model, I felt confident that the new car would live up to my expectations. After all, the New Fiesta was just a facelift of the previous model?
How wrong I was!
The car has by far exceeded my expectations, right from the minute I collected it. The paintwork, in Hot Magenta, is striking. It appears a different colour in different light. It varies between magenta, purple, and burgundy. Also the finish of the paint is again impressive. It is the smoothest finish I have ever seen; not a hint of any "orange peel".
The interior is so welcoming, with everything so well placed. Most of the switchgear is standard Ford layout, so within seconds I knew where everything was. The central information panel is so useful, displaying everything from temperature, to fan speed, radio station, climate control settings, and, when the Bluetooth is activated, my whole mobile phone's contact list!
The voice activated controls are amazing. I still find it hard to believe that I can use my phone, control the radio, and the climate controls, using voice activated commands. (Of course you can do it manually - the old fashioned way!).
The 1.4 Duratec engine is quite surprising in its performance, and I would say it produces the same power of earlier 1.6 engines. Economy, at an average of 38mpg (it's still running in), is very good. More amazing is the smoothness of the engine. It's inaudible on the road, and it's quite easy to believe the car has stalled in traffic as it's so quiet. Not a hint of vibration.
Seating is extremely comfortable, although I would say that rear legroom is a little tight if the front seats were to be pushed back. O.K. for children, but possibly a little cramped for an adult. However, since this is a family car, I guess the rear seats would be occupied by children anyway. Rear seat is comfortable though. For a standard spec car, I thought the specification was faultless - climate control, power fold mirrors, heated windscreen, heated mirrors and washer jets, cruise control, bluetooth, voice activated controls, auto headlights and auto wipers, ambient lighting, footwell lights, quality Sony stereo with 6 speakers with remote control, alarm... the list goes on.
I can honestly say that I just LOVE driving this car, and look forward to the drive to work each morning. It's comfortable, quiet and refined.
Steering is light, and the suspension firm without being too hard. There is good feedback to the driver. Space is far better than the previous model, and together with good storage locations, the car remains uncluttered inside. Boot is average size, taking 2 large suitcases without the need to fold the seats down. As I say, I have only driven 900 miles in the car so far, so can't comment on longevity. But if the first 2 months are anything to go by, this car will be with me for a long time.
End of post: That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry...
In this blog entry, I'm reviewing the Porsche 986 Boxster S 3.2. It's produced from 1999 to 2004 with facelift in 2003 (notably GLASS Rear window instead of Plastic previously). This car's quite rare in Malaysia (the 2.5 and 2.7 yes, quite common but NOT the Boxster S). Nevertheless, I found 2 in the Market. A 2001 model for RM198,000 and a 2004 unregistered model for RM280,000. With these 2 cars, I can pretty much predict the average resale value in Malaysia:
As usual, I don't have a car for me to test and brag about. All is NOT LOST. I dished out 5 Videos Review + 1 Main review by Goauto Australia + 1 external link review by "Autozine.org" + Specifications and LASTLY a WHOOPING 6 Owner's review (courtesy of Carsurvey.org). So sit back, enjoy and relax...
Video 1: Porsche Boxster S (986)--Chicago Car http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e24viPtLPgs
Video 2: Porsche 986 Boxster Love Story http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsKixO_ekeg
Video 3: Top Gear Review - BMW Z4 (E85), Honda S2000 &Porsche Boxster (986) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDznYbip70I
Video 4: Top Gear Stig Lap - BMW Z4 (E85), Honda S2000 & Porsche Boxster (986) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egoHEvvC3Lo
Video 5: 2 Full Golf Sets in Porsche Boxster Boot http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5KT01b-YCA
THE success of Porsche's Boxster roadster is undoubted.
Its pricing has allowed a whole new group to gain access to this famed Stuttgart sports car marque.
But always, from its introduction with a 2.5-litre engine, and then even when that was replaced by a 2.7, the call was for more performance.
The S delivers with more power, a six-speed manual gearbox, revised suspension and bigger brakes.
In this case "S" stands for not only sports, but sensational too.
Model release dates: October 1999 - February 2005
The Car
THE Boxster's aerodynamic shapes were determined as much by what you can't see as what you can. In fact, the smooth under-floor area that is an integral part of the Boxster's design contributed 6 per cent to the aerodynamics. Careful underbody shaping also reduces front-end lift by 36 per cent. Half 911 (at the front) and half exclusively Boxster, the two-seat soft-top also incorporates a retracting rear spoiler that actives at 120km/h and slides out of the way below 80km/h.
The Car - Seat Plan
THE Boxster's engine is mounted ahead of rather than behind the rear axle as in the 911, which means the Boxster is a two-seater only.
The Car - Seats
THE Boxster S's seat faces are finished in leather. A new cloth inner lining of the roof adds a luxury touch and reduces wind noise at speed.
The Car - Dash
GREY-SILVER instrument dials and aluminium-coloured instrument surrounds distinguish the Boxster S from the Boxster. The sports three-spoke leather steering wheel has a Porsche logo in aluminium colour embossed in its centre.
The Car - Controls
THE Boxster has its indicator stalk on the left of the steering column. The steering wheel is adjustable for reach only and the electric windows have a one-touch wind-down function.
The Car - Wheels/tyres
IF the standard wheel and tyre combination isn't tough enough for you, there's always the optional 7.5Jx18 front and 9Jx18 rear alloy wheels. They mate to 225/40 ZR18 front and 265/35 ZR18 rear tyres. Did you know? The aerodynamic drag figure for the Boxster is 0.31
The Car - Luggage
TOTAL luggage capacity is 260 litres and is split between front and rear compartments. The front luggage compartment space was maximised by using two side-mounted radiators behind the doors. The Boxster lacks a glove compartment but has lidded door bins, a lidded and lockable centre bin and three extra storage areas behind the head rests.
Did you know?The Boxster's magnesium-framed Z-fold convertible top was awarded a design prize by the International Magnesium Agency in Ube, Japan
The Car - What's changed
THE front-end look of the S is changed in comparison to the 2.7 by new air vents in the front spoiler. There are also bigger wheels and brakes with red calipers emphasising the car's sporting focus.
The Car - Stand out features
A SMALL spoiler pops up automatically at the back of the car at speeds over 120km/h to help cut drag and reduce lift. It can be raised or lowered manually by an interior switch. Porsche claims this is the first car to use PVC TPO film, which stops windows fogging up and prevents evaporation from plastic surfaces.
Did you know?
The concept Boxster was first seen at the Detroit motor show in 1993
The Car - Climate control
CLIMATE-CONTROL air-conditioning is standard and operated via a panel integrated into the centre console area. The ventilation system incorporates a charcoal filter to prevent pollutants from entering the vehicle.
The Car - Sound system
THE basic sound system uses two speakers and an AM/FM radio/CD. A more powerful sound system with six speakers and a higher-power four-channel amplifier is optional.
Did you know?
Around 15 per cent of Boxster sales are to women
The Car - Security
THE Boxster has remote control central locking and an engine immobiliser. However, its canvas roof does mean that access is easy for any thief armed with a sharp knife.
Our opinion
We like Dynamics, styling, depth of engineering, sheer everyday useability
Room for improvement No cruise control, no left footrest, style suffers with roof up
Did you know?
The Boxster was styled by a team headed by Harm Lagay, the director of Porsche's design studio
Other opinions
"We haven't met too many people - in fact, any people - who aren't smitten by the Porsche Boxster"
"The Boxster is just copybook Porsche with the wheel bulges bobbing slightly in front of you. If anybody can tell me how Porsche manages such precise handling and a soft ride, I'm keen to talk to them"
Mechanical
Mechanical - Plan views
THE Boxster S's horizontally opposed engine sits inside the rear axle line and powers the rear wheels. This is a slightly different arrangement to the Porsche 911, which actually hangs the engine out beyond the rear axle line.
Mechanical - Engine
THE mid-mounted, oversquare Boxster engine is not exactly a reversed version of the similarly configured 911 engine, although obviously there is some commonality - for example the 78mm stroke crankshaft. A difference is the use of an oil chamber, rather than a separate oil tank as used in the 911, for a less complex design. Both cylinder heads are identical and breathe through plastic intake manifolds. Normally hidden entirely from view, the mid-mounted engine is accessible from underneath, from above, or from the front through special "service openings". The engine is cooled via a split radiator system, located ahead of the rear wheels on either side of the car.
Mechanical - Suspension
THE Boxster's MacPherson strut suspension system is mounted, front and rear, on alloy subframes. Many of the suspension parts are also cast from light alloy. The rear suspension utilizes Porsche's passive-steer Weissach axle originally conceived for the 928, further developed so the rear wheels steer independently of each other to increase stability by promoting more understeer as cornering forces rise. Did you know? The Boxster went from concept to production reality in 42 months
Mechanical - Electronic system
BOXSTER S uses the Motronic ME 7.2 engine management system previously seen in the 911 Carrera 4. Compared to the Motronic M 5.2 featured on the original Boxster, the big difference is the electronic accelerator pedal or E-Gas. Porsche says E-Gas imroves cruise control accuracy and increases smoothness when taking off or changing gears in the optional Tiptronic S gearbox.
Did you know?The increase in engine displacement is achieved through the enlargement of the bore and stroke, and a new crankshaft
Mechanical - Transmission
STANDARD transmission in the Boxster S is a six-speed manual. The optional automatic is a five-speed, utilising Tiptronic manual override and incorporating an "intelligent" function. The system is able to detect gradients and will refrain from the "hunting" up and down through ratios to which many autos are prone. For example it will hold a lower gear on throttle lift-off, or change down appropriately with an application of the brakes. The automatic transmission has five programmes or shift maps, which are selected depending on driving style.
Did you know?
A hardtop and roof rack system are available at extra cost
Mechanical - Brakes
THE braking system uses alloy four-piston brake calipers in a single-piece design - a concept that comes straight from Formula One. Cooling air is provided by ducts and special spoilers on the lower control arms. Anti-lock is by Bosch's ABS 5.0 system. Disc diameter is 298mm at the front and 292mm at the rear.
Did you know?
Porsche claims the Boxster is the first production car to use race-developed four-piston "monobloc" brake calipers
Mechanical - Steering
THE rack and pinion steering system is hydraulically power assisted, a system designed to absorb road shock while providing a strong feeling of being in touch with the road. Power steering came relatively late to rear-engined Porsches, introduced with the 911 range in 1986.
Did you know?
The Porsche turns from kerb to kerb in 10.9 metres
Safety
THE Boxster comes with dual front airbags as well as side bags. It incorporates crumple zones at the front and rear, as well as side-impact beams in the doors. The body shell is made of two-sided hot galvanised steel which, according to Porsche, gives better deformation performance than lightweight materials. Stainless steel rollover bars are built-in behind the seats and high-strength steel reinforcements are built into the windscreen frame for improved rollover strength.
Did you know?
The production Boxster is longer, wider and higher than the original concept car
NOTE: For 2003 Porsche have revised both Boxster models. VarioCam technology used on the engines have increased output for both models with 7 bhp, from 253 to 260 bhp for the 'S' model. The roof now drops at a steeper angle to the rear lid, offering a contour line very similar to the aluminium hardtop available as an option. This new shape is provided by an additional, fourth roof bracket above the new rear window now made of glass. Further subtile modifications have been made to exterior; the front 'lip' running beneath the air intakes is more sharply contoured on the new Boxster, merging on both sides into a feature designers refer to as the 'sickle line'.
General specifications Country of origin Germany Numbers built N/A Produced from 2002 - 2004
Engine Configuration B 6 Location Mid, longitudinally mounted Construction aluminium block and head Displacement 3.179 liter / 194 cu in Bore / Stroke 93.0 mm (3.7 in) / 78.0 mm (3.1 in) Compression 11.0:1 Valvetrain 4 valves / cylinder, DOHC Fuel feed Bosch Motronic ME 7.8 Fuel Injection Aspiration Naturally Aspirated
Drivetrain Chassis/body unitary steel Front suspension McPherson struts, aluminium longitudinal and track control arms, spring struts, conical base springs Rear suspension McPherson struts, aluminium longitudinal and track control arms plus tie-rod, spring struts, coil springs Brakes ventilated discs, all-round, ABS Gearbox 6 speed Manual Drive Rear wheel drive
Dimensions Weight 1320 kilo / 2910.1 lbs Length / Width / Height 4320 mm (170.1 in) / 1780 mm (70.1 in) / 1290 mm (50.8 in) Wheelbase / Track (fr/r) 2415 mm (95.1 in) / 1455 mm (57.3 in) / 1514 mm (59.6 in) Performance figures Power 260 bhp / 194 KW @ 6200 rpm Torque 310 Nm / 229 ft lbs @ 4700 rpm BHP/Liter 82 bhp / liter Power to weight 0.2 bhp / kg Top Speed 264 km/h / 164 mph 0-62 mph 5.6 s
Resources Suggested reading Porsche, Excellence was expected, by Karl Ludvigsen
Without further ado, let's proceed to Owner's Review (source: www.carsurvey.org/) Owner 1: 2000 Porsche Boxster S review from UK and Ireland "A poor mans 911? - NO WAY"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
No faults so far with the car. General comments?
The car has fantastic handling and performance. I expected to be a little disappointed with the cars performance having previously had a 964 911. The boxster does not have the out and out savage power delivery of the old car, but its not far off and the handling is awesome.
I am just over 6 feet tall and fit in to the car no problem. The cabin is a world apart from the old 911's with modern dashboard and instrument layout. The heating and ventilation is a vast improvement. In terms of practicallity the two boots provide adequate storage for two peoples weekend luggage, in cabin storage though is limited to the door pockets.
Average score: 7.4/10 OWNER 2: 2001 Porsche Boxster S review from North America "Quick, nimble, beautiful, comfortable, prestigious, soulful. A sportscar for the ages"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Nothing has gone wrong with this car yet. General comments?
Absolutely gorgeous car, a dream come true. The seats grab you in a bear hug, and the engine sounds as beautiful as any out there.
A very quick car, although a bit underpowered. In the drivers seat you don't notice the 'lack' of power, I am saying that after comparing it to the 911. I picked the boxster over the 911 because I found that it handles somewhat better, presumably due to the midengine design, and it's lower cost. This allowed me to purchase pretty much every option available, including a custom interior from Porsche.
The car stays planted, dancing through tight turns with almost no roll. While accelerating and braking the car does not pitch at all, something whiched really amazed me coming off my Camaro.
All the controls are crisp. The clutch is extraordinarily smooth, and the shifts, although very tight, are extremely easy to execute.
Although the deep blue of my boxster is not quite as flashy as red or yellow, the loud engine and beautiful styling still attract attention, both good (pedestrians and fellow drivers) and bad (traffic cops).
Perhaps the Boxster's best feature is it's soul. Nothing surpasses the thrill I get of waking up early Sunday morning with my girlfriend, firing up the engine, dropping the top and finding a deserted road. When I open the throttle, I am free, leaving any and all problems behind, along with a long patch of Pirelli rubber.
It is worth every last penny. For kicks, I test drove an Aston Martin DB7 cabrio, and that car, while gorgeous and sexy, couldn't touch my boxster. It seemed very soft. I understand that a GT such as the ASton is a different breed than a sporty roadster, but even a car three times the price didn't provide as much thrill as the Porsche Boxster.
Drive several different cars, and pick the one you like. Don't get the Boxster and come bitching about value. Get the car because you love it, because it stirrs something deep inside you. The Boxster should be purchased from your heart, not your head.
Average score: 8.2/10
OWNER 3: 2002 Porsche Boxster S review from Netherlands "Heaven on earth"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Absolutely nothing. General comments?
What an abosolute dream car! Two years ago when I first stepped into my tuned Audi S3 I thought this was heaven on earth.
But now I know there is more. The Boxster S is the absolute best car I have ever driven in. (includes 911/ BMW M5 etc/ Audi RS4 etc). It starts with the incredible need shape. If utopia would have a shape... it would look like a Boxster.
Turn the key and the roaring engine makes you shiver time and time again.
In other words...heaven!
Average score: 8.0/10
Owner 4: 2002 Porsche Boxster S review from North America "This car is made to drive!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Nothing. General comments?
The 2002 Porsche Boxster S, as I would assume all Porsche Boxster models, wants to have fun. Upon purchasing this car I realized just how much enjoyable a drive to work could be. Its like being a teenager again. I don't think there could be a mass produced car that is more fun to drive for the price.
Acceleration is great, handling is amazing, trannsmission is smooth and tight. The mid-engine completely out performance other rear or front wheel drive cars when it comes to handling. It may not be the fastest car out there, but put the top down, head into the mountains and you will experience what a roadster was meant to be.
Porsche is about performance and driving... this car lives up to its name. Overall score: 7.0/10
OWNER 5: 2002 Porsche Boxster S review from UK and Ireland "A bargain" What things have gone wrong with the car?
Creaks from soft-top: seems to be common fault on 2003 model year (mountings come "dry" from factory) solved by dealer lubrication. Radio sometimes re-sets its self for no apparent reason. General comments?
A rare thing in the motoring world: something which lives up to the hype. The Boxster comes with a big reputation and a fair price tag so it's a pleasure to be able to report it is actually a bargain.
Firstly, it is a huge amount of fun to drive, far more so than many similar competitors. Handling and road feel are excellent and performance from the 3.2 litre engine more than adequate (although the chassis could probably take more power without alteration), the engine is very flexible and will pull from 10mph in 3rd without complaining, it is also very smooth and refined without being too quiet.
Oddly enough, it's not the sporting side of the Boxster which impresses the most because you'd expect it to be good at that. What surprises is what a very accomplished long distance, everyday car it is. The car is very refined on the motorway (03 models now have a glass screen) and the soft-top cuts out more noise than you'd expect. It is a very undemanding long distance car.
Bad points: Some of the fixtures and fittings are a bit cheap and nasty for the price, some of the (expensive) options really should be standard, the 2 year warranty is mean, the cabin is a bit short of leg room and its prone to stone chips.
Costs wise 28mpg can be achieved, 26-27mpg in regular driving although fuel consumption can increase considerably when driving hard.
Recommended. Overall rating: 7.4/10
OWNER 6: 2003 Porsche Boxster S review from North America "A keeper" What things have gone wrong with the car?
There have been no service issues with the car. General comments?
The interior is reasonable, nothing out of sorts for a modern vehicle. Porsche will make you put line items in for little doodads you might not expect. E.g. variable wind-shield wiper speed. The fit and finish overall is excellent. What plastic bits there are have a nice texture to them. However this isn't a luxury vehicle.
The ride can only be experienced. Well, I'll take a shot: Do you remember ever driving a go-kart? How when you turned the wheel the kart just went that way? That's how this car drives. Everything feels "linear" in the sense that you get no suprises and things feel "right". This is by nature a more "hard" riding car. But on the highway it feels pliant enough to not shake your fillings out on a long trip. I had an SUV from Mazda that I refused to drive long distances in... but this car is either so fun that I don't notice, or has better overall feel on the highway.
The power of the 2003 Boxster S is great. The car seems to change character on you at about 4.5 to 5K RPM. It goes from subtle to freaky fast very quickly at that point.
The brakes are astoundingly good "feeling". You can brake hard and still get a lot of information... It is hard to describe, but I can only say they seem "linear". Not grabby or pulsy.
Sure there are faster/quicker cars on the market... but the total package here is beautiful, fast, and furious if you want it to be. I would have no problems recommending this vehicle to a family member!
OVERALL RATING: 8.8/10
END OF REVIEW...
That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.
In this blog entry, I'm going to Video blog about my Favourite Diesel Car. The BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Diesel. In Malaysia, the 320d is yours from RM239,888 for Standard Version and RM255,800 for M-sport version.
STARTERS:
SPECIFICATIONS:
BMW
Type 320d EfficientDynamics
Code E90, Series 3 Built 2009 - now
Body:
Length 4531 mm Width 1817 mm Height 1406 mm Weight 1420 kg
Body type Sedan Doors 4, Seats 5
Wheelbase 2760 mm Track front 1506 mm Track rear 1535 mm Turning circle 11 m Fuel capacity 61 L
Cooling oil capacity 7.5 L Engine oil capacity 5.2 L Drag coefficient 0.27 Cd x A
Max load to DIN 520 kg Max. permissible weight 1940 kg Max. axle load front 925 kg Max. axle load rear 1080 kg Max. roofload 75 kg
Luggage compartment 460 L
Power unit(s)
Engine: Type N47
4 cylinder inline turbocharged diesel engine
Cylinders 4 Valves 16 Arrangement inline 4 Displacement 1995 cc
Stroke 90 mm Bore 84 mm Compression 16.5 :1
Fuel type diesel
Power 150 kW / 177 HP @ 4000 rpm
Torque 350 Nm @ 1750-3000 rpm
(Power and torque sourced from BMW Malaysia Website because we have more horsepower (177hp vs 163hp) but LESS TORQUE (350Nm vs 380Nm) compared to European Specs...)
Electrical system
Battery power 90 Ah Battery location luggage compartment
Chassis & suspension
Suspension, front Double-joint spring strut axle in aluminium with displaced castor, small positive steering roll radius, compensation of lateral forces, anti-dive
Suspension, rear Five-arm axle in lightweight steel construction
Brakes, front Single-piston swing-calliper disc brakes Diameter 312 mm
Brakes, rear Single-piston swing-calliper disc brakes Diameter 300 mm
Steering EPS Electric Power Steering Steering ratio 16.00 :1
Transmission 6 speed Manual (standard)
Gearbox ratio, I-VI, R
I 4.110 :1 II 2.248 :1 III 1.403 :1 IV 1.000 :1 V 0.802 :1 VI 0.659 :1 R 3.727 :1
Wheels, front 7J x 16 light-alloy Wheels, rear 7J x 16 light-alloy
Performance
Topspeed 228 km/h
Acceleration 8.0 s (0-100 km/h)
Fuel Consumption
Urban 7.0 l/100km (5.0l/100km) Extra-urban 4.9 l/100km (3.6l/100km) Combined 6.0 l/100km (4.1l/100km) (Source BMW Malaysia. More conservative claim as our diesel quality is lower at Euro 2M instead of Euro 5). CO2 emissions 160 g/km (109g/km).
By JENNIFER QUINN, Associated Press Writer Jennifer Quinn, Associated Press Writer – Wed Sep 1, 12:01 pm ET
LONDON – The opaque visor of one of Britain's most famous helmets has been lifted.
AP – This photo combo shows an undated file photo of the driver for the BBC motoring programme Top Gear 'The …
The identity of The Stig, the always-anonymous test driver on the popular television show "Top Gear," has long been a closely guarded secret. On Wednesday, lawyers said the BBC had been refused an injunction blocking publication of a book revealing the identity of the character.
Shortly after, publishers HarperCollins said in a statement that a 33-year-old racing driver named Ben Collins "has a great story to tell about his seven years as The Stig, which will appeal to a wide audience beyond just motoring enthusiasts."
Calling it a "victory for freedom of speech," HarperCollins said the book will be published in Britain on Sept. 16.
The white-suited Stig is the second in the role; the first Stig, who wore a black suit and helmet, was Perry McCarthy. He left the show in 2003 after his identity was revealed.
The show has a long-standing policy of not commenting on The Stig's identity. A "Top Gear" spokeswoman said no decision has been made on whether the character will be back when the show returns.
"Top Gear" is one of the BBC's most successful programs, and is seen in more than 100 countries around the world. Alongside the show's three garrulous hosts, The Stig is an always-silent presence, fearlessly navigating the show's test track in glamorous cars.
Speculation over his identity is a favorite pastime for fans of the show, and the "Top Gear" website sells T-shirts proclaiming "I am The Stig," "I am not The Stig," and "I am The Stig's fat cousin," among others.
"The whole point of The Stig is the mystique — the bizarre characteristics he has, the wonderment created about what he might think, feel, do or look like," producer Andy Wilman said in a post on the show's website. "Kids adore the conceit, and I believe adults, although they know it's a man in a suit (or is it?) gladly buy into the whole conceit because they find it entertaining."
The Stig's Facebook page — which more than 2.5 million people "like" — says he was recently attacked by a goose, that his ears "are not where you would expect them to be," and that he thinks the movie "Star Wars" is a documentary.
The BBC said it sought the injunction — the hearing was held in private — because viewers like the mystery surrounding the driver's identity and it's "vital to protect the character of The Stig."
The broadcaster said that the judgment does not prevent them from taking the issue further in the courts.
'The BBC will not be deterred from protecting such information from attack no matter when or by whom it should arise," the broadcaster said in a statement.
Collins' website says he has raced on the Formula Three and NASCAR circuits, and drove James Bond's Aston Martin in the 2008 film "Quantum of Solace."
