Anderson Germany Lamborghini Gallardo White Edition 2011

Anderson Germany Lamborghini Gallardo White Edition Performance kit takes the horsepower from 560 to 600 hp. This is done with series of modifications that include the use of software optimization and the addition of a modified air filter and a sport exhaust system with additional Rennkats. The tuning package includes a remote-controlled valve adjusting system that lets driver opt from three different levels of noise and also reduces approximately 22 kg in weight. A special sport suspension module combined with a precise undercarriage significantly changes the driving dynamics. Three-piece, shiny black rims – each with a white painted deep dish – in dimensions of 9×20 inch with 245/30-20 tires in front and 12.5 x 20 inch with 325/25-20 rear provide adequate adherence with the asphalt surface.

Externally visible modifications include carbon trim, widening aero kit consisting of front apron, side skirts, rear bumper diffuser and a rear spoiler. And window and tail light tinting should be mentioned also. The look is completed by LED lights on the sides of the vehicle and contrasting red-painted calipers.

The Lamborghini Gallardo White Edition interior features exclusive white carbon details. There are the vents, the hand brake lever, the shift paddles, the dashboard, the steering wheel, door handle inlays, the shift lever and the border of the internal light in the roof lining.
The seats of the White Racing Edition are finished in black Alcantara and black and white leather; the edges of seats are entirely in white; doors and seats have diamond-shaped stitching.

GMC Sierra All Terrain HD Concept 2011

The new Sierra HD underpins the All Terrain HD concept, with a modified, production-based 4WD chassis and the Duramax diesel/Allison 1000 six-speed powertrain. The enhanced suspension and unique body dimensions, including increased ground clearance and wider track, as well as greater approach/departure angles, deliver off-road capability while maintaining HD levels of payload and trailering capacity. The All Terrain HD is painted Iridium Metallic – a dark charcoal color that reveals a reddish, anodized inflection when viewed from certain angles.

Based on the chassis of the 2011 Sierra HD trucks, the All Terrain HD features a fully boxed steel frame with exceptional strength and torsional stiffness. It incorporates the production models’ new independent front suspension and asymmetrical rear leaf-spring suspensions, but with a wider 73-inch (1,853 mm) track (front and rear) that enhances stability during off-road and highway driving. A production Sierra 2500HD has front and rear tracks of 68.8 inches (1,748 mm) and 67.3 inches (1,709 mm), respectively.

The GMC Sierra All Terrain HD concept is propelled by the new, production 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V-8 and Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission powertrain combination offered in the 2011 Sierra HD trucks. The Duramax is rated at 397 horsepower (296 kW) and 765 lb.-ft. of torque (1,037 Nm).

The powerful 6.6L Duramax is more fuel-efficient – with up to 11-percent greater fuel economy than previous versions – and reduces NOx emissions by up to 63 percent. The powertrain’s efficiency is assisted by the Allison 1000 transmission, which requires less engine power to funnel torque to the axles. It also incorporates a “smart” exhaust brake feature that helps save wear on the brakes on downhill grades, a feature available on production Sierra HDs.

Mitsubishi Delica D:5 2.0 - Road Test

What do you get when you cross a conventional off-roader with an MPV? A Mitsubishi Delica D:5.

The new Mitsubishi Delica D:5 is a monobox type minivan that's unique as it combines the sturdiness of a Sport-Utility Vehicle (SUV) with the user-friendliness of a minivan.

Its massive interior has room for eight, and although the variant in Singapore comes with a mere two-wheel-drive (2WD) system, it is based on the same platform as the Outlander.

The fifth iteration of the series, D:5, inherits and builds on the strengths of the Delica brand philosophy: a vehicle that transports its occupants to their destination safely and comfortably under all driving conditions.

Hence, covering running performance, body structure and cabin environment, the Delica D:5 underwent a full redesign - just to strengthen that very philosophy.

Exterior
The bow-tied designers and engineers at Mitsubishi have certainly worked hard to come up with lines that are bold yet pleasant on the eyes for the exterior of this huge car. The dimensions are still those of a boxy van but the designers have managed to make it attractive, thanks to several eye-catching details on the front and rear ends.

Styling wise, the boxy-designed car carrying the 2.0-litre DOHC MIVEC engine is similar to the Hummer fascia when viewed from the front. The clean lines and smooth surfaces that combine well with chunky alloys and chromed front grill give the D:5 a very handsome look, setting it apart from the rest of its competitors.

It is also this powerfully crafted vertical bar grille that joins the headlamps together in a straight band to project a wide, purposeful look, allowing the big square-like headlamps to be a good match for the oversized body.

The rear end shares a similar treatment with the combination lamps and tailgate garnish running the full width of the rear in a single band in a frill-free and clean design. Similar to the front bumper, the rear one also came in metallic grey, which was a perfect match to the white pearl colour of the test car.

Of course, if this doesn't suit your taste, the D:5 also comes in a two-tone cosmic blue body with metallic grey bumpers or the warm white pearl body with the cool silver bumpers.

The Mitsubishi Delica D:5 presents a striking road-presence with a boxy body sitting on large wheels and tyres. And with the linear styling treatment, it produces an ageless exterior design that readily communicates its functional qualities.

Interior
The new D5 is a huge car and a sneak peak at any picture should convince you. But what completely did for me was stepping inside.

This car is designed to welcome eight occupants in excellent conditions of comfort. No doubt that other cars can also achieve what Mitsubishi has pulled off for the D:5, but the quality of the seats and overall space in this big papa is unrivalled.

The interior's functional space allows for larger baggage and other items. And although the third row seats don't fold as easily as those in the best MPVs, it doesn't take long for one to figure it out. A couple of steps of lifting and hooking the seats and the job is done, increasing the depth from 1200mm to 1610mm.

Inside, the futuristic silver centre console with three circular knobs that control the air-conditioner give the cabin bags of character. Neat and convenient touches such as the powered sliding side doors and electric tailgate can also be controlled from the dash and the key fob - something very similar to the Toyota Estima.
One of the relaxing features that is available for the rear passengers is the availability of the multimedia DVD entertainment system. A video screen with DVD player is located at the top of the second row bench and is easily accessible to all rear passengers.

Moreover, ceiling lights at the front makes the cabin a very soothing place to be. Not only will the occupants' minds be at ease with the comfortable and spacious interior, long trips will no longer be boring.

Mitsubishi has undoubtedly created a cabin that appears to cocoon the occupants and instil a reassuring sense of being safely protected.

The Drive
On the go, the D:5 is surprisingly surefooted and cushy. The 2.0-litre DOHC MIVEC engine, producing 150bhp of power and 197Nm of torque, provides good accelerations when and wherever you need it, from highways to sloping roads.

Due to the stature of the car, the ride is decidedly comfort-biased. It is almost like a grand tourer that dishes out well-insulated, fatigue-free jaunts across long distance driving.

Additionally, the steering (with audio controls) is relatively precise and with the MIVEC engine teaming up with the INVECS III six-speed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), it makes driving in heavy traffic easier and less stressful.

While the D:5 is prone to body roll around fast corners, tyre grip is decent. And if you decide to press on, the nose will run wide. Moreover, engine noise can be a tad loud during acceleration but once the gigantor is cruising along the highway, it settles down nicely. Nonetheless, the D:5 is composed, and its tall driving position means great visibility.

Conclusion
The Mitsubishi Delica D:5 is certainly functional when it comes to space management and delivery purposes. So if you ever intend to look for a vehicle that can haul eight passengers with ease, you know where to look for one. This is a vehicle that climbs, crawls, and gets you where you need to be - in a safe manner.

Road Test - Honda Stream RSZ 1.8

When Practical Meets Style

Honda's people-mover, the Stream, has received updates that highlight the very useful runabout's pseudo-sporting ambitions.

When it comes to practicality, Honda has certainly proved its worth to the industry with its Stream. The second generation Stream is the Honda Stream RSZ and as you can expect from its name, it comes with the sexy RSZ body kit that adorns the Stream.

Not only has Honda created a practical Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), the Japanese manufacturer has successfully integrated a sporty sense in it, making the car more stylish and eye-catching than its previous model.

Exterior
Styling wise, the Stream RSZ 's design seems to be derived from Honda's current design language, making it instantly recognisable as Honda's work of art.

The new facelift receives a fresh bumper, fog lights as well as grille, which places a large brand badge that sits proudly in the centre. Additionally, the 'RSZ' badge is intelligently placed on the upper right side of the wide grille that's flanked by sharply shaped headlights.

Upon seeing the car from the side, the cosmetic changes do increase the sportiness factor of the Stream. The rim now has slimmer spokes making it contemporary while giving an impression of the bigger rim look.

On the other hand, the back of the Stream RSZ resembles the Honda CR-V with new sets of transparent taillights that run up all the way to the roof. Comparing it to the previous version, this Stream RSZ also spots a brand new muscular rear bumper with a pair of slim reflectors on the bottom sides.

Exuding style that unleashes the younger side in drivers, the Honda Stream RSZ has indeed proven that practicality and elegance can merge in perfect harmony.

Interior
The new interior comes with a red motive that provides a welcome change from the dark colours of the past. The mixture of black and red fabric seats with the red threading trims prove to be ultimately comfortable, giving ample considerations to the people on-board.

However, the only set back in this aspect is that the seats aren't upholstered in leather, which can be a tad disappointing.

The leather-strapped steering wheel (with audio controls) and gear lever also have red trims on them, showcasing clearly the RSZ effect on the all-new Stream.

In addition to that, a superb sunroof also comes as standard with the new Stream - something the kids will fully appreciate while you are driving on a bright Sunday morning.

The cabin is roomier thanks to a slightly longer wheelbase of 20mm and redesigned sills that add a small increase in width for the first two seat rows. This additional length is wisely spent on maximising cabin space, especially in the third row, which is noticeably roomier.
Thus, the RSZ can easily swallow seven adults with ample head and legroom.

But that's not all. The practicality of the RSZ is unparalleled as it can move loads as well. With a height of 1545mm, loading and unloading of luggage or grocery bags will not be a problem. And although stowage space is barely satisfactory when all seven passengers are on-board, the luggage area increases by a few notches when the third row seats are stowed flat.

The external makeover is certainly complemented by a new interior that exudes a sense of sportiness and style without compromising space and practicality. Given its stature as an MPV, the Stream RSZ has, undoubtedly, the resources to fulfil its main responsibilities.

The Drive
On the go, the kerb weight of 1390kg does not make the RSZ a slouch. The 1.8-litre 140PS i-VTECengine is relatively powerful and the car responds to acceleration like a switch, surprising us with the sufficient power to overtake on highways.

Driving solo, the RSZ's acceleration is brisk and hauls itself pretty well into speeds of around 100-120km/h. Unfortunately, the electronically five-speed automatic gearbox has around half a second delay from the selection to engagement.

Nonetheless, its qualms are overwhelmed by the encouraging side of the drive. With a long wheelbase on the Stream, my assumption of the MPV attacking the corners with difficulty was wrong.

Not only did the car handle well without slipping, body roll was well controlled through the severe manoeuvring due to its lower centre of gravity.
For a car that constantly transports members of the family, it's always good to know that stability issues are almost non-existent in the Honda Stream RSZ.

Conclusion
With its 1.8-litre 140PS i-VTEC engine, the Stream RSZ continues to deliver what generations of Honda drivers have come to know and love - performance and reliability.

Although the colours of the interior can be a tad boring, the Honda Stream RSZ remains a handsome car with pleasant designs and a comfortable interior. And for a vehicle of its segment, it's simply awesome.