GEN 2

Better driving with Gen 2
by Y.S. Khong

THE Cam Profiling System, or CPS, is the latest development by Proton and the 1.6-litre Gen 2 CPS is the first of the Protons to get this improved engine.

The CPS engine produces 125PS at 6,500rpm, and 150Nm of torque at 4,500rpm, compared to the previous generation engine which only had 110PS at 6,000rpm, and 148Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.

Note that the power figures for the CPS are developed at a higher-engine revolution than the previous engine – this is simply because the CPS allows the engine to breathe better, and thus make better power.

The basis of the CPS is that it allows cam timing to be varied, much like a variable valve timing system.

The older engine was tuned for power but what it gained on the straights, it lost on the roundabouts. It necessitated a ‘sporty’ cam profile to give the 110 horses, which also meant the low-end torque had to be sacrificed – the result was an engine that was ‘racy’ and happy at higher revolutions, but gutless at the mid and lower ranges.

Now with the CPS, the same engine is able to provide better low and mid end torque, while not running out of breath at the higher end.

The Gen 2 CPS also comes with some interior improvements that give it more value for money. The seat design has been changed, together with the colour scheme.

The test car we got was the H-Line, with two-tone seats that have contours on the sides to give it a more ‘bucket’ effect, and a new dashboard design that does not have the little clock in the centre of the dash, and there is a glove box now.

The rear hatch opening mechanism is better now, thanks to the addition of a stronger air/hydraulic cylinder that helps to raise the boot-lid.

Wheel design also has been changed to a fresh design. Some minor changes have also been made to the front grille and bumper.

On the road, the Gen 2 CPS drives better, with the mid-range power drop not evident any more, while the engine seems happier at higher revolutions.

The suspension remains an all-wheel independent set-up, something that is getting harder to find in cars of this price range and size, nowadays.

While I won’t write off cars with beam axles at the rear, an independent rear actually represents better value for money as it costs more to produce.

Fuel economy appears to have improved about 10%, with the on-board information system telling 

me that my overall fuel consumption was 7.2 litres per 100km, whereas with the previous engine’s consumption figure (as indicated by the same onboard system), it was anything between 8.5 to 10.5 litres per 100km.

As with the new-generation Protons, the handling of the Gen 2 is remarkably good, a happy result of the Proton-Lotus relationship. Driving the Gen 2 CPS is a more pleasurable experience now.

With the advent of time, the overall build quality has seen some progress, and the car is put together quite well.

Prices range from RM53k to RM60k, and that said, the Gen 2 CPS makes a good-value proposition.

SOURCE:  THE SUN ONLINE

Chevrolet Volt

Production version of Chevy Volt unveiled

Posted by: Anthony Lim

General Motors has unveiled the much-anticipated production version of its Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle. The design of the Volt production car has evolved from the original concept that was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show.

Volt's up, you say?

Many of the design cues from the concept vehicle however endure in the production Volt, including the closed front grille, athletic stance, rear design graphics, outside rearview mirrors and more.

Inside, the Volt offers the space, comfort, convenience and safety features expected in a four-passenger sedan, with a variety of interior color, lighting and trim options. Modern controls and attractive materials, two informational displays, and a touch-sensitive infotainment center with integrated shifter will distinguish the Volt's interior from other vehicles in the market.

The Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) uses electricity to move the wheels (which feature specially developed low rolling-resistance tires sitting on 17-inch forged aluminium alloys) at all times and speeds.

Spiffy interior should win friends.

For trips up to 40 miles, the Volt is powered only by electricity stored in its 16kWh, lithium-ion battery; more than 220 lithium-ion cells are contained within the Volt's battery pack. The electric drive unit delivers the equivalent of 150bhp of power and 370Nm of instant torque, and a top speed of 160kph.

When the battery's energy is depleted, a gasoline/E85-powered engine generator seamlessly provides electricity to power the Volt's electric drive unit while simultaneously sustaining the charge of the battery. This mode of operation extends the range of the Volt for several hundred additional miles, until the vehicle's battery can be charged. Unlike a conventional battery-electric vehicle, the Volt eliminates "range anxiety," giving the confidence and peace of mind that the driver will not be stranded by a depleted battery.

Volt a lot of promise, for sure.

The Volt can be plugged either into a standard household 120v outlet or use 240v for charging. The vehicle's intelligent charging technology enables the Volt's battery to be charged in less than three hours on a 240v outlet or about eight hours on a 120v outlet. Charge times are reduced if the battery has not been fully depleted.

The Volt is expected to be built at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck manufacturing facility, subject to GM successfully negotiating satisfactory government incentives. Production is scheduled to begin late 2010 for models in the United States.

SOURCE: http://star-motoring.com

HYUNDAI EPSILON

When small is beautiful
by Angela Sargunan

HYUNDAI Motor Company launched its all-new i10 five-door hatchback recently. This feature-packed runabout answers the needs of motorists in combining safety and functionality with emphasis on minimal operating costs.

It runs on the enhanced Epsilon 1.1-litre engine which gives more power through improved air intake and exhaust system, delivering excellent handling with a maximum torque of 99.1Nm/2,800rpm.

The vehicle also passes today’s stringent safety regulation with a reinforced body structure incorporating high-tensil steel against frontal crash and side impact.

It has a high mounted stop lamp integrated into the rear roof spoiler for enhanced visibility, ABS, dual air bags and a battery saver.

The i10 comes with front ventilated disc brakes and rear drum brakes, actuated by a master servo unit which ensures safe and immediate stops.

Front suspension is MacPherson strut with coil spring while back is coupled torsion beam axle with coil spring.

Wide tracts and a long wheelbase further contribute to the high speed and cornering stability of the i10, which runs on 14in alloy wheels.

A functional and attractive dashboard with logically-located controls makes driving a real pleasure. Even the transmission shift lever is located next to the dashboard for unbeatable convenience.

There’s a choice of manual or automatic transmission. The five-speed manual is ergonomically placed and precise to operate while the smooth and thrifty advanced four-speed automatic transmission adds big-car city convenience to the i10.

Both are located in the lower centre fascia and have a short stroke gearshift lever for easier and cosier driving.

Its unprecedented spacious interior can match that of cars in the larger engine capacity class. Figure-hugging seats offer a comfortable experience for the whole family while foldable rear seats enable the extension of luggage space in a jiffy.

“We are excited about our latest model and addition to our wide range of quality vehicles,” said Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors chief operating officer Dennis Ho at the launch.

“The i10 raises the benchmark for minis the world over in general and Malaysia in particular.”

The i10 is priced at RM48,999.80 (on the road) for the four-speed automatic and is available for bookings now.

SOURCE: http://www.sun2surf.com

BMW X6

Thursday, August 21, 2008

BMW Malaysia launches the X6

Posted by: Anthony Lim

BMW Malaysia launched its X6 Sports Activity Coupé earlier today. For the moment, only a single variant form – the xDrive35i – is available, though other models in the range are to follow next year.

X marks the new spot.

The X6 xDrive35i is powered by the N54B30 3.0l six-cylinder twin turbo engine which made its debut in the 335i Coupé, and this one offers 306bhp and 400Nm, as well as a 0-100kmh time of 6.7secs and a top speed of 240kmh for numbers. The block drives a six-speed automatic transmission, with gearshifts via the electronic gear selector lever or via steering wheel paddle shifters.

The four-seater’s exterior sports a striking front end, with large air intakes, a stretched side-line and high waistline, and though the rear end initially takes some getting used to, the overall lines don’t run too far from the X scheme of things.

Likewise the interior, which will be familiar territory to anoraks of the marque, and one of the highlights of the cabin is the highly adjustable luggage compartment on what the company calls a four-door coupe; load carrying volumetric space starts at 570l and goes up to 1,450l with everything at the back folded down.

Familiar, for sure.

The Spartanburg-assembled vehicle comes equipped with xDrive all-wheel drive, Dynamic Stability Control, Active Steering and Dynamic Performance Control. The last is essentially a mechatronic system serving to distribute drive forces infinitely to the rear wheels regardless of engine output. To obtain this, the final drive is combined with two superimposed gearsets and two electronically controlled multiple-plate brakes serving to infinitely vary the otherwise symmetrical distribution of drive forces when driving in a straight line.

As such, variable distribution of drive power is ensured not just between the front and rear axle via xDrive, but also by means of Dynamic Performance Control between the two rear wheels; effectively, the system is able to actively distribute drive forces even in the overrun mode and with the clutch disengaged.

The DSC system in the X6, tagged DCS III, offers a host of TLA functions as part and parcel of its inventory; these include ABS, Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Trailer Stability Control (TSC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) automatically maximising brake pressure when required in the interest of minimum stopping distances, Automatic Differential Brake (ADB), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and finally standard cruise control with its own brake application function.

But the rear will offer a fresh take on things ...

Passive safety equipment includes three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, frontal and side airbags as well as head airbags at the side, and crash-activated headrests at the front. Other safety measures include bi-xenon dual headlights including a daytime light function, fog lamps, two-stage brake lights, and runflat tyres.

Standard equipment include iDrive with personalised favourite buttons, a MP3-capable CD-player with an AUX-in socket, multi-channel hi-fi audio system, four-zone automatic air conditioning, back-up camera, navigation system, Head-up Display (HUD), Adaptive Headlights, Bluetooth, Comfort access, electric glass roof, automatic tailgate operation, and sports seats and sports steering wheel.

Finally, the price. The X6 xDrive35i is priced at RM698,800, on the road, without insurance, with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair.

SOURCE: http://star-motoring.com

CHINA PROMISES SAFE GAMES

China promises safe Games

August 06, 2008 Categories: World


BEIJING: China declared yesterday it could guarantee a safe Olympics, even as it announced that Islamic militants were trying to wage a holy war aimed at destroying the Beijing Games that begin in three days.

“Terrorists” from home and abroad seeking an independent Muslim State for China’s northwest Xinjiang region were involved, authorities said, as security was increased there after an attack on Monday that killed 16 policemen.


The terror alert came as athletes continued to arrive in Beijing ahead of Friday’s opening ceremony to launch the Games, which are being seen as a coming-of-age party for China after three decades of dramatic economic reforms.


“We can see clearly that these forces are trying to wage a psychological and violent battle against the Olympics,” said Shi Dagang, Communist Party secretary of Kashgar, a city in the Xinjiang region that borders Central Asia.

“They want to turn the year 2008 into a year of mourning for China.”

Shi said Xinjiang police had arrested 18 foreign “terrorists” this year and that a major threat came from the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), a UN-listed terror group that reportedly operates in Xinjiang and Afghanistan.


Nevertheless, Beijing Olympic organisers sought to reassure the 10,000 athletes and 500,000 other expected foreign visitors coming to China for the Games that they should not be concerned about security.

“We can guarantee a safe and peaceful Olympic Games,” organising committee spokesman Sun Weide said.


China has already employed intense security throughout Beijing and across the country in the lead-up to the Games, with some veteran sporting officials saying they had not seen such a show of force since the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

In Xinjiang, members of its Muslim Uighur ethnic group have complained for months of a massive security crackdown that has seen many people detained.


In Beijing, some athletes appeared more concerned that the final preparations for the biggest event of their lives were being hampered by the city’s poor air, which has persisted despite emergency clean-up measures.

Indonesian weightlifting team official Syafraidi Cut Ali said his squad were under strict instructions to stay in the open air as little as possible.

“We stay in our bedrooms and the dining rooms, not in the open,” Ali said.


Members of the US cycling team were also seen arriving at Beijing airport wearing masks.

However the International Olympic Committee’s medical commission chairman Arne Ljungqvist said pollution levels were not as bad as first feared and blamed the media for exaggerating the issue.


He said the media’s reporting had convinced such stars as Ethiopian greats Haile Gebrselassie and Kenenisa Bekele and British marathon runner Paula Radcliffe that competing here might damage their health.


More than one million of Beijing’s 3.3 million cars were taken off the roads last month and many heavily polluting factories were temporarily closed down in an effort to improve the city’s air quality. — AFP


ARTICLES SOURCE: http://www.mmail.com.my

MAINTAIN A COMPUTER

Learning How to Maintain a Computer

Author: Benedict Yossarian




Computer maintenance, sounds like a dreadful task. It can well be frightful, but more terrifying than this are repair costs and hard drive crashes. Maintenance may not guarantee the blockage of each and every threat that surrounds the machine physically like dust and other elements as well as logically like internal bugs and glitches.



However, if proper maintenance is applied, one might actually form a long and lasting bond with little to no breakdowns, meltdowns, and crashes. Most people would only realize the importance of maintenance after a couple of crashed units and a few thousand dollars of repair bills. In our population, there are those who invest in formal training that offers intense hands-on sessions and in-depth reference materials.


However, these specialized classes may be quite expensive. See here, computer maintenance is not that identical to computer repair---meaning knowing how to actually maintain a desktop computer is not a quick trip to a sweet destination.


The topic at hand concerns more on keeping one's own computer in tiptop shape. A maintenance class may or may not incorporate hardware repairs and installation.


Hardware CleaningFirst of all, it is essential that the pieces of hardware be cleaned regularly, though this is easier said than done. Sometimes dust build-up can only be removed utilizing a spray or vacuum solely intended to remove any accumulation. And if possible, keep your computer, CPU, and every peripheral off the floor.


If a collection of dust (and oftentimes cobwebs) be tangled in the fan, then overheating is not far behind. And as we all know, overheating can be equated to crashing. If you are planning to wipe the dust off, do not use a damp cloth. This may come as an insult, but sometimes, common sense is not so common.


Shutting DownContinuing the tone in the previous paragraph, people seem to have a hard time following simple instructions. Admit it, we are all guilty of pressing the power button more often than we care to remember. May be because we are in a hurry or probably because hanging and logging are two frequent events that prompt our fingers to immediately press the power button instead of shutting it down properly.


This negligence may prove to be damaging in the long run. Bear in mind that this disregard accounts for over seventy percent of the causes that trigger the development of errors leading to a computer breakdown.



Software UpdateThe software installed and the operating system itself must be regularly updated and evaluated. A weekly error check will facilitate to repair errors. Aside from this, virus check is also vital. Nowadays, virus is an ever present item.

Whether it is a virus, a worm, or a bug, all of these can infect our system. Discontinue DownloadingIf you are one of those individuals who cannot help but download everything in sight, then you are simply giving your computer a one-way ticket to the frozen recesses of the techno world.


Download is one of the few words that will initially provide delight and will eventually transform into dread and doom. From songs to movies and every byte of download in between, these may be a carrier of numerous Virus, Trojans, Spyware that will gnaw on your system.


So whether it is in maintaining the computer or its components, the best way to learn how is to actually carry it out. The best methods and points will make little or no difference if the users neither perform it nor acquire any hands-on experience from it.


ARTICLES SOURCE: http://www.articlesbase.com

MAKE A WEBSITE

How To Make A Website On Your Own Domain

by Richard Adams

If you're wondering how to make a website on your own domain then you'll be pleased to know that it's a lot easier than you might initially think.

The first step of course is to buy your domain name and web hosting account. In some cases website owners opt to use two different companies, and in others they choose to use the same company.

The decision tends to come down to price in the end though I have generally found it most practical to have your domain and website registered with the same company.

Once you've set this up you will be able to start to make your own website on your own domain.

There are almost as many different ways to make a website as their are websites themselves, but let's take a closer look at the 3 most popular techniques.

To begin with there are a range of pieces of web design software currently available that range in specification (and price) from free up to several hundred dollars.

Examples of software to make websites are:

Nvu Front Page Dreamweaver

These are of course just a tiny selection of those available and the list goes up in cost.

These are what are known as WYSIWYG website software - which stands for What You See Is What You Get. They enable you to make a website much as you would a desktop publishing document. That is to say that you don't need to know any computer code, you just draw boxes, right words, stick on pictures and so on, and the software itself turns your designs into code.

It is also possible to get hold of premade website templates that you can edit with WYSIWYG website software to make them your own and such designs give you a head start in creating a really professional final site.

The second to make a website on your own domain is to actually learn the computer code that websites are made of. Known as HTML - which stands for Hypertext Markup Language - this code is reasonably easy to learn. I personally always recommend new web masters learn at least a little HTML as it can make building your site and getting it just right so much easier.

One final method is to use content management software, otherwise known as CMS. This CMS is particularly useful as it allows you to get the best of all worlds. There are plenty of free templates you can use (or edit) for a really professional look, yet it's super-simple to add your website content.

Personally speaking I favor the final option the choice really is yours. I would suggest you take a look at some of the free or low cost options and try them out to see which you get on with best and which results you like best.

Once you've beuilt your website using one of the techniques described, the final task so visitors can see it at your domain, is to upload to your web hosting account using a process known as FTP.

Using a free piece of FTP software you will move the files that make up your website from your computer to your web hosting account and as soon as that short process is done, you will have completed making a website on your own domain.

ARTICLES SOURCE: http://www.goarticles.com

GOOGLE ADSENSE MAKE MONEY

Google Adsense Make Money Online ?

by nitinmainro

There has truly never been a better time to be a writer. With written content being the number one thing people search for on the internet, there is practically limitless opportunity for writers to find avenues to publish their work and make money.

You set up a personal blog that you can use to write about whatever it is you want to. Some people use the opportunity to write highly searchable content in order to earn money. Other people write more personal opinion pieces and connect with other readers in a dialogue about a certain topic.

It is fairly easy to sign up for a free blogging content management system. There are many blogging platforms out there. First, think about what you want your site to be about, think of a good name, and then start writing, and start making money online.

I recommend to people who are just starting out publishing to start writing for a site that already gets ample traffic. This way, writers get instant exposure and can even start to earn money. Later, when you decide to start your own private domain blog, you can promote it anywhere else you already publish your work. If you can find an opportunity to write for someone else's website and put a link to your own website, this could be a good way to get some readers to your website.

I've tried out a lot of the sites where you can write and earn with the Google Adsense advertising program. Start a website and you can earn money from your published content for eternity, and you can delete it any time also. It's yours so you can do whatever you want with it.

An added bonus is that you can make money from your blog from the advertisements on your pages. If you are familiar with Google Adsense, then you already basically know how this works. Adsense is Google's advertising program, which is very prevalent on the web.

Almost any site you visit will have some Adsense advertisements on it. They are very simple, usually just two or three lines of text promoting a product or service that relates to the content of the site. The owner of the site on which these ads are posted earns some money through the Google Adsense program for each time someone clicks on the ads. So bloggers can get paid to write. Popular bloggers with multiple sites can make some decent money.

A quick thing about Adsense: when you sign up, you get a personal code that you can post on any site that you own or can gain ad revenue from. It is your code and no one else has access to it. You are also paid directly from the Google Adsense program.

articles source : http://www.goarticles.com

GOOGLE

Google Launches Google Search Appliance and Google Mini in Malaysia

Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) announced the availability of the Google Search Appliance™ and Google Mini™ for customers in Malaysia. Local businesses and organisations can now utilize Google's search technology to search across their internal content, including company intranet, databases, business applications and public websites. Additionally, Google announced the appointment of Ingram Micro (Malaysia) as the sole distributor for Google Enterprise search products in Malaysia. "The Google Search Appliance and the Google Mini enable businesses of all sizes to quickly and easily search for information behind their firewall, all while using the simple Google interface," said Richard Suhr, Enterprise Lead for Google Southeast Asia. "By combining Google’s deep knowledge of search with more understanding and control for environments behind the firewall, we are helping Malaysian businesses to harness the value of their information asset. Through our relationship with Ingram Micro, we're able to offer our enterprise search products to companies and organisations in the Malaysian market.” The Google Search Appliance can index millions of documents, and its security features ensure that users can only search the information that they have permission to view. The Google Search Appliance starts at RM197,300 (MSRP) to search up to 500,000 documents. With the Google OneBox for Enterprise feature of the Google Search Appliance, employees can also access relevant, real-time information from a greater variety of corporate information stored in enterprise application solutions, such as CRM, ERP and business intelligence systems from Business Objects, Cognos, Cisco, Employease, Microsoft Exchange, Netsuite, Oracle, Salesforce.com, SAP, SAS and others. Organizations can also create OneBox modules to access applications built in-house.

The Google Mini is designed for website and departmental search or to enable smaller businesses to add Google search to their corporate networks. With plug-and-play simplicity, Google Mini can be set up in under an hour and requires minimal ongoing administration. The Mini comes in multiple versions. The most affordable Mini searches up to 50,000 documents for RM20,900 (MSRP) – including all hardware, software and a year of support. Additional versions search up to 100,000, 200,000 or 300,000 documents. "There is a high level of interest from customers and resellers for Google's Enterprise products," said Ms. Mui Li San, Product Manager, Google Enterprise, Ingram Micro (Malaysia). "We will be working closely with Google to support the reseller channel and make it easy for customers to use Google search to quickly and easily find their internal business information."
Google's enterprise business grew more than 100 per cent last year and currently has more than 10,000 companies worldwide using Google enterprise search products to help employees find business information. To learn more about the Google Search Appliance and Google Mini, please visit www.google.com.my/enterprise.

More about Google Search ApplianceLaunched in 2002, the current fifth generation of the iconic yellow Google Search Appliance hardware provides universal search capabilities for secure access to enterprise content systems and includes significant improvements in reach, security and relevance. The Google Search Appliance helps organizations benefit from Google's research and engineering efforts in "universal search" (a term that describes how search technology can work across information silos to give the best answer every time a user enters a query). This notion is vital for businesses, where content often resides in separate repositories.
To help break silos and reach into more enterprise content, the Google Search Appliance includes an enterprise connector framework for access to enterprise content management (ECM) systems. This framework extends the already sizable reach into 220 file formats, file shares, intranets, databases, applications, and hosted services. The connectors, which are available under open source licenses, include EMC Documentum, IBM FileNet, OpenText Livelink and Microsoft SharePoint.
Security has been enhanced to include support for Microsoft Windows Integrated Authentication (WIA), secure crawling and serving of file system content and significant performance increases in the SAML-based Authentication and Authorization API.

More About Google MiniIntroduced in 2005, the Google Mini sets a new standard for sophisticated search features in a small, simple and affordable appliance. The Google Mini offers sophisticated search features for finding and sharing information within small businesses and departmental groups, including document and user-level security across all business content. Google's access control capabilities integrate with existing security systems, ensuring that employees can access only information they are authorized to view.
Also available on the Google Mini, the Google OneBox for Enterprise feature lets businesses provide secure access to any information – such as contact and calendar info, HR benefits, sales leads, or purchase order status – through the convenience of a Google search box.

Site administrators can now link the Google Mini search results page with Google Analytics™ to provide more detailed information about how people use search on their site in order to improve the overall site experience. The Google Mini also automatically generates sitemaps - allowing webmasters to expose more public content for crawling and indexing by Google.com.

About Google Inc.Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google's targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.google.com.

ARTICLES SOURCE: WWW.PUTERA.COM