StarOnline Car News

[Ricer]

These IT guys live in a fancy world, where a crash is simply resolved by restarting a server or something... real life is much more different than that.

I believe engineers of various disciplines are involved in this project. Not only IT guys. Don't know how experienced they are to handle a project of this caliber but they shouldn't be underestimated.

The reason behind targeting the hyper-car market is to establish the brand and with the success of this project they wish to diversify their market.

Guess I can't expect everyone to appreciate the efforts of our people. I'm certainly proud of them for attempting such a project.

[Watchman]

So what do you suggest they do then ? Stop the project because SL people are not fit enough to do it? As per my view they are marketing the vehicle while they are building it (good way to get angel investors). I have seen on some foreign forums some people are really appreciating their hard work unlike our people. Cheers

No one said that they shouldn't build cars. They just shouldn't promise the sun and the moon when announcing it.

I'm sure you watch (or have accidentally seen an episode of) Top Gear. Look at the cars this is competing with. Presuming it comes out in the next 2-3 years it will be competing with the likes of Mc Laren P1, Porsche 918 etc. With centuries of cumulative design experience and millions and millions of dollars in R&D funding, those too don't come out perfect all the time. So I highly doubt that a software company with little or zero experience in automotive electronics/software can set up a car with 900hp to handle as it should.

I mentioned this the last time this was discussed too, these shouldn't start off with promising the best car ever built. Start with simpler and cheaper, more fun kit-car types which would be affordable to a greater adience and be in a market segment where the consumer understands that this is a 'start-up' and is more forgiving for design/manufacturing faults that would inevitably be seen in the first few models/versions.

PS; reminds me of the random middle-eastern design company that came up with a car claiming to be 5000bhp, yes five thousand.

Edited February 16, 2015 by Watchman

[Supra_Natural]

I attended a forum a few months ago organized by LBR/LBO to present the idea to the business community, the team went to great lengths to point out that they were "not looking for investors" as they had "more than adequate funding". Which is probably a good thing because the response from everybody there when asked "would you invest?" by the moderators was basically "cough, cough, um, well... its a great idea, but um..... I don't think we want to, um get into this kind of field... cough cough"

The team all seem to be very invested in the project (and they are all very bright boys with PHDs and lots of international IT experience and such) but they clearly don't seem to have much idea about what it takes to build and sell a competitive supercar in this day and age. They admitted AT THE FORUM that they were having a chat one day and thought "why don't we build a supercar?" and then went ahead with it. So yeah, we aren't exactly dealing with Mclaren cars here (or even Lotus, for that matter).

So overall, I'm sure they'll turn out something that moves under its own power but I don't think Tesla, Mclaren, Porsche etc are going to be too worried by it.....

You never know of course, people once laughed at Tesla as well.

[StarOnline]

Skoda reveals new Octavia Scout 4X4

Skoda has confirmed details of the new Octavia Scout 4x4 it will release on March 26, when pricing will be revealed.

The higher-riding Octavia crossover will be available with three turbocharged four-cylinder engines – up from just one 103kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel in the previous model, which was priced from $39,990 and rising to $46,290 for the Premium model.

Revealed at last year's Geneva motor show, the new Scout is based on the new Octavia sedan released a year ago.

Apart from riding 31mm higher, the five-door crossover wagon incorporates the latest Haldex 5 all-wheel drive system, extra underbody protection, Scout-specific bumpers and badging, matt-finish lower body cladding and a revised interior.

The standard powertrain will be a 110kW diesel with six-speed manual transmission, with 135kW diesel and 132kW petrol engines offered with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Standard across the range – including the base 110TDI – are nine airbags, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, fatigue detection, Passenger Protect Assist, chrome door-handles and a leather appointed steering wheel, gear-shifter and hand brake lever.

The higher-spec 135TDI and 132TSI models offer Alcantara appointed seat upholstery, a 'Columbus' 8.0-inch touch-screen system with satellite-navigation, dual-zone air-conditioning and an automatic tailgate as standard.

In addition, there will be two option packs. The Premium Pack for the entry-level 110TDI includes the 'Columbus' unit with sat-nav, Alcantara-appointed trim, dual-zone climate-control, heated front seats, automatic tailgate, 17-inch 'Polar' alloy wheels and privacy glass.

Available on all three engine variants, the Tech Pack will include bi-xenon headlights, Automatic Parking Assist, a premium Canton sound system, advanced keyless entry with Smart Start, Driving Mode Selection and, for the first time in a SKODA, a new camera-based Lane Assist system. For the 110TDI and 132TSI only, the pack also contains Adaptive Cruise Control Front Assist and City Emergency Brake.

[StarOnline]

[StarOnline]

[StarOnline]

2015 Toyota Yaris Review

For 2015, the Toyota Yaris gets more distinctive front and rear styling. The interior has also been spiffed up with upgraded materials. Finally, every trim level gets a touchscreen infotainment interface and the option of a navigation system.

Introduction

Over the years, the humbly priced subcompact car has evolved in the best way possible, and today's models deliver much more than just basic transportation. Quite a few choices in this entry-level class offer features that were formerly reserved for cars that are larger and more expensive. In many ways, the 2015 Toyota Yaris hatchback holds its own with the current crop of overachieving subcompacts -- but also trails them on certain significant fronts.

The Yaris boasts many appealing attributes. It's a nimble and agreeable companion around town, and its competent suspension helps the car cruise around turns with impressive stability. Overall, this is a pleasant and easy car to drive. This Toyota's interior is spacious, with rear seats that are comfortable even for adults. And the cabin boasts solid design and materials quality. Feature content is generous, and amenities like a touchscreen interface, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and USB/iPod integration are standard on all models along with more basic items like air-conditioning, power locks and mirrors and a height-adjustable driver seat.

In other ways, though, competition has left the Yaris in the dust. Its outdated four-speed automatic transmission is a step down from the six-speed or continuously variable automatics available on competing models, and leaves the Yaris feeling slow-witted during passing maneuvers. Also, other key models boast a more composed ride quality, sharper handling or greater cargo capacity.

The subcompact segment is packed with compelling picks designed to appeal to every stripe of small-car shopper.

Buyers seeking outstanding versatility should take a look at the redesigned 2015 Honda Fit, whose unique rear-seat design allows for unmatched passenger and cargo space. Those who prioritize performance should consider the 2015 Ford Fiesta. It's arguably the most fun-to-drive car in the segment, while also having one of the most attractive cabins. Drivers looking for well-rounded alternatives will want to check out the Hyundai Accent and 2015 Kia Rio, as they offer a choice of body styles (sedan and hatchback), spacious interiors, stylish good looks and more horsepower than the Yaris. Shoppers on the tightest budgets should investigate the Nissan Versa sedan, since it's the least expensive new car on the market.

While the 2015 Toyota Yaris is certainly not a segment leader, its generous standard feature content, reasonable price and the automaker's sterling reliability reputation make this car a value-rich choice for those after basic transport. Plus, the Yaris' improvements for 2015 make it more fashionable, better to drive and pleasant to be in. Still, any of those above competitors may go above and beyond to suit you better.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2015 Toyota Yaris is a subcompact economy car available as either a two- or four-door hatchback. The L and LE trims are offered in both these configurations, while the sporty SE trim is offered only as a four-door.

Standard features on the L include 15-inch steel wheels, power door locks and windows, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-only steering wheel, a trip computer, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, a CD player, HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod interface.

The LE adds or substitutes 15-inch alloys, power side mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control, metallic interior accents, chrome interior door handles and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.

Those who opt for the SE trim get 16-inch alloy wheels, projector-beam headlights, LED running lights, foglamps, special exterior styling elements, a rear spoiler (available as an option on L and LE trims), a sport-tuned suspension, sportier tires, four-wheel disc brakes, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter, and upgraded cloth upholstery.

A navigation system is available on all Yaris models as a dealer-installed option.

More Info - http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/yaris/2015/?tab-id=reviews-tab

Edited February 17, 2015 by StarOnline

[bagUrE]

Meanwhile, is it becoming a trend for software companies to build cars?

Apple developing an electric car

[iRage]

Uhh...I hope you realize you are posting reviews for US spec models which is different from Euro/Asia/Japan spec models. Example: The review talks about the 4 speed A/T being a downgrade compared to other cars with CVT...uhh...The Japan spec Vitz has been coming with CVT since ...uhh...2003 ? or 2004 ?

[The Don]

I'm going to merge all of these topics which basically anounce new car launches together. They are just content from other automotive sites.

[Davy]

I'm going to merge all of these topics which basically anounce new car launches together. They are just content from other automotive sites.

Thanks The Don. I thought I was being paranoid when I thought the home page was filling up with multiple, similar, useless threads. I'm going to quote OP here so that he doesn't miss this thread.

What are your thoughts members?

Hi StarOnline, welcome to the forum. Please use this thread for all your "news" posts. There is a thread named Post Whoring which you can use as well. That way the forum stays clean. Thanks!

[tuner88]

Met this guy at a conference for returning expats....he is a self-proclaimed "crazy man". All in all still have to give a "A" for effort and hope for the best, What happened to the guy who started running cars on water ? He should have a joint development with these guys....

Oh wait...electricity and water....best combo ever right ?

ohh now It's famous , they should consider something more practical, not trying to underestimate or degrade our own people, for example, check out this press release for 918 http://press.porsche.com/vehicles/2015/2015_918_Spyder_Press_Information_and_Tech_Specs_Final.pdf

Edited February 18, 2015 by tuner88

[Jor-el]

Meet Vega, Sri Lanka's all-electric supercar: BBC Autos

At first blush, it’s lunacy – a 900-horsepower, all-electric supercar from an island nation best known for tea and tourism, not tech.

Edited February 18, 2015 by Jor-el

[VVTi]

ahh... from the same people who gave such hits as the H2O powered FB15, Rocket Chichi, Self Bonding Government servants, etc, etc.

We cant bloody hold OLs or ALs without f**king it up, we don't have a properly function health care system, our tertiary education system can't hold one semester without a disaster, or hearing of a poor student committing suicide due to inept administration allowing sadistic ragging to continue , yet we are striving to produce not cars, not day to day runners, not luxury cars, not even Super cars, we are building HYPER CARS.

Talk about not trying to get the basics right.

Hope Floats in the Aascharyamath Yahapalanized Miracle of Asia.

Very very Hiken Puna worthy news.

[DMendis]

Meanwhile, is it becoming a trend for software companies to build cars?

Apple developing an electric car

But I see many articles saying that Apple should not do that. Let the car manufactures do the car building

http://www.carthrottle.com/post/14-reasons-apple-should-never-make-a-car/

[VVTi]

But I see many articles saying that Apple should not do that. Let the car manufactures do the car building

http://www.carthrottle.com/post/14-reasons-apple-should-never-make-a-car/

They told apple not to build phones too... but did they listen? No....

[Crosswind]

Approximately 4 years ago, we had this guy:

Can the ELCA put Sri Lanka on the global motor industry map?

4 years before that, we came across this guy:

Water Car from Srilanka, which didn't actually hold water

In both occasions, I remember many of us, out of groupie-like patriotism, more than rational thinking, were being supportive to the so-called inventions. Hell, some members even tried to help the bugger.

So sorry if I sound so unpatriotic... VVTi puts things far better than me when he says this is a hiken puna moment because there's no better words to explain our own hypercar.

[VVTi]

There used to be a street vendor in Nugegoda, near the super market. Circa 1980. Every evening, around dusk he would start pumping up the pressure in his PetroMax lamp to light the shop up, When he starts the whole process, people gather around to watch. (Lack of FB, Twitter and Online porn made people curious of these things those days I suppose)

Once he gets the lamp going, he goes around with a small hat and collects coins form the onlookers.

TRUE STORY!!!!!

Our citizenry is so easy to fool.

[Hoonigan]

Well it is commendable that they are reaching for the highest branch, wouldn't it have made better sense to build something that could compete with the Lotus level, possibly with a competitive price point aimed at south and south east asian markets?

[Pericles]

OMG!!

Blast from the past!

Peri I noticed a new FSP as you drove in to C.G last weekend....

Oh. Possible. Sorry, not on much

We should catch up

[Pericles]

What is the meaning of FSP? Fuel Sucking Pig?

Front Seat Passenger. Maybe after a bad breakup we can refer to it like you said

But I see many articles saying that Apple should not do that. Let the car manufactures do the car building

http://www.carthrottle.com/post/14-reasons-apple-should-never-make-a-car/

Considerable controversy here. Very secret so can't make an informed decision, but the conventional wisdom seems to be that Apple isn't so much into building a car, but into building the software that will go into an autonomous car and infrastructure. IMO a very bad thing if it goes ahead, given Apple's history (from the 1970) of closed architecture/close infrastructure.

Much more a fan of the Google project. They are actually on the roads in Nevada, I think.

[Pericles]

On the subject of this car, I don't know if they have said they were trying to make this commercial. I doubt it. Hypercars cost lots of money and the market in SL for such a thing will probably be pretty small. I think they wanna do it more as a technical demonstrator - like those bodykit cars at the Car Shows. They'll probably have a handful of prototypes, if it works it'll be driven by the company bigwigs, and then thats it, unless they develop some patents on parts that they can source out and make a decent profit on.

Personal Opinion formed pretty much on listening to gossip about the bloody thing, not interested enough to actually look into it.

[StarOnline]

2016 Kia Sorrento - Is it Good?

[StarOnline]

[StarOnline]