To serve you better, effective 1st February 2012, Goodyear Malaysia can be contacted via their new telephone number at 03 – 5520 3200. Also, they now have a dedicated and very first Customer Care Contact Centre.

Here are the details:
1. Goodyear Malaysia General Line : 03 – 5520 3200
2. Customer Care Line : 1300 – 88 – 8973
3. Customer Care Fax : 03 – 5510 2466
4. Customer Care Email : customercare@goodyear.com

The Customer Care operates from Mondays to Fridays 9.00 am to 6.00 pm and Saturdays from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm. They are closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.

The Goodyear Malaysia Headquarters is situated at the same address; at Lot 51, Persiaran Selangor, Seksyen 15, 40200, Shah Alam, Selangor.

For further information, please visit their official Goodyear website or contact the Customer Care Line (1300 – 88 – 8973).

We already know Infiniti is bringing a new sports car concept to March’s 2012 Geneva Motor Show, and that it will come packing an advanced range-extended electric drivetrain.

However, the automaker has released the name of the concept car, which we can confirm will be called the Infiniti Emerg-E when it makes its debut in just a few weeks.

From the sharp side window frames to the semi-folded flowing rear flanks, the overall design gives off a fast, fluidic aesthetic quality.

The Emerg-e will follow in the footsteps of the Infiniti Etherea concept that was unveiled at Geneva last year, only this is rear-drive, not front-wheel drive, and the engine is mid-mounted – a first for Infiniti.

The powertrain is set to comprise an electric motor which drives the car in most situations. A petrol engine is used to recharge the electric batteries while on the go.

The concept is said to provide inspiration for a range of upcoming zero-emission sports cars from Infiniti that we can expect in the coming years.

More precise details have yet to be revealed, but expect more information and images to surface in the lead-up to the sports car concept’s Geneva Motor Show debut.

South Korean carmaker, SsangYong is welcoming the new year with a limited edition version of its recently introduced Korando crossover for the British market.

Based on the 2WD entry-level S model, the new Korando LE is distinguished by its bespoke 18” alloy wheels, rear spoiler and tinted windows. The limited edition model is available in the Grand White finish as standard, with metallic Vitamin Red and Space Black being optional.

Inside, the Korando LE gets heated front seats, a leather steering wheel and gearlever, cruise control and parking sensors.

Power comes from a 2.0L diesel unit, which produces 173bhp and 360Nm of torque. On the combined cycle, the Korando LE achieves 5L/100km, while emitting Co2 levels of 157g/km. Power is transferred to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.

Availability of the Korando LE is limited to 150 units and prices start from £17,995, with SsangYong offering 5 years free servicing on models purchased with finance during February and March.

Proton will once again be in the thick of the action when the 17th edition of cycling’s prestigious Le Tour de Langkawi 2012 kicks off later this month.

Extending its support and sponsorship for the 17th successive year, the national car manufacturer today presented a mock-key and the symbolic Blue Jersey to the organizer of the Le Tour de Langkawi 2012 at a brief ceremony held at the PROTON Centre of Excellence in Subang Jaya.

PROTON has been a sponsor of the prestigious international race for the last 16 years since it was first held in 1996. This year’s sponsorship of the tour will be of a fleet of vehicles, as well as in terms of technical support, maintenance, manpower and merchandise giveaways during the cavalcade.

The PROTON cavalcade is a procession of vehicles that will proceed ahead of the main racing peloton in promoting the tour. Proton vehicles to be used throughout the tour include variants of the Inspira and Saga, the Exora, Persona, Perdana and Satria Neo. PROTON will also be setting up promotional and sales booths at the various stops throughout the tour.

This is the third consecutive year PROTON is sponsoring the Blue Jersey which will be worn by the tour’s overall Sprint Champion.

“Le Tour de Langkawi provides PROTON with a fantastic opportunity to showcase our range of vehicles not only to the local audience, but also the international riders, teams, officials and television viewers who will be following the race,” said PROTON’s Director of Group Marketing, Branding and Motorsports, John D. Chacko.

“In line with our Commitment to be Better brand promise, we at PROTON hope that our continued support of major international events being organized in the country will contribute not only towards promoting tourism but in elevating Malaysia’s status internationally.”

Le Tour de Langkawi 2012 has attracted a total of 120 cyclists representing 22 local and top international professional teams who will compete in a grueling 1414.8km stretched over 10 days. This year’s race will also see the teams being flagged at the PROTON Centre of Excellence in Shah Alam for Stage 6 which is a challenging 108km charge to the peak of Genting Highlands. A win in this Stage is also the most sought-after by the cyclists as it is the most challenging route throughout the race.

The tour starts with 20.3km individual time trial around Putrajaya on 24th February 2012 before taking competitors through Melaka, Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Pahang and ending on 4th March 2012 in Kuala Terengganu.

Leave it to Mini to present a special edition model every two weeks. After the “Baker Street” and “Bayswater” hatchbacks, it’s the convertible model’s turn to gain a new moniker.

This one is called is called “Highgate” and is offered with four engine variants including the 122bhp Cooper, 184bhp Cooper S, and for those markets that get diesel versions, the 112bhp Cooper D and 143bhp Cooper SD.

Regardless of the engine, power is channelled to the front wheels through a standard six-speed manual or an optional automatic with the same number of gears.

On the outside, the Highgate Convertible is identified by the new Iced Chocolate metallic hue for the body with brown/black bonnet stripes with blue edging, the brown soft-top and the 17″ Double Cross light-alloy wheels. Mini also offers Midnight Black and White Silver metallic paintworks for the body as an option.

The same colour theme continues inside with the leather seats finished in Dark Truffle with light contrast stitching and light blue piping. Stainless steel pedals, Suntouched Brushed Alloy interior trim elements, and the Chrome Line Interior package come as standard.

The new Mini Convertible Highgate will go on sale worldwide in April.

Penned in Kia’s California design studio, the Track’ster shows how a more sporty, three-door version of the Soul could look like, though the South Korean automaker is quick to point out that currently, there are no plans for a production version.

According to California studio Chief Designer Tom Kearns, the study is an extension of the Soul’s “rebellious, individual and urban character”.

Kia says that the Track’ster is envisaged with a 247bhp petrol engine, which we assume would be based on the 1.6L or 2.0L turbocharged four cylinder units shared with its parent company, Hyundai.

Today, two specially prepared models of the new 2012 Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8 were delivered to Scuderia Ferrari F1 drivers, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa at the Fiorano circuit in Maranello, Italy.

Each Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 features an aggressive exterior look with an SRT-exclusive design, which adds classic Ferrari brand styling cues and the unmistakable Rosso Corsa signature colour.

The iconic, seven-slot Jeep front grille is painted matte black and features custom red inserts. A race-inspired, offset black driver’s stripe with a white accent customizes the front and rear bumpers, hood, the entire surface of the roof and the rear spoiler.

Additional exclusive details include a matte black painted dual-pane sunroof, Carbon fibre mirror caps and a gloss black rear light bar with red accents on the Jeep logo.

To complete the unique exterior trim of the two custom-built SRT8 models, the Italian flag has been painted on the underside of the rear spoiler: a tribute to the Ferrari F150º Formula One car.

Ride height has been lowered 1.5 inches and both vehicles ride on unique forged aluminium, 20″ wheels painted black giving them an even more aggressive stance.

In line with the vehicle’s custom exterior, the interior cabin is enhanced by exclusive Ferrari Red leather inserts on the seats with sculpted bolsters. Also the door trim panels, the central armrest and the instrument panel boast exclusive red leather.

The leather-wrapped SRT8 steering wheel with mounted paddle shifters features red contrasting stitching. The unique instrument cluster features yellow dials which give the cabin the look of the GT cars produced in Maranello.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is powered by the all-new 6.4L HEMI® V8 engine with Fuel Saver technology that turns off four of the eight cylinders when full power is not required to ensure increased fuel economy. Thanks to the powerful HEMI V-8 powertrain delivering 468bhp and 624 Nm of torque, the SRT8 model achieves benchmark performance of 0-100 km/h in 5 seconds, has a top speed of 257 km/h.

“We’re excited and proud to be able to share ‘Ferrari-style’ custom-built versions of the most powerful and best handling Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 ever with two of the most talented drivers in the world,” Paretta said.

“We know that both Fernando and Felipe will feel right at home in our ultimate performance SUVs that are identically built with classic Ferrari styling cues and one-of-a-kind Rosso Corsa exteriors. The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 brings a combination of Jeep’s world-class capability to the road or the race track along with unparalleled luxury and refinement and advanced innovative technologies for all driving enthusiasts.”

The two, uniquely customized Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 models are based on the new high-performance model of the Jeep flagship SUV set to arrive in Europe, where it will be available in Jeep dealerships starting in May.

Mazda will unveil its 2012 MX-5 Miata Special Edition at the upcoming 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

The limited-run model features a black-only Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT) as well as other exclusivities such as two new exterior colours, new 17″ black gunmetal alloy wheels, black exterior accents, black heated leather seats and piano black interior finishes.

The special edition will be available with either the six-speed manual gearbox with or a six-speed Sport automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, both linked to the regular 167bhp 2.0L four-cylinder engine.

Both Premium and Suspension packages will be standard on the MX-5 Special Edition and include features such as a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio, Bilstein shocks and a sport-tuned suspension.

Mazda said production of the MX-5 Miata Special Edition would be limited to 450 units with pricing to be announced.

Fiat presents the first official images of the 500L, the new model which will have its world preview at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show on 6th March.

500L – the L stands for ‘Large’ – is the new addition to the 500 range, which, following the Abarth and Cabrio versions, furthers the brand’s strategy, with the aim of extending its offer by introducing models in a position to satisfy different types of customers.

With MPV passenger space combined with the feel of a small SUV on the road and the restrained dimensions and efficiency of a B segment car, the new Fiat model defies the conventional distinctions between the various segments, combining the typical characteristics of different categories in order to create a distinctive alternative to the traditional B and C segments.

With the 500L, the Fiat brand demonstrates its creative spirit once more: a marriage of functionality and emotion, it features a 5-seater single-volume structure which is 414 cm long, 178 cm wide and 166 cm high. It is a further development of the concept of ‘cab forward’ introduced by Fiat with the 600 Multipla, a precursor to the concept of the compact people carrier.

Produced at the Fiat factory in Kragujevac, Serbia, 500L is a ‘first car’ for those who won’t settle for anything less than Italian style, the versatility that comes from a functional design and engine technology that sets the bar in terms of efficiency.

The Fiat 500L will be introduced to Europe in the last quarter of 2012, with an engine range which will initially comprise two petrol engines (TwinAir and 1.4-litre) and a turbodiesel engine (1.3 MultiJet II).

McLaren became the first front-running team to reveal their 2012 challenger as the wraps came off the new MP4-27 at the team’s UK factory in Woking. With it, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton hope to land McLaren their first constructors’ crown since 1998.

Unlike the 2012 Caterham launched last week, McLaren has avoided a stepped-nose design by making the whole front end of the chassis lower. “This is a beautiful car,” commented Button. “Many of them that you will see will not be!”

While the car closely resembles last year’s MP4-26, its chassis has been substantially revised from the ground-up, with all major systems updated or re-designed for the new season. The most evident visual differences include more tightly-waisted rear bodywork, developed to improve flow to the rear of the car, and a revised cooling system, which re-directs the gearbox oil-cooler.

Last year’s U-shaped sidepods have also been redesigned – a legacy of the FIA’s new exhaust regulations that redefine the shape of the rear bodywork – while among the more minor details, the rear view mirrors are also new, something which Hamilton joked should be helpful following his much-talked-about run-ins with Ferrari’s Felipe Massa last season.

“I’ve been keenly following the development of MP4-27 over the winter and I’ve been really encouraged by the results and the data that the engineers have been showing me,” said Hamilton.

“I think we already had a very strong base to build upon: Jenson and I won six races with MP4-26 last year and I think we’ve been able to retain all the strengths and the reliability of that design while also incorporating lots of improvements and new ideas into the new car.

“Of course, the biggest changes for 2012 are the modifications to the exhaust regulations – that will reduce the downforce and grip that we had last year, but it just puts the emphasis on the designers to try and claw some of that back in other areas. I get the feeling the MP4-27 is going to feel very new and exciting when we get to drive it for the first time.”

Following a one-day private shakedown, it is Button who will get the first taste of the new car when he begins track testing of the MP4-27 at Spain’s Circuito de Jerez next Tuesday, February 7.

“I know that the whole team is extremely proud of the MP4-27,” said Button. “It may look like a direct evolution of last year’s car, but we’ve analysed every area of performance over the winter and the whole car has benefited from lots of fresh thinking and new ideas in every area. I’m really looking forward to getting behind the wheel in Spain next week.

“With the regulations remaining relatively stable, we’ve really been able to focus on the detail with this year’s car. I still think we had a very fast package last year – it was very strong in certain areas – and our race pace was almost always fantastic, but we’re hoping for a further step forwards in 2012. With Mercedes-Benz, I think we also had the best overall engine and KERS Hybrid package in the pit lane.

“We were also able to continuously develop throughout the year to match Red Bull – and that shows that we have the knowledge, effort and resources to sustain our efforts across the course of a whole season, which can be crucial. I know that everyone will be watching us very closely to see what progress we make during the pre-season tests, but I genuinely believe we have every reason to feel optimistic about the progress we’ve made and our competitiveness this year.”

On McLaren’s and the MP4-27’s prospects for the coming championship campaign, team principal Martin Whitmarsh commented: “The 2012 season will be an important one for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes: having finished second in the constructors’ championship for the past two seasons, we’re determined to mount a sustained, hard challenge for both world titles.

“We have a fantastically committed team of individuals, and MP4-27 is the fruit of their labours – it’s a beautiful car, and one we feel is the perfect platform from which to launch our assault on the world championship. While there are clear visual changes to this year’s car, there’s greater change beneath the skin, with lots of fresh thinking applied to every major system. The car is pleasingly complete.

“For 2012, we are well aware that Red Bull remains a very powerful and capable operation, and that both Ferrari and Mercedes AMG are ramping up their operational capacity. We have no room to be complacent – what you see today only scratches the surface of what we’re planning to deliver to the track both from an engineering and operational point of view throughout 2012.

“I’m pleased and confident that we’ve left no stone unturned in our quest for performance. Now, our focus invariably turns to the track as we evaluate MP4-27 ahead of the start of the 2012 season in Melbourne on March 18. These will be a fascinating three weeks.”