Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet the Mk6 goes topless

Ah, nothing like taking the top off things to give a new spin to a venerable fave, and it was bound to happen with this one at some point. Looks like the folks at Volkswagen have decided to rip the lid off the Mk6 Golf GTI and come up with a convertible version of the hot hatch.

Yes, the Golf GTI Cabriolet, which is making its debut in Geneva, packs in all the performance and practicality of the GTI hatchback, but adds the pleasures of open-air motoring for four, thanks to an electrically-powered fabric roof which can be folded away in just 9.5 seconds and is operable at speeds of up to 30 km/h.

Visually, the Golf GTI Cabriolet bears all the classic GTI design cues the radiator grille has a honeycomb structure with red edging and the GTI badge, while the front bumper incorporates a deep honeycomb air dam and distinctive vertical fog lights. A bespoke rear diffuser is framed by a chrome tailpipe on either side, and smoked LED tail lights complete the look.

The car comes with the standard 17-inch Denver type alloys with their five prominent openings, fitted with 225/45 tyres, though an optional 18-inch Detroit wheel, with machine-polished surface and contrasting black inner surfaces, is available.

Under the bonnet is the same 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine as found in the hatchback, offering 210 PS and 280 Nm, mated to either a standard six-speed manual gearbox or optional six-speed DSG transmission. Its a shade slower to the 100 km/h mark than the hatc! h, doing so in 7.3 seconds with either transmission (vs 6.9 seconds for the hatch), while top speed is 237 km/h.

Under the insulated, fully automatic roof, youll find four individual seats covered in the classic tartan Jacky cloth upholstery, with an option to go the Vienna leather path. Elsewhere, the hood lining and roof pillar trims are finished in black.

Safety-wise, as like all Golf Cabriolet models, the GTI Cabriolet comes with automatically deploying rollover protection, front and side head/thorax airbags and a drivers knee airbag as standard.

2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Wed, 29 Feb 12 14:50:40 +0000.

Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie: The Fake Wedding is OFF!

After more than six years and six children together, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt had FINALLY decided to get married - at least according to OK! magazine.

But then a fake disaster struck and torpedoed the fake wedding! Rough!

The hilarious impetus behind calling off the nuptials, according to OK!'s cover story this week? Maddox coming across an article about Jennifer Aniston!

Curious, the couple's eldest son, 10, asked his dad who she was - and Brad told him. That sent Angelina through the roof when she happened to walk in.

Dun-dun-DUN!!!!!!

Says the non-existent, well-informed source:

"Brad didn't realize that Angie was home, and so he basically just told Maddox the truth: Jennifer was a woman he loved very much and was once married to"

"But that's when Angelina walked in. She lost it."

"Brad thought he had taken all necessary precautions and never suspected the kids would learn about his past by coming across a story about Jennifer."

The actress, 36, was livid with her partner, 48, for myriad reasons. No more posing with one leg hanging out - that thing is halfway up his ass about now.

No more girl-on-girl action in War and Beauty II

No more girl-on-girl action in War and Beauty II

Though it's the sequel to the critically acclaimed 2004 palace drama War and Beauty, it's apparent that War and Beauty II is not sticking to the same formula that made its predecessor a hit among TV viewers.

Fans who are looking forward to watch the power struggle unfold between the royal concubines may find themselves in for a surprise. Executive producer Jonathan Chik and writer Chow Yuk-ming are going for a "warmer and subtler" approach this time, opting to create a brand new storyline set in a a parallel universe.

The sequel will focus less on politicking and more on "rumours" instead, said Chik. "We try to portray the theme of how everyone in the palace survives on lies and rumours. It's a place where reality and fantasy meet," he said.

Though Sheren Tang is reprising her role as Niuhuru Yu-yuet (a.k.a Consort Yu), the 45-year-old actress said that her new role is "so much kinder" compared to her previous version who wouldn't bat an eyelid at sacrificing those around her in the process of reaching her aim.

(From left) Ada Choi and Sheren Tang collaborate in the much-anticipated War and Beauty II. (image source: Sina.com)

What's more, the girl-on-girl action - that sees Tang locking lips with Choi - in the teaser that has set tongues wagging at TVB's 2012 Sales Presentation last Nov, has been removed from the plot.

"After adding other characters into story, we realise that it's impossible to do that. We can't possibly portray all female characters doing that, while it'll be awkward if it's just Sheren and Ada who are behaving that way. So we decided to remove it," explained the producer.

Tang and Moses Chan are the only ones returning to the set, with new additions such as Christine Ng, Tracy Ip and former ATV queen Alice Chan ! Wai.

Ng plays Tang's sister who is always stirring up trouble and has to rely on Tang to clean up the mess, while Yip plays a villainess who's always at odds with Choi's character. Meanwhile, Alice plays a songstress who is romantically linked to Moses in the series.

Source: Yangcheng Evening News

Published Feb 29 2012

Joan Rivers Mocks, Poses Like Angelina Jolie on Fashion Police

At least this time, she didn't liken someone to Auschwitz.

Joan Rivers continues to mock Angelina Jolie's one-leg pose Oscars, strapping on a fake leg and going to town on the actress last night on E's Fashion Police.

Rivers commented on the look again last night, calling it rehearsed, ridiculous and possibly even fake. She even threw on a prosthetic limb to make her point.

She keeps things interesting, that's for sure. Watch Rivers do her thing as the phenomenon that is Angelina leg continues to take over the entertainment world:

Joan Rivers Mocks Angelina Jolie (Fashion Police)

Jeremy Rosado on American Idol: Big Heart, Small Voice

Jeremy Rosado is a really nice guy. That's what the American Idol judges were telling us over and over last night, with Randy Jackson pointing to the way Rosado comforted many hopefuls during opening auditions.

That's great and all - but it's never a good sign, show wise, when the panel is talking more about your heart than your voice.

Indeed, Jeremy didn't really impress with his vocals on a cover of "Gravity." It's certainly hard to see him advancing over such solid performers as Phillip Phillips and even the theatrical Colton Dixon. But at least Rosado can return to his medical supply job in Florida with his head held high.

Jeremy Rosado - "Gravity"

Deandre Brackensick Hits Many High Notes on American Idol

It's safe to say Deandre Brackensick might be the most polarizing contestant on season 11 of American Idol.

The high school senior - who could easily pass for at least 25 - possesses a unique look (that hair!) and a unique sound (that voice!), both of which caused the judges to fall all over themselves with praise. Randy even said Brackensick was one of the most commercially-ready contestants the show has ever had.

Really? Would you buy a Deandre Brackensick album? The contestant covered Earth, Wind, and Fire's "Reasons" for his live performance and we highly recommend giving it a listen below. It's... different.

Deandre Brackensick - "Reasons"

How does Deandre stack up against fellow men Phillip Phillips and Reed Grimm? You tell us!

REINAS DE COSTA RICA 2012 / Miss World Costa Rica 2012 to be crowned March 22

Beauty Pageant > Road to Miss World 2012 > Costa Rica >

* Miss World Costa Rica 2012 - To be crowned March 22
* Miss World Costa Rica 2011 - Paola Chaverri / Contestants
* Miss World Costa Rica 2010 - Dayana Aguilera / Contestants
* Miss World Costa Rica 2009 - Angie Catalina Alfaro Loria / Contestants
* Miss World Costa Rica 2008 - Maria Amalia Matamoros

On March 22 Costa Rica will select its representative for Miss World 2012. Nine finalists will compete for the coveted title in the northern city of Heredia, where the famous Fortn, symbol of the city, is located.

Soon their official photos will be made available by the pageants organizers. Stay tuned!

Special thanks and credits to globalbeauties and voy.com/192520/

Modenas launching new bike, brand ambassador tomorrow

National motorcycle company Modenas is launching a new bike tomorrow, as hinted by teasers released on its Facebook page. With the headline Pencetus Evolusi, the teasers show parts of the new kapcai (it could also be a scooter) such as the tail, nose and graphics.

The DRB-Hicom owned company will also unveil its first ever brand ambassador who do you think he might be?

The Pencetus Evolusi teasers hints at an underbone thats higher up in the food chain than Modenas previous launch, the affordable RM2,948 100cc KRISS MR1. The brand also launched the CTric electric bike last year. Anyone here with any experience with the rechargeable bike?

2012 Paul Tan's Automotive! News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Wed, 29 Feb 12 09:59:03 +0000.

Honda Insight facelift arrives 1.3L variant, RM99,800

Honda Malaysia has introduced the facelifted Insight hybrid, in its 1.3 litre form. Aside from some external revisions, the facelift which made its debut in Frankfurt last year promises to deliver better fuel economy along with a string of other refinements.

Kicking things off are new front and rear bumpers, and the headlights now wear a tint of blue highlight. Additionally, the new grille design features a blue reflector underneath. The tailgate spoiler has also been slimmed, and together with a modified tail gate garnish and a reduction in the size of the wiper motor unit, results in overall increased rear visibility.

Appearance aside, the aerodynamics of the car have also been improved, reducing the running resistance and thus resulting in better fuel economy. The 1.3 litre IMA system with 88 PS and 121 Nm from the engine and 14 PS and 78 Nm from the motor gets some powertrain efficiency improvements.

Revisions to the CVT and mill, the latter in the form of reduced engine friction, as well as alterations to the air conditioning system, all do their bit to contribute to lower fuel consumption.

The Insight also features a quieter ride, with the inclusion of added noise insulation materials for better NVH (noise, vibration and ! harshnes s) performance. Meanwhile, the seats are now upholstered with a new fabric, and rear passengers now enjoy an extra head clearance of 15mm, following adjustments to the shape of the roof lining and the hip point of the rear seats.

Theres Hill Start Assist (HSA) and VSA on this one, and the wave key has been changed to a more compact jack-knife version. Four exterior colours abound, and these are Platinum Aqua Metallic, Premium White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl and Alabaster Silver Metallic.

The facelifted Insight goes for RM99,800 (on-the-road), and comes with a five-year or 140,000 km warranty on the IMA battery. The best part is that you dont have to wait long for one, if youve been eyeing it fully aware of the current demand of the new Insight, Honda Malaysia says the waiting period for an Insight is now less than two weeks.

2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Wed, 29 Feb 12 08:56:02 +0000.

Honda Insight facelift arrives 1.3L variant, RM99,800

Honda Malaysia has introduced the facelifted Insight hybrid, in its 1.3 litre form. Aside from some external revisions, the facelift which made its debut in Frankfurt last year promises to deliver better fuel economy along with a string of other refinements.

Kicking things off are new front and rear bumpers, and the headlights now wear a tint of blue highlight. Additionally, the new grille design features a blue reflector underneath. The tailgate spoiler has also been slimmed, and together with a modified tail gate garnish and a reduction in the size of the wiper motor unit, results in overall increased rear visibility.

Appearance aside, the aerodynamics of the car have also been improved, reducing the running resistance and thus resulting in better fuel economy. The 1.3 litre IMA system with 88 PS and 121 Nm from the engine and 14 PS and 78 Nm from the motor gets some powertrain efficiency improvements.

Revisions to the CVT and mill, the latter in the form of reduced engine friction, as well as alterations to the air conditioning system, all do their bit to contribute to lower fuel consumption.

The Insight also features a quieter ride, with the inclusion of added noise insulation materials for better NVH (noise, vibration and ! harshnes s) performance. Meanwhile, the seats are now upholstered with a new fabric, and rear passengers now enjoy an extra head clearance of 15mm, following adjustments to the shape of the roof lining and the hip point of the rear seats.

Theres Hill Start Assist (HSA) and VSA on this one, and the wave key has been changed to a more compact jack-knife version. Four exterior colours abound, and these are Platinum Aqua Metallic, Premium White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl and Alabaster Silver Metallic.

The facelifted Insight goes for RM99,800 (on-the-road), and comes with a five-year or 140,000 km warranty on the IMA battery. The best part is that you dont have to wait long for one, if youve been eyeing it fully aware of the current demand of the new Insight, Honda Malaysia says the waiting period for an Insight is now less than two weeks.

2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Wed, 29 Feb 12 08:56:02 +0000.

Battered Thai auto market on the rebound, led by Toyota

Thailands auto market, so badly hit by last years massive floods, is now on the rebound. Most carmakers based there have resumed production at normal levels, Bangkok Post reports, except for Honda, which Ayutthaya plant is scheduled for reopening by the end of March.

Leading the rebound is Thailands market leader Toyota, which managed to rake in almost half of January 2012 total sales. The market saw a 11.5% year-on-year increase to 76,246 units last month, and of this pie, Toyota carved itself a 47.4% share. The brands sales in the month increased 34.8% year-on-year to 36,151 units, three times what they managed in December 2011.

Youve got to feel for Honda, widely acknowledged as the worst hit among carmakers based in Thailand. The company sold just 332 units in January, a 100% drop from the same period in 2011.

The total output increase partly helped carmakers clear their pre and post-flood order backlogs. But the passenger car market could not keep up with the overall vehicle market since some carmakers could not resume their production, said Toyota Motor Thailands senior VP Vudhigorn Suriyachantananont.

Vudhigorn predicted that the upward momentum will continue as more carmakers normalise production. Also, the Thai government has introduced stimulus packages that include tax rebates for first time car owners and pay increases for civil servants.

The floods did not directly affect Toyotas three auto plants in Samut Prakan and Chachoengsao, but like every other carmaker, they had to cut pr! oduction due to lack of parts. GM was in the same situation, and is also bouncing back strongly. Despite the flood, Chevrolet sold 31,595 units in 2011, up by 58% from 2010. This form has continued into 2012 Chevy shifted 3,785 vehicles last month, a 95% year-on-year increase.

2012 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Wed, 29 Feb 12 07:37:38 +0000.