The All New HKS Turbo Timer

HKS USA, Inc., celebrating its 35th year as the premier manufacturer and supplier of automotive performance systems and parts, is proud to announce the ninth generation of the HKS Turbo Timer available for sale on September 10th, 2008.In 1982 HKS introduced the world’s first Turbo Timer to assist in cooling down the turbocharger to prevent oil coking in the center bearing cartridge assembly. Oil "coking" occurs when a turbocharger is not properly cooled down and the oil that normally lubricates the center cartridge heats up and forms solidified oil deposits. A turbo timer allows an engine to idle for a preset amount of time after the ignition key has been turned to the off position and removed. By allowing a turbocharged engine to idle, oil continues to pass through the turbo until it has cooled down to the point where oil "coking" will not occur. Re-designed for 2008, the all new Turbo Timer Type-0 and Type-1 feature a new, slim low profile design with a separate LCD display and control unit following the same design concepts as the current HKS EVC and A/F Knock Amp.

The Turbo Timer Type-0 features a red LCD backlit display for easy visibility, 2 timer modes, and a battery voltage meter with a peak value indication and warning function.The Turbo Timer Type-1 features a light blue LCD backlit display and has the same basic timing and voltage features as the Type-0 plus several monitoring and measurement functions. The Turbo Timer Type-1 features an Auto mode for the timer function allowing the Turbo Timer to automatically calculate optimum idling time according to the most recent driving pattern. Vehicle speed and RPM can be displayed on the Type-1's LCD monitor and a speed warning level can be set. A two-stage RPM warning can also be set and used as a shift indicator. When a warning level is reached the Type-1's LCD monitor will blink and an audible beep will sound. The HKS Turbo Timer Type-1 also features various measurement functions including 1/4 mile timer, 0-60 timer and a stopwatch function that can be used for lap timing. The Turbo-Timer Type-1 can read in either MPH/SAE or KPH/Metric.The new HKS Turbo Timers are compatible with all HKS Turbo Timer harnesses to make for an easy installation.\

Grand Lavina Launch at Malaysia

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) launched today the all-new Nissan Grand Livina, one of a family of new global models from the company.

The Grand Livina is a mid-size 7-seater MPV, designed and engineered in the Nissan Technical Center in Atsugi, Japan, first introduced in China in 2006 followed by Indonesia, Taiwan & South Africa this year.Aside from its elegant and modern design coupled with its luxurious and versatile interior, the Grand Livina provides a sedan-like ride, comfort and handling that is unparalleled in this class of mid-size MPVs - hence it's communication tagline, "Drive's Like A Sedan, Fits Like A MPV". The Grand Livina also comes with new generation Nissan engines that offer brisk performance coupled with exceptional fuel economy to meet the needs of Malaysian drivers.

Using a monocoque body structure, the Grand Livina is powered by either a 1.8L MR engine or 1.6L HR engine with CVTC (continuously variable valve timing control) for improved performance and fuel efficiency. The 1.8L model comes with the choice of a four-speed automatic transmission while the 1.6L version is equipped with either a four-speed automatic transmission or five-speed manual transmission.

Price range : On-the-road prices (inclusive of insurance, road tax, registration fee and ownership claim fee) valid for Peninsular Malaysia will be from RM82,800 to RM95,300 (from USD 24,800 to USD 28,600).

In Malaysia, the Grand Livina is assembled at the Serendah plant of Tan Chong Motor Assemblies Sdn. Bhd.(TCMA). This new facility started production from August, 2007. TCMA invested 67 million US dollars for the new plant and has fully implemented the Nissan Production Way (NPW) which is Nissan’s international standard for global quality manufacturing and vehicle assembly.

“Today, we are very excited to introduce the 1st non-national CKD medium-size MPV in the 1.6 Liter & 1.8 Liter segment. We aim to capture 15% of the total MPV market with the Grand Livina and, in all, the Grand Livina is expected to contribute to as much as 30% of ETCM’s total sales,” said Dato’ DR Ang Bon Beng, Executive Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd. “Grand Livina provides sedan-intenders an alternative choice for a high-quality and modern design with spacious and flexible seating.”

With momentum in new markets, Nissan plans to introduce this new family of global vehicles to more countries. During 2008, the Grand Livina will be introduced in the Philippines and the Livina into Indonesia. For each of those markets, the vehicles will be manufactured locally.