Super GT International series car at Equatorial Hotel, KL

Equatorial Hotel KL is the Official Hotel for the Super GT International Series Malaysia. Saw this incredibly souped up NSX (Honda) at the entrance of the hotel ... wow!
Here's a stock example of the NSX, see how different it looks (and performs)!



Wikipedia
For use in the Super GT, formerly the All Japan GTC and JGTC, the NSX has been highly modified (as allowed by series technical regulations) with chassis development by Dome, engine development by Mugen, for Honda.
Externally the NSX shape has developed race by race, season to season to the demands of increasing aerodynamic downforce within the regulations. The most notable change is the position of the V6 engine, which is mounted longitudinally instead of transversely as per the roadcar.
Similar to the setup used in modern Lamborghinis, the gearbox is located in the center tunnel under the cockpit and is connected to the rear differential by a driveshaft. Engines can either be turbocharged or naturally aspirated, depending on the class and on the rules.
The NSX continues to be used as the works Honda car in the GT500 class, even though it is no longer in production.

Petrol prices in Malaysia ... RM$2.70 ouch!!!

Today was the first day I topped up petrol at the new price of .... SHUDDER!
RM$2.70 per litre.


ps - A full tank of gas used to cost about RM$105 ... it's now ... (see photo above) nearly RM$145!

Chevrolet Captiva - New SUV in town

The Chevrolet Captiva has a lot going for it ... Great looks, well priced (RM$120k - 140k), as well as being well-specced. Did I say great looks? Yes I did!



Ps . Notes from The Star ...
Also known as Daewoo Winstorm in Korea, the Captiva is available in two engine powertrains – a 2.4L petrol engine and a 2.0L turbo-diesel engine. Each engine is available with fully-automatic all-wheel-drive (AWD) and front-wheel-drive transmissions. Design of the engines is licensed from Italian engine maker, VM Motori.
The 2.4L petrol engine produces 136 horses at 5000rpm, with maximum torque at 220Nm at an early engine speed of 2200rpm.
On the 2.0 turbo-diesel powerplant, 150 horsepower with a massive 320Nm of torque is achievable. Both versions of engine are mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission with ‘manual shift’ TIPTRONIC.
On the interior, the seats are leather-wrapped and foldable to offer 930 litres of cargo space. A full-load of 7 passengers creates a slump in ride height but with the Captiva’s innovative technology of “self-leveling” suspension, it will be a thing of the past. This feature automatically adjust the rear shock absorbers, either raising or lowering the rear height, thus helps maintain the vehicle’s normal ride height and improved handling.
The other safety features of the Captiva includes Electronic Stability Program (ESP) helps prevent vehicle skidding, Traction Control System for improving road grip and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) for fast and effective stopping during emergency.

Bukit Tunku, KL - View of the Twin Towers

Bukit Tunku in KL affords a stunning view of the Twin Towers ...

Meeting Mia Palencia at Flo, Equatorial Hotel KL

Brought 12 of my friends to Mia Palencia's gig at Flo, Equatorial, on the last night of her 4 night series :-) over the weekend ...


Yarra Burn Pinot Noir (RM$169) - Not too heavy, easy drinking.
Cono Sur 20 (RM$199) - I wouldn't normally choose a Cab Sauv from Chile, but J likes Chilean wine ... so we gave it a try. Decent, but nothing much to shout about!



As always ... Mia was magical. A stunning voice, with equally good song-writing, and a fantastic accompaniment band, including a flutist and bassist whom I admire.


All my gang got a copy of her new album ... Finding My Way. It's good :-)

We'll always have the album to remember the gig by ... :-)

Kampachi @ Equatorial Hotel, KL - Excellent japanese!

Add: Hotel Equatorial, Jalan Sultan Ismail, KL
Tel: +603 2161 7777
Opening hours: 12:00pm - 02:30 pm and 06:30 pm - 11:00 pm


As described by Kampachi.com.my ...
Exquisite Japanese cuisine from Ginza trained culinary masters presented as an art form. Private tatami rooms offer the traditional dining atmosphere.

I described it as ...
Despite being a very busy night, the food standard was immaculate. Can't wait to return once again, thanks for the treat J :-)
Much better then the Kampachi experience I had at Pavilion KL

J and X's choice of starters ...


My choice ... Potato and beef stew (average), and really good Beef noodles (Not soba, not udon, simply slurpilicious!).


X's fabulous chicken and garlic main course and enoki mushrooms stir-fried in butter (slurp!).


Thanks for sharing your lobster, J :-) They even made a soup with the shells ... wow.

Curry Puff and other Pastries for tea

Thanks to H for a selection of pastries for tea over the weekend ...

Excellent : Curry puff
Good : Spicey char siew soh, Egg tart
Terrible : Kaya buff ... oops, Kaya puff.