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The emotional design of the BMW i8 Concept, which is on display in Singapore, ensures its qualities are clear for all to see. Its dynamic proportions give the BMW i8 Concept the appearance of surging forward before it even turns a wheel and lend visual form to its extraordinary performance. The sophisticated concept behind the upward-swiveling doors fixed to the A-pillars underlines the car’s sporting capability and opens up access to the front and rear seats at the same time.

A series of air inlets allow the air to flow through and around the vehicle to optimum effect, ensuring extremely low drag. They also add visual emphasis to these advanced aerodynamics. Airflow plays an extremely important role at the rear of the vehicle as well. Intakes behind the passenger cell and at the rear provide a cooling flow of air through the engine compartment, while outlets in the rear diffuser and the flow of air around the rear wheels ensure the car is extremely efficient in terms of lift and down force at both axles.

The BMW i8, meanwhile, is designed from the outset as a plug-in hybrid sports car, with the emphasis on agile performance and outstanding efficiency. Pairing an exceptionally lightweight, aerodynamically optimized body with cutting-edge BMW eDrive technology, a compact, highly turbocharged 1.5-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine and intelligent energy management, the BMW i8 marks the next stage in the evolution of the Efficient Dynamics strategy. It can operate solely on electric power, which means zero tailpipe emissions, and offers the dynamic performance of a sports car, with an expected 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.5 seconds. The BMW i8’s 231 hp petrol engine sends its power to the rear wheels, while the 131 hp electric motor powers the front wheels.

Happenings

All-electric BMW i3 Makes South East Asia Preview

BMW Asia recently showcased the production-ready all-electric BMW i3 and the BMW i8 Concept sports car at the BMW i: The Future of Mobility, Singapore Showcase 2013.

The new Lexus ES model range will be re-introduced to the Singapore market after a seven-year hiatus. The ES, which previously made its reputation among Lexus Singapore owners as a popular mid-sized luxury sedan, will once again deliver exemplary comfort, contemporary luxury as well as dynamic composure and refinement in this new iteration of the model range. The return of the new ES will allow a new generation of drivers the opportunity to experience the sophistication and refinement of one of Lexus’ best-selling models of all time.

Happenings

Lexus To Launch New ES In Singapore

IN Lexus, ES, ES 250, Hybrid, Borneo Motors Singapore

Borneo Motors (Singapore) Pte Ltd has announced that the new, highly popular ES model range will be launched in Singapore in the last quarter (Q4) of 2013.

The new Gallardo Squadra Corse is very close to the race cars. Both share the same V10 engine, which is used in the racing version with no modifications. Likewise, the Squadra Corse has the same rear wing for greater aerodynamic load — achieving, under the best aerodynamic conditions, three times the load of the Gallardo LP 560-4 — for increased dynamic stability during tight, high speed driving. Another element taken directly from the racing version is the removable engine hood with quick-release system. Both the rear wing and the hood are made from carbon composite material, as are a host of other components on the Squadra Corse.

Happenings

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Squadra Corse

IN Lamborghini, Gallardo, Squadra Corse, LP 570-4

The Squadra Corse brings race track emotion to the road.

The Pit

Vision Gran Turismo

IN Gran Turismo 6, GT6, Sony, Playstation

Celebrating 15 years of Gran Turismo, manufacturers, design houses and other brands will showcase special concept cars to feature exclusively in Gran Turismo 6.

Working hard at appealing to the car’s intended target segment in a bid to cajole them to eschew their dowdy appearance of batik shirts, black man bags and thick gold chains, Mercedes-Benz has place great effort in making the new E-Class more stylish.

New

Like A Boss | Mercedes-Benz E200 Sedan

IN Mercedes-Benz, E-Class, E200, Sedan, Saloon

The perennial favourite of ‘towkays’ gets a makeover.

With the Disco Volante, Touring rejuvenates its purest tradition: to create new and exciting shapes for the most performing and interesting chassis. When applied to Alfa Romeos, this philosophy gave birth to masterpieces that marked the history of design and automobiles.

Happenings

American Debut For The Disco Volante

IN Alfa Romeo, Disco Volante, Touring

The Alfa Romeo Disco Volante by Touring makes its first appearance in America at the Pebble Beach Concours on August 18, 2013.

Dual Pixel CMOS AF Technology — A New Era in Movie Making

Put simply, this new technology replicates how the human eye behaves. When switching between various AF points or areas, the EOS 70D delivers smoother and more natural transitions during the focusing process, making it an ideal DSLR for both stills (in One-shot AF) and videos. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology also eliminates the traditional AF 'hunting' when shooting videos in Live View mode resulting in videos that are more visually pleasing.

By placing AF sensors on the entire surface of the CMOS sensor, final focusing using only the phase-difference detection direction is possible even during Live View shooting. Just as with Viewfinder AF, quick, hunting-free AF is achieved over a wide AF area. Not only that, tracking performance of Movie Servo AF is also improved, making even smoother focusing possible. The intuitive 3-inch vari-angle touch-panel LCD also allows AF points or areas to be changed at the touch of the finger.

The Pit

The New Canon EOS 70D Features the Latest in Auto Focus Technology

IN Canon, DSLR, Lifestyle, Photography

Canon has announced the latest EOS 70D, a Wi-Fi enabled DSLR embedded with a powerful DIGIC 5+ image processor and a 20.2-megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor.

With McLaren’s thirty years’ experience working with carbonfibre (first carbonfibre chassis in Formula One and first all carbon-bodied road car, the F1), it comes as no surprise that the P1 is entirely constructed from the black weave — right down to its central load-bearing structure, the MonoCage tub. And since carbonfibre is moulded, the body panels could be shaped in far more complex and extreme ways than if they were made of steel or aluminium. Indeed, it is a real treat to witness and examine the P1 in the flesh, where you can’t help but marvel at how sculpted the car looks. Pictures alone do not do it justice.

Happenings

McLaren P1 Makes Southeast Asian Debut

IN McLaren, P1, Wearnes, McLaren Automotive, Hypercar, F1

Singapore is the first stop for the P1 as it makes its way around the region

Then the flood came. And again. Suddenly, buying an SUV makes so much sense. Jokes aside, most SUV drivers made the decision to get one because of the simple fact that it provides the ability to look further ahead in congestions; a sense of security, in other words.

New

Practically Speaking | Hyundai Santa Fe GDI 2.4

IN Hyundai, Santa Fe, GDI, Komoco Motors, Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe returns with a classier and bolder look, showcasing the Korean’s new upmarket identity; question is, does it drive as good?

The Ghibli is smaller, shorter, lighter, more dynamic, less expensive and more economical than the flagship Quattroporte and provides a cornerstone in Maserati’s plans to build 50,000 cars a year by 2015.

Happenings

Maserati’s All-New Ghibli Unveiled

IN Maserati, Ghibli, Quattroporte

The all-new Ghibli marks a turning point in Maserati’s history.

The LF-LC’s main styling highlight is its one-piece glass roof, which incorporates both the front and rear windscreens and is supported by a lightweight, cantilevered pillar inspired from modern architecture. Framed by a
deep aluminium surround, the ‘spindle’ grille’s mesh pattern gives it a 3D effect, while the L-shaped daytime running lights with vertical fog lamps suggest a sense of movement. A rear deck spindle grille design echoes the front of the LF-LC, with L-shaped tail lamps utilising inner lighting (inspired by a jet’s afterburner) creating a sense of depth and width.

Happenings

Lexus Showcases the LF-LC Concept Car In Singapore

IN Lexus, LF-LC, Hybrid, Concept, Display

Lexus dealer brings in its stunning LF-LC concept car for a limited time.

Guest-of-Honour Mr Jose Raymond, Executive Director of Singapore Environment Council, who officiated the send-off, said:

Motorsports

Flying Our Flag At The Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2013

IN Singapore, ITE, NTU, Ngee Ann polytechnic, Shell, Eco Marathon, Green, Sustainable, Energy

The future looks green as students from tertiary institutions compete for Eco-glory.

Then again, it doesn’t necessarily have to out-drag the competition, because Kia is pitching the GT as a brisk all-rounder designed for “everyday usability and civility, not a track special” (although its chassis was developed at the Nurburgring). So even though it gets re-tuned springs and dampers, a thicker rear anti-roll bar and larger brakes, its multi-link suspension should ensure a tolerable ride.

Happenings

Still Very Reasonably Priced

IN Kia, Hot hatch, Ceed, GT, Cee'd

The name is still ridiculous, but this hot hatch looks set to be a credible and value-packed alternative in the market.

Borneo Motors, part of the UK-based Inchcape PLC, sees the new Lexus Boutique and Toyota World as a testament to Borneo Motors ‘Customer 1st’ track record, and promises to exceed the high benchmark expected of both the Lexus and Toyota brands.

Happenings

Borneo Motors' Revamped Showroom Opens

IN Toyota, Lexus, Borneo Motors, Lexus Boutique, Toyota World, Leng Kee Road

The new Lexus Boutique and Toyota World promises a whole new experience for customers

Pricing for the Wraith starts from $1,258,888 without COE, before options. First deliveries to local customers are expected to commence in the last quarter of 2013.

Happenings

Don’t Be Spooked…

IN Rolls-Royce, British, V12, Wraith, Luxury, Coupe, Rolls

For decades the Rolls-Royce name has been a byword for luxury, opulence and comfort. With the new Wraith, the British marque is gunning for sportiness too.

Thanks to its lightweight construction (composite body panels on top of a tubular spaceframe chassis), the Twin’Run weighs just 950kg, and can hit 100km/h in 4.5s before topping out at 250km/h. The car sits on 18-in wheels, with double wishbone suspension and Ohlins shock absorbers all around.

Happenings

Run For Miles

IN Renault, TwinRun, Concept, V6, Race

This is the French at their loony best, stuffing a big V6 into the rear of a tiny car. And what did they do with it after that? Thrash it round a track, of course!

Let’s talk about the exterior. Visually, the car looks pretty much the same as the standard E class. But squint a bit harder, and you will notice that the car is slightly longer, gaining 140 mm of rear legroom. To make sitting in the rear even more comfortable, the front passenger seat can be electronically adjusted from the rear passenger area. Currently, the car is confined to China only. Various trim levels are available. The launch car shown at the show is called the Sport Sedan version and has been fitted with a more aggressive looking front end with a big three pointed star on the grille. If you want something classier, you may opt for the Sedan trim, which ditches the large grille-mounted badge for one standing on the bonnet. The low-beam headlamps are LEDs as standard.

Happenings

Mercedes stretches the E for China

Revised long wheel base E-class launched at Shanghai Auto Show

New

The Baby Benz Grows Up | Mercedes-Benz A200 Urban

IN Mercedes-Benz, A200, A Class, Hatch-back

Mercedes-Benz calls it the “rebel” of the family. Like most rebels, they may have some traits that you'll admire about them, but most prove to be very hard to live with.

Alas, BMW hasn’t made any mention of engine options or vehicle dynamics or anything at all to do with actual driving — the X4 is for now still officially a Concept, intended to show how the production version will look. Looking at the X3 though, engine options should be carried over directly. That means the turbocharged four and six cylinders as found in the xDrive20i, 28i, and 35i.

Happenings

First reveal of BMW X4

IN BMW, X4, SAC, Concept, Shanghai, SUV

BMW lifts the wraps off its new ‘SAC’ ahead of its premiere at the Shanghai motor show

Exterior wise, the car has a long bonnet and a long wheelbase and is slated to be a “next-generation luxury sports coupe.” The bold styling of the car includes details such as fluid surfaces courtesy of Hyundai’s fluidic sculpture design language, muscular body lines that run the length of the car, and Hyundai’s trademark hexagonal radiator grille. To make the car stand out even further, Hyundai has equipped it with butterfly doors and aggressively styled 3D rear lights. The rear is rounded off with a pair of exhaust tips on both sides of the car. The attractive body sits on lightweight 22-inch alloys with carbon trim to help keep the weight down.

Happenings

Hyundai Launches Radical HND-9 Concept

IN Hyundai, HND-9, Seoul, Concept, Coupe

Stunning looking concept launched at Hyundai’s home motor show.