Search Results

The innovative 12C is unique in the core segment of the sports car market. This two-seat, mid-engine model features a revolutionary one-piece, carbon-fibre chassis structure, the carbon MonoCell. It is the first time a car has featured a one-piece, carbon fibre structure; a strong and lightweight engineering solution that comes straight from the world of motor sports where McLaren introduced this technology to Formula 1 in 1981.

Happenings

McLaren's Highly Anticipated Sports Car Reaches Singapore

IN McLaren, MP4-12C, Wearnes Automotive

MP4-12C sets its sight on moneyed high-performance car fans.

The MON 109 rated Motorsport 109 is a direct replacement that produces more power than any other unleaded fuel - up to five percent more than premium unleaded. Recommended for applications with turbo charged and naturally aspirated engines with compression ratios up to 15:1, it offers better detonation protection as well.

The Q16 is a highly oxygenated MON 116 fuel that requires a four to six percent increase in fuel flow, which will make three to five percent more power than competitive 116 octane fuels and is excellent in higher compression engines that have 17:1 compression ratios. With its vaporization characteristics, this fuel allows more efficient combustion, lower engine operating temperatures and offer greater detonation protection. It is most suitable for drifting and time attack applications.

The MON 117 C16 is recommended for use in turbo charged or super charged engines and nitrous applications with compression ratios of up to 17:1. Popular with Formula D, D1GP drifters, Time Attack racers, it is also recommended by the top nitrous oxide companies.

VP Import is a MON 120+ fuel that promises maximum power and torque in small displacement, high RPM engines, be it turbo charged, naturally aspirated or fitted with nitrous systems. Makes five percent more power than C16 and similar non-oxygenated fuels. It works best under high temperatures generated by mechanical heat.

The Pit

VP Racing Fuels

IN VP, Racing, Fuels, Motorsport 109, Q16, C16, VP Import

If you want to be a dedicated track day warrior, there is no better fuel than proper racing fuel.

Together with the optional high-resolution colour display in the instrument cluster, the new dashboard with its elegant, grained surface and prominent decorative trim emphasises the premium character of the interior. The restyled dashboard features an enhanced trim concept and a new instrument cluster featuring an integral display, which is in colour with the optional 12-button steering wheel.

Happenings

Mercedes-Benz Launches The New C Class

IN Mercedes-Benz, C, Class, AMG, V6, V8

Bristling with youthful energy, it's clear where this car's soul is.

With cleaner horizontal lines on the outside, the Eos also gets trim updates on the inside. This new car comes with “Matt Chrome” detailing and the seats have been stitched with “cool leather”, a material that promises to heat up less than standard leather.

Happenings

The New Eos: Sleek Is In

IN Volkswagen, VW, Cabriolet, Coupe, Eos,

The new Volkswagen Eos has been launched with a new look.

Team McLaren put on a strong performance, with Lewis putting pressure on Team Red Bull Racing and closing the time gap within a second. Although Hamilton could deploy KERS and the DRS, the performance advantage of the Red Bull car kept Lewis in a close second place. Jenson Button made it a McLaren 2-3 finish after climbing from 10th position.

Motorsports

Vettel Wins By A Whisker

IN F1, 2011, Spain

Sebastian Vettel wins the Spanish Grand Prix, but not without immense pressure from Lewis Hamilton.

With modernisation in cars, comes new-found tech like the clever XDS system, an electronic differential that brakes the inside front wheel should the system detect any slip or loss in traction. Boring? Kind of, but safe nonetheless. It's fun with a safety net. Anyway, if you're feeling gutsy and are in the mood for some wheel spinning action, it can always be switched off.

New

Lil' Red Riding Hoot! | Skoda Fabia RS

IN Skoda, Fabia, VRS, RS, Hot-hatch

The closest thing we ever got to a Skoda hot-hatch here was the Skoda Rapid CoupÃ©, which put a smile on the faces of many - only because it was a joke. Now though, Skoda's got something much better.

With Citroen, Ford and MINI battling for glory in rallying’s showcase category, Simon Long, CEO of North One Sport, said Volkswagen’s decision to switch its focus from off-road events to the WRC was another boost for the all-action championship. “The WRC is the pinnacle of rallying; it’s all about being the world’s best and Volkswagen is right up there as one of the world’s best automotive brands,” said Long. “Coming hard on the heels of the BMW and MINI announcement this is yet another vote of confidence in the future direction of the WRC. The WRC is all about innovation - whether that’s on the sporting, technical or promotional side. We’re finding new ways to connect with fans, new ways of developing the sport and the technology beneath it, and that very much mirrors what Volkswagen are looking to do as a business and with its Polo.

Motorsports

Another Boost For The WRC As Volkswagen Signs Up

IN WRC, Volkswagen, Polo, R, 2013

Volkswagen will be returning to the FIA World Rally Championship from 2013.

The sides of the roadster are robustly built, not primarily for crash protection, but also to enhance the driving dynamics. Together with a beefed up cross-member with additional supporting struts at the windscreen frame, centre tunnel and between the soft top and the fuel tank, this makes the car very rigid.

Happenings

Sneak Peek: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

IN Mercedes-Benz, SLS, AMG, Roadster

With another six months to go before its September launch at the International Motor Show (IAA), this slightly disguised super roadster has all the time to complete rigorous tests.

A new aerodynamics package produced entirely from carbon fibre has been developed by McLaren Racing in compliance with GT3 regulations, incorporating a new front splitter, door blade, rear wing, diffuser and louvres in the front fenders.

Happenings

Mclaren Unleashes the MP4-12C GT3

IN Mclaren, MP4-12C, GT3, FIA, GT, CRS Racing

While the car is an engineering feat, Mclaren also unveiled a team and development programme that will keep its customers ahead.

The new Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tyre features an advanced full silica compound which reduces the friction between the tyre's rubber molecules and provides higher resistance to abrasion, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and a longer tread life. Additionally, the tyre is built with a hard base under the tread, which reduces deformation in the crown area and heat build-up. The tyre also features even pressure distribution that helps to reduce the rate of wear.

Happenings

Goodyear Launches The Assurance Fuel Max

IN Goodyear, Assurance, Fuel, Max

Not only is it designed to reduce fuel consumption, there is plenty of protective perks too.

The new car comes with plenty of electronic aids too, including Cornering Brake Control (CBC) which varies braking power between all four wheels in order to keep the car stable, Cornering Torque Control (CTC) that minimizes under steer and Hydraulic Brake Fade Assist (HBFA) that compensates for possible brake fade in repeated heavy braking situations.

Happenings

New Opel Astra: The Cyclist's Car?

IN Opel, Astra, Bicycle, Rack, Turbo

As ironic as it seems, this five-door hatchback has one unique feature that separates it from the pack.

To get higher octane from premium fuel, most will add a bottle of octane booster. VP Racing has a strong reputation with fuels and its high octane formulas are very popular in racing. Adding their C5 Octane Booster to a tank of fuel will increase the octane ratings by 3.3 RON, thanks to the effective MMT agent (Methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl), which is proven to deliver the greatest octane boost.

The C5 Octane Booster is capable of boosting octane up to eight numbers for increased performance while providing lead lubrication. Increased fuel octane helps to eliminate pre-ignition and detonation, which translates into more horsepower and torque. More than just increasing octane ratings, it also provides upper cylinder lubrication especially for older engines and protects it from valve seat recession.

The Pit

VP Racing Fuels C5 Octane Booster

IN VP Racing, Fuel, Booster, Octane, RON, MON

Going back to formula might just end the argument about which type of petrol offers the best performance in our cars.

Even out on the expressway, the A1 gets up to legal speeds without fuss. However what’s lacking here is engine refinement — it can sound a tad gruff especially above 4,500 rpm, and the drone does get intrusive when the audio system is switched off. Handling wise, the A1 remains your typical Audi. Which means the steering is well weighted, handling is predictable and as a whole, makes even an amateur driver a street hero. Depending on buyer’s demand, nothing is wrong with this particular aspect of the A1 — but if you’re more demanding and place more emphasis on “f-u-n”, then you might come disappointed. In comparison, at least the Mini Cooper requires more driver input and you can easily (a) throw its rear out, and (b) laugh away gleefully as you try to get back its line. But wait: here's a surprise, the A1 in comparison seems to brake better.

New

The Potentially Special One | Audi A1

IN Audi, A1, 1.4 TSI, S-tronic

The Audi A1 jumps onto the scene in time — just when the Mini’s a decade old…

Built on a rear-wheel drive platform, it offers generous interior space for four occupants with a stretched greenhouse design. The LED lighting is one of the examples of new materials, electronics and dynamic systems we could see in future Lexus cars.

Happenings

Lexus Debuts New GT Hybrid Concept

IN Lexus, LF-Gh, Hybrid, Luxury, GT, Grand Tourer

A frugal car designed to cruise long distances in comfort, it is also a teaser for a new design language.

The interior of the Concept Universe is designed to be user-focused and uncluttered. While it is driver orientated in the front, rear passengers will be in great comfort. The controls, which includes touchscreen operation, senses the driver's hand and approaches it automatically. That brings controls within reach from the driver's seat.

Happenings

Volvo's Universe Of Concepts

IN Volvo, Concept, Universe

Is this what Volvo cars of the future will look like? Someone is certainly on a roll!

Happenings

Lounge On Wheels: The New CitroÃ«n DS5

IN CitroÃ«n, DS5, DS

The third model DS line is designed to be CitroÃ«n’s “CrÃ©ative Technologie” flagship, combining style, performance and refinement with innovative engineering.

Unlike many concepts, Mazda has announced that it will be put into production together with the Skyactiv technologies that were featured on the Minagi concept. Designed to deliver driving pleasure with environmental friendliness, the CX-5 will deliver its power from a Skyactiv engine and transmission. The chassis will feature substantial weight reduction without sacrificing safety features.

Happenings

Mazda's New CX-5 Is Based On The Minagi

IN Mazda, CX-5, CX-7, CX-9, SUV

Based on the Minagi concept, this new car will be Mazda's compact SUV.

Benedict’s installation focuses on the individual design elements of the Range Rover Evoque. Building on the Range Rover Evoque wireframe design, the installation includes 3D wheels and front and back seats, all made from steel and painted in a rainbow of colours including lime green and neon pink.

Happenings

Benedict Radcliffe Unveils Wireframe Design Installation Inspired By The Evoque

IN Land Rover, Range Rover, Evoque, Milan Design Week

London artist Benedict Radcliffe recently unveiled his latest creation, an exclusive wireframe art installation as part of his recent collaboration with Land Rover, during the Milan Design Week.

This prototype was built specifically for the 2011 Salone del Mobile and heightens the intensity of contemporary sports luxury and the close attention to detail that is characteristic of this new Jaguar XKR. Thanks to the elegance and refinement of an upholstery that is usually dedicated to the world of interior design, Alcantara enhances the luxurious qualities of the automobile’s interior while remaining in total harmony with the sports nature of the exterior’s new look.

Happenings

Alcantara For Jaguar Italy

IN Alcantara, Jaguar, Italy

The unparalleled elegance of Alcantara style and Jaguar design come face to face in a special project: Alcantara for Jaguar Italia.

Inside both cars however, it is the Countryman that shows more personality than the Juke, with colours to choose from for the trim and seats, while the Juke's interior is only offered in one colour. Pop the boot lids and the Juke shows less swallow space than the Countryman. The Countryman's boot space space may look smaller than the Juke, but it has less suspension intrusion into the boot space itself and has extra storage space below it. As far as ergonomics go, the Juke's more “traditional” layout will bode well with simpletons, whereas the Countryman's switch layout will take some getting used to.

New

Mini Cooper S Countryman Vs Nissan Juke DIG-T

IN Mini, Cooper S, Countryman, Nissan, Juke, DIG-T

What happens when two crossovers cross each other's path? Well, we just had to find out which is the better crosser.