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Good for me. On the flipside, since I own one such car, I must confess over the years my social circle is getting smaller and smaller…
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MINI John Cooper Works | Grown Up

IN MINI, John Cooper Works, JCW, Cooper, MINI Habitat

The JCW becomes significantly more fun with the bigger engine — growing up isn’t all that bad in this case


The GT4 Clubsport is blessed with many of the same traits that make its street-going sibling a riot to drive, such as bodywork that helps to produce genuine downforce on both axles, a lower, wider track and a mid-mounted 3.8 liter flat six engine that produces 385hp. However alterations have been made to beef up the base car, such as front suspension that has been lifted wholesale from a GT3 cup car while the rear has a revised strut design with GT3 cup car control arms. The 6-piston front and 4-piston rear brake calipers are also a one piece design now for added strength.
Happenings

Race Ready Goodness

IN Porsche, Cayman, GT4, Clubsport, Race, Homologation, Endurance, GT, Sports, Weissach

With the road-going Cayman GT4 released to wild acclaim, Porsche has taken the opportunity to develop a new track-only racer based off of it. Enter the GT4 Clubsport.


The new XF is part two of Jaguar’s current three-pronged product offensive aimed at capturing sales from Ze Germans; first there was the compact XE sedan which we reviewed earlier, and early in 2016 will see the arrival of the F-Pace, Jaguar’s first SUV. Already the results are showing: in just three months since its launch in September, the XE has already accounted for 20% of total Jaguar sales in Singapore! This tripartite group is important for Jaguar also because it debuts a number of advanced technologies that will sustain the company’s products in the near future.
Happenings

eXquisitely Finessed

IN Jaguar, XF, Wearnes Automotive, Launch, Singapore, Sedan, Luxury, Launch

The first XF was a landmark car for Jaguar, overhauling the brand’s image and keeping it afloat during financial struggle. Now that its tour of duty is complete, a new XF is here to lead the charge.


Moreover, most Evoque buyers are new to the brand and looking for a posh status symbol. Unlike previous SUV convertibles, the Evoque Convertible does not disappoint in this regard as it looks the business with the same handsome design as before, but kerb appeal is now boosted by optional LED headlights as well as front and rear fascias that are redesigned for 2016. The folding soft-top can also be operated at speeds of up to 48 km/h for maximum visual kudos, and can fold itself in just 18 seconds.
Happenings

Luxury Convertible... SUV?

IN Range Rover, Land Rover, Evoque, Convertible, SUV, Niche, Range, Rover

Should you have the desire to barrel over sand dunes while looking fabulous and getting a tan, look no further - the Range Rover Evoque Convertible has you covered.


What makes an Alpina different from one of BMW’s own M models, you might ask? Well for one, they don’t have such a hardcore bent on driving dynamics despite having comparable power figures to M cars, leaning more towards luxury and cruiseability instead. Alpinas also have a very distinctive, yet subtle look thanks to some trademark styling touches, such as unique decals (Alpina calls them ”Deco Sets”), mild bodykits and massive 20-spoke rims (good luck cleaning them!).
Happenings

The Untouchables

IN Alpina, BMW, Munich Automobiles, Tuner, V8, Anniversary, Edition, Edition 50, German, Launch, B5, B6, 5 series, 6 series, Launch

Legendary BMW tuner Alpina celebrates its 50th birthday with a brace of exclusive limited editions.


Happenings

Sharper STI

IN Subaru, STI, Impreza, S207, Japan, Subaru Technica International

With turbo power and all-wheel drive the Subaru STI is already adept at covering ground quickly. The new S207 takes that formula and concentrates it further.


The standard F12 already has a 6.5 liter V12 with all of the latest technologies, but the TDF builds on that with a new variable intake manifold contributing to a 40hp and 15Nm gain, bringing the grand total to 780hp and 705Nm of torque. Despite being bereft of modern turbocharger technology, eighty percent of torque is available from just 2500rpm. Yet the redline is set at a scintillating 8900rpm, which should yield the evocative soundtrack one would expect from a V12 Ferrari.
Happenings

Hardcore Berlinetta

IN Ferrari, Fiorano, F12tdf, F12, Tour de France, V12, Italy, GT, Grand Tourer

More than just a fancy bodywork package, Ferrari have comprehensively re-engineered the F12 to create a meaner, leaner version in the form of the F12 TDF


Designers drew inspiration from vintage roadsters. The MX-5 Spyder features a 'bikini top', Mercury Silver exterior, carbon fibre aero kit and grille intake, lightweight 17-inch Yokohama Advan Racing RS II wheels and a Spinneybeck Prima natural full-grain leather interior. The MX-5 Speedster, meanwhile, pares the roadster back to the bare essentials — it even has a deflector in place of the windscreen — for an old school wind-in-the-hair sports car experience. Mazda took its weight-cutting passion to extremes with for example carbon fibre doors and seats as well as custom 16-inch Rays 57 Extreme Gram Lights wheels. The Speedster tips the scales at only 943 kg, and is also 30 mm lower than the production MX-5 thanks to an adjustable coilover suspension.
Modified

SEMA 2015 Las Vegas: Lightweight MX-5 Concepts Revealed

IN Mazda, MX-5, MX-5 Spyder, MX-5 Speedster, SEMA 2015, Las Vegas

MX-5 Spyder and MX-5 Speedster concepts debut at 2015 SEMA show in Las Vegas; Mazda North America collaborated with various aftermarket parts suppliers to create both concepts


But boy oh boy how things have changed for Jaguar now with their latest compact executive sedan. I strongly urge you: If you are about to head to either BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Audi showroom to confirm your order for the 3 Series, C-Class or A4 and hand over the deposit cheque, hold on to it first and tell the salesperson you intend to ‘sleep on it for another night’.
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Jaguar XE 2.0 Prestige | Cat's Out Of The Bag

IN Jaguar, XE, Jaguar XE, Jaguar XE sedan, Jaaaaag, Wearnes Automotive

Jaguar’s latest XE poses a real threat to the more established Germans — hold on to your chequebook first


The McLaren P1 GTR Driver Programme is the ultra-exclusive ownership programme, offering specialist driver training, human performance and access to the McLaren racing simulator ahead of on track activity. This programme has been designed to prepare each driver mentally and physically, to allow them to fully exploit the abilities of the McLaren P1 GTR, which produces 986 bhp and runs on race-proven Pirelli slick tyres. The programme is completely bespoke, with each individual having a fully-tailored experience, working closely with a support team from McLaren Special Operations (MSO) comprising authentic professionals that have operated within the rarefied world of professional motor sport.
Motorsports

McLaren P1 GTR Driver Programme Commences

IN McLaren, P1, P1 GTR, McLaren P1 GTR, McLaren Special Operations, MSO, McLaren P1 GTR Driver Programme

McLaren's bespoke race programme gives the lucky few a fully-tailored experience


The latest 'ND' generation MX-5 was launched in Singapore at Eurokars' new $28 million Mazda Flagship Centre at Ubi, which will be a one-stop shop for customers with sales, servicing and spare parts services.
Happenings

A Sports Car Named Desire

IN Mazda, MX-5, Sports, Roadster, ND, New, KODO

The world's most popular sports car, the Mazda MX-5, is back in its fourth generation, with a promise to return to the basic joys of motoring.


This practicality is a result of clever packaging. Without the need to contend with gearboxes or fuel tanks, the model X is blessed with more space than any of its gasoline rivals can muster, with seven seats and two luggage compartments which should be more than sufficient for family trips. The theme of practicality continues with rear
Happenings

Crowd Pleaser

IN Tesla, Model X, Electric, SUV, Tesla motors, Ludicrous

Tesla expands its lineup with an all-electric SUV that has Porsche-baiting performance and massive falcon-wing doors. Method to the madness? Let's see.


Fast-forward to present day and the number of 911s running around is surprisingly huge — it’s everywhere, at every traffic light junction. You may call it the Corolla of the sports car world, but what the heck; it obviously proved to be a hit. Be it the 997 or current 991, fans just want one.
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Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Coupe | Subtlety Is Key

IN Porsche, 911, Porsche 911, 991, Carrera, Carrera GTS, GTS

If you’re big on the 911 and can’t decide which one to get for daily duties, the GTS might just be the one


With all that, the golden question that keeps ringing in my mind is simply, “Who would want to buy it then?”
New

Nissan Navara NP300 | Pick Me Up

IN Nissan, Navara, NP300, Nissan Navara NP300, Pick-up, Goods vehicle, Tan Chong International

Nissan’s civilized Navara now comes with creature comforts usually seen only in its sedans - is that a good enough reason to buy one?


Say hello to Mike Frost: Mike works for Mobil 1 and his official job title is 'Racing Technical Advisor for McLaren-Honda'. His office is a small mobile laboratory in the McLaren pit garage, literally a cubicle-sized space amongst the various spare parts, tyres and mechanics' tools. It doesn't sound like much, but his role is an important one; he analyses and tests all the car's fluids and lubricants that are supplied by Mobil — such as engine and gearbox oils, and hydraulic fluid. All these oils share the same purpose — to increase efficiency by reducing friction, resulting in increased performance and reliability.
Motorsports

The Winning Formula

IN Mobil, Mobil 1, Esso, Formula 1, Formula One, Fuel, Oil, Engine, McLaren, Honda, Team, UK, Singapore Grand Prix, Singapore GP, F1

The drivers may grab all the headlines, but there so many more heroes in Formula 1, some of whom you never knew existed.


A company cannot survive on building niche sports cars alone; hence the Giulia wades into arguably the most hotly contested segment in the industry, butting heads with BMW’s 3 Series and Jaguar’s XE. First impressions are strong, with the Giulia sporting a long hood, short deck profile that can only come from a rear wheel drive architecture. A long wheelbase helps ensure an even 50/50 weight balance and carries a profile sporting the trademark Trefoil nose, voluptuous lines and narrow, angular tail-lights that give a distinctive look. The drive layout and weight balance hark back to the Giulia’s spiritual forefather, the 75/Milano, which was the high point of dynamics before Alfa went to the dark side with nose heavy, front wheel drive cars.
Happenings

Statement Of Intent

IN Alfa, Alfa Romeo, Giulia, Sedan, Sports, V6, Turbo, Cloverleaf, Quadrifoglio, QV

Set to compete in today’s well-established realm of luxury sport sedans, the Giulia melds Alfa Romeo’s rich heritage with modern engineering, marking a return to form.


Happenings

Tail Of The Dragon

IN McLaren, 675LT, Long Tail, V8, Turbo, Launch, UK

The crowning glory of McLaren's Super Series range, the 675LT, makes its local debut during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend


Starting from the structure, engineers have developed this convertible to be as rigid as last year’s Coupe. A newly-developed rear wall structure consisting of a magnesium piece sandwiched by aluminium sections work with numerous underbody reinforcements to strengthen the chassis, while an aluminium rear floor section helps to trim some weight. These parts help raise the amount of lightweight metals in the car to over 50% and ensure the car retains a feeling of solidity one would expect from a flagship Mercedes.
Happenings

Topless Decadence

IN Mercedes, Mercedes-Benz, S-class, Cabriolet, S500, S63, AMG, Germany, Frankfurt, IAA, Motor show

After 44 years, Mercedes will once again offer a full-size cabriolet to its well-heeled clientele. How serious an effort is it? Let's find out.


Similar changes have been made to the car as compared with the original — the windscreen has been replaced with a minimalist carbonfibre 'aero' screen, the nose cone, front cycle wings and rear wings are made of carbonfibre, and the body is finished as standard in bare aluminium; the omission of paint alone saves six kilograms.
Happenings

Bare Bones

IN Caterham, Seven, 7, Superlight, Track, Anniversary, Edition, Special, UK

Caterham are known to make some of the most fearsome road legal cars around — even beating a Bugatti Veyron around the Top Gear track! And they all owe their lineage to one model: the Superlight


From these photos, courtesy of civicx.com, you could see how Honda has taken an all-new approach towards their exterior design. Undeniably, it looks upmarket thanks to the svelte sports back approach ala Audi A5 Sportback and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. It's still too early to say whether Asia's market will get this body shell, but we're keeping our fingers crossed.
Happenings

Honda's 2016 Civic Caught Undisguised

IN Honda, Civic, Honda Civic, 2016, 2016 Civic, 2016 Honda Civic, Civicx.com

Next generation Civic shows Honda's designers have taken a braver design approach, a stark jump away from its predecessor



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