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The BMW M5 Competition Edition uses an even more powerful version of the twin-turbo V8 found in the standard BMW M5. While retaining the M TwinPower Turbo technology, twin-scroll turbochargers, high-precision direct fuel injection, Valvetronic variable valve control and the cross-bank exhaust manifold of the standard car, the Competition Edition runs more boost courtesy of a recalibrated ECU. Maximum power is up from 560 hp to 600 hp, with the peak torque of the V8 rising from 680 Nm to 700 Nm. As a result, the M5 Competition Edition can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, compared to 4.4 seconds for the standard car. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. BMW’s seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission Drivelogic and Efficient Dynamics technology, including engine Auto Start-Stop and Brake Energy Regeneration comes standard.Improved handling comes courtesy of stiffer responses from the springs and electronically controlled dampers, along with thicker anti-roll bars. The Active M electronically controlled multi-plate limited slip differential, which intervenes rapidly and precisely at an early stage to control wheelspin and keep the car stable, is recalibrated for an even more sporty response. Once again, there are three Drive Control settings to choose from: Comfort for normal road use, Sport when a more dynamic driving style is preferred and Sport Plus for the most extreme driving, such as on a race track. Six-piston caliper brakes are mounted within the 20-inch M Double-spoke 601M light alloy wheels.

Happenings

Limited Run M5 'Competition Edition'

IN BMW, M, M5, BMW M5, Competition Edition, M5 Competition Edition, CE, BMW Asia

Increased power output, Competition Package fitted as standard and only 200 units will be produced - if you want a special M5, this is it

Depending on your luck, the response would usually differ. It ranges from a simple smile, to a ‘thanks man’ and the most extreme, a rather lovely ‘just shut up and move along’. When I’m on the receiving end, I’d usually smile then say ‘thanks for that’ and then mutter something Jamaican (I think); but deep down inside I really am longing for coffee.

New

I Like My Coffee Black | Mercedes A45 AMG

IN Mercedes, AMG, Mercedes AMG, A45 AMG, A45 AMG, German hot hatch, Cycle & Carriage Industries, Daimler Southeast Asia

The second version of Mercedes's A45 AMG is here with more power - is it too much?

“R-Design delivers an edge to our elegant estate and saloon models in our 90 Series, with a winning combination of a sportier, more responsive drive with clearly visible performance styling,” said BjÃ¶rn Annwall, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Customer Service at Volvo Cars.

The Pit

Volvo Reveals Sporty S90 And V90

IN Volvo, Volvo Cars, S90, V90, Saloon, Estate, R-Design, Sweden, 2016

Volvo Cars shows their sporty side by releasing performance-inspired R-Design models of the new S90 saloon and V90 estate

But suddenly the Germans decided they wanted to be part of the party too. Along came the Mercedes-Benz ML, BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg. The Japanese didn’t want to lose out too, churning out more modern versions of their ‘Jeep’ — the Mitsubishi Pajero suddenly won’t look out of place at the driveway of Marina Mandarin, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado became a status symbol and, later on, Nissan’s Murano became the choice of soccer mums.

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Coming In Late | Mercedes-Benz GLC250 4MATIC

IN Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes, GLC250, 4MATIC, Mercedes-Benz GLC250 4MATIC, SUV, Daimler South East Asia, Cycle & Carriage

Is Mercedes-Benz's super late entry into this segment a good or bad thing? Or has the X3 and Q5 sorted it out already?

The purpose-built 600 bhp, 2.0-litre turbocharged 2016 Subaru WRX STI Time Attack car has a top speed of 180 mph (289.68 km/h) and weighs 1,175 kg. The model is a joint development of Subaru of America, Inc. and Prodrive, with technical assistance provided by Subaru Tecnica International (STI).

Motorsports

WRX STI Sets Record At Isle of Man

IN Subaru, WRX STI, Mark Higgins, Scoobie, Isle of Man, TT, Isle of Man TT, Subaru Rocks, Subaru of America, Prodrive, Subaru Technica International, STI

Purpose-built WRX STI Time Attack sets a blistering pace - lets see who will be next to attempt

The latest C-Class Coupe is based on the current W205 generation model, and features a much swoopier, flowing body than before. And, just as its sedan counterpart mimics the styling of the flagship S-Class limousine, so too does the C-Class Coupe closely resemble the svelte S-Class Coupe, particularly at the rear.

Happenings

New Mercedes C-Class Coupe slinks into town

IN Mercedes, Mercedes-Benz, C-class, C, C class, Coupe, C200, C300, Launch, New

Stuttgart’s latest two-door model brings ”vivid, sensuous design” to our roads.

With 123 bhp and 200 Nm worth of torque available courtesy of a 1.4-litre turbocharged TSI powerplant mated to a 7-speed DSG ‘box, the Golf Variant is a surprisingly eager sprinter; flooring the accelerator could still cause the front two wheels to wheelspin off the mark. Well, it’s ok to be a little juvenile every once in a while.

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Wagon Special 4: Volkswagen Golf Variant

IN Volkswagen, Golf, Variant, Wagon, VW, Veedub, Volkswagen Golf Variant, 1.4 TSI, R-Line, Volkswagen Centre Singapore

With the Golf successfully dominating the hatchback segment, can this wagon variant do the same?

This is certainly the case with the Hyundai Accent, one of the cheapest new cars you can buy today. It may have a bargain basement price (relatively speaking; you still have to pay for COE after all), but you certainly won’t be scraping the bottom of the proverbial barrel if you had one. More importantly — for us at least — an Accent in this spec ensures exclusivity that supercars can only dream of, for one glorious reason: peer into the footwell and you’ll see a weird 3rd pedal on the left; grab the gearlever and you’ll notice it can move from side to side in addition to back and forth, and has numbers etched into the top. Yup, this humble little sedan has a manual transmission, something not even Ferrari offers these days!

New

Sticking To The Good Stuff | Hyundai Accent 1.4 GL (M)

IN Hyundai, Accent, Manual, Review, Singapore, Sedan

Low-slung, sleek styling; fat tyres and stiff suspension; a powerful engine and breakneck performance - these are all qualities the Hyundai Accent does not possess. So what’s it doing on BP?

Happenings

Release The Power Of X

IN Caltex, Singapore, X-Men, Apocalypse, Chevron, Havoline

Win prizes and give your car the 'mutant' edge with Caltex as they partner X-Men Apocalypse to promote their Caltex Havoline engine lubricants.

Anyway out on the expressway, the Clubman behaves in a very gentlemanly manner with the engine spinning below 2,500 rpm at 100 km/h — which means engine noise is barely intruding. Heck, Mini’s engineers also ensured wind noise is kept to the barest minimal, making themselves heard only near three-figures region. Somehow this compliments the style as well — style and refinement rarely come hand in hand for cars below $150k.

New

Wagon Special 3: MINI Cooper Clubman

IN MINI, Mini, Clubman, Cooper, Cooper Clubman, MINI Cooper Clubman, 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder, Turbocharged, Eurokars Habitat, BMW Asia

Into its second modern iteration, can the new Clubman break into the mainstream market and be a volume seller?

From 13th to 22nd May, drivers will get to enjoy several exhilarating activities and try out some of the ultimate Audis - namely the all-new R8 and RS 3 Sportback.

Happenings

Audi Sport Driving Experience Coming To Singapore

IN Audi, Audi Sport, Quattro, R8, RS 3 Sportback, A4, 2016, Audi Sport Driving Experience

Here is the big attraction: Be the first to test-drive the all-new Audi R8 and Audi RS 3 Sportback!

Based on Audi’s new MLB-Evo platform (first found in the new Q7), the new A4 is as much as 120kg lighter than the outgoing model. Although it really does not look it, the car has also grown in size, 25 mm longer and 16 mm wider to be precise. The model we tested is the Design trim which comes with extra chrome trimmings and the sportier 17-inch alloy wheels.

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Suit Up | Audi A4 1.4 TFSI S-tronic Design

IN Audi Singapore, Premium Automobiles, Audi, A4, Sedan, Saloon, 1.4 TFSI, Turbocharged, MLB-Evo, Singapore

Audi's new A4 is here and despite not looking very different from the model it replaces, the executive sedan has actually been reworked rather extensively.

Built to be lighter (up to 190kg less than before) and more efficient, the new feline from England has also grown up a little to attract buyers who are more rational. But it still has a dose of fun injected into its genes to stand out from the competition.

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Jaguar XF 2.0 Prestige | New Cat On The Block

The new Jaguar XF has matured a little, most of us will see that as a good thing. But does it still have that charming English 'accent'? Or has it gone all German on us?

So, as a whole, the Audi TT Roadster is fast, refined when it needs to be and handles like nothing else in the market. Some, however, may opine it is clinical and predictable. Whatever it is, this car is brilliantly packaged and does not need too much brain cells to drive; two important aspects for a buyer looking at such cars.

New

Audi TT Roadster | Adds Spice To Life

IN Audi, TT, Roadster, Audi TT Roadster, EA888, Audi Singapore, Premium Automobiles

Boring people driving boring cars in search of more excitement need to get this car

The most powerful production Fiesta ever, the Fiesta ST200 will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7sec, and will feature an exclusive specification including a unique Storm Grey exterior, distinctive machined matt black alloy wheels and special interior detailing. Production of the Fiesta ST200 starts from June with customer deliveries this summer. “The Fiesta ST is truly beloved by owners and critics. The ST200 takes this special drivers’ car to a new level of power and performance,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “I think it’s a future classic in the making.”

Happenings

Ford's Hot And Compact ST200 Unveiled

IN Ford, Fiesta, ST200, Fiesta ST200, EcoBoost, Ford EcoBoost, 1.6-litre, Turbocharged

The most powerful production Fiesta in Ford's history also features exclusive specification with unique Storm Grey exterior, matt black alloy wheels and special interior detailing

Happenings

Meet Maserati's SUV: The Levante

IN Maserati, Levante, SUV, Maserati Levante, Maser, Geneva International Motor Show, 2016

Maserati's first SUV will be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show; will a queue start forming?

Hence if you want something comfortable, refined and gentlemanly for the daily basis plus the asking price is not much of a bother, it’s ok to be different than the crowd and get this.

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Infiniti Q70 2.5 | Out Of The Box

IN Infiniti, Q70, 2.5, Q70 2.5, V6, Wearnes Automotive, 2016

Infiniti’s off-beat offering should appeal to those who put high emphasis on comfort

... Until you see what was parked next to it...

Happenings

The Car’s The Star Pt 2 | Cars & Coffee Dec 2015

IN Cars & Coffee, Meet, Meetup, Special, BMW, Porsche, VW, Lotus, Toyota, Mazda, Subaru, JDM, Euro, Classic

Check out our extended coverage of the pre-Christmas Cars & Coffee meet!

BP — What cars do you guys own?

JML — I have a VW Passat biturbo.

MA — I actually have the same.

JML We both also have VW Golf GTIs; mine is a 1980 and Miikka’s is a 1983.

MA — And I also have a ’92 Polo G40, which is a very rare car in Finland, and a Mercedes 190SL from 1963.

JML — In my collection I have a MkII Ford Escort BDA, I have an Audi ur-Quattro road car, Quattro Group 4 rally car, Quattro A2 Group B rally car, and then an Audi Coupe Quattro. Then I have a ’99 Toyota Corolla WRC car (which we were using back when we were privateers in Finland, but now it’s been completely restored), and then a Sunbeam Avenger (which was the first rally car I ever got), an AE86 Corolla Levin (which I was running when I was 16 years old), and my father has a Ford Escort RS BDA and two Mitsubishis, a Group A Lancer Evo III from 1996, and a Lancer WRC 2002. The Golf GTI and ur-Quattro are completely road cars, in original condition, but the rally cars all have some sort of history, and that’s what’s important to me.

Motorsports

An Intimate Interview with Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila | Part 2

IN VW, Volkswagen, WRC, Rally, World Rally Championship, Polo, Polo R, Motorsport, Latvala, Jari-Matti, Anttila, Miikka, Finland

In part two of our chat with the Finnish WRC pair, we delve into Sisu, learn how to tackle jumps and deep water, discuss the perfect rally car and get to learn of their amazing car collections.

And now today we have the all-new, 2015 X1 sDrive20i. It’s a different animal altogether too; first and foremost, it’s now a front-wheel drive — something BMW fans still find hard to swallow. Secondly, it has an exterior that mimics the bigger X5 closely; in other words, more mature and there’s that undeniable tinge of macho-ness as well.

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BMW X1 sDrive20i | New & Improved?

IN BMW, X1, SDrive20i, BMW X1 sDrive20i, SUV, Beemer, Performance Motors

BMW puts plenty of effort into their entry-level X1, and the result is nothing short of impressive