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Cliche as it may sound, power is nothing without control, and if great handling is what you want, handling is what you get. Upon plonking yourself hurriedly in the driver's seat, and fretting about your future wives reaction, ooops a typo there, 'wife's' I mean (bit of a Freudian slip eh?) the first thing you’ll want to do is push the Start button, and with that, the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine burbles into life with a bassy note to boot. The next button you would want to push would be the 'Mode’ button next to the gear lever and select from the available settings of Comfort, Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual. The changes affect the suspension, steering and throttle response of the car and in Sport, performance is aplenty as the car settings are adjusted to be more dynamic. In fact mashing the accelerator is a treat, as the car resonates with a rich burble and a near instant response that eggs you on to push it harder. And with the reworked and improved sport suspension, grippy Continental ContiSportContact 2 tyres and a steering wheel that offers great feedback, indulging in a bit of necessary spirited driving results in your best man going
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Golly, That's Insane! | Mk7 Volkswagen Golf GTI

IN Volkswagen, Golf, GTI, Mk7

The all-new Mk 7 Volkswagen Golf GTI has got it all covered as the best all rounder hot hatch. Pavement burner or wedding car, the GTI does it all!


The 1.8 TFSI aside, what we have here today is the ‘entry-level’ variant: the 1.4 TFSI. Yes it shares the same powerplant as the Golf, but somewhat this one feels - and I swear it isn’t psychological - smoother. And of course, this is a good thing (and expected), considering the almost $44,000 (equivalent to a five year old, highly-spec’d Fiat Bravo T-Jet, egad!) separating the two. Hmm… You can’t help but wonder whether that significant difference in price between the two is justified — after all, the Golf and this new A3 is, technically, the same car.
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Table Top | Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI

IN Audi, A3, Sportback, TFSI, 1.4, Audi A3, Premium Automobiles

The entry level A3 has so much going on for it; surprise, surprise, surprise...


Up close, the 5GT actually looks huge, both in length and height. My wife's first impression was that seemed to be in a similar class as the 7 Series. At almost 5 meters long, the measurements are not far off. Subtle changes to the front face and rear sharpen the look a bit. A set of large and sexy 20-inch wheels also add to the new modernized look. Smoothened and curvier lines help make the car look less chunky, and refreshed adaptive LED headlights are now standard on both the 528i and 535i.
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BMW 5 Series GT 535i

IN BMW, 5 Series GT, 535i, Performance Motors

Ever been in a situation where you found someone more attractive only after getting to know her/him better? Well, that was certainly the case with my encounter with the 5 Series GT, or 5GT for short.


Against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Volvo V40 and BMW 1-Series hatchback, the Audi A3 puts up a pretty good fight. Well-built (as always), blending sportiness and luxury through both design and technology, it makes for a very convincing package indeed.
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Audi A3 Sportback 1.8 TFSI

IN Audi, Audi Centre, A3, 1.4 TFSI, 1.8 TFSI, Premium Auto, Sportback

Audi's sportiest A3 offers space, power and style. But is it riveting enough a package to lure buyers away from the sportier Golf GTI and the more stylish Volvo V40? We find out.


It has road presence, that’s for sure. In fact, it could even be mistaken for the X3 from a distance. While some might opine it has too much creases, most would probably agree that it makes the car appear rather muscular — like The Incredible Hulk before CGI came about (again, know what I mean?). And of course, BMW placed an emphasis on aesthetics as well: vents on both front fenders added some sportiness, and then the pairing of 19-inch alloys wrapped in 225/45 R-19 front and 255/40 R-19 rear Continental rubbers sums up the visual drama.
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Hole-In-One | BMW 335i GT

IN BMW, 335i, GT, BMW 335i GT, Gran Turismo, 3 Series, Performance Motors

Outgrown your GTI, eh? BMW has the answer for your next upgrade…


The announcement of Loeb’s participation adds to the fevered anticipation building ahead of the Macau race, which sees the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia return to the Guia Circuit as part of the celebration of the 60th running of the Grand Prix. Loeb may be new to Macau’s 6.2km Guia street track, but he does have experience of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup both as a driver and a team boss in the Porsche Carrera Cup France, and on a city circuit. In 2012, he won the two Porsche Carrera Cup France rounds held around the streets of Pau. Earlier this year, Loeb made his debut at the pinnacle of Porsche one-make racing — the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, contesting both the Spanish and Monaco rounds. Having conquered the world of international rallying, Loeb has turned his remarkable talent to circuit racing. When he arrives in Asia, he will be met by a Porsche Carrera Cup Asia brimming with both experience professionals and young talent, several of whom have previous experience at Macau. All eyes will be on the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia this November to see whether the world’s most successful rally driver can beat his formidable rivals and conquer the Guia Circuit to take a coveted Macau victory.
Motorsports

Sébastien Loeb Confirmed For Macau Grand Prix Invitational

IN Porsche, Carrera, 911, PCCA, GT3 Cup Car

Porsche China has announced that nine-time FIA World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb will make his Porsche Carrera Cup Asia debut at the end-of-season invitational at the Macau Grand Prix.


This milestone is a first in the Chinese market for the AMG Customer Sports brand and will provide a blueprint for future motorsport endeavours in the market. Erebus Motorsport’s series of firsts include having the first Gullwing delivered outside Europe, the first team one-two finish for AMG Customer Sports and added victory in the Bathurst 12 Hour to the 2013 Endurance Classics Grand Slam wins by the SLS AMG GT3 (Bathurst, the Dubai 24 Hour, the Nurburgring 24 Hour and the Spa 24 Hour - each with Bernd Schneider behind the wheel). The second Erebus Motorsport SLS AMG GT3 will be driven by experienced AMG Customer Sports pilot, Lance David Arnold. The 27-year-old partnered Hakkinen in a Gullwing on his previous visit to Zhuhai in 2011. Erebus Motorsport will be aiming to add to the 100-plus victories by the AMG Customer Sports program since its inception in 2011. The two event program will see Erebus Motorsport enter the support race to the 60th Macau Grand Prix in November.
Motorsports

Mika Hakkinen Joins Erebus Motorsport For GT Asia Series

IN Mika Hakkinen, GT Asia, SLS AMG GT3

Two times Formula 1 World Champion, Mika Hakkinen will join Erebus Motorsport for the GT Asia Series when it visits the Zhuhai International Circuit in China this October 11-13.


Trench’s work with Greco is in truth an undercover assignment for the DEA in an attempt to bring down the drug overlord’s empire. Stigman is Trench’s right-hand man, learning his business and at the same time plotting Trench’s demise. Secretly, both men think little of each other and regard each other as a crook, till they rob a nondescript bank of millions of dollars belonging to another government agency, resulting in a tripartite disagreement of epic proportions...
The Pit

2 Guns

IN Movie, 2 Guns, Mark Walhberg, Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg star in 2 Guns, an action comedy about two undercover agents from two different United States government agencies.


Whatever awaits the field though, all will be out for victory, while eight have important championship matters to attend to as well. Counting as Round 10 of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2013 season, the series’ 11th, sensational newcomer Earl Bamber of New Zealand tops the overall championship leader board heading to Singapore. With three rounds to go, the Nexus Racing driver has a slim 13 point advantage over Austrian Martin Ragginger of Team Eagle. Both have four victories to their names this season, and each has seen his share of bad luck, but the intense rivalry between the pair is a recipe for excitement.
Motorsports

Porsche SC Global Carrera Cup Asia — Singapore 2013

IN Porsche, Carrera, 911, PCCA, GT3 Cup Car

Glittering showcase for sports car stars in Porsche SC Global Carrera Cup Asia.


Building on the success of the acclaimed Continental GT V8, the new GT V8 S models feature a more powerful version of Bentley’s high-efficiency 4-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine developing 521 bhp at 6,000 rev/min and an immense peak torque of 680 Nm at a mere 1,700 rev/min. Delivered via a close-ratio ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, the increased power provides effortless, exhilarating high performance with breath-taking acceleration and imperceptibly smooth power delivery. Switch into S mode via the gear selector and the V8 S rewards the spirited driver with a sharpened throttle response while gears are held for longer with faster shifts.
Happenings

New ‘S’ Models Sharpen The Continental GT's Sporting Edge

IN Bentley, Continental, GT

The appeal of the world’s most stylish, luxury grand tourer is enhanced with the introduction of the new, sporting Continental GT V8 S.


Additional rows of seats have been added to the Padang Grandstand (S$598) inventory to cater to strong demand. The Padang Grandstand enjoys close proximity to the F1 Village, Hawker Village, and the main Padang Stage, which will host mega concerts by headlining artistes BIGBANG (Friday), The Killers (Saturday) and Rihanna (Sunday). Headliner Justin Bieber and special guest act Owl City will round off the race weekend festivities on the same stage at The Closing Concert on Monday. Entry to The Closing Concert is separately ticketed. All 2013 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX tickets and The Closing Concert tickets are available for sale at www.singaporegp.sg, via the ticketing hotline +65 6738 6738, and at all authorised ticketing agents.
Happenings

Six Ticket Categories Sold Out!

IN F1, Singapore Grand Prix

With nearly two weeks to the 2013 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX, ticket sales continue to be brisk, with a total of six ticket categories now sold out!


Setting the R apart from other Golfs are different bumpers front and rear, as well as a diffuser and quad chrome-tipped tailpipes. 18-inch ‘Cadiz’ wheels are standard, 19s an option, and the R gets a unique paint colour called Lapis Blue metallic. Inside, you get sports seats trimmed in alcantara or Nappa leather, stainless steel pedals and door sills, as well as a smattering of R badges throughout the interior, including on the leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Happenings

Rated R for Rapid

IN Volkwagen, Golf, R, VW, Hot hatch

Not long ago, the Golf R32/Golf R had its corner of the market to itself, its power and price elevating it above tamer hatches. But with new rivals from premium brands, is the Golf R still the daddy?


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 2013 SingTel Grid Girls in The Singapore Factor Eight fresh-faced ladies aged 18 to 26, have been chosen as this year’s SingTel Grid Girl finalists. Since the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix in 2008, the SingTel Grid Girls have been a star attraction of the race, vying for top honour and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to hold the Singapore Formula One and Singapore GP flags at the Singapore Grand Prix. This year, the public can choose their favourite via SMS and online voting to select the top three SingTel Grid Girls. The Singapore Factor, a series of webisodes hosted by Paul Foster, will put the girls’ knowledge of the Lion City to the test in a trio of uniquely Singaporean challenges. The top three SingTel Grid Girls will be crowned before thousands of Singaporeans at the Thursday Pit Lane Experience on 19 September 2013.
Happenings

SingTel Presents Formula 1 Singapore Style!

IN Singapore, F1, Grand Prix

SingTel, Title Sponsor of the Singapore Grand Prix brings the F1 race experience even closer to the hearts of Singaporeans with Formula 1 Singapore Style.


Well, I took it out on a nice long drive to find out. With the wife in tow, we drove up north to Malacca to see how the GTI cabriolet performed on the long North-South Highway stretches, along winding B-roads through the connecting towns, and even slow city drives through busy lanes like Jonker Street. This is my verdict.
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Roller Coaster | Golf GTI Cabriolet

IN Volkswagen Group Singapore, Volkswagen, VW, Golf, GTI, Cabriolet

A convertible Golf GTI? Is there really a market for one? Is it really a compelling option? We drive one to find out...


To mark G-SHOCK’s milestone 30th anniversary in Singapore, this year’s ‘SHOCK THE WORLD 2013’ tour in Singapore was held at The Coliseum, Hard Rock Hotel, at the Resorts World Sentosa. In an exclusive collaboration between G-SHOCK and two of Singapore’s most talented designers, the event featured the unveiling of limited edition stylized G-SHOCK watches designed by local fashion designers.
The Pit

G-SHOCK Celebrates 30 Years Of Timepiece Innovation

IN Casio, G-Shock, 30th Anniversary

G-SHOCK marks milestone anniversary with a dance and music extravaganza and exclusive local designs that embodies its progressive design and ‘indestructible’ timepieces.


First introduced as a concept back in 2009 at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the 3 Series GT was created to appeal to customers looking for a smaller, sportier version of the 5 Series GT. Both the 3 Series GT and the 5 Series GT belong to the first generation of BMW\'s Progressive Activity Coupe (PAC) series - a marketing description of a car which combines the looks and functions of a sedan, an SUV, and a classic Gran Turismo.
Happenings

BMW launches the 3 Series Gran Turismo

IN BMW, 3 Series, Gran Turismo, GT

The all-new 3 Series Gran Turismo (GT) was recently launched in Singapore.


The Golf GTI Driving Experience was held from 17th to 21st July with Pirelli as the official tyre partner, allowing participants to test the GTI’s performance in a straight line as well as through the corners.
Happenings

Getting There Immediately - VW's New GTI Preview

IN Volkswagen, VW, GTI, Golf, Launch

Another Golf, another GTI. But first impressions matter, so the Mark 7 GTI’s launch let it shine in its natural environment — on the track.


McLaren GT is to produce a new high performance variant of the 12C, named the 12C GT Sprint, designed to offer further enhanced handling through optimised aerodynamics and track focus. The track-only model signifies the continued development of the 12C model, and bridges the gap between the 12C, itself fully accomplished on both road and track, and the all-out racing 12C GT3 and 12C GT Can-Am Edition models. It has been designed and developed by McLaren GT, the race car building arm of the McLaren Group, and retains many of the unique systems from the 12C road car, on which it is based.
Motorsports

Tadaa... A Track Focused MP4-12C

IN MP4-12C, 12C GT Sprint, McLaren

Want a McLaren track car to join motor racing competitively? Well, the 12C GT Sprint is right up your alley


Like previous versions, the vRS will be available in both petrol and diesel form, and gets identical mechanicals to the current Golf, which means either the 220 bhp, 350 Nm 2.0-litre TSI from the GTI, or the 184 bhp, 380 Nm 2.0-litre TDI from the GTD. To give an idea of how the Fastest Octavia Ever performs, the TSI version equipped with a 6-speed manual will do 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and will top out at 248km/h. Stop-start, Brake Energy Regeneration and the optional 6-speed DSG gearbox should help fulfill Skoda’s claims of a 19% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the old models.
Happenings

Czech-mate

IN Skoda, Octavia, VRS, Hot hatch, Wagon, Estate

With a new Golf out, comes a new Octavia. And as predictable as the GTI version is for the Golf, so too is the vRS for Skoda, in both hatch and estate form.



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