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The GFRP spring (left) next to a 'traditional' steel type Whereas a steel spring for an executive class model weighs nearly 2.7 kilograms, a GFRP spring with the same properties weighs approximately 1.6 kilograms. Together, the four GFRP springs reduce the weight by roughly 4.4 kilograms, half of which pertains to the unsprung mass, helping the suspension to react more quickly to changes in the road surface and to absorb imperfections more effectively.The core of the springs consists of long glass fibres twisted together and impregnated with epoxy resin. A machine wraps additional fibres around this core - which is only a few millimetres in diameter - at alternating angles of plus and minus 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis. These tension and compression plies mutually support one another to optimally absorb the stresses acting on the component.The GFRP springs can be precisely tuned to their respective task, and the material exhibits outstanding properties. It does not corrode, even after stone chipping, and is impervious to chemicals such as wheel cleaners. Last but not least, production requires far less energy than the production of steel springs.
Happenings

Newsflash: Audi's New Lightweight Springs

IN Audi, Vorsprung durch Technik, Lightweight springs, Glass fibre-reinforced polymer, GFRP

Audi is investing heavily in travelling lightly to boost efficiency with new polymer suspension springs


On the outside, the CLA45 looks pretty much like a Sport-kitted CLA. Which is, erm, not good. I expected flared arches and a fatter bodykit, but no. Put them side by side, and you would probably be very hard-pressed to tell the difference between a CLA45 AMG and a Sport-kitted CLA200 with AMG-styled wheels. Perhaps they are saving the more aggressive look for the Black Series? Whatever the case, your $300K is not getting you a very different looking CLA.
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Rocket Sedan | Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG

IN Mercedes-Benz, CLA, AMG, Daimler, CLA45

The stylish CLA45 AMG is the fastest compact sedan around. It's even got the luxury branding of a Mercedes-Benz. Unfortunately, the price is also rather 'luxurious'.


Recently, BMW Asia invited Burnpavement to sample the new MINIs first hand on a specially designed course: Zouk’s car park area. Knowing it was all loose gravel, I anticipated lots of slippin’ and sliding’ the entire day…
Happenings

The MINI Urban Trail

IN MINI, Cooper, Cooper S, Countryman, MINI Urban Trail, BMW Asia, Eurokars Habitat

MINI lets us have a go at the new generation Cooper and Cooper S — does it still possess the fun factor, or has it grown up into something else?


“Most importantly, Android Auto is completely voice-enabled, so that you can keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road,” Patrick Brady, director of engineering for Android, said during Google I/O, Google's annual developer conference in San Francisco.The interface, known as Google Auto Link during development, is the first product to emerge from the Open Automotive Alliance, a Google-led group that includes Audi, GM, Honda, Hyundai and chipmaker NVIDIA Corp.At the same time however, it also challenges both Apple and Google to help reduce the risk of distracted driving.
Happenings

Google Reveals Android Autos

IN Google, Android, Android Autos, Apple, CarPlay, Interface

Google's Android Auto in-car control system for smartphones set to compete with Apple's CarPlay interface


Despite still being in just its debut year, the Conti GT3 has already proven to be a race winner (on home turf no less) at the Silverstone round of the Blancpain Endurance Series — the brand’s first UK race in 84 years. To celebrate, Bentley has announced a sharper, gruntier model, “inspired” by the racer — the GT3-R. Only 300 will be produced, hand-built and then finished by the boys at Bentley’s Motorsport division.
Happenings

Bentley’s Belting Brawler

IN Bentley, Motorsport, Continental, GT, V8, GT3-R, GT3, Race

Previously taken up only by Porsche, the GT3 moniker now gets applied to Crewe’s most hardcore model ever.


The Caltex PAssion for Kids programme was first launched in 2012. Now into its third year, the programme seeks to extend its community outreach efforts to about 150 students from less privileged background, aged 11 to 14, from PA’s 8 T-Net Club (Teens Network Club) as well as students (i.e. from eight schools) under the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS).
Happenings

Helping Less Privileged Students Build Dreams

IN Caltex, People's Association, PA, Chevron

Caltex and People’s Association continue to build dreams with students from less privileged background, with motivational overnight camp


The 5-door Hatch will be launched in the UK this September. Expect this model to reach Singapore by the end of this year or the early part of 2015. While there has been no indication of local prices, we reckon it would be priced between S$140,000 to S$190,000 with COE for the four different engine variants.
Happenings

A MINI With Five Doors, Anyone?

IN MINI, Mini, MINI UK, MINI Cooper, Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper D, Cooper SD, Five-door hatchback, 5-doors

Nope, your eyes are not kidding. Just months after launching the new MINI Hatch, MINI has expanded its model range with the addition of an entirely new body variant: the MINI 5-door Hatch.


Handling wise, the Golf R is pinpoint sharp and definitely feels one notch higher than the GTI. Thanks to the 4Motion four-wheel drive system, ever alert traction control and XDS cross differential lock, you can enter tight corners at speed and also flick the car into a turn without worrying about any understeer. In fact, you might even feel the rear about to throw itself into a drift but like magic, the car will just correct itself. That said, body-roll is still obvious; it’s not the sort that throws you off, but the type that adds more sensation into your drive. If you want something that is more focused on all out grip and controlled body movements, then you might want to look at Renault’s Megane RS instead…
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Rock On | Volkswagen Golf R

IN Volkswagen, VW, Golf, Golf R, R, Veedub, Volkswagen Group Singapore

VW’s ultimate Golf returns — for all family men, there is still hope for non-boring motoring…


Well, that is on paper. Factor in the almost 2-tonne kerb weight and you should be able to realize why it takes 9.5 seconds to get from standstill to 100km/h. Realistically speaking though, the 508 RXH feels brisk when moving off traffic light junctions; it won’t do the job as rapid as an A4 Avant (2.0 TFSI quattro), but it is not as breathless as you would expect as well. I took the car up for a day-trip to Melaka, and I must say it does the job of chomping mileage at high speeds rather respectably — notably, while it seems flat higher up the power band, the sweet spot lies within the mid-range.
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Rubic’s Cube | Peugeot 508 RXH Hybrid

IN Peugeot, 508, 508 RXH, Peugeot 508 RXH Hybrid, Pug, Diesel, Hybrid

Peugeot is aggressively introducing diesel-powered models, and to up the ante, they have a hybrid-diesel wagon available now — yay, or nay?


Orange Eye also alerts drivers to renew their road tax and insurance and allows them to share videos via social media.
Happenings

NTUC Income Launches Free App To Combat Insurance Fraud

IN NTUC Income, NTUC, Free App, Orange Eye, Orange Force

Orange Eye, a first of its kind mobile application, aims to encourage drivers to submit video footage in the event of an accident


Happenings

California Girls

IN Ferrari, California, Turbo, Singapore, Launch

No bikinis or sun-kissed skin here, but the new California T is certainly a mighty fine lady indeed.


Let’s not forget McLaren. Ok, you would have probably heard the news that McLaren has ceased production of the 12C to make way for the new 650S. Which should be good news for some, as that simply means prices for that 12C you’ve been eyeing will go down (ask Wearnes Automotive, they have some units for sale too). Still thinking and contemplating? On the fence? Cannot decide? Well, let us give you 10 reasons why you should buy one.
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10 Reasons Why The 12C Is An Awesome Supercar

IN McLaren, 12C, McLaren 12C, Wearnes Automotive, Supercar

Don’t want to join the Lamborghini and Ferrari crowd, but still want something equivalent with a little bit more exclusivity? Tadaa…


Mr Andre Roy commented, “This new system complements our monthly customer feedback survey and allows us to act immediately. We have noticed that a lot of times, customer dissatisfaction stems from misunderstandings that can be easily resolved on the spot. This system alerts us to this so that any service lapse is addressed before customers leave the service centres.
Happenings

Wearnes Introduces Unique Customer Feedback System

IN Wearnes Automotive, CORE, Wearnes CORE, Automotive

First automotive distributor to develop a propriety software programme for instant customer feedback; rolls out in seven markets


But as of late however, more brands are offering oil-burners as alternative. The most interesting proposition? Significantly lower fuel consumption, translating to lower running costs. After all as a family man, every cent counts.
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Happy Pack | Volkswagen Touran TDI

IN Volkswagen, Touran, TDI, Diesel, MPV, Volkswagen Centre Singapore

One of Singapore’s best-selling MPV gets the diesel treatment, but is it VW's vain effort to fill up as much segment or is it really beneficial for Singaporean drivers?


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Triple Treat? | Mazda 3 Sedan 1.5 Deluxe

IN Mazda, Eurokars, Mazda 3, Singapore, Mazda 6

Mazda's new 3 is a compelling effort from the Japanese car maker. Neatly styled and well-built, it is just short of a hat-trick by a noisy and leisurely motor. We share more in this review.


However, those days are long gone ever since changes in vehicle finance policy and the vulgar increase of COE premiums.
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Optimal Value | Kia Optima K5

IN Kia, Optima, K5, Kia Optima K5, Optima K5, Cycle & Carriage Kia

Kia’s Optima K5 mark two came silently with subtle changes; thing is, does it tick all the right boxes as a value-for-money large sedan? (Look away, badge snobs…)


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No Brainer | Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 (A)

IN Toyota, Corolla, Altis, 2014, Toyota Corolla Altis, Borneo Motors

Singapore’s highly regarded family sedan now comes in a more stylish body-shell, but can it continue as well as it’s predecessor?


The transmission, although shifting smoothly, somewhat has the tendency to shift up earlier than expected even in Sport mode. Thankfully BMW made paddle-shifters a standard fixture here, which allows you to manually pick your own gears. While at that, the car is willing to stretch all the way to its 7,000 rpm redline; however, it does feel flat past 5,000 rpm.
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4 The Win | BMW 420i Coupe

IN BMW, 4 Series, 420i, Coupe, German, BMW 420i, Performance Motors, BMW Asia

If you must have a German coupe for whatever reasons it may be, BMW’s entry-level 4 Series is worth a close look


So, if you want style, good fuel economy, style, practicality and style, the D2 diesel variant of the V40 Cross Country is highly recommended.
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Filled To The Brim | Volvo V40 Cross Country D2

IN Volvo, V40, D2, Diesel, Cross Country, Volvo V40 Cross Country, Wearnes Automotive

This jacked-up V40 with a diesel lump proved to be one of the best bargains in our market


The SQ5 is powered by a 3.0-litre supercharged unit that pushes out 354 bhp and 450 Nm of torque. That might not be a lot in this day and age, but it is enough to take the SQ5 from standstill to 100km/h in a mere 5.3 seconds. That puts it way ahead of its competitors like the Cayenne and X5.
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Speedy Utility Vehicle | Audi SQ5 3.0 TFSI

IN Audi, SQ5, TFSI, Audi Centre Singapore, Audi Singapore, Premium Automobiles

Audi seems to be on a roll, soup-ing up everything in their stable. The Q5 3.0 TFSI we drove earlier is already as fast as anyone would want an SUV to be. Is there really a need for an 'S?



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