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In order to convert such power into efficient propulsion, the front axle is equipped with a mechanical, multi-plate limited-slip differential. This helps reduce wheel slip when there are very high lateral forces under acceleration, for example, or changes in the texture of the road surface. It is also ideal for forays onto the race track.

Happenings

Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition

Looks like everyone is having a NÃ¼rburgring Edition of some sort nowadays. The limited Opel Corsa OPC is one of them, just 500 units of this raw pocket-rocket powerhouse will be available.

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.

The EX1 beat an electric speed record by putting in a lap time of nine minutes and 1.338 seconds at an average speed of 138.324 km/h despite weather conditions which were far from favourable. The previous electric speed record on this circuit was set by a race-prepared Mini E, which clocked a lap time of nine minutes and 51.45 seconds.

Happenings

Peugeot EX1 Burns The Nurburgring

IN Peugeot, EX1, EV

Peugeot's electric concept car establishes a new lap record on Germany's NÃ¼rburgring-Nordschleife circuit...for electric cars.

The Traffic Police has well justified their commitment in enforcing strict regulations on mobile phone driving, statutorily enacted in Section 65B of the Road Traffic Act, Chapter 276. This section states that, “Any person who, being the driver of a motor vehicle on a road or in a public place, uses a mobile telephone while the motor vehicle is in motion shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding S$1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to both, and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding S$2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.” In addition, 12 demerit points would be charged to your traffic report card and your mobile phone will be forfeited by the court if convicted.

Happenings

Drive First, Talk Later

IN Handphone, Traffic Police

Just when you are about to tell your father what went on at the opposition party rally on the phone, you see an incoming truck...

Margaret says: The Countryman immediately made me regret buying the Mini Cooper S which I primarily bought for the fun drive. The engine does feel hot when it's running, which is what I experience in my own Mini as well. I would buy it, but I wouldn't want to go for the entry level, because the four wheel drive has a very planted feel and the equipment level is superb.

New

MINI Cooper S Countryman Panel Of Professionals (P.O.P.) Session

IN MINI, Countryman, Cooper, S, P.O.P.

Our panel of professionals (P.O.P.) strap themselves up in the passenger seat and get up close and personal with the MINI Cooper S Countryman. Hear what they have to say about the car.

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.

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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…

Happenings

Zone 1 Ticket Holders To Enjoy Additional Viewing Experiences

IN Singtel, Singapore GP, 2011, F1

Singapore GP confirmed the integration of the Singapore Flyer into Zones 1 and 2 of the Marina Bay Street Circuit, allowing Zone 1 and Premier Walkabout ticket-holders complete access.

The Pit

Monthly Giveaways! March/April 2011

IN Fast & Furious 5, UIP Singapore, Contests

Win yourself one of the five Fast & Furious 5 gift sets that consists of a pair of tickets to watch the special preview of 'Fast & Furious 5' on 4th May 2011, a poster, a water bottle and a t-shirt!

Since we last saw them, Brian and Mia Toretto (Brewster) broke Dom out of custody and have blown across many borders to elude authorities. Now backed into a corner in Rio, they must pull off one last job in order to gain their freedom. Their mission? Assemble an elite team of top operatives made up of their family of friends to orchestrate an insane heist worth $100 million. Dom and Brian know their only shot of getting out for good means crippling the corrupt businessman (Joaquim De Almeida) who wants them dead. But he’s not the only one on the unlikely allies’ tails.

The Pit

Race In Rio | Fast & Furious Five

IN Fast & Furious 5, Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Jordana Brewster, Gal Gadot

Vin Diesel and Paul Walker lead a reunion of returning all-stars from every chapter of the explosive franchise built on speed in Fast & Furious Five.

Exterior wise, the new Megane CC (I shall call it MCC from now on) looks less angular than its predecessor — it seems Renault’s designers decided to make it curvier (and more feminine too) this time around, probably to match Peugeot’s 308CC. The face has more prominence now thanks largely to the new swept back headlamps and detailed bumper (is it smiling at me?). Then, the rear looks simply beautiful, mainly due to the darkened tail lamps and the fact that its overhang is not that long to make it look, err, tilted like a duck’s rear? Oh, and those alloys are simply beautiful on the MCC — think of it as wearing the right shoe to match the dress. Ahh… you French are so fashionable.

New

More For Her | Renault Megane CC

IN Renault, Megane, Coupe, Cabriolet

...that’s what the Megane CC is, with that all-smooth drive and chic interior.

The Q3 gets two 2.0 TFSI petrol engines variants: 170 bhp or 211 bhp. While the 177 bhp Q3 comes with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, the 211 bhp TFSI will have Quattro (all wheel) drive with a seven-speed S tronic gearbox.

Happenings

Audi's New Compact SUV

IN Audi, Q3, SUV

Slated to make its public appearance at Auto Shanghai 2011, the Audi Q3 looks promising.

This is the sixth-year, Scuderia Toro Rosso is taking part in the F1 World Championship. Buemi and his team mate Alguersuari are among two of the youngest drivers currently in F1. Both are graduates of the Red Bull Junior Driver Programme, which also produced current F1 driver world champion Sebastian Vettel.

Happenings

Giant And Toro Rosso Drivers Host Hypermart Sweep For Orphans

IN Toro Rosso, F1, 2011, Sepang

Giant, MalaysiaÂ’'s leading hypermarket chain teamed up with two drivers of the Scuderia Toro Rosso in a special race for charity to the cheers of lunch-time shoppers at the hypermarket in Shah Alam.

Happenings

David Coulthard Thrills Bukit Bintang Shoppers

IN Red Bull, David Coulthard, F1, Sepang, 2011

The Red Bull Speed Street event marked the first time that a F1 car sped down Malaysia's main shopping strip.

Being heavier and taller, the Countryman unlike its normal Cooper sibling does not possess a go-kart like drive. Instead, it feels more like a sporty sedan. The steering is noticeably heavy at low speeds but it is quick and gives a good amount of feedback on the road once you get going at higher speeds. For more demanding drivers, hitting the sports button increases the steering effort and slightly sharper throttle response. However, body roll is not very pronounced in the corners, and it has brakes that feel very progressive.

New

Fun? We Are All4 It! | Mini Cooper S Countryman

IN Mini, Cooper, S, Countryman

The first-ever four door Mini is not just an up-sized Mini. It is their first cross-over and also quite possibly, the most controversial Mini of all time.

Despite all those nuances, the V60 responds nicely to corners with lots of grip. Go hard on the brakes, dive into the corner, exit with your foot on the accelerator and let the stability control figure out where to send the power to. Or, if you are feeling brave, enter the vehicle settings menu and turn the stability aid off. While this makes the car break away in predictable under steer once the limit is breached, it is a bit hard to get it to behave again.

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Hello Vogue Wagon! | Volvo V60 T4

IN Volvo, V60, T4, Station, Wagon, Estate

Once shunned, now gaining popularity, especially with young men who like cars to be practical and at the same time stylish. Now, how about a four-door coupe-like station wagon?