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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.
New

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


But rather unfortunately, within my first 10 minutes the car brought me to this: Disappointment. The engine sounds dismal, you need to crack it up just to feel alive and… it drizzled. It was painful, feeling cheated; I mean, this car got raving reviews the world over!
New

Mazda MX-5 2.0 (M) | Balanced Diet

IN Mazda, MX-5, Mazda MX-5 2.0, Manual, Roadster, Trans Eurokars

Mazda stated it is heavily inspired by the first generation, albeit with a modern twist - so are they just playing with our emotions?


First impressions of the GS F can be polarizing, with the sharp lines of standard GS enhanced by a gaping front maw with a mesh grille and vented fenders flowing into swooping side skirts, as well as a diffuser, quad pipes and a carbon-fiber lip spoiler out back. The front and rear light clusters have also been redesigned. While some may find it overkill, this writer finds the enhancements well suited to the GS shape, adding a good dose of presence.
Happenings

Lexus GS F Unveiled

IN Lexus, GS, F, GS F, F Sport, Toyota, V8, Saloon, Sedan

BMW M5 too mainstream? Lexus now has your answer, albeit with a twist to the current über sedan formula


Now, Luminox is proud to introduce the new Luminox Navy SEAL Colormark Nova watch features the best of two luminous technologies — Luminox’s proprietary 'Luminox Light Technology (LLT)', the famous micro borosilicate gas tubes that enable the watches to glow continuously for up to 25 years and made the brand the icon that it is today, and 'Super-LumiNova' to further maximise visibility in the dark.
Happenings

The Luminox Spec Ops Exhibition

IN Luminox, Luminox Spec Ops, Luminox Light Technology (LLT), Super-LumiNova

Swiss adventure watch brand, Luminox, commemorates its 25th anniversary as the official watch supplier for the US Navy SEALS


Weight distribution is set to 40% at the front / 60% at the rear, reducing inertia on the front axle. An entirely new power management set-up, along with modified suspension, new steering set-up and recalibrated stability and traction controls, connects the driver as directly as possible with the road. The selectable Lamborghini driving modes Strada, Sport and Corsa are tuned to provide oversteering characteristics, emphasizing authentic rear-wheel drive behavior.
Happenings

RWD Huracan LP 580-2

IN Lamborghini, Lambo, Huracan, LP 580-2, Huracan LP 580-2, Lamborghini Singapore

Lamborghini promises rear-wheel drive driving fun with the new rear-wheel drive only Huracan LP 580-2


There are cars that only those with the keenest of eyes will be able to spot:
Happenings

The Car’s The Star Pt 1 | Cars & Coffee Dec 2015

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

Christmas is a time for sharing, so what better way to spread some festive petrolhead cheer than with a car meet with some of the rarest cars in the country?


BP — Would you be as effective with another driver or is there a sort of chemistry between you guys? MA — I think it depends mostly on how well you can cope with the system of a particular driver, because normally every driver has his own preference and the co-driver must adapt himself and understand what the driver needs. There are several co-drivers who have been successful with several different drivers, so I think that one driver can be successful with many co-drivers, but for a co-driver to be successful he needs a very talented driver. BP — Jari-Matti, has there ever been a case where you found yourself expecting more of Miikka? JML — No, not really. Its only been a few times where if Miikka has been a little bit late or going a little too early then I will just tell him to wait a moment, or just telling him ”next note, next note
Motorsports

An Intimate Interview with Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila | Part 1

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

Meet motorsport’s highest-flying Finns as they talk Group B, co-driving, and their intra-cockpit relationship.


Fans will also see the Bentley Continental GT V8 S road car - from which the GT3 racer is derived - on duty this weekend at the Sepang International Circuit as Bentley provides the safety car for the event. “Sepang 12 Hours gives us the opportunity to race in a region that is very important for Bentley,” explained Brian Gush, Director of Motorsport at Bentley. “In addition, it allows us to continue racing in the winter season and is good preparation for Bathurst 12 Hours in February.
Motorsports

Bentley Set For Sepang Debut

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

A pair of works team Bentley Team M-Sport Continental GT3s to contest the final race of the season


But lets be honest here. How many people actually do plan to buy a compact crossover like the trio and plan to keep it long term? Because realistically speaking, changes in circumstances like (a) once the number of family members increases, (b) promotion at work or, (c) you just want something bigger, there will be the need to also get another car with more space. And due to those examples, the GLA250, Q3 and X1 are just something you’d have for, well perhaps, four years maximum.
New

Volvo V60 Cross Country | Balanced Act

IN Volvo, V60, Cross Country, Volvo V60 Cross Country, Volvo V60, Wearnes Automotive, New Car

Volvo gives you a rugged wagon in the form of their new V60 Cross Country — should be able to match your Camel boots and loafers


Happenings

Attack of the Titans

IN Mercedes, Mercedes-Benz, GLE, SUV, Coupe, AMG, Facelift

The Mercedes ML SUV has just been given a facelift and a new variant added, but don’t call it that. Instead, say hello to the GLE and GLE Coupé


The new headlights which look like it was directly lifted from the 458 Italia, makes the car immediately more striking. You can be excused if you think that the California is just another hardtop with pleasing lines. However, it is more than that. If you hit the switch and wait 14 seconds, you find that the touring model is actually a drop-top. The California is equipped with a retractable hardtop that quickly slips out of sight behind the passenger compartment. Thanks to its intelligent design, the stored hardtop doesn’t take too much away from trunk storage. For a sports car, there is a fair amount of storage space - easily enough to hold luggage for a weekend away.
New

Ferrari California T | Cup Of T

IN Ferrari, Ital Auto, Ferrari California T, Cabriolet, Convertible, Turbo, Singapore

The Ferrari California T is the automaker’s “entry-level” touring model, marking Maranello's modern incarnation of their turbocharged stallions.


As has been well-documented in countless other BMW reviews though, that drivetrain layout which gives the 1-series its entertaining handling also leads to its biggest shortfall: interior space. Now, the new 1-series is not a cramped car. Unlike the first generation model, this new car is actually adequately spacious; the relatively large rear windows let in enough light to repel any claustrophobic feelings, and legroom is just about sufficient for two six-footers to sit in tandem. But compared to practically all its front-drive rivals, the 1-series doesn’t offer any surplus room to stretch out, and the transmission tunnel that runs down the middle of the car robs rear passengers of even more foot space.
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BMW 116d | Simple One-ders

IN BMW, 1-series, 116d, Hatchback, RWD, Performance Motors, Diesel

BMW’s smallest model had just had its mid-life refresh and now comes with only one engine. We find out if this Cat A fighter can punch above its weight.


Also during this event, it was revealed the accomplishment of Infiniti's product offerings in the premium segment. According to the latest LTA statistics, the brand has enjoyed a 384 percent year-on-year growth in local vehicle registrations.
Happenings

The Infiniti Drive Singapore

IN Infiniti, Q50, Q70, QX70, Infiniti Drive Singapore, Wearnes Automotive, 2015

Infiniti showcases its technologies with a tailored drive event


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.


New

Why BMW’s M5 Is The Only Sedan I Need | Random Writes

IN BMW, M5, M5 Competition Pack, BMW M5 Competition Pack, Random Writes, Munich Automobiles

The M5 may not sound like a favourable car to most, but here are some of the car’s unique quirks that actually raised its likeable factor for yours truly


Happenings

Back To Basics

IN Toyota, S-FR, Lightweight, Sports car, Concept

Building on momentum of the GT86 Coupe, Toyota unveils a sports car concept that is even smaller and lighter than its already svelte bigger brother - enter the S-FR concept


You see, the 124 Spider is the result of an agreement formed between Fiat and Mazda about three years ago. Mazda would develop and manufacture both its new MX-5 and the Spider at its factory in Hiroshima, with the two cars featuring each brand’s own engines. So, whereas the MX-5 uses a naturally aspirated 1.5 or 2.0L Skyactiv engine, the Spider will come with a turbocharged 1.4L lump from the 500 Abarth.
Happenings

An Itsy Bitsy Spider

IN Fiat, Spider, 124, Roadster, Sports car,

Japanese engineering with Italian style. Fiat revives another iconic nameplate with this, the new 124 Spider.


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

New Huracan Spyder Drops In At The Second Home Of The Bulls

IN Lamborghini, Huracan, Spyder, Roadster, V10, Singapore, Eurosports Auto, Launch

Lamborghini’s latest drop-top is unveiled at a brand new satellite showroom in Suntec City.



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