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Happenings

Sharper STI

IN Subaru, STI, Impreza, S207, Japan, Subaru Technica International

With turbo power and all-wheel drive the Subaru STI is already adept at covering ground quickly. The new S207 takes that formula and concentrates it further.


Over its nearly four decade history, the 7-series was the first to feature some of the technology we take for granted in cars today, such as HID headlamps, and a centrally-controlled entertainment system (iDrive), just to name a few. Sadly though, the tyre spikes, sunroof-mounted rockets and remote control system found on James Bond’s E38 7-series in Tomorrow Never Dies still haven’t made it to production yet…
Happenings

BMW Asia launches tech-laden new 7-series

IN BMW, 7 series, 740Li, 750Li, Limousine, Luxury, Sedan, Germany, Launch

The sixth generation of BMW’s flagship sedan is here, and it’s lighter, cleverer and more luxurious than before.


The standard F12 already has a 6.5 liter V12 with all of the latest technologies, but the TDF builds on that with a new variable intake manifold contributing to a 40hp and 15Nm gain, bringing the grand total to 780hp and 705Nm of torque. Despite being bereft of modern turbocharger technology, eighty percent of torque is available from just 2500rpm. Yet the redline is set at a scintillating 8900rpm, which should yield the evocative soundtrack one would expect from a V12 Ferrari.
Happenings

Hardcore Berlinetta

IN Ferrari, Fiorano, F12tdf, F12, Tour de France, V12, Italy, GT, Grand Tourer

More than just a fancy bodywork package, Ferrari have comprehensively re-engineered the F12 to create a meaner, leaner version in the form of the F12 TDF


Designers drew inspiration from vintage roadsters. The MX-5 Spyder features a 'bikini top', Mercury Silver exterior, carbon fibre aero kit and grille intake, lightweight 17-inch Yokohama Advan Racing RS II wheels and a Spinneybeck Prima natural full-grain leather interior. The MX-5 Speedster, meanwhile, pares the roadster back to the bare essentials — it even has a deflector in place of the windscreen — for an old school wind-in-the-hair sports car experience. Mazda took its weight-cutting passion to extremes with for example carbon fibre doors and seats as well as custom 16-inch Rays 57 Extreme Gram Lights wheels. The Speedster tips the scales at only 943 kg, and is also 30 mm lower than the production MX-5 thanks to an adjustable coilover suspension.
Modified

SEMA 2015 Las Vegas: Lightweight MX-5 Concepts Revealed

IN Mazda, MX-5, MX-5 Spyder, MX-5 Speedster, SEMA 2015, Las Vegas

MX-5 Spyder and MX-5 Speedster concepts debut at 2015 SEMA show in Las Vegas; Mazda North America collaborated with various aftermarket parts suppliers to create both concepts


John Edwards, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations said, “This a fantastic accolade for one of Jaguar’s most recognisable models ever built. The Jaguar Heritage business aims to support loyal and passionate customers so that models such as the E-type can continue to be maintained and enjoyed across the generations. The fact that it has captured the most votes in a global public vote is a testament to its status as one of the world’s most iconic sportscars and now, officially, as the Best British Car Ever.”
Happenings

Jaguar E-Type Is 'Best British Car Ever'

IN Jaguar, E-Type, Jaguar E-Type, Best British Car Ever, Jaguar Heritage, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations

It's official: The E-Type is the Best British Car Ever in a poll


BP — The previous 3 generations of MX-5 had a design that was quite cute, rounded and smiley, which clearly evolved over the years. Why then did the ND's styling suddenly change to something quite aggressive and angry? Nakayama — Of course, compared to the previous generations, the design is more aggressive, but I personally believe the most important thing is not how it compares to the older cars. When you look at the car without prior knowledge about the previous models, whether it is beautiful or aggressive or not, is not the most important thing. I believe that when we introduced the first-generation model, among all the players in the industry, car design had certain tendencies. So maybe every player had a much more pretty or softer face. But now, so many players have a much more aggressive face and complex design. So I think that compared to the other players today, the design is not that aggressive.
Happenings

The Brains behind the MX-5 Part II | Masashi Nakayama, Chief Designer

IN Mazda, MX-5, Interview, Chief, ND, Designer, Kodo

In the second of this two-part series, we sat down with the new MX-5’s Chief Designer to learn more about the car’s drastic change in appearance, and the role designers play in creating a new car.


However the Civic has also had its share of lows, most recently with progress stagnating after discontinuation of the ‘FD’ generation in 2011, as rivals came out with powerful turbocharged engines, more tech-toys and snazzier looks. For 2016 though, the Civic is all-new from the ground up and if looks are anything to go by, this is a proper revitalisation of the Civic with swept back LED headlights, a wider stance and a sleek fastback profile.
Happenings

Perennial Favourite

IN Honda, Civic, US, Sedan, Turbo, New

Now in its tenth generation, the Civic returns revised from the ground up to compete with a new generation of small family sedans


But boy oh boy how things have changed for Jaguar now with their latest compact executive sedan. I strongly urge you: If you are about to head to either BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Audi showroom to confirm your order for the 3 Series, C-Class or A4 and hand over the deposit cheque, hold on to it first and tell the salesperson you intend to ‘sleep on it for another night’.
New

Jaguar XE 2.0 Prestige | Cat's Out Of The Bag

IN Jaguar, XE, Jaguar XE, Jaguar XE sedan, Jaaaaag, Wearnes Automotive

Jaguar’s latest XE poses a real threat to the more established Germans — hold on to your chequebook first


BP — If there was one location anywhere on Earth you could drive this car, the perfect road for this car, where would it be? Yamamoto — In Japan we have four seasons; in spring we have the cherry blossoms, in summer there is lots of sunshine so you can drive the car along the coast or beach, in autumn you can enjoy the leaves changing colour in the mountains, and in winter there is snow, and you can wrap up in a scarf and enjoy the scenery. So I believe you can enjoy the drive no matter when or where. I'm sure that no matter where you live, you can find a perfect place, so I'd like for you to find the best for yourself in your own country!
Happenings

The Brains behind the MX-5 Part I | Nobuhiro Yamamoto, Programme Manager

IN Mazda, MX-5, Interview, Chief, ND

When the new Mazda MX-5 was launched here, two of the most important figures in its creation were in attendance. In the first of this two-part series, we had a chat with the car's Programme Manager.


The McLaren P1 GTR Driver Programme is the ultra-exclusive ownership programme, offering specialist driver training, human performance and access to the McLaren racing simulator ahead of on track activity. This programme has been designed to prepare each driver mentally and physically, to allow them to fully exploit the abilities of the McLaren P1 GTR, which produces 986 bhp and runs on race-proven Pirelli slick tyres. The programme is completely bespoke, with each individual having a fully-tailored experience, working closely with a support team from McLaren Special Operations (MSO) comprising authentic professionals that have operated within the rarefied world of professional motor sport.
Motorsports

McLaren P1 GTR Driver Programme Commences

IN McLaren, P1, P1 GTR, McLaren P1 GTR, McLaren Special Operations, MSO, McLaren P1 GTR Driver Programme

McLaren's bespoke race programme gives the lucky few a fully-tailored experience


And I’m saying this based on its price tag. The Passat 1.8 TSI in Highline spec here commands $156,300 with COE.
New

Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI | VW’s New Opus

IN Volkswagen, VW, Passat TSI, Passat, 1.8 TSI Highline, Large Sedan, Volkswagen Large Sedan

VW’s latest contender in the large sedan segment hits the right notes, but the only challenge now is to sway buyers into its direction


Concluding the dialogue, AC Sam said
Happenings

Singapore Ride Safe 2015 - A Dialogue With Traffic Police

IN Singapore Ride Safe 2015, Use Your RoadSense, Traffic Police, Singapore Police Force, 2015, Road Safety

With approximately 145,000 motorcyclists in Singapore, the Traffic Police wants to do more to reach out to this group of road users


The latest 'ND' generation MX-5 was launched in Singapore at Eurokars' new $28 million Mazda Flagship Centre at Ubi, which will be a one-stop shop for customers with sales, servicing and spare parts services.
Happenings

A Sports Car Named Desire

IN Mazda, MX-5, Sports, Roadster, ND, New, KODO

The world's most popular sports car, the Mazda MX-5, is back in its fourth generation, with a promise to return to the basic joys of motoring.


Fast-forward to present day and the number of 911s running around is surprisingly huge — it’s everywhere, at every traffic light junction. You may call it the Corolla of the sports car world, but what the heck; it obviously proved to be a hit. Be it the 997 or current 991, fans just want one.
New

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Coupe | Subtlety Is Key

IN Porsche, 911, Porsche 911, 991, Carrera, Carrera GTS, GTS

If you’re big on the 911 and can’t decide which one to get for daily duties, the GTS might just be the one


“These enthusiasts are taking great care in building their optimum specification,” said Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director. “We expected those first in the queue, many of whom are owners of previous RS models, to be exacting about their requirements, and so it has proved, with many opting for motorsport-style Recaro shell front seats, 19-inch black forged alloy wheels, luxury pack, electric tilt/side sunroof and Ford SYNC2 navigation and sound system.”
Happenings

1,500 Orders Already Received For Focus RS

IN Ford, Focus, RS, Focus RS, 2016 Ford Focus RS

Ford’s all-new Focus RS has raced up to 1,500 orders from UK buyers alone - all without a single test drive being taken


At an exclusive VIP event at The Fullerton Hotel, titled 'A Drive Back in Time', over 100 guests, including prominent faces from the worlds of television, radio and business, took a round trip ride in a fleet of Audi A6s straight through Singapore's Civic District circa 1965.
Happenings

Travel back to 1965 with Audi

IN Audi, Singapore, SG50, Celebration, Jubilee,

Time to break out the rose-tinted glasses and catch a glimpse of Singapore life 50 years ago, thanks to Audi Singapore.


In contrast, the interior is where the bulk of the revisions have been made. Like the refreshed CX-5 we tested recently, the clunky old radio and infotainment system has also been replaced with a new one called MZD Connect, which integrates music, Bluetooth and navigation capabilities onto a high-resolution 7-inch touchscreen. This system is the same as found in the 2, 3 and CX-5, which means its various pros and cons are also present in the 6 — easy to use in general,with smart graphics, but with a very convoluted Navigation function. Check out our CX-5 review for more info.
New

The 6-iest Of Them All | Mazda 6 2.5 Luxury

IN Mazda, 6, Family, Sedan, Saloon, Luxury, Eurokars, Singapore

Who ever said that family sedans had to be dreary, humdrum and bloated looking?


With all that, the golden question that keeps ringing in my mind is simply, “Who would want to buy it then?”
New

Nissan Navara NP300 | Pick Me Up

IN Nissan, Navara, NP300, Nissan Navara NP300, Pick-up, Goods vehicle, Tan Chong International

Nissan’s civilized Navara now comes with creature comforts usually seen only in its sedans - is that a good enough reason to buy one?


Power gets to the road via a pair of 6-speed transmissions. An automatic is optional but the manual offers enough convenience features to make life easy, with features such as hill-start assist and automated rev matching. The latter is particularly useful, helping to prevent stalling and allowing quick, seamless downshifts.
Happenings

Modern Workhorse

IN Toyota, Hilux, Pickup, Rugged, SUV, 4x4

Now in its eighth generation, Toyota has thoroughly revised the Hilux with the same values of ruggedness and utility, but added a good dollop of everyday usability as well.


A company cannot survive on building niche sports cars alone; hence the Giulia wades into arguably the most hotly contested segment in the industry, butting heads with BMW’s 3 Series and Jaguar’s XE. First impressions are strong, with the Giulia sporting a long hood, short deck profile that can only come from a rear wheel drive architecture. A long wheelbase helps ensure an even 50/50 weight balance and carries a profile sporting the trademark Trefoil nose, voluptuous lines and narrow, angular tail-lights that give a distinctive look. The drive layout and weight balance hark back to the Giulia’s spiritual forefather, the 75/Milano, which was the high point of dynamics before Alfa went to the dark side with nose heavy, front wheel drive cars.
Happenings

Statement Of Intent

IN Alfa, Alfa Romeo, Giulia, Sedan, Sports, V6, Turbo, Cloverleaf, Quadrifoglio, QV

Set to compete in today’s well-established realm of luxury sport sedans, the Giulia melds Alfa Romeo’s rich heritage with modern engineering, marking a return to form.



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