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Modified

Singapore's Best VW Golf | Entry Seven (7)

IN VW, Volkswagen, Golf, GTI, R32, Entries, Singapore, GT, TSi

This fully decked-out ABT GTi Mk6 has a clean but aggressive demeanor. Complimenting its handsome looks is a brawny ABT-tuned engine to match.

In summary, of course there are other grouses that we could pick on such as the sound quality right down to the performance tuning, but those aside, it is the incredibly detailed imagery of the game that keeps us addicted as well as the fact that we are just hardcore racing gamers, and we're glad that nothing has diluted the pure racing experience. There’s no denying that the beautiful GT5 has set the bar for racing sims to an all-new high and we are looking forward to more nights of racing in the comfort of our office lounge.

The Pit

Gran Turismo 5 | Only The Hardcore Need Apply.

IN Gran Turismo, GT5, Sony, Playstation 3

It has been years since Gran Turismo 4 stormed the racing simulator world in 2004.

It's odd that I should find myself worried about how you readers will take to that last sentence. We have come to a point in the motoring industry that performance car makers are doing away with manual gearboxes, and dual-clutch transmissions are everything - they're faster, easier to live with, and offer the best of both worlds. Which begs the question, which 'two worlds' are we talking about exactly? The world of expedient step-and-go driving? Maybe. The world of engaging and immense motoring fun? Not necessarily so.

Readers' Rides

Manic. Magical. Manual. | BMW M3 CoupÃ© (M)

IN BMW, M3, V8, CoupÃ©, Manual

A maniacally fast coupÃ© that handles magically with the joys of a good ol' manual gearbox. There, my review of the BMW M3 is pretty much done.

Modified

Singapore's Best VW Golf | Entry Six (6)

IN VW, Volkswagen, Golf, GTI, R32, Entries, Singapore, GT, TSi

This contrasty white Mk5 GTi on glossy black rims packs a Stage 2 punch and whole list of go-fast mods.

They not only anchored a quirky 1.3L engine in its bay, the car gulps on petrol like how a deprived Asiatic elephant does to a river. You have little time to realize that you are coughing up nearly two dollars for every six kilometres, and you are rivaling in proximity to that black Chrysler cab.

Classics

Rotary Heaven | Mazda RX-7 FD3S & FC3S

IN Mazda, RX-7, FD3S, FC3S, Rotary, 1.3, RX-8, Efini

Our freelance writer laments at the practicality of RX-7s of old, but celebrates the fact that they were never made for that anyway!

While the Cerato Forte and Forte Koup were equipped from Day One with the latest generation features to exceed the expectations of discerning drivers, Kia is going one better with the addition of even more equipment for all available versions. The wide stance and athletic lines of both models are tastefully enhanced with the addition of LED indicator repeaters on the wing mirrors. These not only improve the already dramatic looks of the Forte duo, but add to an already long list of safety features by better communicating the driver’s intention to change direction. The cockpit environment also receives new features in both cars. A new boot-type wrap adds a dash of class and style to the transmission lever, for starters. Drivers of the enhanced Forte duo will also be delighted to find a set of Bluetooth controls on the steering wheel, for seamless operation of compatible hands-free mobile phone headsets. These not only take Bluetooth integration to new levels, but are yet another important safety feature, ensuring that the driver’s hands never stray far from the steering wheel, where they belong.

Happenings

Forte Duo Stay Ahead Of The Rest

IN KIA, Cerato, Forte, Koup

Less than two years after transforming itself into a heavyweight player on the local motoring scene with the launch of the Cerato Forte, Kia is taking another leap forward.

For many years, SPD has been providing professional care to help unlock the hidden potential of approximately 2,800 physically disabled clients. Clients visit the SPD Ability Centre in Tiong Bahru and SPD@Tampines for a variety of services, including rehabilitation, day care, as well as IT and vocational training. Public transportation can be a challenge for some SPD clients and they rely on seven SPD-owned vans that are wheelchair-enabled and specially adapted to meet their needs, supplemented by 11 vans run by an outsourced transport provider. Many clients are from low-income families and are unable to afford charges for this transport service.

Happenings

Caltex Fuels The Society For Physically Disabled

IN Caltex, Diesel, Techron D, SPD

One of Asia Pacific's leading energy company provides one year’s worth of fuel to the SPD transport service.

Happenings

Peugeot RCZ Roars Into Town

IN Peugeot, RCZ, CoupÃ©

The voluptuous RCZ, first seen in concept form back in 2007, has landed on our shores. Just as gorgeous in the flesh as it appeared on paper, it looks set to be the next big thing!

The wheel wells in the arched fenders are prominently flared - another quote from the design language of the Sport Quattro. The same applies to the distinctive air outlet on the right side of the hood, which allows the five-cylinder engine to breathe more freely.

Happenings

Audi Quattro Concept

IN Audi, Quattro, Concept

Not exactly breaking news, but Audi's Quattro concept still sets our hearts racing every time we set our eyes on it. Let's hope the future gets here fast.

Happenings

Rotora Brakes Launch At AutoVox

IN Rotora, Brakes, AutoVox, Singapore, Ceramic

AutoVox, regional distributor for Rotora launched their hottest range of brakes systems at the AutoVox showroom. Guests were the first in the world to be privy to Rotora's lightweight ceramic rotors.

Happenings

Stamford Tyres' Year End Sale

IN Stamford Tyres, Lok Yang, Loyang, Kung Chung

Stamford Tyres is currently holding their year end sale at their mega marts in Lok Yang (Jurong), Kung Chong (Leng Kee) and Loyang (Changi) from 16 to 19 December 2010 (9 am to 7 pm).

So how does alcohol affect one's ability to drive? Alcohol as we know, inhibits the brain’s ability to function effectively, slowing the relay of visual messages from the eyes, processing of information thus becomes more difficult and instructions to the muscles are delayed. Alcohol usually retards a person’s reaction time by 10 to 30% as well as the reduction of the ability to gauge speed and distances. Alcohol also reduces one’s ability to see distant objects, to use peripheral vision to perceive what is happening at the roadside and reduce night vision by 25%. Blurred and double vision may also occur. Alcohol may also give one a sense of overconfidence, with the result that they may be prepared to take greater risks, such as abrupt lane changing or speeding. Impaired judgement may also alter a person’s perception of how fit they are to drive. Finally, as alcohol is a depressant drug, it may make a driver drowsy and affect their sense of balance. A person who drives after they have had only one drink is still five times more likely to get him or herself involved in a traffic accident than one who abstains from alcohol.

Happenings

Dangers Of Drink Driving

IN Drink Driving, Traffic Police

Drinking alcohol impairs one’s senses as it reduces one's driving instincts and psychomotor coordination, turning avoidable hazards into potentially life threatening ones.

New

Innocent By Association | BRABUS B20

IN BRABUS, Mercedes-Benz, B20, Singapore, Black, AutoVox, First Automobile Premium

The three-pointed star has always been a typical 'big boss' car. It is almost impossible to shake that image off, unless you're clearly too young to be one, but then you're likely to be "his son".

The 2.5-litre V6 unit is unchanged and pushes out a healthy 205bhp from its 24-valve Dual VVTi set-up. It is a quiet and smooth powerplant and dispatches the century sprint in a rather quick 8.4 seconds. Yet somehow, the car seems to lack the 'oomph' the figures suggest. It could be partly due to the overall (excellent) refinement that masks the speed.

New

Same But Better! | Lexus IS 250

IN Lexus, IS 250, Face-lift, V6

This is the newly restyled Lexus IS 250. Not much has changed you say? Well, you couldn't be more right, and wrong.

Happenings

Racing Legend Tom Walkinshaw Passes On at Age 64

IN HSV, Tom Walkinshaw

The Scottish racer will be remembered for helping lead Holden to its first series win in V8 Supercars Australia since 2002 through drivers Rick Kelly in 2006 and Garth Tander in 2007.

Instead, it was Keiichi Tsuchiya, the Japanese Drift King who took it sideways around the corners and popularized it with such reverberating fanaticism which transformed the fortunes of what was once an underground sport. Drifting in modern days has become a worldwide culture. Without Tsuchiya, Takumi might be transporting his tofu in a Nissan Silvia S15. But what is so special about these automotive antiques?

Classics

Riders On The Storm | Toyota Trueno And Levin

IN Toyota, Trueno, Levin, AE86, Hachiroku

Riders on the storm, riders on the storm, into this house we're born, into this world we're thrown...

The chassis of the new A6 combines sporty precision with supreme comfort,
with links made of aluminium and a redesigned power steering that features a
highly efficient electromechanical drive. The executive sedan will also have
wheels ranging from 16 to 20 inches in diameter. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system is standard with the new A6, and the front-wheel- drive models have the sporty ESP with electronic limited slip differential on board. For enhanced comfort, adaptive air suspension with controlled damping and dynamic steering will be available soon as options.

Happenings

The New Audi A6 Sedan

IN Audi, A6

Audi has redesigned its executive class model the Audi A6, and it is set to make its market debut in Singapore in the second half of 2011.

After a highly successful first season, the 2011 FIA GT1 World Championship will begin as it did in 2010, in Abu Dhabi at the end of March. As well as the event in the United Arab Emirates, the events in Algarve, Silverstone, Navarra, Paul Ricard and San Luis are all carried over from the inaugural season. The four new tracks on the 2011 calendar include Zolder (Belgium), Sachsenring (Germany) and Curitiba (Brazil), with the GT1 World Championship heading into new territory in September with a race in China, at the Ordos International Circuit.

Motorsports

China And Russia Added To The FIA GT Championships for 2011

IN China, Russia, FIA, GT1, GT3

The 2011 calendars for the FIA GT1 World and GT3 European Championships have been announced by the FIA World Motor Sport Council with two new events in key markets for luxury and sports car manufactur

The Pit

Monthly Giveaways! December 2010

IN Hobby East, Slot car, Ninco

Win for yourself and three friends a full-day slot car track pass courtesy of Hobby East! All you have to do is tag yourself to the product image on our Facebook page!

The title of “SportsCar of the Year” is one of the most sought-after awards in
the German automobile industry, and all participating sports cars had to prove
their worth in over 300 tests and road reports before being nominated. 68,132 readers of “Auto Bild SportsCars” cast their votes in the poll — the eighth time it had taken place — to select the winner from a total of 173 vehicles in 17 categories, each of which was subdivided into “Tuning” and “Production”.

Happenings

IN Audi, RS5, A5, S5

Audi cars put up strong showing in the world-renowned “Auto Bild SportsCars” award.