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Back in the 1960s, Toyota was looking to break the domination of Western luxury brands in the Japanese domestic chauffeur-driven car market. The Century was the result in 1967, and has been favoured by captains of industry in the Land of the Rising Sun ever since, powered initially by a V8, then a V12 for the second generation, and a hybrid V8 for the third generation. They were all sedans too. Enter the fourth generation Toyota Century in 2023. Code-named G70, this looks like Japan's answer to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. However, it still embodies
Happenings

Toyota's Latest-Generation Century Is Now An SUV

IN Captains of industry, Century, Chauffeured, Hybrid, JDM, Latest generation, Toyota, Toyota Century

Higher-riding Century brings Japanese-style chauffeured luxury to captains of industry.


As Jaguar boldly embraces an all-electric horizon, we bid a bittersweet adieu to the iconic 5.0-litre supercharged V8 that has graced the majestic F-Type. This transition, while promising a greener future, also marks the end of an era that has thrilled us with symphonies of power and performance. But fear not, for Jaguar is determined to preserve the soul-stirring essence of its final combustion-powered masterpiece. In a move that truly warms the heart, Jaguar has gifted the British Library with a treasure trove of sound recordings from the F-Type V8, ensuring that the captivating exhaust notes of this mighty beast echo through time for generations to come.
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Jaguar Is Preserving The F-Type’s V8 Sound At The British Library

IN Jaguar, F-Type, V8, Sound, British Library, Burnpavement

The Jaguar F-Type R's V8 soundtrack has been preserved, so future generations can experience and savour it. Nice.


Though ingress and egress wasn’t exactly a cinch, I’m happy to report that it is rather easily doable without having to worry about throwing one’s back out, which is more than can be said about some other low-slung sporty/sports sedans and coupes. At over half a million dollars before COE, the 911 Carrera finds itself going up against the likes of the BMW M3 and M4, an historic rivalry that still continues to this day. From a practicality standpoint, the Bimmers naturally have the upper hand, but they’re both sedan-based and taller, whereas the Porsche is ground-up a lower-slung sports coupe. Outside
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Porsche 911 Carrera - Base Isn’t <i>Just</i> Base

IN Porsche, 911 Carrera, 992

The 992 Generation of the 911 Carrera shows why it is still THE daily-drivable premium sports coupe.


Now with a new seventh-generation under its belt the new 7-Series, which debuted in Singapore earlier this week, fuses controversial styling with a hearty smorgasbord of tech gadgets to offer customers an elevated next-generation luxury experience. The model has taken design cues from other existing BMW luxury models, including the X7 and i7. According to the Bavarian automaker, this design language will continue to develop with future iterations, providing more distinction between these high-end models and other more “affordable” BMW models. Whether you love or hate the new design of the new BMW 7 Series, it is definitely an imposing design choice by the designers. Striking features include the new twin circular headlights, with a split design, and a gigantic BMW kidney grille, both signature BMW design elements. Adaptive LED Headlights come as standard, with BMW’s Selective Beam assistant and custom light effects when unlocking and locking the car. To give the lights a “shimmering” effect, individual LEDs are integrated with crystals from Swarovski, arranged in L-shapes. Like the front end, the rear also features slim LED light units.
Happenings

7th Generation BMW 7 Series Launched In Singapore

IN BMW, 7 Series, New, Luxury

The BMW 7-Series has always been the Bavarian marque’s flagship executive chariot.


As with all previous generations, the new GranTurismo is still predominantly a gran tourer, combining the performance of a sports car with comfortable long-distance travel capabilities. Quintessentially, it still maintains its hearty Italian charm alongside new technological upgrades.
Happenings

Maserati makes a smashing return with the new GranTurismo

IN Maserati, Granturismo, Folgore, New, 2023

Car enthusiasts rejoice! The stylish and well-known Maserati GranTurismo is finally back with a new rendition, albeit with some caveats.


That explains why, even in the sunset of the car’s life, the brand has just unveiled special editions of pretty much its entire model range. With no significant mechanical improvements on the horizon for the Mini family, this is a quick and simple way to keep the cars in the headlines and generate some buzz over them. Paint-and-sticker specials they may be, but that doesn’t mean you should just write them off as just a cynical marketing exercise. Mini Cooper S Pat Moss Edition
Happenings

Mini launches quartet of special editions across model lineup

IN Mini, Hatch, Cooper S, Clubman, Countryman, Special edition

Unique colour and trim specials keep interest up as we await an all-new Mini generation


This new FL5 is the 6th generation of Civic Type R after the EK9, EP3, FD2/FN2, FK2 and FK8, and is based on the 11th-gen Civic that was launched last year. The reveal comes after plenty of teasers with camouflaged prototypes, and a video of the car setting a new FWD lap record around Suzuka Circuit, 0.8 seconds faster than its predecessor: Other than that though, Honda has disappointingly not made any performance claims nor given any engine specs, only stating that it has “an even more powerful” iteration of the K20C 2.0-litre turbo i-VTEC engine, and that it’ll be the fastest Civic Type R ever.
Happenings

FL5 Honda Civic Type R breaks cover

IN Honda, Civic, Type R, Civic Type R, Hot hatch

6th generation Civic Type R aims to be the hottest of hot hatches


The question was not without merit. Sales of the outgoing Toyota Crown had dwindled to just 21,000 units. A far cry from the heady days where the Japanese automaker sold 200,000-plus units at the peak of the Crown era in 1990. It would take nothing short of a complete reboot to stop the decline of interest in sedans around the world.
Happenings

SHOCK: Toyota Crown sedan splits up into four-strong model lineup for 2023

IN Toyota, Crown, SUV, Luxury sedan

16th generation Toyota Crown becomes an SUV, wagon, and lifted sedan; to be sold globally starting from Autumn 2022 in Japan


The pinnacle 7 Series electric vehicle (EV), is called the i7 M70 xDrive. M70, you know, because the familiar M60 designation is now apparently considered too pleb-like to grace the bootlid of BMW's flagship sedan EV. Seven!
Happenings

7th heaven: new BMW 7 Series heads down Electric Avenue

IN BMW, 7 Series, I7, G70, Luxury

Electric drivetrains and 8k displays are just some of the highlights in the all-new flagship BMW 7 Series’ quest to be The Best Car in The World


First of all, let’s clarify the biggest detail about the all-new Lexus NX 350 F Sport tested here. Despite the number in its moniker, this Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) DOES NOT have a 3.5-litre V6 under its bonnet. Instead, it is powered by a 2,393cc turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder unit. In case you were wondering if this might be an allusion to its power output, it makes 275hp, 21hp less than the last Lexus to bear the venerable ‘350’ badge. It gets more interesting. The larger, Lexus RX 300 is fitted with a 1,998cc turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It is not too often that a flagship model gets a smaller engine. So as it is with its German competitors Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, the numbers no longer correspond to the engine capacity. Life used to be simpler…
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Faux-wheel drive: Lexus NX 350 F Sport

IN Lexus, NX 350, F-sport

The second-generation mid-sized SUV from Lexus is stylish and capable. However, not everything is as it seems…


Factor in the current COE price of $82k and the M340i comes within striking distance of the $376,581 Audi S4, also an all-wheel drive 3-litre turbocharged sport sedan that makes 353hp and 500Nm of torque. Altogether, that’s good for an electronically-limited 250km/h top speed and 4.7 second sprint from 0-100km/h. Compelling? Moreover, even though it still sports a straight-6 turbo engine, the M340i is now available in Singapore only with all-wheel drive, or xDrive as BMW calls it. Cue moans and groans from hardcore BMW enthusiasts. Since the regular G20 has already been covered in a previous article, we’ll simply focus on what makes this an M Performance vehicle. The Important Bits The M340i features bulging intakes up front, which sets it apart from the regular 3er and makes that front-end look sharper and meaner. Don’t be deceived by those slim headlights though – they’re up there with the best that we‘ve tested.
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BMW M340i xDrive: Formerly known as Prince

IN BMW, M, M340i, XDrive

True commitment to (most of) BMW’s traditional values is needed


The redesigned model will come in seven colours, including WR Blue Pearl which is unique to the Subaru brand (in other words, not available with the Toyota GR86 – which is available in Neptune and Trueno Blue in other markets).
Happenings

BRZ to arrive in Singapore soon

The second-generation BRZ is due here soon. The 2.4-litre boxer engine in the new BRZ will push out 232 bhp and 250Nm of torque.


What’s new? Up front, the Tiguan has been given a new stoic-looking face that resembles its larger Touareg sibling. There’s a new and wider radiator grille, a higher bonnet line, and a redesigned front bumper. Behind, the ‘Tiguan’ badge is now centrally positioned below the Volkswagen roundel, together with a new ‘4MOTION’ badge to match.
Happenings

We go off-road with the new Volkswagen Tiguan

IN Volkswagen, Tiguan, Volkswagen Tiguan, Volkswagen Centre Singapore

In the 4Motion-equipped Tiguan and Tiguan R-Line, this off-road course seemed like a trip to the supermarket.


What’s new? The latest Civic appears to take a more premium direction, visually aligning itself with the larger Honda Accord. The impression is even more evident inside where a clean and simple dashboard features a full-width honeycomb grille that conceals the air-conditioning vents. The obligatory 9-inch full HD Display Audio touchscreen with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity is situated prominently atop and a built-in wireless smartphone charger appears for the first time in a Civic. According to Honda, the Civic’s all-new styling is designed to improve outward visibility, especially for the driver. This would fundamentally improve the driving experience since the better view out imparts a greater sense of confidence and safety.
Happenings

11th-Gen Honda Civic premieres in Singapore

IN Honda, Civic, Civic Turbo, Honda Civic, Honda Civic Turbo, Kah Motor

The turbo-only 11th-generation Honda Civic was unveiled today and goes on sale from $122,999 with COE.


This time however, the LC 500 finds itself in a slightly different world. By the time COE and a few options such as an alloy wheel or paint colour of your choice are added the new 992-generation Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, you’d be knocking on the door of $700k. There is however, an even better reason to be considering this car, the LC 500 Convertible. If you want the purity of a naturally-aspirated V8 engine, this is the only game in town. To the uninitiated, this means that there’s less plumbing to get in the way of the exhaust noise to make its way out.
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A V8 to Savour | Lexus LC 500 Convertible

IN Lexus, LC, LC500, Lexus LC, Lexus LC500, Convertible, Lexus LC Convertible, Lexus LC500 Convertible, Borneo Motors

We may never get to hear a V8 unadulterated by turbochargers again. That alone is reason enough to buy this car while we still can.


Thanks to that, we’re massive fans of the Skoda Octavia. In fact, we liked it so much that we once had this 2006 Octavia wagon as the unofficial Burnpavement workhorse!
Happenings

5 Simply Clever things we love about the new Skoda Octavia

IN Skoda, Octavia, Combi, Skoda Octavia, Octavia Combi, Skoda Centre Singapore

The fourth-generation Skoda Octavia has just launched in Singapore with two flavours – liftback and wagon. Here’s five things we love about it!


In the car world, examples that come to mind are the Mercedes-Benz G-wagen, or in years past, the Bugatti EB110 Supersport, Subaru WRX STI Spec-C, Mitsubishi Evolution VII, Lancia Delta Integrale, or Alfa Romeo SZ - all cars that are highly prized by collectors, yet you cannot call any of them “classically beautiful”. In the case of the M3 Competition Sedan and M4 Competition Coupé, their huge front grilles serve a functional purpose. The cooling requirements are substantial for a twin-turbo engine that makes 510hp and 650Nm of torque in any part of the world where temperatures can reach in excess of 50-degrees Celsius.
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M and Ms | BMW M3 Competition and M4 Competition

IN BMW, M3, M4, BMW M3, BMW M4, Performance Motors Limited

The latest dynamic duo from the BMW M division arrive in Singapore to offer two distinct flavours of performance.


Gone is the dynamic ‘swoosh’ that ran down the side, with the new car sporting a cleaned side profile. There’s now a single straight line that connects the bonnet to the taillights, in contrast to the sloping roofline. The outgoing model’s coupe-inspired styling is now made even more coupe-like, with an increased rear windscreen rake. This results in a much more fastback-like side profile that mimics the Civic Hatchback. Interestingly, Honda claims that the steeper windscreen hasn’t adversely affected rear-seat space, perhaps thanks to the additional 20mm in wheelbase.
Happenings

New Honda HR-V (Vezel) Revealed

IN Honda, HR-V, Vezel, Honda HR-V, Honda Vezel, Kah Motor

The latest Honda HR-V has been completely redesigned, and gains Honda’s new e:HEV hybrid powertrain.


Isn't this a Porsche Taycan with four rings? Clever. Well, yes and no. You knew I'd say that right? It true though. They both do share the same platform, drive train, dual-motor setup (until recently, when Porsche introduced a single-motor RWD version). Dimensions wise, the two car are 99% identical in length and width as well.
Happenings

Audi's e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT

Officially on sale in Europe, Audi's new generation gran turismo is here.


Back then, it arrived with a 1.0-lire turbocharged engine (amusingly named “Boosterjet”) that gave it an enthusiastic character and made it heaps of fun to drive, but with the revisions to Singapore’s Vehicle Emissions Scheme tax/rebate structure this year, that’s been swapped out for a hybrid model which falls into the maximum rebate tier for its green credentials.
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Toys and Joys | Suzuki Swift 1.2 Mild Hybrid

IN Suzuki, Swift, Hybrid, Suzuki Swift, Swift Hybrid, Champion Motors

The perenially popular Suzuki Swift gains a tiny bit of hybrid power, but it is the lively handling and generous safety equipment that will put the biggest smile on your face.



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