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Replacing its predecessor, the DB11, which hit the production line back in 2016, the Aston Martin DB12 comes roaring with a 4.0-litre AMG-sourced V8 engine. Aston Martin's engineers have fine-tuned this powerhouse, equipping it with enhanced cam profiles, optimised compression ratios, and larger diameter turbochargers.

The result? A staggering 671 hp and 800 Nm of torque at your disposal.

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Aston Martin Debuts All-New DB12

IN Aston Martin, Debuts, All-New, DB12, Aston Martin DB12

The DB12 is the latest addition to Aston Martin's prestigious DB bloodline.

The opening race in Sepang, Malaysia, heralds the return of the much-missed championship after a long three-season hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first shakedown circuit will be Malaysia’s 5.543km, FIA Grade 1 Sepang International Circuit with the field contesting the first two, 50-minute races of the year. This is also where the Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2 will make its Asian racing debut.

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Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Kicks Off 2023 Season

IN Lamborghini, Super Trofeo, Asia, 2023, Season, Racing, Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia

Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia is back in a big way, with six rounds in six different destinations.

At long last, we now have the official launch of the All-New Lamborghini Revuelto.

The successor to the world-renowned Aventador and next in line to the throne, the Lamborghini Revuelto is the second car from the Italian marque that utilises an electrified drivetrain, after the Sian debuted with the new powertrain configuration.

Evolution

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All-New Lamborghini Revuelto Revealed, Comes With 1001bhp

IN All-New, Lamborghini, Revuelto, Revealed, 1001bhp

The All-New Lamborghini Revuelto still has a thumping V12 engine, but its now coupled to a trio of electrical motors and a lithium-ion battery, making a monstrous 1,001bhp.

From its inception, the Jeep Wrangler has always had unique appeal going for it. It’s one of those iconic cars in automotive history that exudes a certain philosophy, and to this day it still refuses to bend its traditional formula in order to conform with the rest of the industry.

A dinosaur in our strange modern times, but one that a lot of like-minded enthusiasts can appreciate. So then, does this brute still have a place on our sterile roads?

Imposing looks and flexed muscles

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Jeep Wrangler Sahara - Road Warrior

IN Jeep, Wrangler, Sahara, Road, Warrior

The Jeep Wrangler has been retrofitted with modern creature comforts but still retains its old-school barbarian charm.

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.

The new drivetrain is set to feature in its next plug-in hybrid replacement after the Aventador. Aside from the fact that it will be the marque's first plug-in hybrid, the main highlight statistic of the model, codenamed LB744, is the fact that it will get an output in excess of 1,000bhp.

What’s more, the LB744 is the first supercar to be fitted with a 100% carbon fibre front structure. Carbon fibre is also used for the front cone structures to ensure added safety, plus a substantial reduction in weight.

This car will also be different from the Lamborghini Sian, which pioneered the use of electric power in any raging bull courtesy of supercapacitors. The LB744 would instead be run with lithium-ion batteries.

Happenings

Lamborghini reveals information on plug-in hybrid Aventador replacement

IN Lamborghini, Information, Plug-in hybrid, Aventador

The time has come to retire Lamborghini’s legendary combustion V12 engine, and the Italian marque has revealed fresh details on its replacement.

This is a tried and tested formula from Mercedes - take a loud boisterous engine, throw it into one of their cars, and magic happens. In the past, this would have meant a guzzling V8 or V12, with lots of other performance trinkets that turn their cars into undercover street weapons.

However, due to tighter emission standards and the quest for cleaner cars, Mercedes has replaced this formula with smaller displacements. The new Mercedes CLS 53 for example now comes with a smaller turbocharged inline-6 banger.

It still retains its four-wheel drive system and other performance parts, but is it enough to still be worthy of its AMG title?

Downsized engine, upsized fun

Happenings

Mercedes CLS 53 - Regal Rowdiness

IN Mercedes, CLS 53, Regal, Rowdiness

Want something that can pounce on most supercars on the road, and wake up the entire neighbourhood, whilst still looking discreet? Let me introduce you to the Mercedes CLS 53.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are undoubtedly the future for the automobile – at least for the next decade anyways, until governments and manufacturers come around to e-fuels…

However until then, if or when, the car industry is firmly committed to producing EVs. Like everyone else, I’m all for anything that is an improvement over whatever it replaces and so EVs ticks almost all the boxes.

One very big box that remains unchecked, however, is the business of charging. If you are an apartment dweller like me, who doesn’t have regular access to a personal wall box or is using your EV for a road trip, then you’ll know that you have to set up an account with the charging provider, and store your credit card number. And since there are several operators, it would be prudent to hold several accounts to minimize the chances of not being able to charge your EV when need to.

Oh, on road trips, charging stops have to be planned lest you be stranded with a dead EV.

Compare this with the convenience of refuelling conventional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) cars. The drive down the I-5 to Los Angeles takes you through one of the most uninhabited places in California. Yet, you could still find a gas station with no more than 25 miles between them.

You can drive up to any station, use any method of payment, including cash – imagine that, fill up and be on your way for the next 400 miles or so. All in 10 minutes or less.

While EV charging technology is getting faster, and over time will be more common, the business of paying for the charge is ridiculously complicated to paying at the pump. No amount needed, just hand over your money and go. How is this progress?

Okay, I’m sure someone is working on making EV charging more convenient. Wake me up when September ends.

Testing the hybrid theory

Until charging an EV becomes as convenient as refuelling, perhaps hybrid cars will be relevant in the sense that they offer all the advantages of an EV without the drawbacks. This proved to be the case when I drove a 2023 BMW 330e from Los Gatos to Los Angeles.

The car was chosen on the assumption that its 107hp electric motor would be sufficient for pottering around the city while the 181hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine would have the legs to handle the endless stretches of Interstate Freeways without breaking a sweat. Working in tandem with the electric motor, there’s a combined output of 288hp and 310Nm at its driver’s disposal.

Over 300 miles or so of interstate driving, the motor, along with regenerative inertia and braking would have plenty of time to charge up the batteries so I essentially could cruise in the city.

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2023 BMW 330e xDrive: The Really Easy e

IN BMW, 330e

A drive from Silicon Valley to Los Angeles shows why plug-in hybrids still make sense in a growing EV world.

It’s definitely a weird statement to proclaim, but I can’t wait to have a go in the new Prius once it arrives on our shores. Fortunately, I managed to get a sneak peek at this year’s rendition of the Tokyo Auto Salon.

The Prius shown here isn’t exactly stock, adorning an aftermarket body kit from Modellista which will probably not make it to the actual production model. But, it still gives us good insights as to what the Prius will look like when Toyota decides to roll it out.

Happenings

Up Close And Personal With The All-New Toyota Prius

IN Toyota, Prius, Reveal, 2023, Tokyo, Auto, Salon

Toyota’s upcoming Prius took the world by storm when it debuted, with journalists around the world praising its futuristic styling.

Here it is in all its stunning glory, the G81 M3 Touring. With 510hp and 650Nm of torque, 0-100km/h is dispatched in just 3.6 seconds while offering enough space for that Ikea and Giant shopping run. What's not to love? This will likely be the swansong of the pure internal combustion engine (ICE) M3 though, so strike while the iron is hot.

Subaru WRX Sedan & Wagon

Happenings

11 Petrolhead-Apropos Highlights of the Singapore Motorshow 2023

IN Singapore Motorshow, 2023

We're glad to see our local Motorshow back after a three-year hiatus, still with offerings for the hardcore petrolhead

The Kia Stinger first made its debut way back in January 2017, and it took the world by storm. A Korean sports sedan that wants to challenge the likes of other prominent German brands, were they insane? Oh yes they were, and it truly paid off.

Designated as a performance liftback sedan, the Korean model actually became a worthy opponent to some more well-known German cars. Think something something S5, M5 and E43 .

Even with impressive performance figures and practicality, sales of the Stinger were lacklustre worldwide. Competitive pricing by others meant the Stinger never got the spotlight it deserved, and the fact it has a “Kia” badge on the front didn’t help either.

Happenings

2023 Kia Stinger Tribute Edition Marks End of Production Run

IN Kia, Stinger, Tribute, Edition, Final, 1000

Limited to 1,000 units, say goodbye to one of the most underrated sports sedans on the market.

But, this wasn't what Volkswagen did. They quietly launched this - the new face-lifted Arteon. Most people won’t realise this is new, even if it's sitting pretty right in front of you in the showroom.

Ironically, this new facelift actually makes for quite a compelling upgrade over its predecessor, and I feel the Arteon should receive more love in that regard.

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2022 Volkswagen Arteon : Regal-Line

IN Volkswagen, Arteon, Review, Singapore, R-Line, 2022

In order to drum up as much publicity as possible, automakers tend to launch new facelifts to tons of fanfare, even though most of the time there are barely any changes to the existing model.