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  • To be fair though, the Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept isn’t all max power and unhinged lunacy. In fact, the thinking behind it is fairly inspired – using Audi’s racing experience to shed massive amounts of weight: the car weighs just 1,111kg, 300 less than the TTS on which it’s based.
    DOCUMENTED: 14.05.2013 | 11:26 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Superleicht

    Like a Superleggera, but German. The Audi Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept makes Lamborghini's (and indeed everyone else's) efforts at a lightweight special seem completely inadequate.

    Think of a German engineer and what normally springs to mind? Meticulousness? Sensibleness? Cold logic and common sense?  In most ca ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Audi, TT, Quattro, Concept, Worthersee, Festival, Lightweight, TSI
    • To be fair though, the Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept isn’t all max power and unhinged lunacy. In fact, the thinking behind it is fairly inspired – using Audi’s racing experience to shed massive amounts of weight: the car weighs just 1,111kg, 300 less than the TTS on which it’s based.
    • Exotic materials abound all over the car. Not only does it have a carbonfibre bonnet, roof and bootlid, even parts of the body in white are made from the stuff – the rear end, central tunnel and B pillars. With the floor and hinges made of magnesium, about 100kg has been shaved from the car’s body.
    • In an effort to further improve the ride and handling, a lot of focus has also been placed on reducing unsprung mass. Or course, there are your obligatory carbon-ceramic brakes, but then there are also other innovations like fiberglass-reinforced plastic springs, as well as special, 20kg-lighter wheels, with aluminium spokes bolted to a carbonfibre rim.
  • With a top speed of 300 km/h, the car also is equipped with huge brakes. In order to slow down the GTI, Volkswagen uses ceramic brake discs all around with 380 mm discs in front and 356 mm at the rear. The are housed behind fat 20
    DOCUMENTED: 10.05.2013 | 11:09 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Volkswagen Design Vision GTI Concept

    Wolfsburg builds a 503 bhp monster! Dubbed the Design Vision GTI, it's giving us flashbacks of a certain 650 bhp Golf.

    Back in 2007, Volkswagen revealed the GTI W12-650 at the GTI Festival in Wörthersee. This year, they've gone and repeated histor ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volkswagen, Design Vision GTI, Concept, W12, Golf
    • With a top speed of 300 km/h, the car also is equipped with huge brakes. In order to slow down the GTI, Volkswagen uses ceramic brake discs all around with 380 mm discs in front and 356 mm at the rear. The are housed behind fat 20
    • Despite looking really massive, the Design Vision GTI is exactly 15 mm shorter than the production GTI, mainly because of the more compact rear apron. It is also lower by 57 mm. But, the concept car is significantly broader by more than 70 mm. The track widths measure about 60 mm wider, giving the Design Vision GTI a really aggressive stance.
    • Inside, the concept car is a tad more futuristic than the production car, but still comes across as a highly believable design. The use of aluminum, alcantara and sporty red accents ensures the driver knows that this car is no ordinary Golf. We hope, but doubt, that Volkswagen will put this into production. But that said, we can't help but wonder if this is in some way, a teaser to the rumoured 300 bhp Golf RS that Volkswagen is developing. We'll see...
  • Exterior-wise, the car looks pretty much looks like a mix of the Grand Turismo and a shrunken Quattroporte; the combination has produced a car that is dotted with sleek lines and sexy curves. The same cannot be said about the car’s rear end; the Kia Cerato-esque lights just do not fit the curvature of the Maserati bodyshell.
    DOCUMENTED: 29.04.2013 | 07:22 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Ghibli Is Ready To Take On The Middle-Weight Champs!

    Maserati shrinks the Quattroporte and slaps in a V6 diesel.

    In the past, if you wanted a mid-sized luxury sedan, there was only the likes of BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Audi and Lexus to turn to. Now th ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Maserati, Ghibli S, Diesel, Quattroporte baby, Luxury,
    • Exterior-wise, the car looks pretty much looks like a mix of the Grand Turismo and a shrunken Quattroporte; the combination has produced a car that is dotted with sleek lines and sexy curves. The same cannot be said about the car’s rear end; the Kia Cerato-esque lights just do not fit the curvature of the Maserati bodyshell.
    • To prevent potential customers getting a ‘culture shock’ when they enter the cabin, the interior has to be on par or be of better quality than the exterior. Inside, leather has been spread just about everywhere. Not only that, the leather helps tie in with the futuristic looking centre console, which finishes with a BMW-like gearstick. Only the finest-quality hides will be used, supplied by Italian specialist Poltrona Frau. There is also an optional Bowers & Wilkins system for any audiophiles out there.
    • A choice of three engines will be available to shift that gorgeous body around. The entry-level powerplant is a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel, developing 271bhp – Maserati’s first ever oil-burner. If you prefer petrol power, Maserati\'s turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine will be available in two states of tune. The top of the line Ghibli S will develop 410bhp and sprint from a standstill to 100km/h in just 5.0sec, and continue ploughing along until it hits 285 km/h. A V8 petrol is expected to follow at a later date. All engines will be coupled with a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters.
  • With that, say hello to the new C4 Picasso. Previewed earlier this year in Geneva by the Technospace concept, the production version doesn’t look like it’s changed one bit, save for the non-body coloured rims. According to Citroen, the egg-shaped cab-forward shell (geddit? Shell? Egg? Never mind) is 40mm shorter than the old car, yet has a 55mm longer wheelbase for added legroom. The new Picasso has also shed 140kg in the quest for lower CO2 emissions.
    DOCUMENTED: 08.04.2013 | 09:07 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Art For All The Family

    MPVs don’t usually have a right to look stylish, but Citroen clearly disagrees.

    Citroen has been in a renaissance in terms of design for several years now. After a period of boringly-styled cars in the ‘90s and ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Citroen, C4, Picasso, MPV
    • With that, say hello to the new C4 Picasso. Previewed earlier this year in Geneva by the Technospace concept, the production version doesn’t look like it’s changed one bit, save for the non-body coloured rims. According to Citroen, the egg-shaped cab-forward shell (geddit? Shell? Egg? Never mind) is 40mm shorter than the old car, yet has a 55mm longer wheelbase for added legroom. The new Picasso has also shed 140kg in the quest for lower CO2 emissions.
    • This is thanks partly to the smaller dimensions and use of aluminium and composites for the bonnet and tailgate, but mostly down to the new EMP2 platform, parent company PSA’s answer to the VW Group’s modular MQB architecture. What this means is a FWD chassis that can be easily modified for different widths, wheelbases and lengths, allowing several models to be spawned from the same platform and lowering overall production costs. The C4 Picasso is the first to use it, to be followed shortly by Peugeot’s next 308.
    • As a family car, the Picasso will live or die on the appeal of its interior. Space will definitely not be at a premium, with a clas-leading 537 litres of boot space and rear seats that can slide, recline and fold individually. The windscreen stretches back over the front row and combines with the panoramic glass roof to brighten up the cabin, while the driver’s view ahead is dominated by two large HD screen displays on the dashboard; a 7-in touchpad with controls for in-vehicle functions (radio, air-con, etc) and a 12-in screen for driving information (speed, navigation, reverse camera).
  • On the outside, it may look like very little work has been done. But look a little closer, and you will realise that Kia has lengthened the Soul, tweaked its headlights and front bumper, and smartened up its rear end. The rear taillight cluster has been replaced by a much smarter and more modern unit, while the rear tailgate has been widened and is now made up of a single piece of glass, with the centre decked out with a piece of body-coloured trim.
    DOCUMENTED: 04.04.2013 | 07:38 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Kia’s Got A New Soul!

    Kia ditches the ‘boy-racer’ look and goes for a more matured look in the facelifted Soul.

    Kia created the Soul a couple of years back in an attempt to ditch their image for making boring, white-good cars. In a way it has worked ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Kia, Soul, New, Supermini, New York
    • On the outside, it may look like very little work has been done. But look a little closer, and you will realise that Kia has lengthened the Soul, tweaked its headlights and front bumper, and smartened up its rear end. The rear taillight cluster has been replaced by a much smarter and more modern unit, while the rear tailgate has been widened and is now made up of a single piece of glass, with the centre decked out with a piece of body-coloured trim.
    • Inside, gone is the radical interior, and in its place, a much smarter and more expensive looking dashboard. The leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather trim on the doors, coupled with a variety of piano black trim and soft touch materials make the Kia Soul feel a whole lot more expensive than it actually is.
    • When it comes to power, there are several engine choices, from the base 1.6 litre engine, to the top of the range 2.0 litre inline four. The 2.0 litre four banger develops 164 bhp, which gives enough power on tap, without sacrificing fuel economy. The powerplant is coupled with Kia\'s new six-speed automatic transmission, which maintains the perfect balance between a sporty drive and comfort.
  • Already distinctive and rather good to look at, the new 3 Series is made even more desirable with this aggressive bodykit. While the stock 3 has design cues that resemble the bigger 5 Series, the added M kit seems to lend well to help the 316i carve its own identity, which is definitely a good thing.
    DOCUMENTED: 03.04.2013 | 20:25 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Less Can Be More | BMW 316i M Sport

    Last to the 3 Series family, the 316i may pack the least power, but it's so affable, it may just leave its middle siblings neglected by the crowd.

    Photos: Joel Tam The honor of being our 1,000th article goes to this worthy BMW. No, it doesn't have 500 bhp, nor does it handle ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : BMW, 3 Series, 316i, 335i, M-Sport
    • Already distinctive and rather good to look at, the new 3 Series is made even more desirable with this aggressive bodykit. While the stock 3 has design cues that resemble the bigger 5 Series, the added M kit seems to lend well to help the 316i carve its own identity, which is definitely a good thing.
    • More good news, the 3 Series now fits into the Cat A COE bracket (although that isn't really saying much, considering how COE prices have been volatile lately). That said, I do believe that BMW is a bit late in bringing in the 316i. Mercedes has already gotten a big fat piece of the pie with their 1.6-litre powered C Class range. But you know what they say - better late than never.
    • With 136 bhp and 220 Nm, the BMW loses out to the Merc in terms of power output, but there is no disputing the fact that it is still a pretty punchy drive. My take is that BMW is marketing this as a more sporty option compared to the Merc, which has always been a more 'business' brand, while BMW's USP has often been driving dynamics.
  • The WRX concept has been designed as a ready-to-rally 4 door sedan. With a much lower and wider stance, it looks a whole lot more aggressive than the current car. To make the car even more aggressive, Subaru has ditched the tiny grille of the current car and have gone for an extremely pronounced front meshed grille and large air intake. The front end is then rounded off by a large bonnet scoop. The rear of the car has received some rather un-Subaru-like cues too; Subaru has ditched the WRX’s huge wing and replaced it with a BMW M3-esque lip spoiler. The whole package certainly looks smart, and knowing Subaru, will probably go like stink too.
    DOCUMENTED: 02.04.2013 | 11:05 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Subaru Stuns with the Scooby

    Incredible-looking WRX Concept is miles ahead of the Impreza, yet retains some of its classic DNA.

    In the recent few years, the gap between the standard Impreza and the WRX has been narrowing; the WRX has become softer and less sporty, ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Subaru, WRX, Impreza, WR Blue, Concept, New York
    • The WRX concept has been designed as a ready-to-rally 4 door sedan. With a much lower and wider stance, it looks a whole lot more aggressive than the current car. To make the car even more aggressive, Subaru has ditched the tiny grille of the current car and have gone for an extremely pronounced front meshed grille and large air intake. The front end is then rounded off by a large bonnet scoop. The rear of the car has received some rather un-Subaru-like cues too; Subaru has ditched the WRX’s huge wing and replaced it with a BMW M3-esque lip spoiler. The whole package certainly looks smart, and knowing Subaru, will probably go like stink too.
    • On the subject of bonnet bulges and going like stink, Subaru themselves have not revealed what would reside under that beautiful bonnet, although we can expect a turbocharged 2.0 litre of some sort.
    • The WRX Concept is definitely a stunning looking thing. Subaru has managed to strike the perfect balance between aggression and beauty for this concept car. The amount of attention to detail is just obsessive, which is why I think this car is the best looking car ever produced by Subaru. That said, it’s not likely this is exactly what the final product will look like as the majority of concept cars get ‘dulled down’ before they enter production. It’s a real shame that such a beautiful machine would never get to feel the roads beneath its wheels.
  • Enter the new Forester XT. With a 2-litre ‘Direct Injection Turbo’ flat-four putting out 240 bhp and 350 Nm, the car will sprint to 100 in 7.5s and top out at 221 km/h. And, this being a crossover, the long-travel suspension should be able to soak up the bumps quite decently. The perfect replacement for newly minted dads needing something more family-friendly than their hopped-up WRXes?
    DOCUMENTED: 01.04.2013 | 13:15 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    A Real Trailblazer

    No, not that honking great GM SUV; Subaru’s latest offering has the pace to be a real scorcher.

    Subaru has been in the doldrums for a while now. It’s been 5 years since they pulled out of the WRC, the WRX and STi models were qu ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Subaru, Forester, XT, Turbo, X-mode, AWD
    • Enter the new Forester XT. With a 2-litre ‘Direct Injection Turbo’ flat-four putting out 240 bhp and 350 Nm, the car will sprint to 100 in 7.5s and top out at 221 km/h. And, this being a crossover, the long-travel suspension should be able to soak up the bumps quite decently. The perfect replacement for newly minted dads needing something more family-friendly than their hopped-up WRXes?
    • Family men will be pleased to hear of the Forester’s safety standards; 7 airbags help contribute to a 5-star EuroNCAP and ‘Good’ IIHS safety ratings. Larger dimensions all round free up more interior room, while practical touches such as one-touch folding rear seats and a rear door that opens nearly 90° make it easier to live with day to day.
    • Most talked about, though, is Subaru’s new X-MODE control system that aids drivers in extreme conditions, all at the push of a button. Similar in concept to Land Rover’s Terrain Response system, it detects when wheels are slipping or have no grip, and appropriately shuffles torque around to the wheel(s) that can use it most. It also incorporates a Hill Descent function, allowing the car to maintain traction and creep down a steep hill, without the driver needing to use the brakes (though you should probably still cover the pedal with your foot, just in case).
  • Now, I can bet with you that Lamborghini would like to be known as the manufacturer that makes wild supercars again. At the Geneva Motor Show, they made sure that that nickname stuck by launching the Lamborghini Veneno. Underneath the radically styled carbonfibre body, lie the chassis and the running gear of the Aventador.
    DOCUMENTED: 18.03.2013 | 12:29 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Ultra Rare Aventador-Based Supercar Launched!

    Lamborghini builds the insane Veneno to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

    Lamborghini has been historically known for making the wildest supercars. That was until the VW-Audi Group bought out the Italian firm. F ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Lamborghini, Veneno, Anniversary, V12, Geneva
    • Now, I can bet with you that Lamborghini would like to be known as the manufacturer that makes wild supercars again. At the Geneva Motor Show, they made sure that that nickname stuck by launching the Lamborghini Veneno. Underneath the radically styled carbonfibre body, lie the chassis and the running gear of the Aventador.
    • Only 3 Venenos will be made, and to add to that exclusivity, each one would be painted in the colours of the Italian Flag. That’s not all. Lamborghini has tried their very best to design a road going Le Mans racer.
    • Being a Lamborghini, not only does it have to look the part, it has to go like stink too! Power comes from the Aventador's 6.5-litre V12, tuned to develop 740 bhp. To put the power to the ground, the engine is coupled to a 7 speed automated manual transmission and permanent all-wheel-drive. With such power and excellent traction, the Veneno will hit 100 km/h from a standstill in under 3 seconds and continue propelling the driver and his passenger to a mind bending 355 km/h.
  • The stats, though, really do make for quite some startling reading. The 6.3-litre V12 is a development of the unit from the F12 Berlinetta, but massaged to produce 790 bhp at a screaming 9000 rpm. Coupled with Ferrari's HY-KERS (HYbrid-Kinetic Energy Recovery System), the LaFerrari manages a grand total of 950 bhp and 970 Nm of torque, eclipsing the McLaren by about 50 bhp, and murdering the Porsche's 785 bhp. As a result, 0-100 km/h is done and dusted in less than 3 sec, 0-200 in less than 7 and 0-300 in 15 sec. The mighty Bugatti Veyron SS, with around 200 bhp more, can only manage those benchmarks in 2.5, 6.7 and 14.6 sec respectively.
    DOCUMENTED: 13.03.2013 | 12:46 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    The New LaFerrari - LaAwesome, Or 'Come On lah'?

    Years of planning, research, testing and teasing have led to this. The War of the Hypercars is upon us and Ferrari wades into battle with the biggest arsenal. It's gonna be an exciting year ahead...

    Sorry about the title, couldn't help myself. You have to admit though, Ferrari's name for this car just leaves it so open to Sing ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Ferrari, LaFerrari, Geneva, Hybrid, Hypercars
    • The stats, though, really do make for quite some startling reading. The 6.3-litre V12 is a development of the unit from the F12 Berlinetta, but massaged to produce 790 bhp at a screaming 9000 rpm. Coupled with Ferrari's HY-KERS (HYbrid-Kinetic Energy Recovery System), the LaFerrari manages a grand total of 950 bhp and 970 Nm of torque, eclipsing the McLaren by about 50 bhp, and murdering the Porsche's 785 bhp. As a result, 0-100 km/h is done and dusted in less than 3 sec, 0-200 in less than 7 and 0-300 in 15 sec. The mighty Bugatti Veyron SS, with around 200 bhp more, can only manage those benchmarks in 2.5, 6.7 and 14.6 sec respectively.
    • The hybrid system on its own contributes 160 bhp and 270 Nm of torque, and actually features two motors - one to assist the engine and the other to power the ancillaries. The batteries can be charged in two ways: using regenerative braking, like in F1 cars (or the Toyota Prius), or in situations where the engine produces more torque than can be effectively deployed (e.g. during cornering). All in, the whole HY-KERS system weights just 140 kg, 62 of which belong to the batteries.
    • As you'd expect, the chassis is made entirely of carbonfibre. Four different varieties, in fact, all hand-laminated and autoclave-cured by the same team that builds the F1 cars. In an effort to maximise torsional rigidity, the seat position is fixed into the chassis, the steering wheel and pedal box being adjustable instead, the end result being a driving position akin to that of a single-seater racing car. The batteries are also integrated into the chassis, in between and underneath the seats to lower the car's centre of gravity. Sadly (or maybe thankfully), “hybrid” needn’t necessarily equate to “eco-friendly”; with 330 g/km of CO2 produced, the LaFerrari is unfortunately not eligible for a CEVS rebate (not that that would put off potential buyers)…
  • The new Mazda 6 has adopted the 'KODO – Soul of Motion' design theme the most. Inspired by the movements of the cheetah in the wild, the new model features the signature wing grille, the new family face of Mazda. Headlamps incorporate LEDs and a new halo ring light, while linking the face to the side character lines and onwards to the signature tail lights.
    DOCUMENTED: 10.03.2013 | 16:56 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Mazda Launches The New Sexy 6!

    The Mazda TAKERI and SHINARI (sounds like sushi) concept cars were great. The actual car while not as wild, is certainly a worthy interpretation. But will it sell as well as its predecessors?

    Photos: Mazda Press 

Probably the first car to be launched after the government announced some stringent measures for the automo ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Mazda, 6, SkyActiv
    • The new Mazda 6 has adopted the 'KODO – Soul of Motion' design theme the most. Inspired by the movements of the cheetah in the wild, the new model features the signature wing grille, the new family face of Mazda. Headlamps incorporate LEDs and a new halo ring light, while linking the face to the side character lines and onwards to the signature tail lights.
    • Inside, the driver-oriented cockpit has a clean and consistent look. Interior parts and finishings have a quality look and feel with faux polished aluminum for parts like the door handles and gearshift knob. Soft materials adds to the sophistication in the cabin.
    • Two engine options have been specced for local cars. The 148 bhp SKYACTIV-G 2.0 direct-injection petrol engine features a 13:1 compression ratio and a specially designed 4-2-1 exhaust system and enhanced fuel spray properties to support the high compression. The new SKYACTIV-G 2.5 direct-injection petrol engine with 189 bhp adds a balance shaft to offset the added vibration from the most powerful SKYACTIV engine to date. Both engines are mated to a SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic transmission.
  • Built near Milano where the company is based, the quality in the manufacturing and finish is nothing short of staggering. From the A-pillar backwards, the new exterior body panels are hand-shaped in steel – including the roof, new wider rear wings, and the internal reinforcements of the complete rear section of the car.
    DOCUMENTED: 27.02.2013 | 09:54 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Eurosports Auto Unveils Bespoke Bentley Continental Flying Star

    It will roughly cost the price of three Bentleys and only 19 will be made. This Bentley built by italian coach builder Touring Superleggera is indeed reserved for the discerning few.

    Photos: Joel Tam As if a Bentley is not already exclusive enough. Italian coach builder Carrozzeria (which means 'auto body' ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Bentley, Eurosports Auto, GTC, Bentley Motors Limited, Touring Superleggera, Flying Star
    • Built near Milano where the company is based, the quality in the manufacturing and finish is nothing short of staggering. From the A-pillar backwards, the new exterior body panels are hand-shaped in steel – including the roof, new wider rear wings, and the internal reinforcements of the complete rear section of the car.
    • Aluminium is used for the door skins, and for the complete rear bonnet including its structure. The new rear compartment requires shaping of the foldable rear seats and a full set of interior panels. The leather trimmings on the inside are finished brilliantly and clearly done with meticulous care.
    • Aside from a maximum cargo load capacity of 1,200 litres, the car can be specced in the 6-liter, W12 engine that ranges from 552 bhp to the top-of-the-line 621 bhp found in the Supersports. So it's got some serious room and vroom too. If based on the Continental GTC Speed's specs, the car will rocket to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds from standstill, and onto a 322 km/h top speed.
  • Aside from the ActiveHybrid badges, it's pretty much the same on the outside, what you get on a regular 3 Series sedan is what you'll find on the AH3. Our test car did come with some silver aluminum inserts and trimmings, the signature kidney grille for example, has its slats finished in silver instead of chrome. Another quick way to differentiate the AH3 from the regular 3 Series is to look at the wheels (provided they aren't spinning). The rotor-styled wheels are unique to the AH3, and along with its bigger brethren, the AH5 and AH7, complete the range of propeller-design wheels on the ActiveHybrid series.
    DOCUMENTED: 08.02.2013 | 09:34 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Mean & Green | BMW ActiveHybrid 3

    How do we save the world without any super powers? BMW has the answer. Packing 335 bhp and 450 Nm, the ActiveHybrid 3 is both mean and green!

    Photos: Joel Tam Essentially based on a 335i (which we like a lot), the ActiveHybrid 3 (let's call it the AH3) is what I'd te ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : BMW, 3 Series, Performance Motors, Hybrid, Active Hybrid, 3
    • Aside from the ActiveHybrid badges, it's pretty much the same on the outside, what you get on a regular 3 Series sedan is what you'll find on the AH3. Our test car did come with some silver aluminum inserts and trimmings, the signature kidney grille for example, has its slats finished in silver instead of chrome. Another quick way to differentiate the AH3 from the regular 3 Series is to look at the wheels (provided they aren't spinning). The rotor-styled wheels are unique to the AH3, and along with its bigger brethren, the AH5 and AH7, complete the range of propeller-design wheels on the ActiveHybrid series.
    • Inside, well, it would have been the same if not for some clever speccing by the local distributor. Our test car came with the 'Modern' package, which swathed the interior of the AH3 in light beige leather and a rather unique choice of wood grain. While it is admittedly different and refreshing in an avant-garde sort of way, it won't make it onto my spec list if I was shopping for an AH3. The relief of the wood grain is just too pronounced for my taste.
    • What was rather cool though, was the white-on-brown instrument dials. Set against the black cluster board, the dials had a contemporary look to them and matched the overall interior extremely well. While not exactly sporty, this interior looks fresh compared to the often black and grey interiors from BMW that we're used to.
  • Well that engine is, along with the rest of the lineup, being phased out to make way for Audi’s potent supercharged 3.0 TFSI. But rather than the performance-tuned 333 bhp you'll find in say the S4, the Q5 has 272 bhp and 400 Nm of torque. Paired with Audi’s 8-speed Tiptronic transmission, it is the same quick-shifting unit you'll find on top tier Audi sedans. We would have loved for it to be mated to the S-tronic though, because the Q5 is a rather nifty handling SUV, and with all that power, it makes for a rather sporty drive.
    DOCUMENTED: 01.02.2013 | 04:52 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Luxury Hatch On Stilts | Audi Q5 3.0 TFSI

    Audi bid's their naturally aspirated 3.2 V6 farewell, and the updated Q5 SUV impresses with a good drive thanks to a new 3-litre power-plant pushing 272 bhp and a hefty 400 Nm.

    Photos: Joel Tam The first-generation Audi Q5 had a good take-up rate around the world and here in Singapore too. Launched with two ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Audi Q5, Audi Singapore, Premium Automobiles, SUV
    • Well that engine is, along with the rest of the lineup, being phased out to make way for Audi’s potent supercharged 3.0 TFSI. But rather than the performance-tuned 333 bhp you'll find in say the S4, the Q5 has 272 bhp and 400 Nm of torque. Paired with Audi’s 8-speed Tiptronic transmission, it is the same quick-shifting unit you'll find on top tier Audi sedans. We would have loved for it to be mated to the S-tronic though, because the Q5 is a rather nifty handling SUV, and with all that power, it makes for a rather sporty drive.
    • Our test car came with chunky five-spoke 20
    • Outwardly the Q5 gets very subtle changes. The Audi grille now has a hexagonal shape, keeping to the latest look from Ingolstadt. The lower S-line bumpers on our test car gets some additional details at the ventilation vents. Also new are the front and rear LED headlamps with modern looking daytime-running lamps.
  • With the sporty-elegant lines of a coupé body and the aggression on the typical M cars, the BMW M6 Coupé combines an intense M feeling with an alluring design aesthetic. Within the premium segment of the executive class, the BMW M6 Coupé is compelling for its outstanding dynamics and hallmark M conceptual harmony coupled with high everyday utility. 
    DOCUMENTED: 25.01.2013 | 05:18 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    BMW’s Good Design Rewarded

    As a company that offers design services ourselves, we appreciate good design and concepts. So we're happy to note that BMW has been rewarded for their efforts in this discipline.

    Seven BMW Group Design products have won the prestigious “GOOD DESIGN” award. The award, touted as the  most prestigious ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : BMW, BMW Asia, 6 Series, Gran Coupe, 3 Series, Design, M5, MINI, MINI Roadster
    • With the sporty-elegant lines of a coupé body and the aggression on the typical M cars, the BMW M6 Coupé combines an intense M feeling with an alluring design aesthetic. Within the premium segment of the executive class, the BMW M6 Coupé is compelling for its outstanding dynamics and hallmark M conceptual harmony coupled with high everyday utility. 
    • By combining the aesthetics and dynamics of a classical BMW Coupé with luxurious appeal, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé has an unusually low-slung proportions for a four-door model, giving it a striking sportiness. The car’s low height and flat coupé roofline that flows into the rear render the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé an expression of pure BMW aesthetics. The interior design, meanwhile, with its harmonious visual link between front and rear seats, creates a perfect combination of elegance and dynamics.
    • The iconic BMW 3 Series Sedan represents BMW’s core values of sportiness and elegance. Sharps lines on the exterior mark out the typical BMW proportions. The front end has been redesigned, and is a systematic evolution of the front-end design of earlier models. 
  • To create a contrast to the exterior paint, stainless steel-look trim runs all around the SUV's lower body section. A prominent and long bonnet with integrated air inlets ensures the engine has ample room and remains cool. The stereotypical 4x4 has a long roof line coupled with a very short front overhang, as does the CrossBlue Concept.
    DOCUMENTED: 23.01.2013 | 11:44 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Eco-Offroading in VW’s new SUV Concept

    Think hybrids are dull? Think again. Volkswagen's new Eco-SUV Concept not only looks aggressive, this 7-seater will pack 700 Nm and accelerate to 100 km/h 7.2 Seconds if it goes into production.

    When the words ‘hybrid car’ are mentioned, most people associate the term with the Toyota Prius. I don’t blame them; Pr ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volkswagen Group Singapore, Volkswagen, VW, Cross Blue, SUV
    • To create a contrast to the exterior paint, stainless steel-look trim runs all around the SUV's lower body section. A prominent and long bonnet with integrated air inlets ensures the engine has ample room and remains cool. The stereotypical 4x4 has a long roof line coupled with a very short front overhang, as does the CrossBlue Concept.
    • With better a better intake of air comes better performance ability. The car’s powerplant is likely to be a 2.0 liter TDI, which produces 190 front wheel bhps. The diesel powerplant is paired up with batteries and two electric motors. Upon request, there is a 54 bhp electric motor to support the front wheels and a another 114 bhp electric motor to work the rear wheels, essentially turning it into a 4x4. In total, this car would have a combined 305 bhp and 700Nm of torque. The car’s century sprint time is 7.2 seconds. That isn’t exactly fast, but bearing in mind this is a Hybrid SUV, that figure is actually quite impressive. Fuel economy is good too. In hybrid mode, the car can achieve 14km for every litre of fuel. Estimated combined cycle fuel consumption is 2.1 liters per 100 km. The car can also be used as a pure diesel or a pure EV.
    • Inside the cockpit, there is ample space for maximum comfort. The car is very spacious, and has seating for six. In the back, air vents are integrated in the roof liner to ensure every passenger is cool. There is no lack of screens; two Ipad Minis are embedded in the backs of the headrests so that passengers in the middle row can be kept amused. A big screen in the centre of the dashboard allows for easy viewing of the satnav. The interior is dripping with cream leather, with bits of piano black accents and wood trim to liven up the interior.
  • To maximise driving feedback, the car has to be set up just right. KW takes care of this by allowing the driver to adjust the characteristics of the front and rear dampers independently, while still remaining true to the high safety standards of the C63 AMG set by Mercedes Benz. The “Comfort” damper setup has a very soft damping (displayed in the App with 0%), while the “Sport+” damper setup is much harder(displayed in the App with 100%). However, controlling the dampers via the app is an option that involves the installation of a W-LAN module. Once that is installed, the unit uses secured WiFi to communicate with the iPhone.
    DOCUMENTED: 21.01.2013 | 11:47 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    KW DDC ECU Suspension Kit Available For Mercedes C63 AMG

    Tired of the ‘soft’ suspension in your C63 AMG? KW is here to help.

    For drivers who demand a firmer more responsive drive, a suspension upgrade is one of the best and least expensive ways to do so. KW has ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : KW, Coilovers, Mercedes-Benz, C63, Suspension, AMG
    • To maximise driving feedback, the car has to be set up just right. KW takes care of this by allowing the driver to adjust the characteristics of the front and rear dampers independently, while still remaining true to the high safety standards of the C63 AMG set by Mercedes Benz. The “Comfort” damper setup has a very soft damping (displayed in the App with 0%), while the “Sport+” damper setup is much harder(displayed in the App with 100%). However, controlling the dampers via the app is an option that involves the installation of a W-LAN module. Once that is installed, the unit uses secured WiFi to communicate with the iPhone.
    • A total of five setups can be stored with the KW DDC App, and each setup can be shared with friends via E-Mail. In addition, the KW DDC control module reads the vehicle data while the car is being driven, and automatically adjusts the damping characteristics to the driving speed. In “Sport” mode, agility is increased, in “Sport+\
    • Installation is straightforward; the original struts will be replaced by completely mounted KW coilover struts in “inox-line” stainless steel finish. This means that should the driver ever want to revert to a stock setup, he/she would be able to do so without too much of a struggle.
  • The V6 is offered with a choice of drivetrains from an AWD ‘Q4’ system that is LHD only, to a more traditional RWD. Both V6s are capable of a top speed of 285 km/h. This “Q4” system is a revolutionary first for the new Quattroporte.
    DOCUMENTED: 15.01.2013 | 07:42 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Maserati Quattroporte unveiled at North American International Auto Show

    Maserati hopes the redesigned Quattroporte can help achieve a sales figure of 50,000 cars by 2015.

    Maserati’s redesigned halo car has officially been unveiled at the 2013 North American International Auto Show. The new Quattroport ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Maserati, Quattroporte, V6, V8
    • The V6 is offered with a choice of drivetrains from an AWD ‘Q4’ system that is LHD only, to a more traditional RWD. Both V6s are capable of a top speed of 285 km/h. This “Q4” system is a revolutionary first for the new Quattroporte.
    • The system can redistribute torque from full rear wheel drive at higher speeds to a perfectly balanced 50/50 distribution between front and rear wheels when more traction is needed almost instantaneously.
    • All engines are developed in house by Maserati, and built in the same plants that churn out Ferrari engines. Its gearbox is jointly developed with ZF and features the latest 8 speed automatic technology.
  • The new car boasts 450 bhp from an all new LT1 GM V8, making it the most powerful ‘base model’ corvette of all time. It also has 65Nm more low-end torque than the outgoing model. The exhausts are also less restrictive than the previous Corvette; the four exhausts each measuring 2.75 inches, compared to 2.6 inches on its predecessor. This results in improved air flow of up to 13%. All this adds up to a century sprint time of less than 4 seconds.
    DOCUMENTED: 14.01.2013 | 16:11 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Redefining the Corvette

    After many months of repeated teasing, Chevrolet has finally unveiled the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray a day before the 2013 Detroit Motor Show officially opens.

    The entire car has been redesigned for the 2014 model year, with cues taken from market rivals. Chevrolet hopes this redefinition can hel ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Corvette, Stingray, Chevrolet, Detroit Motor Show
    • The new car boasts 450 bhp from an all new LT1 GM V8, making it the most powerful ‘base model’ corvette of all time. It also has 65Nm more low-end torque than the outgoing model. The exhausts are also less restrictive than the previous Corvette; the four exhausts each measuring 2.75 inches, compared to 2.6 inches on its predecessor. This results in improved air flow of up to 13%. All this adds up to a century sprint time of less than 4 seconds.
    • With its 18/19 inch wheels mated to Michelin Pilot Super Sport run-flat tires, the car is able to generate over 1G when cornering, and goes from 100km/h to naught in about the same time it takes the Z06, thanks to its factory fitted Brembo brakes.
    • The gearbox comes in the form of a seven-speed TREMEC manual transmission with Active Rev Matching. The Active Rev Matching helps the driver perform seamless up and down-shifts. A six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission would also be available for those who prefer a more relaxed drive. Just like its manual sibling, the auto box will utilise Active Fuel Management system. The automatic has a launch control function, designed to launch the car at the optimal rpm no matter what the driver’s skills are.
  • AMG is going all out for the styling; the car has a very aggressive appearance to tell all the bystanders that this is no businessman’s bog-stock E-Class, but a performance car capable of scarsely believable performance figures. The front and rear bumpers, headlights and the side skirts have been modified. The headlights come in the form of a one-piece unit with LEDs and bi-xenon, as compared to the two-piece unit on the outgoing car. The side skirts are more pronounced and features trim that runs goes along the length of the car.
    DOCUMENTED: 11.01.2013 | 18:33 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    New Mercedes E63 AMG Already?

    AMG’s family-friendly 5-seater gets a new face, new drivetrain and even more power!

    Barely 12 months after the current E63 AMG started production, its replacement has already been launched, awaiting production in Q3 2013. ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Mercedes E63 AMG, E Class, AMG, V8
    • AMG is going all out for the styling; the car has a very aggressive appearance to tell all the bystanders that this is no businessman’s bog-stock E-Class, but a performance car capable of scarsely believable performance figures. The front and rear bumpers, headlights and the side skirts have been modified. The headlights come in the form of a one-piece unit with LEDs and bi-xenon, as compared to the two-piece unit on the outgoing car. The side skirts are more pronounced and features trim that runs goes along the length of the car.
    • The interior comes with grey contrasting seams on the AMG sports seats, the door center panels, the armrests of the doors and the center console. The seat belts are silver, which makes it a good contrast with the a black interior. The grip areas of the black Nappa leather steering wheel rim with flattened top and bottom is finished in Alcantara® with gray contrasting seams There is a full list of performance-orientated standard equipment too.
    • AMG door sill panels backlit in white, power rear roller blinds (sedan only), AMG sports pedals made from brushed stainless steel with rubber studs, Attention Assist, Collision Prevention Assist and Metallic paintwork. All these are made from the highest quality materials, with excellent workmanship and the exclusive ambiance.