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  • DOCUMENTED: 21.05.2013 | 07:33 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Beetle Juiced | Volkswagen Beetle 1.4 TSI

    With some added power, the otherwise cute Volkswagen Beetle is now quite the road beast.

    Photos: Joel Tam Would you call the 1.4 TSI of the Volkswagen Beetle juiced? Well, yes and no. Yes because this particular car is no ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volkswagen, Beetle, 1.4 TSI, Supercharged, VGS
    • Instead of writing some boring old tripe about the Beetle and ‘stealthily’ inserting sycophantic platitudes about the halcyon days of the Type 1 and how it sparked off a lineage of coupes powered by boxer engines at the rear like a doe eyed fan boy, I shall refrain from that and go straight to the point about this car’s performance and what it can actually do.
    • In terms of looks, this car resembles its 1.2 TSI sibling, sporting the same dynamic, sporty and masculine look to make it appealing to both sexes but yet at the same time features additional ‘go-fast’ bits such as the rear spoiler and bigger chromed out 18-inch retro styled Disc rollers, dat y'all be flossin' wit when ridin'.
  • 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...
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • The exterior of the Fiesta ST has several alterations that include a large grille (that may have been inspired by a certain British Marque) that dominates the front fascia, a new front splitter, and a rear fascia shaped to resemble a rear diffuser. To further distinguish the ST from the normal Fiesta, the ST has a dual exhaust outlets, a new rear wing and tricked out 17 inch alloy wheels. Of course, a hot hatch is meant to scream in your face, and what better way to do it then to paint it in a bright Orange specifically made for the car?
    DOCUMENTED: 26.03.2013 | 06:20 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    ‘Hot’ Fiesta Launched!

    Ford bolts a turbo on a Fiesta and turns it into a Euro-hatch killer. Let's hope it makes its way here!

    For many years now, the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Mini Cooper JCW have dominated the hot hatch segment. Being such a lucrative market, ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Ford, Fiesta, ST, Hot, Hatch, Manual
    • The exterior of the Fiesta ST has several alterations that include a large grille (that may have been inspired by a certain British Marque) that dominates the front fascia, a new front splitter, and a rear fascia shaped to resemble a rear diffuser. To further distinguish the ST from the normal Fiesta, the ST has a dual exhaust outlets, a new rear wing and tricked out 17 inch alloy wheels. Of course, a hot hatch is meant to scream in your face, and what better way to do it then to paint it in a bright Orange specifically made for the car?
    • With such a ‘spicy’ exterior, Ford had to really pull out the big guns to piece together an interior that matched the exterior. They did so by putting a pair of Recaros in the front and various ST trim in the interior. To make the cabin a more pleasant place to be in, Ford has lifted a few pieces of equipment off the Fiesta’s bigger brother; the Fiesta ST has a sound symposer that enhances aural pleasure by piping sound directly into the cabin.
    • Power comes from a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four cylinder developing 197 bhp that is mated only to a six speed manual \'box (save the manuals! - ed.). To make the car less of a handful, Ford has fitted it with larger brakes, an electronically controlled brake-based torque-vectoring setup and a three-mode stability-control system.
  • Stomp on the pedal from standstill and the new GTI will accelerate to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 246 km/h. The GTI Performance will edge ahead a little at 250 km/h and 6.4 seconds for the sprint to 100 km/h.
    DOCUMENTED: 27.02.2013 | 11:06 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    New Volkswagen Golf GTI To Grace Geneva Motor Show

    Following the news on Volkswagen's GTD diesel hot-hatch, their iconic GTI has officially been announced and will make an appearance at the Geneva Motor Show.

    For the first time in its 36-year history, the Volkswagen GTI will come with a performance pack that will push power up by 10 bhp for the ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volkswagen, Golf, GTI, Geneva Motor Show
    • Stomp on the pedal from standstill and the new GTI will accelerate to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 246 km/h. The GTI Performance will edge ahead a little at 250 km/h and 6.4 seconds for the sprint to 100 km/h.
    • What is impressive is the fact that the new car not only develops more power, but will consume less fuel. Up to 18% less in fact. Both GTI versions are equipped with a Stop-Start system and meet the EU-6 emissions standard.
    • Some distinct GTI traits have been brought over from past models. Chrome dual exhaust tips on each side, traditional red-painted brake calipers, GTI-specific wheels, a diffuser and smoked LED rear lights are some ways to spot the new Mk7 GTI.
  • When coupled together, the total output is good for producing upwards of 900 bhp and 900Nm of torque, while emitting less than 200g/km of CO2. The electric motor is not only for boosting power though, the car can be driven as a pure EV. That said, the range is not exactly what you would call ‘adequate’, but the 9.6 km range would probably be enough for one to drive to the nearby shops and back. The 96kg battery can be charged either the engine or by a plug-in charger, which will take it from empty to full in two hours.
    DOCUMENTED: 22.02.2013 | 10:19 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Production McLaren P1 All Set To Show!

    McLaren’s halo car is set to be a tough competitor to its Ferrari rival. Watch out Maranello!

    Since the debut of the McLaren P1 at the 2012 Paris Motorshow, McLaren has slowly been removing the wraps on their sexy new halo car. The ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : McLaren Singapore, McLaren Automotive, Singapore, P1
    • When coupled together, the total output is good for producing upwards of 900 bhp and 900Nm of torque, while emitting less than 200g/km of CO2. The electric motor is not only for boosting power though, the car can be driven as a pure EV. That said, the range is not exactly what you would call ‘adequate’, but the 9.6 km range would probably be enough for one to drive to the nearby shops and back. The 96kg battery can be charged either the engine or by a plug-in charger, which will take it from empty to full in two hours.
    • Speaking about driving to the shops, the interior of the car should be a nice enough place to be in. Although the interior might be bare, it certainly is well made; the interior has been lavished with a lot of carbon fibre trim. The seats are racing buckets with uber thin carbon fibre shells with six-point race harnesses. All the above has been done in an attempt to keep the weight as low as possible. That said, should you desire, you can still opt for full climate control, satellite navigation and a bespoke sound system, but why would you?
    • The exterior of the car matches the elegance of the interior perfectly. Although the exterior has been designed to be functional, it still is a striking looking thing. Its headlights are reminiscent of the McLaren logo. Its rear end manages to balance aesthetics, function and aggression to such an extent that the car simply looks breath-taking. Of course, the car does not only look pretty, it is safe too. It uses a carbon fibre monocoque with a safety cage concept called the MonoCage, a further development of the MonoCell used in the current MP4-12Cs.
  • 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.
  • I've always been fond of Peugeot's car designs. The 308, RCZ and the new 508 GT in particular are my personal favorites. I can't say the same for the 408 though. Somehow, the proportions look a bit wrong to me. That said, I could be the only one with that view, because almost everywhere I took the 408, people were staring - no kidding - this regular sedan was turning heads!
    DOCUMENTED: 07.02.2013 | 06:37 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    French Kiss | Peugeot 408 1.6 Turbo

    The new Peugeot 408 has a lot of room and packs some 'vroom' too. Can it take the game to the Germans and the Japanese though?

    Photos: Joel Tam The French are really good at branding themselves with many of the most desirable things in life. Think Paris, Frenc ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Peugeot, 408, Sedan, AutoFrance
    • I've always been fond of Peugeot's car designs. The 308, RCZ and the new 508 GT in particular are my personal favorites. I can't say the same for the 408 though. Somehow, the proportions look a bit wrong to me. That said, I could be the only one with that view, because almost everywhere I took the 408, people were staring - no kidding - this regular sedan was turning heads!
    • Granted, the car has a sleek looking face - long sharp headlamps and a shark-like nose give it a elegant yet aggressive stance, but the rear seems to taper off a little to steep and too abruptly for my liking. That, plus the high middle section, makes you look like you're driving a mountain. Ok, maybe it's not that bad, after all, the 408 was conceived to be a sedan right from the start, so odd as some sections seem to me, it does come together to produce an overall handsome-ish profile (from some angles).
    • Step inside and the feeling of spaciousness is not merely a notion, there really is a lot of room in here. The dash is pretty familiar, most of the knobs, dials, trimmings and instrument cluster are clearly Peugeot family parts. Materials used are good with a mix of chrome trimmings, black inserts, and the generous application of brown leather on our test-car ups the 'premium' feel. The door handles on the inside seem rather plasticky though, that's about the only gripe for me.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • The engine is not that new, the 4.0 TFSI, which debuted last year, is an example of Audi's downsizing strategy in the high-performance category. In the new Audi RS6 Avant, the twin-turbo V8 delivers 560 bhp and 700 Nm of torque that is available between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm.
    DOCUMENTED: 09.01.2013 | 17:02 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    New Audi RS6 To Be Powered By Twin-Turbo V8

    Lighter and more efficient than the previous model, but with 2 cylinders less. The new RS6 still manages to be even faster than the V10 model it replaces.

    Photos: Audi press With a 0 to 100 km/h sprint of just 3.9 seconds and top speed of 305 km/h. The new RS6 is once again going to be, ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Audi, RS6, V8, Estate
    • The engine is not that new, the 4.0 TFSI, which debuted last year, is an example of Audi's downsizing strategy in the high-performance category. In the new Audi RS6 Avant, the twin-turbo V8 delivers 560 bhp and 700 Nm of torque that is available between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm.
    • It features Audi's cylinder on demand (COD) system. At low to intermediate loads and engine speeds, it shuts down the intake and exhaust valves of cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8. The 4.0 TFSI then runs as a four-cylinder engine until the driver accelerates more strongly again.
    • The new RS6 Avant will be the first RS model from Audi to come standard with a specifically tuned air suspension. The dynamic setup of the RS6 adaptive air suspension lowers the body by 20 mm. The system combines the air suspension with controlled damping and takes into account the road conditions, the driving style and the mode chosen in the Audi drive select.
  • DOCUMENTED: 07.01.2013 | 06:28 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    MINI John Cooper Works Paceman

    MINI's first compact Sports Activity Coupé gets the full John Cooper Works treatment with a punchy 218 bhp power-plant!

    Photos and press release: BMW press The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman celebrates its world premiere at the North American Internatio ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : MINI, Cooper Paceman, Paceman, John Cooper Works
  • The Cayenne GTS features signature trims in high-gloss black, prominent side skirts and wider wheel arches. The launch model had glossy black wheels in a huge and delicious 21
    DOCUMENTED: 01.11.2012 | 11:16 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Porsche Launches New Cayenne GTS

    Stuttgart Auto has launched the new Cayenne GTS at the Glass House in Sentosa. Packing a 420 bhp tweaked V8, the spicy GTS will sit between the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo in the brand's line-up.

    Photos: Low Fai Ming Porsche's higher specced variants have always been dubbed with a GTS badge, which stands for Gran Turismo S ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Porsche Cayenne, Cayenne, GTS, V8, PDK, Porsche Asia Pacific, Eurokars
    • The Cayenne GTS features signature trims in high-gloss black, prominent side skirts and wider wheel arches. The launch model had glossy black wheels in a huge and delicious 21
    • The GTS features a leather interior with Alcantara as standard. Front sports seats with eight adjustment options are also featured as standard in the new Cayenne GTS.
    • Retailing at SGD 370,888 without COE. Prices include a 5-year free maintenance and warranty program, market-specific equipment and GST.
  • Also standard, is a cool electronically adjustable air suspension which can lower the car by 20mm. While the steering is electromechanical, a dynamic steering with an adjustable ratio is optional, as is a carbon-ceramic braking system.
    DOCUMENTED: 01.11.2012 | 10:34 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Audi Launches New S7 Sportback

    It was an evening of hellos and goodbyes as Audi launched the new 420 bhp S7 Sportback and bid farewell to Audi Singapore's Managing Director, Mr Reinhold Carl.

    Photos: Low Fai Ming Held at the glass atrium of the National Museum of Singapore, Audi launched the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 S7 Sport ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Audi S7, S7, A7, V8, Audi Singapore, Premium Automobiles
    • Also standard, is a cool electronically adjustable air suspension which can lower the car by 20mm. While the steering is electromechanical, a dynamic steering with an adjustable ratio is optional, as is a carbon-ceramic braking system.
    • Exterior-wise, it's hard to differentiate the S7 with a decked-out 3.0 TFSI. Other than the badging, aluminium bits and quad exhausts (which can be easily changed), everything else looks pretty much the same.
    • Inside, it's a little better, sports seats covered in Valcona leather with diamond-patterned stitching, a unique steering wheel with contrasting stitching and aluminum shift paddles, a unique gauge cluster, start button and aluminum optic pedals - along with S7 badging throughout, help to distinguish this from the regular A7s.
  • Let's take a closer look at the exterior, there's a beefed-up new bumper with integrated front fog lights, black honeycomb inserts with silver guards and silver roof rails, all of which have become a signature for the Cross range.
    DOCUMENTED: 19.10.2012 | 11:43 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    The Angry Car | Volkswagen CrossPolo 1.2 TSI

    Launched at a time of high COEs, the trendy and well-packaged Volkswagen CrossPolo misses out on being found in more homes. You can see why it's not too happy about that.

    Photos: Joel Tam Slightly raised, clad with black side skirts, roof rails and a set of rugged sports rims, the CrossPolo resembles a ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volkswagen, Polo, CrossPolo, 1.2 TSI
    • Let's take a closer look at the exterior, there's a beefed-up new bumper with integrated front fog lights, black honeycomb inserts with silver guards and silver roof rails, all of which have become a signature for the Cross range.
    • The black lower half will help distinguish the CrossPolo from its 'lesser' brethren, as do the wheel arch extensions and the aggressive 17” ‘Budapest’ alloy wheels fitted as standard. The car also rides 15 mm higher than the standard Polo and comes in a colour range that includes this exclusive Magma Orange on our test-car, making the car pretty hard to miss on the road.
    • Other than that, silver side mirrors, along with subtle decals on the rear passenger doors to help set this model apart from the regular Polo. Things are not so different inside though. Step inside, and you'll find the cabin is largely similar to a typical Polo. Not that it is a bad thing. We've always loved Volkswagen interiors. While they're not of high-end premium quality, they're a class ahead of the Japanese makes and are both functional and well-built.
  • By selecting the Sport Mode, the driver can benefit from a peak power of 265 hp and up to 360 Nm of torque for even crisper acceleration response. Thanks to this Renault Sport innovation, it is possible to use Mégane R.S.’s potential to the full, notably on tracks. At the same time, the sound produced by Mégane R.S.’s engine has been revised to ensure a satisfying pitch at all revs thanks a more open exhaust design and a reinforced sound pipe.
    DOCUMENTED: 26.09.2012 | 15:21 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    New Megane RS265 - Red Bull Racing Special Edition

    After the Clio R.S and Twingo R.S, Renault has now released Mégane R.S to mark its successful partnership with Red Bull Racing on the racetrack.

    Photos courtesy of Wearnes Automotive   The Mégane RS265 delivers 15 extra horsepower and 20Nm additional torque. Cup ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Renault, Red Bull, Red Bull Racing Special Edition, Megane, Megane RS265, Renault Megane RS265
    • By selecting the Sport Mode, the driver can benefit from a peak power of 265 hp and up to 360 Nm of torque for even crisper acceleration response. Thanks to this Renault Sport innovation, it is possible to use Mégane R.S.’s potential to the full, notably on tracks. At the same time, the sound produced by Mégane R.S.’s engine has been revised to ensure a satisfying pitch at all revs thanks a more open exhaust design and a reinforced sound pipe.
    • In terms of looks, the front end is more expressive, while the F1-style front blade which is a characteristic of Renault Sport models features two rows of six LEDs and the headlights sport black surrounds. The centre of the new design 18-inch matt black alloy rims (19-inch for Red Bull Edition). A new interior trim has been introduced, featuring sporty details including black lacquer inishes for the centre console and air vent surrounds, plus a charcoal-effect finish for the door panel inserts.
    • It continues with the R.S Monitor which takes its inspiration from the on-board telemetry systems seen in motor racing. It allows purists to adjust the parameters of the driver aids and benefit from the display of data on the dashboard (automatic timing of 0-100km/h acceleration, throttle settings, etc.).
  • DOCUMENTED: 16.07.2012 | 15:04 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Volkswagen Launches A New Icon

    With over 21 million manufactured, the Beetle is the longest-running car of a single design platform in the world. While it may never repeat that feat, the new Beetle sure looks like a winner!

    Photos: Low Fai Ming & Joel Tam Wider, longer and lower, the latest Beetle is what the new Beetle should have been. With a highe ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volkswagen, Beetle, 1.2 TSI
  • The BMW Zagato Coupé heralds a new chapter in the tradition of cooperation between BMW and Italian designers. Much has changed since earlier collaborations, however, with the advent of new working methods such as digital sketching, Photoshop and CAD/CAS tools, things have gotten easier, and designs alot bolder.
    DOCUMENTED: 26.06.2012 | 07:56 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    BMW And Zagato Combine Forces to Produce A One-off

    Milanese coachbuilder Zagato has teamed up with BMW to unveil the BMW Zagato Coupé, a hand-crafted special that premiered at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

    No news as to whether this is a hint at the new BMW Z4. But the BMW Zagato Coupé certainly looks like a BMW, yet at the same ... MORE

    • The BMW Zagato Coupé heralds a new chapter in the tradition of cooperation between BMW and Italian designers. Much has changed since earlier collaborations, however, with the advent of new working methods such as digital sketching, Photoshop and CAD/CAS tools, things have gotten easier, and designs alot bolder.
    • But despite these advances in the design tools available, the human touch is still essential to the process. “Working with Zagato was a fantastic experience. It was extremely enriching for us to create something with people who share our understanding of good design and passion for cars,” explains Karim Habib, Head of Design BMW Automobiles.
    • “And that is what makes the car so special – the open and constructive dialogue with Zagato, their experience, craftsmanship and incomparable sense for forms. All of these gifts are wrapped up in the BMW Zagato Coupé.”