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Happenings

Here are 3 more road cars spawned from the world of F1

When road cars are "inspired by F1", it's usually just lip service. Here are three that take the claim very seriously

Back in the '80s, during F1's original turbo era, Porsche was an engine supplier, providing McLaren Racing with a 1.5-litre twin-turbo V6. But before putting it into the race car, it had to be tested, and for that, McLaren and Porsche stuck it unmodified into a 930 Turbo test mule. This white prototype - largely unmodified save for 17-inch RUF wheels, a front bumper from the 930 Flatnose, and a taller whaletail engine cover with extra vents - was kept secret by McLaren until it surfaced in the middle of last decade.

Happenings

These 3 F1-engined road cars beat the Mercedes-AMG One to the punch

IN Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes, AMG, One, Hypercar, F1, Formula One, Porsche, 930 Turbo, McLaren, Yamaha, Ferrari, F50

The Mercedes-AMG One isn’t the only car with a Formula One powerplant. Here are a few that came before it.

With the new Unlimited range by German wheel manufacturer BBS however, that’s about to change. Under this new “one size fits all” philosophy, BBS Unlimited wheels will only be made in one bolt pattern - 5x117.5. The wheels then mount up via adapters that match the car’s bolt pattern.

Happenings

BBS unveils universal wheel that’s “suitable for all vehicles”

IN BBS, Wheels, Aftermarket, Car modding

A step change for the aftermarket?

But alas that’s not to be. As we covered recently, the Subaru WRX STI is gone. Dead. Finito. Thankfully however, Toyota has taken that same rally-inspired recipe and - as celebrity chefs like to say - gone and given it its own little twist, and it is as glorious as the STI’s demise is sad. Say hello to the Toyota GR Corolla.

Happenings

The Toyota GR Corolla is the WRX STI that Subaru won’t build

IN Toyota, GR Corolla, Gazoo Racing, Corolla, Hot hatch, Manual

The latest addition to the Gazoo Racing family is the rally-inspired manual hot hatch of our dreams. But will it come to Singapore?

No matter, the A3 got a pass for the rest of the (rather competent) package. ‘The S3 will be better,’ I thought, and boy was I right.

Stealth Rocketship

New

Potent Weapon | Audi S3 Sedan

IN Audi, S3, Audi S3, S3 Sedan, Premium Automobiles

There’s no need to give up hot hatch thrills even after you’re all grown up.

While all these are a bit more community-driven – enthusiasts pulling into a car park to talk cars – Toyota, one of the largest car companies in the world, has maintained a theme park of sorts in the heart of Tokyo.

Happenings

A Tribute to Toyota Megaweb

IN Tokyo, Japan, Toyota, Toyota Megaweb, Megaweb, Mega Web

After a 22-year run, this petrolhead oasis in the heart of Tokyo will be shuttering its doors.

So, any drivetrain differences?

Unfortunately, no. Power output stays the same, with 244 bhp and 353 Nm of torque from the 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-pot. This means a 6 second century sprint, up to a 240km/h top speed.

The lack of drivetrain updates isn’t necessarily a bad thing, considering how well it already drives. Its Nürburgring-developed chassis is nicely balanced between performance and comfort, despite the fixed dampers (Stinger GT gets electronically adjustable units). What’s lovely is how the suspension absorbs mid-corner bumps, ensuring that the chassis stays planted with no nasty surprises.

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Adding to Excellence | Kia Stinger 2.0 GT Line

IN Kia, Stinger, Kia Stinger, GT Line, Cycle & Carriage Kia

Kia’s already-excellent Stinger gets a mild facelift and quite a bit more equipment inside, but the price tag grows, too.

The TT RS 40 years of quattro (quite a mouthful) is powered by the award-winning 2.5 TFSI engine from Audi Sport. The five-cylinder packs 400 PS and develops a maximum torque of 480 Nm.

Happenings

Only 40 units for this Limited edition Audi

It's been 40 years of quattro (Audi's all-wheel-drive) and they've whipped up a special edition TT to celebrate.

“It’s one of the worst experiences for a driver, to find their car up on blocks with all four wheels gone. Some alloy wheels can cost thousands to replace, but these unique rim nuts will stop thieves in their tracks. Making wheels more secure and offering more product personalisation are further proof that 3D printing is a game-changer for car production.”

Raphael Koch, research engineer, Advanced Materials and Processes, Ford of Europe.

Happenings

Ford Develops 3D-Printed Wheel Nuts

IN Ford, Wheels, Rims, Tyres, Security, Technology

As car security systems become increasingly more sophisticated, thieves are targeting car parts instead, including alloy wheels. Ford has the solution...

For an ‘entry-level’ compact SUV, the Arena boasts driver assistance features (like adaptive cruise control and front assist), drive mode selection, paddle-shifters and a full suite of in-car media abilities like Apple CarPlay and androidauto which can be controlled via a large touchscreen panel. It even has wireless phone charging!

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A week with the SEAT Arona FR

In a small city-nation like Singapore, a compact SUV like the SEAT Arona is pretty much all you need.

At first glance, the Arteon appears to be a replacement for the Passat CC, and you’d be forgiven for thinking that. However, unlike the Passat which was positioned as a compact executive model (fun fact — ‘CC’ was an acronym for Comfort Coupe!), the Arteon is positioned as a luxury grand tourer and is Volkswagen’s current flagship model.

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Volkswagen Arteon R-Line | Pop Art

IN Volkswagen, Arteon, R-Line, VW, Veedub, Volkswagen Arteon R-Line, TSI, 2.0 TSI, Volkswagen Centre Singapore, Singapore, 2018

Volkswagen’s funky new gran turismo was built for cruising

But then again if you were to scan through our market, the other options would include the Mazda 2, Mitsubishi Space Star and Nissan Note; yes, it’s the Japanese that are still dominating our market in the sub-S$95k segment.

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Seat Ibiza 1.0 EcoTSI | More Than Meets The Eye

IN Seat, Ibiza, Seat Ibiza, 1.0, EcoTSI, Seat Ibiza 1.0 EcoTSI Style Plus, Spain, Spanish, Seat Centre Singapore, 2018

Looking for a new set of wheels to run around town? Seat’s little hatchback here is worth a closer look

It wasn’t until two years later that the name “Andrew Tang” would become prominent. This was when he became champion of the 2014 Toyota Racing Series in New Zealand, becoming the first non-Kiwi ever to do so. Sadly, his rapid rise up the ranks was curtailed by National Service, but he’s since bounced back from that setback, having been picked up by the Porsche China Junior Team in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, where he’s currently lying 3rd in the Championship, with two race wins under his belt. We caught up with him recently to try and dig deeper and find the driving force behind Singapore’s latest driving prodigy.

Motorsports

Shining Star | An interview with Andrew Tang

Say hello to the speediest Singaporean on four wheels. After making waves racing in Europe and New Zealand, 22-year old Andrew Tang is flying the nation’s flag high in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia.

The BMW M5 Competition Edition uses an even more powerful version of the twin-turbo V8 found in the standard BMW M5. While retaining the M TwinPower Turbo technology, twin-scroll turbochargers, high-precision direct fuel injection, Valvetronic variable valve control and the cross-bank exhaust manifold of the standard car, the Competition Edition runs more boost courtesy of a recalibrated ECU. Maximum power is up from 560 hp to 600 hp, with the peak torque of the V8 rising from 680 Nm to 700 Nm. As a result, the M5 Competition Edition can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, compared to 4.4 seconds for the standard car. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. BMW’s seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission Drivelogic and Efficient Dynamics technology, including engine Auto Start-Stop and Brake Energy Regeneration comes standard.Improved handling comes courtesy of stiffer responses from the springs and electronically controlled dampers, along with thicker anti-roll bars. The Active M electronically controlled multi-plate limited slip differential, which intervenes rapidly and precisely at an early stage to control wheelspin and keep the car stable, is recalibrated for an even more sporty response. Once again, there are three Drive Control settings to choose from: Comfort for normal road use, Sport when a more dynamic driving style is preferred and Sport Plus for the most extreme driving, such as on a race track. Six-piston caliper brakes are mounted within the 20-inch M Double-spoke 601M light alloy wheels.

Happenings

Limited Run M5 'Competition Edition'

IN BMW, M, M5, BMW M5, Competition Edition, M5 Competition Edition, CE, BMW Asia

Increased power output, Competition Package fitted as standard and only 200 units will be produced - if you want a special M5, this is it

The most powerful production Fiesta ever, the Fiesta ST200 will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7sec, and will feature an exclusive specification including a unique Storm Grey exterior, distinctive machined matt black alloy wheels and special interior detailing. Production of the Fiesta ST200 starts from June with customer deliveries this summer. “The Fiesta ST is truly beloved by owners and critics. The ST200 takes this special drivers’ car to a new level of power and performance,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “I think it’s a future classic in the making.”

Happenings

Ford's Hot And Compact ST200 Unveiled

IN Ford, Fiesta, ST200, Fiesta ST200, EcoBoost, Ford EcoBoost, 1.6-litre, Turbocharged

The most powerful production Fiesta in Ford's history also features exclusive specification with unique Storm Grey exterior, matt black alloy wheels and special interior detailing