Happenings

Komoco Holdings Is Alfa Romeo's New Singapore Distributor

IN Komoco, Alfa Romeo, Stellantis

April 2023 will see things kick off with Alfa Romeo making a comeback after a temporary hiatus

Upon arriving at CEC, the first sight to greet us was a fleet of Scoobys parked up and on display. These included the modern-day enthusiasts' choices, in the BRZ, WRX Sedan and WRX Wagon.

Happenings

We Attended The Subaru Advanced Technology Drive...

IN Subaru Advanced Technology Drive, CEC, Changi Exhibition Centre

... at Changi Exhibition Centre, and BOY are we glad we did

It’s been 16 years since the Nissan R35 GT-R made its debut back in 2007. Not many cars survive that long of a production run, but the boffins at Nissan surprised the world again with the launch of the 2024 GT-R model year, after revealing earlier in 2022 that the R35 GT-R will be ending production.

Ageing chassis infrastructure did not stop engineers from chucking both mechanical and cosmetic improvements to the GT-R. For starters, the biggest reaction from the crowd at its launch was the inclusion of new daytime running lights (DRLs), making the GT-R’s front fascia look more futuristic.

Happenings

The GT-R is back! 2024 Nissan GT-R Unveiled With Two Special Editions

IN Tokyo, Auto, Salon, 2023, 2024, Nissan, GT-R, NISMO

The R35 GT-R doesn’t seem to want to retire, and Nissan proudly unveiled their latest 2024 edition to the world at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2023.

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 Consumer Electronics Show or CES is a big annual affair in Vegas. Those who follow tech-YouTubers would have found their notifications inundated by coverage of the latest and snazziest tech gizmos at CES. These days, automotive manufacturers are also getting in on the exhibition due to the proliferation of in-vehicle technology, and the famous Bavarian manufacturer known for introducing technology to their cars in a huge way with iDrive is no exception. According to BMW Group, their future “is electric, circular and digital”, and the i Vision Dee concept is dedicated to the ‘digital’ aspect of the triumvirate. Can’t wait to see what the ‘circular’ concept will look like.

Happenings

BMW unveils i Vision Dee Concept at CES in Las Vegas

IN BMW, I Vision Dee, Concept, CES, 2023, Las Vegas

Not everything that happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, as the i Vision Dee concept proves…

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.

Valentino Rossi certainly needs no introduction. He is a nine-time motorcycle world champion, and is one of the most successful motorcycle riders of all time and has a whole roster of records to his name.

His successes on the racetrack and his personality have quite rightly made him a living legend.

Some may not know this, but Rossi has also proved that he is an excellent driver too. He has since shown that car racing has become his second motorsport home. Now, swapping his two wheels for four, he will be joining the BMW M Works driver roster for their 2023 season.

Happenings

Valentino Rossi Set to Become New BMW M Motorsport Works Driver

IN Valentino Rossi, Valentino, Rossi, BMW M, Works, Driver squad, 2023

Valentino Rossi, one of the greatest MotoGP riders ever in existence, will be joining the BMW M works driver squad for the 2023 season.

Anyone who has heard of the Gymkhana series has definitely heard of Ken Block. The lighthearted, cheerful driver was a gem to many, and he was best known for one thing: Driving like an absolute madman.

Throughout the last decade, he has produced some of the best videos and driven some of the coolest cars on the planet, performing some of the best stunts the world has ever seen. Each new iteration topped the previous spectacle, and it was all a matter of “hmmm, what else can we do now?”

Happenings

Hoonigan Star Ken Block Pronounced Dead In Accident

IN Ken, Block, Ken Block, Accident, Death, Hoonigan, Star, DC, Monster

It’s a sad, sad day for all Gymkhana fans.

The first-ever International MotorXpo Hong Kong (IMXHK) which happened in 2021 was an overwhelming success, attracting over 160,000 visitors, 160 different exhibitors, and amassed 60 brands and more than 150 vehicles.

Happenings

On The Ground: International MotorXpo Hong Kong 2022 (IMXHK)

IN IMXHK, International, Hong Kong, MotorXpo, 2022, Automotive, Exhibition

The International MotorXpo Hong Kong (IMXHK) was an action-packed weekend of exciting activities for automotive enthusiasts of all ages.

I’m sure most of us here have either owned at least one Gran Turismo game, had memorabilia of the franchise, or have at least tried the game at a pop-up racing setup in a mall.

An icon and signature piece of the PlayStation console, Gran Turismo has touched the hearts of millions since its inception.

Happenings

A Heartwarming 25th Anniversary To Gran Turismo

IN Gran Turismo, Gran, Turismo, 25th, Anniversary, Franchise, Racing

Can you believe Gran Turismo is already 25 years old? Yes, that video game you probably played growing up.

Hot on the heels of the first two Lamborghini Spotify playlists that blends the sounds of the V12 engine of the Lamborghini Aventador and the V10 engine of the Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica, the celebration of Lamborghini internal combustion engines finishes off with a final curtain call.

This time, the playlist harmonises the bubbling V8 engine residing in the new Lamborghini Urus Performante.

Happenings

Final Curtain Call To Lamborghini’s Engine Songs

IN Lamborghini, Engines, Songs, V8, Music, Urus, Performante

The third installation of Lamborghini’s “The Engine Songs” features a V8 compilation inspired by the sonorous pounding of the Urus Performante.

Amongst most inner automotive circles, whether they be of professional or pop-culture variety, the R33 Nissan Skyline, produced between 1993-1996, is somewhat referred to as the ‘black sheep’ of the Skyline family.

Critics often compare it to a toned-down passive version of the R32 which preceded it, and then it was made worse by the model which superseded it - the legendary R34, probably the most renowned Skyline model of all time.

Happenings

A JDM Gem And The Shoes It Wears - Nissan R33 GT-R 400R

IN Nissan, GT-R, R33, Nismo, 400R, Bridgestone, RE71

The Nissan R33 GT-R 400R was produced in extremely limited quantities, and it showed the world that apart from sensible and frugal cars, Japan could produce some incredible monsters as well.

Among the drivers, Mr Akio Toyoda himself, President & CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation, and founder and team owner of ROOKIE Racing participated under the driver name “Morizo”. The Idemitsu Super Endurance race lasted 25 hours and was held in Thailand on December 17th and 18th.

This race was a significant milestone, as it was the first time that Toyota’s hydrogen technology has been used in a race outside Japan. Toyota’s main aim when participating in the Thailand 25-hour Endurance Race and Carbon Neutral Power Cup is to showcase the feasibility of carbon neutrality in motorsports. This was also a great opportunity for Toyota to demonstrate its multiple-pathway approach to accelerate its actions towards total Carbon Neutrality.

Happenings

Toyota ran a 25-hour endurance race... with hydrogen.

IN Toyota, Rookie Racing, Toyota Motor Corporation, Endurance, Race, Hydrogen, Sustainable

Toyota Motor Corporation recently participated in the Idemitsu 1500 Super Endurance 2022 race held in Thailand, showcasing what its future-focused technology can offer even in racing.

The Singapore Motorshow is poised to feature 24 different automotive brands spread out across two levels of the convention halls. Of which, Polestar will be making its first appearance at a local Motorshow and will be rolling out a new concept model at the event.

With the push for greener transport alternatives, electric and hybrid cars are expected to be the main stars of the 2023 show, in line with the Singapore Green Plan 2030.

Happenings

Save The Dates: The Singapore Motorshow is Back in 2023

After a long three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Singapore Motorshow is back with a bang, taking place from 12th to 15th January 2023 at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre.