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Happenings

Munich Automobiles BMW Service Centre Open House (May 21 - 22)

IN BMW, Munich Automobiles, M

Munich Automobiles, the world’s first dedicated BMW M Dealer, will host a Service Centre Open House in Singapore.

1st Challenge: Are You The World’s Biggest F1â„¢ Fan?

Back for a second season with bolder graphics and enhanced gameplay, this interactive challenge involves a race against time to complete 23 questions — same number of turns at the Singapore circuit — related to the sport’s history, rules and trivia on race teams and drivers (25% of the questions are based on the Singapore Grand Prix). Players have to answer all 23 questions in six minutes or less, and the 23 highest scorers will proceed to a final elimination round on 23 August 2011 to vie for the title of the World’s Biggest F1 Fan. One winner will walk away with over US$10,000 worth of prizes including a pair of Green Room hospitality suite tickets valued at US$6,167, a 5D4N hotel stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore worth US$4,058, a pair of exclusive passes to the Drivers’ Autograph Session during the 2011 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX race week, and round trip economy airfare for two.

2nd Challenge: What Makes The Singapore Grand Prix Special For You?

Running parallel to the World’s Biggest F1 Fan game is a contest that calls upon fans to share a personal anecdote on what makes the Singapore Grand Prix special for them. The challenge is to write it in no more than 61 characters which is the same number of laps the drivers are required to complete at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Participants who submit the top three best entries will win an exclusive goodie bag packed with limited edition Singapore GP merchandise valued at US$200, US$400, US$600 respectively. The contest closes on 27 November, 2011.

To take part in both challenges, visit www.singaporegp.sg or www.biggestf1fan.com.

Happenings

Singapore GP Takes “Biggest F1 Fan” Worldwide

IN Singapore, GP, F1

With two play-to-win challenges, you can now double the chance of winning a prize.

It was a wet morning as we all made our way to the rendezvous point in the eastern part of our little island. Great, now how on earth are we going to enjoy driving with the roof down in such crappy weather? Well, let’s just say the dude above wanted us to have a blast, so lo and behold, the weather stopped almost instantly by the time we arrived. Well, you should know what wet roads lead to — over steering antics, that sort. In the case of the 370Z and the Boxster S, it wasn't hard. Switch off the traction control, floor the pedal at the right time, steer with confidence and tadaa… “dorift-o”, as what Krado would say. Not so easy with the four-wheel driven TTS though — but a little pull of the handbrake with no traction control will see it go sideways, although not as spectacular as the other two.

New

Roof Up? Roof Down? Decisions, Decisions...

IN Porsche, Nissan, Audi, TT, TTS, Boxster, Boxster S, Roadster, 370Z, Fairlady

The mission was set. Each pundit selected their choice weapon. At the end of the day, only one will emerge the best. Melding punchy performance and drop-top eye-catching good looks.

With Citroen, Ford and MINI battling for glory in rallying’s showcase category, Simon Long, CEO of North One Sport, said Volkswagen’s decision to switch its focus from off-road events to the WRC was another boost for the all-action championship. “The WRC is the pinnacle of rallying; it’s all about being the world’s best and Volkswagen is right up there as one of the world’s best automotive brands,” said Long. “Coming hard on the heels of the BMW and MINI announcement this is yet another vote of confidence in the future direction of the WRC. The WRC is all about innovation - whether that’s on the sporting, technical or promotional side. We’re finding new ways to connect with fans, new ways of developing the sport and the technology beneath it, and that very much mirrors what Volkswagen are looking to do as a business and with its Polo.

Motorsports

Another Boost For The WRC As Volkswagen Signs Up

IN WRC, Volkswagen, Polo, R, 2013

Volkswagen will be returning to the FIA World Rally Championship from 2013.

The sides of the roadster are robustly built, not primarily for crash protection, but also to enhance the driving dynamics. Together with a beefed up cross-member with additional supporting struts at the windscreen frame, centre tunnel and between the soft top and the fuel tank, this makes the car very rigid.

Happenings

Sneak Peek: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

IN Mercedes-Benz, SLS, AMG, Roadster

With another six months to go before its September launch at the International Motor Show (IAA), this slightly disguised super roadster has all the time to complete rigorous tests.

The Traffic Police has well justified their commitment in enforcing strict regulations on mobile phone driving, statutorily enacted in Section 65B of the Road Traffic Act, Chapter 276. This section states that, “Any person who, being the driver of a motor vehicle on a road or in a public place, uses a mobile telephone while the motor vehicle is in motion shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding S$1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to both, and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding S$2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.” In addition, 12 demerit points would be charged to your traffic report card and your mobile phone will be forfeited by the court if convicted.

Happenings

Drive First, Talk Later

IN Handphone, Traffic Police

Just when you are about to tell your father what went on at the opposition party rally on the phone, you see an incoming truck...

You might think this is a new Panamera S Hybrid variant, but you are wrong. It's the new Panamera Diesel. Despite being a more conventional engine, it comes stuffed with the latest technologies such as common rail direct injection, electrically controlled variable geometry turbochargers and controlled exhaust gas recirculation with an oxidation catalyst and particle filter.

Happenings

Porsche's Frugal Panamera

IN Porsche, Panamera, Diesel

With an engine that sips fuel, this Gran Turismo will make long journeys a single-tank affair.

To get higher octane from premium fuel, most will add a bottle of octane booster. VP Racing has a strong reputation with fuels and its high octane formulas are very popular in racing. Adding their C5 Octane Booster to a tank of fuel will increase the octane ratings by 3.3 RON, thanks to the effective MMT agent (Methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl), which is proven to deliver the greatest octane boost.

The C5 Octane Booster is capable of boosting octane up to eight numbers for increased performance while providing lead lubrication. Increased fuel octane helps to eliminate pre-ignition and detonation, which translates into more horsepower and torque. More than just increasing octane ratings, it also provides upper cylinder lubrication especially for older engines and protects it from valve seat recession.

The Pit

VP Racing Fuels C5 Octane Booster

IN VP Racing, Fuel, Booster, Octane, RON, MON

Going back to formula might just end the argument about which type of petrol offers the best performance in our cars.

Happenings

Zone 1 Ticket Holders To Enjoy Additional Viewing Experiences

IN Singtel, Singapore GP, 2011, F1

Singapore GP confirmed the integration of the Singapore Flyer into Zones 1 and 2 of the Marina Bay Street Circuit, allowing Zone 1 and Premier Walkabout ticket-holders complete access.

On the inside, there is more interior space with improved comfort and quality despite not having a large increase in the car's exterior size. Like the current Impreza, the new car will come in four and five door variants. Both of them feature a redesigned interior to improve field of vision and heighten the sense of spaciousness.

Happenings

Subaru Launches The New Impreza

IN Subaru, Impreza, FHI

After Subaru teased us with the concept, the final product certainly looks impressive!

When it comes to the luxury hybrids, there are only a few models on the market today. With the A3 having so many realistic real-world technologies, we might just get to see this car quietly slipping by on the roads in the future.

Happenings

Audi's Cutting Edge Hybrid Sedan

IN Audi, A3, E-tron, Concept

Concept status aside, this car has a lot of features that might make their way to consumers one day.

While Outbacks of the past look like jacked-up station wagons, the XV looks refreshingly different. Designed around the “Protren” (Professional tool and trendy design) concept, it looks good with the hexagon grille, winged motifs and hawk-eye headlights.

Happenings

Subaru Shows Its Crossover Concept

IN Subaru, XV, Concept, Boxer, Outback

From the company that gave us Symmetrical All Wheel Drive, this concept looks promising!

Off the blocks, a dramatic start saw Imperatori get away cleanly from pole with the trio of Keita Sawa, team mate Darryl O’Young and Avila snapping at his heels. The resulting struggle for position saw both the LKM Racing Team drivers pick up punctures, forcing them to pit. Both returned to the track, with O’Young setting the fastest lap of the race and making it up to 14th by the flag, and Sawa two places behind. Imperatori set about pulling away in front, but Avila fought to keep him in his sights, but without risking valuable championship points. The Team StarChase ace had build up a gap of more than six seconds by the flag.

Motorsports

Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2011 - Rounds 1 & 2

IN Porsche, Carrera, PCCA, 2011

A double victory earns Imperatori an early championship lead!

Happenings

The New Beetle, Now Sportier!

IN Volkswagen, Beetle, TSI

Prepare to see a very fast beetle scampering through the concrete jungle.

As well as its all-new body shape, the new Forte Hatchback (the official name for the 5-door model) introduces styling, equipment, refinement and technical improvements, which are also featured on the new 2011 Forte sedan and two-door Koup models introduced last December. These include six-speed transmission with paddle shifters, boot-type gear shift, LED side repeaters, and integrated blue-tooth. Technically similar to its sedan and Koup sister cars, the new Forte hatchback has the same overall width, height and wheelbase as the sedan. The difference lies in the reduction of 190 mm in the rear overhang, therefore the five-door model is 4,340 mm long. Despite its more compact dimensions, the hatchback’s cargo volume of 385 litres (VDA) is highly competitive in its class.

Happenings

Kia Adds Stylish New Forte Hatchback To Line-up

IN Kia, Cerato, Forte, Koup, Hatchback

The addition of third body style to Kia’s best selling model is set to attract a broader range of customers.

What you need to take note of however is the uninspiring note coming from the bonnet. If you are the sort who is used to hearing the warble of V8s or whirr of force-fed power plants, you might probably just drop your jaws… in amusement. But hey, it is a hybrid after all — the smoothness and seamless operations (both lump and box) is a given. The fact that it starts and idles quietly is also pretty amazing. By the way, the CT200h can be driven solely on a fully charged electric motor at speeds of up to 45km/h before the petrol engine actually kicks in, vibration-free.

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Surprise Of Sorts | Lexus CT200h

IN Lexus, Hybrid, CT200h

A Lexus hatchback? Hybrid? Nope, your eyes are not playing any tricks...

Happenings

BMW M Reveals Lightweight M3 Concept

IN BMW, M3, GTS, CSL, Sedan, E90, Lightweight

Moving on from the M3 Pick-up, BMW has recently shown off a new M3 concept car based on the E90 M3 sedan. This particular concept is destined for the Nurburgring M Festival later in the year.

Inside both cars however, it is the Countryman that shows more personality than the Juke, with colours to choose from for the trim and seats, while the Juke's interior is only offered in one colour. Pop the boot lids and the Juke shows less swallow space than the Countryman. The Countryman's boot space space may look smaller than the Juke, but it has less suspension intrusion into the boot space itself and has extra storage space below it. As far as ergonomics go, the Juke's more “traditional” layout will bode well with simpletons, whereas the Countryman's switch layout will take some getting used to.

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Mini Cooper S Countryman Vs Nissan Juke DIG-T

IN Mini, Cooper S, Countryman, Nissan, Juke, DIG-T

What happens when two crossovers cross each other's path? Well, we just had to find out which is the better crosser.

The JK Racing Asia Series consists of 18 races on six weekends in the 2011 season. On three occasions the JK Racing Asia Series will support Formula One Grand Prix, in Malaysia, Singapore and the newly built circuit in India. Two weekends will be held during the Asian Festival of Speed (AFOS) in Malaysia and Indonesia, with one weekend held in Guangdong during the Hong Kong Autosport Challenge (HKAC).

Motorsports

JK Racing Asia Series Driver Lineup And Mentor Announced

IN Formula BMW Pacific, JK Racing Asia, 2011

The JK Racing Asia Series is off to a flying start after the introduction of the 2011 Driver lineup ahead of the Season Opener this weekend in support of the 2011 Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix.

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An Epitome Of Style And Class | Rolls-Royce Ghost

IN Rolls-Royce, Ghost

They say in life, you have to work hard in order to succeed. And once you have achieved success, you buy a Rolls-Royce...