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The Pit

MX-5 Sport Recaro Limited Edition

IN Mazda, MX-5, Sport Recaro, MX-5 Sport Recaro, Recaro, Jinba Ittai

Limited Edition range-topping model joins the all-new Mazda MX-5 line up; unique look courtesy of Sports Aero Kit and Diamond cut alloy wheels

Happenings

Sharper STI

IN Subaru, STI, Impreza, S207, Japan, Subaru Technica International

With turbo power and all-wheel drive the Subaru STI is already adept at covering ground quickly. The new S207 takes that formula and concentrates it further.

The standard F12 already has a 6.5 liter V12 with all of the latest technologies, but the TDF builds on that with a new variable intake manifold contributing to a 40hp and 15Nm gain, bringing the grand total to 780hp and 705Nm of torque. Despite being bereft of modern turbocharger technology, eighty percent of torque is available from just 2500rpm. Yet the redline is set at a scintillating 8900rpm, which should yield the evocative soundtrack one would expect from a V12 Ferrari.

Happenings

Hardcore Berlinetta

IN Ferrari, Fiorano, F12tdf, F12, Tour de France, V12, Italy, GT, Grand Tourer

More than just a fancy bodywork package, Ferrari have comprehensively re-engineered the F12 to create a meaner, leaner version in the form of the F12 TDF

Designers drew inspiration from vintage roadsters. The MX-5 Spyder features a 'bikini top', Mercury Silver exterior, carbon fibre aero kit and grille intake, lightweight 17-inch Yokohama Advan Racing RS II wheels and a Spinneybeck Prima natural full-grain leather interior. The MX-5 Speedster, meanwhile, pares the roadster back to the bare essentials — it even has a deflector in place of the windscreen — for an old school wind-in-the-hair sports car experience. Mazda took its weight-cutting passion to extremes with for example carbon fibre doors and seats as well as custom 16-inch Rays 57 Extreme Gram Lights wheels. The Speedster tips the scales at only 943 kg, and is also 30 mm lower than the production MX-5 thanks to an adjustable coilover suspension.

Modified

SEMA 2015 Las Vegas: Lightweight MX-5 Concepts Revealed

IN Mazda, MX-5, MX-5 Spyder, MX-5 Speedster, SEMA 2015, Las Vegas

MX-5 Spyder and MX-5 Speedster concepts debut at 2015 SEMA show in Las Vegas; Mazda North America collaborated with various aftermarket parts suppliers to create both concepts

BP — The previous 3 generations of MX-5 had a design that was quite cute, rounded and smiley, which clearly evolved over the years. Why then did the ND's styling suddenly change to something quite aggressive and angry?

Nakayama — Of course, compared to the previous generations, the design is more aggressive, but I personally believe the most important thing is not how it compares to the older cars. When you look at the car without prior knowledge about the previous models, whether it is beautiful or aggressive or not, is not the most important thing. I believe that when we introduced the first-generation model, among all the players in the industry, car design had certain tendencies. So maybe every player had a much more pretty or softer face. But now, so many players have a much more aggressive face and complex design. So I think that compared to the other players today, the design is not that aggressive.

Happenings

The Brains behind the MX-5 Part II | Masashi Nakayama, Chief Designer

IN Mazda, MX-5, Interview, Chief, ND, Designer, Kodo

In the second of this two-part series, we sat down with the new MX-5’s Chief Designer to learn more about the car’s drastic change in appearance, and the role designers play in creating a new car.

But boy oh boy how things have changed for Jaguar now with their latest compact executive sedan. I strongly urge you: If you are about to head to either BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Audi showroom to confirm your order for the 3 Series, C-Class or A4 and hand over the deposit cheque, hold on to it first and tell the salesperson you intend to ‘sleep on it for another night’.

New

Jaguar XE 2.0 Prestige | Cat's Out Of The Bag

IN Jaguar, XE, Jaguar XE, Jaguar XE sedan, Jaaaaag, Wearnes Automotive

Jaguar’s latest XE poses a real threat to the more established Germans — hold on to your chequebook first

BP — If there was one location anywhere on Earth you could drive this car, the perfect road for this car, where would it be?

Yamamoto — In Japan we have four seasons; in spring we have the cherry blossoms, in summer there is lots of sunshine so you can drive the car along the coast or beach, in autumn you can enjoy the leaves changing colour in the mountains, and in winter there is snow, and you can wrap up in a scarf and enjoy the scenery. So I believe you can enjoy the drive no matter when or where. I'm sure that no matter where you live, you can find a perfect place, so I'd like for you to find the best for yourself in your own country!

Happenings

The Brains behind the MX-5 Part I | Nobuhiro Yamamoto, Programme Manager

IN Mazda, MX-5, Interview, Chief, ND

When the new Mazda MX-5 was launched here, two of the most important figures in its creation were in attendance. In the first of this two-part series, we had a chat with the car's Programme Manager.

And I’m saying this based on its price tag. The Passat 1.8 TSI in Highline spec here commands $156,300 with COE.

New

Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI | VW’s New Opus

IN Volkswagen, VW, Passat TSI, Passat, 1.8 TSI Highline, Large Sedan, Volkswagen Large Sedan

VW’s latest contender in the large sedan segment hits the right notes, but the only challenge now is to sway buyers into its direction

On first glance BMW has got it nailed, the M2 resplendent with all the usual M car cues. The front bumper is buffed up and endowed with

Happenings

Baby M

IN BMW, M, Motorsports, M2, 2-series, Turbo

Based on BMW's 2-series coupe, the new M2 marks the entry point for BMW's thoroughbred, Motorsport division cars.

Happenings

Singapore Ride Safe 2015 - A Dialogue With Traffic Police

IN Singapore Ride Safe 2015, Use Your RoadSense, Traffic Police, Singapore Police Force, 2015, Road Safety

With approximately 145,000 motorcyclists in Singapore, the Traffic Police wants to do more to reach out to this group of road users

This practicality is a result of clever packaging. Without the need to contend with gearboxes or fuel tanks, the model X is blessed with more space than any of its gasoline rivals can muster, with seven seats and two luggage compartments which should be more than sufficient for family trips. The theme of practicality continues with rear

Happenings

Crowd Pleaser

IN Tesla, Model X, Electric, SUV, Tesla motors, Ludicrous

Tesla expands its lineup with an all-electric SUV that has Porsche-baiting performance and massive falcon-wing doors. Method to the madness? Let's see.

“These enthusiasts are taking great care in building their optimum specification,” said Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director. “We expected those first in the queue, many of whom are owners of previous RS models, to be exacting about their requirements, and so it has proved, with many opting for motorsport-style Recaro shell front seats, 19-inch black forged alloy wheels, luxury pack, electric tilt/side sunroof and Ford SYNC2 navigation and sound system.”

Happenings

1,500 Orders Already Received For Focus RS

IN Ford, Focus, RS, Focus RS, 2016 Ford Focus RS

Ford’s all-new Focus RS has raced up to 1,500 orders from UK buyers alone - all without a single test drive being taken

In contrast, the interior is where the bulk of the revisions have been made. Like the refreshed CX-5 we tested recently, the clunky old radio and infotainment system has also been replaced with a new one called MZD Connect, which integrates music, Bluetooth and navigation capabilities onto a high-resolution 7-inch touchscreen. This system is the same as found in the 2, 3 and CX-5, which means its various pros and cons are also present in the 6 — easy to use in general,with smart graphics, but with a very convoluted Navigation function. Check out our CX-5 review for more info.

New

The 6-iest Of Them All | Mazda 6 2.5 Luxury

IN Mazda, 6, Family, Sedan, Saloon, Luxury, Eurokars, Singapore

Who ever said that family sedans had to be dreary, humdrum and bloated looking?

Power gets to the road via a pair of 6-speed transmissions. An automatic is optional but the manual offers enough convenience features to make life easy, with features such as hill-start assist and automated rev matching. The latter is particularly useful, helping to prevent stalling and allowing quick, seamless downshifts.

Happenings

Modern Workhorse

IN Toyota, Hilux, Pickup, Rugged, SUV, 4x4

Now in its eighth generation, Toyota has thoroughly revised the Hilux with the same values of ruggedness and utility, but added a good dollop of everyday usability as well.

Happenings

Statement Of Intent

IN Alfa, Alfa Romeo, Giulia, Sedan, Sports, V6, Turbo, Cloverleaf, Quadrifoglio, QV

Set to compete in today’s well-established realm of luxury sport sedans, the Giulia melds Alfa Romeo’s rich heritage with modern engineering, marking a return to form.

However, pure electric vehicles present the challenge of range anxiety and abysmal charging times that have so far restricted them to short urban sprints. In this respect the mission E makes bold claims, with a 500 km maximum range and an ability to offer 400 kilometers in just a scant 15 minute charge. This comes courtesy of an innovative

Happenings

Electrifying Proposition

IN Porsche, MissionE, Electic, Green, Concept, Fraknkfurt, Motor show

With the Mission E Concept, Porsche previews new technology in their version of a futuristic, all-electric Sports Saloon.

Happenings

Tail Of The Dragon

IN McLaren, 675LT, Long Tail, V8, Turbo, Launch, UK

The crowning glory of McLaren's Super Series range, the 675LT, makes its local debut during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend

The launch was a rousing affair, thanks to the presence of Toro Rosso Formula One driver Max Verstappen, who was on hand not only to unveil the car, but also race against the finalists from a Red Bull F1 racing simulator competition, as well as greet and sign autographs for dozens of racing fans.

Happenings

Little French Cutie

IN Renault, Clio, Torro Rosso, F1, Hatchback, French, France, Launch, Diesel, Turbodiesel

Better late than never, the latest Renault Clio finally makes its local debut, at a launch event in conjunction with the Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 team.

Starting from the structure, engineers have developed this convertible to be as rigid as last year’s Coupe. A newly-developed rear wall structure consisting of a magnesium piece sandwiched by aluminium sections work with numerous underbody reinforcements to strengthen the chassis, while an aluminium rear floor section helps to trim some weight. These parts help raise the amount of lightweight metals in the car to over 50% and ensure the car retains a feeling of solidity one would expect from a flagship Mercedes.

Happenings

Topless Decadence

IN Mercedes, Mercedes-Benz, S-class, Cabriolet, S500, S63, AMG, Germany, Frankfurt, IAA, Motor show

After 44 years, Mercedes will once again offer a full-size cabriolet to its well-heeled clientele. How serious an effort is it? Let's find out.

From these photos, courtesy of civicx.com, you could see how Honda has taken an all-new approach towards their exterior design. Undeniably, it looks upmarket thanks to the svelte sports back approach ala Audi A5 Sportback and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. It's still too early to say whether Asia's market will get this body shell, but we're keeping our fingers crossed.

Happenings

Honda's 2016 Civic Caught Undisguised

IN Honda, Civic, Honda Civic, 2016, 2016 Civic, 2016 Honda Civic, Civicx.com

Next generation Civic shows Honda's designers have taken a braver design approach, a stark jump away from its predecessor