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On local shores, we hardly recognize it as the DeLorean. My mum recalls it as that time-machine from my favorite time-traveling trilogy. While I’m having a crack at summoning 1.21 “jiggawatts” of nuclear power to go back in time, it is all but fictional. However, the fictitious DeLorean Time Machine brought back fond memories of the past, including my maiden visit to a cinema when I was slightly younger. Back To The Future was the first ever movie that I caught on the big screen with my mum after copiously threatening to burn my school books if she didn’t bring me to watch it. I was barely 10, and I was in love with The Time Machine, one of the sporadic relationships I had that she did not protest against. The tickets were modestly priced at $3.50 for a child and you even get a short screen break at the hour-mark of the movie to visit the washroom. My mum was my first date, I’ll always tell my friends. Shortly after the movie, I made up my mind that I was going to buy myself a two door coupe with butterfly wings and a hooked fishing rod at the top and wait for lightning to strike. I seriously wanted to do 88 miles per hour and break the time-barrier.
Classics

Back To The Future! | DeLorean DMC-12

IN DeLorean, DMC-12, Michael J Fox

Our guest writer travels back in time for some nostalgic revision of his childhood.


Happenings

Pagani Huayra

IN Pagani, Prototype, Huayra

Pagani claims that their Zonda replacement, the Huayra "merges the past, present and future in a timeless interpretation of automotive art". We can't help but agree.


The good people from Noble have managed to extract an astonishing 425bhp from a three litre Ford Duratec V6 mid-mounted engine that is sometimes awfully squandered on the Ford Mondeo ST220. It has modified fuel injectors, high-lift camshafts and twin turbo-chargers, making it a roaring feature on the track. The superb power-to-weight ratio of 400bhp/ton suggests how it should be named and you can’t be too wrong about that. The German Getrag six-speed manual with Quaife LSD transmission is clearly the trigger and what you would call, a better playmate than your Gran Turismo gamer.
Classics

Noble Intentions | Noble M400

IN Noble, M400

A year ago, I was on the verge of being reduced to combating for reserved seats on the public transport because I was left with three points on my driving record.


So what's stopping us from buying a diesel? Other than the prohibitively high and punitive road tax targeted at private diesel car owners, there's still a perception that diesel cars have high pollution levels and don't perform as well as petrol powered vehicles. However with modern day technology that can be found in the cars featured below, one would have to think otherwise. Here's a selection of nine cars that'll change your mind about diesel cars, complete with horsepower and torque ratings.
Happenings

Driving Towards A Low CO2 Singapore

IN Diesel, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volkswagen

Fear this, hybrids and electric cars... modern diesel technology may have pipped you in being the answer to a greener future.


They not only anchored a quirky 1.3L engine in its bay, the car gulps on petrol like how a deprived Asiatic elephant does to a river. You have little time to realize that you are coughing up nearly two dollars for every six kilometres, and you are rivaling in proximity to that black Chrysler cab.
Classics

Rotary Heaven | Mazda RX-7 FD3S & FC3S

IN Mazda, RX-7, FD3S, FC3S, Rotary, 1.3, RX-8, Efini

Our freelance writer laments at the practicality of RX-7s of old, but celebrates the fact that they were never made for that anyway!


Under the bonnet, the performance of the 2.0-litre 16V turbo engine has been enhanced with an optimised electronic engine control system. Despite regulatory restrictions, the Mégane Renaultsport N4's engine puts out 265hp and torque of 470 Nm. It is linked to a five-speed H-pattern gearbox, developed specifically for this purpose. On the strength of its experience in the field, Renault Sport Technologies has sought to design an innovative, reliable and high-performance package that also takes on board the notion of cost control at every stage of development. The intention is to make Renault Mégane RS N4 accessible to all drivers, and be both easy to handle and economical to run. Like all of the vehicles in its rally range, Mégane Renaultsport N4 is to be sold by Renault Sport Technologies in the form of a kit comprising all the specific parts.
Motorsports

Renault Megane RS N4

IN Renault, Megane, RS, N4

Noted for its striking design and having won acclaim for its chassis and engine, Renault's Mégane RS is now to give rise to a rally car, the N4, intended for private teams and drivers.


Reserved for GT3 and GT4 cars, which have already made their mark in long-distance races, without having a specific arena to test their skills, the new series will be centered around GT racing’s showcase event, the Total 24 Hours of Spa. The remaining three-hour events will take place at high-powered Monza, in Italy, Spain’s newest circuit of Navarra, France’s popular and classic Magny Cours, and the home of British racing, Silverstone. With the three-driver line-up so popular with teams and gentlemen drivers, no driver classification in the top class, and a three-step qualifying system inspired from Formula One, the new series aims to give teams drivers everything they want in a friendly yet professional atmosphere. Promoted by SRO Motorsports Group, the company which was behind the rebirth of GT racing and without whom the GT3 and GT4 categories would not exist, the Blancpain Endurance Series will be an international GT series run under the aegis of the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium, and recognised by the FIA. It takes its name from a much-valued partnership with the prestigious Swiss watch manufacturer Blancpain.
Motorsports

Blancpain Endurance Series Unveiled

IN GT3, GT4, Blancpain, SRO Motorsports Group

Five high profile events was recently announced for the new Blancpain Endurance Series.


So how does alcohol affect one's ability to drive? Alcohol as we know, inhibits the brain’s ability to function effectively, slowing the relay of visual messages from the eyes, processing of information thus becomes more difficult and instructions to the muscles are delayed. Alcohol usually retards a person’s reaction time by 10 to 30% as well as the reduction of the ability to gauge speed and distances. Alcohol also reduces one’s ability to see distant objects, to use peripheral vision to perceive what is happening at the roadside and reduce night vision by 25%. Blurred and double vision may also occur. Alcohol may also give one a sense of overconfidence, with the result that they may be prepared to take greater risks, such as abrupt lane changing or speeding. Impaired judgement may also alter a person’s perception of how fit they are to drive. Finally, as alcohol is a depressant drug, it may make a driver drowsy and affect their sense of balance. A person who drives after they have had only one drink is still five times more likely to get him or herself involved in a traffic accident than one who abstains from alcohol.
Happenings

Dangers Of Drink Driving

IN Drink Driving, Traffic Police

Drinking alcohol impairs one’s senses as it reduces one's driving instincts and psychomotor coordination, turning avoidable hazards into potentially life threatening ones.


The 2.5-litre V6 unit is unchanged and pushes out a healthy 205bhp from its 24-valve Dual VVTi set-up. It is a quiet and smooth powerplant and dispatches the century sprint in a rather quick 8.4 seconds. Yet somehow, the car seems to lack the 'oomph' the figures suggest. It could be partly due to the overall (excellent) refinement that masks the speed.
New

Same But Better! | Lexus IS 250

IN Lexus, IS 250, Face-lift, V6

This is the newly restyled Lexus IS 250. Not much has changed you say? Well, you couldn't be more right, and wrong.


Happenings

Racing Legend Tom Walkinshaw Passes On at Age 64

IN HSV, Tom Walkinshaw

The Scottish racer will be remembered for helping lead Holden to its first series win in V8 Supercars Australia since 2002 through drivers Rick Kelly in 2006 and Garth Tander in 2007.


The chassis of the new A6 combines sporty precision with supreme comfort, with links made of aluminium and a redesigned power steering that features a highly efficient electromechanical drive. The executive sedan will also have wheels ranging from 16 to 20 inches in diameter. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system is standard with the new A6, and the front-wheel- drive models have the sporty ESP with electronic limited slip differential on board. For enhanced comfort, adaptive air suspension with controlled damping and dynamic steering will be available soon as options.
Happenings

The New Audi A6 Sedan

IN Audi, A6

Audi has redesigned its executive class model the Audi A6, and it is set to make its market debut in Singapore in the second half of 2011.


The new Opel Astra brings into the compact class its own interpretation of the brand’s award winning design language of combining sculptural artistry with German precision first seen in the Insignia. Its strong coupé-like silhouette and stylish details add to a new handsome look. Elegant proportions give it a strong, cab-forward silhouette, with a steeply-raked windshield and falling rear roof line, adding visual excitement to the traditional hatchback format. Also new to the Astra are double wing-shapes in each of the rear lights and a dynamic inverted blade on the flank that visually connects to the powerful movement of the rear window and C-pillar. The interior echoes the flowing forms of the bodywork: sweeping lines, curvaceous shapes and the quality of the execution are all part of Opel’s design language. A signature design cue is the wrap around wing shape of the instrument panel that arcs into the top of the door moldings. The effect is a warm embrace of the occupants, providing a welcoming ambience.
Happenings

The All New Opel Astra

IN Opel, Astra, 1.6

Designed for sportiness, engineered with innovation and equipped with a full clean power train line-up, the all-new Opel Astra debuts as a five-door hatchback to re-energize Singapore’s compact car


Each Audi RS model represents the pinnacle of its model line - the Audi RS3 Sportback, developed by quattro GmbH, now brings this dynamic philosophy to the compact category. It rockets from a dead stop to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. The guttural roaring and growling, backed by the signature rhythm of the five-cylinder firing order make up the classic Audi soundtrack. A sound flap in the exhaust branch intensifies the sound even further. The flap is controlled via the standard Sport button, which also varies the engine response.
Happenings

Audi launches RS3 Sportback

Blazing performance, compact size. Audi has added a new model to its dynamic RS series: the Audi RS3 Sportback.


Happenings

Lamborghini Track Day in Shanghai with the Gallardo LP 550-2

IN Lamborghini, Shanghai, Gallardo, 550-2, Track, Event

A 550 bhp Lamborghini driven by only its rear wheels, and a very wet track. We play matador and try to tame the bull in the Gallardo LP 550-2!


Happenings

HSV 'I Just Want One' Driving Event

IN HSV, Harvest Automobiles, Muscle cars, GTS, Maloo, Drive, Event

We spent the day with a pair of Australian V8 muscle cars and even got a ride in a 600bhp T2 race car! Welcome to the world of Holden Special Vehicles (HSV).


Motorsports

Citroën DS3 WRC

IN Citroen, DS3, WRC, Sébastien Loeb, Rally, FIA

Citroën has unleashed an all-new contender for the 2011 World Rally Championship - the Citroën DS3 WRC, the hotly anticipated replacement for the multi-championship winning C4 WRC.


Happenings

FAB-Design Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

IN FAB-Design, Mercedes-Benz, SLS, AMG,

Swiss tuner FAB-Design has taken the SLS AMG to a new level. True to the company's philosophy of creating something more exclusive than the factory vehicle, the FAB-Design SLS is the result.


Specialist engineers from Ford and M-Sport have co-operated closely in the development of this 1.6-litre engine, with highly-respected French tuner Pipo Moteur bringing additional expertise to the power plant.
Motorsports

Ford Fiesta RS WRC

IN Ford, Fiesta, WRC, Rally, Fiesta RS, EcoBoost, FIA

You might have seen Ford's all-new Ford Fiesta RS WRC car in our recent 2010 Paris Motor Show article where it made its first appearance. We bring you the full story and more pics!


The front fascia of the coupe receives a visual upgrade with the BRABUS front spoiler. But that's not all: The spoiler further reduces lift on the front axle at high speeds which results in even better directional stability.
Happenings

BRABUS Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

IN Brabus, Mercedes-Benz, SLS, AMG, Singapore, Black, AutoVox

Carbon fiber, handling and ultra lightweight! That's the guiding principle of BRABUS' exclusive sport program for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. We bring you the details.


The new Wrangler AT/SA also comes with an enhanced silica tread compound that extends tread life and provides up to 20% more mileage than its previous version. Also, the Wrangler AT/SA has been designed with a specific bead area configuration that ensures that the tyre sits firmly on the rim reducing rim slippage for minimal balancing throughout the life of the tyre. The enhanced silica tread compounds, in combination with the highly bladed tread design, provides additional traction on all surfaces regardless of dry or wet conditions. The Kevlar overlay and unique Durawall Sidewall compound delivers maximum strength that can only be found in Goodyear tyres.
Happenings

New And Improved Goodyear Wrangler AT/SA

IN Goodyear, Wrangler, SUV, 4X4, Malaysia

Goodyear Malaysia has recently introduced the new and improved range of all-terrain SUV and 4X4 tyre - the Wrangler AT/SA.



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