Search Result

The Golf gained a total of 504 points, the highest ever for an import model. It also scored 131 points more than the second-placed car. At the award ceremony, Shigeru Shoji, the President of Volkswagen Group Japan, commented: “We are very much pleased that the Golf becomes the first import car which gained the grand prize in 34 years of Japan Car of the Year history. This honour has been awarded to all the people who supported Volkswagen in Japan over the past 60 years.” Among numerous other awards, the new Golf has also won the Car of the Year, World Car of the Year, and Golden Steering Wheel titles this year.
Happenings

The Golf Captures The Japan Car Of The Year Award

IN Volkswagen, Golf, Japan Car Of The Year

For a country that prides itself on manufacturing some of the world's best cars, the German made Golf has made history by being the first non-Japanese car to win this award.


Well, it seems my worries were unwarranted. This week alone, I spotted three 4 Series coupes on our roads, and I heard of at least two other people who have ordered one for themselves. Yup. All this, during high COEs and challenging loan regulations. It boggles my mind.
New

The Best 4 Now | BMW 435i Coupe

IN BMW, 4 Series, 435i, Performance Motors

If you're looking for a German coupe-class car that will satisfy both the 'groom' and 'vroom' demands you have, search no further, BMW's 4 Series will fit the bill.


Let's take a look at this not-so-subtle Edition One-specced A45. With it's rear wing, side canards and matt black livery, this little car looks fast without even moving, if a little ostentatious. That said, without the Edition One add-ons, the A45 could pass off as a regular A-Class with a Sport kit. Only upon closer inspection, will you notice the
New

A Star | Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

IN Mercedes-Benz, A45, A Class, Hatch-back, AMG

The A45 is Merc's entry-level AMG model. But there's nothing basic about this premium hot hatch at all.


The 1.8 TFSI aside, what we have here today is the ‘entry-level’ variant: the 1.4 TFSI. Yes it shares the same powerplant as the Golf, but somewhat this one feels - and I swear it isn’t psychological - smoother. And of course, this is a good thing (and expected), considering the almost $44,000 (equivalent to a five year old, highly-spec’d Fiat Bravo T-Jet, egad!) separating the two. Hmm… You can’t help but wonder whether that significant difference in price between the two is justified – after all, the Golf and this new A3 is, technically, the same car.
New

Table Top | Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI

IN Audi, A3, Sportback, TFSI, 1.4, Audi A3, Premium Automobiles

The entry level A3 has so much going on for it; surprise, surprise, surprise...


Many of the sophisticated solutions being applied for the very first time to an in-range car in the 458 Speciale, including its advanced active aerodynamics, will become a standard feature of all new Ferraris in the future. Flanked in the Maranello marque’s range by the multi-award-winning 458 Italia and 458 Spider, the new mid-rear-engined V8 berlinetta was designed to boost both performance and driving emotion to unprecedented levels, yet simultaneously guarantee smooth, effortless control in all kinds of situations.
Happenings

Something Speciale This Festive Season!

IN Ferrari, 458, Speciale

The Ferrari 458 Speciale makes its debut in Singapore!


With this mildly refreshed model, the 5 now sports an updated front and rear. The main difference is in the front apron, where it's now a bit more chiseled and shapely, giving the 5 a stronger, more aggressive face. On our 535i test-car, a set of elegant 19-inch rims filled the huge wheel arches perfectly - for the 5, I think nothing less than 19-inch wheels will do.
New

BMW 535i Sedan Luxury

IN BMW, 5 Series, 535i, Sedan, Performance Motors

What you see here, is the latest face-lifted BMW 5 Series. No, really it is! I know the changes are subtle (maybe a bit too subtle), but as the saying goes: Don't fix it if it ain't broke.


The new Lexus ES has been re-introduced in Singapore after a seven-year hiatus and has been designed to exude the Essence of Luxury with its class-leading spacious comfort and world-class refinement. For the first time ever, the new ES will include a hybrid model, alongside the ES 250 petrol model. Boasting a quieter, smoother yet more powerful ride, the new ES Hybrid elevates the new Lexus ES as a class-apart, while strengthening Lexus’ leadership in hybrid offerings. The new Lexus ES will be available in two models – ES 250 and ES Hybrid. The ES 250 is powered by a 2.5-litre gasoline engine delivering 184bhp and the ES Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle engine delivering 205bhp.
Happenings

The Lexus ES Makes Its Return To Singapore

IN Lexus, ES, ES 250, Hybrid, Borneo Motors Singapore

Borneo Motors Singapore recently launched the new Lexus ES model range at 7Adam Gallery on 4th November 2013.


Up close, the 5GT actually looks huge, both in length and height. My wife's first impression was that seemed to be in a similar class as the 7 Series. At almost 5 meters long, the measurements are not far off. Subtle changes to the front face and rear sharpen the look a bit. A set of large and sexy 20-inch wheels also add to the new modernized look. Smoothened and curvier lines help make the car look less chunky, and refreshed adaptive LED headlights are now standard on both the 528i and 535i.
New

BMW 5 Series GT 535i

IN BMW, 5 Series GT, 535i, Performance Motors

Ever been in a situation where you found someone more attractive only after getting to know her/him better? Well, that was certainly the case with my encounter with the 5 Series GT, or 5GT for short.


Like the Toyota RAV4, the Mazda CX-5 seems to be struggling in sales compared to their German competitor, the Volkswagen Tiguan. But that's by no means any reason to knock it either of them. In fact, both Japanese models have upped their game and are very compelling choices.
New

Mazda CX-5 Diesel

IN Mazda, CX-5, SkyActiv, Diesel, SUV, Eurokars

It's got the tech, the torque and the frugality. But can Mazda's diesel-powered SUV make a mark on Singapore's tough automotive landscape?


1. It's so roomy. You can fit five adults and three kids in there. Easily. The boot is reasonably spacious even with all the seats up. But with the last row folded down, you can have a picnic at the beach without getting out of the car!
New

Volkswagen Sharan Diesel 2.0 TDI

IN Volkswagen Group Singapore, Volkswagen, VW, Sharan, TDI, Diesel

The perfect MPV. Period. Read on to find out why...


Against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Volvo V40 and BMW 1-Series hatchback, the Audi A3 puts up a pretty good fight. Well-built (as always), blending sportiness and luxury through both design and technology, it makes for a very convincing package indeed.
New

Audi A3 Sportback 1.8 TFSI

IN Audi, Audi Centre, A3, 1.4 TFSI, 1.8 TFSI, Premium Auto, Sportback

Audi's sportiest A3 offers space, power and style. But is it riveting enough a package to lure buyers away from the sportier Golf GTI and the more stylish Volvo V40? We find out.


It has road presence, that’s for sure. In fact, it could even be mistaken for the X3 from a distance. While some might opine it has too much creases, most would probably agree that it makes the car appear rather muscular – like The Incredible Hulk before CGI came about (again, know what I mean?). And of course, BMW placed an emphasis on aesthetics as well: vents on both front fenders added some sportiness, and then the pairing of 19-inch alloys wrapped in 225/45 R-19 front and 255/40 R-19 rear Continental rubbers sums up the visual drama.
New

Hole-In-One | BMW 335i GT

IN BMW, 335i, GT, BMW 335i GT, Gran Turismo, 3 Series, Performance Motors

Outgrown your GTI, eh? BMW has the answer for your next upgrade…


Essentially an A-Class underneath, the CLA looks like it had gone to a trendier tailor than its hatchback sibling. The four-door coupe is pretty avant-garde in styling, to say the least. The result is that some will like it, some will loathe it. That said, I've met more who find it 'progressively attractive'. Which is another way of saying
New

Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 Urban

IN Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes, A-Class, CLA, 200, Urban

The CLA is well-priced and promises to be a car that doesn't conform to the norm. Is that necessarily a good thing? We find out.


In a comparison of peak and off-peak travel times, Bukit Timah recorded a 111 per cent increase in travel times in the mornings and a 97 per cent increase in evening travel times. In the latest study this year, Clementi featured as the second worst suburb for the morning commute, with a 97 per cent increase in travel time during peak-hours compared to free flow traffic, extending its position as one of Singapore’s most congested suburbs during peak-hour since the pioneer study was published in 2010. It was ranked as the third worst suburb for evening commute with a 93 per cent increase in travel time.
Happenings

Traffic Study Underscores Traffic Challenges In Singapore

IN TomTom, Traffic, Congestion, Road Conditions, Bukit Timah

TomTom Traffic Time Study highlights Bukit Timah as the worst suburb for both morning and afternoon peak-hour commute.


The announcement of Loeb’s participation adds to the fevered anticipation building ahead of the Macau race, which sees the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia return to the Guia Circuit as part of the celebration of the 60th running of the Grand Prix. Loeb may be new to Macau’s 6.2km Guia street track, but he does have experience of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup both as a driver and a team boss in the Porsche Carrera Cup France, and on a city circuit. In 2012, he won the two Porsche Carrera Cup France rounds held around the streets of Pau. Earlier this year, Loeb made his debut at the pinnacle of Porsche one-make racing – the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, contesting both the Spanish and Monaco rounds. Having conquered the world of international rallying, Loeb has turned his remarkable talent to circuit racing. When he arrives in Asia, he will be met by a Porsche Carrera Cup Asia brimming with both experience professionals and young talent, several of whom have previous experience at Macau. All eyes will be on the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia this November to see whether the world’s most successful rally driver can beat his formidable rivals and conquer the Guia Circuit to take a coveted Macau victory.
Motorsports

Sébastien Loeb Confirmed For Macau Grand Prix Invitational

IN Porsche, Carrera, 911, PCCA, GT3 Cup Car

Porsche China has announced that nine-time FIA World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb will make his Porsche Carrera Cup Asia debut at the end-of-season invitational at the Macau Grand Prix.


BP: Hi Mr Winkelmann, first and foremost could you tell us more about Lamborghini's motorsports initiatives and how it could benefit the company's branding and customer relations efforts? SW: In terms of motorsports, Lamborghini has moved beyond just having driving experiences on the race tracks. We have recently initiated a double pronged approach worldwide, with two different levels. One of them is known as the Esperienza, which quite simply translates into an experience. This is for our prospects - potential customers and fans that dream of owning their very own Lamborghini one day, and through the Esperienza, their dreams of driving one is instantly fulfilled. The Esperienza allows them to experience the brand and the cars, and to understand how easy it is to drive these cars. The other one is the Lamborghini Academy, which is a customer program that allows us to impart a slew of driving skills that range from safety driving to discovering a potential race car driver to participate in the Super Trofeo series, which is a one make race for gentleman drivers. Through these two initiatives, the prospects and customers learn much more about the cars and what they can do with it than by driving it themselves. These initiatives also create a family atmosphere for the existing Lamborghini owners, and help forge a bond between the company and its customers, thus enhancing the relationship. What we aim to do is tell customers and prospects that it is all about the emotion and the passion for the brand and the products when it comes to owning a Lamborghini. And as mentioned earlier, the Super Trofeo allows one to drive a Lamborghini race car on a F1 track while being watched by family, friends and other spectators, and this series is being held in three regions of Northern America, Europe and Asia. Last but not the least; we have our own GT3 initiative, which is a development of a race-ready Gallardo GT3 that will be driven by professional drivers to compete in FIA’s new GT3 category.
Happenings

In Conversation With Stephan Winkelmann

IN Lamborghini, Stephan Winkelmann, Super Trofeo

We recently had the privilege to sit down and have a chat with Stephan Winkelmann, president and chief executive officer of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. about Lamborghini at the Fuji Speedway.


Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit, Bathurst, to give it its full name, is the home of motorsport in Australia. Located in New South Wales, it has a rich motorsport history - the first race held there was the 1938 Australian Grand Prix and it now hosts the Bathurst 12 Hour and the Bathurst 1000 races amongst others. The challenging circuit is 6.213 km long with surprisingly steep inclines, a twisty, narrow section across the top of the mountain which proves difficult to master even for the very best racing drivers, and very little run off area to allow for mistakes.
The Pit

Gran Turismo 6 To Feature Legendary Bathurst Circuit

IN Gran Turismo 6, GT6, Sony, Playstation

Australia's Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit, Bathurst will appear in Gran Turismo for the first time.


Using Nokia's innovative collection technologies blended with a team of local experts with an intimate knowledge of local road networks and surrounding areas, the True II vehicle is a specially equipped vehicle used to collect and verify real time location data about buildings, street signs and roadways and then puts that information into HERE maps, which are used by Microsoft’s Bing, Windows Phone devices and cars throughout the world.
Happenings

HERE's True II Car

IN GPS, Mapping, Nokia, True II, Volkswagen

With Nokia's next-generation data collection vehicle called True II, high quality navigation maps can be built and kept fresh.


He continued, “At the same time, BMW is using the new nomenclature to latch onto the fine tradition established by its older sibling like the BMW 6 Series Coupé, which is a top-class coupé known for its stunning design, athletic elegance and driving dynamics.”
Happenings

BMW's 4 Series Set To Wow Local Buyers

IN BMW, 4 Series, Coupe, New, 435i, 428i

At an exclusive launch event held at the Red Dot Museum last Thursday, BMW Group Asia takes the cover off the new 4 Series


This milestone is a first in the Chinese market for the AMG Customer Sports brand and will provide a blueprint for future motorsport endeavours in the market. Erebus Motorsport’s series of firsts include having the first Gullwing delivered outside Europe, the first team one-two finish for AMG Customer Sports and added victory in the Bathurst 12 Hour to the 2013 Endurance Classics Grand Slam wins by the SLS AMG GT3 (Bathurst, the Dubai 24 Hour, the Nurburgring 24 Hour and the Spa 24 Hour - each with Bernd Schneider behind the wheel). The second Erebus Motorsport SLS AMG GT3 will be driven by experienced AMG Customer Sports pilot, Lance David Arnold. The 27-year-old partnered Hakkinen in a Gullwing on his previous visit to Zhuhai in 2011. Erebus Motorsport will be aiming to add to the 100-plus victories by the AMG Customer Sports program since its inception in 2011. The two event program will see Erebus Motorsport enter the support race to the 60th Macau Grand Prix in November.
Motorsports

Mika Hakkinen Joins Erebus Motorsport For GT Asia Series

IN Mika Hakkinen, GT Asia, SLS AMG GT3

Two times Formula 1 World Champion, Mika Hakkinen will join Erebus Motorsport for the GT Asia Series when it visits the Zhuhai International Circuit in China this October 11-13.



© 2015 BURNPAVEMENT