Happenings

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.

Although shaded in terms of drama by the theatrics of the folding roof, the heart of the Huracan Spyder is still a highlight. The naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 is carried over unchanged from the Coupe, producing 610hp and 560Nm of torque. Although top speed is still the same at 324km/h, the extra weight brought on by the need to stiffen the chassis drops the 0-100km/h time from 3.2 to 3.4 seconds. Not exactly what you'd call a slouch, mind.

Happenings

Topless Bull

IN Lamborghini, Huracan, Spyder, Roadster, V10, Supercar, Italy, Frankfurt

The Gallardo Spyder was the most successful convertible in Lamborghini's history, so they'd be a fool not to do a follow-up with a successor…

Similar changes have been made to the car as compared with the original — the windscreen has been replaced with a minimalist carbonfibre 'aero' screen, the nose cone, front cycle wings and rear wings are made of carbonfibre, and the body is finished as standard in bare aluminium; the omission of paint alone saves six kilograms.

Happenings

Bare Bones

IN Caterham, Seven, 7, Superlight, Track, Anniversary, Edition, Special, UK

Caterham are known to make some of the most fearsome road legal cars around — even beating a Bugatti Veyron around the Top Gear track! And they all owe their lineage to one model: the Superlight

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

The MÃ©hari was produced from 1968-1987, and saw use not only as a commercial vehicle but also as a military one. Just as the Mini Moke had a basic, roofless and doorless body on top of mechanicals from a BMC Mini, so too was the MÃ©hari based on the running gear of the Citroen Dyane (itself a development of the iconic 2CV). Its ABS plastic body made the MÃ©hari even lighter than the 2CV (just 535kg), which made it an excellent vehicle for light off-roading. As a result, the MÃ©hari became something of a cult classic in rural and seaside France.

Happenings

Prickly heat

IN Citroen, C4 Cactus, Cactus M, Concept, Crossover, Frankfurt

The C4 Cactus has been one of Citroen's quirkier creations of late, with innovative use of plastics in its AirBump technology. Its latest concept, the Cactus M, takes that one step further.

We begin with the most important part of the car: Uprated power. The turbocharged 2.0-litre direct-injection engine in the anniversary model delivers an output of 261 hp (+47 hp from the 'regular' version) and will come with an over-boost function (!!!) that increases power up to 286 hp simply by kicking down the accelerator.

Happenings

New Golf GTI Clubsport!

IN Volkswagen, VW, Golf, GTI, Golf GTI, Mark 7, Clubsport, Golf GTI Clubsport

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Golf GTI, VW presents a special edition Golf GTI Clubsport; production version will make an appearance at IAA Frankfurt

Yup, that's right — with the introduction of the facelifted 991 generation (or 991.2 for short), the naturally aspirated Porsche 911 Carrera is no more. Out go the 3.4 and 3.8-litre engines from the base Carrera and Carrera S respectively, and in comes a bi-turbo 3.0-litre flat six shared by both models.

Happenings

Auf Wiedersehen, Saugmotor Carrera

IN Facelift, Porsche, 911, PDK, Turbo, Carrera

Let us bid a fond farewell to the naturally aspirated 911 Carrera, as Porsche straps on a pair of turbos to the facelifted model.

To ensure the former two are achieved, engineers have endowed the F-Pace with technologies first developed in its sportier brethren. The chassis benefits from Jaguar’s all-aluminium architecture, yielding a strong and light structure. This sets it apart from conventional steel-bodied crossovers and provides a stout platform for the suspension to work with. The aforementioned suspension also offers more sophistication than other crossovers, comprising a double wishbone design up front and an “integral link” multi-link setup in the rear. With a similar setup, the XE saloon was lauded for class-leading ride and handling, so it should not be a surprise if the F-Pace follows suit.

Happenings

Grace, Space and Pace

Can any automobile deliver all three attributes? Jaguar claims it can with the all new F-Pace

The last time this part of the market saw a British entrant was back in 2009, with the Jaguar X-Type. It was a competent enough performer, but the styling was decidedly, shall we say, old-school. Certainly not a description you could make about Jaguar's newest attempt, the XE.

Happenings

The Jaguar XE, now unleashed in Singapore

IN Jaguar, XE, Wearnes Automotive, Launch, Singapore, Sedan

All-new 'baby' Jaguar takes the fight to the Germans and also previews the company's future tech.

On the inside, the biggest change is the new part-leather, part-suede seats that should help grip you better when cornering. Furthermore the seats, together with the steering wheel and gearlever, also feature contrasting silver stitching, while chrome trim on the dashboard and doors help liven up the otherwise black interior.

Happenings

Swiftly Does It

IN Suzuki, Swift, Champion Motors, Singapore

Local Suzuki dealer Champion Motors announces Special Edition of its most popular hatchback.

They will also need to demonstrate an interest in the automotive sector through their previous work experience, hobbies or school project work, and be able to show a commitment to teamwork along with academic aptitude, ambition and a passion for the motor industry. Aston Martin CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, said, “As a strong advocate of apprenticeships — I started my automotive career in just such a role — I’m very happy that we are able to offer more young people this valuable opportunity.

Happenings

Aston Martin Looking For Apprentices

IN Aston Martin, AM, Apprentice, Gaydon

The luxury British sports car maker opens ten more apprenticeship slots in a selection of priority positions.

His smash single ‘Happy’ sold over 12 million copies and was Billboard’s Number 1 single for 2014. The feel-good anthem — the fourth track in 20 years to go triple platinum — also led to his first Academy Award nomination and two Grammy nominations. Voted as Fashion Icon by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, he has collaborated with brands including Louis Vuitton, Adidas, Uniqlo, Comme Des GarÃ§ons and G-Star. This is in addition to his own clothing lines, Billionaire Boys Club and ICECREAM that sit under his own multimedia creative collective and record label, 'i am OTHER'.

Happenings

Want To Meet Celebrity Pharrell Williams?

IN Singapore, Singapore GP, Pharrell Williams, Pharrell, 2015 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, Singapore Airlines, Marina Bay Circuit, 2015

Singapore GP launches an exclusive T-shirt design contest, to be judged by famous multi-talented celebrity Pharrell Williams; winner will meet Pharrell in person!

Officially, the M4 GTS is still a Concept, but don't let the moniker fool you; BMW's recent history is littered with dozens of 'concepts' that are nigh on identical to their eventual production versions — this latest one should be no different.

Happenings

Changing 4tunes — BMW M4 GTS Concept

IN BMW, M4, 4-series, GTS, Track, Concept

Two's company and three's a crowd; four's a party and five’s not allowed — if this saying is anything to go by, the latest special edition M car should be quite the hoot…