Happenings

In case you're not familiar with the MINI Cooper S Countryman, here's a bit of a refresher. A two-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine puts down 178hp and 280Nm of torque through its front wheels and dusts off the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.4 seconds.

More so than that, it has five usable seats and features 450 litres of luggage space when configured as such. Drop the side and middle seat into a three-seater configuration, and 1,000-litres of cargo capacity opens up. Drop the remaining rear seat, and liberate an additional 390 litres of minivan-esque volume for moving stuff about.

Happenings

MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 Uncharted Edition...

IN MINI, Cooper S Countryman, ALL4, Uncharted Edition

... is a mouthful for a Mini, but looks eye-wateringly alluring!

Happenings

Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition Unveiled

IN Toyota, Prius, Le Mans Centennial GR Edition, Gazoo Racing, Le Mans, 24 Hours Race, Centenary

Unveiling done at the "Japan. Endless Discovery." exhibit marking 100 years since Le Mans was first run.

Guess who's back, back again. Maserati is finally back on track, after the MC12 left the tarmac back in the early 2000s.

Autodromo Varano de’ Melegari was the setting for the car's track debut high-performance GT2, the car that epitomises the House of the Trident’s return to racing.

The shakedown at the Parma circuit is the precursor to a series of events marking the run-up to the official unveiling of the car at the end of June in Belgium, at the 24 Hours of Spa.

Happenings

Maserati back in competition in the GT Championship

IN Maserati, Competition, GT, Championship

Maserati is back in contention for the GT championship, rocking up in the new GT2.

And Toyota will be bringing the heat as well, rocking up with its 2023-specification GR010 Hybrid, an evolution of the hypercar that won 10 of the 12 races it participated in since its 2021 debut.

Pre-season testing showed good promise as well, with tweaks to optimise reliability and drivability as well as reducing overall weight.

Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María López will team up for their fifth consecutive season, at the wheel of the #7 GR010 Hybrid. In the #8 sister car, Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa will aim to repeat their world title and Le Mans wins from 2022.

Happenings

Toyota Gazoo Racing set for Sebring showdown

IN Toyota, Gazoo Racing, Set, Sebring, Showdown

Toyota Gazoo Racing is now defending its FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) titles, starting with an exhilirating 1000 Miles of Sebring.

The new drivetrain is set to feature in its next plug-in hybrid replacement after the Aventador. Aside from the fact that it will be the marque's first plug-in hybrid, the main highlight statistic of the model, codenamed LB744, is the fact that it will get an output in excess of 1,000bhp.

What’s more, the LB744 is the first supercar to be fitted with a 100% carbon fibre front structure. Carbon fibre is also used for the front cone structures to ensure added safety, plus a substantial reduction in weight.

This car will also be different from the Lamborghini Sian, which pioneered the use of electric power in any raging bull courtesy of supercapacitors. The LB744 would instead be run with lithium-ion batteries.

Happenings

Lamborghini reveals information on plug-in hybrid Aventador replacement

IN Lamborghini, Information, Plug-in hybrid, Aventador

The time has come to retire Lamborghini’s legendary combustion V12 engine, and the Italian marque has revealed fresh details on its replacement.

This is a tried and tested formula from Mercedes - take a loud boisterous engine, throw it into one of their cars, and magic happens. In the past, this would have meant a guzzling V8 or V12, with lots of other performance trinkets that turn their cars into undercover street weapons.

However, due to tighter emission standards and the quest for cleaner cars, Mercedes has replaced this formula with smaller displacements. The new Mercedes CLS 53 for example now comes with a smaller turbocharged inline-6 banger.

It still retains its four-wheel drive system and other performance parts, but is it enough to still be worthy of its AMG title?

Downsized engine, upsized fun

Happenings

Mercedes CLS 53 - Regal Rowdiness

IN Mercedes, CLS 53, Regal, Rowdiness

Want something that can pounce on most supercars on the road, and wake up the entire neighbourhood, whilst still looking discreet? Let me introduce you to the Mercedes CLS 53.

Formula 1 is back after the winter break, and this season promises more action and close fights. Aston Martin, aside from their new signing with Fernando Alonso, will be showcasing its ultra-luxury SUV, the DBX707, as the official FIA Medical Car for Formula 1.

The DBX707 is the no-compromise, fully loaded variant of the DBX, and has received significant engine, transmission, suspension, and brake upgrades. These upgrades make it the (at the time of writing) the most powerful SUV on the planet.

Happenings

Aston Martin unleashes the DBX707 For the Formula 1 2023 Season

IN Aston Martin, DBX707, Formula 1, 2023

Aston Martin DBX707, the world’s most powerful luxury SUV, is the new Official FIA Medical Car of Formula 1.

But, that’s not what Lamborghini’s Polo Storico club thinks. In line with the Italian marque’s 60th anniversary celebrations, the club has kickstarted its celebrations by taking part in the ICE motoring event and international concours d’elegance.

The best bit? It’s held in the beautiful setting of the St. Moritz frozen lake.

Happenings

A weekend on ice for Automobili Lamborghini’s Polo Storico

IN Automobili, Lamborghini, Polo, Storico

You wouldn’t normally throw classic Lamborghini cars onto ice… right?

Sixty years ago, in a desolate area that was open countryside, construction of the Automobili Lamborghini factory began. The company was established on May 6, 1963, and Ferruccio Lamborghini’s lifelong dream of becoming a manufacturer of sports cars was now born.

Right from the start, Lamborghini and his very young engineers showed an immense passion for innovation and a desire to disrupt the dogmas of the sports car world. These values, which still form the cornerstone of the company today, would lead to the birth of legendary cars such as the Miura, Countach, Diablo, and Murcielago. Lamborghini literally invented the supercar.

Happenings

Lamborghini celebrates 60 years as an icon

IN Lamborghini, Celebrates, 60 years, Icon

Automobili Lamborghini is filling its 60th anniversary with a full schedule of exhilarating events.

Before the jump though, the British automaker said they would celebrate the milestone with a final swansong, with the most powerful variant of the W12 engine ever created. It is rumoured to boast 740bhp and 1000Nm of torque. Yes, the numbers do not lie, 1000.

The upgraded engine will only exist in 18 Bentley Baturs, and each will start at $2 million. If you wanted to get your hands on one, sorry! The vehicles are already sold out.

Happenings

Bentley Ends Production of 12-cylinder Engines

IN Bentley, Ends, Production, 12-cylinder, Engines, W12

Bentley plans to end production of its 12-cylinder engine next April, as it prepares for its transition to electric vehicles.

If you haven’t been living under a rock, you would have already known by now that Fernando Alonso has signed with Aston Martin’s Formula 1 Team for the 2023 season, following the departure and retirement of Sebastian Vettel.

Happenings

Aston Martin DBX707 Meets Fernando Alonso

IN Aston, Martin, DBX707, Meets, Fernando, Alonso, Aston Martin

What better way to welcome a two time world champion, than to have him wring a fast car round a track at breakneck speeds?

Click the mode dial to the Huracán Sterrato’s special ‘rally’ option, and get set for a world of fun. This was the Sterrato’s first outing on snow, and it took the low-grip surfaces of the Italian Alps like a champ.

Happenings

Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato Ditches Asphalt For Ice Cold Snow

IN Lamborghini, Huracán, Sterrato, Ditches, Asphalt, Ice, Cold, Snow

The Huracán Sterrato was built from the ground up to tackle any terrain, and now it has embraced the frigid snows of the Italian Alps.

Lamborghini returns to the ice in Livigno with Esperienza Neve, a yearly event which sees guests test-drive some beautiful machinery.

Hosted in the beautiful setting of the Alps, this event is accompanied by Lamborghini Accademia drivers, including Factory Driver Leonardo Pulcini and numerous Super Trofeo drivers.

Happenings

Ice & Snow Meets Raging Bulls - Lamborghini Esperienza Neve 2023

IN Lamborghini, Snow, Ice, Esperienza, Neve, 2023, Driving

Ever wanted to hoon some ice-cold Lamborghinis around an ice circuit?

Pagani of Singapore and Bombardier recently unveiled a pair of products on 7 February, showcasing the Pagani Huayra Roadster BC and the Bombardier Global 7500 private jet in a joint showcase. The unveiling happened at the Bombardier Service Centre in Singapore, the largest industry service centre in Asia.

The Huayra Roadster BC, a hardcore variant of Pagani’s second generation hypercar, is handbuilt from the ground up by the Italian marque.

Happenings

Pagani and Bombardier of Singapore Dazzles With the Huayra Roadster BC and Global 7500 Private Jet

IN Pagani, Huayra, BC, Roadster, Global, 7500, Private, Jet, Bombardier, Singapore, Reveal

Like what you see? Well, you’re going to need some really, REALLY deep pockets for these beauties.

Have you always wanted to find out what it feels like to sit in a Bentley, but don’t have the means to get near one? Well, luck is at hand, and customers and enthusiasts alike can now explore the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase (EWB) and take it for a virtual drive in a real-life location of their choice, or simply check how it looks on their driveway. All in a virtual space.

Bentley has recently launched a new Augmented Reality (AR) mobile application to showcase the world’s finest luxury SUV. Exterior paints, leather colour and cabin styles can all be changed to produce your own personally commissioned Bentayga EWB. It’s like being in a candy shop all to yourself.

Happenings

Explore The World In Your Own Bentayga EWB

IN Bentley, Bentayga, Augmented, Reality, AR, Mobile, App

Always wanted to know what it feels like to be in a Bentayga? Well, now you can.

Happenings

Lamborghini Invencible and Autentica: A Bittersweet Swansong

IN Lamborghini, Invencible, Autentica, Bittersweet, Swansong, Italian, Marque, V12

It’s time to say goodbye to the V12 supercar era of Lamborghini, and what better way to send it off than to create two one-off monsters – a roadster and a coupé.

Nestled in the little-known region of Umbria, Italy, is Miataland. The name is about as obvious as it gets. Miataland is home to the world's largest private collection of Mazda MX-5. Yes, we don’t know why someone would be so committed to the petite Japanese roadster.

While most car collections are usually museum exhibits and only taken out on special occasions, the generous people who run Miataland actually want you to touch the cars. Hell, they'll even let you take them out for a drive.

Happenings

Miataland Is The World’s Only Mazda Themed Resort Getaway

IN Miataland, Mazda, Resort, Getaway, Italy

Take the largest private collection of Mazda’s classic roadster in the world and couple that with a resort, and you get an automotive haven where dreams come true.

The name previously existed on one of BMW’s most potent compact performance cars. It would take a very special car to be able to properly wear the CS title again, and thankfully it seems that BMW has done it. What they have created, is a formidable four-wheel-drive monster.

This limited-edition road-worthy track weapon shows off an uprated version of the BMW M3’s 3.0-litre turbo straight 6, producing an extremely respectable 542bhp. That’s 39 horses more than the ‘standard’ M3 Competition, and now the M3 CS has the same output as the BMW M4 CSL. Couple that to a plentiful supply of torque, which is rated at 650Nm, and you get a potent street weapon.

Happenings

BMW Launches New Limited-Edition M3 CS

IN BMW, M3, CS, Limited, Edition, Reveal, Launch

BMW has revived an old badge for a new car, and boy is it an exciting one. This is the brand-new BMW M3 CS.

New technical regulations will result in future Formula One cars to compete with a new combustion engine, which will be able to run with fully sustainable fuels. For greater efficiency, these engines will be paired with a 469bhp electric motor.

With Formula 1 regulations set to change once again in 2026, owing to more stringent rules and environmental concerns, this leaves a gap for new teams and manufacturers to enter.

Audi has already confirmed their entry for the 2026 season with Sauber, and now Ford has just announced that it will also be returning to the big leagues.

Happenings

Ford Is Making A Comeback To Formula 1

IN Ford, Red Bull, Formula, One, 2026, Season, Partnership

In a new partnership with Red Bull Racing, the American giant will be supplying hybrid power units to both Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri teams from 2026 onwards.

Since I was a wee little boy, I was always enthralled by Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars. Probably because I am Asian, and probably due to games such as Need For Speed. I can still remember the day I first laid eyes on a Mitsubishi Evolution 8. The curves, the angles, god I was in love.

Happenings

On The Ground: Tokyo Auto Salon 2023

IN Tokyo, Auto, Salon, 2023, 2024, Nissan, GT-R, NISMO, Show, Toyota, Japan

If you’re like me and love all things JDM, brace yourself for three days of awesomeness.