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With Citroen, Ford and MINI battling for glory in rallying’s showcase category, Simon Long, CEO of North One Sport, said Volkswagen’s decision to switch its focus from off-road events to the WRC was another boost for the all-action championship. “The WRC is the pinnacle of rallying; it’s all about being the world’s best and Volkswagen is right up there as one of the world’s best automotive brands,” said Long. “Coming hard on the heels of the BMW and MINI announcement this is yet another vote of confidence in the future direction of the WRC. The WRC is all about innovation - whether that’s on the sporting, technical or promotional side. We’re finding new ways to connect with fans, new ways of developing the sport and the technology beneath it, and that very much mirrors what Volkswagen are looking to do as a business and with its Polo.

Motorsports

Another Boost For The WRC As Volkswagen Signs Up

IN WRC, Volkswagen, Polo, R, 2013

Volkswagen will be returning to the FIA World Rally Championship from 2013.

The sides of the roadster are robustly built, not primarily for crash protection, but also to enhance the driving dynamics. Together with a beefed up cross-member with additional supporting struts at the windscreen frame, centre tunnel and between the soft top and the fuel tank, this makes the car very rigid.

Happenings

Sneak Peek: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

IN Mercedes-Benz, SLS, AMG, Roadster

With another six months to go before its September launch at the International Motor Show (IAA), this slightly disguised super roadster has all the time to complete rigorous tests.

The EX1 beat an electric speed record by putting in a lap time of nine minutes and 1.338 seconds at an average speed of 138.324 km/h despite weather conditions which were far from favourable. The previous electric speed record on this circuit was set by a race-prepared Mini E, which clocked a lap time of nine minutes and 51.45 seconds.

Happenings

Peugeot EX1 Burns The Nurburgring

IN Peugeot, EX1, EV

Peugeot's electric concept car establishes a new lap record on Germany's NÃ¼rburgring-Nordschleife circuit...for electric cars.

A new aerodynamics package produced entirely from carbon fibre has been developed by McLaren Racing in compliance with GT3 regulations, incorporating a new front splitter, door blade, rear wing, diffuser and louvres in the front fenders.

Happenings

Mclaren Unleashes the MP4-12C GT3

IN Mclaren, MP4-12C, GT3, FIA, GT, CRS Racing

While the car is an engineering feat, Mclaren also unveiled a team and development programme that will keep its customers ahead.

The Traffic Police has well justified their commitment in enforcing strict regulations on mobile phone driving, statutorily enacted in Section 65B of the Road Traffic Act, Chapter 276. This section states that, “Any person who, being the driver of a motor vehicle on a road or in a public place, uses a mobile telephone while the motor vehicle is in motion shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding S$1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to both, and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding S$2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.” In addition, 12 demerit points would be charged to your traffic report card and your mobile phone will be forfeited by the court if convicted.

Happenings

Drive First, Talk Later

IN Handphone, Traffic Police

Just when you are about to tell your father what went on at the opposition party rally on the phone, you see an incoming truck...

The new Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tyre features an advanced full silica compound which reduces the friction between the tyre's rubber molecules and provides higher resistance to abrasion, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and a longer tread life. Additionally, the tyre is built with a hard base under the tread, which reduces deformation in the crown area and heat build-up. The tyre also features even pressure distribution that helps to reduce the rate of wear.

Happenings

Goodyear Launches The Assurance Fuel Max

IN Goodyear, Assurance, Fuel, Max

Not only is it designed to reduce fuel consumption, there is plenty of protective perks too.

Among these, Ito (No. 6) was running at the fastest pace and gradually closing what was initially a 16-second gap between him and Motoyama (No. 23). It looked as if Ito would eventually take the lead if that pace continued, but with about ten laps remaining the rain began falling harder and forming puddles on the track that made conditions treacherous. Cars began spinning out and running off the track. Seeing this, the Clerk of the course ordered the red flag out at the end of lap 60 to stop the race. Eventually it was decided to end the competition at this point, making the running order at the end of lap 59 the final finishing order. This gave the victory to the No. 23 MOTUL AUTECH GT-R (Satoshi Motoyama/Benoit Treluyer). Finishing seconnd was the No. 6 ENEOS SUSTINA SC430 (Daisuke Ito/Kazuya Oshima), while third went to the No. 19 WedsSport ADVAN SC430 (Tatsuya Kataoka/Seiji Ara).

Motorsports

Super GT 2011 - Round 2

IN Super GT 2011, Fuji

The Motul Autech Nissan GT-R wins the bad-weather season opener.

Motorsports

Spengler Wins At Hockenheim

IN DTM, 2011, Hockenheim

Pole position on Saturday and race victory on Sunday: for Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz), the first DTM race of the season went according to plan.

Margaret says: The Countryman immediately made me regret buying the Mini Cooper S which I primarily bought for the fun drive. The engine does feel hot when it's running, which is what I experience in my own Mini as well. I would buy it, but I wouldn't want to go for the entry level, because the four wheel drive has a very planted feel and the equipment level is superb.

New

MINI Cooper S Countryman Panel Of Professionals (P.O.P.) Session

IN MINI, Countryman, Cooper, S, P.O.P.

Our panel of professionals (P.O.P.) strap themselves up in the passenger seat and get up close and personal with the MINI Cooper S Countryman. Hear what they have to say about the car.

You might think this is a new Panamera S Hybrid variant, but you are wrong. It's the new Panamera Diesel. Despite being a more conventional engine, it comes stuffed with the latest technologies such as common rail direct injection, electrically controlled variable geometry turbochargers and controlled exhaust gas recirculation with an oxidation catalyst and particle filter.

Happenings

Porsche's Frugal Panamera

IN Porsche, Panamera, Diesel

With an engine that sips fuel, this Gran Turismo will make long journeys a single-tank affair.

Happenings

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0

IN Porsche, 911, RS,

The 911 GT3 RS, one of Porsche's most popular, coveted and successful track-inspired production cars, has been given a final injection of thoroughbred technology resulting in the 911 GT3 RS 4.0.

The new car comes with plenty of electronic aids too, including Cornering Brake Control (CBC) which varies braking power between all four wheels in order to keep the car stable, Cornering Torque Control (CTC) that minimizes under steer and Hydraulic Brake Fade Assist (HBFA) that compensates for possible brake fade in repeated heavy braking situations.

Happenings

New Opel Astra: The Cyclist's Car?

IN Opel, Astra, Bicycle, Rack, Turbo

As ironic as it seems, this five-door hatchback has one unique feature that separates it from the pack.

To get higher octane from premium fuel, most will add a bottle of octane booster. VP Racing has a strong reputation with fuels and its high octane formulas are very popular in racing. Adding their C5 Octane Booster to a tank of fuel will increase the octane ratings by 3.3 RON, thanks to the effective MMT agent (Methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl), which is proven to deliver the greatest octane boost.

The C5 Octane Booster is capable of boosting octane up to eight numbers for increased performance while providing lead lubrication. Increased fuel octane helps to eliminate pre-ignition and detonation, which translates into more horsepower and torque. More than just increasing octane ratings, it also provides upper cylinder lubrication especially for older engines and protects it from valve seat recession.

The Pit

VP Racing Fuels C5 Octane Booster

IN VP Racing, Fuel, Booster, Octane, RON, MON

Going back to formula might just end the argument about which type of petrol offers the best performance in our cars.

Even out on the expressway, the A1 gets up to legal speeds without fuss. However what’s lacking here is engine refinement — it can sound a tad gruff especially above 4,500 rpm, and the drone does get intrusive when the audio system is switched off. Handling wise, the A1 remains your typical Audi. Which means the steering is well weighted, handling is predictable and as a whole, makes even an amateur driver a street hero. Depending on buyer’s demand, nothing is wrong with this particular aspect of the A1 — but if you’re more demanding and place more emphasis on “f-u-n”, then you might come disappointed. In comparison, at least the Mini Cooper requires more driver input and you can easily (a) throw its rear out, and (b) laugh away gleefully as you try to get back its line. But wait: here's a surprise, the A1 in comparison seems to brake better.

New

The Potentially Special One | Audi A1

IN Audi, A1, 1.4 TSI, S-tronic

The Audi A1 jumps onto the scene in time — just when the Mini’s a decade old…

Happenings

Lexus Driving Experience 2011

IN Lexus, IS F, Driving, Sepang

The Lexus Driving Experience saw a group of keen Lexus owners steer not just their silky smooth machines round the Sepang F1 circuit, but also a pair of high performance IS F super saloons.