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Happenings

The Future of Lexus, Today

IN Lexus, LC500, LC, Coupe, V8, Concept, LF-LC

Three years ago, Lexus previewed new design and technology in their LF-LC concept. Fast forward to the present, and that concept is now a reality. Meet the LC500 Coupe.


But rather unfortunately, within my first 10 minutes the car brought me to this: Disappointment. The engine sounds dismal, you need to crack it up just to feel alive and… it drizzled. It was painful, feeling cheated; I mean, this car got raving reviews the world over!
New

Mazda MX-5 2.0 (M) | Balanced Diet

IN Mazda, MX-5, Mazda MX-5 2.0, Manual, Roadster, Trans Eurokars

Mazda stated it is heavily inspired by the first generation, albeit with a modern twist - so are they just playing with our emotions?


First impressions of the GS F can be polarizing, with the sharp lines of standard GS enhanced by a gaping front maw with a mesh grille and vented fenders flowing into swooping side skirts, as well as a diffuser, quad pipes and a carbon-fiber lip spoiler out back. The front and rear light clusters have also been redesigned. While some may find it overkill, this writer finds the enhancements well suited to the GS shape, adding a good dose of presence.
Happenings

Lexus GS F Unveiled

IN Lexus, GS, F, GS F, F Sport, Toyota, V8, Saloon, Sedan

BMW M5 too mainstream? Lexus now has your answer, albeit with a twist to the current über sedan formula


Weight distribution is set to 40% at the front / 60% at the rear, reducing inertia on the front axle. An entirely new power management set-up, along with modified suspension, new steering set-up and recalibrated stability and traction controls, connects the driver as directly as possible with the road. The selectable Lamborghini driving modes Strada, Sport and Corsa are tuned to provide oversteering characteristics, emphasizing authentic rear-wheel drive behavior.
Happenings

RWD Huracan LP 580-2

IN Lamborghini, Lambo, Huracan, LP 580-2, Huracan LP 580-2, Lamborghini Singapore

Lamborghini promises rear-wheel drive driving fun with the new rear-wheel drive only Huracan LP 580-2


There are cars that only those with the keenest of eyes will be able to spot:
Happenings

The Car’s The Star Pt 1 | Cars & Coffee Dec 2015

IN Cars & Coffee, Meet, Meetup, Special, BMW, Porsche, VW, Lotus, Toyota, Mazda, Subaru, JDM, Euro, Classic

Christmas is a time for sharing, so what better way to spread some festive petrolhead cheer than with a car meet with some of the rarest cars in the country?


BP — Would you be as effective with another driver or is there a sort of chemistry between you guys? MA — I think it depends mostly on how well you can cope with the system of a particular driver, because normally every driver has his own preference and the co-driver must adapt himself and understand what the driver needs. There are several co-drivers who have been successful with several different drivers, so I think that one driver can be successful with many co-drivers, but for a co-driver to be successful he needs a very talented driver. BP — Jari-Matti, has there ever been a case where you found yourself expecting more of Miikka? JML — No, not really. Its only been a few times where if Miikka has been a little bit late or going a little too early then I will just tell him to wait a moment, or just telling him ”next note, next note
Motorsports

An Intimate Interview with Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila | Part 1

IN VW, Volkswagen, WRC, Rally, World Rally Championship, Polo, Polo R, Motorsport, Latvala, Jari-Matti, Anttila, Miikka, Finland

Meet motorsport’s highest-flying Finns as they talk Group B, co-driving, and their intra-cockpit relationship.


The Clubsport makeover starts with the bodywork, where a redesigned front bumper with splitter, roof mounted wing and rear diffuser with larger pipes add presence as well as genuine downforce to the familiar Golf shape, all without looking obnoxious or boy racer-esque. Lightweight forged alloy wheels available in 18 or 19 inches, blacked out roof and mirror trim as well as stripes with “Clubsport” lettering down the side also let you know this is no run of the mill GTI.
Happenings

GTI Remastered

IN VW, Volkswagen, GTI, Golf, Clubsport, Turbo, Hot hatch, Hatchback

Want a little more grip, grunt and style from your Golf GTI? Look no further than the limited edition GTI Clubsport.


Good for me. On the flipside, since I own one such car, I must confess over the years my social circle is getting smaller and smaller…
New

MINI John Cooper Works | Grown Up

IN MINI, John Cooper Works, JCW, Cooper, MINI Habitat

The JCW becomes significantly more fun with the bigger engine — growing up isn’t all that bad in this case


The GT4 Clubsport is blessed with many of the same traits that make its street-going sibling a riot to drive, such as bodywork that helps to produce genuine downforce on both axles, a lower, wider track and a mid-mounted 3.8 liter flat six engine that produces 385hp. However alterations have been made to beef up the base car, such as front suspension that has been lifted wholesale from a GT3 cup car while the rear has a revised strut design with GT3 cup car control arms. The 6-piston front and 4-piston rear brake calipers are also a one piece design now for added strength.
Happenings

Race Ready Goodness

IN Porsche, Cayman, GT4, Clubsport, Race, Homologation, Endurance, GT, Sports, Weissach

With the road-going Cayman GT4 released to wild acclaim, Porsche has taken the opportunity to develop a new track-only racer based off of it. Enter the GT4 Clubsport.


The new XF is part two of Jaguar’s current three-pronged product offensive aimed at capturing sales from Ze Germans; first there was the compact XE sedan which we reviewed earlier, and early in 2016 will see the arrival of the F-Pace, Jaguar’s first SUV. Already the results are showing: in just three months since its launch in September, the XE has already accounted for 20% of total Jaguar sales in Singapore! This tripartite group is important for Jaguar also because it debuts a number of advanced technologies that will sustain the company’s products in the near future.
Happenings

eXquisitely Finessed

IN Jaguar, XF, Wearnes Automotive, Launch, Singapore, Sedan, Luxury, Launch

The first XF was a landmark car for Jaguar, overhauling the brand’s image and keeping it afloat during financial struggle. Now that its tour of duty is complete, a new XF is here to lead the charge.


The new headlights which look like it was directly lifted from the 458 Italia, makes the car immediately more striking. You can be excused if you think that the California is just another hardtop with pleasing lines. However, it is more than that. If you hit the switch and wait 14 seconds, you find that the touring model is actually a drop-top. The California is equipped with a retractable hardtop that quickly slips out of sight behind the passenger compartment. Thanks to its intelligent design, the stored hardtop doesn’t take too much away from trunk storage. For a sports car, there is a fair amount of storage space - easily enough to hold luggage for a weekend away.
New

Ferrari California T | Cup Of T

IN Ferrari, Ital Auto, Ferrari California T, Cabriolet, Convertible, Turbo, Singapore

The Ferrari California T is the automaker’s “entry-level” touring model, marking Maranello's modern incarnation of their turbocharged stallions.


Also during this event, it was revealed the accomplishment of Infiniti's product offerings in the premium segment. According to the latest LTA statistics, the brand has enjoyed a 384 percent year-on-year growth in local vehicle registrations.
Happenings

The Infiniti Drive Singapore

IN Infiniti, Q50, Q70, QX70, Infiniti Drive Singapore, Wearnes Automotive, 2015

Infiniti showcases its technologies with a tailored drive event


Moreover, most Evoque buyers are new to the brand and looking for a posh status symbol. Unlike previous SUV convertibles, the Evoque Convertible does not disappoint in this regard as it looks the business with the same handsome design as before, but kerb appeal is now boosted by optional LED headlights as well as front and rear fascias that are redesigned for 2016. The folding soft-top can also be operated at speeds of up to 48 km/h for maximum visual kudos, and can fold itself in just 18 seconds.
Happenings

Luxury Convertible... SUV?

IN Range Rover, Land Rover, Evoque, Convertible, SUV, Niche, Range, Rover

Should you have the desire to barrel over sand dunes while looking fabulous and getting a tan, look no further - the Range Rover Evoque Convertible has you covered.


Happenings

Back To Basics

IN Toyota, S-FR, Lightweight, Sports car, Concept

Building on momentum of the GT86 Coupe, Toyota unveils a sports car concept that is even smaller and lighter than its already svelte bigger brother - enter the S-FR concept


You see, the 124 Spider is the result of an agreement formed between Fiat and Mazda about three years ago. Mazda would develop and manufacture both its new MX-5 and the Spider at its factory in Hiroshima, with the two cars featuring each brand’s own engines. So, whereas the MX-5 uses a naturally aspirated 1.5 or 2.0L Skyactiv engine, the Spider will come with a turbocharged 1.4L lump from the 500 Abarth.
Happenings

An Itsy Bitsy Spider

IN Fiat, Spider, 124, Roadster, Sports car,

Japanese engineering with Italian style. Fiat revives another iconic nameplate with this, the new 124 Spider.


The standard F12 already has a 6.5 liter V12 with all of the latest technologies, but the TDF builds on that with a new variable intake manifold contributing to a 40hp and 15Nm gain, bringing the grand total to 780hp and 705Nm of torque. Despite being bereft of modern turbocharger technology, eighty percent of torque is available from just 2500rpm. Yet the redline is set at a scintillating 8900rpm, which should yield the evocative soundtrack one would expect from a V12 Ferrari.
Happenings

Hardcore Berlinetta

IN Ferrari, Fiorano, F12tdf, F12, Tour de France, V12, Italy, GT, Grand Tourer

More than just a fancy bodywork package, Ferrari have comprehensively re-engineered the F12 to create a meaner, leaner version in the form of the F12 TDF


Designers drew inspiration from vintage roadsters. The MX-5 Spyder features a 'bikini top', Mercury Silver exterior, carbon fibre aero kit and grille intake, lightweight 17-inch Yokohama Advan Racing RS II wheels and a Spinneybeck Prima natural full-grain leather interior. The MX-5 Speedster, meanwhile, pares the roadster back to the bare essentials — it even has a deflector in place of the windscreen — for an old school wind-in-the-hair sports car experience. Mazda took its weight-cutting passion to extremes with for example carbon fibre doors and seats as well as custom 16-inch Rays 57 Extreme Gram Lights wheels. The Speedster tips the scales at only 943 kg, and is also 30 mm lower than the production MX-5 thanks to an adjustable coilover suspension.
Modified

SEMA 2015 Las Vegas: Lightweight MX-5 Concepts Revealed

IN Mazda, MX-5, MX-5 Spyder, MX-5 Speedster, SEMA 2015, Las Vegas

MX-5 Spyder and MX-5 Speedster concepts debut at 2015 SEMA show in Las Vegas; Mazda North America collaborated with various aftermarket parts suppliers to create both concepts


John Edwards, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations said, “This a fantastic accolade for one of Jaguar’s most recognisable models ever built. The Jaguar Heritage business aims to support loyal and passionate customers so that models such as the E-type can continue to be maintained and enjoyed across the generations. The fact that it has captured the most votes in a global public vote is a testament to its status as one of the world’s most iconic sportscars and now, officially, as the Best British Car Ever.”
Happenings

Jaguar E-Type Is 'Best British Car Ever'

IN Jaguar, E-Type, Jaguar E-Type, Best British Car Ever, Jaguar Heritage, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations

It's official: The E-Type is the Best British Car Ever in a poll


BP — The previous 3 generations of MX-5 had a design that was quite cute, rounded and smiley, which clearly evolved over the years. Why then did the ND's styling suddenly change to something quite aggressive and angry? Nakayama — Of course, compared to the previous generations, the design is more aggressive, but I personally believe the most important thing is not how it compares to the older cars. When you look at the car without prior knowledge about the previous models, whether it is beautiful or aggressive or not, is not the most important thing. I believe that when we introduced the first-generation model, among all the players in the industry, car design had certain tendencies. So maybe every player had a much more pretty or softer face. But now, so many players have a much more aggressive face and complex design. So I think that compared to the other players today, the design is not that aggressive.
Happenings

The Brains behind the MX-5 Part II | Masashi Nakayama, Chief Designer

IN Mazda, MX-5, Interview, Chief, ND, Designer, Kodo

In the second of this two-part series, we sat down with the new MX-5’s Chief Designer to learn more about the car’s drastic change in appearance, and the role designers play in creating a new car.


However the Civic has also had its share of lows, most recently with progress stagnating after discontinuation of the ‘FD’ generation in 2011, as rivals came out with powerful turbocharged engines, more tech-toys and snazzier looks. For 2016 though, the Civic is all-new from the ground up and if looks are anything to go by, this is a proper revitalisation of the Civic with swept back LED headlights, a wider stance and a sleek fastback profile.
Happenings

Perennial Favourite

IN Honda, Civic, US, Sedan, Turbo, New

Now in its tenth generation, the Civic returns revised from the ground up to compete with a new generation of small family sedans



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