Search Results

The good people from Noble have managed to extract an astonishing 425bhp from a three litre Ford Duratec V6 mid-mounted engine that is sometimes awfully squandered on the Ford Mondeo ST220. It has modified fuel injectors, high-lift camshafts and twin turbo-chargers, making it a roaring feature on the track. The superb power-to-weight ratio of 400bhp/ton suggests how it should be named and you can’t be too wrong about that. The German Getrag six-speed manual with Quaife LSD transmission is clearly the trigger and what you would call, a better playmate than your Gran Turismo gamer.

Classics

Noble Intentions | Noble M400

A year ago, I was on the verge of being reduced to combating for reserved seats on the public transport because I was left with three points on my driving record.

Now let's begin with the exterior. Shy, retiring types who like to keep their feet firmly on the ground should look elsewhere, for what we have here is a soft-roader that is very big, very bold and very, very in your face. The X6M is deeply aggressive from the front, with its big air intakes and angry-looking headlamps. With those bumps on the bonnet, subtlety does not figure greatly in the overall design philosophy of this SUV. From the side, it looks rough and tumble and you can know that BMW's designers subdued themselves to not go overboard with the bodywork. Details are definitely well planned, with each and every crease functional in reducing drag at high speeds. You then get a set of 20-inch M alloys, wrapped in grippy-but-stiff Bridgestone Dueler HP Sport rubbers (275/40 R-20 front, 313/35 R-20 rear) to complete the package.

New

To Infinity And Beyond...

IN BMW, X6, M

Who would be odd enough to come up with a performance SUV? Surprisingly, BMW - and here's their staggeringly out-of-this-world X6M.

A vast array of personalisation options and accessories has been developed for the Ferrari FF. These include six model-specific exterior colours and sumptuous interior trim incorporating specially selected and treated aniline leather.

Happenings

Ferrari Reveals The Ferrari FF

IN Ferrari, FF, Four-seater, Four-wheel drive

Ferrari has revealed the first photographs of the new Ferrari FF, the company's most powerful, versatile four-seater ever, as well as its first ever four-wheel drive car.

All selected participants will be receiving specialist hands-on training in fire safety and track recovery, while selected senior officials will be given attachment opportunities at overseas circuits to gain practical experience. This year, selected senior officials will be sent to Adelaide, Melbourne and Darwin in Australia as well as Sepang, Malaysia for training attachments.

Happenings

Singapore GP Opens Recruitment For Race Officials

IN Singapore, GP, F1, Night, Race, Officials, Recruitment

Here's your chance to be part of the world's first and only Formula One night race.

So what's stopping us from buying a diesel? Other than the prohibitively high and punitive road tax targeted at private diesel car owners, there's still a perception that diesel cars have high pollution levels and don't perform as well as petrol powered vehicles. However with modern day technology that can be found in the cars featured below, one would have to think otherwise. Here's a selection of nine cars that'll change your mind about diesel cars, complete with horsepower and torque ratings.

Happenings

Driving Towards A Low CO2 Singapore

IN Diesel, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volkswagen

Fear this, hybrids and electric cars... modern diesel technology may have pipped you in being the answer to a greener future.

The power delivery in sport mode can be a little sudden. It accelerates normally, followed by a surge when the turbo kicks in. We do love the explosive acceleration but in heavy traffic, it's a bit hard to drive smoothly unless you leave it in Normal, or Eco mode which has the least throttle responsiveness, but delivers the smoothest drive.

New

Can You Dig It? | Nissan Juke DIG-T

IN Nissan, Juke, DIG-T, Turbo, Crossover

Striking, bold and curvaceous, Nissan has been brave with the Juke. But is it naughty enough? We drive it to find out.

Even though there's only one trim level available, its comes nicely specified with 16-inch alloy wheels, a 160W sound system with USB playback support and vehicle speed-sensitive volume control and of course, climate control and cruise control.

Happenings

Honda Insight Launch | Time To Go Eco

IN Honda, Insight, Kah Motor

Kah Motors recently launched Honda's latest hybrid car in the Singapore, the venerable Honda Insight. When the first generation was launched in 1999, it was a 2-seater 3-door hatchback.

Motorsports

Roal Motorsport Returns With Coronel

IN Roal Motorsport, BMW, 1.6 Turbo, Coronel, WTCC

Italy-based ROAL Motorsport will come back to the FIA WTCC, fielding one BMW 320 TC car powered by the new 1.6-litre turbo engine for Dutch driver Tom Coronel.

It's odd that I should find myself worried about how you readers will take to that last sentence. We have come to a point in the motoring industry that performance car makers are doing away with manual gearboxes, and dual-clutch transmissions are everything - they're faster, easier to live with, and offer the best of both worlds. Which begs the question, which 'two worlds' are we talking about exactly? The world of expedient step-and-go driving? Maybe. The world of engaging and immense motoring fun? Not necessarily so.

Readers' Rides

Manic. Magical. Manual. | BMW M3 CoupÃ© (M)

IN BMW, M3, V8, CoupÃ©, Manual

A maniacally fast coupÃ© that handles magically with the joys of a good ol' manual gearbox. There, my review of the BMW M3 is pretty much done.

Sleek, sophisticated and unmistakably Saab, the new 9-5 combines stand-out looks with advanced technologies and brings a fresh alternative choice to the premium sedan segment. The clean, sculpted shape embraces the purity of Scandinavian design and its dramatic wraparound window graphic echoes Saab's aviation heritage. With frontal styling inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept car and a muscular, low-slung stance, the new 9-5 heralds the introduction of a bold, more expressive design language.

Happenings

Trans Eurokars Launches The New Saab 9-5 Sedan

IN Saab, 9-5, Aero, Vector

The new Saab 9-5's progressive Scandinavian design inspired by the Aero X concept and Saab heritage, marks a new era for Saab.

Modified

Singapore's Best VW Golf | Entry Six (6)

IN VW, Volkswagen, Golf, GTI, R32, Entries, Singapore, GT, TSi

This contrasty white Mk5 GTi on glossy black rims packs a Stage 2 punch and whole list of go-fast mods.

However, if there’s any comment to be made on the exterior of the new fifth generation Polo, it does come with some lineage pretensions, its silhouette resembling a Golf from afar. It sports the same chunky dimensions as its older sibling with the same staid looking roof line. Product differentiation wise, there are still some elements that separate the Polo from the Golf such as the rear lights and a sportier looking front bumper.

New

That's A Mint Car! | Volkswagen Polo Sport

IN VW, Volkswagen, Polo, 1.2, TSI

A new engine offering petrol performance with diesel economy, does it even exist? Look no further than this sporty little Polo 1.2 TSI.

Happenings

Peugeot RCZ Roars Into Town

IN Peugeot, RCZ, CoupÃ©

The voluptuous RCZ, first seen in concept form back in 2007, has landed on our shores. Just as gorgeous in the flesh as it appeared on paper, it looks set to be the next big thing!

Build quality and design aside, how does the car fare in performance? Using the very same engine found in the 308 hatch back and SW, the 308CC’s 1.6-litre turbo charged engine paired with a responsive and smooth shifting slush box churns out 156 horses and 240 Nm worth of torque and performs ably, going from zero to 100 in 9.5 seconds, which is a reasonable time for its class. The car however should not be misconstrued as an all out performance car as it is more of a boulevard cruiser than a tarmac bruiser. In terms of handling, the 308CC feels like a relatively large sedan that needs to be eased around bends. The steering is a tad light weight but offers decent feedback which is perfect when driving at low speeds, but should you prod the accelerator hard, the drive becomes less confidence inspiring, which is why you should never thrown it round a corner. But on the daily get go, the 308CC does offers a pliant and comfortable ride, with its suspension taking the road irregularities well in its stride. Scuttle shake however is still existent, but that is just a typical trait found in convertibles.

New

Gallic Sun Kiss | Peugeot 308CC

IN Peugeot, Coupe, Cabriolet, 308, CC

Pioneering the art of folding roofs since 1930s, Peugeot has never lost its desire to give drivers the libertÃ© to drive in either the coupÃ© or cabriolet configuration.

Under the bonnet, the performance of the 2.0-litre 16V turbo engine has been enhanced with an optimised electronic engine control system. Despite regulatory restrictions, the MÃ©gane Renaultsport N4's engine puts out 265hp and torque of 470 Nm. It is linked to a five-speed H-pattern gearbox, developed specifically for this purpose. On the strength of its experience in the field, Renault Sport Technologies has sought to design an innovative, reliable and high-performance package that also takes on board the notion of cost control at every stage of development. The intention is to make Renault MÃ©gane RS N4 accessible to all drivers, and be both easy to handle and economical to run. Like all of the vehicles in its rally range, MÃ©gane Renaultsport N4 is to be sold by Renault Sport Technologies in the form of a kit comprising all the specific parts.

Motorsports

Renault Megane RS N4

IN Renault, Megane, RS, N4

Noted for its striking design and having won acclaim for its chassis and engine, Renault's MÃ©gane RS is now to give rise to a rally car, the N4, intended for private teams and drivers.

The wheel wells in the arched fenders are prominently flared - another quote from the design language of the Sport Quattro. The same applies to the distinctive air outlet on the right side of the hood, which allows the five-cylinder engine to breathe more freely.

Happenings

Audi Quattro Concept

IN Audi, Quattro, Concept

Not exactly breaking news, but Audi's Quattro concept still sets our hearts racing every time we set our eyes on it. Let's hope the future gets here fast.

Here’s a glimpse into some of the tools included in ‘SG Driver’:
1. Accident Report: A useful tool to guide you through the steps after an accident. It prompts you to take photos and record details of the other cars involved in the accident and witnesses that will help when submitting insurance claims. You can email this information to anyone, including yourself.

2. Car Locator: A car locator tool which makes it easy for you to recall where you parked your car. Use it to take a photo or video of the parking spot and it will pin your location on the map. For multi-storey car parks, you can enter a note or use the voice recorder for floor level and other details.

Happenings

Cycle & Carriage Announces The Launch Of ‘SG DRIVER’

IN C&C, SG Driver, IPhone

Cycle & Carriage (C&C) is pleased to announce the launch of ‘SG Driver’, an all-new iPhone application designed especially for the savvy driver.

Reserved for GT3 and GT4 cars, which have already made their mark in long-distance races, without having a specific arena to test their skills, the new series will be centered around GT racing’s showcase event, the Total 24 Hours of Spa. The remaining three-hour events will take place at high-powered Monza, in Italy, Spain’s newest circuit of Navarra, France’s popular and classic Magny Cours, and the home of British racing, Silverstone. With the three-driver line-up so popular with teams and gentlemen drivers, no driver classification in the top class, and a three-step qualifying system inspired from Formula One, the new series aims to give teams drivers everything they want in a friendly yet professional atmosphere. Promoted by SRO Motorsports Group, the company which was behind the rebirth of GT racing and without whom the GT3 and GT4 categories would not exist, the Blancpain Endurance Series will be an international GT series run under the aegis of the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium, and recognised by the FIA. It takes its name from a much-valued partnership with the prestigious Swiss watch manufacturer Blancpain.

Motorsports

Blancpain Endurance Series Unveiled

IN GT3, GT4, Blancpain, SRO Motorsports Group

Five high profile events was recently announced for the new Blancpain Endurance Series.

Happenings

Racing Legend Tom Walkinshaw Passes On at Age 64

IN HSV, Tom Walkinshaw

The Scottish racer will be remembered for helping lead Holden to its first series win in V8 Supercars Australia since 2002 through drivers Rick Kelly in 2006 and Garth Tander in 2007.

The chassis of the new A6 combines sporty precision with supreme comfort,
with links made of aluminium and a redesigned power steering that features a
highly efficient electromechanical drive. The executive sedan will also have
wheels ranging from 16 to 20 inches in diameter. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system is standard with the new A6, and the front-wheel- drive models have the sporty ESP with electronic limited slip differential on board. For enhanced comfort, adaptive air suspension with controlled damping and dynamic steering will be available soon as options.

Happenings

The New Audi A6 Sedan

IN Audi, A6

Audi has redesigned its executive class model the Audi A6, and it is set to make its market debut in Singapore in the second half of 2011.