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Dutch car manufacturer - Spyker - will return to Salon Prive with two models featured on both the Concept Lawn and as part of the Audemars Piguet British Super Car Show at Syon House in September. Spyker has recently revealed the production-confirmed B6 Venator, which will feature on the Concept Lawn, with a Spyder (convertible) version also expected to be revealed later in the year. The Spyker B6 Venator Concept is a compact, two-door mid-engine sports car that Spyker claims will offer the discerning driver of the highest standards a new choice, delivering a rare combination of heritage, design, performance and exclusivity. Designed by Victor R. Muller, Chief Executive Officer of Spyker N.V., the Spyker B6 Venator Concept makes a contemporary statement whilst paying homage to its past. Highly detailed design, bespoke materials and aviation-inspired elements are a core part of the Spyker DNA. With the announcement of the Spyker B6 Venator Concept, the company once again proves its Latin axiom: Nulla tenaci invia est via (For the tenacious no road is impassable). The name 'Venator' is Latin as well, meaning 'Hunter' - a nod back to Spyker's Hunter fighter aircraft of the early 20th century. The Spyker B6 Venator Concept will begin production in early 2014 for key markets including Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and India, followed by the U.S.A in autumn 2014. The C8 Aileron, last seen at this year's Geneva Motor Show, will be displayed as part of the Audemars Piguet British Super Car Show, proudly demonstrating why this year's production of the model has already sold out. Salon Prive's David Bagley said, "I'm delighted to have Spyker at Salon Prive once again and showing a stunning lineup on both the Concept Lawn and as part of the Audemars Piguet British Super Car Show. We have a brilliant show coming together this year, the biggest and best ever in fact, and we're very much looking forward to seeing it all come together over the three days in September." The eight Salon Prive will run from Wednesday the 4th of September to Friday the 6th of September at Syon Park, London. Several new product debuts, as well as the Chubb Insurance Concours d'El
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The Lamborghini Cabrera spotted for the first time ever Earlier, about a week ago, I told you that the Lamborghini Cabrera was likely to make its appearance at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show. Now, things are getting closer to reality. The supposedly long-awaited Gallardo replacement has finally been spotted for the first time ever and it has been attracting plenty of hype on the World Wide Web. The previously rumoured Lamborghini Cabrera Unlike what most people believed before, it seems that Italian automaker Lamborghini has changed its mind and that the Cabrera will no longer borrow styling cues from the Lamborghini Aventador. Judging from its front fascia from what I can see in the picture, the model is looks pretty similar to the current generation Lamborghini Gallardo. Yet, the bonnet feels rather long somehow, keeping in mind that the raging bull is supposed to carry a mid-mounted engine. It's also likely that the Cabrera will count on a 600bhp V10 engine mated to an AWD drivetrain and an automatic transmission. Oh, a RWD drivetrain may also show up later as a special edition, I believe. Sadly there isn't much else I can tell you for now since the super car isn't likely to be offered for sale for another two years anyway, so we still have plenty of time to find out more, don't we?
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Big stars from world of motorsports to attend Goodwood Festival of Speed
PetrolHead posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
The Festival of Speed remains unique in its ability to attract the majority of the current season's Formula 1 teams and drivers, with seven current F1 teams confirmed for Goodwood including Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Lotus, Mercedes, Marussia and Caterham. Current F1 drivers and leading characters in action at the Festival will include previous World Champions, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, on top of Nico Rosberg, Roman Grosjean, Max Chilton, Heikki Kovalainen and Adrian Newey among others. Past Grand Prix masters present at this summer's Festival of Speed will include Alain Prost (above), Nelson Piquet, Sir Stirling Moss, Sir Jackie Stewart and Nick Heidfeld among others. In total, 17 Grand Prix winners will be in action, with a total of 232 GP wins between them! One of the great Festival of Speed's moments will be relived at this year's event when Nick Heidfeld is reunited with the very McLaren MP4/13 that he so famously launched up the Goodwood Hill in a record time of 41.6 seconds back in 1999. From the world of rallying, IRC Champion, Andreas Mikkelsen(above) will be spitting gravel in the 2013 VW Polo WRC, as will Spanish double World Champion Carlos Sainz, whilst Mikko Hirvonen's Citroen DS3 WRC will also be in full flight on the Goodwood Forest Rally Stage. A host of other star drivers and riders, plus cars and motorcycles from each of the world's major motor sport disciplines, past and present, will also be featured at Goodwood, including champions from Formula 1, Indycar, the World Rally Championship, Superbikes, NASCAR, World Sports Cars and Touring Cars, plus Land Speed Record holders. Goodwood is recapturing many of the outstanding Festival of Speed moments from the 1993-2012 era, including over 350 great machines from all of the world, as far flung as New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Japan and the USA, all making a very rare return to the U.K. The 20th anniversary of the Festival will see many famous man and machine pairings reunited, including three-time Formula 1 World Champion Nelson Piquet returning to the cockpit of his celebrated Brabham BT52, in which he secured the 1983 crown. -
This is how you're supposed to appreciate the Volvo XC60, as an art
RchLuvSlly posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
The Volvo XC60 is one good alternative to take into consideration when it comes to buying an SUV. It's an exclusive crossover SUV that comes with city safety measures to guarantee your family's safety. However, it seems that the Volvo XC60 is not all about commuting. You can see that if you go to Zurich, Switzerland central station where the Swedish automaker has set up its art display. The locals recognise the art display as the Volvo Art Session and it has been around for the past few years. Here, Volvo has chosen highly talented artists, some of whom are skilled veterans while some others are newcomers, to present creative exhibits including a Volvo as the central point of the art. In this year alone, the Swedish automaker has chosen no less than six artists from across the European continent. This year, their task is to transform the Volvo XC60 into a creative work of art. It's unfortunate, though, I have to say, as the work of art won't last for long. This happens because the work of one artist will have to be erased so that the next artist can present his work and so on and so forth. Trying to be creative at one of the busiest places in Europe, some of the artists can't help but to make the Volvo XC60 a focal point in their creative art presentations. However, some others seem to be more creative - at least so I think - by making the car almost completely unnoticeable. -
Mercedes A 45 AMG vs CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake in quarter mile race
SYF77 posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Recently, Auto Express setup a quarter mile drag race between two AMG models. They are the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake and the 'entry level' AMG, the A 45 AMG. The competition feels like David vs Goliath as the CLS 63 AMG has a twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 engine that generates 518bhp while the 45 AMG makes do with a turbocharged 2.0-litre that makes 355bhp. In terms of engine capacity, the CLS63 is more than two times that of the A45. Is the A45 destined to lose the drag race to its much more powerful sibling? Or will the lighter AWD hot hatch with dual-clutch transmission reign supreme? I shall leave the conclusion for you to find out! A 45 AMG CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake -
There's no doubt that Swedish automaker Koenigsegg knows how to make some of the world's fastest production cars that ever exists. The company even makes sure that the twin-turbo 5.0-litre V8 engine of its production cars will run on E85 fuel. However, unfortunately, some places in this world just aren't quite ready for such fuel yet, just like in Singapore. So, keeping that in mind, it seems that despite the total power output of 927bhp offered by the Agera or 1,124bhp offered by the Agera R, neither of the models is really quite of our interest here in Singapore. That's not to mention the highly demanding price tag of the super car. However, realising that, Koenigsegg has finally produced the Agera S. Unlike its elder brothers, the Koenigsegg Agera S doesn't need ethanol to be mixed into its fuel. It'll run just fine with the fuel we already have here. In addition to that, this fine super car is quite powerful as well, offering the power of up to 1,040 horses. With all the advantages that it has, the Koenigsegg Agera S comes with a demanding price tag of around USD$4.2 million (approximately S$5.3 million). Yet, despite the price tag, the fourth example in the world has already met its new owner, who is a Singaporean. Yes, Koenigsegg recently introduced the Agera S here, at a special reception which was attended even by the founder of Koenigsegg Automotive AB himself, Mr. Christian von Koenigsegg. The reception took place at the Hotel Ritz Carlton Millenia on 14th June 2013. As it was private, the reception was only open to 200 VIPs and guests. The lucky person to have the fastest production car on our shores happened to be Ms. Angela Tan, wife of Mr. Denis Chua, an investor. According to Mr. Chua, he and his wife bought the car after having test-driven it personally in Sweden. Hand-crafted by Swedish skilled artisans with enhanced aerodynamics in mind, the Swedish luxury super car can go from 0-100km/h within a mere 2.9 seconds. In addition to that, the car will stop climbing speed only after it has reached a speed of at least 400km/h. How does that sound? The Koenigsegg Agera S super car was introduced to us here by the Motorway Group of Companies. This is a rental car company that also serves as a pre-owned luxury car specialist. If you are wondering, the car is available in both right and left-hand drive. Photo credits: Nicholas TJR
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Lexus will return to Salon Prive later in September this year to showcase its industry-leading range of full hybrid models. It will have a special focus on the F Sport versions of its cars, which combine sportier styling and performance with the peerless luxury, craftsmanship and advanced technologies that are associated to the Lexus brand. Among the line up will be the IS 300h F Sport, representing Lexus's all new sports saloon. Adopting Lexus Hybrid Drive technology for the first time, the new IS presents the latest interpretation of Lexus's L-finesse design philosophy. The effect is even more pronounced in the F Sport, with a stronger rendering of the spindle grille design and styling cues inside and out that take reference from the Lexus LFA supercar. As it delivers increased driving pleasure, the IS 300h achieves CO2 emissions from 99g/km and an official combined cycle fuel economy of 27.9km/L at the same time . It will be joined by the new GS 450h F Sport, representing the fourth generation of Lexus's luxury sports saloon. The GS's hybrid system combines a 288bhp V6 petrol engine with a compact but powerful electric motor. The GS 450h F Sport can accelerate from rest to 100km/h in less than six seconds and progress to a 249km/h top speed despite emitting a modest 141g/km of CO2. The Lexus RX - the original luxury SUV - has been consistently refined and developed over the years to the current RX 450h. It will be present at Salon Prive in F Sport trim too, demonstrating how Lexus has successfully interpreted its sporting theme across its full model range. Common with all current Lexus hybrids, the RX allows the driver to select different drive modes to prioritise fuel and emissions efficiency or performance, according to personal preference or driving conditions, including an EV mode for all-electric running with zero tailpipe emissions and fuel consumption. The LS 600h Premier is the flagship of the Lexus range, a limousine rich in advanced technologies and luxury features. The innovations include the world-first Lexus Climate Concierge, which maintains an ideal cabin environment by monitoring the individual facial temperature of each occupant to determine appropriate co-ordination of the ventilation, heating, heated seats and heated steering wheel. With handcrafted finishes, a supremely smooth V8 hybrid powertrain and a cabin designed for optimum comfort, the LS 600h fulfills Lexus' mission to deliver a world-class limousine.
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In a recent survey conducted by U.K.'s largest dating website for married people, Illicit Encounters, Audi owners are found to be the most likely candidates in having extramarital affairs. The result was concluded by polling its 750,000 members. To be specific, 22.2 percent of Audi owners claim that they have cheated on their spouses. This is followed by BMW drivers with a score of 13.8 percent. Taking third place is Mercedes-Benz with 8.7 percent. In the survey last year, BMW owners take pole position for being the most adulterous bunch. At the other end of the spectrum, French car owners are found to be the most loyal partners. Only 0.4 percent of Peugeot drivers confessed that they have had an affair followed by Renault drivers with a score of 0.5 percent. "Cars can reveal a lot about their owners. All the cars in the top five represent our members - they are typically successful, motivated, high-achievers who are less likely to settle for something they find unsatisfying, be it a car or a relationship," commented Mike Taylor from Illicit Encounters website. Premium German makes have been dominating Singapore's sales charts for the past few years. If your hubby wants to get a German car, perhaps you may want to try convincing him to get a French car instead to 'safeguard your marriage'.
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Bespoke automaker Rolls-Royce Motor Cars celebrated the opening of its new showroom in the famous city of St. Petersburg in Russia. The new showroom will help serve increasing demand for Phantom and Ghost models and will provide the most discerning clientele in the region, with direct access to the pinnacle super luxury brand. The dealership is located at the Astoria Hotel in one of the European cultural capitals, and will be under the fine care of Tatiana Fitzgerald - who is also the Managing Director of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Moscow. The unique Rolls-Royce Bespoke personalisation service will also be available from the new showroom, underlining the further growing popularity of this service among owners in Russia. Nearly all Phantom family models and three out of every four Ghosts contain some element of individuality. Wraith, the most powerful Rolls-Royce in history, was presented at the grand opening in St. Petersburg, for the first time by the shores of the Baltic Sea. The ultimate Gran Turismo combines super luxury and refinement with power, style and drama. The bold, charismatic lines of Wraith are a brave step forward for Rolls-Royce and the car has received overwhelming feedback since its debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2013. Torsten Muller-Otvos, CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented, "St. Petersburg, with its timeless beauty and elegance, forms the ideal backdrop to stage Rolls-Royce motor cars in this outstanding showroom. Our presence here marks an important milestone in the sustained development of Rolls-Royce in Russia." He added, "I am particularly pleased to see that a team with a proven track record in the world of super luxury will take care of the customers in and around St. Petersburg. Tatiana and her team have a wealth of experience and will add great momentum to the sphere of luxury in the Leningrad region." Tatiana Fitzgerald commented, "Rolls-Royce has a very rich history in St. Petersburg and is where the first Rolls-Royce touched Russian ground more than 100 years ago. We are really excited to write the next chapter of the Rolls-Royce story in Russia." Last year, Rolls-Royce celebrated a third consecutive record year as 3,575 cars were delivered to customers across the world, marking the highest annual sales in the 109-year history of the brand - with Russia continuing to be the best selling market in Continental Europe. 19 of the 107 dealerships in the world are located in Europe, including the new St. Petersburg showroom.
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In 2011, Audi presented the Quattro Concept, the final production version of which has yet to come. But now, it seems that the German automaker is finally ready to take the wraps off the final production version when the 1984 Audi Sport Quattro celebrates its 30th anniversary. Rumour has it that the final version will look sportier as well as sharper than the Quattro Concept. It's also said that the final version of the car will carry a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine. Capable of producing a total power output of 650bhp, the car will seemingly take only 3.4 seconds to go from 0-100km/h. The Quattro Concept, however, had to count on a turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine with a total power output of 408bhp. In addition to a powerful V8 engine, the successor to the Audi Sport Quattro will also feature a sports tuned suspension with adaptive dampers, a sports Quattro rear differential, and carbon-ceramic brakes. To keep things light, Audi will be using such components as aluminium, magnesium, and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). In total, the car won't weigh over 1,300kg. If you are keen on seeing the car with your very own eyes, you may want to anticipate the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show as the German automaker is likely to show it there. And, if all the rumoured specifications turn out to be true in the end, expect to see a price tag of around
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2013 Opel Insignia facelift revealed ahead of world premiere at Frankfurt Motor Show
SYF77 posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Opel has removed the wraps off the 2013 Insignia facelift. The revised German mid-sized sedan will be making its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Exterior updates include revised headlamps, front and rear bumpers, taillight combination and front grille. On the inside, the center console is now less cluttered with buttons, which Opel claims improved intuitive operation of common functions such as air conditioning and infotainment. The instrument cluster also has a new set of dials. A new flat-bottomed steering wheel completes the interior update. For the petrol power trains, the 2013 Insignia gets a choice of 1.6-litre SIDI engine with 170bhp or a 2.0-litre version with 250bhp. The 2.0 SIDI engine produces 30bhp more than the existing 2.0-litre turbocharged unit. Diesel options include a 2.0-litre CDTI with either 120bhp/320Nm or 140bhp/370Nm. A 2.0-litre BiTurbo CDTI with 195bhp and 400Nm of torque is also available. Depending on the engine choice, the Insignia is offered with a choice of six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic transmission. -
Production version of Peugeot RCZ R to debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed
SYF77 posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Brawn and brains will finally meet at the Goodwood Festival of Speed when Peugeot reveals the production version of the RCZ R coupe. The event will be held in England from 11th to 14th July. The RCZ R is previewed by the RCZ R concept (above) which debuted at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Powered by a 260bhp 1.6-litre THP engine, the RCZ R takes the honour of being the most powerful production model in the French brand's history. This puts the car among the most powerful production cars based on a power-per-litre basis, surpassing even the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport. Despite of its raw power, the engine produces CO2 at a rate of 155g/km which is lower than a 1.6-litre Corolla Altis. The RCZ R will benefit from a sport-tuned suspension, lightweight alloy wheels and a Torsen limited-slip differential. Before we get to see the production version of the RCZ R, here's the concept version for your viewing pleasure. -
Although it was actually first rumoured back in March 2012, there has yet to be any more information regarding the supposedly successor to the Lamborghini Gallardo. To make matters worse, the Italian automaker only unveiled a Gallardo facelift last year when most car enthusiasts were actually expecting the next generation Gallardo. So, it was kind of like a prank from the raging bull. However, it seems that the long wait is about to be over. Pictures have emerged on the internet showing what is believed to be the Lamborghini Cabrera. Judging from the images, I believe they reveal the real deal. Looking at the images of the car, it reminds me of one of the latest models Lamborghini recently introduced to the public. Yes, the Cabrera borrows a lot of styling cues from the Aventador, from its front to the rear fascias. Rumour has it that the Lamborghini Cabrera will count on a V10 engine and that its four wheels will receive a total power output of 600bhp from the car's automatic transmission in addition to a dual clutch system. The latter is a new addition as the raging bull used to employ the single clutch E-Gear system. So, it seems like the long wait for the next generation Lamborghini Gallardo supercar is about to come to an end. What do you think?
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Toyota MR2 Well, it's no longer a secret that the Bugatti Veyron is the world's fastest production car. With that being said, I can understand why there's a fair number of people in this world who desire to have one example of the supercar of their very own. Unfortunately, such a fast supercar bears a very high price tag and thus, not every single person in this world can afford to buy one. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that there's no solution to it, as in the case of this Toyota MR2. Bugatti Veyron plastic body kit Well, I can say that the owner of the car must really desire the Bugatti Veyron. He prepared everything to make his car completely look like the world's fastest production car ever built. The owner wraps his Toyota with a plastic body kit resembling the body of the Veyron. Mind you, the plastic body kit even comes with a fake rear engine compartment as well! Well, I think the owner is quite satisfied with his work. His original Toyota MR2 now looks just like the supercar he's always dreamed of, except for the somehow rather long wheelbase, perhaps. While the owner may have successfully transformed the exterior of his Toyota MR2 into that of the Bugatti Veyron, I wonder how he feels when people notice that the engine doesn't sound as awesome as that of the real W16 engine implanted on a Veyron. But then again, not everyone is aware of how a Bugatti Veyron really sounds, I guess. Toyota MR2 Spyder Although there's no mistake in pursuing one's dream, I would rather stick to the original MR2 or, maybe even better, the owner should have transformed the car into the Toyota MR2 Spyder instead as it will give him a better result, I believe.
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Production ready Vencer Sarthe to be unveiled in Salon Prive
PetrolHead posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
[extract] If there is space for anything in this world, it is the addition of another Sportscar maker. New Dutch start up Vencer are about to enter the world of tailor made sports cars with their first model -
2013 Skoda Octavia vRS unveiled ahead of Goodwood Festival of Speed
SYF77 posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Skoda has officially unveiled the top-of-the-range vRS version of the all new Octavia, which is planned for a public debut on 10th July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed held in England. The 2013 Octavia vRS will be available in both sedan and combi body styles. Engine options include the 220bhp 2.0-litre TSI gasoline engine and the 184bhp 2.0-litre TDI. Skoda offers a six-speed DSG transmission as an option for both engines. For the standard six-speed manual version, the petrol vRS does the century sprint in 6.8 seconds while the TDI needs 8.1 seconds. The 2013 Skoda Octavia vRS lineup comes with a sports suspension and sits nearer to the ground. Other goodies include an electronic XDS differential, start/stop function and Brake Energy Regeneration. There is a choice of four alloy rims with sizes ranging from 17 to 19 inches. Behind the rims are red brake calipers. The new vRS has a blackened grille, revised front and rear bumpers, chromed dual exhaust pipes, rear spoiler and bi-xenon head lights. On the inside, the sports sedan comes with a leather-stitched sports steering wheel, stainless steel pedals, sport seats and a redesigned instrument panel. -
If you take part in motorsport driving, or ride a motorcycle (especially), I would recommend that you do not take your helmet for granted, under any circumstances. This is because you may regret it afterwards. You see, you never know when the unexpected may take place. If you aren't really buying what I am trying to say here, I suggest that you take a look at the picture involving the helmet previously worn by a Spanish F1 test driver, Maria de Villota. If you aren't quite aware or can't recall, Maria de Villota came across a horrifying incident while testing a Marussia Formula 1 racecar nearly a year ago. As for the cause of the incident, it has yet to be clarified. All that we know is that she crashed the F1 car she was piloting at that time due to some unexplained acceleration. According to eyewitnesses, though, the car had been misfiring. Had it been true, I wonder why the engineers weren't really concerned about it. Anyway, it was really a misfortune as Maria de Villota was actually trying to come back to the paddock and she was piloting the Marussia F1 car at a low speed, too. At that point of time, as a matter of fact, she had completed a straight line aero test. Due to the unexpected acceleration, the Marussia F1 car rear ended one of Villota's team trucks. Ironically, the truck was actually the one which brought the Marussia F1 car onto the track in the first place. Unfortunately, the liftgate of the truck was partially lowered at that moment and Villota's head happened to strike it. Well, I bet you can guess what happened next. After the incident, Villota went into a coma lasting four days. Fortunately, the doctors managed to save her life but, well, the same couldn't be said of her right eye. Yes, the horrifying and unfortunate crash cost Maria de Villota one of her priceless eyes. No longer an F1 test driver, Maria de Villota is now working as a road safety advocate in the country where she was born. Working as a road safety advocate, she never gets tired of showing her horribly damaged helmet to her audiences, hoping that more people - especially the more aggressive young drivers - will be more careful and always put on their helmets whenever necessary, for their own sake. For your information, I am confused whether she's stubborn or that she's persistent and just have a strong will. You know, after the horror she encountered, she has revealed that she still wants to get back into the F1 racing world, making an eventual comeback when the time comes.
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After much anticipation, the 11th generation of the US Corolla has been unveiled. The Corolla is previewed by the Furia concept presented at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show. Judging from history, the next Corolla Altis that we will be getting will be styled very closely to the US version. Measuring 4,650mm by 1,776mm by 1,455mm (L x W x H), the new Corolla is 99mm longer, 16mm wider and 10mm lower than its predecessor. The larger dimensions also translate to more interior space as rear seat room improved by 75mm. Speaking of the car's interior, the dashboard layout is similar to the Auris hatchback, which in turn reminds me of the Toyota Taxis in the 80s due to the 'upright' design. For the US market, two 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engines are available - one producing 132bhp (Dual VVT-i) while the other churns out 140bhp (Valvematic). Various gearboxes are available depending on trim level. They include a six-speed manual, CVTi-S (continuously variable transmission intelligent-shift) and a dinosaur-age four-speed automatic. For Singapore, my hunch is that the current Altis' 1.6-litre Dual VVT-i, four-speed automatic combination will be carried over unchanged to the new Altis. Just look at what happened to the newly-introduced Vios. Within hours after the US-market Corolla is launched, Toyota released photos of the European version of the new model. It sports a different head lights, grille and tail lights. Overall, the US version looks sportier while its European counterpart projects a more luxurious outlook. 2014 European Corolla
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With a USD$1.14 million (S$1.42 million) price tag to it, the McLaren P1 is definitely not just another car. Yes, it's a super car built by British automaker, McLaren Automotive, which has very good credibility, thanks to its reliable production cars. However, it seems that nobody really is perfect, not even the guys behind the U.K.-based car manufacturer. You see, during the recent Villa d'Este Concorso d'Eleganza event held in Italy, the super expensive Italian car happened to show its weakness, just when it was least expected. Honestly, it would have been a lot better had the case be just some malfunctioning minor features. However, it was quite an embarrassment for McLaren that its P1 failed to start completely that day. Furthermore, things have become even more embarrassing for the Brits because it seems that there's no such thing as keeping the embarrassment local nowadays. Thanks to the Internet and the massive number of people carrying cameras along with them wherever they go today, the mishap can now be watched over the internet! The McLaren representatives in charge that day had to tow the car onto a trailer in the end, after having failed to start it no matter what they tried to do. The representatives have yet to figure out why the McLaren P1 wouldn't start at all. The only thing noticeable was a couple of error messages displayed on the dashboard screen. One of the error messages read 'Park Brake Fault - Call McLaren Service Centre' and the other one read 'ESC Fault Vehicle Limphome - Go to McLaren Service Centre'. Essentially, they both suggested that the car be towed to a McLaren service centre, just like what the McLaren reps did eventually. These error messages somehow lead me to wonder if there's nothing the owner can do without bringing the super car to the service centre in the case that something goes wrong. Well, I believe that McLaren would have preferred such a thing to take place somewhere more 'private', such as at its plant, rather than at a place filled with multi-millionaires. In other words, those people at the Villa d'Este Concorso d'Eleganza event are undoubtedly capable of purchasing one example or more of the Italian super car. What a shame and a bad thing it is to happen, at a wrong place and at the wrong time!
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While unhappy SMRT bus drivers displayed their frustration by going on strike, a Serbian Fiat worker has his own way of showing unhappiness - by vandalising 31 unassembled Fiat 500L body shells. The worker scratched profanities and offensive messages aimed at the management of the plant on the cars' bodies . The trade unions commented that the workers had been forced to work long hours and had been denied of cigarette breaks. "It is believed that a single man damaged the cars because the message's handwriting is the same. This is probably due to tough conditions under which the workers operate, the younger ones can bear it but it is very difficult for the older ones. They work in three shifts, under great pressure from management, and the average monthly wage is 34,000 dinars," said Zoran Mihajlovic, President of Fiat Automobili Srbija's trade union. The damaged body shells were re-painted while an investigation has been launched to identify the worker involved.
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Final preparations underway by Rolls-Royce to re-enact the 1913 Alpine Trial
PetrolHead posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Later this month, 40 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts will depart from Vienna, and journey through cities like Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Italy before returning on 29th June in a bid to faithfully re-enact the 1913 Alpine Trial. With the date drawing closer, final preparations are underway with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars' Authorised Dealer in Essex, P&A Wood, playing an essential role in ensuring cars are in perfect condition. Eight of the 40 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts participating in the rally, many over a century old, have been meticulously prepared by the dealership -
[extract] The last time we saw the Maserati Ghibli was at the floor of the Shanghai Motor Show. The new entry model for the Trident brand looked great under the special lighting conditions. However, a car
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BMW's Intelligent Headlamps, now keeping more people safer
RchLuvSlly posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Do you often drive when nighttime falls? Well, my father, for one, quite so often does just that. And, if you do so, too, chances are you often find yourselves kind of blinded by the illumination of cars which are coming from the opposite lane. That's not to mention that there's a great number of cars that utilise Xenon bulbs these days, blinding you even more. However, the frequency of you getting blinded by oncoming traffic is about to decrease, thanks to the so-called 'Intelligent Headlamps' feature. This is an illumination technology that comes from highly reputable German automaker BMW. To be honest, this technology isn't entirely new as it was first introduced back in July last year. Back then, it was introduced exclusively for the BMW 7 Series. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't standard even on the really expensive models from BMW. Instead, customers who desired to have the feature available on their BMW 7 Series would have to purchase the optional Adaptive LED Headlamps package. Nevertheless, probably realising how its technology may actually decrease traffic accidents significantly, ultimately leading to saving a whole lot more people, the luxury German car manufacturer is now offering the technology on the company's new 3 Series Saloon and Touring lineups as well. You'll only have to make sure that the models do have a Visibility package available on them. So, what this feature does is it detects the situations of the road and traffic ahead and then adjusts the lighting that comes from the headlamps of BMW cars accordingly. This way, it prevents the lighting from blinding drivers from the oncoming lane. Not only will it prevent drivers on the oncoming lane from being blinded, it won't emit much glare to the driver ahead of you, either. With that being said, nighttime driving will surely become safer, by a significant degree. Simply put, the technology provides optimal illumination. To make things even better, this technology is useful not only during nighttime but also when the weather isn't very friendly. In order to work its charm, this feature has to work side-by-side with BMW's 'High-beam Assistant' technology. However, my words and words alone may not really give you any ideas on what on Earth I'm talking about. Therefore, I think you may want to check out the accompanying videos. That's even more so in case you happen to be planning to purchase a BMW yourself. BMW's Intelligent Headlamps with High-beam Assistant Real life demonstration -
Caterham to unveil cheaper, entry level track car based on the Seven
PetrolHead posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Caterham will release a new, more affordable and entry level version of the iconic Seven that pays tribute to the philosophy that inspired its creation. The Caterham 7 is a super lightweight sports car produced by Caterham Cars in the U.K. It is based on the Lotus Seven, a lightweight sports car sold in kit and factory built form by Lotus from the late 1950s to the early 1970s. After Lotus ended production of the Seven, in 1972, Caterham bought the rights to the design, and today makes both kits and fully assembled cars. Now Caterham is all set to unveil a new car based on the iconic 7 but with an accessible price tag at under -
Hyundai gave us a preview of their upcoming Nurburgring test centre by revealing two rendered photos. The facility will be ready in August this year and will feature four floors dedicated to workshops, office space and a VIP hospitality area. According to the Korean automaker, the test centre will enable them to fine tune the suspension, steering and handling characteristics of their products to suit the taste of the European drivers. "Quality is one of Hyundai's core values and it is key to achieving customer satisfaction. The Nurburgring is the ultimate location to test vehicle durability, and we're able to apply what we learn there to all of our vehicle development projects. Our new facility will increase our testing capacity, bringing direct benefits to our customers in terms of vehicle quality and performance," said Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe. The new test centre will allow Hyundai to conduct more vehicle assessments per year, which include the accelerated durability tests that simulate up to 180,000km of road wear and tear in a matter of weeks.