Handling package

After some research, these H&R ant roll bars sound like the real deal. I do not wish to touch the coilovers and another way to improve handling is to replace our stock arb with aftermarket ones. I can't imagine handling to be comparable to the Cooper S if I ever bolt these on. Woohoo.

Done Deal

This is the look I've finally wanted to achieve, even before i had the car.

This Oettinger rear valence can really transform the look of this hatch. Wanted to go for the Alpil/Newing rear but shipping costs added up to quite a figure. Moreover, Eurohaus had ready stock for this and its cheaper after factoring GST, so why not.

Its rear stance is now broader, more stable and lower, although nothing is done to the suspension and most importantly, not compromising practicality.









Yellow stripe, blue calipers. Hope i don't look like a mobile Ikea or Courts










Yes i know it begs to be lowered, but im more than satisfied with it.











The rear look is settled imo.

Golf sightings

This one of the sexiest GTi i came across. BBS rims, Alpil rear valence, coils, BBK, painted skirts and front bumper, and much more under the hood which i wouldn't know.








R32 at T3. Love the chrome grill. Way better in this trademark blue in y opinion.











:R's rear looks way nicer than stock GTi.











MKVI GTi, with Advan RS rims, Alcon BK, darkened front emblem, CF mirror covers coils, and im not surprised to know that this car's engine is not stock.

Stuttgart designers hard at work

I've never been a fan of drop tops.

The recent evolution of hard top convertibles by mostly German automakers was as exciting as the build up of the 2011 Audi A8. Keeping everything shrouded in secrecy did not really go well in my books, as you can visualise how it will "transform". Will it be a very grown up A4, or a grown up A6? Spot on for both guesses. Zoom your A4 to the max in your computer screen and there is your A8.










Introducing: the all new Audi A8.

Enough of going OT.

-------------------------------------------------

This entry is dedicated to the newest model in Porsche's lineup.

The previous model made me feel that the chief designer wanted to build a Tuscani for the weekly Sunday morning marketing.

Hollow bodywork and confusing curves made me uneasy after the introduction.

Wasn't really optimistic waiting for the successor, but finally, the artist used his master hand to whip up a delightful piece of art.

The Boxster Spyder looks stunning at every angle.

No signs of cheap interior and sluggish styling.

Coupled with the PDK transmission and flat six, this car produces a sonorous melody which would make Oprah wonder why she didn't wait longer to give this car to her audience.

A sub 6 time is respectable for an entry level model, unlike the low 7s from its predecessor.

Watch this video and turn up your volume.

Do not expect Pagani-like sound but just soak into the sweetness of its flat six.

All in One

Heffner-tuned R8 has got it all.

Nope. A V8 is not enough

Nope. Twin turbos do not only belong to its lesser V6 brother.

A combination of V8 grunt and Turbo spool and whistle gives the ultimate sound.

Enjoy.

Benchmark Supercar

The prancing horse has always been a work of fine Italian art and an epitome of success. Well before the days of the f40 and f50, Ferrari has been accused of lighting the passion of petrol heads not only in Maranello, but around the globe.

Ferrari's latest edition to their already star studded stable will be the 458 Italia. Radical, fierce and full of Italian flair.

But currently, the F430 has to be the benchmark Supercar for rivals to emulate. It is, IMO, the ultimate Supercar.

Yes, the Gallardo's looks can kill, the 911 can be driven anywhere and and driver will arrive at the destination equally fresh, the Godzilla can smoke just about anyone, but they don't carry the Prancing Horse badge. I don't think anyone associates Ferrari with failure. Maybe just that both words start with the same letter.

Spotted a gunmetal F430 recently. I've always wondered why owners won't choose a red paintwork, but after taking a close up look at this grey beast, a subtle colour choice can be rather inviting as well.










Airplane inspired air vents feed air into the huge engine. I don't think this design will ever look outdated.










Delicious curves on the mirror and doors dictate the primary styling from the side.










Rear diffusers, quad tail lamps and pipes, what more does she need?










This is where the magic happen. Mid-engined V8 pumping out well over 450hp, less than 4.2 sec from 0 to 60.

One of my favouraite 3dr hatch

Happened to browse through the web for some Audi tuning info. One that caught my eye was surprisingly one of the cheapest in the tuning industry's lineup.

The 3 Dr Audi A3 has always been one of the most understated car. With its Quattro and compact frame, handling would be a brisk affair. Even the longer 5 dr Sportback looks rather Sporty to me.

This entry will be dedicated to the 3 Dr variant













This ABT - tuned "AS3" with quads looks like a car for the young executive with an R8 wallpaper on his notebook and a whole range of Audi die cast models in his bedroom.

Sporty yet tame, this is one of the ore "sleeper cars" on the road.















Black rims go really well with white cars, more so when the whiteness brings out the curvature of the car, as seen in this S3.














Looks subtle, not overdone, but onlooking petrol heads will know that the owner knows something about beautifying his car. Stickered bonnet and fiberglass eyelids add a masculine touch to the car.




Whythiscar?

- Rather rare in Singapore. people would rather go for the more practical Sportback version.

- Endless potential for mods.

- Quattro AWD handling provides plenty of grip round corners, especially when paired with such a compact and well sorted chassis.

Sweet tests

Tried 2 stage 2 GTIs today

Stage 2 MTM black GTI and Stage 2 APR dark blue GTI

- Very different feel from the stock.

- Both have effortless acceleration throughout the rev range; low end suffers a bit but not significant.

- Boost gauge looks cool but i don't think i have the time to look at the needle while the turbo is spooling haha.

- Arqray quads sounds SWEET. Not too loud but noticeable.

- AP 6 pots is the ultimate BBK. What you pay is what you get. Impossible to hit something unless you lose concentration. It stops when you tell it to stop.

- Sparco buckets were rather uncomfortable but i can imagine bringing it for a track day. No Ocean Park - like water ride when pulling a few Gs round Sepang.

- the doors on the 3 Dr feels solid. But had to reach quite far back for the seat belt.

- I guess a stock car can be as enjoyable as tuned cars. More than happy with my ride at the moment.

Weight > Power

Sat in a Lotus Elise today.

At first glance, this baby monster has the looks of a Supercar. The curves are uninterrupted and bulging wheel arches provide a ferocious stance. Huge air intakes provide ample cooling to the mid mounted 1.8 litre Toyota engine.



Once inside, you will know why this 2 seater weighs 860kg. Everything which should be inside is inside. It even has a radio and power windows for heaven's sake. This is certainly not for the claustrophobic.



The high revving engine is a joy for driver for passenger. Power is instantaneous and gear changes are short and crisp. Although it has only 134 hp, its ridiculously lightweight frame propels the car like how high performance cars should be. There is no point fitting a turbo here as it will cause lag, and thus lose its purpose of being a pure raw driver's car. I have to say that the 1.8 litre engine is more than enough. I just cant imagine how the Elise R, fitted with a supercharger, will feel like.



Handling is out of this world. Who needs good brakes when you can corner the car with such high Gs. There is tremendous grip even in the wet, a pleasant surprise judging by its weight. Nonetheless, its 50 - 50 weight distribution played a monumental role in ensuring that traction is present all the time.












This had got to be one of the most enjoyable 5 mins of my motoring life. The rawness of the engine, superb handling and exhaust rumble from that twin pipes put a smile on my face even after stepping out of the car (Yes, I got out of it on my first attempt).

Damn, I have to study hard. =)

Verdict: 9/10

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Role reversal

It's rather rare when u compare 2 entities and one is bigger than the other when it's not supposed to be so. How can Godzilla be smaller than the building? Maybe its his new born child.

Enough of this nonsense. This is one of the nicer car shots i have taken so far, perhaps due to the amount of space i'm able to play with.


(Click the picture for a clearer view)

German compacts

Oneshift Link

This has got to be one of the best reviews by far. It states clearly Audi's premium feel and the importance of Quattro AWD handling/grip, and compares it to the Gti's fun factor. A must read for hatchback fanatics.

Rarity

Airtrek Turbos are a rare find now in Sg roads. Even with my observant eyes especially for this model, predictably so because it's the first car i have driven, this SUV is slowly being exported and i reckon there are less than 30 here.

Facts on the soon-to-be-extinct Airtrek Turbo:

______________________
Stock 245bhp, 343nm torque

5AT

4WD

Evo 7 engine

TD04 turbo (same size as wrx)

Stock top mount intercooler
______________________

Spotted 2 well modified ATRs in a single day.

#1



Ultra striking ATR with Damd front bumper, Trust FMIC, Sparco buckets x2, Red plastic interior, Defi gauges, Red Brembos (front and rear), White 18" Ralliart rims, and the list goes on.



Didn't really like the exaggerated spoiler.
Ralliart rear bumper, HKS exhaust (shld be) and 2 white stripes complete the patriotic theme for this car.


#2



This is a much cleaner set up. One of the nicest i have seen so far.
Pearl white paintwork, Apexi N1 exhaust, Ralliart front and rear bodykit, Stock evo 17" enkei rims, coilovers, and many more..

Pros and cons about the car -

Pros:

> Extreme pulling power - 343nm at stock, endless possibilities with mods.

> Surprise package - not many are aware of the potential of this car.

Cons:

> Peak torque arrives very late in the rev range - city driving is not fun at all.

> Enormous turbo lag - this is what happens when manufacturers put a big turbo into a small capacity engine

+++++++++++++++++++

This car needs to shed some serious weight. More than 1.5 tons unladen weight is like an evo with 2 Shaqs.

+++++++++++++++++++

Love live 4G63

Whiteness continued

The colour white can be plain, yet elegant, as shown in the next few pictures.

Have been spotting more nice cars in white than any other colours in the past couple of days.

Audi A3 Sportback (MTM Tuned)



First car that caught my eye was this A3 with a MTM badge and Gunmetal Advan RS rims. I've always loved this combo of white paintwork with gunmetal rims.

Stock horsepower for this 1.8t tfsi engine is 160, but with a tune up to at least stage 1, it can hit close to 200 hp, with torque passing the 300nm mark. Nothing to shout about but way more than enough for overtaking.



Sporty, practical, an all in one.

BMW 6 Series Cabriolet



This BMW was being debadge by this (lady) owner, so im not sure if this is the 630i or 650i. Nonetheless, the design of the 6 series never fail to turn heads. The base model, ultra smooth inline 6 is a joy to drive in the city, judging from the 3 litre NA (no lag) powerplant. The V8 variant is a different story altogether.



This car may look and feel chunky but that is what a grand tourer should be, travelling with ample pace and comfort in style. If pure driving pleasure is your priority, the 130i, Z4 or 335i will never disappoint. I'll vote for the 130i just because of the proven inline 6 and its hatchback practicality.

Black or White

Its White over Black tonight in terms of car spotting.

Different makes, different feel, different class but for the same purpose: driving pleasure.

I'm a huge fan of black and white cars. They bring out the curves, beauty and sometimes its simplicity that makes a car stand out.

Here they are:

The only Black


Blacked out Legacy Wagon turbo. An understated car. Perfect for the man with wife and kids.

Snow Whites


5dr Gti with Oettinger rims, Alcon 6 pots, Osir cf front, cf-stickered bonnet and much more.


White eyelids add a sweet touch


Sexy A5 with body-kit. Stood out and glowing among the row of cars.


Owner switched to quads


M5? Why did the owner change the tail lights?


JDM CTR. Common in Sg roads but they never fail to impress.

Green day

Was testing the camera today and just found a random car to shoot.

Found it rather appropriate as I was in Horticulture Park, and this eco-friendly BlueMotion C180 captured my attention.

Paying more than 130k for a 1.6 litre is ridiculous. The badge doesn't cost that much.



For that money, u can buy:

- 2 Honda Jazzs
- 4 Cherry QQs
- 3 room flat
- 3 Ducatis
- A Pagani paintjob (including transportation fees to Italy)

Its not always about Supercars. Or is it.

(Ok i did not see the C200 label, rendering my post to be irrelevant. Lol.)

Turbo whistle

Just listen to the turbo whistle. The best sound comes in the 3rd minute. Sweet.

Godzilla madness

Saw 2 r35 GTRs roaring down Hillview Ave. Both Black, both with aftermarket exhausts. Damn that exhaust note sounds glorious.

Both stopped at Rail Mall, but i was only in time to catch up with one up close.

Heard the other blasting down Jalan Jurong Kechil. Change of gears sounded so distinct. That guy must be having enormous fun playing with his Playstation-inspired toy.


Matt black bonnet and DRLs really stand out from stock GTRs.


Within 10m from the fastest production car ever in the Ring.

Past or Future

Oneshift link

Volkswagen Scirocco vs Mini Cooper S with JCW tuning kit

Cars nowadays are not just for daily transport from point A to B. At least the amount of groundwork and debate put into designing modern day cars should not be neglected. I've always believe that cars are an extension of your personality.

Colour choices, in my view, tell a whole lot about your personality.

Red - want to be noticed at any speed, any time, even when the car is left in basement 3 of Raffles City while he/she buys donuts.

White - Perfectionist, cleanliness freak.

Dark Blue/ silver - boring, safe, happy go lucky

Black - don't want to be seen too often but gets noticed when the time is ripe.

Lime green - ???

Rocccco

This 2.0 tsi 6 spd dsg Scirocco looks stunning. Its curves are slender enough to attract single ladies while having the strength and muscle to excite men with the need for needless wheelspins (its fwd btw).

Rims are matching but itchy backside owners will have to forgo this if they wanna install racing brakes, as i doubt the stock rim offset is enough. Furthermore, bbk want to be seen, and what will it be doing hiding behind those thick chrome multi spoke 18"?

This futuristic looking Kermit the Lady Gaga will turn heads in more ways than one. To me, it looks more like a hatch than its supposed coupe status.

Frameless doors will make u look cool for 3 seconds.

It just doesnt feel special inside the car. "Swiss roll" seats are comfy but where is the sportiness? The headrests look grumpy and uninviting. The steering wheel and instrument cluster, borrowed from older brothers, is practical but too common in the VW lineup.

Nevertheless, i will still label this mean green machine as a leap to the future basing on just the outrageous, rule defying exterior.

Coooooper


The cooper S featured here is no ordinary S. top up a few Ks and your 0 to 100 sprint gets up within 7 sec, around 0.4 sec faster than the estimated 7.3 sec. I have not tried the S with this tuning kit, but i've heard the exhaust rumble. Holy Moly. Sounds even better and beefier than the actual JCW. Its a whole 30 grand cheaper than the JCW, but i guess u can get close to 80% the fun.

Yes you can remove/mount the fog lights as easily as in die cast models.
Yes you can add 2 stripes as easily as painting Tamiya cars.
Yes you can adjust different lighting knobs to alter the ambience of the interior.

But this is a car, not a fashion parade or disco.

I must admit that its handling is spot on. Its a driver's car in terms of rawness and sportiness.

I doubt its practicality factor. Then again, its called a Mini for a reason.

(Photos courtesy of Oneshift.com)

German/British face off



vs ?

Super Import Nights

SIN was a build up to the following week's heart pumping F1 weekend.

Was rather disappointed with the cars on display. Where is the SUPRA?

This year's event was spiced up by a drifting Altezza who never got tired of doing donuts. He was drifting for the whole Sunday afternoon. Maybe not as he needed to top up vitamins for his rwd monster every now and then.



Godzilla with mascara and foundation to mask his wrinkles



Don't think you'll wanna speed up when you see this in your rear view mirror along the NSH



Pride of the land of the rising sun



Nice brakes



Looks like a 1.4 tsi with this bodykit on.

Preferred last years SIN as they had just launched the R35 gtr and the hype was just mind boggling.

I think i would still go down next year anyway... can't imagine missing these events even after negative feedback.