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

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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
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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.