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.

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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.