Carma Singapore Magazine (Jan 2008)

ISSUE 36 CARMA • JANUARY 2008

ISSUE 36 • JANUARY 2008 • S$5.00

PLUS! cars like a pro * Shoot (no fancy camera required) the scenes of the * Behind new Pirelli Calendar

CAPTAIN AMERICA

New Ford Mondeo – The Superhero Of Executive Saloons!

REVIEWED INSIDE Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X • Subaru Impreza WRX Daihatsu Sirion 1.5 • Suzuki Swift 1.3 • Mitsuoka Orochi SPH MAGAZINES PTE LTD

MAXIMUS LEXUS Supercharged, on steroids and 100% street-legal MICA (P) 136/05/2007

VROOM! minimag inside – go faster, look faster, accessorise all the way!

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Bosch Battery S6: Energy for Maximum Power

NEW!

Bosch Battery S6 with Innovative AGM Technology. The Bosch Battery S6 provides perfect power and start supply

especially for cars and special vehicles with wide-ranging convenience and safety features. Thanks to AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) with ďŹ xed electrolyte, the Bosch Battery S6 is particularly cycle-proof, leak-proof and very long lasting compared to conventional starter batteries. When it comes to the battery business, rely on the brand strength and innovative strength of Europe’s leading original-equipment supplier. www.bosch.com S6: The power plant for maximum demands

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10/27/07 12:25:23 AM

w o N s i e r u t u F e h T Goodyear Eagle LS2000 Hybrid II Environmental Friendly Tyre for the New Generation Goodyear Eagle LS2000 Hybrid II BioTRED technology reduces CO2 emissions during production process, yet delivers superior performance.

Also available at all selected GOODYEAR Dealers AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY

3 International Road, Singapore 619619 • Tel: (65) 6262 1010 • Fax: (65) 6262 0060 • open Mon to Fri: 8.30am-5.30pm, Sat: 8.30am - 4.00pm & Sun: 10am-3pm

NEW

NEW

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WHEELSPIN

INCARMATHIS MONTH JANUARY2008 06

EDITOR’S NOTE

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MAILBOX

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LOCAL NEWS OF THE MONTH

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MAIN EVENT Ford Mondeo

MOTORMOUTHS 24 Red Is Rage 25 No Easy ‘Feet’ 26 Rain, Rain, Go (Dis)array

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WHEELSPINS Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Subaru Impreza WRX Daihatsu Sirion 1.5 Suzuki Swift 1.3 Porsche Cayenne Volvo XC90 Sport Mitsuoka Orochi

FEATURES 42 Bullish Pursuit 46 Oriental Pearls 48 Automotive Photography For Rookies 52

TECH-KNOW

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IN GEAR

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VROOM!

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CARMA CONTEST & PROMO

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CARMA SUBSCRIPTION

■ Carma editors Lynn, Shreejit and Tony give their individual views on the cover car

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Carma April‘07

26/12/2007 7:10:49 PM

‘Because Peace Of Mind Matters’ STAR Automotive Centres Eunos Service Centre Head Office

Sin Ming Service Centre

5 Portsdown Road, Singapore 139296 email:enquiries@star.com.sg

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Blk 1065 Eunos Avenue 4 #01-150/152, Singapore 409799 T 6746 1515 F 6748 5015

STAR Service Hotline: 6562 0000 I 24-hour accident service Helpline - 9718 9999 I www.star.com.sg

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EDITOR’S NOTE

MICA (P) 136/05/2007

ACCELERATE

Group Editor-In-Chief

Caroline Ngui | nguislc@sph.com.sg n EDITORIAL Chief Editor

David Ting | davidt@sph.com.sg

INTO The year-end partying is over, the bonus-driven retail therapy has run its course, and here we are now with the first of 12 issues for 2008. Thanks for your support in 2007 and we hope you will continue to be our co-driver in this magazine’s passionate pursuit of good Carma. Let’s put the pedal to the metal and stay off the brakes because they only slow us down.

Get up to speed on some of the latest cars in town with this issue’s reviews, starting with the all-new Ford Mondeo, one of the best models ever from the Blue Oval marque.

This month’s cover car (page 16) also marks the debut of our improved, tighter Main Event format, which now presents the different viewpoints of three Carma editors.

Our signature story is still the biggest in the industry though, not just on page count but also in terms of information and entertainment.

Amuse yourself further with our emotive road-tests of the mighty Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, all-new Subaru Impreza WRX, updated Porsche Cayenne V6, the racy-in-red Volvo XC90 Sport and a supercharged Lexus IS200 Mod Job. Yes, we are adrenalin addicts readily driven to distraction by zippy cars like these, but we still dedicate time and space this month to the Daihatsu Sirion 1.5 and Suzuki Swift 1.3, proving yet again that

Editor

Tony Tan | ttch@sph.com.sg Contributing Editors

Shreejit Changaroth Lynn Tan

!

Art Director

Johnny Tan | johnnyt@sph.com.sg Editorial Support Manager

Alice Tay | tayaha@sph.com.sg Editorial Coordinator

Fitriyanti Iyon | fitri@sph.com.sg Managing Director

Allen Loh | allenloh@sph.com.sg General Manager

Sharon Wang | swang@sph.com.sg n ADVERTISING SALES

Carma reviewers are enthusiasts with the common touch.

Besides a lot of shiny sheetmetal, we also have a few nice features to complete your read. Go behind the scenes of this year’s Pirelli Calendar, which has an Asian theme for the very first time. Master the tricks of the trade in automotive photography, using just a point-and-shoot digital camera. Fly with us, in more ways than one, to the Sant’Agata Bolognese home of Lamborghini where we visit their museum, check out their factory and even bag a short drive in the glorious Gallardo Superleggera.

Speaking of which, the amazing Audi R8 (a close relative of the Lambo Gallardo) recently brought unreal relief to my prolonged supercar drought, powering me from naught to naughty everywhere I drove and giving me 40 truly memorable hours in motoring nirvana. Going into ’08 with the R8 was great.

Happy new year, enjoy the mag.

Associate Account Director

Alvin Chan | alvinc@sph.com.sg Senior Account Manager

Albert Loh | bertloh@sph.com.sg Account Manager

Jason Seah | jasons@sph.com.sg n SPECIAL PROJECTS Associate Director

Pang Lee Cheng | panglc@sph.com.sg n BRANDING & PROMOTIONS Director

Cherie Ng | ngsyc@sph.com.sg Team Head

Angelina Choo | angiec@sph.com.sg Manager

Laura Lau | lauralau@sph.com.sg Executive

Eileen Chen | eileenc@sph.com.sg n PUBLISHING SERVICES Director

Leong Tscheng Yee | leongty@sph.com.sg Manager

Alice Chee | siewyuen@sph.com.sg Coordinators

Haryani Mohd Apandi | yanibma@sph.com.sg Zacky Wu | zackywu@sph.com.sg

David Ting Chief Editor Chief Executive Officer

Loh Yew Seng | lohys@sph.com.sg Corporate Office Director

Foong Seong Khong | foongsk@sph.com.sg Legal & Corporate Communications Head

Angeline Lee | leespaj@sph.com.sg Senior Human Resources Manager

Irene Lee | leebl@sph.com.sg

Carma is published by SPH Magazines Pte Ltd 82 Genting Lane, Media Centre Level 7, Singapore 349567 Tel: 6319-6319 Fax: 6319-3038 E-mail: carma@sph.com.sg Company Registration No. 196900476M All rights reserved, ©2007 by SPH Magazines Pte Ltd. No portion of this publication covered by the copyright hereon may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Carma by contributors and advertisers are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. Unsolicited material may not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed envelope and sufficient postage.

Printed in Singapore by Times Printers Pte Ltd. Company Registration No. 196700328H Distributed by Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. Carma subscription: hotline 6388-3838, e-mail circs@sph.com.sg

Visit carma at www.carma.com.sg

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MAILBOX

YES! VAN FOR EVERY MAN

WHERE ARE THE COPS

Great magazine here! In this competitive local car magazine market, CARMA has always stood out as a unique magazine that breaks the norm; Main Event is super-comprehensive, and Wheelspin is relevant yet interesting. Even Motormouth, which is another valuable asset, is in-depth, yet close to heart.

Hence, with regards to “No van for this man” (F.D.Toh), which appeared in the Mailbox section in a previous issue, I beg to differ.

The VW Caddy review, in my opinion, typifies the CARMA spirit...bringing interesting reviews and even ‘taboo’ stories that interest all motoring enthusiasts; fairer sex, family man, new driver and petrolhead.

Additionally, the Caddy itself is worth mentioning on its own merit. $40k-plus gets you a frugal yet torque-ful engine, speed-shifting DSG, a great-handling Golf-based chassis (bar the leaf spring rear suspension) and lots of standard kit to put many passenger cars to shame. Truly deserving of a review and useful to the van-lover.

Hence, I say again, vehemently if I may add, any relevant yet interesting four-wheeler is worthy of a CARMA test drive. We should not just stereotype them based on which COE category they happen fall under.

So, please keep the spirit, guys…and gal, and thanks for making CARMA a special and lively local magazine. A good CAR MAgazine reviews all good cars; differentiation is the key to beat the competition and being close-tothe-heart is the key to win fans.

Keep up the good work and keep it ‘colourful’!

I am a frustrated motorist. I have been driving to work for the last 20 years, taking the CTE and PIE, and I have seen all manner of idiot motorists; road hoggers, tailgaters, speeders and the occasional driver who thinks that he is Michael Schumacher, believe me, I have seen it all.

And they have all one thing in common; I have never seen them caught. Not when I encounter them anyway. Where are the TP when you need them?

Yet I constantly hear of friends and relatives who have been summoned and fined, just because they exceeded the speed limit by a little as they were overtaking the slowcoach in front, hogging the rightmost lane of the AYE, or because they forgot to signal when changing lanes, even though there was not one coming up from behind.

I do know it’s all down to chance but being a conscientious driver, who does really try to obey the rules and regulations as much as possible (okay, I do bend the occasional one here and there), I have a suggestion: cameras.

And I do not mean the type that stands fixed in one location or the ones that are handheld by the boys in blue, across the country.

I am talking about fixed ones everywhere; on the expressways and major roads, monitoring traffic, 24-7. That way, any retard who wants to use our roads as his (or her) personal race track or the bochap driver who want to keep right, yet travel at 50km/h on the ECP, will be caught red-handed on tape.

No stupid excuses and no lame explanations. Just a letter stating the fine amount and the points deducted; simple and effective.

Lin Jingxiang

Need the TP

This issue’s best mail wins a $20 SPC petrol voucher and SYNACE – Fully Synthetic Servicing Package worth $105 (GST included).

Send in your mail – bouquets, brickbats, baby photos, etc – to carma@sph.com.sg – right now to win these fantastic prizes.

Prizes are kindly sponsored by SPC – Speedy Care: Auto Service Centre where Every Car Deserves A GOOD SERVICE...

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Carma January‘08

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REMEMBERING JACQ Lynn’s heartfelt tribute to Jacqueline Lim moved me and gave me a personal perspective on her passing, with none of the sensationalism of the Chinese papers that covered Jacqueline’s departure. I also applaud Carma for having the decency and bravery to run what is essentially a bittersweet obituary when mass market magazines are always concerned about the shiny, happy and perfect aspects of life in general and consumer goods in particular.

Don Tan

DEVILISH DAVID Once again, the editor’s page takes the cake in the September issue. I dare say this ebullient editor-in-chief of Carma threatens to overshadow his peers with his latest editorial exploit with a literal out of this world spin on cars, paper cars.

Traditionalists might balk at idea of satirising objects meant for the departed beloved, but I see no harm in it. After all, in this day and age of corporate coercion most of us live by, lightening up once a while is harmless fun as long as the digs we take at situations or people do not go overboard.

In this case, David da man poked fun at paper cars Buddhists or Taoists burn for their kith and kin who have passed and moved on to the netherworld.

The car mentioned in this episode is the Mercedes-‘Burns’ ‘Ash’-Class. To the uninformed, this may seem irrelevant and maybe even irreverent but wickedly witty for those who know their cars.

If you are curious to know more, just read that September space and continue to pay attention to the editor’s space for crankier car tales.

Too Fong Yan

“i” love the 500 Cute cars. I just love them. The Fiat 500 is something that I have been looking forward to since its international launch (my boyfriend who is a WRX fan thinks otherwise but who cares!). I am currently driving a Mitsubishi i and I love it; it brings a smile to my face every time I look at it and drive it.

Still, I shudder to think what will happen when the 500 finally lands on our shores. I have been reading about it whenever I browse car magazines and I am really taken in by how cuddly and cherubic it looks in photos, and I am sure that it will look even better in the flesh. I want to have my cake and eat it so badly; if only I can bring out the hidden SNAG in my significant other and get him to sell his super-loud bengmobile…

500 fan

January‘08 Carma

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words David Ting

LOCAL NEWS OF THE MONTH

NEW CYCLE CARRIAGES L

ocal automotive powerhouse Cycle & Carriage recently wrapped up 2007 by launching three equally new but dramatically different models – the facelifted Kia Picanto, the Mitsubishi Delica D:5 and the Citroën C6. The three newcomers straddle a wide price range, from the 1.1-litre Picanto’s $43k all the way up to the 3-litre French flagship’s $190k, with the Mitsubishi MPV costing either $106,988 or $112,988 depending on the variant.

The Picanto, Kia’s smallest car but one of its biggest success stories, has been on sale here since May 2004, during which it sold close to 5000 units and established itself as a cheap and good runabout. Now Kia has refreshed its popular baby to boost its appeal and extend its sell-by date. The primary exterior changes are a redesigned front end, bright new lamp clusters and a fresh palette of body colours which include five funky new hues (Fresh Yellow, Soda Orange, Bright Silver, Titanium Silver, Cool Blue) and two limited edition colours (Princess Pink and Royal Turquoise). Buyers of the renewed Picanto can also choose from 10 cheeky decal designs to decorate the car’s bodywork, two of them (Bubbles Doubles and EZ Cheezy) being louder than the rest. Also free of charge is a change of stickers within 12 months of purchase.

Less obvious but welcome nonetheless is the Picanto’s improved cabin, now with a restyled

■ Citroën C6

centre console, a nice new instrument cluster, more soft-touch materials and a useful luggage cover in the boot. The rest of the car, like the hardworking 1.1-litre engine and the honest-togoodness suspension, remain unchanged.

The 2.4-litre Mitsubishi Delica D:5 is a modern monobox MPV for the household that has outgrown its Grandis. Perfectly packaged within the Delica’s hip-to-be-square exterior direct from downtown Tokyo is a roomy eight-seater cabin whose development theme was “Clean, Stressfree, Reassuring and Safe”. Interesting interior features include dual power sliding doors, UV/IR solar control window panes, anti-dirt upholstery, an on-board deodoriser, a two-section

■ Kia Picanto

temperature-controlled glovebox, LED indirect lighting, standard GPS navigation pre-loaded with Singapore and Malaysia maps, and a full-blown in-car DVD entertainment system. A panoramic three-piece sunroof is optional, but electric curtains to complete this Shinjuku street cruiser are not on the options list for now.

The sophisticated C6 is Citroën’s finest hour in the art and science of luxury motoring, and its arrival in Singapore suddenly makes all other sub-$200k four-door prestige cars look painfully dull. Indeed, the C6 is automotive art in motion, with designer details like the concave rear window and terrific spearhead-shaped tail-lights gelling beautifully with the indulgent proportions inspired by timelessly stylish Citroën classics like the CX and DS. The car’s effortless classiness continues in the cabin, where lounge-like comfort and choice executive amenities coupled with a super-smooth ride make every journey on the road an absolute delight.

■ Mitsubishi Delica D:5

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words Lynn Tan

LOCAL NEWS OF THE MONTH

BMW DESIGN GURU COMES TO TOWN C hris Bangle, Chief of Design in BMW’s development division, was in Singapore recently to conduct a thought-provoking workshop called “Design Strategies for the Global Era”. Most famous for his groundbreaking design work on the 7 Series limousine and Z4 roadster, Bangle has proven to be a pioneer as far as foretelling the shape of cars to come is concerned, and he has been one of the most talked-about automotive designers in recent years.

The brilliant Bangle, together with the Singapore studio director of DesignworksUSA,

Nikolaus von Saurma, shared with local media their views on design in the world of BMW and how design can be used as a competitive tool.

The interactive and highly engaging session provided journalists with the opportunity to delve into the creative minds of the two senior designers. Thanks to Bangle’s light-hearted presentation complete with cartoons and sound effects, the workshop was indeed inspiring and it reflects strongly on Bangle’s belief that “An automobile is what you drive; cars are what you are.”

SAAB CONCEPT WINS RED DOT AWARD A

fter evaluating 884 submissions from 46 countries for outstanding design quality, an international jury of experts selected the Saab Aero X concept car as the overall winner of the competition. The Swedish prototype also won a Best Of The Best citation in the “mobility” category. Bestowing the coveted Red Dot: Luminary award on the experimental Saab sports coupe, the Red Dot committee highlighted its “top trendsetting design” and how it “breaks with current design conventions, doing wholly without doors and A-pillars, instead inspired by the cockpit of a fighter jet”.

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This Red Dot award was accepted on behalf of Saab by Ong Lay Ling, Trans Eurokars managing director, who commented, “The Aero X shows how the strength of the Saab heritage can inspire bold, innovative design. As Saab moves forward, it will remain focused on cultivating this brand equity in the context of Scandinavian design values.”

Carma January‘08

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■ SAAB Concept Wins Red Dot Award

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words David Ting

LOCAL NEWS OF THE MONTH

PREACHING A NEW ACCORD H

onda’s eighth generation Accord saloon has just gone on sale in Singapore.

Completely redesigned, bigger than ever and very well-equipped, the all-new Accord is now almost a Legend in terms of luxury.

Available with a choice of two fourcylinder engines (156bhp 2.0 and 180bhp 2.4) and a flagship 275bhp 3.5-litre V6, all Euro IV-compliant i-VTEC units matched to five-speed automatic transmissions, the latest Accord has the power to perform. The 3.5 V6, the strongest engine ever fitted in an Accord, features Variable Cylinder Management able to run in full six-pot mode or frugal four- and threecylinder modes for fuel efficiency. Sporty paddle-shift gearchanging is standard on the 3.5 and 2.4 models.

Styling-wise, the new 2008 Accord continues with a traditional three-box format, but it has grown

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significantly in size and presence. The length, width and height of the vehicle have been increased noticeably compared to the previous model, and the wheelbase has stretched by 60mm to reach a class-leading 2.8 metres. The greater exterior dimensions are translated into a roomier interior with generous levels of space for everyone on board, who will also enjoy excellent

amenities like a classy and ergonomic dashboard, supportive front bucket seats and a modern MP3 hi-fi with convenient USB interface. The premium audio system in the Accord V6 boasts 270 watts output and seven speakers including an 8-inch subwoofer. An array of latest-spec airbags and active driving safety systems, coupled with a crashworthy body, make the new Honda one of the safest cars in its class today.

COE-inclusive prices for the 2008 Honda Accord are $103,200 for the 2.0, $106,800 for the 2.4 and $125,800 for the range-topping 3.5. Early bird buyers who book their new Accords before Chinese New Year will receive a six-month warranty extension to 42 months/ 100,000km and a $500 service credit. Authorised Honda distributor Kah Motor is targeting 100 Accords per month split equally between the 2.0 and 2.4 models, with the V6 version adding another two units monthly.

Carma January‘08

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• • • • •

MAIN EVENT

THE GREATEST

AMERICAN HERO Believe it or not, the new Ford Mondeo is a truly world-class car from Detroit words Tony Tan, Lynn Tan, Shreejit Changaroth photos Yang

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January‘08 Carma

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MAIN EVENT

THEPRACTICAL FACTOR TONY TAN

Tony is Carma’s Mr Practicality, Mr Hi-Fi and Mr Accessories all rolled into one.

He is also a big-time dog lover who owns some of the cutest canines we have ever seen.

The humongous trunk is more than enough for a few golf bags and possibly your entire family’s luggage for a week-long holiday over the Causeway…

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he Ford Mondeo has always been a favourite of mine. In a segment that has long been dominated by the Camry and, to a lesser extent, the Accord and Mazda 6, the Mondeo stands out with its Continental feel and choice of three body types – sedan, estate and the five-door hatchback format you see here.

After a day spent in Ford’s latest large car, I am even more of a fan now. Compared to its predecessor which looked rather boring, its new ‘clothes’, an expression of Ford’s “kinetic design” philosophy, have a distinct European flair. Another Continental touch is its handling, which has an Italianate sports feel to it.

With the Mondeo looking that good on the outside, it would have been a gross injustice if the interior looked sub-standard or even ordinary. Thankfully, this is not the case.

I love the dashboard in particular. Its skin-like surface and soft-touch material are complemented by flowing lines that skim over the circular vents – nice touches not unlike those found in expensive sports cars.

The binnacle housing the speedometer and tachometer includes a rectangular digital display that shows trip data, lighting functions etc, and there is a cross-switch conveniently mounted on the right side of the steering wheel for easy selection and toggling of the functions.

Mirroring the right, the left side also has a similar switch for adjusting the audio system’s volume, track/station and source.

The centre of the dash is dominated by a metallic-coloured, shield-shaped panel on which you will find the Sony audio head-unit (with integrated six-CD changer and eight speakers) and the digital climate control. The air-con panel looks a little out of place on the predominantly black dash, but its glowing red readouts are really eye-catching and stylish. Interestingly, the metallic theme extends past the gearshift console to the twin cupholders between the two front seats.

The Mondeo is one of the few cars in its class to have a tilt-and-reach adjustable steering wheel, and this is a great plus. Add to this an electrically-adjustable driver’s seat (same for the front passenger as well) and finding the most comfortable driving position is a cinch.

You sit quite low in the driver’s seat and the high window-line makes you feel cocooned and protected.

Thanks to the wider and longer body, the front occupants have 24mm more leg room and 52mm more shoulder room than before. At first, this does not sound like a great deal but it does make a difference, especially to taller people like myself. Thoughtfully, the seat squabs have also been lengthened.

In the rear, three tall adults will have no problem fitting in comfortably, and the sizeable ‘fifth door’ opens to reveal a humongous trunk – measuring almost 530 litres and well-shaped to boot, it is more than enough for a few golf bags and possibly your entire family’s luggage for a

week-long holiday over the Causeway. Need even more space? The 60/40 split-fold rear seats can be folded flat to free up a total cargo capacity of 1448 litres for whatever you want to transport.

IKEA, here I come!

A modern big car should fare well in the safety department and the Mondeo delivers in this aspect. Compared with its class rivals which have also undergone Euro NCAP testing, the new Mondeo sits near the top of the heap. The Ford scored 35 points in total and a deserved five-star rating, making it to the all-time top 10 list.

This confirmed crashworthiness is no doubt helped by the car’s ultra-stiff body structure and the standard fitment of seven airbags, including one for the driver’s knee. Even before a crash can happen, the Mondeo provides the security of latest-spec ABS, an enhanced ESP system and Electronic Brake Assist (EBA) for safer emergency braking. The 235/45 R17 Michelin Pilot Preceda tyres also do a great job of gripping the tarmac and thus make the most of the Mondeo’s innate cornering and stopping performance.

Price-wise, the new Mondeo would have been a better proposition if it had a ‘budget’ 2-litre model, but its $103,900 price tag still makes it a convincing choice when compared to Japanese stalwarts like the Camry 2.4 ($99k) and the Cefiro 2.3 ($97k), bearing in mind the new Ford’s driving dynamism, superior build quality, comprehensive standard equipment, plentiful safety features and international good looks.

January‘08 Carma

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MAIN EVENT

THEFEMALE FACTOR LYNN TAN

Lynn is Carma’s resident girlracer, but she is otherwise gentle and soft-spoken. Her occupation is Architect and her preoccupation is Driving Enthusiast.

Lynn is the only active female editor in the local car magazine scene.

The new Mondeo will probably appeal to younger yuppie types who have outgrown other more predictable options or are tired of driving what their peers are driving…

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C

onsider this – a model that has been a significant player in the large car segment over the past 15 years even though the segment has continued to shrink, and which has sold almost four million units worldwide since the first generation was launched; this is like having every Singaporean each buy one for themselves. These statistics say something about the car and it usually means that it has scored distinctions in critical attributes like driveability, value for money, mass appeal, mechanical reliability and style.

The new Mondeo is definitely quite a looker. This latest offering from Ford is one of a handful of big saloons which manage to carry off their plus-size without looking clumsy. On the contrary, the new-generation Mondeo even manages to pull off a sporty and lean look, thanks to Ford’s “kinetic design” ideology.

This doctrine speaks an “energy in motion” language, which creates a sleek and dynamic shape that conveys a sense of power while exhibiting grace and elegance.

The trapezoid-shaped lower front grille gives the Mondeo a fresh new face, while the

raised shoulder lines and pronounced wheel arches define its athletic nature. The bulge created by grooves on the surface of the bonnet hints at the 2.3-litre Duratec engine that powers this dynamic sedan. The back end is compact and hugs the body like a taut gluteus maximus, with the reduction in depth of the rear bumper made possible by what Martin Smith, Ford Europe’s Executive Director of Design, calls the “sacrifice panel”, which is essentially a bodycoloured plastic cover on the lower portion of the boot lid that serves as a cost-effective and simple-to-repair solution in the unfortunate event of either a light collision or when the driver reverses into an obstacle.

What is a premium car without top craftsmanship? The interior detailing of the Mondeo reflects the model’s quality and refinement – the fit and finish of its cabin components are exemplary, and every element looks and feels well-made. True to its upper mid-range status, the Mondeo comes equipped with eight-way power seats that will satisfy even the most demanding postures. Contributing to the Mondeo’s limo-like qualities are its low levels

of wind, road and powertrain noise. So if yours is a chauffeur-driven Mondeo, you can be sure that James will not be taking you to Novena Square when you actually meant Marina Square.

Despite its dynamic silhouette, this being a large saloon, you will still inevitably find some ‘uncle’ types behind the wheel of the new Mondeo, although these are probably ‘uncles’ with more than an ounce of youthful oomph left in them. But the Mondeo will probably also appeal to younger yuppie types who have outgrown other more mainstream and predictable options, or who are tired of driving what their peers are driving. Furthemore, with Ford’s Product Sustainability Index initiative, which takes into account the car’s entire product cycle, from materials to the ecology of the manufacturing plant to the vehicle itself, including emissions and end-of-the-road disposal, the Mondeo will also strike a chord with eco-minded executives. So yuppie or hippie, the Mondeo beckons. .

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MAIN EVENT

Shreejit is an overgrown boyracer at heart and a walking encyclopedia of automotive technology.

He is also a sucker for fast cars and free booze, but not both at the same time and place, of course.

THEDOUBLE-OSEVEN FACTOR SHREEJIT CHANGAROTH

James Bond did not face any problems from the bad guys when he was driving the new Ford Mondeo, but had he encountered villain Le Chiffre’s thugs, he would have had little trouble shaking them off…

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f you have seen the incredibly stylish Ford Iosis concept car, you will be quite disappointed with its mass production derivative, the 2007 Ford Mondeo. Concept cars, you must bear in mind, are hand-built one-offs that compromise little in terms of practicality, ease of manufacture or costs. So as gorgeous as it may look, the Iosis would not cut it in the real world as a family saloon.

Let’s get real and now focus on the Mondeo.

Best looked at in side view, the five-door hatchback has a coupe-like roofline and a decidedly wedge profile with a bonnet that curves seamlessly into the front end. A pronounced crease above the door handles starts at the rear lights but disappears at the front wheel arch, giving an impression that the skin had been pulled tight around the wheels and headlamps.

Head-on, there is a strong resemblance to the Iosis, with upper and lower grilles similarly

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shaped and front fenders sprouting from either side of the bonnet like separate modules.

Overall, the double-O-seven Mondeo is distinctive and handsome in a masculine sort of way, rather than pretty or beautiful. Something about it tells you that this car is ideal for cosmetic upgrades such as a deep front airdam, side skirts, rear wing, twin chrome tailpipes, lowered suspension and 19-inch wheels.

Our first glimpse of the latest Mondeo was with Mr Bond (yes, James) behind the wheel in the 2006 blockbuster Casino Royale. Bond did not face any problems from the bad guys when he was driving the new Ford, but had he encountered villain Le Chiffre’s thugs, he would have had little trouble shaking them off, particularly on Montenegro’s (the movie was set in the Mediterranean) winding mountain roads.

Why? Because this is one car that can be illtreated on the road and yet will never bite back.

An abundance of power and torque is the stuff of desire, but when it comes to putting all that available performance to good use, some amount of skill and restraint is always necessary. Not so the Mondeo. Standard powerplant is Ford’s four-cylinder 2261cc Duratec unit mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Rated at 161bhp (6500rpm) and 208Nm (4000rpm), the engine is smooth and responsive, but you probably will not win many drag races. However, when road conditions get tricky or slippery, the Mondeo holds the road with uncanny precision and quite easily makes up for any loss in acceleration. A mid-corner hump, even at speed, will not throw it off the line, nor will the body heave or bounce, instead settling immediately and confidently.

Its resistance to understeer always makes you wonder if you had approached a corner a little too slow, so you try it again at somewhat higher speed but you are nonetheless left with the same wonder. Where the Mondeo stands high above its contemporary rivals is in its calm disposition on the worst road surfaces you could imagine. You can hear the wheels moving up and down with serious urgency but with little disturbance to body composure or to the occupants, torque steer is noticeable by its absence, and the light steering consistently provides all the feedback you will ever need.

Ford’s engineers started with nothing more complicated than MacPherson struts in front (which incidentally was pioneered by Ford), power-assisted rack and pinion steering and a slightly more sophisticated four-link independent arrangement at the rear. Both front and rear assemblies are mounted on individual subframes in the interest of noise/vibration isolation, which explains the Mondeo’s on-road refinement. Something that looks like a thin flat bar forms one of the links on either side of the rear suspension and when you look at it, you will wonder if it is flexible. And yes, it will flex, which is the secret behind the rear suspension’s ability to control wheel geometry and maintain the tyres’ contact with the road surface. Ford’s “Control Blade” rear suspension design was first seen in the Mark 1 Focus and helped the car set new standards in its class for ride and roadholding. The Ford Mondeo is undoubtedly the new handling benchmark in its segment now.

Mr Bond ended up doing a cork-screw and flip in Casino Royale, finally coming to grieve amidst mangled remains of his company car (an Aston Martin DBS, not the airport rental Mondeo). Had he been driving this capable new Ford, he could have made a fast zig-zag, evasive manouvre and come out of it intact with all four wheels still squarely on the road.

SUMMARY FORD MONDEO 5DR 2.3 (A) PRICE $103,900 including COE LENGTH 4778mm WIDTH 1886mm HEIGHT 1500mm WHEELBASE 2850mm KERB WEIGHT 1555kg TYRES 235/45 R17 Michelin Pilot Preceda ENGINE 4 cylinders in line, 2261cc DOHC 16V POWER 161bhp@6500rpm TORQUE 208Nm@4000rpm GEARBOX 6-speed automatic 0-100KM/H 10.2sec TOP SPEED 207km/h FUEL CONSUMPTION 9.3L/100km combined cycle

X Excellent ride and handling, handsome design, safety and comfort features

Z Breaches the psychological $100k price point, some quality foibles on the inside

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RED IS RAGE

BT file photo

by Yang Quan Fa

MOTORMOUTH

Chinese New Year might be the full moon for the cult of car ownership

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here’s one way to truly enjoy Chinese New Year, and unlike the ultimate BBQ marinade to make a guy wet his pants, it’s no great secret, even if it’s somewhat frowned upon – lock yourself at home and tell the whole world you’ve gone overseas! This will require forward planning and some logistics. You’ll have to stock up on DVDs (the prospect of rubbish re-runs ruining your mental health should really scare you), magazines, and foods that require minimal preparation beyond chewing through the packaging. And while we’re on the subject of food and drink, just as we don’t drink cat piss despite the fact that we won’t die from it, I suggest you pick a nice syrup and a suitable muscle relaxant (beer, wine, gin – pick your poison), even though we have drinkable Newater straight off the tap.

But no matter if one can’t pull off the disappearing stunt detailed above. Braving the presumably well-intentioned enquiries about one’s marriage prospects, parenthood plans and the state of one’s exploding (or imploding) waistline, it’s still no bad thing to catch up with one’s extended family… provided you have a car. Really, clarity about the whole issue of car ownership reaches its zenith over the Chinese New Year period. This is the time when we drivers are most assured that despite being suckered into lousy ten-year loans and all kinds of curious expenses, we made the right choice in buying a car in sunny Singapore.

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Clarity about the whole issue of car ownership reaches its zenith over the Chinese New Year period…

For the rest of the year, a car owner is under pressure from just about every quarter to relinquish his ride, financially and morally beaten down for no greater sin than owning a car. ERP gantries bite like mosquitoes, only the lumps get larger and larger as charges float upwards like cinder riding on a pillar of smoke; powerful people in chauffeured limos tell you a car is a luxury; tree-huggers call you scum; and your peers who don’t splash their income on car ownership make you feel stupid for not following their example in relying on our worldclass public transport system. As for the oil companies, sometimes they give us free tissue to wipe away the tears from their relentless assault on our wallets.

People think that picking the right car is hard. Indeed, it’s the very question that whole sectors of magazine publishing are dedicated to helping bargain hunters answer. Upkeep for a car

is even more challenging, which is why I always tell people to buy something they like, or at least something they can stand, simply because they are going to have to make many sacrifices in the car’s upkeep.

But over the Chinese New Year period, all the doubts about the rationality of car ownership quickly melt away as you bask in the pure freedom of moving from point to point in your house visits, shuttling the whole family from one HDB estate to another lookalike HDB estate.

The alternatives are too painful to consider and will only dampen the holiday spirit.

Flagging a bus or taking a train will mean a crush, and cabs will be scarce. Factor this public transport squeeze against the expanded capacity of our roads – no rush hour traffic, and at the very least, the roads are largely cleared of a whole class of one of the most detestable of road users, namely heavy commercial vehicles (after jaywalkers, cyclists and motorbikers).

What did you buy the car for? Not so you can have it sit pretty in a parking lot or make you look good, but to drive around in. It provides the liberty to just get up and get to Point B, wherever that may be. And it’s Chinese New Year, not the road tax renewal notice, that is the annual reminder that it’s all worth it.

So there, a Chinese New Year article without a mention of Ang Pow.

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MOTORMOUTH

by Queenie Toh

NO EASY ‘FEET’

Standing, smiling and striking a pose for hours on end – it’s tough being a race queen, reveals this freelance model

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evealing, body-hugging outfits plastered with sponsors’ logos; pretty faces, knee-high boots, the signature umbrella – this is a common sight at car races and car exhibitions. These “race queens”, often in futuristic plastic attire that leaves little to the imagination, are a must at such events, revving up their sex appeal. I wonder if it’s the chicks or the cars that showgoers check out. Come on guys, be honest, I bet you are there to lust over the luscious babes rather than admire the car displays ad nauseam.

Being a race queen is no easy feat, yours truly is speaking from experience. I have taken part in a race queen contest before (which I didn’t win, by the way) and stood for hours on end at various motor shows big and small. The indoor events aren’t too bad, but the outdoor ones are tough – it is no joke posing under the hot sun in uncomfortable boots for hours. The vehicle sheetmetal gets all heated up, yet I still have to put on a perpetually happy face and bear with the burning bodywork against my strategicallyexposed skin.

People often hold the misconception that being a race queen is a glamorous job all about dressing up prettily, posing sexily with the cars and soaking up the attention. These people don’t know about the overboard obsessive fan who shows a little too much affection, the wellequipped photo freak who simply refuses to stop taking photos, and the possessive boyfriend who feels like punching every pervert eyeballing his on-the-job girlfriend like she’s a soft porn starlet.

Race queens do draw harmless crowds, enthusiast photographers especially, but more often than not, they also suffer mental molest and the occasional virtual rape. Even so, these working girls have to be professional about it.

Not only do they have to endure long hours in a punishing pair of boots, these brave babes also have to tolerate outright ogling by old men and army boys alike.

No one can control what thoughts these men (or sometimes even women) are harbouring in their minds as the race queens get scrutinised and inevitably become objects of desire (or objects of hatred to accompanying girlfriends).

It is quite degrading to be viewed in this way, but it is part and parcel of the job, and our job is to pose alluringly in our alluring costumes and

make the steel machines beside us sexier somehow.

I have to admit, there is a very fine line between being sexy and being slutty. The ‘wrong’ poses can get misinterpreted as seductive and provocative, thus getting the wrong kind of attention. Hordes of photographers (from avid amateurs to semi-pros to loaded hobbyists touting expensive equipment) crowd around to snap away as the car babe slips into different sexy poses. But does she know what these digital cameras are actually focusing on?

Speaking of photographers, there is this particular bian tai (Mandarin for pervert) who shows up at all events that features models.

Armed with a few digicams, he asks to take photos non-stop. He was even caught once for taking upskirt shots as the girls paraded on stage, with the giveaway being the unusual angle of his lens trained on their bodies. This sicko is but one example, I’m sure there are many like him who get what they want on JPEG and get away scot-free. Don’t let me catch you…

Now, why would I want to work as a race queen and turn myself into eye candy to be chewed on over and over again? I admit that it does feel good to have all these spectators crowding around me to take my picture when I pose or pout. To me it’s a confidence booster and also an opportunity to try something special while I am still young and carefree, so that years later I can show off my modelling portfolio to my

children. Then there is the monetary reward. A three-day exhibition, for example, can net a race queen up to a thousand dollars depending on her level of experience. Personality and popularity also play a part in determining the amount written on her paycheque.

So what makes a good race queen in my opinion? A pretty or at least pleasant face, a nice body, a pair of long strong legs, a hundred and one ways to pose with a car, and the ability to smile all day despite the fatigue, the heat and the dirty old men.

Automotive events just won’t be the same without automotive angels, so to all the parttime and permanent race queens out there, keep smiling and keep going! You girls must have really strong feet after all those long hours on duty, maybe your bosses should throw in foot reflexology treatments!

The possessive boyfriend feels like punching every pervert eyeballing his onthe-job girlfriend like she’s a soft porn starlet…

January‘08 Carma

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by Lynn Tan

MOTORMOUTH

RAIN,RAIN, GO (DIS)ARRAY Rain may be a process of nature, but there is nothing natural about the bizarre driving behaviour that rain induces on our roads

Maybe raindrops are like a magic potion that transforms every car it touches into a slow-mobile and turns the brains of the drivers into slush…

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he word “Rain” brings to mind a multitude of different things, places and personalities – Korean pop king, listed by Time Magazine as one of the most influential people in the world; an American band renowned for their impeccable impersonation of the Beatles and whose career has lasted twice as long as the Liverpool quartet; a restaurant in downtown Toronto run by brothers Guy and Michael Rubino, featured on Discovery Travel & Living, where each dish is treated as a blank canvas to create artfully delicious Asian cuisine; and the fifth single from Madonna’s 1992 album Erotica featuring some interesting vocal work, particularly in the overlapping of verses in the later part of the track.

A shot of ‘sky juice’ may provide some reprieve to our eternal heat, albeit momentarily, and is great for sleeping in or snuggling indoors with a cup of hot tea and a good book. But unlike Madonna’s song that portrays rain as an antidote with the ability to “wash away my sorrow, take away my pain”, ask any motorist around and you

will definitely get a unanimous vote for staying off the roads both during and after the rain, because with the rain comes sorrow and pain, on the roads, that is.

The fact that our roads start to clog up with traffic whenever there is so much as a light drizzle is a bizarre phenomenon beyond all rational explanation. It is as if we relish being in the rain so much that whenever the heavens open, we all dash to our cars and make a beeline for the nearest tarmac. Or perhaps it is Singaporeans’ favourite pastime – queuing, be it for freebies, 4D or condominiums – in one of its many permutations. Whatever plausible reason there is, I am not sure. But one thing we can be certain of is the 20km/h stop-go traffic and expressways that are about as “express” as the nasi lemak queue in Changi Village. And if the untimely shower happens to coincide with rush hour, you can forget about reaching your destination on time. Be prepared for a half-hour journey to stretch to over an hour at least. It doesn’t even have to be actual raindrops falling

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from the sky. After the storm has passed, as long as the roads are still the slightest bit wet, the traffic tailbacks will continue to linger.

I understand the need for motorists to exercise a higher level of caution when driving during adverse weather conditions. But if the extent of weather-induced traffic jams is anything to go by, I’m inclined to assume a total deterioration of brain function, rather than just mere caution. Maybe raindrops are like a magic potion that transforms every car it touches into a slow-mobile and turns the brains of the drivers into slush.

There is another very interesting phenomenon that is totally opposite to the one described above, which applies mainly to passenger cars.

This second observation applies to heavy vehicles. Have you ever noticed how these Class 4 monsters all start veering out of the left lane whenever it pours, and not just to the middle lane, but sometimes even all the way to the outermost lane? Well, many of them do so regardless of the weather, but on wet days, it is as if together with the opening of the skies, so do the gates of hell. Is it because these heavy vehicle drivers believe that the traffic police

go into hibernation when it rains, so they have the licence to rule the roads simply by virtue of their sheer size? Even if this is true, with or without the TP, do they not realise the dangers of their recklessness, especially to other smaller road users?

On one rainy journey recently, one that took me an hour and a half instead of the usual half hour, I witnessed four incidents involving heavy vehicles. Two left a lorry straddling the road shoulder and innermost lane at right angles to the concrete divider and a trailer wedged into the middle of the centre divider of the expressway,

facing oncoming traffic, with the metal divider knocked out of shape like a twisted coil of wire.

A third incident involved a huge container truck that was barreling its way down the middle lane of the highway, swerving to the outer lane just in the nick of time to avoid rear-ending the car in front during some hard braking. This set off a chain reaction because the vehicle on the outer lane that the truck driver cut in front of had to jam on his brakes, and so did the rest of the cars behind him. Then there was a minivan driver who was zipping his way in and out of traffic, before speeding off on the fast lane at what must have been at least 120km/h.

The most unjustified fact is that if an accident had occurred in the latter two instances, the heavy vehicle drivers would probably have escaped unscathed.

But I fear to imagine the worst for the cars involved. Try smashing an egg against a wall. You get the picture. LTA should seriously consider installing speed limiters in heavy vehicles. It could save not just the lives of motorists, but in light of the recent popularity of ferrying foreign workers at the back of lorries, perhaps the lives of countless passengers too. Rain or shine.

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words & photos Yang

WHEELSPIN

X MARKS THE SPORT The evolution of the Mitsubishi missile continues with the tenth edition, which is a very different animal from its rally-bred predecessors

“E

The Evo name is irrevocably linked with supercar-slaying performance and frightfully good bang for the buck…

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-V-O”. The mere mention of the word makes enthusiasts perk up, and even disgruntled uncles who hate that “loud four-door car with big wing” know what we are referring to. From crass Ah Bengs in their flipflops to snobbish yuppies with upturned collars on their polo shirts, the Evo name is irrevocably linked with supercar-slaying performance and frightfully good bang for the buck. The very first Lancer Evo was launched back in 1992 and now after 15 years, the tenth incarnation has reached the shores of Singapore.

At first sight, the Evo X disappoints. There, I’ve said it. Yes, I wasn’t a fan of the Evo VII either when it made its debut, because it looked too tame next to the hunky Evo VI, but at least it looked substantially different from the normal Lancer and its design eventually grew on me. The Evo X, however, just looks downright uninspiring.

Where are the bulging fenders? The imposing rear wing? Yes, they are all there, but they have been toned down. Drinking lite beer is not like drinking the real thing, you know. Burrrp…

The new Evo X does look more racy than the Lancer EX, but not by much. There are twin exhaust pipes sticking out from the rear diffuser and the front licence plate is still offset to allow maximum airflow to the turbo intercooler, but it just doesn’t have the presence of a purpose-built rally machine which has taken a detour to hit

the streets hard.

Under the aluminum hood, the powerplant is completely new. Gone is the venerable iron block 4G63 that powered the last nine generations of Lancer Evo. The all-alloy MIVEC-equipped four-cylinder engine (codenamed 4B11) is again turbocharged, pumping out 280bhp at 6500rpm and a whopping 422Nm at just 3500rpm. Thanks to variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust cams, the response is good even from low revs, with strong thrust starting to build as the tachometer swings past 4000rpm.

There is no violent shove in the back as the turbo reaches max boost, just a steady pull that doesn’t abate until the 7000rpm redline.

For the record, redline in fourth gear sees 170km/h and is easily reached on public roads.

This Evo is, yet again, a blindingly quick pointto-point performance car. Our demonstrator is equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox, with a sophisticated six-speed Twin Clutch SST system available by the end of March. Similar to Volkswagen’s much-vaunted DSG, Mitsubishi’s new SST (Sport Shift Transmission) employs a dual-automated clutch system to deliver lightning-fast shifts. We eagerly await its arrival.

The Evo X’s ride and handling have been revamped as well. Ride comfort shouldn’t be a concern when buying an Evo, but the ride quality of the X is actually pretty good. It is far more

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comfortable than the hard-riding Evo VII and quite a fair bit better than the Evo IX. With a chassis that is over 40 percent stiffer than its immediate sibling’s, the Evo X suspension has a solid foundation to operate from. Body roll control is topnotch and there is massive grip under all conditions. Despite weighing 140kg more than the Evo IX, the Evo X feels nimble and changes direction with real urgency.

Gone is the nervousness that plagued the VII. While the Evo X might be less ‘sharp’ than before, it’s no blunt instrument.

The steering is a tad slower at 2.25 turns lock-to-lock (versus just two turns in the Evo IX), but the use of aluminum in the fenders and the relocation of the battery to the boot has resulted in a three percent rearward shift in the weight distribution, giving even more neutral handling.

Should you overcook it though, there is a barrage of electronic aids to help keep you out of trouble. An all-new Active Stability Control (ASC) is now teamed with Active Centre Differential (ACD) and Active Yaw Control (AYC) to become Mitsubishi’s S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control).

The S-AWC actuator is located on the steering wheel and like before, there are three press-andplay modes to choose from – Tarmac, Gravel and Snow. A fancy new feature is the multi-function primary display’s graphic representation of the

torque split to each wheel and through the clever centre differential.

The rest of the cabin is standard Lancer fare, but body-hugging Recaro seats and a switch for manually (there is an auto mode too) activating the intercooler spray are giveaways that this is a car that costs twice as much as a regular 2-litre Lancer EX Elegance. For those who have to ferry adult passengers often, they will be pleased to know that there is noticeably more room in the rear now compared to the Evo IX, thanks to the latest Lancer’s significantly larger dimensions.

So how does the new Evo X compare dynamically to the old Evo IX? On the road, the new engine is a lot quieter and smoother.

Enthusiasts might wish for more turbine whine

or a more intrusive exhaust note, but that is a ‘problem’ easily solved by visiting your local speedshop. I don’t know if the same can be said for the horrible drive-by-wire throttle, which is too sensitive. Handling-wise, the 140kg weight penalty isn’t apparent, even in spirited driving. The car still retains a very neutral cornering stance and yes, the tail can be coaxed out on purpose, although now you can feel the electronic aids intervening, complete with a graphical warning on the instrument panel. The excellent Brembo brakes are carried over unchanged, but the Evo X is shod with even wider 245/40 R18 (the Evo IX wore 235/45 R17) boots, putting even more rubber on the ground. Steering feel is actually improved over the Evo IX – it is less ‘digital’ and provides more feedback on the attack.

While the Evo X does not feel as explosive as its raw predecessors, it is no slouch in any department, maybe except looks. After driving the Evo X for the better part of a day, I had coffee with an enthusiast ‘uncle’ who summed it up nicely by saying, “The Evo X is something I would want lah. It’s fast and easy to drive, the ride is good and got lots of space for my family. But I think for a boyracer like you, it’s probably not exciting enough!” Enough said, I guess.

January‘08 Carma

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WHEELSPIN

SUMMARY MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION X 2.0 PRICE $136,988 including COE ENGINE 4 cylinders in line, 1998cc DOHC 16V turbo POWER 280bhp@6500rpm TORQUE 422Nm@3500rpm 0-100km/h 5.2sec (estimated) TOP SPEED 180km/h (limited)

X Smooth new engine, awesome dynamics, decent ride despite indecent handling

For the record, redline in fourth gear sees 170km/h and is easily reached on public roads…

Z Bland exterior, prohibitive fuel consumption, flawed fly-by-wire throttle

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80002062 MitsEX Looks_Carma 8/27/07 3:14 PM Page 1

words David khoo photos David Ting

WHEELSPIN

T-REX

Unlike the prehistoric carnivore, the latest Impreza WRX represents a forward leap in Subaru’s evolutionary cycle

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ccepting new things is always tough, particularly if we already have a certain image in our heads that the new product has to live up to.

Unfortunately, time waits for no man and is likely to pass us by if we expect things to stay the same.

Since its Japanese inception in 1992 to replace the Legacy RS Turbo, the Impreza – particularly in WRX/STI guises – has attracted more than its fair share of rally enthusiasts, especially those weaned on a steady diet of the late Colin McRae’s mudploughing shenanigans.

Today, the new Impreza appears to have thrown tradition out of the window, with more than a few naysayers criticising its hatchback shape.

However, this could well be the way forward for even greater distinction, especially given the proliferation of sedans on our roads today. Apart from the European Honda Civic Type R, the new WRX is one of the few Japanese car models to offer a hatchback bodyshell.

The new Impreza arrives at a time when Subaru’s rally arch-rival Mitsubishi has also unveiled its fast-four contender for 2008 in the form of the Lancer, but with its Galant-esque styling, the new Evolution X seems to have taken a page out of the past rather than look towards the future.

After seeing the WRX STI successor at the

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recent Tokyo Auto Show, I must confess to a certain degree of salivation at the memory of the car’s muscular styling and outrageous fender flares! That would be an interesting car to look forward to (it hits our shores in March 2008).

Unfortunately, without the STI’s wild wheel arches, the new WRX comes across more as a tarted-up Impreza 1.5R, although the bonnet scoop goes a long way towards elevating its status into the rally hero realm.

Notwithstanding its daring exterior styling, which has hints of BMW, Lexus and several other marques, one thing remains staidly constant – the WRX cabin will be an eerily familiar place for those who are accustomed to the brand’s

legendary (or notorious, depending on how one looks at it) quality levels.

A straightforwardly functional place to be in, the cockpit offers owners a decent set of specifications which include a multi-function steering wheel, factory hi-fi, blazing xenon headlights and enough faux aluminium trim to take one’s mind away from the utility-focused use of materials. The seats may not be Recaro sports recliners, but they nevertheless hold one snugly in place during enthusiastic spurts of driving.

Fans of hatchbacks have always appreciated the greater versatility and manoeuvrability such vehicles afford them. Although the Impreza’s 60/40 rear seats can be toggled every which way to offer a variety of storage solutions, the boot itself, although wide, is rather shallow and nothing to rave about. The 2620mm wheelbase translates to a decent amount of rear legroom, which may come as a surprise to those who expect compact hatchbacks to be a little impractical for backseat passengers.

At the heart of the WRX beats Subaru’s export-spec 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer engine that roars to the tune of 230bhp and 320Nm. On the move, the car feels perky and accelerates with an urgency that belies its 1.4-tonne kerb weight. Turbo lag isn’t a huge issue and boost starts building up from 3000rpm. The WRX excels in the mid-range but runs out of puff as you

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approach the redline. On the road, it’s obvious that the new car’s MacPherson struts (front) and double wishbones (rear) suspension, working with Subaru’s signature Symmetrical AWD, has been tuned to offer a good mix of ride pliancy and dynamic performance.

Hard-core road racers may find the suspension a tad soft (the car wallows a little through corners), but there’s no denying that the WRX adheres to the traits that made hot hatches so legendary. This feisty go-fast hatch is eminently ‘chuckable’, with traction control helping to prevent any overcooking of the corner, although you can easily disable the electronic aid if it starts interfering with your ‘fun’. A full complement of brake discs look good on the specs sheet and readily haul the car down from speed, but the pedal feel is spongy and not completely confidence-inspiring.

The car’s five-speed gearbox makes light work of quick acceleration, but the trademark transmission shunt seems to have been banished, so one can make smooth progress in the WRX without the characteristic “thunk” that used to accompany more aggressive upshifts.

There is still some rubberiness to the gear changes, but like so many of the new breed of performance machines, a lot of the mechanical rawness has been engineered away in favour of refinement and maturity.

The new WRX’s sub-$90k price tag makes it an attractive proposition for those considering today’s hot hatches like the Civic Type R, Ford Focus ST and Renault Megane R26, while an estimated additional $20k nets the formidable STI variant of the car, which still puts it within striking range of these European speedsters. The latest Impreza WRX doesn’t look like it will go the way of the dinosaurs and should be one breed that won’t become extinct at the bottom of a tar pit anytime soon.

A lot of the mechanical rawness has been engineered away in favour of refinement and maturity…

SUMMARY SUBARU IMPREZA WRX 2.5 PRICE $89,888 including COE ENGINE 4 cylinders flat, 2457cc DOHC 16V turbo POWER 230bhp@5200rpm TORQUE 320Nm@2800rpm 0-100km/h 6.5sec TOP SPEED 209km/h

X Urgent performance, excellent ride-and-handling compromise, bang for the buck

Z No STI styling bravado, poor boot space, workmanlike interior, soft-core suspension

January‘08 Carma

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WHEELSPIN

SUMMARY DAIHATSU SIRION 1.5 (A) PRICE $52,500 including COE ENGINE 4 cylinders in line, 1495cc DOHC 16V

words & photos David Ting

POWER 103bhp@6000rpm

SIRION, WELL-DONE Daihatsu has dropped its 1.5-litre engine into the Sirion, making the delectable hatchback even more impressive

TORQUE 138Nm@4400rpm 0-100km/h 11.1sec TOP SPEED 170km/h

X Perky performance, efficiently-packaged interior, stylish exterior

Z Outstanding pod tacho is no more, handling less eager than expected

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uzuki has downsized its Swift engine from 1.5 to 1.3 (on the next page), whereas Daihatsu has upsized its Sirion engine from 1.3 to 1.5 (on this page). The small-car specialist has also taken the opportunity to update the exterior and interior of its much underrated hatchback.

Externally it simply looks great, thanks to the so-called Sporty Package standard on the 1.5 and optional on the 1.3, which equips the car with sizeable side skirts, a bespoke front bumper with a purposeful blacked-out grille bar and a pair of large foglamps, an obvious tailgate spoiler, and black housings for the headlights and taillights “for an increased image of fearlessness”.

Disappointingly, Daihatsu has decided to retain the 1.3 version’s 175/65 R14 footwear on the 1.5, albeit with aluminium rims instead of ordinary

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wheel covers. The Sirion Sporty is also offered in a special colour, Pearl White Mica.

Less special now is the cockpit, which has ditched the earlier model’s funky tachometer pod atop the instrument binnacle at the 10 o’clock position, possibly to help pay for the extra silver trim on the centre console, the reshaped seats with their red fabric pattern and the new set of meters complete with an integral trip computer calculating current and average fuel consumption. Front and side airbags continue to be standard features, along with a full set of five three-point seatbelts and adjustable head restraints. The cabin continues to be a practical place to be, thanks to the highly efficient interior packaging (that liberates an amazing amount of space), the wide-opening rear doors (which aid backseat access) and the

multiple storage points on board.

On the road, the new DVVT engine is clearly stronger than the existing 1.3 but isn’t any smoother. It pulls with surprising gusto and even sounds mildly sporty on a full throttle, with the four-speed automatic shifting logically between ratios. Due to the Sirion’s sub-tonne kerb weight, the 103bhp power output is translated into good acceleration, not only from a standstill but also in-gear on the highway.

In fact, the Sirion 1.5 is a bit quicker than the Swift Sport 1.6 auto from zero to 100km/h.

The Daihatsu doesn’t handle as well as the speedy Suzuki, of course – there is plenty of body roll and precious little front-end grip in corners, and the steering feels numb, not helped by its cheap wheel. Far more likeable is the Sirion’s ride, which is pliant and, thanks to new NVH measures, even quieter now. As for fuel economy, the Sirion 1.5 returns nearly 15 kilometres per litre on the combined cycle, not far off the 1.3’s official figure of 15.6km per litre.

Ultimately, the revised Daihatsu Sirion with its upsized engine is one of the best buys today in the compact hatchback class.

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words & photos David Ting

WHEELSPIN

CHAMPION OF CHEAP MOTORING Suzuki has introduced an entry-level 1.3 to the Swift line-up, which is good news for the budget buyer

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his is currently the cheapest car in the Suzuki range, created by good old cost-cutting. The original 1.5-litre fourcylinder has been stroked down to 1328cc and its valvetrain simplified (no more variable valve timing), the previously colour-coded wing mirrors and door handles are now plain black plastic, the alloy rims have been reduced from pretty 15-inch to ugly 14-inch, and the exhaust pipe now looks a bit weak without the 1.5’s muffler cutter. The unpainted parts of the body won’t be obvious if you specify a dark colour like blue, grey or our test-car’s black, but those factory-fitted wheels are horrible regardless of the car colour.

No-nonsense 15-inch plastic hubcaps would have been a better choice in this case.

Inside the cabin, Suzuki has removed some obvious features vis-à-vis the 1.5 model; namely the steering-mounted audio controls, the hi-fi tweeters, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, the digital trip/outside temperature display, the overhead assist grips, the sunvisor mirrors, and the chrome decoration around the air-con vents and autobox. Yes, a lot of things are missing, but you still get an integrated MP3 CD player, reverse parking sensors, an electromagnetic boot release and locally-shod leather seats. Industrial-grade fabric upholstery would have been more logical for this cost-conscious car, in our opinion. The

rest of the interior is unchanged, which means a comfortably cosy cabin with strong air-con, solid build quality and passable boot space.

From the lights, the 1.3 Swift is noticeably less perky than the 1.5. But the engine revs sweetly in the first three-quarters of the tachometer and it is up to the task of maintaining momentum at expressway speeds, even managing to overtake slower traffic every now and then with a touch of confidence. The fourspeed automatic does a decent job shifting up and down the gears, with its staggered “D-3-2-L” gate offering some manual control in the unlikely event that the driver wants to play with his 92 little ponies. The economical 165/70 R14 Toyo tyres have limited outright grip, but together with the well-engineered chassis they deliver a smooth and quiet ride, backed up by standard anti-lock.

Suzuki isn’t shouting from the rooftops about its new entry-level Swift 1.3, simply because it is not as affordable as it should be. Considering the lousier engine and the lower level of equipment, the auto Swift 1.3 ought to be at least 10 percent cheaper than the auto Swift 1.5. At the end of the day, this little champion of cheap motoring has feet of clay.

SUMMARY SUZUKI SWIFT 1.3 (A) PRICE $52,900 including COE ENGINE 4 cylinders in line, 1328cc DOHC 16V POWER 92bhp@6000rpm TORQUE 114Nm@4000rpm 0-100km/h 12.5sec TOP SPEED 165km/h

X Lowers entry point to Swift ownership, enough juice to potter around

Z Should squeeze below $50k, tardy at times, plenty of deleted features

January ‘08 Carma

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words E.K Foo photos David Ting

WHEELSPIN

PORSCHE-ING AHEAD Recently facelifted and upgraded, the Cayenne is now even more determined to stamp its authority on the SUV segment

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orsche created a controversy back in 2002 when it launched the Cayenne sportsutility vehicle. Porsche-philes deemed this move to be a wrong one for the fiercely independent Stuttgart-based sports car maker, but the huge sales success of the SUV – with more than 150,000 units sold since its debut – only served to prove them wrong.

Though Porsche still refuses to shout it out loud, it’s no secret that the Cayenne was codeveloped with Volkswagen, which at that time was also looking to add a luxury SUV to their model line-up. The chassis on which the Cayenne is based is therefore also used for the Touareg, while Audi uses an extended version for their Q7. Even the engine of the entry-level Cayenne – known simply as Cayenne – is shared with the Touareg, albeit with considerable modifications to make it more worthy as a “Porsche” powerplant.

Exactly one year ago, the new Cayenne range was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It is not exactly a whole new model, but a heavily revised version of the previous Cayenne. The exterior was touched up, with the front end receiving the bulk of the facelift. As for the interior, Porsche unfortunately did not spruce it up, thinking it wasn’t necessary. The biggest change lies underneath the bonnet, with the entry Cayenne getting a V6 engine with a greater displacement, up from 3.2 litres to 3.6. The V8 powering the Caynne S and Cayenne Turbo has also been increased in capacity, from 4.5 litres to 4.8. For our review here, we get up close and personal with the V6 Cayenne.

The first impression when you see it in the metal is that this SUV is huge, one of the reasons why the original Cayenne looks a little clumsy.

The striking new headlights and refreshed front bumper, however, minimise the frumpiness of

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this behemoth. And the Meteor Grey Metallic colour of the test-car is very cool, it’s like the new black. At the rear, the Cayenne sports a pair of new LED tail-lights that create an impression of width, along with a new rear bumper design that not only integrates the tailpipes (one at each end) but also incorporates the currently trendy diffuser. Utterly unfashionable are the miniscule 17-inch alloy wheels which come as standard on the Cayenne. They look not much bigger than the 14s on a typical Japanese car.

Thankfully, Cayenne owners have the option of upgrading their standard wheels to larger items, all the way up to 21-inch.

The cabin is carried over unchanged from the previous Cayenne. There is a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, ahead of the instrument binnacle housing five clearly legible dials, and the standard front seats are electrically adjustable. The dashboard is covered with soft-touch plastic while the centre console is made from hard plastic, the latter quite surprising for a vehicle costing around a quarter-million dollars.

On the road, the Cayenne feels like any other large luxury SUV, with a commanding driving position and noticeable bulk. The steering, though not sharp and precise like a Cayman’s, is still good thanks to decent feedback. When revved up, the Cayenne emits a delectable throaty roar that is highly appropriate for a vehicle bearing the Porsche badge. Besides sharpening the throttle response, pressing the standard-fit Sport button on the centre console also transforms the shifting behaviour of the Tiptronic S gearbox from economy mode to performance mode, preventing mid-corner upshifts and downshifting under heavy braking.

On inclines, the transmission allows for easy moving-off by stopping roll-back without

applying the brakes. At a standstill, with the anchors applied, it even disengages the clutch to reduce the engine load and thus improve fuel efficiency. This is possibly one of the smartest torque-converter automatics around.

Where the Cayenne excels is on a spirited drive. It powers into corners confidently and possesses an uncanny ability to handle like a Porsche should. No doubt the weight transfer of the Cayenne is considerably more dramatic than that of its two-door brethren, but the giant somehow manages to keep everything under control and exploit the tenacious grip of its four-wheel drive system. As befits a modern Porsche, the Cayenne’s braking performance is simply phenomenal, thanks to six-pot front callipers and four-pot rear callipers.

Now for the killer question: is the Cayenne worth its $63k premium over the Touareg?

Yes, because of its sublime handling, superb braking and the prestige of its Porsche badge. The answer is no if you just want a premium German SUV to perform daily school runs, weekly shopping sprees and monthly excursions to Johor.

SUMMARY PORSCHE CAYENNE 3.6 (A) PRICE $248,888 including COE ENGINE 6 cylinders in vee, 3598cc DOHC 24V POWER 290bhp@6200rpm TORQUE 385Nm@3000rpm 0-100km/h 8.5sec TOP SPEED 227km/h

X Effective facelift, impressive dynamics, intelligent transmission

Z Related to the more cost-effective VW Touareg, cheap interior bits

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WHEELSPIN

words & photos David Ting

SWEDISH, RED, CROSS Racy Passion Red paintwork and other sporty touches turn the Volvo XC90 into an angry animal on safari

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he term SUV stands for Sports-Utility Vehicle, but usually there is more utility than sports in the said vehicle. This particular vehicle here, however, is proudly skewed towards the sporty side of the SUV equation. Best of all, it’s a Volvo, hardly the first thing that comes to mind when you think of sporty sports-utilities.

With ‘just’ a 3.2-litre six-cylinder under the hood, this XC90 Sport is no Porsche Cayenne Turbo, that’s for sure, but the same Sport package is also available for the Yamaha-engined 4.4 V8 XC90, whose 315bhp and 440Nm justify the “Sport” tag more. Even so, the XC90 Sport 3.2 drives very well indeed for a massive machine that weighs over 2.1 tonnes with nobody on board.

Making this performance possible is a slew of mechanical measures, which read like the wish list of an enthusiast engineer who wants to beat the Scandinavian cold with some driving heat.

These choice technical tweaks include bespoke chassis tuning, firmer dampers, stiffer anti-roll bars and recalibrated Servotronic power steering.

The recalibration has made the system’s speedsensitive assistance more intuitive and increased its feedback in the oft-used 50-60km/h range, while also making it gel with the sharpened suspension. The sizeable ventilated disc brakes are no bigger than before, but they now stand by within 19-inch alloy rims whose five-spoke Vulcanis design is unique to the XC90 Sport.

Other exterior delights are the snappy colourcoordinated fenders, the shiny satin trim on the front grille and side windows, the matte silver finish on the scuff plates, front bumper bar and rear skid shield, and the chromed twin tailpipes.

To make the car’s appearance even sleeker, Volvo has deleted the regular model’s standard roof rails. Also exclusive to the XC90 Sport is the striking Passion Red paint job, which really sets the tone for the vehicle.

And it delivers the goods on the road, starting off on the right foot with aggressive rubber in the form of 255/50 R19 Pirelli P Zero Rossos. Grip in and out of fast corners is good, body stability is great for something so bulky, and the way it steers is unreal for someone used to the light and lifeless rack of the original XC90.

The ride is a tad jiggly in town, but this is a fair price to pay for the much-improved handling.

Outright acceleration is unchanged, but the V6 remains a revvy number with a high 6600rpm rev-cut, some 500rpm above the redline mark.

Playing along purposefully is the six-speed Geartronic automatic, which offers quick responses from point to point and a manual mode that doesn’t change up for you in the red zone.

Inside the cabin, the sportified XC90 continues to be a roomy and practical sevenseater, with a couple of custom features to make it feel more special – shimmering blue instrument meters from the S60R, a handsome steering wheel with aluminium inlay, supportive semi-bucket seats, perforated leather upholstery with decor piping, plus a set of funky floor mats.

To further differentiate the XC90 Sport from its less sporty siblings, Volvo has ticked the option boxes beside Bi-xenon headlights, Sunroof, Power passenger seat, Premium sound system with Dolby Pro Logic II, and, er, Grocery bag holder.

SUMMARY VOLVO XC90 SPORT 3.2 (A) PRICE $207,000 including COE ENGINE 6 cylinders in line, 3192cc DOHC 24V POWER 238bhp@6200rpm TORQUE 320Nm@3200rpm 0-100km/h 9.5sec TOP SPEED 210km/h

X Genuinely sporty personality, sharper steering, tighter handling

Z Significant $8k premium over non-Sport XC90, still big and heavy

January ‘08 Carma

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words & photos David Ting

WHEELSPIN

Named after a serpentine dragon in Japanese folklore, the Orochi looks like some manga motorcar that won an Alien versus Predator styling contest...

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SNAKES AND LEATHERS The mythical Orochi is a serpent-like creature with eight heads, eight tails and, in this case, six cylinders mid-mounted behind a comfy cockpit

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he Japanese know how to make exotic consumer electronics, but when it comes to creating desirable exoticars, they are stumped. Yes, they have given us a couple of exciting Evos and terrific Type Rs, but these are mass-produced PlayStations for the road. Even the new Nissan GT-R is ultimately just a hightech Nintendo on wheels. The good old glory days of the Honda NSX and Toyota Supra are long gone.

Now the ninja exoticar is back, courtesy of Mitsuoka, Japan’s smallest and arguably strangest automaker. The Orochi, named after a serpentine dragon in Japanese folklore, looks like some manga motorcar that won an Alien versus Predator styling contest. It’s low like a Lambo, wider than a Phantom and more shocking than a streaker in downtown Tokyo, all of it curvaceously wrapped around a wheelbase no longer than a Latio’s. The Orochi bonnet is an orgy of decorative ‘gills’ and grilles which will frighten children, and it doesn’t stop there, with the engine cover behind the rear window sporting

even more metallic mesh madness. The back end is perhaps the Orochi’s best angle, thanks to the quadruple Ferrari-esque tail-lamps, sizeable twin exhaust tailpipes and that striking third brake light. The four body colours available are Platinum Luminoso (the fetching off-white worn by our test-car), Onyx Perla (basically black), Sapphire Perla (turquoise) and Ruby Luminoso (red). Fancy names are also used for the four interior colour themes – Azure’s Bliss (blue and white), Raven’s Ivory (black and white), Ebony’s Fire (black and yellow) and Scarlet’s Glow (black and red). You can mix and match the exterior and interior hues, thereby enjoying 16 different combinations, but there is only one alloy rim design. It’s an attractive 18-inch eight-spoker though, and the centre cap comes complete with a meaningful Orochi motif.

Each Orochi is virtually hand-built, which explains its high price and its low production rate of one unit every four working days or so. Mitsuoka intends to make a total of 400 Orochis and most of them are already spoken

for, including a handful for Singapore. This is no kit-car, that’s for sure, thanks to the Orochi’s steel spaceframe ‘skeleton’ and fibreglass-plastic body panels. Safety-conscious side impact beams have been placed in the doors, but the Orochi has never experienced a crash test, or a wind tunnel for that matter. Everything except the engine is designed and built by Mitsuoka in its Toyama headquarters, which is quite an achievement for a niche automaker.

The powerplant in question is Toyota’s 3MZFE, a recently superseded 3.3-litre V6 that still serves in the US-market Highlander and Camry Solara. A straightforward five-speed automatic transfers the 233bhp and 328Nm to the rear wheels. In other words, there are no fireworks from the Orochi on the road. Having said that, the engine revs well and sounds quite sporty when stretched towards its 6250rpm redline, while the autobox does a good job swopping the gears around, with kick-down just an ankle flex away. The all-round double-wishbone suspension feels a bit bumpy over uneven urban tarmac,

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WHEELSPIN but it settles down into an easygoing gait on the expressway, which seems to be the Orochi’s preferred playground. There the car cruises comfortably, well-insulated against extraneous noises and well-judged in its ride pliancy, coasting along at 100km/h with just 2000rpm on the dial.

Exiting the highway and hitting roads that actually twist and turn, the Orochi performs credibly for a poseur’s supercar, mustering plenty of grip through corners and doing it with minimal body roll to boot. The steering system, which is a little slack on the straight-ahead, tightens up sufficiently when minor directional changes become major. To be honest, the handling behaviour is limited by the car’s abnormal width on normal roads rather than its tyres (which are sticky Toyos) and tracks (which are generous).

There are no protective gizmos like stability control and traction control, so the Orochi driver has to depend on his or her self control to keep the serpent steady, although the Orochi chassis is naturally balanced and as harmless as the walkthrough reptile exhibit in the Singapore Zoo. The anti-lock brakes, by the way, could be improved in terms of pedal travel and biting performance.

Inside the Orochi cockpit, plus points are chalked up by the acres of hand-stitched leather, a pair of supportive yet supple sport seats, the user-friendly (donated) controls and the gadgety Panasonic JDM multi-mode dashboard display. Less positive is the driving position

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Formula One fans crazy about full-blown supercars won’t appreciate the Orochi, but this doesn’t matter to Mitsuoka, which is marketing its pride and joy as a fashion flagship for the rich individualist…

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SUMMARY MITSUOKA OROCHI 3.3 (A) PRICE $425,000 including COE ENGINE 6 cylinders in vee, 3311cc DOHC 24V POWER 233bhp@5600rpm TORQUE 328Nm@4400rpm 0-100km/h 8sec (estimated) TOP SPEED 180km/h (limited)

X Amazing styling, exotic construction, lots of leather inside, daily driveability

Z Another $888 buys you a Porsche 911 Carrera S, average brakes, more show than go

which favours the ‘laid-back’ driver, but this is no surprise considering that the Orochi is boulevard cruiser first and occasional sports car second. On-board amenities include digital air-conditioning with delightful ‘eyeball’ vents, bright map lights overhead, thick carpeting underfoot, useful 12V power outlets and a helpful reverse parking camera system. Neat freaks will lament the scarce stowage space in the cabin and shopaholics will find the storage well behind the engine bay a bit pathetic, while the rest of us will be driven to distraction by the wonderful

window-within-a-window on either side of the Orochi. Inspired by aeronautics, this funky design element was last seen on the Subaru SVX and the McLaren F1.

Formula One fans crazy about full-blown supercars won’t appreciate the Orochi, but this doesn’t matter to Mitsuoka, which is marketing its pride and joy as a fashion flagship for the rich individualist. This person would enjoy the Orochi’s special blend of unreal style, genuine cruising comfort, stress-free operation and rarity on our roads.

January‘08 Carma

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words Lynn Tan

FEATURE

BULLISH PURSUIT

The petrolhead’s heaven on earth lies within the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Sant’Agata, Modena and Maranello, where you will find the world’s finest supercar marques – our intrepid writer shares the excitement of her big day at the home of the Raging Bull

It was a rare treat to see under one roof such a complete collection of all the models that have made Lamborghini and automotive history…

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THE BEGINNING – A BULL IS BORN Ferruccio Lamborghini was born on a farm in Italy where he grew up dabbling with the engines of his father’s farm equipment. Serving in the Italian Air Force’s mechanic corps during the war, Ferruccio became an expert with rugged air engines. Cashing in on the post-war demand for tractors, he purchased military machines for conversion into farm equipment and quickly became a wealthy tractor manufacturer. He bought his very own Ferrari but was dissatisfied

with the clutch on his car. He voiced his unhappiness to Enzo Ferrari, who dismissed his complaint with something along the lines of, “What does a tractor maker know about supercars? Go back to your farm and leave the supercars to me.” Ferruccio was utterly insulted, but that was to be the impetus for the birth of the very first Lamborghini, the 350GT, produced in Lamborghini’s own state-of-the-art automotive factory, the place where “the most beautiful motor in the world” is created.

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THE FACTORY – WHERE LEGENDS ARE MADE Unrivalled in its field when it was first built back in the early 1960s, the original Lamborghini factory remains the epitome of craftsmanship. Every step along the way, there is the human touch; every single process is done by hand, which comes as a refreshing change after all that robotics-driven mass production in most other plants producing cars for the mass market. Instead of nameless workers and mere machines, what the Lamborghini factory has are craftsmen and artists, who carefully sculpt each and every car into a finished product that is not just a car, but a work of art. It is a respect for the pride and painstaking effort that has gone into each and every Lamborghini since the days of Ferruccio, who was said to have rolled up his shirt sleeves and gone to work on one of the cars if he saw something that was not done the way

that he wanted. It is also a marriage of past tradition with futuristic design and cuttingedge technology. It is in this factory where the dream of building the most beautiful automobiles complemented by the finest and most powerful engines becomes reality.

Sant’Agata produces about seven Gallardos and three Murcielagos every day.

The production of the V10 and V12 engines, as well as the assembly of the cars, are carried out in Sant’Agata, but the bodyshells are fabricated and painted in another facility before being transported here. Apart from the powertrain and production lines, there is also the interior upholstering department, an area that usually plays second fiddle to the body and the engine. But this is the element that the driver will come into closest contact with, and it is an area where you can customise your Lamborghini into one that is truly and uniquely yours. During my visit, the team was in the middle of an intricate black-and-

white checkered design that a customer had specially requested. Poetically named Selleria, which means “Saddle” in Italian, it relates the cabin trimming of the car with the metaphor of saddling a horse, or in this case, a bull perhaps.

I left the Selleria with my very own take-home souvenir of a leather upholstery swatch with the Lamborghini bull hot-stamped for me on the spot. Now I can claim that I own a piece of Lamborghini, literally!

There have been modifications to the assembly lines over the years and a brand new one was installed in 2002 to prepare for the V10 Gallardo. The factory has also been enlarged, with the addition of an important R&D section where upcoming Lamborghini models are being designed. There is also an outdoor courtyard behind the factory building, called the “inner yard”, where more Lamborghinis than I have ever seen in my entire life are parked. These are cars that have been completed, waiting to be test-driven before being delivered to the owners.

■ The understated Lamborghini Museum is a veritable paradise for the petrolhead

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FEATURE THE MUSEUM – CONTINUING THE LAMBORGHINI LEGACY The museum extension was built when Audi took over the company in 1998. The two floors of the museum bear testimony to the extraordinary Lamborghini legacy and showcase the works of Lamborghini over the past 40 years. The Sant’Agata history house is considered one of the most representative and complete factory museums in the world, and everything that has made Lamborghini what it is today are on display here – cars, photographs, illustrative panels, engine blocks, scale models, and even the historic shop equipment from which the very first Lamborghini was handcrafted.

Visitors can view the original classic 350GT and its successor, the 400GT; together they got the attention of automotive aficionados and marked the start of the first, great phase of Lamborghini. The firm’s first collaboration with Bertone saw the birth of the legendary Miura in 1966, a 4-litre V12 coupe named after the strongest, most intelligent and fiercest fighting bull. The Miura made an international impact and also made the mid-engined layout de rigueur among two-seater high-performance supercars.

At the same time, the Miura was a symbol of wealth (it was very expensive to buy and to maintain) and youth (it was so low, getting in and

out of it essentially required the agility of a gymnast). In 1973, when Ferruccio sold all of his companies and retired to his vineyard in Italy’s Umbria province, he actually named one of his red wines “Blood of the Miura”.

Another revolutionary model, the radical Countach, presented an innovative and completely new styling concept that was unlike anything that had been done before. Its sleek and aggressive snout, the flat windscreen connected seamlessly to the bonnet and roof and which continues over the mid-engine hood, forming a single gradual curve that goes from the front fenders to the rear body panels, defied conventional notions and left audiences everywhere speechless.

Then of course, there is the explosive Diablo, the 492bhp 5.7-litre V12 successor to the Countach. It was first presented in 1990 as a rear-driver, followed by a four-wheel drive model that was to become a standard in all subsequent Lamborghinis.

Apart from road cars, the museum also houses glorious racing cars from Lamborghini’s six years in Formula 1. The company’s debut was with a 3.5-litre V12 engine for the French Formula 1 team Larrousse in 1988 and subsequently for Team Lotus as well.

THE SUPERLEGGERA - WHAT A DRIVE! Few people can ever afford a Lamborghini but the next best thing to owning the dream machine is to drive one, and drive I did. It was the test-drive of all test-drives, in more ways than one, and I’m not embarrassed to admit that my knees were literally weak with anticipation and my heart pounding with excitement as I crossed the tarmac to where the Gallardo Superleggera was parked. It was truly a sight to behold – the sensational Superlegg, in a sleek Telesto Grey, parked right in the middle of a circular courtyard, purposefully poised at an angle, with the curved glass façade of the museum as a beautiful backdrop. The Superleggera, silent and still, like a fighting bull sizing up the matador with its fierce and intense gaze.

Getting behind the wheel sent shivers done my spine and firing up the engine made the hairs behind my neck stand. A good oldfashioned turn of the key sent the engine rumbling after a thunderous roar, and I could not believe the power in my hands and under my feet – all 530bhp packed into a carbonfibre, aluminium and polycarbonate body that can do 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds, with each horse needing to move just 2.5kg of the lightened Lambo. Reverse gear is engaged with an easy push of a button, but actually reversing out of the parking area was a challenge indeed due to absolutely zero rear visibility. Such mundane nitty-gritty is for common cars, though; supercars like these just need magic.

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And I was off, through the pearly gates of Lamborghini heaven and into the Sant’Agata countryside. In the silence of the cool autumn afternoon, the V10 engine reverberated through the lower Po Valley with its robust soundtrack. Driving along the country roads with the wide-open farmland, barns

and old chapels flashing by, the entire scene was wonderfully surreal. I was jolted back to reality only when the oncoming trucks threatened to clip my wing mirror or send me swerving off the side of the narrow country lanes. From the outside the car looks compact, but behind the wheel it feels wider than it looks. I almost felt like a learner driver all over again, but it was okay, because in the presence of the Gallardo Superleggera, we are all humbled.

The route I took was the exact same route that Lamborghini staff ‘pilots’ use to road-test every single Lamborghini that comes out of the factory. The cars are driven between 50 and 80km/h to confirm they are smooth-running and good to go before being delivered to owners across the world. One of the test-drivers jokingly told me that on these roads, “There are no police and no Ferraris, only Lamborghinis!”, so if they wanted, they could take the cars as fast as they liked, despite the 70km/h official speed limit.

As far as handling is concerned, the Superleggera is razor-sharp, and being just inches above the road surface goes a long way in building driver confidence. Obviously, the 3.8-second 0-100km/h sprint and the 315km/h top speed remain a myth to me, but I would love to test these statistics on the track. With every downshift of the e-gear paddle, I was treated to a raucous exhaust note that sent my pulse racing. This is surely a better way to get high than any drug in the world. Ultimately, I love the Lamborghini for its raw and wild V10 performance, its out-of-this-world design and of course, the way it creates a sheer sense of occasion both on the move and at a complete standstill.

Forget about reading the rest of this feature, because just to test-drive the Gallardo Superleggera in its hometown alone would have made my trip to Sant’Agata worthwhile.

Lynn Tan

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Instead of nameless workers and mere machines, what the Lamborghini factory has are craftsmen and artists…

WISH YOU WERE HERE

S

ant’Agata was of course the highlight of my holiday, but it wasn’t the only item on my Italy itinerary. Approximately 200 kilometres north-west of Bologna is Milan, the Italian fashion capital. Milan is not just about high fashion and designer togs though, it is also steeped in history, art and architecture.

Here’s a three-day list of touristy things to see and do in magnificent Milan.

DUOMO “Duomo” is a generic term in Italian for “Cathedral”, but Milan’s is perhaps one of the most famous in Italy, among others in Florence, Pisa, Turin etc. The Duomo di Milano is a marble marvel that took 600 years to build, starting from the 14th entury. It is one of the world’s largest churches, second in size only to Rome’s Saint Peter’s Basilica, and is the second largest Gothic cathedral in the world, after the Cathedral of Seville in Spain. Leonardo da Vinci also contributed to this amazing building by coming up with a solution to overcome the problem of transporting large slabs of marble through the narrow streets of Milan to the site. Don’t miss the panoramic view of the city and the breathtaking spires from the rooftop. Forget the lift, take the stairs instead.

■ This is where Lamborghini’s exciting dream machines are put together with love and passion

It was a rare treat to see under one roof such a complete collection of all the models that have made Lamborghini and automotive history. But as the museum curator candidly puts it, “These bulls should not be kept in a museum, bulls need to be set free.” These words reflect the true passion and hot-bloodedness that have driven the marque since the days of Ferruccio Lamborghini.

IL CENACOLO (“THE LAST SUPPER”) If you’ve watched The Da Vinci Code, you must check out the original. It is not quite a painting as we all thought, but rather a mural that Leonardo painted directly onto a wall. Despite restoration efforts, some of the apostles’ facial expressions are now blurred and Jesus’s feet were ‘cut off’ when the floor was raised in the 17th century. But you need to book well in advance as only limited visitation slots are available daily.

CASTELLO SFORZESCO AFFORDABLE LAMBOS – THE ANTIMARCA SHOP Not everyone can afford a Lamborghini, but anyone can purchase a bit of Lamborghini from the Antimarca Shop. Here you will find countless Sant’Agata souvenirs to bring home; from apparel such as polo t-shirts, scarves and jackets, to car models, stationery and copies of the biannual Lamborghini Magazine. There is even a coat hook made from a Lamborghini gear stick, and cheeky postcards such as the one I bought, displaying a picture of a garage with four Lamborghinis parked in it and the message, “Drive your neighbour mad; don’t drive it”.

Built in 1368 by Galeazzo Visconti, a descendant of the Milanese family that dominated the history of northern Italy in the 14th and 15th centuries, the Castello Sforzesco was originally a fortress that was later restyled into a palace with the help of Leonardo and Bramante. Check out the Ponticella Bridge over the now dry moat, secret passageways, towers and museums.

PARCO SEMPIONE Just beyond the walls of Castello Sforzesco lies Parco Sempione, a large expanse of green within Milan city. Take a stroll and visit some of the sights located within the park. The Triennale di Milano is home to the permanent collection of Italian Design, with various other changing exhibits on display at different times of the year. The Pirelli Skyscraper is a modern glass-skin building that caused a controversy when it was first built by being taller than the spires of the Duomo. The Torre Branca is Milan’s equivalent to Paris’s Eiffel Tower and Seattle’s Space Needle, although much shorter.

SHOPPING! Milan is not just about fashion, but you cannot leave Milan without at least one good designer buy. The Quadrilatero d’Oro is where you will find the who’s who in the world of fashion. Resistance is futile. There is even a Momo Design boutique and a fabulous, enormous Ferrari Store that will literally make you see red. Check out the couture factory outlets for off-season bargains between 30 and 70 percent cheaper than the stuff in flagship stores.

Lynn Tan

January‘08 Carma

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words Raymond Lai

FEATURE

ORIENTAL PEARLS The latest 2008 edition of the hugely collectable Pirelli Calendar pays homage to Asia and its art of female comeliness

■ Maggie Cheung, Miss November

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he delectable Pirelli Calendar enters its 35th edition this year. For those of you who are not familiar with this highly sought-after collector’s item, the Pirelli calendar is well-known for its artistic photographs of impossibly beautiful women, usually half-naked and frolicking in famous places around the world.

So how does an artistic calendar like this relate to P-Zeros and rubber? According to the Italian tyre giant, the Cal has always been an artistic amalgamation bringing together innovation, tradition and respect for values, and it also expresses the brand’s capacity to adapt to and integrate different cultures while at the same time affirming the qualities and the glamour of what being Italian is all about. Whatever that means, it sure is a good enough reason to hang Pirelli’s signature photographs of gorgeous girls on your wall and enjoy viewing them month after month.

The 2008 Pirelli Calendar is even more special because it is the first ever with an Asian angle. Set entirely in Shanghai, the picturesque scenes of the old French Concession, the splendid gardens of the former British Legation, the mysterious and sensual atmosphere of forbidden China, the convulsive Nanjing Road and the lovely tea houses provide beautiful backdrops for the equally beautiful babes.

23 pretty portraits are featured – two for each month except August, all of them visually celebrating the sights of ancient China and the myths of Oriental beauty. For the second time in the history of the Pirelli Cal, Frenchman Patrick Demarchelier took the shots. A master of photographic portraiture, Patrick was personally appointed by Her Royal Highness Princess Diana to be her official photographer back in 1989, a relationship that was to last until her untimely death in 1997.

The leading ladies of this latest edition are rising stars such as Agyness Deane and Lily Donaldson from the UK, Dutch dame Doutzen Kroes, Australians Catherine McNeil and Gemma Ward, Russian Sasha Pivovarova, Canadian-Irish Coco Rocha and Brazilian bombshell Caroline Trentini. Of course, this Asia-inspired calendar also features Chinese ladies in the form of Mo Wandan and Du Juan, with the winsome twosome almost overshadowed by the amazing actress Maggie Cheung, an icon of the Hong Kong film industry and one of the most admired thespians in the world.

You cannot just walk into a Pirelli tyre shop and buy a 2008 Pirelli Calendar. You have to be in the right place at the right time, if you know what we mean. This collectible’s exclusivity is guaranteed by its limited quantity of 20,000 copies, one-third less than the print run for the 2007 edition, and all of them are already spoken for. If you want one anyway, try eBay, where the going rate for a 2008 Pirelli Cal in mint condition is US$300!

If you want one, try eBay, where the going rate for a 2008 Pirelli Cal in mint condition is US$300!...

■ Du Juan, Miss October

■ Sasha Pivovarova, Miss September

■ Caroline Trentini, Miss December

■ Gemma Ward, Miss April

January‘08 Carma

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words & photos Yang

FEATURE

AUTOMOTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR ROOKIES

You want to join the car magazine industry as a freelance photojournalist, but you only have a point-and-shoot digital camera, is it good enough for the job?

Yes, if you master the tricks of the trade revealed here!

Some shutterbugs regard prosumer cameras as neither here nor there, but they are a godsend for the poor photojournalist who just got his first big break…

A

utomotive photography using film is an art, whereas doing it digitally is a science.

In the good old days when car writers did the storytelling and car photographers did the shooting, magazine work was straightforward.

These days, digital-powered photojournalism has corrupted the workflow, so to speak. The same person can now write the article and shoot the article’s photographs, for better or for worse. The best guys in the business have the talent and the equipment to create a car review packed with pretty pictures and brilliant words of wisdom, but there are also amateurs whose quality of writing and photography is only good enough for a little car club newsletter.

Then there are newcomers who can write well and visualise a story nicely, but cannot afford a decent digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera.

Remember, DSLRs are ultimately expensive lightboxes which are useless without lenses, so just having a digital body alone is not enough.

You need one of those popular package deals

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■ Car mag edito r: “Your talent is big but your equipme not, can you still nt is give us a nice rev iew like this one?

Rookie writer: “O ” f course I can, tha nk s to this how-to gu I read recently in ide Carma...”

that bundle the camera with a kit lens for just a bit more than buying the body alone, and these are not cheap at well over a grand each.

So how can the aspiring photojourno break into the profession without breaking the bank?

By taking the prosumer route to car photography.

So-called prosumer (professional-consumer) cameras occupy the middle ground between point-and-shoot compacts and proper DSLRs, offering in one well-priced device some of the convenience and user-friendliness of a point-and-shoot and some of the advanced imaging features of a DSLR. Some shutterbugs regard prosumer cameras as neither here nor there (clumsy by point-and-shoot standards and limited in specifications compared to a typical DSLR), but they are a godsend for the poor photojournalist who just got his first big break courtesy of Carma magazine, the equal opportunity publication.

We shall use the new Canon PowerShot G9 to illustrate this insider’s guide to automotive

photography for lucky rookies. It is positioned as a high-end compact camera, but the G9 is still a few hundred dollars cheaper than the cheapest new DSLR. The useful features of this latest prosumer camera include a state-of-the-art 12-megapixel sensor with sophisticated DIGIC III on-board processing, Raw image capability (ideal for double-page magazine spreads), a 6x optical zoom lens (effectively 35mm to 210mm in telephoto reach) with an f/2.8-4.8 aperture range, up to ISO 1600 sensitivity, a high-res 3-inch LCD screen and hotshoe support for Canon Speedlite flashes. Most importantly for the practical photojourno on the job, the G9 offers full manual control and no less than 25 different shooting modes.

With a new Canon G9 in hand and a new Volkswagen Beetle as our hypothetical review car, we shall now share some tricks of the trade – some, not all, because we don’t want to risk breaking our rice bowl!

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THE SKILL OF THE STILL The most basic shot of all is the static, with the car striking a pose at a standstill.

Sounds simple enough, but it can go pearshaped if a) you don’t know much, and b) you didn’t read this part of our tutorial. Image 01 is the right way to do it and Image 02 is the wrong way, there are no two ways about it. Any car magazine photographer or editor who tells you otherwise is either low on expertise or high on exhaust fumes.

Whether you use a $900 G9 or a $9000 wonder camera packed with more technology than a Space Shuttle mission, the standard techniques to get that solid static shot are the same: • Use the ambient light to your advantage by positioning the car such that the sun illuminates it from behind or beside you. Soft sunlight (the magic hour between dusk and nightfall) gives the best results, as shown here.

• Shoot from a low enough position to see all four tyres on the tarmac, which would ‘plant’ the car perfectly. Lie prone, sniper-style, if you have to – it’s worth it once the editor looks at your photos and goes “wow”.

Image 01

• Make sure that the front wheels are turned to face the camera, simply because alloy rims or even humble hubcaps look more attractive than black rubber tread.

Image 02

Image 0

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Image 03

VANTAGE ADVANTAGE As highlighted earlier (The Skill Of The Still second point), the general rule of thumb when shooting a stationary car is to go low, but sometimes going higher might be better, as illustrated here. Image 03, taken from ground level, is nothing special whereas Image 04, taken with the G9 held overhead, is an above-average auto-photo thanks to the road curving away into the distance.

The Beetle is in the exact same spot, but varying the camera angle has changed the pictorial context and made the image more interesting.

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FEATURE

DISTORTION OF THE TRUTH The Beetle is cute and curvy, but shoot it close-up with a wide-angle setting and its sheetmetal appears warped, especially on the outer edges (Image 05). Shoot the car from further away, in this case also making use of the G9’s optical zoom mode to better ‘isolate’ the subject from its surroundings (Image 06).

Image 05

The general rule of thumb when shooting a stationary car is to go low, but sometimes going higher might be better…

Image 06

MOVING PICTURES Modes of transport come to life when they are on the move, which is why pro photographers love to capture cars, bikes, trains and planes in action.

The most popular and arguably easiest action shot is the pan, which has the camera closely following its subject as it moves across the window of photo opportunity. The basic technique is to lock the object in your viewfinder sights and follow through smoothly.

Action photography shows up the biggest performance difference between a prosumer digicam and a proper DSLR, with the G9 having a burst shooting speed of just 1.5 frames per second, which is very slow by today’s DSLR standards and quite useless for anything more challenging than this tutorial. Even so, you can still bag some passable panning shots (like Image 07 here) if you keep the basics in mind – activate the multi-frame function, switch the camera to TV (Time Value) mode and set it at 1/60sec for a car moving past at 50km/h, and maintain a smooth follow-through. Practice makes perfect, by the way. And remember to shoot the car ‘clean’, avoiding picture clutter like electric aerial up (ugly), visible trade plates (uglier) and windows down showing the nonchalant driver (ugliest).

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Image 07

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Image 10

Image 12

Image 08

Image 13

Image 11

Image 09

THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS We have covered the major shots needed for our theoretical Beetle review by a Carma newbie, now we talk about the minor photos, which are less important but not unimportant because they are needed to complete the rookie’s debut story.

For starters, how best to shoot the engine?

The average photographer will offer something like Image 08 (flash on, cropped too tightly, car a mystery), whereas the above-average photographer will do it like Image 09 (flash off, cropped correctly, car immediately identifiable).

Shooting the boot also needs some aptitude. Just showing an empty grey space (Image 10) doesn’t say much and is also visually unattractive; the smarter way is to show the boot relative to the car (Image 11), with the tailgate open and the tail-lights obvious.

When shooting the rim, ensure that the emblem is upright and frame part of the fender

in the photo so we can see how nicely – or not – the wheel fills the arch. Turning the rim slightly outwards also makes the shot more flattering.

Compare Images 12 and 13 to see exactly what we mean.

Last but not least, before shooting cockpit pictures, check that the steering is straight and the dashboard area is free of junk like your backpack, mobile phone, wallet and the previous day’s potato chips. In this example, Image 14 is good and Image 15 is no good.

There you have it, the tips and tricks you need to become an automotive photojournalist with just a point-and-shoot digicam in hand. Ultimately, however, upgrading to a modern DSLR system is inevitable if you want to take your photojournalistic journey in the world of cars to the next special stage.

Image 1

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Image 14

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26/12/2007 7:58:16 PM

words Shreejit Changaroth

TECH-KNOW

THE BIODIESEL DILEMMA

■ The 13 diesel-powered passenger cars involved in the Biodiesel Field Test

Low-emissions biodiesel fuel produced in Singapore and the latest engine technology make a convincing case for the modern highperformance diesel car, but obstacles remain

Not quite a full substitute for traditional diesel but rather a modified version, biodiesel is a formulation consisting of diesel fuel and vegetable oil…

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he year 2007 will go down in the annals of local motoring as the first time dieselengined cars were given the regular road-test treatment. Seven saloons, five SUVs and one MPV form the fleet of “RD” registered cars (wearing the blue and yellow Research & Development plates) provided by Daimler and Volkswagen for Singapore’s three-year Biodiesel Field Test programme. We will bring you first-hand driving impressions of these very impressive vehicles in the coming months, but the true objective of this groundbreaking field test is to evaluate the fuel efficiency and emissions of the latest compression ignition (CI) engines running on biodiesel fuel.

Being a world leader in diesel engine technology, Robert Bosch SEA Pte Ltd is the lead player in this project. Today’s Mercedes and Volkswagen cars rely heavily on Bosch systems like its Common Rail injectors. Support for the project comes from eight other organisations, which together intend to address every aspect of biodiesel as an alternative fuel for motor vehicles. They are the Economic Development Board (relevant industrial strategies), National Environment Agency (ecological policies), Daimler South East Asia (Mercedes-Benz CDI passenger cars), Volkswagen Group Singapore (VW TDI passenger cars), DieselTech Pte Ltd

(specialist in the servicing and testing of diesel injection systems, turbochargers and automotive electronics), Wilmar International’s Kuok Oils & Grains (palm oil manufacturing), Nexsol Singapore (biodiesel production) and Shell Eastern Petroleum (fuel supply chain).

Thanks mainly to European automakers, diesel engines have developed from being slow, dirty and commercial types to become the first choice for nearly half the passenger car buyers throughout the European Union. The Mercedes and Volkswagen cars of the Biodiesel Project are typical examples showcasing the state-ofthe-art technology in diesel-powered vehicles, which boast high performance with superior fuel economy and emissions compared to equivalent petrol engines. Carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOX) and hydrocarbon emissions (HC) are inherently low in the exhausts of diesel-fuelled engines, but particulates or soot produced during the combustion process has been the biggest drawback. While this last problem has not been totally solved, the use of ultra-low-sulphur diesel combined with particulate filters in the exhaust systems of today’s diesel cars have reduced the release of particulates to the atmosphere by more than 90 percent. Further reductions of these pollutants (particulates and gases) can be attained if a new fuel with cleaner combustion

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properties can substitute good old diesel. The answer to this at the moment is biodiesel.

Not quite a full substitute for traditional diesel but rather a modified version, biodiesel is a formulation consisting of diesel fuel and vegetable oil. The biodiesel that will be produced in Singapore combines palm oil (abundantly available in this region) and diesel fuel, resulting in a blend designated B5, which stands for Biodiesel with 5 percent palm oil. Obviously, the results of tests conducted on the R & D cars using B5 reveal a massive reduction in particulates, NOX, HC and CO compared with the vast majority of our local diesel vehicle population made up of trucks, pickups, buses and taxis which were imported and registered for use before the stringent Euro IV diesel emission standards were implemented from October 2006. The real test, however, is when biodiesel’s performance is compared against conventional petroleum diesel in a Euro IV engine.

All the test cars of the Biodiesel Project are powered by the latest CI engines, which easily exceed Euro IV exhaust standards and perform similarly to or better than their equivalent petrolfuelled spark ignition (SI) versions. In a petrol engine, compressed air-fuel mixture is ignited by a spark plug, whereas only air is compressed in a diesel engine and ignition initiated by an injection of diesel. The modern diesel engine is turbocharged so that air mass in the combustion chamber is maximised, while high-pressure (2000bar) injection systems like those produced

by Bosch effectively atomise fuel for more complete, hence cleaner, combustion. In reality, the combustion efficiency is never 100 percent, so exhaust gas treatment is an integral part of the diesel engine, and in the case of the field test fleet vehicles, a particulate filter further reduces the microscopic material exiting the tailpipe and entering the atmosphere.

The biodiesel that these 13 cars will run on is expected to emit smaller quantities of pollutants than the regular ULSD (ultra-low-sulphur diesel) without any compromise to on-road performance or out-of-pocket fuel economy. DieselTech’s rolling-road dynamometer will be used to compile engine performance data, injection system reliability, emissions values and other parameters to arrive at a conclusion on the realworld worth of biodiesel.

If the results of this programme prove conclusively that the locally-produced biodiesel is a true alternative to regular diesel and additionally offers benefits in economy and emissions compared to petrol, then there will be fresh impetus for our government to review the prohibitively high diesel road tax here.

■ Shell’s contribution to the project is this dedicated diesel kiosk in Jalan Jurong Kechil

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IN GEAR HOT

THE ARTE OF CONVERSATION Nokia’s 8800 Arte and 8800 Sapphire Arte are brand-new 3G premium phones said to capture the essence of timeless beauty and peerless craftsmanship. The quality materials used on these remotely affordable ‘Vertus’ include exquisite leather sourced from eastern India and precious stones in the case of the Sapphire Arte. There is no mechanical embossing, so each phone’s lush leather panels are unique and have had their natural grain preserved, after which fine layers of coating are applied to protect against everyday use and add an extra dash of finesse. Colour-wise, the Sapphire model’s luxurious brown and coffee tones offer an understated elegance, while the regular Arte makes its own fashion statement in stylish black. Helping to maintain their attractive appearance is the anti-smudge coating on the metal and glass, while the unique all-in-one micro-USB connector hides the outer seams of the device. Other cool Arte features include moving wallpapers on the stunning OLED display, a tap-for-time clock screen, an exclusive pre-programmed soundtrack by master producers Kruder & Dorfmeister, 1GB of embedded memory and a 3.2megapixel autofocus camera.

A NEW LEASE OF LIFE(BOOK) SHAVING CRÈME DE LA CRÈME Panasonic’s new Lamdash ES8259 is one of the best electric shavers right now, thanks to its high-tech fourblade system that employs a “Finishing Blade” for a perfectly clean shave in the shortest time possible. This clever fourth blade, achieved with Panasonic’s unique blade-processing technology, is smaller than conventional blades by around 30 percent and it also creates the shaver industry’s first “3-D Pattern Process”, which not only reduces the physical burden on the skin to result in a closer shave, it also reaches and removes short frizzy facial hairs hiding below the chin or around the throat.

The new Panasonic Lamdash ES8259 comes complete with a washer-cumcharger and has a suggested retail price of $439.

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Functional yet sleek in style, the latest range of Fujitsu LifeBook laptops incorporate 3.5G connectivity to boost the road warrior’s computing firepower on the move. These new broadband-ready mobile companions come in various forms to suit different users. The coolest of the LifeBook lot is the palm-sized U1010, the world’s smallest tablet-convertible UMPC, followed by the T2010, a multi-purpose notebook sporting a bi-directional swivel screen.

Then there is the light-weight but heavy-duty P7230 and the premium S6510, whose innovative SlimEdge Design allows a 14.1-inch screen on a 13.3-inch chassis and 12.5 percent more display area than rival systems of similar dimensions. Completing the new LifeBook series are the diamond-black 15.4-inch A6110 and the powerful 14.1-inch S7211/S7210, both of which are specified to deliver excellent performance everywhere.

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CREATIVE ZEN-ITH Singapore’s digital entertainment giant Creative has introduced another worldfirst in the form of the ZEN 32GB, whose sizeable and reliable flash memory offers the kind of media storage capacity previously only available in hard diskbased media players. 32GB is good for up to 8000 songs in various popular formats, up to 110 hours of quality video and/or thousands of high-res photos, with the ZEN’s built-in SD slot ready to assist in the unlikely event that the 32GB is still not enough for the geek on the go.

Other attractive attributes of the ZEN series (like a sleek design, a vibrant 2.5-inch screen and long battery life) continue to feature in the new 32GB flagship version, which retails at $549 alongside the earlier 16GB ($449), 8GB ($349) and 4GB ($249) Creative ZENs.

TRUE-BLU TECHNOLOGY Sharp Corporation has launched a new weapon in the battle against HD-DVD, in the form of the BD-HP20 Blu-ray disc player. Its great features include a low-slung 68mm-high body finished in piano black, quick 0.8-second start-up from standby mode, seamless integration with Sharp AQUOS LCD TVs and multi-format playability. Blu-ray is currently the highest-quality video mode on the market, thanks to its native 1080p playback, and a double-layer Blu-ray disc can store up to 50GB of data, over 10 times more than a DVD, thereby allowing richer content, longer movies and plenty of extra features, all on one single disc. Indeed, Sharp’s new BD-HP20 Blu-ray player is the gadget freak’s ticket to the wonderful world of high-definition video.

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IN GEAR COOL

AN EYEFUL FROM FERRARI The Prancing Horse marque is the powerful inspiration behind the Spring/Summer 2008 Ferrari Eyewear Collection. The sporty sunglasses in the series are divided into two distinct lines – Race Team and GT. The models in the sports-oriented Race Team line offer delightful details that include rubber tyre-like textures, wheel hub-style satin finishing, real carbonfibre surfaces and a frame-front double aperture that suggests the air intakes of a supercar; while the models in the luxurious GT line are inspired by the earliest Ferrari cars and classic motor races like the Mille Miglia.

THE MAJESTIC MALACCA Housed within a historic building with rich architectural influences drawn from the Portuguese, the Dutch and the Peranakans, YTL Hotels’ latest seaside attraction mirrors the colourful colonial past of Malacca. The new 54-room hotel offers niceties like teak wood fittings, leather furniture, traditional Portuguese porcelain flooring, bathtubs for two and four-poster beds decorated with rich silks and cool cotton. The Majestic Malacca has also dedicated two whole floors to its in-house Spa Village, which is the first and only one in the world to base its spa therapies on the healing heritage of the Baba-Nonya, Malaysia’s unique Chinese-Malay cultural combo.

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EXECUTIVE EXPRESS(O) Awaken your senses with a drive in this supercharged street-legal wonder from Japan Sharp-handling Jetta(bout) • PS3 in an Alfa Romeo 159 • Asia’s very own Monaco • Special Reports galore • Mod your ride with lotsa Options •

INSIDE CjAN08-Vroom Cover.indd 1

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• Audiophile sound quality • Stereo, bridged or tri-mode operation for maximum flexibility • ICC™ Internal Convention Cooling • Advanced 4 Layer circuit board • Microprocessor circuit monitors amplifier operation • 24 db per octave High pass and low pass crossovers • Crossover range 55Hz – 3,000Hz • Frequency multiplier eliminates the need

STEREO AMPLIFIERS

BASS AMPLIFIERS

New for 2007 BlackBox Stereo 2 & 4

New for 2007 BlackBox Bass 4 & 5

for an external active crossover • Selectable input sensitivity 0.2v – 0.6v, 0.6v – 2v and 2v - 8v • Excellent signal to noise ratio of 114dB • Total harmonic distortion as low as 0.02% • End caps with illuminated Blackbox logo indicates amplifier status • Optional remote level control BBR1

• DSP (Digital Signal Processing) controlled amplifier (Bass 5 only) • Unprecedented sound quality for huge power BASS amps • Advanced 4 Layer circuit board • True mono design for optimum single channel driving • Maximum power delivered at 2ohm as opposed to unstable high distortion 1 ohm amps • 24 db per octave low pass crossovers • Crossover range 30Hz – 250Hz • Subsonic filters to remove unwanted frequencies10Hz – 80Hz

• Excellent signal to noise ratio of up to 114 dB • Total harmonic distortion as low as 0.1% • Fan assisted ICC Internal Convection Cooling • 0 – 180 degree phase switch • Parametric bass boost variable between 10Hz and 125Hz • Strapable amplifier circuit allows 2 amps to be combined as 1 big amplifier • End caps with illuminated Blackbox logo indicates amplifier status • Remote level control BBR1 included

BlackAir 6 Space 8 & 12

• Ultra high quality woven Kevlar cone, not all Kevlar is the same, there are many different grades and qualities! The best Du Pont Kevlar is used in the Blackair range. Kevlar helps to keep the sound tight precise and controlled whilst eliminating vibration across the cone and giving a sharp and uncoloured sound.

• Multi-Installation options, the BlackAir speakers can be used either in component setup or as a coaxial speaker to create a point source.When mounted separately the tweeters can be used in a surface or flush mount application.

• High powered woofer and tweeter engineered to work in perfect harmony

with each other, helping to deliver a combination of quality and clarity delivered with a reference studio quality sound.

• SPEEDBASS Polyurethane surround keeps the bass fast and helps to deliver absolute detail with perfect precision.

• New VIBE angular torsion alloy cast basket ensures absolute rigidity and increases power handling by improving voice coil cooling.

• 2 way 12 dB per octave passive crossover ensures perfect integration between the midrange and the tweeter producing studio quality sound with minimal phase errors.

1. SPACE subwoofers feature a cast aluminium basket to harness the subwoofers high power. The top gasket is removable for reverse mounting.

2. A heavyweight flat progressive spider keeps the large 3” voice coil movement 100% lateral - using Conex material (developed by NASA) makes the spider perform continuous movement without wear.

3. The massive power handling of the SPACE demands this high roll hybrid dual layer foam surround to sustain lateral voice coil movement and massive cone excursion.

4. A new cutting edge technology has been developed by VIBE to enhance subwoofer cooling. By using a one piece alloy cone and a specially made

flanged alloy voice-coil that seamlessly fit together with absolute UNITY. The combination of alloy cone and alloy voice-coil joined as one allows enhanced cooling of the coil. The coils heat is now dissipated directly through the alloy cone, which in effect becomes a THERMAL exchanger. The constant MECHANICAL movement of the cone keeps it cool. This process is totally automated and self sufficient.

5. All SPACE subwoofers use double stacked powerful strontium magnets with bumped high excursion T-Yokes the magnets have rubber boots for protection and reverse mount styling.

6. Heavy gauge tinsel wires and screw clamp binding posts ensure the best possible connection to the voice coil.

Exclusive VIBE Audio Pro Shop: Proudly Distributed by - Advan Syn Pte Ltd South East Asia | Hong Kong | Taiwan 12 Tannery Lane #07-01 Santat Building Singapore (347775) Tel: 6253 7737 Fax: 6354 1676

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C

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WORDS TONY TAN PHOTOS YANG

MOD JOB

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EXECUTIVE EXPRESS(O) This IS200 started life as a stylish runabout and even now, it still turns heads; you just have to turn faster otherwise it is past you like a flash!

H

This is ONE of the most modified, street legal Lexus IS200 that you will ever see in Singapore; and most probably in the region...period!

You may think that I have let the proverbial ‘cat’ right out of its bag mentioning what I just did but I just had to. Have you ever experienced the feeling of knowing a secret and wanting to shout it out to the whole world?

Well, that is exactly what I felt like after spending an entire Wednesday morning driving around in my ‘secret’ and I had to at least, quickly and simply, tell you petrolheads out there that this tarmac-burning Lexus IS200 really does exist!

And there is even more good news if you own a unit of Lexus’s first ever compact executive; you can have your IS200 modified in exactly the same way as this gunmetal beauty you see here is 100% street legal.

No cops trying to pull you over and although the guys at LTA will give the whole car a good, once over, they will wave you on your way once you produce the letter, given by LTA themselves, which states, and I quote: “We are pleased to inform you that we have no objection to the installation of the TTE compressor kit subjected to the following conditions.”

Thereafter, the letter clarifies that the installation must be done

by Alliance Auto Pte Ltd, which is the authorised distributor of TTE (Team Toyota Europe) tuning parts, and the car must meet the exhaust noise emissions standard.

The TTE compressor kit i.e. supercharger and its ancillaries, is the heart and soul of this fullymodified IS200, which by the way, has most probably got the entire TTE and TRD (Toyota Racing Development) catalogue of mod goodies installed inside it.

To tell you in detail, each and every one of them, is near impossible; unless I do not feature anything else in this month’s VROOM! so I am going to choose a few of my favourites and leave the rest to the photos...and your imagination.

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MOD JOB

The TTE compressor kit, which comes with its speciallyprogrammed TTE ECU, is a truly ‘flexible’ mod as it is designed to endow the engine with two distinct personalities.

When the throttle pressure is light and revs are low i.e. driving around town or cruising on the ECP, the air bypasses the compressor and enters the engine via a stainless steel pipe. This makes the 2-litre, in-line 6-cylinder engine feel very stock-standard and what is also does is optimise fuel economy.

However, step harder on the accelerator pedal and the built-in valve in the pipe closes, thus channelling all of the air into the compressor, which then ‘supercharges’ the air into the engine at a pressure of 0.3 bar, giving a maximum power and torque figure of 230bhp (standard is 150bhp) and 280Nm respectively.

This may not sound like much at first glance, but the throaty snarl coming from the exhaust and the hardening of the engine note, accompanied by a surge of forward motion, are all clear signals that these 230 ‘horses’ much be largesized ones!

With this much power being channelled through the rear wheels, which are TRD Sports T3 forged units shod with ultra-high performance Conti rubber, the undercarriage, suspension and brakes of the car better be up to

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scratch and trust me, they are.

The entire undercarriage has been beefed-up with TRD sway bars, braces, cross members and tie bars, and suspension duties are ably handled by TRD dampers mated with TTE springs. This entire setup does two things – it lowers the car by about an inch which improves the looks of the car considerably, and most importantly, it enables you to ‘attack’ each

stretch of winding road with gusto.

Now that this IS200 is endowed with ample power, with the handling ability to match, the last tasty mod left for me to tell you about are the brakes and what a gorgeous and mega-powerful set of stoppers this car has!

The original front brakes (which are pretty good actually) have been ditched for a pair of Rotora 6-piston calipers, which clamp on dinner

plate-sized 355mm slotted and cross-drilled disc rotors. Shownoff to full effect as a result of the open-design of the wheels, this prodigiously-sized high-performance braking setup is super-effective when it comes to bringing the car to a complete stop; regardless of speed. Brake fade was also nonexistent despite numerous full-on stomps on the brake pedal, while driving at high speeds, during my test drive.

Besides these performance mods, this IS200 has also been ‘dressed’ up in the looks department. Keeping it simple has always been a mantra of mine when it comes to exterior styling mods and it is really nice to see that only a few choice items from Toyota Sports and a cool-looking TRD carbon fibre grille were added.

Overall, the unmistakable muscular profile of the IS200 was maintained and these add-ons serve to spiceup its outlook just a little.

Rick (the obviously happy owner) is very proud of his ride and when I asked him how much the entire ‘makeover’ costs, he smiled knowingly and said: “Too much.”

When prodded and probed further, I was really glad that I was seated down when the final figure was revealed; let’s just say that with the amount of money spent, you can buy yourself a Suzuki Swift Sport!

Now that is what I call a super-serious PETROLHEAD and this car is truly one heck of a Mod Job!

SPECS LIST EXTERIOR STYLING • Toyota Sports Edition Neo bumper • Toyota Sports headlights • Toyota Sports brakelights • Toyota Sports foglights • TRD carbon front grille ENGINE • Progress lightened crank pulley (7075 Aluminium) • TRD Racing spark plugs • TRD Super Racing engine oil • TRD oil cooler • TRD high-flow oil filter • TTE compressor kit • Toyota intercooler • TTE ECU and cam controller • TTE exhaust muffler • TRD radiator • C-One cooling plate CHASSIS & WHEELS/TYRES • Rotora 6-piston brake calipers with 355mm slotted and cross-drilled disc brake rotors (FRONT) • TRD Sportivo dampers • TTE lowered springs • C-One damper mountings • TRD sway bars (FRONT/REAR) • TRD lower braces (FRONT/ REAR) • TRD lower tie bars (REAR) • TRD linkages (REAR) • TRD cross-members (REAR) • TRD Sports T3 forged 18-inch alloy wheels • Continental ContiSportContact II 215/40 R18 (FRONT) • Continental ContiSportContact III 225/40 R18 (REAR) • TRD locking lug nuts • Eibach Pro spacers 15mm (REAR)

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We provide the following services Sound Proofing, Audio System, Window Tinting, Car Grooming, Motorsports, Acessories, Performance Parts, Car Alarms, Car Spray Painting, Customized Car Mats, Customized Decals/Car Graphics Stickers, Air Brush/Carbon Fiber Stickers, Tyres, Rims, Bodykits and etc.

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22/12/2007 12:41:54 PM

WORDS TONY TAN PHOTOS YANG

MOD JOB

MAKING GOOD, GREAT Just a few choice mods and this ‘booted’ GTI looks better; and drives even better still

H

Just last month, I had the pleasure of spending a weekend in a Jetta 2.0 FSI (otherwise known as the GTI with a boot) which was kindly loaned to me by VW Singapore. The Jetta 2.0 FSI, for those of you who are unaware, is equipped with the same 2-litre 200bhp turbocharged engine, and more importantly, the same 6-speed DSG transmission as the GTI. As a result, this potent combo endows the Jetta with the same rapid-fire shifting ability and

tarmac-covering swiftness as the GTI. In the handling aspect, the Jetta’s added boot means that the centre of gravity is shifted slightly towards the rear and this makes the Jetta less prone to understeer and more balanced during cornering and high-speed cruising. The only downside is that the Jetta was more inclined to wheelspin; even with less than half throttle applied, while exiting tighter turns.

Still, the Jetta is one of those

cars that drives so sweetly that you dare not do anything to it; for fear of upsetting its lovely on-road poise and manners.

One person that DID do something to his Jetta is Leon Gumpert, VW Singapore’s friendly General Manager (Sales) and in his own words: “Now, my car’s handling is so sweet that it makes me want to drive the car fast every time I get into it. No regrets!”

Now, I could not just let Leon get away with such a bold claim

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without ascertaining for myself, if any of what he said was true.

Confidently, he passed me the keys to his sexy black Jetta for a weekend (lucky me!) and told me to “try it for myself.”

Now before I tell you how his Jetta drives, I first have to tell you about how it looks. Many of us at Carma agree that the Jetta is one of the most discreet-looking fast cars you can buy. In its standard guise, it looks totally ordinary, with nary a hint of its performance capability, which in case you have forgotten, reads as such: 0 to 100km/h in just a tinge over 7 seconds and a top speed of 233km/h.

My first impression of Leon’s Jetta was one of surprise; or I should add, truly pleasant surprise. The car looks so much more attention grabbing than a standard one, so I decided to walk around the car and take note of the mods that had contributed to its successful makeover.

First up, an aero bodykit was

installed which includes a front skirt, rear skirt and diffuser, a pair of side skirts and a subtle boot spoiler. Next, a gorgeous set of 18-inch Votex KARTHOUM alloy wheels, shod with 225/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Preceda (PP2) tyres, were fitted in place of the standard items. Last and certainly not least, a set of Votex (exclusively developed for the Jetta by Sachs) lowering springs and dampers were fitted and this lowered the ride height by slightly more than an inch.

Votex, by the way, is VW Group’s Genuine Accessory Company i.e. its products are recommended and endorsed by VW. These modifications have really transformed Leon’s Jetta into a real looker. The lowered ride height means that there is just a little gap between the wheel arches and the wheels/tyres, and the skirts all around the car makes it look like it was ‘hugging’ the tarmac; very sporty and purposefullooking indeed!

The springs are progressive in nature which means that ride comfort does not suffer greatly.

It feels firmer now but on the plus side, there is less bodyroll when cornering, less squatting under acceleration and the nose stays higher during hard braking.

This improved handling ability inspired me to ‘attack’ corners with much more verve. The added grip provided by the tyres also enabled me to get the power on earlier when exiting a corner.

There you have it; a subtlymodded performance sedan that handles like it was on ‘rails’, with the looks to match its performance.

When the time came, I handed the keys back to Leon with great reluctance. But I cheered up considerably when he said: “You can take it out again anytime you want.”

Hmmm...my friends are going ‘tracking’ next weekend at Sepang...

SPECS LIST EXTERIOR STYLING • Front skirt • Side skirts • Rear skirt diffuser • Rear skirt • Rear boot spoiler CHASSIS & WHEELS/TYRES • Votex lowering coil springs • Votex dampers • Votex 8 x 18-inch KARTHOUM alloy wheels • Michelin Pilot Preceda (PP2) 225/40 R18 tyres

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WORDS TONY TAN PHOTOS DARREN CHANG

ICECOOL

PS3 + 159 = FUN! This Italian sports sedan is a fun-mobile; for the driver and rear passengers

H

The Alfa Romeo 159 appeals to the heart of the driver and not his pocket. You buy one because you want a hint of what owning a Ferrari is like. Not because it makes sense to buy one Think about it.

There are many other larger and ‘friendlier’ four-door sedans that you can choose from, with more cabin space, better fuel economy, and cheaper to run.

But none of these can measure up to the gamut of emotions that will pulse through your brain, and liven your senses each time you get into the 159, fire up the sweet-sounding engine and go in search of your favourite stretch of winding tarmac.

■ The PS3 plays peekaboo from behind the rear seats.

The 159 is blessed with the Selespeed transmission which harks of the gearshift mechanism found in Ferraris; both road and race cars. It is quick, precise and actuated via paddle levers located just aft of the steering wheel; just like those found in the F430, 599 GTB and Kimi Raikkonen’s scarlet race machine.

Chris, the proud owner of the black beauty you see here, wants to inculcate a love of sports cars and motorsports in his kids and that is why he commissioned Aeon Customs, experts in the field of car audio and multimedia entertainment, to install the complete Playstation experience right inside his car.

Comprising one high-end

Playstation 3 (PS3) console with 60GBs of memory, WiFi capability and two wireless PS3 controllers, Chris’s kids can play at being race drivers on Gran Turismo 5 while he ‘races’ them to the shopping mall or to their next holiday destination.

The presence of two Sony LCD monitors mounted on the front headrest, and two VDO Dayton wireless headphones, means that there will not be any dispute over who uses what and best of all, Chris can concentrate on his driving without being distracted by the sounds of blaring exhausts, shooting guns and flying jet planes!

Speaking of sounds, the factory-fitted BOSE setup, complete with speakers and amplifiers, does a solid job of

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adding a substantial dose of realism to the games being played.

And if the kids get bored playing games after a while, they can pop their favourite DVD or VCD movie into the VDO Dayton multi player located up front, or the PS3 console itself.

For practicality and performance, the PS3 console is mounted on its own custom shelf in the boot and two auxiliary fans ensure that temperatures are kept cool always as the console, with its power-packed 3.2GHz Cell Broadband Engine and Blu-Ray capability, can run pretty warm when the action gets ‘hot’!

Best of all, the PS3’s disc tray can be easily accessed from the rear seats but simply flipping down the centre armrest and when Chris reaches home, a simple disconnection of wires allows the entire console to be taken into his living room where the PS3 experience can be enjoyed all over again.

With such a superb entertainment setup in his 159, it is no wonder that journeys anywhere is a joy for everyone. Now if only, Chris can get his wife to drive more often so that he can get into the back with his kids and...

■ The SONY LCD monitor (foreground) and VDO Dayton wireless headphones ensure absolute privacy.

EQUIPMENT LIST 1 x VDO Dayton PC5200 3D Navigation Computer with Gyroscope 1 x VDO Dayton VRM6200 2-DIN Multi Player with Bluetooth 3 x VDO Dayton WH5100 Wireless Headphones 1 x SONY Playstation 3 60GB Console 2 x SONY Playstation Wireless Controllers 2 x SONY XVM-B62 6.25-inch LCD Monitors

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WORDS & PHOTOS C. K. LIM

RPM

ASIA’S MONACO Just like Monaco, Macau boasts of an astonishing number of hotels and casinos; and an annual Grand Prix held in the streets

H

Every second or third weekend of November, starting from Thursday and ending on Sunday, the streets in Macau will be transformed into the Guia Circuit, one of the most demanding circuits in the world. An extremely unforgiving circuit due to its fast straights, tight corners and uncompromising crash barriers, the 6.3km-long Guia Circuit plays host to the annual Macau Grand Prix.

Originally conceived as a treasure hunt around the city in 1954, the Macau Grand Prix saw its first professional entrant in the form of Belgian driver Mauro Bianchi with a car by Renault Sport in 1966. This marked the beginning of a new era for the Macau Grand Prix, with more and more professional teams joining the event.

The Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix made its debut in 1967, while the first touring car race took

place five years later. In 1983, the Macau Grand Prix saw its first-ever Formula 3 race taking place, and it never looked back.

Some of the many highlights of this year’s race weekend include the Formula 3 Grand Prix – now often regarded as the stepping stone into the world of A1 GP, GP2 and of course Formula 1, FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) and the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Support races are aplenty, the most prominent of which is the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia.

Both past and current Formula 1 drivers who have raced and won here at the Macau Grand Prix include Aryton Senna, Michael Schumacher, David Coulthard, Ralf Schumacher and Takuma Sato.

The Macau Grand Prix is also the scene where all the championship race series conclude. For the Formula 3 Grand

Prix, the last two rounds are won

by Oliver Jarvis of Team Reckless Tom’s. Swiss driver Alain Menu, driving for Chevrolet won the first of the two rounds of the FIA WTCC, while Brit Andy Priaulx, piloting a BMW 320si, won the other race. As for the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, Darryl O’Young of Hong Kong drove his way to victory in his 911 GT3 Cup car.

As with its European counterpart, the Macau Grand Prix is the event chosen by many of the sponsors to set up hospitality at the rooftop of the pit building and invite their guests to the glitzy and prestigious race for an unforgettable weekend. Possibly the largest and most outstanding of all the hospitality is the one

by Yokohama Advan, who also happens to be the official tyre supplier for both the Formula 3 Grand Prix and FIA WTCC.

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Perfecting Your Pursuit

– Lexus IS250 Fitted with Toms Body Styling – Also available performance parts for the Lexus IS, GS, SC & LS models – Enhance the look, improve the ride!

176 Sin Ming Drive #03-12 Sin Ming Autocare Singapore 575721 Tel: (65) 6546 2022 Fax: (65) 6747 1810 Email: info@trd.com.sg www.trd.com.sg www.lovemycar.com.sg

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ALWAYS SHADED WHILE DRIVING Our tropical climate means sunshine all year round so keeping cool is a must; even while driving

H

I cannot stress enough, the importance of solar films these days; be it in our offices, homes and even our cars. Global warming is an ever present threat to life on our planet and I am sure you have heard about the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation (UV).

On the average, a car owner spends roughly 2-3 hours a day driving and more than 70% of that time is when the sun is out.

If you are have a driving-intensive occupation e.g. sales or delivery, then this figure rises considerably.

You may ask: “Why the need to worry about being constantly exposed to the sun?� The reasons are many.

Firstly, UV is harmful to our skin and prolonged exposure will cause premature ageing of the skin and even cancer in serious cases.

Secondly, over time, UV also causes

the interior panels and surfaces of the car which are made of vinyl, fabric and leather to look worn and oxidized. Lastly, infrared radiation (IR) causes the cabin to heat up and the air-conditioning system has to work even harder to cool everyone inside the car; this results in extra fuel being utilised and extra money spent.

Hence, with all of these factors in mind, it makes good sense to

Photo: Stefano Roddaro

WORDS & PHOTOS AMERY REUBEN

SPECIAL REPORT

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install a set of solar films on your car’s glass surfaces. Additionally, the resulting darker look of the windows and windscreens makes your car look more attractive and gives you and your passengers a certain amount of privacy from busybodies.

So there you have it, installing solar films make good sense and there are many to choose from; but herein lies a problem.

Most of these films do a great job aesthetically but many of them are not really effective in the most important areas – keeping

the cabin cool i.e. reducing IR, and preventing UV for entering.

And even if you have done your homework and managed to find a trusted brand to use, there is also the area of installation to consider.

After all, it is commonly acknowledged that a good piece of work can only come from a skilled craftsman using good tools and materials.

Unique (since 1995) Pte Ltd has a long and chequered history when it comes to paintwork refurbishment and protection, but many do not know they are also the authorised dealers of Johnson

Window Films – a recognised US brand which specialises in highquality solar films. Johnson films are designed to ‘cut’ up to 99% of UV and they come with a lifetime (limited) warranty. The installers at Unique are also specially trained in the art of solar film application and judging from the many finished cars I saw, I can attest to their workmanship.

You can choose from 4 types of Johnson films – Greystone Series, Vision Plus Series, Executive Series and the top-ofthe-line Insulatir. Each one differs by its method of manufacture; the Greystone being non-metallic,

the Vision Plus and Executive are sputtered metallised polyester films while the Insulatir features the latest sputtered ceramic technology which is highly effective in reducing both, UV and IR, while being extremely durable.

Best of all prices are not going to burn a hole in your pocket. They start from a very affordable $599 for a sedan to just $1099 for a SUV of MPV depending on which one of the 4 films you choose.

ABOUT LTA’S GUIDELINES Tinted window films are a modification which is allowed by the Land Transport Authority. However, the following requirements must be met when installing these tinted window films: a) They must not be of the reflective type. b) The resultant light transmittance for the front windscreen and two front side windows must be at least 70%. c) The resultant light transmittance for the rear windscreen and the rear passenger windows must be at least 25%. d) The front windscreen must not prevent, obstruct or interfere with the transmission of signals between the In-vehicle Unit (IU) and Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) facility.

NOTE: To ensure that the tinted films comply with the above requirements, you may wish to send your vehicle for testing at any of the LTA-authorised vehicle inspection centres.

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WORDS TONY TAN

SPECIAL REPORT

POWER UP AND SAVE FUEL More power or greater fuel economy, the choice is yours

H

It has finally happened; petrol prices have breached the previously unheard of $2 per litre barrier.

The petrol companies will have you believe that, with their discounts and promos, prices are still under two bucks, but the fact of the matter is that compared to the early 2000s, it now costs about $25 more to fill up your car with 60 litres of regular unleaded.

Think of what $25 can buy you (and your family) and I am sure, like me, you can feel the ‘pinch’...OUCH! Autodesigns Motorsports, located in Unity Centre in Bukit Batok, is a specialist in bolt-on car modifications and their Air Charger and UNICHIP may be just the two things your car needs to ensure that it is running as efficiently as possible.

The Air Charger is an electronically driven supercharger features a variable speed system

which ‘forces’ more air into the engine. This ‘forced’ air then mixes with the fuel more completely, resulting in minimised wastage and hence, more power and improved fuel economy. This positive effect is especially pronounced at lower engine speeds (<4000rpm) which is where drivers spend most of their time.

The UNICHIP is a fully programmable ‘piggyback’ ECU which channels over 53,000 fuel and ignition parameters into a car’s ECU so as to deliver optimised power and fuel economy.

In addition, the engine will run smoother and become more responsive to throttle inputs.

Additionally, if the engine is modified, a 25% improvement in power and torque can be realised.

The UNICHIP is compatible with OBD1 and OBD2 cars.

ABOUT THE ECU An engine control unit (ECU) controls various aspects of an engine’s operation such as the ignition timing, variable valve timing (VVT), the level of boost maintained by the turbocharger (in turbocharged cars), and control other peripherals.

ECUs determine the quantity of fuel, ignition timing and other parameters by monitoring the engine through sensors and these include the MAP sensor, throttle position sensor, air temperature sensor, oxygen sensor and many others. This is often done using a control loop such as a PID controller.

Before the advent of ECUs, most engine parameters were fixed and the quantity of fuel per cylinder per engine cycle was determined by a carburetor or injector pump.

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We specialise in genuine carbon fiber lamination for all cars interior

Black Carbon Fiber

Silver Carbon Fiber

Red Kevlar Carbon Fiber

Blue Kevlar Carbon Fiber

Yellow Kevlar Carbon Fiber

Wide variety of “TM CARBON” products

BMW E63

BMW E60 LCI

ROBSON DESIGN PTE LTD

Products of Japan

Robsonads.indd 77

50 Bukit Batok Street 23, #01-20 Midview Building Tel: (65) 6515 1204 Fax: (65) 6515 1257 Website: www.robson-design.com/www.robson-design.co.jp Operating hrs: Mon-Fri - 10am to 7.30pm, sat - 10am to 6pm Sundays/Public Holidays Closed

FERRARI F355 SPIDER

PORSCHE 996

Warranty on Manufactural Defaults • Exterior 6 months • Interior 12 months

26/12/2007 12:54:27 PM

WORDS KELVIN LEE

SPECIAL REPORT

ULTRA VIOLATE Ultraviolet rays from the Sun are harmful to us humans, and it can also cause your car’s shiny paintwork to oxidise and turn dull

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The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are harmful to all living organisms. Prolonged exposure to it can cause sunburn, bleaching of our hair, and in more serious cases, eye damage and even skin cancer.

To protect against the harmful effects of UV radiation, we can use sun block, wear long sleeved clothing or even avoid staying in the sun for long periods of time.

Besides the abovementioned harmful effects to living organisms, these UV rays can also wreak havoc on a car’s paintwork.

The paintwork of a car, new or old, is like our skin; it is prone to ‘ageing’ i.e. oxidation, when exposed to long periods of sunlight.

Oxidised paintwork looks dull and unattractive because UV rays break down the resin gloss pigments in the paint, causing them to turn dry

and powdery. Thus, it wears off; just like dead skin flakes which shed off easily.

Besides UV rays, there are many other factors that cause the car paintwork to oxidise. These include manmade ones like acid rain, exhaust fumes, salty air and industrial fallout, and natural ones like bird droppings and tree sap; just to name a few.

These pollutants seep into the paintwork’s microscopic pores and their acidic nature causes reactions with the paintwork thus creating ugly water spots, yellowing and browning of the metallic pigments, loss of gloss and many other unsightly effects in a matter of weeks.

So what then can we do to prevent this?

You need the services of an

expert in paint protection technology and there is arguably no one better, and who has more hands-on experience, than Stephen Cheok of Amazing Glaze AG5. Stephen was trained in the US in the aviation industry and he brought this pioneering technology back to Singapore in 1998 and he has never looked back since.

“Back then, nobody has even heard of the paint protection and most of them think that waxing is the best thing you can do make your car’s paintwork shine” says Stephen.

At their clean and spacious premises on the 4th floor of Sin Ming Autocare, Stephen stressed that every car, new or old, that is sent to Amazing Glaze AG5 has to go through a meticulous process so as to obtain the optimum protection and shine every time. “There are no shortcuts and a minimum of 4 hours per car is required” says Stephen.

This process includes:

‘Detoxing’, to remove all acidic contaminants from the paintwork. This is done by using their acid-neutralising chemicals to thoroughly polish the car. This is also necessary for brand new cars i.e. fresh from the showroom, as the paintwork of these cars are most probably already ‘contaminated’.

For older cars, paint restoration processes may be needed to remove oxidised layers of paint so as to reveal a new layer of glossy paintwork.

1

Removal of hairline scratches which may be left after polishing.

A skilled worker will not leave any polishing scratches behind; even when using polishing machines.

2

Polishing using highly-skilled techniques to bring out the optimum shine of the paintwork; an improvement of approximately 20% from original showroom shine.

You can even check and see the difference with a gloss-reflection metering unit.

3

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ABOUT AMAZING GLAZE PAINT PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY

After

Before Checking for ‘ghosting’ i.e. hologram reflection effects.

This is requires a high amount of skill which can only be performed by professionals and Amazing Glaze AG5’s staff are trained to do this.

4

Application of two layers of Amazing Glaze paint protection coating followed by curing. This coating is so durable that it can only be removed by sanding or polishing using a very abrasive compound.

5

Application of AG5 nano-hydro material on top of the paint protection coating to endow it with water-repelling characteristics. This material will last for a few months before the paint protection coating is exposed.

Last but not least, the interior of the car is vacuumed, the dashboard and various vinyl panels are cleaned and dressed, wheels are washed and windows and windscreens are cleaned.

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“I am very confident of Amazing Glaze’s ability and the professionalism of our speciallytrained staff because after 10 whole years, not one single customer has made a warranty claim against Amazing Glaze’s paint protection treatment after having undergone the full treatment” said Stephen proudly.

(Amazing Glaze products’ liability warranty is assured at US$10,000,000)

Amazing Glaze paint protection system was officially certified by BOEING and AIRBUS in 1993. Tests conducted on Amazing Glaze paint protection system showed that it provided durable protection against acid pollutants attacks and hence doubles the lifespan of the paintwork of airplanes. It also incorporates a proprietary double ultraviolet (UV) sunscreen.

Amazing Glaze AG5 proved to be so effective in protecting the aircrafts’ paint that today’s major commercial airline operators like British Airways, Lufthansa, Qantas, United Airlines and many others, authorise its usage on their entire fleet as part of their standard aircraft exterior maintenance programme.

Additionally, Amazing Glaze is able to substantiate, with documented data, that it actually helps the airplanes save fuel due to less aerodynamic drag.

The Reasons why cars’ paint turn Dull & Oxidize?

AG5 NanoTech Amazing Glaze paint protection technology is the only proven and certified technology used today by renowned major commercial Airlines, Marines and the Automobile industry.

AMAZING GLAZE products’ technology is certified by BOEING and AIRBUS Industries.

There is NO other product in the market that could ever match our impressive accolades/records.

“During training sessions, the BMWs go through grueling exercise after exercise, the AG5 NanoTECH AMAZING GLAZE paint protection continues to maintain its showroom gleam, rain or shine. A performance prerequisite of products and services associated with BMW Driver Training Program.

A true testament of superior paint protection.”

– Performance Motors Ltd

Facts: Today’s cars’ paints are formulated with very advanced materials that give its glossy shine.

Unfortunately, these paints properties are not acid resistant and it is not covered under the manufacturers’ paints warranty.

In as early as two (2) months, your car paint’s will oxidize, and turn dull with watermarks spots formations on the painted surfaces because the car paint are being attack by daily acidic pollutants from the environments like acid rain, tree sap, bird droppings, Sun’s harmful Ultra violet rays, exhaust fumes, salty air element, industrial fallout, etc.

AG5 NanoTECH AMAZING GLAZE is the only proven technology that was specially designed for the UNITED AIRLINES in year 1993, to prevent such harsh acidic pollutants attacks by providing an acid & UV resistant protective coating on top of the painted surfaces that would STOP acidic pollutants from coming into direct contact with paints’ molecular properties thus prevents paints from damages and oxidation. And today many commercial airlines like BRITISH AIRWAYS, QANTAS, LUFTHANSA, etc are adopting AMAZING GLAZE paint protection programme.

AMAZING GLAZE paint protection is truly beneficial for brand new cars, especially BLACK colour.

AMAZING GLAZE paint preparation and restoration.

With 9 years “hands-on” experiences, there is no oxidized/dull paint that we cannot restore to brand new “showroom shine” conditions. Our expert preparation & restoration polishing skills will even transform brand news cars to better than “showroom” conditions.

We are experts in the restoration of black coloured cars (no matter how bad the paint conditions may be).

NOTE: There is no “Shortcut” method in our paint preparation and restoration processes.

Warranty (3 years protection warranty program) Once your car paint are protected with AG5 Nanotech Amazing Glaze, all you have to do to maintain its “showroom” shine condition is only to shampoo-wash your car (recommended twice a week) and dry off with our recommended micro fiber cloth that will significantly reduces hairlines scratches.

Thus, making regular waxing and polishing requirements obselete.

Distributor & International Training Centre: AMAZING GLAZE AG5

Tel: 6247 9119, 6247 9339 176, Sin Ming Drive, #04-18 Sin Ming Autocare, Singapore 575721

http://www.amazingglaze.com.sg

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22/12/2007 3:42:14 PM

WORDS TONY TAN

SPECIAL REPORT

LASTS LONGER YET STAYS STRONGER These batteries are like a marathon runner who can also sprint 100m in 10 seconds; full of stamina yet powerful

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Batteries are as important as fuel; without it, the car cannot run.

However, unlike fuel, of which there are only two commonly available; petrol and diesel, there are many different types of batteries.

Regardless of the type of the battery, most batteries can either provide strong cranking pulses (for easy starting) or deep discharge (for longer battery life), and not both.

SCOSCHE’s batteries, which are distributed by SQ Image Pte Ltd, are different.

Firstly, these batteries are capable of providing repeated engine cranking pulses of 1700A for 5 seconds which is double to triple that of conventional batteries.

This means easy starts at any time of the day; even on cold mornings.

Secondly, they can be charged and discharged up to 400 times when ‘empty’, and up to 500 times when there is 80% of charge left.

Hence, they have a service lifespan of 3 to 8 years compared to 1 to 2 years for conventional batteries.

Thirdly, unlike conventional batteries that need to be recharged every 6 to 12 weeks when stored, these batteries, when fully charged, can be stored for up to 2 years at 25°C. Two other noteworthy features of SCOSCHE batteries are their valve regulated designs which eliminate the need for vent tubes so that there is no danger of acid burns or damage to the paintwork, and they can also be installed on their sides without sacrificing any performance and there is also no fear of any acid spillage.

ABOUT PARASITIC LOADS Nowadays, in more and more applications, the phenomenon of parasitic loads is showing its ugly head. So, what are parasitic loads? Parasitic loads are small currents, typically with a magnitude of a few milliamperes (mA), that the battery continuously delivers for various reasons i.e. the battery of car continues to drain even though the engine is turned off.

Clocks, holding-up memories in the ECU, and security (alarm) systems are common examples of parasitic drains on automotive batteries. Even though the current drains are low, their impact on a longterm basis can be significant when the battery is draining for weeks or even months at a time.

If left in this ‘empty’ state for too long, the battery becomes non-usable.

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YOU HAVE FINALLY GOT YOURSELF A GTI .

Let us show you what you can do to inject more GO and SHOW into it!

Intecoolers, exhausts suspension and the latest Alpil-Newing bodykits from Japan...we have them in stock and much more.

We also provide full maintainance. repair and tuning for all VAG cars (Audi, VW, Skoda and Seat)

Servotronic Motor Workshop Pte Ltd 176, Sin Ming Drive #02-14 SinMing Autocare Singapore 575721 Website: http//www.servotronic.com.sg Tel: 6553 4200 Fax: 6553 0084

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10/27/07 1:18:25 AM

WORDS TONY TAN

SPECIAL REPORT

DON’T BE AN AIRHEAD Proper inflation contributes to a safe and comfortable ride, and more savings

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Incorrect tyre inflation can increase fuel consumption by up to 5% and cause the tyres to wear out unevenly, thus reducing their life span.

More importantly, incorrect tyre inflation also causes steering precision to be compromised, making the car unstable and unsafe; especially during cornering.

Wrong inflated tyres are either over or under-inflated.

Under-inflation causes the centre of the tread area to ‘sag’ thus resulting in reduced roadholding capability and increased braking distances which can be very dangerous when the road surface is wet. In severe cases, the tyre can even unseat itself from the wheel i.e. come loose.

Over-inflation is just as bad. Overly-inflated tyres will ‘bulge’ from the centre of the tread area i.e. the sides are not in contact with the road surface. This, like

under-inflation, reduces grip and can cause the driver to feel like he is driving over ‘ice’ in an extreme situation.

The correct inflation pressures based on the original tyre size i.e. the size that the car comes with, can be found in the owner’s handbook and a metal placard that is commonly found at the driver-side door, fuel-filler flap or the engine compartment.

A quick tip: check and adjust the tyre pressure of your tyres, by using a tyre gauge, before setting off on a long journey e.g. driving holiday in Malaysia, and at least once a month. Remember to do so at the start of the day when the tyres have not been heated up yet. You can easily purchase a tyre gauge (the digital ones are really good) at tyre shops, petrol stations or automotive super marts.

ABOUT NITROGEN AND AIR All conditions being equal, the difference in tyre temperatures when comparing nitrogen with compressed air is mainly due to the presence of water in compressed air.

As a tyre runs, flexing of the sidewalls and tread blocks, as well as the friction caused with the road surface, produces heat. The water molecules in compressed air behave quite differently compared to nitrogen molecules when exposed to the heat; the water molecules become much more ‘excited’ , creating more heat and pressure when compared to a nitrogen inflated tyre.

This results in decreased grip as less of the tread surface comes into contact with the road surface.

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2 YEARS WARRANTY! THE AFTERMARKET NECESSITY™

WWW.CRIMESTOPPER.COM

Product from USA

HOW TO STOP CAR CRIME? START WITH CRIMESTOPPER CS-2900 DP II FM • 2-Way FM/FM paging remote with LCD graphics for confirmation of alarm status, violation and remote engine start.

• Uses Standard AAA Battery.

• Real Time LCD Clock.

• Includes a “SideKick” Non-Paging 5-Button Remote.

• Remotes Available in Carbon Fiber or Black Texture Finish.

• Vibrating and Audible Alerts.

• Long Range, Penetrates through Parking Garages and Shopping Malls.

• 433 MHz High Frequency with Extended Range On-Glass Antenna.

• Dynamic-Code Anti-Code Grabbing Protection.

• 6 Tone Siren with Higher 125dB Level.

• Electronic Dual Stage / Dual Adjustment ShockProtection with Pre-Warning (Plug-in Design) • Positive or Negative Parking Light Output (Jumper Selectable) • Dedicated Vehicle Horn-Honk Output.

• Remote Panic Protection.

• Pre-wired Starter Disable Relay and Socket Included.

• LED Diagnostics for Last Zone Triggered. ...AND MORE

Optional accessories from Crimestopper

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CRIMESTOPPER HONDA SL DATA BUS W/ DATA PORT

Asia Pacific Sole Distributor SQ Image (S) Pte Ltd

CRIMESTOPPER TILT SENSOR

CAN BUS TRANSPONDER BYPASS KIT

CRIMESTOPPER GLASS SENSOR

Blk 5012 #05-06 Ang Mo Kio Ave 5 Techplace II S569876 Tel: 6566 5253 Fax: 6565 2354 Email: sqimage@pacific.net.sg

WATER RESISTANT COMPACT 115DB PAIN GENERATOR

CRIMESTOPPER DUAL FIELD INTERIOR MICROWAVE SENSOR

Insist On Authorise Professional Installer Dealers.

Autobacs Venture (S) Pte Ltd Bukit Batok East Avenue 6 6749 5600 Auto Acoustics Pte Ltd Upper Serangoon Road 6285 5109 Sin Kit Audiophile Toa Payoh Lorong 8, Toa Payoh Industrial Park 6256 6562 Chuan Sing Auto Accessories Centre 21 Toh Guan Road East Toh Guan Centre 6280 2822 Chuan Hi Fi & Car Accessories Braddel Road 6287 0035 Class Auto Pte Ltd Ubi Ave 1, Paya Ubi Industrial Park 6841 6810 Darren Auto Accessories Toh Guan Road East Toh Guan Centre 6567 3726 Express Motion Pte Ltd Upper Serangoon Road 6453 4522 Fareast Auto Accessories Enterprise Changi Road Eunos Junction GT Auto Sound Trading Simon Road 6280 6636 Hai Wee Enterprise Bukit Batok Ave 4 6566 5983 Hollywood Sound Garage Upper Bukit Timah Road 6467 5902 Ing Siah Huat Cushion Mfg Ubi Road 1 6745 9307 Jetspeed Auto Aircon Kaki Bukit Road (Enous Technolink) 6742 1208 JL Ocean Pte Ltd Upper Thomson Road 6459 1601 King’s Way Sound Garage Eunos Ave 3 6749 9993 Lim Audio & Auto Accessories Changi Road 6741 7017 Mova Trading Ubi Road 1 67478016 Nam Huat Auto Accessories Sin Min Drive, Sin Min Auto Complex 6454 2262 New Generation Auto Sound Ubi Ave 1, Paya Ubi Industrial Park 6348 6220 NHK Auto Accessories Turf Club Road, Turf City 6468 8230 Ong Hin Seng Auto Acc. Trd. Co Tampines Street 11 6783 6070 Ong Hock Chye Trading Upper Serangoon Road 6287 7363 Pin Liang Enterprises Zion Road 6734 1717 Seah Hin Car Accessories Lorong Kilat, Tan Swee Building 6469 9027 Stamford Tyres International Pte Ltd Lok Yang Way Jurong 62623355 Specialist Audio Auto Accessories Bukit Merah Lane 1 Alexandra Village 6273 5096 Soon Lee Geyland Road 6741 4010 Swift Motion Enterprises Pte Ltd Desker Road 6296 6330 Tong Lee Wee Bukit Timah Road 6468 1922 Trust Motion 76 Playfair Road 6842 8216 TS Auto Accessories & Trdg Sembawang Road 6755 2901 Wee Heng Auto Supply Upper Serangoon Road 6281 6739 www.caraccessories.com.sg Jurong Point 6376 0338

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27/12/2007 3:33:47 PM

WORDS TONY TAN

SPECIAL REPORT

AN EXTRA $5 EVERY TIME Rising fuel costs are inevitable; increased spending on petrol is not

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With crude oil prices rising above USD$90 per barrel last year, compared to USD$11 a barrel (your eyes are not playing tricks on you!) ten years ago, fuel prices are also on the rise. As to how high a litre of your favourite unleaded can go, your guess is as good as mine and my sixth sense tells me that we have to seen the limit...yet.

In the past, the stresses of buying a new car were limited to deciding how much money you want to put down for the downpayment, ensuring that you have secured the most value-formoney insurance coverage, and setting aside enough for general maintenance including servicing and replacement for expendables such as tyres, fluids and brake pads. Expenditure on petrol was a secondary concern.

Nowadays, petrol costs have become a major factor. While the earlier-mentioned items have risen slightly over the years (insurance costs have actually decreased slightly), a visit to the petrol station costs substantially more now than say, last year or the year before For example, based on a yearly average mileage of 20,000km, a driver with a 2-litre Japanese sedan using 95-octane petrol needs to spend $720 more a year ($60 more a month) now than at the beginning of the year. Diesel users are even worse off; a full tank of diesel used to cost around $13; now it is almost $30!

With rising fuel prices here to stay, it would serve you well to keep in mind, the tips on the right, as they will help you keep your petrol (or diesel) expenditure down.

On that note, fitting a fuel saving device (there are a few triedand-tested ones in the market) is also a good way to ‘manage’ your car’s fuel consumption.

A good example of such a device is Broquet, which is distributed by the guys down at Universal Consultants, located at Genting Lane.

In case you have been hiding under a rock the last 10 years, Broquet is renowned for its secretly-formulated catalytic pellets, which act on fuel molecules to ‘energise’ them so as to make them more combustible.

This results in a healthy and complete burn each time a dosage of fuel/air is injected into the cylinder and hence, less wastage of fuel which would otherwise be ‘blown’ out through the exhaust.

Choose from a wide range of in-line units which are easily installed onto the fuel line with no engine modifications whatsoever, and there is no run-in time; the pellets get working straightaway as petrol passes through the entire unit.

Expect minimum fuel savings of 8% (you can check with the thousands of Broquet users) and even more, if you can constantly apply the fuel saving tips as well.

ABOUT FUEL SAVING TIPS 1. Avoid aggressive driving Full throttle starts and hard braking can increase fuel consumption by as much as 40% while reducing travel time by only 4%. The proper way is to accelerate slowly and smoothly, then get into high gear as quickly as possible.

2. Drive steadily at posted speed limits Increasing your expressway cruising speed from 80km/h to 100km/h (I know this is speeding but many of us DO drive at this speed for short periods) can raise fuel consumption by as much as 20%.

3. Avoid idling your car Idling wastes fuel, gets you nowhere and produces unnecessary greenhouse gases. If you are going to be stopped for more than 30 seconds (except in traffic) turn off the engine.

4. Make sure your tyres are properly inflated Under-inflated tyres can cause fuel consumption to increase by as much as 6%. Driving on just one tyre under-inflated by 40 kPa can reduce the life of the tyre by 10,000 km and increase fuel consumption by 3%.

Check tyre pressures at least once a month (best time is in the morning before the car is driven). On the average, tyres lose about 7 kPa per month and a 205/55 R16 tyre is normally pumped up to about 220 kPa. 5. Choose the octane petrol which best suits your car Premium, high-octane petrol is not necessarily the best choice for your car; a higher price does not guarantee better performance. In fact, using these petrols do not result in any greater fuel efficiency and furthermore, many cars are designed to use lower-octane petrol (92 or 95).

6. Service your vehicle regularly A poorly-maintained engine can use up to 50% more petrol. Check: 1. Air filters - Dirty air filters can reduce engine efficiency and cause fuel consumption to rise by 10%.

Regular visual checks of the air filter will tell you if it needs replacing and the car’s owner’s manual will also recommend appropriate replacement intervals.

2. Engine oil: Using the correct viscosity oil is important because higher viscosity oils have greater resistance to the moving parts of the engine, and therefore use more petrol. New engine oil also contributes to a smoother and cooler engine.

7. Plan your trip Try to combine several errands in one outing, and plan your route to avoid heavy traffic areas, road construction, etc. Always keep the radio on for traffic updates.

8. Set the air-conditioning temperature properly Most of us like to set the temperature to the lowest possible setting i.e. 16 or 17 degrees Celsius.

On a reasonably hot day, it is virtually impossible for the cabin temperature to reach that low a temperature. This means that the compressor will be working at maximum capacity i.e. overworked, for the entire duration of your trip resulting in increased fuel consumption.

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TUNED IN

A DRIVEAWAY HOLIDAY TO REMEMBER H

Driveaways are a great, value-for-money way to bring the whole family on a holiday and with Malaysia just a ‘causeway away, it makes great sense to head up North to explore the many sights and sounds that our neighbour has to offer.

It is precisely this adventurous and fun-loving nature which prompted 230 people (45 kiddies) to load up into no less than 60 cars for U DRIVE’s 3-day, 2-night driveaway holiday to Pahang. If it was not for the fact that registration had to close early because the maximum number of cars had been reached, there could have easily been twice that number; this tells you how popular U DRIVE’s driveaway holidays are!

On the first day, everyone had an early start as they gathered at Woodlands stadium at 6am. After a quick briefing and a few checks, all 60 cars, loaded with happy families and friends, headed to Woodlands Immigration and the causeway. A scenic drive followed after clearing customs, and in between, there were timely stops for breakfast and lunch. Thereafter, everyone arrived, after a largely uneventful drive, at the Legends Resort, Cherating, at 4pm.

After a smooth check-in, many opted to just stay in their rooms to relax or take a walk around the resort to check out the amenities on offer. Dinner was served at 7pm and it was own time, own target after that with many choosing to

head back to their nice rooms and jump into their comfy beds for a good night’s sleep; eagerly anticipating the activities lined up for the second day.

Day 2 started with a hearty breakfast and after checking out, the next destinations were the Sungei Pandan Waterfall followed by the final stopover for the day –the quaint and beautiful Hotel Colmar Tropicale. The waterfall was a hit with everyone but it was the kids that enjoyed it the most and who could blame them? It is not every day that you can enjoy a cool dip in Mother Nature’s refreshing creation and the backdrop of the waterfall and its surrounding greenery provided a great opportunity for photography.

After hours of fun in the water, it was time to dry-up and dress-up and proceed, via convoy, to Hotel Colmar Tropicale. This French themed hotel is situated on top of a mountain and when the convoy approached from afar and caught their first glimpse of it, everyone’s breath was instantly taken away; the hotel and its scenic setting looked like a scene out of the movie “The Sound of Music”.

Once inside the hotel, the Frenchinspired decor and quaint rooms made everyone feel like they were in a countryside village in France, instead of Malaysia.

Dinner this time round was a fun-filled bash with a Hawaiian theme and it was held in the spacious ballroom. Besides the

sumptuous dinner, there were the prize presentations for the winner and runner-up for the “Best Dressed Car” competition as well as a host of activities; a contest for the best dressed couple, who by the way, really looked liked native islanders, and a dance competition for children. Everyone had a rollicking good time and it was a nice end to a fun-filled and enjoyable day.

The third and final day of the driveaway started with breakfast and after checking out, everyone hopped into their cars at 12pm and headed to Kuala Lumpur, where a delicious lunch of sedap satay and ketupat, accompanied by fresh coconut with ice, awaited them.

After that, it was off to the city centre where everyone gathered for one final time for a group

photo outside the Supreme Court Building before setting off for home; tired but definitely happy.

So do look for the next U DRIVE driveaway and remember to sign up quick. Also remember to check out www.udrive.com.sg regularly for other events or if you are not a member yet, sign up and enjoy a host of privileges.

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AUDI’S CLEAR COMMITMENT TO MOTORSPORT H

Audi AG made a clear commitment to motorsport for the 2008 season with the most extensive factory involvement in the company’s history. In addition to defending the DTM title with the new A4 and the entry of three dieselpowered sportscars in the 24 Hour of Le Mans, Audi Sport plans the continuation of its involvement in the American Le Mans Series and its entry in the Le Mans Series in Europe.

As a result, Audi will compete on a factory level in no less than

30 races and three championships with two different types of cars in 2008.

The near 460-hp race version of the new Audi A4 celebrates its debut in the DTM. The third generation of the revolutionary R10 TDI diesel sportscar is developed

by Audi Sport in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm.

“Without its successes in motorsport, Audi would not be the most sporting and fastest growing brand in the premium segment,” stresses Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of udi

AG. “Everybody at Audi knows just how important motorsport is for the brand. We will continue to concentrate on racing series that bear a close relationship to production and which accelerate the development of our production car range. This is the case with the DTM and the Le Mans sportscars.”

Audi will start the 2008 DTM season as defending champions.

The well-proven partner teams of Abt Sportsline, Phoenix and Rosberg enter a total of eight factory cars for Audi. The customer team, Futurecom TME, brings two

additional A4 cars to the grid.

Audi Sport also backs proven teams and drivers for its sportscar programme and the entry of three cars at the 24 Hours of Le Mans will once again be undertaken by Audi Sport Team Joest, which has already taken five victories for Audi in the French longdistance classic.

Additionally, Audi will enter two cars in the American Le Mans Series and the Le Mans Series in Europe through Audi Sport North America in the USA and Reinhold Joest’s team in Europe.

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TUNED IN

RACING IN THE HEARTLANDS

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With Formula 1 coming to our shores next year and our government’s announcement that a permanent race circuit will be built in Changi, motorsports is starting to make itself seen and heard in the lives of the average Singaporean; and adding to the excitement will be a unique motorsports event that will bring motor racing right to the doorstep of the HDB heartlander.

The K1 Series and Motorsports Experience, which consists of 10 races cum carnivals, will held right through till next July. To facilitate the running of these events, public roads will be closed for the first time since the 1960’s and 70’s, when the annual Singapore Grand Prix was held in the Old Thomson and Upper Thomson area.

Professional kart racing in the form of a new series, aptly called the “Race Masters Championships”, will be one of the main highlights together with a host of sideshows such as drifting and drag racing demos as well as many booths and stalls, organising fun-filled activities and games, and even selling motorsports-related products and services.

The organisers, CS Racing and the Singapore Motor Sports Association, with the support from the People’s Association and the respective GRCs, hope that the K1 Series and Motorsports Experience will generate greater interest in motorsports, and most importantly educate Singaporeans on the many different facets of motorsports including the all-important aspect of safety.

For more information, visit www.k1.sg and remember to come down, with your family, relatives and friends, to as many of the events as possible.

AWARD-WINNING ODYSSEY H

A Honda Odyssey, with a droolworthy ICE system installed and tuned by Hong Guan Auto Sound with components sourced from Wize Electronics, garnered a very creditable 2nd placing at the SASCA/IASCA Singapore SQC Competition held at the Singapore Post Centre.

Competing in Category 1 (1 – 600 watts), the Odyssey obtained a total score of 224 points; just one point shy of the winner.

WWW. COOPERTIRESTORE.COM

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Binter & Company Pte Ltd, proud distributors of the Firestone, Goodyear, Kumho, Nankang, and Starfire tyre brands as well as their own proprietary brand of alloy wheels, Centillion, recently launched a new and refreshing concept in tyre browsing and purchasing for the end consumer. www.coopertirestore.com, which sells tyres from worldrenowned US tyre brand - Cooper Tires, offers a completely new experience and it is currently Singapore’s only online tyre boutique. Its uniqueness and success is based on a few key elements such as a fixed selling price policy among all dealers, an exclusive dealer network comprising 12 retail stores, exclusive offers such as rebates and discounts for online customers only, and a realtime inventory system based on an interactive SMS update technology which easily directs customers to the stores with the required size or models.

In a nutshell, to purchase a set of Cooper tyres, you: 1) Browse through www.cooper tirestore.com 2) Select the tyre model and size of choice 3) Select the outlet location 4) Proceed with payment through PayPal 5) Drive to outlet for installation Of course, if online purchases are not the preferred form of purchase transactions, drivers are always invited to walk-in to any one of the dealers.

One of the tyres that can be purchased at www.coopertirestore. com is the top-of-the-line Cooper Zeon 2XS which is a premium ultra-high performance tyre.

The W and Y speed-rated Zeon 2XS is designed to provide excellent cornering ability and steering response, along with optimum wet and dry traction and highspeed capability. Available in 15 to 20 inch sizes.

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TUNED IN

NISSAN GT-R DEBUTS H

”Godzilla” or the muchrevered Nissan GT-R has finally been launched; much to the delight of performance enthusiasts and ardent followers of Nissan’s supremely popular supercar.

Locally, fans of this supercar have already had their appetites whet by its predecessors - the R32, R33 and R34. Hence, this all-new GT-R is set to raise pulses once again, with its potent performance, superb handling and undoubted street-cred.

The all-new Nissan GT-R features a Premium Midship package which enables the use of the world’s first application of an independent transaxle 4WD system. The transaxle’s layout places the dual-clutch transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle which enables the weight to be evenly distributed throughout the car. This gives the

Nissan GT-R a superb front-to-rear weight balance, while enhancing leg and foot space and allowing for an optimal pedal layout.

Under the hood, the Nissan GT-R features an all-new 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 (VR38) engine, featuring plasma-sprayed bores and a special twin-turbo exhaust manifold system. This monster of an engine, freed from the now-defunct 276PS ‘confines’ of old, produces as stonking 480PS (353kW) at 6400rpm and maximum torque of 588Nm from 3200 to 5200rpm.

Putting the power down onto the tarmac is an all-new GR6-type dualclutch transmission, with paddle shifters and a Borg Warner six-plate dual clutch for direct control.

Suspension duties are handled through a special Bilstein DampTronic system, which utilises pertinent vehicle information to provide appropriate damping forces

for all situations and helps maintain a high level of control for straightline driving, cornering, and braking.

Speaking of braking, the GT-R features large Brembo full-floating drilled rotors and Brembo mono block 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers, which minimise fade and provide stable braking.

The Nissan GT-R’s large, fourpassenger cabin features a sloping roofline and curved C-pillar which expresses the distinctive GT-R identity, while the hallmark four-ring taillights, rear spoiler and large, integrated exhaust tips, provides the signature rear view of the GT-R. Key to the Nissan GT-R’s daily usability is its interior, which is designed to balance functionality, a sense of ease, and comfort.

Sculpted performance bucket seats give the driver and passenger a comfortable driving experience, and soft pads are utilised on the dash in

front of the passenger and doors to give an extra level of comfort and safety.

The instrument panel surrounds the driver, with all meters and multi-function meter at a uniform height to minimise the driver’s head movement and a large centremounted tachometer, with gear display on its upper right, as well as the easy-to-read graphics, which gives the driver instant detailed information.

Adjustability is another important feature of Nissan GT-R, and its special set-up switch, located in the centre of the instrument panel, enables the driver to adjust transmission shifts, suspension damping and the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC-R) in three settings - Normal, Comfort or R, the high-performance setting designed to transform the GT-R into its supercar mode.

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27/12/2007 3:36:17 PM

TUNED IN

MATTIAS EKSTRÖM WINS RACE OF CHAMPIONS H

Mattias Ekström has made one of his biggest dreams come true by winning the Race of Champions and he did it in style too by defeating his idol, seventime Formula 1 champion, Michael Schumacher, in the final round of the event.

Staged in front of over 50,000 spectators at London’s Wembley

Stadium, this gathering of the top names in motorsports saw famous drivers like David Coulthard, Jenson Button, Sebastian Vettel, Heikki Kovalainen, Sébastien Bourdais, Marcus Grönholm and Petter Solberg, represent their respective countries, while racing against each other in many different types of racecars.

“For me, Michael Schumacher is

one of the world’s greatest racers.

To beat him in the same equipment is an incredible experience which I won’t forget for a long time,” said the elated 29-year-old Swede after the nail-biting finale. After Ekström and Schumacher had each won a round, a third heat had to be held to break the tie.

Just like in the DTM finale two

months earlier, Ekström kept his cool in front of the impressive backdrop of the stadium and did not give his role model any chance at all. Before that, he had eliminated, among many others, newly-crowned World Touring Car champion Andy Priaulx.

HEIKKI BECOMES HAMILTON’S TEAMMATE H

26-year-old Heikki, who made his Formula 1 race debut last year with Renault, joins the McLaren-Mercedes team on a long-term contract and will commence his on-track programme in early January.

“I am so excited to join a team like Vodafone McLaren Mercedes,” said Heikki. “So far I have been blown away by the dedication and commitment to winning which is clear through the entire organisation and I am really excited about our joint future. As a Finn it’s an honour for me to follow in Mika and Kimi’s footsteps. I haven’t really spent a lot of time with Lewis so far but from what I know I think we will

work well together and do our best for the team.”

Lewis who enjoyed the most successful rookie season in the history of the Formula 1 World Cham-

pionship with consecutive podiums in his first nine races is looking forward to the 2008 season.

“As soon as the chequered flag went in Brazil I began to count

down the days until Australia,” said Lewis. “I am really looking forward to 2008 and working with Heikki as my teammate. Together with the team we will do everything we can to ensure that our Championship challenge is as strong and focused as possible. My first year in Formula 1 was incredible and I was so fortunate to spend it with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and I hope that Heikki will enjoy his first year with the team as much as I did mine.”

The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-23 is scheduled to commence its on-track testing programme at an exclusive test at the Jerez circuit in Spain during the second week of January 2008.

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27/12/2007 3:31:37 PM

WORDS TONY TAN PHOTOS YANG

OPTIONS

DIAMONDBRITE This paint sealant, which has been developed over 30 years, forms a hard, high-gloss protective layer over your car’s paintwork. Formulated into a twostage process, Diamondbrite does not contain silicone, silicates or Teflon, and unlike other products on the market, there is no age or mileage on their 6-year Guarantee. Have your car’s paintwork protected immediately with Diamondbrite and it will save you quite a bit of money in the long run. Their application centre, named Groomworks Services, is located at 51, Jalan Tua Kong, tel: 6246 1661.

Diamondbrite Pte Ltd, tel: 6238 1373

VOLKER IRIDIUM SPARK PLUG This state-of-the-art spark plug features a German patented, twin-tip technology which uses a 0.5 mm-diameter Super Iridium alloy centre electrode with a Platinum alloy tipped ground electrode. Employing Volker Nano-Crystalline technology, which uses 99.5% pure Iridium and 0.05% Osmium and Rhodium composites and sinters them in a 2400 °C Hydrogen environment to produce the super Iridium alloy, the resultant plasma arc spark is more concentrated (focused) and of a higher intensity.

Improves combustion and hence, produces more power and torque while reducing fuel consumption.

Team Sportivo Pte Ltd, tel: 6546 2022

EIBACH PRO-KIT The Eibach Pro-Kit is the perfect solution for most cars as it dramatically improves handling performance and appearance (lowers ride height by up to 40mm). This set of springs lowers your car’s centre of gravity, reduces squat during acceleration, body roll in corners and excessive nosedive under braking. It also reduces excessive wheel arch-wheel clearance thereby making your car look sporty. Available for a wide range of makes and models.

Team Sportivo Pte Ltd, tel: 6546 2022

TRD SUPER RACING PRO ENGINE OIL Developed my Toyota Racing Development (TRD) as a result of their extensive involvement in the highest level of motorsports, this engine oil meets or even surpasses most existing engine oil standards. It is highly-recommended for usage in turbocharged cars and highperformance naturally-aspirated engines, and this is nowhere more evident than the picture of the TRD V8 racing engine on its packaging. It lowers engine noise, improves engine response, optimises heat control and most importantly, protects all engine components against premature wear and tear.

Team Sportivo Pte Ltd, tel: 6546 2022

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PROGRESS LIGHTENED CRANK PULLEY Manufactured as an exact replica of the OEM unit, this crank pulley is CNCmachined from high-tensile T7075 Aluminium, then powder-coated and anodised to protect against corrosion. Lighter than the OEM unit by 50-65%, it improves throttle response and torque, as well as making the engine more efficient. Suitable for cars with manual and automatic transmissions and applicable for a wide range of makes including Chevrolet, Kia, Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Mazda and many others.

Team Sportivo Pte Ltd, tel: 6546 2022

SILENT VSD III The VSD III enhances the ignition system by raising the voltage output from 12 to 17 volts. Even during high-drain situations, this clever device will ‘pump up’ the ‘juice’ and ensure that the ignition coil will continuously provide a stable voltage. Ideal for the latest direct ignition systems, the VSD III will help to reduce oil consumption, minimise voltage reduction and lower CO and HC production.

Silent Pro Shop, tel: 6779 6383, www.silent.com.sg

SILENT PERFORMANCE BRAKING SYSTEM Comprising larger brake disc rotors, alloy callipers and a full set of ancillaries, this performance braking system will improve stopping ability dramatically. Ceramic slot double disc rotors enhance friction and durability while the lightweight brake callipers feature high heat resistance. Available for many makes and models of cars.

Silent Pro Shop, tel: 6779 6383, www.silent.com.sg

SILENT RACING GAUGES These racing gauges are equipped with high-precision and fully-angled stepper motors which ensure the most accurate of readings. Other noteworthy features include peak value memory, auto replay function, and interchangeable red and white LED lighting. Comes with 6 months warranty.

Silent Pro Shop, tel: 6779 6383, www.silent.com.sg

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WORDS TONY TAN PHOTOS YANG

OPTIONS

LENSO SC 02 10 spokes and a two-step lip make the SC 02 a wheel that will look good on most cars. Furthermore, the extension of each spoke towards the absolute outer edges of the wheel makes it look a lot larger than its 17-inch size. Choose from Copper Two Tone, Grey Two Tone or Hyper Silver finishes.

Enmaru Trading, tel: 6262 1010

LENSO SC 04 One look at this wheel and the pincers of the ferocious scorpion immediately comes to mind. The eight, paired spokes feature a unique curved design which is further accentuated by the bright red centre cap and shiny deep dish. Available only in 17-inch size and 3 finishes - Copper Two Tone, Grey Two Tone and Hyper Silver.

Enmaru Trading, tel: 6262 1010

LENSO DC5 Simple and understated, yet sporty and oh so stylish. The DC5 is characterised by 10 slim spokes which are paired asymmetrically and a deep-cut centre for added effect. Available in 17 and 18-inch sizes and 3 gorgeous finishes - Hyper Silver Mirror Lip Polished, Copper Bronze and Dark Grey Enmaru Trading, tel: 6262 1010

LENSO LS29 Available only in 18-inch size, the LS29 is the perfect wheel to accentuate a large sedan or MPV; preferably a black or silver-coloured one, depending on whether you choose the sparkling Hyper Silver Mirror Lip Polished finish or the avant-garde Hyper Black Mirror Lip Polished finish. Five chevron-shaped spokes curve outwards towards the deep lip, thus making the wheel look especially stylish when light reflects off it.

Enmaru Trading, tel: 6262 1010

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OPTIONS

SILENT SOUNDPROOFING MAT A noisy car will not only be a source of great irritation to you but will also cause fatigue in the long run. Silent, an established expert in the field of soundproofing, carry a wide range of mats that help to reduce road, engine and wind noise, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable ride.

Silent has no less than seven different types of mats and materials (V1 – V7) for soundproofing.

Silent Pro Shop, tel: 6779 6383, www.silent.com.sg

KELLENERS SPORT FRONT STRUT BAR Started back in 1983 by Helmut Kelleners, a 3-time European Touring Car champion, Kelleners Sport specialises in aftermarket performance parts for BMW; like the gorgeous front strut bar you see here. Machined from highquality aluminium alloy and featuring a gorgeous metallic grey finish, this front strut bar stiffens up the front portion of the chassis considerably, thereby endowing the car with improved handling. Available for the BMW E60 (5Series) and E90 (3-Series).

JuzzForCars, tel: 6736 0303

ALTA SUPERCHARGER PULLEY VER. 2.0 While the MINI Cooper S, with 163bhp, is already more powerful then the standard Cooper, owners of the S should not fret if they want even more power from their ‘pocket rockets’. These supercharger pulleys come in three versions - 15%, 17% and 19% (reduction), to increase boost after a simple installation. Expect boost to rise by 3-5 psi, and on-wheel horsepower to increase by more than 20bhp. JuzzForCars, tel: 6736 0303

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BETTER FUEL CONSUMPTION & TUNING TIPS AVAILABLE ON www.autodesigns.com.sg Checkout more Sales Promotions at www.autodesigns.com.sg Bellon Power Voltage Stabilizer

Violence VSD-II

5-Star Spring Adjuster

• Better Ignition Power • Boosts 12V Voltage to 16V • Better Power & Response • Better Fuel Consumption

• Stiffens Soft Springs • Improved Handling • Reduces Rear Squating

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RMK Fuel Cracker Improve throttle response Better Fuel Consumption Better pickup $160 for 3 sets.

Normal: $188

Philips Performance Bulbs • Brighter & Whiter • LTA Compliant

DENSO Iridium Spark Plugs

Silver’s Ground Wires • • • •

• Increased Performance • Better Fuel Consumption

$80

ADM Air Charger2 • • • • • •

Improved Electrical System Improved Charging, Better Performance Improved Throttle Response Improved Fuel Consumption

$128

Unichip Q Tuning Computer

Electric SuperCharger for light turbo effect.

Increases Power & Torque Dynotest Locally Variable Speed Electronic Controller Read Review on our Website $680 w/installation

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ADM Bolt-On Turbo Kits

Suzuki SuperCharger

• Product of USA, One Year Warranty • Garrett turbo with cast iron manifold and wastegate • Down pipe with gasket • Electronic Injection control unit • Injector interface block with 2 additional injectors • Blow off valve, Fuel pressure regulator* • High flow intercooler with all mounting hardware, pressure tubes, rubber • hose connections and clamp • Map unit (black box)*, Oil return line fitting • Air filter • (*Depending on model)

• Easy to Fit & Remove • Increase 50% Power & 45% Torque • Retains Exhaust System • Instant Throttle Response • Includes Piping & ECU • Locally Dynoed Power increase 56bhp

Available for: Subaru TS, Lancer 1.6, 04/05 Civic 1.6/1.7, Integra Type S. • Accord i-VTEC, FD Civic 1.8/2.0 i-VTEC, Mazda 3/5/6. • Altis/Wish/Camry/ Yaris/Vios/Vitz/Sienta • Vios–155bhp, Mazda 3 1.6–160bhp

Made In Japan LED Battery Strength Display Improved Charging Better Performance Improved Throttle Response Improved Fuel Consumption Improved Stereo Response

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From

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Improved Power & Torque $240ation ll High Flow Rate w/insta Removes Intake Restrictions LTA Compliant Available for most cars & models

ADM Auto-Trans Cooler

Cold Air Modification Improved Fuel Consumption & Performance by ensuring cooler air enters the engine.

Get cool night driving effect at all times.

Recommended for most cars From $60

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High Performance Braking w/o the High $$ Japanese Specifications Increased Braking Performance Reduced Brake Fade Grooved For Improved Bite & Cooling Fits with Original Calipers 286 to 302mm Discs to Suit Rims.

Available for Civic, Fit/Jazz, Accord, Sunny, Wish, Swift, Mazda 3, Lancer

• Increased Power & Torque • USA • Last 100,000km • $78 per/set

ADM Power Pass • • • •

Removes Load from Aircon Regains 10bhp & 15Nm, Improves Acceleration & Response Works well on Lancer, Mazda, Impreza, Hyundai 190

Alutec/Summit Strut Brace • Stiffens Chassis for Better Handling • Sharper Steering Response • Less Body Roll & Understeer

ProSport Step Master Smoke Gauges • • • •

Precision Technology Electronic Stepper-Motor Driver User Selectable Warning Opening Ceremony, Amber or White Display • Oil Temp or Pressure, Water Temp, Vacuum or Boost, Air/Fuel Meter, Volt from $150

$

Autodesigns Motorsports Pte Ltd,

Tel: 6566 5912 Fax: 6566 5916

51 Bukit Batok Crescent,

Email: info@autodesigns.com.sg

Unity Centre#05-21,

Website: www.autodesigns.com.sg

Singapore 658077.

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10.30am to 6pm. Sunday Closed.

22/12/2007 1:02:58 PM

WORDS TONY TAN PHOTOS YANG

OPTIONS

UNICHIP The UNICHIP is a fully programmable ‘piggyback’ ECU which channels over 53,000 optimised fuel and ignition parameters through a car’s ECU to deliver maximum power and improved fuel economy. In addition, your engine will be smoother, more responsive, and get maximum fuel efficiency. If your engine is modified, the UNICHIP will provide help to realise the full performance potential of the modifications. A properly tuned UNICHIP can result in power and torque gains of 5 – 9% in standard cars and up to 25% in turbocharged cars, or modified cars.

Compatible with OBD1 and OBD2 cars.

Autodesigns Motorsports Pte Ltd, tel: 6566 5912, www.autodesigns.com.sg

SPLITFIRE TRIPLE PLATINUM SPARK PLUG This high-performing spark plug combines SplitFire’s patented “V” electrode design with 3 separate points of platinum and a fine-wire centre electrode so as to provide the strongest and longest spark possible. It also requires less voltage to fire, and optimises the exposure of the flame kernel to the air/fuel mixture. Available for a wide range of makes and models of cars.

Autodesigns Motorsports Pte Ltd, tel: 6566 5912, www.autodesigns.com.sg

ECOVERVE ECO-SANITIZER This non-toxic disinfectant cum air purifier works great in your car to remove bad odours and airborne bacteria and germs.

Manufactured from flower extracts, the Eco-Sanitizer can be sprayed onto seats, mats and even the air-conditioning vents.

Effective and safe for all.

EcoVerve, tel: 6549 7452, www.ecoverve.com.sg

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Polarised Paint-Protection System

BEFORE

AFTER

• Featuring The World’s Only Patented Paint Protection System!

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• May Not Need Re-application Even After 18 Months!

51 Bukit Batok Crecent Unity Centre #03-12 Singapore 658077

0% Instalment plan available for DBS cardholders.

3mendouz Pte Ltd Tel: 65 6316 3771/2 Fax: 65 6316 3770 www.3mendouz.com.sg Authorized Franchise

141 North Bridge Road #01-03 Capitol Centre Singapore 179099

Paintless Dent Removal Tel: 65 6334 6318 Fax: 65 6343 1790 www.pdr.com.sg

Csept07-101.indd 101

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WORDS TONY TAN PHOTOS YANG

OPTIONS

APEXI AIR FILTER It’s a simple theory; more air in the engine’s combustion chambers means more power. This super-efficient air filter features thousands of porous holes which increases airflow into the engine while also trapping dirt and dust.

Manufactured from durable materials which can easily withstand the hot environment of the engine bay, this air filter can also be easily cleaned so as to extend its effective lifespan.

Chuan Lee Hin Tyres Trading, tel: 6862 6818

ALPHA – B AIR INTAKE IONISER Comprising a power unit, and an ionising anode which is inserted into the air intake duct, this device works by ionising the air before it flows into the engine’s combustion chambers.

This ionised air when mixed with the fuel makes for a potent combo which results in improved and more complete combustion. Improves acceleration and fuel economy. Easily installed and automatically switches on and off depending on whether the car is started or not.

Chuan Lee Hin Tyres Trading, tel: 6862 6818

BC SPORTS RAM TYPE COILOVERS Designed for the Subaru Impreza WRX, this inverted coilover (spring and damper) features a pillowball mount, inverted damper, adjustable ride height and 32 levels of damping force which can be easily selected via a knob selector. Manufactured using the highest quality steel and aluminium alloy, these coilovers also feature a stylish yet durable finish.

Racing Technology Pte Ltd, tel: 6844 4644

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24

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Interior steaming with anti viral, anti bacteria disinfecting solution.

MasterTouch Grooming Centre now offer infra-red thermal heating as part of its wide range of services. Acrylic coating needs high temperature to cure and the layer for a maximum gloss effect and longer lasting shine.

Revolutionary new high tech formulation creates maximum shine and protection for paintwork.

MASTER TOUCH 176 Sin Ming Drive #02-16 Sin Ming Auto Care Singapore 575721 Tel: 6452 1152 • Fax 6451 0427 • Hp: 93894390 Email: sales@mastertouchpps.com

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www.mastertouchpps.com

24/12/2007 12:00:37 PM

CONTEST & PROMO

www.carma.com.sg

DRIVE A DECAL

GET SPOTTED AND WIN POLISHING PACKAGES

We spotted you with our decal!

Congratulations to the owner of SFC205B. Please write in to carma@sph.com.sg by 31 January 2008 to claim your prize.

SFC205B Drive around with a CARMA decal prominently displayed on your car and you could win attractive prizes when your car gets spotted!

Up for grabs now is a polarized car paint treatment worth at least $350.

Monthly winners, updates and details on DRIVE A DECAL contest will be published in the upcoming issues of CARMA. Never miss an issue so subscribe now!

For more information on this contest and ways to collect your CARMA decal, please email carma@sph.com.sg.

Terms and Conditions • Winning car plate number will be published in CARMA. • Winner must write in by above stated date or prize will be forfeited.

• Proof of car ownership must be provided by winner for prize to be claimed.

• Prizes must be taken as provided and are not transferable or exchangeable for cash.

102

U O Y S E! E K IV TA DR A M RA R A FO C

CONTEST & PROMO

Y A W A E V I R D CARMA TO GENTING HIGHLANDS

8 0 Join us on 0 2 h an exciting journey to arc

M 0 in the clouds’.

1 8– (more detailsthe‘city in February issue)

Presenter:

Sponsor:

Organiser:

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22/12/2007 1:46:04 PM

CARMA SUBSCRIPTION FORM

YES!

I would like to subscribe

Carma 1 year subscription

Carma 2 year subscription

S$48.00 (12 issues)

S$96.00 (24 issues)

YOUR DETAILS

SUBSCRIBE TO CARMA NOW! Enjoy 20% off the usual price

NAME:

GENDER:

Male /

First 20 subscribers this month will receive Fridge-to-go portable refrigerator which chills its contents for up to 8 hours

Female

NRIC: DATE OF BIRTH: Colour of actual product may vary from picture

ADDRESS:

OR

ONLY F

20 FUIBRSSCRTIBERS!

POSTAL CODE:

S

CONTACT NUMBER: (H) (HP)

Please mail your subscription form along with your cheque/draft to:

(O)

SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS LTD Circulation Department (Subscription Services) 82 Genting Lane, Media Centre, Level 2, Singapore 349567

EMAIL: OCCUPATION:

For credit card payment, please fax your subscription form to: 6744 4875 or 6746 1925

MODE OF PAYMENT I WOULD LIKE TO PAY BY CHEQUE/DRAFT NO. for $ To be crossed and made payable to: SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS LTD

CREDIT/DEBIT CARD VISA

MASTERCARD

AMEX

NAME OF CARDHOLDER

CARD NUMBER

SIGNATURE

carma-subscription-Oct07.indd 108

EXPIRY DATE

Terms and Conditions • Please allow three to four weeks for your order to be processed and for delivery of your first issue.

• No official receipt will be issued for payment by cheque/credit card.

• Subscription is non-refundable and non-transferable.

• Notification letter will be sent for collection of subscription gift.

• Subscription gift is for first 20 subscribers of Jan only.

• 1 year and 2 year subscribers are entitled to the same subscription gift.

• Subscription gift is to be accepted as provided and are neither exchangeable in kind nor in cash.

• The management reserves the right to replace subscription gift of up to equal value.

• Subscription promotion is valid till 31 Jan 2007.

• Subscription rates are applicable to Singapore addresses only.

26/12/2007 8:28:23 PM

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