Carma Singapore- Oct 2007

ISSUE 33 CARMA • OCTOBER 2007

ISSUE 33 • OCTOBER 2007 • S$5.00

SUNTAN MOTION The new Volkswagen Eos rubs topless fun into your life

WHEELSPINS • Mercedes-Benz GL450 • Citroen C4 Coupe VTS • Geely CK • Chevrolet Optra Magnum • Volkswagen Caddy TDI DSG

100% RECYCLED Go green with cool Freitag bags!

SPH MAGAZINES PTE LTD

MAD MOD JOB Supercharged Mini Cooper S souped up to more than 250bhp!

MICA (P) 136/05/2007

VROOM! MINIMAG INSIDE – LOOK FASTER, GO FASTER, ACCESSORISE ALL THE WAY!

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Hwa Kong Trading Co. Pte Ltd 31 Tuas Basin Link Singapore 638766 Tel: (65) 6262 1311 Fax: (65) 6262 1722 Optional breakdown service anywhere in Singpore and West Malaysia, ask your retailer for more details.

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WHEELSPIN

INCARMATHIS OCTOBER2007 MONTH 06 EDITOR’S NOTE 08 MAILBOX

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LOCAL NEWS OF THE MONTH

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MAIN EVENT Volkswagen Eos

MOTORMOUTHS 30 Made In China 32 The Fast And The Dubious 34 He Wants A Company Car 36 The Un-female Factor

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WHEELSPINS Mercedes-Benz GL450 Geely CK Citroen C4 Coupe VTS Chevrolet Optra Magnum Chevrolet Epica 2.5 Volkswagen Caddy TDI DSG

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FEATURES They ‘Bag’ To Differ

58 TECH-KNOW 62 IN GEAR

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65 VROOM! 106 CARMA contest & PROMO 108 CARMA SUBSCRIPTION

Carma April‘07

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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

EDITOR’S NOTE

MICA (P) 136/05/2007

Group Editor-In-Chief

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

David Ting | davidt@sph.com.sg Editor

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

Shreejit Changaroth Lynn Tan Art Director

Johnny Tan | johnnyt@sph.com.sg Graphic Designer

Lokman Salikoon | lokmanbs@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

SIMPLY HIM

■ ADVERTISING SALES Associate Account Director

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

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

I went to my office canteen one day for a late lunch and spotted the manly Men’s Health writer tucking into a plate of mee goreng with the works. Curiosity got the better of me and I asked muscular Melvin how he could chow down that delicious but dangerous stuff full of grease without feeling guilty. “I work out lah…” In other words, this guy can whack whatever food he wants because he has a fitness regime to keep his body on an even keel. As for unfit me, whose strict exercise regime is limited to outdoor shoots and indoor mental gymnastics, I eat everything without counting my calories or worrying about my slow-motion waistline expansion.

Anyway, there’s nothing wrong with the Men’s Health writer or editor eating unhealthily once in a while. The magazine might be his occupation-cum-preoccupation, but this doesn’t mean that he can’t live his own life outside the editorial content he creates espousing the topic that drives his title. And it’s perfectly all right to make ‘mistakes’ every now and then, we are human after all – fried food for Melvin, a fashion faux pas by a Female staffer, Hardware Zone’s resident computer geeks skipping Sim Lim Square to do other things, and imperfect parking by Carma crew members.

I’ll be honest with you – despite my privileged position here, I’m no driving demigod.

My skill behind the wheel is above average at best, so don’t expect Initial D moves and WRC performance from me on the road, even though I put this mag together every month with my heart and soul. I like cars and I love good Carma, yes, but ultimately I’m an ordinary jock with an extraordinary job. I might be a motoring freak, but believe it or not, cars are not the be-all and end-all of my existence. I have hobbies (like booze), I have other interests (mechanical watches rock!). And I happily read non-automotive glossies (especially fantastic free-for-me titles like Maxim, Men’s Health, HardwareMAG and FiRST) after I finish with Torque, edgy Intersection, Carl’s Cars and, of course, Carma.

I like my mee goreng with egg…

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

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

Cherie Ng | ngysc@sph.com.sg Associate Director

Royston Loh | roystonl@sph.com.sg Manager

Laura Lau | lauralau@sph.com.sg Coordinator

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

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

Alice Chee | siewyuen@sph.com.sg Coordinator

Haryani Mohd Apandi | yanibma@sph.com.sg

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

David Ting Chief Editor P.S The photos on this page are only for illustration, they are not meant to suggest that David looks anything like the cool dudes depicted here

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 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...

MAIL

OF THE MONTH

A MOVE IN THE GREEN DIRECTION It is about time motorists everywhere, especially the Americans, switch from their gas-guzzling vehicles to something more economical. Although Lexus, the luxury line of Toyota, may seem extravagant to some, they still use less fuel than their European or American equivalents. Instead of putting down Toyota’s latest and greatest hybrid, the Lexus LS600hL, as a green monster (Carma August ’07 Mail Of The Month), I think we should applaud Toyota for offering the rich a very unique luxury car. If Hollywood actors and directors start arriving at the Grammys in the Lexus hybrid limo, they will send a powerful message to the whole automotive world. Think of the kind of impact that would make on car manufacturers and their top management.

It will only be a matter of time before that big green monster becomes as fuel-efficient as the brilliant Prius. Hopefully, by then, we would see Mercedes, BMW and the other upmarket brands follow suit.

By the way, I am very thrilled and happy that Toyota Motors overtook General Motors as the top car company in terms of unit sales for the first half of this year. I hope that they will finally beat GM at the end of 2007 and become the world’s No.1 automaker!

Jamie Ng

FEMALE FRIEND I enjoy thoroughly the stories filed by your intrepid editor-in-heels Lynn, who gives us girls the best reason to check out local car magazines which continue to be dominated by male chauvinist pigs! On that note, Lynn should pull some strings in Carma and help create a brand-new lifestyle section dedicated to the ladies, covering popular topics like fashion, fitness, food, shopping, sports and holidays. After the boys buy the cars and accessories featured in Carma, we can then make them buy some stuff for us by simply pointing out our favourite female items featured in the same issue! It’s a win-win situation, nobody loses!

Except, of course, the poor guys sabotaged by Carma who have to fork out extra for their girlfriends, wives and mistresses, ha-ha.

Jovie Ng

MR ROBOTO Sony has put its robot dog AIBO to sleep and quietly killed its QRIO humanoid, but thank goodness we still have Honda’s trusty ASIMO! I look forward to the day when talking, thinking versions of ASIMO will take over our most tedious tasks – like filling out the paperwork after a traffic accident, avoiding stupid pedestrians near popular eating places, passing your driving test on your first attempt, and making it through the dreaded CTE during rush hour. Dear Honda, keep ASIMO on his toes and use The Power of Dreams to quickly make my fantasy a reality!

Dennis Yang

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Carma October‘07

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MAIN ATTRACTION: MAIN EVENT I love Carma’s Main Event cover story. By sharing various professional perspectives from four different editorial members, it presents to us readers a balanced view that goes well beyond the usual one-man, two-bit car review. Your signature article has mass appeal too, with something for everyone – the techno-geek (c/o Shreejit), the fairer gender (c/o Lynn), the plain vanilla driver (c/o Practical Factor Tony) and the artistic freak ( David the Ting-tank). Do keep it up and don’t ever let us down by changing the format!

Y.G Lam

MORE MOTORMOUTHS PLEASE My girlfriend went to Cheers to buy some snacks and returned with a big tidbit for me in the form of Carma magazine. It’s new to me, because even though I have a car, I don’t read car magazines at all.

In fact, I don’t even read the Saturday motoring section of The Straits Times. But I must say that your Motormouth columns are quite entertaining, simply because the columnists don’t take themselves or their transport topics too seriously. Keep them coming, cheers!

P.H Chia

LOVELY BABY

FERRARI FAN PREDICTION

I’ve never liked Fiat designs since the demise of the fabulous Fiat Coupe at the turn of this millennium. I still spot a mellow-yellow one on the road every other day near my office. Then I saw the reborn Fiat 500 on the internet and I fell so deeply in love that the sound of my landing still resonates in my head. Since that fateful day, I’ve been spending most of my free time surfing the dedicated Fiat 500 website, whose coolest feature is a virtual video configurator that lets me play with the style and specs of the cheeky supermini. Speaking of which, the new-wave 500 actually makes the BMW Mini look pretty clumsy and quite uncute – quite unimaginable before the funky Fiat came along. I can’t wait for the 500 to land on our shores and make local roads a happier place for you, me and everybody!

With Formula One coming to Singapore next year, you guys gotta rev up your coverage of F1 races, drivers, teams and happenings. Start doing it now, we’re already counting down the months to the fabulous final weekend of September 2008 when the F1 circus finally comes to town. And it’ll most probably be a night race, the first-ever for the pinnacle of motorsports, making it even more exciting for local and international F1 fans like me. I’m a Tifosi at heart, so no prizes for guessing my prediction for the winning team of the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix…

Dr Alexander Yeong

H.S Chen

October‘07 Carma

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words David Khoo photos David Ting

LOCAL NEWS OF THE MONTH

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any of us may be jaded with the many ‘driving courses’ that car companies are constantly arranging. Be it Pasir Gudang or Sepang, it’s always fun to have a good, hard blast around the track with no fear of the authorities or inconsiderate taxi/lorry uncles pulling out in front of you. However, to the average drivers in Singapore, the opportunity to hang loose in their cars is still very much a novelty.

Moreover, those who aren’t as hardcore may not relish the prospect of driving across the Causeway to indulge in their racetrack shenanigans. Besides, most average owners are merely content to come close to their cars’ limits, as opposed to breaching it at every opportunity. With new models coming out of the

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factory equipped with all manner of electronic trickery, it’s easy to be befuddled by the ticks on the specifications list when one signs on the dotted line.

In conjunction with the Road Safety Outreach 2007 programme supported by the Traffic Police, Mercedes-Benz recently organised a 12-day intensive driving course (with two sessions per day) that was held on the sprawling parade square of the former Police Academy at Thomson Road. Called The C-Class Challenge, this major event gave owners and prospective buyers of the new C-Class a chance to sample the trump up the car’s sleeve.

Rather than flat-out speed, the tight, technical course configuration was broken into small sections that really let one sample the

handling and braking dynamics of the car, all conducted under the expert supervision of Mercedes-Benz instructors from overseas, led by Australian driving demigod Peter Hackett.

Each hot half-day session was divided into specific exercises to demonstrate the agile abilities of the capable new C-Class.

The delicious icing on The C-Class Challenge cake? The 700 participants were individually tasked to string the separate exercises together as the instructors timed each driver for the fastest time, with the overall winner securing a coveted slot in the Mercedes-Benz AMG Experience in Europe worth a whopping $20,000.

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words Lynn Tan photos Yang

LOCAL NEWS OF THE MONTH

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o reach out to more readers, we held our Carma road show at Great World City from 14 to 16 September. This was held in conjunction with V-Kool’s annual Installer Challenge. It was three fun-filled days of events and activities as the whole team at Carma got together with our treasured partners and sponsors to entertain, inform and mingle with shoppers and visitors. Extra special deals and discounts were offered to those who visited us at this event. Most importantly, we wanted everyone present to share in our passion for all things which are related to our favourite hobby – CARS! We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to our Partners V-Kool, Chevrolet (Alpine Motors), Stamford Tyres, NTUC U Drive Club, and Lim and Tan Securities, as well as our Sponsors, Fuchs, 3M (Nomad Car Mats), Pro Fuzion, UK Cool, Mio, 3mendouz Shine, Blaupunkt, Robert Bosch and VIBE (Advan Syn).

A big shout out to one and all to look out for the next time when Carma goes on the road again!

Co-Organiser

Official Car

Official Partner

Partners

Sponsors

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Carma October‘07

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words Tony Tan photos David Ting

LOCAL NEWS OF THE MONTH

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oing green is very much a way of life at Fuji Xerox, a famous name in document production and processing equipment.

Not only does the company commit itself to the invention of environmentally friendly products such as their copier machines, but they also use green products such as recycled papers in their daily operations.

So it was no surprise that when it came to their new fleet of vans, Fuji Xerox also had Mother Earth very much in mind when choosing which brand and model to buy. After much research and scouting, they chose the Fiat Doblo; 56 of them to be exact, costing a whopping 2.2 million dollars.

“Fuji Xerox is proud to be the first to own the largest light commercial fleet of Fiat environmentally friendly vans. The investment cost us $2.2million,” said Koh Ching Hong, Managing Director, Fuji Xerox Singapore. “In line with Fuji Xerox’s global policy towards zero landfill, we started to look for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles but found that the

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infrastructure here does not support fleet ownership. Another issue was that it was difficult to get vendor support for CNG brackets.

Thus we opted for vehicles that met the Euro IV standards instead. There were two factors that led to our choice of the Fiat Doblo. One was the optimal load space which is 20% bigger than other vans available at the time. The other is the fuel efficiency –we can get 17km per litre.”

The Fiat Doblo features Fiat’s proprietary Multijet engines which feature supercharging and direct injection to give great performance while retaining their inherent fuel-sipping characteristics. Equipped with a car-like cabin, two-tone dash fascia, ergonomic layout of instruments, supportive and comfy seats and a sizeable ceiling tray for odds and ends, the Doblo van’s sliding side doors and rear double door open to reveal a cargo area measuring a prodigious 3.2 cubic metres in capacity. Imagine the amount of boxes of copier paper that can fit!

Fuji Xerox and their Fiat Doblo vans – doing their bit to save Mother Earth.

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words Lynn Tan photos Yang

LOCAL NEWS OF THE MONTH

CARTIMES CHARITY MOTOR SHOW 2007 S

ingapore’s leading choice for new and pre-owned cars, CarTimes, will join forces with ST701 this coming November to drive a charity event that will help the needy schoolchildren under The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund. To be held over the weekend of 9th to 11th November at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza from 10am to 10pm daily, this carnival-like roadshow will display an exciting range of cars complete with fun and games.

CarTimes, an authorised Subaru dealer, will also take the opportunity to present the all-new Impreza to visitors. Another fresh hatchback, the latest Honda Fit, will be there too, along with the new Nissan Dualis crossover. In addition, CarTimes’ Pre-Owned Division will showcase a variety of affordable vehicles, from compact cars to luxury saloons to performance sportsters. For every car sold at the event, CarTimes will donate $100 to their nominated charity.

“Our target is to raise at least $10,000 for the ST School Pocket Money Fund by the end of the event. I am confident that we can meet the target and we really hope that the public will come down to support us. This is our chance to give back to the community,” said CarTimes MD Mr Eddie Loo.

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CarTimes will also use this major event to launch its new “DRIVE” privilege card, packed with an array of special promotions, services and discounts at select shops. CarTimes customers who make a purchase at their big roadshow will get the card free and the participating merchants will in turn donate $10 to the ST School Pocket Money Fund. The companies taking part include Carma, V-Kool, Goodyear, GenConcept, Innovasia Technology and CarTimes Car Care. Enquiries can be directed to Jeffrey or Joanne at CarTimes, tel: 68462968 and email: marketing@cartimes.com.sg.

Carma October‘07

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ADVERTORIAL

...

MEMBERS PERKS

U WANT, U NEED!

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o u want to enjoy irresistible motoring privileges?

Say YES as U Drive has great news for you, your friends and your family.

U Drive is a motoring club exclusively for NTUC members and it is the latest addition to the ever-growing family of lifestyle interest groups, which are for the benefits of all NTUC members.

U Drive caters to all your motoring needs.

And it is FREE for all NTUC members!

U Drive has benefited more than 10,000 members since it’s launched on 7th February 2007 and its membership continues to grow.

Imagine the number of like-minded drivers and car enthusiasts you can befriend and network with!

Do not own a car? Don’t fret.

Car ownership is not a pre-requisite for

membership. U Drive welcomes you into the family as long as you love cars.

Of course, if you own a set of wheels, all the more better for you as the mouth-watering perks and discounts awaiting you are guaranteed to make you and your cars move further!

The heart and soul of any club are its members and U Drive is dedicated to continually strive to not only make membership a rewarding experience but more importantly, to provide an avenue for all car aficionados to converge and bond with one another.

These ‘avenues’ include exciting regular activities such as driveaways, talks and seminars, with even more in the pipeline.

Hurry! Share the good news with your kakis and sign up now to really enjoy the car that U DRIVE!

NEVER GET LOST!

• 15% petrol rebates and Smiles points at Esso and Mobil petrol stations • 15% worth of petrol vouchers with NTUC Income Insurance • 24-hours island-wide towing and discounts at ComfortDelgro • 20% off car rentals at Alpine Car Rental.

• 25% off tyres and wheels from Stamford Tyres • 20% off services from Hock Tyres and City Tyre Auto • 30% off car polishing packages from GLARE • Savings on Carma magazine subscription • Free bi-monthly Just U magazine • Special invites to events and promotional activities • LinkPoints, rebates, dining discounts and many more NTUC benefits.

Visit www.justu.com.sg for more details on what other benefits NTUC can offer you.

Want to start enjoying motoring nirvana?

Sign up online now, simply and quickly, at www.udrive. com.sg

GPS & CAR AUDIO SYSTEMS Date: Saturday 1 Sep 2007 Time: 2 - 6pm Venue: NTUC Centre @ One Marina Boulevard

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Drive members and their family and friends, enjoyed an afternoon of education and fun as they were introduced to the world of ICE (In-Car Entertainment) and mobile navigation systems, by the experts of Siemens and Advan Syn, leading names in navigation and car audio components and accessories.

The afternoon started with an informative presentation on navigation systems and the latest technologies that are dominating and pervading the automotive industry and the experts on hand fielded all topics that were presented with pizzazz and fun.

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Participants then showered the experts with questions and the presentation session ended with everyone being led to the sheltered car park area where a fleet of cars awaited them.

Some were equipped with a comprehensive array of ICE equipment while others showcased their power-packed Siemens navigation systems.

The experts then explained the function and details of each set-up and after the informal Q & A session was complete, everyone took turns in being driven around the NTUC Centre in these cars.

Inside the cars, they were treated to a practical firsthand experience on the functionality of the navigation systems and also the musicality of the ICE systems.

All participants received a complimentary goodie bag worth more than $200, inclusive of discount vouchers for the purchase of navigation systems, car audio products and solar films, complimentary copy of Carma, and exclusive NTUC premiums.

One lucky participant even walked away with a portable navigation system worth $799!

Carma October‘07

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FUN IN THE SUN! 3-Day 2-Night Tioman Fun Drive Date: Saturday 6 Sep – Monday 8 Sep 2007

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Drive members and their families took a break from their busy work schedules and the hustle and bustle of city life, and headed, en masse, to the tropical paradise island of Pulau Tioman which is situated off the east coast of Malaysia, for three fun-filled days of sun, sea and surf.

Participants set off early Saturday morning (6 Sep) and after a hearty breakfast at the famous “Ah Kun Fishball Noodles” in Johor Bahru, they headed for Tanjong Gemok Jetty, via the famous and scenic coastal roads which bypassed many quaint towns and charming scenic towns. Some cruised and took their time to soak in the cool, fresh sea breeze while others, being more adventurous, showed their mettle with some sporty driving along the undulating and winding roads. Either way, the drive was indeed a great, smile-inducing exercise for everyone.

On arrival at Tanjong Gemok Jetty, they parked their cars and then boarded a ferry to Pulau Tioman. On arrival, they checked into the

Berjaya Tioman Golf & Spa Resort, the only international standard hotel on the island. The rest of the day was spent free and easy and dinner was a tantalizing buffet spread of local delights while unwinding to music played by a live band. After dinner, the kids were treated to many fun-filled games while the adults were also kept busy with team building and bonding games to end the day.

The highlight of the second day was a memorable snorkelling experience at the Marine Park. Participants were divided into smaller groups, and then they were brought out to three different snorkelling destinations where they were treated to the best that Mother Nature had to offer. Majestic reefs, beautiful corals and colourful marine animals really took everyone’s breath away.

In the afternoon, participants made good use of their free time to indulge and enjoy the resort’s facilities. Some enjoyed a massage

COMING YOUR WAY Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, G-force, Monza, Michael Schumacher, Bridgestone, Pitstops and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.

If these words and phrases have any interest to you then join us on a visual and informative journey into the world of Formula 1 racing.

Learn about the cars, the drivers, the circuits and the multi-sensorial experience that is Formula 1 – the pinnacle of motorsports from the experts at the Singapore Motor Sports Association.

You will also have the opportunity to meet and talk to a professional race driver and have your photo taken with some of our country’s finest and fastest race cars.

Keeping in the motorsports theme, look out for a special trip to Macau to witness the 54th edition of the Macau Grand Prix – the proving ground for future F1 stars. Winners of this prestigious race include David Coulthard, Takuma Sato, Ralph Schumacher, Michael Schumacher and the legendary Brazilian, the late Ayrton Senna.

Visit www.udrive.com.sg for more information and updates about these events and more!

or a treatment at the resort’s Ayura’s Spa, while others chose to take cool dip in the pool.

That same evening, some participants got together and ventured out of the resort and managed to find a great seafood joint serving a sumptuous dinner for just RM25 per head! Yummy!

The third and final day was spent taking photos and shopping for souvenirs and after checking out, everyone hopped onto the ferry and headed back to Tanjong Gemok Jetty. Lunch was had at a restaurant in Mersing and after everyone had their fill of good Chinese cuisine, we said out goodbyes and while some chose to head back to Singapore with the U Drive team, others wanted to stay in Johor Bahru to do some shopping and some more eating.

All in all, it was a great three days, and like how children’s stories end, everyone went home “tired but happy”.

U Drive @ Carma Roadshow U Drive joined Carma at a threeday roadshow at Great World City from Friday 14 Oct to Sunday 16 Oct. Shoppers stopped by and enquired about U Drive.

After hearing about the many, many perks and benefits, many took the plunge and joined the U DRIVE family, no doubt also attracted by the enticing signup gifts comprising of lifestyle and dining vouchers, complimentary Carma magazine subscription, free car interior grooming and a host of discount vouchers worth $300 in total.

October‘07 Carma

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MAIN EVENT

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SUNTAN MOTION The hot new Volkswagen Eos rubs real fun into your driving skin with its mix of high-tech toplessness and turbocharged eagerness words Tony Tan, Lynn Tan, Shreejit Changaroth, David Ting photos Yang using a Canon 1D Mark III

This photo shot with a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS lens at 135mm f/8, 1/50sec and ISO 100

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This photo shot with a

MAIN EVENT

THE PRACTICAL FACTOR Tony Tan

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You do not buy a convertible because of its practicality or its value for money…

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ou do not buy a convertible, soft-top or hard-top, because of its practicality or its value for money. Convertibles always have less interior space than their sedan siblings and almost always cost a lot more. You buy a convertible because you want something fun; something eye-catching; something that puts a smile on your face each time you get in, start it up and go ‘topless’. With the Eos, you get all that, plus quite a bit as well in the practicality and functionality department.

The front seats, which look similar to those found in the Golf GTI, are electrically adjustable and substantially bolstered all round.

Supportive and firm, yet comfortable, they are great during those g-force moments when the 200bhp FSI turbo engine is put through its paces. A quick glance at the rear seats and I would have bet my last dollar that I wouldn’t be comfortable back there, unless Sneezy or Bashful sat in front and slid the seat way forward. To my pleasant surprise, 1.8-metre and 200-pound me managed to find my ‘happy place’ relatively easily, even with my 1.7-metre tall colleague up front.

With the hard-top up, entry is a little difficult as I really have to semi-contort myself to fit through the opening between the folded-down front seatback and the door frame. Things get decidedly better with the roof down as I could literally stay upright and ‘walk’ into the rear.

There is just enough space surrounding me and most importantly, my knees are not pushed up against the front seatback. My only gripes – the rear seatback is rather upright, and with the top down I have to hunch a little as my head lightly brushes the roof lining.

A pair of switches, located below the front centre armrest, control the hard-top as well as the expansive glass sunroof complete with retractable sun screen. The small black switch is for the sunroof while the large silver U-shaped switch lowers the roof in about 25 seconds and raises it, along with all four side windows, in 30 seconds. I timed it all using my Seiko stopwatch.

With the hard-top up, the boot area consists of a decently-sized centre storage ‘hole’ with a cover – good for maybe one large suitcase or a couple of shopping bags. There is also some space on the sides – however, it is wise to adhere to the warning decals which suggest that nothing should be placed there, because if you forget and start stowing the hard-top, then… CRUNCH! Drop the top and all that is left behind is the same central storage area, though access is now only possible via a tight six-inch gap.

If you really need to pack in more stuff, then keep the kids at home and use the rear seats.

A windbreak, with its own storage bag, is also provided and this can be easily fitted behind the rear seats so as to protect the passengers from open-air turbulence.

Boot aside, the availability of storage spaces inside the Eos is adequate. Included are ample door pockets, a rubber-lined and covered slot forward of the gear lever, a centre console cum sliding armrest with an assortment of storage compartments, two cupholders aft of the gear lever, a pull-down drawer just below the rightmost vent on the dash, and a spacious, damped and lockable glovebox. There are also small pockets on the front seatbacks for magazines, newspapers and other

similarly-sized items.

All switches for the Climatronic climate control and the audio system (a Volkswagen RCD 500 MP3 radio complete with an integrated six-disc CD changer and eight speakers) are located on the dash and with the headlights on, they show off their instantly recognisable bluered illumination. There are also button controls for the hi-fi and multi-function display on the steering wheel. The legible meters are a nice size, while the large letterings and numberings of the digital display ensure that a quick glance is all that is needed to find out the instantaneous fuel consumption, trip distance, temperature, etc. Also included on the Eos’ extensive specifications list are cruise control, parking sensors, Napa leather trim, 12-volt sockets, and bi-xenon headlights with bending light for extra illumination when making a turn. Nice finishing touches are the metallic-rimmed vents and the brushed-metallic dashboard accents, which lend a sporty zing to the cabin.

The body of a convertible is built to be much stronger than that of a sedan and the proof is that the Eos weighs roughly 200kg heavier than the GTI. This extra weight is in part due to the folding hard-top, but much of it is due to the strengthening of the various body components.

To make sure that safety is a non-issue, the Eos comes standard with four airbags, electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) with brake assist, anti-lock braking, traction control, extended pedestrian protection measures, rear ISOFIX and an active roll-over protection system which activates within a fraction of a second in the event of the Eos turning turtle.

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MAIN EVENT

THE MULTI-TASKING FACTOR Lynn Tan

This photo shot with a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS lens at 135mm f/8, 1/50sec and ISO 100

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It is an attractive option for ladies who cannot picture themselves behind the wheel of something that Smurfette would drive if she owned a topless car…

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hen the era of modern conveniences first dawned on us, each gadget only had to have one labour-saving function and it was enough for it to be hailed the invention of the century. These days, multi-tasking is expected of both humans and machines alike. Two-in-one, even three-inone, has become the norm and new products and services continually attempt to better themselves and outdo their competitors by coming up with more-in-one’s; from household appliances that can microwave-bake-grillsteam-thaw-boil, to electronic gadgets that can be used to make telephone and conference calls, send text and multimedia messages and emails, surf the internet, watch television programmes, monitor surveillance systems and even activate home appliances remotely. And now, even cars need to live up to such expectations, giving rise to a whole new generation of cabriolet-coupes.

The new Volkswagen Eos is one such example. Its five-piece Coupe-SunroofConvertible (CSC) roof allows it to transform from coupe to cabriolet at the touch of a button.

Nothing extraordinary compared to other coupe-cabriolets, which seem to be constantly challenging each other to see who can make the change in the shortest time and smoothest manner, but what sets the Eos apart from its rivals is the panoramic sunroof, seamlessly and ingeniously integrated into the folding hard-top, which can be tilted or slid open completely when the CSC roof is closed. Sunroofs are practically de rigueur in many coupes, but as far as cabriolet-coupes are concerned, the Eos is the first of its kind in the motoring world.

The CSC roof is well integrated with the rest of the body and takes on a streamlined arc transversing the windscreen and the rear.

Its well-conceived profile makes it possible to keep the windscreen frame short so that when in convertible mode, it intrudes into the interior much less than other vehicles in the same segment and does not ‘cut’ above the driver.

Up front, the Eos’ bonnet projects slightly over the headlights and together with the distinctive chrome grille, creates a defined and purposeful face. Complementing this is the broadness of the Eos’ body relative to its length and height,

and the flared wheel arches that not only add to a sporty image, but also enhance agility and roadholding. The icing on the cake is a dazzling array of 10 different alloy wheel designs and sizes from which to choose from, leaving drivers spoilt for choice as to which best brings out the Eos in them.

The cabin features many elements that were newly developed especially for the Eos. These include the cockpit, doors, as well as the rear seats and the air-conditioning tailor-made for an open-air car. The information centre looks a little bit too familiar, but overall the cabin ambience is tasteful and uncluttered. The seatbelts could have been better deployed though, integrated with the front seats perhaps – their location at the rear side panel is a little hard to reach and requires a bit of stretching, and because the belt sits flat on the side panel, it is also difficult to get a grip on it without risking chipping a nail.

I test-drove the Eos over a rainy weekend. I am no meteorologist but I know the reason why it rained that weekend – because I was driving a convertible. I experienced similar wet weather conditions with various German, Italian and Swedish convertibles that I was road-testing over the past two months. Since when did we start getting such high rainfall at this time of year? Call it a coincidence, Murphy’s Law or global warming, but if you ask me, I would simply tell you that it is a sign that I am not fated to own any more drop-tops after my very first a decade ago.

But if I were considering buying one, the Eos would most definitely rank high on my shortlist compared to Volkswagen’s other popular convertible, the new Beetle. Siblings they may be, but they are as different as chalk and cheese. While some ladies may find the Beetle’s signature three-arc profile cute and loveable, the Eos on the other hand will appeal more to those power-dressing executive types who are looking for something more sophisticated and chic. It is also an attractive mid-sized cabriolet-coupe option for ladies who cannot picture themselves behind the wheel of something that resembles what Smurfette would drive if she owned a topless car.

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MAIN EVENT

THE TECHNICAL FACTOR Shreejit Changaroth

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You cannot help but wonder just how the sliding rails and electrical motor for the glass roof were squeezed into the already complex roof system…

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he VW Eos, if you must know, is not quite the Golf convertible replacement. This car is in fact the spiritual successor to not one but two Volkswagen models of the past – the Karmann Ghia coupe and the Karmann Ghia convertible. The diminutive Italian-designed, German-built (Ghia and Karmann respectively) coupe was launched in 1955 while the soft-top version followed two years later. Well, the Eos of 2007 is a full-fledged coupe, but since its roof is of the fold-and-tuck-away variety, it is equally a full-fledged convertible.

The folding steel roof is not a new concept, of late being a regular feature with cars of this breed. The Eos, however, is the first Volkswagen to enter the coupe-cabriolet class and it is also the first of its kind anywhere to offer a sliding glass panel over the front passengers, effectively serving as a sunroof in coupe guise.

It’s electrically powered, of course, and can be slid back fully or just tilted. You cannot help but wonder just how the sliding rails and electrical motor for the glass roof were squeezed into the already complex roof system.

The transformation to convertible takes 25 seconds and it is a delightful process to watch.

A single rocker switch is all you need to work it, the rest of the show being wholly directed by kinematics of linkages, played by eight hydraulic

cylinders and accompanied by the orchestra of a gently whirring, electrically driven high-pressure hydraulic pump. The linkages are interconnected in such a manner that the roof sections move in an articulated path, because as the arms move, the virtual centre or axis of the radius is also constantly moving. You have got to see it in action.

Hydraulic cylinders are used as the actuators because they are slim and lightweight but with high pressure fluid can deliver very high forces.

For example, a 20mm (diameter) cylinder under hydraulic pressure of just 30bar can exert a force to lift a 100kg mass. It would take a relatively huge motor and some long levers to achieve the same magnitude of effort. Remarkably, even with the roof tucked away neatly in the boot, there is still some 200 litres of luggage space left.

With the Golf GTI’s excellent engine and drivetrain, the Eos is sufficiently endowed for performance motoring. As expected, with that fancy roof and additional chassis strengthening that comes with any modern convertible, the Eos is more than 200kg heavier than an equivalent Golf. On the road though, it feels every bit as punchy as the Golf, giving no signs of carrying any extra weight. There is of course the matter of 200bhp and 280Nm from the turbocharged engine, which is ever so eager to spin the front wheels even in the dry and rev cheerfully to

redline. Subjective impressions of its energetic acceleration are further accentuated by the ultra-smooth and fast-shifting gearbox. Just a little reminder here – VW DSG is the world’s first automated manual transmission with a unique double-clutch arrangement. Gear ratios are pre-selected and a ‘gear change’ is effected by the simultaneous activation of one clutch and deactivation of the other. You can imagine just how little time that takes. Sure, it is not as quick in downshifts but you would hardly feel the difference. Little switches on either side of the steering column allow the driver to decide on the gear. Manual shifts can also be accomplished using the gear lever, but the old-fashioned T-shaped thing is not ideal for this purpose.

Still, there is no transmission today, automatic or otherwise, that can match the speed and seamlessness of the DSG system.

Volkswagen engineers have no doubt created a highly competent sports coupe that doubles up as a cabriolet. Despite a loss in body rigidity (as in any convertible), the Eos’ ride, handling and steering feel are only marginally affected, allowing its excellent performance to be exploited. It looks good, if not stunning, is very well engineered and is extremely well built.

At $158k the Eos is not cheap, but it certainly delivers the goods in fine style.

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MAIN EVENT

THE QUEENAND-GODDESS FACTOR David Ting

This photo shot with a Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L lens at 17mm f/16, 1/40sec and ISO 100

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Grown-up men can drive the Eos without looking unusually ‘cheerful’ and they can steer it in a ‘straight’ line with complete confidence…

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egend has it that Eos, the hot Greek goddess of dawn, rises every morning in her phaeton (of course) from the depths of the sea to bring daylight to mankind. Word has it that Eos, the cool German convertible from dawn to dusk, has risen from the depths of the Golf to bring sunlight to metrosexual men on the road. Women too can happily enjoy the pleasures of the Eos, which has a far more unisex design than the cutesy Beetle Convertible that appeals strongly to teens and queens alike. In other words, grown-up men can drive the Eos without looking unusually ‘cheerful’ and they can steer it in a ‘straight’ line with complete confidence.

Incidentally, these same adults would behave like juvenile delinquents when they discover the Eos’ propensity for Ah Beng levels of wheelspin – away from the traffic lights, entering and exiting a petrol station, or just leaving a carpark lot. The Eos’ sizeable sports tyres struggle to contain the enthusiasm of the great GTI DSG drivetrain, which is both powerful and terrifically trigger-happy. And it sounds good on the go, especially with that brilliant roof down, although fellow road users and nearby pedestrians probably hear more of Volkswagen’s new suntan motion than the windswept occupants inside enjoying the ride.

VOLKSWAGEN EOS 2.0T (A) + – Price Length Width Height Wheelbase Kerb Weight Tyres Engine Power Torque Gearbox 0-100km/h Top Speed Fuel Consumption

Nifty roof system, quick powertrain, decent practicality, nice amenities High price, excessive wheelspin, dashboard doesn’t match red upholstery $158,300 including COE 4407mm 1791mm 1443mm 2578mm 1535kg 235/45 R17 Bridgestone Potenza RE050A 4 cylinders in line, 1984cc DOHC 16V turbo FSI 200bhp@5100-6000rpm 280Nm@1800-5000rpm 6-speed DSG 7.8sec 232km/h 8.2L/100km combined cycle

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by Yang Quan Fa

MOTORMOUTH

MADE IN CHINA

They might be an imitation nation, but the mainland Chinese do have good original ideas which, ironically enough, are worthy of emulation

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hina has been much in the news lately.

As it always has, actually. Big country, old civilization, with an over-achiever’s list of achievements in philosophy (Dao De Jing), medicine (acupuncture), architecture (Great Wall), literature (Tien Long Ba Bu rocks), acrobatics (see to believe), handcraft (painted snuff bottles), beverages (tea), blah blah blah. At its peak, China sent treasure ships to the ends of the world; and were local warlords slow to acknowledge the self-evident superiority of the Chinese empire, they were yanked from their native homes, dragged across the oceans back to China, and thrown on their knees before the emperor holding court in the Forbidden City.

Not subtle; but very, very persuasive. Then China took a long nap from chasing greatness, despoiling itself while the West despoiled the world. But what Napoleon had called “the sleeping giant” has bounced back now, as the world’s most exciting superpower-in-waiting, ready and perhaps even quite too eager to rise to the occasion should the US catch a cold. It’s not a close race, of course, but winners don’t get where they are without a spoonful of paranoia.

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The thing about China is, everything it does has real impact. As I was growing up in the ’80s, my elders were fond of saying that if everyone in China lined up in a row and spat at us, Singapore would simply sink into the ocean. Like Atlantis, but smellier. Nobody cares what happens in Africa. People get bored after a few decades of the same pictures beamed out of the Dark Continent – mud huts, skinny goats and hungry people with bloated bellies. But China – blink and one could miss the action. New buildings sprouting out of nowhere, neon on everything, while old wares and old ways are discarded with nary a concern. Even social commentators (i.e. talkshow hosts) have to watch China closely to milk laughs. We shall hear no end to jokes about radioactive or lead-impregnated toys and faulty products that break down in every curious, unique, bizarre way; of anecdotes about how the Chinese are making fake everything, from ‘iPods’ to eggs. What China is capable of and what it’s up to, simply boggles the mind.

Recently, China also raised an eyebrow for pollution management. Over a four-day period, Beijing cut its air pollution by 15 to 20 percent,

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just by banning cars depending on the last digit of their licence plates. Odd-numbered cars were banned on Saturday and Monday, while even-numbered cars had to stay at home on Friday and Sunday. Ingenious! The motoring policy equivalent of splitting the melon right in the middle! On the other hand, let me take that back. A kid could have thought out this scheme, so simple and direct is the logic between cause and effect in this case – if cars are fouling the air, take turns to keep them off the roads.

An unimaginative scheme, but nevertheless unimaginable anywhere else. People will howl. If they’re not heard, they’ll take to the streets, and if that doesn’t grab the officials’ attention, rocks will fly, windows will break. I think.

My elders were fond of saying that if everyone in China lined up in a row and spat at us, Singapore would simply sink into the ocean…

Can we do it here in Singapore? Why not?

They even shut down the CTE the other night, causing a clogged-daily artery to actually choke and die. A yellow Ferrari beside me rumbled and fumed and got nowhere. I was just thankful my bladder wasn’t full. On a serious note though, we should have a No Traffic Day. In commemoration of good old muscle power. No cars, no cabs, no buses, no lorries, and definitely no motorbikes.

We will exempt ambulances and fire engines, perhaps the odd pizza delivery too, but that would be copping out.

Let us consider some ramifications of a Singapore No Traffic Day. Some things won’t get done, but so what, right? Could these things

not wait for 24 hours? Are we in such a hurry to expend all we’ve got? It would be nice to walk/cycle for a day, take the time to smell the clean(er) air, be humbled by the glorious expanse of sky and the capitalist expense of skyscrapers, to use the limbs that a million years of random mutation gave us. Let the Earth, our island and us catch a breath. And it wouldn’t be such a bad thing to view ourselves and others as mere human beings, without all the trappings of latter day-technology which have somehow masked our humanity even while they help us achieve beyond our natural limits. A fine idea almost as revolutionary as contemporary Chinese communists.

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by Khong Shaohao

MOTORMOUTH

THE FAST AND THE DUBIOUS Modify your ride at your own risk, because you might be suffering from Decisionitis

The misguided project usually ends up with a car reduced to a death trap that looks like a Chingay float gone wrong…

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o… the whole adventure or anxiety of buying a car is over. The new car smell might be progressively vaporising, or the old car cabbage stench for that matter, but for some, the journey has just begun. This new car could be a new techno toy, a new poser’s platform, a new pet project. Whatever it is, someone out there will tune it, decorate it and personalise it, or perhaps even disfigure it.

The sport of automotive modification has been around for a long while now. From the old school days of the go-faster hot-rodders, to the modern-day peacock poseurmobiles or roadracers found at your nearest auto salon, there has always been enthusiasts who want to make their rides go faster and look sharper. It seems that Singapore hasn’t been spared from this particular strain of humans either. With delight or dismay, this range in the statistical bell

curve appears to be growing.

Allow me to express some observations that I have noted in recent years. There seems to be a profound disease that is manifesting amongst drivers and affecting their dear cars. Currently, the disease has yet to be named. Lucky for us, I’m sure some local social scientists, of the academically inclined nature, are frantically scrambling to give it one. Do keep an eye out for the naming contest. Until then, I shall call it Decisionitis.

Sufferers of this terrible disease will show no definitive symptoms under most social circumstances. One of the more obvious symptoms which are displayed is the obsessive interaction with virtual communities or online car clubs. The questions they post on the friendly discussion forums would always cause great reactions and even greater replies. Questions

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such as: “If I happen to add this shiny part to my car, would it save me some petrol and, at the same time, spare me some more horsepower?”

Ah, don’t think so. Another classic: “I want my Getz to have supercar cornering abilities, but I want it to have the suppleness of a Lexus, what’s an appropriate adjustable coilover to fit? Oh, by the way, what’s a coilover?” What’s wrong with these people? Decisionitis, apparently.

Another heart-wrenching indicator of the disease would be their spending much of their free time getting all chummy with their motoring comrades at the kopitiam and blowing a lot of money there on food and drinks.

When it comes to determining what he wants to achieve out of his next mod, the typical Decisionitis carrier simply trades in his powers of reason and better judgement for good old gullibility. This, coupled with an eagerness to ‘pamper’ his vehicle, can get very dangerous as the ruthless commercial vultures lurking around pounce on the poor chap.

The unsuspecting Decisionitis victim would often end up having a suspension set up far too low and far too stiff for the road; rims with an offset so wobbly, wide and wrong that they scrub the fender with every bump stroke; wrongcoloured lights at the wrong end of the car; and the list goes on. The misguided project usually ends up with a car reduced to a death trap that

looks like a Chingay float gone wrong.

Nevertheless, never fear – as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. One can ward off this terrible automotive ailment with something called a proposal. Only middle-aged, non-committal men are allergic to this but otherwise, this would prove to be a useful thing to have. You see, a proposal typically has a goal, and the goal simplifies the decision-making process. It’s all quite simple, actually.

There are those whose goal is to build the best (barely) street-legal track cars, which means respecting local laws while chasing horsepower on top of balancing the chassis between road and track. Knowing all that in advance helps greatly in deciding the kind of parts you would need right from the beginning.

Then there are those on the other extreme end, whose goal is to build the ultimate show car.

It sports super large, super shiny rims, wrapped with rubberband-profile tyres; belly-scrapping suspension, a wall of subwoofers, fluffy interior trim and, inevitably, a tow to the show, because this ultimate car ultimately doesn’t meet LTA regulations.

Besides being armed with a goal, one would also need a few sensibilities to be completely safe from Decisionitis. To begin with, some aesthetic sensibility would be nice. Really. The last time I checked, only emergency vehicles would have flashing red and/or blue lights that can be seen from all angles. They’re not very attractive, methinks. Otherwise, why would everyone on the rightmost lane avoid them?

Sticking red lights at the front of your own car and blue lights underneath isn’t all that cool anymore. Common sense, which is quite a rare commodity these days, needs to be applied in big doses too. Having a perceived hot car is the basic ingredient for Formula Traffic Lights. Please save the racing for the race track, don’t do it on public roads. Let the late-night shoppers shop in peace and the late-night workers head home in one piece. We’ll have our own little racing circuit someday, it’s coming soon, I’m sure it is.

Lastly, have a realistic budget to keep Decisionitis at bay. Work out a manageable yet useable budget, or else the last pimp-my-ride project you’ll ever embark on is project poverty.

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by C.K Lim

MOTORMOUTH

HE WANTS A COMPANY CAR This writer shares with us some of the angst afflicting his friend who works in the automotive industry

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t is not easy being an undergraduate in Singapore. These “I’m not a child, not yet an adult” students have quite a lot to grapple with day in, day out– the seemingly never-ending onslaught of project work, tutorial research and school exams, plus the proverbial BGR (Boy-Girl Relationship) issues. On top of that, they also have to deal with probing busybodies – errr, I mean relatives – at family get-togethers, especially during Chinese New Year.

An engineering undergrad would be asked if he or she is going to be an engineer. A law undergrad would be asked if he or she is going to be a lawyer. A marketing undergrad would be asked if he or she is going into marketing.

A psychology undergrad would be asked if he or she is going to be a psychologist. Drives you crazy eventually.

If an undergrad under interrogation plays smart, he would give these inquisitive (i.e. nosey)

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relatives what they want to hear – positive answers to their stupid questions. It’ll keep them at bay, at least until the next big family gathering.

However, should one reply negatively, you can be sure that he won’t hear the last of them.

I have a close friend – let’s just call him Calvin – who thought that he was past that phase when he graduated and landed himself a good job in the marketing department of a respected car firm. Sad to say, he wasn’t safe yet. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, no, he does not possess a degree in marketing.

Calvin was just relating to me how he was often asked about his choice of car whenever he exchanged business cards with other people, just like how he was often asked by his relatives about his choice of career upon graduation.

Obviously, as an individual employed in the automobile industry, it was only natural for his business associates to expect him to be driving

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a model from the stable of brands that his com pany was selling. They usually were either somewhat shocked or visibly amazed when they realised that not only was Calvin not given a company car to drive, his own ride wasn’t even purchased from his workplace.

Most people – at least those outside the motoring industry – would assume that all executive employees of all automotive firms would be given official wheels to motor around in since it is only right to be driving a car that you are trying to market. Have you ever seen a McDonald’s employee feasting on a two-piece chicken meal from KFC? Unfortunately, the (sad) truth is that it is usually privileged members of the management in an automobile company who have the “company car” term written in their employment contracts. For the rank and file, the consolation would be that they are entitled to a staff discount should they wish to buy a car from their dear employer. However, this so-called staff concession, in pretty much all the cases that I know of personally, is no different from the regular discount accorded to loyal customers or personal friends of the boss.

Anyway, back to Calvin, he was constantly quizzed by his business associates about his not driving a car that comes from his company, be it personal or corporate. For reasons of political correctness, he had always given the same standard replies to fend off this barrage of questions – that he was just a junior worker not entitled to a complimentary company vehicle, that his car was bought before he joined the firm.

Now let us imagine two individuals in the car industry, one employed by a supercar marque (Mr A) and the other employed by an entry-level China car distributor (Mr B). Who do you think will have an easier time with questions fielded by probing business associates? The answer is neither. They both will still be bombarded with endless silly queries – Mr A with “Oh, so do you drive a [insert dream car brand] yourself?”, “Can you get one cheap since you’re a staffer?”, “It’s my favourite car, can you give me a good price?”; and Mr B with “Oh, so do you drive a [insert Chinese car brand] yourself?”, “Can you get one free since you’re a staffer?”, “It’s my favourite car, can you give me a good price?”…

Have you ever seen a McDonald’s employee feasting on a two-piece chicken meal from KFC?...

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by Lynn Tan

MOTORMOUTH

THE UN-FEMALE FACTOR

Girls will be girls, even when they are driving enthusiasts

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was complaining to my husband recently about how I had absolutely nothing to say about a car for which I had to write a review. It was one of those nothing-fantastic-but-nothingreally-wrong-either type of car that really puts our journalistic skills to the test. His advice was, “Just write something about how easy or difficult it is to get in or out of the car in a miniskirt, or which of the available colours best complements your highlights, nails, outfit, whatever.” If it was coming from someone else other than my husband, I would have taken that as an outright insult that is condescending and sarcastic and sunk my car body colour-matching nails into the person’s face. But coming from my husband, I know he was just teasing me and it is his way of indirectly complimenting me for not being a

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Is the clutch a part of a car or a type of bag? It depends…

bimbo, so all I did was run those same set of talons through his hair and leave the rest of the details where they belong – in your imagination.

My fellow editors have also apparently failed at extracting any more “female factor”

from me, despite much cajoling and sometimes even blatant coercion, beyond the occasional metaphorical allegory between a motorcar and a man, or how heavy the boot lid or car doors are for my dainty arms. But before you jump to any conclusions, let me just say this – I dress femininely, behave like a lady should, keep my hair long, put on make-up, paint my nails, and ogle at Kimi Raikkonen on the F1 podium, gushing starry-eyed at the same moment that the Mumm champagne gushes out into a bubbly fountain from the bottle in his hands. But this is as feminine as I can get.

It is not that I am a bra-burning feminist or a skirt-avoiding tomboy. I also do not exhibit any non-feminine demeanour (I hope) – I watch the way I sit, I mind both my body as well as verbal

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language. But this is as feminine as I will get, for cross the line and you become labelled an airhead or a bimbo. It is difficult being a woman, isn’t it?

I like to think of myself as having two sides, not in a schizophrenic way, but hopefully, in a versatile and complementary way; one is more feminine, the other more masculine. Apart from sharing the same universal belief among our sisterhood that a girl can never have too many shoes or bags, I also believe that where the wheeled equivalents of shoes and bags are concerned, a car’s footwear will never ever have a diameter too large, a width too broad nor a profile too low, neither will the equipment ever be excessive. I know my MOMOs from my Miu Mius, I count my bhp as rigorously as I do my bling, and when you mention “boxer”, the horizontally-opposed-cylinders version comes to mind before canine breed, occupation or loose cotton underwear.

Perhaps by virtue of the fact that I am of the fairer sex after all, I may perceive a car differently, or certain aspects of the car may be more apparent or important to me than to my male counterparts. For instance, when reviewing a convertible, the wind deflector feature is high on my list of priorities. I may forego an opportunity to don the classic Audrey Hepburn head-scarfcomplete-with-big-black-sunglasses look, but at least I am assured of arriving with my coiffure intact. And the skirt factor does come into consideration when reviewing a low-slung roadster. If you know of a way to get in and out of

the car gracefully without looking like a klutz and still preserve some modesty, please share it with me.

But at the end of the day, the majority of Carma readers, and most other car magazines for that matter, are men, although we do see a growing female readership (hurray!). And let’s be honest about it, men do not want to read about girls and miniskirts; they want to see them in it. Why do you think many magazines, both local and foreign, have openly harnessed the power of the lethal combination that is cars and chicks? These two-legged models not only share the same cover with the four-wheeled models, the former are also usually positioned

in front of, sometimes even on top of, their metallic counterparts. I am sure intellect does count for something as well, but no normal guy out there will ever object to some eye candy.

Just as there are beautiful cars which are a disappointment where performance is concerned, hideous-looking cars which will knock your socks off, and cars which are balanced all-rounders, femmes fatales also come in all sorts of fatal and not-so-fatal combinations that can leave you intoxicated, intimidated, impressed or impassive. Question is, do you choose your lady the same way you choose your car?

October‘07 Carma

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words Shreejit Changaroth photos David Ting

WHEELSPIN

GRANDER, LARGER GL The SUV segment keeps growing and not just in numbers – here’s ample proof

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The GL450 is big, spacious, extremely comfortable, and it has the perfect hardware for off-roads, does a fine job on-road and looks ruggedly handsome…

I

f the Mercedes ML model is just a little too small for you, then the latest XXL-size vehicle you see here might be just the thing.

Mercedes’ GL is what the Americans call a “full-size SUV”, but here where SUVs come as small as the 1.3-litre Suzuki Jimny, the GL is, well, enormous. More than five metres in length and over three metres in wheelbase, it spans 1.92 metres and at its lowest suspension setting stands 1.84 metres tall. It is bigger than any SUV on our roads, bigger even than the rare Jeep Commander or Toyota Land Cruiser.

As you would expect, only alongside a Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator (left-hand drive, so not seen here except when George Bush visits) does the GL appear to be of ‘regular’ scale.

Contrary to logical thinking, this is not a replacement for the venerable G-Wagen that has soldiered on (literally) since 1979, originally as an all-terrain vehicle for military use. Passenger G-Wagens were of course fitted with more equipment aimed at improving comfort for occupants, although suspension and drivetrain remained essentially the same. A major facelift in 1990 saw even more interior amenities, better engines and a few subtle but distinguishable styling upgrades. Most G-Wagens you will see in Singapore are in matt green and belong to the SAF. You may however have also seen a shiny black, privately registered G500; not to mention our President’s new parade vehicle, an even shinier G-Wagen with convertible top and fully chrome-plated alloy wheels. It’s the

car’s undying popularity with armed forces and governments of various countries that has ensured that the Gelandewagen model will continue to be built alongside the GL. In the meantime, the GL will go further upmarket with lots of cabin space, loads of standard equipment and plenty of luxury fittings.

For the moment, just one model is available – the GL450, powered by a V8 engine which we will come to later. First, the inside of a GL. There are seven genuine seats with a third row that offers adult-size shoulder and leg room, unlike some namesake seven-seaters where the sixth and seventh passengers have to be somewhat smaller, somewhat more tolerant. Space and comfort for the other five passengers in the Mercedes GL is of S-Class proportions. There

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WHEELSPIN

are no cabin compromises made for the sake of styling, so there is no sloping roofline that robs headroom nor are there any thick pillars that restrict vision and cause claustrophobia. The cabin is actually a bright and airy place to be in, thanks to expansive window glass all around.

There are electric motors everywhere – seats, steering column, mirrors, sunroof, third row stowage – and a handsomely laid-out matrix of buttons on the main console. It’s all built to the usual Mercedes standards of clarity and ergonomics, but it’s interestingly devoid of the menu-driven COMAND system, which would have eradicated many of the buttons and with it, the complex, sophisticated appearance that befits this vehicle. The cockpit is appropriately furnished for relaxed command of the vehicle, thanks not just to seats that adjust six-way plus lumber and thigh, but also because there is a whole range of safety and performance facilities.

Let us not forget that this is a V8-powered SUV, built in America and aimed at the wealthy.

No doubt the Middle East would also have been targeted as an important market for the GL and with this in mind, Daimler AG has given it the full works in terms of all-terrain capability. The drivetrain is a full-time four-wheel drive system with three differentials. The driver has the option to lock the centre, rear or both differentials at the

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same time, thence switching the transmission into low range. Standard suspension hardware also includes Mercedes’ own self-levelling system, AIRMATIC, with the added feature of ride height control that is driver-selectable in two steps. Something known as DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) assists in descending steep slopes, which together with off-road ABS prevents excessive acceleration or wheel lockup respectively. All this means the GL has no problems with sand dunes, steep and slippery gradients, or even wading through fords. Sounds like a lot of fun, so it is indeed a pity we did not have the opportunity to take our GL on a jungle trek or mountain climb. Instead we spent most of the time driving it on regular roads, which is probably what most GL owners would do anyway.

So how does this off-road behemoth work on the streets?

First of all, it takes up a lot of road space.

Although it is some 118mm shorter than a longwheelbase S-Class, there is no camouflaging its substantial width. For the driver, the GL’s size is exacerbated by its high off-the-ground stance. You look down on most passenger vehicles – MPVs included – while you tend to be at eye level with some pickups and buses. It is inexplicable, then, just how the GL seems to grow smaller around you the more you drive it.

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This is not a replacement for the venerable G-Wagen that has literally soldiered on since 1979...

Part of the reason is its energetic performance and relatively nippy handling. The GL450’s 4.663-litre V8 (don’t even ask why not GL470) is the latest version of Mercedes’ 32-valve engine that first appeared in the 5.5-litre S500.

It appears there is now a S450 with the same powerplant but here in the GL, it cranks out 340bhp with torque regulated at 460Nm between 2700rpm and 5000rpm, put through a seven-gear automatic. One of the pleasures of accelerating in the GL comes from kicking dust in the face of some supposedly powerful cars. Mercedes claims that 0-100km/h takes 7.2 seconds, which is easy to believe, but subjective impressions suggest something under seven seconds. It’s got to do with its sheer size. Still, for something weighing 2.43 tons to accelerate seamlessly from rest to past 180km/h with no sign of letting up is hugely commendable.

V8 or not, the GL is still no sports car. Yes, it holds the road resolutely and yes, it handles safely and securely, but you would not want to throw the giant into a corner. It is safe though, very safe in fact, aided by ESP, ABS, BAS (Brake Assist), ADS (Adaptive Dampers) and of course four-wheel drive traction.

Pretty soon, we will probably see quite a few GLs running around doing the usual shopping trips, dinner parties etc and maybe even scraping

a few height limit barriers. None, however, are likely to be driven as hot-rods off traffic light junctions, but can you imagine what a sight it will be? Yes, the GL450 is big, spacious, extremely comfortable, and it has the perfect hardware for off-roads, does a fine job on-road and looks ruggedly handsome. It has probably got most things you would need in a SUV and then some. Now, if only we can find some mountain trails with a couple of fords thrown in… on the way to work!

SUMMARY Mercedes-Benz GL450 4.7 (A) Price

$353,888 including COE

Engine

8 cylinders in vee, 4663cc DOHC 32V

Power

340bhp@6000rpm

Torque 0-100km/h Top Speed

460Nm@2700rpm 7.2sec 235km/h

+

Sheer size and presence, off-road prowess, cabin space and luxury

–

Sheer size in tight carparks, automotive overkill on the school run

October‘07 Carma

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words & photos David Ting

WHEELSPIN

MONEY NO ENOUGH, GEELY GOOD ENOUGH Possibly the most modern China car in town, the Geely CK stretches your motoring shoestring to new but uneven lengths

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The dashboard sports various curves in a laudable attempt to appear modern, but it’s let down by the token slap of traditional fake wood on the gear knob and an ash tray that springs out like a jack-in-the-box…

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elieve it or not, China has more than 100 car makers, with the biggest being First Automobile Works whose thriving business includes joint ventures with Toyota, Volkswagen and Audi. FAW is also well-known for its Hong Qi (Mandarin for Red Flag) line of luxury saloons, the latest of which is based on the current Toyota Crown Majesta. Little red flags signifying danger surround the smallest Chinese car makers, which are glorified factory farms knocking up vehicular death traps. Fortunately, the China cars which have made it to our shores so far come from major manufacturers and some of them even have the same kind of export outlook that characterised the ambitious South Koreans back in the 1980s. Unfortunately, that ’80s vibe is evident in other ways when you experience the China cars in question.

The newly-arrived automatic version of the Geely CK, however, feels like a 1990 Hyundai Excel. It’s a back-handed compliment, yes, but it’s still better than the derogatory remarks that Cherys attract, fairly or unfairly. Thankfully, the CK doesn’t look like an old Korean saloon, even though there was development assistance from Daewoo. In fact, the CK’s exterior design is pretty contemporary, with unusually attractive front and rear lamp clusters, and its six-colour (poor) paintwork palette includes a fetching shade of orange called Desert Yellow. The CK’s overall shape is a tad generic though, and the unsatisfactory build quality is obvious when you close a door or the boot, which causes the whole bodywork to shudder. The tinny, Thai-built Toyota Vios feels like a little Lexus in comparison.

Almost luxurious is the central locking

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WHEELSPIN

It might be below par in outright performance terms, but the CK is above average in day-to-day practicality…

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remote – the fob is well-shaped and well-made, and its Geely logo actually lights up when you press either of the lock/unlock buttons. Another unexpected luxury touch is the red-stitched leather seat upholstery with matching door trim, which provides welcome relief from the cabin’s cheap plastics and poor finish, the latter most noticeable around the steering column, centre armrest-cum-cubbyhole and the glovebox. Even more unexpected are the lit red reflectors in all the doors, an active safety feature that is unicornrare in the sub-$50k segment.

Initial impressions behind the wheel are quite positive. The driving position is not bad, the steering wheel adjusts for rake, the front seatbelt anchorages adjust for height, there is a left foot rest and visibility outwards is good, helped by a generously-sized and stylishly-shaped rear view mirror. All-round power windows (complete with a driver-disable function), electric wing mirrors and automatic but otherwise basic door locks are standard equipment. The instrument cluster is a clean three-pod affair with red pointers and nice white illumination (variable too), plus a digital odometer, and the assorted switchgear is not only logically placed but also surprisingly tight in its operation. Interestingly, the horn can be activated either with the steering wheel boss or the tip of the indicator stalk, perhaps to make it easier for the driver to toot his horn when he is caught in one of China’s infamous human traffic jams. The dashboard sports various curves in a laudable

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attempt to appear modern, but it’s let down by the token slap of traditional fake wood on the gear knob and an ash tray that springs out like a jack-in-the-box, hitting the gear lever in Park.

That four-speed automatic, incidentally, is an engineering milestone for the Chinese – it’s their first auto transmission developed indigenously. The engine, however, remains a licensed and suspiciously dated Toyota 1.5, but it won’t be long before Geely starts designing and building its own engines. In the meantime, what we have here is a motoring mish-mash that is at least 10 years behind today’s budget Korean standards. The ride is rudimentary, the steering is strangely heavy and imprecise, the brakes need a firm shove to stop the car in good time, the engine sounds increasingly agricultural as the revs increase, and the transmission upshifts are uncomfortably abrupt. Of course, the car has some good points to offset its weaknesses – the handling is steady in most situations, wind noise at speed is impressively low, the engine is (grudgingly) hardworking when prodded by the stiff throttle pedal, and the drivetrain cruises quietly with just 2250rpm on the dial at 80km/h.

It might be below par in outright performance terms, but the CK is above average in day-to-day practicality. Cabin space is commendable considering the car’s physical size, and the 470-litre boot (with a full-size spare tyre underneath) is roomy once you negotiate the restrictive lid opening. Necessities like

electronics that work, foolproof controls and ample storage points are complemented by niceties in the form of front and rear reading lamps, three overhead grab handles, a full set of four adjustable headrests, and dual front airbags. Disappointments on board are the weak sound system and the busy air-con compressor that seems to load the engine hard, the latter behaviour a bit of a surprise because Geely started as a refrigerator manufacturer!

The automatic CK is more expensive than expected, retailing between $45k (standard) and $48k (Deluxe), but it convincingly stretches your motoring dollar elsewhere – cheap and quick servicing, inexpensive and readily available spare parts, incredibly low insurance rates and apparently excellent fuel economy.

Money no enough? Never mind, because the Geely CK is good enough, if you are not terribly fussy.

SUMMARY Geely CK 1.5 Deluxe (A) Price

$47,999 including COE

Engine

4 cylinders in line, 1498cc DOHC 16V

Power

94bhp@6000rpm

Torque

128Nm@3400rpm

0-100km/h

13.5sec

Top Speed

155km/h

+

Decent design, modern features, practical interior, low running costs

–

Questionable quality, so-so hi-fi set, rudimentary driving performance

October‘07 Carma

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words & photos David Ting

WHEELSPIN

LOEB RUNNER With its rally car overtones, the Citroen C4 Coupe VTS gives a new dimension to French fun and games on the road

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renchman Sebastien Loeb is the reigning, three-time world champion and the most successful rally driver in history, and his current ride in the championship is the car you see here… not! It has the suggestive competition stickers, the racy 17-inch rally-style O.Z wheels and all the visual vibes of a WRC Special Stage star, but underneath the optional livery is a regular two-litre three-door C4 with no turbo, no four-wheel drive and, as it turns out, not much performance too.

It’s not exactly slow, needing just 8.3 seconds to hit 100km/h from a standstill and reaching a top speed well past 220km/h, but the way it goes about its business is decidedly lukewarm compared to fast French compatriots like the 207 GTi and the Renault Megane RS. Having said that, the 180bhp engine is smooth and strong at all speeds, with a slight step-up in strength past 4000rpm, accompanied by a nice induction roar and a fruity exhaust note, and it revs willingly to a bit above 7000rpm where the whole orange LCD rev-counter would flash red like an ambulance on alert. The brakes are confidenceinspiring, and the ride/handling compromise is anything but – the car cruises quietly and smoothly in all situations, yet it happily corners

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The shape is amazingly avant-garde, especially its side profile, and that glassy Kamm-style tail recalls the classic Honda CRX… when called upon to do so, helped in this case by aftermarket Eibach springs fitted by the C&C Citroen manager who drives this company car. The same enthusiast is responsible for the rear windscreen’s cheeky “Keep attacking the Nurburgring” decal, which is actually a Subaru STI special.

Unique indeed are the C4 Coupe’s looks.

The shape is amazingly avant-garde, especially its side profile, and that glassy Kamm-style tail recalls the classic Honda CRX. A flying wing thing adorns the end of the swoopy roof. Sadly, the sporty exterior theme is not carried over to the cabin, which is the same as that in the

regular five-door hatchback, right down to the interior dimensions. The driving environment is a little different though – the seats are more supportive and attractive, the view outwards is even more panoramic thanks to the expansive side windows, and there is a new metallic gear knob. The doors, by the way, are damn heavy.

Still present and welcome are the fixed-hub multi-function steering wheel, the centremounted translucent dashboard display, the excellent equipment, the good-quality materials and the built-in air freshener. Speaking of which, the gearshift stinks – it’s vague, very rubbery and long in throw. The gearing is also too long for a supposedly sporty number, with first stretching to 70km/h and second to nearly 110. And the steering feels inert, although it is actually accurate and on the ball.

So the amazing-looking C4 Coupe VTS isn’t all that amazing on the road. It’s fully futuristic from bumper to bumper, but only partially fantastic as a driver’s car. In other words, if you just want to look like a semi-pro Loeb runner and don’t need to really speed around like Sebastien, save yourself some $20k and get behind the wheel of the 110bhp 1.6 auto VTR instead.

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SUMMARY Citroen C4 Coupe VTS 2.0 Price

$97,988 including COE

Engine

4 cylinders in line, 1997cc DOHC 16V

Power

180bhp@7000rpm

Torque 0-100km/h Top Speed

202Nm@4750rpm 8.3sec 227km/h

+

Striking shape, decent acceleration, impressive ride/handling mix

–

Unspectacular performance, unsporty gearbox, unfulfilled promise

October‘07 Carma

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words & photos David Ting

WHEELSPIN

MAGNUM EVOLVER The new Magnum version of the Chevy Optra is an effective evolution of a proven recipe for the budget saloon driver

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hevrolet has come a long way since the dark days of Daewoo. Chevys today toe a fine line between cheap and chic, with practicality in spades, and their branding is way cooler than honest Hyundai or sombre Kia. Hyundai, however, has a beautiful budget saloon in the Avante, one of the most impressive cars in its class yet, which is one reason why Chevrolet has facelifted its made-in-Thailand Optra and relaunched it as the Optra Magnum. This comes barely two years after the last facelift that gave it a heavy-handed slab of shiny chrome on the nose.

The newcomer gets a new grille and then some, but this time the nip-slash-tuck looks more attractive than before. Aesthetically aligning the Optra Magnum with the rest of the current Chevrolet range (bar the Spark) is the prominent Chevy bow-tie badge on a horizontal, colourcoded bar amidst handsome honeycomb mesh.

The headlamps are nice new almond-shaped affairs that – according to the brochure – “shine bright even when not activated”, and there is more chrome now, on the door handles and above the rear registration plate plinth. Unsurprisingly, the Optra follows fashion by adding signal lights to its side mirror housings. Lastly, the design of the alloy wheels has been refreshed.

Despite its tasteful facelift, the Optra is starting to look dated beside similarly-priced

The Optra Magnum will try to shoot it out with its rivals without suffering too many bullet wounds…

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SUMMARY Chevrolet Optra Magnum 1.6 (A) Price

competition like the Hyundai Avante and Suzuki SX4 sedan. After all, the basic shape remains largely unchanged from the 2003 GM Daewoo Nubira that spawned the Optra in the first place.

Caught between the avant-garde Avante and the unusual SX4, the Optra Magnum looks like yesterday’s news update.

Totally today, however, is the Chevy’s striking new double-DIN head-unit, which features MP3 playback and easy iPod connectivity, plus some of the biggest buttons in the car audio business.

Satellite switches on the steering wheel provide extra control options for the hi-fi. Simulated aluminium trim and faster power windows round off the cabin changes. Not much, admittedly, but they do build on the Optra’s positive attributes that include impressive interior space, a useful split-fold boot, well-placed storage points and thoughtful equipment like a driver’s airbag, a glovebox chiller, reverse parking sensors, and convenient electric trunk release both on the driver’s door and integrated with the remote key fob. And the air-conditioning works well, even on a ridiculously hot day. On a less positive note, minus points continue to be chalked up by the cheap plastics, economical leather and lightweight switchgear.

On the road, the Optra Magnum drives exactly like the non-Magnum Optra, although body stiffness and noise dampening have apparently been improved. It’s a generally comfortable ride (except for noticeable road noise from the rear wheel arches), coupled with stable handling, well-weighted steering and a strong set of anti-lock brakes. Carried over from the original Optra, the conservative 1.6-litre four-cylinder is a hardworking number whose performance feels quicker in practice than on paper, assisted by a smooth and cooperative four-speed automatic.

Ultimately, this renewed Chevy is a stopgap measure until the all-new replacement model comes along in 2009. In the meantime, the Optra Magnum will try to shoot it out with its rivals without suffering too many bullet wounds.

$60,588 including COE

Engine

4 cylinders in line, 1598cc DOHC 16V

Power

109bhp@5600rpm

Torque

150Nm@4000rpm

0-100km/h

14.3sec

Top Speed

172km/h

+

Effective restyle, practical interior, good value for money

–

Cabin materials still economy class, no mechanical updates

October‘07 Carma

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words & photos David Ting

WHEELSPIN

BIG MAC EXTRA VALUE MEAL Chevrolet’s 2.5-litre Epica is a large and luxurious saloon for the cost-conscious executive

I The bonus oomph noticeable and enjoyable above 4000rpm is also accompanied by less polish than the smoothas-silk 2-litre…

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n our recent September review of the transverse 2-litre Epica, we praised its smooth straight-six engine, equally smooth ride, comfortable cabin and roomy 480-litre trunk. The 2.5-litre version here adds improved performance to the equation for just $6k more and throws in extra equipment at the same time.

The most obvious additions on the outside are the stylish star-shaped 17-inch alloy rims and the shiny chrome-clad door handles. The added brightwork actually goes well with the Epica’s existing chrome garnish and the upsized wheels enhance the undeniable presence of the Chevy, which somehow looks larger than life from some angles. Still conspicuous by its absence from the specs sheet is xenon

illumination, which would have made the Epica’s 5 Series-like headlights even more impressive.

Inside the vehicle, the airbag count has been doubled from two to four, cruise control has been added, the rear view mirror is now an anti-dazzle design and there is an electric sunroof overhead. The on-board gadgetry otherwise remains unchanged from the Epica 2.0 – a modern MP3 sound system with integral six-disc changer, eight-speaker output and highly sensible switchgear; automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, a useful trip computer, neat reverse parking sensors, and ergonomic eightway power adjustment for the driver’s seat. The driving position remains imperfect, by the way, because the 2.5 shares its 2.0 sibling’s oversized

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and tilt-only steering wheel, short squab cushion and missing left footrest. Strangely enough, the 2.5 Epica feels better built than the earlier 2-litre GM demonstrator and has fewer quality niggles in the cabin.

In pure performance terms, the biggerengined Epica is more worthy of an executive in a hurry, but the bonus oomph noticeable and enjoyable above 4000rpm is also accompanied by less polish than the smooth-as-silk 2-litre.

Another mild disappointment is the newfound tyre patter disturbing the previously peaceful ride. The same 215/50 R17 Yokohama footwear, however, seems to have reduced the steering free play that afflicts the 2-litre shod with 205/60 R16s. The rest of the driving experience remains largely the same, which means relaxed cruising, gentle braking and squashy but safe handling.

Sold at a prosperous-sounding $88,888, Chevrolet’s executive equivalent to the Big Mac Extra Value Meal is a lot of saloon for the money.

SUMMARY Chevrolet Epica 2.5 (A) Price

$88,888 including COE

Engine

6 cylinders in line, 2492cc DOHC 24V

Power

156bhp@5800rpm

Torque

237Nm@4000rpm

0-100km/h Top Speed

9.9sec 208km/h

+

Smooth, strong performance; refined ride, interior space, extra stuff

–

Engine a little less sweet than 2.0, handling still soft, extra road tax

October‘07 Carma

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words David Khoo photos David Ting

WHEELSPIN

LET THE CAD’ OUT OF THE BAG

Pssst!… The Caddy TDI DSG is surprisingly fun to drive!...

C Incorporating a little company for the purpose of registering a Caddy for personal use isn’t as difficult as one might imagine…

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ar buyers in Singapore are a picky lot.

They expect traits such as performance, practicality and fuel economy all bundled into one vehicle – of course, price remains a huge factor and the cars that do have those qualities don’t necessarily come cheap. Well, the new Volkswagen Caddy could be their perfect solution, except for one point – it isn’t a car at all, but a light commercial vehicle (LCV).

However, a quick look at its specs list quickly reveals that certain passenger cars don’t even come close to the Caddy in terms of options.

Factory-fit hi-fi, a smart set of alloy rims, allround brake discs and the pièce de résistance, DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) transmission, form just the tip of the Caddy’s Titanic-sinking iceberg repertoire of tricks. Golf GTI/R32 owners who were previously happy to crow about their special gearbox will now have to share their pride and joy… with a van.

One qualification: the Caddy is not likely to appeal so much to commercial buyers looking for a load-lugging workhorse, but rather private buyers or young couples who appreciate the space, secret pace and lifestyle image of the

cheerful vehicle, which will most likely be a second car for leisure activities. Weekend wakeboarders, cycling enthusiasts or even a small dog-walking outfit will find the Caddy perfect for their needs. The expansive glass area gives the pooches ample light, while the airy rear compartment transforms the entire feel of the Caddy. Besides, the commodious 3.2m2 storeroom could rival studio apartments in terms of space for walkies for the doggies.

Up front, the cockpit feels well put together, but don’t expect to see the steering wheelmounted paddles for the DSG as you would in the GTI/R32 – now that would be taking things a tad too far. The Caddy’s instrument meters are blue like the Golf IV and not as outmoded as you’d imagine, considering the interior and exterior aesthetics work well to create an industrial chic.

Behind the occupants is a cavernous cargo hold that can be used to stow everything from big mountain bicycles to R/C car equipment and sports paraphernalia for those active people. In addition, the Caddy cabin boasts a number of cubbyholes and compartments that would put a small MPV to shame.

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SUMMARY Volkswagen Caddy 1.9 TDI (A) Price

$50,500 including COE

Engine 4 cylinders in line, 1896cc turbodiesel The combination of the Power 103bhp@4000rpm 1896cc turbodiesel four-pot Torque 250Nm@1900rpm with that gearbox certainly 0-100km/h 13.3sec puts the “sport” in “sport utility”. 103bhp and 250Nm are Top Speed 166km/h on tap from the punchy engine, + Unnatural pace, loads of space, with closely-stacked ratios to diesel economy, indie image help the car briskly accelerate – Price tag, intricacies of LCV ownership, from the traffic lights. Low to initial diesel clatter mid-range grunt is impressive and the 80km/h sprint from proportions do make it handy when manoeuvring standstill is dispatched in just 8.8 seconds. At vigorously in tight confines and its straightstart-up, it will be quite obvious from the clatter line acceleration can ambush the unsuspecting. that a diesel sits under the bonnet, but once you In fact, it would give many lukewarm hatchbacks get a-moving, it’s easy enough to overlook it, a run for their money, even in the corners. especially with the fun factor the Caddy provides.

Of course, they could try harder and probably From 80km/h it takes another 4.5 seconds overtake at higher speeds, but look at to hit the 100km/h mark, where the Caddy the amount of petrol they’ll be burning in cruises comfortably on the highway. It’s a the process! nimble performer, but don’t expect the same After a bout of driving practically pedalkind of responses you’d find in a performance to-metal, it was heartening to note that the hatchback. Having said that, the Caddy’s compact

diesel gauge had hardly shifted from its full-tank position, a strong testament to the thrifty 6.7L/100km consumption figure on the combined cycle. Of course, better fuel economy can be enjoyed if one doesn’t employ a lead-foot driving style the entire time, but that would take the joy out of owning the Caddy TDI. Incorporating a little company for the purpose of registering a Caddy for personal use isn’t as difficult as one might imagine. At $50,500 on the road, it costs quite a fair bit more than the other LCVs in the market and even some of the cheaper passenger cars, but that’s if you actually expect to be plying the purely commercial route with the car. From a lifestyle perspective, the TDI DSG Caddy’s build quality, spacious practicality, refinement and general dynamics surpass many civilian vehicles in the same price segment.

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FEATURE

words Lynn Tan

THEY

‘BAG’ TO DIFFER

Deployed airbags are destined for the trash bin, but Freitag does a rescue/reuse and turns them into chic bags for young trendsetters

Used airbags, expired seat belts, old truck tarpaulins and bicycle tyre inner tubes are transformed into cool, one-of-a-kind designer bags and accessories...

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W

hat is the one thing in your car that drivers dread using and has to be replaced once it is used? Airbags.

Such a pity, isn’t it, when so much research and development has been invested in their design and manufacture so as to ensure driver and passenger safety? And they are practically as good as new since they are hardly considered “used”, merely “deployed”.

This is what two brothers, Markus and Daniel Freitag, from Switzerland have done – taking used airbags, expired seat belts, old truck tarpaulins and bicycle tyre inner tubes and transforming them into cool, one-of-a-kind designer bags and assorted accessories. Theirs is a classic rags-to-riches success story that started from the living room of their apartment, with a busy, noisy and polluted transit route between Germany and Italy dissecting Zurich just outside their kitchen window. One fine morning, Markus attached a trailer to his bicycle and pedalled to a nearby industrial zone. He returned with a dirty, old tarpaulin from a cargo truck.

After lugging it up to their fifth floor apartment, he washed and scrubbed it in their bathtub. He then laid it out in his room, between the mattress and stereo, and began drawing cut lines on it.

These were the humble beginnings of the Freitag bag prototype, which now has a cult following across Europe, USA, Japan and China.

That was back in 1993. Since then, the Freitag empire has grown from a living room operation to a 46-employee business with its

own F-Factory located in the former Maag plant in Zurich that used to produce gear wheels.

They even partially outsource their stitching operations to affiliated companies in France, Portugal, Tunisia as well as Switzerland itself.

The Swiss facility actually hires disabled people, which makes Freitag bags not only ecological and recyclable, but socially responsible too.

At the 2800m2 F-Factory, the truck tarpaulins, airbags and other ‘abandoned’ materials are laid out and cut up before being sorted and stored according to colour. Prior

to fabrication, all these materials undergo rigorous washing. They are then hand-cut according to templates before being stitched and assembled. Each Freitag bag package comes with a photograph of the bag, together with an illustration of the bag designer. Wouldn’t it be cool to also know which truck the tarpaulin was stripped from, or what car the airbag belonged to before the former crashed and the latter exploded?

One look at any of the Freitags and you know this is not one of those ordinary, overcommercialised consumer product lines, but something more indie and funky. All right, maybe you do not care so much for the environmental message and social do-gooding, but the designs themselves are reasons enough to want to buy one. The Freitag range of messenger bags, tote bags, clutch bags, laptop bags and sleeves, shopping carriers, wallets, luggage etc sport interesting graphics with delightfully different prints, designs and colours. And because they are made from recycled materials, the design on each piece is special. The used airbags, in particular, are fashioned into a new range called Mancipation, comprising swing bags of three different sizes with snappy names like Horst, Fritz and Willy. Their slim and compact sizes belie their carrying capacity. An A4-sized

■ The Freitag flagship store in Zurich

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FEATURE

Willy can easily fit a stack of magazines or a 15-inch laptop. These Mancipation bags were conceptualised and designed to re-define the so-called man-bag for the modern dude, a departure from when men used bags to carry home their hunting prey, as a flying companion when planes still had wooden propellers, and as a playboy accessory when their pants were too tight to fit even a car key.

At first glance, these bags may appear dirty due to the weathered look of the materials they were made from, but customers are assured of the thorough cleaning process that is carried out on all the recycled materials. And honestly, these marks are what make Freitags so unique and authentic. But if the Freitag aesthetics leave you unmoved, which is quite impossible, their functionality will surely make you a convert.

Most of these bags are ergonomically-designed and ultra-versatile. The Bonanza backpack, for example, can be transformed into three different sizes by simply adjusting the position of the flap over the Velcro fasteners. There is also a zip by the side of the bag for convenient access to its contents, without heaving the bag off your shoulders or even opening the flap.

The Freitag website (www.freitag.ch) is nothing short of super-cool. Customers from all over the world can customise their Freitags online, using a really fun software called FCut. With just a few clicks, you can pick which tarpaulin you want to cut your Freitag from, and even move the cursor to the exact portion of the tarpaulin that you want. You are also able to see which sections of the tarpaulin have already been cut and used by customers before you. And while you wait for your Freitag to be shipped over, you are left with the tongue-in-cheek disclaimer of “Do-it-yourself, design your bag; and remember… it’s your fault”.

In addition to a well-stocked online shop, Freitag also has a distribution network in retail outlets across Europe, USA, Japan, China, New Zealand etc. The funky firm’s flagship store in the founders’ hometown of Zurich, where it all started, is a radical stack of 17 shipping containers salvaged from the scrapyard, renovated and then interconnected to create a 26-metre skyscraper like no other, with four sales floors and over 1500 bags on offer.

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■ Freitag Dexter ■ Freitag classic messenger bags

If the t Freitag aesthetic aesthetics leave you unmoved, which is quite iimpossible, their functionality will surely make you a convert...

■ Freitag founders Markus and Daniel

In Singapore, you can find your very own Freitag in Actually located at 29A Seah Street.

This bohemian boutique (www.actually.com. sg) carries a wide range of Freitag bags and their prices range from $139 for a Miami Vice shopping bag to $650 for a Renegade two-in-one travel bag.

We have seen wall clocks made from brake discs, alloy wheels converted into coffee tables, piston-based tea cups, and carburettor saltand-pepper shaker sets. These are all innovative alternative uses for automotive parts and accessories. And now we have Freitag that gives airbags an afterlife among the young and trendy.

What will they think of next? Recycled Alcantara leather shoes, exhausted tailpipes made into drawing tubes, and burned-tyrerubber coasters and place mats? You probably don’t have to look far – that next big idea could be near your neighbourhood rubbish dump or somewhere inside your car.

photo: Isabel Truniger

■ Freitag Knight Rider

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9/26/07 12:40:06 AM

words Shreejit Changaroth

TECH-KNOW

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AUTO UPDATE

Automatics with more speeds and smoother shifts, and a hybrid that uses multiple power inputs to vary gearing – we analyse today’s most up-to-date autobox technology

I

t has taken some six decades for the automatic transmission to grow from being a four-speed ’box to a six-speed one. The current BMW 7 Series, when unveiled in 2001, was the world’s first car to transmit power through a six-speed automatic transmission, the now well-known ZF 6HP. There is already a second generation version of this automatic, which incorporates a vibration-reducing torque converter, high-speed electronics and fast-acting hydraulics claimed to increase shift speeds by 50%. It is standard in the latest BMW cars (and soon in the new Jaguar XF) and works beautifully, shifting smoothly and more quickly than any auto transmission we have experienced.

Just as we were getting used to six-speed automatics, Mercedes-Benz introduced the world’s first seven-speeder, their own selfdeveloped W7A700, more commonly known as the 7G-TRONIC; then last year, Lexus launched its flagship LS460 with an eight-speed autobox!

Now it seems that 8 is the magic number for automotive transmissions because even ZF is poised to begin production of an eight-speeder in the form of its latest product, the 8HP. Will Mercedes respond with a nine-speed automatic?

The question really is whether increasing the number of speeds is a mere competitive strategy rather than a technical one. The element of oneupmanship will of course always exist, but in this specific instance, there are other overwhelming factors that have influenced the push to more gears. The transmission players are more or less in unison on the basic premise that it is not the number of gears, but rather the effect that an increase in available gear ratios will have on the motorcar in question. Primarily, the efficiency of an engine must show an overall improvement in terms of fuel consumption, while performance and refinement are secondary priorities but major factors nonetheless.

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TECH-KNOW

The automatic transmission’s epicyclic gear train concept can be found in radio-controlled 1:10 scale Tamiya racecars, electric screwdrivers and even desk-mounted pencil sharpeners…

Logically, more gears allow widening the range of ratios (lowering the first and raising the top) and plugging gaps within the engine speed range so that optimum operating rpm is maintained even during upshifts. Those belt-drive Continuously Variable Transmissions we have seen lately are theoretically the best means of automotive power transmission, but the CVT still needs development before it can match the best hydraulic autos.

So why not nine, 10 or 12 ratios, you ask? The simple answer to that is cost, but there are also drawbacks in terms of efficiency. Incorporating more ratios simply means adding on more driveline components within the transmission and this inevitably increases mechanical losses.

The new generation of six-, seven- and eight-speed autos we mentioned are not simple extensions of existing four- or five-speed systems. They are completely new designs using new concepts in power transmission and have fewer mechanical drag-inducing components.

Hence, they are more efficient, operate far more smoothly up or down the ratios, and offer improved acceleration and cruising performance. With quick hydraulics and high-speed electronic processors, transmission shift points are optimised to suit the road condition and drivers’ individual styles. In gentle acceleration from rest, for instance, these new transmissions can skip gears and provide faster torque converter lock-up.

Whatever the concept, technology or design, there is one element you will find in every automatic transmission – the epicyclic or planetary gear train. This is not a new invention nor is it a high-tech device reserved for sophisticated applications. You will find it in radio-controlled 1:10 scale Tamiya racecars, electric screwdrivers and even desk-mounted pencil sharpeners; in all cases used as a power transmission component for the purpose of torque multiplication. It consists of a ring gear and a central pinion gear with two, three (most common) or four carrier-mounted

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■ 7G-TRONIC from Mercedes-Benz is the world’s first seven-speed automatic and it’s clearly a complicated affair

gears that mesh with the pinion and ring. The term “planetary” is derived from the fact that the intermediate gears and the pinion are akin to planets orbiting the sun respectively.

Unlike in a manual gearbox, the entire gearing arrangement in an automatic

transmission is achieved by sets of planetary gears. Because the gear set is mounted in a single plane and single axis, the epicyclic unit is very compact. Any of the three elements (‘planet’, ‘ring’ or ‘sun’) can act as the input or output. Different gearing is achieved by a set of

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■ The Lexus LS600h transmission incorporating the clever epicyclic Power Split Device

■ BMW’s six-speed automatic remains one of the smoothest and most sophisticated gearboxes in the business

electronically-controlled multi-plate brakes and clutches that perform the function of holding one element stationary and coupling the other two to the input or output shafts. It is complicated to visualise the operation, but watch it working (perhaps a dismantled set from a Tamiya) and it

is really quite simple. Of course, in an autotrans, the locking and coupling require multiple brakes and clutches with high-pressure hydraulics, and directional valves commanded by software.

Planetary gears can transmit very high torque because the multiple gear arrangement means

forces are distributed over several teeth and not concentrated on one pair of teeth as in conventional one-to-one gear meshing.

Lexus uses the epicyclic gear train’s flexible input-output capabilities in the sophisticated LS600h hybrid. They call it a “continuously variable transmission”, but it is fortunately not of the steel-belt variety. Instead, the 5-litre V8 and the electric motor-generators are linked via an epicyclic set-up that the Japanese engineers dub the Power Split Device.

In this state-of-the-art system, the engine is connected to the ‘sun’ gear while the two motor-generators are individually coupled to the ‘ring’ and ‘planet’. Without any gearbox, gears or clutch or brake but with the multiple couplings possible on the epicyclic Power Split Device, the LS600h performs as if it was constantly in top gear. However, acceleration thrust is available on-demand because one of the two motorgenerators can provide instant torque to assist the petrol engine as if an immediate kickdown had taken place. There is no transmission kickdown, of course, just an additional torque input from an electric motor. Once all the hightorque work is done, the motor-generators begin to relax and take in the engine’s torque through the PSD to function as electricity generators.

Real cool stuff!

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IN GEAR HOT

Canon PowerShot G9 Canon’s flagship compact digital camera is said to combine the creative power of a small digital SLR with the familiar feel of the classic G series. Its photographic performance is driven by a 12.1-megapixel high-resolution CCD sensor, Canon’s proprietary DiG!C III image processor and a fast f/2.8 (wide) to f/4.8 (tele) 6x optical zoom lens equivalent to 35210mm focal length in 35mm format. The lens also incorporates Lens Shift Image Stabiliser technology to counteract the negative effects of camera shake, thereby allowing the G9 to be used at slower shutter speeds in low-light conditions. Further features include 35-person Face Detection AF/AE, 9-point AiAF, advanced noise reduction that allows up to ISO 1600, and a 3-inch anti-glare LCD monitor. The $899 G9 also sees the return of Raw recording, popular with serious photographers.

Olympus µ 790 SW Waterproof to 3 metres, shockproof to 1.5 metres and freezeproof to minus 10 degrees Celsius, this newcomer may well be the commando of compact point-and-shoot digicams. Thanks to its toughness, the 790 is the ideal companion camera for ‘dangerous’ outdoor activities like water sports, rollerblading, cycling and ball games. The 790’s protective metal housing comes in a choice of five expressive colours – starry silver, midnight black, sunset orange, marine blue, lime green – and the technical features include 7.1-megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom with 3.5-5.0 aperture, trendy Face Detection technology, a 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD, and 23 different scene modes, four of which are optimised for underwater use. The new μ 790 SW is available at all major retailers for $549.

[www.canon.com.sg] [www.olympus.com.sg ]

Samsung HMX10 The Korean gadgetry giant’s first HD camcorder comes in two versions – one with an expandable SDHC/MMC+ card slot and the other with the same slot plus 8GB of on-board flash memory, the latter model able to achieve a quick start of three seconds and record up to 90 minutes of HD progressive video in Super Fine mode at an ultra-smooth 50fps PAL. The HMX10 has a unique swivel grip that rotates up to 135 degrees for ergonomic shooting, either high angle or low, while the 2.7-inch touchsensitive LCD screen offers easy operation, viewing and editing. The battery provides up to 90 minutes of shooting time and there is a range of connection options for AV peripherals, including HDMI digital output. [www.samsung.com.sg]

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Sony Ericsson T650i A modern fusion of scratchresistant mineral glass and stainless steel, the T650i is a designer 3G phone for the style-conscious, available in Growing Green or Midnight Blue. Its attention to detail includes desktop animation linked to illumination effects on the front and sides of the handset – as the graphics move across the display, they set off waves of light around the keypad which are accentuated by the reflective stainless steel finish. Other more useful features include a 3.2-megapixel autofocus camera complete with flash, Bluetooth connectivity, an integral media player, RDS FM radio reception and a Memory Stick Micro slot.

Sharp AQUOS A83 Said to represent a technological breakthrough in consumer High Definition Television (HDTV), this is the firm’s first 100Hz-120Hz full HD TV. Part of Sharp’s Slim-line Design Series, the flat-panel LCD A83 is available as a 42-inch model (RRP $4999), 46-inch (RRP $6999) or 52inch model (RRP $9999). Its headline feature is Sharp’s Fine Motion Advanced Technology, which uses a unique algorithm to create intermediary frames and double the number of frames-persecond on conventional video, in turn increasing the frame rate from 50/60 to 100/120, thereby making analogue video smooth and flicker-free.

At the same time, Sharp’s Advanced Super View LCD system ensures that high-speed moving visuals, such as sports scenes and scrolling text, are always clear and distinct. With its ultrathin 95mm body and narrow frame, the A83 is also Sharp’s slimmest LCD TV today. [www.sharp.com.sg]

[www.sonyericsson.com]

Jabra JX10 Cara Shod in either standard stainless steel or shiny 24-carat gold, Jabra’s latest Bluetooth headset was developed in association with worldrenowned Danish design house Jacob Jensen.

Size-wise, the JX10 weighs less than 14 grams and measures less than four centimetres, making it one of the smallest yet in the industry, while its distinctive design and contemporary finish make it stand out from the rest of the Bluetooth crowd. The regular JX10 Cara is priced at $288 and the JX10 Cara Gold limited edition (28,000 units worldwide) is priced at $468. [ www.jabra.com]

Nokia N95 8GB Nokia’s all-in-one multimedia computer-phone for the road warrior has been refreshed in conjunction with the launch of Ovi, Nokia’s new digital realm combining the Nokia Music Store, Nokia Maps and N-Gage games. Ovi’s online contents, communities and services are accessible either directly from a compatible Nokia device or from a PC. The renewed N95 now offers a generous 8GB of on-board memory (but no more expansion slot) and a luminous, upsized 2.8-inch QVGA display that is one of the largest ever employed on a mobile phone, plus improved battery life for better mileage on the road and double the original 64MB RAM for smoother performance. And it comes in semiglossy black, which looks nicer than the ‘old’ N95 silver. The newly-added features build on the N95’s rich and proven technological repertoire, which includes an innovative two-way slide, a capable 5-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics, built-in GPS, high-speed mobile connectivity and 3.5G internet integration. [www.nseries.com] October‘07 Carma

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IN GEAR COOL

Carlton Store Singapore This is the first specialty shop in Asia for Carlton Travel Goods, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of quality luggage for over 30 years. The new store showcases the British brand’s top-line luggage ranges, primarily Evos (jet set luxury), Eclipse (flamboyant elegance), Modo (functional retro style) and Groove (casual practicality). The luggage items on display include trolley cases, suitcases, business attaché cases, backpacks and holdalls; and their value-packed prices range from $200 to $450. The brand-new Carlton Mono Brand Store is at unit #01-28 The Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, and it opens daily from 10.30am to 9.30pm. [ www.carltontravelgoods.com]

Ray-Ban Wayfarers These new shades are a re-release of the cult classic frames from the 1950s, which shot to instant stardom when Audrey Hepburn wore them in her 1961 hit Breakfast At Tiffany’s. The original Wayfarers returned to the limelight in the 1983 Hollywood movie Risky Business, starring a young Tom Cruise, and they have adorned many other American celebrities from Andy Warhol to John Lennon. Today, Wayfarers make an emphatic comeback complete with four new colour choices – red, white, green, orange camouflage. Their vintage yet timeless style, complemented by the fresh colours, makes them possibly the perfect accessory to any street-style outfit. The new Ray-Ban Wayfarers are available at Sunglass Hut stores in Singapore. [www.ray-ban.com]

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MAXED OUT

MINI!

JuzzForCars has given this Cooper S the extra oomph it needs to fully exploit its wondrous handling abilities.

Go MINI go!

Sexy and rare Merc E320 Cabrio • Avant-garde Avante • Super Modern bespoke Civic • Endurance racing at MME 2007 • Special Reports galore • Lotsa Options to mod your ride •

Inside COct07-Vroom Cover.indd 1

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FEELTHE MUSIC

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

advansyn-vibe oct07.indd 1

• Aeon Customs Pte Ltd 494 Changi Road [Junction of Frankel Ave ] • Dai-ichi Pte Ltd 1 Rochor Canal Road #01-07 ( Facing Rochor Canal Road ) Sim Lim Square SC

• Foon Audio Garage 284 Macpherson Road • Kee Radio Auto Car Accessories 53 Ubi Ave 1 #01-01 Paya Ubi Industrial Park • Leader Auto Trading Co Blk 844 Sims Ave #01 - 708

• Specialist Audio Accessories Blk 125 Bukit Merah Lane #01 - 166 • Silent Pro Shop 15 Commonwealth Lane Lot 45/46/47/48 Commonwealth Carmall

9/26/07 6:29:08 PM

A

D

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VIBE BlackBox

These class AB amps are highly versatile and fully adaptable to multiple speaker configurations. Internal Convection Cooling ICC™ vented technology eliminates the need for external cooling fins and also enhances contemporary aesthetics. Noteworthy features include the four layer circuit board, on board active low and high pass filters with frequency multiplier, BassEnhance™ delivering 18dB of boost at 45Hz. Coupled with built-in microprocessor circuits which actively monitor the amp operation, these amps literally look after both themselves and their connecting speakers.

These amps are the best sounding amps ever produced by VIBE. Featuring a completely

advansyn-vibe-advertorial oct07.1 1

O

R

I

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VIBE BlackBox Bass

new circuit and improved power supply which gives huge gains in power delivery and headroom, you can really hear the busy sections of music. Where the BlackBox shines, lesser amps crumbles into distortion – these amps truly deliver music with grace, poise and finesse, just as the artist intended.

Another first is the variable input sensitivity.

Gain matching is very important in car audio systems and it is for this reason that VIBE has added three different input sensitivity ranges to these amps. So whether you have 0.2v 0.6v, 0.6v 2v or a mighty 2v - 8v these BlackBox amps deliver maximum results with unrivalled signal to noise ratio.

BlackAir

Engineered so as to achieve the perfect integration between the midrange woofer and the tweeter, this component speaker system is extremely musical and unfailingly accurate in music reproduction.

Ultra high quality woven honeycomb fibreglass cone helps to keep the sound precise and controlled while eliminating vibration across the cone, giving a sharp and uncoloured sound. SPEEDBASS Polyurethane surrounds keeps the bass fast and tight while delivering absolute detail with perfect precision. New VIBE angular torsion alloy cast baskets ensure absolute rigidity and increases power handling

R T

Class G operation involves changing the power supply voltage from a lower level to a higher level when larger output swings are required.

This involves a single class AB output stage that is connected to two power supplies which is designed such that for most music, the output stage is connected to the lower supply voltage, and automatically switches to the higher rails for large signal peaks. This results in improves efficiency and increased power when compared to Class AB or Class D amps. Class H operation takes the class G design one step further and actually modulates the higher power supply voltage by the input signal which allows the power supply to track the audio input and provide sufficient voltage for optimum operation.

Sound quality that blows away Class D amps combined with 73% efficiency compared

to just 50% efficiency for Class AB amps i.e. the efficiency of Class D amps and the sound quality of Class AB amps.

Amp strapping which allows for two identical amps to be combined, to act as one mega amp, delivering a true 3000 watts RMS into a 4ohm load! Outputs are optimised for 2 ohm operation which means less distortion and less power wasted heating up speaker cables. Internal Convection Cooling ICC™ vented technology eliminates the need for external cooling fins, on board variable active low pass and subsonic filters, ParametricBassEnhance™ offers bass boost with 15dB of gain and built in DSP/ microprocessor circuit operation are all common features of the BlackBox™ Bass amps.

Space II

by improving voice coil cooling while 2-way 12 dB per octave passive crossovers ensure perfect integration between the midrange and the tweeter producing studio quality sound with minimal phase errors.

The BlackAir range can be mounted in component or coaxial form, making installation choices incredibly versatile. The tweeter also comes with a multitude of installation choices including surface and flush mountings. Able to deliver reference quality sound with razor sharp details, BlackAir provides exceptional sound delivered without any limitations.

Designed without compromise these subwoofers are an evolution of the awesome and extremely popular SPACE II. Retaining the same bass performance but in a new fantastic looking package. The SPACE 8 features a 0.15mm thick aluminium cone which is ultra light and ultra strong, resulting in tight snappy bass which is a pleasure to listen to.

The musical ability of this subwoofer is second to none – thanks to the fact that it was tailored to suit the trained ear of VIBE’s R&D department. This is the ultimate audiophile subwoofer offering perfection in bass reproduction not found anywhere else.

Extreme bass, cutting edge design, superior style and severe power, the SPACE II incorporates the very latest in cutting edge technology such as Mechanical Thermal Unity, which enhances subwoofer cooling, thus enabling the subs to operate at much higher temperatures with less distortion and stress.

Heat is dissipated directly through the front of the lightweight alloy cone which is seamlessly attached to flanged dual high temperature alloy voice coils, set in dual layer foam surrounds, guaranteeing massive power and serious cone excursion.

9/26/07 9:45:01 AM

MOD JOB WORDS TONY TAN PHOTOS YANG

e

MAXED OUT

MINI!

Even before it left the showroom, this MINI was destined for life in the super-fast lane as 170 horses was never going to be enough for its owner.

Many mods later, this super-MINI rules the roost among its kind at Pasir Gudang!

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H

Lighting fast aptly describes this Cooper S with the handling prowess to match.

I have essentially summarised my entire review in the sentence above so you can forget about reading the rest of what I am going to say. And whatever I am going to say will not suffice as this pocketrocket you see in these pages has got be seen, heard and driven to really appreciate its talents.

A mod job this extensive is not an easy task to accomplish.

It is not just about slapping on everything that you can find from the catalogue, and then doing a little tweaking here, a little tuning there, and voila, job done, payment collected and owner happy.

No. You need a tuner that knows the car, inside and out, and in this case, there is no better than JuzzForCars. They have most probably given ‘birth’ to more modified BMWs and MINIs than most other workshops and this MINI is a fine specimen of their work.

Let’s start with the go-fast bits.

The 1.6-litre supercharged motor retains its original configuration but an extensive list of goodies has upped the horse-count to above 250 which is 80bhp more than stock or an increase of 47%!

A 16% larger M7tuning supercharger pulley increase boost while a full-fledge M7tuning air gain system complete with carbon fibre heat shield ensures that cool, oxygen-rich air is ‘forced fed’ into the engine. The miniscule stock top mount intercooler has been replaced by larger and thicker GRS unit and Shrick camshafts have been added to increase valve lift and duration so as to increase the amount of air-fuel entering the piston chambers via the Minispeed

enlarged ported-and-polished head, from the John Cooper Works 380cc injectors. Double valve springs have also been installed to prevent valve bounce and high rpms. Exhausts gases are taken care of by a Supersprint exhaust.

Residing in the ‘HQ’ and keeping everything running smoothly is the MTH flash ECU and UniChip piggyback ECU combo and rounding out the mods list are engine dampers, Powerflex bushings, Setrab oil cooler, Mini Madness oil cooler adapter plate and Detroit tuned uprated bypass valve.

Reeling in this MINI at full blast would have proved too much for the standard braking system so in went a pair of Stoptech BBK 4-piston calipers, complete with 2-piece 328mm cross-drilled floating disc rotors for the front and cross-drilled standard replacement units for the rear. Gripping these rotors are Axxis Ultimate brake pads.

The MINI is renowned for its surefootedness but you can never have too much of a good thing so a set of Bilstein PSS9 coilovers were installed and complementing them are front and rear H-sport completion sway bars, front and rear carbon fibre strut bars, SPC control arms and Ireland Engineering fixed camber plates.

With these add-ons, the car now feels even more ‘planted’ on the road and bodyroll is practically nonexistent. Adding to the newfound grippiness are the Yokohama Advan AD07 tyres (215/45 R17) which are shod onto a set of lightweight yet strong 17-inch Yokohama Advan RGII racing alloy wheels.

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MOD JOB WORDS TONY TAN PHOTOS YANG

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These sporty yet stylish wheels are also a nice starting point for the exterior detailing, which is best described as ‘clean’ as the overall cutesy profile of the cherubic MINI was retained. Upfront, a full carbon fibre splitter with turnbuckles was installed under the bumper, while Aero kit side skirts and front grille was added. At the rear, a

JCW carbon fibre spoiler and, custom-fitted white rear taillight and foglights with red LEDS, are the key styling points. Ociari air vent intakes, custom 6-inch bonnet stripes, white ‘S’ emblem stickers and silver-coated amber indicator light bulbs add the final finishing touches to the understatedly sporty outlook of this MINI.

Keeping with the ‘clean’ theme, the interior dress-up was carefully done. No garish panel dressings or severe trim colouring (thank goodness). Just a spiffy set of Sparco Milano II bucket seats custom upholstered with luxurious NAPA leather, stylo-mylo Alcantara gearshift and handbrake boot, with silver and orange stitching, and a

stainless steel Whalen gear knob which feels great in the hand.

All in all, this MINI Cooper S is a perfect example of a mod job that suits the MINI enthusiast looking for a sizeable dose of zoom but without sacrificing on comfort and everyday usability.

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SPECS LIST EXTERIOR STYLING • Custom carbon fibre splitter with turnbuckles • Custom 6-inch bonnet stripes • Aero kit side skirts and front grille • JCW carbon fibre spoiler • Ociari air vent intakes • White ‘S’ emblem stickers • Silver-coated amber indicator light bulbs • Custom white rear taillight and foglights with red LEDs INTERIOR STYLING • Sparco Milano II bucket seats (upholstered in NAPA leather) • Custom Alcantara leather gearshift and handbrake boot (silver and orange stitching) • Custom stainless steel Whalen gear knob.

ENGINE • MTH flash ECU • UniChip piggyback ECU • M7tuning 16% larger supercharger pulley • M7tuning oil catch can • M7tuning AGS (air gain system) with CF heat shield • GRS intercooler • Minispeed enlarged ported-andpolished head • Schrick camshafts • Double valve springs • Engine dampers • Setrab oil cooler with custom steel braided hoses • Mini Madness oil cooler adapter plate • Detroit tuned uprated bypass valve • JCW 380cc injectors • Supersprint exhaust CHASSIS & WHEELS/TYRES • Stoptech BBK 4-piston brake callipers with 328mm cross-drilled rotors (front) • Stoptech standard replacement cross-drilled rotors (rear) • Axxis Ultimate performance brake pads • Powerflex bushings • Bilstein PSS9 coilovers • H-sport competition sway bars (front & rear) • Carbon fibre strut bars (front & rear) • SPC rear control arms • Ireland Engineering fixed camber plates • Yokohama Advan RGII (17 X 7.5) • Yokohama Advan AD07 tyres (215/45/17)

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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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is specifically designed to conceal the music from within your car to turn your car into a mobile concert hall. When installed, music will be concealed with your car to enhance your audio system. Serves as heat insulation at the same time.

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15 Commonwealth Lane Lot 45/46/47/48 Commonwealth Carmall Singapore 149544 Tel: 6779 6383 / 6475 8500 Fax: 6475 7900 Email: silent@singnet.com.sg Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (Including Sunday & Public Holidays)

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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ICECOOL

WORDS & PHOTOS KELVIN LEE

e

AN AUDIOPHILE MOBILE STUDIO

This gem of a Merc is one of the rarest in Singapore. Painstakingly restored and well-loved, it now not only turns heads with its great looks, it also entertains its occupants with the sweet sounds of a top-notch ICE system

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Patience is a virtue and it rewards. Mike, the proud owner of this beautiful and rare Mercedes-Benz CE320 cabriolet, knows what patience is all about.

He spent three long years waiting for this topless beauty to be slowly restored as parts were hard to come by and many of the components had to be sourced from overseas.

Still, the long wait was indeed worth every day, every month as this topless beauty looks just great

and frankly, this is my first time I have laid eyes on one. I have seen numerous CE hardtops and I have always liked its classic shape but this roofless one really takes the cake.

Enough of my drooling (can you blame me?) and on to Mike’s other passion – driving to great music.

Jason of Season Audio Garage was tasked to answer to Mike’s ICE needs and after some one-onone discussion with him and careful consideration of the

components to be chosen, the final list was confirmed and the installation began.

Thankfully for Mike, this time the wait for his car was much less than 3 years!

The top-notch, audiophile quality Pioneer DEX-P9 headunit was chosen to be the nerve centre of the system and a DEQ-P9 digital sound processor was chosen to complement its wealth of talents.

This premier headunit packs much sought-after features like an optical

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output, Burr Brown 24-bit D/A converters, copper chassis, three 4V preouts and shiny, gold plated RCA. The combo of the DEX-P9 and DEQ-P9 is one of the most potent in the market today.

Source signals from the DEXP9 are ‘cleaned’ and ‘spruced up’ by the DEQ-P9 and then sent on their merry way to a bank of Genesis power amplifiers. In case you have been hiding under a rock these past years, Genesis is one of THE premier names in car audio and their amplifiers are noted for their out-of-this-world performance.

A Genesis Series III ST100 amplifier powers the low-mid woofers from the Genesis Absolute Series, while the hi-mid and tweeters, which are also from the Absolute Series, are connected to a pair of Genesis Dual Mono amps.

Handling bass duties are a Genesis

Audiophile 30.01 subwoofer and this boom-boom baby draws its power from a single Genesis Dual Mono Extreme amplifier. Power back-up is ably provided by a DB Drive CAP1000-D 10 farad hybrid capacitor.

The boot install was neat and tidy and the amps, subwoofer and capacitor fitted nicely into the space left behind after the top is lowered. The Perspex and carpentry was impressive and the stealth neon lamps bathe the boot in a bluish glow that showed off the components to great effect.

Playing a track from the Sheffield Labs audiophile CD, I was blown away by the reproduction of the track! Each and every instrument was clearly discernable and special mention must go to the bass reproduction which was tight, without any

distortions whatsoever. Staging and imaging is another area where the system shone. I closed my eyes and I could visualise the entire band jamming away right on top of the bonnet This system blessed with such performance and ability that it has been made a Genesis demo car.

What a great twosome; Genesis and Mercedes-Benz.

EQUIPMENT LIST 1 x Pioneer DEX-P9 Headunit 1 x Pioneer DEQ-P9 Digital Sound Processor 1 x Genesis Series III ST100 Power Amplifier 2 x Genesis Series III Dual Mono Power Amplifier 1 x Genesis Series III Dual Mono Extreme Power Amplifier 1 x Genesis Absolute System 3-way Component Speakers 1 x DB Drive CAP1000E 10-farad Hybrid Capacitor

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ICECOOL

WORDS & PHOTOS KELVIN LEE

e

CUSTOMISED, INSIDE AND OUT

Joseph’s Hyundai Avante is blessed with one of the most powerful engines in its class. An Alpine and VIBE Audio ICE system now adds the musical punch to complement the punchy on-road performance of his ride

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Great sounding ICE systems do not become reality without careful planning and matching of various components. Having the best ICE equipment money can buy does not guarantee that the whole system will sound good after it has been installed. You also need a competent installer who knows how to put the whole system together and last but definitely not least, tune the system.

Joseph, the proud owner of this sporty and stylishly decaled Hyundai Avante, knows all about high-quality ICE components and he also knows where to have get a top-notch installation job.

After much browsing and searching, Joseph finally found fulfilment in this three-pronged solution - Alpine, VIBE Audio and Foon Audio Garage. Foon Audio Garage has been featured in ICEcool before and Joseph’s Avante is another fine example of the work of this up and coming ICE installer.

Before we get into the details of this fine ICE system, Joseph pointed out to me that he has also dressed up the interior with gauges that keep him informed of the ‘health’ of the engine at times, and a spiffy compact navigation module which ensures that he is never lost.

However, the interior’s showpiece is still the ICE system and here are the juicy details.

First on the list is the headunit; the heart and soul of the entire system. The multimedia Alpine DVA 9965E headunit was chosen and it is not hard to see why. iPOD ready, Glide Touch control, AV preouts and a 24-bit BurrBrown D/A converter makes this one of the most feature-packed headunits available. To make use of the DVD playback capability of the DVA9965E, a 7-inch Necvox in-dash LCD monitor was installed and its sharp images and vibrant colours add a touch of realism to movies of all genres.

Signals leaving the DVA 9965E are channelled to a trio of VIBE BlackBox II power amplifiers. A single VIBE BlackBox II gives life to the SE-K Series tweeters which are mounted neatly on the A-pillars for optimised imaging. Another VIBE BlackBox II supplies power to the SE-K Series mid woofers mounted on the front doors. And the final VIBE BlackBox II juices up a single BlackAir II 12-inch subwoofer which then pumps out octaves of tight and punchy bass.

For added security, a 2-farad power capacitor was fitted to provide power back-up during

high drain moments, and a circuit breaker monitors and protects the amps in the event of overheating or a sudden power surge.

Joseph popped open the boot lid for an inspection and Foon Audio Garage’s signature ‘clean’ installation was evident. The amps were neatly arranged in a row behind the rear seatbacks and the subwoofer and capacitor were also neatly fitted into the spare tyre well. And to add even more aesthetic appeal, concealed blue neon lights bathe the entire boot in a mysterious blue hue which coincidentally matches the lighting of the aircon controls on the dash.

Having been suitably impressed with the installation, now all that is left for me to do is audition the

system and I used the a track from Christina Aguilera’s “Back To Basics” CD. “Candyman” was a hit here with its upbeat notes and rhythmic beats and the SE-K Series component speakers reproduced Christina’s famous 4-octave voice easily. Mid tones were crisp and the highs were clean.

Although the system is devoid of any sound processors or active crossovers, the overall clarity and musicality of the system is commendable. Best of all, the system is still upgradable and Joseph future plans includes a sound processor. But that can wait as Joseph has still not gotten tired of playing his favourite CDs and tuning to his favourite radio stations.

EQUIPMENT LIST 1 x Alpine DVA 9965E Multimedia Headunit 1 x Necvox 7-inch LCD Monitor 1 x VIBE SE-K Series Component Speaker System 3 x VIBE BlackBox II Power Amplifier 1 X VIBE 12-inch BlackBox II Subwoofer 1 X Circuit Breaker 1 X 2-farad Power Capacitor 1 X Navigation Module

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WORDS & PHOTOS C.K. LIM

RPM

THE RACE TO FINISH Besides the well-known Kallang carpark rallies and sprints, some of our local racing aces also take to the annual 12-hour endurance race taking place at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.

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Unknown to most, the Merdeka Millennium Endurance race (MME) is actually a replacement endurance race initiated by the then chairman of the Sepang International Circuit when Proton decided not to continue with its 500-km endurance race, celebrating Merdeka in Malaysia, after the 1999 race. Ever since then, the 12-hour MME has grown from strength to strength, attracting not just the teams and drivers from Malaysia but also from around the world – including our very own

sunny island Singapore.

Known as the Petronas Primax 3 Merdeka Millennium Endurance, this year’s race happened on the last Saturday of August, flagging off at 11am and concluding 12 hours later. The number of entries this year was overwhelming, with the management of the Sepang International Circuit receiving more than 100 entries (with each entry comprising of three drivers).

Out of the 100-odd entries received for this year’s MME were a handful of Singaporean drivers,

both well-known veterans along with up-and-coming newcomers.

Among the former are Ringo Chong, Bill Ng, Desmond Soh and James Ling while Ong Tek Wee and Joseph Tan are the two more notable drivers from the latter group.

Qualifying was held on Friday to pinpoint the 77 teams – the maximum number of cars Sepang International Circuit can accommodate for any one race, as certified by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile)

– which would take the grid the next day.

Ringo flew the Singapore flag high when he, along with his team mates in Porsche Club Singapore Racing Team, took the pole position with his blistering time of 2 minutes 9.654 seconds in a brand new 911 GT3 RSR. Bill, together with two celebrated Malaysian drivers as his team mates in the Proton R3 team, was fifth on the grid in a Lotus Exige 300RR (the same car that won the MME races in 2005 and 2006). Desmond fared very well by having qualified for 12th overall, at the same time taking the pole position for Class A, together with his team mates in the Team APP Mitsubishi, in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX. On the very first lap, another 911 GT3 RSR that was second on the grid successfully challenged the 911 GT3 RSR of Ringo’s team for

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the lead, leaving the former to fend off the attacks from the other front runners, including the hard-charging trio of the BMW Z4M Coupe of Petronas Syntium Racing Team, the (another) 911 GT3 RSR of Hong Leong-Kencana Racing and the Lotus Exige 300RR of Bill’s team Proton R3 Motorsports.

Further down in the middle of the field was a Honda Integra DC2 in Class B piloted by a team of Singaporean drivers, namely James Ling, Ong Tek Wee and Joseph Tan. Despite nearly missing the cut during qualifying, they drove consistently and superbly from their 50th grid position to slowly carve

a path through the pack. Even an unplanned off-track excursion into the tyre barrier towards the middle of the race did not put much dampener on their race strategy.

At 11pm, they became the 25th team to cross the finish line for the MME race.

The race-winning Lotus Exige 300RR of Bill’s team ran into electrical problems on lap 81 and had to retire. The 911 GT3 RSR of Ringo’s team developed a transmission problem after completing 113 laps, putting them out of action for a long while.

They did eventually head back onto the track to finish the race in

39th position. Desmond’s team’s Mitsubishi Lancer Evo had a brake problem in the second half of the 12-hour race that hampered their efforts but they managed to complete the race to take 34th position.

For the record, the top five finishers are the Hong LeongKencana Racing’s 911 GT3 RSR with 288 laps, the two Honda Civic Type Rs of Honda Malaysia Racing Team, with 283 and 282 laps, Team Nagacorp’s Honda Integra DC5 with 272 laps and the Js’ Racing Team’s Honda S2000 with 271 laps.

CLASS WINNERS Class O Mokhzani Mahathir / Sven Herberger / Lars Erik Nielsen, Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 288 laps Class A Hiroki Katoh / Shinya Hosokawa / Eddie Lew, Honda Civic Type R, 283 laps Class B Wong Yew Choong / Soh Kee Koon / Tek Kean Kang, Honda Integra DC5, 256 laps Class C Kenny Lee / Chris O’Shannessy / Sherwood, Toyota Corolla AE101, 259 laps

OVERALL PLACINGS 1. Mokhzani Mahathir / Sven Herberger / Lars Erik Nielsen, Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 288 laps 2. Hiroki Katoh / Shinya Hosokawa / Eddie Lew, Honda Civic Type R, 283 laps 3. Rueben. Wong / Fahrizal Hassan / Aaron Lim, Honda Civic Type R, 282 laps 4. Marcus Goh / Yasuhiro Kuhara. / Ken Yap, Honda Integra DC5, 272 laps 5. Umemoto Junichi / Kusumoto Yoshiharu / Nagano Kenya, Honda S2000, 271 laps 6. Shaun Juniper / Paul Kelly / Craig Bird, Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 270 laps 7. Helmi Ilyas / Adam Ilyas / Hisham Jahudi, Lotus Exige 240, 269 laps 8. Erwin Azizi / Adam Azizi / Johnson Chen, Honda Integra DC5, 268 laps 9. Keifli Othman / Peter Leemhuis / Tony Ford, Honda Integra DC5, 267 laps 10. Kenny Lee / Chris O’Shannessy / Sherwood, Toyota Corolla AE101, 259 laps

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WORDS & PHOTOS TONY TAN

WORDS & PHOTOS C.K. Lim

RPM

SINGAPORE’S FUTURE F1 DRIVERS The Singapore Motor Sports Association is sending two of our country’s best young kart drivers to the ROK World Finals, which is recognised as one of the premier events in the international karting calendar

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DRIVERS’ PROFILES

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Karting has long been considered as the entry point to four-wheeled circuit racing. In fact, karting is still one of the most popular forms of motorsports among the young and old and it is widely prevalent in all countries that have some form of motorsports culture.

So it is no surprise that many of the current crop of Formula 1 superstars such as Scuderia Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes’s Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, as well as ex-F1 World Champion, Michael Schumacher, all started their forays into motorsports by karting at an early age.

The late F1 great, Ayrton Senna, once said that “karting was the purest form of motorsports” while Michael Schumacher revealed that “everything I know about car control and racing, I learnt while karting”.

Karts may be small in size and the cost of buying and maintaining a kart is much cheaper than many other forms of motorsports, but the thrills and skills that are experienced and garnered are arguably second to none. Karts are not equipped with any suspension systems and they do not even have seatbelts but they are still one of the safest forms of motorsports.

Their simplicity also means that the driver just has to steer while controlling the brake and throttle, and hence, even youngsters can compete in karting races from just 8 years of age.

The ROK World Finals, which are sanctioned by the FIA (Federation Internationale de L’Automobile), are held annually and this year, the four-day event (11 - 14 October), will be held at the South Garda championship kart circuit which is situated just outside of Milan.

Every driver that is participating in the ROK World Finals has qualified through their national or regional karting competitions and over 100 of them will compete in one of four classes: 125 ROK (17 years old and above) 125 Junior ROK (13 to 16 years old) 125 Super ROK (17 years old and above) Mini ROK (8 to 12 years old) As a testimony to the importance and prestige placed on this event, last year’s winner of the 125 Junior ROK was selected for a Formula BMW scholarship which is one of the ‘launching pads’ for a possible racing career in Formula 1.

The SMSA (Singapore Motor Sports Association) will be sending two very promising young drivers, who have qualified as a result of their performance in races, to this prestigious event and we wish them well.

Both of them have extensive experience in karting and both are also teammates on Kart Master Singapore, a team run by Roland Chong, who is also a veteran of the local karting and motorsports scene.

Name Class Team Date of Birth Age Age (started karting) Competing (current)

Name Class Team Date of Birth Age Age (started karting) Competing (current)

Mohammad Nasri 125 ROK Kart Master Singapore 8 December 1988 18 8 2007 Asian Karting Open Championships.

Racing karts since the age of 9 in both Malaysian and Asian karting events.

Liam Gout Mini ROK Kart Master Singapore 22 March 1995 12 8 2007 Asian Karting Open Championships. Racing karts since the age of 9 in both Malaysian and Asian karting events.

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SPECIAL REPORT WORDS TONY TAN PHOTOS MICHELIN

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A SPORTS TYRE FOR ASIA Generation 2 of the Michelin Pilot Preceda is proving to be a real hit with Asian drivers who enjoy the benefits of a sports tyre without having to greatly sacrifice on ride comfort and noise.

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True Sport Tire (TST) construction, the ‘secret’ behind the Pilot Preceda’s enhanced response and handling, is a Michelin proprietary technology, which features high shoulder reinforcement, joint-less nylon caps and full-width steel beltlines.

And that’s not all.

Much research and development has gone into conceptualising, testing and finally, manufacturing the Pilot Preceda and many of its features are

incorporated as a result of a careful and complete study of driving conditions on Asian roads.

The asymmetrical tread design, derived from the Pilot Sport, ensures optimised handling on wet and dry roads while the Five-Radius Tread Profile (FRTP) ensures progressivity while driving on wet and slippery roads which means no sudden loss of traction which can be very dangerous. One prominent characteristic of the tread design are the four, long, circumferential grooves which harks of Formula 1 tyres and their wide and deep channels aid greatly in aquaplaning resistance.

Formula-G hybrid silica, a new sport compound formula, features the use of reinforced fillers made from silica and carbon black, blended with sulphur bridges.

This specialised

tyre compound allows for the even distribution of the reinforcing filler thereby improving wet grip drastically, without sacrificing wear and rolling resistance.

Away from the obvious performance benefits, the Pilot Preceda also takes into account the priority that Asian drivers place on a ‘quiet’ ride. Hence, optimised pitch distribution and arrangement of three-pitch variation reduces road noise greatly by lessening frequency peaks.

Michelin’s Pilot Preceda is ZR, W and V rated and there are more than 45 sizes available; ranging from 14 to 19 inches.

For more information on Michelin tyres, visit your nearest authorised Michelin dealer or visit www.michelin.com.sg

ABOUT TREAD DESIGNS Tread designs come in 3 generic patterns; symmetrical, directional and asymmetrical.

Symmetrical patterns look the same from all angles and can be fitted onto either side of the car.

Tyres with directional patterns have to be fitted in a specific direction usually characterised by an arrow marking on the sidewall. Last but not least, the outer sidewall of an asymmetrical tyre is marked “outside” while the inner sidewall is marked “inside” for fitment purposes.

Asymmetrical tyres provide a good compromise to the grip and wet paradox as they are equipped with larger and firmer blocks on the outer shoulder of the tyre to ensure cornering stability while the centre and inner zone contain more grooves for better water drainage to ensure better performance in wet conditions.

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SPECIAL REPORT WORDS & PHOTOS TONY TAN

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FIBRE-CLASS! The quality of Super Modern work is second to none. The question that begs to be answered is - how much attention can you and your car handle?

ABOUT BODY KITS

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Super Modern is a discrete operation, tucked away in a shop unit on the ground floor of the Mecca of car modification - Paya Ubi Industrial Park, or simply “Paya Ubi” to all mod enthusiasts.

Step into Super Modern and you will notice that it looks pretty much like any other modification cum accessories shop with a myriad of dress-up parts and components as well as posters shouting out the latest promotions and special deals, displayed all over the walls.

Look away from the high walls and look around the shop floor area as well as just outside and you realise that this is no ordinary operation. Partially hidden under covers is a stripped-out Chevy Aveo sedan with humongous wheel arches fabricated onto the bodywork. Behind it is a customer’s

jet-black Daihatsu Copen (a cute, kei-class convertible) complete with large bling-bling alloy wheels and spinners, and a loud-andproud body kit complete with large ‘aeroplane’ rear diffuser. There are also large full-colour photos of various kitted-out cars such as a Pagani Zonda-yellow Mitsubishi Lancer with a super-wide body kit and equally prodigiously large BBS alloy wheels, and a fullyfettled BMW 3-Series (E36) with a signature front air dam that features lighted neon lighting rods.

Indeed. Super Modern’s specialty lies in the field of bespoke or customised body kits and interior detailing and their cars have consistently swept the top awards at many competitions.

Fronted by their friendly boss, Ah Boy, and his crew of body work artists, Super Modern can turn your

run-of-the-mill four-door sedan into a street machine that would not look out of place on the set of “The Fast and The Furious”.

Take this bright yellow Honda Civic for example. Its owner wanted a new lease of life for his worn-out VTEC wonder and Super Modern ‘over-delivered’ i.e. made his eyes pop out and nearly made his heart stop! Take a look at the photos of this Super Civic and see for yourself the work and expertise that is required for this type of ‘Extreme Makeover’. Even though many new body panels and interior panels as well as the body kit had to be installed, the work and subsequent respray was done so professionally that everything blended seamlessly.

No unsightly joints and no wavy surfaces. Smooth as a baby’s bottom!

A bodykit or body kit is a collection of exterior modifications to a car, typically comprised of front and rear bumpers (fenders), side skirts, and spoilers. Body kits components are designed to complement each other and work together as a complete design. Despite this, the ‘mix and match’ approach is often seen on cars, where the front of one body kit will be matched with the rear of another. Body kits are usually constructed of either fibreglass or polyurethane. Polyurethane is popular with car enthusiasts because it is more resistant to damage and does not crack in cold weather. In some cases body kits may also be constructed of carbon fibre.

Factory fitted body kits are now becoming more common, perhaps in response to the growth of the aftermarket tuning industry. Visit www. onemotoring.com.sg for LTA’s guidelines on body kits.

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WORDS TONY TAN

SPECIAL REPORT

EC0FRIENDLY TYRE Goodyear’s popular passenger car tyre, the LS2000, has been upgraded with new technologies that make it environmentally friendly while still retaining its good driving characteristics

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HYBRID II is Goodyear Corporation’s latest invention which incorporates two environmentally friendly technologies in tyre manufacture.

The Eagle LS2000 is the latest tyre from Goodyear to benefit from this invention and this will pave the way for other tyre companies to follow suit.

HYBRID II incorporates BioTRED (see box) and Goodyear’s newest Value-TRED technology, which ensures longer tyre life by strengthening the molecular bond and ‘crookedness’ characteristic of the tyre compound. The ‘crookedness’ characteristic in particular, ensures that the rubber molecule chains are closely packed and tight, thus preventing fracture and reduces wear and tear. This enhances tyre longevity and best

of all, performance does not tail off drastically as the tyre wears.

The Eagle LS2000 HYBRID II also features the usage of NVR rubber, a special vibration-proof rubber, which reduces the transfer of vibration and noise to the cabin resulting in a quiet and comfortable ride.

Last but not least, the new pattern places greater emphasis on reducing the likelihood of uneven wear, and the new universal side design makes the tyre’s characteristics e.g. size, instantly recognisable and there is even an air pressure indicator!

The Goodyear Eagle LS2000 HYBRID II is available at Automotive Technology and all selected Goodyear dealers.

ABOUT Bio-TRED Bio-TRED uses an organic compound, derived from corn starch, as a polymer filler within the construction of the tyre thereby replacing traditional materials like silica and carbon black. The corn starch derivative is transformed into micro-droplets which undergo a special treatment to turn them into a biopolymeric filler which replaces part of the silica and carbon black. Due to its organic origin, Bio-TRED is a readily renewable resource which is a major step in the right direction for the environment.

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53 Ubi Ave 1, #01-36, Paya Ubi Industrial Park, Singapore 408934 Tel/Fax: 6256 8830 Email: supermodem_0136@yahoo.com

Your One-Stop Car Workshop, Accessories, Bodykits, Audio System, Engine Servicing, Air-Cond, Battery, Car Tyre, Sport Rim, Tinting.

Business Hour: 11.30am – 10.00pm (Mon-Sun Including Public Holiday)

Hyundai Getz (Customise Bodykit)

Honda Fit $380 with installation

Subaru WRX $450 with installation

Honda Fit $380 with installation

Muffler w/led $58 nett

Gauges 60mm Smoke Free (Volt+Vacuum+Boost)

6.5” component speaker x 2 set $298 w/installation

Universal Funnel $58/pc

$198 nett

Alarm Running Light $12 nett

Neon Light 8”, 10” 12”, 15”, 18” 24”, 36” 48” (Blue, Red, Purple, White, Green) from $18

Carpet (variety colour)

Alarm System w/shock sensor available $99/set

Disc Brake Cover $15 nett

Key Box (Mitsubishi, Toyota, Nissan..) $8 nett

BM Horn $15 with installation

Air Scoop $15 nett

Digital volt stabelizer & Grounding wire

6 X 9 3 Ways speaker 1 set from $50

ERP Cover $4 nett

Car Back-up Siren

Gauges 60mm w/white led (Volt+Vacuum+Oil Temp+Adaptor) $288 nett w/installation

Sport seat $500/pair Latest Full Set Car Body Kit (S/Swift, H/Jazz/Fit, T/Altis...)

0% Installment Plan available for DBS/POSB Credit card Holder.

We carry 5000 variety of car accessories, Audio, body kit.

We Accept: Nets / Visa / Master Card / Amex

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WORDS TONY TAN PHOTOS w

SPECIAL REPORT

MOVIE MAGIC ON THE MOVE These two featurepacked, multimedia wonders from Panasonic will have you and your family entertained for hours. Movies from DVDs and VCDs and music from CDs and portable music players, waiting will never be boring again!

■ Worrried about getting lost? Fit the optional GARMIN GPS/navigation unit.

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Headunits with LCD displays and DVD playback capability used to be only for those with deep pockets as these used to cost in excess of a couple of thousand dollars back in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s.

However, as with anything technology related, prices started falling as parts and components became cheaper and more available, and nowadays, many of the top names in ICE have LCD monitor-equipped headunits in their range.

Panasonic has four in their 2007 range and the CQ-VD6505 and CQ-VD5505 are two featurepacked headunits that will satisfy the cravings of any mobile movie and music addict.

Both are dual-din in size, with large, LCD displays (6505 – 6” and 5505 – 7”) with touch-screen capability, and digital multi-video processors for beautiful colours and high-resolution playback. Both also feature DVD Video, DVD-R/ RW and WMA/MP3 (CD-R/RW) playback and 5.1-channel Dolby Digital decoder (6505 – DTS and Dolby Pro Logic) so that you can

enjoy movies and music from a range of sources. The 5505 ups the ante by being a DivX certified product as it plays all versions of DivX video including DivX 6.

Powered by high-powered, built-in MOSFET amplifiers (6505 – 50W x 4 and 5505 – 45W x 4), both headunits feature graphic equalisers (6505 – 7 band and 5505 – 3 band) for sound tuning flexibility and 18 FM and 6 AM presets means that you can tune in to many your favourite radio stations and DJs. Additionally, the CQ-VD6505 is iPOD (music/video) ready, hands-free phone ready, and features high-pass and low-pass filters to ensure that subsonic signals are reproduced through a subwoofer only.

Last but not least, Panasonic’s proprietary SRS Circle Surround Automotive, a 3D sound technology which allows for a more natural sound field for a more ‘lifelike’ listening environment.

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ABOUT IN-CAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS

LTA’s guidelines on in-car entertainment systems states that the visual display unit (LCD) of the in-vehicle entertainment system should be installed such that it is not in the view of driver. If it is in the view of the driver, it shall have a function to automatically disable or switch off the visual display when the vehicle is in motion. The system shall not interfere with existing vehicle controls or instrumentation in any way. The electrical system shall be adequately protected against fire hazards.

The addition of in-vehicle entertainment systems must be carried out by qualified personnel in accordance with the system manufacturer’s recommendations.

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This new revolution oil contains Metal Fortifying Compound which impregnate metallurigically by the piston chamber at its mating friction surfaces. The metallurigical process creates a protection layer where the metal surfaces come into contact to each other. As a result of the Metal Fortifying Compound, friction will substantially be reduced and so does the engine wear. This will lead to major reduction of noise, vibration and great improvement of the engine stability.

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91 Defu Lane 10 Blk 7 397J, Woodland Road Bukit Batok East Ave 6 Paya Lebar Road Ang Mo Kio Ind Park 2A Paya Ubi Ind Park 50 Bukit Batok St 23 Ang Mo Kio Ind Park 2A AMK Autopoint 53 Ubi Ave 1 Paya Ubi Ind Park No. 7 Simon Road Northlink Building 10 Admiralty St Sin Ming AutoCare 176 Sin Ming Drive Blk 1007 Bukit Merah Lane 3 No.61 Defu Lane 12 Bedok Ind Park E

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Sole Distributor: Velocity Lab Pte Ltd No. 10 Ang Mo Kio Ind Park 2A, Autopoint #05-19 Singapore 568047 Tel: 6481 6164 Fax: 6481 6167

SPECIAL REPORT WORDS TONY TAN PHOTOS YANG

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MOBILE FORT KNOX Stop car thieves or better still, deter them with these multifunction security systems from one of the world’s best mobile security brands. Protects your prized four-wheeled possession, and the prized possessions in it

ABOUT CAR SECURITY SYSTEMS

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Originating from the USA, Crimestopper has been at the forefront of car security for many years. Crimestopper products have continually evolved with the times and technology, and they are wellrespected in the industry for their constant innovations which allows them to always stay a step ahead of would-be car thieves or carjackers.

The CS-2900 DP II FM and CS-2014 DP II TW2 systems are two of the top-notch products and they are featured-packed.

Security and paging features include 2-Way FM/FM paging remotes with LCD graphics for confirmation of alarm status, violation and remote engine start, which are powered by standard AAA batteries. These stylish units feature vibrating and audible alerts, and are available in carbon fibre or black texture finishes. Operating on a 433 MHz high frequency with an on-glass extended range antenna

which allows signals to penetrate garages, shopping malls and office buildings, these systems are also equipped with Crimestopper’s proprietary Dynamic-Code Anti-Code Grabbing Protection, Electronic Dual Stage/Dual Adjustment Shock Protection with Pre-Warning, 6-tone Siren with a super-loud 125dB level, remote panic protection and lots more.

Convenience features include DP II technology – a 2-way data port which allows for direct plug-in data modules, remote keyless entry, silent arm and disarm through the remotes, valet service mode and valet park mode with boot protection, programmable parking light illumination on disarm and 30 programmable options.

A car security system usually consists of an electronic device which works by emitting a high-volume sound (usually a siren or klaxon) when triggered or when the circuit is breached.

The system can be triggered by vibrations, tilting of the car, the opening or closing of doors and boot lid, and even using volumetric sensors. Many systems nowadays also feature immobilisers which prevents the engine from running unless the correct key, token or remote is used. This prevents the car from being ‘hot wired’ after entry has been achieved. Another new feature is the 2-way paging controller which allows the user to arm and disarm the system while also informing the user of threats made to the car.

Some 2-way systems even have an LCD icon display that can pinpoint the actual part of the vehicle being threatened.

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Asia Pacific Sole Distributor SQ Image (S) Pte Ltd

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

9/26/07 1:18:59 AM

SPECIAL REPORT WORDS & PHOTOS DAVID TING

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ADRENALIN JUNKIE

ADRENALIN CRUSH Bridgestone’s new RE001 Adrenalin, which combines the best of the S03 and GIII, delivers a winning performance both on the road and on the track

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Bridgestone’s launch of its new RE001 Adrenalin performance tyre was a textbook lesson on how to launch important new rubber properly. Firstly, they brought selected media late last year to Rome for a major ride-anddrive programme to demonstrate the merits of Adrenalin vis-à-vis the benchmark S03, with one of the well-thrashed demo cars being a Subaru Impreza WRX STI, one of the most popular sports saloons in the Asia Pacific, Adrenalin’s primary market. Secondly, they brought the same local media and some more of their compatriots to Malaysia’s Sepang F1 International Circuit for rubber-burning action closer to home, which proved the new tyre’s talents under controlled racetrack conditions and in our typical hot weather, with Mazda 6s as the

self-drive demonstrators and the splendid S03 as the ‘rival’ tyre.

The third stage saw Bridgestone distributing Adrenalin test tyres to an array of automotive writers and editors so they can review them using their own cars which they are very familiar with, in their own time and in the real world where initial impressions formed on a stagemanaged press event may change, for the better or for the worse.

Before we go into the roadtest proper, let’s recap the features of the tyre. Specially designed and engineered for Asia Pacific countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Australia, the Bridgestone RE001 Adrenalin aims to offer the best attributes from both the S03 (sportiness and serious grip) and the GIII (impressive performance-toprice ratio). Its overriding concept

The father of the RE001 Adrenalin is 44-year-old Stefano Modena, who has been working in Bridgestone’s Technical Centre Europe near Rome since 2003. Before that, he was a career racing driver whose competition CV includes two victories in the 1994 DTM, runner-up on the podium at the 1991 F1 Canadian Grand Prix, third place in the 1989 F1 Monte Carlo Grand Prix, the 1987 International Formula 3000 title, and several karting championships in the late ’70s and early ’80s as an official Bridgestone karter. The new RE001 was perfected based on Stefano’s deep knowledge of how tyres can dramatically change a car’s performance. This affable racer-at-heart knows exactly what is required of a tyre targeting a sporty drive and he, together with Bridgestone’s Adrenalin development team, has clearly delivered the goods.

“I loved the name the moment I heard it. Ever since I started racing at the age of 12, I raced every weekend and was always filled with adrenalin,” said Stefano Modena.

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is all-round capability in any and every car shod with it, regardless of road or driver, especially below the limits of adhesion. The technical elements of Adrenalin include an asymmetrical but non-directional tread design (for higher cornering force at lower steering angles), semi-slick shoulders (for maximum grip), three wide straight grooves (for excellent wet-weather performance at all roll angles), an inside offset twin rib (for better braking and traction), a new 3D centre block (for strong yet smooth response and stability) and a sizeable contact area (for superior steering feel). All the technology in Adrenalin follows the Potenza formula for fun and incorporates the latest advances in rubber science.

Our Adrenalin test-car is my February ’04 Ignis Sport, Suzuki’s sporty shoebox for budget boyracers. The 195/50 R15 RE001 replaces a same-sized set of Pilot Preceda 2, one of Michelin’s finest performers in the wet. As it turned out, the PP2s are even more steady than the RE001s over slippery small roads and they are generally quieter

too. The Adrenalins otherwise score higher through the seat of my pants. Dry grip is very good and this allows the car to carry a bit more speed through corners, while the steering has been significantly sharpened on turn-in, yet it remains progressive from lock to lock. The speedy Suzuki also tracks true from point to point like never before and

there is a newfound sense of ‘rubbery’ connectivity to the rolling front wheels and the tarmac below them.

Amazingly, Adrenalin continues to deliver even when the car is stationary, thanks to its stylish tread pattern that sports purposeful cuts, grooves and slashes in all the right places.

Even a hardcore driver needs to strike a pose sometimes, you know.

Adrenalin’s spin on sporty driving is indeed refreshing and the tyre can wear its Potenza tag with pride. So get your Adrenalin going by hitting the road hard with the best of Bridgestone, at least until the next better rubber comes along.

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WORDS & PHOTOS C.K. Lim

TUNED IN

V-KOOL INSTALLERS BATTLE IT OUT H

V-Kool, Singapore’s leading name in automotive films, held their Installers’ Challenge at Great World City over two days (Saturday 18 Sep and Sunday 19 Sep) at Great World City. Held in conjunction with CARMA on the ROAD, our very own roadshow, a total of seven teams, consisting of two members each, armed with years of V-Kool installation experience went head-to-head (or car-to-car) during the semi-finals on Saturday, with the top three teams making it to the final shootout on Sunday. In the semi-finals, teams had to install films on the front windscreen and front windows only while the finalists had to install films on all windscreens and windows. Teams were judged on the time taken for the install and points were deducted for bubbles, fingerprints, creases and dirt.

Overall cleanliness and appearance played a part in the judges’ assessment as well. The champion team walked away with $1000 cash prize, trophy and bragging rights as the best V-Kool installer in Singapore!

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TOMCZYK WINS AT THE NURBURGRING H

The eighth round of the DTM at the Nurburgring saw Martin Tomczyk (Audi) claim his second win of the season and the third of his career. After 43 laps at the 3.629 kilometres long circuit, Tomczyk crossed the finish line ahead of Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz). Mattias Ekstrom (Audi), who had started from tenth place, succeeded in making up seven positions and finished credibly in third place and earned the last spot on the podium making it another great weekend for Audi.

Elsewhere, Scot Paul di Resta (Mercedes-Benz) finished in sixth

place, behind Timo Scheider (Audi) and Jamie Green (Mercedes-Benz), as the best-placed driver with a 2005-spec car. The final pointscoring positions were taken by Bernd Schneider (Mercedes-Benz) and Tom Kristensen (Audi).

After eight rounds, the drivers’ standings sees Mattias Ekstrom leading with 44 points from Martin Tomczyk (40 points) and Bruno Spengler (34 points). With 20 points still at stake, reigning DTM champion Bernd Schneider still has theoretical a chance of a successful title. He currently lies in fourth position with 27.5 points.

STAMFORD TYRES ROLLS OUT THEIR BEST H

Stamford Tyres participated at CARMA on the ROAD, held at Great World City from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 September. Many of the latest SSW (Stamford Sport Wheels) alloy wheels were on display to tempt shoppers and browsers alike. Also showcased was the full

range of Continental Tyres which include the ContiSport Contact 3 and ContiPremium Contact 2.

For a full range of SSW and Continental Tyres, visit any Stamford Tyres MegaMarts and Stamford Tyres Express outlets located all over Singapore.

NISSAN Z TAKES 2ND PLACE FINISH AND 2ND IN TEAMS’ CHAMPIONSHIP

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Round 7 of the SUPER GT Series was held on a bright and sunny Sunday (9 Sep) at the Twin Ring Motegi (4.801km/lap).

The MOTUL AUTECH Z (#22) with drivers Michael Krumm and Tsugio Matsuda started the race from 4th position on the grid and came home in a commendable 2nd place thereby promoting the team to 2nd place in the championship.

A total of 38,000 spectators witnessed the start of the formation lap for the 300km race at 2pm. Matsuda started the #22 Z from the second row of the grid and immediately attempted to latch onto the tail of the leader on the opening lap. Without warning, the #32 NSX in front spun and he was

up to 3rd by the time he crossed the finish line for the first time.

Matsuda drove carefully so as not to wear out the tyres prematurely before passing the car over to Michael Krumm on lap 28. Krumm took over for the rest of the race and began in pursuit of the #38 SC430 ahead while fending off the challenge of the #6 SC430 from behind. Just when it seemed that he would stay in 4th position for the rest of the race, the #38 SC430 stopped with only 5 laps to go. Krumm benefited from this piece of good fortune and eventually crossed the line in 2nd place at the end of 63 gruelling laps.

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WORDS & PHOTOS C.K. Lim

TUNED IN

2ND...BY JUST 3 TENTHS! H

Sebastien Loeb, Daniel Elena and their Citroen C4 WRC came out of their exceptionally fierce three-day fight on the Rally New Zealand (31 Aug – 2 Sep) to finish just three tenths of a second short of the eventual winner Marcus Gronholm in the 11th round of the championship.

A steady run from Dani Sordo/ Marc Marti in the second Citroen Sport car saw them secure important points with a 6th place finish.

Going into the final day, superspecial which ends the rally, Loeb had a deficit of seven tenths of a second to make up. Encouraged

by everyone at Citroen Sport who had come from the nearby service park to watch, Loeb and Elena put in a faultless run with their Citroën C4 to finish four tenths of a second ahead of Gronholm but this was still an agonising three tenths short.

ONE-TWO FOR FERRARI AT FIA GT CHAMPIONSHIP AT ADRIA H

At the seventh run of the FIA GT Championship 2007, Ferrari secured a double win at the Adria race track in Maranello on 9 September. Two F430 GTs, set up by the Corse Clienti department in Maranello, and started by the Italian AF Corse Motorola Team, piloted by Mueller/Vilander and Bruni/Ortelli, gained first and

second spot in the GT2 category respectively. Third spot went to the Porsche of Collard/Malucelli.

With this one-two finish, Ferrari strengthens its hold in the constructors’ championship, ahead of Porsche.

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RE-LAUNCH OF VOLVOSG H

VolvoSG Club is the official home of Volvo enthusiasts in Singapore, serving as a platform for members to share information, exchange ideas, and discuss common interests in the Swedish marque and other automotive issues. VolvoSG Club traces its humble beginnings to different groups of Volvo car owners who were members of various Hotmail mailing lists and mycarforum.

These groups consequentially found one another and started meeting up regularly. This led to the creation of a dedicated site at Delphiforums - Volvo Sg in 2003.

Over the years, the forum has moved ‘home’ various times - Delphiforums to volvosg.netonlin. org to VolvoSG.com, and finally to VolvoSGclub.com today.

While the club remains as a Volvo ownership interest group, it has recently adopted a partnership approach with the local Volvo dealership to promote the Volvo

marque and to provide constructive feedback to the dealership.

This led to the re-launch of their forum which was announced and celebrated at a special gathering held at SM Motors at Alexandra Road.

The club currently has over 800 members, hailing from Singapore, across the causeway, down under, UK and even the USA. It is managed by volunteers who take pride in maintaining the forum as a platform run by members for members. Besides discussing cars, forum members also meet regularly for social events such as drinks, meals, picnics and motoring trips.

VolvoSG Club welcomes members, including non-Volvo drivers and aspiring car owners, as long as they have a strong passion for motoring, particularly a keen interest Scandinavian safety and performance automobiles.

Membership is free.

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OPTIONS WORDS TONY TAN PHOTOS YANG

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SILENT VSD3 This ingenious device enhances the ignition system and raises voltage output from 12 to 17 volts output. Even during high drain situations, it works by ensuring that the ignition coil will continuously provide stable voltage. Ideal for the latest direct ignition systems. Other advantages include a significant reduction in oil consumption, minimising voltage reduction, reduce shut-off risks and greatly lowers CO and HC production.

Silent Pro Shop, tel: 6779 6383/6475 8500, www.silent.com.sg

SILENT LIGHT TUNE PACKAGE Three packages to choose from – A, B or C, which comprise a combo of SILENT bolt-on accessories, these packages are suitable for most cars. Improves fuel economy while giving your car that added punch. There is one to suit your budget and requirements.

Silent Pro Shop, tel: 6779 6383/6475 8500, www.silent.com.sg

SILENT BRAKE BOOSTER This simple looking cylindrical device, with its sporty finishing, enhances the braking system of any car using the vacuum created by the car’s engine.

Makes driving safer and braking more predictable and more powerful.

Easily installed and constructed from high-quality stainless steel.

Silent Pro Shop, tel: 6779 6383/6475 8500, www.silent.com.sg

SILENT VOLT STABILISER Easily installed, this device will enhance horsepower instantly. It works by stabilising the voltage supply which can be disrupted and intermittent because of the functioning of electrical systems such as the ignition system, air-conditioning system and headlights. A stabilised voltage ensures longer component life and also reduces oil and fuel consumption.

Silent Pro Shop, tel: 6779 6383/6475 8500, www.silent.com.sg

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BC COILOVERS These high-quality coilovers consist of a matched pair of damper and springs. The dampers feature multi-adjustability and the springs have been tuned to complement the performance of the dampers. Manufactured from high-quality materials, this coilovers also sport and durable yet stylish finish.

Endows your car with improved looks and also enhanced handling and grip. Applicable to a wide range of cars.

Racing Technology Pte Ltd, tel: 6844 4644

SUMMIT RACING STRUT BAR A simple yet highly effective bolt-on chassis enhancement, this strut bar is manufactured for the highest quality steel. It works by anchoring the top mounts of the front suspension so as to reduce lateral flex while cornering. Keeps bodyroll to a minimum and enhances the tyres’ grip on the road.

Racing Technology Pte Ltd, tel: 6844 4644

ADM AIR CHARGER 2 This electronically driven supercharger features a variable speed system and controller which monitors the engine loading at all times and hence varies the turbine speed to match it. As a result, the gains in power and torque are immediately experienced, especially at lower engine speeds (<4000rpm) which is where drivers spend most of their time. Bolt-on and featuring a highly-durable chassis, this air charger also ensures a more complete air-fuel burn thereby optimising fuel economy.

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

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OPTIONS WORDS TONY TAN PHOTOS YANG

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AT57

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.

Chuan Lee Hin Tyres Trading, tel: 6862 6818

This simply styled wheel has a unique number of spokes – 9 but their symmetrical layout and slightly trapezoidal cross sections give the AT57 a timeless appeal. The design also allows for easy matching with a wide range of cars. Each spoke also sports a polished face and black sides for a two-tone finish.

17-inch size available only.

Enmaru Trading, tel: 6262 1010

KRU KRU is cool! Despite being only 15 inches in diameter, this wheel looks much larger as result of its slim spokes which extend right out to the wheel’s lip. Coupled with the more compact centre, neatly finished off with a small cap, this wheel will enhance the outlook for most superminis and medium-sized family sedans. Available in two-tone copper bronze, champagne gold, dark grey and hyper silver finishes.

Enmaru Trading, tel: 6262 1010

PENNZOIL PLATINUM

MAGLITE If your car has huge brake calipers and disc rotors, or you just like a unique yet modern take on the multi-spoke wheels then the MAGLITE is for you. Four spokes, situated at right angles to each other and extend outwards towards just inside the wheel lip. Simple yet outstandingly eye-catching. Available in bright silver, gunmetal, hyper silver and front polish/black side finishes. Choose from 15 or 16-inch sizes.

Enmaru Trading, tel: 6262 1010

PENNZOIL, America’s leading lubricant and car care company, has released their Platinum range of motor oils. This is fully synthetic engine oil contains special protective additives for the ultimate in engine protection that exceeds USA and European industry standards like ILSAC GF-4, API SM and ACEA performance. It features time-released molecules to continuously lubricate, cool and clean to provide protective lubrication against extremely high engine temperatures caused by stop-and-go driving. Available grades are 5W30, 5W40 and 5W50.

UMW Equipment & Engineering Pte Ltd, tel: 6265 3155, christine.tok.pc@umweepl.com.sg

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Amplifiers

CPW 4090 - RCP : $1,658 100w x 4 @ 4ohms stereo 150w x 4 @ 2ohms stereo 300w x 2 @ 4ohms mono

CPW 4060 - RCP : $1,328 60w x 4 @ 4ohms stereo 100w x 4 @ 2ohms stereo 200w x 2 @ 4ohms mono

CPW 2300 - RCP : $4,848

CPW 2110 - RCP : $1,218

300w x 2 @ 4ohms stereo 500w x 2 @ 2ohms stereo 1000w x 1 @ 4ohms mono

120w x 2 @ 4ohms stereo 190w x 2 @ 2ohms stereo 390w x 1 @ 4ohms mono

CPW 2060 - RCP : $888 60w x 2 @ 4ohms stereo 100w x 2 @ 2ohms stereo 200w x 1 @ 4ohms mono

2 Way Component Speakers

KCA 01 - RCP : $918

KCA 03 - RCP : $448

6.5 inch 2 way Component Speaker | FS : 50 Hz - 20 kHz Peak Power : 100 watts

6.5 inch 2 way Component Speaker | FS : 63 Hz - 20 kHz Peak Power : 80 watts

Low Mid Woofers

CM 205ND - RCP : $898 (per piece) 8 inch Low Mid-Woofer FS:75Hz–5kHz Neodymium Magnets, Ogive phase plug

CW 135/175 - RCP : $1038/$1268 5.5 & 6.5 inch low mid woofer FS:42Hz–8kHz

CW 171 - RCP : $1078 6.5 inch low mid woofer FS:64Hz–5kHz

CW 162 - RCP : $658 6.5 inch low mid woofer FS:40Hz–2.2kHz

CM 510 - RCP : $818 2 inch planet dome mid FS:450Hz–10kHz

CM 087 - RCP : $238 3.5 inch mid range FS:122Hz–10kHz

Master Distributor of S.E.Asia: WIZE ELECTRONICS PTE LTD TEL: (65) 6774 6065 EMAIL: terencenah@wize.com.sg WWW.WIZE.COM.SG

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Tweeters

Hi-Mid Speakers

CM 100 - RCP : $258 4 inch mid range FS:110Hz–7kHz

Sub-Woofers

CT 262 - RCP : $448 26mm soft dome tweeter FS:1kHz–20kHz

CM 500 - RCP : $588 2 inch dome mid FS:550Hz–5kHz

CT 267 - RCP : $638 26mm Aluminium horn tweeter FS:1.8kHz–25kHz

CT 266 - RCP : $568 26mm soft dome tweeter FS:800Hz–20kHz

CW 330 - RCP : $1068 12 inch SVC SPL sub-woofer FS:40Hz–500Hz

CS 252S/322S - RCP : $548/$848 10 / 12 inch DVC sub-woofer FS:33Hz–500Hz

CS 330 - RCP : $1338 12 inch DVC SPL 2 +2 ohm sub-woofer FS:40Hz–500Hz

CS 250 - RCP : $298 10 inch DVC sub-woofer FS:55Hz–250Hz

Authorised dealers Chuan Sing Auto Accessories Blk 202 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3A #01-1670 | Blk 29 Sin Ming Drive #01-229 | 23 Serangoon Garden Way | 21 Toh Guan Road East #01-121/122 Toh Guan Centre • Dynasty Sound Craft Blk 1001 Bukit Merah Lane 3 #01-57 • Dai-Ichi 1 Rochor Canal Road #01-40/07 Sim Lim Square • Hong Guan Auto 20 Bukit Batok Cresent #01-18 Enterprise Centre • King’s Way Sound Garage Blk 1060 Eunos Ave 3A #01-186/188 • Namhuat Auto Accessories Blk 176 Sin Ming Drive #02-22 Sin Ming Auto care | Blk 352 Jurong East St 31 #01-131 | 21 Toh Guan Road East #01-14 Toh Guan Centre • New Generation Autosound No.53 Ubi Ave 1 #01-44 Paya Ubi industrial Park

9/25/07 6:57:45 PM

OPTIONS WORDS TONY TAN PHOTOS YANG

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STR (STREET-RACE) One look at the STR and Jap performance tuners comes instantly to mind. Eight angular spokes and a deeply scalloped centre are the design highlights and the two-tone copper bronze or hyper silver finishes are both equally eye-catching and attractive. Available in 15-inch size only.

Enmaru Trading, tel: 6262 1010

OSRAM SILVERSTAR These halogen headlight lamps distribute light much better in front of the vehicle in the 50 to 75 metre range that is crucial for safety and they are also able to project up to 50% more light. This means that the light beam is extended by up to 20 metres. Design-conscious car owners will also like the silver caps which give the headlights a characteristic look and which retain its shine throughout its life.

Juan Kuang Pte Ltd, tel: 6743 0911

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RMP LUG PERFORMANCE Ten spokes with stylised centres and parallel edges are the highlights of this forged three-piece alloy wheel. Deeply dished with a compact centre cap and shiny lip, this wheel is available in a 20-inch size and it is suitable for only Japanese cars. Prices start from $1680 per piece.

Available at all Stamford Tyres MegaMarts and Express outlets

RAYS ENGINEERING TE37 This alloy wheel from famous Japanese wheel maker â&#x20AC;&#x201C; RAYS ENGINEERING is practically an icon among performance alloy wheels. Used by many Japanese tuners and motorsports personalities the TE37 is finished in a sporty Mercury Silver and its forged construction guarantees strength while keeping the weight down. Designed for the Nissan Skyline and available in 20-inch size only. Prices start from $2350 per piece.

Available at all Stamford Tyres MegaMarts and Express outlets

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OPTIONS WORDS TONY TAN PHOTOS YANG

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SSW 078 This gorgeous alloy wheels are characterised by their cool looking anodized bronze finish. Featuring fourteen slim spokes which are â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;paired upâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and angled towards the wheel lip, the SSW 078 is suitable for most Japanese cars and come is 15 to 17-inch sizes. Prices range from $170 to $265 per piece.

Available at all Stamford Tyres MegaMarts and Express outlets

SSW 075 Available only in a humongous 20-inch size, the SSW 075 features a design that harks of famous German alloy wheel makers. Choose from Hyper Silver/Stainless Chrome Lip and Full Polish/Mirror Lip Polish finishes and revel in the much vaunted two-piece look with bolts around the wheel edge and a deep dish profile. Suitable for most Japanese cars. Prices range from $580 to $660 per piece.

Available at all Stamford Tyres MegaMarts and Express outlets

SSW 059 A truly avant-garde design is the signature of this alloy wheel.

The centre features twelve curved black-finished spokes which are offset with three boomerang-shaped polished spokes. With only a 20-inch size available, only attention-seeking Japanese car owners need apply. Prices start from $580 per piece.

Available at all Stamford Tyres MegaMarts and Express outlets

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SSW 012 Another large alloy wheel from SSW, the 012 is available in two finishes- Full Polish/Gunmetal and Full Polish Black. A timeless twelve, paired spoke design with a deep dish makes this a great choice for large Japanese sedan owners. Only available in 19-inch size. Prices start from $450 per piece.

Available at all Stamford Tyres MegaMarts and Express outlets

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EXCLUSIVE DEAL! SPECIAL PROMOTION FOR OCT

3

$6999

Front apron Side sills Rear spoiler lip Rear apron end panel Roof spoiler Sport rear muffler (with 2 tailpipes)

Series E90

5

$7999

Front apron Side sills Rear spoiler lip Rear apron end panel incl. diffuser Roof spoiler Sport rear muffler

Series E60

6

$9999

Front apron Side sills Rear spoiler Rear apron end panel with inte. diffuser Roof spoiler Sport rear muffler

Series E63

7

$8999

Front apron Side sills Rear spoiler Rear apron end panel with inte. diffuser Roof spoiler Sport rear muffler (with 2 tailpipes)

Series E65

E92

$6999

X5

$6999

Z4

$6999

MINI

$4999

AMG Styling IV

AMG Styling VI

BRABUS Monoblock VI

BRABUS Monoblock S

BBS RS-GT

HAMANN Edi. race

HAMANN Anni I

ACS Type IV

RAYS - Prog. ME

WORKS LS 105

KBS MOTORSPORT PTE LTD 176 Sin Ming Drive, #01-14/15 Sin Ming AutoCare Singapore 575721 Tel: +65 6451 5333 Fax: +65 6452 5333 Email: chloe@kbsmotorsport.com.sg, lkj_mbm@yahoo.com.sg

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ADM P erformance Tuning 6/12 Months installment for DBS/POSB/Maybank Visa/Mastercard. * Minimum $500

Checkout our Package Deals and Tuning Tips at www.autodesigns.com.sg Special Promotion for Oct: ADM Carbon Charger Air Intake for Mazda 3, Toyotas, Kia/Hyundai, Chevy, Fit/Jazz/Airwave and others, $240 Nett w/install

DEFI Performance Meters (Japan) Call for prices.

ADM Air Charger2 • • • • • • •

Electric SuperCharger for light turbo effect.

Increases Power & Torque Dynotest Locally Variable Speed Electronic Controller Read Review on our Website $680 w/installation Beware of Imitations! ADM Air Charger2 is the ONLY brand with a Electronic Variable Speed Controller!”

Unichip Q Tuning Computer • Customized Tuning for up to 30% Power/ Torque • Instant Throttle Response • Improve CVT Gearbox Response • Speed Cut Removal • Turbo boost Control • Multiple Maps • 156 Tuning Points • From $900 w/installation • Plug & Play Harness available for limited models

ProSport Step Master Smoke Gauges ADM Bolt-On Turbo Kits • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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) 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

Philips Performance Bulbs • Brighter & Whiter • LTA Compliant

Violence VSD-II • • • • •

Better Ignition Power Boosts 12V Voltage to 16V Better Power & Response Better Fuel Consumption $320

5-Star Spring Adjuster • • • •

DENSO Iridium Spark Plugs • Increased Performance • Better Fuel Consumption • $80

Stiffens Soft Springs Improved Handling Reduces Rear Squating $90/installation

ADM Engine Oil Cooler

• • • • •

Improved Power & Torque High Flow Rate Removes Intake Restrictions LTA Compliant Available for most cars & models

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• 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

• Made in USA • Designed for High Performance Engines • Reduces Engine Temperature • Increased Engine Performance • Longer Oil Lifespan • Reduces Engine Wear & Tear • From $520 w/installation

Suzuki SuperCharger • • • • • • •

Easy to Fit & Remove Increase 50% Power & 45% Torque Retains Exhaust System Instant Throttle Response Includes Piping & ECU Locally Dynoed Power increase 56bhp $5900 w/installation

Silver’s Ground Wires Sequential Shift Lamp • Best Acceleration Timing • Maximize Engine Power • Change Gears at Best RPM • Shift Light & Buzzer • Basic $88, Sequential $128

ADM HUD Heads Up Display • Similar to HUDs in fighter planes.

• Display Speed in Kph/Mph. • Speed Warning Setup.

• Auto Brightness Control.

• 0-100kph Timing. ¼ Mile Timing.

• IR Remote Control.

• $230 w/installation

• Improved Electrical System • Improved Charging, Better Performance • Improved Throttle Response

ADM Enlarged Brake Discs • 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 Lancer, Mazda 3, Wish, Swift, Vios • From $430 w/installation

Splitfire V-Firestorm Spark Plugs

ADM AutoTrans Cooler • Reduces Gearbox Temperature • Increases Lifespan • Better Gerabox Response • Works for CVT & Normal Autos • USA • $240 w/installation

ADM Carbon Charger

ADM Power Pass • Removes Load from Aircon • Regains 10bhp & 15Nm, • Improves Acceleration & Response • Works well on Lancer, Mazda, Impreza, Hyundai • $225

• Increased Power & Torque • USA • Last 10,000km

Bellon Power Voltage Stabilizer

Autodesigns Motorsports Pte Ltd,

• • • • • • • •

51 Bukit Batok Crescent, Unity Centre #05-21, S658077.

Tel: 6566 5912 Fax: 6566 5916 Email: info@autodesigns.com.sg Website: www.autodesigns.com.sg Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10.30am to 6pm. Sunday Closed.

Made In Japan LED Battery Strength Display Improved Charging Better Performance Improved Throttle Response Improved Fuel Consumption Improved Stereo Response Price: $210

Sprint Booster • • • • •

Improves the Response of E-Throttle Faster Throttle Response Instant Acceleration Faster Overtaking $400 w/install

9/26/07 1:04:41 PM

South East Tyre Co. BBS alloy wheels. Available for Japanese cars & Saab,

BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Opel.

Bridgestone Potenza RE01R

RE050 RG-R

RS-GT

LM-R

Ultra Light Weight BBS® - Gold Die Forged Wheels ACQ (Air Craft Quality) AVAILABLE NOW RE001

We provide the following services: • Alloy wheel refurbishing (no re-painting) • Special internal punture repairs (safe and permanent) • Nitrogen gas N2 for road and race use. $32 per set of 4 tyres (available at Kaki Bukit only) • We are Bridgestone-certified Run Flat Tyre specialists • We DO NOT use impact wrench to fasten wheels.

• Super sports for the street!

• Very stable yet comfortable • Progressive in both dry and wet • New generation technology throughout

CK II Air

Also available model A1, CV,CO,VZ,RF,RZ,RC CY II Air (coming soon)

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VIEW OUR WIDE RANGE OF RIMS AT OUR KAKI BUKIT OUTLET

COME VISIT US AT: SOUTH EAST TYRE - KAKI BUKIT (Wider range of rims and tyres available) No. 10 Kaki Bukit Road 1 #01-20 KB Industrial Building Singapore 416175 Tel: 68442288 Monday to Saturday: 8.30am to 6.00pm Sunday: 9.30am to 12.30pm Closed on Public Holidays

SOUTH EAST TYRE - MARINE PARADE Blk. 58 Marine Terrace #01-49 Singapore 440058 Tel: 62417665 Monday to Saturday: 8.30am to 6.00pm Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays

9/25/07 10:19:46 PM

CONTEST & PROMO WORDS TONY TAN PHOTOS YANG

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www.carma.com.sg

DRIVE A DECAL

GET SPOTTED AND WIN POLISHING PACKAGES You drove our decal and we spotted you!

Congratulations to the owner of SGM6940X. Please write in to carma@sph.com.sg by 31 October 2007 to claim your prize.

SGM6940X )

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 car-polishing package 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.

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CARMA ON THE ROAD @ GREAT WORLD CITY 14 – 16 SEPTEMBER 2007

WINNERS Thanks to all who participated in the activities held at Carma on the road @ Great World City. Congratulations to the following winners, our marketing personnel will be in touch with you shortly:

Grand Lucky Draw

1st Prize: Vibe Car Audio System worth $1100 Tan Leng Joo Bernard S7208306G 2nd Prize: V-Kool Eurospec Package worth $900 Alex R. Bachok S7120445F 3rd Prize: Mio Men’s Jewellery Set worth $200 (3 sets) Teo Tiong Yong S1390347F Jeremiah Liow S7306083D Lawrence Ang S8002436C ‘ ‘Guess the Decals’ Contest The total number of decals on the car is 136!

1st Prize: 3mendouz Polarized Car Paint Treatment worth at least $350 Poh Kee Guan Richard S7048486B 2nd Prize: 3M Car Mats worth $200 (4 sets) Lee Pek Lin Pearline S7725179J Victor Goh S7712186B Tan Jian Hong S8025956G Karen Tan S8013628E 3rd Prize: Chevrolet Captiva Scale Model, Champagne Flutes, Passport Holder worth $190 Ng Joo Gek S1308455F Other Prizes: Chevrolet Captiva Scale Model and Passport Holder worth $130 (2 sets) Derwin Wu S7623032C Richard Lee Eng Keong S7324434Z Chevrolet Champagne Flutes worth $60 (2 sets) Fong Ming Wei Justin S8010766H Jean Teo Li Hui S8200476I A big thank you to the following sponsors for the above prizes:

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CARMA MAGAZINE 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 NAME:

SUBSCRIBE TO CARMA NOW! Enjoy 20% off the usual price First 20 subscribers this month will receive Fridge-to-go portable refridgerator which chills its contents for up to 8 hours

GENDER: M / F NRIC: DATE OF BIRTH:

Colour of actual product may vary from picture

ADDRESS:

OR ONLY F S! RIBER SUBSC

POSTAL CODE:

FIRST

CONTACT NUMBER:

20

(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

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 Oct 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 31st Oct 2007.

• Subscription rates are applicable to Singapore addresses only.

AMEX

NAME OF CARDHOLDER

CARD NUMBER

EXPIRY DATE

SIGNATURE

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