Audi Q4 Sportback with century sprint of 6.3 seconds

The Q4 Sportback e-tron concept, Audi's latest electric car, will go into production next year.

Like the Audi e-tron, the battery-powered compact "sport utility vehicle-coupe" is driven by two motors with a system output of 225kW going to four wheels.

It accelerates from zero to 100kmh in just 6.3 seconds. Top speed is restricted to 180kmh and the range is around 450km.

A rear-wheel-drive version will have a range of more than 500km.

VW Tiguan goes electric

Volkswagen's latest Tiguan is now available as a plug-in hybrid. The Tiguan eHybrid can reach speeds of up to 130kmh in full electrical mode.

Elsewhere, the Tiguan R has a new all-wheel-drive system with selective wheel torque control. Inside, a new infotainment system offers a higher level of connectivity.

Most powerful Lambo convertible

Lamborghini has unveiled a topless version of its Sian supercar.

The Sian Roadster is a limited-edition, open-top hybrid powered by a V12 engine - the Italian marque's most powerful to date - and augmented by a supercapacitor hybrid system.

Ferrari Roma in town for preview

Ferrari has brought in a left-hand-drive Roma for a preview here and the car looks as stunning in real life as it does in pictures.

Priced at $888,000 before the certificate of entitlement, the front-engined 2+2 coupe sits just above the $855,000 entry-level Ferrari Portofino.

Mr Dieter Knechtel, president of Ferrari Far East and Middle East, says its elegant and understated style will draw new customers to the brand, which is known mostly for its aggressive sports cars. But he does not say how much it will change Ferrari's volume, which crossed 10,000 last year, but is likely to shrink this year.

From the outside, the Roma stands apart from other Ferraris with its softer lines, perforated grille and the absence of side emblems. Inside, its cockpit is modern, with a slim vertical infotainment screen taking centre stage.

Mr Knechtel says the car will arrive here by next February.

Porsche Cayenne GTS with V8 power

The Porsche Cayenne GTS range is now available with a V8 engine. Both the Cayenne GTS and Cayenne GTS Coupe will have a V8 heart pumping out 460hp and 620Nm.

The 4-litre biturbo engine offers significantly improved performance from the previous V6. Both GTS models sprint from zero to 100kmh in 4.5 seconds and to a top speed of 270kmh.

Toyota sets up financial services arm in Singapore

Toyota Financial Services, the world's largest vehicle financier, has set up an office here to tap into Singapore's small but lucrative market.

Toyota Financial Services Singapore opened for business on Thursday and has 15 employees at Toyota agent Borneo Motors' showroom in Leng Kee Road.

Ms Jasmmine Wong, chief executive of Inchcape Greater China and Singapore, says the new firm is "simply an additional financing option".

It will offer an introductory interest rate of 1.88 per cent and a "buy now, pay later" programme, where instalment payments start only in the 13th month.

Revamped Audi A4 available now

Audi's refreshed A4 bestseller is out and looking sportier than ever. It gets a new connected MMI infotainment screen and a mild hybrid system.

The updated A4 is now available at Audi Centre Singapore, priced from $182,540 with a certificate of entitlement.

Two engine variants - both 2.0 TFSI - are available initially. Both feature a 12-volt mild hybrid system which promises better efficiency. Later, a more powerful quattro variant will join them.