Coming soon: Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV
Three years ago, Rolls-Royce announced - to the shock of many - that it would create a sport utility vehicle (SUV). Last week, the BMW-owned British marque said the new model will be called Cullinan. Named after the largest diamond ever found, the Roller SUV promises the landed gentry a new world view - a few inches more off the ground.
Lotus agent Richburg bows out
Parallel importer and Lotus agent Richburg has pulled out of Singapore. The Hong Kong-based company set up shop here 16 years ago, specialising in premium Toyota models such as the Estima and Alphard. It built up a reputation for having a no-nonsense approach to sales and credible after-sales support.
Five years ago, it clinched the Lotus franchise, but had far less success with it than it had with Toyota.
Lotus, now under China's Geely group, may soon have more competitive products. It recently launched the 3-Eleven 430, its fastest street-legal model. Only 20 of the carbon racer will be made.
Richburg was unreachable for comment. Trans-Eurokars has agreed to provide after-sales service to its customers.
New 585hp Mercedes-AMG G63
The new Mercedes-AMG G63 rides on a new AMGdeveloped suspension and is powered by a 585hp 4-litre biturbo V8 mated to a fast-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission. The extremely beefy G-class car will accommodate wheels of up to 22 inches.
488 Pista equipped with the most powerful Ferrari V8
Behold the 488 Pista, successor to Ferrari's V8engined special series - namely, the 360 Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia and 458 Speciale. Compared with the 488 GTB, the new model weighs 90kg less at 1,280kg (dry). Its engine is the most powerful V8 in Ferrari history, punching out 720 horsepower, with the highest-in-class output of 185hp a litre. The car could arrive in Singapore by the first quarter of next year.
Transit app Moovit raises $66 million
Transit and mobility app provider Moovit has secured a US$50 million (S$66 million) Series D round of funds led by Intel Capital. All of its earlier investors participated, including Sequoia, BMW iVentures, NGP, Ashton Kutcher's Sound Ventures, BRM, Gemini, Vaizra, Vintage and newcomer Hanaco. Moovit's free app provides transit information to more than 120 million users in more than 2,000 cities in 80 countries. The company is said to have amassed the world's largest repository of transit data and generates more than one billion movement data points a day.
Citroen and Peugeot unveils new multipurpose vehicles
Citroen's third-generation Berlingo Multispace sports a funky design and two body sizes - M and XL, with body lengths of 4.4m and 4.75m, with five and seven seats.
Sister brand Peugeot has, meanwhile, renamed its Partner Teppe, Rifter. The Rifter comes with i-Cockpit, advanced safety features and a cargo-carrying capacity of up to 4,000 litres.
New BMW X4 revealed
BMW has unveiled its second-generation X4, just four years after the first one was launched. Two M Performance variants will be available - the X4 M40i and X4 M40d. The new X4 gains enhanced driving dynamics, tweaked exterior design and a suite of driver assistance systems and connectivity.
New Minis to come with 4G
From next month, all new Mini models will be available with in-built 4G connectivity. The refreshed Mini Connected will allow drivers to access personalised services on the go. The first models to be made available with this new feature are the 3-Door Hatch, 5-Door Hatch and new Convertible. One new feature is Concierge Service, available to BMW owners.
First three-cylinder engine for Volvo
Volvo Cars has launched a new 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo engine, which will first be used in the XC40. The new unit is the first three-cylinder engine in the company's 91-year history. Badged T3, it will be paired with a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic later on.
New Volkswagen Touareg to premiere in Beijing
The new Touareg will show off Volkswagen's large digital cockpit with Internet access. It will have air suspension, rear-wheel steering and roll stabilisation to keep its massive body on even keel. Volkswagen has decided on Beijing as the venue for its world premiere on March 23 - a sign that China will remain the Touareg's main market.
Volvo V60 equipped with the latest driver-support systems
Volvo Cars has unveiled the new V60 mid-size premium estate. It shares Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture platform with the new XC60 and three top-of-the-line 90-series cars. It will have the latest driver-support systems.
Mercedes-Benz C-class gets a revamp
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-class will wear headlamps with new interior design, tweaked front bumper and AMG Line radiator grille. LED headlights with long-range high beam are also available as an option.
Skoda Fabia gets an update
Skoda's facelifted Fabia gets redesigned front and rear ends, and four efficient 1-litre three-cylinder engines to choose from. They produce 60hp to 110hp. The most powerful of the quartets can be matched with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Christopher Tan
