Water-injected M4 GTS
BMW seems to have taken a cue from Porsche with the launch of the M4 GTS (left), a more powerful version of its M4 Coupe. Limited to just 700 units, the car marks the 30th anniversary of the BMW M3 next year.
The BMW M4 GTS uses the same 3-litre turbo engine as the M3 and M4, but adds innovative waterinjection technology for a substantial power boost. The waterinjection system raises the engine's output to 500bhp and 600Nm from 431bhp and 550Nm in the M4 Coupe. This allows the M4 GTS to hit 100kmh in 3.8 seconds and a regulated top speed of 305 kmh.
Singapore Motorshow returns
The Singapore Motorshow will return for a new edition from Jan 14 to 17 at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. Featuring 24 vehicle brands, the show will occupy two floors. Level 4 is dedicated to vehicle brands, while Level 3 will feature automotive accessories, products and services. Tickets are priced at $6 and entry is free for those below 120cm.
There will be a limited number of special preview tickets at $10 each. These will allow visitors to enter the show at 1pm on Jan 14, instead of 5pm on the same day, when it is open to the public. Tickets will be available on-site.
Volvo reveals autopilot
Volvo Cars has designed an autonomous system that is simple and intuitive. The IntelliSafe autopilot is activated and deactivated via paddles on the steering wheel. When entering a route where autonomous driving is available, the car gives the driver a message that the autopilot is ready.
At the same time, lights on the steering-wheel paddles start flashing. The driver pulls both paddles simultaneously to activate autonomous mode. The lights on the paddles then change to constant green to show that the car is self-driving.
When autonomous driving is no longer available, the driver is prompted to take over again. A 60-second countdown is displayed. If the driver, for any reason, does not use the paddles to regain control within this minute, the car will bring itself to a safe stop.
Fun Suzuki minicar
The Suzuki Mighty Deck (left) is a new, fun-oriented minicar with a canvas top and an open-load deck that can be repositioned for various purposes. The deck comes with an automatic raise/lower function.
It will be shown at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, along with the Ignis and a compact MPV concept called Air Triser. The latter has three rows of seats plus "a private lounge".
New Evoque convertible
Like it or not, the Range Rover Evoque convertible (left) is slated to arrive next year. Land Rover engineers recently tested the fourwheel-drive open-top to ensure it delivers customary all-terrain capability. The bold addition to the range has just completed its extensive development programme.
Sportsvan in Singapore
The Volkswagen Sportsvan (left) is here, priced at $124,800 for the Comfortline variant and $138,800 for the Highline.
What is a Sportsvan? Think of it as a plus-size Golf. (Its predecessor was actually called the Golf Plus.) It does not have a third row of seats like the Touran, but it has plenty of stowage, thanks to its stretched dimensions.
Piaggio Group brands get new home
Piaggio, Vespa, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi are now housed in a new central showroom in Singapore. The one-stop shop for the four Piaggio Group brands is located at 1179 Serangoon Road. Measuring 200 sq m, it displays 26 bikes as well as original accessories, including apparel and helmets.
Volvo invests in world's most advanced simulator
Volvo Cars has become the first premium carmaker to buy the world's most advanced Vi-Grade chassis simulator - the same equipment used by Ferrari and Porsche - to develop next-generation Volvos.
The simulator offers exciting virtual environments, including Germany's renowned Nurburgring as well as test tracks at Volvo's own secret testing facility in Sweden. It allows Volvo to conduct early-stage development work in a high-speed but safe environment.
Yamaha unveils WR450F
Yamaha has pulled the wraps off its new WR450F (left), an enduro racer that benefits from some of the most advanced engine and chassis technology seen in its category.
Based on the 2015 MXGP World Championship-winning YZ450F, the bike uses Yamaha's reversecylinder head and rearwards slanting cylinder.
Aimed at enduro racers as well as long-distance rally riders and recreational riders, the purposebuilt WR450F benefits from a full enduro specification and runs with specially developed engine and chassis settings that are designed to optimise performance.
Christopher Tan
