Fast Lane: Solar car from Aptera Motors, limited-edition Porsche models, Cat A COE for Volvo EX30
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Going live: The production-ready version of the solar-powered EV will be presented on YouTube on June 28.
PHOTO: APTERA MOTORS
Unveiling of solar-powered EV
American start-up Aptera Motors will be unveiling a production-ready solar electric vehicle (EV) in a YouTube Live event on June 28 at 6am Singapore time.
This is a three-wheeled EV that can travel up to 64km daily on solar energy, although it is still possible to fill the on-board batteries using a conventional EV charger. Fully charged, the car has an operating range of 644km.
At 4.56m long, the two-seater, front-wheel drive is slightly longer than a BMW X2, and its wheelbase, at 2.82m, is longer than the seven-seater Hyundai Santa Fe. Find out more at str.sg/6H9T
Retro-styled Porsche makes South-east Asian debut
Groovy green: Limited to 1,500 units worldwide, the Porsche 911 Spirit 70 celebrates the brand’s design legacy from the 1970s to early 1980s.
On June 26, Porsche Singapore presented the 911 Spirit 70 at its studio at Guoco Midtown in Beach Road. This makes Singapore the first South-east Asian country to showcase the special-edition sports car following its world premiere at April’s Shanghai motor show.
The Spirit 70 is based on the 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid Cabriolet and pays homage to the 1970s and early 1980s. Its retro styling includes a groovy shade of olive-green paint job with vintage-style stripes that stretch from the bonnet to the black soft top.
Part of the Porsche Heritage Design series, the Spirit 70 is the third of the four models celebrating the brand’s design legacy from the 1950s to 1980s. Just 1,500 units of the Spirit 70 will be built, which is the largest run in the series yet.
The previous models are the 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design edition (992 units, announced in 2020) and the 911 Sport Classic (1,250 units, announced in 2022).
The updated 911 Carrera GTS, the first petrol-hybrid 911 for the road, was also launched. It has a combined output of 541hp and 610Nm of torque. In Cabriolet form, it takes 3.1 seconds to get from 0-100kmh.
Also presented was the only unit of the 911 Turbo 50 Years allocated to Singapore. This is a special anniversary edition based on the current 911 Turbo S. Production is limited to 1,974, in tribute to the original 911 from 1974. The car has 641hp, 800Nm of torque and a 0-100kmh timing of 2.7 seconds.
These collector’s items come at a price. The Spirit 70 costs $1.1 million, compared with a standard Carrera GTS Cabriolet, which starts at $867,468. The 50 Years costs $1.38 million, while a standard Turbo S is priced at $1.15 million. All prices are before certificate of entitlement (COE).
Both the Spirit 70 and 50 Years are available for private viewing at Porsche Studio Singapore.
Volvo’s Category A EV
Swede deal: The Volvo EX30 is priced from $198,000, including a Category A COE.
The Volvo EX30 is now available with 110kW of power, instead of 200kW, qualifying the electric sport utility vehicle for the Category A certificate of entitlement.
The car should still feel sprightly. Like many other electric vehicles that have their power output tuned down, torque on the 110kW EX30 remains high at 343Nm, which is identical to what the 200kW version car produced.
Two trim levels are available: Plus and Ultra, with the latter featuring additional goodies such as a fixed panoramic glass roof, a 360-degree camera and 19-inch wheels instead of 18-inch ones. Notably, the Ultra has a longer operating range of 475km instead of 337km.
Priced at $198,000 with COE for the Plus version, with the Ultra commanding a $14,000 premium, the EX30 is available for test drives at the Volvo showroom at 249 Alexandra Road. Delivery begins in July.
Natural fibre for next BMW M3
Material change: BMW will be using natural fibre composite on the upcoming M3 to reduce production-related emissions.
BMW will be using a natural fibre composite for the roof of the next-generation M3, instead of conventional carbon fibre, to reduce production-related carbon emissions by around 40 per cent.
Developed with Swiss cleantech company Bcomp, the material has a distinctive weave that sets it apart from carbon fibre. It has been used since 2019 in BMW’s Formula E entrant and is also found in the M4 GT4 race car.
Harley-Davidson’s Fat Boy Gray Ghost
Live to ride: The Fat Boy Gray Ghost will be unveiled at the Harley-Davidson showroom on July 5.
The Fat Boy Gray Ghost will be shown along with other Harley-Davidson motorcycles for the new model year at the Harley-Davidson showroom for its 2025 New Model Open House on July 5.
The Gray Ghost is a limited-production model from the brand’s Icons Motorcycle Collection. Its most eye-catching feature is the reflection finish, which gives the bike a mirror-like effect.
The event will also feature live DJ performance, food and drinks. To register, go to str.sg/rfNS
Bridgestone returns to Sepang
Hot rubber: Bridgestone is the official tyre for the GR86 Cup Malaysia Series at the Super GT Malaysia Festival.
Japanese tyre-maker Bridgestone is supporting two race series happening at the Super GT Malaysia Festival that is running from June 26 to 28 at the Sepang International Circuit.
The first is at the Autobacs Super GT. Bridgestone will be supplying tyres to some of the top teams in this Japanese race series, including the reigning champion team, TGR Team au Tom’s, which is competing in a Toyota GR Supra GT500.
Bridgestone is also the official tyre supplier for the GR86 Cup Malaysia Series, which will hold two 10-lap races with identically tuned cars during the event.
