Fast Lane: The Car Expo returns, new Kia Stonic petrol-hybrid model, off-road ambulance from Torsus
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Go shop: The Car Expo by SPH Media will be held at the Singapore Expo, Halls 4 and 5, on Sept 27 and 28.
PHOTO: SPH MEDIA
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Hot wheels and deals at The Car Expo
The Car Expo, a major event on Singapore’s automotive calendar, is back this weekend. The latest edition boasts 47 participating brands, including 35 authorised car distributors, together with pre-owned car dealerships and sellers of car accessories.
IM Motors is using the show to mark the arrival of its IM5 electric saloon and IM6 electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) that will be available in Category A and Category B certificate of entitlement (COE) versions.
This is the first event for the Chinese electric car brand since it received approval to launch these cars in Singapore.
Represented by Eurokars Group in Singapore, IM Motors is a joint venture founded in December 2020 by SAIC Motor, Alibaba Group and Shanghai-listed property developer Zhangjiang Hi-Tech.
The expo will also be the first public event for Avatr after the premium brand from Chinese carmaker Changan held a by-invitation-only launch in July.
Cupra, the Spanish car brand under the Volkswagen Group, is also participating at The Car Expo for the first time.
Proton e.Mas will be showing its mid-sized electric SUV at the event. The electric offshoot of the familiar Malaysian brand, now partly owned by Chinese giant Geely, was officially launched on Sept 17.
The Car Expo is happening at Singapore Expo Halls 4 and 5 on Sept 27 and 28 from 10am to 9pm.
Admission is free and the first 1,000 visitors daily will get a limited-edition multipurpose storage bag. Those who buy a new or pre-owned car at the event will also receive SPC cash vouchers.
Kia aims to double hybrid sales by 2030
Growth plan: Kia wants to double the sales of its hybrid cars with models like the Stonic crossover.
PHOTO: KIA
The Kia Stonic is the first new petrol-hybrid model to be unveiled since the South Korean brand announced its 2030 business strategy in April 2025.
In Europe, the Toyota Yaris Cross rival will be available with a 1-litre three-cylinder engine with 99hp and a mild-hybrid version with 113hp.
The dimensions of the new car are broadly similar to the existing model, other than being longer overall by 25mm.
In terms of design, the new car bears similar cues to Kia’s latest electric models, like the EV3 crossover with the sleek LED light design.
Under its 2030 plan, Kia wants to double hybrid sales from 490,000 units expected in 2025 to nearly a million in the next five years. Including full electric models, Kia aims to sell 2.33 million electrified cars, making up 56 per cent of its total sales volume.
Torsus Terrastorm off-road ambulance
In case of emergency: The Torsus Terrastorm is an ambulance capable of tackling extreme terrains.
PHOTO: TORSUS
Based on a Volkswagen Crafter van with a toughened four-wheel-drive chassis, along with lifted suspension and full underbody protection, the Torsus Terrastorm touts itself to be the world’s most capable off-road ambulance.
Powered by a 2-litre turbo diesel engine, the Terrastorm has 80mm more ride height than the standard van, giving it a ground clearance of 250mm to traverse tough terrains.
An on-board winch enables the ambulance to pull itself out of trouble should it end up in a situation that even its four-wheel-drive system with locking differentials struggles to crawl out of.
Besides the off-road ambulance, the Czech Republic-based Torsus makes the Praetorian, an off-road bus powered by a 6.9-litre diesel engine.
Lamborghini’s luxury yacht collaboration
Exotic wave maker: The Tecnomar for Lamborghini packs 7,800hp of power.
PHOTO: LAMBORGHINI
Lamborghini has partnered The Italian Sea Group to create the Tecnomar for Lamborghini 101FT, a 7,800hp luxury yacht.
Power comes from three 35.7-litre V16 diesel engines that each makes 2,600hp at 2,450rpm, giving the yacht a top speed of 45 knots, or 83kmh. The cabin can accommodate up to nine passengers and has three crew cabins.
Lamborghini design cues abound, from the style of the cabin to the yellow and black scheme, which is inspired by the Fenomeno, the limited-edition supercar that Lamborghini launched in August.
The helm station on the yacht is said to give the same feeling as being behind the wheel of the Lamborghini Temerario, the brand’s latest super sports car.
This is the second collaboration between the two companies after the Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 in 2020. The Tecnomar for Lamborghini 101FT is expected to set sail at the end of 2027.
