Fast Lane
Porsche launches electric Cayenne, Audi Q5 arrives, bracelets from Schumacher’s Benetton F1 car
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The Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric goes from 0 to 100kmh in 2.5 seconds.
PHOTO: PORSCHE
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Porsche’s electric SUV
The Cayenne has joined the Macan as Porsche’s second electric sport utility vehicle (SUV). The new car will be available alongside the combustion-engine and hybrid versions of the Cayenne.
The Cayenne Electric is a dual-motor electric vehicle (EV) with 325kW of power and a 0-100kmh timing of 4.8 seconds. And the Cayenne Turbo Electric has 850kW of power and a 0-100kmh sprint that takes 2.5 seconds.
Among the technical highlights is the ability to use its electric motors to handle about 97 per cent of the braking during daily use. This helps to increase its operating range, as the energy recovered is fed into the battery.
Based on the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure combined test cycle, fully charged, the base Cayenne Electric can travel up to 542km, while the Cayenne Turbo Electric manages 537km. The maximum charging speed is 390kW. It takes 16 minutes to fill up the battery from 10 to 80 per cent, assuming that such a quick charger exists. The fastest EV charger in Singapore is rated at 200kW.
The dimensions of the electric Cayenne are slightly different from the combustion-engine version, which was facelifted in 2023. At 4,855mm, it is 55mm longer overall. The wheelbase, at 3,023mm, is 128mm longer than the engine-powered Cayenne.
The Cayenne Electric is priced from $372,788, while the Turbo Electric starts at $668,288. Prices do not include the cost of the certificate of entitlement and options.
First front-wheel-drive Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 is in Singapore in front-wheel- and all-wheel-drive versions.
PHOTO: AUDI
Audi has launched the third-generation Q5 in Singapore, offering two body styles: the conventional SUV format and the Sportback variant, which has a more sloping rear hatch.
For the first time, the Q5 is available as a front-wheel drive, alongside the familiar quattro all-wheel-drive format. Both versions are powered by a 201hp 2-litre engine, which is similar to the previous generation, but without the mild-hybrid technology.
The quattro version’s added traction allows it to sprint from 0-100kmh in 7.2 seconds. This is 1.4 seconds quicker than the front-wheel-drive model.
The new car incorporates the brand’s latest design cues, featuring elements seen on the recently launched A6 and Q6 EV models.
Topping the Q5 range is the SQ5. It has a 3-litre V6 engine that makes 362hp, giving it a 0-100kmh sprint performance of 4.5 seconds.
The cars are available at Audi’s showroom at 18 Cross Street. For more information, go to audi.com.sg
VDO-branded parts coming
Parts from Continental will now be branded as VDO.
PHOTO: AUMOVIO
From December 2025, car owners in Singapore will begin to find VDO-branded aftermarket automotive components at parts distributors. No longer will the parts come in the familiar orange packaging of the Continental brand. This follows the hiving-off of the automotive business, under the German industrial giant Continental, to become the standalone company Aumovio in September 2025.
The Straits Times understand the new VDO branding will progressively be introduced in Singapore when stocks of parts are replenished.
From 2026, the VDO brand will introduce a wide range of sensors and cameras for drive-assistance systems, starting with products for brands including Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Volkswagen.
VDO, an established brand which has been around for almost 100 years, is probably better known to drivers for its instrument dials. The name is also associated with backend technical equipment, including vehicle fleet management tools.
Jewellery from Schumacher’s F1 car
Limited-edition jewellery made from F1 cars puts a fresh spin on the idea of fast fashion.
PHOTO: RESS
Three decades after Michael Schumacher won the world championship with it, his B195 race car from the Benetton Formula team lives on as limited-edition jewellery.
The collection, titled Colours United – B195, is limited to 2,000 pieces, available either as a bracelet or a necklace. This is the creation of Ress, a Formula One jewellery brand founded by engineer-turned-sculptor Mike O’Connor.
Portions of the race car have been forged into a block of material. Each piece bears a serial number to trace back to the B195 race car. The bracelets come in a range of colours, referencing the Italian fashion brand which owned the race team.
O’Connor has been sourcing genuine race-used F1 parts throughout the sport’s 75-year history, and plans to release more special-edition designs.
The Colours United – B195 in bracelet or necklace form costs $134, and the collection is available at ressracing.com
