Seat's fastest electric car
Seat has made its fastest electric car. The 680hp battery-powered Cupra hits 100kmh in around three seconds and 200kmh in 8.2 seconds. The Cupra e-Racer complies with new regulations of the E TCR series - the first electric, multi-brand touring car championship.
Timo Bernhard breaks Nurburgring track record
Car racer Timo Bernhard has lapped the 20.8km Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in 5 minutes and 19.55 seconds. This results in an average speed of 233.8kmh on what is revered as the world's most difficult track. Driving a Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo, Bernhard beat the previous lap record, set by racing driver Stefan Bellof, by 51.58 seconds.
Bang & Olufsen sound system for Audi's electric car
Driver and passengers experience their surroundings in a whole new dimension in the Audi e-tron prototype. In addition to its generous space, Audi's first electric car offers a Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System. With 16 speakers and 705 watts, the system is said to offer true hi-fi music. The full-size SUV also provides a new digital display. And it will be the first production car with virtual exterior mirrors.
GT-R prototype from Nissan and Italdesign
Nissan and Italdesign have created a new prototype vehicle - the Nissan GT-R50 - in their first collaboration. Based on the 2018 Nissan GT-R Nismo, the car commemorates the 50th anniversaries of both the GT-R and Italdesign. It will make its debut in Europe next month.
Dominating the side view, the distinctive roofline has been lowered by 54mm, and features a lower centre section, while the slightly raised outer portions give the roof profile a muscular look.
Underneath, the Nissan GT-R50 boasts an enhanced 3.8-litre V6 producing 720hp and 780Nm of torque.
Massive Volkswagen camper van on the cards
Volkswagen has unveiled drawings of its new plus-size camper van, complete with high roof, sleeping area in the back and a bathroom. The production model will be based on its California XXL concept, which was unveiled last year.
Volkswagen's compact T-Cross
Volkswagen has announced its latest crossover: the T-Cross. Hot on the heels of the sexy T-Roc, the T-Cross was first shown as a study at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The world premiere is likely to be at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The car, however, may be slated for China and South America only. The compact crossover - measuring only 4,107mm tip to tip - should also do well in a built-up city like Singapore though.
Nostalgic Beetle Dune arrives
Volkswagen Centre Singapore has brought in the Beetle Dune - a car which pays homage to the dune buggies of the 1960s. At around $120,000, the car will appeal with its nostalgia and crossover styling cues. The Beetle with increased ground clearance is available with 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre turbocharged engines.
A faster, lighter McLaren
Increased power, reduced weight and optimised aerodynamics characterise McLaren 600LT - the fourth McLaren to have the Longtail name. At 96kg lighter than the comparable McLaren 570S Coupe, it is the lightest model in the range (dry weight: 1,247kg). With 600hp and 620Nm from a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8, its power-to-weight ratio stands at a heady 481hp per tonne. With a body 74mm longer than other Sports Series models, the car is made for serious speed.
BMW show here next month
BMW World, due on Aug 25 and 26 at the Suntec convention centre, will feature a number of unveilings. They include the new BMW i8 Roadster, X4, M2 Competition and the much-anticipated 8-series Coupe. Concept vehicles to be shown include the X7 iPerformance. In halls 403 and 404, the event will be held from 10am to 10pm. The ticket price is $20, with free admission for those under 18.
Christopher Tan
