SG50 time machine

An Audi smartphone app that employs virtual reality technology to take users on a tour of Singapore's historic Civic District will be launched in October. This is in conjunction with a special event called A Drive Back In Time, to be held at The Fullerton Hotel. Singer-songwriter Dick Lee will be narrating the virtual heritage tour, conducted from the cabin of an Audi A6 saloon.

Mr Jeff Mannering, managing director of Audi Singapore, says: "Audi will take you back in time to see how far Singapore has developed. This is Audi's gift to Singapore for the Golden Jubilee celebration."

Jeep freeze

American carmaker Jeep is maintaining its reputation for ruggedness by upgrading the 4x4 dynamometer facility in its Michigan headquarters.

Blizzard-like conditions, with a temperature of minus 40 deg C and a wind speed of up to 160kmh, can be simulated to test any Jeep to the very limits of winter driving.

Snake collectors

This might be the highest level of snake charming. American retirees Wayne and D'Ann Rauh recently collected their new customised Dodge Viper GTCs in Detroit. This would be nothing unusual in the sports-car-crazy United States, except that the couple already own 77 other Vipers.

David Ting