Funky Toyota Sienta compact MPV
Toyota agent Borneo Motors will be launching the Sienta six-seater soon.
The compact MPV has sliding doors, foldable seats and a nippy 1.5-litre engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. The driver has 105bhp and 140Nm of torque at his disposal. And the kids in the family will approve of its funky design, which is a leap from the previous boxy Sienta.
The new MPV is likely to replace the Wish, whose production will soon cease. Borneo is currently selling the Wish at an extremely competitive price of about $110,000. The Sienta is likely to be priced on a par or slightly below that.
Powerful Mercedes AMG GT C Roadster
Behold the Mercedes AMG GT C Roadster. With an output of 555bhp and a torque of 680Nm from its turbocharged 4-litre V8, it is one of the most powerful roadsters available.
It comes with active rear axle steering and an electronically controlled rear axle locking differential. Along with adaptive sports suspension, the car promises dynamic performance and a cushy ride. It hits 100kmh in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 316kmh. The milder GT Roadster does it in 4 seconds and attains 302kmh.
Smart parking
Bosch and Mercedes-Benz are working on a community-based smart parking feature that makes it easier to find a parking space. They have launched a pilot project in the greater Stuttgart area involving various Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Sensors on board these vehicles enable them to generate data on available kerbside spaces. They are also equipped with a communication interface with which to report and receive such data.
New Honda NSX
It has been 25 years since Honda's NSX created a stir among sportscar makers with its then unheard of concept - a supercar that was as easy to drive as a Civic.
On Thursday, Honda agent Kah Motor unleashed the second-generation NSX, a car that also challenges the norm with its unusual powertrain.
The futuristic two-seater is powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 paired with three electric motors. This gives the 3.5-litre car the performance of a 5-litre, enabling it to reach 100kmh in 3.3 seconds (with two occupants) and a top speed of 308kmh. Its carbon emission of 228g/km makes it the least pollutive car in its class.
The car is priced at $888,999 without COE.
Delta unveils micro- turbine extender for electric vehicles
Delta Motorsport has introduced a new micro-turbine technology aimed at helping electric cars match petrol or diesel-powered equivalents. The new system, dubbed MiTRE, is specifically designed for use as a range extender for electric vehicles.
Delta has produced two complete MiTRE prototypes with 17kW power output and has fitted one into its in-house EV, the E-4 Coupe. Niche manufacturers Ariel and Morgan have already signed up with Delta to develop 17kW and 35kW power output versions of MiTRE.
Volvo self-driving truck in the works
Volvo is testing a fully autonomous truck in the Kristineberg mine in Sweden. The self-driving truck is part of a project aimed at improving the transport flow and safety in the polymetallic mine. The truck will cover a distance of 7km, reaching 1,320m below ground in the narrow tunnels.
Volkswagen Up goes electric
With its 60kW electric motor, the new Volkswagen e-Up boasts a peak torque figure of 210Nm, making for a brisk 0-100kmh time of 12.4 seconds, and it will keep on going, where the law permits, to 128kmh.
The car boasts a maximum range of around 150km between charges. Its battery weighs 230kg, but the e-Up is still lighter than its internal combustion-engined sibling, tipping the scales at 1,139kg. There is a chance this fizzy green hatch will be available in Singapore.
New look for Alfa Romeo's Mito
Alfa Romeo's Mito has been revised with a new exterior, new cabin trim and technology boost. An updated 1.3-litre turbodiesel from the Fiat group is its latest engine choice, with an output of 95bhp and lower emissions of just 89g/km.
Sleek Ssangyong on the way
The Ssangyong LIV-2 concept - which looks set for production - comes with two engine choices: a 2.2-litre Euro 6 turbodiesel or a 2-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol. It features high levels of safety as well as a contemporary interior equipped with advanced communication technology.
New Skoda Kodiaq's massive boot
Skoda Kodiaq has the largest boot in its class, with a volume of up to 2,065 litres. At 4.7m long, the Kodiaq has enough room for three rows of seats. It has a towing weight of 2.5 tonnes. It is unlikely to debut in Singapore unless a new Skoda agent is appointed.
Lexus UX concept to debut at Paris Motor Show
Lexus' latest concept vehicle, the Lexus UX concept, will make its debut on Sept 29 at the Paris Motor Show. Its outlandish design, with Jeep-like wheel arches, "is meant to appeal to a progressive, urban audience living in a connected environment".
Other highlights of Lexus at the Paris show will include an extensively facelifted Lexus IS, the new Lexus NX Sport Edition and the brand's new flagship coupe, the LC.
Honda Civic Type R in Singapore next year
Honda's new Civic Type R will be a 2-litre turbo with a six-speed manual gearbox. Said to push out in excess of 300bhp, the sizzling five-door hatch is slated to arrive in Singapore in the second half of next year. It is similar in shape to the European Civic to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show later this month.
Honda X-ADV's adventure appeal
Honda will soon produce a "new breed" of motorcycles, which "combine adventure appeal with wide-ranging performance and practicality". The X-ADV range of bikes will be showcased at the motorbike show in Milan in November.
Based on the City Adventure concept machine displayed at last year's show, the X-ADV offers an upright riding position and long travel suspension to handle the roughest road surfaces. It will have a five-stage adjustable windscreen and storage space for an off-road style helmet. It will come with Honda's unique dual-clutch transmission.
Audi TT enters production
Audi's most powerful TT yet will enter production soon. Its 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine - paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission - produces 400bhp and 480Nm between 1,700 and 5,850rpm. It has a power-to-weight ratio of 277bhp per tonne, allowing it to accomplish the century sprint in 3.7 seconds (3.9 for roadster version), and a potential top speed of nearly 280kmh. Alas, it is not bound for Singapore.
Christopher Tan
