Mercedes-Benz electric car coming to Singapore
Mercedes-Benz showed off its Concept EQ electric car here on Thursday, announcing that a production model of the car - called the EQ C - will be out next year.
In Singapore, the battery-powered coupe-shaped crossover, with a motor on each axle and a range of about 500km, could be priced at about $300,000. Mercedes-Benz also announced that by 2022, it will have electrified variants in every segment - from compact hatches to large sport utility vehicles.
The electrified solution will include a 48-volt mild hybrid system as well as a plug-in hybrid platform. The latter will arrive in the second half , in the form of a plug-in C350e.
Prius Plus replaces Wish
Toyota agent Borneo Motors has brought in the Prius Plus, a petrol-electric hybrid seven-seater which will replace the evergreen Wish.
The Prius Plus, however, will offer lots more as a modern multi-purpose vehicle. It comes with LED headlights, cruise control, drive modes and seven airbags. Its 1.8-litre hybrid drivetrain offers a fairly lively drive, with the century sprint accomplished in 11.3 seconds. It is also highly efficient, promising a fuel consumption of 4.5 litres/100km.
In a year, it produces one tonne less CO2 than an equivalent conventional car.
It is priced at $119,988, making it about $5,000 cheaper than the Wish. With an open-market value of $31,000 and carbon rebate of $10,000, it offers more value than the Wish.
Meet Aston Martin's new flagship
Aston Martin's DB11 AMR is the brand's new flagship DB11. It has 630bhp and 700Nm of torque, allowing it to hit 100kmh in 3.7 seconds, and a top speed of 333kmh. A new exhaust tune is designed to bring out its V12's sound.
Active safety measures are most effective
The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (Acea) has called for a strong focus on active safety technologies, which can prevent accidents from happening.
In past decades, passive safety systems like pre-tensioned seatbelts, airbags and energy-absorbing crumple zones have made a major contribution to road safety by limiting the consequences of accidents.
Now, active safety measures like autonomous emergency braking systems and lane departure warning offer the potential to avoid emergency situations altogether. Recent studies have shown that cameras and sensors are 50 per cent more effective in reducing fatalities in vision-related truck accidents than redesigned trucks with low-entry cabs.
BMW 8-series coupe to be unveiled at Le Mans
BMW will unveil its 8-series coupe on June 15, the eve of the new Le Mans season. The event will also see the M8 GTE, which BMW Motorsport will make its first entry to the 24-hour endurance race since 2011.
The new BMW M850i xDrive Coupe will have a new V8 engine, intelligent all-wheel-drive, controlled rear axle differential lock, integral active steering, adaptive M suspension technology with active roll stabilisation and 20-inch light alloy wheels.
Kia to launch mild-hybrid powertrain this year
Kia Motors will introduce its first 48-volt mild-hybrid diesel powertrain in the second half of the year. The system supplements acceleration using an electric motor and recovers energy during in-gear deceleration and braking. In certain conditions, it will allow the car to coast with its engine off. The system will first be found in a diesel Sportage, with a new petrol model to follow.
Cycle & Carriage opens new after-sales centre
Multi-franchise motor group Cycle & Carriage has opened a new after-sales centre in Sin Ming Avenue. Occupying a space in the CityCab Building vacated by Toyota agent Borneo Motors, Cycle & Carriage has 15 workbays for Mercedes-Benz and 15 more for Kia and Mitsubishi. For the opening, the company will be launching a $68 oil-change promotion.
Christopher Tan
