Tabla de contenidos para April 2017 en Torque

 When Porsche engineers a car, you can be sure that it will exceed your expectations – especially when it comes to performance. “THE PREMIUM OPTION PACKAGE OR THE SPECIAL 1.99% FINANCING RATE ENSURE THAT THESE SELECT MODELS EXCEED EXPECTATIONS.” The 911, for instance, not only rules the road, but the hearts and minds of many enthusiasts, too. There were skeptics when Porsche announced its intention to build the Cayenne, but this SUV has since silenced them by proving that it is possible to have off-road ability without compromising on-road dynamics. With this SUV engineering experience under its belt, it’s no surprise that Porsche was able to imbue the Macan with the same qualities as its larger sibling. Enhancing the appeal of these models are the Premium Option Packages that come…

HAVE a soft spot for old cars, and happily, some interesting old-timers have been quietly trickling onto our roads in recent years, thanks to LTA’s Classic Vehicle Scheme allowing such cars to be imported. A smattering of 1960s Mercedes saloons and coupes, some old 911s, a Jaguar E-Type, a 1970s Corvette, a Volvo P1800. And perhaps most imaginatively, someone’s brought in an early’70s Nissan Skyline GT-X, resto-modded to perfection to resemble the Skyline GT-R cult hero of its era. You won’t see these cars around much, restricted as they are to a maximum of 45 days’ usage per year. And having sampled quite a few ’60s and ’70s classics myself, I can vouch that these old-timers typically look better than they drive. But that hasn’t stopped me dreaming a bit…

IT may be cliche, but a junior executive saloon is still considered by many to be a success symbol – especially if it happens to be a model from an established European marque. One of the most recognisable models in this segment is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The current model, which was launched three years ago, is a leap over its predecessor, especially in terms of space and refinement. Further enhancing the car’s “star” appeal is its design, which strongly resembles that of its larger and more expensive E-Class and S-Class siblings. Also a notch above the preceding model is the Audi A4. Apart from offering the feel of a bigger saloon, the A4 is brimming with advanced features and promises a sure-footed drive, thanks to its standard quattro all-wheel-drive system.…

MOST carmakers produce petrol-electric hybrids to meet emission regulations and demonstrate their ecofriendly technologies. Toyota is a perfect example of this. The brand’s Prius model is the benchmark when it comes to green motoring. Manufacturers such as Porsche, on the other hand, create hybrids for the sole purpose of demonstrating that they can create green cars with devastating performance. Indeed, Porsche’s halo model is the limited-edition 918 Spyder – a hybrid hypercar capable of lapping the Nurburgring in less than seven minutes. Six minutes and 57 seconds, to be exact. So when Porsche says that their inspiration for the new Panamera 4 E-Hybrid is the 918 Spyder, you’d better believe that they’re dead serious. Walk up to this fastback saloon and you’ll immediately notice that it has more road presence…

JEEP RENEGADE PRICE ON APPLICATION Suburbanites who want a rugged-looking SUV without a bulky body and all-wheel-drive might want to check out Jeep’s entry-level model, which has front-wheel-drive and a road tax-friendly turbocharged 1.4-litre engine. Younger buyers will appreciate the funky and practical cabin, which has anodised paint accents that match the exterior, a front passenger seat that can be folded forward and a height-adjustable boot floor. RIVAL: MAZDA CX-3 ALPINA B7 FROM $730,800 ON THE ROAD To wkays who want a limousine that stands out in their company carpark could consider this model instead of the usual German suspects. The B7 has the same turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 as the 750Li, but after Alpina revised the motor, it now delivers 608bhp and 800Nm, putting it on a par with BMW’s…

SINGAPORE POWER Vanda Electrics, an e-mobility company under home-grown Wong Fong Engineering Works, has unveiled the Dendrobium, an exotic electric car capable of 0-100km/h acceleration in 2.7 seconds and a top speed in excess of 321km/h (theoretically). Vanda Electrics’ technical partner in the ambitious project is UK-based Williams Advanced Engineering, which took the Dendrobium idea from Singapore drawing board to Geneva motor show booth. The British firm of Formula One fame has specified a pair of inboard-mounted Yasa motors per axle, a single-speed gearbox/differential at the front, a multi-speed gearbox/differential at the rear, and lithium batteries based on Formula E technology (Williams is the sole supplier of racecar battery systems for the championship series). Other features of the 1750kg Dendrobium include carbon bodywork, a composite monocoque chassis, exposed double-wishbone suspension,…

 The most successful athletes are the ones who are both physically and mentally the fittest. “LIKE A WINNING ATHLETE, THE ALL-NEW BMW 5 SERIES IS BUILT TO PERFORM.” Having the strongest and most flexible body alone does not guarantee victory over rivals. An athlete must not only believe that he can win – he must also picture the win and convince himself of this inevitability. In other words, he must use his mental energies to overcome limitations such as pain, physical and mental fatigue. Like a winning athlete, the all-new BMW 5 Series is built to perform. Its body is lighter (by 100kg, no less) and stronger, and its engine (heart) is more powerful than before. But the new BMW 5 Series isn’t just brawny. It’s very brainy, too. Inside,…

WHENEVER you hear the term “exotic car”, you’re likely to imagine impossibly sexy machines powered by incredibly thirsty engines. Now, while there are no exotic cars in the mass-market segment, there is one model whose name sounds rather outlandish: the Tiguan. Introduced a decade ago, the Tiguan’s name is a combination of “tiger” and “iguana”. Hearing this immediately evokes images of a jungle-bashing sports utility vehicle (SUV). With its tall stance, muscular body and square wheel arches, the first-gen Tiguan certainly looks the part. However, most Tiguan owners probably just use their SUV to conquer concrete forests, and perhaps an unpaved carpark or two. Volkswagen concluded that since most Tiguans won’t be driven off-road, it would be better to make the second-gen model look more refined and less outwardly macho.…

1_ Ideal for eco-conscious users, the Bluelounge Backpack is constructed from recycled plastic bottles, which makes it both water-resistant and durable. The bag is roomy enough to store a 15-inch laptop. $211 2_ Shutterbugs seeking a mirrorless camera may wish to check out the Fujifilm X-T2. Equipped with a 24.3MP APS-C sensor, a maximum shutter speed of 14fps and the ability to shoot 4K video, it would be ideal for your next road trip. $2599 3_ The Platypus Meta Bottle + Microfilter can help off-roading fans survive the call of the wild. Its filter sanitises two litres of water per minute, and only needs to be changed after 1000 litres. $70 4_ Audiophiles looking for a new pair of headphones could consider the second-gen Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H6, which…

HYBRIDS COMPARED, AGAIN KAYSON QUEK The Prius is ugly and lacks equipment, but has a good reputation for reliability and efficiency. The Ioniq can beat it in every other aspect, such as design and equipment, especially safety-related features such as AEB (autonomous emergency brake) and LKAS (lane keeping assist system). The Ioniq is also equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. On top of all that, the Ioniq is cheaper and faster, and has an arguably better gearbox. Torque Thanks for your take on the rival hybrid cars from Hyundai and Toyota. Our well-received 2017 February cover story concluded that the Ioniq handles better and is even more user-friendly, whilst the Prius is roomier and even more frugal with fuel. VEHICULAR HUMOUR NERI GAMEZ I’ve read Torque…

“BLUE FLAMES SHOOT OUT OF THE TAILPIPES WHEN THE 6.5-LITRE V12 HITS ITS REDLINE.” IT is hard to believe that Lamborghini’s Aventador LP700-4 is already six years old. The years have been kind to the Aventador, for it still looks as stunning as it did back in 2011. The Aventador has sinister styling and fire-breathing capabilities, which are delivered by its 700bhp V12, all-wheel-drive system and F1-inspired pushrod suspension. Driving it is akin to driving the devil’s spawn. But because six years is a long time in the motoring world, Lamborghini decided it was time for an update. The revamped model, called Aventador S, looks even more ominous than before. Its nose, for instance, resembles a snake with its fangs bared, ready to strike. There are also Countachinspired rear fenders,…

WE used to live in simpler times. If you’re a towkay, you buy a Mercedes. If you’re a yuppie, you buy a BMW. If you’re the Queen of England, you buy a Jaguar. Nowadays, however, there’s a coupe-SUV-sports-car-yacht-kitchen-sink for every conceivable customer, and I don’t know what to think anymore. The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, to give it the dignity of its full title, is a reassuring constant amidst this sea of change, the bulwark against the erosion of Mercedes’ romantic splendour from the filling of ever more niches ever lower on the food chain. For six unyielding generations, it has been the epicentre of Mercedes’ brand identity. The SL is big, it is glamorous, it means you have arrived and in some style. No further explanation required. So how do you…

Diners searching for South American fare could consider boCHINche, an Argentinian restaurant whose brunch menu includes dishes such as grilled chorizo, capers and burnt tomato salad, and poached eggs on toast with braised osso buco and chives hollandaise (above). BoCHINche is located along Amoy Street. Mitzo Restaurant & Bar has updated its ala carte menu, which now features items such as battered lotus with truffle shrimps, roasted coffee pork neck with crispy bean curd, and stir-fried lobster claw wrapped with shimps in petai bean sauce (above). The restaurant is located in Grand Park Orchard. Fusion cuisine lovers looking for a hearty meal may wish to check out Caffe B’s three-course set lunch menu, which is priced at $28++. For starters, diners can choose either the Sakura Ebi Omelette or soup…