ALFA ROMEO
Giulietta QV
The QV (Quadrifoglio Verde, “four-leaf clover”) version of the stylish Giulietta five-door hatchback has the same drivetrain as the 4C coupe, which arrived recently. With a turbocharged 1.7-litre four-cylinder that puts 240bhp and 300Nm to the tarmac through a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the Giulietta QV accelerates from a standstill to 100kmh in six seconds flat and reaches a top speed of 244kmh.
ASTON MARTIN
Rapide S
The four-door speed cruiser from England now comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission (it was a six-speeder previously), which is hooked up to an updated 5.9-litre V12 engine that produces a bit more power (+2bhp to 552bhp) and a little more torque (+10Nm to 630Nm). The Aston’s suspension and brakes have also been improved.
AUDI
TT and TTS COUPE
The third generation of Audi’s signature sportster for boyracers and fashionistas alike has evolved logically in design, engineering and performance. Its party tricks include an all-digital instrument cluster and ingeniously integrated air-con controls. Both the TT and TTS are 2-litre six-speed turbo bombshells, but the latter has a higher engine output (310bhp/380Nm versus the TT’s 230bhp/370Nm) and correspondingly quicker pickup.
TT and TTS ROADSTER
The pair of new German coupes will go alfresco in Singapore a few months after their local launch. The two Roadsters’ fabric roof is an electrically actuated affair that’s not only 3kg lighter than the previous hood system, but also better insulated against noise and weather. It comes with a choice of colours (black, beige, grey) and takes 10 seconds to open or close, on the move at speeds of up to 50kmh if desired.
Q7
Audi’s seven-seater sport utility vehicle has lost weight (a whopping 325kg) and gained practicality. The new Q7 has a marginally less gigantic exterior, but it’s roomier than the old model and comprehensively equipped. Premium amenities include deluxe air-conditioning, an array of driving aids, seven-mode adaptive air suspension, state-of-the-art infotainment and Audi’s own 10.1-inch multimedia tablets for two rear passengers.
BENTLEY
Mulsanne Speed
Towkays (and their chauffeurs) who feel the need for speed will enjoy this British limousine. Its 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V8 now punches out even more power and torque – 530bhp and a monumental 1,100Nm. The 2.6-tonne saloon dashes to 100kmh in 4.9 seconds and can hit 305kmh. Despite its blistering performance, the Mulsanne Speed still pampers its occupants like an exquisite drawing room on 21-inch wheels.
BMW
X6
BMW’s Sports Activity Coupe returns to Singapore as a second-generation crossover. Its silhouette looks familiar, but every exterior panel has been changed. Essentially, the X6 is a rebodied X5 with more character, less practicality and higher pricing.
X5M and X6M
These sport utility vehicles re-emphasise the “sport” aspect with their huge power and high performance, generated by a turbocharged 4.4-litre V8. Hooked up to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, these all-wheel-drive 575bhp/750Nm monsters accelerate from zero to 100kmh in a scorching 4.2 seconds.
2 Series Convertible
The successor to the 1 Series Convertible is sexier, bigger and roomier (in both the cabin and boot). Other upgrades include a stiffer body, a more user-friendly wind deflector and easier access to the back seats. The 220i is a quick performer with a century sprint timing of 7.5 seconds, but the electrically operated soft-top is not so quick, taking 20 seconds to retract or deploy.
CHRYSLER
300C
The hip-hop American alternative to German luxury saloons will come to Singapore as a 2015 model, with 3.6-litre V6 power and a rotary gear selector (plus optional die-cast paddle-shifters) for the eight-speed automatic. Newly added niceties for the hipster driver in the Chrysler include plush leather upholstery, hand-sanded wood trim, a full-colour multi-operation touchscreen (in either 7-inch or 8.4-inch size) and more than 80 different safety features. The external appearance is “large” and brash, with a bold new grille, chrome highlights and fender-filling 20-inch alloy wheels.
