Bentley Bentayga Speeds up[hhmc]

Behold the most powerful Bentayga yet – the Bentayga Speed.

The Bentley sport utility vehicle's 6-litre W12 gets a power boost to 626bhp (from 600bhp), but its torque remains at 900Nm. Its zero to 100kmh timing is now 3.9 seconds, down from 4.1 seconds; while its top speed goes from 301kmh to 306kmh.

Sportier, more powerful Audi S3[hhmc]
PHOTO: AUDI

Audi's new S3 Sportback and Sedan are slated to arrive here mid-next year.

The S3's 2-litre turbocharged engine now churns out 310hp (from 290hp previously) and 400Nm (from 380Nm). The century sprint is completed in 4.8 seconds by both variants, with a regulated top speed of 248kmh.

Audi A5 gets mild hybrid system[hhmc]

PHOTO: AUDI

Audi's facelifted A5 range is here – in Coupe, Sportback and Cabriolet forms.

With prices starting at $199,900, the executive A5 is a competitive package. With an extensively revised exterior and full LED lighting, the range is now also fitted with an infotainment system with more features and higher connectivity. Its 2-litre turbocharged engine is available as a 150hp or 190hp, both paired with a 12-volt "mild hybrid" system which conserves fuel.

Maserati Trofeo sedans to arrive next year[hhmc]

PHOTO: MASERATI

Maserati has expanded its Trofeo collection. The Levante Trofeo (above, centre) is now joined by the Ghibli Trofeo (above, right) and Quattroporte Trofeo (above, left). The latter two are the fastest Maserati saloons ever, with the Ghibli fitted with a V8 for the first time. The 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 (also found in the other Trofeo models) produces 580hp and 730Nm, and sends the two sedans to a top speed of 326kmh.

The Ghibli and Quattroporte Trofeos are due here in the first quarter of next year.

Two-thirds of BMW vehicles to be electric by 2030[hhmc]

The BMW Group expects sales of its electric vehicles to exceed 500,000 by the end of the year and to breach the one-million mark by next year.

By 2030, two-thirds of its vehicles will be all-electric variants.

Meanwhile, the BMW 5-series will have five plug-in variants, making it the largest range of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) within one BMW Group model series.

At the top of the range is the 545e xDrive Saloon, which features a synchronous electric motor delivering 80kW, paired with a straight six-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 286hp. Together, they generate a system output of 394hp and 600Nm. Power is distributed as required to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The car hits 100kmh in 4.7 seconds and a regulated top speed of 250kmh. Alas, there are no plans to import this model here.

Hyundai Genesis to debut here[hhmc]

Hyundai agent Komoco is preparing for the arrival of Genesis, the South Korean carmaker's luxury arm. There will be three models to start with.

Komoco executive chairman Teo Hock Seng says the company will "redo the facility" to accommodate Genesis, although there is no confirmation of when the new sub-brand will debut here.

"I think we will have to move Harley out and take the frontage of Alexandra Road," he says, referring to the Komoco's Harley-Davidson motorcycle showroom.

"It's no use spending excess money to get another property. This area is still good for 30 years."

But he adds that his proposal will have to be approved by HyundaiRead More – Source

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