First, a tie-up with OceanX brings science off the YouTube screen and onto the deck of OceanXplorer, billed as one of the most advanced marine research and media vessels on the planet. Secondary school students will step aboard to see ocean tech and robotics at work, then carry that curiosity back to HMGICS for hands-on workshops in sustainable mobility.

In 2026, OceanX will fold into the HMGICS Annual Hackathon with a robotics brief, mentorship and judging duties. The idea is to show young minds the planet they’re trying to save, then hand them the tools to start saving it.

Second, there’s a new memorandum of understanding with Temasek Foundation, anchored on TF-SCALE where 240 students from Singapore’s ITE and four ASEAN schools will take immersive Learning Journeys through HMGICS.

Cross-cultural teams, future-of-work skills, real-world sustainability projects; it’s leadership training with oil under the fingernails. Beyond TF-SCALE, both sides are exploring longer-term initiatives to keep the pipeline of talent wide and inclusive.

“HMGICS was founded with a human-centric mission: to redefine future mobility and create value that extends beyond the product. By investing in young people and enabling real-world access to science, engineering, and sustainability, we aim to contribute to Singapore’s innovation economy and empower future generations across the region.”

Dr Hyun Sung Park, CEO of HMGICS

A Year of Rolling Up Sleeves

HMGICS has seeded multi-year programmes with ITE, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, SIT, SUTD and LASALLE. Programs such as EV donations of made-in-Singapore IONIQ 5s for technical learning are the sort of lab-to-industry line-of-sight students rarely get.

Add to that Smart Farm produce for The Food Bank Singapore, support for disadvantaged youths and students with special needs, Discovery Tours, a Smart Food Lab and even SPOT robot coding workshops.

Participation in Go Green SG and programming around 50 years of Singapore–South Korea diplomatic relations signals a centre that understands culture as a catalyst, not a backdrop. The technology may be cutting-edge, but the values are very much old-school: build trust, share knowledge, give back.

Why This Matters (Beyond the Factory Gates)

HMGICS exists to fuse production, R&D and customer experience in one place. The centre’s mission sits comfortably alongside Singapore’s vision for an innovation-driven, low-carbon economy, with programmes designed to equip youths not just to get jobs, but to create them.

With OceanX bringing the deep ocean into sharp focus for students, and Temasek Foundation pushing leadership and collaboration across ASEAN, year two looks less like consolidation and more like acceleration. Expect more hack-challenges, more cross-border cohorts, and more of that useful friction where creative young people meet hard engineering constraints.

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The day had finally arrived when Fat Max would meet Fat Bob, and this review had ‘chonk‘ written all over it from the get-go. Yours truly had been looking forward to this moment for a couple of years now, and here it was.

Having already reviewed the Softail Standard last year, the opportunity to cruise the highways again with a Milwaukee V-twin burbling away in the nether regions was definitely worth the wait.

Fat Bob is Harley-Davidson’s take on what a modern-day heavy but sporty cruiser should be like. Although its name sounds very similar to Fat Boy, the latter is more for relaxed, classic cruising while the former sports a more athletic performance-slanted riding experience.

Rotund Robert

Good news for the lanky and/or gravitationally less-challenged folks, for the seat height sits nicely at 710mm. Unlike the Softail, there were no hip and thigh cramps to overcome, and I became one with the bike in record time.

More petite-sized riders need not fret, for Fat Bob’s riding position is wonderfully engineered to where balancing at a standstill is pretty easy. That the rear of the rider’s seat kicks upward means support for one’s coccyx, and comes in handy on longer rides.

Next up are the foot pegs. Where Softail had them mid-mounted, Fat Bob has them pleasantly forward-mounted, and for this rider, felt much more natural, ergonomic and easy to use.

Lean angle left and right increases to 32- and 31-degrees respectively compared to the aforementioned Softail’s 28.5-degrees on either side. What this means is that one can put their knee further down with Fat Bob and handle bends and corners like a champ.

Both gear and rear brake controls are chonktastic and simple and easy to use, but Neutral seemed to be a little tricky to engage, especially at a standstill.

Chonkalicious 150/80-16 and 180/70B16 Harley-Davidson branded Dunlop blackwall tyres are where the rubber meets the road. Featuring a chunky adventure bike-like tread pattern, they grip well in the twisties and remain stable on the straights.

The handlebars are positioned such that they simply fall naturally to hand for this rider. Others may find themselves leaning slightly forward, but this should not be much of a pain at all. Think of naked bikes’ riding position and it will all make more sense.

Keyless start features here on Fat Bob, and it’s a welcome feature. Simply approach the bike with the key in your pocket, mount up, turn the kill switch on, wait for the fuel pump to finish priming, start the engine and Bob’s your uncle – enjoy that lovely growl.

And what a muscular engine this is, all 114 cubic inches of it.

The Milwaukee 114 1,868cc V-Twin puts down 93hp and 155Nm of torque to the road via a six-speed manual gearbox. While this may not sound like much, it’s a different story on the move.

That gearbox too has its own aural character and sounds like a steroid-addled pigeon loudly “pruu-pruuing” away at idle and low revs. Drive is primarily sent via an enclosed chain to a secondary belt drive that goes to the rear wheel.

Anchoring duties fall to twin floating rotors clamped down by two four-piston fixed callipers in front, while the rear sports a solitary rotor and two-pot floating calliper. They’re strong, and never once did I feel wanting for additional stopping power.

‘Nuff gum-flappage. Let’s ride.

Thiccc Cruisin’ n’ Bruisin’

Remember Sammo Hung? The man may be chonktastically thiccc but boy can he move swiftly and deftly. It’s pretty much the same story with Fat Bob.

Sure, it’s no KTM Duke 390, but learn its ways and it will dance to your heart’s content. Remember, Fat Bob is hefty at just over 300kg and has a longer 1,615mm wheelbase, and that means turn-ins need to be orchestrated more purposefully.

The trick here is to consciously use the countersteer technique. Wanna turn left? Countersteer right first and let the bike naturally lean left. Running wide in a bend? Countersteer, lean further into the bend and sharpen your line.

Do this and Fat Bob will sail through highway-speed bends and slow-speed tight corners like a champion, and put a massive grin on your face while doing it in the same way Sammo Hung enthrals audiences with his swift, deft martial arts moves despite his size.

The centrepiece of Fat Bob is the Milwaukee 114 V-Twin. Start-up sees a throaty shout from the dual 2-into-2 shorty pipes before settling down into a lumpy, burbling idle. At low revs, the burble changes slightly into a thrumming throb, somewhat reminiscent of a Huey helicopter.

Twist the right wrist and let the revs rise, and Huey gives way to the 19th-century Gatling gun at a quicker cadence. The whole experience is so visceral that one feels ‘encouraged’ to shift up and do it all over again. Just wish the exhaust note was louder though. (wink wink nudge nudge!)

Where Fat Bob is the happiest, however, is cruising at a relaxed 2,000rpm. Standard cruise control takes care of any potential wrist fatigue on longer rides and I found myself using it more than I thought I would.

What about lane filtering? Just keep in mind that Fat Bob ain’t no Slim Jim, allow for a slightly wider gap and you’ll be slicing through traffic right along with slimmer bikes like kapchais.

After collection, and on the same night, a round-island highway cruise was undertaken. Never once had I come home after a test ride and said, “I want this bike,” until Fat Bob came along.

However, the defining moment of this review ride was yet to come. Before returning the bike, I decided to go on another round-island cruise early on a public holiday morning with cruise control set to 85km/h on the quieter highways. Y’know, because one round-island ride wasn’t enough.

Heading westward brought Fat Max and Fat Bob right into not just one, but two heavy downpours. Without rain gear and clad in a dri-fit long-sleeved top usually means uncomfortable skin pricks from the large raindrops which are more akin to sharp tiny stones being flung at the rider.

Not this time though.

Neither Fat Bob nor I could give a flying f**k about the pelting thunderstorms, with the steroid-addled-pigeon sounding gearbox down below flipping the proverbial bird at the heavens above as we sailed right through the downpours with cruise control still engaged.

Right at that defining moment, Fat Bob made Fat Max feel indestructible, incorruptible, invincible. Cue a certain Fat Penguin (you know who you are) chuckling in the background.

This song pretty much sums up that feeling.

Some time ago, I was someone who scoffed at Harley-Davidson motorcycles, buying into the stereotypes promulgated by the internet. Not anymore. Now I get it, and ne’er will I scoff at Harleys again, thanks primarily to Fat Bob and also Softail.

You’ve gotta ride ’em to know what the Harley-Davidson feeling is really like.

Once again, after returning Fat Bob and while riding my Duke 390 home, the first lingering thought was “How come the gear shift lever so smol wan aaaah?”

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

Technical Specifications

2024 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob 114

Engine:  Milwaukee Eight 114 1,868cc V-Twin
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Driveline: Chain-driven primary, belt-driven secondary
Power: 93hp @ 5,020rpm
Torque: 155Nm @ 3,500rpm
Fuel Economy (combined): 5.5-litres/100km or 18.18km/litre (claimed)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 litres
Weight (in running order): 306.17kg
Length: 2,340mm
Wheelbase: 1,615mm
Unladen Seat Height: 710mm
Ground Clearance: 120mm
Lean Angle (left): 32-degrees
Lean Angle (right): 31-degrees
Price: from $68,900 (with COE, accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Harley-Davidson Singapore

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These numbers indicate that there is increasing affection for BMW and MINI models in Southeast Asia.

With the BMW brand itself revving up an 18% growth over the previous year, and the BMW M, the marque’s performance division, accelerating an impressive 85%, it’s clear that the thirst for luxury and speed is far from being quenched.

The electric avenues are buzzing too, with BMW’s battery electric models surging by 257% and MINI’s electric variants not far behind at a 174% increase.

“The demand for BMW and MINI in Southeast Asia is growing at a fast pace, and we are delighted to see such amazing numbers in 2023,” said Lars Nielsen, Managing Director, BMW Group Asia.

“With Vietnam and Indonesia achieving 50% and 38% growth in BMW sales year-on-year respectively, we are confident that we will continue to expand our growing footprint in the region.”

Singapore has previously welcomed BMW with open arms, placing the brand as the second top-selling premium marque and the third in both the electric vehicle segment and overall brand ranking.

Electric vehicles now account for a significant 23% of BMW’s total sales in the Lion City, signalling a green shift in the luxury car market.

At the 2024 Singapore Motor Show, BMW showed off four new models – the BMW iX1, BMW X1 M35i, BMW X2, and BMW i5 M60. This is just the start, with more models and launches coming as the year unfolds.

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As a previous X5 owner, I’ve loved all the generations of BMW’s beloved SUV. Powerful, roomy, stylish, yet muscular – the X5 possesses everything you would want in an SUV.

But as SUVs become more popular, and many brands take the ‘cookie-cutter’ EV route, the decision as to which one to buy has often become rather superficial: the looks. The preference for the rugged and boxy look has also evolved into something more sleek and curvy. Think Mercedes GLE, Maserati Levante or the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and you’ll know what I mean.

The Handsome SUV

Yet, among the Asian makes, Toyota and Hyundai have been harking back to the old-school chunkier designs with their RAV4, Landcruiser, and even the latest Santa Fe.

It’s safe to say that buyers’ preference leans to both extremes. Yet the X5 has always managed to tread the line between sleek and rugged.

With some new exterior updates, this facelift X5 continues that tradition of the modern SUV. New bumpers at the front and rear in this xDrive40i M Sport version add to the car’s beefiness, as do a set of updated, less fussy headlamps and taillights.

From the rear, it is easy to spot the latest X5, as the previous LED outline in each taillamp has now been replaced with a sideways hammer signature. Seen in unison, they make up an elongated ‘X’.

The Luxury SUV

The changes continue inside, where a gleaming new BMW Curved Display sits atop the dashboard, with a curved screen that houses BMW’s latest iDrive 8 infotainment system. It measures a wide 12.3-inch for the information display and 14.9-inch for the control display.

Even the physical climate controls have been removed in favour of touchscreen-based buttons.

Overall, space and legroom are still outstanding, as they always have been since the E70 series. However, BMW no longer offers the X5 as a 7-seater.

Honestly, I’ve rarely used the seats in the third row when I had mine. Partly because they weren’t very comfortable but also because the humongous boot capacity offered when the seats were folded flat down was too awesome for me to pass up on using.

The brown leather seats in this G05 series X5 look and feel superb, too. Juxtaposed against the deep blue exterior paint, the car reeks of sporty luxury.

The one thing X5s were always pretty good at was their driving dynamics, and the new one is no different. Powered by a turbocharged (I wonder how many more times I will get to use this beautiful word in the future when force induction is no more) 3.0-litre engine with mild hybrid assistance, the SUV packs a healthy 375bhp and 550Nm of torque.

As with modern, turbocharged cars, even a large-sized SUV like the X5 never feels ‘heavy’ or lethargic. On the contrary, it is relatively quick and responds with liveliness with every prod of the accelerator. Leaving the car in ‘Sport’ mode is best; the steering stiffens, and the throttle response also sharpens up.

The Sporty SUV

Turning in hard into a series of sweeping bends will require the driver to adapt quickly to the car’s sheer size, but the X5 helps you with that; a comfortable but sports-tuned suspension set-up and a large wheel and tyre combination aid in settling the car in when you need to go fast.

Once again, the X5 rides impressively well, but if you prefer an even more comfortable ride, you may lose the run-flats when it’s time to change those tyres.  

I may be biased. But as a fan of the brand, the BMW X5 still comes across as the best choice for a premium SUV. I’d choose an Audi Avant any day if it was a wagon body style I was shopping for. Premium sedan? It’ll probably be a Mercedes C-Class.

Sure, the X5 may be due for a newer, more updated iteration to keep up with its fast-moving competitors, but sometimes it’s good to slow down and enjoy the peak of what years of progress have brought us, and you can find that in the newly updated X5.

Technical Specifications

BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport

Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged
Power: 280 kW (375 bhp)
Torque: 550 Nm
Gearbox: 8-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 5.5 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 250 km/h

Price: S$538,000 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: BMW

Photo Credits: Joel Tam

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The Porsche Cayenne has historical significance for the German marque. Back in 2002, this was the vehicle that breathed new life into the company and ushered in a new world of SUVs.

Fast forward to today, and this is the third generation’s refresh. The Cayenne was a pioneer, a lone wolf in its early days.

Now, it finds itself in a crowd, rubbing shoulders with SUVs of all shapes and sizes. Still, that doesn’t seem to faze its attitude on being an industry trendsetter.

Improve the things that count

There are a few variants of the new facelifted Porsche Cayenne, but this is the “base” non-hybrid V6.

You don’t get the grunt and thump of a V8, or the extra boost from electrical assistance, but this 3-litre 6-pot is still fine in a relaxed, unsporting kind of way, and that’s what a lot of people secretly want from a cushy SUV.

Still, you do get 349bhp and 500Nm of torque on tap, plenty for the opportune overtake and acceleration off the line. Speaking of, the century sprint is done and dusted in just 5.7 seconds, and the Cayenne can push all the way to 248km/h if you like. 

The V6 will play ball with you until about 5,000rpm, when it starts to get breathless. Otherwise, power comes on smooth like butter, and the 8-speed Tiptronic S gearbox rows through gears with urgency.

For those who crave spirited driving but had to settle on an SUV to please their spouse and kids, you’ll appreciate the way the Cayenne rounds a corner.

The handling of the Cayenne continues to be a marvel. It feels like defying physics, gracefully tackling corners and challenging roads with an assurance that’s rare.

The facelift seems to have slightly lighter steering than its predecessor; a subtle update, but one that makes the car more composed in town. The real magic lies in the steel suspension with adaptive dampers.

They absorb bumps and imperfections with finesse, leaving you in a serene bubble of comfort.

If you are intending to buy a Cayenne, fuel economy would probably not be one of your top considerations.

Thankfully it probably isn’t, because Porsche’s claimed figure of 8.3km/litre is pretty much the highest you’ll ever see. You could achieve that on the expressway, but give it any sense of oomph and it quickly drops. My average hovered around the 6.7km/litre mark, through a mix of light traffic and the occasional burst of acceleration.

But wait, this looks like the old one?

On first glance, the new Cayenne might deceive you into thinking it’s the previous model. But lean in closer, and the nuances start to shine. The new Matrix LED headlights are a standout feature, elevating the vehicle’s face with a modern, sophisticated glow that’s becoming a signature across Porsche’s range.

The designers didn’t just stop at the headlights. The front bumper has been sculpted anew, the bonnet refined, and the wings given a bit more muscle.

The tailgate, with its sleeker design thanks to the relocated license plate, speaks to a design ethos of less clutter and more style.

It’s these little changes that collectively elevate the Cayenne’s exterior to a new level of elegance. And between you and me, I still prefer the SUV variant more (this is the coupe).

Can you spot the differences now?

Big changes are immediately visible as soon as you hop in. The physical rev counter has been replaced by a dazzling 12.6-inch digital display, reminiscent of the futuristic Taycan.

Cycling through its seven display options, you’ll appreciate the homage to Porsche’s heritage with the classic round dials.

The start-stop button has replaced the iconic twisty key starter; a nod to modernity, but sacrilegious to the fellow enthusiast. The gear selector, now emerging horizontally from the dashboard, is another influence from the Taycan, signalling a subtle shift in design philosophy.

The 12.3-inch central touchscreen is one of the best in the market now – responsive, clear, and visually impressive, despite being a bit intricate to use at times. The optional 10.9-inch passenger screen is an interesting addition, though its utility might be subjective. 

The interior design isn’t just about screens and tech; you still get an ambience that blends modernity with classic Porsche elegance. The new vents, fresh trim materials, and a coppery tone add a level of sophistication that borders on the opulent.

By raising the gear lever, the designers have cleverly created more space in the centre console, including a chilled (much appreciated!) wireless charging bay for added convenience. The retention of physical switches for climate control is a thoughtful touch, maintaining a tactile connection in an increasingly touch-screen-dominated world.

However, the glossy centre panel, while stylish, is prone to attracting dust and fingerprints. It’s a small trade-off in an otherwise impeccably crafted interior.

Rear seat room is generous, ensuring comfort for all passengers, and the headroom is particularly noteworthy, even in this tapered Coupe variant.

Cargo space is decent even for the Coupe, standing at 554 litres. For those who want more utility, the SUV body style beckons with 770 litres to spare.

The OG SUV

The Cayenne has always been a standout in the Porsche lineup, and the latest iteration takes it a notch higher. In a market increasingly crowded with flashy SUVs, the Cayenne retains a sense of restraint and elegance. 

While the 911 may be the icon of the Porsche brand, it’s the Cayenne that underpins the company’s success. 

Technical Specifications

Porsche Cayenne Coupe

Engine: 2,995cc V6 Turbocharged, All-Wheel Drive
Power: 349 bhp
Torque: 500 Nm
Gearbox: 8-Speed (A) Tiptronic S
0-100km/h: 5.7 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 248 km/h
Fuel Economy: 8.3 km/L (claimed)
Price: POA (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Porsche Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Mercedes-Benz Singapore has recently unveiled the Mercedes-AMG C63 F1 Edition at the Mercedes-Benz Center, and its new electrified-assisted platform is a real game changer in AMG’s 55-year history.

Dressed in a striking Manufaktur Alpine Grey solid paint, this car is adorned with foils featuring the AMG logo and a sleek grey-to-black colour gradient. If that’s not enough to captivate you, the red trim lines running along the front and rear aprons and side skirts sure will.

This special edition takes cues from the FIA F1 Medical Car by Mercedes-AMG, sporting 20-inch AMG forged wheels in matte black with flashy red rim flanges.

The interior is equally as striking, with AMG Performance seats wrapped in black Nappa leather adorned with elegant red decorative topstitching and embossed AMG emblems on the front head restraints.

This red stitching theme continues on the AMG Performance steering wheel, and the doorsills light up with red ‘AMG’ lettering. Special edition badges and the F1 logo on the AMG floor mats are included too, if the badges outside weren’t sufficient.

The biggest change

Under the hood, the C63 S E Performance features a reworked 2.0-litre engine paired with a plug-in hybrid system. This setup churns out 671bhp and 1,020Nm of torque, catapulting the car from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds. 

The plug-in hybrid system uses a 6.1kWh battery strategically placed above the rear axle for optimal weight distribution. This can be charged at up to 3.7kW via an AC charger.

It must be said though that you only get 13km of electric-only range.

As standard, the C63 S E Performance comes equipped with AMG Performance all-wheel drive, AMG’s Ride Control adaptive damping system, all-wheel steering, and a composite brake system.

The front boasts six-piston fixed callipers and the rear has one-piston floating callipers. 

For those eyeing this particular variant, they are likely all sold out. But, if you can live with the regular editions of the Mercedes-AMG C63, good news! They’ll be available from January 2024, following the car’s debut at the 2024 Singapore Motor Show.

Have your chequebook ready by then.

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Tesla Singapore is cutting down on the price tags of its Model Y lineup, slashing them by up to 18%.

How are they doing it? They’ve been tweaking and improving their production processes, leading to significant cost reductions in manufacturing. Tesla’s main goal is to make electric vehicles more accessible to a broader audience.

For those itching to get up close and personal with Tesla’s lineup, including the newly price-dropped Model Y, there are two spots to visit.

Head down to either the Toa Payoh or Millenia Walk Gallery Tesla Experience Centres. And if you’re keen on getting behind the wheel, Tesla Singapore has a dedicated test drive booking page just for that.

Tesla’s commitment to electrifying Singapore’s roads doesn’t stop at selling cars; they’ve got a robust network to keep your Tesla charged up.

With 11 Tesla Supercharger stations offering a total of 33 Superchargers, plus six Tesla Destination Charging stations (accounting for 25 Destination Chargers), range anxiety is set to become a thing of the past.

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Since the debut of the original R80G/S back in 1980, the GS range has been the heartthrob of BMW’s Motorrad lineup. Now, the latest R 1300 GS has made its entrance in Singapore, showcased at the brand-new BMW Motorrad showroom.

Central to any GS is its beating heart – the boxer engine. The new kid on the block, the R 1300 GS, flaunts a re-engineered boxer engine with a bottom-mounted gearbox and BMW ShiftCam technology.

This gives the bike a displacement boost to precisely 1,300cc, justifying the 1300 name. The engine cranks out 143bhp and 149Nm of torque, making it the most potent BMW boxer engine ever produced.

BMW Motorrad revamped the chassis too, with a sheet metal shell main frame and a die-cast aluminium rear frame. These tweaks bring enhanced rigidity and refined steering precision.

The new EVO Telelever front and revised EVO Paralever rear wheel guides are great inclusions too. Oh, and did I mention it’s 12kg lighter than its predecessor?

On the design front, the new R 1300 GS sports a sharper front end, a flatter fuel tank, and a slimmer tail section. It’s like BMW Motorrad took the essence of adventure biking and distilled it into something more compact yet instantly recognizable.

As for ride modes, the new GS is brimming with options. Alongside the standard Road and Rain modes, there’s an Eco mode for the environmentally conscious and an Enduro mode for off-road enthusiasts.

The GS also boasts a plethora of standard equipment, including a Matrix LED headlamp, Dynamic Cruise Control, Engine drag torque control (MSR), Dynamic Brake Assist (DBC), Ride Off Assist (HSC), and Full Integral ABS Pro.

It even comes with a handy smartphone charging compartment with an integrated USB socket and a 6.5-inch TFT screen with improved connectivity. Perfect for staying connected no matter where your journey takes you.

For those looking to dial up their GS experience, a range of optional equipment is available, such as the electronic Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA) that adapts damping and spring rate dynamically.

You can even opt for adaptive vehicle height control and sports suspension. The GS with lift assist can also raise itself to the perfect pivot point, making it easier to hoist onto its main stand.

Personalise your GS further with a handlebar riser, adaptive turning light, and even heated seats for both rider and passenger.

As for colour choices, there are three stunning variants – Trophy, Triple Black, and Option 719. And yes, for the performance enthusiasts, there’s even a dual-tip Akrapovic exhaust silencer available, among other touring essentials like panniers.

BMW Motorrad Singapore is set for the first customer deliveries of the new R 1300 GS, expected to kick off in January. So, for those eager to embrace the latest in adventure biking, your wait is almost over.

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Wave goodbye to the McLaren GT and roll out the red carpet for the McLaren GTS. McLaren’s somewhat practical supercar has been rechristened; ready for a game of ‘spot the difference’?

At first glance, you might think, “What’s changed?”

The GTS boasts a new, more assertive front bumper, now sporting wider air intakes. Look over its shoulders, and you’ll spot taller and more pronounced air scoops. Subtle, yet significant. And for those who love a splash of newness, there are fresh paint colours, a snazzy wheel design, and of course, exclusive GTS badging.

Under the hood, the GTS’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 is getting more air thanks to those larger intakes, and it’s making good use of it. Power has been dialled up to 626bhp.

How, you ask? Through “increased crankshaft torque enabled by more aggressive combustion phasing and revised ignition timing”. 

McLaren claims the century sprint remains a swift 3.2 seconds, and yes, it still maxes out at an exhilarating 326km/h. All this power is gracefully handled by the seven-speed gearbox.

Tthe GTS has also gone on a diet, shedding 10kg from the old GT, now weighing in at a respectable 1,520kg. Credit goes to the carbon tub.

The standard electro-hydraulic steering, adaptive dampers, and carbon ceramic brakes have also been specially tuned for the GTS, ensuring that it’s not just a supercar, but a supercar with finesse.

You might wonder, “Isn’t this supposed to be McLaren’s grand tourer?” Well, the GT always felt more like a supercar than its grand tourer rivals and the GTS seems to be continuing that trend.

You can amp up the supercar feel with an ‘underbody carbon pack’ for that extra sporty look. And yes, it still comes with Comfort, Sport, and Track modes for a tailored driving experience. For those moments you just so happen to be driving on a race track.

There is a nod to practicality, though. The upgraded nose lift system now raises ground clearance from 110mm to 130mm in just four seconds – more than twice as fast as before, making those pesky bumps less of a hassle.

Inside, comfort takes the front seat with standard comfort seats and familiar screens, including a 10.25-inch digital instrument display and a 7.0-inch central touchscreen.

The optional electrochromic glass panoramic roof remains, while new interior ‘schemes’ known as Performance and TechLux offer a range of materials and options.

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Vertex Automobile has recently forged a new partnership with Chery International. The signing event, which happened on 30th November 2023, solidified Chery’s comeback into Singapore.

With this partnership, Vertex now has exclusive distribution rights for Chery’s Omoda and Jaecoo electric vehicles in Singapore.

The event was graced by a roster of esteemed guests, including Mr Yin Tong Yue, Chairman of Chery Group, Mr Zhang Gui Bing, General Manager of Chery International and Mr Shan Xiang Qian, Vice Governor of Ann Hui.

Through the partnership, Vertex aims to expedite Singapore’s shift towards a greener, more sustainable future by spearheading the integration of more electric vehicles into the nation’s car population.

The Omoda 5 EV has been teased for quite some time, and it is finally arriving on our shores in Q1 of 2024. The Jaecoo brand is set to follow suit at a later date.

Vertex will soon be opening their new showroom too, so prospective customers can head down and view the new electric range.

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