2021 marked the dawn of a new era for Lexus, with the introduction of the new NX and LX. The path to carbon neutrality also accelerated plans for electrification, and Lexus has kicked things off with plug-in hybrid variants of the NX and RX, followed by the all-electric RZ.

Now, in 2023, Lexus is expanding its lineup even further with three new models – the LM, GX and this LBX.

The driving force behind the LBX was none other than the visionary Lexus Master Driver, Akio Toyoda. Driven by a desire to redefine the very essence of luxury cars, Toyoda aimed to surpass the limitations imposed by a compact platform. The goal was to create a vehicle that would resonate with discerning customers shopping for luxury crossovers.

Design wise, the LBX embodies the “Premium Casual” philosophy. Its exterior is bold and dynamic, donning Lexus’ latest “Unified Spindle” front fascia design.

Likewise, the cabin’s main focus was a premium environment that exudes top-tier quality. The goal was to create an inviting and serene space that ‘fosters seamless connectivity between the driver and the car’. Whatever that means.

Lexus is also introducing a “Bespoke Build” program, empowering customers to tailor their LBX to their individual lifestyles and preferences.

There isn’t a date as to when the Lexus LBX will come to Singapore, but given the mad craze for crossovers here, it’s only a matter of time.

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Commercial vehicles aren’t usually the first thing customers look for when shopping for a vehicle in Singapore, as you would require the vehicle to be registered under a company or pay exorbitant fees to register it as a private vehicle.

But, for those who are interested in a crew-cab pickup, there’s a new kid on the block. The all-new, next-generation Ford Ranger has just landed in Singapore. 

The Ranger is the middle child of the family, positioned between its larger sibling, the F-150, and the compact Bronco SUV in Ford’s international sales lineup. And the formula is proven to work. In 2022, it was the world’s second-best-selling truck, second only to the legendary Toyota Hilux. 

In Singapore, the Ford Ranger is only available with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine pushing out 168bhp and 450Nm of torque.

The 10-speed automatic gearbox is mated to an electronically switched transfer case, providing the freedom to choose between 2WD, 4WD high, and 4WD low gear ranges. This one-ups the Singaporean Toyota Hilux, which operates solely on 2WD. Doubt one could use all 10 gears though, as commercial vehicles here are legally limited to 70km/h.

It looks meaner than its predecessor too. With box-ier flanges and high-riding proportions, the Ranger’s front fascia has a more aggressive stance, accentuated by signature C-Clamp headlights.

A subtle shoulder line gracefully runs along the sides, incorporating more prominent wheel arches.

The inside is no slouch either. The Ranger, known for its more upmarket qualities, showcases a superior selection of soft-touch materials that surpass the offerings of other utilitarian trucks. The interior has embraced a more car-like ambience, further enhancing the overall driving experience.

At the heart of the spacious cabin lies a vertical touchscreen featuring Ford’s SYNC 4 connectivity and entertainment system. This advanced system features wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mirror Screen functionalities.

Additionally, the customisable and multi-functional instrument panel presents vital off-road driving information such as the truck’s tilt angle and steering angles.

Ford proudly declares the Ranger as a recreational truck tailored for the connected age. I mean, which vehicle brand isn’t doing this nowadays?

As such, it offers convenient storage spaces for smartphones, including a generous centre console bin designed to securely stow portable gadgets. The dashboard itself conceals an upper glovebox, and additional storage bins can be found under and behind the rear seats.

For prospective customers, the Ford Ranger will be available in showrooms very soon. Stay tuned.

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These new CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models bring advanced technology, enhanced rider comfort, and dynamic performance, all powered by a new Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine. 

Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President, and CEO of Harley-Davidson, expressed the company’s mission with these new models, stating, “With the all-new CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models, our mission is to advance every aspect of the Grand American Touring motorcycling experience. These models set a new standard for Harley-Davidson performance, technology, and style, accelerating the evolution of the world’s most desirable motorcycle brand.”

The iconic design of the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models has been redefined while still retaining the familiar shapes of previous Harley-Davidson Grand American Touring motorcycles.

These models feature fairings with integrated venting and LED signature lighting, trimmed front fender, distinctively styled 6-gallon fuel tank with a side bevel, and saddlebags that harmonise with the fairings and fuel tank. New Combo Cast Laced wheels are made from black machine-cut cast-aluminium rim and laced spokes. 

Performance-wise, the new 121-cubic inch V-Twin Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 features optimised liquid-cooled cylinder heads, a new cooling system, variable valve timing (VVT), a new intake tract, and a performance exhaust system.

High-performance front and rear SHOWA suspension components enhance handling and provide a remarkable improvement in rider comfort, with rear suspension travel increased by 50 per cent. Premium Brembo braking components ensure excellent braking performance and rider confidence.

For added lightness, these models have significantly reduced dry weight, with the Street Glide shedding 31 pounds and the Road Glide losing 35 pounds compared to their predecessors. 

Plus, the new models now offer selectable Ride Modes – Road, Sport, and Rain – allowing riders to electronically control power delivery, engine braking, Cornering-Antilock Braking System (C-ABS), and Cornering-Traction Control System (C-TCS) settings.

In terms of infotainment, the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models introduce an all-new suite of technology powered by the new Skyline OS. Analogue instrumentation is replaced by a 12.3-inch TFT colour touchscreen that offers three distinct view options and is compatible with both Apple and Android devices.

The system also includes Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless device connection and a built-in Bluetooth receiver for wireless headsets. For those who wish to blast tunes, a premium Harley-Davidson Audio powered by Rockford Fosgate Stage II four-speaker audio system is now hooked up to a new 500-watt RMS amplifier.

The new CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models will be unveiled to the public in Milwaukee during the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival in July 2023.

Authorised Harley-Davidson dealer showrooms worldwide will have these models available from mid-July.

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Replacing its predecessor, the DB11, which hit the production line back in 2016, the Aston Martin DB12 comes roaring with a 4.0-litre AMG-sourced V8 engine. Aston Martin’s engineers have fine-tuned this powerhouse, equipping it with enhanced cam profiles, optimised compression ratios, and larger diameter turbochargers.

The result? A staggering 671 hp and 800 Nm of torque at your disposal.

Aston Martin has also given this magnificent engine a complete cooling system overhaul, introducing two additional auxiliary coolers alongside the central main radiator.

All of this power is seamlessly channelled through an 8-speed automatic gearbox. But what sets this DB model apart is the inclusion of an electronic limited-slip differential, capable of swiftly transitioning from fully open to 100% locked in the blink of an eye.

The Aston Martin DB12 is equipped with state-of-the-art intelligent adaptive dampers, a bonded aluminium structure, and an Electronic Power Assisted Steering system, this car promises fine-tuned craftsmanship and engineering excellence.

It doesn’t look radically different from the DB11 before it, but the DB12’s exterior has a newly reshaped radiator aperture and a new front splitter. The track has also been widened, with an increase of 6mm at the front and a significant 22mm at the rear compared to its predecessor.

The inside is where the Aston Martin DB12 stands apart from the outgoing DB11. A 10.25-inch infotainment screen sits proudly atop a sleekly sloping centre console, offering a range of features to keep you connected and entertained. The new online navigation system even allows you to discover your favourite restaurants and read reviews. So you can roll up to your favourite restaurant in style.

Of course, the leather is made from meticulously hand-stitched Bridge of Weir hides. Key mechanical operations such as gear selection, drive selection, heating, and ventilation are still controlled via physical switches. Thank god.

As with new tech these days, Aston Martin now has a new app, offering a plethora of services from monitoring and locating your vehicle to sending navigation points of interest, even guiding you on foot with last-mile navigation.

The Aston Martin DB12 will start gracing the streets in the third quarter of 2023.

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BMW Group Asia embarked on its electrification journey in 2014, introducing the BMW i3 and i8 models. Fast forward nine years and five generations of BMW eDrive technology, and the company is expanding its lineup of fully electric vehicles (EVs) with the new BMW i4 eDrive35.

According to Mr. Lars Nielsen, Managing Director of BMW Group Asia, the BMW i4 brings electrification to the heart of the BMW brand, offering practicality, performance, and poise in a sustainable package. As Singapore’s charging infrastructure develops and more EV options become available, electromobility is gaining traction in the country.

The new BMW i4 eDrive35 joins the existing BMW i4 family, which includes the highly successful BMW i4 M50 and BMW i4 eDrive40. Packed with the latest technology, including an efficient electric powertrain and the BMW Curved Display with Operating System 8, the BMW i4 eDrive35 is sure to impress as it hits the roads here.

Produced at the BMW Group Munich plant, the new BMW i4 eDrive35 contributes to the company’s commitment to electric mobility. By 2023, 50% of the total production volume at the plant will be dedicated to fully electric cars. The BMW Group’s portfolio of fully electric cars now spans six model lines with 10 powertrain derivatives. The company aims for fully electric vehicles to account for 50% of its global sales by 2030.

But this is just the beginning. BMW has more in store with the upcoming BMW i5 sedan, promising enhanced dynamics, comfort, and a fresh interpretation of the brand’s signature design. Equipped with BMW Operating System 8.5, the BMW i5 will offer a suite of innovative digital services.

In terms of sales, BMW Group Asia has been a leader in the premium segment, selling 204 fully electric vehicles in the first four months of 2023, accounting for over 20% of total BMW and MINI EV sales in Singapore. These figures demonstrate the preference of EV buyers for BMW and MINI vehicles in the country.

As for charging infrastructure, Singapore currently has over 3,600 EV charging points, with plans to increase this number to 12,000 by 2025 and 60,000 by 2030. BMW Group Asia has been collaborating with Greenlots, a member of the Shell Group, since 2014 to provide home and public charging options.

Under the Shell Recharge banner, BMW i and MINI Electric customers can enjoy a comprehensive home or public charging package. The package includes a wall-mounted AC charger for home charging and a subscription package of 10,000 kWh over three years at Shell Recharge stations for public charging.

BMW’s regional footprint extends to 80% of the ASEAN region, offering electrified vehicles in markets such as Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

To experience the new BMW i4 eDrive35, interested customers can visit any authorised BMW dealer in Singapore.

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Another day, another SUV. This time, it’s from Lexus.

The Japanese marque is set to launch a new SUV, dubbed the LBX, that will join the ranks of the UX, NX and RX models. Lexus has not revealed much thus far, only mentioning a reveal debut date on 5 June 2023 in Milan, Italy.

Other than that, they have not released any further official details, aside from two teaser images. One image depicts the rear of the car, showing its taillights positioned fairly high up.

The other gives us a glimpse of the LBX’s front fascia, looking similar to the Lexus RX which was introduced not too long ago. Seems like Lexus is trying to unify its SUV lineup, giving each model sleek looks and a futuristic facade. If the LBX is anything to go by, it would probably be represented as a mini-me to the existing Lexus RX.

We’ll have to wait till the 5th of June to get more updates. Stay tuned!

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The BMW R 18 Roctane, part of the R 18 family, is a motorcycle that combines classic design elements with modern technology, paying tribute to BMW Motorrad’s history.

At the core of the R 18 Roctane is the renowned 2-cylinder flat twin engine, known as the “big boxer.” With 1,802 cc on tap, it is the most powerful 2-cylinder boxer engine ever built for a motorcycle series, offering impressive power and torque. The engine is complemented by a dark chrome exhaust system and star counter nuts.

The motorcycle’s chassis is built on a double-loop tubular steel frame, with suspension featuring telescopic forks and a directly linked central sprint strut with adjustable spring preload. Twin disc brakes at the front and a single disc brake at the rear gives it impressive stopping power too in a pinch.

The R 18 Roctane offers three riding modes, Automatic Stability Control (ASC), and engine drag torque control for safety and a smooth riding experience. Optional features include a reversing aid, Hill Start Control, and heated grips.

Design-wise, the R 18 Roctane reinterprets classic styling with elements inspired by the BMW R 5, such as the double-loop tube frame, pear-drop fuel tank, and open propeller shaft drive.

Metal body parts contribute to the vintage motorcycle aesthetic, and the suspension design mirrors the R 5’s rigid frame layout, albeit with modern improvements.

Ergonomically, the R 18 Roctane is designed for balance and comfort, featuring a two-level seat, footboards, a gearshift paddle, and high handlebars. The footrests are positioned behind the cylinders, promoting a relaxed riding posture.

For touring capabilities, the motorcycle comes with colour-matched cases providing ample luggage space, and riders can opt for a windshield and additional lighting. Plus, the R 18 Roctane’s adaptable architecture allows easy customisation and personalisation.

A timeless design, modern technology, and attention to detail. What more could you ask for?

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The BMW R 12 nineT, following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the R nineT, embodies the rich heritage and fascination of BMW Motorrad. This classic roadster offers a plethora of options for customization, allowing riders to personalize their motorcycles to their heart’s content.

The R 12 nineT features the original 1200 boxer engine with an upgraded airbox and exhaust system, delivering a nostalgic and thrilling riding experience.

The flat-twin engine has been an integral part of BMW motorcycles for a century, known for its distinctive design, powerful acceleration, signature sound, and smooth performance. With the air/oil-cooled boxer engine, the R 12 nineT carries on this tradition.

The design of the R 12 nineT embodies classic and purist elements, with meticulous attention to detail.

Elements like the redesigned front mudguard, clear tank, seat, and rear line are reminiscent of traditional motorcycles like the /5 series and the legendary R 90 S from the 1970s. The tank, in true BMW boxer style, features the characteristic bend in the lower edge and allows for comfortable knee contact. The side covers in the frame triangle area further enhance the authentic roadster look, paying homage to BMW motorcycles of the 1970s.

BMW Motorrad offers an array of attractive customization options through its original accessory range, allowing riders to further personalize their bike. Additionally, the LED rear light unit integrated into the seat enables the realization of a “short tail” design, enhancing the bike’s customizability.

If you like the retro-futuristic aesthetic, the new R 12 nineT is something that is surely up your alley, combining the appeal of traditional motorcycles with innovative technology.

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This open-top beauty is the ultimate counterpart to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, and let me tell you, it’s a force to be reckoned with.

Under the hood of the 718 Spyder RS lies a six-cylinder boxer engine that pumps out 493bhp and 450Nm of torque. This powertrain, which also propels the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racing car, is equipped with a lightweight stainless steel sports exhaust system that delivers an exhilarating soundtrack.

Plus, you get to hear it even more, now that the roof is gone.

Acceleration is a breeze, with the century sprint done in a mere 3.4 seconds. And if that’s not impressive enough, this puppy can hit the 200km/h mark in just 10.9 seconds. With a top speed of 308km/h, this roadster is a true speed demon.

Porsche is chucking in a dual-clutch transmission (PDK) with gearshift paddles, allowing you to shift gears without taking your hands off the wheel. But come on, a manual slushbox would have been perfect for a car like this.

In true Porsche fashion, every gram matters. The Spyder RS weighs a nimble 1,410kg, shedding 40kg compared to the 718 Spyder and it is even 5kg lighter than the closed 718 Cayman GT4 RS.

Porsche is renowned for its exceptional handling, and the Spyder RS is no exception. It features Porsche Active Suspension Management, Porsche Torque Vectoring and a mechanical limited-slip differential, so you can sing into the corners and come out looking like a champ.

The chassis has been lowered by 30mm for enhanced stability, and the spring and damper rates have been adjusted for a more relaxed, convertible-style setup.

Looks do matter too, and the 718 Spyder RS shares a striking resemblance to its coupe counterpart, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. From its front end with wide air outlets to the tear-off edge on the rear, this roadster exudes confidence and style.

And let’s not forget the manually operated single-layer lightweight soft top can be completely removed for those perfect sunny days.

Porsche hasn’t skimped on the creature comforts either. The RS sports steering wheel and dashboard is covered in Race-Tex, while the standard lightweight carbon fibre-reinforced plastic full bucket seats provide comfort and support. 

For those seeking something more hardcore, the Weissach Package is available as an option. This throws in forged magnesium wheels and titanium tailpipes, taking the Spyder RS to the next level of performance and style.

If that’s not enough, Porsche will be offering a Porsche Design Timepiece exclusively crafted to match the car’s configuration. This masterpiece boasts a lightweight titanium case, a carbon dial, and a strap made of vehicle leather.

The Porsche 718 Spyder RS will make its grand debut in June, and it’s set to steal the spotlight. If you’re as excited as I am, Porsche Singapore is already accepting inquiries and pre-orders. But, the starting price for this roadster is S$755,288 without COE, so better start digging your wallets.

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And there are lots of reasons to like this new model. The latest Nissan X-Trail comes with upgraded features, advanced technologies, and improved performance.

Electrified generator

For those who are not familiar with the e-POWER platform, the petrol engine serves as a generator to produce electricity, while electric motors power the car. 

The Nissan X-Trail is also the first e-POWER model to come with the new e-4ORCE system, an all-wheel-control system with twin electric motors that deliver massive torque, stability, and agility. It also provides optimal traction, minimises wheel slippage, and enables smooth starting and driving even in slippery conditions.

One pedal driving, or e-Pedal in Nissan speak, is one new creature comfort feature in the new X-Trail, transforming the accelerator pedal into both an accelerator and a brake. This way, you don’t have to shuffle your leg during traffic jams.

As with most new cars on the market today, the Nissan X-Trail comes with advanced safety technologies that provide the driver with confidence, security, and peace of mind on the road. For instance, the intelligent forward collision warning system detects potential obstacles on the road and alerts the driver in advance to prevent accidents.

Elevated cabin

Screens galore in the cabin of the all-new X-Trail e-POWER, with three large interior display screens – a 12.3-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display, a 12.3-inch NissanConnect navigation system, and a 10.8-inch head-up display.

The interior is fully decked out in black premium leather upholstery, and an option is available to upgrade to amber-coloured Nappa leather. If we reference other Nissan e-POWER models, the Nappa leather is an item that customers should really get. It’s that good.

Modern, muscular styling

The exterior styling of the new 4th-gen X-Trail has been styled very much in line with Nissan’s current design language, with elements such as the floating two-tone roof, V-motion grille, and blockier proportions all resulting in a more imposing road presence compared to its predecessor. As seen on the Qashqai unveiled earlier this year, the headlight cluster on the X-trail appears to be moulded within the bodywork. At the rear, split taillights allow for a wider trunk opening. 

The new X-Trail will be available in 10 body colours with 5 two-tone combinations, a welcome sight that gives customers more to choose from, instead of the usual monochromatic colour palette a lot of modern cars tend to offer.

Interested?

The Nissan X-Trail e-POWER is now available for test drives and bookings, with a retail price starting from $254,800 (accurate at the time of this article).

Early bird specials include complimentary ceramic coating, 12 months of free road tax, $1,000 worth of petrol vouchers, a special trade-in booster of up to $33,000, and up to 50,000km of free servicing.

Interested buyers can visit the Nissan showrooms or this highlighted text to learn more about the car and its features.

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