The new 2025 Scuderia Ferrari HP race suit (yes, that is its official name) was developed in collaboration with PUMA. “This suit represents Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of performance, tradition, and innovation,” said a Ferrari spokesperson.  

With Lewis Hamilton joining Charles Leclerc at Ferrari in 2025, this race suit marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Scuderia. 

For Hamilton, a seven-time Formula One world champion, Ferrari represents a fresh challenge, an opportunity to add another milestone to his legendary career.

We are used to seeing him in silver or black back in Mercedes, where he spent his longest stint at, but now his new shade of red will be a welcome sight in the paddock.

For Leclerc, Ferrari has been home since 2019, and 2025 marks yet another season of chasing that elusive first world title. The Tifosi is already familiar with the Monégasque in red, so let’s hope he gets more luck this time around.

While the race suits have been unveiled, the car is noticeably absent. Our best guess is that all of the teams are waiting for the grand reveal on February 18th, at the first-ever season launch event.

With the legendary Prancing Horse on their chests, Hamilton and Leclerc will be chasing glory in style, one race at a time.  

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McLaren has recently lifted the covers off the all-new 750S, the next-in-line replacement for the best-selling 720S. Looks mostly the same, don’t they?

While the new car is technically built upon its predecessor, McLaren claims that the incoming 750S is comprised of about 30 per cent new components. As its name suggests, the 750S is more powerful and lighter than the outgoing 720S, and the boffins at McLaren have also given it major chassis modifications for improved agility.

Externally, the 750S looks almost identical to the 720S, save for the lack of a two-tone paint scheme the 720S enjoyed. A new front bumper presents slim new LED headlights and a larger splitter catering to optimised aero performance, while larger air intakes help boost cooling for the new engine. 

The back is where the biggest change lies, with the active rear wing now 20 per cent larger in terms of surface area. McLaren claims this helps significantly boost downforce while increasing braking performance. The 750S will be available in both hardtop and convertible forms, similar to the 720S.

Inside, the 750S receives a number of design improvements, resulting in a more driver-centric experience. The instrument cluster display now moves together with the steering column for added visibility, and the drive mode selector is mounted at the corner of the display, enabling easy switches on the fly.

For other settings, a central 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen now has buttons for quick-set functions such as launch control as well as active aero adjustment settings.

As it wouldn’t come as a surprise to anybody, the 750S’ 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 will develop 750 bhp, a 30 bhp over its predecessor. Maximum torque figures stand at 800Nm, and McLaren claims the new car can rock the century sprint in a blistering 2.8 seconds, climbing all the way to a top speed of 332km/h.

The power bumps come courtesy of a new triple-layer head gasket, new twin fuel pumps, higher-pressure turbos, lighter pistons and an exhaust array that shed 2.2kg. 

The 750S is also about 30kg lighter than the 720S, with the new car tipping the scales at just 1,277kg, making it the lightest McLaren series-production road car to date. The engineers have been busy trying to shave weight from as many areas as possible, and one area is the thinner windscreen glass, coming in at only 1.6kg.

Agility-wise, the 750S is more punchy thanks to chassis reinforcements. The front track has been widened by 6mm, lighter springs are added (3 per cent softer at the front and 4 per cent stiffer at the rear), a new brake booster improves pedal feel, and a faster steering rack makes the car even more responsive to driver inputs.

An upgraded version of McLaren’s Proactive Chassis Control system is also fitted, minimising body roll and improving traction in the corners.

The all-new 750S will go on sale in Europe later in 2023, but there is no news of whether it will arrive on our sunny little island in the near future. 

Pricing too has yet to be revealed, but expect it to command a steeper price tag over the outgoing 720S.

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This is a significant milestone for Lexus, as it marks a new era for the ‘Lexus Electrified’ vision, moving Lexus towards its goal of a sustainable global society.

The RZ retains all of the exquisite qualities of performance and craftsmanship that are distinctive to Lexus, down to the luxury, comfort and craftsmanship that come with the premium Japanese brand.

Evolution of Lexus Driving Signature

As Lexus’ first global BEV model, the all-new RZ embodies quintessential Lexus DNA and a unique driving experience made through advanced, electrified technology. 

To qualm any potential EV charging niggles, the RZ includes a high-efficiency compact, lightweight onboard charger. Both AC and DC Charging are available, and the system allows for 10 to 80 per cent fast charging within just half an hour.

The utilisation of a BEV-specific platform (eTNGA), as well as a lightweight and highly rigid body has also enhanced performance by achieving optimal weight distribution. Plus, avant-garde technology such as DIRECT4 – an all-wheel drive (AWD) system that achieves quick and linear responses according to the driver’s input – and a Steer-by-Wire system bring the Lexus Driving Signature to even greater levels.

The RZ also marks the first application of Lexus’ new e-Axles, which are dual motor units that work in conjunction with the new DIRECT4 all-wheel electronic drive torque control. This results in better handling stability and optimised power consumption, enabling the RZ to rock the century sprint in just 5.3 seconds.

Lexus is also debuting its first Steer-by-Wire system. It enables steering controls to be transmitted via electrical signals and not a traditional mechanical linkage. The control’s steering angle is also stable and precise, eliminating the need for hand-over-hand operation at intersections, U-turns and winding roads. However, the Yoke that was supposed to debut in this car isn’t available yet for Singapore, and will only arrive sometime in the near future.

Other innovations include improved Frequency Reactive Dampers and an all-new Braking Posture Control. The Frequency Reactive Dampers are frequency-sensitive absorbers that alter dampening force in response to different road surfaces, while the Braking Posture Control refers to a new pressurisation unit that enables coordinated front and rear regenerative braking through independent front and rear hydraulic control.

New looks that retain old charm

Designers for the all-new Lexus RZ have given it distinctive new looks but kept most of Lexus’ existing design language. The signature spindle grille is now replaced by a BEV Spindle Body since the front does not require any inlets for cooling.

The new front end focuses on aerodynamic efficiencies, optimised proportions and style, and this styling evolution ushers in a new aesthetic for Lexus EV offerings moving forward. The car is available in six futuristic exterior colours and three dual-tone colours, including metallic textures like Sonic Copper. 

Lexus also wants the RZ to exude sustainability. This is done through the application of mindfully sourced materials, where the Tazuna-inspired cabin is adorned with high-quality suede door trims and premium seat upholstery made with 30 per cent bio-based sustainable materials.

Peace of mind through advanced safety technologies

Of course, safety is all the rage these days, and the all-new Lexus RZ is equipped with the latest Lexus Safety System+3.0 alongside a host of innovative safety features. These include:

• Pre-Collision Safety
• Lane Departure Alert
• Advanced Park
• Emergency Driving Stop System

More miles mean more smiles

To celebrate Lexus’ first pure BEV, Borneo Motors Singapore (BMS) and Shell are collaborating to offer new RZ owners in Singapore up to one-year free Shell Recharge credits:

• 3,300 kWh for non-landed property owners
• 600kWh for landed property owners

BMS will also provide new RZ owners with an eight-year Bumper to Bumper warranty,  including the EV battery. There is also a five-year ‘Lexus Electrification’ package customised for EV owners, covering a wide range of essential servicing replacement items such as brake pads, tyres and wiper repair.

“We are thrilled to kick off a new chapter and reimagine electrified driving by introducing Lexus’ first pure Battery Electric Vehicle to Singapore. Expect a dynamic and even more intuitive driving experience with the RZ 450e which will quench drivers’ desire for driving satisfaction and luxurious comfort. Lexus will broaden its ‘Lexus Electrified’ portfolio to exceed the needs and expectations of a more diverse set of luxury consumers,” said Jasmmine Wong, CEO of Inchcape Greater China and Singapore.

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Porsche is celebrating 75 Years, Lamborghini is reining in their 60th. Now, Bentley wants to join in on the global festivities.

The Bentley Continental GT is getting a cake for being 20 years in production. Yes, it’s already been 2 decades. This all started when a Cypress Green Continental GT, flashing VIN number 20001, rolled off the production line in Crewe, England, back in December 2003.

That coupe also introduced the world to the now-legendary 6.0-litre W12 engine. In 2003, it was making 550 bhp and 649 Nm of torque, back when the Ferrari 456M was handling a measly 442  bhp and 550 Nm from its V12, Even the Ferrari 575M was making “just” 508 bhp and 588 Nm from the same engine.

Of course, with an anniversary means an anniversary model, and Bentley has decided to launch it at the Shanghai Auto Show. It’s a special one too; a one-off celebration in the form of a Bentley Continental GT S.

This unique spec comes in Magnetic Dark Grey Metallic, sitting pretty on 22-inch black chrome and black wheels. Red accent lines highlight mirror caps and form an outline around the base of the coupe. 

Inside, specialty division Mulliner was roped in to produce a unique arrangement of Beluga (black) and Hotspur (red) leather against gloss piano black trim. The bi-finish fascia puts Granite Stone above Grand Black veneer, separated by red pinstriping.

Special badging and laser etching are prominent in places like the treadplates, centre console, and veneers. You know, so you have ample opportunity to brag to others you have something truly special.

This isn’t the only one-off Bentley will be producing either. After celebrating with months of themed events, ranging from the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, and a global relay of Continental GTs crossing three continents to pass a custom Bentley baton, there will also be drive hubs at the HQ in Crewe and in Geneva, Switzerland where invited guests can drive all three Continental generations.

After all of that, another one-off Continental GT inspired by the aforementioned first unit produced will debut during Monterey Car Week.

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Polestar has recently revealed its coupe-style electric SUV at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show, and as expected, it is a head-turner with a lot of power.

It also has a pretty bold design – there’s no rear glass at all on the car, so the driver’s rear view is supplied by a camera feed. Why the distinct lack of a rear window? Polestar states that it wants to create “a new kind of immersive rear occupant experience.” The Polestar 4 sits just behind its larger Polestar 3 sibling size-wise and is set to go on sale this year. For Singapore, we are looking at a launch date sometime in 2024.

Unorthodox design

Design-wise, the Polestar 4 has a remarkable sleek and sporty design (as far as SUVs go), with the Macintosh-esque facade only broken up by subtle body panel creases and flared fenders. The lack of a rear window is certainly an odd decision, and it’s bound to make the interior feel a bit claustrophobic. To counter that, a standard-fit full-length glass moonroof with optional electrochromic functionality floods light into the cabin, so at least you still get some doses of Vitamin D.

A High-Definition screen up front displays the feed from the rear camera. Polestar claims it allows for “a far wider field of view than what can be experienced in most other cars.” Hopefully, this camera system is pretty robust. Should any part of it fail, the car may suddenly have a massive rear blind spot. 

Power for days

The Polestar 4 is built on parent company Geely’s open-source Sustainable Experience Architecture. It won’t have 3 rows like the Tesla’s Model Y, but Polestar promises “generous interior proportions” for all occupants. 

There are a few models being released too. The base model rear-wheel drive variant will offer 272bhp and a longer-range battery. If that isn’t enough, the monstrous all-wheel drive 544bhp variant will do the century sprint in a blistering 3.8 seconds. The optionally-specced 102kWh battery has a targeted range of 560 km (WLTP). Don’t worry about its large capacity as well, as 200kW fast charging should allow the battery to top up fairly quickly.

Loads of technology to boot

Similar to the Polestar 3, the Polestar 4’s driver-assist (ADAS) system will run NVIDIA’s Drive computing platform, which uses an array of 12 cameras, 1 radar and 12 ultrasonic sensors. Interestingly, one of those cameras is dedicated to monitoring the driver, spotting head and eye movements to warn them of fatigue or incapacitation. 

Drivers get a trip of displays, including a 10.2-inch instrument cluster and a 14.7-inch heads-up display (HUD) that shows speed, drive mode, turn-by-turn directions and more.

The 15.4-inch centre infotainment screen is powered by Android Auto, with Apple CarPlay available as well. For those who wish to belt out tunes, an optional Harman Kardon audio system with 12 speakers and a 1,400-Watt channel-hybrid amplifier can be specified. 

So when will it be available?

No news on Polestar on when it will be available in Singpaore, but we are predicting at least after Q2 of 2024. Pricing has not been announced too, but expect it to cost upwards of 300k SGD. 

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The all-new Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV will debut next month in China. Slated to launch at Auto Shanghai on April 17, Maybach released a lone teaser image that has fewer details than recent spy shots. The design has already been leaked online, but the details of the car are still hazy. 

The teaser depicts the car underneath a sheet. While Mercedes attempts to hide the SUV’s design ahead of its big reveal, we know it’ll look similar to the current EQS SUV. Albeit, with some Maybach touches.

Styling touches on luxed-up Mercedes models are pretty unique, and spy shots have captured vertical slats on the lower bumper opening, similar to the grilles on the current generation Maybach S-Class and GLS. Apparently, the SUV with debut with a hood ornament, but it is not visible under the sheet in the teaser image.

Being a Maybach, the interior will definitely be a place of opulence and wealth. Expect lush materials in every nook and cranny, and every bit of technology that’s possible to cram into a car.

Powertrain statistics have not been revealed, but expect it to be similar if not faster than the EQS 580 SUV. The EQS 580 SUV has a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup producing 536 bhp and 858Nm of torque, and is currently rated at approximately 460km of range with its 107.8 kWh battery. The Maybach should be within those ballpark figures.

The new Maybach EQS 680 SUV will break cover at this year’s Auto Shanghai in China on Monday, April 17, at 2 pm CEST (8 am EST).

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Kia has officially launched the EV9, the new flagship EV SUV that is poised to arrive in Singapore in the second half of 2023. This is the second Kia EV model that utilises the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), following in the footsteps of the EV6.

The first thing you’ll immediately notice is just how big the EV9 actually is. Spanning 5.01m long, 1.98m wide and 1.76m tall, with a wheelbase of 3.1m, it is the largest SUV that Kia has ever produced, even beating the likes of the Telluride and sister company Hyundai’s Palisade.

Futuristic Looks 

The overall design of the all-new Kia EV9 is similar to the original EV9 concept car that debuted at the 2021 Los Angeles Motor Show, with squared-off proportions and utilitarian looks.

Black fender panels, a unique front LED cluster, and sleek 21-inch alloys accentuate the futuristic-centric looks. Should you want to appear even more tech-savvy, there is also an option for digital side mirror cameras instead of the ‘old’ side mirrors.

Cavernous Interior

The large boxy size of the Kia EV9 bestows occupants with a commodious interior, with a variety of seating configurations offering seating for either 6 or 7 passengers.

A trio of digital screens dominates the driver’s immediate view, consisting of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and a tiny 5-inch segment display. Kia knows that we prefer physical buttons for key features, hence there are type-touch buttons included that control settings like start/stop and the HVAC systems.

Speed and Power

Kia will offer the EV9 with a few launch variants. These include:

• Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) Standard Range
• RWD Long Range
• All Wheel Drive (AWD) Long Range

Even in its Standard Range guise, the EV9 will tout a sizable 76.1kWh battery, powering an electric motor that punches out 214 bhp and 350 Nm of torque. The Long Range variant takes this capacity up to a ludicrous 99.8kWh, but it drops the power to 200 bhp whilst still maintaining 350Nm of torque.

Spring for the AWD model, and the dual motor setup pumps out a respectable 380 bhp and 600 Nm of torque, Interestingly, prospective customers can opt for a Boost feature that can be purchased as an optional downloadable upgrade from the Kia Connect Store (yay add-ons…). This bumps the torque up to a whopping 700 Nm, dropping the car’s century sprint time from 6.0 seconds to 5.3 seconds. 

Kia is confident that the EV9, in its Long Range variant, is capable of achieving up to 541 km of range on a single charge. The car also accepts 800V fast charging, allowing it to gain about 239 km of range in just 15 minutes.

Similar to the EV6, the EV9 will also feature Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing the car to power external outlets if needed.

The Autonomy Continues

Kia is aiming to introduce its Highway Driving Pilot system on the EV9 in the future, which will enable the equivalent of Level 3 autonomous driving.

The system will utilise fifteen independent sensors that scan and detect objects with 360 degrees of coverage. The car can then detect and react to the road and other users to prevent potential collisions.

When will it arrive?

The EV9 will be going on sale in the Korean market starting from the third quarter of this year, with other markets to follow shortly afterwards.

Pricing details have not been announced at the time of the presentation.

Want to read more from Kia? Check out our Kia EV6 review!

The car offers a first glimpse into Volkswagen’s future EV that will arrive in Europe come 2025. It is rumoured to start with a base price under $26,400.

Even though it is just a concept, looking at the photos it’s pretty obvious that this has already evolved to be more of a pre-production study rather than just a concept car that will never see the light of day.

Looks very similar to a Golf right? Hopefully, this doesn’t suffer the same fate as that of the ill-fated ID. Life, which was promptly shunned by the head honchos in Wolfsburg.

The Volkswagen ID. 2all is poised to be a very significant car for Volkswagen for two obvious reasons. The first is the projected price, which will open up a massive market for prospective EV owners. The other is the ID. 2all’s underpinning, based on Volkswagen Group’s MEB Entry platform. This means the production model will become the German marque’s first FWD MEB model.

And it has the specs to back it up as well

Rumoured specs of the Volkswagen ID. 2all include 166 kW (222 bhp), or about the same amount of power as you get in a base VW Golf GTI. Plus, with its EV drivetrain, it will probably accelerate quicker too from 0 to 100km/h. Neat.

While Volkswagen did not reveal the battery capacity, its targeted range is up to 450 kilometres (WLTP). Fast DC charging would enable a 10 to 80 per cent charge in just 20 minutes, while the option of charging up to 11 kW is available for AC stations. 

The styling is also a design study into Volkswagen’s new design language, based on the three pillars of ‘stability, likeability and excitement’.

Styling highlights include a LED full-width light bar, bulged wheel arches filled with frankly massive 20-inch wheels running 225/40 R20 tyres, hidden rear door handles, and a new C-pillar design which harkens back to the first Golf.

Smaller than a golf on the outside, bigger on the inside

The interior also has a sleek and simple design, with an uncluttered dashboard culminating in a bridge-type centre console. two big displays sit front and centre, including a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.9-inch digital cluster. A large panoramic sunroof dominates the roofline as well.

Other trinkets include a head-up display, a separate air conditioning control panel under the main screen (thank you!), and two large inductive charging interfaces for smartphones on the centre console.

New power seats with massage functionality are a welcome addition, with numerous USB-C interfaces spread throughout the cabin. If you wanted even more charging functionality, a fully usable 230V socket is included too, to power larger devices.

Thanks to the efficient packaging of the MEB Entry platform, the Volkswagen ID. 2all offers significantly more interior space than a traditional ICE Golf. Boot space is ample at 490 litres, and this increases to a cavernous 1330 litres with the rear seats folded (40:60 split). 

On top of that, the ID. 2all has a hidden stowage area under the rear seat with a capacity of 50 litres. This lockable compartment can accommodate larger devices such as laptops and tablets.

Overall, the ID. 2all is an exciting new proposition, and we cannot wait for what else Volkswagen has in store for the future.

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The turn of the 2020s decade saw the rise of unique new collaborations by automotive companies. Instead of the traditional car-based itineraries, more and more automakers are turning to other industries to help market their brand to wider audiences.

One such industry is the fashion industry, and Mercedes-Benz has recently partnered up with renowned fashion brand Moncler to produce a stunning new collaboration. The concept draws heavy inspiration from the design and heritage of both brands, and it encompasses some of the shared values between the two – A strong passion for innovation, concise design language and a first-mover approach to cross-cultural co-creation.

The new partnership is also one of Mercedes-Benz’s new key strategies to explore new realms across fashion and culture, with the goal to challenge expectations and interact with broader audiences beyond the traditional automotive bubble.

At the same time, this also highlights Moncler’s evolution beyond fashion and into new spheres of design. Mercedes-Benz is the first official automotive partner to collaborate with Moncler.

The collaboration debuted at Moncler’s “The Art of Genius” live show during London Fashion Week, held on February 20th, 2023.

A unique Mercedes Benz art piece was revealed, showcasing design elements of both brands. The reveal was broadcasted via live stream at Moncler.com.

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The Honda Jazz Crosstar Hybrid (what a mouthful), a new ‘crossover’ variant to the Jazz hatchback we know and love, has now appeared on Kah Motor’s website, Honda’s official distributor in Singapore.

While there are no physical units in Singapore yet, a source from Honda informed us that the first units for sale will arrive early next year. However, it will not be making an appearance during the Singapore Motorshow happening in January, so its launch would most likely be after Chinese New Year.

As with the current trend of the industry, more and more sedan and hatchback models are being axed in favour of jacked-up crossovers. The Jazz will probably make way for its Crosstar sibling soon, and its rugged outlooks may just be a hit with the Singapore market.

Other than its obvious height difference, black trim pieces can be seen around the wheel arches and side sills, highlighting the new alloys that are on the car. Two paint options will be available, so buyers can opt for either a monotone or dual-tone look.

From press images released by Honda, the cabin carries over much of the same design language as current generation Honda models. But, the Japanese marque did reveal the possibility of water-resistant materials fitted to the cabin. This is probably a nod to the upholstery options available for the car, and we can see the Crosstar being used for more outdoor recreational excursions in future.

Kah Motor has not provided full specifications for the Crosstar yet, but with a similar price range to its hatchback counterparts, we can expect it to at least have equivalent features. What is currently available on their website shows that the Crosstar will have the same 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine, but it has a slightly different power output at 104 bhp and 127 Nm of torque, compared to the e:HEV Jazz.

At the time of writing, the standard model starts at S$142,999 on Kah Motor’s website inclusive of COE.

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