The automotive industry as we know it is now at an impasse. Gone are the days when screaming internal combustion engines were commonplace, now being silenced, literally, by the soulless whirrs of new-fangled electric technology.

Electric cars can be extremely quick and efficient, but you just cannot replicate the mechanical symphony of a fuel-burning engine. The vibrations, the aural pleasure, these are elements that define generations of petrolheads. Eliminating it, to me, is downright sacrilegious.

But, like many things in nature, the art of survival finds a way to break through the monotony. And this is exactly what Toyota has done. In the face of an electric revolution, they created a true gem of a car, one that excites one’s subconscious and provides a scintillating, visceral sensation. 

And it’s called the GR86.

The quintessential essence of what a sports car should be

The Toyota GR86 is now in its second generation, with its ancestor being the famed GT86. With this generational gap, it now sports a fresh new design with refined mechanical upgrades.

The GT86 was known to have an asthmatic and weak engine, with lacklustre acceleration hindering its full potential in the corners. Toyota knows this, and used this feedback to develop the GR86 from the ground up to be a sporty two-door rear-wheel drive monster; a driver’s car that puts driving fun as the top priority.

A new Subaru-derived 2.4-litre naturally aspirated (NA) flat-four boxer heart (Dubbed the FA24) now sits pretty in the engine bay, punching out a peak output of 228bhp at 7,000rpm, with 250Nm of torque available at just 3,700rpm. At full chat, it can rock the century sprint in just 6.3 seconds, and go on to reach a top speed of 226km/h.

Unlike its predecessor, the new engine’s key benefit is that it provides robust swells of torque, resulting in a lot more bite when you need it most. The infamous torque dip is now a thing of the past, and the boxer engine now pulls with added urgency. Would a turbocharged engine that many were predicting make more sense? Arguably. But one thing’s for sure, the NA engine works like an absolute charm in the GR86. No lag, no worries.

Accompanying the built-in pace is a suitably raw yet pleasant engine note, with a bit of timbre piped through the speakers for additional theatre. The 6-speed manual gearbox slots into gear nicely, requiring just enough force to be engaging for the driver. 

The main reason why the GT86 was so popular was that it was lauded as a true enthusiast car. Translated, this means that the car’s best angle is sideways through any corner you fancy. It was extremely tail-happy, and instead of relying on a powerful engine to spice things up, these cars were fun to drive mainly due to their low weight and incredible agility.

Weighing in at only 1,276kg, the GR86 not only maintains this sideways ethos but can also grip the twisties like a true champ. It isn’t as gratuitously pointy or brake adjustable as the original GT86, but the car is composed throughout, and its nose is constantly nailed to the tarmac, with the super-direct steering a paean to precision and exactitude.

Transitioning to oversteer is now more progressive and rewarding, and the GR86 doesn’t throw you for a loop in the corners unexpectedly. Excessive body roll is noticeably absent, with predictable responses letting you have fun while staying in control.

In fact, the GR86 is a clear illustration of well-engineered rear-wheel drive sports cars, where all you need is just a little more throttle to induce greater turn-in angles, allowing you to power on through without losing traction. 

The car’s Track setting has clever electronic intervention that provides a safety net for those who are new to this sort of driving. But, should you put someone experienced behind the wheel, the beautifully balanced chassis becomes endlessly exploitable on the roads. Plus, with a limited-slip differential (LSD) as standard, you might need to hit up your local tyre dealer more frequently in the future. 

You don’t even need to drive aggressively in order to savour the incredibly precise steering of the GR86. Lane changes are a breeze in this thing, and turning manoeuvres are done with quick and quiet efficiency.

I adore driving the GR86. The rather crude and binary nature of the GT86 has been finessed to the point where it almost has no flaws. The GR86 just feels planted, potent, pliant and pure of purpose.

You look great, even when you’re sideways

The GR line-up has produced some great-looking cars in recent history, and the GR86 joins that pedestal with pride. Even though it is built upon the same basis as the GT86, it dons new looks front to back, with some nip and tuck done by the designers to morph the design perfectly onto a tight and narrow body.

Although, it does lose some of the aggressiveness its predecessor enjoyed, with the front headlights giving the car an almost wide-eyed look. Much like a Koi. An attack one.

The more bulbous look, presumably to fit in line more with the GR Supra, may not be everyone’s cup of tea. But hey, there are tons of aftermarket tuners that will sort you out with whatever flamboyant look you desire.

It isn’t shouty, but the large grille and functional aero vents on the sides, alongside the big exhaust and prominent GR badging are enough to convince anyone this car means business.

The subtle design also cloaks the car to a degree, being able to stealthily disappear into traffic just as quickly as it was spotted.

It’s simple, but it’s damn well effective. 

A little bare, but it’s got all you need

The cabin of the GR86 is a stark contrast to the fanfare you get on the outside, but get into position and everything starts to make sense. Up in the pilot’s seat, all of the controls you could possibly require fall into place naturally. 

There aren’t any electric controls for the seats, presumably to both save weight and make ingress and egress easier for rear occupants (yes, there are seats back there), but they offer good bolster support and have loads of adjustment range. Plus, the steering column also offers tilt and telescopic adjustments, so anyone will be able to find the perfect position to be in.

Hard plastics dominate every square inch of the cabin, and that could be tacky to some, but remember – the GR86’s primary appeal lies in the drive, so you wouldn’t be paying much attention to the cabin anyways. Any weight saved equates to more fun, right?

For all of your driving needs, a myriad of screens forms the car’s instrument cluster. The left one in particular is able to toggle between different modes such as G-force readings, oil and water temperatures, or even your power and torque curve. If you don’t know what these are, maybe this car isn’t the sort of car for you.

For those who wish to belt out tunes whilst sideways and happy (looking at you Eurobeat fans), an 8.0-inch centre infotainment display provides smartphone connectivity and other general settings. It even supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and features physical knobs and buttons for frustration-free access while on the move.

In fact, the GR86’s HVAC controls and displays are also physical and have been modernised to look sleeker. Good move Toyota.

Your left hand will be spending a lot of time on the centre console, thanks to the close-ratio six-speed gearbox and shifter knob. The shifter feels excellent in the hands, and gear changes are, as aforementioned, both extremely satisfying and seamless. 

Although, one not-so-seamless aspect of the cabin is charging. There is a distinct lack of cubby space and charging ports, and everything is located within the centre glove box itself. You cannot close the lid properly once a cable is plugged in, and your devices do get warm due to the transmission and driveshaft running underneath.

Your best bet is keeping them stowed in the passenger glove box, so at least you know where to find them once you’ve done hooning.   

While you do get some boot space, it is just enough for the weekly grocery run. You could pop the spare tyre out for a little more cargo wiggle room, but the weird dimensions and narrow aperture mean you cannot really transport long or bulky items.

Still, would these steer you away from what is otherwise a brilliant car? Of course not.

G.O.A.T

The GR86 is one fantastic piece of engineering. Feeling like an antidote to other overpowered, overweight, overcomplicated “so-called” sports cars, it’s like a sanitised pocket rocket that puts a smile on your face each time you get behind the wheel. Other manufacturers should take notes from Toyota’s Sir Skid-a-lot playbook.

However, its almost $270,000 price tag (thank you, astronomical COE prices) does put it in an awkward no man’s land price territory, where you pay so much for not much practicality.

But, brush these worries aside, and you have a car that will make you turn back and stare at it each time you lock the doors. Toyota has certainly knocked this one way out of the ballpark.

It’s almost sadistic that such an attainable hero is going to be one of the last breeds of internal combustion greats, but if you’re getting one – wherever you live – you’re buying a car that’ll become a classic in its own lifetime. 

It’s almost like a time capsule, transporting one back to the golden age of Japanese sports cars. Where performance and fun were all that mattered, and the worries of sustainability and fuel were non-existent. The GR86 reminds you to take it easy and to let the good times roll.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you Toyota. Here’s one dedicated to you, for keeping the essence of a truly great sports car alive.

Technical Specifications

Toyota GR86

Engine: 2,387cc in-line 4, 16-valve DOHC

Power: 225bhp 

Torque: 250Nm

Gearbox: 6-Speed Manual

0-100km/h: 6.3 seconds 

Top Speed: 226km/h

Fuel Economy: Do you honestly care

Price: S$138,888 without COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Contact: Toyota Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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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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Dubbed ‘Heart on Wheels’, this is Food from the Heart’s 20th-anniversary food donation drive, which will see food being donated to less-privileged individuals and families. These are demographics with an average per capita income of below $690 per month.

In 2019, Food from the Heart helped 44,600 beneficiaries. This assistance has since ballooned to more than 60,00 beneficiaries with food support throughout Singapore, an impressive 34% increase since pre-COVID. 

Here is the list of food items requested for Heart on Wheels 2023: 

• Rice (2 & 5kg bags)
• Cooking oil (1-litre bottles)
• Instant noodles
• Canned food (Items such as sardines, tuna, curry chicken, soups)
• Coffee, tea and Milo sachets
• Oat, cereal, biscuit and bread spreads

*Do note that items should be at least three months away from their expiry dates

Join The Community

If you would like to make a difference, here are three ways you can help:

1. Drive-Thru to Donate

Head on down to Wearnes, located at 45 Leng Kee Rd Singapore 159103, on Saturday and Sunday, 4th and 5th March 2023 with your food donations. Drivers can enjoy a complimentary tyre shine throughout the event.

Plus, the first 100 cars each day will receive a complimentary treat sponsored by McDonald’s Singapore!

2. Order Food From Your Preferred Online Grocer to Donate

Alternatively, you may also order food items on our wish list from your preferred online grocer and arrange delivery directly to the event venue on 4th and 5th March 2023, 9am – 6pm.

Volunteers and team members will be on hand to receive, sort and record the food items donated.

3. Cash Donations Are Welcomed Too

Cash donations are accepted too for this donation drive, and this Giving.sg campaign will be matched dollar-to-dollar by Tote Board.

Do not worry, this will be a safe and seamless way to help needy families with food support. Plus, cash donations to an IPC charity approved by the Commissioner of Charities, such as Food from the Heart, are eligible for a 250% tax deduction.

For more information and for the full requested food list, you can check out Food from the Heart’s website here.

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If you ask someone on the street what is a Kia Niro, chances are the replies you get are of the same tune as “efficient”, “family car” or maybe even “boring”. And that was something the Niro Hybrid couldn’t escape from, being relegated to the echelon of “NPC” cars.

Until now, that is. Kia has launched a new generation of the Niro Hybrid, and I am confidently going to say that I absolutely adore it. And I’m pretty sure you’ll love it too.

Upmarket glow up

\Gone are the days of “civilian” bland looks and lacklustre curves, as the new Kia Niro Hybrid has gone through puberty and come out the other side with looks that impress.

Kia has really gone to town with the design, and refinements made to the traditional compact SUV stature have resulted in sleeker contours and a future-conscious outlook. Even though it has gone through a radical outfit change, the Niro is still inoffensive to the eye, unlike some rivals on the market.

The front enclave has completely been redesigned, with a new cluster of DRLs and LED headlights that impose the car’s future-focused nature.

This theme continues throughout the car, with an ever-sloping roofline which culminates in tall taillights and a neatly tucked rear.

Add a dash of chrome accents and stylish 16-inch alloy rims, and the Niro Hybrid regularly attracts the gaze of curious onlookers.

Out with the old, in with the new

The Kia Niro Hybrid not only impresses on the outside but also on the inside.

The first thing that immediately catches your attention is just how angular the cabin really is, but it is done so in a way that isn’t brash or disruptive. Jump in the hot seat, and you are greeted by two bright digital displays.

The steering wheel does have quite a number of buttons, but they are easy to get used to and have a nice tactile feel to them.

For all your entertainment needs, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen is able to wirelessly connect to both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Your device can then be chucked into the wireless charging tray, out of sight and out of mind.

Should you wish to charge your devices via cable, there are a pair of USB ports on hand as well.

The high-end SX variant receives a scroll gear selector instead of a gear shifter, and this really clears up the clutter amongst the centre console.

A cavernous cubby hole can take in a variety of items, and cup holders can slide out at a touch of a button.

Here’s something I really like about the Niro. Your volume and HVAC controls are a combination of physical dials and haptic buttons, and both menus are interchangeable. There isn’t any ridiculous screen menu to furiously press on, and you are able to swap settings with ease.

It isn’t perfect, but it’s one of the better implementations of modern touch-sensitive designs that don’t compromise on use whilst operating while driving.

You want it, you got it

This particular unit is the no-expense-spared top-of-the-line SX variant, and it has more than enough features to put luxury models to shame.

On the roads, creature comforts such as auto headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a heated steering wheel, and adaptive cruise control are always a treat to have. The Niro also comes with Kia’s comprehensive safety suite, which includes features like blindspot monitoring, lane keep assist, and driver attention monitor.

Front passengers are also bestowed with electric seats which come with heating and cooling functionality. The cabin is warmed with ambient lighting, or from natural sunlight coming in through the sunroof.

Rear passengers are also treated to rear aircon vents and USB ports fitted into the front seats for charging devices on the go. All seats are wrapped in leather, and rear legroom and headroom are more than sufficient for even tall adults.

An electric tailgate reveals 451 litres of cargo space is plenty for the weekly family shop, and the rear seats can be folded down too for more adventurous furniture trips.

Parking is a breeze in the Niro, with front and rear sensors keeping any obstacles at bay and a crisp rear camera to visualise what you’re backing into.

Efficiency is my middle name

The 1.6-litre Smartstream-G 4-pot works in tandem with an electric motor producing a combined output of 129bhp and 144Nm of torque. That is adequate for a 10.4 seconds century sprint, and the Niro can be pushed to 165km/h at full chat.

Of course, the Niro wouldn’t be winning traffic light drag races any time soon, but that’s not the main selling point of this car. Where the Niro really impresses, is just how efficient it is. 42-litres for a fuel tank doesn’t sound like a lot, but it is enough to give the Niro an average range of 780km, and that is with mixed traffic start/stop driving. Be gentle with the pedal, and the Niro can attain closer to 4 digits of range, which is mighty impressive.

With less-than-ideal pedal discipline, I still managed to garner an average of 19.7km/litre while testing. With more self-control, this number can easily hover around the mid-20s region. All in all, you won’t be seeing petrol stations that frequently any more when you ride with this puppy.

The engine is switched off as often as it can, and the Niro runs on full EV power while cruising or coasting. Should you need to coax more power to the wheels, the engine silently clicks back into life without any hindrance or noticeable vibrations. This system is practically flawless, and I am nothing short of impressed at just how smooth the transition is.

You do get pedal shifters in the Niro, and this is the first time I’ve encountered pedals which serve different functions. In Eco mode, the pedals are there to adjust the strength of energy regeneration, depending on your driving comfort. Switch it into Sport, and the pedals are now used to select the 6 gears in the car’s automatic DCT. Yes, this car indeed has a DCT gearbox. This is one of many design traits which I find brilliant in the Niro.

With its soft suspension set up for ride comfort, the Niro does rock around a little when pushed into corners. Even in its Sport mode, the stiffer steering doesn’t induce as much confidence to take bends at speed. But, this shouldn’t put down the Niro’s high points, and as long as you aren’t reckless with it, the Niro is brilliant on the roads.

An outstanding candidate

What more can I say, other than the Kia Niro Hybrid is brilliant, and it breaks the norm that hybrid cars cannot be exciting to drive.

It’s a car that your university-going child that just got his/her can drive to school without any hesitation, due to its simple and easy-to-operate nature. At the same time, you can ferry around your co-workers and have them seriously impressed.

It can be a little on the steeper side in terms of pricing, with the price hovering at $174,999 at the time of writing. But, if you’re looking for a hybrid car that guarantees smiles per gallon, there is no better place to look.

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It all started with the first inception of Porsche’s ‘The Art of Dreams’. The series made its debut back in October 2021, and the art piece ‘Remember your dreams’ curated by French artist Cyril Lancelin found its way to our shores for the Singapore Art Week 2022. What made it even more special was that Singapore was its first and only Asian destination.

Now, in line with Singapore Art Week 2023, Porsche has yet again revitalised ‘The Art of Dreams’, this time with Chris Labrooy’s ‘Dream Big’ sculpture. 

Located within Gardens By The Bay, Chris Labrooy’s unique art installation stands at 3.5 metres tall and features a white 911 Carrera. The head and hand are meant to illustrate a child playing with a toy car, with the piece aiming to evoke a sense of nostalgia in those of us who have played with toy cars when we were younger.

The piece was originally situated on sand, but the Singapore version takes on a new twist with rubberised floors instead, a nod to the rubber playground floors found in our public housing estates. 

An avid Porsche enthusiast too, Chris Labrooy uses these cars as his inspiration to curate surreal digital artworks, often encompassing a bright and dreamy theme. Ever seen a 356 dunked into a pool? Now you have.

If you want to check these artworks for yourself, a select few of them are currently on display at the Mandala Club, Porsche Singapore’s new, albeit temporary, experiential brand space. This is a new partnership formed in order for Porsche Singapore to be able to connect with Porsche enthusiasts and owners alike in an inviting space. 

This is a trend we are starting to see in the automotive industry, with more brands catering to lifestyle spaces instead of the usual showroom-esque floor spaces such as those found in Alexandra and Leng Kee, which may intimidate some to enter.

Sharing the space with Chris Labrooy’s artworks, the main showpiece of the new Porsche Mandala Club is Daniel Arsham’s ‘Crystal Eroded Porsche 911 (992)’. One of his earliest works, the 911 illustrates his idea of ‘Fictional Archaeology’, imagining the car 1,000 years in the future.

Parts of the car are laden with quartz and pyrite crystals, and they give the impression of bits of bodywork being eroded away. The interior is decked in a gorgeous shade of khaki upholstery and has Daniel Arsham’s marked drawings scattered all over. Peer closer and the words ‘ARSHAM 3019’ are referenced, a nod to the ‘Fictional Archaeology’ concept.

Even though this is a one-off special, the paint and interior combo go perfectly together. Please Porsche, make this an option for buyers.

Of course, being an experiential brand space, one can walk in and purchase merchandise of both Arsham and Labrooy’s work. Proceeds from these items will go to SCAPE, which supports local and youth programmes for the creative arts, media and entertainment, as well as entrepreneurship. 

If you like to catch Chris Labrooy’s ‘Dream Big’ piece, the installation is on site from now until 15 January. Opening hours of Gardens By The Bay are between 5 am to 12 am daily.

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The first-ever International MotorXpo Hong Kong (IMXHK) which happened in 2021 was an overwhelming success, attracting over 160,000 visitors, 160 different exhibitors, and amassed 60 brands and more than 150 vehicles.

Continuing its success, IMXHK 2022 was an even bigger endeavour, promoting automotive culture, education, and electronic sports car racing. Held from 8 – 11 December,  exhibition-goers were treated to a weekend of automotive fanfare held at AsiaWorld Expo and AXA Wonderland in the West Kowloon Cultural District.

IMXHK campaigned its “Mobility +” theme this year, showcasing the latest automotive technology, art, and collector cars, in addition to a number of automotive-related performances and competitions.

These include an electric car-themed exhibition, a car culture festival area featuring a whole host of rare JDM gems and collector cars, and an exclusive VIP Avenue showcasing stunning car art, design, supercars and other mobility technologies.

Some special events were also hosted during the festivities, including the Dream Car 2050 Children Art Gallery which raised funds for charity, a fun-filled CARnival with car-themed gaming, animation and model car displays, plus the first MISS IMX Contest.

In addition to the expansive indoor exhibition space, this instalment of IMXHK throws in another bonus, which is the introduction of an outdoor bazaar and vehicle show this year. This action-packed, tyre-smoking show features classic JDM drifting and motorbike stunt performances.

Essentially, it’s a stage for local motorsport athletes to flaunt their talented skills.

No matter what is your poison: be it retro JDM classics, new billionaire club exotics, racing legends or even sensible EVs, there’s something for everyone, cumulating in this Smörgåsbord of automotive passion.

I was most likely the only foreign media correspondent there in attendance, but overall I had a blast, and it was a festival weekend packed to the brim with activities.

Furthermore, it enables local automotive enthusiasts to come together and share their passion for roaring engines and loud exhausts (or silence if you fall under the EV band camp). If you get the chance to attend IMXHK in the future, I highly suggest you do. 

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