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https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a38090275/biggest-threat-from-electric-cars/ "Electric Cars Could Represent an Existential Threat for Luxury and Performance Brands Every company seems jazzed about the electric future. Think hard about market forces, though, and it’s obvious that someone is going to lose. How do you justify this many high-end car brands when every electric powertrain feels fundamentally the same? A question like that could kill a brand. Yet wandering the halls of the electric-oriented Munich auto show, you won’t find answers. You won’t even find anyone acknowledging the question. Here, the future is brilliant, boundless, and secure. Every brand is uniquely capable of winning. Every car is uniquely suited to its electric mission. And every executive can recite from memory the story of what will surely happen over the next decade. Getting out of one electric car demonstration drive and into another, though, I was unconvinced. Everyone cannot win. And the nature of electric cars likely means there can be fewer winners in the future. Evidence in favor surfaced in the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The electric crossover looks like an upsized Eighties hot hatch adapted for Cyberpunk, with an interior that could shame many concept cars. On the country lanes circling metro Munich, the Ioniq was brilliant. Its cabin was Cadillac quiet, its powertrain Rolls-Royce refined. Even in a lineup filled with all-stars, the Ioniq 5 is special. To deem the Hyundai as good as Mercedes’s flagship EQS electric mega-sedan would be an overstatement, of course. Going from the Hyundai to the Benz, there’s a palpable step-up, not just inside, but in the overall experience of the car. But it’s a gap that’s not quite big enough to keep sweat off the suits in Stuttgart. The Ioniq 5 might not be the match of the EQS, but it’s a hell of a lot closer than any middling Hyundai has ever been to the luxury stalwart, the Mercedes S-class. One core competency that unites the most conventionally successful premium brands is their mastery of the internal-combustion engine. McLaren and Porsche offer not just power but power that’s immediate and unending. Power with thunderous V-8 or wailing flat-six acoustic accompaniment. Rolls-Royce and Bentley, meanwhile, trade not only in suede and solidity, but smoothness and silence. As the industry shifts toward electric propulsion, these companies will inevitably continue to offer plenty of power, effortless acceleration, and total tranquility. Trouble is, so will Hyundai. So when whatever’s on the lot for $299 a month can get off the line without hesitation in its powertrain or vibrations through its seat rails, it’s hard to imagine how much more will the market bear for the driving experience of a Rolls-Royce. Surely names like Rolls-Royce and Mercedes stand for more than just engine refinement. Luxury brands have long differentiated themselves with stunning interiors, next-gen technology, seamless sales and service procedures, and exclusivity. But anyone with a cursory understanding of economics knows that the fewer differentiating factors there are to compete on, the tighter the margins will be in any market. This is why the endless variations of apples drive strong profits (have you seen what Honeycrisps go for?), while the genetic clone that is the common banana can be picked up for pennies. Electric motors are closer to the latter than the former. Every electric motor good enough to land in a current production car is torquey and linear. Some are permanent magnet, some are synchronous, but you’d never feel the difference if you weren’t told. EV powertrains can compete on how long they can draw from their batteries before they die, how efficient they are, or how well they’re tuned. Yet the fundamental experience is the same. Asked about how they’ll address this, different premium brands offer different not entirely satisfying answers. AMG says it’ll differentiate itself on tuning. BMW points to its in-house motors as a source of pride. Rolls-Royce ignores the email. Others have more to say in informal chats, but every major OEM stops short of admitting that someone’s going to get hurt. Because if you, as an automaker, acknowledge the obvious conclusion to the question, you may be expected to come up with a solution. No one seems close. It doesn’t take a trip to Munich to see it. Wander around any urban center and you won’t find it swarmed with I-Paces or e-trons. All you’ll see are gas cars and Teslas. It took an upstart to recognize that you didn’t need intricate interiors and unquestionable quality to stake a claim in the premium space. The EV experience was luxurious enough; all it took was that and a big touchscreen to convince the world that the brand selling the world’s simplest interiors was worthy of the luxury moniker. Less than a decade later, Tesla is the only EV that matters. For now, at least. It is all but impossible to build a successful business these days on sedans, unless of course the sedans have “Tesla” on the steering apparatus. The brand is so profoundly captivating that market trends seemingly do not apply. As the electric offerings from competitors improve, the homogeneity of the EV experience will threaten Tesla too. But its status as the default EV brand gives it some time to settle the matter. Those are the spoils of being the first company to understand the immense opportunity afforded by the switch to electric cars. Tesla hasn’t had to face the fundamental question here because it owns the space. In their rush to catch up, though, traditional automakers have become blind to the brewing threat of that very same transition. If they want to endure, they’ll have to find more unique, enduring visions beyond making their current cars electric. Otherwise, I’m not sure that the utopian vision from the auto show stands a chance at coming true."

Ever since its first showroom launch in Singapore, Tesla has received a lot of attention and hype from local drivers. Located at One Assembly in Raffles City, the sparkling mini-showroom proudly features two units of what Elon Musk calls an “affordable” electric car – the Model 3 sedan. Intending to bring clean energy solutions to individuals globally, the high-profile American brand has raised the standard through its vehicles and proved that one could achieve a powerful and fast car without fossil fuels. Tesla drivers not only save money overall but save the earth as well. With the government intending to switch to an all-electric vehicle Singapore by 2040, the American brand’s local release came at just the right time. However, the main question still stands – is buying a Tesla worth it? Are Teslas too expensive? According to Tesla’s sales portal, the Standard Range Plus Model 3 will cost $113,245* while the Model 3 Performance will go for $155,283*. Images were taken from Tesla Both prices do not include the cost of additional features and interior/exterior options, as well as COE, which means you could pay an additional $50,000 - $60,000. With the additional features, expect to pay about $173,245* for the Standard Range Plus Model 3 and $215,283* for the Model 3 Performance. For those prices, you can undoubtedly purchase something similar or more luxurious like the Renault Zoe Electric ($159,999*) or the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Luxury ($190,888*) and the Audi A4 ($188,016*). Although, it is worth noting that the Model 3's performance figures (0 - 100 km/h in 5.6s) obliterate every other car in its price bracket, making it an especially good deal. Audi A4 40 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Luxury Audi A4 45 Tesla Model 3 Images were taken from The Car Guide The Model 3 enjoys the EV Early Adopter Incentive (EEAI), which includes a 45% rebate of the ARF, capped at $20,000, and an additional reimbursement of $45,000. This rebate is the highest for any car in Singapore and its attractive discounts make drivers eager to own a piece of Elon Musk’s technology. * All prices were taken from Tesla and sgCarMart Will there be charging problems for HDB owners? After its soft launch in July, Tesla has set up three charging points on the ninth floor in Orchard Central carpark. While private estate owners can opt to install a home charger with the help of Tesla Certified Installers, consumers living in HDB estates cannot enjoy the same luxury. Given that most Singaporeans live in HDB apartments, does this mean that prospective owners are only limited to these three stations? Even though there is a limited number of Tesla V3 Superchargers in Singapore, the Model 3 is compatible with Type 2 AC and CCS2 DC fast-charging stations. This allows drivers living in HDB estates to charge their cars at various third-party charging stations by SP Group, Shell-Greenlots and BlueSG. Image was taken from Shell Greenlots If you’re afraid that there won’t be enough places to charge your vehicle, there is a wide variety of different charging stations powered by various companies across Singapore. With BlueSG having more than 1,000 points across the island, it is safe to say that finding a charging station for your shiny new Tesla will be the least of your worries. Is the cost of maintenance high? Contrary to widely held belief, the cost of maintaining a Model 3 is much more affordable than one thinks. Since Teslas are fully electric, many standard maintenance items do not apply. These include brake jobs, oil and filter changes, accessory belt replacements, engine air filter and fuel filter changes. Image was taken from AsiaOne The recommended routine maintenance includes tire rotation, brake fluid replacement, cabin air filter replacement, windscreen wipers replacement and air-conditioner servicing every two years. Overall, the cost of maintaining a Tesla is cheaper than fuel vehicles in the market. Is a Tesla still worth it? There are still a select few who believe that going electric brings more harm than good. While concerns regarding the cost of a Tesla are still circulating amongst the local driving community, the company has significant plans to expand its offerings and make its luxury sedans more affordable. Coupled with the extensive number of rebates from the government, drivers might find themselves owning a piece of extraordinary technology without paying excessively. At the end of the day, the benefit of owning a Tesla outweighs its cons. Sure, it is a lot of money to invest in a vehicle, but you can’t put a price tag on saving the environment. --- Thinking of selling your car? sgCarMart Quotz guarantees the highest selling price for your car. We’ll even give you $100 cash if you find a better offer elsewhere! Get a free quote to find out how much your car is worth today!

Hey guys ! Just curious and wanting to know cars that have a similar technology to what Formula 1 car has. The closest could ever get to a formula 1 car and why. Could be looks, technology, speed, all of the above? you name it. Personally my top 2 picks are the LaFerrari as it is as close as it could get to a F1 car for its technology, and Lexus LFA for its Screaming V10 sound.

Lincoln's New Nautilus Finally Includes Properly Modern Technology https://www.carthrottle.com/post/lincolns-new-nautilus-finally-includes-properly-modern-technology/ Lincoln is a brand that you wouldn't often associate with the latest and greatest in-car technology, but the new Nautilus finally gives younger buyers something to look at The new Lincoln Nautilus has arrived, with brand new, innovative and amazing technology that absolutely hasn’t been offered on loads of other, cheaper cars for ages. Honest. Lincoln would like you to believe that lane-centring tech is new and exciting, gently nudging the new Nautilus’ steering wheel to keep the car, as the name suggests, in the centre of its lane. No one mention all the compact hatchbacks and affordable saloons that have had this for years… n the new mid-size SUV it pairs with adaptive cruise control that can bring the car to a complete halt and set off again in traffic. If the car in front hits the anchors and there’s not enough space to pull up, the lane-keeping tech can also help you attempt to swerve around it. More sensors check your blind spots, for pedestrians and will even trigger automatic brake hold in traffic, so drivers don’t need to sit with their foot on the brake. Quelle horreur. While it isn’t Lincoln’s fault, is it just us or is car design becoming driven by consumer laziness? Anyway, back to the point. The Nautilus, which is named after (take your pick) a mollusc, a series of naval vessels or a 1982 Atari video game, is powered by one of a pair of turbocharged petrol engines. The cheaper entry point is a 2.0-litre four-pot with 245bhp, but the more American option is the 335bhp, 380lb ft 2.7-litre blown V6. Neat tricks up the car’s sleeve, most of which have been seen elsewhere already, include ‘embrace’ lighting when the key-holder approaches the car, seats with 11 channels of two-way adjustment, giving you hours, days and weeks of enjoyment and/or frustration as you try to get the damn chair just how you want it. The backrest will massage your cares away, and on high-spec models you can access heating and cooling. The instruments are now fully digital, using a 12.3-inch screen akin to those that have been used on premium German motors for a few years. The gear shift is a push-button affair, there’s a hidden wireless charging pad and, of course, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. As a bizarre footnote, Nautilus buyers will also be given a six-month membership to the CLEAR scheme, allowing them to “speed through security at participating airports and major arenas nationwide.” While Lincoln cars are not available in Singapore, good to know these cars for interest.

Duty-unpaid cigarettes hidden in the modified spare tyre compartment of a Mercedes-Benz car. More offenders have been caught for smuggling contraband cigarettes into Singapore using luxury cars. Singapore Customs said the offenders had assumed that luxury vehicles would less likely be checked by enforcement officers at the checkpoints. Last year, 15 offenders were caught for trying to smuggle contraband cigarettes into Singapore in luxury cars, compared to 2012 when there were four offenders. A total of 2,642 cartons and four packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes valued at more than S$250,000 were recovered from modified compartments of the cars including the seats, fuel tank, spare tyre and engine compartments. The duty and Goods and Services Tax evaded exceeded S$208,000. Among those caught, 11 were sentenced to between three and 13 months' jail. Their vehicles were forfeited. Court proceedings are ongoing for the other four offenders. Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/more-use-luxury-cars-to/965218.html

According to a new study conducted by marketing research firm Harris Poll, most women think that men with fast or exotic cars are arrogant -- or worse, that they're insecure and compensating for their shortcomings. If you're looking for attention from the opposite sex, you should probably re-think your game plan. Harris' study was conducted online in March, fielding answers from 2,167 American men and women 18 and older. The survey didn't uncover anything especially interesting about men's opinions, although 38 percent said that women who drove fast cars were likely show-offs, and a small number -- six percent -- suspected those women were "emotional" (whatever that means). Among women, however, the findings were far clearer: 56 percent of women say that men who own exotic or fast cars are arrogant, and 17 percent see them as insecure. 48 percent say that a car is a reflection of a man's economic status. 46 percent say that a car reflects a man's image of himself. 32 percent say that a car can reveal what kind of family man a guy will be. In other words, among women looking for long-term relationships, a Lexus sedan may score you more points than a Lotus roadster. According to Lawrence Cervantes at AnastasiaDate (the site that commissioned the study), "It's no surprise that men fantasize about driving an exotic car with a beautiful woman in the passenger seat, but this new data proves that fantasy is better left for a weekend with the guys. When it comes to dating, women want a grounded man, and his car is a clear reflection of this." This shouldn't be terribly shocking. Several previous studies have shown that women tend to prefer frugal cars and that they're not drawn to high-end rides (except Porsches, for some reason). That said, we know that old habits die hard, and for some of you, giving up the hod rod simply isn't an option. If you insist on being "that guy", Harris offers a sliver of hope, because there are a handful of women who will be turned on by your car. According to the poll: 21 percent of women say that they've found a man more attractive once they've seen the kind of car that he drives. 10 percent say that they would date an unattractive guy if he had an exotic car. Those small numbers mean that the pickings will be slim, though, and the competition may be fierce. What do you think?

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has setup a website to seek feedback from the general public on how COE and car ownership schemes should be tweaked. The government is trying to inject some form of social equitability in car ownership in our land-scarce island. The feedback will help the government to better delineate CAT A from Cat B, so that buyers of mass market models do not have to compete directly with luxury car buyers. However, luxury brands' penetration into CAT A is only part of the equation in contributing to the astronomical rise in COE price in the 'mass market' category. The reduction in supply of COE and ever increasing population numbers would ensure that COE prices would remain sky high. If you are interested to air your views, do visit the website

Just cuious to know how much loan do most mercedes and bmw drivers take for their ride.

[extract] If you speak to management at Bentley, you may think that the global economy is booming. The ultra-luxury sub-brand of German giant Volkswagen AG said its worldwide sales for the first half of 2012 rose 32% to 3,929 cars, driven in part by a nearly 26% increase in US sales to 1,140 cars. This allows US to re-emerge as Bentley

Several months back, I wrote about supercars left abandoned in two Middle Eastern countries. One of them is a Ferrari Enzo that has been impounded in a Dubai police impound lot. That particular Ferrari is still sitting in the same impound lot and it, together with other luxury cars, might have a better and brighter future. The authorities in Dubai have decided to auction off the Ferrari and 23 other luxury cars. Failed entrepreneurship was the reason why these cars were left behind but the best question to ask right now is; who is the person who did this? Apparently, the owner of the Ferrari Enzo is believed to be a British citizen who bought the car and then fled the country 20 months ago when he/she could not afford to pay the loan and traffic fines. Being in debt in the country is a crime and according to an official in Dubai

Bridgestone just launched their new flagship touring tyre, the Turanza GR-90, in Bangkok. The GR-90 is the successor to the critically acclaimed GR-80. Touring tyres are essentially comfort biased. The GR-90 has Intelligently designed rounded corners, combined with ideal construction rigidity to provide superior handling over a wide range of roads. The tread design features rows of low and high-angle winding grooves and flexible construction to deliver outstanding traveling dynamics and better water dispersion. This leads to a higher level of safety and comfort. The GR-90 proved to be incredibly silent on rough road conditions as compared to the GR-80 at the media launch. My Civic 2.0 used to run on a set of GR-80 some 3.5 years ago. The tyres are decent with acceptable grip and good comfort level. My only complaint about the GR-80 is the soft sidewall, making the front tyres appear under inflated even though I pumped up to 250 kPa. I hope that the GR-90 will come with a stiffer sidewall.