Things may not seem too rosy for the Singapore automotive market in 2012, but that does not stop car makers from bringing in some of the hottest cars.
Here are eight much-anticipated cars that we can expect on our sunny shores this year:
First half of 2012
1. Ferrari 458 Spider
Ferrari 458 Spider (Photo: Cheryl Tay)
The ultimate head-turner has to be the Ferrari 458 Italia and if that is not enough, here is more reason for more attention: the Ferrari 458 Spider. Adding on to Ferrari's range of mid-rear engined V8s, the 458 Spider is the world's first and unique V8 mid-rear engine with a fully retractable hard top.
2. Infiniti G Convertible
Infiniti G Convertible (Photo: Cheryl Tay)
Infiniti had a coupe and sedan for the G35 but not a convertible — its replacement, the G37 however, gets a drop-top to the mix. First introduced at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, the G Convertible is the third model in the G37 range.
3. Jaguar XKR-S
Jaguar XKRS (Photo: Cheryl Tay)
This is claimed to be "the fastest and most powerful production sports car Jaguar has ever built". The new supercharged 5.0-litre V8 Jaguar XKR-S builds on the XKR by adding more power (550bhp now), a revised and stiffened suspension and unique styling.
4. Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster (Photo: Cheryl Tay)
The signature gull-wing doors and roof have been replaced with conventional doors for the roadster version of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The SLS AMG Roadster will have an aluminium space frame, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine with a peak power output of 563bhp, a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The fabric soft top opens and closes in 11 seconds and can be operated up to speeds of 50 km/h.
Second half of 2012
5. Audi R8 GT Spyder
Audi R8 GT Spyder (Photo: Cheryl Tay)
Just like the Audi R8 GT coupe, there will only be 333 R8 GT Spyders manufactured for the world. The R8 GT Spyder gets the same upgraded 5.2-litre 560bhp 540Nm V10 as the GT coupe, coupled with Audi's R tronic single-clutch automated manual transmission and Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.
6. Bentley Continental GT/GTC V8
Bentley Continental GT V8 (Photo: Cheryl Tay)
Unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the 4-litre twin-turbo V8 all-wheel-drive Bentley Continental GT coupé and GTC convertible promise a 0-100km/h century sprint time of less than five seconds and will also be housing the new 8-speed transmission that has contributed to the said 40 per cent reduction in fuel consumption.
7. Subaru BRZ
Subaru BRZ (Photo: Cheryl Tay)
I first saw the Subaru BRZ at the Tokyo Motor Show last year and then again at the recently-concluded Tokyo Auto Salon. Powered by a 2-litre 200bhp 205Nm engine, BRZ stands for Boxer, Rear-wheel drive, Zenith — Zenith as in being the best. This is the sister car of the Toyota GT 86, differing slightly from it with just a reshaped front air intake and small changes in trim details and suspension settings.
8. Toyota GT 86
Toyota GT 86 (Photo: Cheryl Tay)
Inspired by the 1980s rear-wheel drive drifting legend Corolla Levin AE86, the Toyota GT 86 is the result of a joint development project between Toyota and Subaru. Toyota was in charge of the design, taking cues from the Toyota 2000GT of the 1960s, and together with Subaru, the decision was to build a fun, lightweight rear-wheel drive sports coupe with the same naturally aspirated 2-litre four-cylinder boxer engine developed by Subaru.
Passionate about cars and motorsports, Cheryl Tay is a familiar face in prominent local, regional as well as international automotive titles. More of her at www.cheryl-tay.com.
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