MINI has introduced the all-new Convertible, which is aimed squarely at stylish and sun-loving drivers. This thirdgeneration model is not only roomier than the older one, it offers more practicality and convenience as well.
MINI has introduced the all-new Convertible, which is aimed squarely at stylish and sun-loving drivers. This thirdgeneration model is not only roomier than the older one, it offers more practicality and convenience as well. The latest Convertible has more road presence thanks to its increased dimensions – it is 44mm wider and has a 28mm longer wheelbase for improved spaciousness.The lengthened wheelbase enables the front seats to be slid further forward to help ingress/egress for rear occupants, who also have 36mm more legroom.
Also roomier this time around is the boot, which off ers 160 litres of space with the roof open and 215 litres when it is closed. Both capacities are 25 percent greater compared to the ones in the previous car. For the first time, the Convertible is equipped with a fully electric roof, which is said to be quieter than the one in the previous model. The softtop can be opened and closed in 18 seconds at speeds up to 30km/h. The Convertible also has a new rain warning function. If the top is open, it sends a message to the driver’s smartphone to warn him of impending showers. However, this feature is only useful if the driver has parked and left the vehicle with the roof down. The MINI Convertible will arrive in Singapore in the first half of 2016 and will be initially available in Cooper and Cooper S variants.
MIDDLE MACAN
Porsche has introduced the Macan GTS, which sits between the Macan S and Macan Turbo variants. Although the Macan S and Macan GTS both have twin-turbocharged 3-litre V6 engines, the latter is tuned to produce 360bhp and 480Nm, or 20bhp and 20Nm more than the former. This gives the Macan GTS a century sprint time of 5.2 seconds, which is 0.2 of a second quicker than the Macan S. To harness the hotter performance, the GTS variant has a 15mm lower ride height and 20-inch wheels with staggered tyre sizes as standard. The Macan GTS is priced at $326,488 without COE.
TOPLESS LANDIE
Land Rover has unveiled the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, the brand’s firstever cabriolet. Based on the Evoque compact SUV, the four-seater Convertible variant has a soft-top that can be lowered in 18 seconds and raised in 21 seconds. The roof, which Land Rover claims is the longest and widest on any vehicle to date, can be operated at speeds up to 48km/h. Also debuting in this model is the carmaker’s new InControl Touch Pro infotainment system, which features a 10.2- inch screen and is claimed to off er enhanced connectivity and responsiveness. Wearnes Automotive expects to launch the Evoque Convertible in either the third or fourth quarter of 2016.
TOYOTA’S CLASSIC PARADE
The Toyota Automobile Museum hosted its annual classic car festival on Nov 28 at Meijijingu Gaien park in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The theme for this year’s event was lightweight, no-frills models such as the 1960 Toyopet Crown Model RS21 (above). The RS21 was also the lead vehicle for the Classic Car Parade, in which approximately 100 privately owned vehicles participated. Apart from Japanese cars, the festival also featured other models, such as a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and a 1961 Jaguar XK150S.
PEUGEOT “CHOPPER”
Peugeot does not produce aircraft, but it can certainly help shape them. The initial design for the Airbus H160 helicopter pictured here was created by Peugeot’s Design Lab, which has also worked with aircraft makers such as Dassault Aviation and Bombardier. Airbus then finalised the design and brought it to fruition. The H160 is expected to cater to private business users and emergency medical services.
FOLDABLE JUKE
Nissan commissioned British artist Owen Gildersleeve to create a life-sized origami replica of its Juke crossover to celebrate the model’s fifth anniversary. The sculpture, which took more than 200 hours to create, is constructed from over 2000 pieces of folded paper. The project was unveiled during World Origami Days, which are celebrated annually from Oct 24 to Nov 11.
