Electric C-HR+ crossover from Toyota
Toyota unveiled the electric C-HR+ on March 12. The “plus” probably refers to the dimensions. At 4,520mm long, the crossover is more than one size bigger than the first-generation car that measured 4,360mm.
The electric version of the not-so-compact crossover is slated to be launched in Europe in the second half of 2025. The C-HR+ follows the second-generation C-HR that was unveiled in 2023 as a petrol hybrid.
The electric car is not unrelated to the C-HR, which, in some countries, comes with a 1.8- or 2-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain. The C-HR+ will be available in single- and dual-motor versions and have two battery sizes, giving the car between 455km and 600km of operating range.
Although the Toyota C-HR remains a relatively common sight on Singapore’s roads since it was launched here in 2018, the model has not been available for sale since 2020.
When asked, the spokeswoman for Borneo Motors, Toyota’s authorised distributor, said there is no information on the second-generation C-HR and C-HR+ at this time.
Man U legend Ryan Giggs plays in BYD charity event
Not just for kicks: Football legend Ryan Giggs (in red) was part of BYD Football Fiesta to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation in Singapore.PHOTO: SIME MOTOR
Manchester United football legend Ryan Giggs and former Singapore national players, including Fandi Ahmad and V. Sundramoorthy, came together on Feb 22 at ARFC Woodleigh for the BYD Football Fiesta.
The event raised $880,938 in support of the Breast Cancer Foundation in Singapore. Besides contributions from BYD’s partners, the Chinese brand chipped in $1,000 for every car it sold between Feb 6 and March 6. The donations go towards the foundation’s programmes, which include public education, patient support and advocacy efforts, said BYD in a press statement.
Bus & Coffee with Volkswagen
Party, dude: The Volkswagen Bus turns 75 in 2025 and a host of events has been planned to mark the anniversary year.PHOTO: VOLKSWAGEN
On March 8, 1950, the first Volkswagen Transporter, or T1, rolled off the production line in Wolfsburg, Germany.
To mark the 75th anniversary of the vehicle, VW is lining up a slew of events, which includes converting its Autostadt museum in Wolfsburg into VW Bus City on May 24 and 25. The T1 achieved cult status through its variety of body styles, including panel van, camper van and minibus forms.
On June 1, a VW Bus & Coffee meeting will be held in Hanover for fans and owners. International meets to mark the anniversary year of the Transporter include one in the Austrian city of Salzburg from May 16 to 18, and in Spain and the Czech Republic from May 23 to 25.
Porsche EV sets fourth track record
Four on the trot: Porsche Taycan GT with Weissach package’s record run in Brazil follows similar successes in Germany, China and the United States.PHOTO: PORSCHE
The Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo, Brazil, became the fourth track where the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach package holds the lap record for electric cars. Set on Feb 5, the record follows similar exploits at Nurburgring Nordschleife in Germany, Shanghai International Circuit in China and Laguna Seca in the United States.
The lap record on the 4.3km track in Brazil was made by Felipe Nasr, a three-time winner of 24 Hours Of Daytona. With a time of 1min 42.1sec, the attempt shattered the previous record by nearly eight seconds, which was set by the Taycan Turbo S in 2022. The latest timing is also less than a second from the overall production car lap record of 1min 43.087sec held by another Porsche, the 911 Turbo S.
The electric car boasts 760kW of power and has a 0-100kmh timing of 2.2 seconds. The Weissach package includes features that are meant to enhance the Taycan Turbo GT’s track prowess, including doing without the rear bench seats, making it a two-seater, four-door car.
Locally, the Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach package is priced at $1.02 million before certificate of entitlement and options.
Cupra makes comeback as electric car brand
Brand ambitions: The relaunch of Cupra starts with the Born, an electric hatchback, seen here with Dr Kurt Leiter (left), managing director of Volkswagen Group Singapore, and Mr Daryle-Alexis Tan, brand director of Cupra Singapore.PHOTO: CUPRA SINGAPORE
Cupra, a Spanish car brand under the Volkswagen Group, is making a comeback as an electric vehicle brand in Singapore on March 14. This comes after Volkswagen Group Singapore, which is a motor dealership here, took over the distributorship rights in June 2023.
Cupra’s new showroom is at 247 Alexandra Road, under the same roof as Volkswagen and Skoda, which are represented by the same dealership.
Two models have been approved for sale in Singapore so far, according to the Land Transport Authority. The Born is a Volkswagen Golf-size electric hatchback, while the Tavascan is a mid-sized electric coupe sport utility vehicle that is larger than the BMW iX2.
Crypto accepted at Ferrari importer
Ital Auto, the official Ferrari importer for Singapore, now accepts cryptocurrency as payment. This is done through a partnership with a digital assets company that has been licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Cryptocurrency is converted into dollars through instant bank settlements. In its media statement on March 12, Ital Auto said the exchange rate is locked in, so there are no volatility risks.
Besides Ital Auto, EuroSports Global, which distributes Lamborghini, has been accepting cryptocurrency as payment since 2022.
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