By Christopher Tan

SOUPED-UP SCIROCCO R

Volkswagen will unleash a souped-up Scirocco early next year.

The Scirocco R's 2-litre forced induction engine will have 265bhp and 350Nm of torque (from 200bhp and 280Nm).

Its chassis will have, among other improvements, a new front axle differential lock.

The R's design is based largely on VW's racing Scirocco GT24.

REVAMPED S80 ARRIVES

Volvo's facelifted S80 is here - more luxurious and modern, with a slim centre console seen in the smaller Volvos.

Besides a slightly more aggressive front design, the car has more power.

Its 2.5-litre turbo engine now produces 231bhp (from 200bhp) and it hits 100kmh in 7.5 seconds (from 8).

NUS CAR BEATS JAPAN

A race car built by National University of Singapore engineering students has once again become the fastest Asian entry at an international meet in Michigan, in the United States.

The car, built from scratch, emerged 19th in a field of 119 at the inter-varsity Formula SAE. (SAE stands for Society of Automotive Engineers, now known as SAE International.)

It even beat those from Japan and Korea, countries with established automotive industries.

At the three-day competition, the cars were judged on criteria such as design and cost before they were put through their paces on the Michigan International Speedway, a Nascar venue.

YARIS' REFRESHED LOOK

The Toyota Yaris (below), one of the most frugal cars available here, has had cosmetic changes.

Its bumpers now incorporate protection moulding, the car's headlamps are refreshed, the wing mirrors come with winkers and the rear lamp clusters have amber cover for the turning lights.

Inside, the fabric upholstery has been redesigned.

Available at Borneo Motors.

LET'S HEAD NORTH

It is that time of the year again for driveaways.

For those who appreciate good food, good roads and hassle-free laidback holidays, BMW agent Performance Motors is organising a three-day, two-night drive to Club Med Cherating from June 12 to 14.

Charges start from $540 per adult.

Borneo Motors has two driveaways, one for Toyota and the other for Lexus.

The latter's destination is the Perak spa and beach resort of Damai Laut.

The event, from June 20 to 22, includes a day trip to Pangkor Island.

Starts from $349 per head.

Toyota customers will head back to nature on a driving holiday to Taman Negara.

The June 12 to 14 event starts from $348 a person.

Expect activities to include a river cruise and jungle trek.

For all car owners, newcomer Big Rallye is organising a four-day, three-night event slated for July 5 to 8.

It takes the more winding and scenic east coast road to Kuala Trengganu and cuts across to Cameron Highlands.

The highlight is the new Gua Musang highway, known to some as one of the best driving roads in the world.

Two nights will be at the Awana Kijal (midway between Kuantan and Kuala Trengganu) and one night at the Equatorial in Cameron.

Estimated charge is $400 per person.

E-mail cathrynchong@hotmail.com for details.

NISSAN ROADSHOW

The Nissan roadshow at VivoCity has a whole range of cars on show, including the 370Z and body-kitted Latio Sport DS-R.

Nissan race car driver Tsugio Matsuda will be there to mingle with fans and pose for photos, although as usual the men will want to take pictures of race queens instead.

CRUNCH-TIME SCHEME

Economic uncertainty and the fear of job losses are keeping car buyers away.

Hence Parallel importer Cars & Stars has come up with a financing scheme that will cover monthly instalment payments of a customer's car loan - for up to six months - should he or she be laid off.

The customer will be asked to repay Cars & Stars only after he or she has found a new job.

The scheme is similar to one which Hyundai has introduced in the United States.

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