By Christopher Tan

UPSIZED ENGINE FOR 911 TURBO

Porsche's latest 911 Turbo gets a change of heart. The new engine is a 500bhp, 3.8-litre direct-injection flat-6 with twin turbos.

The turbos are the first to be fitted to a petrol engine that boasts variable turbine geometry, giving the engine better flexibility and efficiency.

Singapore cars will have seven-speed dual-clutch gearboxes, with the option of steering-mounted paddle shifters (rather than tabs).

The all-wheel-drive car reaches 100kmh in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 312kmh.

It will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, along with the cabriolet version. Porsche's previous Turbo was launched three years ago.

NEW MAZDA CX-7 CROSSOVER

Also to be unveiled at Frankfurt next month is Mazda's new CX-7 crossover with Euro V diesel engine.

Sporting a bolder frontal design, the car is driven by a highly efficient MZR-CD 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine with a NOx reduction system in its exhaust.

This makes it the cleanest and most frugal Japanese car in its segment.

BENTLEY GOES RETRO

Still on Frankfurt: At the show, Bentley Motors will announce details of the Mulsanne , the company's all-new flagship grand tourer.

The firm has alluded that the car was inspired by a 1930 8-litre model.

TAKING ORDERS FOR ALPHARD

Toyota agent Borneo Motors has started taking orders for the Alphard, a premium seven-seater that is popular with celebrities in Hong Kong.

The 2.4-litre 170bhp car with a continuously variable transmission is going for $141,000.

Its open-market value is $44,000.

GT-R FIRE ENGINE

A Nissan GT-R has been converted into a fire engine for Germany's infamous Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit.

Normally, the GT-R is capable of lapping the circuit in 7min 26sec.

Even with 200kg of equipment on board, it does it in under eight minutes.

The redesigned car is a gift from Nissan to the Nurburgring operator in thanks for the company's collaboration in developing the 485bhp supercar.

IN THE MAKING: RCZ 2+2 COUPE

Peugeot has confirmed that it will make the RCZ 2+2 coupe.

To be built by Magna Steyr in Austria, the car will be launched next year.

There will be four engine choices, with 1.6- and 2-litre displacements.

The top variant is a 2-litre turbo producing 200bhp.

WORRY-FREE USED NISSANS

Used Nissans from Car Times now come with peace of mind.

The cars will be inspected by authorised Nissan agent Tan Chong and will come with warranties ranging from three to 12 months (5,000km to 20,000km).

If a car still has factory warranty, the extended warranty will kick in after the factory coverage expires.

Tan Chong will handle all warranty repairs.

All major components, except wear and tear items, are covered.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.

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