Bug City

Words & snaps by Ben

In 1938, after 4 years of development, Ferdinand Porsche released what would become the most sold car model in the history of cars - the Beetle.

The Beetle doesn't just owe its success to its affordability, it also owes it to its robustness and its looks. Even after trying to reboot the Beetle twice, Volkswagen will never be able to match the success of its first iteration, probably due to the current times and today's consumption society.

Sky Blue

Words & Snaps by Ben

To the outside world, all motorheads fit into one basket. As soon as our cars are modified, we are delinquents, street racers without any regard to other people's lives who are always causing trouble on the roads. This so especially in Singapore, where simple car modifications are seen as a crime, and makes every one of us targets of a witch hunt given by the government officials.

Yet our passion for cars is as colourful and varied as there are races on earth. The main "function or form" categories are often mentioned, but the number of sub-genres are unlimited.

While there are haters, who will look down upon certain car models, brands or styles, when push comes to shove, we know how to stand united in our passion.

Marcus' Elantra is not a track-conquering asphalt-twisting powerhouse. It is neither an oni-cambered show queen. All it is, is his own interpretation of his passion for cars. And in this, it is perfect.

Formula E Pre-Season Testing 2014

                 Words & Snaps by Sam 

Electric cars... A topic which strikes fear into the majority of those with a passion for cars, a concept which many loathe. Unfortunately we cannot disguise the fact that oil supplies are depleting and it’s hard to ignore the negative effects conventional engines are having on the environment. It’s because of this that we know it won’t be so long before they begin to take over from our beloved petrol powered machines. Many of us dread this day and car manufacturers know all too well that if they are to succeed with replacing oil based fuels with electricity, they will need to do something to entice the public. So how are they going to persuade us that silent electric motors can be just as fun as a petrol equivalent?

Rebirth

Those of you who are reading these words from outside of Singapore, consider yourselves lucky. You might have read some of my previous car features where I mention the COE. The Certificate Of Entitlement is one of Singapore's government's measures put in place to limit the population of cars on the roads of our small island. Not only does it cost a bomb (current rates are above SGD60,000), but it also put a countdown on each and every car, as it is only valid for 10 years.

At the end of those 10 years, car owners have no choice but to either buy a new COE, or scrap their cars. Sadly, with the COE rates always getting higher, many of us do not have the finances to renew and have to bid their cars farewell.

As you can imagine, that makes the lives of us motorheads very, very difficult.