The PROPOSAL...

How do you know you've met THE ONE?  How do you tell him/her that you don't wanna marry them?  

Take a look at this...

Is A 'Fiesta ST' Coming Our Way?

Ford unveils exciting new Fiesta ST Concept at 2011 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, indicating the future direction for a high-performance Fiesta

Ford is revealing its vision for a future high-performance Fiesta ST at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show. The Ford Fiesta ST Concept signals the next step in Ford Motor Company’s global performance vehicle strategy, and hints at how a future Fiesta ST performance model might look when it joins the Focus ST in the global Ford small car portfolio.

Will it be headed this side of the world? Find out more on Ford Fiesta ST 

Audi's Yacht To Be Docked Here Till September

Interested? You have till the end of this month to see it

The Audi A6 launch at the ArtScience Museum has concluded, but the largest super maxi yacht to ever sail into Singapore will still be docked at Marina Bay till the end of September.

Want to be a part of this? Audi's Yacht

The Weekday Track Cars | BMW 1 M Coupe, Audi TTRS Roadster, Porsche Cayman R

Let’s just cut to the chase. We are gathered here today for one, just one, purpose only – to see which one is the best 300+ bhp German-made daily track car. 

The one that you can drive to the office in and not garner too much attention. The one that you can drive to the track with when the urge kicks in. The one you’ll never grow sick of. Today, we have from Munich’s best, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, or 1 M for short. Then from Ingolstadt, the Audi TTRS in Roadster form; coincidentally the oldest in this group. Last but not least, the newest bloke on the block, Stuttgart’s Porsche Cayman R – poised to shake the game.

So some of you might be wondering why on earth a roadster is slotted among the other two coupes. Well to be honest, it’s because with a roof up/roof down option, the TTRS Roadster should - without a doubt - promise a far more superior driving experience. Try to imagine, you're driving fast along a straight road with your shades on while the canvas roof is down, then braking and downshifting, some steering input, engine and exhaust screaming in all its glory, tyres scrubbing, wide grin on your face as you negotiate one chicane to the other. Makes driving the TTRS less forgettable, doesn't it? Plus, let’s not deny how the Roadster version looks far sexier than the Coupe.

So who won? To find out & view more great shots of these three beautiful ladies, click to The Weekday Track Cars

BMW X3 Earns 5 Stars In Euro NCAP Crash Test

BMW's Sports Activity Vehicle earns top rating in the latest safety assessment programme for new cars - examplary occupant protection a highlight 

Besides being a highly successful model in the international car markets within a matter of months, the BMW X3 recently also assumes an exemplary role on the safety front, confirmed by Europe’s leading crash test programme - in the latest Euro NCAP crash test, the BMW X3 achieved the highest rating of 5 stars. The second-generation X3 earned its top marks in this challenging test for new vehicles thanks to its comprehensive range of standard safety equipment and effective occupant protection in various types of collision.

To read more on how safe a BMW is, click to BMW X3

Caltex Wants To Give You A Tanker Of Petrol!

Promotion not leaving winning to chance; hinges on customers driving their way to finishing line 

Caltex is giving to one customer and seven of his/her friends a whole tanker of fuel. The key to winning what is equivalent to one year’s worth of fuel for each one of the eight members of the team is not left to chance. Caltex hands the control over to its customers with this promotion as teams are able to join a contest, track their performance and race all the way to the finishing line, hence, leaving nothing to chance. 

Find out how on Free Petrol!

911 GT3 R Race Car Now With Even Better Driveability

Need an ultimate 911 for the track? 

Amongst racing customers all over the world, the Porsche 911 GT3 R is extremely popular for its forgiving handling and basic speed. And it is exactly in this direction that the improvements for the 2012 model year have been targeted. The engine output has increased by 20 hp to now deliver 500 hp. Paddle-shifts on the steering wheel ensure gear changes are even quicker and simpler, making it easier for pilots to concentrate on braking. Moreover, the transmission electronics, featuring an automatic throttle blip control, make it almost impossible to miss a gear and over-rev the engine. A softer anti-roll bar on the front axle reduces understeer. 

Read more at 911 GT3

McLaren Special Operations: Bespoke Services For McLaren Owners

McLaren Automotive yesterday announced the official launch of McLaren Special Operations, a division of the new sports car manufacturer responsible for delivery of bespoke projects.

McLaren Special Operations celebrated its launch at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this year by presenting an example of the groundbreaking new MP4-12C, finished in a unique version of Volcano Orange, and featuring a range of bespoke carbon upgrades.    


The exclusive 12C unveiled at Pebble Beach has been specified with the aim of inspiring existing and future owners of the first ever pure McLaren sports car.  Bespoke treatment applied to this car includes stunning satin matte Volcano Orange paintwork, a gloss black roof, diamond cut finish wheels with gloss black inners, MP4-12C branded carbon sill panels, carbon steering wheel, front wheel arch louvres and carbon fibre engine cover vents, rear deck vent and wiper system cover.

Continue on to McLaren Special Operations

Sporty Version Of Lexus' New GS To Debut Too?

After launching their new GS quite recently, Lexus teases us with something much more interesting...

Just last week, the 2013 Lexus GS 350 was launched at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California. Lexus' competitor next to BMW's 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz's E-Class, Audi's A6 and Jaguar's XF, the GS 350 is powered by a 3.5 liter V6 engine that whips out 306bhp at 6,400 rpm, with maximum torque rated at 375Nm at 4,800 rpm. Mated to a 6-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission, the Lexus GS will sprint from 0 to 100km/h in an impressive 5.7 seconds, with a top speed of 230km/h. 

To be continued... Sporty Version Of Lexus' New GS

Audi's A6 Awarded 5 Stars In Euro NCAP test

Top rating for passive crash safety, exemplary score in active safety. 

The Euro NCAP consortium has awarded the new Audi A6 the maximum five-star rating for passive crash safety. The results for adult occupant protection in a frontal, rear or side collision and for child safety and pedestrian protection make the new Audi A6 one of the safest cars in its class.

The results for adult occupant protection in a frontal or side collision and the child safety and pedestrian protection place the new Audi A6 among the safest cars in its class.

Read more on Audi's A6 Awarded 5 Stars

BMW's 5 Series Touring Now Locally Available

BMW Asia today introduces the new BMW 5 Series Touring, the 'Executive Touring'.

It combines design aesthetics, modern premium-level functionality and brand-typical driving dynamics combined with exemplary efficiency. Extensive comfort and safety features, which include numerous BMW-exclusive driver assistance systems, substantiate the outstanding qualities of the new BMW 5 Series Touring as an upper midrange touring car.

An award-winning car, the new BMW 5 Series Touring has been honoured with numerous awards since its inception, including; the special “Red Dot design award 2011: Best of the Best” prize for top design quality; the coveted iF award for outstanding product design 2011; and iF Gold Award 2011 for outstanding design.

To read more about this, click on Burnpavement.com - BMW

Road Going Aston Martin V12 Zagato To Debut At Frankfurt

A pair of Zagato will be displayed; sales to begin after.

The new Aston Martin V12 Zagato will be appearing next month at the 64th IAA International Motor Show at Frankfurt. Along with the largest display of contemporary Aston Martins ever seen at a Motor Show, two V12 Zagatos, both having completed their engineering sign-off at the Nürburgring 24 hour race, will be shown for the first time at a mainstream event.

Hand assembled at the company's global headquarters in Gaydon, England, the V12 Zagato is based on the highly acclaimed V12 Vantage and features a beautiful 'handcrafted‘ aluminium and carbon fibre body. Combining traditional craftsmanship and high technology, the V12 Zagato also boasts Aston Martin's most dynamic bonded aluminium platform and the power of the company's acclaimed 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp, and 570 Nm of torque.

Read more about this on Burnpavement.com - Zagato

Aston Martin Racing's 2012 Vantage GT3 Racer

What was once merely a concept model has now turned into reality

Aston Martin confirms the specification of the 2012 Vantage GT3 race car. The Vantage GT3 will be eligible for numerous race series around the world including the FIA GT3 Championship, ADAC Masters, Nürburgring VLN, Blancpain Endurance Series, British GT, Belcar and Open GT among others. Aston Martin will remain the only manufacturer to offer a race car for every GT class, firmly cementing it as a global forerunner in race car production. The new Vantage GT3 is being developed to replicate and indeed surpass the superb track record of the DBRS9.

As the natural successor to the enormously successful DBRS9, the new Vantage GT3 will offer customers the latest in race-car technology to ensure the Vantage GT3 has the credentials to compete with the most recent new product offerings from other manufacturers.

Read more at Burnpavement.com - Astom Martin

Audi To Present The Audi Urban Concept at IAA Frankfurt

Concept study an innovative urban concept car with 1 + 1 seats; cockpit made from CFRP.

Audi is once again opening up new horizons: the Audi urban concept, a 1+1-seat, ultra-light car for congested urban spaces. The technical study being presented at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt does not fit under any of the conventional categories – the Audi urban concept combines elements of a racing car, a fun car and an urban car into one radical new concept. In addition to a Sportback model, Audi is also presenting a Spyder variant.

The Audi urban concept is not based on any previous model though – its development is solely oriented on the strict principles of lightweight construction, efficiency and reduction. The result is a concept car with no unnecessary additional weight, and one that concentrates on the pure essence of sporty motion. The Audi urban concept rolls on wheels with a 21-inch diameter.

Read more about it at Audi Urban Concept .

Joke of the Day

He says: If Tony Tan wins the Presidency, the prices of these 3 items will rise: black-rimmed glasses, combs and... Brylcreems.

She says: Dohh!!!

The New Polestar Power Optimisation For Volvos

Drive a Volvo? Been looking for Volvo-approved tuning options? Well, here's your answer.

The partnership between Volvo and Polestar was founded in 1996 in collaboration with Volvo's racing efforts. Since then, Polestar has competed with Volvo's 850, S40, S60 and the present C30. The company's core business is focused on development and competition in racing. Now, you can benefit from all that know-how.

With the introduction of the new Polestar power optimisation tuning, Volvo cars can now produce higher power output and better torque in the range where the engine works most often in.

Read more about it at burnpavement.com - Volvo .

Porsche accessories for all F1 fans!

3Porsche ups the ante this Formula One season with an exclusive selection of luxury collectibles and apparels, engineered for the avid brand enthusiast

Porsche sets the heartbeats ticking faster with an exclusive series of collectibles and apparels – Porsche Design Driver’s Selection – engineered for the avid brand enthusiast. The luxury sports collection is designed with the finest qualities of Porsche – refined technology, increased comfort, enhanced performance and sharpened design. The brand’s impeccable eye for details and precision is evident in the collection which consists of stylish polo tops (for men and women), brilliantly compartmentalised trolley cases to fun accessories like colourful key rings and caps embossed with the distinctive Porsche crest.

Find out more at Porsche accessories for all F1 fans!

Caltex Sure-Win Retail Promotion Celebrates With Singapore

Caltex launches 75th anniversary activities with $750,000 worth of prizes for motorists

Chevron’s leading international fuels and lubricants brand, Caltex, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year will kick-start its local celebratory activities in conjunction with Singapore’s National Day festivities. 

Starting from 1 August 2011, Chevron Singapore Pte Ltd will run a 40-day long national retail promotion leading up to a grand prize of approximately five years’ worth of fuel for one lucky Caltex customer. This “Scratch & Win!” retail promotion is designed to thank customers for their support for the Caltex brand for the past 75 years, with a total of $750,000 worth of prizes up for grabs.  In this sure-win promotion, all customers who qualify to participate will definitely win a prize.

Find out more at Caltex Sure-Win Retail Promotion Celebrates With Singapore

New SLK And C-Class Coupe Now Available Locally

Local fans of the star badge can now get their hands on Mercedes-Benz's new sleek roadster and svelte coupe

Mercedes-Benz yesterday launched two new sleek models for the local market: the new SLK and the much anticipated C-Class Coupe.

With the completely new SLK, one of the most exciting and successful sports cars ever built is entering its third generation.

With the new C-Class Coupé, Mercedes-Benz now enters a new market segment offering a compact coupé with classic proportions for the first time. From the side, the new coupé will impress onlookers with its flat silhouette with powerful shoulders and narrow C-pillar in a classic three-box design. Typical coupé features include the short front overhang, long bonnet, steeply raked windscreen and long, stretched-out roof.

To read more, click on New SLK And C-Class Coupe Now Available Locally

Catch It If You Can! BMW 1 Series M Coupe - Post Event Report

Music, food, an array of prizes, good company and a range of BMW M cars all raring to go - it doesn't get any better than this

Just last weekend, burnpavement.com and Munich Automobiles, the exclusive distributor of BMW’s high-performance M cars in Singapore, jointly hosted some of you readers to a special “Burnpavement Live!” event.

 47 of our dear readers came, got up close and personal with the new BMW 1 Series M Coupe through a presentation - by Mr. Kugan Vyravanathan, the marketing manager of Munich Automobiles, and yours truly - and enjoyed the music and good food. The little ones were not forgotten – also present were radio-control and slot cars, for them to get their first hand of driving.

To read more, click on Burpavement Live! at Munich Automobiles

A Mixed Marriage of Sorts

Remember the last post where we talked about planning a wedding for a couple from different ethnic backgrounds?

Below are some of the shots taken pre-, during & post-wedding...

Pre-wedding photography:

Malay wedding ceremony:

Can't resist a photo op with the happy couple

Chinese wedding ceremony:

For more photos, click on to Mixed Marriage - Official Photos .

All Grounds Covered | Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen promises value in a premium package with their new Passat, but the question is, can it really deliver the goods?

When you drive a car such as a BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Audi, many will change the impression they had about you. They would probably say things like, “Hmm, doing good I see!”, “Well done Sir!”, or even maybe (just maybe) “You inspire me”.

But then, due to the current COE trend, such premium sedans are becoming even harder to reach – case in point, the “base model” Audi A4 1.8T, BMW 318i and Mercedes-Benz C180 costs $193,773, $178,800 and $189,800 respectively.

Click on VW Passat for more...

BMW's Art Car Number 17 Drops By Singapore

One of BMW's Art Car makes an appearance at the world's only M dedicated showroom.

The 17th BMW Art Car made its Southeast Asian debut in Singapore this week, showcased at the Munich Automobiles Showroom and Service Centre, the world’s first dedicated BMW M dealer. Based on the BMW M3 GT2, the 17th BMW Art Car is created by world renowned pop artist, Jeff Koons. As part of his creative process, Jeff Koons collected images of race cars, related graphics, vibrant colors, speed and explosions. The resulting artwork of bright colors conceived by Koons is evocative of power, motion and bursting energy. Its silver interior along with the powerful exterior design, the Art Car will impart a dynamic appearance even when it’s standing still. “These race cars are like life, they are powerful and there is a lot of energy,” said Jeff Koons. “You can participate with it, add to it and let yourself transcend with its energy. There is a lot of power under that hood and I want to let my ideas transcend with the car – it’s really to connect with that power”.

Click Jeff Koons Art Car  and BMW Art Cars to read more...

Look Who's Back | Audi A6

The E-Class and 5 Series are success stories here in Singapore, but with the new A6, will Audi get the same treatment? We head to Abu Dhabi to find out.

After the A4, the A6 is Audi’s next important model. Think about it - without a medium-sized luxury sedan, Audi will not be able to compete with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series. Models that are very popular in the market, especially like ours. When the current generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class arrived two years ago, it was so popular that demands exceeded supplies, so much so that some buyers had to wait longer than expected just to get their cars. Well, the same also happened when the F10 BMW 5 Series arrived last year…

So both Mercedes-Benz and BMW were seeing success stories. However, it was totally different for Audi - although the current A6 (still for sale in the market) is considered a relevant competitor, that aging shape didn’t go well with buyers in this segment.

Click Audi A6 to read more...

MINI Defensive Driving Course

Burnpavement Live! presents our very first driving event, and it's a Defensive Driving Course aimed at making you a better driver - it's an awesome experience not to be missed!

Where?
Singapore Turf Club
1 Turf Club Avenue. Singapore Racecourse. Singapore 738078

When?
Saturday, 23rd July 2011. 8:00am to 5:00pm

What will you learn?
Defensive driving techniques, guaranteed to prepare you for whatever the road throws. Join us!

What are the requirements to join?
1) You hold a valid driving license.
2) You have a car to drive for the course (open to all types and makes - it doesn't have to be a MINI!).
3) You are prepared to learn about the finer things in driving techniques.
4) You're good friends with the steering wheels and pedals.

Who are the instructors?
Local racing veterans Sylvester Lim, Terence Chua, Rushdi Arshad and Cheng Tau Sin.

What is the price?
$299 per participant. ($50 off if you register before 15th July) Price includes breakfast, lunch, dessert and unlimited cans of Red Bull!
Non-driving partners/friends are welcome to join you at $25. This covers their meals, dessert and drinks.

I want to sign up! How do I do it?
E-mail your details to rsvp@burnpavement.com, with "I want to participate in the MINI Defensive Driving Course!" as the subject. State your (1) Full name, (2) NRIC number, (3) Date of birth, (4) Age, (5) Driving license Date of Issue, (6) Car make and model, (7) Number of non-driving friends coming along.

When is the closing date?
Monday, 20th July 2011

Cayman R Arrives in Singapore, Priced To Undercut M3 Coupe Competition

The range topping 330bhp Cayman R arrives, with a surprising price tag.

Porsche Centre Singapore today introduced the latest high-performance Porsche churned out of Stuttgart - the Cayman R. This top-of-the-range version in the Cayman line-up promises race-car like performance capability through a sporting concoction of speed, agility and efficiency.

Through an extensive weight reduction of 55 kg over the more regular Cayman S, the driving dynamics in the Cayman R has been significantly improved, with the car's agility and acceleration capabilities honed to deliver a precise driving experience.

Click here to read more...

Singapore - First In Southeast Asia To Preview BMW Concept M5

Back in April, we released news about the new M5 making an appearance here. Last night, Munich Automobiles, the first M Showroom in the world, previewed the awesome BMW Concept M5 über saloon.

Don't be fooled too much by the 'concept' label, this car is likely to be very close to the final product. Initial media photos gave the impression that the latest M5 was not going to look as aggressive as its predecessor - but seeing it in the flesh is a whole different story. The purposeful front air dams, rear lip spoiler, gargantuan brakes and equally massive 20" wheels finished in gloss black all lend to set this super sedan apart from its lesser siblings.


To read more, click on BMW Concept M5

McLaren's Highly Anticipated Sports Car Reaches Singapore

MP4-12C sets its sight on moneyed high-performance car fans.

McLaren Automotive’s debut high-performance sports car, the MP4-12C was revealed in Singapore for the first time on 2nd of June 2011. The highly anticipated model from the British manufacturer was unveiled at a special event for prospective customers and media at the Red Dot Design Museum.

The innovative 12C is unique in the core segment of the sports car market. This two-seat, mid-engine model features a revolutionary one-piece, carbon-fibre chassis structure, the carbon MonoCell. It is the first time a car has featured a one-piece, carbon fibre structure; a strong and lightweight engineering solution that comes straight from the world of motor sports where McLaren introduced this technology to Formula 1 in 1981.

To continue reading, click on McLaren MP4-12C

Sebastian Vettel Is Infiniti's New Global Brand Ambassador

F1's young star driver pairs up with luxury car brand Infiniti.

Infiniti, the luxury car manufacturer from Japan, today announces it has signed Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel as its first ever Global Brand Ambassador. The collaboration with Sebastian Vettel comes two months after Infiniti announced a major partnership with the Red Bull Racing team. The 23 year-old F1 star will be taking an active role in raising the profile of the Infiniti brand and its products during race weekends and at selected events linked to Infiniti’s business and product programs.

To read more, click on Sebastian Vettel

The One From Above

With instruction from god himself, Maserati shows how a proper cabriolet should be.

For all the money in this world, one can easily opt for a Porsche 911 Cabriolet, the new base model Audi R8 Spyder or even if you have the extra ka-chings, head straight for the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. But if you can’t, then maybe a tandem bicycle is a good start. Ok, kidding…

Fast cabrios are a must-have accessory if you’ve made it good. Well if you already have a limo, a sports car and another sedan for trips to the market, a cabrio is a natural “next-thing-to-get” - something to cruise around comfortably, or to show up at events in.

Now let’s talk about prices. The 420 bhp Audi R8 V8 Spyder is yours for S$599,073, the 500 bhp Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet can be had easily for a mere S$678,888 or maybe if you’re less fussy but still want to be extravagant, a “low-mileage-well-taken-care-of-one-owner-only-never-been-to-track-before” used Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder LP560-4 for about less than S$900k. Discouraging ain’t it, the prices?

To read more, click on The One From Above

Mixed Marriage

In this 21st century, we hear of a lot of mixed marriages happening around the world.  It shows that society is not only integrating well with each other, but also love knows no bounds.

In Singapore, it's no different.  Recently, we planned a wedding for a couple who's Malay & Chinese.  The result: a fusion wedding.

Click on Wedding of Chris & Iri for the pictures of the wedding that we planned not too long ago (05.14.2011).  x