AFTER A TWO YEAR wait, the exhibition halls finally opened once more, officially starting the 7th Singapore Motor Show, one of South East Asia’s most prestigious and celebrated motoring events last November 11 at the Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre.
This year marks itself as a milestone of sorts with more than a hundred exhibitors present including first-time participants Mercedes-Benz and Chevrolet. They join Singapore Motor Show mainstays such as Alfa Romeo, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot, Saab, Ssyangyong, Subaru, Suzuki, and Toyota. Also dazzling the crowd with their new models are Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lexus, Lotus, Maserati, Porsche, and Rolls-Royce.
The theme for 2004, “Drive the Future” couldn’t have been more appropriate with dozens of world-class concept cars from the members of the Japanese Automobile Manufacturer’s Association (JAMA) as well as new showroom models and various future fuel technology cars.
Pure Exotica
This year lacks nothing when it comes to exotics with various examples, some shown for the first time in the South East Asian market. Among the highlights include the all-new Porsche Boxster, with its re-shaped front facia and retuned engine; the monstrous 6.2-liter V12 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster and its German rival, the V10-powered Porsche Carrera GT; the ultra-luxurious Maserati Quattroporte, Rolls-Royce Phantom and 100EX; the race track ready Lotus Elise 111R and Exige Mk II and many others. The Americans and Japanese aren’t sitting on the exhibition hall sidelines either. There’s the all-new Chevrolet Corvette and SSR pick-up roadster, the Mazda RX-8, the Nissan 350Z Roadster, the Honda S2000 Mk II, and a preview of the upcoming 300 horsepower 6-speed Mitsubishi Evolution IX and Colt Turbo.
The huge gathering of high-priced cars doesn’t mean that there aren’t any family friendly cars on display. Some noteworthy cars that might actually end up on your garage include the facelifted Honda CR-V and Integra, all-new Nissan Cefiro (Teana) and Latio, Chevrolet Optra 5-door, Opel Astra Turbo, all-new Suzuki Swift, and Peugeot 307CC and 407.
Green Wonders
Since the last show in 2002, the organizers of the Singapore Motor Show wanted to showcase emerging green car technologies, and as a result, they dedicated a separate pavilion for that purpose. This year, there are more “green cars” on display including the all-new Toyota Prius and Honda Civic IMA hybrid cars—both using the a variation of the petrol/electric engine technology, and the Mercedes-Benz F-Cell. The most advanced on display, the F-Cell runs on hydrogen via a fuel cell system. Recently, 6 F-Cell cars have been turned over to the Singaporean government for further research and development of this alternative fuel source. On a side note, I have been given the chance to drive this one-of-a-kind F-Cell on the streets of Singapore.
A Nod to the Classics
Amidst all the latest model launches, Mercedes-Benz went a different route by giving Singaporeans their first chance to see “The Shining Silver Star”, a collection of 6 automobiles that defined the course of automotive design and engineering. The 6 automobiles, all in museum condition are the 1886 Benz Patent Motor Car, 1907 37/70 hp Mercedes, 8/20 1913 hp Mercedes, 1924 28/95 hp Mercedes, 1939 Mercedes-Benz 320 “streamliner”, and 1950 Mercedes-Benz 300 “Adenauer”. The 6 cars are presented in a space that mimics the look and feel of a proper museum.
Fun and Entertainment
And what’s a motor show without those skimpily clad girls? Various manufacturers gave their best in entertaining the crowd. Mazda brought the crowd to a standstill with their ‘Zoom-Zoom’ girls dance show. Meanwhile, Toyota’s affair is more family friendly with dozens of free balloons and giveaways. The main highlight though is the Russ Swift/Subaru Impreza stunt show. Held 3 times a day during weekends and holidays, world-renowned stunt driver and Guinness Book of World Records holder for fastest parallel parking, Russ Swift does high-speed power slides, donuts, multi-car dance routines, and of course high-speed parallel parking all using his Subaru Impreza.
What’s Next?
With so many cool concept cars and exotics, you probably can’t wait to pack your bags and head over to the Singapore Motor Show. But, before you do so, I’d like to tell you that the curtains will be closing 4 days from now. So, all you can do is wait for another 2 years. Or, if you can’t hold your breath that long, there’s the first-ever Manila Motor Show, another world-class automotive event slatted this coming April 28, 2005. The show, which will be held at the World Trade Center along Roxas Boulevard, will have a similar scope and depth as other motoring shows of the region.
Interested parties who inquire about the Manila Motor Show may contact Worldbex International, Inc. at (63-2) 531-6374, 531-6350, 533-6988. Please look for Ms. Jill Ang.
By Ulysses Ang | Photos By Ulysses Ang and Jason Ang
Originally Published in The Manila Times
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