Power play

Excellent racetrack performance and raw masculinity sum up the function and form of BMW’s latest ace.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Excellent racetrack performance and raw masculinity sum up the function and form of BMW’s latest ace.

TEXT LIAO XIANGJUN
TEXT LIAO XIANGJUN

The subcompact car category has just received its shakedown in the form of BMW’s new M2 Coupe. Numbers first: The two-door, four-seater hits the 100kmh mark in 4.2 seconds, courtesy of the 3-litre, 365bhp six-cylinder engine.

But speed’s a given. It’s the outstanding handling that has set the motoring world abuzz. It poured on launch day in Singapore, but the stunt driver was drifting around a safety cone faster than a tumble dryer spins. And he was driving backwards.

Full marks in the looks department, too – this car’s hunched and muscled physique says: “You’re in my way”. If assertiveness is a valued trait, make a spot in the garage for this one.
Performance Motors, 303 Alexandra Road. Tel: 6319-0100

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TRAVEL IN STYLE
The “Rolls-Royce of luggage” is now a literal expression. The British automobile manufacturer has rolled out a luggage line based on the Wraith, complete with the self-righting RR badge that’s a hallmark of the car’s rims.

The customisable six-piece collection will set one back about $60,000 for a carbon-fibre build, genuine leather, and the work of artisans who wear white gloves throughout the entire production process.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, 29 Leng Kee Road. Tel: 6475-3113

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WATCH SOME MAGIC
What use is a smartwatch if it can’t control the air-conditioning in the car? Bentley’s remedied that with a custom app for the Apple Watch, enabling any Bentayga owner to also move the seats or control entertainment systems with a few flicks and taps. No, you can’t drive with it, yet.
Available through the Apple App Store.