Best Car Singapore Issue 8 Preview

Page 1



“LIKE” BEST CAR SINGAPORE ON FACEBOOK BY 31 JULY STAND A CHANCE TO WIN A MICRO-PRECISION 3-SERIES SOUND SYSTEM WORTH $1,500!

www.facebook.com/bestcar.sg

Micro-Precision – Audio products made in Germany The 3-Series provide the best value for its price. Its aluminium membranetechnology is strong and suitable for universal use. The speakers cover a wide spectrum of musical energy and they are easy to install because of ISO sizing. The 3.28 MK III Silk-dome tweeter is excellent in dynamics, resolution

and staging, and features a full aluminium body and base plate. And now, thanks to the fine folks at Morphosis Technology, we have a brand new system worth $1,500 to give away!



76 BESTFEATURE MIMOTO’S AUTOMOTIVE SCRAPBOOK VOL. 2: WATCHING AND WAITING

Kazuhiko Mimoto returns with more advice for Japan’s eight automakers and flags some of the enhancements users can look forward to.

BESTWHIZBANGS: CARS 88

キ ー パ ー ソ ン

SUPER CARLIFE VOL. 6

Koji “Prince” Aoyama dons the cloak of a crime-fighting hero behind the wheel of a Knight 2000 replica. 80

FUN CAR LABORATORY VOL. 8

Terry Itoh sings the praises of the inconspicuous Audi R8 Spyder. 82

85

ガ ジ ェ ッ ト:ラ イ フ ス タ イ ル

BESTWHIZBANGS: LIFESTYLE 92

JAPANESE DOMINATION AT FORMULA DRIFT SINGAPORE 2011!

The drifting world’s Japanese triumvirate wowed at the Singapore leg of the 2011 Formula Drift Asia!

94

HOT REELS

Sometimes you just have to go with life’s flow and trust that everything will turn out fine. 95

BESTRUNWAY 96

HOT PLAYLIST

Even the best and brightest musicians had to start somewhere.

102

GET YOUR ROCK ON!

We jam with the boys of Deck 5! ラ イ フ ス タ イル

BESTLIFESTYLE 102

A BLAST FROM THE PAST

Relive the swinging ’60s and ’70s at the vibrant Hotel Re! 104

SOUND AND SUBSTANCE

Stretch your advertising dollar with 988online.net! グ ル メ

BESTGOURMET 106

BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL

Crafted with precision and intricate detail, these timepieces are both accurate instruments and stunning works of art.

A FAMILY AFFAIR AT FORMULA NIPPON 2011!

Satoru Nakajima made his mark on the Formula 1 circuit—now, his sons attempt to stake their claims.

LIQUI MOLY PASSES THE TEST WITH FLYING COLOURS!

German testing centre, APL, confirms that LIQUI MOLY’s additives are truly as effective as it claims.

BESTA-LIST 76

PLEASE DON’T STOP THE MUSIC: IASCA SINGAPORE CAR AUDIO CARNIVAL 2011

Get your groove on at the IASCA Singapore Car Audio Carnival 2011! 90

82

フ ァッシ ョ ン

ガ ジ ェ ッ ト: 車

特 集

70

85

JUICY BEEF DRAWS LICKING FLAMES

Revel in the sweet fragrance of succulent Wagyu beef at Gyu-Kaku! ギ フト

BESTGIFTS 108

FREEBIES R US

You Like, we give, you take.

92



スク ープ Scion launched its FR-S at the New York Auto Show. The 2ℓ direct-injection flat engine can supposedly generate 200bhp/21kgm. The finishing of the new bumper and headlights are likely to make FR-S a commercial hit.

FR-S’s official overall width is 1816mm, but it may be listed as 1795mm in the Japanese specifications.

TOYOTA FT-86 EXPECTED SPECIFICATIONS**

TOYOTA’S FT-86II WAS LAUNCHED AT THE GENEVA AUTO SHOW.

Overall length

4270mm

Overall width

1795mm

Overall height

1270mm

Wheel base

2570mm

Engine

FB20 F4

Displacement

1995cc

Maximum power

200bhp/7200rpm

Maximum torque

21kgm/4600 rpm

Transmission

6-MT

Price*

¥2.3~2.6 million

* Prices are only indicative of the Japanese automotive market. For local pricing, please contact the relevant dealerships. ** Specifications of available models may vary. For more information, please contact the relevant dealerships.

J U LY 2 0 1 1

7


BEST EVENTS イベ ント

SHOWING OFF AT THE

SHANGHAI AUTO SHOW! In 2010, China surpassed America by manufacturing 18.96 million vehicles and with the top spot again this year, it is more of the same.

C

hina’s might was particularly pronounced at the Shanghai Auto Show last April. During the event, Chinese automakers dominated the scene with copies of foreign automakers’ models— for example, BYD’s Corolla-esque car and Changchun Automotives’ versions of Toyota’s IST and Vitz. However, sales drastically slowed late last year, and the local automotive industry reeled following BYD’s fall from favour. In an attempt to raise sales, price cuts of up to 20 percent were implemented in February. China’s retail slump may have been a learning experience for its automakers. While some counterfeit products may be convincing enough to sell well,

TEXT • MITSUHIRO KUNISAWA

SAIC RONGWEI E1

In collaboration with Volkswagen and General Motors, Shanghai Automotive has launched its outstanding Rongwei E1 electric car. Its lightweight 18kWh battery has a larger capacity than even the lauded Mitsubishi i MiEV’s. Moreover Rongwei weighs just 1080kg!

SAIC MG5 CONCEPT

JAC IEV

Since Roewe is a subsidiary of SAIC, the MG5 hatchback shares the Roewe 350 sedan’s FF platform.

The Chinese automaker, JAC, exhibited its own electric car and plug-in hybrid, departing from the traditional low-cost mentality. Do note that both are equipped with nickel hydride batteries.

30

BEST CAR ISSU E 08


BEST EVENTS イベ ント

!

NEW RIDES AT THE

NEW YORK AUTO SHOW! These Japanese concept cars made big waves at the Big Apple!

LEXUS LF-GH At the New York Auto Show, the main Japanese highlight was the prototype for the next generation Lexus GS, called “LF-Gh”. The newly designed hybrid was supposedly developed to enhance driving pleasure. (We suspect that this cutting-edge model is a revival of Toyota’s Aristo, its so-called “fastest sedan”.) Since the current GS grand tourer’s design is slightly subdued, we were happy to see how aggressive LF-Gh’s design was. In particular,

its front grille and headlights impressed during the show—though these may be downplayed in the retail model. LF-Gh was designed by Tokuo Fukuichi, who had transferred back to Kanto Auto Works and was subsequently appointed the Executive Officer of Toyota’s Head Office’s Design department. He also conceptualised the original Estima, and Toyota counted on him for Lexus’s exciting design.

THE COMMERCIAL MODEL DEBUTS AT THE TOKYO MOTOR SHOW IN DECEMBER, AND RETAILS IN JANUARY 2012.

Lexus’s newest design trademark is a front grille that is set lower than the headlights. It looks utterly stunning on LF-Gh! J U LY 2 0 1 1

33


BEST DEBUTANT デ ビ ュ ー イ タ リ ア

伊 車 &

フ ラ ン ス

仏 車

JOURNEYS TO THE

WEST

Shimizu has owned an Alfa Romeo 155, Peugeot 306, Fiat Punto, Citroën Xantia, Maserati 430, Lancia Ypsilon, and several Ferraris.

TEXT • SOICHI SHIMIZU

Italian and French cars are in a different league from the massive American models, intricate German autos and conservative Japanese offerings. Soichi Shimizu discerns the worldwide charm of Italy and France’s automotive gems.

Ferraris resemble beautiful women.

Italian cars have fine suspension.

40

BEST CAR ISSU E 0 8

T

here is something “human” about Italian and French cars—I would even go so far as to say that they resemble demanding women. They may keep you on the edge with worry, but they are never truly problematic. Despite the hassle of maintaining them, they still retain their appeal. While Italian and French cars are more reliable than they once were and boast enhancements in their handling, design and performance, they still completely miss the point in other areas—and therein lies their charm. For example, the Alfa Romeo 147 that I currently drive mistakenly activates its warning lights, often warns me about problems with the rear fog lamps despite them being intact, and fails to alert me when one of the headlights stops working. Still, I laugh and continue on my merry drive. One would think that no car could be

worth all that trouble. But that is exactly the reason why I did not describe Italian and French models as old women: if that were the case, you would not try so hard to maintain them. Rather, since they resemble fine women, any proper man would try his hardest to take care of them the best way he can. If you suddenly shifted to a German car after driving an Italian or French one, it would be similar to meeting a smart, no-nonsense businessman. On the other hand, driving a Japanese car promises a more conservative experience. While all cars have their own distinct advantages, once you fall for an Italian or French model, you can never get enough. Unfortunately, you would be the odd one out if you drive an Italian or French car in Japan. But if you think of your car as a woman, you would just laugh it off and ignore all those stares—all because your beloved car is worth it!


HERE ARE SOME STEREOTYPES OF ITALIAN AND FRENCH CARS:

1

Italian and French cars are not durable.

During the 1980s and early 1990s, Italian and French cars were indeed more prone to breaking down. This changed in 1993, when the Single European Act made Europe an internally-free market. Following the widespread availability of well-made German cars, Italian and French automakers were forced to improve the quality of their vehicles to remain relevant in the market. Even if Japanese cars are more reliable than both their Italian and French counterparts, the latter two seem to be soldiering on. I used to drive a 1998 Peugeot and a 2001 Citroën, neither of which gave me any trouble. In fact, I had driven the Citroën for eight years, and my only complaints were the rotted muffler and broken power windows. My Italian cars—with the exception of the Ferraris—were much the same. My Fiat was mostly reliable, but the electric fan of my 1997 Alfa Romeo often stopped and overheated, while the 2003 model had slight oil leaks. No repairs were required though.

3

Italian cars are the world’s most alluring.

All Italian cars have attractive designs—while the cabins of German models lean more towards the conservative side of the spectrum, Italian cars are more daring, even if the quality of their finishing is slightly rough. Alfa Romeo’s offerings are the case-in-point. However, the problem lies in performance. After Alfa Romeo affiliated itself with General Motors and collaborated with Opel to develop engine blocks, the functionality that it was famous for eventually disappeared. While the body and cabin designs of 159 and Brera were excellent, driving them was disappointing—even the newer engines equipped in MiTo and succeeding models are passable at best. So I am already looking forward to the upcoming Giulietta. At present, the most alluring engine is undoubtedly the turbocharged 2-cylinder equipped in Fiat’s 500 TwinAir—I predict that this will signal the birth of a 2-cylinder Ferrari. Abarth’s turbocharged 4-cylinders are also exceptional.

5

2

French cars have the world’s best suspension systems.

Though some modifications have been made, French suspension systems are still generally superb. The best option is Citroën’s Hydractive 2, which is equipped in the C5 that I currently drive. It is simply amazing—driving it makes you feel as though you are floating above the gravel! The sensation is unquestionably comparable to that of the Mercedes Benz S-Class. Even Peugeot’s large cars boast incredible comfort. Its trademark “cat’s paw” suspension system makes its ride almost indistinguishable from a model with Citroën’s hydropneumatic system. Three or four years ago, European automakers were working to develop stiffer suspension systems, and even the French ones attempted to hop on the bandwagon—I thought that this was a shame. Fortunately, the recent trend seems to be seeing a return towards soft, supple systems, which means that French cars may soon be returning to their former glory. The only foreseeable disadvantage is that most European automakers are following the Germans’ lead and building more rigid bodies. I really do think that this renders their handling too stiff.

4

Italian and French designs are world-class.

Italian and French automakers have distinct design sensibilities, and their final products are of equally excellent quality. A well-known Italian philosophy says that “Life is beautiful”, and this maxim is embodied even by Italian cars. Design is one—if not the—most important facet of an Italian vehicle, and is of a quality other international automakers can only aspire to reach. While BMW is currently the automotive world’s design trendsetter—followed closely by Audi—its designs are easily imitated. Italian vehicles’ design, on the other hand, are utterly unique—take MiTo, for example. Meanwhile, French designs tend to violently fluctuate. Peugeot’s 206 dominated an entire generation, but it fell out of the running after that. Renault varies wildly with each of its models. Citroën has been much quieter, but it has managed to release some stunners on occasion—C6 is its main event.

Trading-in Italian and French cars is much more affordable.

While you are likely to receive some perks from the distributor when you switch models, it may be cheaper to switch to another automaker, regardless of whether you drive a Japanese or Continental car. On the other hand, since Italian and French models are highly desirable to enthusiasts, there are typically high offers from specialty and buyback shops, as well as from individual dealers. A low trade-in price is definitely a bargain—the more expensive the car, the bigger the price reduction. For example, a ¥13 million* Maserati Quattroporte can cost as little as ¥3 million* after just five years. Limited edition and sports models tuned by customisers like Abarth and Renaultsport typically enjoy high trade-in and buyback prices.

* Prices are only indicative of the Japanese automotive market. For local pricing, please contact the relevant dealerships.

Maserati models designed by Marcello Gandini are not as durable as they should be.

This is the “cat-footed” Peugeot 205.

In older Alfa Romeos, the most exciting point came after the “red line” was reached.


BEST SHOWDOWN 対 決

特 集・元 気 出 さん か j 今 のクル マ たち

TIMELESS TUSSLES The appeal of certain models persists through the ages, threatening to overshadow their newer, bolder counterparts. This month, Best Car pits 48 famous models against each other in a battle of design, performance and potential for fame.

52

BEST CAR ISSU E 08


特 集・元 気 出 さん か j 今 のクル マ たち

First Round:

MAZDA

NISSAN

RX-7 FD3S (1991) versus Z34 Fairlady Z (2008) TEXT • TAKAO OOI

The first RX-7 series—called “SA22C”— was launched in 1978, and was followed by the upgraded FC3S in 1985. Finally, in December 1991—the height of Japan’s “Bubble Era”—the FD3S RX-7 was released. FD3S was characterised by several enhancements. First, it was equipped with an aluminium bonnet and suspension arms, among other parts. Second, it was fitted with powerframe technology. Third, the suspension system was repositioned. Fourth, its fender arches were removed, and the installation of a plastic inner fender reduced the car’s overall weight. These modifications resulted in a wider car with larger tyres, brakes and other embellishments. At just 1240kg, it weighed almost the same as its predecessor. Despite its high manufacturing quality, there were compromises to its shelf life. Nevertheless, its FR layout made it an ideal and attractive example of a proper sports car. The original Fairlady Z debuted in 1969, and its Z32 variant was launched

That said, there is no news regarding the possible reappearance of RX-7—even if it were re-introduced, it would have to be tuned in accordance with the strict safety and environmental requirements for contemporary cars. In this respect, Fairlady Z has the advantage. Despite the current automotive trend, automakers should not be complacent about their cars’ features. Rather, they could strive to improve the “fun factor” of their offerings to entice users. If the interest of sports car fans is not piqued, then it is unlikely that RX-7 will be revived. MAZDA RX-7 FD3S TYPE R**

NISSAN Z34 FAIRLADY Z VERSION S**

4295mm 1760mm 1230mm 2425mm

4250mm 1845mm 1315mm 2550mm

1290kg

1500kg

Inline-2 Rotor

V6 DOHC

654cc x 2

3696cc

255bhp/6500rpm

336bhp/7000rpm

30kgm/5000rpm

37.2kgm/5200rpm

Price*

5-MT

6-MT

¥3.9 million

¥4.1 million

Fairlady Z’s VQ engine has powerful torque.

Assessment

RX-7’s rotary engine rotates like an electric motor.

at roughly the same time as Mazda’s RX-7 FD3S. Though its 3ℓ engine earned it a following, the Z33 that succeeded it reverted back to the original specifications. When the Z34 model was released, its wheel base had been drastically shortened by 100mm. Still, this did not distract from its innovative and attractive 3.7ℓ engine. Its 6-speed manual transmission is also supplemented by Nissan’s synchronised downshift rev-matching system, SynchroRev Match. Owing to the 20-year difference between the cars’ releases, Fairlady Z has the more advanced technology, responsive handling, ride and finishing. But RX-7 is still the quintessential sports car—it was Overall length lightweight, low and drove Overall width Overall height well even with massive Wheel base tyres. Even better, start-up Weight was a breeze thanks to Engine its turbocharged rotary Total displacement engine. Even if it was susMaximum power pended in 2002, it remains Maximum torque a popular choice for use Transmission on the circuit.

Mazda RX-7 FD3S

Nissan Z34 Fairlady Z

8

8

10

7

8

9

Design

10

7

Potential for renown

10

5

Ride comfort Other aspects Impact at launch Technical focus

While they have similar ride comfort, RX-7 made a stronger impression on developers. * Prices are only indicative of the Japanese automotive market. For local pricing, please contact the relevant dealerships. ** Specifications of available models may vary. For more information, please contact the relevant dealerships.

The

Verdict


BEST A–LIST キーパーソン

ー パ スー

” E C N I R P “ E H ES, T T U N I M F O R IN A MATTREMS INTO A “KNIGHT”. TRANSFO

R E P U S fe

i l r a C

E-FIGH A CRIM F O K LOA A. S THE C REPLIC A DON T 2000 M H A Y IG O N ”A AK RINCE EEL OF KOJI “P THE WH D IN H E B HERO

In the Knight Rider television series, Knight 2000 was built by the Wilton Knight Memorial Foundation and was equipped with the “K.I.T.T.” artificial intelligence system—it eventually became the car-of-choice of the series’ main character, Michael Knight. It could go as fast as 520km/h during normal drives, and 720km/h in “super tracking” mode.

76

BEST CAR ISSU E 08

TING

VOL. 6

K

night Rider, the popular American television series, began with the line, “Who waits for him today?” It aired in Japan from 1987 and quickly became a cult favourite. The series’ true charm lay in the daunting Knight 2000, the beloved car of the main character, Michael Knight. Based on Pontiac’s Firebird Trans Am package, the Knight 2000 defined the automotive dreams of an era—and these fantasies may have just become realities. Our first stop is Ina in Japan’s Saitama Prefecture, the home of customiser Area Ten-One. What makes this workshop unique is that it produces and retails replicas of the infamous Knight 2000. Our test vehicle was a reproduction of the convertible featured in Knight Rider’s fourth season, which was based on the 1991 Trans Am. As a fan of the series, Aoyama is only too happy to drive it—in a matter of minutes, the “Prince” transforms into a “Knight”. “Every week, I looked forward to Knight Rider because of the car-related action sequences,” Aoyama recalled. “I have always liked the Trans


1 Activating the “flasher” in the rear releases a nostalgic sound that will bring you back to your childhood. 2 While this wheel may look customised, it is actually a genuine part. 3 A multitude of buttons line the centre console. The blinkers are activated by the push of a button. 4 The monitor on the right displays a view of the rear. 5 We just had to photograph the genuine PMD seats!

Am, and bought two units of its third generation. The first was a white 1992 Trans Am GTA, but I was not contented with its design—so I later purchased a black 1988 model. The angular 1988 and 1989 models are particularly fetching!” Although several Japanese customisers create Knight Rider variants of the Trans Am, only Area Ten-One’s matches the original Knight 2000 down to the smallest detail. “It’s great!” Aoyama gushed. “It feels just like sitting in the original. Even better, all the buttons lining the centre console seem to be operational—I had to press five different ones just to start the engine! It’s great to see that they are not only for show.” One of the things that endeared Knight Rider to fans was the interaction between Michael Knight and the Knight 2000’s artificial intelligence system, K.I.T.T. The replica was furnished with a remote control that activated a recording that enthusiasts will recognise as K.I.T.T. “The car says ‘Get away from me!’ if the steering wheel is turned while the engine is off,” Aoyama said. “It’s wonderful to see how thorough Area Ten-One has been in reproducing Knight 2000.” The Knight 2000 replica shared the genuine PMD front seats of the 1982 and 1983 Firebird Trans Am models. The customiser obviously spent much time ensuring that even these resembled the originals featured on Knight Rider, where an aperture was drilled on the backs of the front seats to give rear passengers a view of the front. So how does the Knight 2000 perform on the road? “It drives exactly like the Trans Am I had,” Aoyama said. “At the time, there

THE KNIGHT 2000 REPLICA CUSTOMISED BY AREA TEN-ONE WAS BASED ON THE 1991 FIREBIRD TRANS AM CONVERTIBLE. SINCE CONVERTIBLES ARE RARE, THIS CAR COSTS ¥8.5 MILLION*.

1

2

3

4

5

In Knight Rider, Michael Knight uses a wristwatch to communicate with K.I.T.T. Aoyama proudly shows off his replica of it.

* Prices are only indicative of the Japanese automotive market. For local pricing, please contact the relevant dealerships.

J U LY 2 0 1 1

77


BEST A–LIST キーパーソン

82

BEST CAR ISSU E 0 8


A FAMILY AFFAIR AT

Satoru Nakajima made a name for himself on the Formula 1 circuit—now, his sons attempt to stake their claims. TEXT AND PHOTOS • CHERYL TAY

K

yushu offers an idyllic respite from the hustle-and-bustle of the urban landscape. Throughout my 7-day visit, I marvelled at the tranquillity of the island and delighted at experiencing the very best of traditional Japanese fare. I dabbled in making umegae-mochi—rice cakes that are a local favourite—soba noodles, and even traditional Japanese candles. I rode a rickshaw to the Kikuchi Gorge, tried painting a Hakata doll, and even sampled horse meat delicacies. I ended my days with a relaxing dip in my hotel’s onsen (hot spring). Yet the highlight of my trip was undoubtedly a visit to the renowned Autopolis International Racing Course, which hosted the second round of this year’s Formula Nippon, Japan’s premier motorsports event. When a man has a motorsports background or was formerly a racer, it is no surprise when his son—or in some cases, his daughter—decides to step into his racing shoes. Such is the case for retired Formula 1 driver, Satoru Nakajima, who now runs his own race team, Nakajima Racing. “I left F1 at the age of 38 and I wanted racing to remain a part of my life,” Nakajima said. “It is infinitely more stressful being a team owner since I have to take care of my staff and my drivers, as well as a host of management issues. When I was a driver, all I had to worry about was my driving—now, I handle the logistics while my sons are the ones racing.” Nakajima’s passion for motorsports clearly runs in the family. From 2007~2009, his elder son, Kazuki, drove for the AT&T Williams Formula 1 team before being dropped at the beginning of the 2009 season. He was supposedly recruited by Stefan GP, a Serbian F1 team whose entry for the 2010 season was rejected. This prompted the 26-year-old Kazuki to take a year-long break from racing—now, he returns to

J U LY 2 0 1 1

83


BEST GOURMET グ ルメ

JUICY BEEF DRAWS LICKING FLAMES PHOTOGRAPHY • NEO AIK SING

Basking in the sweet fragrance of Wagyu barbequed over sawdust charcoal, the Best Car editorial team wondered whether another glowing review would lengthen the reservation queues at Gyu-Kaku, how soon after it could make a return visit, and why the phone lines were engaged.

Since opening its doors in September 2005, GyuKaku has renewed and expanded its menu. Take the Wagyu, there is now a wider variety of boneless cuts for diners to indulge in. It is because diners are now more informed about Wagyu, said Paul Teo, the Restaurant Manager at the UE Square branch. “We started with Karubi, short rib, and Rosu, chuck roll, and two years ago we included the rump cap.” But there is more to Gyu-Kaku’s menu than the Wagyu gospel: it now serves Kurobuta pork— flown in from the US—Gindara (black cod) and Salmon Hot Stone Rice. Notably, Teo feels that the French Duck is underrated and deserves more recognition for its excellent taste; sample a small serving for $12.90++ and indulge in a large one for $18.90++. Most diners are satisfied regulars who know their stuff. First-timers are advised to check out the bevy of set meals to satisfy their gastronomic curiosity about the available kinds of meats and

106

BEST CAR ISSU E 08

cuts, and to order preferred ones, ala carte, during their next visit. These also deter over-ordering, which we learned was common occurrence for newcomers. Feel free to ask the knowledgeable staff for advice and recommendations—we did. [Tip: to “lock in” the flavour, the meats should not be flipped more than thrice during barbeque.] The Wagyu Karubi and T-bone (steak cut) are Gyu-Kaku’s most popular barbeque offerings. Most of the beef cuts are imported from Australia where they have mastered the Wagyu “methodology”—special grain feed, beer, minimal exercise, massage—but there is an exception. As part of an ongoing promotion, cuts of Ito-Wagyu with highmarbling score, which originates from Kagoshima prefecture, are served at special prices. A small 300-gram platter goes for $128++, while a large 600-gram plate is available for $248++. We started off with the Horenso salad ($9.90++). It was savoury. The flavour of the finely chopped bacon bits was complimented by the

subtle texture of the spinach. Along with the tantalising dressing, well, we were definitely off to the races. The marbled Ito-Wagyu platter came next. We popped sliver-thin slices, chewed, attempted to “absorb” the succulence, chewed, slurped and swallowed. “Tender” is an understatement. The beef also went well with the rock salt and the juices—goodness—the sizzling juices. It was a truly sensational gastronomic experience, one that we cannot recommend strongly enough. Somehow, we managed to tear ourselves away from the beef long enough to try some Ishiyaki Bibimbab (small: $8.90++, and large: $12.90++)—rice with minced meat and seasoned vegetables, topped with egg, shredded seaweed, and sesame seeds. It was a fitting accompaniment to the Ito-Wagyu, especially since its deft flavours did not overpower the richness of the beef. Dessert came next, and from what we heard the Yuzu Sorbet is a “must try”, but we, ahem, over-ordered and had to call it a day. Greedy us.


ed u is pack Gyu-Kak ring u d s am to the se s and weekend are ve diners ti prospec eir th e ak m advised to at least a s n io at reserv choice vance for day in ad . fa so oth or seats—bo

PARKING AT UE SQUARE 駐車場 案内

Before 5/6pm: $1.50 for the first hour, $0.50 for every subsequent half-hour After 5/6pm: $1.50 for the first hour, $0.50 for every subsequent half-hour Saturdays: $1.50 for the first hour, $0.50 for every subsequent half-hour Sundays and Public Holidays: Free parking from 8am to 8am the following day


BEST GIFTS ギ フト

Freebies

www.facebook.com/bestcar.sg

R US

Faceboodk n o s u e Lik 31 July an before to win one of stand prizes! these

You Like, we give, you take.

Anthony Hair Boutique

Up for grabs: two $50 vouchers for men, two $100 vouchers for women

Murano wine opener

Car Cafe

Up for grabs: 10 $30 vouchers*

Toyota HydraCoach Up for grabs: 5!

Up for grabs: 10! *Terms & conditions apply

108

BEST CAR ISSU E 0 8


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.