putting the best to the test

After months of hard work and preparation, the shutters in Hall D at Marina Bay Sands’ Expo & Convention Centre were raised to welcome a convoy of eight cars, each of them a contender for the coveted Robb Report Singapore Car Of The Year 2016.

The event, held over a course of four days from 13 – 16 September, welcomed regional VVIP guests from Marina Bay Sands, RHB Banking Group and Robb Report Singapore to test drive and judge each of the cars vying for the prestigious award.

Brands that participated included the following (click on the captions to read more about them):

Declaring the event open was Michael von Schlippe, president of Indochine Media, who welcomed brand representatives, drivers and accompanying guests with the storied history and colourful heritage of the prestigious event which originated in Napa Valley in 1993.

Guests took turns inspecting the cars, while chaperones briefed them on the technical specification, driving routes and possible detours due to road closures from the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix.

While waiting for their turns, guests were treated to TWG Tea, along with a breakfast spread by Gaggenau and Marina Bay Sands. Activities provided also ensured that guests were kept occupied in between drives. Roger Dubuis set up a showcase for its Excalibur collection, while Leica displayed its latest cameras, allowing guests to have a look and feel of both the cameras and images produced. Lunches and dinners for both RHB and Robb Report Singapore guests were held at Osteria Mozza, Cut by Wolfgang Puck and Adrift over the course of two days, where guests had a chance to mingle over meals and share their driving experiences.

Those with a spontaneous streak also had a go at the virtual golfing station and one of the two driving simulators. Getting into the driving simulators, guests experienced the adrenaline rush of not only driving an F1 race car around the Marina Bay Circuit (albeit virtually), but also bracing themselves in an F1 car’s reclining driving position, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Guests were kept busy throughout the day, scribbling their comments and keeping score in their judges’ handbook in between drives. While the forms have been submitted, and the results tabulated, you’d need to grab a copy of our November issue to find out which car earned the coveted title of Robb Report Singapore Car of the Year 2016.

Car of the Year