Located in Tagore Drive is an automotive company that's anything but reserved. In fact, the racing specialists known as Garage R, local distributor and HKS Technical Factory Singapore (Japanese aftermarket automotive performance parts and components manufacturer), is a company that's proud of its many achievements - because it's got every right to be.
Pride and heritage
HKS - a tuning marque that's not to be trifled with If you're into the local motorsports scene, chances are you've heard of Garage R, its products, services and racing feats. If you haven't, now's the time.
Garage R originated humbly as an importer and exporter of performance parts in the early 1990s. Turbocharged by a desire to grow and a raging fanaticism to develop high-performance cars, the company began expanding its operations with a workshop armed with the most advanced and modern diagnostic computers and tools. It also obtained regional distributorship for high-performance tuning brands like HKS, ARC, Okuyama/Carbing, C-West, J's Racing, Nismo, Tanabe, Wedsports, AP Racing, Cosworth and AMS Peformance.
To understand its products and improve on technical knowledge, Garage R also runs its own race team under the Garage R Motor Sports department. In 2008, its Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 6 set a drag record - 8.89 seconds at 249km/h from 0-400m - taking the title of fastest stock chassis Evolution in Southeast Asia - something that Director Lester Wong is extremely proud of till this day.
The many years of racing experience has given the company a strong understanding towards vehicular dynamics and technology - the numerous trophies and medals that decorate its showroom is testament to its racing mastery.
When we had the chance to meet with Lester, it's easy to understand why Garage R has done so well in this respect. As he explained how to properly set up a car for track driving and how to tune it for optimal engine performance, it felt as if we were speaking to an expert race car engineer instead.
Garage R also introduced a concept, which emphasised 'Japanese-type' quality workmanship in the local and regional markets. And it goes without saying, this concept made the company a market leader in the import tuning scene.
Filter, filter on the wall, who's got the best flow of them all?
HKS Technical Factory
In 1999, Garage R's commitment to its craft paid off when it secured the exclusive distributorship for HKS.
In 2008, it became the only HKS Technical Factory outside of Japan, going beyond the role of mere importer and distributor but working closely to develop products out of its previous compound at Tagore Industrial Avenue. Garage R's Senior Mechanics undergo training at HKS' facilities in Fujinomiya, central Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan for three months or more.
Today, Garage R's premise consists of a showroom, workshop equipped wth the latest vehicle diagnostic tools, engine room and storage facility measuring 22,100 square-feet, 35,000 square-feet if you include parking space. A total of 10 highly-trained mechanics and several sales and operations staff ensure that the shop runs like a finely-tuned engine daily.
Importing cars
During the late 90's and early 2000's, Japanese car manufacturers introduced more performance cars into the market. Realising this, Garage R started importing these performance-oriented machines into Singapore, including the development of its own limited edition Mitsubishi Evolution 9 GR380, tuned to 380bhp and bred for the racetrack, to local enthusiasts' delight.
Some of the many new models from Garage R Since then, the company has maintained strong and healthy relationships with the Japanese manufacturers and today, imports more popular new cars like the Honda N-Box, the Honda Vezel, the Mazda CX-3 and the Toyota Harrier, just to name a few.
But fret not, Garage R hasn't put aside its performance-oriented roots, because you'll also find cars like the new Honda Civic Type R, the Honda S660 and the Mazda MX-5.
One practice that has made Garage R a popular retailer of imported cars is its ethical modus operandi; namely its warranty service. Many parallel importers have spoiled the name for others by poorly handling aftersales issues, but not Garage R.
Ask any of its customers and the answer is simple. Whether it's a transmission or engine fault, Garage R will replace the part with a brand new one, and ensure that it works before handing the car back to the customer - no questions asked. Of course, customers shouldn't abuse this right. To give you an example, Garage R once replaced an entire Nissan GT-R's transmission even when it broke because the owner used the car beyond operational intent on a race track.
If the guys at Garage R can build top-notch race cars, just imagine the level of service and maintainence you enjoy when you purchase a car from them.
A customer fixated on the Honda Civic Type R - you know what they say - if it ain't a Type R, then it ain't a tight car
Be part of the fraternity
Truth be told, Garage R isn't just a business that's great at making fast cars. It's a family of like-minded individuals who share a passion for all things automotive. From our time spent there that day, watching customers coming and going, the company's 'you're not just a customer, you're a friend' principle is obvious.
However, it's best to experience this yourself. Whether it's improving the performance of your car, a regular oil change or to purchase a new vehicle, Garage R's got you covered.
Garage R is now located at 8 Tagore Drive #01-00, Singapore (787624) and is open on weekdays from 10:00am to 7:00pm, and till 5:00pm on Saturdays.
You can also check out its website for more on its products and services before heading down.
Pride and heritage
Garage R originated humbly as an importer and exporter of performance parts in the early 1990s. Turbocharged by a desire to grow and a raging fanaticism to develop high-performance cars, the company began expanding its operations with a workshop armed with the most advanced and modern diagnostic computers and tools. It also obtained regional distributorship for high-performance tuning brands like HKS, ARC, Okuyama/Carbing, C-West, J's Racing, Nismo, Tanabe, Wedsports, AP Racing, Cosworth and AMS Peformance.
To understand its products and improve on technical knowledge, Garage R also runs its own race team under the Garage R Motor Sports department. In 2008, its Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 6 set a drag record - 8.89 seconds at 249km/h from 0-400m - taking the title of fastest stock chassis Evolution in Southeast Asia - something that Director Lester Wong is extremely proud of till this day.
The many years of racing experience has given the company a strong understanding towards vehicular dynamics and technology - the numerous trophies and medals that decorate its showroom is testament to its racing mastery.
When we had the chance to meet with Lester, it's easy to understand why Garage R has done so well in this respect. As he explained how to properly set up a car for track driving and how to tune it for optimal engine performance, it felt as if we were speaking to an expert race car engineer instead.
Garage R also introduced a concept, which emphasised 'Japanese-type' quality workmanship in the local and regional markets. And it goes without saying, this concept made the company a market leader in the import tuning scene.
Filter, filter on the wall, who's got the best flow of them all?
HKS Technical Factory
In 1999, Garage R's commitment to its craft paid off when it secured the exclusive distributorship for HKS.
In 2008, it became the only HKS Technical Factory outside of Japan, going beyond the role of mere importer and distributor but working closely to develop products out of its previous compound at Tagore Industrial Avenue. Garage R's Senior Mechanics undergo training at HKS' facilities in Fujinomiya, central Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan for three months or more.
Today, Garage R's premise consists of a showroom, workshop equipped wth the latest vehicle diagnostic tools, engine room and storage facility measuring 22,100 square-feet, 35,000 square-feet if you include parking space. A total of 10 highly-trained mechanics and several sales and operations staff ensure that the shop runs like a finely-tuned engine daily.
Importing cars
During the late 90's and early 2000's, Japanese car manufacturers introduced more performance cars into the market. Realising this, Garage R started importing these performance-oriented machines into Singapore, including the development of its own limited edition Mitsubishi Evolution 9 GR380, tuned to 380bhp and bred for the racetrack, to local enthusiasts' delight.
But fret not, Garage R hasn't put aside its performance-oriented roots, because you'll also find cars like the new Honda Civic Type R, the Honda S660 and the Mazda MX-5.
One practice that has made Garage R a popular retailer of imported cars is its ethical modus operandi; namely its warranty service. Many parallel importers have spoiled the name for others by poorly handling aftersales issues, but not Garage R.
Ask any of its customers and the answer is simple. Whether it's a transmission or engine fault, Garage R will replace the part with a brand new one, and ensure that it works before handing the car back to the customer - no questions asked. Of course, customers shouldn't abuse this right. To give you an example, Garage R once replaced an entire Nissan GT-R's transmission even when it broke because the owner used the car beyond operational intent on a race track.
If the guys at Garage R can build top-notch race cars, just imagine the level of service and maintainence you enjoy when you purchase a car from them.
Be part of the fraternity
Truth be told, Garage R isn't just a business that's great at making fast cars. It's a family of like-minded individuals who share a passion for all things automotive. From our time spent there that day, watching customers coming and going, the company's 'you're not just a customer, you're a friend' principle is obvious.
However, it's best to experience this yourself. Whether it's improving the performance of your car, a regular oil change or to purchase a new vehicle, Garage R's got you covered.
Garage R is now located at 8 Tagore Drive #01-00, Singapore (787624) and is open on weekdays from 10:00am to 7:00pm, and till 5:00pm on Saturdays.
You can also check out its website for more on its products and services before heading down.
