MediaCorp Subaru Challenge 2012 - The Asian face-off

This challenge, a joint initiative by Motor Image Enterprises and MediaCorp, which began in 2002 is now in its 11^th year, brings together a total of 10 countries. Participants will face off for the grand prize of a Subaru XV 1.6 worth S$80,800 (without COE) and additional titles and cash prizes.

All 90 of the regional contestants (ten from each country) who were selected after completing a series of endurance tests and games organised by Motor Image offices in the region, will be flown to Singapore on an all-expenses-paid trip to take part in the Asian face-off.

"The challenge supports our aggressive network expansion in Asia with participation from ten countries where Motor Image has a presence. The prize this year, for the first time in the challenge, is the Subaru XV - the latest crossover model that is targeted at urban dwellers who want a stylish car with the performance of a SUV," said Glenn Tan, Executive Director, Tan Chong International.

Besides vying for the grand prize, regional contestants will also compete for three additional titles and cash prizes. The title of Country Winner will go to the last standing representative of each participating regional country, with a cash prize of S$1,000. The last regional contestant standing will win the Asian Winner title and walk away with S$5,000 in cash. The Country Team Winner title with a cash prize of S$10,000 will be awarded to the country that holds the longest standing time (combined from all ten representatives of the same country).

To mark the 11^th anniversary of the Challenge, there will be an extended break of 11 seconds during the evening break. This will allow contestants to utilise extra precious seconds to help them push further in their attempt to win the top prize.  

And for the very first time in the challenge's history, the last 11 standing contestants will be awarded a 'Wild Card', where they can choose from a list of items such as a drink or an extra break. This will change the dynamics of the challenge as contestants will need to strategise how and when they use the 'Wild Card' to their best advantage.   

"In the 11^th year, we have stepped into the new decade of the challenge with many firsts that will change the gameplay, such as the introduction of the Wild Cards and additional 11 seconds break. I am confident that this will bring a whole new level of excitement for both contestants and spectators," said Dahlia Z, VP for English Programming (Music), MediaCorp.

All 400 finalists will pit their ultimate endurance skills to outlast each other. They will have to battle against harsh weather conditions, sleep deprivation, hunger and thirst and keep their right palms firmly on the Subaru Impreza cars. They will be given a five-minute break once every six hours - at 1pm, 7pm, 1am and 7am. The break at 7pm will have an additional 11 seconds.

Last year's winner was Chong Kait Chi, a 42-year-old Singaporean who checked in 75 hours and 36 minutes of standing time. The current record stands at 81 hours and 32 minutes held by the 2008 winner, Singaporean, George Lee.

A qualified paramedic team and ambulance will be on standby throughout the Challenge to tend to any emergencies. Regular health checks on contestants will also be conducted to ensure that participants are well enough to continue.

The competition kicks off at 1pm on Saturday, 27 October at Ngee Ann City's Civic Plaza. For more information and updates, please visit the official website at www.xinmsn.com/carchallenge2012.