109 No 109 September 2010 Oman’s Best Automotive Resource OMR 0.500 AED 5.00 QR 5.00

GRAND ENTRY! all-new Jeep Grand CherOKee is Brand’s GaMe ChanGer JaGUar XFr: enTrY leVel reViTalised F1: Thrills and spills in spain and hUnGarY BMw M3: BadGe CeleBraTes 25 Years

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editor-in-chief Mohammad Al taie A month of ups and downs

AL roYA PreSS & PUBLiShinG Po Box: 343, Postal code 118 Al harthy complex During August one event took place that set a landmark in the evolution of the car Sultanate of oman industry. The company behind in China took over the reins of management at Volvo Cars. In the case of the Swedish car brand it is a much-awaited lifeline, especially email: [email protected] Website: www.automanweb.com when you see the history of the brand and the particular circumstances that saw parent car company Ford need to sell it. So now that Geely owns Volvo Cars, why should it editorial office: make any difference to us? tel: +968 24479888 extn 300, fax: +968 24479889 circulation office: tel: +968 2456 2138, fax: +968 2456 2194 We used to look at Chinese manufacturers on a three-tier scale - the highest levels were manufacturing foreign brands for foreign car manufacturers in China, with PUBLiSher hatim Al taie [email protected] products that met (almost) the standards of the parent brand. The second were a bit lower down the scale. They bought out designs, manufacturing plants and technology editor & GM from foreign providers to make local brands and models. At the bottom of the scale raj Warrior [email protected] were the manufacturers who chose to offer the best form of flattery by just replicating execUtive editor foreign car models with indigenous know-how. While this characterisation was true for chandan B Mallik [email protected] a long time, it seems to be evolving, largely due to the nature of the market and the co-ordinAtor business environment around it. The new leaders of the pack are now looking outwards Pratibha n Kadam [email protected] in order to leapfrog years of the development process. deSiGn Sawsan Al Muharbi [email protected] It will be interesting to see how the situation pans out over the next couple of years. Other Chinese car makers are bound to follow in Geely’s footsteps. heAd of MArKetinG On the other hand this month has brought about a huge increase in the number of Maged Aziz [email protected] visible accidents on the roads. Just the other day there was a multi-car pile-up on the MArKetinG slip road near our office. It was the sort of scene you normally see on the highway, Shruti Mehta [email protected] where speed and lack of concentration bring about these outcomes. It was a bit Supreme Philips [email protected] unnerving to think that this entire event was the result of unfettered speed on a small circULAtion slip road. Thankfully there was no fatality. [email protected] finAnce & AdMin Rash driving is definitely the cause. The other day a crazy driver was on our tail on Abraham daniel [email protected] the Qurum heights road trying to overtake on the 3 foot wide yellow lane adjoining the divider. When we let him pass, he then overtook the Prado ahead from the slow Printer ruwi Modern Printers LLc lane and almost clipped the front. All this at a 100-plus km/h. We can only hope that tel: +968 2479 4167, 2479 8157 whatever the reason for this madness, it was worth risking his life and the life of fax: +968 2470 0545 everyone else on the road.

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Automan accepts unsolicited exclusive editorial material, but reserves the right to publish any such material. once published, the copyright for any such material will vest with AL roYA PreSS & PUBLiSh- inG k in this issue 107 10

tested {Road Test} {Road Test} {Road Test}

ne of its greatest strengths is that makes cars that are relatively modest Oin their styling, but exude quality and ometimes it is better to come late, es- Inside the Malibu, is a cabin which has tak News 4 performance. And it is this trait that has en- pecially in the car business where fierce en every advantage the platform could offer abled this brand to increase its sales by leaps Scompetition in some segments can ruin and it’s the space management in the car that and bounds. A key element of the marked your chances, if you are unprepared for any delights. The tester was top spec LTZ, which upturn in demand has been the extraordi- eventuality. The task becomes even more dif- had two-tone leather in shades of brown and narily rapid evolution of the Audi model range ficult if a country specific model has to com- black with the theme continuing all around over the past few years. Audi sold a total of Compelling entry 1,003,469 cars in 2008 and thus achieved its pete with an array of highly successful global the car. Seats come with contrast pipe stitch 13th consecutive record year. models. And this is where the Malibu finds ing and they are cushy and comfortable. The From across the 26 The mid-sized A5 open top was created as 52 itself. only niggle, which seemed a bit odd in the an exercise to widen the line-up. Audi believes But the foundation of the Malibu is rock package was the oversized steering wheel. Playing cool that open-top cars are bought with the heart solid. Although the car is built in North Amer- The headliner material looked as if it might and they are supposed to express the person- ica, it uses GM’s highly popular Epsilon front have been swiped from an ultra luxury car ality of their drivers: their independence, their wheel drive architecture which was originally such as the . While, the interior’s at individuality, their joie de vivre. Since design developed by for GM as a universal mid- tention to detail perfectly complements car’s is a particular important factor in this emo- size front-wheel drive platform. As it happens, exterior and there’s a nice balance of ergo tional decision, Audi has ensured that it has the Epsilon is GM’s highest volume worldwide nomic design and usage of premium quality got it right in one go. region and around First, the car is pleasantly proportioned platform and the benefits of this platform, we feel materials including the leather effect on and it’s profile echoes that it isn’t just a cut discover as we move on. the instrument panel. We liked the integrated, and paste job. Measuring 4,630mm long and Compared to the previous edition of the flowing instrument panel features a Chevro 1,850mm wide, but only 1,380mm tall, the Malibu, the current generation of the Malibu let-signature dual-cockpit design, somewhat 2+2 is able to guarantee sportiest proportions initially debuted with a front face design fea- reminding us of the 60s Corvette styling with in its class. The bonnet is a kind of one-size- turing a wide grille split horizontally by a prom- prominent gauges backlit in blue, and metal fits-all looks stretched because underneath inent chrome bar that ran the entire width of lic or wood grain accents. While the cabin is Audi offers a wide range of petrol and diesel the car, which it seems was intended to make nicely designed, it is attractive and built with engines ranging from in-line four cylinders the world it resemble Chevrolet’s trucks. However, in tight tolerances. However, there are some to V6s, but looks good on the long 2,750mm 2006, as part of a major design review, the hard plastics that detract from an otherwise wheelbase. Sheetmetal is characterized by front end was updated with more convention- first-rate interior. sharp crease lines and muscular sweep of the shoulder that brings in its distinctive sil- al styling which meant that the chrome bar While there’s plenty of front-seat room, at houette. Then there’s a broad track of nearly was removed, and the grille became smaller, first glance, space at the rear appears abit 1,600mm and the large 17in wheels that con- bearing a striking resemblance to the grille restricted if you take into account the seg tribute in its stance. on the previous generation Malibu. The rear ment’s benchmark standards. Less noticeable Meanwhile, the front end has gained great- end of the car sports a short boot and initially are some thoughtful features such as ambient er expressiveness and resolve. The single- we thought the twin round taillamps were a lighting, a feature usually associated with ex frame family radiator grille serves as its key bit oversized and out of places, but on closer pensive luxury cars. defining element. The large pseudo air inlets inspection, they seem to pay homage to the And the element of practicality hasn’t been braNdwatch 8 hint at the potential of the bigger engines, Corvette. forgotten at all. The car has great storage and the sharply cut flush fit headlights- em The overall design of the Malibu can be with thoughtful features that maximize utility, phasise a mature appearance of the car. The rear is characteristic of the A5 family and is described as being stylish with a Saville Row including a deep centre console with a slid Audi created the A5 model series with the idea of keeping a flexible signed off with strip LED lights, dual exhaust personality due to its strong stance. The car’s ing cover that opens to accommodate larger tailpipes, a diffuser and the integrated rear proportions are elegant, and exterior stylists items. Also standard is an auxiliary in-dash balance in the segment. Its engineering flexibility allows small fog light echos Audi’s connection with world have given it clean and pure lines. A direct storage compartment on the instrument panel of motor sport, Le Mans in particular. benefit of using the Europe designed- plat for sunglasses, CDs and other items. An avail engines from 2-litre in-line fours to big V6s to be shoehorned in The best thing in this car is that Audi has Volvo’s future form is that the wheels have been pushed to able rear power centre provides a household- gone its own independent way in the ongoing the corners, thereby ensuring a longer wheel style AC power outlet and rear seats fold the package. And it suits the mid-sized new soft top too. battle in the German open top luxury-sports bases than the segment’s two major rival – 60:40 to allow for more cargo space. realm with the A5 cabriolet. So what has Audi Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The Malibu One of the features, we think is highly ap Automan spent a few days with the entry level model. done that makes a world of difference? We A little late to arrive in the region, the US-built Malibu is is also lower than these two and gets a longer propriate for our markets and that is remote think it’s the folding soft top. How many new greenhouse and a shorter boot. Over all, the starting. This features lets the driver start the convertibles can actually boast of using what is becoming quite rare these days? Chevrolet’s mid-size saloon answer in a segment traditionally Malibu is longer than the Toyota, but short- car by pressing a button on the key fob, allow While most cars in this class have gradu- er than the Honda. In the length, width and ing the car to warm up and the same feature secured dominated by the Japanese brands. Can it cut through fierce height departments, the Malibu is dwarfed by can be used with air-conditioning on swelter a new Korean competitor – the Kia Cadenza. ing summer afternoons to cool the cabin be rivalry in the region? Automan decides. However, in overall length the Cadenza and fore a drive. Malibu are almost identical. The Malibu LTZ, which is top spec in the 26 27 | Author: Chandan B Mallik

52 53 special 14 editioNseditio {{}} {cover story} and Rolls- cover story 18 Royce dazzle with bespoke offerings grander Than NewsN aNalysis 24 Top headlines that ever before grabbed our attention cover story 18 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee first drive 26 Audi A5 Cabrio Jaguar XFR 32 In what is the biggest move for the brand in recent years, Jeep Chevrolet Malibu 52 unveiled the new Grand Cherokee in San Fransisco. Automan was present to check out the new car | Author: Raj Warrior spotlights 25 years of BMW 18 19 36 M3 {also driven} {also driven} {Also driven} {Also driven}

ord North America has been known to have embarked upon ambitious design nveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, N programmes and the latest chapter in For 2011, and specifically for the Oman Kia’s California-based studio designed F its new and bold design language is no better Soul crossover MPV, which was mar- U exhibited than in the Fusion saloon and Edge market, Kia’s cute and compact crossover, keted globally as model year 2010, has now Crossover SUV which were launched in 2007 become an acknowledged entry level global preview 44 also drive as series production models. Both models the Soul, gets a soft lifestyle makeover. lifestyle model. While the global industry has Form over function and in particular the all-new five-seater Edge taken a significant hit in volumes and market Driven by desire has been credited to a large extent of actu- shares, Kia Motors and Hyundai are perhaps the only non-premium global players that not ally breaking Ford’s usually conservatively- only have remained immune to the market designed language. Although, Ford has toyed pressures, but have confidently increased with some radical design ideas in the past, it market shares and introduced an array of was with the crossover design that it was able 60 to communicate its intentions of what it calls new models across the line-up. Kia can boast 2011 Infiniti G37 of having the freshest line-up in the business ‘bold American design’. In fact, the generous today. In fact, Kia posted 26.0 per cent global response to these two vehicles in the domes- sales growth in July across general markets, tic and overseas markets has also given the Korea, North America, Europe and China. inspiration and direction to Ford as to how it In some overseas markets, the Soul faces moves forward. competition from models such as the Daihat- The Edge as a design package offers decent 56 su Materia, Nissan Cube or ScionB, under- proportions with clean body lines and has a neath its quirky styling is a heavily modified somewhat aggressive stance for a crossover. Cabrio Rio platform which many in the business As a two-row five seater SUV, physically, the thought was rather unusual for building a Edge is not small vehicle despite falling in new crossover. But the point they [the crit- the mid-sized crossover segment and it is ics] have missed is the fact that Kia’s core well known fact that the crossover segment competency is not just engineering flexibility, has grown by leaps and bounds over the but also design under the tutelage of ex-Audi years. And this means intense competition designer Peter Schreyer. The mildly revisited also within the segment. One common fact for 2011 Soul sports the now familiar tiger in the crossover SUV segment is that most grille and retains its original profile with some new ground-up models are larger than they cosmetic and aesthetic changes. The changes look as a result of their respective design and haven’t altered or interfered with the ground profile. clearance or short front and rear overhangs The Edge is built on the Ford’s CD3 plat- in the car. also driveN form, technically the same architecture as The Soul isn’t as boxy as the Materia or as Ford’s Fusion saloon. In the region, the cur- bloated as the Nissan Cube [not sold in our rent model remains essentially unchanged region] and it now looks funkier with the 18in since its introduction in 2007, but for 2011, alloys shod with sporty low profile 225/45 a mid-cycle facelift is due. The current Edge 56 tyres and glossy garnish below the grille that is sold is not just about styling only as it and some chrome embellishments. The car tries to blend form with function and offers does retain its functional advantages when it several choices of trim and kit. Although, the comes to hauling four or five adult passen- 2011 Kia Soul 2010 Ford Edge comes in four trim levels in ger in its tall boy cabin and ultra high levels North America represented by SE, SEL, Lim- of flexibility in managing cargo space remain ited, and Sport variants, only two trims – the unaltered. There’s adequate space behind SEL and Limited are available in our region. the rear seats for normal errands, while any- And both these variants are powered by thing more will require folding the 60:40 split a common 3.5-litre V6 Duratec engine that rear seats and there’s also a usable storage Styling and modern technology were the two major selling points produces 265hp and 370Nm of torque when compartment under the rear floor where one coupled to a six-speed automatic transmis- can keep necessities out of view. of the Ford Edge when it was introduced as a midsize SUV in the 2010 Ford Edge sion. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all- 60 While the interior mostly remains un- wheel drive is also available. The Edge SEL changed, the LED-lit mood speakers have crowded crossover market in 2007. Automan re-discovers the represents the second model up [from US been replaced by conventional ones. As a trim perspective] and add several features global lifestyle car, the fabric-bound interior stylish car such as fog lamps, six-way power driver’s was originally designed with bespoke acces- seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel with sories in mind [which are not available in | Author: Chandan B Mallik | Images: Shakeel Al Baloushi audio controls, keyless keypad entry, six-disc Oman due to legal/police restrictions], but CD changer, automatic headlights, auto-dim- there’s still a lot of youthfulness in its design

60 61 56 57 motorsports F1 & WRC 64

{special feature} chicaNe

’ve spent too many years in the business down to Azaiba. plain XF is admirable. A touch of chrome on ith four generations of cars and a division assembled an array of pristine exam-exam rive M3 GTS [eds note: read first drive report of car journalism to get excited about the The XFR is a welcome addition to the line- hood intakes, the twin exhausts on both sides quarter century worth of continuous ples of all four generation cars at the famous next month]. Iprospect of driving a new car. After all, it up at the Jaguar showroom. The range does and impressive 20” wheels add on to the little Wprogress in performance machines, Ascari resort racing circuit in Spain. And as a The M3 chapter started with a simple ques- isn’t everyday that you get a car that makes a seem depleted a little as we see only the XF touches around the lower airdam and the R otlight 36BMW’s ‘M’ division has more than one reason bonus, announced a special, limited-edition tion in mid-80s: “We need a sporty engine for mark on your mind and remains embedded in and the XK/XKR combination. It was just a badge. It really helps that the XF is such a Taking a second look Where performance to be proud of. By any measure, 25 years is a 2011 M3 GTS to mark the occasion. But for the 3 Series good enough to compete with the your psyche for ages afterwards. Usually, the few weeks ago that the new XJ too landed up. good-looking car to start off with and the R 72 long time to sustain the desirability of a dedidedi-- me, besides the one-off opportunity to taste Group A racing .” Although M division drive consists of trying to find that wee little Until the new model range fleshes itself out, touches sort of bring out the real nature of the sp cated performance nameplate, but the M3 the M3 GTS, the more compelling motivation had successfully ran high performance six-cyl- innovation or irritation that makes the car dif- the XFR fills a vital slot at the 30,000-plus Rial beast underneath. badge has inculcated a very strong loyalty as was the chance to taste all four generations inder engines in the 5 Series, they specifically tested 32 ferent in any way from the humdrum majority Omani slot. More importantly it brings serious To add to that is the whole song and dance it rewarded owners with cars with it dual road in one go that eventually proved to be more chose to work on the four-cylinder engine of of models. However, I can still admit to being muscle and specification to the category of that surrounds the owner’s connect with the and track credentials. The ‘M’ division also than just a good reason for this pilgrimage to the series production model but reworked on it interested in some cars and some brands and performance luxury sedans, from which it has car. The driver’s ambiance is spot on, there is meets precision pioneered several new technologies on the Ascari. extensively so it could meet the high demands Jaguar is one of them. The British brand is been taking a holiday for sometime. The in- not a thing that I found out of place and not a way, one of the key fundamentals pillars of its Ascari racing resort is not just a fancy es- of the racers. With modifications to the car, one that really brings meaning to the word teresting bit is that it is this very segment that single thing that I would want extra. Key in the at design strength in a fiercely competitive specialized tablishment featuring a track. Actually, it is a the first M3 weighed in at just 1,200kg and ‘marque’. It has to its credit some of the most gets all the excitement in the region. Domi- pocket entry, accompanied by a large engine section of the market. Although the idea was private facility, owned by car enthusiast Klaas offered weight-to-power ratio of only 6.15kg beautiful and most iconic cars in the history of nated by the M5 and the E63 the segment stop-start button (with a pulsating back light based on the series production 3 Series mod- Zwart and unlike other commercial circuits for every single horsepower. This was an the automobile. And can you blame the brand takes the theme of tuxedo-clad muscle very telling you how desperate it is to be pressed!) septemper Automan joined a memorable party in Ascari, Spain as BMW’s Ascari doesn’t have grandstands or public car extremely impressive figure even by today’s els, the M3 defined an entirely new market for trying to find a commercial Raison d’être seriously indeed. At the heart of the equation to the gear knob rising out of the centre con for BMW and helped it to flourish in a thriving parks. But it does offer 5.4km of exquisitely standards. Over the years, the M division has by making the X-type? is the existence of a rear-wheel drive luxury sole, all the way to the way in which the air- performance division celebrated 25 years of the evocative M3 race-ready production vehicle market. Since executed race track, featuring 26 corners in- finely honed its success with the application of So when the folks at the local Jaguar dis- sedan that has a large enough engine-bay to conditioning vents open out as the car comes its debut, M3 badged cars are heralded in en- fluenced by some of the best circuits in the cutting-edge motorsport derived technology | Author: Chandan B Mallik tributor invited us to take the XFR out for as accommodate a V8 engine at the very least. to life. Even the instrument binnacle joins in thusiast circles, in large part due to its unique world. And what a place it turned out to be us – especially in the key departments of pow- long as we needed it, the old heart did beat The XFR fits the bill to a T. In terms of with its own movements as you feel the feline Wed 1...... geometry and award winning engines. to experience the M3 clan, from the earliest ertrain, chassis, suspension and lightweight a little faster and there was definitely an add- visual styling, the attempt to imbue a bit of nature of the car as it wakes, stretches and And in July this year, it BMW celebrated the E30 through to the E90/92/93s plus experi- construction. ed spring to one’s step as we made our way understatement in its differentiation from the slowly comes to life. Thu ...... 25th anniversary of the M3 cars. The specialist encing the burnt orange coloured soon-to-ar- 2 3 ...... 108 | septemper 2010 Fri Sat 4...... Artin 2011 osterSun 5...... Aston m p Mon 6...... Tue 7...... Wed 8...... Thu 9...... Fri 10 ...... Sat11...... Sun ...... The replacement for the S-type has really come of age with its 12 ...... supercharged R variant. The XFR is in Oman and Raj Warrior Mon13 test drove the car, or the cat as he now calls it. Tue14...... | Author: Raj Warrior Wed15...... Thu16...... Fri 17 ...... Sat18...... 36 37 Sun19...... 32 33 Mon20...... Tue21...... Wed22...... Thu23...... Fri 24 ...... Sat25...... Sun26...... Mon27...... Tue28...... Wed29...... Thu30......

Notes ...... {news} all-New 2011 iNfiNiti QX arrives iN omaN

hile global fuel prices, environmental ficient 5.6-litre V8 with variable valve technol- saloon and also offers tow mode. Electronic Wconcerns, and economic recession has ogy, which at 400hp now offers 25 per cent control of the 4WD system no longer offers a affected the luxury SUV craze in the West, more power than before. Interestingly, this locked-in 2WD mode, instead, there’s an auto- which at one point of time accounted for bare- engine is not the same V8 used in the Nissan matic mode that defaults to 100 per cent rear ly one-third as many vehicle sales as in 2005, trucks but it is closely related to the 420hp drive and redirects torque only when slip is de- but in the Middle East it is still considered as engine found in the new M56 saloon that has tected. A 4WD Hi selection activates the front a status symbol with a purpose – be it towing been specifically tuned to deliver peak torque axle continuously for slippery conditions while or hauling large families. Suhail Bahwan Auto- at lower revs through its seven-speed auto- 4WD Lo locks in for true off-road performance. mobiles (SBA), the sole importers The Infiniti QX will be offered of Infiniti cars in Oman, launched in two specification grades in the much awaited second gener- the Middle East markets and ation QX SUV, which also serves with full-time 4WD as stan- as the new flagship model. dard. The QX comes in either First revealed at this year’s New “Excellence” or higher speci- York Auto Show, the 2011 QX56 fication “Luxury” grade with has been totally redesigned from each grade having the option the platform up and is built in of either seven seats (with Japan. While many competitors 2nd row captain’s chairs), or have opted for unibody construc- eight-seat format with a sec- tion or car-based crossovers to ond row bench seat. replace their large SUVs, Infiniti Meanwhile, new state-of- stayed faithfully to its body-on- the-art Infiniti showroom is frame construction philosophy coming up shortly in Qurum to maintain the truck-like hauling and is using the global ‘Infiniti capacity. Retail Environment Design Mechanically, it shares most of Initiative’ (IREDI) concept. its underpinnings with the new The ambience in the show- Nissan Patrol and hence its chassis is stiffer matic transmission with adaptive shift control. room promises to match the distinct styling and quieter than the old set-up. It also sup- The car’s manual shift mode features down- that each Infiniti model has now become fa- ports a quieter, smoother and much more ef- shift rev-matching similar to the G37 sport mous for. ’s seveNth regioNal dealership is iN omaN

aydon, UK-based Aston Martin, which heritage all of which are areas where Aston motive general manager. The new outlet will GKuwait-based Investment Dar owns 50 Martin excels,” said Mark Kenworthy, who has offer the full range including the Rapide and per cent of, has opened its first official deal- been appointed Aston Martin’s regional auto- limited production One-77. ership in Oman. The appointment of Al Mu- hannad Al Hashar as official retailers of the British sportscar brand in the Sultanate marks the seventh dealership in the GCC. The new Aston Martin Oman showroom is located in Al-Sarooj district of Muscat. ”The new dealer- ship in Oman is a strong stop towards our fur- ther expansion in the Middle East. Naturally, we are delighted to be represented in Oman and look forward to a successful partnership with Al Muhannad Al Hashar,” said Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin. “The Middle East remains a vitally impor- tant market for Aston Martin, here amongst the regional community there is huge enthusi- asm for sports cars, motor racing and English Attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony was the chairman of the Board of Al Muhannad Al Hashar, Shaikh Al Muhannad bin Saeed Al Hashar and other company executives

4 {news}

Ramadan offers: traditionally a good suzuki kizashi top choice for europcar time to buy American brands

ell, even before it has officially hit the Kizashi to be astoundingly attractive, with its GMC Wretails showrooms in the region, al- bold and futuristic design and a styling that is Moosa Abdul Rahman Hassan & Co, the ex- most, the entire import consignment of the clearly cut out from the rest in its class. Eu- clusive distributor of GMC vehicles across the first batch of Suzuki’s all-new 2011 Kizashi ropcar will offer the model with 2.4-litre VVT Sultanate of Oman, has announced a promo- has been acquired by Europcar, one of Ajit engine and CVT transmission. tion on the GMC Terrain SUV during the Holy Khimji Group of Companies in Oman. “We Meanwhile, the Kizashi will be offered to re- month of Ramadan. Available at all Moosa grabbed almost the entire launch consign- tail customers in two variants designated as showrooms across Oman, GMC’s Terrain will ment of Suzuki Kizashi,” said Andy Pratley, “Deluxe” and “Premium. The top end premi- be offered with a comprehensive after-sales general manager of Europcar. ”We found the um comes with features such electric sunroof, warranty/service package at no extra cost. cruise control system, leather upholstery, 18in The attractive package includes 40,000 km sport alloy wheels, 10-way power seats with service over two years, five year unlimited km memory, parking sensors, fog Lamps, Rock- warranty, complimentary registration, 3M sun ford Fosgate Audio System with additional control film on all models and 500-litres of sub-woofer, auto leveling HID headlamps petrol besides gifts. with washers among other features . Suzuki is celebrating its centenary worldwide and in Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep Oman, the cars are available from Moosa Ab- Zubair Automotive Group and Shanfari Au- dul Rahman Hassan & Co LLC, the exclusive tomotive Company across the Sultanate have distributors. jointly announced special Ramadan pricing following the recent creation of Dhofar Au- tomotive – a joint venture initiative between Andy Pratley of Europcar with Anil Sethi of Moosa Abdul Rahman Hassan & Co. LLC, during Zubair Automotive Group and Shanfari Auto- the key handover ceremony motive Company. Besides streamlining retail pricing and after sales, the special “gift” packages have been bridgestoNe New retread facility iN omaN formulated to meet the different require- ments of customers and will include at no t a time when high running expenses cost to customers services such as insurance, Aare prompting fleet truck operators to registration, servicing and E-Max gift vouch- find ways to reduce costs, there’s some ers. Finance is also being offered at extremely good news for truck operators in Oman. competitive rates which are also attractive for Bridgestone Middle East & Africa FZE offi- these brands. Interest rates begin as lows as cially inaugurated its fifth Bandag retread 3.99 per cent. facility in the Middle East, in Mabella last “At this special time of year we are com- month. The new Bandage retreading facility mitted to celebrating Ramadan together with houses state-of-the-art equipment, which our customers and are offering them the best will be used by Towell Auto staff to provide deals in the Sultanate during the holy month,” cost effective solutions to its customers. said Chris Edwards, general manager for Trained specialists in retreading will assure Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge in Oman. customers global quality of the service. The These added value packages are being of- new Bandag facility will use cold curing re- moving closer to our customer base. Keeping fered across all the three brands on new ve- treading technology supplied by Bridgestone in line with the principles of Bridgestone, our hicles purchased until the September 30. Bandag Tyre Solutions, the US unit that the specialized service staff can now reach out company acquired in 2006. Retreaded tyres with better efficiency and skills,” said S Kas- cost 20 to 30 per cent less than new ones and turirangan, CEO of Towell Auto Centre. The the tyre carcass can be retreaded 2-3 times retread business will also address some of the depending on its physical condition. Thanks current environmental issues, particularly, the to superior retreading process, every time a disposal of worn out tyres. “Apart from helping truck uses a retreaded tyre, approximately 15 to reduce total cost of tyres, retreading also gallons of oil is saved. This cutting edge facil- makes a major environmental contribution ity is the official Bridgestone outlet in Oman in terms of the more effective utilization of that will provide reliable and safe retread ser- natural resources which in turn helps ensure vice to the fleet operators of Oman. a healthy environment for current and future “With this move we are anticipating the ex- generations,” said Shoichi Sakuma, President pansion of our existing list of customers, by of Bridgestone Middle East & Africa FZE.

5 {Regional news}

Jaguar’s all-New XJ hits meNa showrooms

aguar Middle East and North Africa has an- The model will be offered in four specifica- namic handling and refined, supple ride- ex Jnounced the arrival of the all-new XJ. The tion levels – Luxury, Premium Luxury, Portfolio pected from a Jaguar. company’s much anticipated four door flag- and Supersport, thus allowing the customer Robin Colgan, managing director of Jag- ship is now on sale throughout the region. to tailor the car to suit their tastes of choice uar Middle East and North Africa Building on the success of the new XK and XF in colours, veneers and trim options. Powered said: “We are very excited about our All-New models globally and in the Middle East, the by the 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 and flagship which sets benchmarks in terms of introduction of the All-New XJ is a landmark 5.0-litre supercharged V8, the engines offer design, performance and engineering. Jaguar for the revitalised Jaguar brand. Ian Callum, 470hp and 510hp respectively. customers in this region look for luxury, indi- Jaguar Design Director said: “The All-New XJ New features for the range include air sus- viduality and performance and we’re certain is a thoroughly modern interpretation of the pension, continuously variable damping, ac- the flagship All-New XJ, which is truly beauti- quintessential Jaguar. It is the most emphatic tive differential control and quick- ratio power ful and exhilarating to drive, will enjoy success statement yet of Jaguar’s new design direc- steering deliver the blend of responsive, dy- here, just like the XK and XF.” tion.” cadillac dealers pre-bookiNg cts aNd cts-v coupe

he CTS Coupe is an important model in The good news is that both the 2011 Ca- the world’s fastest production saloon in the V. Tthe refreshed Cadillac line-up that has dillac CTS Coupe and CTS-V Coupe are now “The Cadillac CTS Coupe is a dramatic design taken extra time to reach dealer showrooms available to pre-book at Cadillac showrooms statement,” said Ed Welburn, vice president – due to some unusual circumstances. First across the Middle East. The cars will start ar- GM Global Design. shown as a concept over three years ago, the riving in showrooms this month. While, the “We did not create it as a result of sifting production model was originally expected to design of the models remain virtually un- through reams of market data, nor is its shape be launched early 2009, but the May 2009 on- changed from the concept car, the normal trimmed to suit the input collected at a con- sale date was pushed back during GM’s re- version is powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine sumer clinic – it is emotion on four wheels structuring and eventually set for an August that churns out 304hp [net] while the 6.2-litre and the very essence of what defines Cadillac 2010 on-sale date. V8 engine producing 556hp [net] comes from today.”

6 {Regional news} mazda eNters the uae sub-compact TowELL on An ovERDRivE wiTH car market MAzDA nprecedented in Oman’s buoyant retail ot on the heels of Oman for its new prod- Kenji Sato, sales and marketing manager of Uautomotive sector, Towell Auto Centre Huct introductions, Mazda has now UAE Mazda Middle East. Engineered as a ‘Personal launched four models of Mazda cars simulta- in its sights. With Galadari Automobiles, the Commuter’ the trendy, the variants neously at their Azaiba and Wattayah show- brand’s sole distributors in the UAE, the car- will be offered with a 1.5-litre, four cylinder rooms on a single day. The models include maker launched engine mated to the multiple award-winning and compact the 2011 Mazda2 four-speed trans- segment buster, Mazda2, the turbo charged last month in both mission. With killer version of the mid-sized crossover CX-7, and hatch and saloon style, great fuel bigger CX-9 along with the spacious and versions. economy and an sporty Mazda6. “Launch of 2011 affordable price “Today we are proud to announce that we Mazda2 in the UAE tag, the current are probably the only auto distributor in the represents a stra- version of the Maz- sultanate or even the GCC to launch four tegically important da2 was launched cars in one day. Mazda cars are known for step for Mazda, in 2007 and has their driving dynamics, and offer both a nat- signalling the bagged more than urally aspirated and supercharged model. brand’s entry into 50 awards world- These powerful new cars offer a sporty feel the small car seg- wide including ‘Car and stout engines, all without compromis- ment. The UAE market continues to remain a of the Year’ in many markets including Japan, ing the ability to seat comfortably. These all core focus in our regional expansion strategy. New Zealand, Chile, Bulgaria and Greece. No- new Mazda vehicles are great for the family, The economic downturn has further validated tably, the MAZDA2 was selected as the ‘2008 as well as individuals who gain pleasure by our commitment to this market, as the coun- World Car of the Year’ (WCOTY) at the 2008 driving their automobiles,” said S Kasthu- try along with the Middle East at large, has New York International Auto Show and has rirangan, CEO, of Towell Auto Centre. emerged as one of the more resilient regional established a distinguished position in the markets for automobile manufacturers as com- sub-compact segment. pared with North America and Europe,” said 2011 NissaN 370z roadster arrives iN the regioN

ntroduced as an all-new model for 2010, Based on the 370Z Coupe, Roadster shares available SynchroRev Match™ (the world’s first Ithe Nissan 370Z Roadster offers an un- its engine, transmissions, suspension, plat- synchronized downshift rev matching manual matched balance of dynamic performance, form and most major components with the transmission), refined 4-wheel independent sculptured styling, innovative technology and popular Z Coupe. The list of cutting edge tech- suspension, 4-wheel vented disc brakes and exceptional value – along with the exhilara- nology includes the standard 332-horsepower lightweight yet rigid body structure. tion of pure open-air motoring. And, less than 3.7-litre DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Unique Z Roadster equipment includes high a year after the introduction of the all-new Event and back net seats, added structural body rein- Nissan 370Z Coupe comes its dramatic forcements and the stylish convertible top. new stable mate, the 2011 Nissan Other features include standard Nissan 370Z Roadster. “The 370Z Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Roadster delivers an ex- Start and available heating and hilarating connection to cooling ventilated net seats, the air, wind and en- Bluetooth Hands-free Phone vironment on top of System, satellite radio and the new Z® Coupe’s advanced Nissan Navigation exceptional levels of System. performance,” said The 370Z Roadster’s stan- Yuta Yamazaki, brand dard power automatic latching manager at Nissan Mid- top was designed with an em- dle East. “But perhaps un- phasis on providing a sleek silhou- expected for a car this sporty is ette with the top up or down, offering its greatly enhanced refinement and easy single-action open-close operation, and quality – as seen in features such as its one- Lift providing an enjoyable top-down experience touch, auto-locking convertible top and beau- Control (VVEL), choice of 7-speed automatic with reduced wind turbulence and all-climate tifully crafted interior.” transmission or close-ratio 6-speed manual with driver/passenger comfort.

7 {Brandwatch} haNdle with care

the most eagerly watched car company acquisition this decade between china-based geely and sweden’s volvo could result in a win-win for both sides. automan explains how.

| Author: Chandan B Mallik

hese days, a cash rich Chinese company talist and Ford sold Jaguar and Land Rover to 1999. The reason for this optimism is based Tbuying a loss making European set-up Tata Motors. on how the new owner plans to move forward would barely get a detailed headline men- The latest acquisition saga this year of with this ambitious investment, which comes tion in international business news today, but Volvo from Ford by a fledgling Chinese car at a time when the Chinese domestic market when such a move is in the somewhat fragile maker Geely is being considered as a high- is beginning to show signs of maturity – in automotive sector, then there’s bound to be profile merger in the wake of a credit crisis. terms of vehicle quality, design and volumes some noise. The reason for this is historical. Analysts fear that one problem seems to be among others. Most of the marriages or mergers between often overlooked in these mergers is that the So what does Geely expect to make out motorcar companies in the current decade rate of failure is more than corporate stability of this deal? First, it will give the ambitious have ended up in a messy divorce or total and profitability. But after a lost decade as a 13-year old Chinese carmaker a rock solid loss. Cash strapped General Motors’ topped Ford brand, Sweden’s Volvo seems to have en- technical foundation. Arguably, Volvo’s good- that list with the unceremoniously dumping tered a new era under the ownership of Chi- will and equity is unparallel in terms of safety Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Subaru in 2008, followed na’s Geely. Geely has reportedly paid close to and sturdiness in cars, key attributes now for by the recent sale of Saab. In 2007, Daimler- $1.8bn for Volvo, which is less than a quarter Chinese carmakers who are keen to capitalize Chrysler offloaded Chrysler to a venture capi- of what Ford paid for the Swedish company in on the current boom by offering products of << geely completed the acquisition of the volvo by paying us$1.8bn to ford>>

8 {news}

Regional Ramadan offers

AuDi [oMAn] Audi is inviting customers across Oman to visit showrooms where luxury models are be- ing offered at attractive prices and an unbeat- able package which includes Audi’s five-year service package, a three-year warranty and 24-hour Audi roadside assistance. Models on offer include the A4, A5, Q7, Q5 and the Audi TT. Prices of the models offered by Audi Oman volvo’s investment in crash testing has paid rich dividends for the former owners and its for the Q5 begins from RO13,950; Q7 from brands. Geely will also benefit from Volvo’s expertise in automotive safety RO19,950; TT, from RO10,950 and A5 Coupe from RO19,250. “At Wattayah Motors we be- lieve that Ramadan is truly the time of giving and we are aiming to reward our customers with the best special offers and deals so they can feel the spirit of this special time with us,” said James Oliver, general manager of Audi Oman. niSSAn/infiniTi [uAE] Arabian Automobiles, the exclusive dealer of Nissan, Infiniti and Renault in Dubai and the Northern Emirates has introduced special offers across its Nissan and Infiniti product range. Customers will receive cash rewards of up to Dh25,000 when purchasing a new Nissan vehicle during Ramadan. Arabian Au- tomobiles will also pay the 10 per cent down global standards. Meanwhile, on the opera- payment for customers who purchase a new tional front, Geely Group chairman Li Shufu Infiniti vehicle. All customers will receive free has promised continuity for Volvo and the al- first year insurance and a five-year unlimited- liance will start producing Volvo branded cars mileage warranty with their respective pur- for the domestic market from its newly an- chases. The Ramadan offer is valid across nounced Shanghai facility. The plant will pro- all Arabian Automobiles showrooms in Dubai duce Volvo’s three-door, four-seat hatchback and the Northern Emirates. Customers can C30 and mid-sized five-door estate car V70 contact Arabian Automobiles on 800 NISSAN in 2012. The positive outcome is that there (647726) or 800 INFINITI (46346484) for will be cross sharing of talent and resources more information. between the brands, but Volvo operations BMw [SyRiA] will largely continue independently. There are Bahi Motors, the exclusive importer for no plans to merge it with Geely or dilute the BMW Group in Syria is offering its custom- brand’s strong Nordic identity. However, Geely ers an interesting package on selected BMW management does realize that Volvo is a niche models. The offer includes 25 per cent dis- brand and not a cash cow for its bottomlines, count on vehicle registration on any BMW 7 but what it stands to gain certainly is worth Series, 50 per cent on the BMW 316i and 30 much more than the investment provided it is per cent on all other BMW models. Customers able to handle the delicate relationship. who choose to finance any new model will be entitled to two years interest free instalments on their payments. Bahi Motors will also be offering customers purchasing the BMW 316i a complimentary BMW Service Inclusive pack- n viewpoint AutomA age, which covers all major servicing on BMW Geely’s chairman Li Shifu has shown remarkable maturity in the way the deal has cars for the first five years or 100,000 km. been finalised. The first step of the alliance has already been made where the C30 The BMW Service Inclusive package offers the hatchback and V70 estate will be produced in the new Shanghai plant in 2012. Volvo financial security of being able to budget own- will continue to operate as an independent entity. ership costs for the contract period.

9 {news} For Middle East only! recession or no recession, ultra luxury car manufacturers are wasting no time in wooing the region’s customers with an assortment of limited production bespoke models

| Author: Chandan B Mallik

t’s no secret that last year, the global luxury value to an expensive brand instead of trying nounced that it will be producing two sepa- Isegment rendered a mixed performance to push a branded with lesser options or lower rate special edition Continental models for when it came to sales figures. Small luxury pricing. And it seems this latest marketing t h e Middle-East market only. The cars outperformed the rest of the industry mantra is working quite well and since two models included are the in sales, but large luxury vehicles struggled the Middle East is still among the Continental Flying Spur Ara- in comparison to the overall auto market. strongest markets for high end bia and the Continental Fly- And that’s a trend every motorcar manufac- cars and expensive customization ing Spur Speed Arabia. The turer would want to reverse. While, the usual options, hence it it’s not surpris- Flying Spur Arabia gets representation of ultra-luxury vehicles from ing to see ultra luxury carmakers the standard 6.0-litre twin high-end manufacturers such as Rolls-Royce, such as Bentley, Rolls-Royce offer- turbo W12 engine with 552bhp and 650Nm Ferrari and Lamborghini were conspicuously ing more bespoke models, especially for the of torque. The Flying spur Speed Arabia gets absent at this year’s opening motor show in discerning Middle East customers with varying that engine tuned upwards to 600bhp and 750 Detroit, but most chose to instead exhibit their tastes and needs. Nm, shaving a tenth of a second off the 0 to most-coveted cars in special customer focused Here’s a look at some of the ultra luxury 100km/h sprint time (4.8 instead of 4.9secs) events. models that are heading this way this year and adding 10km/h to the top speed, now Now, catering to the ultra wealthy is noth- and going by the trends, the region can ex- at 322km/h. Distinguishing the models will ing new, but what is new in this rather long pect to add more mainstream or exotic names be a special ‘Arabia’ motif will include a front spell of recession is that retailers and manu- to the bandwagon soon. mudguard badge as well as a tread plate and facturers are inventing new ways to market Bentley ashtray lid all badged with the bespoke Ara- more of their products to the super rich. British ultra-luxury automaker Bentley has an- bia signature. Both models also get their own One of the ways that retailers are set of wheels. The Flying Spur Arabia comes marketing to the rich these with 14-spoke diamond alloy wheels, while days is by creating the Flying Spur Speed Arabia features further exclu- 10-spoke 20in rims in shining silver. sivity as an Other touches include ventilated added seats that can cool or warm passengers, veneered picnic tables inside the cabin and a chrome fuel cap with the ‘B’ insignia of Bentley. Bentley will limit the two special edi- tions to a (combined) total of just 50 units. “We have created these exclusive new models for our Arabic customers in recognition of the growing importance of these influential customers. Bentley has a long and proud tradition of being able to design, engineer and personalise our cars to the individual styling and driving tastes of our customers and these special-edition Bentleys showcase these skills for the Middle East Mar- ket,” said Geoff Dowding, regional director, << the middle east market now represents Asia and Middle East. 10 per cent of bentley retail sales globally>>

10 {news}

HALf A MiLLion K-SERiES EnGinES RoLL ouT fRoM MARuTi SuzuKi Bespoke at its best Maruti Suzuki India Limited, the country’s leading car manufacturer has announced the production of a record half a million units of the K-series engine in less than 23 months. rolls-royce motor cars has prepared two ultra-bespoke The first K-series engine was manufactured in phantom coupes for abu dhabi. the designs of these cars October 2008 and the car company has an in- stalled capacity of 500,000 units annually. To are based on different motifs which in turn have been meet the growing market demand, Maruti Su- inspired by the city’s culture and natural landscape. zuki recently announced an expansion plan of additional 200,000 K-series engines by 2012. he bespoke two-door Phantom coupé single piece of stainless steel, to the falcon Maruti Suzuki produces two versions of Tdraws its inspiration from the stunning embroidered head-rests, which encompass the light weight aluminium construction nor- landscape of the Baynunah area in the western 11-thread colours and boast a staggering mally-aspirated engines that displace 998cc region of Abu Dhabi, UAE. With a history that 21,011 stitches per head-rest, it is a true rep- and 1.2-litre respectively and these engines dates back centuries, the region is renowned resentation of the skill and creativity of the power seven Maruti Suzuki models including, for the majesty of its sand dunes, captured artisans at Goodwood. Alto-K10, Wagon R, Swift, Ritz, Estilo, Swift through the interior and exterior styling of the “The Bespoke programme continues to be a Dzire and A star. “Introduction of K-series en- car which incorporates shades of beige and consistent driver for our business in the region, gine in India is an example of Maruti Suzuki’s brown, further complemented by a tan ever- with four of the world’s top 10 selling Bespoke commitment to take the engine technology in flex roof. dealers based in the Arabian Peninsula,” said India to the next level. In a short span, the The inlay and marquetry, inspired by the James Crichton, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Re- company has scaled up the production of K- traditional, vibrant colours of an Arabian cam- gional Director for the Middle East. “The first series engine manifold. K-series engines are el harness, were hand-crafted at Rolls-Royce’s half of 2010 saw our best sales result ever environment friendly and fuel efficient while Goodwood plant. Swift, agile and powerful for the Middle East region, having doubled delivering performance,” said Shinzo Nakani- characteristics of the region’s famous falcon, our sales in comparison to the same period shi, MD and CEO of Maruti Suzuki. The news called Shaheen, are mirrored in Rolls-Royce’s in 2009.” The Bespoke Programme, which has engines offer best-in-class fuel efficiency com- driver-oriented Phantom Coupé. With a mar- the highest global uptake in the Middle East, is bined with top performance. quise-white exterior, featuring a twin coach a service offered to Rolls-Royce clients for in- line in Tudor red and offset by a red and Sea- dividualization beyond the option list; the cli- shell leather interior, the coupé is designed to ent may specify features of the car, in order to make a statement. create one’s own, unique model. Meanwhile, With a view to highlighting the falcon and during the first half of the year, Abu Dhabi Mo- also the art of falconry, all the elements fea- tors trebled its sales of Rolls-Royce vehicles ture a distinctive, falcon motif. From the fal- in comparison to the same period in 2009, a con inlay in brass, chemically etched from a growth of over 200 per cent. fERRARi in iTALiA RECALL The year 2010, could be best described as the year of the recall and even exotic auto- makers such as Ferrari haven’t been spared. It seems that a series of inexplicable fires have affected several new Ferrari 458 Italia supercars. After delving into the issue, Fer- rari has found the cause and a solution to << rolls-royce has once again lifted the bar the problem. “When the car is driven to high exhaust temperatures in hot ambient tem- when it comes to executing bespoke jobs>> peratures, an adhesive used in the wheel arch assemblies tends to overheat and allow the rear wheel housing heat shields to move around. In extreme cases, the glue can begin to smoke and even catch fire,” explained a Ferrari spokesman. The fire problem has been isolated to only a handful of cars out of the 1,248 units sold to date and as a goodwill gesture Ferrari will replace the vehicles which were lost to fire for its owners, and will recall and repair all existing vehicles.

11 {news} kia uae lauNches audi’s regioNal liNe-up fortified with 2011 sportage the r8 v10 spyder at New dubai n 2007, Audi first introduced the R8. At gies, including the Audi Space Frame compris- Ithe time many observers felt to unlock ing of aluminium and carbon fibre composites, showroom the true potential of the car, it needed some motorsport derived dry sump lubrication for more power from its then V8 powerplant. the engine, launch control for maximum ac- l Majid Motors Co. – the sole distributor of Audi happily obliged the critics by shoehorn- celeration, super fast reacting magnetic ride AKIA cars in the UAE – launched the 2011 ing a Lamborghini-sourced 5.2-litre V10 that technology, 19in wheels with asymmetric KIA Sportage SUV at their all-new state-of- sends 525hp and 530 Nm of torque to all four tyres and optional carbon fibre-ceramic discs. the-art showroom in Deira, Dubai. The new wheels, thanks to a sophisticated quattro all- The car sports a cloth soft top in classic Audi showroom also doubles up as KIA UAE’s new wheel-drive system. The only thing missing style, which keeps the vehicle’s total weight Dubai headquarters was officially opened last was an open top version. and center of gravity low. The top opens and month. “It’s not often a car dealership gets to First seen at Frankfurt Motor Show last Sep- closes within 19 seconds, even while driving launch a brand new car and showroom at the tember, the latest addition to Audi’s regional at speeds up to 50 km/h and the ESP stabiliza- same time, so we’re very happy with the tim- line-up and will be available in showrooms tion system has a Sport mode and can also be ing,” said Mohammad Khader, GM of Al Majid across the Middle East and Levant this month completely deactivated. Motors Co. is the open top R8 Spyder. “The R8 Spyder The R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro rolls on 19- KIA’s new Deira showroom is the second in will sell a selected number of units only. Its inch wheels shod up front with 235/35 tires the area and is located right in the hub of the true value lies in its role as an ambassador of and 295/30 tires in the rear. The four brake area’s automobile market. The dealership has the Audi brand,” said Jeff Mannering, manag- discs are internally ventilated and perforated, ten showrooms throughout the UAE, all of ing director of Audi Middle East. Audi offers and are gripped by a total of 24 calipers. Op- which offer sales, after-sales and spare parts a classic manual and an R tronic sequential tionally available from Audi are large carbon services. “With this new showroom, we look six-speed transmission as an option. On the fiber-ceramic discs that are lightweight, robust forward to increasing KIA’s sales by at least performance front, 0-100km/h comes in 4.1 and long-lived. The ESP stabilization system 20 per cent,” said Khader. Al Majid Motors secs and top speed is 313 km/h. has a Sport mode and can also be completely Co will offer the Sportage in both 2.4-litre or Besides a fascinating package of technolo- deactivated. 2.0-litre variants and several trim levels.

No evideNce of toyota electroNic failures

as Toyota a victim of an orchestrated celerator pedals.”Reviewing event data record- steel reinforcement bar in accelerator mech- Wimage scam? In the latest blow to main- ers is one small part of (the NHTSA’s) effort to anisms used in the RAV4, Corolla, Avalon, stream media hype, the National Highway get to the bottom of unintended acceleration Camry, Tundra, and Sequoia. The company Traffic Safety Administration has failed to find in Toyota vehicles. At this early period in the was eventually fined $16.4 million dollars for any evidence electronic failures led to cases investigation, engineers have not identified not disclosing their knowledge of the defect. of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles. any new safety defects in Toyotas other than Despite this, the NHTSA is continuing their in- According to the Detroit News, NHTSA officials sticking gas pedals or pedal entrapment,” said vestigation. The government entity is teaming reported that human error was to blame in 35 NHTSA spokeswoman Olivia Alair. As part of up with NASA to determine if electromagnetic of the 58 cases under review. The rest of the its goodwill gesture, Toyota recalled approxi- interference (aka cosmic rays) could cause incidents were attributed to sticky/trapped ac- mately 4.2mn vehicles worldwide to install a unintended acceleration.

12 {news}

2011 Jeep wraNgler aNd wraNgler gm aNd bright uNlimited upgraded partNership

right Automotive and General Motors re- he 2011 Wranglers went into production Bcently announced that they have agreed Tlast month and are expected to hit dealer- to pursue a strategic relationship and that ships shortly. The updated models now fea- GM has provided funding to the Indiana auto- ture larger rear windows, a body-colour hard maker. This is the first funding action by the top (on the Sahara) and several new colour newly-formed General Motors Ventures, LLC, choices such as Detonator Yellow, Deep Cher- and it will help accelerate Bright’s production ry Red, Sahara Tan, Cosmos Blue and Bright of the IDEA, a revolutionary plug-in hybrid White. commercial vehicle. But the bigger story is inside the car, where the interior is vastly improved with new com- ponents and improved materials. Highlights include a new steering wheel, a redesigned options include heated power mirrors, a pow- instrument panel, a revised center stack, sil- er outlet, and a media centre with USB/Blu- ver trim and soft-touch door armrests. New etooth connectivity.

Jlr academy iN uae New md for for

aguar Land Rover (JLR) have announced reNault gulf ford meNa Jthe establishment of a new technical and training centre in Dubai Investment Park, of- enoit Turibe is the new marketing director doNates vehicles fering access to Jebel Ali Port and the new Al Bfor the French brand’s operations in the Maktoum International Airport. The new facil- Gulf. Turibe brings over 10 years of experi- for Noble cause ity, dubbed as ‘The Academy’, was officially ence working with Renault in Europe, across opened last month by Bob Joyce, group en- the product marketing, events communica- ord Middle East has stepped in a voca- gineering director of JLR and it will serve as tions, public relations and advertising fields. Ftional rehabilitation training programme a regional training hub for JLR MENA ‘s entire His new position with Renault GCC will see for inmates at Al Wathba Department of Cor- dealership network in 19 markets across the him take responsibility for developing and rections and Prisons and Al Mafraq Juvenile Middle East and North Africa region, as well deploying Renault’s global marketing policy Centre in Abu Dhabi. The vocational educa- as Pakistan. Besides training, the centre will throughout the region, and helping to build tion programme, run by Global Solutions Lim- double up as the regional testing facility, al- the brand’s image across the Middle East. ited, is conducted underthe patronage of H.H lowing the brands to hot weather test new Prior to his new position, Turibe was based in Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and future vehicles, according to Robin Col- Boulogne, France and was in charge at central Deputy Prime Minister and UAE Minister of In- gan, managing director for the Middle East marketing for the worldwide advertising strat- terior to help rehabilitate juvenile and adult and North Africa region. egy of the Renault and Dacia Brands. inmates. The upcoming Range Rover Evoque, the all- The blue oval car company donated a fleet new compact SUV will be among the first ve- mclareN me dealers of eight vehicles including two Ford Expedi- hicles to benefit from the infrastructure where tions, two Ford Explorers, one Mustang, a it will undergo vigorous testing for global cLaren Automotive has confirmed the Crown Victoria, a Lincoln LS and one Wind- and regional markets. The Academy will be Mnames of its new retail partners for Ku- star. They are now being used by inmates to headed by John Winchester, manager, engi- wait and Qatar who will join a global network put the theories learned in the motor vehicle neering operations with support from Jaguar of 35 partners that will sell and service the studies programme to the test through practi- and Land Rover HQ in the UK as well as the company’s first car, the MP4-12C. cal demonstrations of their technical abilities. regional MENA office. Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive will repre- sent Kuwait while Dana Motors takes the Qa- tar territory. For Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Al Ghassan Motors and Al Habtoor Motors respectively have been confirmed as retail partners, while in Lebanon the company will partner with Saad & Trad. Now, the only an- nouncement pending is that of the Bahraini dealer which is soon expected after the for- malities are completed by both parties.

13 {news}

lauNches more productioN details of iNsuraNce services 918 spyder surface

olkswagen Middle East has launched an rom a private Pebble Beach customer the consumer model will have improved crash Vinsurance programme called Volkswagen Fevent, it seems that when the recently safety thanks to aluminum at the front end. Insurance Services Program for the region. green lighted Porsche 918 Spyder will come to It rides on 22in wheels, though that could With this facility on board, branded Volk- market with a bigger engine than the 493hp change once orders are taken. Meanwhile, it swagen insurance solutions will be available 3.4-litre V8 racing engine shown earlier. Both is uncertain if tailpipes will stay on the side, or through just one provider, thus eliminating the displacement and the horsepower could if they will move to the rear. The car will be the typically complicated multiple insurance get bumped up, which would combine with sold with both hard and soft tops, the poster provider relationships that customers cur- three 40-kW electric motors for more than the says, but no RS version is being planned. Side rently endure. These services can be obtained reported 708 hp, according to a TeamSpeed. mirrors could be replaced with cameras, relay- from official Volkswagen retail showrooms com forum member The member attended ing a video image to a built-in display at the and products include Volkswagen Extended a private Porsche event for the car in Pebble instrument cluster. Also inside, the driver will Warranty, Volkswagen Motor Insurance, Volk- Beach where it was reportedly announced that control the infotainment system via a touch swagen Roadside Assistance and Volkswagen the show car, still under construction, had a screen. According to the TeamSpeed post, the GAP Insurance. fully-functioning all-electric mode with regen- Porsche 918 Spyder is currently being tested erative brakes and plug-in charging. However, in the form of several mules wearing the Box- once the engine is bolstered up, the produc- ster/Cayman body. The car is expected to be laNd rover evoQue to tion model will only be sold with a PDK trans- priced at about €500,000 with production lim- mission. Although currently all carbon fibre, ited to 1,200 units. use ford eNgiNes?

ill now there’s been very little information Tabout Land Rover Evoque’s powertrain. But the latest news is that the carmaker is secretly testing Ford’s 2.0-litre EcoBoost en- gine which recently debuted on the 2011 Ford Edge and will soon power the 2011 Ford Explorer as a definite possibility. Despite the close mechanical ties with the LR2, the Eco- Boost engine is well suited for the Evoque as it produces 237hp in the new Explorer.

Jaguar celebrates 75th aNNiversary with oNe-of-a-kiNd XJ

aguar’s new limited-production coupe was Jjoined by the one-off XJ75 Platinum con- cept created to honour of the brand’s 75th anniversary at the famous Pebble Beach Con- cours d’Elegance last month. The striking car featured pearlescent white paint that provided a stark contrast to the big saloon’s blacked-out grille, D-pillar, and custom 22in wheels. Inside, quilted black leather seats contrasted the dia- mond-stitch suede inserts. The same material also adorned the headliner and additional glitz came courtesy of the Bremont Watch Com- pany, which was responsible for the bespoke clock installed in the XJ75’s console. The spe- cial edition is powered by 470-horsepower su- percharged 5.0-litre V8 and Jaguar say if that doesn’t provide enough entertainment, then the bespoke 1,200-watt, 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system should do the job.

14 {news} relauNched mercedes sls ne of the weirdest motoring stories circu- details about the relaunched Gemballa. While amg gt3 price Olating in 2010 has finally been resolved, the company wears a familiar name, it is actu- at least partly. Back in May, we thought it was ally a new entity called Gemballa GmbH. aNNouNced the end of Porsche specialist tuner Gemballa “With a totally new company and an invest- when Uwe Gemballa, its founder went missing ment of millions, we are now looking towards ercedes has announced the SLS AMG in February and his wife filed bankruptcy on a secure future,” said Schwarz. “As well as MGT3 will be priced from €334,000. De- the company. But the latest is that the tuner the rights to the name, we’ve also purchased signed for GT3 racing, the car features a new brand will live minus Uwe Gemballa now that some assets and are starting off with 22 em- front fascia, a ventilated bonnet, a carbon fi- two entrepreneurs-cum-investors Andreas ployees. We plan to continue the Gemballa bre front splitter, a rear diffuser, and a huge Swartz and Steffen Korbach have bought the design line following the old models. We’re wing. Other goodies include a carbon-fibre rights to the Gemballa brand. Swartz, the CEO already working on various concepts for the reinforced safety cell, a steel braking system, of the new Gemballa has ambitious plans to and the new Porsche Cay- a six-speed sequential racing transmission push Gemballa towards more of a true after- enne among others,” added Schwarz. It may (with steering wheel shift paddles), and an in- market manufacturer for Porsche and some be recalled that at the 2009 Dubai Motor tegrated multi-disc locking differential. Power Ferrari models. Interestingly, Gemballa North Show, Uwe Gemballa was close to signing up is provided by a 6.3-litre V8 engine, which is America is also selling the first production with Galadari Group as its UAE partner. Sadly, "virtually identical" to the one in the standard McLaren F1. Schwarz has officially unveiled Uwe Gemballa is still reported as missing. SLS AMG. It allows the car to accelerate from 0-96km/h in 3.7secs and hit a top speed in excess of 300km/h. While owners won’t take delivery until February 2011, Mercedes will enter an SLS AMG GT3 in the VLN race on the Nürburgring Nordschleife this month. Ac- cording to the head of Mercedes-Benz Mo- torsports, Norbert Haug, "The Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 marks the beginning of a new era in Mercedes-Benz customer motorsport. This is an exciting and spectacular sports car for dedicated private teams and talented private uwe Gemballa drivers." He added, "I am very pleased that the demand for this new and unique competi- tion car is so great - there are many more enquiries for orders than can initially be dealt with." m3 tiger hoNda civic type r hatchback europe editioN for chiNa sales discoNtiNued gainst the backdrop of what looks to be onda has announced plans to stop selling car’s existing 201bhp 2.0-litre engine, which Aan old, German BMW M3 ad proclaiming Hthe Civic Type R in “many areas of Eu- is not Euro 5 compliant. Despite the end of “The Tiger is loose,” BMW is preparing to re- rope”, and this news has been received with European sales, the Swindon plant will contin- lease a special edition of the high performance mixed feelings. With stricter Euro 5 emissions ue to produce the Type R for markets where 3-Series for the Chinese market. The BMW norms in place for 2011, Honda doesn’t have regulations allow it and that’s definitely posi- M3 Tiger celebrates the 25th anniversary of an alterna- tive news for markets where the car’s the car, in this, the Chinese Year of the Tiger. tive to in short supply. The car is painted in Fire Orange Metallic, a the colour only seen on the M3 GTS. It rides on 19in blacked out 359M wheels, which match similar accents around the car. The air in- take, chrome tailpipes, kidney grilles, rear spoiler and roof are also in black. Inside, the driver will find Novilla black leather stitched with orange thread. The orange colour is also used on the tiger logo seen on the door sills. Unfortunately no official photos have been released yet, so stay tuned.

15 {news} top headliNes that grabbed our atteNtioN last moNth

Land Rover Evoque four-door takes GM, China’s SAiC to co-develop en- which has put two leading German motor in- to nürburgring gine, dual-clutch transmission dustry executives in charge of running one of the UK’s traditional automotive ‘crown jewels’. AutomAn’s tAke: According to Land Rover, the AutomAn’s tAke: It seems that this will be a The Land Rover assembly in India will com- Evoque is the smallest, lightest and most effi- marriage of convenience. General Motors and mence next year, according to Tata Motors’ cient vehicle the company has ever produced. its Chinese partner, Shanghai Automotive In- CEO Carl-Peter Forster. The original concept shown was coupe-like dustry Corporation (SAIC), have agreed to be- Earlier, Tata Motors launched Land Rover and three door, and it was just a matter of time gin working on a series of small displacement Jaguar models in India in June last year, using when the extra doors were to be added. While gasoline engines and advanced transmissions the import route against assembly operations. the formal reveal of the production model is aimed at global markets. The Chinese will The company’s decision to assemble the Free- set to take place at the Paris Motor Show in benefit from technology transfer, while GM will lander 2 signals its bullishness on the potential October, we expect to get more information take advantage of low production costs. of the brands in India. about powertrains and trims. We are expect- ing several engines ranging from 2.4-litre in- Porsche reveals ‘Panamera Person- 100,000th Scirocco rolls out line four to possibly a 3.2-litre V6 with or with- alisation Programme’ out turbocharging. AutomAn’s tAke: Since its market launch in AutomAn’s tAke: Not unexpected, if one goes 1974, this compact sports coupé has been the GM turns rehab focus to European by the current trend of bespoke options of- most successful Volkswagen in its segment: operations fered by luxury carmakers. Porsche thinks that 795,650 vehicles were sold up to 1992. some stock Panamera Turbo customers would Volkswagen’s 100,000th unit of the third AutomAn’s tAke: While General Motors’ North want to perk up their car with aftermarket tun- generation Scirocco rolled off the assembly American operations are making profits and ers, so why not do the same in-house? Hence, line at the Autoeuropa plant in Portugal last domestic sales are increasing, the same isn’t the Panamera Personalization Programme. month. The model, a Scirocco R 2.0 TSI, was quite true in Europe. GM of Europe is continu- This means Porsche will now offer a series of equipped with Rising Blue Metallic paint, a Ti- ing to bleed and struggling with high operat- add-ons to the already impressive and expen- tan Black interior, GPS navigation, Park Pilot ing costs and reducing market shares. Opel’s sive Panamera model line-up. (reverse parking sensors), and a sunroof. It is image has suffered during GM’s downturn and The most noteworthy add-on will be the pow- powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, the Detroit automaker also tried to sell off its erkit, which helps to boost horsepower from a with 261bhp and 350 Nm of torque, that al- European division before reversing its plans pedestrian 500 to a more prolific 540, besides lows the front-wheel drive model to accelerate and deciding to keep it. Perhaps, GM doesn’t boosting torque. And with the Sport Chrono from 0-100 km/h in 6.5sec (6.4sec with the want to lose its European engineering base. Package, that figure jumps to a staggering DSG transmission). GM of Europe is primarily focused on its Ger- 590 lb-ft of torque. Two new turbochargers, man Opel unit and its Chevrolet brand – which with titanium aluminium turbines along with Infiniti launches IPL edition of G mostly sells rebadged GM Daewoo products unique engine management tuning are em- coupe imported from Korea. ployed to do the trick. Besides performance upgrades, Porsche will also offer wheels, body AutomAn’s tAke: Following the registration of Hyundai developing new model for and trim kits. the Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) trademark, Russia Infiniti is on the fasttrack with its new sub- Land Rover to shift some production brand that promises to offer sportier, factory- AutomAn’s tAke: It’s not just high end brands to india and China tuned vehicles. catering to specific markets or segments. Now, IPL means serious business and the new While Hyundai is currently riding on a high, it AutomAn’s tAke: Jaguar Land Rover has re- set-up has wasted no time in getting its first has announced that it will begin production of cently seen a big increase in global sales of car ready. As expected, it will be the G coupe, a new budget model, specifically for the Rus- both its Jaguar and Range Rover models. Now but Infiniti promises that eventually IPL will sian market. And going by the speed Hyundai it’s time to take the next logical business step. spread to a number of cars in the lineup. Like- is working, the Elantra-based new model will In a recent media outing, the luxury car com- ly IPL candidates are the M and G saloons, compete with Volkswagen’s Polo saloon and pany said it was likely to begin building Land and maybe even the FX. We can now expect should be ready by January. As the model is Rovers in China and India, but ‘did not rule some of the fruits of the Daimler AG and Re- being designed specifically for the Russian out’ building Jaguars there too. Both China nault-Nissan April deal signed in April alliance market, the car will be equipped with a 1.4- or and India are emerging as strong markets for that officially announced collaborative efforts 1.6-litre engine, rugged suspension and a ride the brands. The decision has been made by on future products and product exchanges in- height tailored for Russian driving conditions. the company’s Indian owners Tata Motors, cluding engines.

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{cover story} The new face of Jeep, grander Than ever before

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in what is the biggest move for the brand in recent years, Jeep unveiled the new grand cherokee in san fransisco. automan was present to check out the new car | Author: Raj Warrior

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hen you look at the mess that the way in which the US car industry did business unique brands in its Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Chrysler Corporation has been no longer made sense. badges. Distinct to the buyer, that is, though Wthrough over the years, you almost It is just that time through the government in many respects the company is almost guilty begin to wonder how it has survived for so aid came with conditions including getting a of badge engineering. Look at cars like the long. It almost seems a lifetime ago that Lee buyer. So, in short order the pentastar com- 300 and the Charger, the difference is almost Iacocca made his name for posterity by taking pany went from being owned by Daimler, to overcome by the sameness, though kept apart money from the US government and rescu- being run as an ‘investment’ by financiers to by a thin veneer of trim and specification vari- ing the company from the brink. Fast forward getting into its latest marriage to the FIAT ance. a couple of decades and the same scenario group. In the lead up to the new Grand Cherokee, was repeated, this time largely because the However, one thing that needs to be re- the Jeep brand has in its wisdom been guilty economy shifted so badly downwards that the membered is that the company has three of a few other faux pas. Can we forgive the

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brand for cars like the Compass? It may have The hardcore of Jeep models are still loved take on competition from a host of new com- made sense in any other brand, including the by the brand’s lovers and buyers. From the petitors. In that connection, the invite from Caliber over at Dodge, but as a Jeep it did not Wrangler, to the Liberty/Cherokee duo to the the brand to join a group of international do anything to project the brand. Grand Cherokee, the Jeep brand makes no motoring media for a drive in San Fransisco On the other end of the scale was the move excuses and no compromises and provides came as no surprise, though one aspect made to addressing the seven seat segment in top strong product-driven appeal. us wonder - how did FIAT manage to enable end SUVs with the Commander. Admirable as So is the Jeep brand to be limited to the the roll-out of a complete model change in so the intention may have been, the car itself did sum total of the three models? In these days short a time? not do its job against competition and over of slimmer, leaner product portfolios it makes Jeep prides itself as the maker of the di- the years has been seen to be just that little sense. However if that has to make business rect descendant of the ubiquitous WWII Jeep bit outside the brand’s appeal. sense too, each of models has to be able to and as the brand that made the category of

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the SUV with the creation of the Grand Chero- proof that Jeep has retained and solidified its just the front fascia, the rear has an almost kee almost 20 years ago. As such, the Grand rightful spot as the leader, with a vehicle that European character about it. And once you get Cherokee has been a central lynch pin for the does not sacrifice off-road capability for pre- into the interior you note that there have been brand and is seen as critical to its future de- mium amenities.” a host of other changes in there as well. velopment. The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is big- Fit and finish levels have gone through a The new Jeep Grand Cherokee, thankfully, ger by only 2 inches in length and 3 inches quantum jump ahead as has the quality and does not try deviate from its hardcore nature. in width. Despite this, customers will get feel of the material used in the interior. The While increasingly the appeal of monocoque 11-percent more room in the cargo area and company’s CEO Mike Mannering addressed construction has drawn other SUVs away increased rear-seat knee clearance and leg us on the topic of the new standards in use from body on frame construction, the Grand room of 981.1mm. Knee clearance in the new at the company’s manufacturing lines. He ad- Cherokee retains its architecture. So what has model is now 109.7mm. mitted that even such basic quality assurance changed? From the side, Jeep Grand Cherokee fea- tools like reference gauges had not been used tures an athletic, muscular profile. Black ap- regularly before the new FIAT processes were Design makes a difference pliqués on B-pillars give the bright day-light introduced. It is heartening to see that senior Designers took the traditional design cues opening (DLO) an aerodynamic, modern management is not only so candid about the from the Jeep brand’s nearly 70-year heritage appearance and a sleek profile. Available problems that existed, they are also equipped – the seven-slot grille, short front and rear chromed door handles add to the profile and with the solutions. overhangs, trapezoidal wheel arches – and complement the full-chromed DLO surround The Grand Cherokee also sees the intro- moved them on to create an all-new exterior on all models. duction of new technologies in various de- design. On the inside, designers used upgrad- Limited and Overland models feature stan- partments. No longer does the provision of a ed materials and increased cargo and comfort dard 18- and 20-inch wheels, respectively. high-tech sound system make up for the gap space. Taillamps wrap from the rear quarter panel in consumer desire in the segment. Under the “Jeep is synonymous with the SUV,” said to the back of the vehicle and create a solid body, the car sees the introduction of ride- Mark Allen, Head of Jeep Design. “Our goal form, which achieves more of an upscale ap- height control with its Quadra-Lift air suspen- was to take that significant Jeep design his- pearance. The treatment complements the sion that partners with a whole new approach tory and move it forward, while listening to front-end design and resonates with the rest to the suspension itself with fully independent our customers’ input on what they love about of the exterior. front and rear suspensions. This change has the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The end result is The restyled car is a head turner. It isn’t brought about a level of smoothness on on-

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<< No longer does the provision of a high-tech sound system make up for the gap in consumer desire in the segment >> road applications while the provision of the in order to achieve the best driving experience cials present at the launch drive went to quite Quadra-Lift air suspension compensates rath- on all terrains: some lengths to speak with their engineering er well with off-road ability and stiffness. Ad- Sand/Mud: Traction Control and Quadra-Lift department and clarify that it was not the case. ditionally the lift provides a high ground clear- operate with sensitive response to wheel spin, According to them the PentaStar engines were ance of almost 270mm. and torque is tuned for optimal performance a completely in-house development. The second new application of technology Sport: Provides enhanced on-road “fun-to- The uniqueness about the PentaStar among in the new Grand Cherokee is in the Selec- drive” capability the current line-up of Jeep engines is that it Terrain module that adds Terrain selection to Auto: Automatically adapts to any on- or brings DOHC and VVT on a high-pressure the Jeep range for the first time. We had seen off-road situation cast block with a 60-degree V layout. This en- this in various forms in Land Rover, German Snow: Vehicle traction adjusts for ultimate gine has a power output of 286hp and pro- and lately other Japanese SUVs, but this is the performance over snow-covered roads vides a torque of 347Nm and is mated with first we have seen it independently applied in Rock: Quadra-Lift suspension raises to a the W5A580 5-speed automatic transmission, a SUV from the US. maximum height of 269.5mm (10.6 in.), and which includes adaptive electronic control or the transfer case, differentials and throttle co- Electronic Range Select (ERS) driver-interac- Selec-Terrain ordinate to provide low-speed control tive manual control and an electronically mod- In addition to the Quadra-Lift air suspen- Selec-Terrain, coupled with the all-new ulated torque converter clutch. In the case sion, the all-new Selec-Terrain traction control Quadra-Lift air suspension, offers drivers of the larger engined car, the engine is the system lets customers choose the off-road an adjustable suspension span that delivers tried and tested 5.7-litre V8 MDS unit mated setting for the optimum experience on all ter- world-class capability. Selec-Terrain is standard with another 5-speed auto unit in the 545RFE rains. This feature electronically coordinates with Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II. multi-speed automatic transmission. The five- up to 12 different powertrain, braking and Another new application of technology is speed transmission includes three planetary suspension systems, including throttle control, the provision of the new 3.6-litre PentaStar V6 gear sets, one over-running clutch with ERS transmission shift, transfer case, Traction Con- engine. It has a bunch of specifications that driver interactive control and an electronically trol and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). made us suspect that it was part of a family of controlled torque converter clutch. The V8 The Selec-Terrain’s control dial allows the engines that have been widely introduced in generates 352hp of power and a huge torque driver to choose from five driving conditions the General Motors line-up and Chrysler offi- of 520Nm.

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The Grand Cherokee is available with one of two four-wheel drive systems in the region, both of which we have seen before in the Jeep brand. The Quadra-Trac II and the Quadra- Drive II. Quadra-Trac II’s two-speed transfer case uses input from a variety of sensors in order to determine tyre slip at the earliest possible moment and take corrective action. The system uses Throttle Anticipate to sense quick movement in the throttle from a stop and maximizes traction before slippage oc- curs. When tyre slippage is detected, as much as 100 percent of available torque is instantly routed to the axle with the most traction. Quadra-Drive II, with a rear Electronic Limited-slip Differential (ELSD), delivers in- dustry-leading tractive capability. The system instantly detects tyre slip and smoothly dis- tributes engine torque to tyres with traction. In some cases, the vehicle will anticipate low traction and adjust in order to proactively limit or eliminate slip. The entire package serves to move the Grand Cherokee way ahead on the SUV mar- ket without in anyway changing its appeal to the SUV-buyer. Local offcials say that it will offer the whole package at a price point that pegs it squarely against the current Prado and as such it definitely can make a difference to the numbers sold here. A combination of Eu- ropean styling, good engineering and a whole new generation of quality and fit and finish make the car better than some competitors. We got the opportunity to drive the car along a long scenic route along the Pacific coast and a short and rather interesting jaunt over a rough wilderness trail with a scary drop down the hillside that seemed to be selected for its ability to highlight the down-hill assist. We had to leave the car in low second gear and just take our feet off the controls to come down the hill fully under control. Nothing new of course, just that it’s the first time we’ve seen it on the Jeep. We rather think that will be highlight for the local salesmen to show off << from the wrangler, to the liberty/ down the Bowsher hills. Does the car have the wherewithal to com- cherokee duo to the grand cherokee, pete? – one rather imagines it does. With fea- tures like a great sound system, dual pane the Jeep brand makes no excuses and no glass roof and the ability to stow a full-size spare in the rear compartment (under the compromises>> floor), plus a large and luxurious cabin and the quality to keep it distinct from others, the Grand Cherokee is the right product at the right time. For Chrysler Corporation, the rejuvena- tion of the company and brand seems like it will be product-driven just like under Iacocca. And this time one hopes that it lasts.

25 {Road Test}

Playing cool

audi created the a5 model series with the idea of keeping a flexible balance in the segment. its engineering flexibility allows small engines from 2-litre in-line fours to big v6s to be shoehorned in the package. and it suits the mid-sized new soft top arrival too. automan spent a few days with the entry level model.

| Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Nabeel Ferzan

26 {Road Test}

ne of its greatest strengths is that Audi makes cars that are relatively modest Oin their styling, but exude quality and performance. And it is this trait that has en- abled this brand to increase its sales by leaps and bounds. A key element of the marked upturn in demand has been the extraordi- narily rapid evolution of the Audi model range over the past few years. Audi sold a total of 1,003,469 cars in 2008 and thus achieved its 13th consecutive record year. The mid-sized A5 open top was created as an exercise to widen the line-up. Audi believes that open-top cars are bought with the heart and they are supposed to express the person- ality of their drivers: their independence, their individuality, their joie de vivre. Since design is a particular important factor in this emo- tional decision, Audi has ensured that it has got it right in one go. First, the car is pleasantly proportioned and it’s profile echoes that it isn’t just a cut and paste job. Measuring 4,630mm long and 1,850mm wide, but only 1,380mm tall, the 2+2 is able to guarantee sportiest proportions in its class. The bonnet is a kind of one-size- fits-all looks stretched because underneath Audi offers a wide range of petrol and diesel engines ranging from in-line four cylinders to V6s, but looks good on the long 2,750mm wheelbase. Sheetmetal is characterized by sharp crease lines and muscular sweep of the shoulder that brings in its distinctive sil- houette. Then there’s a broad track of nearly 1,600mm and the large 17in wheels that con- tribute in its stance. Meanwhile, the front end has gained great- er expressiveness and resolve. The single- frame family radiator grille serves as its key defining element. The large pseudo air inlets hint at the potential of the bigger engines, and the sharply cut flush fit headlights- em phasise a mature appearance of the car. The rear is characteristic of the A5 family and is signed off with strip LED lights, dual exhaust tailpipes, a diffuser and the integrated rear fog light echos Audi’s connection with world of motor sport, Le Mans in particular. The best thing in this car is that Audi has gone its own independent way in the ongoing battle in the German open top luxury-sports realm with the A5 cabriolet. So what has Audi done that makes a world of difference? We think it’s the folding soft top. How many new convertibles can actually boast of using what is becoming quite rare these days? While most cars in this class have gradu-

27 {Road Test} << volkswagen’s ubiquitous 2.0-litre turbo feels just a tad feeble hitched to two tons of convertible, the a5 would be even more fun to drive with some more power>>

ated from soft to hard metal-based tops, the life of traditional fabric? Well, let’s face it; engine still weighs a healthy 1,615kg and this but Audi being Audi, has resisted that notion these are hard facts that can’t be ignored. goes up depending on the engine and type from the very beginning and created the hot- As always, there’s a flipside too. Take for in- of drive [2WD or Quattro]. This car resides in test new A5 family addition for 2010. Once stance the engineering complexities in design- the good company of competing hardtop con- again, Audi must be commended for saving an ing mechanisms that go with folding hardtops vertibles such as the BMW 3, Infiniti G37, and endangered species, by which we mean the add considerable weight at a time where flab Volvo C70. quintessential ragtop. reduction is a priority. But, this is where the Another great advantage is that the soft top Despite an element of conservativeness, A5’s soft top roof scores a bulls-eye. It is much gives the A5 more boot space than anything one would still question the virtues of using lighter than the conventional hard tops and it else in its class, top up or top down, plus helps cloth over metal. Is it the right thing to do stows in 16secs and rises in 19secs. The soft release more space for rear occupancy, which where the trend is suggesting something else, top comprises three layers, a top covering, is actually habitable by adults. one might reasonably ask or is the 1997 Mer- cushioning pad and headliner. In the optional The cabin of the A5 cabriolet is a very pleas- cedes-Benz SLK230 responsible for this del- acoustic top, it reduces wind noise almost to ant place to be in. The design elements follow uge of folding hard top convertibles that are the level of a saloon and is offered in several Audi’s recent offerings, so it modest, well-built coupe-like quiet with the top up, sun-in-face colours. with quality materials and trims, but we were with the top stowed, and offer a protective Despite the advantage of being able to con- disappointed with some of the functional attri- covering that will likely endure well beyond trol excess mass, the car with the in-line four butes, which is quite unlike Audi. Our test car

28 {Road Test} was kitted with deep red leather contrasting sentially Audi’s version of continuous variable tracking trapezoidal links. Interestingly, the nicely with the black exterior and the overall transmission or CVT. It offers a sport mode rear suspension is identical in the front-wheel comfortable and cosseted feeling is at par with and a manual mode with seven simulated gear drive and quattro versions. The car rides on BMW or Lexus. ratios. This model also has Audi’s drive select 17in alloy wheels shod with 225/50 tyres. Our test car was fitted with a forced fed software which influences the engine’s throttle Quattro GmbH also offers 18-, 19- and even 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. It may be small response, shift points of the transmission as 20-in wheels for the A5. in displacement at 1,984cc, but is actually well as the boost of the servotronic steering. As expected, the open top gets its share of quite a high-tech engine as combines FSI di- One great advantage with CVT transmissions structural reinforcement through out its sheet rect fuel injection with turbocharging with a is that they combine smooth operation, high metal. In the front section, diagonal struts run valve lift system which manages the variable efficiency and fuel-saving gear ratios. Here from the side sills to the auxiliary frame for opening of the exhaust valves, reducing flush- the claimed average fuel efficiency is 7.4 l/100 the suspension mounts. In the rear section, ing losses in the combustion chamber and en- km. However, the flip side is that for a purist, similar components are integrated beneath suring an optimal flow of exhaust gas to the the actual feeling of gears changing even in the floor of the trunk. The hydroformed tubes turbocharger. The engine delivers 180hp and manual mode is artificial. It’s a compromise that reinforce the A-pillars from the inside and 320 Nm, with most of the torque available be- one has to live with, unfortunately. various thicknesses of metal have been used. tween 1,500 and 3,900 rpm range. Befitting the over all engine is also the sus- Roll-over protection is also provided between The car is a front-wheel drive and uses pension design. The front wheels are mounted the cabin and the boot. multitronic transmission system, which is es- on a five-link axle while the rear uses self-

Driving

Since the car uses an array of powertrains, a in, as we discovered when the car was abruptly is extra sensitive. I noted that while changing key element in the design has been to move reversed course during the lane-change test. direction, it responds sharply, while the firm the engine farther toward the firewall to im- This is partly attributable to steering that’s suspension resists roll and clings on well to prove front-to-rear weight distribution. This both quick, at 2.6-turns lock-to-lock, and asphalt. At times I felt that the steering was works well and we were pleasantly surprised largely devoid of feel, particularly on-centre. slightly hesitant when I wanted to quickly cor- to find that the 2WD doesn’t feel too - differ But on the great graph of handling attributes, rect straight-line stability. ent than the Quattro version which have axle we usually prefer neutral balance over under- We think that this car would be a bit more fun weight bias of 52.9 per cent front and 47.1 per steer, and this convertible’s responses raise its to drive if it had a bit more power. Although cent rear. Actually, it is better than a rear-drive fun-to-drive level near the top of the heap in the engine—Volkswagen’s 2.0-litre pot may Mustang GT coupe! its competitive set. Our only disappointment lag behind in terms of sheer acceleration, but The hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering with was with the braking. There’s never a hint of that doesn’t dampen the enthusiasm as there’s its 16:1 ratio is sporty and direct, providing fade, and pedal feel is good, but 177 feet from enough thrust to slingshot the car to 100km/h a precise and finely differentiated connection 110km/h is long by current standards. in sub seven secs, but no one would call that with the road. With the top closed, the four- What impresses is its dual nature of usability blazing these days. Transmission is smooth in seater has a drag coefficient of 0.31, so the that its rivals can’t compete with. In most situ- general and a bit leisurely, one can’t do much car is quiet on the move with minimum wind ations the car is comfortable to be in, however, about it but activate the software options for a turbulence disturbance top down. the ride is a bit firm over poor surfaces. The bit of liveliness, especially in manual mode. If anything, the A5 is almost too willing to turn steering is light for the weight of the car and

29 {Road Test}

<< besides the minor power-to-weight niggles and lack of cabin kit, the a5 cabrio is quite an attractive car, a bit traditional convertible that confidently holds its own in a world of folding hard tops. but there’s one big issue, which is the car’s price which is very close to the mainstream german folding-hardtop competitors>>

30 {Road Test}

<< one of its greatest strengths is that audi makes cars that are relatively anonymous in their styling, but exude quality and sharp performance. and it is this trait that has enabled this brand to increase its sales. a key element of the marked upturn in demand has been the extraordinarily rapid evolution of the audi model range over the past few years>>

verdict

Aside from the minor power-to-weight reser- is a traditional convertible that holds its own base price for the front wheel drive model, is vation issue and the pseudo feel of the CVT, in a world of folding hardtops. But there’s one the A5 comparable well against folding-hard- the A5 cabrio is an attractive piece of work. It big question: price. At $ 52,270 which is the top competitors such as the BMW or Volvo?

31 {First drive} Catching the cat by the tail

the replacement for the s-type has really come of age with its supercharged r variant. the Xfr is in oman and raj warrior test drove the car, or the cat as he now calls it. | Author: Raj Warrior | Images: Shakeel Al Baloushi

32 {First drive}

’ve spent too many years in the business down to Azaiba. plain XF is admirable. A touch of chrome on of car journalism to get excited about the The XFR is a welcome addition to the line- hood intakes, the twin exhausts on both sides Iprospect of driving a new car. After all, it up at the Jaguar showroom. The range does and impressive 20” wheels add on to the little isn’t everyday that you get a car that makes a seem depleted a little as we see only the XF touches around the lower airdam and the R mark on your mind and remains embedded in and the XK/XKR combination. It was just a badge. It really helps that the XF is such a your psyche for ages afterwards. Usually, the few weeks ago that the new XJ too landed up. good-looking car to start off with and the R drive consists of trying to find that wee little Until the new model range fleshes itself out, touches sort of bring out the real nature of the innovation or irritation that makes the car dif- the XFR fills a vital slot at the 30,000-plus Rial beast underneath. ferent in any way from the humdrum majority Omani slot. More importantly it brings serious To add to that is the whole song and dance of models. However, I can still admit to being muscle and specification to the category of that surrounds the owner’s connect with the interested in some cars and some brands and performance luxury sedans, from which it has car. The driver’s ambiance is spot on, there is Jaguar is one of them. The British brand is been taking a holiday for sometime. The in- not a thing that I found out of place and not a one that really brings meaning to the word teresting bit is that it is this very segment that single thing that I would want extra. Key in the ‘marque’. It has to its credit some of the most gets all the excitement in the region. Domi- pocket entry, accompanied by a large engine beautiful and most iconic cars in the history of nated by the M5 and the E63 the segment stop-start button (with a pulsating back light the automobile. And can you blame the brand takes the theme of tuxedo-clad muscle very telling you how desperate it is to be pressed!) for trying to find a commercial Raison d’être seriously indeed. At the heart of the equation to the gear knob rising out of the centre con- by making the X-type? is the existence of a rear-wheel drive luxury sole, all the way to the way in which the air- So when the folks at the local Jaguar dis- sedan that has a large enough engine-bay to conditioning vents open out as the car comes tributor invited us to take the XFR out for as accommodate a V8 engine at the very least. to life. Even the instrument binnacle joins in long as we needed it, the old heart did beat The XFR fits the bill to a T. In terms of with its own movements as you feel the feline a little faster and there was definitely an add- visual styling, the attempt to imbue a bit of nature of the car as it wakes, stretches and ed spring to one’s step as we made our way understatement in its differentiation from the slowly comes to life.

33 {First drive}

It is when the car awakens that you realise negative torques generated by opening and cal differential can compromise stability under the difference between the other V8 powered closing the intake and exhaust valves, instead hard applications of power, demanding more variants of the XF and the XFR. The super- of by oil pressure resulting in a smaller engine corrective input from the driver. Whereas a charged direct-injection AJ-V8 Gen III engine oil pump. The supercharger itself is a twin- mechanical differential is a permanently active is claimed to be the most advanced the com- vortex Roots type which uses a more intense part of the drivetrain, the XFR’s ADC system is pany has used. In its normally aspirated mode helix pattern and twin intercoolers to improve switched off when not required, so does not the engine generates a respectable 385PS of performance by 16%. create undesirable understeer and creates no power and 515Nm of torque. To most of us Along with an improved air-intake the pack- issues with NVH at lower speeds.” that would have been manna already. In the aging of the engine is done in such a way as And as for Adaptive Dynamics, it is a highly XFR, the engine has a twin-vortex supercharg- to accommodate the supercharger within the sophisticated active damping system that auto- er that boosts its output all the way through to V of the engine. matically adjusts suspension damper settings 510PS and 625Nm of torque. All this translates into a level of grunt that to suit both road conditions and the way in The 5.0-litre V8 petrol engines are built befits the R tag. The engine note is finely which the car is being driven. It replaces Jag- around a stiff, aluminium block with cast-in tuned to reflect the muscle available and the uar’s previous gen CATS system and the result iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps six-speed auto transmission works beautifully of Adaptive Dynamics in conjunction with the to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. For to propel the rear wheels. And that’s where 510PS engine and ADC has to be experienced the first time at Jaguar the blocks are high- this cat’s power meets the turf with such dra- to be believed. The car, in one word, is wick- pressure die-cast, providing a superior finish ma. That’s where two new technologies come ed. You don’t have to disable anything at the and greater dimensional accuracy. The en- into play - Adaptive Dynamics and Active Dif- dashboard. Find a clear corner, turn the wheel gines use aluminium heads, with four valves ferential Control, which are both incorporated into it a bit and floor the accelerator. The tail per cylinder and strong, spheroidal-graphite as standard. of this cat twitches like it is on fire and then cast-iron crankshafts and forged steel con- Jaguar tells us, “Active Differential Control settles in ever so nicely. The ramp up to speed necting rods. The cylinder heads for the first (ADC) with traction-only functionality and is equally impressive. The 100 mark comes in time are specified with a secondary (recycled) handling functionality is an electronically con- a little over 4.7 secs, so every sprint feels like aluminium alloy, reducing the environmental trolled alternative to the traditional, wholly a take-off run. And the feed in of power is so impact of manufacturing the new engine. mechanical differential, offering more subtle dramatic that the car begins to shrink in size. I Overall engine length has been reduced by control strategies. ADC can vary its locking would say that in every respect the XFR treads 24mm by relocation of the oil pump within the torque (and therefore the proportion of torque on XKR territory in terms of its performance engine architecture. This length reduction im- to each driven rear wheel) depending on sur- envelope.The XFR adds the high performance proves engine bay packaging in support of en- face conditions and power applied. Its control edge to the XF that makes the car live true to hanced safety cell performance while ensuring strategies optimise traction at each wheel, its ‘Jaguar’ badge. In my opinion, it is the car I overall engine weight is virtually unchanged. A improving acceleration on low-grip surfaces would buy if I had the money. As things stand, new type of variable camshaft timing system while also enhancing cornering ability. ADC I am happy I got to play with this particular (VCT) introduces another technology. The four has no adverse effect on either refinement feline. And as it disappears from my sight the VCT units are activated by the positive and or stability – where the traditional, mechani- grin that remains is still all mine.

34 {First drive}

<< the exquisite layout of the centre console is highlighted by Jaguar’s new theme of a pop out gear knob and hide-away air- conditioning louvres. the r adds a spicy tang to the whole. >>

35 {special feature} Where performance meets precision automan joined a memorable party in ascari, spain as bmw’s performance division celebrated 25 years of the evocative m3

| Author: Chandan B Mallik

36 {special feature}

ith four generations of cars and a division assembled an array of pristine exam- rive M3 GTS [eds note: read first drive report quarter century worth of continuous ples of all four generation cars at the famous next month]. Wprogress in performance machines, Ascari resort racing circuit in Spain. And as a The M3 chapter started with a simple ques- BMW’s ‘M’ division has more than one reason bonus, announced a special, limited-edition tion in mid-80s: “We need a sporty engine for to be proud of. By any measure, 25 years is a 2011 M3 GTS to mark the occasion. But for the 3 Series good enough to compete with the long time to sustain the desirability of a dedi- me, besides the one-off opportunity to taste Group A racing Porsches.” Although M division cated performance nameplate, but the M3 the M3 GTS, the more compelling motivation had successfully ran high performance six-cyl- badge has inculcated a very strong loyalty as was the chance to taste all four generations inder engines in the 5 Series, they specifically it rewarded owners with cars with it dual road in one go that eventually proved to be more chose to work on the four-cylinder engine of and track credentials. The ‘M’ division also than just a good reason for this pilgrimage to the series production model but reworked on it pioneered several new technologies on the Ascari. extensively so it could meet the high demands way, one of the key fundamentals pillars of its Ascari racing resort is not just a fancy es- of the racers. With modifications to the car, strength in a fiercely competitive specialized tablishment featuring a track. Actually, it is a the first M3 weighed in at just 1,200kg and section of the market. Although the idea was private facility, owned by car enthusiast Klaas offered weight-to-power ratio of only 6.15kg based on the series production 3 Series mod- Zwart and unlike other commercial circuits for every single horsepower. This was an els, the M3 defined an entirely new market Ascari doesn’t have grandstands or public car extremely impressive figure even by today’s for BMW and helped it to flourish in a thriving parks. But it does offer 5.4km of exquisitely standards. Over the years, the M division has race-ready production vehicle market. Since executed race track, featuring 26 corners in- finely honed its success with the application of its debut, M3 badged cars are heralded in en- fluenced by some of the best circuits in the cutting-edge motorsport derived technology thusiast circles, in large part due to its unique world. And what a place it turned out to be us – especially in the key departments of pow- geometry and award winning engines. to experience the M3 clan, from the earliest ertrain, chassis, suspension and lightweight And in July this year, it BMW celebrated the E30 through to the E90/92/93s plus experi- construction. 25th anniversary of the M3 cars. The specialist encing the burnt orange coloured soon-to-ar-

37 {special feature}

<< at the 1985 frankfurt motor show, the e30-based m3 was presented to the public for the first time>>

E30

he first M3 was created to pave the way slightly wider than that of the series model ing from a zero to 100 km/h inside 6.7secs! Tfor BMW’s entry into Group A touring car and had a flatter taper in order not to interrupt As they say, BMW successfully broke the ar- racing at the time. At least 5,000 units had the airflow over the edge of the roof and at chaic mindset by technology application which to be built for road use, and the result is a the same time direct it more effectively onto included increasing displacement of the then chunky, muscular looking two-door with a the rear spoiler. four-cylinder engine from 2.0- to 2.3-litres bold rear wing, lower sills and extended wheel The E30’s powertrain packaging success- and the introduction of four valves per cylin- arches. fully broke several myths. At the time most der. The formula worked on road and on track This car has a special space in my heart analysts and pundits believed that anyone and eventually the E30 became the most suc- because I happened to own a non-M series who “wanted to be in the ‘A Team’ needed cessful touring car to wear the M3 badge in version and I am pretty sure that few people a turbocharged engine under the bonnet” in motorsport history. probably remember that the first generation the numbers crunching game. At the time it At Ascari, the selection for us included a M3 actually started life as an enhanced-per- was virtually unthinkable of non-forced fed car bright red 1986 E30 M3, complete with rac- formance spin-off of the E30 in 1986. I take to achieve over 200hp, have a top speed in ing seats and suede-trimmed steering wheel. note of the C-pillar of this car which appeared excess of 230 km/h and be capable of sprint- Through Ascari’s curves and corners, the first

38 {special feature}

M3 track model felt much friskier than its speed manual gearbox combo. Although, the 25-year-old vintage suggests. It has the edge 16-valve engine set new performance stan- and attack of a race car, with razor-sharp dards for a production unit at the time, spin- steering and incisive throttle response. And it ning all the way to 6,750rpm, and pumping still gathers speed with an alacrity that’s as- out a muscular 240bhp of maximum power, tounding. together with thumping 240Nm of torque. De- However, the street version of the car felt spite the apparent sluggishness initially, the a bit underpowered at times even with its car was pretty good for the claimed time and 2.3-litre power four-cylinder engine and five- pace.

Beginning with the first E36 M3s delivered, M635CSi. BMW didn’t line up on the starting BMW racers began pressuring BMW for a grid with its own team but supported a number race-ready version with which to compete of famous racing outfits like Schnitzer, Linder, against Porsche 911s in sports-car racing. The Zackspeed and Bigazzi. Drivers like Markus company promptly responded and obliged its Oestreich, Christian Danner, Roberto Ravaglia clientele with a 2.3-litre engine capable of de- and Wilfried Vogt took the wheel, and Anette livering up to 300 hp at 8,200 rpm in the rac- Meeuvissen and Mercedes Stermitz formed a ing version. This put it on a par with the BMW ladies’ team.

<< the convertible weighed some 80kg more but this only exerted a minimal effect on performance. instead of 6.0 seconds, the open-top m3 required precisely 6.2 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. the top speed was the same as the coupé at 250 km/h>>

E36

39 {special feature}

econd on the test agenda were a pair of er was increased with the grafting of the M5’s the ride smoother and definitely more refined. SE36 M3s in shocking colours! However, un- larger brakes. The new SMG sequential rac- Despite its age, it felt like a thoroughbred der perfect blue skies, the interplay between ing-like gearbox was also offered as an option. and one with a fair turn of speed, thanks to light and shade on the bodyline gave us a These models are known as the “Euro” models a decent burst of power from the normally clearer understanding of how styling began to to differentiate them from the models sold in aspirated straight-six engine that was consid- mature in the form of new curves, creaseline the US which were quite different. ered one of the world’s best at the time. It and how it effectively dispensed with the boxy At Ascari, we had two cars --- resplendent offered 286hp of max power and 320Nm of elements of its predecessor. The car’s engine in yellow and purple respectively, at our dis- torque effortlessly. In 1995 BMW offered, a ZF cylinders were bumped up by two and so was posal. The handling characteristic of the car 5HP18 5-speed automatic transmission on the the displacement from 2.3- to 3.0-litre and was a bit surprising as it lacked the hardcore, M3 as optional equipment and two years later the four valves per cylinder configuration was race-inspired personality of the E30. But, what BMW released their Sequential Manual Gear- carried forward once again. Also adapted to lacked in personality was made-up lavishly by box option as changing gears like a motorbike the engine was a new variable valve timing the sophisticated and advanced technology seemed appealing to many. We spent most of system on the intake camshaft, called VANOS. package that we think over all contributed the time with the manual gearbox version and The engine was known as the S50. quite a lot in improving its road and track cre- the mark II M3 felt substantially quicker and The original E36 M3 went into production dentials. was able to complete the 0-100km/h dash in in 1993 as a coupe model and its straight-6 What was immediately noticeable that the six seconds flat, while top speed was electron- engine produced 286hp. In 1996, the power car was certainly much easier to pilot at speed ically limited to 250km/h. was upgraded to 321hp from the S50 engine than the older car. The suspension was more mated to a six-speed gearbox. Stopping pow- compliant and the steering more forgiving,

Roberto Ravaglia in a BMW M3: first and on the result of the championship. At the end last world Touring Car Champion of the season, Roberto Ravaglia was standing on the podium as the first World Touring Car The first race for the 1987 World Touring Champion. But that was only the pinnacle of Car Championship started in Monza on 22 the success list. March 1987 – and ended with a sensation. Wilfried Vogt took the title of European All the M3 cars were excluded from the plac- Champion. Altfried Heger came in second – ings. The vehicles were checked under chaotic both driving a BMW M3. Eric van de Poele won conditions and disqualified because of sheet- the prestigious German Touring Car Champi- metal thicknesses that were allegedly con- onship. Moreover, the most sporty 3 Series car trary to the regulations. BMW appealed but was also winning competitions off the race the sports tribunal decided that the appeal track. An M3 crossed the finishing line in first had been lodged too late. There was no lon- place in the Corsica Rally and secured a vic- ger any talk of infringements of the rules. All tory for BMW after a gap of 14 years in a race the brouhaha naturally didn’t have any effect for the World Rally Championship.

40 {special feature} << in 1997, m gmbh was the first automobile manufacturer in the world to market the m3 with the sequential manual gearbox>>

E46

he E46 arrived just in time for the new 0-96km/h times dropped to a scant 4.8sec, floor. And then, you also had the short throw Tmillennium. There are many reasons why despite yet another triple-figure weight in- six-speed gearbox to play with and there’s only this model remains one of the finest to bear crease and the top-speed was an electroni- one word that can describe the way the raw the M3 badge as it turned out to be another cally limited 250km/h, the fastest yet. Despite power slingshots you from corner to corner: a watershed model year for the M division as its unpopularity with a section of drivers, the bit of a hooligan but awesome over all! the cars started becoming more technology SMG gearbox was retained and a convertible Surprisingly, even a decade later after its focused. In fact, it was the introduction of sev- version once again returned to the line-up, al- introduction, the E46 M3 never felt outdated eral advanced technologies that hallmarked though no E46 M3 was ever offered with more as we thumped the car on the track lap after the performance quotient of the E46 M3s. I than two doors. lap. It still is as fresh, exciting and highly re- particularly enjoyed the gunmetal grey 2001 At Ascari, at each corner and open stretch, warding just as it was when it made its first M3 coupé with SMG paddle-shift gearbox on I was constantly reminded how involving this appearance. However, there are some similari- track and around the country roads. car was. My greatest regret was how the al- ties with the E30 which were expected in this The powerplant offered this time was located laps were over in a flash and I can’t genre and the key highlights, it being more a 3.2-litre inline-six, but it was essentially forget the way the husky growl of the 3.2-litre than a touch of racing car in the precision de- all-new as it produced 330hp at a scream- straight-six engine rose to a high pitched wail partment, the tautness and the sheer power ing 8,000 rpm redline. With this package, when you keep the throttle hammered to the delivery of this car.

Although the M3 Coupé was elegant and M GmbH and it had anticipated this demand beautiful, some customers still had enhanced by laying plans for a convertible. In 1994, the aspirations. Meanwhile, the motor sport sub- new open-top M3 based on the four-seater 3 sidiary company of BMW had been renamed Series Convertible was launched.

41 {special feature}

E90/92/93

verdict The progression from a four-cylinder to eight-cylinder in the M3s by itself is a cred- ible effort and so is the upping of the power quotient from 200hp in the E30 to whopping 414bhp in the E90s, besides other efficien- cies. The M3 chapters have successfully writ- ten many illustrious chapters for the badge

t’s no secret that the crimson coloured cur- BMW offered double-clutch gearbox, called M- ally give you big emotions on the engine sound Irent-generation M3 coupé with a prominent DKG (Doppel-Kupplungs-Getriebe) or M-DCT note. There’s no doubt in my mind that the powerdome on the bonnet took the over all (Double Clutch Transmission) as an option. engine is a blast, the high revving pitch is just honours. When it was first confirmed back in The new M3 was also available as a 4-door so fascinating to drive, you get lots of torque 2007, initially there was some skepticism about saloon which was based on the E90 3-Series. down the rev range and a truly explosion over the idea of shoehorning a V8 into its engine But unlike the regular models, this car shared the top. This engine is ticks in a manner that bay instead of continuing with a lightweight the coupe’s front end, including headlights. the entire car seems to be filled with energy, six cylinder. Just as the previous M3 genera- However, it didn’t get the two-door’s carbon- without giving you a disconnected feel over tions without fail introduced a completely fibre top. The E93 hardtop convertible version the power at critical high revs, like a race car. new engine, the fourth generation M3 did the joined the line-up shortly after the E92’s launch. However, I had some reservations with the same: the S65 engine was introduced. This But as the E92 3-Series Coupé opened the M3 clutch, especially when operating near the mid naturally aspirated, high revving V8 was based chapter as its starting point, critics were soon rev range. I noted that when the clutch was on the S85B50 5-litre V10 displaced 4.4-litre unanimous in agreeing that the package made pushed at say 9,000rpm, the engine seemed also powered the E60/E61 M5 and the E63/ the car the most advanced of the M3 clan to to drop power feedback, which meant I felt E64 M6 to date. Delivering 414bhp at 8,300 date. The car had almost everything a spir- momentarily disconnected from the 400hp rpm, with peak torque of 400Nm coming at ited driver could wish for. It was fitted with the from the car and despite that energy being 3,900 rpm, the package represented a power optional “competition pack” which includes a kept in every part of the chassis, the clutch increase of 22 per cent over the E46 M3. Be- lower, stiffer suspension, wider rear tyres and seems to be more concerned about the sides that, mass reduction was achieved by slightly reworked control electronics. smooth and relax feel of the driver’s foot! The knocking off 15kg from the engine making it While clutch and gears are precise, it’s as chassis responds quite well and predictably to less than the outgoing six cylinder for a total easy to drive out from the car park as in a reg- the tap even after the DSC is turned off. What weight of 202kg. Six-speed manual transmis- ular 320. A bit surprising though was the fact is nice is the fact the car doesn’t pretend to be sion was offered as standard and in April 2008, that shift pattern around 4,000rpm doesn’t re- a monster with electronics switched off.

42 43 {preview} Third degree

third g model and infiniti’s ninth product for the middle east is the stunning new g37. automan has the first details.

| Author: Chandan B Mallik

44 {preview}

he Infiniti G37 line-up till now com- prised of a coupe and saloon variants Tand now a convertible has been added to the line-up. As the latest expression of ‘In- spired Performance’ by Infiniti, the Infiniti G37 Convertible combines beautiful styling, excit- ing performance and a three-piece retract- ing hardtop. Obviously, the topless G37 has been designed from the outset with one goal in mind: to excite the senses. The stunning silhouette is perfectly proportioned, looking just as beautiful with the three-piece folding hard-top up or down which opens or closes in 25secs. We are aware of the design and engineer- ing challenges especially for models where there exists for example a saloon or coupe. To create an open four-seater with a retractable hardtop is quite a job, but engineering and design go hand-in-hand at Infiniti, so there’s a nice fusion of styling with no compromise in detailing or proportions. The company thinks

45 {preview}

it is this first convertible model in the line-up mounted audio and cruise controls. The G37 suspension is an independent double-wish- which is a perfect representative of ‘Inspired Convertible will be offered in eight exterior bone design, with a single pivot lower wish- Performance’, a theme that runs through the colours with a choice of black or beige leather bone and a long upper link. The multi-link entire Infiniti range. Compared to G37 Coupe, seating complimented by polished wood trim rear suspension separates the shock absorb- the G37 Convertible utilizes all-new body pan- accents. For customers with even sportier ers and springs, locating the shock absorber els from the A-pillar back, along with a 1.1in tastes, red leather seating matched with red in line with the wheel center. These designs wider overall width, wider rear track and mod- wood accents can be specially ordered. Cli- help minimize alignment changes and reduce ified rear suspension. mate-Controlled front seats with 8-way power suspension friction for nimble handling and The car’s interior design combines elements driver/8-way front passenger adjustment are smooth riding characteristics. of sophistication, craftsmanship and thought- standard. A power ‘walk-in’ device with seat Responsive steering is provided by a vehi- fulness with unique, available systems created position memory provides easy access to the cle-speed-sensing system, with sport-tuned to enhance the open-air driving experience. second row seats (the front seats move for- steering. Also standard on the G37 Convertible The driver-oriented cockpit features has a ward automatically at the touch of a button to is Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with cancel high quality appearance with an Infiniti sig- allow passengers into the rear seats). A rear switch and Traction Control System (TCS). nature instrument panel design with Infiniti wind deflector helps reduce wind turbulence Braking performance is provided by 4-wheel electroluminescent instrumentation with white when the top is down. vented 14 inch front and 13.8 inch rear discs illumination color scheme, integrated multi- The G37 Convertible’s responsive handling with 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking function information drive computer display and ride performance is provided by its ad- System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribu- and signature Infiniti analog clock. vanced FM (Front Mid-ship) platform design, tion (EBD) and Brake Assist. Prices in the will The double hand-stitched leather-covered which optimizes front/rear weight balance be in the region of RO25,000. steering wheel is designed for maximum and creates a rigid, stable foundation for the comfort and usability, with standard wheel- 4-wheel independent suspension. The front

<< the newest topless beauty from infiniti definitely would like to share the spotlight podium as a model that can perform as well >>

46 {preview}

47 {Preview}

Megane out, Fluence in

renault has replaced the natural successor for its market specific megane ii in favour of the all-new 2010 fluence. automan examines the logic behind the move.

| Author: Chandan B Mallik

48 {Preview}

rench automaker Renault is in a revital- izing mode and while it consciously in- Fcreases its non-traditional market foot- print, it also has taken help from its various << the fluence is aimed at prospects global production sources and sub brands as a key tool in widening the product portfolio. looking for an european-styled budget The C-segment for the brand in the region till now has been represented by the Turkey- saloon model with good levels of kit>> built Megane II which also serves as a key model for the brand’s three best-selling mar- kets: Turkey, Russia and Romania. The direct replacement of this car could have been a new generation of the Megane [like in Europe where different variants are sold], but Re- nault decided as part of their business strat- egy to create an all-new model ground-up on time tested engineering specifically for these emerging markets including Middle East. Renault designed the Fluence with the spe- cific aim of standing out as the most attractive car of its class, although the outgoing Megane did everything reasonably well, but wasn’t considered outright talented as the best cars in this class. With the Fluence, Renault wants to bridge that gap and hence a clean sheet design and comprehensive consumer-focused specification list. The Fluence is bigger than the booted version of the Megane and dimensionally is 4,620mm long, 1,809mm wide, 1,479mm high on a wheelbase of 2,702mm and uses Nissan’s tried and tested B-platform which is used by models such as Bluebird and Sylphy in Asia. It boasts of more passenger space than any major rival, including 1,480mm of elbow room at the front and 1,475mm at the rear besides cavernous boot space. The incoming car also packs several opulent upgrade touches such as the lower window and boot trims, foglamp surrounds and door handles are finished in chrome, while the B-pillar uprights are gloss black along with body colour side protective mouldings. Two petrol engines will be available, the smaller one being a 1.6-litre 110hp with man- ual and automatic transmission and the bigger 2.0-litre with 140hp paired to either manual transmission or CVT. On the safety front the car will benefit from an array of active and passive kit. Included even in the entry-level models features such ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency braking assist, with automatic activation of the hazard warning lights, ESC (electronic stability con- trol) with CSV understeer control, driver and passenger airbags, two lateral thorax airbags and two curtain airbags will be standard.

49 {Preview}

Stunning reveal!

mercedes-benz has officially released some details on the upcoming 2012 cls-class which will make its debut at the paris motor show next month. automan follows the trail.

| Author: Chandan B Mallik

50 {Preview}

t’s that time of the motoring calendar new look. It’s more aggressive line and surface manship, surface treatments and attention year when carmakers are eager to show treatment indicate the future design language to detail. Around four animal hides are used Ioff their latest creations. The first avail- of Mercedes-Benz and what immediately in each CLS. CLS customers will be able to able official platform the last quarter is Paris, strikes the eye is the innovative front design, choose from several trim and finishes as be- which is still weeks away and the boffins at which is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz spoke options when the car goes on sale. Mercedes-Benz couldn’t resist the temptation SLS AMG. Among Base engineering and powertrains details of releasing some images and details of its world firsts haven’t been released, but we can ex- worst kept secret – the upcoming second gen- a r e pect the usual suspects, an entry- eration 2012 CLS-Class. the level 3.5-litre V6 with 301hp Question is why was M-B in such a hurry? and a 4.7-litre twin-turbo V8 After all, M-B is credited as the creator of a new with 429hp on tap. We can vehicle category in 2003, where it successfully also see Mercedes-Benz’s combined the elegance and expressiveness of 4Matic all-wheel drive a coupé with the comfort and functionality of system on the top end a saloon using a series production model as its model. mechanical base. The E-Class based CLS was a super success with over 170,000 units sold worldwide. For a couple of years before the competition caught up with this unique style icon, the first generation CLS was the only f u l l four-door coupé in its class. L E D Now that competition is getting fiercer in headlamps and the segment, Mercedes-Benz wants to main- the side profile is rounded tain a status quo with the all-new replacement off with extra generous wide and strongly believes that it is a whole genera- wrap-around tail lights also with tion ahead of the competition. Perhaps this is LEDs. an understatement? Maybe, Audi could pro- The interior design follows the vide an answer. Though the proportions are philosophy of timeless tradition the same and profile similar to the outgoing and combines elegance with innova- car, the incoming car sports has a completely tive details and the focus is handcrafts- audi’s aNswer to m-b cls: 2011 a7 sportback, Now iN the opeN

Could it be the rapid progress and rise of Audi making Mercedes-Benz a bit nervous? In Munich last month, Rupert Stadler, chairman of the Board of Management officially unveiled the new A7 Sportback. The five-door, fastback coupe is Audi’s response into the sport coupe segment with four doors, a segment pioneered by Mercedes with the CLS in 2003. Audi also describes its car as a combination of elegant coupe, sport saloon and practical wagon. The A7 will feature a lightweight body made with aluminum components and high-tech steels, which will allow for it to be powered solely by a set of V6 engines - at least at first. Audi will surely V8 power to the mix later. Did the unveil of this car make rival Mer- cedes-Benz nervous so much so that it hast- ily released some details of its second gen- eration CLS Class weeks before it official Paris Rupert Stadler, chairman of the Board of Management AuDi AG at the world Premiere of the unveil? new Audi A7 Sportback in Munich

51 {Road Test} Compelling entry

a little late to arrive in the region, the us-built malibu is chevrolet’s mid-size saloon answer in a segment traditionally dominated by the Japanese brands. can it cut through fierce rivalry in the region? automan decides.

| Author: Chandan B Mallik

52 {Road Test}

ometimes it is better to come late, es- Inside the Malibu, is a cabin which has tak- pecially in the car business where fierce en every advantage the platform could offer Scompetition in some segments can ruin and it’s the space management in the car that your chances, if you are unprepared for any delights. The tester was top spec LTZ, which eventuality. The task becomes even more dif- had two-tone leather in shades of brown and ficult if a country specific model has to com- black with the theme continuing all around pete with an array of highly successful global the car. Seats come with contrast pipe stitch- models. And this is where the Malibu finds ing and they are cushy and comfortable. The itself. only niggle, which seemed a bit odd in the But the foundation of the Malibu is rock package was the oversized steering wheel. solid. Although the car is built in North Amer- The headliner material looked as if it might ica, it uses GM’s highly popular Epsilon front have been swiped from an ultra luxury car wheel drive architecture which was originally such as the Maybach. While, the interior’s at- developed by Opel for GM as a universal mid- tention to detail perfectly complements car’s size front-wheel drive platform. As it happens, exterior and there’s a nice balance of ergo- the Epsilon is GM’s highest volume worldwide nomic design and usage of premium quality platform and the benefits of this platform, we feel materials including the leather effect on discover as we move on. the instrument panel. We liked the integrated, Compared to the previous edition of the flowing instrument panel features a Chevro- Malibu, the current generation of the Malibu let-signature dual-cockpit design, somewhat initially debuted with a front face design fea- reminding us of the 60s Corvette styling with turing a wide grille split horizontally by a prom- prominent gauges backlit in blue, and metal- inent chrome bar that ran the entire width of lic or wood grain accents. While the cabin is the car, which it seems was intended to make nicely designed, it is attractive and built with it resemble Chevrolet’s trucks. However, in tight tolerances. However, there are some 2006, as part of a major design review, the hard plastics that detract from an otherwise front end was updated with more convention- first-rate interior. al styling which meant that the chrome bar While there’s plenty of front-seat room, at was removed, and the grille became smaller, first glance, space at the rear appears abit bearing a striking resemblance to the grille restricted if you take into account the seg- on the previous generation Malibu. The rear ment’s benchmark standards. Less noticeable end of the car sports a short boot and initially are some thoughtful features such as ambient we thought the twin round taillamps were a lighting, a feature usually associated with ex- bit oversized and out of places, but on closer pensive luxury cars. inspection, they seem to pay homage to the And the element of practicality hasn’t been Corvette. forgotten at all. The car has great storage The overall design of the Malibu can be with thoughtful features that maximize utility, described as being stylish with a Saville Row including a deep centre console with a slid- personality due to its strong stance. The car’s ing cover that opens to accommodate larger proportions are elegant, and exterior stylists items. Also standard is an auxiliary in-dash have given it clean and pure lines. A direct storage compartment on the instrument panel benefit of using the Europe designed- plat for sunglasses, CDs and other items. An avail- form is that the wheels have been pushed to able rear power centre provides a household- the corners, thereby ensuring a longer wheel style AC power outlet and rear seats fold bases than the segment’s two major rival – 60:40 to allow for more cargo space. Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The Malibu One of the features, we think is highly ap- is also lower than these two and gets a longer propriate for our markets and that is remote greenhouse and a shorter boot. Over all, the starting. This features lets the driver start the Malibu is longer than the Toyota, but short- car by pressing a button on the key fob, allow- er than the Honda. In the length, width and ing the car to warm up and the same feature height departments, the Malibu is dwarfed by can be used with air-conditioning on swelter- a new Korean competitor – the Kia Cadenza. ing summer afternoons to cool the cabin be- However, in overall length the Cadenza and fore a drive. Malibu are almost identical. The Malibu LTZ, which is top spec in the

53 {Road Test}

<< considering a fiercely competitive segment, we think the malibu can stand up well against the opposition – the toyota camry and honda accord in particular, which arguably are the gold standards of mid-sized saloons>>

Driving impressions

We spent considerable time with this car and through the left pedal, which links to four disc powerful and smooth. clocked over 600km during the test period. Al- brakes and an on-board computer with anti- The ride-and-handling trade-off is suited to the though, the car is a comfortable place to be in, lock action as well as GM’s high-tech Stabili- audience. Pushed to its limits, the suspension the raked A- and wide C-pillars do affect the Trak. proved difficult to disrupt, although there was field vision a bit, but the side mirrors take care While, steering is firm and precise due to too much dive under hard braking. In general, of any anxiety relating to blind spot manage- speed-sensing variable assistance, it does re- the car goes down the road like a large car ment. The car was a bit of a shocker because mind us of pricier touring saloons of European and is able to strike a nice balance between it was unlike driving a V6-powered GM product origin as its weight builds predictably, but well-controlled handling and an even ride. with such terrific engine isolation. The Chevy sadly it doesn’t offer much real road feel, and Of course, like any other car, the Chevy isn’t surprised as with its excellent sound dead- for our preferences, we still think the steer- without fault. The brake pedal appeared to be ening qualities and even when the car was ing wheel is a bit too large in diameter and a mushier and we observed that fuel economy pushed near to full throttle, it was extremely smaller one would definitely add to a sportier average of 16.3mpg was not exactly what we quiet. The buck doesn’t just stop there, either. feel. were expecting. We think this is due to the Cross wind roar, tyre and road noise -- all have As expected, the driveline exhibits some car’s portly 1,660kg curb weight. The rear been filtered to superbly low levels. This ele- torque-steer at full throttle, but, overall, the seat suffered from comfort and surprisingly ment itself in part lends to the rise in quality braking action and performance is on par there’s no headrest for the middle passenger appeal. with anything else in this class of vehicles and who also has to bear with the least shoulder The engine is pretty responsive to the tap of trustworthy in panic situations. The engine room. The greater niggle we noted when shift- the foot and surging power from can prove purrs merrily and the six-speed automatic is ing into manual mode was that the transmis- a bit too much for some of the fast corners. quick to shift, up and down, smoothly. The en- sion doesn’t automatically always drop down One has to remember this is not a sports sa- gine, which GM says has nine different sound to a lower gear. loon and hence occasionally requires a check attenuators in the air intake system, sounds

54 {Road Test}

range adds automatic climate control, eight- suspension and a multi-link rear suspension for Highway Safety awarded the Malibu its way power driver’s seat, six-way power pas- with front and rear stabilizer bars. The sway highest rating of “Good” for its performance in senger’s seat, heated power mirrors, auto- bars in the LTZ are bigger because there’s a the frontal-offset and side crash tests.The LTZ dimming driver’s-side exterior mirror, iPod heavier V6 in the engine compartment. also gets GM’s new DOHC normally-aspirated adapter, eight-speaker 210-watt stereo sys- As a family car, safety features are com- 3.6-litre V6 with variable valve timing. It of- tem, remote engine starting, fog lights, clear- prehensive, with front, side and side-curtain fers 252hp at 6,300 rpm and torque is pitched lens LED taillamps and P225/50R18 tyres on airbags, tyre-pressure monitoring, ABS with to 251 ft-lbs at 3,200 rpm. Powere is routed alloy wheels. brake assist, and StabiliTrak electronic stabil- to the front wheels via six-speed automatic The suspension package in the LTZ sug- ity control with traction control. In US govern- transmission with Tiptronic. The manual shift- gests a balance between supple rides with the ment crash tests, the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu ing is accomplished via paddle shifters on the ability to take on a sporty character when in has scored a perfect five stars in all frontal and multifunction steering wheel. need. There’s MacPherson struts in the front side crash categories. The Insurance Institute

<< the malibu’s dual-port grille is characteristic of the new face of chevrolet cars and the twin round taillamps are chevrolet cues, too, with ltz models distinguished by front fog lamps and led-lit taillamps. >>

Verdict

The Chevrolet Malibu is a superb mid-sized saloon that confidently competes with the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Ford Fusion. Malibu blends a smooth ride with responsive handling, a quiet interior, ef- fective crash performance and noteworthy build quality. For GM, it is a distinctly different level of car. However, there are downsides to the Malibu that keep it from being a true class leader as a family car.

55 {Also driven} Driven by desire

56 {Also driven}

nveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, for 2011, and specifically for the oman Kia’s California-based studio designed USoul crossover MPV, which was mar- market, kia’s cute and compact crossover, keted globally as model year 2010, has now become an acknowledged entry level global the soul, gets a soft lifestyle makeover. lifestyle model. While the global industry has | Author: Chandan B Mallik taken a significant hit in volumes and market shares, Kia Motors and Hyundai are perhaps the only non-premium global players that not only have remained immune to the market pressures, but have confidently increased market shares and introduced an array of new models across the line-up. Kia can boast of having the freshest line-up in the business today. In fact, Kia posted 26.0 per cent global sales growth in July across general markets, Korea, North America, Europe and China. In some overseas markets, the Soul faces competition from models such as the Daihat- su Materia, Nissan Cube or ScionB, under- neath its quirky styling is a heavily modified Rio platform which many in the business thought was rather unusual for building a new crossover. But the point they [the crit- ics] have missed is the fact that Kia’s core competency is not just engineering flexibility, but also design under the tutelage of ex-Audi designer Peter Schreyer. The mildly revisited for 2011 Soul sports the now familiar tiger grille and retains its original profile with some cosmetic and aesthetic changes. The changes haven’t altered or interfered with the ground clearance or short front and rear overhangs in the car. The Soul isn’t as boxy as the Materia or as bloated as the Nissan Cube [not sold in our region] and it now looks funkier with the 18in alloys shod with sporty low profile 225/45 tyres and glossy garnish below the grille and some chrome embellishments. The car does retain its functional advantages when it comes to hauling four or five adult passen- ger in its tall boy cabin and ultra high levels of flexibility in managing cargo space remain unaltered. There’s adequate space behind the rear seats for normal errands, while any- thing more will require folding the 60:40 split rear seats and there’s also a usable storage compartment under the rear floor where one can keep necessities out of view. While the interior mostly remains un- changed, the LED-lit mood speakers have been replaced by conventional ones. As a global lifestyle car, the fabric-bound interior was originally designed with bespoke acces- sories in mind [which are not available in Oman due to legal/police restrictions], but there’s still a lot of youthfulness in its design

57 {Also driven}

and functional attributes besides top class Eu- Driving rope-rivaling build quality and tolerances. One of the major issues many short drivers For a car that weighs close to 1,200kg, the car seems to have become a bit sharper with the felt was related to rear view and blind spot could have done with a bit more power and at application of larger wheels. The solid brakes management especially during reverse park- least an extra cog or two in the transmission. add to the around-town fun, not because you ing has been addressed – there’s a camera The current powertrain package in the Soul is use them hard in the city, but because they’re now with the display on the mirror. There’s adequate for most day-to-day purposes, but smooth, tight and responsive, with pedal pres- still no provision for satellite navigation even compared to say a similar displacement , sure that’s just right and the absence of ABS as option. In terms of other lifestyle kit the it lacks that spirited or sporty punch. But what is not really felt. In the smaller wheeled ver- car comes with Bluetooth/I Pod connectiv- the auto-transmission lacks in torque deliv- sions, we remember a lot of drivers felt that it ity, Lexus-type electroluminescent Optitron ery is made up with the engagement of the was a bit dull and had a numb on-centre feel instrument illumination and a stylish central manual Tiptronic which allows access to extra and a nonlinear effort. Around town, we found console and multifunctional three-spoke steer- torque for the power boost when required, the larger wheeled Soul much more refined in ing wheel. which is quite handy and more than adequate that aspect, decently comfortable. Meanwhile, Standard safety equipment includes front- during overtaking. In general the car feels the ride quality which used to be choppy on wheel discs stability control, front side airbags European in nature and particularly in the the highway in the smaller wheeled cars, is and side curtain airbags. ABS has been dis- handling department, it has the capability of now much settled, predictable and comfort- continued. However, powertrain package con- rivaling the MINI, thanks to its stiff McPherson able. The Soul is aimed at a young-at-heart, tinues with the normally aspirated 1.6-cylinder suspension set-up and road holding from the fashion-conscious demographic and revised CVVT engine which offers 123hp and 167Nm fat low profile tyres combo. The wheels which packaging aims to help customers feel more of torque and four-speed automatic transmis- are literally pushed out to the far corners in aspirational and comfortable in a similar vein sion with Tiptronic function. the car offer a refined go-kart feel. Surprising- as the MINI ly, the feedback from hydraulic power steering

58 {Also driven}

<< you could call the soul a compact “tall Verdict hatchback” with unique styling. one of peter We think the 2011 Kia Soul is a compelling entry as a lifestyle-cum-soft utility, a segment schreyer’s earlier creations, it was designed where very few manufacturers have dared to come in. It offers a pleasant driving character, to open up an all-new segment for kia lots of usable space, good build quality, loads of available features, a reasonable price and motors >> bullet-proof warranty package. The model is available in one trim only.

The black valance has now a glossy ef- fect and large 18in wheels shod wth low profile sports tyres not only make the car look smarter and handle better.

59 {also driven} Form over function

styling and modern technology were the two major selling points of the ford edge when it was introduced as a midsize suv in the crowded crossover market in 2007. automan re-discovers the stylish car

| Author: Chandan B Mallik | Images: Shakeel Al Baloushi

60 {also driven}

ord North America has been known to have embarked upon ambitious design Fprogrammes and the latest chapter in its new and bold design language is no better exhibited than in the Fusion saloon and Edge Crossover SUV which were launched in 2007 as series production models. Both models and in particular the all-new five-seater Edge has been credited to a large extent of actu- ally breaking Ford’s usually conservatively- designed language. Although, Ford has toyed with some radical design ideas in the past, it was with the crossover design that it was able to communicate its intentions of what it calls ‘bold American design’. In fact, the generous response to these two vehicles in the domes- tic and overseas markets has also given the inspiration and direction to Ford as to how it moves forward. The Edge as a design package offers decent proportions with clean body lines and has a somewhat aggressive stance for a crossover. As a two-row five seater SUV, physically, the Edge is not small vehicle despite falling in the mid-sized crossover segment and it is well known fact that the crossover segment has grown by leaps and bounds over the years. And this means intense competition also within the segment. One common fact in the crossover SUV segment is that most new ground-up models are larger than they look as a result of their respective design and profile. The Edge is built on the Ford’s CD3 plat- form, technically the same architecture as Ford’s Fusion saloon. In the region, the cur- rent model remains essentially unchanged since its introduction in 2007, but for 2011, a mid-cycle facelift is due. The current Edge that is sold is not just about styling only as it tries to blend form with function and offers several choices of trim and kit. Although, the 2010 Ford Edge comes in four trim levels in North America represented by SE, SEL, Lim- ited, and Sport variants, only two trims – the SEL and Limited are available in our region. And both these variants are powered by a common 3.5-litre V6 Duratec engine that produces 265hp and 370Nm of torque when coupled to a six-speed automatic transmis- sion. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all- wheel drive is also available. The Edge SEL represents the second model up [from US trim perspective] and add several features such as fog lamps, six-way power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, keyless keypad entry, six-disc CD changer, automatic headlights, auto-dim-

61 {also driven}

ming rearview mirror, and a vehicle informa- that it actually is bigger than what the photos efits of a long wheelbase and stretched out tion centre plus 18in chrome wheels shod suggest. The reason for that is that it has a wheels, there’s generous amount of room for with 245/60R18 tyres. Meanwhile, the Limited wide track and a long wheelbase with short both front and rear occupants. For the driver, edition has all these, but adds leather-bound overhangs. In the Ford SUV family, the Edge the central console is angled outward to make interior, panoramic roof, dual-zone automatic is almost eight inches shorter in overall length it easy to reach the large knobs for the climate climate control and Ford’s Sync entertainment than the Ford Explorer yet its wheelbase is and entertainment controls. View all around is and communications system. Our tester was just over two inches shorter. Also, the track on generous.The rear seats actually offer more the top end Limited. the Edge is over three inches wider while the room than in the larger Explorer. Headroom is While photographing the Edge we felt overall width is about two inches wider. This also reasonable in the rear, even with the Pan- means that, in relation to the Explorer and aromic roof. Cargo carrying is an area where speaking proportionately, the Edge has the Edge excels as the flexibility offered is out- it wheels pushed outward, closer to the standing by industry standards. The tailgate corners, both in length and width, which opens to reveal a wide opening and pressing helps gives it a wider and longer stance a button automatically reclines the rear seats on the road and as we discovered later, its to open up storage space on a nearly flat floor. pleasant on-road manners.The cabin of the Furthermore, the front passenger seatback Edge is a nice place to be in. Since the car can be folded forward to provide a mostly rides a bit high, hence getting in and out level floor space for long objects all the way to of the car doesn’t require the skills of an the dashboard. The rear seatback splits 60:40 accomplished acrobat. As befits the -ben for increased versatility.

Driving impressions

During our sojourn behind the wheel, vided good feedback but doesn’t offer much one does appreciate the sprightly per- road feel, so the Edge feels solid and predict- formance provided by the Duratec V6 able in its handling.While the Edge is not de- engine, and the smoothness of the six- signed for off-road use, it has a decent ground speed automatic transmission in clearance of eight inches and favourable ap- the first few kilometres. The Edge proach angle of 16.5 degrees, departure angle on road is much different in feel than of 26.6 degrees), and ramp break-over angle the Explorer as it benefits from its of 17.2 degrees. These will enable the car to car-like independent suspension set- perform light off-road duties in the hands of up and hence delivers more fun than a skilled driver despite the absence of typi- expected despite its size and weight. cal driver-assisted 4WD aids. The four-wheel The car’s basic architecture and taut disc brakes worked well and the assurance of suspension set-up contributes to its han- Ford’s AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, dling as wallowing tendencies as in typical which is standard on all models, includes the body-on-frame set-ups is controlled much functions of ABS and traction control to help effectively. This means you can also swing the driver maintain control in slippery condi- in the car in a fast corner without the fear tions or in emergency avoidance situations of the car going out of line. The higher 24/7. In urban commutes, blind spot manage- centre of gravity somewhat prevents ment had been made easy, thanks to a con- the Edge from being as nimble as a ventional special blind spot rear view instead sports saloon, but the overall pay off of blinking LEDs.In the test car, Ford’s Sync is decent which includes a comfortable communications and entertainment system ride without feeling floaty. was a delight to use as it can be controlled We also noted that the variable valve via voice commands or dashboard buttons. It timing enriched the engine which pro- can recognize Bluetooth-enabled cell phones, duced a reasonably good range of pow- access their phonebooks, and play calls and er at all speeds and the transmission read text messages through the speakers. It shifted smoothly. We would rate the also has a USB interface to connect with iPods performance as middle of the pack and and other MP3 players and it will charge an the benefit of this arrangement is that it iPod also. While Sync is nicely integrated, it does deliver notably good fuel economy. doesn’t take too long to learn and master the The car’s rack-and-pinion steering pro- voice commands.

62 {also driven}

Verdict

The best thing about the Ford typical saloon car owners who will Edge package is that as a midsized discover that they haven’t given up crossover sport utility, it offers bet- much in the way of comfort, con- ter fuel economy and road man- venience and driving dynamics in ners than a similarly sized truck- the Edge. based SUV. We think the Edge will appeal to punters coming from SUVs brands who want a rugged look with and family conveniences. We also think it will do well with cross over buyers also, who are

63 {Motorsports - F1}

A dominant one-two for the Scuderia

64 {Motorsports - F1}

cuderia Ferrari Marlboro rebooted its Spaniard tried to pass the Brazilian on lap 21, “It’s very competitive at the front and that’s challenge for the title with a command- one lap before Button finally pitted to hand how it should be, “said Mark. “I wasn’t in the Sing one-two finish in the 67 lap German the lead back to Felipe. The two Ferrari men fight today, so we’re looking forward to the Grand Prix. Although it is still third in the Con- traded fastest laps, with the gap fluctuating next race.”But the real controversy came in structors’ Championship, it has closed the gap around the one second mark, with Vettel al- front of Sebastian after Massa, who had taken to second placed from 84 to ways in close attendance. the lead at the first corner was over-taken by 64 points. Fernando Alonso stood on the top As has often been the case this season, Fe- Fernando Alonso on lap 49, allowing the Span- step of the podium for the first time since the lipe had been very quick on the soft tyres but iard to take the win. The subsequent discus- opening round in Bahrain, and Felipe Massa was struggling a bit on the hard ones and, sion – and much of the post-race FIA press finished second, also reprising his position at clearly faster, Fernando passed his team-mate conference - revolved around whether or not the Sakhir circuit. Joining them on the podium on lap 45. From then on, the two Ferrari men Felipe had given way to Fernando. was the Red Bull of pole man Sebastian Vet- controlled the pace, even if Vettel was closing Christian Horner was not impressed by the tel. When the red lights went out, Fernando on Felipe rapidly, setting the fastest race lap Italian team’s tactics. He said: “It was surpris- edged alongside Vettel and as the German on the very last lap. ing what happened with the Ferraris, it looked tried to defend his position, Felipe, having Sebastian comes away from his home race to be a team order with the cars switching started behind him in third place, managed to with a podium, but having been beaten by the position. If so, it’s a shame for Formula One get the best line into the first corner to go into Ferraris off the line, he was forced to follow and the fans that they were deprived of a race the lead, followed by his team-mate and Vet- them to the chequered flag – despite fighting between the two Ferrari drivers today.” tel. They were followed by Hamilton, Webber, hard over the 67 laps.Mark began fourth but Helping maintain their lead in both cham- Button, Kubica, Schumacher, Rosberg, with was overtaken by Hamilton on lap one and his pionships, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button Kobayashi tenth. McLaren team-mate Button managed to steal came home in fourth and fifth places. The rest The majority of the field had started on the a march on him on lap 21 after Webber’s RB6 of the points places down to tenth went to softer tyre, so the one planned pit stop came suffered from a problem with oil and finished Webber, Kubica, Rosberg, Schumacher and early on, with Button staying out longest to sixth.Sebastian said: “We finished third and we Petrov. Now the circus moves to Hungary for lead for a while. Fernando changed to the can be proud of that. I’m very pleased to be the next race in just seven days time, where hard tyre on lap 13 and Felipe pitted one lap on the podium – it’s very special for me at my the much improved level of performance of later. However, the run of pit stops did little home grand prix. It’s great to see the people the F10 means that Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro to change the order, and the two Ferrari men here and to be on that podium. To see every- will once again be hoping to challenge for the had a great fight, nearly touching when the one cheering is very nice and emotional.” top places.

65 {Motorsports - F1}

Hungary provides a Red Bull and Ferrari sandwich

eing pushed back to third at the start ted at the same time, which caused chaos, as in a slower car, the Spaniard then had to play may have affected anyone but Mark Robert Kubica in the Renault and Adrian Sutil a cat and mouse game with the German to BWebber who rose to the challenge and in the Force India collided, while Nico Rosberg keep him behind him for around half the 70 with the help of good strategy on a safety car lost a wheel that bounced through the pits. lap race: it was a bravura performance, deal- deployment went on to snatch the first place Webber did not stop and was thus in the ing with the relentless pressure of a faster car at the Hungarian GP. lead, while the run of pit stops saw Lewis on his gearbox. Webber however was well out Fernando Alonso produced a sensational Hamilton in the McLaren get ahead of Felipe, in front, having built up a big enough lead to drive to finish second, while Felipe Massa de- after Ferrari staged a double pit stop which hang onto first place comfortably, after chang- livered a faultless performance on his return went off smoothly. However, the Englishman ing tyres. Fifth place went to Vitaly Petrov in to the Hungaroring, finishing where he started would later park his car at the side of the track, the Renault. Nico Hulkenberg was sixth for Wil- in fourth place. In fact, the thirty points the so that Felipe moved back to fourth where he liams, the last driver to finish on the same lap Scuderia takes into the summer break is prob- stayed to the flag. Webber had opted to stay as the leaders. The rest of the points went to ably slightly more than expected, given the out on track at this time and thus led from Vet- Pedro De La Rosa, Jenson Button, Kamui Ko- week long dominance of the Red Bulls, who tel, Alonso, Hamilton and Felipe. However, on bayashi and Rubens Barrichello in tenth place. finished first and third courtesy of Mark Web- the Safety Car’s last lap, while Webber stuck Going into the compulsory summer break, ber and Sebastian Vettel. close on its tail, Vettel left almost half a pit with a four week gap to the thirteenth round The race was more interesting than might straight distance between him and his team- of the World Championship, the Belgian Grand have been expected at this twisty track, where mate, evidently trying to help him build up a Prix, Fernando’s great drive means he is now overtaking is so difficult. As everyone in the big enough lead before his pit stop. However, just twenty points off the leader in the Drivers’ Ferrari garage had hoped, starting from third this was against the regulations and the Ger- championship and indeed, no less than five on the clean side of the track, Fernando got man was given a drive-through penalty, which drivers are all within these 20 points, so the the jump on Webber at the start to go sec- promoted Fernando to second place, with Fe- rest of the year promises to be a fascinating ond behind Vettel, while Felipe stayed fourth. lipe around 2.5 seconds behind the Red Bull. fight. Felipe has also moved up to sit behind When the Safety Car came out on lap 15 for The pace of the Red Bulls was such that Vettel his team-mate in sixth place, while Ferrari is debris to be cleared, almost the entire field pit- had soon closed right up on Fernando so that, still third in the Constructors’ classification.

66 {Motorsports - F1}

Pirelli complete successful first Formula One tyre test

Pirelli took the first step in their return to Pirelli’s Motorsport Director, Paul Hembery, the FIA Formula One World Championship on explained: “This was the first step of our re- Wednesday when Nick Heidfeld completed a turn to Formula One and we are very satisfied two-day test at the wheel of a Toyota TF109. with how the tyres performed and the informa- Heidfeld, Pirelli’s newly-appointed Formula tion we were able to collect. We concentrated One test driver, sampled prototype versions of on finalising the profile and the construction the Italian company’s PZero Formula One tyre, of the front and rear tyres, which is a process which will be used by all teams from 2011 on- that we will continue over the next few tests wards under a three-year agreement with the that we carry out. FIA, world motorsport’s governing body. “Mugello has quite an abrasive surface with The objective of the test, which was held in long and medium-high-speed corners as well Ferrari to face disci- largely dry and sunny conditions at the Mugel- as hairpins and quick changes of direction so lo circuit in Italy, was to begin the process of it is quite a good proving ground. We are on plinary hearing over determining the front and rear tyre profile and target and we come away from this test with construction that will be used as the basis of lots of data to analyse, which is exactly the team orders the new Formula One tyre. situation we hoped to be in.” Ferrari will appear before the FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) next month fol- lowing their controversial one-two result at July’s German Grand Prix. The Italian team were fined US$100,000 by the Hockenheim race stewards for breaching sporting regulations after Felipe Massa, who had been leading the event, moved aside to allow team mate Fernando Alonso past. The stewards also forwarded their report to the WMSC for further consideration. The disciplinary hearing will take place in Paris on Wednesday, September 8.

Bahrain set to revert to original track lay- out The Bahrain International Circuit, home of the Bahrain Grand Prix, plans to return to its original Formula One track configuration for 2011. It follows the use of an extended layout for this year’s season-opening race. That extended layout, dubbed the ‘endur- ance track’ by organisers, was used as part of Bahrain’s festivities to mark 60 years of the Formula One world championship. It length- ened the lap from 5.412km to 6.299km with an additional complex of nine corners, starting at Turn Four. “As the inaugural round of the Formula One world championship’s 60th anniversary sea- son, it was important for us to celebrate this momentous occasion by doing something very unique and different,” said Shaikh Salman Bin Isa Al Khalifa, the circuit’s acting CEO.

67 {Motorsports - wrc} AL QASSIMI COMPLETES IMPRESSIVE TOP 10 GERMAN FIGHT-BACK

P-Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team’s successful cars in the history of rallying. quered flag at the final Circus Maximus Super Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi secured a After a couple of very testing days, the last Special Stage in the heart of Trier. Bseason-best eighth place finish and four leg of Rally was much shorter with “When we came in for the morning service FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) I was pleased with the way I had driven, points at Rallye Deutschland, complet- but knew I couldn’t be complacent. With ing a remarkable turnaround for the eighth place in his sights, Van Eldik was Emirati star. pushing just as hard. It was essential that The impressive result added to the we kept focused to develop an even bigger fourth place finish for team-mate Jari- time gap and keep our road position,” said Matti Latvala who put in a spirited dis- Al Qassimi, whose best ever result came at play to maintain a strong points scoring the 2009 Acropolis Rally of Greece when position. he secured sixth place. Al Qassimi began the weekend’s ac- It was a double celebration for ADTA- tion in the worst possible way with an backed teams in Germany this weekend opening stage spin out, which left him as, taking inspiration from their Emirati lingering in 21st place. Yet the 34-year- mentor, the Abu Dhabi Junior Driver De- old fought back valiantly in the testing velopment team secured a third consecu- German countryside to clinch his seventh ca- 85 timed kilometres. The crews were back tive podium finish in the Fiesta SportTrophy reer top 10 finish - a result which sees him among the Moselle vine yards and covered International (FSTi). climb to 14th in the overall Drivers’ Champion- the Dhrontal and Moselwein stages twice. The As some of the more experienced FSTi driv- ship. rally finished with the Circus Maximus Super ers, including current leader Harry Hunt, fell And with four rallies still in hand this year, Stage in the streets of Trèves. victim to the course and technical difficulties, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA)- Sébastien Loeb and Dani Sordo, comfort- all three members of ADTA’s backed driver is firmly on-course to top his ably installed in the first two places in their 12th place standing in the 2009 WRC sea- C4 WRCs, left the Trèves service park on son, further cementing his status as the Arab Pirelli P-Zero soft tyres. The Citroën Total world’s most successful WRC points scorer. World Rally Team drivers opted for steadi- “After we spun on our first day I never ness rather than sheer speed as their only thought we would end up in eighth position. aim was to see the finish. “It’s not always We had a lot of time to make up, but we had no obvious, but we wanted to consolidate our problems for the rest of the event and pushed positions insofar as it was possible,” said whenever we could. I hope to secure a top Loeb in the mid-leg service halt. “On soft grass-roots programme ten position in Rally Japan, then who knows, rubber we had more grip on the few damp - Bader Al Jabri, Majed Al Shamsi and Khalil this could be our best season so far,” said Al sections and we were ready to cope with pos- Al Shaikh - produced the best tarmac perfor- Qassimi, who is affectionately called the ‘King sible showers.” mances of their careers to fly home in second, of Jumps’ after he smashed the ‘Colin’s Crest’ With a German top 10 finish in his sights, Al third and fourth in front of a packed crowd award for the biggest leap at Rally Sweden Qassimi started Sunday’s winding road tests assembled at Trier’s historic town centre.Lead- 2008.After monopolizing the first two places with conviction, jumping two places ahead of ing the Team Abu Dhabi driving trio was Al in the opening stage, the Citroën Total World main rivals, Mark Van Eldik and Ken Block, af- Shamsi, who tackled the hairpin bends and Rally Team C4 WRCs gave the French team ter just 22.58km of competition.Not content gravel strewn asphalt that typifies the German another double when the flag fell to signal with a slim 3.3 second lead, the Abu Dhabi rally, with mature consistency throughout the the end of Rally Germany. Sébastien Loeb and star went on to again record faster times than entire event to grab a well earned second Daniel Elena racked up their eighth consecu- Van Eldik in all four of the day’s remaining place finish.“My first asphalt event of the year tive victory in the event setting a new record. stages, as technical problems forced Block couldn’t have gone any better. The result gives Dani Sordo and Diego Vallejo had a fault-free into retirement. me a positive confidence boost and has helped race on their first outing together and rounded Mechanical issues also saw BP-Ford Abu me to develop my tarmac driving skills which off the team’s triumph. This event also saw Dhabi team-mate, Mikko Hirvonen, pull out I hope to utilise for the next event in France,” the 32nd win by the C4 WRC, equalling the of the competition, pushing Al Qassimi into said Al Shamsi, who won at Rally Portugal ear- Xsara WRC’s score putting it among the most eighth place, which he held until the che- lier this year.

68 {Motorsports - wrc} CITROëN SCORES A dOuBLE POdIuM – MISSES THE TOP SPOT

ari-Matti Latvala won Neste Oil Rally Fin- gravel event, withstood late pressure from seconds in front of Sébastien Loeb and Dan- land, round eight of the 2010 FIA World factory Citroen pilot Sebastien Ogier to secure iel Elena. This double podium has helped the JRally Championship. Co-driven by Miikka an emotional home victory. Citroën Total World Rally Team to increase its Anttila, Latvala took the lead on stage seven The Citroën Total World Rally Team crews lead in the FIA Manufacturers’ World Cham- and drove without error to land his second win improved their positions on the second day pionship. of the season. of Rally Finland. Sébastien Ogier and Julien “It’s a dream and I can’t even imagine it The Finn, who breaks Markku Alen’s record Ingrassia in their first race for the works team, yet,” said the works Ford Focus pilot. “It’s as the youngest winner of the high-speed finished in a magnificent second place a few something I’ve been dreaming of since I was

a small boy. The fans in Finland are fantastic by 4.7s and said he could not have gone any the WRC, said: “For sure he can win the world and I’ve won in front of my home spectators. faster in his privateer Citroen. “I tried very title. This year is difficult but for sure he will When we did the second last stage it started hard but factory teams are factory teams,” win it one day.” to go in the right direction and we were a said Solberg. “We have been fast but we’re a Alen, who has won in Finland on six occa- little on the safe side. It’s amazing, a big relief small rally team doing the best we can.” sions, visited the rally and was full of praise and a fantastic rally. Our team has done really Spaniard Dani Sordo secured fifth overall for Latvala. He said: “The important thing is a hard work and this victory is for the team.” on his first run with the Citroen Junior Team. Finnish driver wins the 1000 Lakes Rally as I After a short night, the crews left the Jyväs- He said: “Fifth is not bad but I am not happy still call it. It will be a very special feeling for kylä service park in pouring rain. Around 100 with my performance. The car was good, not Jari-Matti because when I won in Finland they kms from there, the stages of the first of the always perfect, but after a very good test and were amongst my favourite wins as if you’re a three loops were also soaking wet. Sébastien the first stages there was no more from me. Finn you want to win Rally Finland. He drove Ogier was on the pace straight away in the We need to be better the next time.” very well and I was really impressed.” rally setting the fastest time in Kolonkulma Latvala became the ninth different Finn- Hannu Mikkola, world rally champion in (SS12). In Väärinmaja, the longest stage of ish driver to win the event and the youngest 1983, also attended the event and paid trib- the event, it was Sébastien Loeb’s turn to stun ever after breaking Markku Alen’s record set ute to Latvala. the onlookers. By setting the second-best in 1976. “It was a good fight and I’m very pleased time, Ogier took second place from Petter Alen was 25 years and five months old to see him and Ford at the top,” said Mikkola. Solberg and got to within 15s of the leader, when he triumphed on home soil in a Fiat, “He has clearly grown up because he had a lot Jari-Matti Latvala! The latter fought back in while Latvala was 25 years and three months of pressure on him and handled it very well. the following stage, but the C4 WRC drivers when he beat Sebastien Ogier into first place When I was younger I had two dreams: one were more than pleased at the end of the first in Jyvaskyla at the weekend. was to win the rally, the other was to win the three stages. Four-time world champion Juha Kankkunen, Finnish championship. This is a real sign of Petter Solberg lost out on a podium finish who finished eighth on his one-off return to how good Jari-Matti can be.”

69 {Motorsports - wrc}

Rival teams welcome MINI to the WRC fold

osses of the Ford and Citroen teams have turers will come in the future,” said Quesnel. would happen. It can only be a benefit to the Bwelcomed MINI’s decision to tackle a se- “For Citroen to have MINI, especially because championship and I hope MINI coming in has lected programme of world championship ral- the desired effect.” lies in 2011 ahead of a full attack from 2012. Both Quesnel and Wilson re- Citroen team head Olivier Quesnel said the called early memories of MINI announcement by MINI last month was a firm competing in its heyday in the indication that the WRC was set for a bright 1960s with the Cooper S model. future, while Malcolm Wilson, his counterpart “My memory was as an eight- at Ford, said the move sent out a “great mes- year-old watching it on the RAC sage” for the WRC. Rally in Whinlatter,” said Wilson. “It’s really good news for WRC first of all “It was such a small car with and now I’m really sure the worst is behind sparks coming off the sump us because we can think that other manufac- guard but no other cars were do- ing that.” Quesnel said: “When I was young I used to live in Cannes and I went to see the Monte we will have the DS3, is the best [Carlo Rally] with my scooter when I was 16. news we can have. We are very I went to see during the night and I see the pleased.” MINI. It was a good choice.” Wilson added: “It’s great it’s Speaking to World Rally Radio, David Rich- been confirmed because it’s ards, whose organisation is develop- been on the cards for so long. It ing the MINI Countryman WRCs, added: “The sends out a great message for championship has so much to offer. It’s had a the WRC that we’ve got another difficult period but now with a clear calendar important manufacturer coming and future, plus an injection of new manufac- into the championship, which is turers, it’s on its way back up. I’m pretty sure something we’ve all been hoping MINI coming will wake up a lot of people.” Volkswagen ‘more than interested’ in WRC entry

he head of Volkswagen’s motorsport divi- a new WRC programme, Nissen said: “We’ve two years and that means if in the short future Tsion says the manufacturer could be com- been looking into this for more than a year. - I’m talking about the next months - we could peting in the World Rally Championship as We think it’s very interesting and I have never make a decision we could be there in 2013 early as 2013 if plans are given the green light made a secret out of it. The fact is we are but if not we can be there in 2014,” explained in the coming months. very, very happy to see MINI and now there Nissen. VW’s motorsport director Kris Nissen spoke will be three manufacturers.“We are very hap- “We are really very pleased to see the way of the company’s interest in building a World py with the cooperation of Jean Todt and the the rally is going and we also need to think Rally Car during Rallye Deutschland, where FIA. In two or three years we will see even about the history of motorsport. We have al- the firm launched its latest Dakar challenger, more interesting rally for the spectators and ways had cars on the track, especially F1 cars, the Race Touareg 3.Volkswagen also had a for the people at the races. That’s something we have Le Mans cars - which is also a historic strong presence on the stages last week, with we like to hear and we are more than inter- race - and we have the rally. The rally has former double World Rally Champion Carlos ested,” he added. always been there, in different formats, but Sainz opening the roads at the wheel of a bio- That interest could lead to the development it has always been there. I really think that fuelled VW Scirocco Zero Car. of a brand new Volkswagen World Rally Car the World Rally Championship is one of the Commenting on speculation that Volkswa- version of the Polo, Golf or Scirocco. most interesting sports in motorsport you can gen was close to following MINI in announcing “When we press the button we need about have.”

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this month, raj warrior looks at the trend towards a generic standard in car design

an you hark back to the time you first drove a car? Depending on your age and circumstances, it may be quite a while back, however you are sure to Cremember the first lessons you got on where all the controls lay. In most cases the actual location of the controls like the headlight switches, turn indicator stalk and the wiper controls would vary depending on the particular make of car. To the driver of many years ago, the accepted layout of the dashboard and the controls was the one they inherited in their first car. If you switched cars for any reason, including the most anticipated one of being able to afford a new car, the chances were that you spent a few days hitting the wrong switches due to the ‘hard wiring’ that your reflexes had gone through in the old car.

Nowadays the chance of that happening is a lot less. Governments have stepped in to make it easier for drivers and less of a danger to the road user by stipulating standards that fit. Most cars sold in Oman have the light stalk on the left and the wiper stalk on the right. Of course, every car has the steering wheel on the left! But there are still some cars that stick out with headlight knobs on the dashboard, combined turn indicator and wiper controls and even cruise control stalks located where you would expect the turn indicator to be. The other oddity is usually around the gearshift lever. Manual gearshifts get variants of an H pattern – but the reverse gear actuation can vary from a push to corner to a sliding boss actuator. In the case of automatics and tiptronics the story is the same. You have a straight path, J-gate, mirrored J and to complicate matters the +/- activation can be front-back, back- front or side to side. Let’s not even get started on the variation of cruise controls Raj Warrior is editor of Automan and has been in with their fixed stalk, revolving stalk, steering wheel mount and the lot. the thick of the Automotive journalism field from the past 15 years. To the normal driver it hardly matters. Refer to the opening statement. You get Want to comment or have your say? hard-wired to the way your car is presented. To a car journalist, it makes the variety Email at [email protected]. we drive quite spicy. You discover small things like not having familiarised yourself Identify yourself or your message will be trashed with the location of the hazard switch before driving off. Or to the international and your id blocked traveller who goes from a left-hand drive market to a right-hand drive one and spends a couple of days getting the hard-wired bit undone. That does involve a few random wiper activations in perfectly dry weather. And by the time you have unlearnt and re-programmed, it is time to start the reverse process.

Now what is most ironical is that all these variations are present despite the trend to standardise. Vendors love standardisation, while designers and car lovers take the opposite stance. Customisation and tuning in all its forms comes from that desire to be distinct, even if that means flaunting 24-inch alloy wheels, a firebrand decal and a body colour that would make puce go green with envy. So you be the judge of whether you are better off with a standardised cabin or one that stands out because of the deviant layout.

I am all for variations – from speedometer consoles that would look at home on a motorcycle to electric parking brakes that can’t make up their minds whether they release when pulled up or pushed down or a sound system that stays on till you switch off and open the door. It’s what make cars unique, packaging interesting and my job that much more meaningful.

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