Au 160 Find us Online : www.automan.me | Facebook: AutomanMag | Twitter: @automanmag | Youtube: AutomanVideo OMR 0.500 AED 10 QR 10 now, the region’s Best Automotive Resource DEC 2014 Issue no 160 toma n DEC 2014 2015 M a s e r at i Gr a nC a bri o & Gr a nT o uris mo | 2015 F e rr a ri 458 S p ec i a l e | VW X L

S p o r t | Re n a ul t E o l a b | Pe u geot Qu a r t z | S EMA & L A M oto r S h ow s | M oto rsp o r t s

cover story 36-43 2015 granturismo and grancabrio 2015 44-49 2015 458 speciale Granturismo NEXT ISSUE Centennial edition of and regional news 36 2015 6-14 Trucks introduce reinvented Maserati sports lincoln mkc line-up in Qatar, Refreshed 2015 Porsche Cayenne in Oman, Dramatic regional unveil of Ford’s all-new Mustang in Dubai,Ford’s new business unit now fully functional,Motoring extravaganza in Dubai, ‘Inspired Light By Infiniti’, High- octane drifting at the Red Bull Park Drift Grand Final, Harley-Davidson Open House Day held in Oman, Lotus F1 drivers captivate Dubai Mall visitors, ‘YALLA MINI’ Roadshow programme touches the Sultanate

exclusive 16-17 2015 aston martin lagonda progress

COVERstory | 2014 automan coty 18-20 nominees announced

brandwatch 22-24 Maybach badge returns as top-of- the-line S-Class, AMG releases details of new trim levels, Mercedes now owns 25 per cent of MV Agusta, Infiniti to preview 26 next Q60 with Detroit concept, Infiniti appoints new creative agency, Mazda begins Mexico production, SsanYong names its forthcoming SUV, MINI to limit model expansion, Hyundai Genesis tops ANCAP ratings, More cars included in Takata airbag recall, Total names new CEO

International news spotlight 26-29 2014 sema Show report 30-32 2014 la Motor Show report

special feature 56 34-35 past, present and future cars Car crazy central in Poles apart when it comes to presenting cars at SEMA or LA First drives 30 50-54 2015 audi a8l 70 56-61 2015 mercedes-benz e400 cabrio concept car previews 62-65 ferrari fxx k 66-67 44 50 68-69 quartz 70-71 toyota C-HWR 72-75 vw Xl sport

MOTORSPORTS 76-79 F1 ready for 2015 season with many changes, regional motorsports, porsche gt3 cup, mondiale finale in

Chicane 80 Interstellar and the great void editor-in-chief Mohammad Al Taie

AL ROYA PRESS & PUBLISHING PO Box: 343, Postal Code 118 Al Harthy Complex Sultanate of Oman

Email: [email protected] 100, 90, 80, 70 and could we reach 60? No, that isn’t the result of applying brakes on a Website: www.automan.me speeding car or indeed seeking newer and lower speed limits. By now everyone knows Editorial office: that the most logical association to this sequence is the drop in the price of crude oil as Tel: +968 24479888 Extn 300, Fax: +968 24479889 measured in dollars per barrel. Distribution: Tel: +968 24490386, Fax: +968 24121045 Subscription: It seems almost inconceivable that we are witnessing this sustained drop in prices. The Tel: +968 24493701, Fax: +968 24121045 last time there was any significant downward pressure on oil prices was at the height of the financial mess as economies contracted and demand for oil fell. Post 2010 that slump publisher Hatim Al Taie [email protected] has been pushed aside, with a massive rebound in many places of the world, with only a few pockets still facing recessionary pressures. So then what’s happening to bring cheer EDITOR & GM to the faces of government officials in oil-importing countries, while giving heartburn to Raj Warrior [email protected] their colleagues in exporting nations? executive EDITOR Chandan B Mallik [email protected] Politics and commerce as so intricately bound together that you just cannot see where one contributing EDITOR ends and the other begins. Low oil prices hurt Russia, hopefully keeping them busy while Anne Kurian [email protected] the Ukraine imbroglio is sorted out. But it also hurts the intrepid US shale gas producer who uses fracking as a means of extracting trapped pockets at a higher cost. It definitely HEAD OF Design Antony Karlo will hurt Oman if it sustains for any length of time as our relatively higher cost of extraction associated with enhanced recovery methods needs a better sale price. The timing is also photography bad, since the relatively higher prices of the past years had allowed the government to Elvis John Ferrao embark on some strategic infrastructure improvements that will come online over the next marketing few years. Sayantani Ghosh [email protected] circulation However, there is an underlying certainty – the price will rebound some day. The moot [email protected] question is how long will we see these lower prices stay (and will they go as low as 50 dollars)? Knowing how people react to these lower prices at fuel pumps around the world, FINANCE & ADMIN Sumy Mol [email protected] one hopes that the on-going electric and hybrid revolution doesn’t take a hiatus. There is a window of opportunity that technology provides to actually make these new technologies Website & IT so efficient that they make sense even in a low oil price regime. Mohammed F Draz [email protected]

Printer In the meantime, a new law on competition and consumer protection has been passed, Ruwi Modern Printers LLC, Muscat much to the delight of the PACP. It strengthens their hands as they protect the consumer Tel: +968 2479 4167, 2479 8157 Fax: +968 2470 0545 and theoretically encourages competition by allowing more than one source for a product brought into the country. We will definitely keep track of the effects this has on Oman’s © 2014 car market. Wishing all our readers a great 2015! All editorial content of Automan in the magazine and its website is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the management of AL ROYA PRESS & PUBLISHING Now, Automan is available in bookshops in Automan accepts unsolicited exclusive editorial material, but reserves the right to publish any such the United Arab Emirates too! Get your copy material. Once published, the copyright for any or let us know which outlets you would like such material will vest with AL ROYA PRESS & PUBLISHING to see us in topography that are ideal to test a truck to its limits. The new ranges performed extremely well with no Renault issues reported. This is vital for businesses who need to be able to rely fully on their vehicles for the maximum productivity.” Media and guests got an opportunity to Trucks drive the whole range of the new trucks in various body styles around the Losail Race track. The event’s highlight was a grand dinner held at the Diplomatic Club in Doha, reinvents where Herve Bertrand, Director of Design and creator of the new range, said, “This original design, as well as the attention paid by the Hall of Design teams to the sides of the vehicles, has added a great its line-up deal of dynamism to the new ranges.” Renault Trucks in the Middle East has enault Trucks chose Doha as the a strong dealer network in 13 countries news Oman & region location to roll out its completely and has experienced sustainable growth new line-up of trucks. Marking it R over the past three years. Qatar is one as an event that happens only once in of the key markets in the region with an twenty years, the company highlighted expected growth of 30% between 2012 and the huge investment that has been made 2015. to leapfrog ahead of their competition. In addition to that, the event was significant as the company chose to introduce their C and K ranges to the market, on the heels of the D range that they introduced in 2013 as a facelift model. At the launch, Bruno Blin, President of Renault Trucks, said, “In developing Bruno Blin the C and K ranges, we have deployed Lars-Erik Forsbergh significant resources to ensure these vehicles deliver maximum reliability. Each range has undergone rigorous quality trials and have also been exhaustively field tested under actual operating conditions. Ruggedness, driver comfort, payload, pulling capacity, and easy body mounting are the features which set these trucks apart and make these the perfect tools for demanding businesses.” Bruno Blin, continued: “Both new ranges have been designed and developed in close association with international customers, who have been involved in the project from the design stage right through to testing under actual operating conditions. “The Renault Trucks C range offers superior driver comfort, exceptional reliability and optimal fuel efficiency, making it ideal for both long-haul and certain construction applications. The K range offers new standards in durability and robustness. The front is 100% steel with protection and has models that suit the harsh demands of the construction industry. Lars-Erik Forsbergh, President Renault Trucks Middle East, said, “These trucks have been tested for over a year in Oman in some of the toughest regional settings. Oman presents the type of extreme conditions in terms of heat and

6 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 7 Harley-Davidson Open House Day held in Oman

arley-Davidson Middle East and North Africa (MENA)’s organised the brand’s ‘Open House Day’ event in Oman Hlast month along with the local dealership. “Every year, the Harley-Davidson community gathers at Open House Days to celebrate riding culture while getting a preview of the latest H-D motorcycles. This year was no different, with local Harley- Davidson dealerships across the Middle East putting together exciting Open House Days to bring together Harley-Davidson enthusiasts, friends and family,” said Elsa Abi Nader, Regional Marketing Manager at Harley-Davidson MENA. The event saw approximately 150 riders meet up at the Harley- Davidson Oman dealership in Muscat for an activity filled day. The Open House Day event also officially launched Harley-Davidson’s 2015 line up of motorcycles in Oman besides promotional activity related to sales by the dealership. “We are delighted with the way the Harley-Davidson community participated in the Oman Open House Day. This year, we’ve combined a superb array of motorcycles with a schedule of exciting events that brought together riding enthusiasts, friends and family for a memorable day,” said Peter Grimshaw, dealer principal at Harley-Davidson Muscat.

8 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dramatic regional unveil of Ford’s all-new Mustang in Dubai news Oman & region

he 112th floor of world’s tallest “Today we planted the Ford flag in the In addition to the new building, the Burj Khalifa in Middle East & Africa, an exciting, vibrant Downtown Dubai served as the region that represents the final frontier Mustang, Ford will also T for growth in the auto industry,” Bill Ford launch platform for a bright yellow 2015 Mustang. Ford Executive Chairman Bill said. “We also sent a message to the world introduce new vehicles Ford came specially for the event which that Mustang is going global after 50 years was viewed live around the world on as America’s greatest motoring icon.” such as the Ford YouTube as well as by approximately And depending on market, the line-up Focus, Ford Fusion 10,000 local fans. will be offered with upgraded V6 and V8 Viewers of the action spectacle witnessed engines. Meanwhile, an all-new 2.3-litre and Lincoln MKC in a dramatic journey that started with a hero EcoBoost® engine that brings state- atop a cliff in Arizona taking an urgent of-the-art technology to Mustang will the Middle East and call. The unknown protagonist raced via also be introduced. The Mustang GT will horseback, airliner, car, helicopter and continue with the latest edition of the Africa. The company jetski to Dubai to deliver the iconic pony throaty 5.0-litre V8, which now features badge. Only in the final scene on the 112th an upgraded valvetrain and cylinder heads also announced the floor of the Burj Khalifa – 399m above the that yield more than 420hp and 529Nm of ground – was the protagonist revealed torque. A new intake manifold improves accelerated rollout of with a wink and a nod as Bill Ford, the low-speed breathing for better fuel many new technologies great-grandson of Henry Ford. economy, idle stability and emissions. to the region, New business unit now fully functional Ford established its new Middle East & Africa business unit this year, which covers including EcoBoost the company’s automotive business in 67 Ford markets in North Africa, Sub-Saharan engines, SYNC in-car Africa, South Africa and Middle East regions. Industry sales in Middle East & Africa are expected to grow 40 percent to 5.5mn vehicles by 2020. To meet new customer connectivity, inflatable demand, Ford pledged to launch 25 vehicles in region by 2016, including the all-new Mustang debuting next year. “A century ago Henry Ford had a vision to open the rear seat belts, MyKey highways to all mankind,” said Jim Benintende, president, Ford Middle East and Africa. “Placing our regional headquarters in Dubai lets us tap the innovation and and other driver assist imagination that’s flourishing here, helping us to bring our founder’s vision to this part of the world.” technologies

10 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 11 or motoring aficionados in the 3.2km tour around the Motor Village. The Bentley, Bugatti, Cadillac, Ferrari, Jaguar, region, the Dubai Grand Parade, second world record was established McLaren, Lamborghini, Porsche, Rolls- Fan annual city-wide motoring for the longest selfie relay when 289 Royce besides iconic two wheeler brands extravaganza featuring the largest convoy of participants joined hands to generate like Harley Davidson, Ducati and Triumph super, luxury and classic cars and bikes in the sheer excitement at Motor Village. among others. A number of participating region is one good reason to hang around. cars were decorated in the colours of the This year the parade took place on UAE national flag in celebration of the November 28 and the programmed UAE’s forthcoming 43rd National Day on kicked off from Meydan Race course in Motoring Tuesday 2nd December. the afternoon. The parade featured over The Dubai Motor Festival 2014 is organised 400 cars and 130 motorbikes in various by the Dubai Festivals and Retail The highlight of the evening was the ‘Inspired Light By Infiniti’, the categories ranging from luxury to extreme Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the extravaganza first of its kind ‘painting by light’ show in the world performed performance. The 45km route took the Department of Tourism and Commerce exclusively by cars, in this case the Infiniti QX70S Elite. Using high- participants in some of the most iconic Marketing (DTCM). Held under the performance engines in a blend of art and technology, precision Dubai landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan and innovation, the QX70S cars created visually mind-blowing Burj Al Arab. bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in Dubai experiences through multi-colored fluorescent lighting, with The event also set two Guinness World The parade featured participants from Crown Prince of Dubai, DMF forms part of the complex yet exquisite choreography conducted by world- Records – the first one being for the UAE’s car clubs and private car owners the emirate’s strategy to use festivals and renowned light painter Patrick Rochon. largest number of car brands [58] in a and included the crème de la crème of events as a means to drive tourism growth single motorcade which completed a automotive brands including Aston Martin, in line with Dubai’s Tourism Vision 2020.

Motoring action reached a peak at the Red Bull Car Park Drift Grand Final, which returned to Dubai once again for its championship-deciding round under the Dubai Motor Festival umbrella. 17 of the finest drifters from around the region played out their passion and skills in front of a packed arena with the intense competition seeing the number of drifters being gradually reduced to eight and then four before Jordanian Ahmad Daham put on a scintillating display of high-speed drifting maneuvers on his Nissan Silvia to be crowned the ‘King of Drift’. Ali Al Baloushi from Oman and Egypt’s Haytham Samir grabbed the second and third spots respectively.

12 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 13 Refreshed 2015 Porsche Cayenne in Oman The 2015 Porsche Cayenne was revealed in the Sultanate last month. Porsche’s top of the line SUV receives a minor facelift and engine upgrades. For the region, the model will be available in five versions: Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne Diesel, Cayenne S Diesel and, for the first time, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid, the first plug-in hybrid in the premium SUV segment. The Cayenne S drops its V8 in favour of a turbo charged V6 without dropping output or torque. With the refresh, Porsche has consciously focused on two significant areas: performance and efficiency. These aspects come in addition to some customary cosmetic tweaks and detailing in jewelry.

‘YALLA MINI’ Roadshow programme touches the Sultanate he MINI Showroom in Al Qurum Container” – a pop-up space which was quite busy last month as was used for branded merchandise Tthe British brand’s custodians promotions, educating customers about organised a brand event involving cars, customisation and in-car connectivity customers and prospects. MINI models among others. on show included the John Cooper Commenting on “Yalla MINI” in Oman, Lotus F1 Works Countryman, Paceman and the Divyendu Kumar, Managing Director of MINI 3-door hatch, which launched Al Jenaibi International Automobiles said: drivers earlier this year. The all-new MINI 5-door “To offer our MINI fans the chance to with three-cylinder engine have fun with the British brand, “MINI was the highlight model for the event Yalla” was the safest and most unique captivate which included an interactive “The platform connecting brand experience with an adventure that focuses on Dubai Mall MINI’s premium build and engineering excellence. visitors Just days before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Lotus drivers Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado, were seen hanging around The Dubai Mall helping a film crew shoot a feature with the , a car which uses technology from Formula One. Both drivers raced down the alleys of The Dubai Mall in this electric car.

14 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 means the rear bulkhead gets extended While Aston Martin has enabling rear occupants extra legroom. However, the central tunnel is as wide as released some more details in the Rapide and there’s a similar bulge about the forthcoming at the rear which effectively restricts the car to a four-seater. Sitting in the front, William Towns-inspired, the VP1 felt no different to a stock Rapide. Birth The interior of the prototype [especially carbon-fibre bodied Lagonda, the dashboard which was grafted from Automan has exclusive the Rapide] is more representative than an actual final product, however, the details on how the car’s involvement of Aston Martin’s Q branch in the cabin doesn’t go entirely unnoticed of the development is moving and the car was rich in leather bound hand-stitched elements. forward The powertrain in the Lagonda which is Author: Chandan B Mallik same as the Rapide S remains untouched Photography: Elvis John Ferrao and so is the air-conditioning hardware. Interestingly, the cabin volume of the Lagonda Rapide S and the Lagonda is identical. This is because of the absence of the bulkhead in the Rapide where the boot area is few weeks ago, Automan revealed with one of the test engineers. the Rapide S. The car is 145mm longer also included in the calculation for air- to the world the first physical The first step of the project began with than the Rapide and the wheelbase is conditioning. A evidence of Aston Martin’s all- the M1. In this stage the car is built with a approximately 110mm longer. Under The next stage of development following new four door . The first working representative body, powertrain but gets the carbon bodied structure, up to the the structural, HVAC testing is to prepare prototype was sent to Oman quietly for no finished interior. The initial engineering A- it identical and internally, up to the a car with customer preferences. Aston a ‘real-time’ 20,000km test programme concepts are worked out on this car and rear transaxle there are no changes. The Martin will offer bespoke solutions very in August. The images of the prototype this car was first photographed wearing main change is post the transaxle which much like Bugatti ensuring exclusivity. otherwise known as VP1 [validation camo. represents the engineering changes. The This month a fully representative model prototype] doing the runs in various So what do we know about the Lagonda propeller shaft connecting the engine to called Taraf was previewed at UAE. And by locations in Oman was shot exclusively sedan after spending a day with the the gearbox is still made out of carbon the end of the year after the component/ by us and during the run, we were able to test team and car? The incoming car’s fibre while the new extension 110mm validation sign off, the first customer discuss some of the car’s fundamentals architecture and powertrain come from tube is made out of alloy. Effectively this production car for sale will made.

16 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 17 Fifty Six Hot Cars shortlisted For this year’s edition It’s taken the Automan team more than a calendar year and thousands of kilometers and various geographical locations to test and evaluate the shortlisted candidates for the third edition of COTY in 2014. From hundreds of cars driven overall with some intense competition within the class/segment categories, the task has been Herculean. With grit, determination and strict time guidelines set, we are happy to present the compilation of vehicles that have made it to this round. Following is the list of editorial nominees and participant recommendations. And the final list of winners will be announced in the third week of next month. So, stay tuned for the final results and Hyundai Sonata Large Car Hyundai Genesis Large Car Audi A3 Premium Car also follow developments on www.automan.me as we break news.

Ssangyong Korando Midsize SUV Lincoln MKC Midsize SUV Lamborghini Huracan Performance Car Cadillac ATS Premium Car Infiniti Q50 Premium Car Mercedes-Benz C Class Premium Car

Mclaren 650S Spider/coupe Performance Car Camaro ZL1 Performance Car Chevrolet Camaro SS Performance Car Bentley CGT V8 S Cadillac XTS V Platinum Luxury Car Maserati Ghibli Luxury Car

Mazda3 Small Car MG6 Small Car MINI Paceman Small Car Maserati GT & GC Centennial Performance Car Kia Soul Hot Hatch Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG Hot Hatch

Mitsubishi Attrage Small Car Toyota Yaris sedan Small Car Ford Fusion Midsize Car MINI Cooper Hot Hatch Volkswagen Golf R Hot Hatch Volkswagen Beetle Hot Hatch

Honda City Midsize Car Lincoln MKZ Midsize Car Honda Accord Large Car Audi TT/TT S T Sports Car Jaguar F-Type Sports Car

18 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 19 Speciale Performance Car Aston Martin Rapide S Luxury Car Aston Martin Vantage S Performance Car

Aston Martin DB9 Sports Car Geely Emgrand 7 Small SUV Ford Ecosport Small SUV

BMW X4 Midsize SUV Jeep Cherokee Midsize SUV Lincoln MKX Midsize SUV

Mitsubishi Outlander Midsize SUV Nissan X-Trail Midsize SUV Subaru Forester Midsize SUV

Kia Sorento Midsize SUV Chevrolet Tahoe Large SUV GMC Yukon Large SUV

Cadillac Escalade Premium SUV Porache Macan Premium SUV Porsche Cayenne Performance SUV

20 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Breaking news Infiniti to preview next Q60 with Detroit concept Breaking news Infiniti will preview the design of its sedan. This follows the logical path of next-generation Q60 coupe with a the current Q60 [previously known as Infiniti appoints new thinly-veiled concept car at the 2015 the G37 coupe] which shares much of Detroit auto show in January. This fact its styling with the previous G37 sedan. creative agency was was confirmed by company design Like the Q50, the Q60 should be ready Infiniti Motor Company Ltd. has selected director Alfonso Albaisa in Los Angeles. for a 328hp version of Infiniti’s 3.7-litre Crispin Porter + Bogusky as its new “On January 13, you’re going to see a V6. However, a new Daimler-sourced global creative advertising agency of concept car that’s very, very, very, very turbocharged four-cylinder could also be record. The agency will partner with Maybach badge close to the next Q60,” said Albaisa. offered as well as the twin-turbo 3.8-litre Infiniti in brand and marketing planning While Albaisa didn’t offer any other V6 from the Nissan GT-R as a performance and creative development, effective returns as top-of- details, but the next Q60 is expected variant. The production version of the immediately. “Crispin Porter + Bogusky to be the two-door version of the Q50 Infiniti Q60 is expected in 2015. has a demonstrated ability launching and nurturing brands and is an excellent match news brandwatch the-line S-Class for our mission: elevating Infiniti to be a Mercedes-Benz’s new uber super luxury bespoke options ordered. Interestingly, Mercedes now global premium brand,” said Vincent Gillet, Infiniti Vice President, Global Marketing. S-Class Maybach flagship was launched the price structure does represent a “Their strength in leveraging multiple simultaneously in the US and China premium of more than US$100,000 on owns 25 per cent communications channels made them the last month. The car has been further the most expensive current S-Class [the stretched by 207mm over the long- of MV Agusta obvious choice as our marketing partner, S65L AMG], but it is also US$400,000 and we look forward to their fresh thinking wheelbase S-Class to provide extra cheaper than the previous-generation Daimler AG has purchased a 25 per cent generous rear legroom. Even at 5,453mm stake in Italian motorcycle maker MV Agusta as we continue growing Infiniti’s stature.” Maybach that cost US$1mn when it via its performance brand Mercedes-AMG. The Infiniti account will be based out of in length, the Mercedes-Maybach is still was launched as a Rolls-Royce and well short of the 5,840mm-long Roll- With the new merger, Daimler joins the the agency’s Colorado, US office, where Bentley alternatively in 2004. The Royce Phantom. A number of special ranks of auto giants Volkswagen and BMW strategic plans and creative work will be S-Class Maybach will be offered with that also have a motorcycle brand under extra-cost packages are available for the developed. Regional offices for the agency their umbrella. The Mercedes-AMG division rear-seat occupants and luxury features 4.7-litre 335kW bi-turbo V8 as the S500 will be established around the globe and 6.0-litre 390kW V12 as the S600. will actually be involved with MV Agusta to service key regional Infiniti markets, include massage function based on the on an inter-personal level in a long-term Externally, the Mercedes-Maybach gets including China, Europe and North America. hot-stone principle, and a “first-class rear partnership, stated the company. suite” package that includes a centre a number of special details to set it apart The Milan based MV Agusta is one of oldest console with cup cooler/heaters and from its smaller S-Class siblings, including European motorcycle makers with an aircraft-style fold-out tables. chrome touches such as radiator illustrious legacy being the recipient of 75 The new Mercedes flagship is expected louvres and Maybach badge on the boot world championship and constructor titles Mazda begins Mexico to cost US$600,000 depending on the and C-pillar. including Moto GP and the Isle of Man over the years. In the last 15 years however, the brand changed several hands including production Proton and more recently Harley-Davidson. Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that production of the Currently, Mercedes-AMG states that the all-new Mazda2 (Mazda Demio in Japan) has begun at Mazda de AMG releases details of merger is restricted in the area of marketing Mexico Vehicle Operation (MMVO), the company’s new plant in and sales with the German auto giant Mexico. MMVO President Keishi Egawa said; “With the start of providing the needed support to MV Agusta. new trim levels production of the all-new Mazda2, operations underway at the Giovanni Castiglioni, President and CEO The performance arm of Mercedes Benz, sport-tuned and all-wheel drive MV Agusta termed the merger as a perfect engine machining plant, and an increase in our annual production AMG which currently offers appearance in select markets. The teaser image brand fit with both the companies sharing capacity, we now have an even stronger production framework and full-on performance packages published by Mercedes-AMG reveals similar attributes for designing high capable of supplying global markets with SKYACTIV products has now created an intermediate that the first two AMG Sport models performance machines with excellence. For of the same high quality level as those made in Japan. At the package called the AMG Sport lineup. will be based on the C-Class and the Mercedes on the other hand, the inclusion of same time, we are pleased to be able to make a contribution This package will slot between regular upcoming MLE Coupe, respectively. The the Agusta brand will allow the automaker to Mexico’s further economic growth.” MMVO is Mazda’s SsanYong names its Mercedes models fitted with the AMG Sport treatment will be gradually address high-performance enthusiasts third global facility to begin manufacturing the all-new Mazda2 optional AMG Sport Package and full- applied to most of the Mercedes lineup with automobiles and motorcycles. In the following Hofu Plant in Japan, where production started in July. forthcoming SUV on AMG-designed cars like the C63 over the coming years and AMG hopes long term though, both companies could SsangYong Motor Company CEO, Yoo Il Lee, has announced the and the 911-fighting GT. AMG Sport- the addition of the new model line will certainly use their expertise to bring forward name of the company’s all new B-segment - Tivoli. The badged cars will benefit from a host of allow its annual sales to top 60,000 cars lightweight technologies as well as compact South Korean unit of India’s Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. plans and more efficient performance engines that mechanical enhancements including a in 2017. This year, AMG is on track to to launch the Tivoli, the brand’s first all-new vehicle which also would power two-wheelers as well as four. introduces SsangYong’s new design language, in four years more powerful engine, bigger brakes, a build a record-breaking 40,000 cars. For the past five years, MV Agusta’s growth has been limited to a double digits and the domestically as early as January 2015. merger with Mercedes-AMG is expected The new car takes its name from Tivoli, the Italian town near to provide the push that the Italian Rome with a reputation for style. Noted for its cultural heritage manufacturer needs. The brand showcased and beautiful location, the gardens at Villa d’Este have inspired the new Brutale 800 RR and Dragster 800 many others to use the name, including the Tivoli Gardens in RR at the EICMA last month, and will enter Copenhagen. The SUV has been under development for the past the touring segment for the first time with three years and will be offered with a 1.6-litre and the new Stradale 800 and Turismo Veloce will complement Ssangyong’s C-segment model line-up which 800 motorcycles. currently includes the Korando crossover.

22 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 23 Christophe de Margerie Total names new CEO Total SA’s directors named refining and chemicals head Patrick Pouyanné as the company’s new chief executive. Pouyanné MINI to limit model expansion will now head the organization after the Reports emerging from Europe suggest This means that some of the more top slot became vacant due to the death that BMW Group has decided to reduce unconventional models, such as the Coupe of Christophe de Margerie in an air crash development costs for MINI, which and could be axed down the road, last month. is seen as the struggling brand in the though the company has not yet formally portfolio. The company will narrow its announced which specific models will be product focus on existing core models, eliminated. Schwarzenbauer suggests that MINI will still including the basic hatchback variants, be working to innovate and evolve in the the Clubman and the Countryman. “It coming years, eventually taking “new an is important to find the right balance unexpected directions.” As with the current between growth on the one hand and trends, an electric offering is expected to be profitability on the other,” MINI’s chief added to the range, while customers will be Peter Schwarzenbauer said at a recent able to choose from more customization media event. options.

Hyundai Genesis tops ANCAP ratings Hyundai Motor’s new , the out of 16 and a side impact protection Genesis, has achieved the highest score score of 16 out of 16. Genesis also scored in the 21-year history of ANCAP testing 2 out of 2 in the pole test and a whiplash – 36.88 points out of a possible 37 and a protection test rating of ‘good’. maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating. A Earlier this year, the all-new Genesis 5 star safety rating is ANCAP’s ultimate was the first and only rear-wheel drive measure of vehicle safety protection vehicle in its class to receive the US More cars included in for occupants and pedestrians. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s demanding assessment includes a (IIHS) highest honour as a 2014 Top Takata airbag recall 64km/h frontal offset test and a 50km/h Safety Pick+. Genesis was also the first side impact test, along with a 29km/h US safety regulators last month expanded rear-wheel drive luxury sedan to earn a pole test, a whiplash test simulating a the number of vehicles in the country that Good rating in the IIHS’s small overlap 32km/h rear-end crash, and a 40km/h may be affected by recalls for potentially crash test. “Genesis is Hyundai’s flagship pedestrian impact protection test. A defective Takata air bags that could spray model and as such offers a high level of minimum number of active safety assist shrapnel at occupants. The US National physical crashworthiness and excellent Highway Traffic Safety Administration technologies (SATs) is also required. The Genesis’ tally of 36.88 points safety features as standard,” said ANCAP (NHTSA) said in a statement the number chairman Lauchlan McIntosh. of vehicles from 10 automakers covered by includes a frontal offset score of 15.88 recalls this year and in 2013 is now 7.8mn, up 28 per cent from the 6.1mn announced earlier. The NHTSA said the new number corrected the vehicle list provided in prior safety bulletins this week, adding some vehicles and excluding others from previous bulletins. Car brands which are affected include Toyota, Honda, Mazda, BMW, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Chrysler, Ford and General Motors. They have been linked to four deaths and resulted in several lawsuits in the US.

24 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 potlight S news

cars, the King Cobra can be replicated by Racing. The car features a one-piece owners of the 2015 Mustang by, as Jamie Chevrolet carbon fibre and Kevlar body and Allison, director of Ford Racing, put it, Chevrolet will debut the sixth-generation designers worked to make the race car “opening the Ford Racing catalogue and version of its Camaro muscle car soon more closely resemble the production getting one of everything.” Also making and hence most of the presentations model by incorporating the Charger’s its debut was a radically modified 1965 were based on the outgoing fifth scalloped sides into the body instead of Mustang notchback built by Ken Block. generation. Chevrolet used the occasion using stickers to recreate the effect. Starring in “Gymkhana 7,” Ken Block’s This year’s edition of the to commemorate the Gen 5’s career Ford Mustang sports a worked-over engine successes with the tuner crowd. Besides That Ford’s Mustang was a tuner/ that produces 845hp and a fully custom cars, Chevrolet also unveiled the Silverado customizer favourite was no better four-wheel-drive system. Elsewhere on High Desert and Tahoe / Suburban Premium displayed out here. And thanks to the the SEMA show floor were dozens of Speciality Equipment Market Outdoors concepts besides Silverado impressive work by dozens of Mustang Mustangs owned and built by passionate Car Polaris ACE+ concept. The three customized customizers, the 2015 Mustang was able fans of the brand. On the truck side, four Corvettes on display included the Corvette to add another award to its extensive F-150s with similar modifications were Z06 Parts concept and a 1971 Corvette C1 for trophy cabinet: Hottest Car of the 2014 on show but it was the Bushwacker Association [SEMA] NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson. SEMA Show. Making its debut was Ford off-road support F-150 equipped with a razy Dodge Racing’s “King Cobra,” a supercharged Skyjacker lift kit, Bushwacker mudguard c Dodge and Mopar unveiled the 2015 Mustang GT decked out in Ford Racing flares and 20in wheels with 35in off- Charger R/T Funny Car which has been components. Unlike most SEMA project central was just as explosive as ever! jointly developed with Don Schumacher

26 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 27 performance arm this year, and the a preview for the forthcoming US-spec Vito. division is celebrating at this year’s SEMA to four half-barrel kegs of Ballast Point’s Scion Show with a quartet of tuned off-roaders Sonata co-developed with Bisimoto finest beer. There are also handmade The results of Toyota’s US-only brand based on the 4Runner, Tacoma and Tundra. Hyundai Engineering which essentaially is a heavily cabinets and stainless steel counters. Scion’s Tuner Challenge projects were Toyota’s Tundra-based monster trucks road tyres represented practicality and The South Korean automaker stormed modified race-spec one-off that comes Lexus unveiled ahead of their debut at the pay tribute to emergency responders who the TSDesigns F-150 was more lifestyle into SEMA with five concepts. Top of with a turbocharged four-cylinder 2.4-litre Lexus unveiled two customized RC F SEMA show. Scion’s annual challenge dedicate their lives to keeping members of focused with lowered suspension, a the list was ARK Performance’s AR550 engine developing whopping 708bhp. -- the Gordon Ting / Beyond invites tuners to apply $15,000 worth of their communities safe. They have special cover and 24in Forgiato wheels. Genesis [with body kit and performance Kia Marketing RC F and the VIP Auto Salon modifications in a 90-day interval on a paintwork and come with Bushwacker Honda exhaust while the Toca Signature Edition Kia unveiled a handful of sporty concepts RC F. The former featured a carbon Scion for the SEMA show and this year mudguard flares, Fab-Fours bumpers, a No less than nine customized versions Genesis uses the V8 5.0-litre engine which at SEMA and the cars included the High- fibre front splitter and side diffusers, rather than giving the cars to tuners, 10+ inch suspension lift kit allowing fitment of the 2015 Fit/Jazz were at the Honda has received a Garrett twin-turbo setup Performance K900 and Smitten Ice Cream Brembo brakes and 20in alloy wheels with Scion decided to ask three media outlets of 20in rims with 40in Toyo tyres. The stands. The most popular of them all is as well as an ARK Performance exhaust Soul EV, Ballast Point Sedona which is Yokohama Advan Sport tyres. The car’s to participate in the project: Super Street, truck also boasts a number of TRD parts the Kylie Tjin Special Edition. The eight system which together have boosted being billed as “one of the most heavily 5.0-litre has been equipped Speedhunters and GT Channel. Apart including a supercharger, air filter, sports other customized Fit versions included output to 600bhp. Meanwhile, Blood Type modified SEMA vehicles Kia has ever with a high-performance air intake, a from these three cars, Scion will also exhaust system and large brake Kit. Bisimoto Spec Car for Norm Reeves Racing Genesis Coupe comes equipped produced.” Designed to be a mobile bar, sports exhaust system and a nitrous system. be showcasing a targa FR-S along with Toyota also unveiled the Camry Sleeper. Honda, Kenny Vinces 2015 Honda Fit, with a Precision Turbo turbocharger, the Sedona features a hand-formed solid The latter creation came with Lexon body customized xB and tC models The deceptive car featured a 5.7-litre V8 Bisimoto Fit Turbo, HPD B-Spec Concept custom intake and intercooler, bespoke mahogany shell with a flip-top roof and kit and a Seafoam green paint job. Toyota engine that produces more than 850bhp Race Car, Kontrabrands A.M.L. (Active full exhaust kit and nitrous injection. All fold-down front bar. The has also Mercedes-Benz Toyota marks the 35th anniversary under its skin. Metropolitan Lifestyle) 2015 Honda Fit, these upgrades have allowed the engine been equipped with two functioning Mercedes-Benz introduced four van- of its Toyota Racing Development MAD Industries 2015 Honda Fit, Spoon to develop an amazing 1,000bhp. Two Micro Matic taps, a “jockey box” with 120- based concepts which are said to serve as Sports Super Taikyu 2015 Honda Fit and modded Sonatas also made their debut. feet of copper beer-cooling coils and up another one packed with dealer-installed The JP Edition Sonata, a more serious Honda Genuine Accessories.

28 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 29 Barely a few weeks after the European automotive extravaganza 2014 in Paris, the last show for the year on North American soil was held in Los Angeles last month. And, here too, among the familiar potlight Los Angeles faces were some surprises too. Here are the key highlights S

from the show. Author: Chandan B Mallik Motor Show Chrysler Ford

Chrysler unveiled the 2015MY 300 at the dawn of the Los Ford celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Explorer on Angeles Auto Show. At first glance it looks like the design home ground by unveiling a facelifted model. In its instantly

was largely carried over but upon closer inspection there are recognizable profile, the facelifted crossover adopts a new news several subtle revisions. The interior is revised and improved front bumper, a revised grille and restyled . The according to Chrysler. Key engineering changes include styling changes are less noticeable out back but include new new cast aluminium axles, updated electric power steering tail lamps and an optimized functional . Meanwhile, system, improved adaptive cruise control, forward collision the interior is said to be evolutionary as it adopts higher warning, lane departure warning and other similar safety quality materials and key element is a new centre console and assistance systems. with “proper buttons.”

Audi Bentley Audi is focusing on design for its future cars and the first Bentley has brought the Gran project back hint of this has come, thanks to the Prolugue concept car. on the table and is currently in the process of taking a The hand-built full-size coupe is a rolling exhibition of Audi’s production decision on the Mulsanne convertible, therefore, future. Executives hinted tha some design elements from it also raises the possibility of a coupe variant. Bentley has the car’s interior and exterior will be incorporated into the been off the flagship coupe and convertible market and is next generation of Audi’s large car portfolio, starting with looking at a possible return. Well, as a , the the new Audi A8 sedan due for sale in 2017. Bentley Grand Convertible certainly points in that direction. Honda Kia

The Fit or Jazz compact hatchback as we know it has Making its North American premiere in Los Angeles was been refreshed extensively inside out and Honda’s third the 2014 Sorento midsize crossover SUV. Although, it is a generation versatile 5-door subcompact promises to bring mid-generation refresh, but with 80 per cent of the seven- back consumers to its fold. The versatility of the 2015 Honda seater’s parts either brand new or redesigned, including Fit is fundamental to its design. With class-leading interior the chassis and cabin architecture, it’s essentially an all- space and versatility, courtesy of its center-mounted fuel new model. The US-spec model has an upscale design tank and ingenious Magic Seat®, the Fit epitomizes smart with a “tiger-nose” grille that features a three-dimensional functionality with spacious and comfortable seating for five diamond pattern. Three engine variants will be offered. BMW Lincoln and the ability to carry voluminous cargo, including long and All three engines are mated to a six-speed automatic tall items. which can be paired to an optional all-wheel The second model making a debut was Honda’s newest and drive system. Both 2015 BMW X5 M and X6 M SUV models made their world Lincoln kept its three year promise by introduced the smallest SUV – the HR-V. Set to go on sale early next year in debut at the Los Angeles refreshed Navigator SUV along with the new MKC the US, the crossover will slot below CR-V and will compete with the likes of and Mazda CX-3.

Lexus

Volkswagen Volvo The LF-C2 concept that made its global debut here is a Porsche design study in the form of a 2+2 roadster and explores key VW’s GTI based roadster concept is certainly a globe-trotter. Following an online premiere from the beginning of the styling themes involved in the Lexus brand’s future, bolder Meanwhile, the Golf R 400 is designed to whet the appetites of month, Volvo officially showcased the V60 Cross Country The 2015 911 GTS and Cayenne GTS were the key two styling direction. The LF-C2 is also a luxury Grand Touring those wanting more than just the regular fare. during the Los Angeles Auto Show. introductions out here concept inspired by the brand’s passion for driving.

30 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 31 Mazda Toyota

Resurgent Mazda debuted the all-new Mazda CX-3 crossover Toyota showed the production version of the fuel-cell SUV, which is the fifth model in Mazda’s line-up of new- driven Mirai and also confirmed that the car would go on generation vehicles that feature the full range of SKYACTIV sale in California in 2015. Already launched in Japan, the technology and KODO - Soul of Motion design. The new CX-3 Mirai(Japanese for “future”) is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle offers all the essentials people look for in a car: a design of which is one of the first hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles to be sold overwhelming quality and style, packaging developed solely commercially. Toyota plans to build 700 vehicles for global with the customer ease-of-use in mind, and the responsive sales during 2015. driving feel.

Cadillac Chevrolet

Cadillac officially unveiled the 2016 ATS-V Sedan and Coupe, Besides the usual array of cars from the line-up, Chevrolet’s ahead of their debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, but that stand did have a rather unusual attraction in the form of a didn’t dampen the mood of the audience. Cadillac describes concept car – the Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo concept. the car as a “dual-purpose luxury performer,” and hence Designed to pay tribute to the “innovative race cars” that the ATS-V gets an aggressive front face with a mesh grille Chevrolet and Chaparral Racing developed more than 45 and larger air intakes.The interior largely carries over from years ago, the Chaparral 2X has a composite chassis and the standard model but gains carbon fibre trim and a unique an extremely aerodynamic body that requires the driver instrument cluster with V Series graphics. Customers can to lay face down with their arms and legs splayed toward also order Recaro performance seats which feature leather the wheels. Power is provided by a laser-based propulsion and sueded microfiber upholstery. A twin-turbo 3.6-litre system that draws inspiration from “advanced work V6 engine powers the car and produces 455bhp 603Nm of targeted at space travel and future aircraft design.” The mid- torque. It can be connected to either a six-speed manual mounted laser propulsion system pulses of light that focus transmission (with Active Rev Match) or an optional eight- in a shroud creating shock waves that generate tremendous speed automatic with mounted paddle thrust. The laser is powered by lithium-ion batteries and shifters. The models can be equipped with Carbon Fiber and an air-powered generator which help the car to produce Track packages and the latter includes a lightweight battery 900bhp. Chevrolet says this will enable the concept to and a Performance Data Recorder. Both cars get stiffer accelerate from 0-96km/h in 1.5secs before hitting a top chassis with a unique shock tower-to-plenum brace, stronger speed of 386km/h. The second concept on display was rear cradle-to-rocker braces and engine compartment the Colorado ZR2 concept pick-up truck which has been V-braces. Engineers also installed a retuned suspension, an designed to preview a possible off-road variant. The concept electronic limited-slip differential, Magnetic Ride Control and truck featured a rugged front end, revised grille design, tow a high-performance Brembo braking system. hooks and an integrated winch.

32 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 1914 Hotchkiss AD 20/30 HP 2eme serie LIMOUSINE

1970 SM

1932 Fiat 508 S Balilla Coppa d’Oro

1935 Voisin C28 Aerosport Prototype 1978 Citroen Mehari

1925 FordModel T 1997 MINI “Paul Smith” Coupe

While this year’s Paris Motor Show saw plenty of exciting new car launches, from Audi to Volvo and everything in between, but the real gems from automotive history were exhibited in hall # 8. Automan took a tour of fascinating automotive excellence since 1897 1897 Panhard & lECASSOR M2F 1982 Renault Formula 1 Type Re30 Photography: Chandan B Mallik

1935 1939 Talbot Lago T150C SS 1939 1971 Maserati Boomerang cabriolet (ACX2) Concept-Car Ital Design

2008 Citroen 2 CV par Hermes 1968 Alfa Romeo Carabo 1971 Alfa Romeo Montreal Coupe Bertone

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Type W198 I

1939 Citroen Traction 11 B cabriolet 1950 Fourgonnette 1970 Mercedes-Benz C111-II 1970 Toyota 2000 GT 1999 Renault Concept-Car Avantime

1937 Peugeot 402 Eclipse 1964 La FACEL HK II 1958 Subaru 360 2001 Renault Concept-Car Talisman 2011 Smart <> 2010 Prototype COURREGES “Pixi”

34 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 35 Maserati GT & GC Centennial

The Trident’s Centennial Twins

It’s Maserati’s 100th year and what better way to celebrate than to offer twin Centennial packs on the outgoing GranTurismo/GranCabrio twins?

Author: Raj Warrior | Photographs: Jorge Ferrari & Author

36 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 37 n occasion as important future story, certainly one where we talk as a centennial deserves The Centennial about the imperative of fuel-efficiency in to be celebrated. After all, editions of luxury marques. getting those two coveted For now, let’s celebrate the opportunity orbs implies that a car Maserati’s sports to drive the twin sports cars. It’s no Abrand has been able to stick to its long great secret that the new Alfieri concept game, weathering markets, business cars leverage their will spawn a production version by next cycles and the unstoppable march of year, the basis for the future sports car. technology to be selling products to highest variants In that context you have to marvel that customers for so long. You just have to a car born in 2007 still stays as modern remember that this year also marks the ahead with special and relevant as the GT does – but seeing centenary of the First World War and as to how even the Quattroporte (whose you have an idea of how long the brand paint, alloy wheels platform is the base of the car) has has stuck around. received a new generation of structure To mark the 100 year mark in the region, and interior and technology, it is little wonder that a Maserati played host to media from replacement is around the corner. various parts of the world that are trims making the However special editions, especially overseen by the Dubai operations – right those that come in to keep older model here in Oman. Based at the Shangrila GranTurismo and lines relevant do have some immediate Barr al Jissah Resort, the brand brought GranCabrio remain advantages in terms of the packaging together various engine and trim levels and both the Trident twins have that in of its Quattroporte and Ghibli sedans, interesting even as good measure. including a rather healthy diesel version Company officials highlight that the of the latter. The Quattroporte naturally they reach the end centennial cars are MC based with the also debuted its new entry-level engine coupe being based on the Stradale. taken from the Ghibli – the 3.0-litre of their product So what do you get extra? There’s V6 turbo unit. But these rather run-of- three more shades of three-layered the-mill models will be highlighted in a cycle. paint over the four already earmarked

38 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 39 for the Stradale. You get a further supercar wannabes are largely moving towards Sifah. The engine is highly exclusive choice of alloy wheel designs, to the benefits of a DSG gearbox. responsive, with the nice throaty feel interestingly with the Centenary logo Slightly more weight admittedly but of a high-revving naturally aspirated V8 raised on the hub.. There are also two offset by some rather quick gear that imparts its share of torque exactly signature colours for the cars - Magma changes, so quick in fact that most when you need. In the context of a red and Inchiostro blue for the GT owners can’t match the sprint. Add to modern gearbox, the robotised manual and GC respectively as shown in all that the increased use of lightweight does feel clunky. There is an almost the photos we have taken here. And construction techniques using predictable feel to the way the gears go the interiors also get a special edition composites, carbon-fibre and aluminium. scream, bang, scream through the gates treatment with centenary logos around The best thing about these cars is while you wonder at the environmental the cabin and seats as well as on the that they aren’t small – they take the mismatch to the beach road you are sill, while the colour scheme is largely property of a larger wheelbase into new hurtling along. On a track it would be black with carbon-fibre inserts in the territory by offering space in the cabin, so natural, actually behaving like most GT and white with blue inserts in the while maintaining a feline profile. The race drivers would as it keeps the engine GranCabrio. engine is the Stradale’s race engineered in the sweet spot of around 5,000 So is that enough of a reason to buy 4.7-litre V8 unit with 460hp on tap rpm. Here, you feel like shifting up way either? Hardly, except for the and redline that’s well north of 7,000 before that, just to keep the car more modicum of exclusivity that rpm. Matched with a robotised manual composed. the three-digits provide. What 6-speed unit derived from the Ferrari On the other hand the robotised manual should push your decision along stable, the cars still stay very track is completely free of the slow speed is that you’re bound to get a usable though they aren’t actually kitted jerkiness that characters the box on the good package to incentivise out with four-point harnesses. Aston Vantage for example. you in the purchase and you The coupe is of course the better car Now the car’s weight is above 1800kgs will be buying cars that have to speed away in – it isn’t significantly but you don’t get any of the tail-wag pretty solid, if a bit aging lighter, but it is stiffer and you can feel that you may associate with that. underpinnings. You have to note the extra torsional rigidity as you do a Around the corners there is just a feel of that the current generation of quick crest and turn on the roads out some transfer of weight sideways, but

40 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 41 Umberto Cini, Managing Director of Maserati Global Overseas Markets, said: “2014 is an important year for Maserati. We are celebrating our centennial anniversary – an important milestone where we honour our history, but at the same time keep our eyes firmly fixed on the future. Through exciting new products, strong investment into production facilities and network infrastructure as well as by entering new markets, we are on track to achieving our global goal of producing 50,000 per annum while remaining true to what Maserati stands for.”

The company has just announced its 2014 third quarter results. With 26,428 vehicles delivered to customers in the first three quarters of 2014 and increase of over 250 per cent over the same period last year (September YTD 2013: 7,548), Maserati has already far eclipsed sales of 2013 overall. the chassis stays brilliantly on track and goes around a turning point at speed but To be fair to Maserati, we know that the you can power in as much as you want. a very linear move into and out of that bulk of their newfound success must The track manners of both the cars are stance. be coming from the good-mannered further enhanced by the immediate The seat architecture is balanced sedans that they are selling in increasing road-feel of the steering. The power between the needs of an out-and-out numbers. It’s hard to say no to the assist is variable with a nice level of race car and a road going tourer. You power of the Quattroporte or the value- firmness coming in once you hit highway aren’t actually going to drive a track day for-brand positioning of the Ghibli. But speeds. The steering wheel is small and in these seats, but the padding is firm, if you really want to feel the nature of well padded, allowing you to keep both with ample back support and easy entry the beast you have to drive the sports hands on it as you negotiate hairpin along with the full measure of power cars. You can opt your way from the turns and bends. In the nature of a adjustment. The infotainment system safety of a Comfort mode to the outright sporty grand tourer, you get the feel of is the one point where the brand really immediacy of a full-blown track mode the road through your hands and the needs to take a hard second look – you and the car seems built for the occasion seat – with the lowered suspension and can feel the Chrysler sourcing there and in either situation. stiffer springs it would be impossible to we know that the next generation of miss. There is a level of lean as the car Maserati’s cars will have a new look.

42 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 43 2014 Ferrari 458 Speciale Ferrari has once again excelled in transforming a decent road going berlinneta, the 458, which was introduced in 2010 into a genuine track focused car called 458 Speciale for 2014. Automan experienced the car in Dubai and discovered how Maranello accomplished the job Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: author and Nabeel Ferzan

errari’s product planners seem offered without air-conditioning and track to be quite good mind readers purists can even order the car without when it comes to generating radio or CD player. Giving the Speciale ideas for a new product or a its individualistic visual identity are the model line expansion. Ferrari’s new forged wheels, vents in the bonnet, Fengineering team is also accomplished finned side sills, taller rear spoiler and and is able to support the product drive redesigned bumpers. The car is so special as envisaged. As is the tradition with all for Ferrari that it even gets its own stripes! modern mid-engined like the 458 The bumpers are also functional and and its derivatives [458 Italia and 458 include active aerodynamics designed Spider], Maranello created a great car, but by Ferrari Styling Centre in cooperation the question that lingered was something with Pininfarina. They may appear small, like this: how to keep interest in the car but the front and rear movable flaps and take it to the next level? In terms of are specifically designed to balance positioning, Ferrari is very clear where it downforce and cut drag at speed. The 458 wants this new addition to be: the 458 Speciale has an downforce (Cl) value of Speciale has to be the top performing 0.53. Thanks to active aerodynamics, the model in the 458 family on all accounts latter does not penalise the Cd which is without compromise. just 0.35. Ferrari’s obsession with aero- I think someone at Maranello must have elements for a road-baised car is at its thought on the lines of ‘what if…’ the peak out here. Meanwhile, at the rear, 458 could reach out to its users as an the 458’s triple exhaust tips have been even more focused sports car that offers replaced with a conventional set-up placed It’s so extreme driving emotions? Well, that’s slightly higher up in the valance. the impression we [myself and colleague So how and when do these Nabeel Ferzan] got after spending a long aerodynamically-inspired elements work? day and several hundred kilometers of At relatively low speeds, when the vertical driving in and around UAE with the car. flaps are closed they channel air into The recipe used in this car is more the radiators to ensure cooling for the Special[e] engineering focused and by this we mean engine. However, at speeds in excess of Special[e] that elements deemed necessary – be 170 km/h, the flaps open, reducing the it weight saving measures or advanced volume of air flowing into the radiators, aerodynamic tweaks among others thereby cutting drag. At speeds of over have being meticulously addressed. The 220km/h the horizontal flap lowers to weight saving chapter is quite interesting. balance downforce between the front and In cold climate markets, the car will be rear axles, leading to a 20 per cent shift

44 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 45 in overall downforce towards the rear. (SSC) to improve car control on the limit. distribution between the two wheels Meanwhile, the turning vanes at either SSC performs instant-to-instant analysis (via integration with the E-Diff electronic side of the front bumper slow the air of the car’s side slip, comparing it with differential). With all these elements in flow which increases downforce, thereby the package the weight to power ratio shifting the aerodynamic balance 4 per To an extent, (1,290 kg dry, 1,395 kg at the kerb, 90 less cent over the front. Obviously, a lot of than the standard 458) is equal to 2.13 precision work has been done to extract unprecedented kg/cv. In building the engine, Ferrari has every ounce of performance. used its F1 technology transfer expertise, As expected, the spec sheet suggests in the previous including the production processes. And further optimization of power-to-weight Challenge Stradale since the engine is capable of revving aspects and as a result, the software to around 9,000rpm, it uses redesigned managing the engine has been revised and 430 Scuderia pistons made from a new material that along with power bump to 597hp at 9,000 reduces overall mass. Ferrari claims that rpm. Torque stands at 540Nm at 6,000 special series, this new materials were also used for the rpm and this makes the mid-rear-mounted connecting rod bushings while specific 4,497 cc direct injection engine he most new is a heat treatment (DLC: Diamond-Like powerful naturally aspirated 8-cylinder Carbon) on the piston pins makes for which Ferrari has ever developed. Among befitting result of greater fatigue and wear resistance. key engineering challenges besides Ferrari’s commitment On the suspension front, the Speciale just boosting power was to improve gets 25 per cent stiffer springs, improved torque across the entire power curve and application of magnetic shock absorbers, slightly softer and this exercise involved increasing anti-roll bars and upgraded ceramic the compression ratio to an exceptional extreme technology, brakes. The pleasant thing about the car is 14:1, the highest value ever achieved by that inside the cabin, even where there’s a naturally-aspirated V8, which in turn driving thrills and evidence of weight optimization with was achieved by cleverly altering piston application of lots of carbon fibre – even geometries. performance in a road the familiar dashboard is made out of Meanwhile, to help enhance performance going car this lightweight extreme composite – the and handling due to powertrain car doesn’t appear to be stripped of its enhancements, the car’s electronic the target value and then optimising both essentials nor there’s any inconvenience systems were updated. Ferrari engineers torque management (via integration caused to driver or passenger due to a have introduced side slip angle control with F1-Trac traction control) and torque roll cage [it doesn’t exist here] or absence

46 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 47 of luxury elements like the Alcantara-roof straight line or around a track. Ferrari has doesn’t overwhelm its occupants on the liner. The thickness of the glass used has improved on the 458’s sublime chassis move with unpredictablity. It remains calm been reduced to cut weight, while the rear with a fresh dose of clever technology and surprisingly is very smooth even at windscreen is now a polycarbonate panel. and engineering and the fruits of these normal road going speeds which we found The balance in packaging for the typical enhancements are quite evident when you pleasantly surprising over the recently Middle East user is well thought for. drive the car. tested McLaren 650S. Steering weighted Irrespective of whether it’s a regular patch well and basically point and shoot with no Driving impressions of road or on the track, drivers will surely questions asked. Due to road and traffic The drive to Jebel Jais mountain route feel connected with the 458 Speciale, conditions, we could drive in sports mode, in Ras Al Khaimah is quite popular with thanks to the lightning fast speeds with but not in the Manettino RACE or CT OFF the motoring fraternity these days as it which it responds to every input and the option, where we are aware that the 458 allows drivers to extract undiluted driving consequently natural control that it offers. Speciale would transform into a track car pleasure – be it a sports car or supercar Even in extreme manoeuvres, this finely- personality. In this extreme mode the without penalties. Once settled in, we tuned handling chassis balance enables car makes the most of available grip for find that the onboard ergonomics are the car to reach the highest performance improved acceleration out of corners, functional with all controls clustered levels of any Ferrari V8 that we have greater ease and control on the limit, around the driver and on the F1-inspired experienced till date. and more consistent performance. To steering wheel. This concept has been The F1 dual-clutch transmission is a exploit this aspect fully, it is obvious that a further enhanced by the use of the iconic blast to operate. It now features a new controlled setting [like Dubai Autodrome/ bridge, a carbon-fibre wing that extends control logic that delivers an even keener Yas Marina] is definitely recommended! over the central tunnel section, putting sense of urgency during gear shifts. Overall, there’s this sophisticated go-kart the F1 gearbox controls at an ideal angle The car feels much sportier as it shifts feel all along. to the driver. There is also a comfortable up through the gears, with response leg rest cushion on the driver’s side of the time to commands more prompt than Verdict tunnel. ever, thereby guaranteeing 40 per cent The perfect road legal with sharper The Jebel Jais winding route which runs faster longitudinal acceleration with reflexes Ferrari 458 Speciale joins the for several kilometres offers pretty fast engine revs adapting 20 per cent more Ferrari range alongside the regular fare corners in both directions which in turn rapidly. Conversely with the Fast-Down and like all specially created Ferraris it is demands concentration from the driver’s Shift strategy, when down-shifting, the aimed at a specific kind of user. In this part and complete faith in the car. This transient time required for engine revs to case, those looking for more track day car’s chassis set-up is very good even in match the gear ratio is 44 per cent faster. type of fun without actually having to go sport mode which does help a spirited The computers in the car are programmed into the cumbersome bolt-on/off process, driver to overcoming a driving challenge to reduce the differential locking torque here comes a perfect factory designed and motivate one to push to higher levels during understeer package. of achievement. We note that the car is to liven up the at its best behaviour over really twisty handling. On routes with demanding switchbacks and oversteer, the camber changes. The car’s Michelin Pilot differential unlocks Sport Cup2 tyres really do their job well in and F1-Trac cuts keeping the car in contact with the road. engine power to Thanks to an additional 35hp and roughly keep the rear end 90kg less mass and a retuned exhaust, the from overtaking the Speciale is slightly louder than the regular front. The beauty 458. Its 7-speed gearbox is programmed to of the programme shift faster, while steering is calibrated to is that it’s working offer quicker turn-in and most of all bigger even when you’re brakes help it stop shorter. This means, not exploring the the Speciale is a notch above the car on extremes of those which it’s based in most departments and scenarios and as a on performance/dynamic level, be it in a result, the Speciale

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS • Engine type : V8 - 90° • Total displacement: 4,495cc • Max. power output: 605 cv @ 9,000 rpm • Max. torque: 540 Nm @ 6,000 rpm • Weight: 1,290 kg • Weight/power ratio: 2.13 kg/cv • Performance • 0-100 km/h: 3.0s • 0-200 km/h: 9.1s • Top speed: >325 km/h (>202 mph) • Fiorano lap time: 1’23”5 • CO2 emissions: 275 gr/km (with HELE System)

48 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 49 2014 Audi A8L

A tasteful proposition Audi presents its updated A8L, its successful top-of-the-line flagship sedan for 2014 and keeps the momentum going. Automan spent some quality time with this refreshed car in UAE recently Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: author and Nabeel Ferzan

ven three years after it was silhouette is retained and model gets up front. Meanwhile, in all versions except launched, Audi’s top A8 sedan minor cosmetic upgrades. Exterior the S8, the exhaust system terminates in and its variants including updates are minimal, but there’s just two large, trapezoidal tailpipe tips on each the LWB A8L have been able enough to differentiate the car now. side of the rear end. Fine chrome strips to impress punters with As before, the car maintains its longer, and high-gloss black window frames round Eits impressive blend of performance, lower and wider stance and with its long out the revised design. There is a choice technology and luxury packaging. While wheelbase it still can claim to be the of 12 exterior colours, including five new the current model series was introduced biggest luxury sedan in the class. The most ones. Wheel sizes range up to 21in for all in 2011, it came with an evolutionary evident new feature in the car evident is models. approach. Dimensionally, it was bigger the latest technology-driven Matrix LED In car construction technology, of course, than the outgoing model and Audi headlamps up front [see box]. For better Audi is quite ahead with aluminium and showered the premium car with ample air flow, the surfaces of the lamps have this aspect ensures that the A8 and doses of luxury along with technological been flattened, and grille contours redone longer A8L still weighs less than most of wizardry. and some minor tweaks have been given its rivals. The key factor in its lightweight As a result, the A8 and A8L overtook to the lower valance. Even with the new construction is the body, which except for many rivals and prompted other German headlamp arrangement, this car radiates the B-pillars is made entirely of aluminium. premium brands like Mercedes-Benz understated elegance with its well- The smallest A8 is 5,140mm long on a to thoroughly re-package their S-Class proportioned profile and stance. From the wheelbase of 2,990mm meters. It sports offering. Meanwhile, the third German broad shoulders to the long rear doors to a width of 1,950mm and is 1,460mm tall premium brand BMW is yet to showcase a the signature six-window it is which means that dimensions remain revolutionary interpretation of the aging 7 impossible to find an unattractive angle. unchanged. The A8 L gains an additional Series as a befitting rival. The LED lamps at the rear of the car have 130mm in both length and wheelbase. For the current refresh, the familiar also been revised in line with the revisions Both body variants have a drag coefficient

50 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 51 of just Cd 0.27 with a TFSI engine. and 440Nm of torque and this engine is Audi interiors are really impressive in paired with a fast and smooth-shifting, design and the refreshed car continues eight-speed tiptronic electronically with the benchmark tradition. As a result, controlled automatic transmission and there’s comfortable accommodation, is paired with quattro permanent all- generous head and leg room and soft wheel drive. For this top end model Audi touch surfaces all around. In terms of complements this with the optional sport features, there’s strategic customizable differential, which distributes the power indirect lighting, tasteful wood accents between the rear wheels as needed. and premium switchgear plus the usual The feature comes from the sportier S8 array of kit. Despite the abundance of and is designed to give the luxury car its premium luxury features and multiple enthusiastic driving character. functions, the car’s operating concept The A8 and A8L owe their sporty handling character in large part to the chassis In the automotive where axle load distribution is balanced, and all wheel control arms are made of food chain especially aluminium. The Audi drive select system, which enables the driver to influence the in the Middle East, function of various technical modules such as the steering and the accelerator most premium characteristic, is standard. It also controls the adaptive air suspension with brands fight tooth adaptive damping, which adjusts the body’s to the speed driven. and nail to be at Audi also offers the air suspension with a sporty setup upon request. The car’s the top and hence power steering now uses an efficient electromechanical drive that reduces cars offered in this fuel consumption and also enables the use of numerous assistance systems. The segment come with optional dynamic steering varies its ratio with the car’s speed. their respective New assistance systems which made their debuts in the A8 when launched including latest technologies, Audi active lane assist, which makes slight steering adjustments when necessary, and premium the park assist system with 360° display, which handles steering when parking are powerplants and continued as part of the feature pack. Also the head-up display which is elegantly most extravagant integrated into the instrument panel and projects multiple layers of information luxury features into the driver’s field of vision on the scores top marks in terms of usability. windscreen. The adaptive cruise control Central to the system’s operations is the with stop&go function is coupled with an MMI control unit with the large rotary expanded version of the standard Audi pre pushbutton. Our A8L tester was equipped sense basic safety system. with the MMI navigation plus set-up and the addition is identified by the touchpad Driving impressions at the base of the central console. The One of the things which comes across driver can manually enter characters immediately in this large sedan when on via the MMI touch to control numerous the move from standstill is its prodigious navigation and multimedia functions. torque delivery. The way it has been The technology module Audi connect programmed ensures that this car remains including car phone complements MMI ultra responsive and alert at all times. navigation plus and connects the sedan The acceleration performance from the to the Internet. Occupants can surf and supercharged V6 chips in with no lag and e-mail freely on their mobile devices using the lightweight steering gives the driver the Wi-Fi hotspot. Top end options in the a feeling of a lighter car. As before the car include a high-end Bang & Olufsen Audi A8L excels at driving dynamics. The Advanced Sound System and rear seat refined but audibly muscular V6 delivers its entertainment. power through the silky smooth 8-speed Our tester designated as the A8L 50, automatic transmission which touching meant that it came with a 3.0-litre TFSI V6 the gears appropriately with minimum supercharged engine, which offers 310hp fuss. We are now sure that the A8L rides

52 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 53 What is Matrix LED technology? wherever applicable] comprises 25 vehicles are detected, the LEDs are Developed by Hella for Audi, Matrix small, individual light-emitting diodes dimmed (or “masked out” as Audi puts LED technology is now standard in per unit that can be switched on and off it) and then returned to high beam to the A8 L W12 and the S8 models. Hella or dimmed individually as needed. This provide a very bright, homogenous light. has extensive LED experience and enables the headlight system to react The company describes this as a “highly has closely worked with Audi. In fact, to oncoming or preceding vehicles and distinctive crystal-like glow.” LEDs were used by Audi’s R18 e-tron blank out light with great precision while Le Man 24-hour race winner where its continuing to fully illuminate the rest of The system can handle up to eight headlamp range was around 800m. The the road. “targets,” including the presence of idea at Hella was to consider how to To operate MatrixBeam, the driver uses pedestrians, who get three headlamp switch them off individually to split light the headlamps system’s “auto” function flashes (marking lights) to draw the better and responds to steering inputs diffusion. Approximately, two years ago, and selects high beam. Activation is driver’s attention to their presence and with more certainty than its rivals like the company showed a concept warn the pedestrian of the approach the BMW 740i or Mercedes-Benz S Class. version of the proposed system. of the vehicle. The dimming system Our A8L tracked through curves taken at It was a challenging programme can be overridden by the driver if elevated speeds more confidently than The Audi A8L MMI Experience that demanded integration by required. the rear-wheel drive BMW or Mercedes, The navigation as well as the entertainment Navigation was spot-on and has no issues lighting, software, and optical thanks to the all-wheel drive system. The engineers and specialists, with the Unlike a conventional headlight system are accessed through the Audi- with finding places. The knob-based input car is a delight to drive all day long. And specific MMI system. The navigation is not as user-friendly as touch screens added complexity of integrating system, MatrixBeam requires no as a luxury car with sporting hardware the system within the styling mechanical parts and is an ultralow system includes Audi Connect that brings and I sincerely think that that Audi underneath, it is able to combine the best in-car internet connectivity as well Google navigation engineers should start looking confines of the current-generation energy technology. The LED of both worlds – performance/luxury and A8’s headlamp dimensions. And headlamps of the A8 also include Earth integration – an industry first in this at touch screen inputs rather than the fuel economy. The brakes performed class. Google Earth integration provides turn-based knob input. The navigation considering the size of the car, the cornering lights, adjusting the focal consistently and evenly on the A8L, never multifunctional headlamp is small point of the light using targeted car users with panoramic views and high- screen is excellent and the maps are showing the slightest hint of fade. The resolution 3D satellite imagery just like quite elaborative and provide the user and it contains other functions, including from 30 km/h in an urban environment brightening and dimming in the direction brakes are always at the ready, aided ‘moving light’ turn-indicators. and 60 km/h outside it. When entering a of the bend. When linked to Audi’s the way you would see Google Earth on with a whole lot of information. All in by a programmed function that primes your computer screens. all an excellent cabin with well-laid out city, the combined 50 LEDs are dimmed. MMI Navigation-plus technology, which the hydraulic system any time the driver With the challenges met in creating A multifunction camera (it can detect provides predictive route data, the The MMI system is intuitive and features a amenities and features. abruptly lifts off the pedal. novel touchpad for entering destinations Nabeel Ferzan the Matrix headlamps, the high-beam roadside warning signs) is placed behind cornering lights activate momentarily element in the A8L [and in other models the car’s rearview mirror. When other before the steering wheel is turned. or other info by writing out numbers and Verdict letters with a finger. A similar touchpad There is virtually no reason not to like this is available on the BMW X4, except that German premium brand’s luxury offering. the touchpad/scribbling pad is part of The refreshed 2014 A8L confidently pitches the multimedia knob itself thus saving itself as a legitimate contender on almost space and exceptional ergonomics. On every level. Excellent comfort, superb the contrary, in the A8L, the touchpad is craftsmanship, technology upgrades and separate and placed towards the lower a broad portfolio of high-end performance part of the centre console making it a features from the supercharged V6 along little far off for reach for drivers who like with all-wheel drive help put the car in a to sit way back. premium slot in the class it represents.

54 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 55 2014 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabrio

Refreshed & recharged Mercedes-Benz has attempted to offers executive style in a better value package with refreshed fourth generation 2014 E400 Cabrio. Has the magic worked in this car? Automan attempts to find out Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: author and Nabeel Ferzan

s part of the extensive done with its A8 models recently. However, current line-up refresh by Audi takes its lighting technology co- Mercedes-Benz, very much developed with Hella a few notches higher like its fixed-roof sister than anyone else in the business. But that model, the E-Class cabriolet doesn’t mean necessarily that Mercedes has Ahas also been extensively restyled and fallen back. Actually, the German premium updated for 2014. The styling changes are brand has taken what it is good at and visible even when the car is at standstill and incorporated the same in this car. Case in key among them which attract immediate point is the significantly upgraded driver- attention are the striking new headlamp assistance systems. set-up which has now metamorphosed Meanwhile, in the styling department, from its signature quad look to an all-in-one designers have tried to ensure that the unit featuring lenses emulating the ‘four- cabrio gets its standalone profile features eyed’ face. Meanwhile, fog lamps are now and unlike the 2014 E-class sedan and resettled in the re-profiled front air intake. wagon, versions the two-door models keep Also there’s a new grille and reworked front their muscular rear ends, a design element and rear valances. The facelift and touch that has worked well in this car than on the point treatment is similar to what Audi has other larger siblings.

56 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 57 The cabin of the cabrio somehow doesn’t the cabin of the S- and C-Class. There are Comand system now features internet feel that it has been visited extensively too many switches hanging around which access and uses apps such as Google search, although Mercedes claim that it has been means that in this car Mercedes still follows Google Maps, and Google Street View. given a thorough upgrade. According its one activity per switch/button formula. But it’s under the bonnet where a significant to Mercedes, the cabin of all models in The multi-functional controller between the change has taken place which in turn the E-Class family were revised with the front seats is a welcome addition, although is also responsible for the new naming aim of a new design harmony and the its gets a bit getting used to the rotating nomenclature. In both the coupe and most prominent new feature spotted and pushing down for menus. The E-Class cabriolet, previously designated as E350, supporting this claim was the new trim cabriolet comes with an electrically powered were using a carryover naturally aspirated area with chrome inserts in the dashboard, fabric top, not a folding hardtop and we do 3.5-litre V6, till the facelifted model arrived the three-tube instrument cluster and the spot niggle out here: the rag top mechanism in the latter part of this year. Mercedes trapezoidal display of the head unit with isn’t class leading by any measure. Not only it have now replaced this unit with a twin- high-gloss surround and the new centre takes time to open or close, the mechanism turbocharged V6 and interestingly, despite console. Elsewhere, the car continues with appears clumsy in the way it operates with its 3.0-litre displacement, the cars with this mostly carry over components and we a thud. The rubber moldings supporting unit are now identified as the E400. While were a bit disappointed with the overall the mechanism and damping are also not the badge change may not make sense to treatment because some features which so appealing to the eye when exposed. We some, the engine figures will surely interest in our view did need attention have not are sure Mercedes can fix these niggles attention. This forced fed engine actually been touched. Case in point: the rear seats easily in this car which has a starting price of makes more power than that of the E350. are a little low, so occupants in the back US$75,500 in the GCC. The forced fed engine 333hp at 5,500 rpm, might feel too low sitting in as front view is New to E-Class family options are features up from the E350’s 302hp at 6,500 rpm. The obstructed. A stadium seating arrangement like hands-free automatic bootlid opening torque difference is even more significant. could have been incorporated. Functionality (activated by shaking a foot beneath the Whereas the E350 produced 273 lb-ft at in this car feels archaic when you look at bumper), while onboard infotainment 3500 rpm, the E400 makes it a far more how Mercedes-Benz has revolutionatised technology such as the company’s latest substantial with 354 lb-ft coming at as low as

58 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 59 1,400 rpm. The facelift sees the introduction standard autonomous emergency braking smooth and linear. The car’s acceleration in the event of an imminent rear collision or of the electromechanical Direct-Steer system to lessen the chance of a rear-end performance of 0-100km/h in 5.3sec can be pedestrian impact. system for all engine variants which is a impact at up to 50km/h. considered by any measure and it is more The NVH management in this car is welcome measure. One more thing about where this car fits in than a full second faster than the older impressive despite having a fabric roof. With As before, Mercedes offers three with rivals. Real competition for the E400 E350 cabriolet’s performance. Top speed is its thick sound insulation, it reduces wind individualisation packages. The Exterior cabriolet is actually thin when one considers governed at an easily attained 250km/h. The noise down to nearly coupe levels. Also, Sports package enhances the exterior of the opposition. From Germany it includes car runs stress free. a spoiler rises from the windscreen frame the vehicle and lends it an even sportier the heavyweight Audi S5 cabriolet, the Other performance elements used in the car when the top is down, further reducing character. In addition to AMG bodystyling BMW 4-series convertible. Non German faithfully echo those of other E-class models. turbulence and wind noise that would and AMG light-alloy wheels, the AMG Sports fare includes Infiniti G37 convertible (which Unlike the E350’s uninvolving brakes and otherwise usually accompanies it. When package and the new AMG Sports package adopts the Q60 badge now). Elsewhere, the steering, the E400 is now a bit more driver retracted, the rag top uses up far less boot Plus have further exterior and interior Lexus IS convertible is being phased out, and focused without losing its cruiser aspect. The space than a folding hardtop would, leaving more room for luggage which is a thoughtful features for a sporty, dynamic appearance plans for Cadillac ATS convertible have been E400’s chassis set-up is utterly pleasant and arrangement. Another impressive bit and enhanced driving dynamics. dropped permanently. compliant while helping the car to stay fixed of technology was the fully idle-stop Central to the E-Class facelift’s new driver- on the road. We do appreciate the upgrades feature that helps save fuel consumption assist technology is the introduction of Driving impressions done to its many driver-assistance programs. considerably. what Mercedes refers to as an ‘Intelligent We were able to drive the E400 cabriolet in Standard nanny systems include Attention Drive’ system. Employing a ‘Stereo Multi UAE shortly after its GCC market launch. The Assist, which monitors the driver for signs Verdict Purpose Camera’ with two lenses working upgraded powertrain and its performance of fatigue, and a collision-prevention The refreshed Mercedes-Benz E400 in concert with a revised radar tech, and set brought back the smiles and we walked system. Optional fare includes active cruise Cabrio has a lot going for it, including at a 45-degree angle in the windscreen, they away impressed with its delivery character control that can make minor steering-wheel composure, style, and quality. Despite some monitor oncoming and crossing vehicles, and overall capabilities. Although it is a V6, it corrections as necessary, a lane-keeping imperfections, the far more responsive as well as pedestrians and traffic signs, to emits a throaty sound on startup but is never monitor, cross-traffic alert, and precrash twin-turbo V6 engine helps lift the overall a range of up to 500m. It works with the intrusive, and power delivery is extremely systems that prepare vehicle mechanisms impression. Price as tested: US$87,700.

60 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 61 Ferrari’s FXX K

World premiere of Ferrari’s FXXK experimental car took place at the Ferrari Finale Mondiali in Abu Dhabi last month

62 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 63 errari’s new FXX K regulations, the FXX K will never be used and 190 by its electric motor) and control the function logics from the generating a longitudinal vortex that pressure in the wheel arch guaranteed research and development in competition. It was, in fact, developed maximum torque in excess of 900 Nm. specific 4-setting Manettino on the creates a localised depression. This in by the direct connection to the rear of programme receives to be completely uncompromising, The FXX K’s 6262 cc V12 features new centre console: Qualify, for maximum turn sucks the wake from the wheels the car by a by-pass duct. its world premiere next incorporating technological innovations camshafts and a modified valve train performance within a limited number of to the outside of the aerodynamic The result is a 50per cent improvement weekend at the Yas Marina that will guarantee an unprecedented with mechanical rather than hydraulic laps; Long Run to optimise performance underbody. Along with the side skirts in downforce in the low drag Circuit in Abu Dhabi. The laboratory- driving experience to the exclusive tappets. The intake manifolds have been consistency; Manual Boost for instant that extend out from the sills, the configuration and a 30per cent F improvement in the more aggressive car is based on Maranello’s first hybrid group of Client-Test Drivers with whom redesigned and given a special type of maximum torque delivery; and Fast vortex helps isolate the airflow from the model and will grace the world’s tracks the will roll out a test polishing treatment. The exhaust system Charge, for a fast recharge of the car’s underbody to boost its efficiency. downforce configuration, resulting in a from next year onwards. The K in its programme over the coming two years. has been modified as its silencers have battery. The solutions on the rear of the car figure of 540 kg at 200 km/h. moniker is a reference to the “KERS” The car’s enormous potential is attested been eliminated. A focus on delivering maximum are highly sophisticated, too. The tail Vehicle dynamics are further improved by the adoption of Pirelli slicks complete kinetic energy recovery system it adopts to by two significant figures: a total The HY-KERS system has been evolved efficiency at every stage of every section is now higher and the mobile with sensors that monitor longitudinal, in maximising its track performance. power output of 1050 cv (860 cv specifically for pure performance track lap has resulted in extensive but spoiler extends further for a total lateral and radial acceleration, as well as Unfettered by homologation and racing delivered by its conventional V12 engine with the result that the driver can integrated work on the entire car body increase in extension of 60mm when temperature and pressure. This ensures in terms of both active and passive fully deployed. A vertical fin and a small an accurate analysis of the interaction aerodynamics. wing each side of the tail act as guide between the tyre and track surface, The front of the car is dominated by a vanes in the low drag configuration and providing even more vital data to enable twin-profile spoiler and a larger splitter, boost the spoiler’s efficiency in the high the traction control system to guarantee downforce one. This system also creates which is 30 mm lower, with a gap in its maximum performance. centre. This design is an application of considerable downforce at the rear of The intervention level of the E-Diff the concepts developed to improve the car, allowing the use of an extreme electronic differential, F1-Trac traction aero balance in the GT category of the diffusion volume for the rear diffuser control, Racing SSC (Side Slip Angle WEC, which Ferrari has won for three which optimises air extraction from Control) - now specially calibrated to consecutive years. Two pairs of vertical the underbody. The section of the flat suit the car’s slick tyres - and the high- elements, an endplate and, externally, underbody just ahead of the rear wheels performance ABS can be controlled a dive plane, together with vertical fins is also exploited to the full to generate using the five-position Manettino on the channel the air towards the car’s flanks, downforce thanks to the reduced steering wheel.

64 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 65 Renault EOLAB Concept

Here’s another idea from French auto brand Renault which looks at transport solutions in a decade’s time. It’s called the EOLAB concept and in flesh it looks fantastic, supposed to drive like a hot supermini and there has been no compromise on performance despite the remarkable efficiency gains. What more do you want? Author: Chandan B Mallik

ost serious players in the than 100 new technical innovations perfectly with lot of functionality in automotive industry are which are all centred around the core mind. Camera-based iPhone sized Mlooking at production cars fundamentals of low mass, improve screens are used for wing mirrors and a in the near future. By this we mean, aerodynamic efficiency and efficient huge centrally placed interactive display transportation solutions in 7-10 years. hybrid power. Besides these, the instructs users how to optimize driving Of, course, the ground work has to challenge has been to combine the characteristics. The lightweight seats be done now and French automaker aforementioned factors and executing sport innovative ideas. Renault is also an acti ve player in them in an affordable manner. To keep development costs down, the this game. The carmaker realizes that To keep the car’s kerb weight down to engine in the EOLAB is an evolutionary design, engineering efficiencies and 995kg (400 kg) less than the equivalent development of the existing 74bhp performance all have to go together and production Clio, the body is constructed 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine used in in this direction it has come up with the from a combination of steel, aluminium the Twingo. This engine is assisted by a EOLAB concept. The innovative concept and composites, with the roof entirely compact 64bhp electric motor. The car’s which was also presented as a prototype of magnesium. The car also incorporates electric motors will propel the car from was showcased at Paris promises a lot of three ride-height levels which lowers standstill to 40km/h after which the things to future consumers. the car and reduced drag, working in three-cylinder engine kicks in to boost The concept has been in the making for conjunction with active aero on the power. The transition between driving two years. It started after the French wheel trims (on narrow 145mm tyres) modes is detectable only by noise only. government asked Renault to develop and spoilers reduce the drag coefficient Transmission duties are served by a a financially viable car that consumes to Cd 0.235. The sculpted body is said to clutchless three-speed automatic [no only 2 litres/100km of fuel. But Renault be30 per cent more aerodynamic than CVT]. Two of the three gears are mated thought it could do better, and it did. the Clio. to the electric motor, while the third is Renault claims that the EOLAB has more The cabin of the car has been executed connected to the petrol engine.

66 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 67 Peugeot Quartz Concept

eugeot is slowly and surely moving Peugeot unveiled the its line-up of cars into the premium Quartz Concept as its Psegment. The French carmaker has been providing evidence of its forthcoming vision future aspirations at motor shows and concepts like the Exalt in 2014 [for sedan for the crossover cars] following the approach initiated in 2012 with the Onyx Concept. With the segment at the recently Quartz Concept, Peugeot attempts to communicate its forthcoming new vision concluded 2014 Paris for the brand. Motor Show. This next The basic idea out here is to combine hybrid performance in concept that boasts of a sports coupe. The car gets massive Concept is the first-ever vehicle to employ and rear axles. Three driving modes will generation SUV blends a body of an SUV with creature comforts 23in wheels which have composite flaps digitally woven textile. This innovative be offered: the automaker claims that found in a sedan and hence it is based on to direct airflow. Up front, the concept process can create large and complex the Quartz could go roughly 50km on a dazzling design with the same EMP2 platform that underpins is all business with a mesh grille and components that can be used as soon as electric power alone and in Road mode the new 308. The composite structure arching LED headlamps. The subtle louvres they come off the machine and hence no it uses the combustion engine and front hybrid powertrain and bonded panels save weight and help hidden in the sides of the bonnet are neat. cutting is required. The textile is woven electric motor and which also charges bring exceptional stiffness. This aspect Moving back from there, the red accents with polyester fibre from recycled plastic the battery during deceleration and technologies in a bid has enabled engineers to remove the on the flanks actually disguise extending water bottles. in Race mode harnesses the power of to create the ultimate car’s B-pillar and create . steps into the cabin. Dimensionally, the Peugeot will employ the 270hp high the engine and both electric motors to A retractable step further eases access car stands at 4,500mm in length and is pressure turbo [THP] 1.6-litre forced fed get the most out of the chassis with a premium family car and the red accents on the body actually 2,060mm wide. four-cylinder engine with a six-speed limited-slip differential for increased driver disguise extending steps into the cabin. The car’s interiors are also innovative and automatic transmission. Two electric engagement. When all three power units experience With its long bonnet and sloping roof, the the theme chosen to represent the cabin is motors in the package will each produce work together they produce a combined Author: Chandan B Mallik Quartz concept aims to mimic the profile porous texture of basalt rock. The Quartz 114hp and will directly drive the front 493hp.

68 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 69 Toyota C-HR Hybrid crossover concept

oyota has recognised that Europe It is an innovative is the result of co-operation between is the most demanding market Toyota design centres, including ED2, its Tfor small and mid-size vehicles, design study for a European design development studio so the carmaker uses the region as the stylish, lightweight and its dimensions stand at 4,350mm benchmark when defining its future cars [length], 1,850mm [width], 1,500mm for the A, B and C-segments. An all-new C-segment crossover [height] on a wheelbase of 2,640mm. proposition for the growing compact that will stand out It uses new hybrid powertrain is likewise European C-segment car market is what optimized to deliver “a uniquely has inspired Toyota Motor Corporation in an increasingly engaging driving experience matched to look at an all-new ground-up idea. to 21st century traffic conditions, whilst As a result of this initiative, the C-HR homogenous market, delivering outstanding efficiency”, at concept attempts to combine aspects and is the next physical least in theory as no actual specifications from Toyota’s three successful models have been revealed. The vehicle’s lower namely the RAV4, Prius and GT86 in one expression of the bodywork is intended to represent the Toyota C-HR hybrid crossover concept unique package. According to Toyota: promise Akio Toyoda precision-cut body surfaces that mimic a “The C-HR Concept recaptures the At the recent Paris Motor Show, Toyota provided gemstone. This includes the shaving off design and packaging ingenuity that made when became of the corners of the bodyshell, which us with more than just teaser renderings of its spawned the first RAV4, introduces a Toyota President not only adds to its sculpted look, but new version of the sophisticated, full Europe-inspired C-HR hybrid crossover concept hybrid powertrain technology first in 2011 to build also reduces its mass. Author: Chandan B Mallik realized in the Prius and, inspired by the cars with stronger Overall, its look is said to be “a further GT86, targets new levels of dynamism development of Toyota’s Under Priority and agility.” emotional qualities and Keen Look design identity.” Although inspired by those other Although there’s no word on commercial vehicles, the C-HR is built around an that will make their production of the C-HR, the automaker entirely new platform, designed for what owners fall in love with has at least stated that its styling themes is described as state-of-the-art handling hint at a future design direction for and controllability. The concept’s styling driving again Toyota vehicles.

70 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 71 Volkswagen XL Sport Concept

Volkswagen and Motor Show. The evolved car’s design remainder will be used for various other brand Ducati. Ducati is now owned by incorporated butterfly doors, with the purposes. VW and in the two-wheel world, is known Ducati now seem interior seating layout using a staggered The next logical step offered by VW for high performance compact V-twin to be enjoying each side-by-side arrangement similar to a comes at an interesting juncture this engines. For this concept, the lightweight Smart Fortwo, rather than the previous year. VW call it the XL Sport Concept and high-revving 1,200cc 90° V2 engine other’s engineering versions’ tandem seating. The diesel and showcased the car in concept form from Ducati’s new 1199 Superleggera at Paris in September. Interestingly, motorcycle has been shoehorned. The plug-in hybrid prototype is branded as a synergies. The XL it uses the platform and some of the Ducati engine is mated to 7-speed DSG and “Super Efficient Vehicle” [SEV] and VW has Sport is the first mechanicals from the XL1 minus its has the best power-to-weight ratio of any officially limited production to 250 units – diesel-hybrid powertrain. Instead, VW production motorcycle in history and also concept co-developed 200 of these will be sold to customers and has roped in Italian sports motorcycle helps the XL Sport to achieve something prototype which is more than a curious production Author: Chandan B Mallik

t’s no secret that Volkswagen has of the Board of Management, drove the Volkswagen 1.0-litre car, named L1, was been looking at various ideas for concept between Wolfsburg and Hamburg first shown to the public at the 2009 Ideveloping a lightweight sports car. as part of the Volkswagen annual Frankfurt Motor Show continued with Using this philosophy as its core source meeting of stockholders. This concept the former’s seating arrangement but of inspiration, the German car brand has had two-seater tandem arrangement used an 800cc, twin-cylinder, common-rail presented several innovative ideas since and used a 300cc single-cylinder diesel turbodiesel engine combined with a 13.4hp 2002. A prototype VW 1.0-litre concept car engine producing 8.4hp mated to a six- electric motor. The XL1 was the third was first shown to the public in April 2002 speed transmission. This concept wasn’t iteration of the 1.0-litre resin-composite when Dr. Ferdinand Piech, then chairman produced commercially. The second car that was unveiled at the 2011 Qatar

72 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 73 similar. In this case, it is the ratio between The interior of the XL Sport is as expected weight (890 kg), power (200 PS) and The XL Sport Concept is based on the interior of the XL1. VW aerodynamics (cd x A = 0.44 m2) that says that it has been modified and currently makes this concept car the presents itself as a individualised in its detailing. The car gets fastest 200PS car in the world. No other scaled-down supercar, a motorsports-inspired digital instrument sports car has ever reached a top speed of cluster with an individual lap time and 270 km/h with 200 PS. right down to its oil pressure display. A flat carbon part While the XL1 and XL Sport concept look that extends the top of the instrument similar, the special requirements related to scissor doors and cluster covering to completely eliminate downforce and performance parameters mid-mounted rear reflections. The steering wheel has of the drive technology led to the XL Sport decorative red stitching and has been being longer and wider than the XL1. The engine architecture equipped with aluminium shift paddles. XL Sport showcased in Paris is 4,291 mm Classy details include anodised aluminium long (XL1: 3,888 mm), 1,847 mm wide (XL1: and lightweight accents around the air vents, the climate 1,664 mm), 1,152 mm high (XL1: 1,153 mm). control fascia and the DSG shift gate. Also The wheelbase has also been increased to construction included is the theme of the contrasting 2,424 mm (XL1: 2,224 mm). the rear, the XL Sport is just as wide at the red stitching in the steering wheel and the From the design angle, there are some back as at the front. The low slug car rides seat belts are also red. No changes have changes too. Whereas the XL1 is at its on asymmetric 205/40 R 18 (front) and been made to the ergonomics for the widest at the front and tapers towards 265/35 R 18 (rear) tyre/rim combos. driver and passenger.

74 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 75 Motorsports F1 under the name “Manor F1”, but in November designs in 2014, the FIA moved to amend the components of the power unit. If such a grid 2014, administrators announced that the team rules surrounding nose designs for the 2015 place penalty is imposed and the driver’s grid would cease trading and close down. season. Noses will now be lower than in 2014, position is such that the full penalty cannot be The 2015 calendar in full: retaining a minimum cross section, but they applied, then the remainder of the penalty will Driver changes must taper to a point at a fixed linear rate, no longer be carried over to the next race, but 15/03 Australia • left Red Bull Racing at the effectively outlawing the dramatic finger will instead be applied in the form of a time 29/03 Malaysia end of the 2014 season after fifteen years with shapes seen in 2014 in favour of a more gradual penalty during the race corresponding to the 05/04 Bahrain the team and its wider junior development shape. Furthermore, the design of the nose number of grid spaces remaining in the penalty. programme to join Ferrari in the place of must be symmetrical and consistent with the • In addition to the existing five-second penalty 19/04 China . Red Bull promoted Daniil centreline of the car, thereby banning the that may be served during a driver’s scheduled 10/05 Spain Kvyat from Toro Rosso to fill the seat vacated more exotic designs, such as the “twin-tusk” pit stop, a new ten-second penalty that will by Vettel. approach used by Lotus on the E22 chassis. have to be served in the same manner, will be 24/05 Monaco • With Kvyat promoted and Jean-Éric Vergne • The minimum weight of the cars at all times introduced. 07/06 Canada electing to leave the team after the season during an event was increased to 702kg. • If a car is deemed to have been released in an 21/06 Austria was completed, Toro Rosso’s driver line-up • Any suspension system fitted to the front unsafe condition during a race, a ten second was completely overhauled. In their place, wheels must be arranged in such a manner that stop-and-go penalty will be imposed on the 05/07 Britain the team chose reigning 3.5 its response results only from changes in load driver concerned. An additional penalty will be 19/07 Germany Series champion Carlos Sainz, Jr., the son of applied to the front wheels. imposed on any driver who, in the opinion of two-time World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz; • Any suspension system fitted to the rear the stewards, continues to drive a car knowing 26/07 Hungary and 2014 FIA Formula Three runner-up Max wheels must be arranged in such a manner that it to have been released in an unsafe condition. 23/08 Belgium Verstappen—the son of former driver Jos its response results only from changes in load • The qualifying procedure has been further 06/09 Verstappen—who will become the youngest applied to the rear wheels. clarified to cater different sizes of starting driver to make his Formula One début at the • The anti-intrusion panels on both sides of the grids: if twenty-four cars are entered for the 20/09 Singapore age of 17 years, 164 days when he starts the survival cell have been extended upwards to race, seven will be eliminated after the each of 27/09 Japan 2015 season. the rim of the cockpit and alongside the pilot’s the first two qualifying segments; if twenty- • Marcus Ericsson left Caterham at the end head. two are entered, six will be eliminated after 11/10 Russia of the 2014 season to join Sauber. He will be • each qualifying segment and so on if fewer cars 25/10 USA partnered by GP2 Series regular and former Sporting regulations are eligible. Williams test driver Felipe Nasr. As a result • The partial ban on pit-to-car communication • The Safety Car procedure was amended. Once 01/11 Mexico of the deals with Ericsson and Nasr, Esteban introduced at the 2014 Singapore Grand Prix the last lapped car will have passed the Safety 15/11 Brazil Gutiérrez and Adrian Sutil lost their seats. will be extended to include a blanket ban on Car, it will return to the pits at the end of the 29/11 Abu Dhabi sharing technical data between team and following lap. This is a change of the previous Calendar changes driver, such as specific fuel consumption practice which required the unlapped cars • The German Grand Prix is set to return to the settings. to have caught up with the back of the pack Nürburgring, in accordance with the event- • Double points will no longer be awarded at the before the Safety Car could return to the pits. Lewis Hamilton is the defending Drivers’ Champion sharing agreement established between the final event of the championship. Nürburgring and the Hockenheimring in 2008. • Following the serious accident of Jules Bianchi Driver/team changes for 2015 season 2015 Formula after securing his second title at the 2014 Abu Dhabi The Nürburgring had previously hosted the during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix a new • After Ferrari confirmed its signing of Sebastian race in 2013 and so was scheduled to host it procedure called Virtual Safety Car (VSC) Vettel and with McLaren set to announce its Grand Prix, all eyes are now set for 2015 again in 2015, but the provisional calendar left will be introduced. The procedure may be lineup any day now, Scuderia Toro Rosso is One season the event-sharing agreement unresolved. initiated when double waved yellow flags one of the last teams with a seat open for he 2015 Formula One season New entries process independently of Haas,but the team was not • The Korean Grand Prix is scheduled to return to are needed on any section of a circuit where the 2015 Formula One World Championship. will be the 66th season of In December 2013, the FIA announced its included on provisional entry list for the 2015 the Formula One calendar after being removed competitors and officials may be in danger, But now, even the answer to that question intentions to open the grid up to more entries, the Formula One World season. in 2014. The venue for the race has yet to be but the circumstances are not as such to is coming into focus, as the team’s longtime asking for expressions of interest from what confirmed. warrant deployment of the actual Safety Car. driver Jean-Éric Vergne has confirmed he’s Championship, a motor racing it dubbed “competitive teams” willing to Team changes • The Mexican Grand Prix is scheduled to Under Virtual Safety Car conditions drivers are leaving. The French driver started out as a test championship for Formula commit to the championship until the 2020 • Honda will return to Formula One as an return to the Formula One calendar for the obliged to reduce their speed to match the one pilot with Toro Rosso in 2011, was promoted One cars which is recognised by the season. Three applications were received, engine supplier, providing McLaren with a V6 first time since 1992. The race is to be held at indicated on their displays on their steering to the race seat the following season and has including a bid from Gene Haas, co-owner of been competing for the team ever since. But Tsport’s governing body, the Fédération engine and Energy Recovery System package, the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit wheels. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team Stewart-Haas ending the team’s twenty-year partnership located in the centre of Mexico City, which also • If a race is suspended, the cars will no longer over the course of his three years on the grid, Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Racing; an entry submitted from Romania, with Mercedes-Benz. Honda had previously was the location of all of the Mexican Grands line up on the grid but will slowly proceed to he has yet to score a single podium finish or as the highest class of competition for and run in conjunction with former Jordan, supplied McLaren from 1988 until 1992, when Prix in previous decades. The circuit will be the pit lane instead. Pit exit will be closed and emerge from the back of the field. And in a tweet on his personal account, he’s now open-wheel racing cars. Twenty drivers Midland, Spyker, Force India and HRT manager Honda ended their engine supply program. The substantially reconfigured to accommodate the first car to arrive in the pit lane will proceed Colin Kolles and a third from Zoran Stefanovi, revealed that he won’t be staying with the representing ten teams will contest company returned to the sport as an engine the sport’s return. to the exit with the other lining up behind the a Serbian aerospace engineer who had first one. team next season. Toro Rosso has already twenty one Grands Prix, starting in supplier in 2000, providing British American confirmed that newcomer Max Verstappen will previously attempted to join the grid for the Racing and Jordan Grand Prix with engines Regulation changes/Technical regulations • If any team personnel or team equipment 2010 and 2011 Formula One seasons under the take one of its race seats next season, but with Australia on 15 March and ending in until they purchased the former in 2006 and • The number of power units that a driver may remain on the grid after the fifteen-second name Stefan Grand Prix. The bidding process the promotion of Daniil Kvyat to join fellow Abu Dhabi on 29 November as they competed as a constructor until 2008. use in a season will be reduced from five in signal has been shown before the start of the was delayed amidst reports that the FIA had formation lap, the driver of the car concerned STR graduate Daniel Ricciardo and replace compete for the World Drivers’ and World • Lotus will change engine suppliers, ending their 2014 to four in 2015. Vettel on the A-squad, the prevailing wisdom only been looking to add one team to the • The rules regarding engine development must start the race from the pit lane. If the Constructors’ Championships. Mercedes grid, but that the first two bids were equally association with Renault in favour of a deal had the team keeping Vergne in place to lend with Mercedes. that were introduced in 2014 will change, driver concerned fails to obey this, they will some consistency and experience to its lineup. will begin the season as the defending viable. Haas’ entry, Haas F1, was the successful with the manufacturers allowed to perform receive a ten second stop-and-go penalty. candidate, but Haas later deferred his entry • Following the 2014 Russian Grand Prix, But the Toro Rosso has always existed as an Constructors’ Champions, having secured Marussia went into administration, missing the half the development permitted in 2014; the • The replacement of a complete power unit will avenue to bring new talent up through Red until the 2016 season. Bernie Ecclestone no longer result in a penalty. Instead, penalties their first championship title at the 2014 final three races of the 2014 season. The team development will be halved again in 2016. Bull’s extensive driver training program and announced the Romanian entry—named • Following the backlash over “ugly” nose will be applied cumulatively for individual Russian Grand Prix. as Forza Rossa Racing—had been accepted briefly appeared on the provisional entry list into F1.

76 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 77 Regional motorsports

FINALI MONDIALI – A GREAT END WITH THE FERRARI SHOW

Last month’s Finali Mondiali, which held for the first time outside Europe, in Abu Oman’s Al Harthy qualifies ninth for Race 1 Dhabi, ended with a day of exciting racing and a demonstration featuring everything of Round 2 of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge that’s best about the world of Ferrari. The first thrills of the day came courtesy of the Middle East at Dubai Autodrome two Ferrari Challenge races to allocate the three world titles in Coppa Shell, Pirelli Pro mani Ahmad Al Harthy has left Bahrain so know that I can move up and Pirelli Am. These went to Massimiliano himself with work to do in Race the grid if the opportunities present Bianchi, Max Blancardi and Ricardo Perez O1 of Round 2 of the Porsche themselves and also if I am able to create respectively. GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East at Dubai them so it’s going to be exciting but in no Over 200 Ferraris from different eras Autodrome after qualifying in ninth way easy. It’s a hugely competitive grid swarmed onto the track. Driven by their position. and I am going to have some incredibly owners, the cars cruised on the track The most successful and professional talented drivers ahead of me from the giving the audience what they came for. The 2014 FIA Middle East Rally Championship Getting it all underway were the two Tense drama in final racing series in the region is back in Dubai start so I will have to work hard to build for two back to back races and welcomes AF Corse team GT cars, driven by World ended in a dramatic climax, with Qatar’s Nasser on my position. That said, I’m hoping Endurance Champions Gimmi Bruni and an impressive international line-up of 17 moments of 36th Dubai Al Attiyah and the UAE’s Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi to produce something special for the Toni Vilander, joined on track by team world-class drivers representing over10 locked in a tense fight to the finish. crowds here in Dubai.” mates Davide Rigon and . International Rally different nations including the United Skydive Dubai’s Saeed Al Mehairi will The 458s also put a dummy pit stop with Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kingdom of Saudi start Race 1 from second position driver change, just as happens for real in t was a war of wits and strategy who had been determined to produce a Qassimi won the first two stages, only for Arabia, Oman and Qatar. ahead of Zaid Ashkanani of Kuwait who the Endurance races, such as the Le Mans between Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah home victory ahead of UAE National Day. Al Attiyah to take the last three, it was Despite the intense international snatched the title by a single point from 24 Hours. and UAE’s Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi. “On the last stage I had a flat tyre but I clear that this was becoming a classic I competition it was Al Harthy’s Al rival Schmid last season, and will start Then it was the turn of the XX Programme Al Qassimi produced a stunning fightback got through it. If we’re going to be in the two-car tussle for supremacy which put all cars, namely the FXX and the 599 XX, Nabooda Racing teammate, and current from third. to win the Dubai International Rally in record books now it’s not just my name other events in the shade. championship leader Clemens Schmid which were joined for the first time by the Former two-time champion Abdulaziz sensational fashion last month and took the that’s going there, it’s also the name of Leading by 6.8secs overnight, Al Attiyah who claimed pole after a flawless lap FXX K, which with the head of the test AlFaisal who will make a special guest FIA Middle East Championship drivers’ title Citroen because of what we’ve done increased his advantage to 12.2secs over around the 5.39KM Grand Prix Circuit. drivers Raffaele De Simone at the wheel. appearance in Dubai for Classic Arabia Bringing the Finali Mondiali to a close was away from Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah in style. together.” Victory had looked to be in the the first of the day’s six stages to begin an Despite qualifying further down the grid Racing will have to be at his best to reach the demonstration featuring the Scuderia In a closely fought battle, Al Qassimi grasp of Al Attiyah, for whom the rally intriguing tussle which meant the outcome than he would have hoped, Al Harthy to the podium after qualifying sixth. drivers Kimi Raikkonen and the test driver emerged victorious by a margin of just signalled the end of a hugely successful was in doubt up to the last kilometre. proved in Round 1 in Bahrain that he has 0.3secs after a thrilling start-to-finish six-year partnership with Italian co-driver Immediately, Al Qassimi reduced the Drivers who could also contend for a Marc Gene, who each at the wheel of what it takes to work his way up through battle with Al Attiyah to deny his great Giovanni Bernacchini. deficit to 10.3secs, before it became high place finish include Team Bahrain’s an F60, put on a great show, featuring the grid and secure a strong position. rival an eighth successive win in Dubai and “We are quite happy we did a really good 11.8 secs and then just 5.7secs as the Raed Raffii, QMMF’s AbdulRahman Al simulated starts, wheel to wheel duels In Race 2 of Round 1 the Omani driver and pit stops, the day ending in a cloud of a tenth Middle East crown. Everything job here,” he said at the finish. “We are Citroen and the Ford were pushed to the Thani and Charlie Frijns. It really will be was dropped to the rear of the grid burn-out smoke produced by both drivers. came down to the final special stage of the not slow but were really surprised about limit, especially over a frantic final stage anyone’s race with thrilling encounters season, a 25.92km section which started Khalid’s times in the afternoon. “I knew which Al Attiyah took by 0.1secs to fall after picking up a penalty but produced a stunning driving display to overtake expected to entertain the fans. with the Emirati driver leading by 0.4 secs it would not be easy and that we really agonisingly short. The region’s leading drivers will line- after he had produced a brilliant surge to needed to concentrate all the time.” Among the casualties on final day were multiple cars and end up nine positions up in the new Porsche 911 GT3 as the win the previous stage by 6.1 secs. Finishing third in the rally, and in the the UAE’s Rashid Al Ketbi who retired up from where he started. star attractions at Dubai Autodrome. Al Qassimi, partnered by Chris Patterson championship, was Qatar’s Al Kuwari, when his Ford Fiesta RRCs lost a wheel After qualifying Al Harthy said, The drivers will face 10 laps of the in his Abu Dhabi Racing Citroen DS3, held with fellow-countryman Khalid Al Suwaidi, mid way through the day’s third special “Obviously I would have wanted to be his nerve to record his third win in Dubai the UAE’s Sheikh Abdullah Al Qassimi stage, and Nishad Kochumohamed who starting the race closer to the front. 5.39KM Grand Prix Circuit at the Dubai and land his second Middle East triumph. and another Qatari, Abdulla Al Kuwari, went out when his Ford rolled on the first Ninth is not ideal but it’s what I have to Autodrome with Round 2 Race 1 on “We pushed to the limit but it was very completing the top six in Dubai. stage. Thankfully, both driver and co- work with so will be making the most Friday 5th December 16.30-17.00 and difficult”, said an emotional Al Qassimi, From the start on Friday, however, as Al driver Sajiin Gangadharan were not hurt. of it. I learned a lot from the races in Race 2 on Saturday 6th December.

78 | www.automan.me | Dec 2014 Dec 2014 | www.automan.me | 79 Interstellar and the great void All right – first I need to tell you, don’t complain if you haven’t seen the movie yet. While I am not giving out anything about the plot, it has been out there in the universe for long enough. So I don’t have to shout spoiler alert!

There are movies and then there are those pieces that really stand out. Admittedly even Interstellar, made under the watch of an actual astrophysicist and showcased by a good director has factual errors, improbabilities galore and raises more questions that its plot warrants. But the premise is brilliant; it is seeded in good science and even throws in long dialogues between actors to explain some of the more esoteric and arcane science.

But that’s not really the movie’s strong point. Yes, the space sequences are finally what makes it ‘interstellar’ but put that aside for a moment and explore the premise that the movie offers – a world that is slowly dying, with governments spending so much money on keeping their populations alive that they no longer spend on things we take for granted like a space program or an army for that matter.

Even a thinker and futurist like Isaac Asimov didn’t believe that Earth could sustain a population of over 4 billion people. When we lurched into the Great War of 1914 there were barely a billion, so it isn’t difficult to empathise with him. It is only because science and technology have kept ahead of the population curve that the Earth is able to sustain 7 plus billion and may even creak along at 10. However that same technology will have to find some answers to reducing the population as well, whether it is by population control or shipping out millions to new colonies in deep space.

The argument postulated was that until that great mind-bending feat of the main protagonist moving back through four-dimensional space using gravitational anomalies (along with the unbelievable binary transmission of what should have been gigabytes of data at the very least) science was way behind the curve. It didn’t have the answers; in fact it didn’t even have the questions right. Raj Warrior is editor of Automan and has been in the thick of the Automotive journalism field from the past 15 years. As the year comes to an end and we go past a century from the onset of the First World War, you have to look back on a technological path that has evolved and been empowered by the very destruction we humans bring upon ourselves. While we go about killing ourselves, we become more efficient, find new ways of transportation and delivery and discover new ways to treat ourselves, live longer and ultimately evolve to a higher order. Aeroplanes became more efficient and were now able to carry bombs, people used chemical weapons and learnt how to survive them and finally even penicillin came Want to comment or have your say? into its own by the Second World War. This war brought us closer to understanding the virtues of Nuclear Fission and Fusion as well as Email at [email protected]. introduced us to their horrors and the early predecessors of the Interstellar rockets finally made their Identify yourself or your message will be trashed and your id blocked way into western warfare a thousand years after the Chinese first used them.

If you bother to borrow a dialogue from the evergreen space action movie Armageddon, they acknowledge that even our wars have helped give us the means to save ourselves as a race.

The biggest issue we have here is actually one of doing it right. It’s easy to sit back as a viewer and either agree or otherwise about a plot outlined in a movie. The problem, even for world leaders is to take decisions that don’t seem outlandish today while steering the course of world events on a trajectory that keeps us running as a going concern way into the future. Who knows, the decision may be a grand one, like banning deforestation of any sort, enforcing population curbs or actually meeting carbon emission targets.

Or it could be small decisions done in bulk – like all of us deciding to save electricity, save water, walk instead of taking the car or just not buying anything we absolutely don’t require. Multiply that by 7 or 10 billion and that should mean a lot.

In any case both the premise and the result will be far more believable than that offered by Interstellar. And that’s because we already have the science to back us up on this.

80 | www.automan.me | DEC 2014