165 automan may issue 2015

8/19/2019 165 Automan May Issue 2015

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16

COVERSTORY |

2015 Bentley Flying Spur SpeedFirst drive of the V8 version

8

Spring RideSpending some time touring Lebanonwith 2015 Harley-Davidson models

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COVER STORY

16-19 BENTLEY FLYING SPUR V8 SPEED

46-51 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL CONCEPT

OMAN AND REGIONAL NEWS

6-8 RENAULT SYMBOL ARRIVES IN OMAN,

2015 AUDI TT ARRIVES IN STYLE IN REGION,

ENTHUSIAST’S TASTE LAMBORGHINI’S

ESPERIENZA EXCLUSIVE TEST DRIVE

PROGRAM IN UAE, PLANS FOR STATE-OF-

THE-ART PORSCHE CENTER FOR MUSCAT

REVEALED, MITSUBISHI PRE-RAMADAN DEALS,

HYUNDAI APPOINTMENT, VOLVO TO SELL

PERFORMANCE MODELS IN REGION, HARLEY-

DAVIDSON’S NEWEST MODEL: STREET 750

LAUNCHED IN REGION, HARLEY DAVIDSON’S

FIRST REGIONAL SPRING RIDE HELD IN

LEBANON

BRANDWATCH

10-15 ROLLS-ROYCE SUV WORK IN

PROGRESS, UNCERTAIN FUTURE FOR LEXUS

FULL-SIZE SUVS? BY 2020, HALF OF TOYOTA

NEW MODELS WILL HAVE NEW PLATFORMS

AND ENGINEERING, TOYOTA-BMW SPORTS

CAR TO SLOT ABOVE GT86, ASTON MARTIN

TO REPLACE PAPIDE WITH TWO MODELS,

MERCEDES LOOKING AT LIFESTYLE UTE,

HYUNDAI COULD GREEN LIGHT SANTA

CRUZ PICK-UP CONCEPT, RUSSIA FALTERS

FOR AUTOMAKERS, FCA REVAMPS ITS

EUROPEAN STRATEGY, 2015 RED DOT

AWARDS, NEW INVESTMENTS PLANNED BY

MAJOR PLAYERS, GM AFRICA AND MIDDLE

EAST OPERATIONS TO BE UNITED, 2017 BMW

X7 SUV ENGINEERING DETAILS, HONDA TO

DISCONTINUE CROSSTOUR, ROBERT DE NIRO

TO STAR AS ENZO FERRARI IN BIOPIC

FIRST RIDES

20-21 2015 HARLEY-DAVIDSON DYNA FAT BOB

24-29 2015 MV AGUSTA TURISMO VELOCE 800

30-33 2015 ARTIC CAT WILD CAT X

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

34-69 2015 NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW – TOP

11 EDITORS PICKS

34-40 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL CONCEPT

42-43 2016 JAGUAR XF

44-47 2016 CADILLAC CT6

48-49 2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU

50-51 2016 KIA OPTIMA

52-53 2016 HONDA CIVIC HATCHBACK

54-55 2015 PORSCHE BOXSTER SPYDER

56-57 2015 MCLAREN 570S

58-59 2015 SUBARU BRZ STI

60-63 2016 LEXUS RX

64-67 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

SPECIAL FEATURE:68-74 SUMMER CAR CARE:: TYRES

MOTORSPORTS

76-79 F1, MOTO GP, REGIONAL NEWS,

SNIPPETS

CHICANE

80 CAN TECHNOLOGY CURE OUR VICES?

44

52

JAGUAR XE

NEXT ISSUE


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The big news this month has got to be the Piech – Winterkorn fracas. By now everyoneknows the elements – Piech didn’t want Winterkorn succeeding him, the workers stood by

their CEO as did the state and the family chose to make all the right noises too.

Piech may have found his position as chairman of the board untenable and as of going to

the press, he has resigned. But is that the end of the story? Will we necessarily have a new

chairman heading the Volkswagen group next month? And what is the real story behind

this battle of egos? We have covered the reportage elements of this unfolding saga in our

pages but advise you to watch this space for developments.

Our cover feature is on two Continentals. Yes, you heard that right. The Bentley Continental

Flying Spur (now usually referred to without the Continental) sits across the page from

Lincoln’s proposed Continental, which has cut too close for comfort for Bentley’s liking.Read both the stories inside.

On the other hand it isn’t very often when we can say we have a cornucopia of one type

of story. Oddly enough this month we have had a signicant crop of motorcycle related

articles. The top end of the two-wheeler market is hotting up, with disposable incomes

and nuclear families helping to push aside traditional barriers against biking. We have

actually been encouraging a certain premium brand to bring back its unique steeds to

Oman.

The entry-level scenario is however a completely different one. As brought out in a media

report the issue is basically one of new learner’s licences being unavailable. Our team

rides bikes because they are passionate about it, but most applicants for the green book

for bikes are people who need it to earn a living, whether through delivery of pizzas,

newspapers or groceries. Between the vagaries of the trafc, weather and regulations,

bike delivery boys seem to be an endangered race, especially if they continue in the belief

that they can ride on a learner’s licence forever.

Speaking of the weather, Oman has nally seen the back of a rather longer than usual tryst

with the relative cool of a rainy winter. Summer is on us with an opening act of forty plus

degrees. What better time than now for Automan to bring out a detailed look at Tyres

as part of our summer special features. If you are driving on old or worn tyres, or indeed

underinated ones in this heat, you are in for trouble. For details look through the pages

of the tyre special and perhaps you will go out and get your tyres upgraded.

Other than that we have our usual mix of automotive manna that is sure to keep you

informed, entertained and looking forward to the next month’s stock.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFMohammad Al Taie

AL ROYA PRESS & PUBLISHING

PO Box: 343, Postal Code 118Al Harthy Complex

Sultanate of Oman

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.automan.me

Editorial ofce:

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PUBLISHER

Hatim Al Taie [email protected]

EDITOR & GM

Raj Warrior [email protected]

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Chandan B Mallik [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Anne Kurian [email protected]

HEAD OF DESIGN

Antony Karlo

PHOTOGRAPHY

Elvis John Ferrao

MARKETING

Sayantani Ghosh [email protected]

CIRCULATION

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WEBSITE & IT

Mohammed F Draz [email protected]

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© 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

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material, but reserves the right to publ ish any such

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Enthusiast’s taste Lamborghini’s

Esperienza exclusive test drive

program in UAE

Volvo to sell performance models

in region

Renault Symbol arrives in Oman

Hyundai appointmentMitsubishi May dealsPlans for state-of-the-

art Porsche Center for

Muscat revealed

The Lamborghini Esperienza has started its 2015 Middle Eastprogram last month with more than 60 participants from GCCcountries joining Lamborghini at Dubai Autodrome and the

Bahrain International Circuit over the four-day event.The Esperienza, organized by Lamborghini’s Squadra Corsedepartment, is designed to provide newcomers to the Italiansuper sports car marque with a rst taste of the brand and thenew Lamborghini V10 model: the Huracán LP 610-4.With an insight into Lamborghini’s heritage and the technicalprowess of the range, the focus is on test driving Lamborghinimodels through a range of exercises as well as full circuit laps,demonstrating their full dynamic capabilities as both road carsand on track. “The Lamborghini Esperienza is designed togive the perfect test drive opportunity and a rst experienceof our brand for a growing clientele interested in owning aLamborghini,” said Christian Mastro, head of the Europe,Middle East and Africa region. Lamborghini’s Squadra Corse

department runs programs worldwide for both existing clientsand newcomers to the Lamborghini brand, starting withEsperienza, with Accademia providing focused instruction forowners. Lamborghini’s Squadra Corse department also overseesits motorsports program, including the Lamborghini BlancpainSuper Trofeo one-make series in three continents.

Last month, Suhail Bahwan Automobiles [SBA], introduced theall-new third generation 2015 Renault Symbol compact sedan.The model was rst revealed at the 2012 Istanbul Motor Show

and is produced in several locations. The Middle East productioncomes from Morocco. The model was conceived by Renaultas a global model and its key USP is that it delivers a level ofequipment normally associated with vehicles from the nextsegment up. The car will be oered with a 1.6-litre four-cylinderengine mated to an automatic gearbox.

Hyundai Motor Company has announced that Jin(James) Kim will succeed Tom Lee as Vice Presidentand Head of operations in Africa and the MiddleEast. Since 2013, Kim has been in charge of salesfor Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and Middle Eastterritories while based in Seoul. Before his move toKorea, Kim was based in South East Asia, WesternEurope, Australia, Canada and India. In his new roleKim will work with the local team and distributors.On his new appointment, Kim said: “Taking over thesenior role presents a new and exciting opportunity.We have a number of dynamic new model launchesplanned for the rest of this year, so I’ve arrived at an

important time.

It’s a tactical move on part of General AutomotiveCompany, the ocial distributor of Mitsubishivehicles in Oman to usher in the summer season witha range special oers across its range of Mitsubishivehicles as part of its new ‘Summer Knockout Deals’.Rajesh Sharma, National Marketing Manager ofGeneral Automotive Company said, “Customerspurchasing Mitsubishi cars will benet from freeinsurance, free service and a special cash gift.” Thecurrent oer is valid until May 21, 2015 and applies toall Mitsubishi Lancer EX, ASX, Pajero, Pajero Sport,Outlander and L200 models. Mitsubishi is oeringeach of these models with six years unlimitedmileage warranty, six years roadside assistance and

free registration.

SATA LLC, the ocial retailer of Porsche vehicles inOman has announced plans for the construction ofthe new Porsche Centre and showroom to be builtalongside the existing showroom. The multilevel set-up will have space for 42 car displays, workshop andmuseum. The rst phase of the multimillion Omaniriyal project is set to be delivered by October 2016.The facility will also include a permanent displaysection for classic Porsches. The new facilty willbe the largest Porsche Centre in the region when

completed.

Developed from 19 years of motorsport experience, theperformance-oriented Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar get aproduction boost to 750 units in 2015 and this will help the brandexpand to its performance car business from 8 to 13 countriesaround the world including Middle East. “We are proud tointroduce the S60 and V60 Polestar in the Middle East. Thepositive response we received from customers all over the worldon our very rst production car with Polestar is remarkable,” saidEmre Karaer, General Manager of Volvo Car. The new countriesto get the MY16 Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar include Bahrain,Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

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2015 Audi TT arrives in style in regionAt the spectacular launch event at Skydive Dubai last month at the Dubai Autodrome andthereafter on Dubai’s roads, the third generation of the iconic sports car rst hand. “TheAudi TT is synonymous with being a genuine design icon and top-performance machine”,said Trevor Hill, Managing Director at Audi Middle East. “This new generation is enablingus to bring the technology even more to life for drivers – just as they would expect froma real sports car. You dare or you don’t!” At the ocial launch event, the TT logo waspainted in the sky by skydivers from Skydive Dubai. Audi DTM pilot Edoardo Mortararevealed the car with an impressive sprint on the landingstrip.

Meanwhile, in Oman, the new TT’s rst outing along with the new S3 sedan was at the‘Audi quattro tour 2015’ programme that was held at the Oman Automobile Club inMuscat.

MENA region’s rst fully customer focusedand ultra modern new Fiat Chrysler servicefacility was formally put into operation byDhofar Automotive, sole distributors ofChrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, Fiat and AlfaRomeo vehicles in Oman last month.The over 6,000sq-ft impressive servicecentre will oer ‘Fiat Chrysler experience’to its customers. The service centre has 18

bays (15 diagnostic and 3 work bays) andcan service over a 1,000 cars a month. Thefacility will also oer centralized booking,besides taking walk-in customers, meetand greet service, a 45-minute expresslane, engaging audio-visual displays,a customer lounge with free Wi-Fi AMopar display area for spare-parts andaccessories, six-minute service diagnostics,

wheel balancing bay, and ultramodernpainting booth are among the facilitiesoered at this new facility.“The Mabella service centre oers us theoptimal opportunity to enrich the serviceexperience for our customers,” saidChris Edwards, General Manager, DhofarAutomotive. “With its ease of accessform both, the express way and SultanQaboos Highway, the new location furtherstrengthens our presence in Oman. We arenow able to provide our customers with agreatly-enhanced after sales experience.”Roderick Lloyd, Head of after sales atDhofar Automotive commented: “In orderto replicate the Fiat Chrysler Group’sinternational standards in technical andsoft skills training, the service facility alsohas a training centre that will conductand oversee training programmes for FiatChrysler personnel in Oman as well asthe MENA region. Through our trainingprogrammes we hope to develop highlyskilled and trained manpower that willcater to the automobile industry andserve our customers better by ensuringend to end process standardization and

execution.”

Dhofar Automotive launches state-of-the-art

Fiat Chrysler Service Centre in Mabella

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Harley Davidson’s first regional

Spring Ride held in Lebanon

Harley-Davidson’s

Street 750 launched

in region

More than 350 Harley-Davidson enthusiasts from the region along withtheir motorcycles gathered near the new Harley-Davidson boutiqueoutlet located near Red Square Centre, Seaside road Beirut, Lebanonas participants of the season’s rst Spring ride in picturesque Lebanon.The over 230km round trip saw riders and their pillion companions drivethrough the city, countryside, winding mountain roads through to theSouth of Lebanon.

The rst ocial debut of the smallestmember of the Harley family, the Street750, took place in Lebanon at the newly

opened Harley-Davidson® Cedarwoodsdealership in downtown Beirut. “We areextremely thrilled about the opening ofour new dealership in Lebanon which hasfortunately coincided with the reveal ofthe new Street™ 750. Owning a Harley-Davidson® is not just about owning amotorcycle, it’s an experience; and wewanted to ensure we provide our servicesto existing and prospective customersfrom all parts of Lebanon,” said MarwanTarraf, owner andGeneral Manager, Harley-Davidson®dealership, Lebanon. And within weeks

of the Beirut launch, it was launchedin Oman at Al Makan Café in QurumCorniche. The Street 750 is aimed atattracting young riders, especially inurbanised cities like Beirut or Muscat,or those aspirants looking to enter theworld of Harley-Davidson includingwomen who would like to be part ofthe ladies of Harley family. “The Harley-Davidson Street™ 750 is designedspecically to meet the needs of urbanriders and is the ideal way to discovertheir city in style. It is also a bike that

assists with unique challenges faced byriders in dierent climates across theregion. It marries nimble manoeuvrability;unique Dark Custom style and instantpower helping riders escape the cars,buses and taxis that clog inner-cityroads’ added Elsa Abi Nader, RegionalMarketing Manager, Harley-Davidson®Middle East and North Africa. The eventalso coincided with the launch of newDark Custom operations for the line-up.[see test drive impressions of the DynaFat Bob with Dark Custom treatmentelsewhere in this magazine].

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Rolls-Royce SUV work inprogress

Toyota-BMW sports car to slotabove GT86

Uncertain future for Lexus full- size SUVs?

In its open letter on 18 February this year, Rolls-Royce Motor Carsmanagement gave an undertaking to inform stakeholders of theprogress of its SUV called Project Cullinan. Last month, the brandpublished photographs of the rst engineering mule. Since this isearly engineering mule, the focus is on the powertrain and most

importantly, the all-wheel drive system that it will use. The muleis based on a shortened Phantom Series II platform. Observerssuggest that the body may hint at the size of the new car, but itfeatures no design aspects of the eventual high-sided, all-terrainmotor car. The mule rides on the rst iteration of an all-newsuspension that will assist Rolls-Royce engineers in developing anal all-wheel drive system that delivers Rolls-Royce’s hallmark“magic-carpet” ride not only on the road, but o-road too.The rst series of tests will focus on Project Cullinan’s on-roadbehaviour from suspension throw to high-bodied stability, andwill test the new suspension across all types of internationalroad surface specication at test facilities, as well as on publicroads. Test surfaces will include; Belgian Pavé, cobblestones,corrugated concrete, noise development and measurement

surfaces, resonance road, and acceleration bumps.

A Toyota executive has conrmed that its upcoming sports car,which is being co-developed with BMW, will be slotted abovethe Toyota-Subaru co-developed FT/GT86/Scion FR-S. “Theintention with the new car is for it to sit above the GT86,” saidToyota Europe product-planning head Karl Schlicht. This meansthe new arrival doesn’t replace that model.Meanwhile, BMW’s Ian Robertson has suggested the separate

Toyota and BMW variants will not be direct segment rivals, asthe platform is exible enough to support dierent wheelbases.The comments suggest BMW can deliver a small roadster toreplace the Z4, while Toyota can opt for a slightly longer buildconsistent with the last Supra.

Two of Lexus top SUV models, the GX and LX could be facingan uncertain future, according to Lexus executive vicepresident Mark Templin. In a recent interview with motoringmedia, Templin said:”The future of those vehicles longer termis in doubt because of regulations that are being driven by

governments all over the world.” This seems to suggest themodels will stick around for awhile in markets that do not havestringent regulations but could eventually be phased out to dueto more stringent fuel economy and emissions standards. While,Templin declined to comment on possible replacements for thebody-on-frame SUVs but previous media reports have suggestedthe GX will go out of production next year and be replaced by aseven-seat crossover that could be called the TX in the US.

It seems to be a premature remark from the Lexusexecutive. This is because Toyota has inculcated severaleciency oriented technologies in some of its SUVs withfeatures like Electronic On-Demand 4WD, Hybrid SynergyDrive among others. In addition, Lexus has started looking

at turbocharging and direct injection technologies in itsnew oerings like the recently introduced NX compactSUV. We are condent that some of these solutions alongwith benets from Toyota’s new and ecient architecturewill also been seen in future Lexus SUVs.

Previous reports have suggested the model will revive theSupra nameplate and cost more than the Chevrolet Corvette,potentially into the $60,000 bracket if the information provesaccurate. Both variants are rumoured to feature a hybrid all-wheel-drive system and a turbocharged 400hp six-cylinder

engine. Toyota’s car could actually get a BMW powertrain.

A u t o m a n ’ s t a k e

Automan’s take

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By 2020, half of Toyota new models will have new platforms andengineering

Mercedes looking at lifestyle ute Hyundai could green light

Santa Cruz pick-up concept

A couple of interesting things arehappening at Toyota which will havesignicant impact in the way how newproduction vehicles in the coming yearswill be produced. Toyota has announced

that it is taking a new integrated approachin developing ecient platforms,powertrains and components for itsfuture models. Toyota’s New GlobalArchitecture (TNGA) is core to thiselaborate programme and is expectedto play a signicant role in improving

core vehicle performance and productappeal besides oering tangible benetsfor consumers. The basic pillars in thisplan are lighter and more rigid exibleplatforms with lower centre of gravity

and the ability to accommodate compactcomponents. Besides an ecientplatform, a range of new powertrains willbe introduced for the TNGA programmewhich will oer improved fuel eciencyof by approximately 25per cent andincreased overall power output by more

than 15per cent. Toyota also expects toimprove the overall fuel eciency of itshybrid vehicle systems by more than 15percent. The TNGA system will also reducethe investments needed to produce

new models and also engage in ecientproduction technologies by developingstrategic sharing of parts and powertrainelements for instance. Toyota expectsapproximately half of its vehicles soldworldwide by 2020 to feature the fruits ofthese new ideas.

It’s no secret that the mid-size pickup segment is gainingmomentum worldwide. More and more mainstream automakersare looking at pick-ups that have car-like specications. AfterHyundai, it seems that Mercedes-Benz will also expand its productrange into a promising segment by launching its rst pick-up beforethe end of the decade. “A Mercedes-Benz pick-up will contributenicely to our global growth targets,” says Dieter Zetsche, chairmanof the Board of Management Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars division. “We will enter this segment with our distinctivebrand identity and all of the vehicle attributes that are typical ofthe brand with regard to safety, comfort, powertrains, and value.”Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, adds: “As partof our ‘Mercedes-Benz Vans goes global’ strategy, the pick-up is theideal vehicle for the international expansion of our product range

with a newly developed model.”

Executives at Hyundai’s US operations have dropped major hintsabout putting the Santa Cruz concept pick-up into production.Hyundai America CEO Dave Zuchowski said the Santa Cruz isvery important for the company because a production versionwould attract a new clientele looking for trucks. If everythinggoes according to plan, the new lifestyle pick up model will hitthe assembly line sometime in 2017. Zuchowski said the SantaCruz will be able to combine the comfort of crossover with thepracticality of a pick-up. He went on to specify the concept was“not about payload, it’s not about ground clearance, it’s notabout towing capacity or being on a job site and having sheet-rock in the back of the vehicle. It’s not a typical pick-up truck.”

Toyota will begin to roll out its new platforms with the launch of a mid-size front-wheel drive model thisyear, followed by specic new platforms for compact and large FWD vehicles and for rear-wheel drive cars. Automan’s take

a n a r t i s t r e n d i t i o n o f w h a t t h e

M e r c e d e s u t e c o u l d l o o k l i k

e

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Aston to replace Rapide with two models

FCA revamps its European strategy

Aston Martin’s new CEO Andy Palmerwants not one, but two new cars toreplace the Rapide. Palmer revealed hisintentions at New York last month andaccording to the future product the four-door Rapide will replaced by the newLagonda sedan and the second car will bea production version of the DBX crossoverconcept. Palmer said: “First is replacingthe entire sports car range; second is theDBX, and that appeals to a dierent set

of audiences; and the third is the sportssedan, which will carry [the Lagonda]badge.”Aston has also conrmed that the sales ofthat Lagonda sedan will not be exclusiveto Middle East. The DBX meanwhile isslated to switch to four doors from thecoupe-like prole of the concept, but keepsimilar overall dimensions and that sleekrooine to make it more accommodating.The production crossover will use a

conventional petrol engine and not theelectric powertrain as shown before.Meanwhile, besides the Middle East,the Lagonda sedan will be available inEU-compliant markets, including theUK, Europe and South Africa, and will beoered in both left- and right-hand-drivecongurations. Due to the strictly limitedrun of 200 examples and crash testingrequirements in the US, the car being soldin US seems to be remote as of now.

As part of an elaborate plan of reorganization for Europe, FiatChrysler Automobile plans to discontinue models which don’tmeet the increasingly strict EU CO2 standards. UK market istop in the agenda and models to be immediately discontinuedinclude the 300C and Grand Voyager MPV. The only remainingvehicle in the line-up will be the Fiat-based Ypsilon supermini,which will be available via special-order only as dealerships aretransitioned away from the Chrysler brand. Lancia will also followChrysler, becoming a domestic oering for Italy as FCA revampsits European strategy. Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Jeep dealerships willcontinue to operate in the UK and mainland Europe.

Palmer’s suggestion of a crossover as central element in the product strategy is interesting. The utility vehicle will be followed by a newsedan and another new model, with all three built upon one of two new platforms to arrive within the next six years.

Palmer’s suggestion of a crossover as central element in theproduct strategy is interesting. The utility vehicle will be followedby a new sedan and another new model, with all three built upon

one of two new platforms to arrive within the next six years.

Automan’s take

Automan’s take

2017 BMW X7 SUVengineering detailsBMW’s largest all-new SUV, the X7, which is expected to belaunched in 2017 or 2018 is a subject of interest among industrywatchers. This is because with the X7, BMW is targeting RangeRover and the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class in particular.Meanwhile, media reports coming out of Spain have suggestedsome interesting engineering details. The new crossover willbe built on a new platform which will also be shared with theupcoming and yet unnamed Rolls-Royce SUV and other BMWmodels. As a range topper model, the project is known internallyas the “F17”. The incoming X7 will ride on the modular HPLCarchitecture formerly known as 35up that shall soon underpin allrear-wheel-drive BMWs from the 3-Series on up. The upcoming7-Series will also see the rst use of this platform, using plentyof aluminium, magnesium and carbon reinforced CFRP plastic,expected to lower curb weight by 529 lbs. Many suspensioncomponents will come from the X5 and X6, with the possibilityof a rear-wheel-drive only version. Engines will likely include aTwinPower turbo six, gasoline and diesel V8s and a V12. It will also

boast the most luxuriant interior of any BMW model.

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After several years of promising growth[in excess of 10 per cent per annum], theimpact of sanctions on Russia are seriouslyaecting car manufacturing operationsin that country. The combination ofsanctions over Ukraine and a fall inoil prices have hit Russia’s economyhard, drying up consumer demand forinvestments like cars. So far this yearRussian car sales are down 32 per cent.Several auto makers, especially thosewhich have production facilities are beingforced to restructure or modify theiroperations. Here’s a snapshot of who’sdoing what:Nissan was rst to announce suspensionof production of several models atits St. Petersburg, Russia facility. The

St. Petersburg facility produces the

Pathnder, Murano, X-Trail and Teanasedan. With the ongoing Russiandownturn, it seems unlikely Nissan willreach its goal of building 100,000 unitsannually in St. Petersburg by the end of2015.General Motors, which has a majorpresence in Russia, has also announceda major shift in its business strategy a

day after Nissan’s announcement. TheDetroit automaker said last month thatit is abandoning its lost-cost eortsin the country and will instead focuson the premium section of the automarket. GM has further conrmed thatit will only market its Cadillac luxury lineand US-built Chevrolet models like theCorvette, new Camaro and Tahoe. GM’sEuropean Opel brand will pull up stakesin Russia by December 2015. “This changein our business model in Russia is partof our global strategy to ensure long-term sustainability in markets where

we operate,” said GM President DanAmmann. As a result of the decision, GMwill close its plant in St. Petersburg bymid-year. Contract assembly of Chevroletvehicle by Russia’s GAZ will be haltedby the end of 2015. The company’sGM-AVTOVAZ joint venture will also bediscontinued. GM says it will continue tosupport parts and service operations forcurrent owners. The move to shutter mostof its Russian operations will cost GMaround US$600mn.The third major player in Russia is

Volkswagen and the German brand will

cut production at its plant near Moscow.The plant will operate just four days aweek between April and July. The plantwill also eliminated one of its three shiftsindenitely beginning in May. Despitethe grim short-term outlook, VW says itremains committed to the Russian market.Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor and KiaMotors which rank among the top four

foreign carmakers in Russia’s automotivemarket have also been reconsidering theirrespective business priorities. For theSouth Korean brands, the nancial impacthas been exacerbated by a 46 per cent fallin the Russian rouble against the SouthKorean won over the same period.

Since 1954, the Red Dotcompetitions have been amongthe most renowned internationalproduct design competitions,with annual awards selected bythe Design Zentrum NordrheinWestfalen in Germany. As acredible source, it is also knownworldwide as a “qualicationand communication centre forindustry, politics, and society.”For the 2015 season, almost

5,000 participating productdesigns across 31 productcategories were looked intothis year’s Red Dot awards. Theresults are based on the votesof a 38-strong internationaljury of experts. The automotivesector fared well and baggedseveral awards.Key winners from severalbrands made impressive gains.Here are the winners:

Hyundai: Hyundai‘s all-newseventh-generation Sonatawas named as a winner ofa prestigious 2015 Red DotDesign Awards. In addition,Hyundai was awarded a doubleendorsement for the NewGeneration i20 range with thei20 Coupe and i20 ve-doormodels.

Kia: Kia Motors picked up twoawards in the category ofoutstanding product design forits Soul EV and all-new SorentoSUV. “Our international designteams have every reason tobe proud of the honours wehave won at the 2015 Red DotAwards, which show just howsuccessful they have beenin mastering the dierentdesign challenges of these twomodels,” said Peter Schreyer,president and chief design

ocer of the Kia MotorsCorporation.

Volvo: The Best of the Bestaward went to Volvo Carsfor its ground-breaking XC90luxury SUV. “The new XC90is the vanguard of Volvo’snew design direction. In ourwork on this car we havebeen very much aware ofVolvo’s heritage, the value ofauthenticity and Scandinavian

design, but we have also takensome bold and progressivesteps forward, aiming for adesign style and executionlevel that pushes ourboundaries. I am very proudthat our new agship haswon the prestigious Red Dot:Best of the Best award,” saidThomas Ingenlath, Senior VicePresident Design at Volvo CarsVolkswagen: The Germanbrand bagged three awardsfor the Passat, Passat Variant

and Golf Sportsvan in ProductDesign category.

So Russia falters forautomakers…

This year’s Red Dot award goes to…

Looking at medium to long-termbusiness prospects under the currentcircumstances, carmakers have no optionbut to avoid signicant investment into a

challenging market scenario and also lookat ways and means to sustain operations.In December 2014, Nissan announcedplans to double output at the facilityto take advantage of the weak Russiancurrency which also made localizedproduction more attractive than importingvehicles. And with no cars to sell, it meansGM will dismantle its Chevrolet and Opeldealer networks. Like other automakers,predicting a further slide in sales volumesfor 2015, Kia is planning to start exportingsome of that production to recoup its

investments.

Automan’s take

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Jaguar Land Rover

Volvo

Cash rich Jaguar Land Rover hasannounced that it will inject £600mninto its United Kingdom-based researchand development and manufacturingoperations.Within the funds cache, £400mn isearmarked for new and upgradedfacilities to support the introduction ofthe second-generation Jaguar XF thatwas unveiled last month. About £320mhas been allocated for a new aluminiumbody shop that can change productionof panels between Jaguar models. Theinvestment buys new facilities andemployees in the advanced engineeringeld at its Castle Bromwich plant in WestMidlands and at Whitley in Coventry. AtWhitley, Jaguar Land Rover will doublethe size of its advanced engineering and

design centre from 22 to 47 hectares.

New investments planned by major players

Volkswagen chairman resigns amidstcontroversy over successor

Volvo’s ambitious transformation plan involves the creation of a global industrial footprint,complete renewal of its product range over the next four years. Besides these, Volvo willalso introduce new modular vehicle construction and world-rst safety technologies. That’snot all. A new design language and a range of class-leading connectivity services are also

on the agenda. As the US is an important market for Volvo, the Swedish company hasannounced that will build a brand new manufacturing facility in the US, its rst by investingaround $500mn. As of now, possible locations are been looked at and evaluated. “VolvoCars cannot claim to be a true global car maker without an industrial presence in the US.Today, we became that,” said Håkan Samuelsson, Chief Executive and President. “The US isan absolutely crucial part of our global transformation and today’s announcement makes itperfectly clear that Volvo is in the US to stay.”

What’s happening atVolkswagen’s boardroomsthese days? Last month,business media was inundatedwith speculated storiesrelated to comments fromVolkswagen’s ex-chairman

Ferdinand Piech and CEOMartin Winterkorn.It began like this. Piech isreported to have sparked afeud about his succession byopenly saying in a Germanybased publication thatWinterkorn shouldn’t replacehim and he also suggested thatthe latter lacked his vision.Piech went on to say thatbecause of this he wouldn’t

endorse his former protégéto succeed him as chairman.Following this outburst,Winterkorn vowed to serveout his term to the end of nextyear, signaling he wouldn’t bepushed out so easily.

But as the high voltage dramaunfolded over next twoweeks, Piech found himselfout of favour with the Boardand other stakeholders andeventually resigned from thetop job. A statement put outby VW said the move was dueto the fact that “mutual trustis no longer present,” andthe board’s deputy chairman,Berthold Huber, will become

interim chairman.Piech’s wife, Ursula,meanwhile has alsoleft her position onthe powerful board.Winterkorn becameVolkswagen

CEO in 2007 andunder his leadership VWhas continued to expand.Today, the company operatesnine car brands, generatesUS$218bn in revenue, sellsmore than 10 million vehiclesa year, and employs 600,000people worldwide. It is poisedto overtake Toyota MotorCorporation this year as thelargest car maker in the world

by sales.Piech’s inuence in thecompany is noteworthy.Winterkorn’s predecessor,Bernd Pischetsrieder, wasswiftly brushed aside fromthe job in 2006, followingsome comments by Piëch inmedia. The focus as of nowis who would replace Piëchas chairman in 2017, when histerm expires.

Volvo Cars has been doing business in the US since 1955 and this decision to investin the US highlights Volvo’s long term commitment to the US market. The new plantalso means Volvo will be able to meet and ultimately exceed its volume targets in theUS, where it has a medium term ambition to sell 100,000 cars a year. Volvo has twofactories in Europe and two in China.

Here’s a snap shot of who stands where and why. Piech leads the company’s 20-person advisory board. He and his cousin, WolfgangPorsche, are VW’s largest shareholders controlling ve seats on the supervisory board and roughly 51per cent of share-voting rightsthrough holding company Porsche Automobil Holding SE. Winterkorn was supported by the VW sta council which holds half of the 20seats on the supervisory board and so did the state premier of Lower Saxony, Stephan Weil, himself a board member. Lower Saxonyholds a 20per cent share in VW, and also has special voting rights and veto rights for key decisions at the company.

Automan’s take

Automan’s take

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GM Africa and MiddleEast Operations to beunited

Robert De Niro to star as EnzoFerrari in biopic

General Motors (GM) ExecutiveVice President and President, GMInternational (GMI), Stefan Jacobyhas announced that the company wascombining its Africa and Middle EastOperations into one business unit.

Jacoby made this announcement duringhis recent visit to Dubai. The new set-up will be headed by MarioA Spangenberg, the current GM Africa president and managingdirector with eect from June 1, 2015.“Combining GMI’s operations in two key markets will enable us toincrease our focus on our business, our brands and ultimately ourcustomers,” said Jacoby while explaining the rationale behind themove. “It will strengthen GM’s competitiveness in major countrymarkets such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Africa and Kenya.” “TheMiddle East is the fastest-growing vehicle market outside the BRICSnations,” he said. “It is expected to grow to more than 2 millionunits by 2020. Furthermore, we regard Africa as the next frontier forour industry and we expect impressive growth into the future.”In his new role, Spangenberg will maintain oces in Dubai, UAE, andPort Elizabeth, South Africa. The business unit will be headquarteredin Dubai andhe will be supported by GM Egypt and North Africamanaging director Tarek Atta and GM East Africa managing directorRita Kavashe. Ian Nicholls will join as president and managing director,GM Sub-Saharan Africa Operations. A new GM Middle East Operationspresident and managing director will be announced later in the yearafter the departure of present incumbent Maurice Williams whowill return to the US to take up the role of general manager of salessupport for GM US, eective June 1, 2015.

Oscar-winner legendary Hollywood actor Robert De Niro will soonbe seen stepping into the shoes of a godfather from the Italiansports car industry in biopic about Enzo Ferrari. Ferrari had a lifeevery bit as fascinating as many ctional characters with stints asa racecar driver, an engineer and of course a canny businessman.He also held a long passion for motorsports, which could make forsome very exciting scenes. According to reports, the lm wouldfocus on Ferrari’s life from around the founding of his sportscarcompany in the mid ‘40s through to his death in the late ‘80s 71-

year old De Niro told Italy’s Il Messaggero that he will take on therole of one of the car world’s giants. “It is an honour to tell the lifeof an extraordinary man who revolutionised the world of motorsport,” said De Niro. “The lm will go into production soon, mostlyin Italy, and has absolute priority over all my other projects.” DeNiro won an Oscar for playing the young Vito Corleone in TheGodfather Part II. He won another for playing boxer Jake LaMottain Raging Bull. He played Al Capone in The Untouchables, and hasplayed major roles in Goodfellas, Casino, Heat and The Deer Hunter.

The investment marks a massive turnaround by the companythat was under threat during the global nancial crisis, shown byrevenue that has trebled since 2010 to about £19.4bn. Vehiclessales have doubled in the same period.

As an organization, GMI will be responsible for nearly 100 emerging andmature markets and will represent one of GM’s largest opportunities.

Automan’s take

Automan’s take

Honda to discontinue CrosstourHonda has decided to retire it Accord-based Crosstourpermanently as it focuses more on protable models. TheCrosstour introduced in 2011 was mechanically based on theplatform of the 2008 Accord and over the years Honda triedits best to get the model moving with ideas ranging frompositioning it as a standalone, extensive updates to the stylingand interior among others. However, the coupe styled crossovercouldn’t garner the success of say a similarly styled car fromBMW, the X6.By clearing out the Crosstour, which is made in the US, Hondawill now be able to focus on truck and crossover production.Honda expects strong demand for its recently refreshed CR-V,the all-new HR-V, the new 2016 Pilot and the next-generationRidgeline pick-up. While announcing the Crosstour’s demise,Honda also revealed plans to move production of the Accord

Hybrid from its current location in Marysville, Ohio to Japan.

Jaguar Land Rover chief executive ocer Ralf Speth said: “Thisinvestment will help in the company’s future success. Ourexpansion at Whitley will help ensure the sustainable growthof Jaguar Land Rover, with the development of ultra-lowemission technologies. Design leadership, technical innovationand engineering excellence lie at the heart of this responsiblebusiness and we are committed to investing in the skillsneeded to continue this success into the future.”

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LESSCAN BE

MORE

2015 Bentley Flying Spur V8

Bentley shoehorns a V8 engine in its

Continental based four door Flying Spur

sedan. Automan checks out the smaller

engine variant to ascertain whether the

effort is worth the market expectations,

especially in the region Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Nabeel Ferzan/Elvis John Ferrao

16 MAY 2015

Bentley dropped the “Continental”pre-x from its name when itintroduced the redesigned Gen II

Flying Spur and considering the kind of

clientele that Bentley caters to with its6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engined FlyingSpur, it would be fair to assume thatthe car maker established a new luxuryperformance sedan benchmark whenit launched the Gen II Flying Spur twoyears ago. It took no time for the W12to establish its credentials – it was a carthat was noted for its blend of eortlessdriving characteristics, exquisite luxuryand bespoke craftsmanship. So what couldbe the reason or reasons for a punter toopt for a downsized and less powerfuleight-cylinder variant?

Bentley’s answer is simple: it gives theFlying Spur family a variant which hasseveral attractive USPs. We agree it ismore of a marketing driven exercise

as Bentley has indicated that one ofits business aims is to attract newercustomers to its fold. Besides this missionobjective, Bentley’s pockets are deepenough for it to come up with derivativesand in the process also strengthen theproduct mix. And then there’s the last‘P’ in this equation, which, of course, ispricing.Whatever the argument, we aredetermined to nd out what makes thisexercise tick. From the exterior, the carlooks exactly the same its bigger enginesibling which means it continues with the

Spur’s unique blend of sculpted lines insuperformed aluminium body, its lower,wider appearance and the gentle blendingof curved surfaces. And as before, the

car sports lower roof line and a muscularrear haunch. The key identifying featureon the car is that all the Bentley ‘B’ logosare set in a red background, unlike theblack background of its W12 sibling. At therear, there’s the gure of eight chromedexhaust tips and the winged badge alsoget the red centre to denote the V8variant. And besides that, we are told theV8 comes in some new colour palettes –the Amber metallic test car was amongone of the new colours now being oered.The interiors of the car are typical of whatwe are familiar with. The test vehicle


19/8417MAY 2015

came with monotone interior coloursplit with lots of leather, quilt stitching,chrome trim components and all theluxury and convenience features of the

family. This car also benets from thecompany’s advanced on-board technologyapplications. As a high tech executivecar, there’s innovative Touch ScreenRemote, deployed from the rear centreconsole at the touch of a button, allowsthings like controlling the car’s climateand infotainment systems from therear seat, while the optional multimediaspecication brings an extensive rear seatentertainment system package.Bentley engineers task of ensuring thatthe V8 variant of the Flying Spur maintainsits spirited dynamics like its bigger

sibling and avoid the feel that this is adierent car altogether. In that mission,the model’s all-wheel-drive system isretained and it remains rear-biased with

a ratio of 60:40 [rear:front]. Meanwhile,the Audi-engineered, twin-turbocharged4.0-litre V8 [tried and tested in Audi’s S6,RS6, S7, RS7, A8, and S8] has been tunedspecically for the Bentley applicationand output characteristics. Depending onvariant, this engine is available in strengthsranging from 420hp up to 560hp. Forthis test variant, it has been tuned oer500hp at 6,000 rpm, and torque of660Nm is available from 1,700 rpm. Thisultra-compact V8 comes with cuttingedge cylinder deactivation technologyand is mated to a ZF-sourced eight-speed

automatic transmission. Performancegures: 0-100 km/h comes in 5.2secs andtop speed is unrestricted to 295km/h.This performance also comes with a fuel

range of 840km. Besides these, intelligentthermal management and electricalrecuperation technologies/systems arealso on board. With a smaller engine,also comes some weight advantages andthese should be evident during the drive.Actually, the V8 version is about 150kglighter than the one with the W12. Asexpected in this type of set-up, most ofthat mass comes o the front end.On the safety front, the Flying Spur comesequipped with four-wheel antilock discbrakes, traction and stability control, adriver knee airbag, full-length side curtain


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The torque delivery is

one of the key features

of this car. It makesup for the shortage

of horsepower quite

convincingly.

18 MAY 2015

airbags and both front and rear sideairbags.

Driving impressions

Driving Bentleys is usually an entertainingaair and this V8 variant is no exception.It actually serves as a welcome reminderof just how good the engineering is. Whilethe V8 can’t match the headline-grabbingperformance gures of its bigger sister,what we observed during the drive wasthe dynamic dierences appear relativelymodest and there are some distinctadvantages too. This car takes advantageof the lighter front end and for a driverthis means it turns slightly more willinglyand steers with more precision. While this

aspect hasn’t transformed the car’s corecharacter, we are happy to note that itstill feels substantial in a premium luxuryway. The ride quality is as expected whichis Bentley plush, and the ride quality canbe appreciated when the car drives overbroken roads. The air suspension oersfour levels of damping, with even thesoftest keeping the body under tightcontrol when asked to deal with regularasphalt. As with the rest of the clan, the V8Spur’s all-wheel-drive system is rear-biasedand has been set up to ensure maximumtraction at all times. As a result and there’s

never any sense that you can do muchto inuence your cornering line via thethrottle.The torque delivery in this car is interestingin the way it osets the shortage ofhorsepower. In fact, this is a neat

engineering trick that Bentley engineershave long mastered and continue to doso. While, the smaller engine’s throttleresponse and lag-free delivery more than

osets its relative lack of power andtorque, the eight-cylinder oers muchbetter eciency when it comes to fuelconsumption or carbon emissions. Thesmooth-shifting eight-speed automatictransmission nds the right gear andit’s hard to argue with the relentlessacceleration that follows. The V8 alsouses selective cylinder shutdown to turnitself into a V4 under gentle use and thetransition is seamless and best optimizedat highway cruising speeds. The V8 feelsappropriate for the job description.

Verdict

From a marketing perspective, Bentleycan be assured that the Flying Spur V8 willattract a new genre of customers to thebrand, especially those looking to upgradefrom a premium sedan. The FS V8 pricingpoint is also a decisive factor when itcomes to aordability besides the optionof a new interpretation of this luxurysedan. We think it will be the driver’schoice among the Flying Spur family,and repeat what the eight-cylinder did toContinental GT coupes commercially.


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2015 Harley-Davidson FXDFFat Bob

MAD MAXMEETS

NASCAR At the first official spring tour of the season in Lebanonlast month, Automan checked out the MY 2015 FXDF FatBob, a machine that’s got more than just an attitude

Author: Chandan B Mallik

MAD MAXMEETS

NASCAR

Harley-Davidson introduced

the Fat Bob in 2008 andrefreshed it in 2012. The

core focus of the refresh exercisewas engineering which resulted inthe shoehorning of the Twin Cam103 engine. While Harley’s ProjectRushmore projects focused onenhancing the touring models fromMY 2014 onwards, it was not thatmodels like the FXDF Fat Bob wereneglected. In fact, the Fat Bob wasone of the bikes that benetedfrom the Dark Custom lineprogramme last year. Unlike, many

other brands, where a bespokecustom programme is introduced,it somehow overtakes the essenceof the original and in the processupsets the purists. In this case,Harley Davidson has ensured thatthe interests of its customers arekept at top priority in such anagenda.We are pleased to report that froma purist’s point of view, the MY2015FXDF Fat Bob remains mostlyunmolested and gains in areas

which actually add to its existing no-

nonsense and colourful character.The Fat Bob is highlighted by itsBoober-inspired low ride set-up,drag bars with forward controls,wide triple-tee front fork, chubbytyres [a fat rear 180mm and for therst time in a Dyna line up, a 130mmfront] and last but not the least,its signature double-barreled LEDheadlamps and “Tommy Gun” 2-1-2exhaust.So, what are the new ideas thathave come from the Dark Customline programme? While keeping the

prole unaltered, for 2015 it gets asleek new rear mudguard to startwith. Our test bike came with SandCammo Denim paint work and theoverall eect is complemented bythe once chromed and now blackedout components. Parts covered inthis exercise includes the aluminiumtriple clamps, battery box cover,headlight trim ring and rear shockcovers – which are usually nickelor chrome or polished aluminiumin other models. Even the familiar

aluminium slotted rims have been

powder coated black and discappear with machined eect.When you sit on the bike, the drag-styled 1.25in diameter handlebar isdesigned to oer optimized ridingposture and the nice part is that itappears uncluttered as it featuresan internally wired bar. And togive a customized appearance,it also sits on tall risers. We likedthe minimalistic and overallclinically clean looks of the FatBob. From a rider’s perspective,even shorter riders will also nd

the riding posture slightly lessradical than the average cruiseravailable in the market. Since thefunctional elements have been wellestablished, there was no need tochange the arrangement. Meanwhile,the instrumentation set up has beentrimmed for a sleeker look.The Fat Bob still continues to bepropelled by an air cooled, twin cam103 1,687cc engine which rewardsthe rider with a peak torque of136Nm at 3,500 rpm and delivers

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Harley Davidson’s

2015 Fat Bobcontinues to

impress us with

its cool attitude

even when it is

standstill. And the

reason for this is

that it is amongone of the key

models in the line-

up that has been

meticulously honedover the years

by experienced

hands to give it its

current star status22 MAY 2015


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a fuel consumption of 5.6-litres/100 kmfrom its estimated 83-85bhp output on thewheel. The engine is mated to a six-speedCruise Drive transmission. Harley doesn’tocially reveal output gures since itthinks that torque matters more.

Riding impressions

The test bike was supplied as one of themachines for this year’s rst spring ride

in the region. The event took place inLebanon with the capital city’s secondnew showroom as the starting point. Thegroup size for the ride was estimated tobe at least 250 riders [including regionalmedia, participants from local and regionalclubs] and as expected there was a lotof enthusiasm amongst the riders. It alsohappened to be a day perfect for ridingtoo in that country. The day long ride wasover 200kms.For me, the fat front tyre and beefy frontend represent the heart and soul of thisbike followed by the ultra-low seating. The

optimized centre of gravity immediatelyputs the rider at ease and after just a fewkilometers of riding one realizes that FatBob is surprisingly nimble for such a bigmotorcycle. Even the front end is not tooreluctant to change direction and overallseems to be on the side of the rider andtogether, they all work in tandem tomake the Fat Bob a very solid, plantedperformer. As a regular biker, most of myriding is short commutes and longer day

rides is a rarity.With the Fat Bob on this trip, we wereexposed to various riding situationsranging from tight city riding, packedhighways and on semi-treacherousmountain roads. And, in most drivingsituations that I faced in the day long ride,the Fat Bob proved time and again thatit is an ace. So, much so, I refused to partwith it during the return journey [where

we were supposed to swap bikes], withthe exception of riding some of the othertouring models short distances for thephoto shoot.The Fat Bob’s new Twin Cam 103 isextremely exible in its power delivery andthe nice thing is that almost impossibleto stall, even with gear shifts at idling.The best part is that it uses its incredibletorque to waft along with authority. Insuch a set-up, revs don’t really matterhere as there’s plenty of torque availableto move it in any gear at any speed. Fluidacceleration is entertaining and provides

good old-fashioned thrills every secondalong the way. The transmission deliverscrisp up shifts. The nicely calibrated gearratios and at torque spread from the TC103 seem to be made for each other.The engine’s performance combined withlight handling and glued-to-the-road frontend translates the 305kg machine intoan all-rounder considering that it is moreurban oriented. Most of Lebanon’s roadinfrastructure is quite old and we came

across lot of the potholes and asphaltirregularities, but you hardly feel them onthe handlebars as a lot of the feedbackfrom the road is actually absorbed by thetyres. Even at higher speeds, the bike feelswell connected to the ground and its light,neutral handling and stability is impressiveThe one functional change we noted onthis edition was the seat prole which hasgone from a rm, attish [but surprisingly

supportive], to more of a sculpted typeand softer base. As a result, the new perchis comfortable in short city stretches,but on longer rides it doesn’t allow theexibility to change riding posture. Ourmachine had ABS and with the dual frontdiscs do an excellent job, allowing therider to brake hard and late also, a featurenot usually found in this segment. WhileDyna models always show a bit moreathleticism than others, make no mistake,this bike continues to oer smooth ow ofpower to allow a high degree of sporty funfor a Bobber-inspired machine.

Verdict

With subtle improvements and innovativecustom treatment, the Fat Bob moves outfrom “bland” territory and moves into asegment with a dierent attitude. Thisyear’s Bob is not only attractive, but alsooers great character in handling andperformance. This bike fulls both roles ofsimultaneously being a head turner and aroad burner!

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2015 MV Agusta TurismoVeloce 800

24 MAY 2015


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First revealed at EICMA in 2014, theproduction version of the all-new MV

Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 is ready to hit

the road. We travel all the way to South

of France to check out this ground-up

designed touring machine


Very much like the automotiveindustry, the world of motorcyclesalso has specialized segments.

And the success in a particular segmentby any innovative manufacturer canalso lead to healthy competition. Thebusiness segment comprising of dualpurpose o-road/on-road motorcyclesis doing very well worldwide and it’sa segment that has attracted many aplayer. Typically, these machines can beinstantly identied by their longer travel

suspension, an upright riding position,and usually come with asymmetricwheels with larger diameter wheelsup front. Over the years, particularlysince 80s, these machines have beenoered with range of dierent engines,ranging from single-cylinders to multiplecylinders with diverse architecture andnal drive options.Milan-based MV Agusta Motor SpA isnow on a new level and a new high. Itplans to have at least 18-19 models inits line-up based on its three-cylinder

and four-cylinder powertrains. The lastmodel using the current three-cylinderarchitecture is the Turismo Veloce 800and its variants Turismo Veloce 800Lusso and limited production Edition 1.This development comes at a timewhen the motorcycle brand is lookingforward to increase its global footprintwith distribution expertise from Daimler.The Daimler connection came in 2014after the latter purchased 25 per centstake in MV Agusta. Both have indicated

future plans about combining marketingMV Agusta motorcycles with their ownrange of AMG performance models andsports cars.The Turismo Veloce 800 was designedground-up as a luxury touring modeland each and every component hasbeen meticulously crafted with formand functionality in mind. The chassis isbased on the tried and tested Stradale800’s, but the steering geometryhas been modied. Steering rake hasbeen increased by 1˚ to 26.5˚. The

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chassis structure is a mix of trellis, withbolt on forged aluminium castings assubframe which houses the seats. Plastic

composites have been used in the body,panels, mudguards and other trim. Thecompactness in which all the componentsare packaged as a single unied is quiteremarkable where nothing appears asbeing excessively done. The wheelbasenow stands at 1,424mm and overall lengthis 2,084mm. The single-sided swingarmcomes directly from the Stradale 800unchanged. Front gets inverted Marzocchicartridge shocks which can travel up to160mm. At the rear, the mono shock isfrom Sachs and is set slightly oset. The

dry weight of the bike has been kept

at 191kg. Despite of the forward re-positioning of the front wheel, the weightdistribution remains correct because of

the forward re-positioning of a largerbattery and of the weight added by thefairing. The fairing is well proled, sharpbut adequately protective and houses thefamiliar shaped LED DRL. The hand guardshave directional signals integrated, whileat the rear the horn-shape LED signalcluster hang on either side of the numberplate. Fuel tank capacity is 22-litres. Fitand nish are commendable.As a global touring bike, several elementsare bespoke and factory tted. Two colourschemes are oered – silver/red for the

panniered models and silver for non-

The Turismo

Veloce 800 is MV’sinterpretation of the

“tall-in-the-saddle GT

bike” theme that was

pioneered by BMW

Motorrad with their

GS machines and

other Italian brands.26 MAY 2015


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panniered versions. The frame mountedfairing for instance is oered with twodierent screen heights as option. The ride

height is xed at 850mm and is suitable fortaller riders only. The handle bar is straightand the width is reduced in keeping therear width [with panniers]. The lockablepanniers will accommodate 30-litresworth of cargo, which means two full facehelmets plus extra gear. As a dual seater,the pillion rider benets from stadiumview. No provision for top box though asof now.Most of the controls on the handlebarare familiar but there’s an extra togglewhich helps the rider navigate through

the extensive menu. And depending on

version of the bike, the rider can virtuallydial-in parameters ranging from enginemapping, throttle response, engine

braking, brake force, traction control,the quickshifter (up and down), and thehydraulically actuated slipper clutch and inmodels with electronic suspension [Lusso]– soft or hard settings.The engine is based on the Brutale’s798cc three-cylinder DOHC four-strokeliquid cooled engine, but has beenreworked in view of the touring naturewhere torque delivery is more importantthan horsepower. It also gets newlydesigned pistons and MotoGP inspiredcountershaft arrangement for smooth

running, especially at higher revs. In this

set-up it produces 110hp at 10,000rpm[vs Brutale’s 125hp] and 83Nm of torqueat 8,000rpm. Power is sent through

a six-speed gearbox and nal drive ischain. MV Agusta claims that the enginemanagement has been tailored to oerextremely high levels of exibility in viewof the likely working scenarios and henceincorporates a highly advanced electronicspackage with twin ECUs. In fact, the EldorEM2.0 engine-management system is partof an advanced electronics suite whichis capable of comparing data and riderinputs before acting—in a millionth ofa second. The ignition system includesthe latest pencil-type coils capable of

monitoring combustion in each cylinder

The MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 is beautiful in itsred and silver paint. LED fired DRL design is unique

for this model

30-litre luggage panniers wereamong the first items to be designed

for this model

The Veloce 800 will be offered intwo platforms:the standardmachine plusthe Turismo

Veloce 800Lusso which haselectronicallyadjustableSachssuspension

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and at every cycle. This arrangementprevents engine knocking at low speeds.Three exhaust tips with bigger diameter

tips signs off the set-up nicely. Topspeed is restricted to 230km/h.In terms of modcons, the bike comeswith factory fitted Garmin GPS, aBluetooth bike/rider interface, twoUSB charging ports up front locatednear the top of the fuel tank, 12v powersocket for pillion and hydraulic clutchfor the rider. The bike’s instrumentationand information display are allintegrated into a TFT screen. Dashboardinformation relayed includes speed,rpm, gear, mileage, trip, fuel level,

riding mode but information like travel

distance to empty/reserve, consumptionrate, average consumption etc are notavailable.

In terms of stopping power the bikecomes outtted with 320mm doubleoating disc with Brembo radial-type fourpiston calipers and smaller 220mm singledisc with two piston caliper. ABS systemused comes from Bosch [9 Plus] and thebike also features rear wheel lift-upmitigation. The tyre set-up is surprisingin the sense that it uses smaller 17inasymmetric width rim shod with 120/70 ZR17 M/C [58W] and 190/55 - ZR 17 M/C [75W]tyres front and rear respectively. In thisset up, the minimum ground clearance is

140mm.

Riding impressions

The bike is tall, as are all bikes of this nichesegment, but the seat does provide a

reasonable reach to the ground for tallriders. Short riders [under 5’-6”] will ndthe reach dicult even with the softestchassis setting which allows the rideheight to be lowered. Fire the engineand it starts o rather noisily as there’s alot of mechanical chatter in idling whichseems to settle down when the clutch isengaged [even partly in neutral] and gearis engaged. Gear shift response even indefault mode is quite responsive and so isthrottle feedback. In the higher revs, themachine shows its eagerness to please

and moves forward with a complementing

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exhaust growl. The bike’s accelerationis progressive, fast and wind protectionis very good due to superb aerodynamic

proling of the front faring and screen.The balance of the bike is one of itsstrongest points as the front end isquite light and doesn’t tire the rider.Steering and turn-in are good and weencountered no issues in manoeuevringthe countless hairpin bends, fast cornersand long stretches during our 230kmplus sojourn in and around the countryside and spectacular mountain roadsof Cote Azur in southern France. As adual purpose bike, this machine has thecapability of keeping its riders thoroughly

entertained and engaged. While output

is 15hp less than that of the Brutale, itis the at torque delivery which makesup for that performance gure. The

superior performance of the machineis also a direct benet of the upgradedelectronics it use which also manages theBosch Cornering ABS feature preventsthe Brembo brakes from locking a wheeleven when well leaned over. End of theday we need to remember that the Veloce800 has a naked sports bike’s fundamentalhardware under its skin and this aspectcan ensure its overall likeability even asa medium to long distance tourer. Onething for sure which can be said about thenew 2015 MV Agusta Veloce Turismo 800

is that despite its sophisticated software it

doesn’t appear complicated. Rather, it’s apleasant machine to be on all day.

VerdictThe 2015 MV Agusta Turismo Veloce800 when compared to the stalwarts inthe segment may appear slightly underkitted, but when it comes to comfort andversatility, this machine does oer a lotfor its price. Global buyers will appreciatethe larger capacity fuel tank, range, windprotection, comfortable seat, handlebarsand associated benets. We expect thecompany will be able to oer customsolutions to some of the niggles that wereencountered during the ride in the months

to come.

With the new

model, MV

hopes to takecustomers away

from the Ducati

Multistrada 1200,

Triumph Tiger 800

XRx and 1200

Explorer, and

BMW’s R1200 GSand forthcoming

S1000XR

The bike’s hydraulic slipper-clutch, quick-shifter, cruise-control, Bluetooth connectivity, eight-stage traction control

with ride-by-wire throttle four riding modes and ABS

A 5-in TFT display provides all the expected instrumentation,plus Bluetooth connectivity for the Smartphone or the helmet-to-helmet intercom. There’s a dedicated App that provides full rider

and passenger integration for these systems

Garmin

Nuvo satnavcomes asstandard

kit.

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Muscat-based Alfardan Motors represents Artic Cat, a North

American manufacturer of snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles.

Two of the ATV models have recently been introduced and

Automan checked out the 2015 Wildcat X Limited OS urban

terrain vehicle [UTV] in familiar surroundings in the Sultanate of

Oman

Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Elvis John Ferrao

2015 Artic Cat Wildcat XLimited OS

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Quads and ATVs in the regionare among favourite toys forenthusiasts looking for outdoor

fun in a compact, yet powerfulpurpose-built machine off-road orin sand. Arctic Cat was formed bysnowmobile pioneer Edgar Hetteen in1960. Hetteen also has been associatedwith Polaris. Although Arctic Cat did notstart their company with the productionof all-terrain vehicles, their expertisehas helped them engineer and producemany different ATV models.

The construction of the Wild Cat X is

based on a design which allows twooccupants to sit side by side, very muchlike in a conventional car. It comes withan exposed design built around tubularsteel frame which also acts as a safetycage and prevents occupants gettinghurt in case of a roll over. Two colourschemes are offered and the aluminiumbumpers are also painted to match therest of livery.Getting in and out is like that of a caras this machine has proper doors andeven sporty bucket seats complete with

safety harness. That’s not all. Unlike

quad bikes which have mechanicalmotorcycle type of steering set-up[handlebars with hand controls –brake, accelerator, switch gear etc],the Wild Cat is endowed with more caror SUV type features in this respectlike a variable assist electric powersteering which can be adjusted for tilt.Dashboard is minimalistic and hoststhe instrumentation and switchgear.The digital/analogue gauge provides 14critical operation indicators includingclock/hour meter, fuel level, mode

button, set/reset button, odometer/trip,

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gear position, speedometer/tachometer,needle display, differential lock, highbeam, battery condition, temperatureand oil pressure. And there are somepractical features also on board. Despitethe engine occupying a lot of the rearspace, there’s a rear cargo box which

has storage capacity up to 300lbs.

The engine is mounted at the rear on asubframe assembly which itself is boltedon to the main structure. Likewise, thefront end of the vehicle is occupiedby the long-travel suspension set-up,which also gets its own sub-frame basedmounting arrangements. The front

suspension set-up is similar to that in

a quad, and it uses A-arms. The extralong coil over spring shock absorberscan offer up to 18in of travel at the rearand 17in up front. Meanwhile, the FOXshock absorbers come with 23 positioncompression adjustments and piggybackreservoirs suggesting its heavy duty

capabilities. Ground clearance is 13in.

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One of the concerns of ATV drivers is tohave a at tyre and in this respect ArcticCat has actually upgraded the tyres fromDuro Tires [used in the earlier models] toMaxxis Bighorn 2.0. The Maxxis Bighorntyres feature a stronger sidewall andbigger lugs, thus making the tyres harderto puncture.The engine is a 951cc, liquid-cooledV-twin engine which features a

hemispherical combustion chamber[similar to that used in Hemi engines]that is supposed to oer the eciencyadvantages of 4-valves per cylinder set-up and in the X Limited and X models theengine oers 90+hp. The ceramic-coatedexhaust header pipes are designed as a2-into-1 set up. Fuel feed is via electronicfuel injection. Transmission is CVT andthe drive system features 2/4 WheelDrive, high and low range selectorsand front dierential lock. This means,depending on terrain, it can be driven

in 2WD, 4WD and AWD, very much like

the 4x4s that we are familiar today. Thecurrent model also benets from animprovised new clutch.

Riding impressionsWhile this is an open top like a quad bike,protective clothing is strongly advised ifone is venturing o-road. That means acrash helmet, eye protection and gloves.Starting the motor is like that of a car

– just turn the ignition switch and theengine res. The next job is to engagethe drive train in terms of range [high orlow] and 2WD/4WD. After this is donethe vehicle is ready for the job. Thedriving experience is a mix of a torquequad with the comforts of a 4x4 opentop. This means the steering is not tooheavy, the rider need not use his weightto optimize balance and basically it ispoint and shoot.The steering feel and car-like feedbackensures this machine’s predictable

manners besides making the ride much

more enjoyable. The ground clearanceand massive torque ensures that it willclear most obstacles and dunes withrelative ease. A point of caution – thethrottle management by the rider iscrucial if one needs to extract maximumperformance, be it on hard trails and fastcorners or climbing a dune. The basicpremise is to get enough torque formomentum without the wheel spin. This is

especially handy when heading out over along section of the sand dunes.The handling is a breeze, thanks to thesuspension set-up. Sliding through cornersis also possible and it’s fun too. There’smore than needed power in hand to breakthe back end loose of the machine.

VerdictFor a cash price of OMR 8,500 in Oman,one gets a proper four-wheeled oroader which accommodates two adults.Compared to quad, this is a better and

safer option to have fun outdoors.

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Ford’s luxury arm

Lincoln is looking to break its design

constraints with the

European flavoured

Continental

Concept, its idea of

an all-new full-size

sedan. But there’smore that meets the

eye, if one considers

the feedback it has

received post New

York.


I

n less than a year from now, Ford’sluxury brand Lincoln is looking atprojects that will help bring back

the glory it has enjoyed in the past – beit in design or engineering prowess. Ifthat happens, then the current practiceof rebadging Ford models and thencosmetically adapting them for Lincolnwill be over. This is good news for boththe brand and business.Among, the new model oensive plannedis a full-sized luxury sedan. The nameLincoln is very well-entrenched with thebest of Lincoln and the next logical forthe brand was to prepare for its returnfor the domestic and chaueur drivenChinese market. The idea was to createa agship sedan that oers the bestof Lincoln and to give an idea, Lincolnpresented the Continental sedan as aconcept case at New York. At the show,executives said it was production readyand could be delivered within a year toshowrooms. But, that possibility onlyhappens when a concept project getsapproved following the feedback it getsbesides the business case. But somethingunexpected happened after the carwas unveiled to media and public forthe rst time. On one hand, the Lincoln

Continental concept received applause at

it was able to communicate the new ideasfrom the brand. But, at the same time,a section of the industry came down

heavily on the car’s design in particularclaiming that it was far from originaland that it was a clone of an uber Britishbrand [see box].Irrespective of what automotive criticshave said about this car, its styling doesbring in a dose of fresh air to the brand.In a prole which employs limousineinspired cues like a traditional three-boxlayout with long bonnet, short bootand generous greenhouse minus coupe-like inspirations, it appears elegant,understated and denitely renedwith less polarizing elements like theoversized edge to edge taillamp clusteror the unattractive winged grille [whichhas become a styling trademark forLincoln lately]. Apart from a chromegrille, an embossed Lincoln motif issurrounded by polished aluminiumLincoln Star emblems. The rear sign ois quad exhaust with asymmetrical tips.Rhapsody Blue metallic paint will be theLincoln Continental’s signature exteriorcolour..As a top-of-the-line model, detailinghas been a critical part of the overall

package. E-Latch door handles tuck

1

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discreetly in the car’s neat waistline. Thedoor handle technology also providesfor elegant entry. The doors open

eortlessly with the touch of a buttonpositioned on the underside of the doorhandle wings and close quietly. Thesunroof is electrochromatic—changingfrom opaque to clear at the press ofa button—and Ford has taken out 50patents on the seats in this application.As expected, the Continental’s interiorhas been designed with airline businessclass inspirations, if not more. A host offeatures will include automatic courtesylighting, powerful LED matrix head lampswith laser-assist high beams and moodlighting. As a chaueur driven car, theContinental’s cabin is designed for thebenet of rear-seat occupants and henceit is featured to be opulent. Expect tond Venetian leather seats with Alcantarainserts and 30-way adjustability whenit arrives. The passenger-side rear seatcan fully recline by moving the frontpassenger seat forward with the touch ofa button. From a panel mounted on thethrough-central console, rear passengersalso can control climate settings and theRevel Ultima audio system with threepre-select surround-sound modes.

Whatever, the case with this concept

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Automan’s takeThe design presentation of the concepthas received lukewarm receptionworldwide and few observers haveeven pointed out the concept bearingmore than a passing resemblance tothe current Bentley Flying Spur. In fact,social media has been fast on this and itappears that Bentley chief designer LucDonckerwolke didn’t take the Lincoln’s

design expression as being authentic.Donckerwolke expressed his disgust onFacebook and according to the US-basedportal, Donckerwolke stated: “I wouldhave called it Flying Spur concept and keptthe four round lights.” He also posted amessage on Lincoln Design Director DavidWoodhouse’s Facebook page in which headded: “This behaviour is not respectable.Building a copy like this is giving a badname to the car design world.”

and its future implications, a productionversion is planned for the coming year. Asfar as engineering goes, the productionversion of the new Continental will notbe built on modied version of the MKS/Taurus platform which is also sharedwith the Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex. Amodied/stretched version of the CD4platform which underpins the Fusionand MKZ appears to be the appropriatecandidate for the job. Since the car will be

sold primarily in US and China, Ford hasn’treleased market specic powertraindetails, however, one of the forced fedengines will be the 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6,exclusive to Lincoln. China destined carscould likely receive an even smaller four-cylinder option. In its previous avatars theContinental has been oered in front andrear wheel drive versions, the exciting

bit is that the incoming Continental isrumoured to use the all-wheel-drivesystem which is currently employed in thenew Ford Focus RS. It may be noted thatLincoln dropped eight-cylinder enginesaltogether with the redesigned, 2015Navigator SUV. Transmission choicescould include Ford’s latest 8-speed ormaybe the 11-speeder [patent led lastmonth].Driver assist technologies include Pre-

Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection,Enhanced Park Assist and a 360-degreecamera that displays on the MyLincolnTouch™ screen. The Lincoln Drive Controlsystem will be oered with three drivingmodes and the Adaptive Steeringshowcased on the concept car are likelyto be found on the production car as well.

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Lincoln Continental history

A chequered past worth nine generationsLincoln Continental is a model name for a series of automobilesproduced by the Lincoln division of Ford Motor Company from

1939 to 1948 and again from 1956 to 1980 and from 1981 to2002. Despite often sharing underpinnings with less-expensiveFords, the Lincoln Continental had usually been a distinctivelyplatformed and styled, highly equipped luxury car in the courseof its long history.The agship Lincoln model during most of its run, the Continentalname conveyed special cachet in the product line. The LincolnMark series grew out of it, with varying degrees of branddierentiation over the years. During the 1980s, the Continentalwas downsized from a full-size to a mid-size Ford Taurusplatform; this introduced the Continental to a wider range ofcompetition from Europe and Japan. After the Continental wasdiscontinued in 2002, it was largely replaced by the Lincoln LS

and eventually the Lincoln MKZ.

The designers of the Lincoln Continental concept have received stark criticism from industry stalwarts

Usually concept cars are presented atshows to depict a message. It could befuture thought, a technical or designapproach or use of new materials amongothers. The automotive industry isaccustomed to receiving bouquets andbrickbats to their presentations. Andfor several years, the usual suspectsgaining copy cat notoriety have been

mainly having Chinese origins. However,there was an exception this year atNew York. The return of the LincolnContinental, albeit in concept formhas evoked controversy in the highest

echelons of the motoring business. WhileLincoln some designers involved in theContinental Concept project were underthe impression that the world wouldaccept their new design language forthis top-of-the line sedan and accept it.Bentley chief designer Luc Donckerwolkewas most vocal about it. Now the milliondollar question is: will the Lincoln design

team succumb to this scathing Britishcriticism and go for a redesign or takea middle of the road path and removethe objectionable elements? Or drop theproject altogether.

So, what does the new Continental

mean for the brand?

The new car is expected to raise the bar forthe brand in several respects. As Lincolnhas embarked on a clear cut product policysupported with standalone retail conceptshowrooms, this car should be able tofundamentally communicate that it comesas genuine investment on part of revitalizedLincoln. And that Lincoln is consciouslymoving away with reworked Ford models.All that Lincoln needs to do is stay awayfrom making controversial decisions whichmay undermine or risk its future aspirations.

First generation [1939–1948]

The rst Lincoln Continental was developed as Edsel Ford’sone-o personal vehicle, though it is believed he plannedall along to put the model into production if successful.

In 1938, he commissioned a custom design from the chief

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stylist, Eugene T. “Bob” Gregorie, ready for Edsel’s March1939 vacation. The design, allegedly sketched out in an hourby Gregorie working from the Lincoln-Zephyr blueprintsand making changes, was an elegant convertible with along hood covering the Lincoln V12 and long front fenders,and a short trunk with what became the Continental series’trademark, the externally mounted, covered spare tire.

Second generation [1939–1948]

Fourth generation [1961–1969]

Third generation [1958–1960]

The Continental name was revived in late 1955 as a separatemarque, produced by a separate division of Ford MotorCompany, with its sole model being the Continental MarkII. Ford made it very clear that this Continental was not aLincoln. This version was a unique design with the highestquality control ever seen in the automobile industry. High-class luxury abounded in the new Continental, and withvery limited availability, it appeared even more exclusivethan the original. Continentals for 1956 were among themost expensive cars in the world — with a cost of $10,000at a time when a regular Ford could be had for less than$2000.00. it rivaled Rolls-Royce. Ford believed that its pricepoint would elevate the car’s status among those who couldaord the very best. Despite its astronomical price tag,Ford Motors lost money on each one sold. The ContinentalMark II was sold for just two model years. Between thetales of dealers turning potential buyers away because theywere not deemed to be the right kind of people to own aContinental, and its sticker price found aordable by onlythe world’s wealthiest, the Continental became almostmythical. Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, the Shah of Iran,Nelson Rockefeller and Henry Kissinger were part of theexclusive Continental owners circle!

After the Continental Mark II was discontinued, a new

generation of the brand appeared for 1958. These were

the first Continentals produced at the new Wixom plant,

and the first made on an unibody platform. Though this

edition is known as the “Mark III,” the first models bore

the nameplate “Continental III” on the front fender. The

separation of the Continental name from the Lincoln

brand reflected a similar approach by Chrysler with the

Imperial, in an attempt to match Cadillac at the time.

The full-size Lincoln sold poorly in all its models and 1958was a recession year in the US. But in spite of that, the

Continental Mark III recorded much better sales than the

Mark II. AM radio was standard. A rare option was an FM

radio.

In 1961, the Continental was completely redesigned byElwood Engel. For the

165 automan may issue 2015

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