automan october 2011

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OCTOBER 2011No 122 Oman’s Best Automotive Resource OMR 0.500 AED 5.00 QR 5.00

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ALL OUR

REGULAR FEATURES

INCLUDING

BRANDWATCH

LEAN MEAN

GREEN

CABRIO-COUPE SPECIAL

SPECIAL REPORT 64TH FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOWFIRST DRIVES 2011 PORSCHE CAYMAN R

&

YOU’VE WAITED ALL THESE YEARS AND IT’S FINALLY HERE!

Details inside

+

2011 CHEVY CAMARO CONVERTIBLE2011 BMW 6 CONVERTIBLE

editor-in-chiefMohammad Al taie

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execUtive editorchandan B Mallik [email protected]

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Smaller engines, anyone?We know it is a sign of the times when new models are rolled out with a bulk of the

product information package packed with information about the new body, styling,

interiors, trims, potential market and the like. The space that used to be devoted to

extolling the virtues of a bigger, more responsive engine seems to have dwindled

away. After all, you can’t blame manufacturers for feeling apprehensive about how the

public will take the news, let alone how regulatory authorities are likely to do so.

But that is the way the wind blows. It isn’t just that the price of petroleum is rising.

No, we haven’t quite felt the sting in Oman or the GCC in general due to government

generosity. But elsewhere, disparate events like financial crises, currency fluctuations

and the odd war or two are doing their bit to make fuel costlier and people are voting

with their purchases of smaller engined, more fuel-efficient cars. What is increasingly

happening is that the new markets in terms of volumes for most global manufacturers

are in countries like China, India and Brazil where fuel costs and the subsidies on them

are under pressure. People do feel the pinch, with retail cost of fuel almost the same

as a customer in highly taxed Europe pays for it.

You also know that the trend is well and truly set when flagship models start

sporting engines that are smaller in volume than variants they have left by the

roadside a decade ago. Take the two flagships we have tested this month - the XJ and

the S-class. Both have 6-cylinder engines under their bonnets, but don’t aren’t limited

in what they offer in terms of comfort and performance. Jaguar sees the 3.0-litre as

critical to establishing volumes in the segment even here in the GCC and we know that

Mercedes are working at even smaller alternatives that are likely to come in the future.

In the meantime Audi have also signalled the production of their A8 hybrid and

while that is a whole new ballgame, the 2.0-litre TFSI engine at the heart of the

petrol-electric hybrid is a popular inclusion already in their smaller cars. This is

an alternative that may just catch on with other manufacturers, leading to more

4-cylinder engines in large flagships. By means of using the hybrid path, Audi is

already looking at a sub - 6 litre per 100 kms fuel consumption while retaining the 0

to 100 sprint in below 8 seconds. This is where the market is - not looking at whether

people will buy for saving money at the pump, but making sure they don’t lose

performance in the bargain.

Now the biggest proviso is ensuring that volume manufacture lowers the cost of all

the new technology, ensuring that the upmarket customer, whether he be in Muscat or

Mumbai, will buy the car for the whole package. We think that entails beefing up the

engine information in future media packs, for there is a whole new story waiting to be

told.

News Twin Hyundai launch in Oman 4Lexus & Toyota set recordsat Nurburgr ing 10GM & LG to co-develop EVs 11

braNdwatchFord to diversify Ecoboostengine portfolio 6Bob Lutz out of retirement 7Chrysler introduces 8-speedtransmissions officially 8

also driveN2011 Ford Taurus 54

First drive2011 BMW 6 Series 70

automaN selectToyota Corolla Exclusive 66Kia Sorento 2.4 42

cover story Top stars @ FrankfurtMotor Show 14Porsche Cayman R 46Chevy Camaro convertible 58

Previews2011 Bentley GTC 322011 Mercedes SLS AMG 362011 Nissan Juke 64

bikesNews 65

motorsPortsFormula One, WRC, MotoGP 74

chicaNeA system of disbelief 80

in this issue

COOL, LIGHT AND AGG‘R’ESSIVE

When Porsche introduced the Cayman in 2005, the ‘S’ that followed was based on a simple recipe for driving pleasure: a chassis with exceptional reflexes and dollops of horsepower. The ‘R’ is the next level of the evolution which now sees flab reduction and a bit more aggressiveness through various tweaks. Does this application stretch the car’s civilized limits? Automan finds out

Author Chandan B Mallik Photography Nabeel Ferzan

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EDITORIAL NOMINEE

PORSCHE CAYMAN R

SPORTS COUPE

{COVER STORY}

cover story 46

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FIRST DRIVE

Bigger and more powerful than the model it replaces, there’s a greater emphasis on technology and less adventurous styling in the all-new second generation 2012 BMW 6 Series convertible. Automan spends a couple of days with this new arrival in the UAE

the beast

If one takes a look at BMW and traces its meteoric rise over the years, one will surely come across many interesting

facets in its chequered history. Innovation and its management has played a key role in helping BMW successfully redefining its aspirations at virtually all levels. From a marketing perspective, the story becomes even more gripping when one observes how the German carmaker has capitalised

niche slots abandoned by other car makers. However, there’s one more thing in the cap of feathers that few carmakers can boast of: an extraordinary history that BMW has with convertibles which stretch from the BMW 328 [which provided the basis for the winning car in the 1940 Mille Miglia] to the highly coveted BMW 507 of the 1950s, and now the 6 Series-based derivative.

One can virtually write a book on the 6

Series convertible and the second generation convertible has been penned in an era post-controversial Bangle. Adrian Von Hoydoonk, Bangle’s design successor, in particular has been responsible for shaping the elegant visual presence of the car in both coupe and cabrio versions .What is really striking is car’s presence and stance with its minimalistic, yet effective sheetmetal surface treatment in profile with revisited dimensions and proportions. The

rechiseled car hasn’t completely abandoned the predecessor’s profile and is able to convey its standalone personality. If the car has a close resemblance to the current 7 and 5 Series, it is not a mere coincidence. The convertible is built at the BMW plant in Dingolfing, Germany alongside with the 6 and 7 Series.

Up close, we have been able to spot some of Hooydonk’s new design detailing which has been inspired by some the brand’s past icons.

The headlamps seem to pay tribute to the 1989 Z1 and the way the character line that runs below them and eventually dives down towards the front wheel gives the impression of a forward-leaning shark nose E24. Other deviations evident in the car include the smoothening of the Bangle-butt high rear end and overall the car appears less polarizing and suggests return to a conservative styling era once again.

At 4,894mm in length, the incoming convertible is 74mm longer than its predecessor. Its similarly extended wheelbase now stretches to 2,855mm and the car has also grown by 39mm in width at 1,894mm while 9mm has been shaved off its height which stands at 365mm.With all these design refinements, the 6 Series convertible looks much lower, wider and somewhat a bit more angular than the car it replaces. In dimensions, it outclasses rivals


EDITORIAL NOMINEE

BMW 6 SERIES

SPORTS COUPE

38 39

AUTOMAN SELECT

Nissan Juke

Recently introduced in the Sultanate, the 2012

Juke is the third crossover from Nissan specifically designed for

the B-segment with an unrivalled combination of SUV toughness

and sporting style

Author Chandan B Mallik

Body type: SUV64 70

SPOTLIGHT

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represented the 64th edition of the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany. While there may be turbulence in the euro zone, a downgrade in the US credit rating, tumbling stock prices and fears about climate change making consumers clamor for low emission vehicles, in general the show participation was more cheerful than the edition two years ago. While the show’s organizers claimed increase in participation from 781 to 1,007, there was cautious optimism during the press days. Whatever, the

scenario for automakers at ground level, the Frankfurt platform saw automakers from each and every strata – top end low volume ultra luxury to entry level volume vying for attention with an interesting portfolio of merchandise, lifestyle aspirations and technology solutions. There seemed to be no let down in the high priced, high-powered, high emission vehicles that were also wowing the crowds! And then there were the high-profile executives with their respective agendas, viewpoints, pleas, promises and product sales pitches. Automan selects the top picks from the show. Read on…

MOTION & EMOTION @ FRANKFURT

2011

54 55

FIRST DRIVE

For 2011, Chevrolet’s Camaro coupe loses its hard top while expanding the model line-up with SS badging. Automan finds the overall mix interestingHeavily Author Chandan B Mallik Photography Nabeel Ferzan

EDITORIAL NOMINEE

CHEVROLET CAMARO COUPE

MUSCLE COUPE

32

PREVIEW

33

The second generation all-new Continental GTC builds on the highly successful foundation of the previous cabriolet and adds Bentley’s

design and engineering expertise to produce a flawless convertible with an uncompromising focus on quality. Like the steel-roofed version, the GTC is part of the mid-size Bentley family, which has also spawned the Volkswagen’s Phaeton.

It’s no secret that the first generation Bentley Continental GTC was elegant and understated, but the incoming model looks sharper and assertive, thanks to the application of the new aluminium super forming process, an advanced manufacturing process that helps forming the car’s uniquely designed aluminium front mudguards without the need for seams or welding. Dimensionally, the GTC is 9mm higher than the GT but sits on the same wheelbase of 2,745mm and is the same width and length at 1,916mm and 4,804mm respectively.

One of Bentley’s focus areas has always been craftsmanship and now it has set even higher standards. The four-seater luxury convertible features a new, even more spacious and sumptuous


GOING SOFT TOPBentley has taken important lessons from its second generation GT coupe and created its convertible sibling without losing the charm of the original

54 55

FIRST DRIVE

Ford’s current Taurus sedan returned to the line-up confidently in 2010 as a charismatic full-size model with the potential of establishing the brand as a premium car manufacturer. Automan examines how

Role

Author Chandan B Mallik Photography Raj Warrior

The Taurus sedan’s career graph in the past couple of years reminds one of the role of a quarterback in

an American football team. Very much like the quarterback, in the brand’s line-up, the Taurus was one of the most visible and important members with a precise role cut out. However, Ford’s brand manager’s neglect towards this role model member in the early part of this decade ensured that the nameplate slipped in popularity so much so that it was discontinued in 2005 and replaced with the Five Hundred as an interim substitute. But like a winger in the game, who has an entirely different level of role and responsibility, the Five Hundred just couldn’t justify its presence and hence overall performance suffered. Thereafter, Ford, in an attempt to regain lost ground modified and renamed the substitutes [Five Hundred and Freestyle] as the Taurus/Taurus X respectively in 2008 with the Taurus X retiring shortly thereafter.

Realising after a SWOT that the model had lost significant ground to competition, but was still fondly remembered and hence still had some brand equity left, Ford took a very bold step as part of an elaborate strategy to revive the model series once again. By 2010 [actually a year before the actual launch], Ford was ready to launch its full-size Taurus sedan once again and it came with a lot of corporate noise including a complete metamorphosis, attractive design and significant engineering talents combined to create an attractive and more capable competitor in a class that spans both mainstream mid-size sedans.

This new chapter of the Taurus begins with a solid foundation and sense of direction for the brand. One look at the sheet metal on the Taurus and unless you’re a genius it’s difficult to imagine that this sedan is based on the same Volvo S80 platform as the previous Taurus and the Ford Five Hundred before that! There are significant changes and it begins with the design language followed by proportions and detailing that contribute in the ultimate character of this car. For starters, the car’s exterior

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2013 Lexus GS350

121 | September 2011

Jaguar C -X16 concept

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Poster

Hyundai Motors along with its official importer retailer OTE Group introduced

the fifth generation all-new 2012 Azera and Veloster. The Azera moves up in the line-up and represents premium large sedan while the uniquely styled Veloster asymmetric three-door models combines the style of a coupé with the functionality of a hatchback. The Azera is Hyundai Motor’s top-selling premium large sedan globally, with over 1.25mn units sold worldwide, returns with technology-rich features for enhanced comfort, convenience and safety as well as sharper, more graceful styling,

premium materials and detailed craftsmanship and will be offered with two advanced and fuel efficient engines: an in-line four-cylinder Theta-II displacing 2.4-litre and six-cylinder Lambda-II 3.0-litre. Both engines use multi point injection technology and six-speed transmission. Meanwhile, the sporty Veloster will be offered with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder normally aspirated engine and six speed transmission. Both models sport Hyundai’s current ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design language. Prices for the Veloster begin at RO 6,800 and the Azera range begins at RO12,000.

[L-r] BT Shin, Sheikh Saad Bahwan, chairman OTE Group, HE Jonghyun Choe Ambassador of Korea pick the winner of the ‘Strike Gold with Hyundai’ Ramadan promotion.

Qatar Motor Show dates announced

The organisers of the Qatar Motor Show have announced that the second international edition of the event will be held at the Doha Exhibitions Center on January 25-28, 2012. The second edition of the Qatar Motor Show will witness two major announcements about Formula 1 and the electric vehicle and hybrid industry.

Honda to recall defective CR-V and City models

General manager of sales at Honda Motor Company Middle East has announced that the company will recall 1,552 Honda City (2006-2008 models) and 1,146 CRV (2006 model only) in the UAE because of possibly defective power window switches. Japan’s Honda Motor is recalling 962,000 cars globally due to defective power window switches. The recall involves 936,000 units of Fit, known as Jazz overseas, and CR-V and 26,000 units of CR-Z compact hybrids.

Al Fardan to introduce new BMW M5 next month

Qatar’s official importer-retailer of BMW vehicle, Alfardan Automobiles, has announced that it will unveil the new BMW M5 in the Gulf Arab country in November. The four-door, five-seat car, will be the fifth generation of the high-performance sports saloon.

Dubai Taxi rolls out ‘Vehicles with no lost items’ campaign

Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC), Roads Transport Authority (RTA) has recently launched ‘Vehicles with no lost items’ campaign to educate cabdrivers on the adverse impacts of failing to find passengers’ lost items on DTC’s services and reputation. Yousef Al Ali, Director of DTC Fleet Operations said that the campaign, being the first of its kind at the DTC level, was hugely popular with 22 trips made during the three-day campaign in UAE.

Last production Crown Vic heads to KSA

The Ford Crown Victoria, a long-running nameplate that was possibly the last remaining body-on-frame production sedan in a unibody world, has finally been put to rest. The last Ford Crown Victoria ever was recently assembled at the factory in Canada, a white sedan with a tan interior, apparently destined for a customer in Saudi Arabia, where it was always a best-seller for private buyers even while it was not offered to the general public in any other country for years now.

6

regional news}

Twin launches from hyundai in oman

There are many elements that go into making a Porsche a Porsche, and one of them is the minimalist dashboard. Ten years ago, Porsche Design, the company’s Austrian product design division, took its cues from a 911’s instrument cluster and designed a wristwatch after it. And now they’ve updated the design with a new model. The P’6620 wristwatch is made of titanium with available black PVD coating in a nod to the original black watch that FA Porsche pioneered in 1972. Inside the oversized 44mm case and behind the anti-glare, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal sits an ETA Valjoux 7753 chronograph function with power reserve that can keep it going for two days straight without moving from your night table.

Sony has introduced two new digital point-and-shoot cameras, – the Cyber-shot™ TX55 and the WX30. Both new

models are packed with superior features,

and designed to offer convenience to capture the moment with DSLR-style still photos, Full HD videos and amazing 3D images. Both cameras come with a 16.2MP Exmor R™ CMOS sensor to help enhance image detail and reduce picture noise in low light conditions. The cameras also have 10x zoom without quality loss at the image sensor’s maximum resolution. The two easy-to-use models also mark a Cyber-shot™ first, the new Picture Effect mode that broadens artistic possibilities with no editing software needed. Exclusive to Sony, ‘By Pixel Super Resolution’ processing further extends the camera’s 5x optical zoom range. This technology application also significantly boosts still image quality during movie recording. The Cyber-shot™ TX55, at a mere 12.2mm thickness, is the world’s thinnest camera that captures Full HD AVCHD video clips as well as 16.2 megapixel still images. It also shoots super-detailed panoramas with 42.9 megapixel resolution, 3D Sweep Panorama and 3D still image [you will need a 3D TV for this]. The camera’s panel is dominated by a super-size 8.3 cm / 3.3-inch Xtra Fine OLED wide touchscreen. The camera also accepts Memory Stick Micro™ (M2) and microSD/SDHC flash memory cards.

automan souq

Back in March a luxury phone designer out of Canada called Mobiado collaborated

with Aston Martin on a concept device that featured a clear panel, all the gadgetry in the frame and keyless entry for Aston’s GTs. That was just a

design study. But here’s the real deal and it’s called The Grand 350 Aston Martin.

Technically, it is an insanely upscale phone made from a CNC-machined billeted aluminium case

equipped with a 3.2 megapixel camera and video camera, integrated GPS, 2.36in display with up to 16 million colours, Bluetooth and micro USB connectivity, as well as a music and video player with a 2.5mm AV connector. The Grand 350 Aston Martin is offered unlocked, with quad-band GSM/EGSM, 3.5G, HSPDA, and WLAN connectivity.

The latest object of desire from Infiniti is finished in matte black with purple accents, is water-resistant to a depth of 1,000 meters, will be built in a limited edition of 200 and costs just $5,080 in the US. You can’t drive this particular Infiniti, but you can wear it anywhere; the latest from the Japanese luxury performance brand is a new wristwatch from Infiniti partner Bell & Ross.The watch is the second collaboration between the two companies, following on last year’s Bell & Ross BR03-92 Instrument Phantom, built to commemorate Infiniti’s

FX Limited Edition model. The new watch, called the BR02-8 Infiniti Carbon Case 8 Pro Dial, isn’t tied to a specific Infiniti model, but instead represents the continuation of the partnership between the two luxury brands.

Bentley and Estede have reported that sales of the first collection of limited edition solid gold sunglasses are through the roof. Celebrating the one-year anniversary of working together, the stylish and somewhat decadent sunglasses line is designed with Bentley’s dedication of luxury in mind. The modern sunglasses, created in the style of the popular aviator eyewear, are available in either 18-carat solid gold, silver palladium or platinum with the Bentley ‘B’ logo embedded in the hand-polished coating, with engraved surfaces reflecting the quilted leather interior favoured in Bentley cars. Made to order, the sunglasses are individually numbered and limited to 100 pieces per color variation. The

sunglasses are presented in exclusive packaging

and fits into Bentley’s new flagship, the Bentley

Mulsanne.

Porsche

Porsche

Aston Martin

Sony

Bentley

automan souq

For a while, Ford’s large SUVS such as the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator seem to

have been off the radar and rumours were beginning to surface that they were on the culling list. But knowing the appetite for big cars in the US and some parts of the Middle East, Ford hasn’t given up hope. On the contrary, there’s some big news on the anvil.

Actually, Ford has a couple of technology-led aces which could help revive interest in these vehicles once again besides taking care of performance, fuel economy and emissions legislations. These two models are active candidates that could benefit from an array of engineering solutions besides downsizing in displacement, direct injection and turbo charging.

Lincoln’s largest vehicle currently is the Navigator SUV and it seem likely that it will get the hot-selling 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 from the Ford F-150. It is unclear at the time of writing whether this engine will be directly

grafted or a tweaked version with more output and torque. Also in the pipeline is an expected minor refresh – nothing major – but some minor styling tweaks to keep the face fresh.

Significant Lincoln updates between now and 2014 expectedFord has always considered Lincoln as a competitive luxury brand and the past three years have been used in preparing several interesting propositions, including a possible rear-wheel drive model. As part of the refresh programme for the Fusion-based MKZ and Taurus-based MKS, both models will get significant updates for the 2013 model year. The same styling differentiation is promised for these models, and word is the 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine recently debuted in the US-market Ford Explorer may also find its way into these vehicles. While market watchers in the US consider the MKT to be a weak model,

there are now some indicators suggesting a re-positioning of the crossover in the product line-up could help it recover. Ford has not yet specifically confirmed or denied the future for this model at this time aside from an expected minor refresh for either 2012 or 2013.

While the Lincoln Navigator update is not surprising as Ford has promised to deliver seven new or improved Lincoln products by 2014. According to Ford’s global product chief, Derrick Kuzak, Lincoln will gain its own variant of the upcoming redesigned Ford Escape/Kuga, which was unveiled as the Veratek concept. This compact crossover is promised – like all future Lincoln products – to have significantly unique sheetmetal and design elements to drastically differentiate itself from the Blue Oval-branded counterpart. This new CUV could arrive as early as the 2013 model year, with a mid to late-2012 market introduction. A concept to this effect could be revealed at Detroit motor show in January next year.

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Smaller V6 with Ecoboost technology to save large Ford SUVs

brandwatch

Automan’s take Ford’s global product chief, Derrick Kuzak had indicated that the Navigator and Ford Expedition’s previously planned 2012 refreshes had been put on an indefinite hold while the automaker determines whether or not it will keep the vehicles moving forward. Given the possibility

of some clever re-engineering possibilities, the sagging and uncertain careers of these models could be brought back on track soon.

Is this Kia’s new Veredus?

99

Kia watchers have noted that the South Korean auto maker had filed a trademark

application for the Veredus nameplate, but since no such model exists in the current line-up with that name and hence there was some rumours beginning to surface after Kia released a teaser of its rear-wheel drive performance-oriented coupe prior to the Frankfurt motor show.

The company’s new concept shown at Frankfurt is a shapely five-door with a coupe-like profile seemingly inspired by cars like the Aston Martin Rapide and the Audi A7. That’s not all. Kia is also working on a more premium model to slot in above its current range-topping Optima. But this strategy appears a bit conflicting as there’s the Cadenza immediately sitting above the Optima.

Fisker Automotive has switched engine suppliers. Last month the carmaker

announced a new partnership with BMW that will cover the supply of engines and other automotive components for the next-generation of Fisker cars. Fisker will use BMW’s a four-cylinder turbocharged engine for use in its forthcoming “Project Nina” mid-size premium sedan. The “Project Nina” sedan will be built at a former General Motors plant in Wilmington, Delaware during the end of 2012. “The

BMW engine was an obvious choice for us, as BMW is known for producing the best and most fuel efficient gasoline engines in the world,” said Fisker CEO Henrik Fisker. “We are very pleased to have signed this agreement with BMW.” Fisker’s contract with BMW is worth up to 100,000 engines per year. While Fisker currently sources the a turbocharged 2.0-lite engine for its Karma sedan from GM, but it remains to be seen if this model will also be promoted to tap BMW power in 2012.

BMW to supply engines to Fisker

Automan’s take Till now, the concept is the only vehicle in the company’s short-term product plan without a name and hence logically is the strongest candidate.

Korean automaker Kia has officially begun production of the 2012 Optima at Kia Motors new manufacturing unit in Georgia, which is located in West Point. The 2012 Optima is the second Kia vehicle built at the company’s Southern plant along with the Sorento.

Breaking News

Kia Optima production begins in US

Lutz is back in business!Bob Lutz, the man credited with injecting product enthusiasm into wilting Chrysler and General Motors in the 1990s and 2000s may have officially “retired” last year, but his retirement has been short lived. Ex-employer GM has announced that Lutz has been re-hired to “provide counsel to the senior leadership team of the company.” GM says that Lutz will work on a part-time consultancy basis. During his tenure at GM, Lutz was credited with pushing forward the Chevrolet Volt, as well as enthusiast-oriented vehicles like the Buick Regal GS and Cadillac CTS-V wagon.

CPP Global Holdings, the British specialist automotive group which is owned by Russian businessman Vladimir Antonov,, remains committed to finalising the acquisition of Spyker

Cars, the Dutch luxury supercar brand, despite delays to the process. In February this year, CPP inked a purchased deal with Spyker but four months later the memorandum of

understanding [MoU] that was signed with Spyker’s owner, now called Swedish Automobile N.V., CPP suspended negotiations until Swedish Automobile’s refinancing plans had been implemented.

Brendan O’Toole, founder and co-owner of CPP, explains: “It is unfortunate that the negotiations have been delayed, but we understand the challenges facing Swedish Automobile and are prepared to be patient. We were advised to suspend the purchase process on 24 June after discussions with Swedish Automobile’s legal team, but we recognise that Spyker is still an ideal fit for CPP’s growing portfolio of low volume premium

brands, and we remain fully committed to bringing Spyker to Coventry. Our commitment is based on a deal that represents fair value to both parties and that allows Spyker to flourish under CPP’s ownership.

1010

As part of an intensive engineering upgrade programme, Chrysler Group LLC is on fast track when it comes to

powertrains. Well, we are aware that Chrysler had plans to upgrade gearboxes and finally the wait is over. Last month, the company officially announced the launch of its ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission. Among the first beneficiaries are the V6-Pentastar powered versions of the 2012 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. And thanks to the addition of three cogs [the current cars use a five-speed automatic] both the 300 and Charger will have appreciable gains in fuel economy. Chrysler says that both models will now be capable of offering 31mpg on the highway, up from the 27mpg rating on the 2011 cars. City economy will also go up five per cent. The V8 models will get this transmission in 2012. Meanwhile, the AWD versions of the 2012 300 and Charger will use a front-wheel decoupling system, allowing for the same fuel economy ratings as the rear-wheel drive cars.

brandwatch

Mahindra’s names new global SUV as XUV500Indian automaker Mahindra has announced that its first global SUV will be called the XUV500, pronounced “five double-o.” The company says the vehicle’s design was influenced by input from buyers all over the globe, including unnamed western markets, South Africa and and

its domestic market in India. The XUV500 will be the first unibody SUV from Mahindra to feature a transverse engine, which means that there’s a good chance it’ll have a front-wheel drive bias. Beyond that, details on the new SUV are scarce.

CPP not backing out of Spyker deal

Saab has taken yet another step, this time a major one, towards what’s shaping up to be an inevitable bankruptcy, with news coming out last month that the struggling Swedish automaker posted a $322mn loss for the first six months of 2011. The latest figure is four times the amount Saab lost a year ago, and the automaker’s negative equity of $570mn now exceeds its sales revenue for the period. It may be recalled that Saab ceased production back in April due to a shortage of parts and an inability to pay suppliers and workers. Despite its best efforts to secure short-term funding, creditors and government agencies are already starting to eye its assets in the lead up to bankruptcy proceedings.In a formal statement, Victor Muller, the boss of Saab’s parent company Swedish Automobile, gave his “sincere apologies” for delaying salaries. Muller said the current business plan is under review pending completion of funding negotiations and to reflect ventures with tentative Chinese partners Pang Da and Youngman. Muller hopes that Saab will be able to secure a $157mn bank loan to help pay its suppliers and restart production.

Coventry Prototype Panels (CPP) has been very busy of late, having partially acquired Spyker Cars as well as off-road expert Bowler. CPP also has a joint venture agreement with Italian design house Zagato. CPP is helping in the build of the Aston Martin V12 Zagato. Last month, CPP bought a portion of the famous Browns Lane site in Coventry, UK which was used by Jaguar till 2005. CPP is yet to announce plans for the site, it’s believed that the company is planning to manufacture a new range of luxury SUVs for customers in markets such as China, India and Russia.

Breaking NewsCPP buys part of Jaguar’s Coventry plant

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Chrysler 200 Convertible reborn as Lancia Flavia Cabrio

Thema, Voyager and Flavia Cabrio were the first three models emerging from the

alliance between the new Lancia and the new Chrysler “parade” down the prestigious catwalk of the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. Take a closer look and to an expert eye the Flavia is nothing more than a re-badged Chrysler 200 Convertible. However, Lancia is quick to point out that the quality of the new model takes the brand a further step forward, offering a new experience on board thanks to the use of premium materials, meticulous attention to craftsmanship in every detail and technological innovation possible. The car is powered by 175hp 2.4-litre in-line four cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

For a couple of years now, several carmakers have been talking about multiple displacement systems in

V8 or V6 engines. But no one has been able to offer it in a four-cylinder, till now. Volkswagen takes the lead in this respect after it announced last month that it has introduced a new cylinder deactivation technology for its 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder TSI power plant. This announcement represents the first time a cylinder shutoff technology has been adapted to a four-cylinder unit. On the 1.4-litre TSI unit, two of the four cylinders are shut down when load is minimal or moderate on the engine. The deactivation can make for up to a 0.6 litre/100 km improvement in fuel-economy when coupled with a stop-start system. Savings are even greater with certain drive modes. For example, at a constant speed of 50km/h in 3rd or 4th gear, the deactivation technology can account for up to a 1.0 liter/100 km improvement in fuel-consumption. The cylinder deactivation takes effect when the engine speed on the 1.4 TSI unit is between 1,400 and 4,000 rpm and torque load between 25 and 75Nm. The system works through sensors in the gas pedal which track the driving behaviour. In a non-uniform pattern, such as in a roundabout, the system is suppressed so as to allow the driver access to full power if needed.

VW introduces cylinder deactivation on four-cylinder

engine

The innovative rear vehicle monitoring system developed by Mazda has impressed Euro NCAP reviewers for its many safety benefits and hence was deemed fit to

get “Euro NCAP* Advanced” award. The radar based system helps a driver avoid dangerous situations or even collisions with other vehicles during a lane change. Two sensors, one mounted in each side of the rear bumper, constantly measure the distance to, and the relative speed of, surrounding vehicles. At speeds above 60km/h, Mazda’s RVM warns the driver with a proximity indicator light in the door mirror on the side where, either a vehicle is in the blind spot area, or a vehicle will approach this area in the next five seconds from within a zone of up to 50m. If the driver switches on the turn signal in the direction of the approaching vehicle, the proximity light blinks rapidly and a beeper sounds to warn the driver not to change lanes. The system is designed to work in virtually every kind of weather and detect all types of vehicles, including motorcycles.

Mazda identified that nearly five per cent of all accidents are between vehicles driving in the same direction, nearly 80per cent of which are due to a lane change. Taking into account the system’s specifications, the Mazda RVM has the potential to help avoid more than half of these accidents. The system will be available on the Mazda3 and later on other models.

Mazda receives “Euro NCAP Advanced” Award for new safety system

It looks like we were right when we said Akira Iida was taking it easy when he lapped the Nordschleife in 7:22.85 with the Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition as an exhibition

run. According to a tweet by EVO’s Chris Harris, the Gazoo Racing driver has managed to beat his previous record by setting a new time of 7:14.XX. If this turns out to be correct, the LFA would become one of the fastest production vehicles to ever complete the 20.8km long course. The LF-A Nürburgring Edition has a carbon fibre body kit, a retuned suspension, an upgraded six-speed sequential transmission and a 4.8-liter V10 engine with 562hp. The package enables the car to rocket from 0-100 km/h in 3.7secs and hit a top speed of 325km/h.

lexus and ToyoTa seT records aT nürburgring

JournalisT challenges Tesla ceo

VolVo, siemens parTner on eV Technology

Elon Musk, CEO of electric-car startup Tesla Motors, could lose a million dollars if he cannot

meet a challenge set by Dan Neil, a US-based motoring journalist. Neil has been critical about Tesla’s ability to meet the deadlines, even though he was invited for a brief rides in a prototype Model S in April 2009. Despite skepticism, Tesla says it will launch 2012 Tesla Model S all-electric sports sedan before the end of next year.Neil has taken the controversial issue further as he feels that there are many aspects that contradict Tesla’s vision of the future including deadlines. Neil has challenged Elon Musk to win the bet which has the following conditions:

Series production models of the Tesla Model • S have to be delivered to paying customers before the end of 2012. (It was originally 2011, but Neil concedes that Tesla said it wouldn’t make that date fairly early, and has since stuck to its 2012 date.)The Model S has to have seven passenger • seats, certified as such by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and earn a 4- or

5-star safety rating from the NHTSA.It has to have a battery pack that allows en-• route swapping at a highway roadside station, similar to the ‘Better Place’ battery swapping scheme.Model S prices must remain at the levels Tesla • and Musk announced: $57,400 for the version with 160 miles of range, $67,400 for the 230-mile version, and $77,400 (was $87,400, corrected) for the top-of-the-line 300-mile version (which will comprise the bulk of early production). All prices are before any Federal or other incentives.

If Tesla misses any one of those targets, Neil says, he wins the bet and Musk must donate $1 million to Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). But if Tesla does what it said it will, Neil loses, and--being a journalist, not a multimillionaire entrepreneur--he will donate $1,000 to the same group.

Volvo is teaming with Siemens to advance the development of its EV vehicle programme. The

partnership will focus on electrical drive technology, power electronics and charging technology. Volvo will commercially launch an all-electric version of its C30 later this year, but EVs equipped with Siemens’ technology won’t hit the test track until late 2012. Volvo expects to build 200 C30s with Siemens’ electric drivetrain. “We are very happy to have Siemens as a partner,” said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation. “Their world-leading knowledge and experience will bring the technology in our electric cars up to an entirely new level.” Siemens’ electric motor will produce 114hp and 162 lb-ft of torque for C30 EV.”

1212

world news}

Meanwhile, Toyota Motorsport also set a new lap record for an electric vehicle (EV) at the Nordschleife. The EV P001, with 100 per cent electric powertrain and Jochen Krumbach at the wheel, set a new lap record of 7mins 47.794secs to beat the previous lap record, which stood at 9mins 1.338secs, by a very substantial margin. Using two electric motors that generate 800Nm, the car has a top speed of 161mph. Toyota Motorsport’s target prior to the 29 August record run was to become the first electric vehicle break the eight-minute barrier.

I accept

the

challenge

Elon Musk

Top speed260km/h0-50km/h1.8 seconds0-100km/h3.9 seconds

Max. torque800NmMax. power280kW (375hp)Max. rpm5,000

TypeLithium ceramicVoltage520VCapacity41.5kWhWeight350kg

Total length4,190mmTotal width1,785mmTotal height1,070mmWheelbase2,368mmWeight970kg

Performance Motor Battery Dimensions

Škoda has begun production of a 10 car trial fleet of its first ever fully electric car, the Octavia

E Line. It’s the next step in Škoda’s continued efforts to reduce emissions and consumption levels throughout the company. The Octavia Green E Line is based on the series-production Octavia Estate as its modular floorpan design is ideal in terms of arranging batteries, electrical control units and electric motor. The motor itself provides a constant 60kW of power, with a maximum peak of 85kW, with maximum torque of 270Nm available from standstill. And so as not to catch pedestrians unawares, the Green E Line features a sound generator that simulates the noise of an engine at speeds of up to 25mph. Free from the city limits, the Octavia Green E Line can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 12 secs and is electronically limited to a top speed of 84mph. With a 26.5kWh battery made of 180 lithium-ion cells, which weighs 315kg, the Octavia Green E Line has a range of 150km, which is helped by a sophisticated brake energy recovery system.

General Motors and LG Group will jointly design and engineer future electric vehicles, expanding a relationship built on LG’s work as the battery cell supplier for the Chevrolet

Volt and Opel Ampera extended-range EVs. The definitive agreement was inked last month and will help GM expand the number and types of electric vehicles it makes and sells by using LG’s proven expertise in batteries and other systems. The success of the extended-range propulsion system in the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera led to exploring other collaborations in the electrification of the automobile. Teams of LG and GM engineers will work on key components, as well as vehicle structures and architectures. Vehicles resulting from the partnership will be sold in many countries. The GM-LG relationship that began with LG delivering the cells for the battery pack of the Volt and Ampera expanded last year with work on a demonstration fleet of Chevrolet Cruze electric vehicles. These vehicles were used as official vehicles of the G20 summit in Seoul are now in the phase of market-testing to learn more about capabilities and requirements.

Audi has been looking at rival BMW’s i3 concept and has chosen to resurrect a similar sized A2 as an electric vehicle [EV] concept. The A2 Concept is 3.80m long, 1.69m wide and

1.49m high. Those are the only figures Audi released prior to the Frankfurt motor show, while the release focused more on the design aspects of the forthcoming vehicle that it intends to produce. As a four-seater, the A2 features some unique interior design elements such as the centre console that is attached to the driver’s seat. A funky exterior feature is the matrix beam of LED lights that makes for a special presence in the dark.

audi To reViVe a2

gm and lg To JoinTly deVelop eVs

Škoda begins elecTric car fleeT TesTing

smarT launches ebike

Smart has joined its fellow car manufacturers in designing a bicycle and is putting it into series

production. The main components of the eBike such as the frame, battery housing, handlebars, lights and mudguards have been designed and developed specifically for Smart. The two-color concept is, so its makers claim, recognizable as classic Smart, with the plastic battery housing forming a contrast to the aluminum frame. The bike uses 26inwheels, with the headlamp and rear light featuring energy saving LEDs. The bike’s battery can either be charged directly on the eBike or removed for charging at an indoor socket. The eBike can be adjusted to suit all riders, and it is likely that a rear rack and further stowage options will be offered. Smart’s CEO, Dr. Annette Winkler, says, “We at Smart have been gathering experience of electric drives and the mobility needs of city dwellers around the world for years. We listened to what people wanted from the perfect city bike and then came up with some clever solutions such as the integrated USB port for smartphones and energy recuperation during braking.” The eBike will be launched in the first half of 2012 and will initially be marketed by dealers in Europe and North America.

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Automan’s take Accelerating the pace of roadworthy technology is more important than ever with the announcement of a number of more stringent emission and fuel consumption regulations around the world, including the recent agreement calling for a U.S. Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) of 54.5 (23.2km/l) by the end of the 2025 model year. Electric vehicles, which have no tailpipe emissions

and require no gasoline, are expected to play a major role in reaching the CAFE goal.

Going market specific is an idea that’s catching up fast even with top end luxury

brands. Add a designer to the label and you are guaranteed an exclusive. And that’s what’s exactly is happening for the lucrative Chinese market and Bentley Motors is among the first to try out the idea. The candidate for the job is the Continental Flying Spur and the design house is UK’s Linley. Both talents will create a production run of just 10 units with a very special interior finish. Linley veneers in Santo rosewood will be used to trim the cabin and will cover all the

wood surfaces inside the car - replacing the usual Bentley chestnut or walnut applications. The Linley Helix motif will also be used, as from the design house’s furniture collection, made up of four different materials which are contrasted against the Santos rosewood for the rest of the finish. Stainless steel tread-plates will also adorn the cabin as well as a rhodium-plated plaque that reads ‘Linley’ on the glove box. Linley-branded handbag, luggage tag and cashmere blanket are also part of this limited edition.

Another interesting partnership between Formula One World Champion Sebastian

Vettel and Nissan’s luxury brand takes the lifestyle endorsement a notch further. The first-ever Vettel-badged road car, the FX Sebastian Vettel version is the lightest, fastest and most aerodynamic FX yet, reflecting the World Champion’s desire for a 300km/h crossover that he can drive on his home country’s derestricted Autobahn. Based on the already fast and sporting V8-powered FX50S Premium, the FX Sebastian Vettel version features changes to engine, suspension and body, with key aerodynamic enhancements implemented with input from Red Bull Racing. The one-off model also gains an interior personalised to Sebastian Vettel’s taste, taking the brand hallmarks of exclusiveness and individuality to new heights.

It looks like Mazda was wrapping up development on the 2012 CX-5 SUV

weeks before its official debut at Frankfurt. As part of the planned spy leaks with the all-new model heavily camouflaged, the car’s five-seater profile is clearly identifiable. However, the application of Mazda’s new technological mantra ‘SkyActiv’ which the carmaker is promoting as a holistic twist to crafting new cars should be more interesting. It refers to not just the drivetrains, body design and suspension, but all these elements, contrived to improve the performance of the whole. This small SUV will be powered by a 2.0-litre direct injected DOHC petrol engine mated to six speed manual or automatic transmission and will be offered in FWD or AWD configurations.

benTley announces limiTed designer ediTion cfs

VeTTel’s infiniTi mazda cx-5 Teased

firsT lamborghini aVenTador lp700-4 crashes in iTaly

ex-VolVo design direcTor To head lada

A Lamborghini Aventador, finished in Bianco Isis crashed on a highway near Padua, Italy on

August 30. According to local reports, the driver of the car attempted to pass a column of slower moving traffic. A truck in the column allegedly slowed to make a left turn before the brand new Aventador clipped its right side. This sent

the supercar towards a nearby pole, which it hit before ending up in a ditch running though the centre of the dual carriageway road.

The former vice president and design director of Volvo Cars, Brit Steve Mattin will soon be

relocating to Russia. Mattin has been appointed by Avtovaz Lada to lead its design operations into the future. The appointment is effective this month and he will be based at the company’s headquarters in Togliatti, where all the design, engineering and production for Avtovaz takes place. Mattin, a graduate of Coventry University, explained that he came about the new role after being contacted through Renault at the beginning of the year regarding a new opening at Lada, part of the Renault-Nissan alliance. He began speaking with Anthony Grade and later Laurens van den Acker – the two have known one another since both worked for brands once owned by Ford. Mattin’s resume is quite impressive. He has worked with Mercedes-Benz in Sindelfingen for 17 years and at Volvo in Gothenburg. However, his stint as Volvo’s design chief was cut short when Peter Horbury returned as the brand’s vice president of design. Since then, Mattin has been working as an independent design consultant on several branding projects as well as reviewing programs and projects for an Asian OEM. He has also been teaching at Umea University in Sweden, where he still currently resides. Mattin has several priorities besides designing a new genre of passenger vehicles for the 40-year-old brand. Opening a new design centre in Moscow is one of the first tasks on his list of priorities, as is hiring a team of new people.

1414

world news}

I’m back In

the game!

Spotlight

1616

represented the 64th edition of the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany. While there may be turbulence in the euro zone, a downgrade in the US credit rating, tumbling stock prices and fears about climate change making consumers clamor for low emission vehicles, in general the show participation was more cheerful than the edition two years ago. While the show’s organizers claimed increase in participation from 781 to 1,007, there was cautious optimism during the press days. Whatever, the

Motion & eMotion

2011

ETERNITI: PROVED TO BE THE BIGGEST JOKE AS PORSCHE

CROSSOVER TUNER POSING AS A NEW VEHICLE MANUFACTURER.

TOyOTA FT-86: FIVE OFFICIAL OUTINGS AND STILL

A CONCEPT

SEAT EXO: AUDI’S SPANISH SIBLING GETS A REHASHED PREVIOUS-

GENERATION A4 AS ITS NEW FLAGSHIP MODEL. LAmborGhini: SESTO ELEMENTO GETS GREEN LIGHTED

FOR PRODUCTION

M-B F125: SHOWCASE OF TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONSINFINITI: LIFESTYLE SEBASTIAN VETTEL EDITION

ANNOUNCED

yO AUTO: FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE. WEIRD, INNOVATIVE

AND REFRESHINGLY DIFFERENTVW BEETLE R: PERFORMANCE ON STEROIDS

PORSCHE: EXTENSIVELY REVAMPED 991

LotUS ExiGE: ENGINEERING TALENTS HAVEN’T LOST TO

BUREAUCRACY

HyUNDAI: NEW I30 HATCH WITH FLUIDIC SCULPTURE

mASErAti KUbAnG: FIRST SUV TO BE BASED ON JEEP

UNDERPINNINGS

1717

scenario for automakers at ground level, the Frankfurt platform saw automakers from each and every strata – top end low volume ultra luxury to entry level volume vying for attention with an interesting portfolio of merchandise, lifestyle aspirations and technology solutions. There seemed to be no let down in the high priced, high-powered, high emission vehicles that were also wowing the crowds! And then there were the high-profile executives with their respective agendas, viewpoints, pleas, promises and product sales pitches. Automan selects the top picks from the show. Read on…

@ FrankFurt

ALFA ROMEO: SCALING BACK US COMEBACK FOR A

WHILE. LOW VOLUME 4C TO COME MID-2013

bEntLEy GtC: FOLLOWING THE REFRESHED GT

WITH A FOLDING FABRIC ROOF.

VOLVO CONCEPT yOU: NURTURING PREMIUM LUXURY ASPIRATIONS

LEXUS: NEXT STAGE OF GS SERIES WITH GEN II HYBRID MOTOR

ASTON MARTIN: LIMITED PRESENCE, BUT IMPRESSIVE

PORTFOLIO

VW UP: PROVING SMALL IS USEFUL WITH VARIANTS

bUGAtti GrAnd Sport L’or bLAnC: FIRST

PRODUCTION VEHICLE TO USE PORCELAIN FOR ITS

INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR STYLING

CITROEN DS5: HYBRID PREMIUM LUXURY BASED ON THE PEUGEOT

3008/5008 PLATFORM

FERRARI 458 SPIDER: BEAUTIFUL LINES EVEN WITH TOP OFF

FISKER SURF: VISION OF A PLUG-IN HYBRID THAT SLOTS IN

BETWEEN A SEDAN AND A CROSSOVERHONDA: NEW CIVIC HATCH IS HOTTER THAN SEDAN

FORD ST: FAST, FAST BABY HATCH

1818www.iaa.de

September 15 – 25, 2011 Frankfurt/Main64 International Motor Show

Future comes as standard

Smart Forvision concept

1919

mart seems to be scouting for workable ideas to complement its future design direction. At least, that’s the impression what we have been getting from the car maker in the past 12 months or so. So far, it has revealed its Forspeed and eScooter concepts and the latest concept addition comes with the original ForTwo’s green specifications. The Forvision uses the latest Smart electric drive system. Daimler has announced that the upgraded systems enhances the driving range approximately by 20 per cent of the current electric Smart, with an EV range of around 176km. And there’s other efficiency related technologies too. On a hot day, the car’s paintwork and athermic glass will reflect heat and cool the interior. The concept has a glass roof and Daimler is working on developing transparent solar charging technology. Fans within the headlamps help cool the airflow and the carbon composite safety cell upgrade indicates that Daimler intends to challenge the BMW i3 for its multi-material construction. Meanwhile, the ForTwo joint project is the second between Daimler and Renault which uses a small two-door, rear-engined platform. The first project from the new alliance will be 2012’s four-door, four-seat car.

S

Smart Forvision concept

Select

Together with

BASF, the largest

automotive supplier in

the chemical industry, Smart is

demonstrating its role in the use

of forward-looking technologies

above and beyond

the drive system.

toP Picks From 64th FraNkFurt motor show

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ord’s new Evos concept is a design exercise showcasing the manufacturers’ new One Ford design philosophy and future styling direction. The design of the Evos Concept was developed through a collaborative effort between Ford’s design teams from its studios around the world, and is an evolution of the Kinetic design language. The fastback roof profiled uniquely gull-winged concept car is 4,500mm long, 1,970mm wide and 1,3600mm high on a wheelbase of 2,740mm which means it is almost the length of a Focus with Mondeo’s width. In its packaging, the stylish concept also explores future powertrain and vehicle technologies. The Evos is a four-door, four-seat fastback styled motor car concept with a plug-in hybrid powertrain and powered by lithium-ion batteries. The concept is designed to engage the driver as much as possible through the use of infotainment and wireless technology. Although this particular car may never be seen on the roads, Ford has claimed that it contains many of the features that will be in use within future Ford production models. The driver’s preferences and driving habits will be combined with data such as work schedules and traffic and weather conditions, and could automatically play music from home as well as close the garage doors and switch off lights as the car leaves the vicinity. The concept is equipped with a lithium-ion plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain providing the same performance and fuel economy as the Ford C-MAX Energi scheduled for introduction in North America in 2012 and Europe in 2013. Ford ‘powersplit’ hybrid architecture allows the electric motor and gasoline engine to work together or separately to maximize efficiency. Ford says that flexible connectivity options would provide further opportunities to enhance performance and efficiency by selecting the optimum combination of powertrain modes.

F

Ford Evos concept

the concept

project is focused

on three main areas: design, new

technologies and fuel efficiency. meanwhile,

Ford’s new design direction is expected to transcend into other

models. the replacement mondeo is among the immediate

beneficiaries in Europe, while the replacement

Fusion SUV across the Atlantic is also a

strong candidate for the scalpel

job.

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Ford Evos concept

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VW N

ils concept

2222www.iaa.de



olkswagen joins BMW, Audi and Daimler in presenting ideas of how future personal transport for city-dweller can look like. Nils is a single-seater electric concept vehicle, which has been designed to be economical and production feasible. To give it a lightweight and strong structure it uses an aluminium space frame, wing doors and free-standing wheels. Though its inspiration may come from Formula 1, the styling has its origins at the Volkswagen Design Centre in Potsdam, Berlin. The car is 3,040mm long and is actually 500mm shorter than the new VW Up and is powered by a 15kW electric motor that delivers up to 33.5hp and 130Nm of torque in short bursts to the rear wheels. VW says a “relatively inexpensive” 5.3kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which is said to take two hours to fully recharge power the motors and the drivable range is 65km depending on driving style. Nils has an autobahn-capable top speed of 130km/h and can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 11secs.

VBMW’s

all-electric

and hybrid-powered i3

city car will enter production

as early as 2013. VW isn’t in a hurry

and says the NILS is a realistic proposition

for a commuter car in 2030.

Citroe

n Tu

bik concept

CAutom

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tAke

VW N

ils concept

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Citroe

n Tu

bik conceptitroen revealed the Tubik, a large tallboy MPV concept which takes its retro-inspiration from the late 1930s Type H or ‘TUB’ van. The key difference is that this time it comes with styling and characteristics of modern a Citroën design. Building on Citroën’s Multicity project - an online portal and route finder, currently live in France, which covers all available means of transport [car, train, aeroplane] – the Tubik takes mobility solutions to the next level. Tubik is a nine occupant-seater with three rows of lounge style seating, which can be rearranged to suit individual needs. The sheetmetal design language of the MPV [the car actually doubles up as both a commercial van and a people carrier] is more technical than previous Citroen concepts, but it still sports a resolutely rounded aesthetic. The 4,800mm long, 2080mm wide and 2005mm tall car’s front end draws heavily on the 1948 Type H van, which was built up through to the 1980s. The driver is identified by a fingerprint recognition system and there’s a head-up display screen, mounted immediately in front of the steering wheel which provides all the information required for navigation. For all-round visibility the car uses strategically placed cameras.

CThe

Tubik will use

Citroen’s Hybrid4

technology, which will ensure

CO2 emissions are close to those of a

conventional saloon. the full-hybrid diesel drivetrain also

offers more range than a stand-alone internal

combustion engine and maximises

traction in 4Wd mode.


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fter teaser sketch last month, Jaguar has been eager to release details of the C-X16 concept ahead of its world debut. Although a formal name hasn’t been finalized for the production version, the C-X16 is the smallest Jaguar created since 1954 and the XK120. The concept measures 4,445mm in length, 2,048mm in width and 1,297 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,622 mm. For the powertrain, interestingly this new cat showcases a different spin on hybrid technology. Besides a supercharged V6 that produces 375hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, there’s also a 95hp, 173lb-ft electric motor paired with a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) adapted from Formula 1 which in turn will continuously charge the battery pack through regenerative braking. The electric motor can also propel the car at speeds up to 80km/h for short distances only. A steering-wheel mounted button for on-demand acceleration. Integrated into the eight-speed gearbox is a motor generator w h i c h d r a w s p o w e r from a 1 . 6 kWh b a t t e r y p a c k mounted b e h i n d the seats for ideal 50:50 weight distribution. CO2 emissions will be in the region of 165 g/km.

A

Jaguar C-X16 concept

2525

Jaguar C-X16 conceptSelect

Looking firmly to

the future, the C-X16

should mark a new chapter for

Jaguar. the front-engined, rear-wheel

drive two-seater concept has inspired new advances

in design, in engineering and in hybrid technology to create the

most compact and responsive Jaguar in a generation.

As a production model ready to hit markets

in late 2012, it will find itself facing

the new 911.


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Audi U

rban concept

2626www.iaa.de



ill now, most of Audi’s electric concept variations [e-tron’s] showcased have featured futuristic designs reflecting Audi’s intention to put the vehicles into production over the next few years. The latest e-tron branded concept vehicle intended purely as a technical study and not being based on any previous model the Audi designers have been freed up to make a departure from previous designs with the new Audi urban concept. Audi is now aiming for urban chic and the Urban Concept and its open top variant should not be mistaken as a compact people’s mover but rather an individual mobility solution. As its name suggests, the urban concept is designed for congested urban environments. With an eye on efficiency the vehicle features a lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) body and is driven by two e-tron electric motors powered by a lithium-ion battery pack to provide what Audi claims is “sporty performance.”

T

TThe

Audi urban

concept car is an

idea based on principles

of lightweight construction and

efficiency. it will be interesting to

see when such concepts are

actually made.

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Ssan

gyong

2727

his nearly bankrupt South Korean brand was acquired by India’s Mahindra & Mahindra Limited in February 2011 and ever since the carmaker has been focusing on recovering lost ground. Following the Geneva unveil of the Actyon-based SUT 1 concept comes the Concept XUV 1. The name is derived from the phrase ‘eXciting user Interface Vehicle’, and highlights the show car’s focus on interaction with the driver and passengers and the artist renderings released prior to the show only give a glimpse at the vehicle’s design which shows a more fluid and flowing shape than its existing models. A windscreen that visually wraps around to the C-pillars works with a glass roof panel to give plenty of light to the flexible cabin configuration packed with what SsangYong calls the latest in automotive technology. The innovative interior design of this B-segment model introduces new 1+1+2 or 1+3 seating layouts, challenging conventional cabin design and highlighting the flexibility available from SsangYong’s latest platform technology.

T

Select

Ssangyong is all out to

prove it global credentials. the

concepts highlight the latest from Ssangyong design

departments.


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Škod

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ission

L Concept

BMW

i3&

i8concepts

2828www.iaa.de



ith the creation of the new BMW i sub brand, BMW Group is taking a holistic approach with its customised vehicle concepts, sustainability across the entire the value chain and additional mobility services. BMW i is the first chapter rewriting the concept of individual mobility. The i3 Concept as we know was dubbed the Megacity Vehicle during its development stage was presented as the first premium electric vehicle. The larger i8 Concept was presented as an extension of the latest generation sports cars: progressive, intelligent and innovative. Its unique plug-in hybrid design combines an internal combustion engine and an electric drive, resulting in an exceptional driving experience – with extremely low fuel consumption and emissions.

W

he MINI Yours was presented as collection of product ideas and comprises a range of options for the exterior and interior of the MINI Coupé. In addition to unusual paint finishes, trim elements, upholstery variants and interior colours, also offers customers stylishly composed equipment packages and limited-edition models.

T

True to its

promise, BMW has

revealed its vision of

the future of mobility after it

staged the global debut of the first two

models to appear under its

ground-breaking ‘BMW i’

electrified vehicle

brand.

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MIN

I Yours

Škod

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ission

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he MissionL Concept reveals the design language of the sixth model in the Skoda line-up is very close to production Lauretta as it will be known later. Sitting below the Octavia, this new addition will spawn two bodystyles -- a new five-door hatch for Europe, Russia and China and for other markets such as India, a compact sedan variant based on the underpinnings of its sibling, the VW Vento.

he MINI Yours was presented as collection of product ideas and comprises a range of options for the exterior and interior of the MINI Coupé. In addition to unusual paint finishes, trim elements, upholstery variants and interior colours, also offers customers stylishly composed equipment packages and limited-edition models.

T

TSelect

MINI as a

brand seems to be

focusing with increasing variety

within its ranks and an unparalleled

focus on the individualisation

options for its models.

Škoda is on an

aggressive growth

drive with key focus in emerging

markets.


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Maz

da

CX-5

he Mazda CX-5 is the first of a new generation of Mazda products that will adopt the full range of Mazda’s breakthrough SKYACTIV Technology and new design theme, ‘KODO - Soul of Motion’. The Mazda CX-5 evolves Mazda’s hallmark fun-to-drive character and will be progressively introduced to global markets from early 2012. Developed around the full range of SKYACTIV Technology — including all-new Mazda gasoline and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions, body and chassis — the Mazda CX-5 delivers precise response and a high-quality ride matched with outstanding environmental and safety performance. The engine line-up for the European specification CX-5 will include Mazda’s SKYACTIV-G 2.0 gasoline engine and SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel engine available in Standard Power and High Power versions. Each engine has a record-breaking compression ratio of 14:1 for ideal efficiency. Mazda focused on achieving exceptional environmental performance for a compact SUV and targeted CO2 emissions of less than 120g/km for the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 engine model.

T‘KODO

- Soul of Motion’,

which is being

promoted in the production CX-5

SUV was previewed in other concept models

– namely the Shinari and minagi. Unique themes of

KODO design include a prominent new front

view with a bolder family face and

dynamic styling that conveys a

strong sense of vitality

and agility.

Land

R

over DC100 concept

3030www.iaa.de



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Select La

nd R

over DC100 concept

and Rover has confirmed that a new Defender is anticipated for 2015. In the interim period, product specialists Land Rover are approaching the replacement of the current model with cautious optimism. Playing the role more of a custodian to the 63-year historical iconic nameplate, Land Rover is taking no chances and is busy understanding the needs and requirements of its focused customer groups. Given the immense loyalty and the future demands, Land Rover presented the DC100 concept with the idea of using it as a debate opener for possible future Defender models. The design team, headed by Gerry McGovern, Land Rover’s director of design is open about the idea. “This isn’t a production-ready concept but the beginning of a four-year journey to design a relevant Defender for the 21st century,” said McGovern. Meanwhile, John Edwards, global brand director at Land Rover said that the manufacturer wanted to engage a meaningful dialogue with existing customers to help finalise the intricate details and packaging of the new vehicle as part of their plans to direct the future of the Defender.

LIt’s

no secret

that the Land Rover

Defender is synonymous

with off-roading, utter reliability

and ruggedness. the job of defending those

virtues and also balancing the current job and

technical requirements no doubt will be one of the

biggest challenges in the automotive

design and engineering

for Land rover.


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Kia concept sedan

3232www.iaa.de



ia watchers and aficionados should be delighted with the progress that the car maker has made in its design department over the past couple of years. However, the carmakers’ product line-up still has potential for new opportunities and it seems Kia is now looking at some first time segments. The company’s new five-door with a coupe-like profile concept shown at Frankfurt may sport design cues seemingly inspired by cars like the Aston Martin Rapide or Maserati Quattroporte, it is also likely that it will also be built on a rear wheel drive platform. This rear-wheel drive four-door sports sedan marries sleek and muscular proportions with a sophistication and elegance in its four-seater cabin and is likely to be positioned above the Hyundai Genesis and below the Equus in dimensions.Meanwhile, what makes the case stronger are reports that have confirmed Kia’s filing of a trademark application for the Veredus nameplate. Since no such model exists in the current line-up with that name, there’s a strong possibility that this concept could end up as the production model.

K

Kia concept sedan

3333 toP Picks From 64th FraNkFurt motor show

Select

Till now,

this unnamed

concept is the only idea

that logically position’s itself as the

strongest candidate for the title.

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GoinG soft topBentley has taken important lessons from its second generation GT coupe and created its convertible sibling without losing the charm of the original

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The second generation all-new Continental GTC builds on the highly successful foundation of the previous cabriolet and adds Bentley’s

design and engineering expertise to produce a flawless convertible with an uncompromising focus on quality. Like the steel-roofed version, the GTC is part of the mid-size Bentley family, which has also spawned the Volkswagen’s Phaeton.

It’s no secret that the first generation Bentley Continental GTC was elegant and understated, but the incoming model looks sharper and assertive, thanks to the application of the new aluminium super forming process, an advanced manufacturing process that helps forming the car’s uniquely designed aluminium front mudguards without the need for seams or welding. Dimensionally, the GTC is 9mm higher than the GT but sits on the same wheelbase of 2,745mm and is the same width and length at 1,916mm and 4,804mm respectively.

One of Bentley’s focus areas has always been craftsmanship and now it has set even higher standards. The four-seater luxury convertible features a new, even more spacious and sumptuous

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Automan’s take: the GtC becomes the second convertible to grace the bentley range, following

the return of the evocative Azure name for bentley’s Arnage-derived flagship four-seater convertible.

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hand-crafted cabin, with soft-touch leather hides, an extensive range of wood veneers, cool-touch metals and deep-pile carpets. There are seventeen standard soft-touch leather hide colours with six colour split combinations, complemented by a range of seven veneers.

Superb everyday practicality for a luxury convertible was a hallmark of the original GTC and much valued by its customers. The cabin of the new GTC is now even more practical, with additional rear legroom, new storage solutions and innovative features such as touch-screen infotainment, automatic seat-belt presenters and a Bentley-designed neck warmer for comfortable roof-down motoring whatever the temperature.

For the soft top, the tailored, multi-layered fabric hood is complemented by acoustic glass and under-body panels, for optimum noise isolation. The roof can also be lowered at speeds up to 30km/h and stows in 25secs. To allow for the folding mechanism in the boot, the GTC’s rear air-suspension height has been reduced and modified so that there is still 235 litres of luggage space.

GTC shares the same powerplant as the GT, as well as the top-shelf twin-turbocharged and intercooled version of the Phaeton’s 6.0-litre 48-valve W12 engine, which develops 567bhp at 6,100rpm and a 700Nm of torque from just 1,600rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic with sequential shift function as well as steering wheel paddle shifters.

The GTC also shares the same suspension hardware from the GT which is a four-link set-up at the front and multi-link rear axles with computer-controlled air spring, but the software has been tweaked to accommodate the needs of a front and rear wider track, sharper steering and class-leading drive. Bentley’s advanced all-wheel drive system features a new 40:60 rear torque bias (compared with 50:50 of the original GTC) minimising understeer during hard cornering.

The car rides on standard large twenty inch wheels, but three styles of 21in alloys, a first for GTC, are available as option. At 2,495kg, the GTC is 110kg heavier than the GT, due mostly to the extra body stiffening and rollover protection hoops behind the rear seats.

The Bentley Continental GTC is now available to order and customer deliveries will begin in late 2011.

Traction and stability control help harness the power while the brakes include 405mm/335mm diameter front/rear front discs – claimed to be the largest-diameter brakes of any series production car on sale.

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Key highlights

What is it?Aufretch Melcher Grobaspatch or AMG, the in-house tuner arm of Mercedes-Benz and responsible for the SLS AMG has added what it sees as its new dream machine: the 2012MY SLS AMG Roadster. While the convertible is produced at the Mercedes-Benz production plant in Sindelfingen, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine comes directly from the AMG engine workshop in Affalterbach, where it is hand-assembled according to the traditional “One man, one engine” philosophy.StylingSince the roadster is built on an aluminium spaceframe body like its gullwinged sibling, it looks very similar, but a closer look will reveal the fundamental differences in design and structural engineering. As it is impossible to create a safe roadster with a gullwing arrangement, hence engineers have opted for conventional hinged doors. But the roadster also maintains near perfect proportions -- a long bonnet, a greenhouse positioned well to the rear and a short rear end. Plus the automatically extending rear wing, long wheelbase, wide track and short overhangs. The compact fabric soft top opens or closes in just eleven seconds and can be operated on the move at speeds up to 50km/h. The three-layered fabric soft top is a weight-optimized magnesium/steel/aluminium construction, and contributes greatly to the car’s low centre of gravity. The soft top has a seamlessly bonded rear window of heated single layer safety glass. The flush, gap-free transition between the outer roof skin and the rear window keeps wind noise low. Bespoke options are also offered and so are the exclusive design elements such as aircraft-inspired dashboard, jet engine-resembling vents and the aircraft thrust control-shaped E-Select gear lever. Three soft top colours - black, red and beige - are available to suit the nine exterior and eight interior colours.Comfort and convenienceInside the cabin, it’s familiar territory. Most of the elements are carried over from the SLS AMG and this means there’s no dilution of inspiration that came from the original 300SL Gullwing of the 1950s. The dashboard’s design is retro-modern and the car has most of the bells and whistles from the latest that Mercedes-Benz offers in terms of luxuries, high-grade build, materials and trim. Standard appointments include black designo leather, heated AMG sports seats, a

detachable glass windbreaker, COMAND with Navigation and DVD player, anti-theft alarm system with tow-away protection and interior monitoring, dual-zone automatic climate control and keyless starting function. Also standard is the AIRSCARF® system, a Mercedes-Benz exclusive. In addition to the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system, another entertainment highlight is the AMG Performance Media. This racing-inspired system combines numerous telemetric displays such as engine data, lateral and linear acceleration and lap times on a racetrack.Powertrains and suspensionThe car is designed to perform and hence the 563hp 6.3-litre V8 engine with a dry sump system is mounted low in the subframe to ensure optimal weight distribution and low centre of gravity. AMG’s fast reacting Speedshift DCT seven-speed automatic also comes with four modes – comfort, sport, sport+ and manual which are key parts of the new Adaptive AMG sport suspension set-up with electronically controlled damping. It enables the damping characteristics to be modified at the touch of a button. Meanwhile, AMG claims that the automatic transmission can shifts gears faster than any driver in manual. A Race Start function optimizes the car’s sophisticated traction control system and mechanical differential lock for optimal launches. So it’s not surprising that both roadster and gullwing boast similar performance figures – 0-100km/h comes up in 3.7secs. The car rides on asymmetric large wheels - 265/35 ZR 19 (front) and 295/30 ZR 20 (rear).Performance and handlingThe roadster has all the ingredients of a track car. The engine is front-mid mounted and helps achieve a 47:53 front rear axle weight distribution. A broad track – 66.2in up front and 65.1in at the rear helps improves grip and control. All four wheels are planted to the ground, thanks to double wishbone suspensions with a track road, a Formula 1-derived technology. Drivers have option of either the standard sport-oriented suspension or a new Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension with three modes (comfort, sport and sport+). Each mode features its own shock tuning to alter the ride quality based on the type of driving desired. The rear-wheel-drive roadster also offers optional ceramic brakes for optimal fade-free braking under extreme conditions.

The SLS Roadster is officially considered the second car to be independently developed by AMG and its lightweight construction, top notch performance and a breathtaking design combined with open-air driving pleasure is where this new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster perfectly embodies the AMG philosophy of German engineering and craftsmanship.

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Body type: Roadster

Mercedes SLS AmG

The jaw-dropping SLS AmG Gullwing Coupe

has gone topless. Enter, the 2012 mercedes-benz SLS AmG roadster,

the new role model of the range and technically the brand’s

halo model


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Nissan Juke

Recently introduced in the Sultanate, the 2012

Juke is the third crossover from nissan specifically designed for

the B-segment with an unrivalled combination of SUV toughness

and sporting style


Body type: SUV

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What is it?A new wave of interesting B-segment crossovers from Europe have hit the region in the past couple of months and the latest to join the growing bandwagon comes from Nissan. The Juke was conceived as a European product, designed in London, refined in Japan and is manufactured in UK, US and Japan. The Juke follows in the footsteps of the bigger Murano and Qashqai – both of which were conceptualized as lifestyle alternatives to the traditional C-segment hatchback.StylingNissan-Renault’s global B-segment platform Nissan was renamed as the “V” platform in 2010 and this next generation architecture also underpins news models such as the Micra and Versa. First revealed as the Qazana concept at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, the car seems to be clearly aimed at younger buyers. The design team drew inspiration for the car’s design from several unusual sources. They studied vehicles synonymous with an active and sporting life and the list included rally cars and motorcycles.For a car that is based on a compact platform, there’s no evidence of the Juke’s diminutive size. It’s now obvious where the ideas which have influenced the design have come from and it has been deliberately designed aggressively to accommodate larger-than-usual features. For instance, the headlamps are abnormally long and positioned high along the bonnet, while the round fog lights are recessed in the oversized valance. From a pure design perspective, the lower portion of the car is unmistakenly an SUV, with chunky wheels, wide tyres, extended ground clearance and stance. The top portion is mimics a sports car with a high waistline and the roof line ends like a coupé. The coupé effect is smartly underlined by the rear doors which have their handles hidden in the frame of the door and the boomerang rear lamps are inspired from the 370Z.Comfort and convenienceNissan Juke has a 2,530mm wheelbase, is 4,135mm long, 1,765mm wide and 1570mm tall. And despite its overall compact dimensions, the roomy interior offers sufficient space for five adults. Inside, the thematic execution is inspired more from a sports car than a typical SUV. The driver-focused cabin is dominated by a centre console design inspired by a motorcycle

fuel tank. Finished in a distinctive high gloss colour, the ‘bike’ console adds a sense of fun to the car. Practicality is assured by the rear-opening hatch and versatile luggage area with hidden storage bins. Besides these, the cockpit also features an integrated electronic system control that Nissan calls the “I-CON.” A single set of dash lights and controls do double duty for two interfaces, changing colours to become drive-mode settings in one appearance and climate controls on the other.Powertrains and suspensionFor the region, a newly developed version from Nissan’s HR-family four cylinder engines finds place in the engine bay. Designated HR16DE, its lightweight low-friction 16-valve unit has an unique dual injection system that allows finer metering of the fuel sprays for better combustion and fuel economy. The 1.6-litre, direct-injection turbo charged engine belts out 188hp. In terms of transmissions, the two-wheel drive turbo-charged 1.6-litre petrol engine is available with a six speed manual, while a CVT transmission with a six-speed manual mode will be available on the range-topping all-wheel drive versions. Meanwhile, the All-Mode 4x4-i is a new development of Nissan’s respected electronic all-wheel drive system and now features torque vectoring technology to enhance agility and reduce understeer when cornering. On front-wheel drive versions, suspension is by MacPherson struts at the front with a torsion beam at the rear while four-wheel drive models have a multi-link rear suspension modelled on the system found on Qashqai. To allow the top of the range to use 17in wheels and 215/55 R17 tyres, the track front and rear is 1,525mm, the widest yet seen on the Alliance B-platform.Personilsation optionsAlthough Nissan Juke has a long list of standard equipment, Nissan has developed a full range of accessories enabling owners to personalise their cars still further. Among the items on offer are different designs of alloy wheel, front and rear under body protectors, exhaust tips, roof spoiler and wind deflectors on the doors. Interior add-ons include illuminated door sills and mood lighting. Practical touches include advanced security systems as well as extra storage opportunities in the front armrest and in the luggage area.

Key highlights

We think despite its quirky looks, most of the sales of Nissan Juke will come largely from the B-segment and some cross shopping C-segment punters. It’s an interesting innovation for people trading down to enjoy something more radical and inspirational. As with the successful Nissan Murano in the region, a large majority of Nissan Juke customers should be new to the Nissan brand. Price guide: OMR9,500.

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automan select

2011 Kia Sorento

Kia Motors made a timely transition

from truck-based underpinnings to crossover architecture with its

mid-sized Sorento SUV. designed and engineered as a vehicle for today’s downsized budgets and value-conscious shoppers, with its packaging and powertrain options, it is

able to satisfy most demands for space and performance without the cost

of fuel economy.

Author: Chandan B MallikPhotography: Raj Warrior

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Body type: SUV

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automan select

What is it?Kia Motors’ product line-up is among the freshest in the industry and most of its current models are based on concepts. The KND-4 Concept showcased in 2007 served as the base for the mid-sized Sorento SUV. Larger in every way than prior models, the major changes are under the swanky sheetmetal. The Sorento sits in-between the Sportage and Borrego in the line-up. current Sorento stays very close to the concept and offers However, with the ability to comfortably fit up to seven passengers, offering more space and ride comfort than the previous-generation model.StylingCompletely redesigned for 2011, the all-new Kia Sorento now employs a unibody design and continues with the same swept-back lines and dynamic profile. However, it offers a more aggressive stance and sleeker profile than the previous version and also incorporates many elements of the new Kia corporate design DNA. The sheet metal is angular and character lines well balanced – neither soft nor aggressive and Kia designers have been quite successful in blending the current high positioned tiger grille in the oversized valance without causing the car’s face to look awkward.The car’s proportions and mass is built on an overall length of 4,685mm and wheelbase of 2,700mm which allows it to have short overhangs and carlike interior appointments including generous head and leg room for first and second row occupants. The car can be ordered as a five or seven seater and for its build, the interior uses quality materials throughout. Kia is keen that the Sorento be considered as a quality family vehicle and hence it has been generous kitting it. Even the base model comes with 17in alloy wheels, full power accessories, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping multifunction steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity and a CD/MP3 audio system and USB/Aux audio jack. Besides rear parking sensors, there’s a back-up camera and mod cons include dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof. Driver’s seat in the based models comes with eight-way power adjustments and lumbar support, however passenger seat adjustments have to be done manually. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and stop start push button start are also included. Practical features include flat fold 60:40 rear seats and various storage spaces in the cabin. The third-row seats are a bit of a compromise, as they are in most vehicles in the segment and suited mostly for youngsters.Chassis and suspensionThe new unibody construction has been specially designed to isolate engine vibration, incorporate excellent sound damping and an impressive feeling of sturdiness in general. The suspension package is modern by any standard and includes

MacPherson struts up front and multi-links at the rear.PowertrainsThe 2011 Sorento offers two normally-aspirated CVVT engines -- a 3.5-litre V6 providing best-in-class 276hp at 6,300rpm and 34.2Kg-m of torque at 5,000rpm, while 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine produces 175hp and 23.0 Kg-m of torque. Both engines are mated to Kia’s all-new six-speed automatic transmission. Engineering flexibility allows both engines to be mated to either front- or all-wheel-drive configurations, the latter coming with a centre differential lock to evenly distribute power to all wheels while operating the vehicle at low speeds during more severe weather conditions. Tiptronic function is also available in the smaller engine variant.Safety Like all Kia vehicles, the 2011 Sorento is equipped with a plethora of standard safety equipment. All trims come outfitted with driver and passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags and front active headrests, four-wheel Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC) also come standard on all models, the former assisting in preventing the vehicle from rolling backward when trying to pull away from an uphill gradient, while the latter helps keep the vehicle moving straight and steady down steep grades. Pedestrians also benefit from the all-new Kia Sorento’s standard safety systems.Driving impressionsContrary to what many people will think about a four-cylinder small displacement 2.4-litre 175hp mill trying to outdo a V6 3.5-litre which offers extra 100hp, let us clarify at the onset that even with the smaller engine, this SUV is no tortoise. One would have expected the four-cylinder engine to be overtaxed in this SUV application, but surprisingly the car carries its weight well and at engine speeds around 2,000rpm, the car is touching Oman’s urban speed limits of 100km/h quite comfortably. Gear shifting in automatic drive mode is carlike and seamless and downshifts are also well controlled. Tiptronic serves well when extra torque is required for overtaking or holding gears longer while going uphill. While the car will not act or behave like a spirited sports car on road with a slower reacting manual shifting, its road manners in general and steering feedback is quite good. The suspension is calibrated to offer smooth ride is and the driving position puts one at a commanding height. While steering is power-assisted, it requires a small effort from the driver to direct it. Braking is quite good and distances are short and linear. Air-conditioning is quite good and despite a large glass area, the cabin cools fairly quickly.

Key highlights

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The former body-on-frame SUV has been reinvented in its second generation as a far more relevant lifestyle machine. While, the previous truck-frame based Sorento wasn’t an underperformer, it was well designed inside and out and offered a good value for money as a SUV. The new Sorento takes all that a level further by fulfilling several of the market requirements and more besides encompassing both the brand’s signature design cues as well as its distinct combination of value [through features], safety and style. Kia can make the four-cylinder variant a bit more preppy and interesting if it introduces its hot GDI technology. We reckon an addition of 20-25hp would go a long way in this market.

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Cool, light and agg‘R’essive


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{coVer storY}

Cool, light and agg‘R’essive

when Porsche introduced the cayman in 2005, the ‘s’ that followed was based on a simple recipe for driving pleasure: a chassis with exceptional reflexes and dollops of horsepower. the ‘r’ is the next level of the evolution which now sees flab reduction and a bit more aggressiveness through various tweaks. does this application stretch the car’s civilized limits? automan finds out

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ediTorial nominee

porsche cayman r

sporTs coupe

50

{coVer storY}

Porsche made waves on the opening morning of the Los Angeles auto show last year with the unveiling of the Cayman R. Technically, the

third addition to Porsche’s mid-engined coupe range positioned by marketing gurus above the Cayman and Cayman S. Now available in the Middle East, the new two-seater is one of the latest creations from Porsche’s unique stable of marketing-cum- technology application ideas.

The Cayman ‘R’ comes at an interesting juncture. The Cayman and the 997 911 are on their way out and the fact is also true that the 911 as the brand’s undisputed halo icon will also never change. Porsche executives we met at Frankfurt last month during the seventh-generation 911 launch still admit that the mid-engine layout [used in the Boxster and Cayman] is still dynamically a superior concept. We think that this is in defense of the 911 to some extent since Porsche has quite conveniently [and somewhat shrewdly] kept a gap between the top-of-the-line Cayman and entry-level 911— to avoid a possible straight-line performance overlap and conflicting career interests later.

But, the smaller car has been let off its leash perhaps due to the fact that the sparsely equipped Cayman S has been quite popular among the motoring media and ownership fraternity globally more as a driver’s car in the business as a result of its top class engineering credentials than its actual creature comforts. Porsche’s marketing suggests that there’s further scope to expand this growing slot. However, there’s a definite agenda attached to this expanded portfolio and naturally, the obvious question is: what does one have to do to transform the Cayman ‘S’ in to a Cayman ‘R’? Not a lot, if you have an existing potent package in hand, but at the same time it can also be difficult to stretch things to an extreme. Porsche engineers seem to have conquered both aspects and added a fresh dimension to the overall equation.

Compared to many global automotive brands, German carmakers traditionally have had the upper hand when it comes to integrating a chapter from its history into a new offering. One doesn’t need to be a rocket scientist to identify the Cayman R in this respect. Cues on the bodywork include specific lettering and stripes borrowed from historic racing themes and no one can miss the fixed rear spoiler that points to the 1967 911R which was built in very low numbers [only 19]. Besides this unique metallic green paintwork, key features that distinguish the ‘R’ from existing Cayman models are black-framed headlamps, contrasting exterior mirror housings. However, what is not seen are the weight-saving measures in the car where it seems every ounce has counted in the flab removal. Using optimized kit from the part’s bin, the GT3-sourced aluminium doors trim 15kg from curb weight, while 911 Turbo supplies the 54-litre front-mounted fuel tank and carbon-fibre based bucket seats save another 12kg. In most non-Middle East markets the car is sold without air-conditioning or an audio system, but the Middle East editions aren’t on

52

{coVer storY}

an anorexic diet plan and hence have them as standard kit. Meanwhile, lightweight 19in alloys come from the Boxster Spyder and help save another five kilograms. Compared to the Cayman S, Porsche’s engineers efforts have ensured that the ‘R’ is lighter by 55kg overall. Couple of familiar items such as cupholders are conspicuously missing.

Most of us know that the bore-and-stroke figures of the 3,387cc horizontally opposed six engine in the Cayman S comes from the previous-generation Porsche 911. This set-up offers 291hp and 251lbs-ft of torque,

and this means 15 extra horses and equally incremental torque when compared to the Boxster S. For the Cayman ‘R’, Porsche says there’s a mild retune of the direct injection engine and hence up-rated power now stands at 330hp at 7,200rpm. Torque, meanwhile, remains at 273 lb-ft, developed at the same 4,750 rpm as the Cayman S. Transmission is double clutch 7-speed automatic or PDK and The Cayman R also comes standard with a limited-slip differential. With this gearbox and the Porsche Sport Chrono package which introduces aggressive throttle mapping, the

car’s sprint time is further lowered and top speed is limited at 280km/h.

On the chassis and suspension front there’s also some tweaks. The Cayman R gets a retuned MacPherson-strut and multilink suspension that has also been lowered by 20mm which is quite significant as it gives the car even more lower centre of gravity besides its more planted stance. All Caymans are being built in Uusikaupunki, Finland, by Valmet Automotive, an independent supplier already assembling Boxsters for Porsche.

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Driving impressionsTo really enjoy this car, one needs to start with a broad-minded approach and not be really bothered with the mod-cons too much. Within a few minutes of settling in driving, it becomes clear that this car has been designed around the driver. From the moment you settle in, the car just fits around you naturally with a good driving position, pedal layout and reach. The sports seats are a bit hard surfaced, but the lumber hugging design is definitely an added plus out here and offsets some of the outdated ergonomics. On the move the car feels light

and extremely agile. Its response to the throttle tap is rewarded almost immediately and takes corners like a slalom champ. This car’s acceleration with the seven-speed PDK package is blistering fast on a straight line. With the Sport Chrono package it is actually 0.1 secs faster that the BMW M3 with a DCT dual-clutch requiring just 4.4 secs to do the 0-96km/h sprint vs the M3’s 4.5secs.

The fun quotient with the car keeps on increasing the more you drive it and get accustomed. The R’s steering is beautifully weighted and detailed, it’s more exploitable

and friendly than a 911, but it appears a bit stiffer and rougher than the Carrera GTS. However, there’s no let down on the move as an array of electronics constantly checks the motions along and around its axes and expertly decides at a moment’s notice of what to do with extreme precision. Well, when I throttled the accelerator pedal hard in the middle of a tight corner, the car warns me with a wheel-spin first, followed by a kick and even a controlled short drift! As we became friendlier, I decided to go through the getting-to-know-each-other routine by setting the chassis and transmission

The largest weight savings have been achieved through the use of lightweight components and doing without sacrificing convenience. the top model in the mid-engine coupé is equipped with the lightest 19in wheels the entire porsche range can offer. The complete rim set weighs less than 40kg.

While, the distinctive fixed rear spoiler sets the Cayman R apart, the main aim during the design of the car was to improve the two-seater even further in its performance, driving dynamics and agility through consistent weight reduction.

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{coVer storY}

modes in Sport, then Sport Plus, and finally turning off stability control. Sport Plus loves high revs but hates gearchanges and is thus irrelevant on public turf. Disabling stability control (PSM off) actually keeps the driver’s busy who would be trying to outwit the car’s electronics and control any sign of under or oversteer. Although the ‘R’s ride is supple, even with firmer springs and shocks than the Boxster, the electronically controlled suspension waters down the bumps reasonably well even in the stiffest settings. Although I am aware that the car’s front end is light, I didn’t find it difficult to keep the car on course by swift steering modulation and throttle management. I’d love to spend a day on track with this car

and do some time trials!And at some stage I would personally

not be surprised that even die-hard 911 owners or drivers will be forced to accept the fact that flat-six powerplant is better suited here because it’s closer to the driver in the mid-engined Cayman, rather than slung out behind the rear axle as it is in the 911. The exhaust noise is so distinctive, and whether it’s the blips at low gears and the high pitched revs through to a raspy wail as the 7,000rpm red line closes in is sheer entertainment all way. The car is a virtual go-kart and in my opinion much more aggressive in communication than the Carrera GTS that we tested a few weeks ago.

VerdictThe Cayman R should do well as a fast, fun-to-drive sports car. And all the changes that Porsche engineers have made also reaffirm the fact that they know what they can do and when. With the tweaks, here’s a Cayman that’s faster and more focused than the ‘S’. At this rate of development, towever, there could be some form of serious sibling rivalry as the gap between this car and entry level 911 Carrera gets even narrower. The car is sensibly priced below the halo model and offers a genuine reason for consideration, especially if you are a Porscheaphile.

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also driVen

Ford’s current taurus sedan returned to the line-up confidently in 2010 as a charismatic full-size model with the potential of establishing the brand as a premium car manufacturer. automan examines how

Role

Author Chandan B Mallik Photography Raj Warrior

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The Taurus sedan’s career graph in the past couple of years reminds one of the role of a quarterback in

an American football team. Very much like the quarterback, in the brand’s line-up, the Taurus was one of the most visible and important members with a precise role cut out. However, Ford’s brand manager’s neglect towards this role model member in the early part of this decade ensured that the nameplate slipped in popularity so much so that it was discontinued in 2005 and replaced with the Five Hundred as an interim substitute. But like a winger in the game, who has an entirely different level of role and responsibility, the Five Hundred just couldn’t justify its presence and hence overall performance suffered. Thereafter, Ford, in an attempt to regain lost ground modified and renamed the substitutes [Five Hundred and Freestyle] as the Taurus/Taurus X respectively in 2008 with the Taurus X retiring shortly thereafter.

Realising after a SWOT that the model had lost significant ground to competition, but was still fondly remembered and hence still had some brand equity left, Ford took a very bold step as part of an elaborate strategy to revive the model series once again. By 2010 [actually a year before the actual launch], Ford was ready to launch its full-size Taurus sedan once again and it came with a lot of corporate noise including a complete metamorphosis, attractive design and significant engineering talents combined to create an attractive and more capable competitor in a class that spans both mainstream mid-size sedans.

This new chapter of the Taurus begins with a solid foundation and sense of direction for the brand. One look at the sheet metal on the Taurus and unless you’re a genius it’s difficult to imagine that this sedan is based on the same Volvo S80 platform as the previous Taurus and the Ford Five Hundred before that! There are significant changes and it begins with the design language followed by proportions and detailing that contribute in the ultimate character of this car. For starters, the car’s exterior sheetmeral has been softly massaged and

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toned. Meanwhile giving the car its planted looks is a roof shortened by 40mm, a higher waistline and shortened windows. Despite its hot rod looks, the Taurus is a full-size sedan that will comfortably accommodate five adults and ample cargo. And for the Oman market the model is offered in two trim levels: SE and Limited. The long list of standard features on the Taurus means even base versions are well-equipped. The SE gets an AM/FM/CD player with MP3 playback; tilt/telescope steering; a 60/40 split-folding rear seat; a power driver seat; and power locks, windows, and mirrors. The Limited adds 19in alloys, 255/45 tyres, Microsoft SYNC [voice activated hands-free communication and entertainment system] and some other features such as ambient LED lighting in the cabin. Ford’s SecuriCode keyless entry is

also available on the SE which senses the keyfob as the driver approaches the car. Ir will unlock the door by simply touching a keypad located on the B-pillar (the keypad illuminates when you touch it, but is virtually invisible otherwise).

Common to both trims is a by now familiar cabin design. Inside, the Taurus benefits from the button-heavy gadgets similar to every new redesigned Ford product that we have tested in recent times. As a result, the stereo and climate-control treatment are amongst the most familiar in the business in a logically laid out with some old school design such as the twin-cowl dashboard and waterfall central console. The instrument surrounds are detailed and its design is fresh and stylish with a nice mix of chrome and wood. What we particularly like in the

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cabin is the way areas for the driver and front passenger are marked and defined. There’s a limo-type low, wide centre console that firmly splits the driver and passenger sides and in the process somewhat constrains the front seating a bit. Head room for tall occupants up front is good, but the biggest issue for tall rear seat occupants is that the door opening is wider at the base, but the roofline is low out here which makes entry and exit a little tougher than need be. Seats are comfortable but head room can bit a bit restricted for tall occupants at the rear.

Helping the big Ford Taurus move off the line smartly is its normally-aspirated Duratec 3.5-litre V6, which offers 263hp and 249lb-ft of torque via its six-speed automatic transmission. A lot of engineering work has been done on suspension for handling and noise isolation in particular. The rear suspension set-up received major attention and is now mounted to a subframe for better isolation and new geometry allows the springs and shocks to work in a 1:1 ratio. The front end uses a Macpherson strut set-up. The subframe has been stiffened so that the suspension can take the loads of larger stabilizer bars and bigger wheels and tyres.

As a family car, the Taurus is strong on safety. In addition to great crash-test scores

and the standard roster of safety features such as advanced electronic stability control, driver and passenger airbag, front and side curtain airbags. Also standard are antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control.

Driving impressionsSince the Taurus is more American than global, the view from the driver’s seat is generous and unobstructed although the windscreen may be a little short for some drivers. Visibility out at the rear window is restricted, however, as it is small and appears small in the rear-view mirror. Also the B-pillars are wide and can obstruct vision.

The first thing that strikes is the smoothness of the V6 powertrain and the quiet cabin. Acceleration is smooth and torque delivery is quite impressive at most engine speeds. Since the car is tuned for fuel efficiency, we noted that the transmission is programmed to slow downshifts when asked, preferring to use the limited torque and fuel economy of a higher gear to increase your speed. Although, some drivers may interpret this as a feel lazy at times, this doesn’t mean that car has lost its ability to effect a prompt acceleration feedback – this character is quite evident during overtaking.

The steering is direct and precise, and it provides plenty of feedback, a direct benefit

of it being electronically dialed in rather than hydraulically assisted. The reworked suspension gives the car reasonable good road manners for its size and even with its 17in wheels and tyre combination, the car actually rides more firmly than you might expect from such a big sedan, tight but not high-strung, with a smooth ride and some expected body roll. As the suspension engineers used firmer struts, springs and dampers all around to lessen understeer and body roll, along with minimizing front-end lift during hard acceleration, the car is able to correct its stance pretty quickly and confidently. Our test car’s tyres provided sufficient grip without a rough ride and even some of the large potholes we encounter were well damped and muffled from inside the cabin. And thanks to much work with sealing around the doors and tighter body panel gaps, the new Taurus is really very quiet.

VerdictThe new 2011 Ford Taurus bridges the gap between family sedans and luxury cars. While it needs a little more effort to top its role as a game-changer, but it ticks the right boxes when it comes to a punter’s list for a handsome, solid and high-quality car.

in its career path, the taurus has be retired, replaced, rescued, revived and even reinvented. the current model is among the new wave of revised important models from Ford

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For 2011, chevrolet’s camaro coupe loses its hard top while expanding the model line-up with ss badging. automan finds the overall mix interesting Author Chandan B Mallik Photography Nabeel Ferzan

ediTorial nominee

cheVroleT camaro coupe

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Arrival and departure are two key words in most industries and it’s applicable to the automotive sector too. Here’s why:

consider the period between 2009 and 2010 which was a relatively quiet for convertible car manufacturers where most opted to wait-and-watch before making any major commitment. Global recession had shaken automakers and consumer buying confidence so much so that there wasn’t enough spark to motivate carmakers to introduce new convertible models. However, the sun seems to be shining in 2011 and evidence of consumer confidence returning to this niche segment is beginning to gain momentum once again.

Chevrolet’s Camaro latest convertible variant to hit the US and Middle East markets might

have not happened had GM not conceived its long-term career plans well in advance. It’s no secret that when recession hit North America, the Camaro’s largest market, there were times when it appeared that the open top project could have been dropped. However, GM’s confidence for the project came from the fact that it had a runaway success with the new Camaro Coupe which even outsold its strongest rival, the Ford Mustang in 2010. Unlike Dodge which is yet to come up with an open top Challenger variant, the Camaro convertible has made it through the recession and is built on a revised version of GM’s Global Rear Drive platform or Zeta, developed by subsidiary Holden in Australia.

In the motoring industry, most product

planners will say that some coupes are born with hard and soft tops editions in mind and that’s how GM defines the current Camaro. And the good news is that GM hasn’t deviated from that concept either. From the exterior, the open top variant looks no different than its hardtop version and what is commendable is how engineers and designers have conspired admirably to decapitate the Camaro coupe and give it a fabric softop rather than going in for the folding metal roof that’s popular in the segment. The execution of the soft top is modern in the sense that it doesn’t resemble the one popular old school ribbed Conestoga-style top anymore and comes with a toughened glass rear window and small quarter windows.

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chevrolet’s engineering goal during development was to make the convertible match the coupe as closely as possible in ride quality, handling and overall performance. the l99 engine features fuel-saving active Fuel management system making the deal even more attractive

The relocation of the boot’s lock also cleans up the car’s appearance which has now moved from the panel between the tail lamps to a discreet area between the rear seat cushion and driver’s side interior panel. The change retains full, lockable access to the boot, with the keyless remote fob also offering easy boot access. Other mod cons include HID headlamps with halo ring.

Once you are settled in the car, you wonder whether the open top Camaro is a victim of an imperfectly perfect design. This is because we feel that during the design stage, in order to give it a hot-rod look with short height windows, the windscreen and the A-pillars had to be heavily raked to match the mood. Like the coupe, the interior has been made less space

age and more practical. Meanwhile, the rear seats of the convertible are slightly narrower than the Coupe, so they are better suited for young adults and we think designers could have been a bit more rational and saw to that the coupe’s outward visibility was improved instead. But we think, structural engineers and aerodynamic specialists probably overruled that issue. But several things are noticeable beginning with the clarity of the instruments in the retro dash, the deep-dish three-spoke steering wheel along with the chrome seat-belt buckles which seem to be inspired by the late 1960s GM cars, and all the hard grained plastic on the dash, central console and door panels.

Top up, the convertible’s interior is

remarkably similar to the hard top, thanks to the GM’s designers insistence that the fabric roof retain exactly the same turret-style profile as the coupe’s roof. But somehow, the engineers missed the European finesse in executing it. First, the folding roof’s mechanism is located below the waistline and supplied a plastic cover has to be manually placed over a deep hinge cavity when the top is down. Forget that and in our region it becomes a dust collector and in rains, a virtual pond – not exactly something you find in convertibles from Europe or Japan these days. The power-folding top retracts in about 20secs and it’s designed and built by the same supplier of the Corvette’s convertible top, so it operates in a similar manner. That means it

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folds in a simple “Z” pattern and latches with a single, convenient handle located at the centre of the windscreen header. The docking lock/unlock mechanism is manually operated and definitely old school.

What is unseen is the structural changes in the car which GM engineers have paid a

lot of attention. Additional safety structural reinforcements have been designed and incorporated in strategic locations to help improve noise and vibration characteristics, while also contributing to the elimination of cowl/steering wheel shake. They include extra bracing in the engine bay and reinforcements

in the A-pillars and windscreen header. GM says that the structural changes to the convertible body give it superior bending and torsional stiffness than its closest competitor, and better torsional stiffness than the BMW 3-Series convertible. However, the flip side is that the car gain an extra 57kgs.

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The SS badge on the car indicates extra performance related enhancements and that begins with the powertrain. The engine [code L99] is derived from the LS3 that originally debuted on the 2008 Corvette. So it’s quite modern with weight saving aluminium block with cast iron cylinder liners and alloy cylinder

heads.Output from the V8 is 400hp and torque is 556Nm when mated to the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic. The L99 features the fuel-saving Active Fuel Management System, which saves fuel by shutting down half of the engine’s cylinders during certain light-load driving conditions, such as highway cruising.

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Driving impressionsSince it’s an open top and the weather bearable during the test period, we decided to keep the top down mostly. However, from the ergonomics perspective, we could differ on the notion that the car was designed to be a convertible at the onset of the model series. The tradeoffs are evident when you settle in the car and travelled the first few kilometres. One of the key complaints that we had about the coupe was its poor visibility from its cramped cabin. In the convertible, that feeling is pretty much gone but sadly, even with the top up, visibility is no worse than in the claustrophobic coupe – we would blame the excessively raked and thick A-pillar for this. The other niggle was wind noise in the cabin. While GM claims that the top is made of multilayered thick, durable fabric and it features acoustical headliner material that provides a quiet, coupe-like ride when the top is up, sound insulation in the test car was a bit short than promised. With top down, the absence of a wind deflector is clearly felt and as speeds goes up so does the draft and wind noise. Most of us who have driven older Camaro convertibles dating from the late 1960s are unanimous about the car’s harrowing chassis compliance which was fondly branded as the famous “boulevard

ride.” By this we mean by today’s engineering refinements and standards, unacceptable levels of cowl shake, steering column vibration and torsional sloppiness. The nice thing about the 21st century Camaro ragtop is that none of those age-old niggles exist anymore and it doesn’t take long to appreciate the amount of engineering attention that’s gone in guaranteeing the car’s suspension integrity despite the nose-heavy front-engined V8 arrangement. Engineers have thoughtfully dialed in an additional degree of protective understeer in the SS’s handling.

The car’s straight line acceleration is commendable with vice like grip on asphalt, but its performance on winding roads needs careful attention on part of the driver. The SS convertible will definitely get around or exit a fast corner, but one does feel a bit limited by the car’s slightly remote-feeling steering during swift direction changes and the effects of its mass and to some extent its higher centre of gravity. There’s one consolation though: at least the chassis guys have thought of properly reinforcing the convertible so that it is at least as stiff as the coupe and despite absence of the cross-bracing rigidity of a hardtop and some extra weight, the shock absorbers and spring rates feel very close to that of the coupe’s. In

general, the suspension is on the firmer side and there’s a hint of unsettling over patchy roads. And despite the car’s independent rear suspension set-up, it can feel uncomfortable when it encounters a bump mid-corner. Chevrolet engineers had mentioned that the car is so structurally stiff that they did not have to soften the suspension for the convertible, as is often done for convertibles. But maybe they should have and life would have been a bit better.

If we forget the comfort niggles and consider this car as a performance muscle car then the story becomes quite different. Since all Camaros have limited-slip differentials, one can also engage the Competition Mode, which allows more yaw angle before the car’s stability control intervenes. All of these technical measures help to enjoy the car more safely and confidently explore its usual limits. And one of the undisputable driver-oriented feature in the Camaro is that it also allows the driver to switch off traction control completely in order to perform tyre smoking burnouts with some tail-dancing. We also acknowledge that these go-fast elementes are among the defining features and somewhat complement the SS badged convertible. Brakes are good and don’t fade.

Muscle cars as defined in the past were expected to perform and hence the focus was never on refinement or creature comforts. But demands and priorities from consumers in the 21st century have changed and when General Motors introduced the all-new Chevrolet Camaro in 2010, it opened a new chapter in the segment by satisfying most expectations. And there’s no disputing the fact that the current Camaro is among the highly desirable reborn muscle car that has put a smile on the face of many drivers – proof is when the current Camaro outsold the Mustang last year. The 2011 Camaro Convertible which was premiered at the 2010 Los Angeles International Auto Show also promised to deliver open top sports coupe fun and more. Somehow, we feel in-between the best of intentions and enthusiasm of the designers and engineers of this the modern day Camaro, it seems that it is rather out of touch with some of the ground realities and expectations! While this is not the mind space that Camaro needs to occupy, instead, it can consider itself on the lines as the Harley-Davidson of sports coupes: slightly brutal, a little primitive and perhaps deeply nostalgic. We think there’s definite scope for improvement where it will genuinely qualify as a true performance car. What’s needed: a bit more horsepower, a tighter suspension, less weight and evolved aerodynamics. We can see the 550hp Camaro ZL1 fulfilling this wish list.

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Performance oriented Ducati and Mercedes-Benz AMG have collaborated together and produced a variant of the

Ducati Diavel. Coined as Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition, the bike was unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show last month. Ducati’s cooperation with Mercedes AMG was first announced at the 2010 Los Angeles Motor Show with a sponsorship agreement for the Ducati MotoGP Team. The association soon developed into a rich strategy of co-marketing activities and the Diavel AMG Special Edition now represents the first “co-inspired” model, elegantly combining distinctive styling features from both marques.Technically, the Diavel AMG Special Edition is based upon the Diavel Carbon model but features AMG’s signature five-spoke wheel styling, carbon fibre lateral radiator grills with aluminium trim, AMG-style sport exhaust system with engraved end-caps and AMG-style horizontally ribbed seat upholstered in Alcantara®. The model’s incredible attention to performance detail also ensures that every engine has its Desmodromic cam-timing set by hand and authenticated with the name of the engine technician engraved on the left-side engine casing. Further underlining the model’s exclusivity, each motorcycle will have a numbered plaque on the fuel tank. The award-winning Ducati Diavel has had massive first-year success for the Italian motorcycle manufacturer, its bold design merging the worlds of power and style with absolute precision to set a new industry standard for the

segment. Ducati’s awesome Testastretta 11° engine combined with their famous chassis technology and a specially engineered 240 section rear tyre delivers mind-blowing performance balanced with user-friendly comfort and safety-enhancing electronics.

Hand-built - as with all Ducati motorcycles - the exclusive new Diavel AMG Special Edition is dressed in matte black carbon fibre bodywork with AMG’s very own “Diamond White Bright” stripe and frame colour contrasted with black wheels. The special edition wheels, seat and exhaust end-caps are all AMG branded while “AMG” is also laser-engraved into the air-duct panels either side of the fuel tank. The Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition will be available in Middle East in early 2012, according to Marcel Bode, general manager, Ducati UAE.

bike news}

mercedes-benz AmG also collaborated with Orange County Choppers in 2009 to produce an exclusive AmG bike

Black magic! Ducati and Mercedes-Benz AMG present

special edition model based on the Diavel Author Chandan B Mallik Photography author and supplied

Its been quite some time now since the official entry of Ducati in India but the company made its India specific website just recently. However the Italian motorcycle maker has finally made an India specific website which showcases the products and accessories on offer for Indian customers. The company also has the prices updated on each bike on the product page. You can also buy official Ducati merchandise and the website carries the latest information from Ducati racing as well.

Breaking News

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2011 Toyota Corolla

Exclusive

Completely redesigned for the 2009

model year, Toyota takes a fresh look at one of its best-sellers for 2011

with the help of consumers in oman. the results show a clear preference to style-

enhancing body kits and some contemporary utility features than performance

enhancements.

Author: Chandan B MallikPhotography: Raj Warrior

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Body type: SUV

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What is it?There’s no disputing that Toyota’s Corolla compact sedan has actually set the global benchmark standards in its class. In fact, the Corolla is the longest serving model from a Japanese manufacturer, and more than 35mn Corollas have been sold to date. The model is sold in more than 140 countries and what makes the Corolla as a preferred choice amongst conscious buyers is relatively inexpensive to buy, doesn’t feel like a cheap car and has bullet-proof reliability and very strong residual values.

StylingThe Corolla’s style has evolved over the years and the current tenth generation [also known as E140] is a true global model, although some styling and name variants exist in some countries. The new Corolla has been described as a 7/8th scale of the Camry, also having styling commonality with its smaller sibling, the Yaris.

The current edition was designed with inputs from Toyota’s Turin-based studios and hence benefits from most of the suggested exterior styling upgrades made on the front and rear bumper, radiator grille, front lower grille, headlamps, boot lid, rear license garnish and tail lamp. The car’s sporty profile is the result of pulling the A-pillar forward and the C-pillar rearward, which also enhances aerodynamic performance for optimal fuel efficiency.

The current sheetmetal represents a gradual evolution over the previous iteration, without straying too far from a time-tested formula. For the ‘Exclusive’ edition in Oman, some cosmetic additions such as front and rear body kits and chrome moulding on the sides, a rear lip spoiler and 15in alloys in versions with the 1.6-litre engine and bigger 16in alloys in the 1.8-litre engine models have been added. Common to both inside the cabin are features such as wood grain trim and Bluetooth connectivity. Most other features such as Optitron speedometer [first application was in the Lexus], multifunctional leather-bound electric power steering wheel, digital information centre, keyless entry and

colour coded bumpers are standard kit. Seats are well contoured and come with easy to clean fabrics. Build quality and materials used for trims are as expected and panel tolerances take advantage of Toyota’s benchmarked no compromise production standards. Although this is a basic car, to touch and feel it gives it a premium feel now.

Chassis and suspensionBuilt on a 102.4in wheelbase, the Corolla provides decent room for five adults and its 12.3c-ft boot rivals midsize cars’ cargo space in capacity. The Corolla is built around a stiff body structure that uses a mix of high tensile-strength steel, gussets and cross members for its strength, rigidity and lightweight construction. Front suspension is composed of a compact, rigid L-arm-type MacPherson strut with a stabilizer bar. The Corolla’s torsion beam rear suspension employs a coil-over-shock arrangement that allows efficient packaging along with solid handling and excellent ride comfort.

PowertrainsAs the added features are more cosmetic, no enhancements have been carried out in the powertrain department. As a result the four-cylinder normally-aspirated 1.6-litre continues to offer 121hp and 15.7kg-m of torque when mated to four-speed automatic transmission.

Safety FeaturesAs expected, the 2011 Corolla is equipped with a plethora of active and passive safety equipment. Toyota’s Star Safety System includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. All trims come outfitted with driver and passenger advanced front airbags and whiplash injury lessening front seats. The Toyota Corolla is engineered to absorb and disperse impact energy throughout the entire body structure, including front and rear crumple zones. Strengthened door beltline reinforcements help share the impact load, which in side impacts is also directed to the underbody.

Key highlights

Despite the arrival of several new and interesting players in the segment, Toyota’s quintessential tenth generation Corolla still commands the ever so busy segment. If you’re still looking for one of the best and most fuel-efficient small cars for the money, skipping the Toyota dealership would be a mistake as the bestseller now offers more value for customers in Oman. Its powertrain engineering has been refined to offer an exceedingly smooth delivery of power, which has led to the model acquiring the sobriquet “The Working Man’s Lexus” in some countries and we agree that this adage is perfectly applicable here too.

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bigger and more powerful than the model it replaces, there’s a greater emphasis on technology and less adventurous styling in the all-new second generation 2012 bmw 6 series convertible. automan spends a couple of days with this new arrival in the uae

the beast

If one takes a look at BMW and traces its meteoric rise over the years, one will surely come across many interesting

facets in its chequered history. Innovation and its management has played a key role in helping BMW successfully redefining its aspirations at virtually all levels. From a marketing perspective, the story becomes even more gripping when one observes how the German carmaker has capitalised

niche slots abandoned by other car makers. However, there’s one more thing in the cap of feathers that few carmakers can boast of: an extraordinary history that BMW has with convertibles which stretch from the BMW 328 [which provided the basis for the winning car in the 1940 Mille Miglia] to the highly coveted BMW 507 of the 1950s, and now the 6 Series-based derivative.

One can virtually write a book on the 6

Series convertible and the second generation convertible has been penned in an era post-controversial Bangle. Adrian Von Hoydoonk, Bangle’s design successor, in particular has been responsible for shaping the elegant visual presence of the car in both coupe and cabrio versions .What is really striking is car’s presence and stance with its minimalistic, yet effective sheetmetal surface treatment in profile with revisited dimensions and proportions. The


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rechiseled car hasn’t completely abandoned the predecessor’s profile and is able to convey its standalone personality. If the car has a close resemblance to the current 7 and 5 Series, it is not a mere coincidence. The convertible is built at the BMW plant in Dingolfing, Germany alongside with the 6 and 7 Series.

Up close, we have been able to spot some of Hooydonk’s new design detailing which has been inspired by some the brand’s past icons.

The headlamps seem to pay tribute to the 1989 Z1 and the way the character line that runs below them and eventually dives down towards the front wheel gives the impression of a forward-leaning shark nose E24. Other deviations evident in the car include the smoothening of the Bangle-butt high rear end and overall the car appears less polarizing and suggests return to a conservative styling era once again.

At 4,894mm in length, the incoming convertible is 74mm longer than its predecessor. Its similarly extended wheelbase now stretches to 2,855mm and the car has also grown by 39mm in width at 1,894mm while 9mm has been shaved off its height which stands at 365mm.With all these design refinements, the 6 Series convertible looks much lower, wider and somewhat a bit more angular than the car it replaces. In dimensions, it outclasses rivals

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Driving impressionsDespite its lowered height, the new car offers greater headroom both front and rear even with top down. And that’s a detail quite often missed in new convertibles these days, but more than that, despite a non metal roof and extra weight from bracing and roof mechanisms the 50:50 front:rear axle weight bias remains unchanged. This ensures the typical handling dynamics of a large BMW in this car too. With a nice portfolio of performance and handling at finger tips, the car is poised and has exceptionally pleasant road manners. In fact, 6 Series coupe itself was a well-balanced machine that could handle aggressive driving on winding roads just as easily as it dispatched weekday commutes on highways and with the convertible, this goes a level further when you tap into the centre console rocker switch that allows the driver to set the

Driving Dynamics Control system to Comfort, Normal, Sport or Sport +. Toggling between the settings instantly alters the throttle mapping, suspension firmness, steering effort, transmission shift schedule, as well as active steering rate and active roll control. Actually, one wonders sometimes how much this really adds as even in ‘Comfort’ mode which is the softest of the four suspension settings, the car still dives into corners like a sports car. There’s little need to look beyond ‘Normal’, in which mode the ride is still amazingly supple considering that this car has 19in wheels and rolls on stiffer sidewall run-flat tyres. Perfomance of run-flats in BMWs have previously been criticised on several occasions and another less than ideal aspect of the dynamics of many recent BMWs has been the numbness of the electric steering. It seems that BMW have now mastered that

be it in the smaller MINI Countryman or the bigger 6 Series. Our test car was equipped with 245/40 Dunlop rubbers and nowhere did we encounter the feeling of any compromise when compared to a conventional tyre set-up. BMW have reiterated over the years that its cars using Run-flat technology have their suspension and braking components set up to accommodate Run-flat tyres specifically. Despite its added mass, the new electric power steering is about on par with the old system in terms of feel, but low-speed effort has been greatly improved.

Meanwhile, regardless of the mode we set the DDC, the rear-wheel drive 650i is reacted perfectly and cornering flatly on UAE’s finest roads at anything short of non-prescribed speed limits, the ZF’s paddle-shifters responded superbly when it came for downshifting, especially during overtaking.

it’s no secret that every large bmw coupe from the e9 3.0 cs to the shark-nosed e24 6 series or claus luthe designed e31 8 series and the outgoing bangle-era e63 has had high levels of exoticism and desirability infused beyond any other model in the brand’s line-up

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Actually the transmission is so good that one can forget the sequential manuals in the older ‘M’ versions! Even though the transmission with the extra cogs work seamlessly even in full automatic mode, using the paddles is always treat, if only because the V8 issues an unexpected yet welcome burble at shift points – which is music for the diehards! Power delivery from this forced fed engine which also powers the 7 Series is virtually seamless, thanks largely to the balanced and synchronized performance of the two small turbochargers, which permit access to its seamless top end torque of 600Nm right through from just 1,750 to 4,500rpm.

In fact, in real time, even at legal highway speeds the fruits of the Efficient Dynamics are most visible with the engine sweetly humming in the power mid range and a whole range of efficiency-enhancing technologies such as high precision injection, brake energy regeneration and a number of improvements in the drive

train silently. Overall impression is that this BMW remains a very much a grand tourer in character and not to be mistaken as a blue-blooded sports car.

VerdictBMW tries to please its loyalists on various fronts with this car. By far, the latest 6 Series convertible represents a visual return to the past while carrying on the technological advancements of the present and future in open top motoring.

InteriorsBlends traditional craftsmanship with technology and gadgetry

ExteriorDesign has been streamlined while maintaining classic proportions. Bangle butt is out, permanently

PerformanceIn addition to the efficiency of the engines and eight-speed Sports automatic, an extensive range of

BMW EfficientDynamics measures also contribute to reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

HeritageSeveral design and detail cues have been inspired from the masterpieces of the past

What’s in? what’s out?

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such as the Mercedes-Benz E Class Cabriolet or the Jaguar XK in nearly every dimension. In fact, it even outstretches the new Bentley Continental GTC. Thanks in part to its new platform which is derived from the 5/7 Series. Compared with the outgoing model, the new car is 2.6in longer and at 74.5in, it’s marginally wider as well.

It’s just not design detailing that has mattered. BMW are on an efficiency drive and the chapter involves each and every element that can contribute in this common goal, be it in construction, design or engineering. So, it’s not surprising that the front mudguards are injection molded plastic, the door skins are aluminium and the rear mudguards are composed of steel. And commendable is the job that BMW’s engineers and paint technicians have executed flawlessly across diverse materials in the car.

The revised dimensions which have also allowed extra three inches of wheelbase has been well invested in creating an extra spacious cabin for the 2+2 occupants and attention to detail – be it ergonomics, trim materials, controls or even the folding top

is top notch as always. The fabric top’s ‘fast’ shape is a result of the buttress support design on either side of the roof which in turn has permitted the same shape as the coupe. The top is constructed of multiple layers of fabric and is said to be quite quiet in operation. There is also a classical elegance to the top being constructed of fabric which is offered in several colours.

However, as with open top cars with elaborate folding roof mechanisms, the car has also gained some weight. And unlike some American open top imports that we have tested recently, the mechanics of the multi-layered fabric roof is a marvel in engineering. Like a seasoned ballerina, it takes just 19secs to drop and 24secs to go up and can operated at speeds of up to 40km/h. Even with the top down, the trunk still has 10.6cft of space, which BMW says is enough for a pair of golf bags and a briefcase. Roof raised, the boot expands by over 20 per cent to 12.3cft.

BMW claims that the cabin design is unique to the model series and features a significantly more driver-centric dashboard and central console than the outgoing model. The

latest version of the iDrive is present, along with a large LCD display integrated into the instrument cluster. Interestingly, the screen uses “Transreflective” technology to reduced glare. BMW’s newest head-up display also debuts in this car. The graphics are now in full colour and the resolution is vastly improved. Besides basic speed information, the HUD displays navigation directions and warnings from the optional lane departure warning and night vision systems. The list of high-tech gizmo pampering continues with standard features such as a rear view camera, adaptive xenon headlamps, LED foglamps and most of all an improved and simplified iDrive. The options list features BMW’s multi angle views using side view camera systems, automatic high beams among other features.

Powertrains have always been top priority at BMW and the twin-turbo 32-valve 4.4-litre V8 under the long bonnet of the 650i Convertible exhibits how far the marque has moved from its sporty four-cylinder roots. Yet, handling any extra weight should not be a problem for the (initial) lone 6 Series model, the 650i. It offers 400hp and 450 pound-feet of torque to

77

the rear wheels when mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. unit offers its maximum torque of 600Nm right through from just 1,750 to 4,500rpm. Peak power is available from 5,500 to 6,400rpm. Zero to 100km/h comes at respectable 5 secs.

As part of the chassis set-up, there’s an aluminium double-wishbone front suspension and multilinks at the rear besides electronically controlled shock absorbers as part of the DDC system. As before, there’s also Active Roll Stabilization available, which utilizes sensors to calculate the amount of body roll and then counteracts it through hydraulic actuators in the sway bars.

The range of standard safety equipment also includes front airbags, head-thorax side airbags integrated into the seat frame, three-point automatic belts for all seats, belt force limiters and front belt tensioners, ISOFIX child seat mounts in the rear and a roll-over protection system. The roll-over system further developed specifically for the convertible consists of two bars placed behind the rear head restraints. Besides these, BMW says the convertible is fitted with newly developed lightweight seats with an integrated seatbelt system. Like almost any new convertible, the 2012 BMW 650i Convertible boasts greater levels of rigidity than its predecessor. BMW says it registers a 50 per cent improvement in static torsional rigidity and a mean body strength that is 29 per cent greater than before.

Coupes & CaBRios

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PREMIUM COUPE CABRIOS

Year: 2011L (mm): 4625 W (mm): 1854H (mm): 1372 Wb (mm): 2751Engine: 1.8 TFSIEngine (cc): 1798 Layout: Inline 4Power (hp): 158@4500-6200Torque (Nm): 250@1500-4500Gearbox: 8-spd multitronic

Year: 2011L (mm): 4187 W (mm): 1842H (mm): 1353 Wb (mm): 2468Engine: 2.0 TFSIEngine (cc): 1984 Layout: Inline 4Power (hp): 208@4300-6000Torque (Nm): 350@1600-4200Gearbox: 6-spd S-tronic

Year: 2011L (mm): 4187 W (mm): 1842H (mm): 1358 Wb (mm): 2468Engine: 2.0 TFSIEngine (cc): 1984 Layout: Inline 4Power (hp): 208@4300-6000Torque (Nm): 350@1600-4200Gearbox: 6-spd S-tronic

Year: 2011L (mm): 4808 W (mm): 1883H (mm): 1422 Wb (mm): 2880Engine: 3.6L, V6Engine (cc): 3564 Layout: V6Power (hp): 311@6400Torque (Nm): 374@3400Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011L (mm): 4808 W (mm): 1883H (mm): 1422 Wb (mm): 2880Engine: 6.2L, V8Engine (cc): 6162 Layout: V8Power (hp): 564@6100Torque (Nm): 735@3800Gearbox: 6-spd Auto/Man

Year: 2011L (mm): 4836 W (mm): 1918H (mm): 1389 Wb (mm): 2852Engine: 3.6L V-6 DI VVTEngine (cc): 3564 Layout: V6Power (hp): 312 @ 6400Torque (Nm): 370 @ 5200Gearbox: 6-spd Man/6-spd Auto

Year: 2011L (mm): 4836 W (mm): 1918H (mm): 1376 Wb (mm): 2852Engine: 3.6L V-6 DI VVTEngine (cc): 3564 Layout: V6Power (hp): 312 @ 6400Torque (Nm): 370 @ 5200Gearbox: 6-spd Man/6-spd Auto

Year: 2011L (mm): 4836 W (mm): 1918H (mm): 1376 Wb (mm): 2852Engine: 6.2L V-8Engine (cc): 6162 Layout: V8Power (hp): 400 @ 5900Torque (Nm): 556 @ 4300Gearbox: 6-spd Man/6-spd Auto

Year: 2011L (mm): 4435 W (mm): 1844H (mm): 1244 Wb (mm): 2685Engine: 6.2L V-8 (LS3)Engine (cc): 6162 Layout: V8Power (hp): 430 @ 5900Torque (Nm): 575 @ 4600Gearbox: 6-spd Man/6-spd Auto

Year: 2011L (mm): 5023 W (mm): 1923H (mm): 1449 Wb (mm): 2946Engine: 5.7-LITRE HEMI® V-8Engine (cc): 5654 Layout: V8Power (hp): 372 @ 5200Torque (Nm): 542 @ 4,400Gearbox: 6-spd Man/5-spd Auto

Year: 2011L (mm): 5023 W (mm): 1923H (mm): 1449 Wb (mm): 2946Engine: 392 HEMI® V-8 (6.4 L)Engine (cc): 6424 Layout: V8Power (hp): 470 @ 6000Torque (Nm): 637 @ 4200Gearbox: 6-spd Man/5-spd Auto

Year: 2011L (mm): 4778 W (mm): 1877H (mm): 1412 Wb (mm): 2720Engine: 3.7L V-6Engine (cc): 3727 Layout: V6Power (hp): 305 @ 6500Torque (Nm): 380 @ 4250Gearbox: 6-spd Man/6-spd Auto

Audi A5 1.8 TFSI Coupe 2011 Audi TT Coupe 2011 Audi TT Roadster 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Chevrolet Camaro Convertible LT Chevrolet Camaro Coupe Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe

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Year: 2011L (mm): 4778 W (mm): 1877H (mm): 1412 Wb (mm): 2720Engine: 5.0L 4V Ti-VCT V-8Engine (cc): 4951 Layout: V8Power (hp): 412 @ 6500Torque (Nm): 529 @ 4250Gearbox: 6-spd Man/6-spd Auto

Year: 2011L (mm): 4630 W (mm): 1864H (mm): 1384 Wb (mm): 2819Engine: 3.8L DOHC V6Engine (cc): 3800 Layout: V6Power (hp): 306 @ 6300Torque (Nm): 361 @ 4700Gearbox: 6-spd Man/6-spd Auto

Year: 2011L (mm): 4655 W (mm): 1820H (mm): 1387 Wb (mm): 2850Engine: 3.7L, V6Engine (cc): 3696 Layout: V6Power (hp): 315@7000Torque (Nm): 360@5200Gearbox: 7-spd


Year: 2011L (mm): 4635 W (mm): 1800H (mm): 1415 Wb (mm): 2730Engine: 3.0 Litre, 24 Valve, DOHC - V6Engine (cc): 2996 Layout: V6Power (hp): 270 @ 6400Torque (Nm): 302 @ 4800Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011L (mm): 4342 W (mm): 1848H (mm): 1223 Wb (mm): 2575Engine: 3.5L, V6Engine (cc): 3456 Layout: V6Power (hp): 345@7000Torque (Nm): 400@4500Gearbox: 6-spd manual

Year: 2012L (mm): 4698 W (mm): 1786H (mm): 1393 Wb (mm): 2760Engine: 3.5L, V6Engine (cc): 3498 Layout: V6Power (hp): 288@6400Torque (Nm): 365@3000-5100Gearbox: 7-spd Automatic

Year: 2011L (mm): 4134 W (mm): 1810H (mm): 1301 Wb (mm): 2430Engine: 1.8-litre, 4-cylEngine (cc): 1796 Layout: Inline 4Power (hp): 181@5250Torque (Nm): 250@1800-4600Gearbox: 7-spd Automatic


Year: 2011L (mm): 4650 W (mm): 1902H (mm): 1372 Wb (mm): 2779Engine: 3.7L V-6 VQ37VHREngine (cc): 3700 Layout: V6Power (hp): 332 @ 7000Torque (Nm): 366 @ 5200Gearbox: 6-spd Man/7-spd Auto

Year: 2011L (mm): 4342 W (mm): 1801H (mm): 1292 Wb (mm): 2415Engine: 2.9L, 6cyl, BoxerEngine (cc): 2893 Layout: Boxer 6Power (hp): 251@6400Torque (Nm): 290@4400-6000Gearbox: 7-spd PDK

Year: 2011L (mm): 4342 W (mm): 1801H (mm): 1294 Wb (mm): 2415Engine: 3.4L, 6cyl, boxsterEngine (cc): 3436 Layout: Boxer 6Power (hp): 306@6400Torque (Nm): 359@4400-5500Gearbox: 7-spd PDK

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SUPER LUXURY COUPE CABRIO

Year: 2011L (mm): 4806 W (mm): 1944H (mm): 1404 Wb (mm): 2746Engine: 6.0 L, W12Engine (cc): 5998 Layout: W12Power (hp): 567@6000Torque (Nm): 700@1700Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011L (mm): 4804 W (mm): 1945H (mm): 1390 Wb (mm): 2745Engine: 6.0 L, W12Engine (cc): 5998 Layout: W12Power (hp): 621@6000Torque (Nm): 800@2000-4500Gearbox: 6-spd Auto





Bentley Continental GT Bentley Supersports Convert. Bentley Supersports Coupe Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe

Rolls-Royce Phantom DropheadCoupe

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2012 new Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade » Two decades after Honda first introduced the CBR900RR, the manufacturer has



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PREMIUM COUPE CABRIOS


Year: 2011L (mm): 4347 W (mm): 1801H (mm): 1306 Wb (mm): 2415Engine: 3.4L, 6cyl, boxsterEngine (cc): 3436 Layout: Boxer 6Power (hp): 325@7400Torque (Nm): 370@4750Gearbox: 7-spd PDK


Year: 2011L (mm): 4615 W (mm): 2025H (mm): 1400 Wb (mm): 2640Engine: 2.5L, 5 cyl, Turbo DOHCEngine (cc): 2521 Layout: Inline 5Power (hp): 230@5000Torque (Nm): 320@1500-5000Gearbox: 6-spd Auto



Porsche Cayman 2.9L Porsche Cayman R 3.4L Porsche Cayman S 3.4L Volvo C70 Convertible

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McLaren opens Singapore Office to focus on Asia » Coming as no surprise on the heels of the announcement of the investment


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COUPE CABRIO

Year: 2011L (mm): 4851 W (mm): 1850H (mm): 1433 Wb (mm): 2740Engine: 3.5L, 24-Valve SOHC i-VTEC V6Engine (cc): 3471 Layout: V6Power (hp): 271 @ 6000-6200Torque (Nm): 344 @ 5000Gearbox: 5-sp AT

Year: 2012L (mm): 4220 W (mm): 1790H (mm): 1400 Wb (mm): 2650Engine: DOHC D-CVVT 4-cyl 1.6Engine (cc): 1591 Layout: Inline 4Power (hp): 138 @ 6300Torque (Nm): 167 @ 4850Gearbox: 6-Spd Dual Clutch A/T

Year: 2011L (mm): 4480 W (mm): 1765H (mm): 1400 Wb (mm): 2650Engine: 2.0L DOHC, 16V w/ CVVTEngine (cc): 1998 Layout: Inline 4Power (hp): 156 @ 6200Torque (Nm): 195 @ 4300Gearbox: 6-spd Man/6-spd Auto

Year: 2011L (mm): 4582 W (mm): 1834H (mm): 1351 Wb (mm): 2576Engine: 3.8L V6 MIVEC Layout: V6Power (hp): 265 @ 5750Torque (Nm): 355 @ 4500Gearbox: 5-spd Auto

Year: 2011L (mm): 4595 W (mm): 1796H (mm): 1420 Wb (mm): 2675Engine: VQ35DE, 3.5L V6Engine (cc): 3500 Layout: V6Power (hp): 270 @ 6,000Torque (Nm): 350 @ 4,400Gearbox: CVT 6-spd

Year: 2011L (mm): 4037 W (mm): 1750H (mm): 1397 Wb (mm): 2540Engine: 1.6L, 16vEngine (cc): 1598 Layout: Inline 4Power (hp): 120@6000Torque (Nm): 160@4250Gearbox: 5MT/4AT

Year: 2011L (mm): 4400 W (mm): 1872H (mm): 1426 Wb (mm): 2605Engine: 1.6L 4-cyl DOHC TurboEngine (cc): 1598 Layout: Inline 4Power (hp): 163@6000Torque (Nm): 240@1400-4000Gearbox: 6-spd Auto/Man

Year: 2011L (mm): 4420 W (mm): 1796H (mm): 1415 Wb (mm): 2700Engine: 2AR-FE, 4-cyl 2.5LEngine (cc): 2494 Layout: Inline 4Power (hp): 180@6000Torque (Nm): 235@4100Gearbox: 6-spd Man/6-spd Auto

Year: 2011L (mm): 4266 W (mm): 2039H (mm): 1447 Wb (mm): 2640Engine: 2.5L, 5cyl, 20VEngine (cc): 2435 Layout: Inline 5Power (hp): 170@6000Torque (Nm): 230@4400Gearbox: 5-spd Auto

Year: 2011L (mm): 4423 W (mm): 1791H (mm): 1444 Wb (mm): 2578Engine: 2.0L TSI 4-cylEngine (cc): 1984 Layout: Inline 4Power (hp): 200@5300Torque (Nm): 280@1700-5200Gearbox: 6-spd auto DSG

Year: 2011L (mm): 4256 W (mm): 1810H (mm): 1404 Wb (mm): 2578Engine: 2.0L TSI 4-cylEngine (cc): 1984 Layout: Inline 4Power (hp): 200@5300-6200Torque (Nm): 280@1700-5200Gearbox: 6-spd auto DSG


Honda Accord Coupe 3.5L Hyundai Veloster Hatchback Kia Koup Mitsubishi Eclipse

Nissan Altima 3.5 Coupe Peugeot 207CC 1.6 Peugeot 308CC Toyota Zelas Coupe

Volvo C30 Coupe VW EOS VW Scirocco

McLaren opens Singapore Office to focus on Asia » Coming as no surprise on the heels of the announcement of the investment


unveiled the 2012 CBR1000RR Fireblade at the Endurance World Championship ...



Year: 2011L (mm): 4778 W (mm): 1877H (mm): 1412 Wb (mm): 2720Engine: 5.0L 4V Ti-VCT V-8Engine (cc): 4951 Layout: V8Power (hp): 412 @ 6500Torque (Nm): 529 @ 4250Gearbox: 6-spd Man/6-spd Auto

Year: 2011L (mm): 4630 W (mm): 1864H (mm): 1384 Wb (mm): 2819Engine: 3.8L DOHC V6Engine (cc): 3800 Layout: V6Power (hp): 306 @ 6300Torque (Nm): 361 @ 4700Gearbox: 6-spd Man/6-spd Auto



Year: 2011L (mm): 4635 W (mm): 1800H (mm): 1415 Wb (mm): 2730Engine: 3.0 Litre, 24 Valve, DOHC - V6Engine (cc): 2996 Layout: V6Power (hp): 270 @ 6400Torque (Nm): 302 @ 4800Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011L (mm): 4342 W (mm): 1848H (mm): 1223 Wb (mm): 2575Engine: 3.5L, V6Engine (cc): 3456 Layout: V6Power (hp): 345@7000Torque (Nm): 400@4500Gearbox: 6-spd manual


Year: 2011L (mm): 4134 W (mm): 1810H (mm): 1301 Wb (mm): 2430Engine: 1.8-litre, 4-cylEngine (cc): 1796 Layout: Inline 4Power (hp): 181@5250Torque (Nm): 250@1800-4600Gearbox: 7-spd Automatic


Year: 2011L (mm): 4650 W (mm): 1902H (mm): 1372 Wb (mm): 2779Engine: 3.7L V-6 VQ37VHREngine (cc): 3700 Layout: V6Power (hp): 332 @ 7000Torque (Nm): 366 @ 5200Gearbox: 6-spd Man/7-spd Auto


Year: 2011L (mm): 4342 W (mm): 1801H (mm): 1294 Wb (mm): 2415Engine: 3.4L, 6cyl, boxsterEngine (cc): 3436 Layout: Boxer 6Power (hp): 306@6400Torque (Nm): 359@4400-5500Gearbox: 7-spd PDK



Lexus IS300 C Lotus Evora S Mercedes E350 Coupe Mercedes SLK 200

Mercedes SLK 350 Nissan 370Z Porsche Boxster 2.9L Porsche Boxster S 3.4L

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IN A MARKET, WHERE THERE ARE OVER 40

BRANDS AND MORE THAN 250 MODELS TO

CHOOSE FROM, BUYING A CAR CAN BE A

TOUGH AND TIRING PROCESS. AUTOMAN

RECOMMENDS ANYONE PROSPECTING A CAR

TO DO HOMEWORK BY SHORT LISTING A

SELECTION OF MODELS WHILE CONSIDERING

NEEDS/PURPOSE, TARGET BUDGETS, TRADE-

INS ETC. IT IS ALWAYS RECOMMENDED

TO HAVE SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THE

PROSPECTIVE CAR PRIOR TO A SHOWROOM

VISIT. AT THE SHOWROOM, TO TAKE THE

TIME TO PROPERLY ASSESS THE SHORTLISTED

VEHICLE IN ORDER TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER

IT MEETS THE LIST OF NEEDS. ALWAYS

INSIST ON A TEST DRIVE. A TEST DRIVE

IS AN IMPORTANT STEP IN GETTING AN

ACTUAL ‘FEEL’ OF THE CAR. AND HERE ARE

SOME TIPS ON HOW TO TAKE A TEST DRIVE.

REMEMBER OBSERVATION AND ATTENTION TO

DETAIL PAYS IN THE LONG RUN. BELOW IS A

CHECKLIST OF THINGS YOU SHOULD PUT TO

THE TEST ON EVERY CAR YOU TRY OUT.

iS it EASy to GEt in And oUt oF THE CAR?

ARE THE SEATS COMFORTABLE?

iS thErE EnoUGh AdJUStmEnt in thE SEAt And StEErinG WhEEL?

DO yOU FIND IT EASy TO SEE OUT And JUdGE thE SizE oF thE CAr?

iS thErE EnoUGh SpACE And StorAGE in thE CAbin For yoU And yoUr bELonGinGS?

WILL IT BE EASy FOR yOUR pASSEnGErS to GEt in And oUt, or For yoU to GEt yoUr ChiLdrEn in AND OUT?

WILL THEy BE COMFORTABLE, AND iS thErE EnoUGh SpACE For ALL oF thEir thinGS?

iS thE boot biG EnoUGh? iS it WidE EnoUGh For itEmS yoU TRANSPORT OFTEN?

DO yOU LIKE THE WAy THE CAR driVES? dEpEndinG on WhAt yOU WANT IT FOR, IS IT SMOOTH EnoUGh, Sporty EnoUGh or qUiEt EnoUGh, For ExAmpLE?

WHAT’S THE CAR LIKE: IN THE CITy or hiGhWAy And/or oFF-roAd

WILL THE CAR SUIT THE JOURNEyS yOU TyPICALLy HAVE TO MAKE?

CAN yOU PARK IT EASILy? IS IT EASy TO MANOEUVRE?

CAN yOU AFFORD THE FUEL BILLS, TAX AND INSURANCE?

tipsBuying

Ca

R


Year: 2011

L (mm): 4794 W (mm): 1892

H (mm): 1322 Wb (mm): 2752

Engine: 5.0L, V8

Engine (cc): 5000 Layout: V8

Power (hp): 385@6500

Torque (Nm): 515@3500

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4894 W (mm): 1892

H (mm): 1329 Wb (mm): 2752

Engine: 5.0 V8 Supercharged


Power (hp): 510@6000-6500

Torque (Nm): 625@2500-5500

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4794 W (mm): 1892

H (mm): 1322 Wb (mm): 2752



Power (hp): 510@6000-6500

Torque (Nm): 625@2500-5500

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4345 W (mm): 1900

H (mm): 1165 Wb (mm): 2560

Engine: 5.2L, V10


Power (hp): 552@8000

Torque (Nm): 540@6500

Gearbox: 6-spd egear

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4345 W (mm): 1900

H (mm): 1184 Wb (mm): 2560

Engine: 5.2L, V10


Power (hp): 552@8000

Torque (Nm): 540@6500


Year: 2011

L (mm): 4881 W (mm): 1915

H (mm): 1353 Wb (mm): 2942

Engine: 4.7L, V8


Power (hp): 434@7000

Torque (Nm): 491@4750

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4881 W (mm): 1915

H (mm): 1353 Wb (mm): 2942

Engine: 4.7L, V8

Engine (cc): 4691 Layout: Inline 4

Power (hp): 450@7000

Torque (Nm): 510@4750

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4881 W (mm): 1915

H (mm): 1353 Wb (mm): 2942

Engine: 4.2L, V8


Power (hp): 405@7100

Torque (Nm): 460@4750

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4933 W (mm): 1915

H (mm): 1343 Wb (mm): 2942

Engine: 4.7L, V8


Power (hp): 442@7000

Torque (Nm): 510@4750

Gearbox: 6-spd Manual

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4881 W (mm): 1915

H (mm): 1353 Wb (mm): 2942

Engine: 4.7L, V8


Power (hp): 434@7000

Torque (Nm): 491@4750

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2012

L (mm): 5095 W (mm): 1871

H (mm): 1419 Wb (mm): 2955

Engine: 4.7L, V8


Power (hp): 429@5250

Torque (Nm): 700@1800-3500

Gearbox: 7-spd Automatic

Year: 2012

L (mm): 5095 W (mm): 1871

H (mm): 1419 Wb (mm): 2955

Engine: 6.2L, V8


Power (hp): 536@5500

Torque (Nm): 799@2000-4500




Lamborghini LP560-4 Spyder Maserati GranCabrio 4.7 V8 Maserati GranCabrio Sport 4.7 V8 Maserati GranTurismo 4.2 V8

Maserati GranTurismo MCStradale

Maserati GranTurismo S 4.7 V8 Mercedes CL500 Coupe Mercedes CL63 AMG Coupe

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Year: 2011

L (mm): 4794 W (mm): 1892

H (mm): 1322 Wb (mm): 2752

Engine: 5.0L, V8


Power (hp): 385@6500

Torque (Nm): 515@3500

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4894 W (mm): 1892

H (mm): 1329 Wb (mm): 2752



Power (hp): 510@6000-6500

Torque (Nm): 625@2500-5500

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4794 W (mm): 1892

H (mm): 1322 Wb (mm): 2752



Power (hp): 510@6000-6500

Torque (Nm): 625@2500-5500

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4345 W (mm): 1900

H (mm): 1165 Wb (mm): 2560

Engine: 5.2L, V10


Power (hp): 552@8000

Torque (Nm): 540@6500


Year: 2011

L (mm): 4345 W (mm): 1900

H (mm): 1184 Wb (mm): 2560

Engine: 5.2L, V10


Power (hp): 552@8000

Torque (Nm): 540@6500


Year: 2011

L (mm): 4881 W (mm): 1915

H (mm): 1353 Wb (mm): 2942

Engine: 4.7L, V8


Power (hp): 434@7000

Torque (Nm): 491@4750

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4881 W (mm): 1915

H (mm): 1353 Wb (mm): 2942

Engine: 4.7L, V8


Power (hp): 450@7000

Torque (Nm): 510@4750

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4881 W (mm): 1915

H (mm): 1353 Wb (mm): 2942

Engine: 4.2L, V8


Power (hp): 405@7100

Torque (Nm): 460@4750

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4933 W (mm): 1915

H (mm): 1343 Wb (mm): 2942

Engine: 4.7L, V8


Power (hp): 442@7000

Torque (Nm): 510@4750


Year: 2011

L (mm): 4881 W (mm): 1915

H (mm): 1353 Wb (mm): 2942

Engine: 4.7L, V8


Power (hp): 434@7000

Torque (Nm): 491@4750

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2012

L (mm): 5095 W (mm): 1871

H (mm): 1419 Wb (mm): 2955

Engine: 4.7L, V8


Power (hp): 429@5250

Torque (Nm): 700@1800-3500


Year: 2012

L (mm): 5095 W (mm): 1871

H (mm): 1419 Wb (mm): 2955

Engine: 6.2L, V8


Power (hp): 536@5500

Torque (Nm): 799@2000-4500







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Year: 2011

L (mm): 4794 W (mm): 1892

H (mm): 1322 Wb (mm): 2752

Engine: 5.0L, V8


Power (hp): 385@6500

Torque (Nm): 515@3500

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4894 W (mm): 1892

H (mm): 1329 Wb (mm): 2752



Power (hp): 510@6000-6500

Torque (Nm): 625@2500-5500

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4794 W (mm): 1892

H (mm): 1322 Wb (mm): 2752



Power (hp): 510@6000-6500

Torque (Nm): 625@2500-5500

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4345 W (mm): 1900

H (mm): 1165 Wb (mm): 2560

Engine: 5.2L, V10


Power (hp): 552@8000

Torque (Nm): 540@6500


Year: 2011

L (mm): 4345 W (mm): 1900

H (mm): 1184 Wb (mm): 2560

Engine: 5.2L, V10


Power (hp): 552@8000

Torque (Nm): 540@6500


Year: 2011

L (mm): 4881 W (mm): 1915

H (mm): 1353 Wb (mm): 2942

Engine: 4.7L, V8


Power (hp): 434@7000

Torque (Nm): 491@4750

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4881 W (mm): 1915

H (mm): 1353 Wb (mm): 2942

Engine: 4.7L, V8


Power (hp): 450@7000

Torque (Nm): 510@4750

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4881 W (mm): 1915

H (mm): 1353 Wb (mm): 2942

Engine: 4.2L, V8


Power (hp): 405@7100

Torque (Nm): 460@4750

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4933 W (mm): 1915

H (mm): 1343 Wb (mm): 2942

Engine: 4.7L, V8


Power (hp): 442@7000

Torque (Nm): 510@4750


Year: 2011

L (mm): 4881 W (mm): 1915

H (mm): 1353 Wb (mm): 2942

Engine: 4.7L, V8


Power (hp): 434@7000

Torque (Nm): 491@4750

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2012

L (mm): 5095 W (mm): 1871

H (mm): 1419 Wb (mm): 2955

Engine: 4.7L, V8


Power (hp): 429@5250

Torque (Nm): 700@1800-3500


Year: 2012

L (mm): 5095 W (mm): 1871

H (mm): 1419 Wb (mm): 2955

Engine: 6.2L, V8


Power (hp): 536@5500

Torque (Nm): 799@2000-4500







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Year: 2011

L (mm): 4794 W (mm): 1892

H (mm): 1322 Wb (mm): 2752

Engine: 5.0L, V8


Power (hp): 385@6500

Torque (Nm): 515@3500

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4894 W (mm): 1892

H (mm): 1329 Wb (mm): 2752



Power (hp): 510@6000-6500

Torque (Nm): 625@2500-5500

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4794 W (mm): 1892

H (mm): 1322 Wb (mm): 2752



Power (hp): 510@6000-6500

Torque (Nm): 625@2500-5500

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4345 W (mm): 1900

H (mm): 1165 Wb (mm): 2560

Engine: 5.2L, V10


Power (hp): 552@8000

Torque (Nm): 540@6500


Year: 2011

L (mm): 4345 W (mm): 1900

H (mm): 1184 Wb (mm): 2560

Engine: 5.2L, V10


Power (hp): 552@8000

Torque (Nm): 540@6500


Year: 2011

L (mm): 4881 W (mm): 1915

H (mm): 1353 Wb (mm): 2942

Engine: 4.7L, V8


Power (hp): 434@7000

Torque (Nm): 491@4750

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4881 W (mm): 1915

H (mm): 1353 Wb (mm): 2942

Engine: 4.7L, V8


Power (hp): 450@7000

Torque (Nm): 510@4750

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4881 W (mm): 1915

H (mm): 1353 Wb (mm): 2942

Engine: 4.2L, V8


Power (hp): 405@7100

Torque (Nm): 460@4750

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4933 W (mm): 1915

H (mm): 1343 Wb (mm): 2942

Engine: 4.7L, V8


Power (hp): 442@7000

Torque (Nm): 510@4750


Year: 2011

L (mm): 4881 W (mm): 1915

H (mm): 1353 Wb (mm): 2942

Engine: 4.7L, V8


Power (hp): 434@7000

Torque (Nm): 491@4750

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2012

L (mm): 5095 W (mm): 1871

H (mm): 1419 Wb (mm): 2955

Engine: 4.7L, V8


Power (hp): 429@5250

Torque (Nm): 700@1800-3500


Year: 2012

L (mm): 5095 W (mm): 1871

H (mm): 1419 Wb (mm): 2955

Engine: 6.2L, V8


Power (hp): 536@5500

Torque (Nm): 799@2000-4500







free web counter


Year: 2011

L (mm): 4794 W (mm): 1892

H (mm): 1322 Wb (mm): 2752

Engine: 5.0L, V8


Power (hp): 385@6500

Torque (Nm): 515@3500

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4894 W (mm): 1892

H (mm): 1329 Wb (mm): 2752



Power (hp): 510@6000-6500

Torque (Nm): 625@2500-5500

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4794 W (mm): 1892

H (mm): 1322 Wb (mm): 2752



Power (hp): 510@6000-6500

Torque (Nm): 625@2500-5500

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4345 W (mm): 1900

H (mm): 1165 Wb (mm): 2560

Engine: 5.2L, V10


Power (hp): 552@8000

Torque (Nm): 540@6500


Year: 2011

L (mm): 4345 W (mm): 1900

H (mm): 1184 Wb (mm): 2560

Engine: 5.2L, V10


Power (hp): 552@8000

Torque (Nm): 540@6500


Year: 2011

L (mm): 4881 W (mm): 1915

H (mm): 1353 Wb (mm): 2942

Engine: 4.7L, V8


Power (hp): 434@7000

Torque (Nm): 491@4750

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4881 W (mm): 1915

H (mm): 1353 Wb (mm): 2942

Engine: 4.7L, V8


Power (hp): 450@7000

Torque (Nm): 510@4750

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4881 W (mm): 1915

H (mm): 1353 Wb (mm): 2942

Engine: 4.2L, V8


Power (hp): 405@7100

Torque (Nm): 460@4750

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4933 W (mm): 1915

H (mm): 1343 Wb (mm): 2942

Engine: 4.7L, V8


Power (hp): 442@7000

Torque (Nm): 510@4750


Year: 2011

L (mm): 4881 W (mm): 1915

H (mm): 1353 Wb (mm): 2942

Engine: 4.7L, V8


Power (hp): 434@7000

Torque (Nm): 491@4750

Gearbox: 6-spd Auto

Year: 2012

L (mm): 5095 W (mm): 1871

H (mm): 1419 Wb (mm): 2955

Engine: 4.7L, V8


Power (hp): 429@5250

Torque (Nm): 700@1800-3500


Year: 2012

L (mm): 5095 W (mm): 1871

H (mm): 1419 Wb (mm): 2955

Engine: 6.2L, V8


Power (hp): 536@5500

Torque (Nm): 799@2000-4500







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Coupes & CaBRios

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LUXURY COUPE CABRIO

Year: 2011L (mm): 4710 W (mm): 1875H (mm): 1270 Wb (mm): 2745Engine: 6.0 L, V12Engine (cc): 5935 Layout: V12Power (hp): 470@6000Torque (Nm): 599@5000Gearbox: 6-spd Touchtronic



Year: 2011L (mm): 4380 W (mm): 1865H (mm): 1255 Wb (mm): 2600Engine: 4.8 V8Engine (cc): 4735 Layout: V8Power (hp): 420@7000Torque (Nm): 469@5750Gearbox: 6-spd Sportshift

Year: 2012L (mm): 4434 W (mm): 1904H (mm): 1244 Wb (mm): 2650Engine: 5.2 V10 FSIEngine (cc): 5204 Layout: V10Power (hp): 518@8000Torque (Nm): 530@6500Gearbox: R tronic

Year: 2011L (mm): 4431 W (mm): 1904H (mm): 1244 Wb (mm): 2650Engine: 4.2L, V8 FSIEngine (cc): 4163 Layout: V8Power (hp): 424@7900Torque (Nm): 430@4500-6000Gearbox: R tronic

Year: 2012L (mm): 4434 W (mm): 1929H (mm): 1252 Wb (mm): 2650Engine: 5.2 V10 FSIEngine (cc): 5204 Layout: V10Power (hp): 518@8000Torque (Nm): 530@6500Gearbox: R tronic

Year: 2012L (mm): 4431 W (mm): 1904H (mm): 1252 Wb (mm): 2650Engine: 4.2L, V8 FSIEngine (cc): 4163 Layout: V8Power (hp): 424@7900Torque (Nm): 430@4500-6000Gearbox: R tronic

Year: 2011L (mm): 4894 W (mm): 1894H (mm): 1365 Wb (mm): 2855Engine: 4.4L, V8Engine (cc): 4395 Layout: V8Power (hp): 407@5500-6400Torque (Nm): 599@1750-4400Gearbox: 8-spd tiptronic

Year: 2011L (mm): 4894 W (mm): 1894H (mm): NA Wb (mm): 2855Engine: 4.4L, V8Engine (cc): 4395 Layout: V8Power (hp): 407@5500-6400Torque (Nm): 599@1750-4400Gearbox: 8-spd tiptronic

Year: 2011L (mm): 4563 W (mm): 1902H (mm): 1308 Wb (mm): 2670Engine: 4.3L, V8Engine (cc): 4297 Layout: V8Power (hp): 460@7750Torque (Nm): 484@5000Gearbox: 7-spd dual clutch


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Audi R8 Spyder V10 2012 Audi R8 Spyder V8 2012 Audi R8 V10 2012 Audi R8 V8 2012

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Year: 2012L (mm): 4940 W (mm): 1881H (mm): 1416 Wb (mm): 2874Engine: 4.7L, V8Engine (cc): 4663 Layout: V8Power (hp): 402@5000-5750Torque (Nm): 599@1600-4750Gearbox: 7-spd Automatic

Year: 2012L (mm): 4940 W (mm): 1881H (mm): 1416 Wb (mm): 2874Engine: 6.2L, V8Engine (cc): 6208 Layout: V8Power (hp): 518@5250-5750Torque (Nm): 700@1700-5000Gearbox: 7-spd Automatic


Year: 2012L (mm): 4605 W (mm): 1816H (mm): 1298 Wb (mm): 2560Engine: 6.2L, V8Engine (cc): 6208 Layout: V8Power (hp): 518@6800Torque (Nm): 629@5200Gearbox: 7-spd Automatic

Year: 2012L (mm): 4638 W (mm): 1939H (mm): 1262 Wb (mm): 2680Engine: 6.2L, V8Engine (cc): 6208 Layout: V8Power (hp): 563@6800Torque (Nm): 650@4750Gearbox: 7-spd Automatic

Year: 2011L (mm): 4650 W (mm): 1902H (mm): 1372 Wb (mm): 2779Engine: 3.8L VR38DETT V6Engine (cc): 3800 Layout: V6Power (hp): 485 @ 6400Torque (Nm): 588 @ 3200Gearbox: Dual clutch sequential 6-

speed

Year: 2011L (mm): 4435 W (mm): 1808H (mm): 1310 Wb (mm): 2350Engine: 3.6L, 6cyl, BoxerEngine (cc): 3614 Layout: Boxer 6Power (hp): 340@6500Torque (Nm): 391@4400Gearbox: 7-spd PDK

Year: 2011L (mm): 4435 W (mm): 1852H (mm): 1300 Wb (mm): 2350Engine: 3.8L, 6cyl, boxerEngine (cc): 3800 Layout: Boxer 6Power (hp): 408@7300Torque (Nm): 419@4400Gearbox: 7-spd PDK




Mercedes CLS350 Coupe Mercedes CLS500 Coupe Mercedes CLS63 AMG Coupe Mercedes SL500 Coupe

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Porsche 911 Carrera S Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabrio Porsche 911 Targa 4 Porsche 911 Targa 4S




Year: 2011

L (mm): 4435 W (mm): 1808

H (mm): 1310 Wb (mm): 2350

Engine: 3.8L, 6cyl, boxer

Engine (cc): 3800 Layout: Boxer 6

Power (hp): 380@6500

Torque (Nm): 419@4400

Gearbox: 7-spd PDK

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4435 W (mm): 1808

H (mm): 1310 Wb (mm): 2350



Power (hp): 380@6500

Torque (Nm): 419@4400

Gearbox: 7-spd PDK

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4435 W (mm): 1852

H (mm): 1310 Wb (mm): 2350

Engine: 3.6L, 6cyl, Boxer


Power (hp): 340@6500

Torque (Nm): 390@4400

Gearbox: 7-spd PDK

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4435 W (mm): 1852

H (mm): 1300 Wb (mm): 2350



Power (hp): 380@6500

Torque (Nm): 419@4400

Gearbox: 7-spd PDK

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4450 W (mm): 1852

H (mm): 1300 Wb (mm): 2350

Engine: 3.8L, 6cyl, boxer, Turbo


Power (hp): 493@6000-6500

Torque (Nm): 650@1950-5000

Gearbox: 7-spd PDK

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4450 W (mm): 1852

H (mm): 1300 Wb (mm): 2350

Engine: 3.8L, 6cyl, boxer, Turbo


Power (hp): 523@6250-6750

Torque (Nm): 700@2100-4250

Gearbox: 7-spd PDK

Year: 2011

L (mm): 4435 W (mm): 1852

H (mm): 1310 Wb (mm): 2350

Engine: 3.6L, 6cyl, boxster


Power (hp): 340@6500

Torque (Nm): 390@4400

Gearbox: 7-spd PDK



Porsche 911 Turbo Porsche 911 Turbo S Porsche Carrera 4

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ONCE YOU HAVE DETERMINED THE VEHICLE

AND EXACT CONFIGURATION YOU WANT TO

PURCHASE AFTER THE TEST DRIVE, IT IS TIME

TO CONSIDER THE NEXT STEP.

GEt thE priCinG dEtAiLS And rESiSt AN OVER ENTHUSIASTIC SALESMAN’S PITCH FOR yOU TO COME INTO THE ShoWroom to GEt thE bESt priCE iF yoU ArE nEGotiAtinG oVEr phonE.

BEFORE yOU HAND OVER yOUR CREDIT-CArd nUmbEr And SiGn thE dottEd LINE, HOWEVER, IT’S IMPORTANT TO HAVE A COMPLETE BREAKDOWN OF thE itEmS in thE FinAL ContrACt. TAKE yOUR TIME TO REVIEW IT AND mAKE SUrE EVErythinG iS CorrECt, inCLUdinG thE modEL, trim, And Any optionS.

rEViEW yoUr dEAL inCLUdinG inSUrAnCE, SErViCE pACKAGE/WARRANTIES, ROAD-SIDE ASSISTANCE EtC. SomE brAndS ALSo oFFEr GUArAntEEd trAdE-in VALUES. it WOULD BE WISE TO HAVE A WRITTEN ASSURANCE IN THE DOCUMENTATION AS WELL.

ENSURE THAT THE VEHICLE HAS ALL thE doCUmEntS [rEGiStrAtion, INSURANCE, SERVICE MANUAL ETC] AND IT HAS ALL FEATURES AS DESCRIBED dUrinG pUrChASE.

thAt thE VEhiCLE hAS UndErGonE A PRE-DELIVERy INSPECTION [PDI] By THE rEtAiLEr And iS roAdWorthy.

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to GEt thE bESt priCE, bUyErS oFtEn nEEd to SEt Up A biddinG WAr by CALLinG SEVErAL dEALErShipS And thEn pLAyinG onE oFF thE othErS. ONE REASON THIS METHOD WORKS IS THAT THE SALESPERSON AND DEALERSHIP STAFF HAVE SO LITTLE TIME INVESTED IN THIS PHONE TRANSACTION THAT EVEN IF THE DEALERSHIP MAKES onLy A mArGinAL proFit, it StiLL mAy bE Worth it.

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ANNOUNCING!

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WINNER IN EACH CATEGORY!announces the thrills and prestige of its own Car of the Year awards. With enough packed in to take you through the year and a unique format of selection, Automan’s COTY awards will reward the best models on offer in Oman in 2011

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At a glittering, year-end ceremony, the winners of each category will be awarded the Automan ‘Car of Year Award’ in its class.

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84

vettel wins an important race in Monza

Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel grabbed his eighth victory of this season, showing how dominant a driver he has become,

on the way to taking this year’s championship too. However, Monza was not the race that any of its contenders expected. Vettel expected to be first at the first corner, but Alonso came from the outside to grab a quick lead.

The World Champion’s victory at Monza wasn’t a certainity, but he barely looked troubled on an afternoon where his rivals were all squabbling over the minor placings. At the end of the 82nd running of the Italian Grand Prix his margin of 10 seconds over second-placed Jenson Button was flattering to McLaren, the Red Bull Racing car having coasted for the second half of the race, Vettel protecting his tyres and nursing his Renault engine. While it was Red Bull Racing’s first podium at Monza, it was the German’s second victory, having taken his and Toro Rosso’s debut win in 2008.

“The first one was very special. Incredible, and to be back here … this year is phenomenal,” he said, speaking in the official FIA post-race press conference. “I really had a very good race car.” Vettel had to play second fiddle to the Ferrari of Fernando Alonso, and then trail him behind the safety car after Tonio Liuzzi spun out of control on the grass verge on the inside going into Turn One and exited side on into the charging cars at the start in the process totalling his HRT, Nico Rosberg’s Mercedes and Vitaly Petrov’s Renault. Williams’ Rubens Barrichello, Force India’s Adrian Sutil and HRT’s Daniel Ricciardo lost valuable ground in the melee and, after the race, Liuzzi was handed a five-place grid penalty for the next event in Singapore.

It took until Lap Four for the race to resume

and it quickly became clear that the Ferrari did not have the stamina to stay ahead. Vettel and Alonso were wheel to wheel for a bit as the Red Bull finally slipped around the outside of the Ferrari in the Curva Grande on Lap Five, despite having two wheels in the dirt, and then simply headed off to an easy triumph.

“The start wasn’t that ideal,” agreed Vettel. “I don’t know where Fernando came from and it took me a while to understand it was three cars going side-by-side down to turn one. After that, [I made] a great pass. Not that much room but very enjoyable. There wasn’t much space. I stayed on full throttle but fortunately the corner opened up, I had two wheels on the grass, and then once I was side-by-side he was obviously aware that I was still there and then there was another battle getting onto the brakes, who hit the brakes first. I hit first and then he was quite late but I had the inside so I was quite relieved after I was ahead.

“Very hard but fair so great to be back in the lead and from then onwards the car was fantastic. I was able to pull a big gap and benefit from that for the whole rest of the race. It is the best podium in the world.”

Alonso was then chased by a similarly fast-starting Mercedes’ Michael Schumacher, who was playing gatekeeper to Lewis Hamilton as his McLaren team mate Jenson Button bided his time after dropping to seventh initially. Hamilton didn’t give up, hammering away at Schumacher, only to be denied the pleasure of overtaking. He finally managed to get ahead for a short while at Curva Grande on Lap 13, only to be overtaken thanks to the Mercedes’ greater straight-line speed. Then on Lap 16 as Schumacher closed the door in Curva Grande, Hamilton had to put his right-hand wheels on the grass and in the process he allowed

Button to drag past with his KERS. That’s when Button kicked in his DRS to shoot past Schumacher going into Ascari.

After that Button settled into a chase of Alonso right up to the 36th lap where he got ahead at Curva Grande, with Hamilton left struggling in Schumacher’s wake until finally managing to overtake at Ascari on Lap 27.

Second placed Button held station behind Vettel shooting far ahead while trading fastest laps with him, as Hamilton closed to within half a second of Alonso on the final lap. A small understeering mistake in Parabolica cost him his chance of the podium, however, and he had to settle for fourth.

Schumacher faded to fifth, ahead of the ever-unlucky Felipe Massa. Mark Webber lost his front wing in the first chicane against the car of the Brazilian, who was defending fifth place on the fifth lap. The Ferrari spun, and Webber crashed at Parabolica later that lap because his Red Bull had minimal frontal downforce as he headed to the pits. Thus delayed, Massa trailed in 10.3s adrift of Schumacher.

The final points went to Jaime Alguersuari who drove extremely well for Toro Rosso to seventh, while Senna failed by half a second to dislodge Paul di Resta from eighth as the Force India driver resisted his late charge. The Scot’s success moved the team ahead of Sauber, into sixth place in the constructors’ championship.

Vettel at this point has such a commanding lead that he could wrap up the chamionship in Singapore. Currently he is 112 points clear with 284. Alonso moved to second place today with 172, with Button and Webber third on 167 and Hamilton fifth with 158. Red Bull have 451 points to McLaren’s 325 and Ferrari’s 254.

Next year’s race calendar has been released by the

FIA World Motorsports Council following a fax vote. Salient features of the calendar include a start in Australia on March 18, season finale in Brazil on November 25th and the inclusion of the United States race to make it a 20-race series. Bahrain gets it race on April 22 and Abu Dhabi November 4th and Turkey is out of the list.

85

motor sPorts -F1

f1 Race Calendar for 2012 releasedJaNuary February march aPril

18/03 australia

25/03 malaysia

15/04 chiNa

22/04 bahraiN

may JuNe Julyaugust

13/05 sPaiN

27/05 moNaco

10/06 caNada

24/06 euroPe

08/07 great britaiN

22/07 germaNy

29/07 huNgary

sePtember october November december

02/09 belgium

09/09 italy

23/09 siNgaPore

07/10 JaPaN

14/10 korea

28/10 iNdia

04/11 abu dhabi

18/11 uNited states

25/11 brazil

vettell leads Red Bull brace in spa

86

The sporadic wins by McLaren and Ferrari didn’t put a roadblock in the Reb Bull win at Spa-Francorchamps. However

the race itself turned out to be as entertaining as ever. The start saw Bruno Senna’s Renault hit the Toro Rosso of Jaime Alguersuari, with Glock hitting di Resta’s Force India. Both the Renault and the Virgin drivers received a drive-through penalty for the incidents.

Meanwhile Vettel grabbed the lead and he and Webber who had a bad start and fernando Alonso were all running on rather used tyres, but accepting a fresh set for the front would have meant that the cars would have had to start from the pit lane. In the meantime Nico Rosberg played tag with Vettel as the Mercedes popped into lead for a couple of laps and both Webber and Vettel came in for tyre changes on lap three and five respectively. That boosted Alonso and he and Rosberg shared lead but Alonso came in for new tyres on lap 8 and Hamilton followed on lap 10, enjoying a couple of laps of lead in the process.

The fresh tyres brought about some excitement on the track as a contest developed between both the Ferrari’s of Alonso and Massa and Hamilton in the Mercedes, with Hamilton putting in a superbly timed overtaking manouevre that slung him ahead of Massa. On his part Mark Webber wasn’t to be slowed down either as he used the dynamics offered by the downhill patch of the run to Eau Rouge to get by Alonso. Vettel did a similar stunt on Rosberg at Blanchimont.

Vettel was back in the lead by lap 10 but

took the opportunity of the safety car coming out on lap 13 in response to an incident which saw Hamilton who had been chasing the race leaders get his car involved in a nudge with Sauber’s Kamui Kobayashi. The latter was in the bunch since he hadn’t yet gone in for a pit stop. As Hamilton tried to overtake him in his usual audacious manner, he misjudged and had his left rear wheel catch the wing of the Sauber. The McLaren swung out and landed up in the barriers. There was a rush of drivers using the safety car intervention to pit and by the time the race resumed on lap 18 the lead bunch were Vettel, Alonso, Webber Rosberg and Massa.

In all of this Michael Schumacher, for whom the race at Spa was marking 20-years as a Formula 1 driver was running just behind the leaders regaining from a back row start, being blocked off by Adrian Sutil. It was here on that Vettel picked up his pace, opening the lead over the Ferrari of Alonso. But Webber wasn’t to let Alonso any peace as he used the strengths of being on a medium compund to outlast the Ferrari and overtook it on the 37th lap using the DRS on his car.

But it wasn’t Alonso on the podium at the end as Button came alive towards the end of the race and started hauling his way in, even overcoming a 6.8 seconds gap with Alonso’s Ferrari to overtake him at Les Combes by lap 42. Michael Schumacher managed to make the best of a rather overhyped 20-year marker by coming in fifth after Alonso.

After the race, speaking in the official FIA

press conference, Sebastian Vettel said that Red Bull Racing had gone into the race in far from the confident form with which they finished it, after a lack of dry running had left them unsure about the longevity of tyres.

“We had a lot of concerns going into the race after the damage we had on the tyres from qualifying, so we weren’t quite sure. We took quite a lot of risk. We had reason to be confident that it should be fine, but if you never really know and there is no-one walking up and down in the paddock giving you a guarantee. We didn’t feel too comfortable and both of us stopped fairly early, I think right at the beginning of the race. The main target was to see how the tyres were after a couple of laps and to go from there really. Not thinking too much about the outcome, but surprisingly the pace was very, very good in the race.”

At a circuit where Red Bull have traditionally struggled against the horsepower of Mercedes and Ferrari, as the race went on and the tyre situation became better known, the team from Milton Keynes soon looked unlikely to be troubled. “I was feeling very comfortable in the car and without too much effort in the beginning I was able to keep up with the guys and get back into the lead [after pitting and falling behind both Webber and Alonso during a Safety Car period]. After the safety car, it was crucial to get back into the lead, jump Fernando, pass him and build a gap that made it more comfortable towards the end of the race. It was more management than usual, but I have to say the car worked brilliantly and

Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team claimed a dominant one-two finish in the Rally Australia.

Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen won the 10th round of the FIA World Rally Championship by 14.7sec in a Ford Fiesta RS World Rally Car, ahead of fellow Finns Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila in a similar car.

It was the team’s first double success since May 2009 in Italy and the result promoted Hirvonen to second in the drivers’ standings, just 15 points from the lead with three rounds remaining. Khalid Al Qassimi and Michael Orr claimed a career-best fifth in the team’s other Fiesta RS WRC. Overnight leader Latvala, whose own hopes of championship success vanished earlier in the season, was happy to support his team-mate’s title bid. He went into the penultimate speed test with a 13.4sec advantage ahead of 31-year-old Hirvonen, but slowed near the finish to allow him to move in front.

Hirvonen was quick to pay tribute to his colleague. “At the start of the season we agreed to help each other, and Jari-Matti showed today what a team player he is. He had a great opportunity to win this rally but he gave it up to help me in my fight for the championship and I appreciate that. Two years ago I lost the world title by a single point, so every point counts,” he said. Unsurprisingly the two main Citroens were nowhere in contention in this rally. Both the Sebastiens were working under a strategy of trying to maximise the points the team could get since they weren’t in contention for the podium having rolled and crashed out their cars on Day One itself. The final leg of Rally Australia of around 100 kms began in warm sunlight. It included two passes through the long Rally Plum Pudding stage. The quick, narrow route lined with big tress in the forests north east of Coffs Harbour provided a new challenge for the drivers. Loeb found his marks in the Clarence stage and set the quickest time in the sector used at the end of the rally for the Power Stage.

At the end of the first loop, Ogier was in tenth place overall with his team-mate twelfth. After a 30-minute halt in the Coffs Harbour service park, the crews restarted to cover the same 3-stage loop. Taking into account the perfect score by their rivals in the context of the two world championships and in order to maximize the chances of their best-placed driver in the

Drivers’ World Championship, Citroën asked Sébastien Ogier to cede his position to Sébastien Loeb in the second-last stage. This decision had little bearing on the Manufacturers’ World Championship placing as the two Citroën Total World Rally Team crews scored the points for sixth and seventh positions.

Ford held the upper hand since midway through Friday’s treacherously slippery rain-soaked opening leg near the east coast rally base of Coffs Harbour, midway between Sydney and Brisbane. Hirvonen headed Latvala after the first day, before Latvala took advantage of more favourable conditions on the rapidly drying gravel roads to move ahead yesterday.

The 26-year-old started Sunday with a 22.7sec advantage and with no pressure from behind, the pairing were able to control their pace to the finish after 26 special stages and 368.96km of predominantly dirt-road competition. Latvala claimed two bonus points after setting second fastest time on the final live TV Power Stage.

“My thanks go to the whole team,” added Hirvonen, for whom this was a 14th WRC victory. “We’ve waited for this for a long time and I know we can continue to fight for wins and titles together. It’s been a hard season and we’ve been under great pressure. We controlled the weekend well as a team and I’m delighted for Ford that we’re returning home with a one-two.”

Latvala reflected on a rally in which he displayed winning pace. “I know I had the speed to win here and that’s good for my confidence, but I wanted to support Mikko. It’s about attitude and how we handle it. Our challenge for the manufacturers’ title suffered from my mistakes and this was my opportunity to pay something back. We have a good spirit inside Ford and you can’t win without that.

ford team take much deserved one-two in oz

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motor sPorts -wrc

I think, compared to previous years, we were very competitive so I am very, very happy with the result and very happy with the race.”

Webber’s race was more eventful, having been dogged once again by a troublesome get away. “The start was shocking,” confirmed the Australian, “[I] dropped the lever and had anti-stall immediately… that was a very disappointing way to start the grand prix – on the back foot from there knowing, as Seb did, that we were going to stop pretty early as our tyres were badly damaged after qualifying.

Webber had further technical trouble when radio problems meant he missed the window to pit as the safety car came out, which may have compromised his race, though he acknowledges the unknown qualities of the tyres made that a difficult thing to quantify. “I don’t even know how it would have rolled out after that safety car. It was probably the better way for us to finish the race by pitting at that safety car – but we didn’t know how good the prime tyre was going to be. I need to look at it. It was a problem we had with the safety car. They wanted me to pit but we didn’t so we had to make it work by staying out and going very, very long and in the end it wasn’t a disaster either.”

Of the three drivers in the press conference, Button had the most eventful race, starting as he did down in the midfield – far enough back to not be embroiled in the first corner collisions but sufficiently close to be caught up in the aftermath.

“The first lap was pretty messy,” said Button. “A lot of guys in fifth, sixth, seventh got together and then it was just mayhem for all of us behind, because there were just bits flying everywhere. At turn one, I think Paul [di Resta] or [Adrian] Sutil hit my rear wing so I had half my rear wing endplate missing on one side which isn’t good for downforce. And then as I exited the corner, there were bits flying everywhere. Someone’s front wing went through my front wing and ripped one of the mirrors off as well.”

Button stayed out despite his damage and ran to lap five on his medium tyres, before pitting and running the faster option tyres across three stints for the majority of the race and scything through the field. “It was tough but also a lot of fun. For me, this is the best the car has felt all year but we didn’t get the best out of it.”

At this stage Vettel is ahead with 259 points, Webber is on 167, Alonso on 157 and Button on 149.

Ogier crashed his car on day 1

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stoner gets seVenth title

lorenzo breaks the stoner roll

Yamaha get a much deserved win while

Repsol Honda’s Pedrosa and Stoner take

second and third respectivelyYamaha Factory Racing’s Jorge Lorenzo

put on a perfect performance today for the

Grand Prix of San Marino, leading from the

start to claim an incredible race victory at the

line. The reigning World Champion was quick

off the line from second position, quickly

securing the front spot from Championship

leader Casey Stoner into the first corner. As

the Australian put the pressure on, Lorenzo

responded, delivering an untouchable pace

to gradually increase his lead. His flawless

performance also delivered the new track

record for the circuit on his 12th lap with

a 1’33.906. As laps went by, Lorenzo, Stoner and

Pedrosa built some margin over the

rest, although from the fifth lap Pedrosa

lost some ground. Casey Stoner was

comfortably behind Lorenzo’s Yamaha until

mid race, when he started to lose ground as

he suffered some physical problems due to

the terrible heat at the Misano track and to

the lack of rest after the Indianapolis Grand

Prix a week ago. After losing contact with

Lorenzo, he could neither prevent Pedrosa

from reducing the distance and, six laps

before the end, the Spaniard was able to

catch him and then overtake him.After them, an intense battle was raging

for fourth position, since Marco Simoncelli

overtook Andrea Dovizioso in lap eight. In

a group completed by Ben Spies and Rossi,

the kept exchanging position until three

laps from the end, when Dovizioso launched

an attack and overtook Simoncelli. Hard

braking and long skids followed until the

Finish line, where finally Simoncelli got the

fourth place and Dovizioso the fifth.Race winner Lorenzo was joined on the

podium by legendary Yamaha rider, three

time World Champion Wayne Rainey to

accept the trophies. Rainey had made an

emotional return to Misano this weekend

for the first time in eighteen years as part

of Yamaha’s 50th Anniversary of Grand

Prix racing. Ben Spies worked hard today,

battling the hot and humid conditions with

a less than perfect set up. Having started

form fourth the Texan initially dropped

to seventh before slowly reeling in and

passing local hero Valentino Rossi. Having

despatched the Italian the hunt began for

fifth and sixth place riders Simoncelli and

Dovizioso. Spies was able to close the gap

to less than 0.2 of a second but the battling

Italians made it impossible to make a clean

pass, finishing in sixth position.Lorenzo said about his performance after

the race, “Today has been an incredible day

for us. I have delivered a good race; it was a

very tough and long one. Most importantly

we have won again and also reduced a little

bit our gap to Casey. I want to dedicate this

victory to Wayne who returned to Misano

this weekend and I want to say thanks to

all my team for their hard work. Now we

have two weeks before Aragon, I hope

to continue in this shape in my country.

Tomorrow we will try the 1000cc Yamaha

again; I am looking forward to riding my

future bike. This has been one of the best

days of my career!”Lorenzo’s stunning performance keeps

the Championship alive, reducing the gap

to Stoner in first to 35 points with five races

remaining on the calendar. Spies picks up

10 points and holds fifth as they head to

Aragon in Spain for round 14 in two weeks

time.

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moto gP

stoner gets seVenth title

lorenzo breaks the stoner roll

He has a 44 point lead over his competition

and with the seventh title, Casey Stoner

looks more and more like this year’s champion.

Dani Pedrosa came in 2nd and Yamaha’s Ben

Spies managed the third podium spot at his

home race. Casey Stoner achieved his third

consecutive win — after dominating the race

from the sixth lap, when he overtook Dani

Pedrosa. The Spaniard was with him on the

podium, confirming the fourth 1-2 of the season

after the ones achieved in France, England

and the Czech Republic. Casey Stoner had

never achieved a good result in Indianapolis,

but this season he is showing a high level of

competitiveness that allows him, after the

American race, to lead the Championship with

an advantage of 44 points. The Repsol rider

saw Pedrosa having a fantastic start and was

even overtaken by Lorenzo. The Australian

recovered the second place in the third lap,

although a lap later he was about to fall with

no television camera registering it. The front

tyre of his Honda RC212V slid in a corner,

the steering was blocked and thanks to his

left elbow, that connected with the asphalt,

he was saved from crashing. After that he

was able to catch Pedrosa and, in the sixth

lap, he took the lead of the race. From that

moment on, Stoner left no chance for his

rivals. Increasing his advantage tenth after

tenth, the Repsol rider rode at record pace,

and he broke the record in lap 20, when he

set the fastest lap of the race. Behind him,

Dani Pedrosa also secured the second position

of the race, with a wide margin over the third,

that was finally Ben Spies, more than ten

seconds behind the Repsol Honda Team rider.

Home hero Ben Spies put in a superhuman

effort, coming back from ninth place to take a

hard fought podium spot for the Grand Prix of

Indianapolis. Starting from second on the grid

the Texan rider was caught up in first a bottle

neck of riders in turn one, then came together

with Andrea Dovizioso in turn four, dropping

him back to ninth as he fought to stay on

the bike. Despite the setback Spies went

on to deliver one of the star performances

of the day, taking an impressive number of

overtakes and setting some of the fastest laps

of the race. He finally took the chequered flag

in third place and stood on the podium to a

huge applause from the US crowd.

Once a household name with his three world

championships, Loris Capirossi has finally announced

his retirement at the end of the current season. He

made this announcement at the post race press

conference at Misano.

The venue was the press conference of the Misano

GP. Taking a bit of the spotlight away from Rossi,

Stoner, Pedrosa and Spies who shared the table

with him, Loris Capirossi announced his impending

retirement from the World Championship at the

end of the 2011 season. He said, “First of all I

want to say this season for us is really tough, we

haven’t found the best solution to go quicker. We

have six more races and for both myself and the

team I will try to do my best. I will try to get

some good results.”

caPirossi to call it a daY

90

Wonders will never cease. Nope, I am not referring to any mundane wonder - like winning a lottery, meeting a screen idol or staying in my BMI zone. That would be believable in this day and age! The wonders i

talk about are more in the realm of fantasy, yet they have come to pass and no one it seems is any wiser or concerned about them.

Take for instance the on-again off-again, global crisis. Can anyone tell me whether there is actually one on or not. The people in the know seem to be saying that Greece is a) in trouble or b) about to default on its debts or c) has already defaulted and no one has found out because so much new money is being given to them. None of that troubles me - as long as France, Germany and to some extent the UK are guiding the economic engine of Europe, Greece will be a hiccup, perhaps a burp but not serious indigestion. Here is wonder number 1. What is the whole world’s finance sector worried about.

Countries have been living beyond their means since a long time back. Most of the time they manage to get their act in place, cut expenditure and manage to grow theirselves to a reasonably useful level. Not always. This time will be one more time - so why the panic? The second point of absolute wonder also took place a few days back. But this is in the realms of science, nay, science fiction if you will. A team of scientists at CERN (the big man made particle accelerator linked lab under the Swiss-French border) have discovered that Einstein, Stephen Hawking and the ilk have spent their lives in the wrong belief. After three years of planning, six months of fine-tuning and may man hours of effort, the team shot a stream of Neutrinos from CERN to a lab in Italy and found that the neutrinos reached there just a little bit quicker than they expected - faster than the speed of light. “Impossible,” I scream, echoed by the wavering voice of Einstein and the machine generated one of the Hawk. If anything can travel faster than light, then our understanding of the Universe is a big misunderstanding, because our system of beliefs is based on some constants - light speed being one of them. I have spoken before of having to reshape our thinking as accepted norms become a story of change. The US is no longer a AAA rated country, the Euro zone is actually and zone and a penumbra and Ferrari and Lamborghini will make four-door cars. From Carl Sagan and Hawking I had learned that the absolute limit imposed by the speed of light was a reason why time travel would never happen.

Ok, so now is there a chance? The chances are good that we should be able to create a teleportation device ala Star Trek, at least for inanimate objects. The thought of having one’s DNA unzipped and restitched a thousand miles away is too frightening a thought to accept live teleporation. But what if we could teleport money. The European central bank could organise a large teletransfer (in the scan and zap machine) and our newfound speedy particles would reach there before they were even generated. (Now that is possible in the brave new world of faster than light speed stuff). In that way, the ECB has a few hundred billion Euros while the Greeks have the same. But would it be the same? Ah ha, the conundrums flow thick and fast. Even better still, this new reality allows us to peek into the future. hard up countries would know a) whether they will default, b) what the fallout would be if so and c) whether they need to do something different in the present that will change their future.

All that’s well and good, but let’s face facts. My bet is on some mundane clerical error being the reason why there was a miscalculation in the first place. Perhaps the old adage of the observer influencing the reading by his presence must be at work. Then there are no miracle cures available and governments will have to decide whether they are going to spend themselves out of this bog or save and do without for a couple of generations. Until they do something - we are going to follow the recipe of staying out of trouble. Because in this world of normal values, the only thing that seems to go faster than the speed of light are our savings.

a system of disbelief

Raj Warrior is editor of Automan and has been in the thick of the Automotive journalism field from the past 15 years.Want to comment or have your say? Email at [email protected]. Identify yourself or your message will be trashed and your id blocked

{ChiCane}

automan october 2011

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