COVERstory |
Rolls-Royce Dawn
Wraith-based and much much more
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Pebble Beach Concours dÉlegance Arguably, among the world’s finest automotive event in the US
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cover story
NEXT ISSUE
2016 Hyundai Tucson
26-31 Rolls-Royce Dawn
Oman and regional news
6-9 New car launches by Toyota, Jaguar and Caterham, Audi Gen II Q7 previewed in Muscat, GAC Ramadan promotion winners, Gen IV Mazda2 ion sale in Oman, Al Jenaibi special offers for X5, Renault Dokker van arrives in Oman
brandwatch
10-15 Hyundai to launch performance sub brand, Bruno Senna to play integral role in McLaren’s P1 GTR owners programme, Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo breaks cover in video game prior to official reveal, Court settles Volkswagen-Suzuki dispute, DS Automobiles announces DS Performance motorsport division, Kia Soul rival from Suzuki planned, Daihatsu reveals concept SUV, Aston Martin planning more models, Rapide to go electric, Jaguar planning more SUVs beyond F-Pace, Next Ferrari California T to be radical, Toyota introduces updated JDM-spec 2016 Land Cruiser, 2015 Frankfurt Motorshow teasers from Kia, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai and Mazda
International news spotlight
16-31 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
first drives
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48-53 2015 Infiniti Q70 3.7 32-37 2015 Subaru Legacy 42-47 2015 Toyota Camry 38-41 2015 Suzuki S-Cross
Previews
54-57 Ferrari 488 Spider 58-61 Lamborghini LP-750 Aventador SV
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Spider 62-65 BMW M4 GTS Concept 66-69 Mercedes Benz C-Class Coupe 70-71 Nissan Juke R 2.0 72-73 Lexus LX570 74-75 hyundai vision g concept
MOTORSPORTS
76-79 Belgium Race Report and snippets. F1 MCLaren woes MotoGP: British GP race report, snippets and regional motorsports events
Chicane
80 Time for a recharge
editor-in-chief Mohammad Al Taie
AL ROYA PRESS & PUBLISHING PO Box: 343, Postal Code 118 Al Harthy Complex, Sultanate of Oman Email: automan@alroya.net Website: www.automan.me Editorial office: Tel: +968 24652400/1/2/3/4/5 Extn 300, Fax: +968 24652444 Distribution: Tel: +968 24652400/1/2/3/4/5 Extn 555, Subscription: Tel: +968 24652400/1/2/3/4/5 Extn 650 publisher Hatim Al Taie
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EDITOR & GM Raj Warrior
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executive EDITOR Chandan B Mallik chandan@alroya.net contributing EDITOR Anne Kurian annekurian@alroya.net HEAD OF Design Antony Karlo
Faced with an embargo date of 9th September, we had to take a call on whether we considered it worth the delay. We had after all been honoured with an acknowledgement of our professionalism with the original invite and we felt quite possessive about the story itself. So we agreed to the embargo and here we are now – with the full story. Along with this new model, we also carry a region first exclusive report about Hyundai’s new global small SUV, the Creta. Launched in India, our associates in the country have sent us images as well as test drive reports. We hope that you find the car as interesting as we do and can assure you that it will make landfall on our shores in a matter of a few months. The other big report we have is a comprehensive look at this year’s Pebble Beach concours and the events around it, with stand out positioning of Ferrari and Bugatti as well as a clutch of new model releases from various brands at this signature event.
photography Elvis John Ferrao marketing Sayantani Ghosh sayantani@alroya.net circulation books@alroya.net FINANCE & ADMIN Sumy Mol
We have to start off this editorial with an apology for coming out five days later than usual. This was necessitated by a rather unique event. And that event has found its way onto the cover of this month’s magazine – the new Dawn. Admittedly, it’s a big thing for Rolls-Royce Motorcars as a company. The launch of a new model line that just happens to be seen as the Drophead version of the Wraith. Rolls-Royce has gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure that we understand why the Dawn should be seen as a new model and we must say that our inclusion as part of an extremely select group of journalists that got to view the car a month ago helps us know why they say it.
sumy@alroya.net
Website & IT Mohammed F Draz mohammed.draz@alroya.net
In our test drives this month, we have two market defining sedans on the platter, with the Subaru Legacy in its flat six 3.6-litre guise and the new Toyota Camry. Both have a buyer spectrum that remain dedicated to the virtues of these sedans, though to our editorial team the amazing handling and power delivery of the Fuji Heavy car was the major draw. And if the rest of the industry has one lesson to learn from this brand it is in the nature of its Lineartronic CVT arrangement. We just couldn’t believe that the car didn’t have a regular auto cogged gearbox.
DisTRibution United Arab emirates Dar Al Hikma LLC alhikma@emirates.net.ae Tel: +971-4-2665394 | Fax: +971-4-2669827
We are also now in the closing phase of our compendium on SUVs. This book traces the story of utility vehicles, their evolution into SUVs and now the new phase of Crossovers that is taking their place. Look out for next month’s issue, which will give you information on how to get your copy.
Printer Al Anan Printing Press LLC Tel: +968 24446163 | Fax: +968 24446287 alananprinting.com | alananprinting@gmail.com
In the meantime, we’ve also revamped our website and ported ourselves onto a new platform. We will henceforth be online first, with exclusive content reserved for our print edition. You now have the incentive to stay with us both digitally and in print. Enjoy.
© 2015 All editorial content of Automan in the magazine and its website is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the management of AL ROYA PRESS & PUBLISHING Automan accepts unsolicited exclusive editorial material, but reserves the right to publish any such material. Once published, the copyright for any such material will vest with AL ROYA PRESS & PUBLISHING
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Oman & region news
Jaguar XE sedan arrives in Oman
Mohsin Haider Darwish, the exclusive distributor of Jaguar cars in the Sultanate of Oman, hosted the launch of Jaguar’s ground-breaking, performance-oriented, aluminium-intensive lightweight sports sedan, the 2015 all-new XE, in Muscat last month. For Oman, the model line-up is headlined by the XE S which is powered by a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with 340PS/450Nm on tap enabling brisk acceleration from 0-100km/h in 5.1sec and an electronically-limited maximum speed of 250km/h. David Aziz, CEO - Automotive, MHD, said, “The new XE is the latest introduction to the Jaguar range which offers a fine balance between performance, efficiency and luxury. We are sure that it will find a wide acceptance with the discerning customers in the Sultanate of Oman.” The Jaguar XE Pure, XE Prestige, XE R-Sport, XE Portfolio and XE S will be available exclusively at MHD showrooms across the sultanate with prices starting from RO16,000 inclusive of a five years/65,000km service package.
Audi Oman hosts preview of the all-new Q7
Gen IV Mazda2 arrives in Oman showrooms
Bait Al Zubair was chosen by Audi Oman as the venue for a preview of the brand’s all-new Gen II Q7 SUV. Faisal Nawaz, marketing manager of Wattayah Motors, representatives of Audi Oman said, “The new Audi Q7 is a statement of Audi’s renowned engineering and performance competence, and we are confident it will be of tremendous promise to the market. Premium SUV’s are one of the fastest growing segments in Oman thanks to their desirable dimensions, sporty dynamics and attractive pricing.”
Towell Auto Centre, the official retailer of Mazda cars has announced the arrival of the smallest multi award-winning all-new Mazda2 model. The car will be available in Comfort and Prestige trim in both sedan and hatchback variants. Powering the Mazda2 is a newly-developed SKYACTIV 1.5-litre engine. 6
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Special edition of Rolls-Royce Wraith previewed in Oman
Bespoke commissioning represents important business for uber luxury carmakers like Rolls-Royce. Using the opportunity to represent customer expressions of their individual taste and lifestyle, the carmaker has introduced a concept for its Wraith. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and the world of Haute Couture have long been bound by a common philosophy – to take the very finest materials and craft them into the most exquisite and desirable luxury goods, appointed to the customer’s exact specifications. In this spirit, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled ‘Wraith – Inspired by Fashion’, which is now available to order in Oman for a limited time, ahead
of arriving in the country later this year. Inspired by Fashion’ two-tone exterior colour scheme of Andalucian White and Arctic White offers a neutral setting for a choice of accent colours, namely Jasmine, Tailored Purple or Mugello Red. Wraith’s signature shoulder-line is accentuated deftly with the addition of a hand-applied feature-line in the chosen highlight colour, alluding to the divergent interior of the motor car. On opening Wraith’s coach-doors there’s contemporary impression of the car’s classic Arctic White and Black interior colour scheme. Beyond the traditional placement of embroidered headrests, seat stitching and piping,
In a spectacular entertainment setting at the Hyatt Intercontinental in Muscat, Toyota took the wraps off the all-new eighth generation of a nameplate with a famed 47-year pedigree. The incoming HiLux expands the model’s legendary prowess with an even stronger frame, four power plants (including two new high-torque turbo-diesel engines), increased towing capacity up to 3.5 tonnes and payloads of up to 1,240kg. The all-new Hilux gets a new design and will be sold with single and double cabins. Toyota also claims that the interiors of the Thailand-built have been revisited and made more SUV like. Almost everything has been changed in the interior of the Thai-built pickup, from the seats to the dashboard. A new Multi-Information Display (MID) on the instrument panel has been added. There is also increased legroom for the rear passengers. The 2016 Hilux gets a 6-speed automatic transmission, which Toyota claims it offers 15per cent better on fuel consumption than the previous generation model. Engine choices mostly remain the same, which includes the 2.0-litre and 2.7-litre petrol engines, and a new 2.4-litre diesel engine. They all can be had in either four-wheel-drive or twowheel-drive configurations. 8
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the accent colour has found an elegant new application via a striking two-tone composition steering wheel. A seamless stitch, a highly complex craft technique from the world of fine tailoring, was mastered and applied to the wheel by the craftspeople in the Leather Shop at the Home of Rolls-Royce. The remarkable success of Wraith in attracting a new generation of successful entrepreneurs to the marque has been underpinned by a surge in demand for Bespoke personalization by the carmaker. Almost 95 per cent of all Wraith models sold last year were ordered with an element of Bespoke design says Rolls-Royce.
Toyota presents all-new Hi Lux pick-up
Al Jenaibi special deal for X5
2015 Renault Dokker
Reaffirming its commitment to providing BMW customers with an exceptional offers in the market, Al Jenaibi International Automobiles has launched an exclusive starting price of just OMR 25,500 for the BMW X5 xDrive 35i. General Automotive Company (GAC), the official distributors of Mitsubishi vehicles in Oman, recently conducted its Ramadan Grand Raffle Draw at its showroom in Azaiba officially bringing its Ramadan seasonal festivities to a close. The draw with a prize pool of OMR 50,000 witnessed one grand prize winner of OMR 5,000; two winners of OMR 2,500 each; three winners of OMR 2,000 each; and five winners of OMR 1,000 each. The event also witnessed over 180 additional cash prize winners.
Mitsubishi Ramadan
Draw winners announced
Caterham returns to region
Boutique British sports car manufacturer, Caterham Cars, is expanding its business and has partnered with UAE-based Al Futtaim to bring the cars to this region. The new showroom is located in in Dubai’s Festival City, as part of its ERAS Custom and Classic brand. ERAS Customs and Classics is the largest British Heritage sportscar dealership in the Middle East. In addition to catering for new car buyers, the facility will offer a full after sales service to Caterham owners in the UAE. Caterham’s range of ultra-lightweight sports cars for sale in UAE will included the entry level Seven 160, and the recentlylaunched 270, 360 and 420 models and 620 R. David Ridley, Caterham Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are thrilled to establish Caterham’s presence in the UAE with ERAS Customs and Classics; as the largest British Heritage sportscar outlet in Dubai they were the natural choice for us. Dubai’s love of Supercars is globally renowned; we’re looking forward to seeing Sevens driving through the city.”
Following the departure of Peugeot from Oman, the only French brand that offers light commercial vehicles is Renault. Through the official retailer in Oman, Renault introduced its small Dokker panel van. The name Dokker is a play on the words dock worker, and according to the manufacturer it is expressing the high carrying capacity of the model and its modular interior and robustness. This multipurpose van is built at the Renault factory in Tangier, Morocco and is also produced in Europe where it is sold under the Dacia brand name. The Dokker was first officially launched at the 2012 Casablanca Auto Show and initially went on sale in the domestic market and thereafter to other regional markets. The Dokker is available in two variants elsewhere, but in 0man it will be available for commercial utilities only. The passenger carrier version will not be available in Oman. The Dokkar has been specially designed for small businesses and is offered with a1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission it has luggage capacity of 3,300lit and a maximum load length of 1,90mm. The foldable front passenger seat can also be tipped forward to free up space for a load length of up to 2,420mm. The payload capacity is 750kg. In terms of cabin amenities, It can be equipped with the Media Nav system, that combines navigation and audios functions, featuring Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and auxiliary USB and jack sockets. Other optional equipment offered are the cruise control and the rear parking sensors depending on trims available. SEP 2015
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brandwatch
Senna to play integral role in McLaren’s P1 GTR owners programme
news
It’s official: Hyundai to launch performance sub brand
Hyundai will officially launch the N Performance sub-brand during the Frankfurt Motor Show this month with the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concept. Meanwhile, a virtual study has been created for the Gran Turismo 6 game and previews the brand’s “perspective on future performance characteristics.” The concept also highlights “sustainable technology and race car design, representing the future potential of Hyundai N.” The South Korean manufacturer will also display the RM15 concept car, as well as the new i20 WRC car. Hyundai explains the rally machine is already undergoing a “punishing testing, engineering and development regime” and will debut at the start of the 2016 FIA World Rally Championship at Rallye Monte Carlo.
Automan’s take The N Performance sub brand builds factors in Hyundai’s continued advancement as a primary competitor in World Rally Championship, its focus and investment to create striking and pioneering high performance cars.
McLaren has announced that former Formula One driver Bruno Senna will be one of the mentors for their P1 GTR owners program. Announced last October, the “dedicated track preparation program” will enable owners to perfect their driving skills in order to get the most out of the car. In order to achieve this, owners will receive extensive training including consultations at the McLaren Technology Center and lessons in McLaren racing simulators. They will also travel to Formula 1 circuits where they will receive one-to-one coaching from professionals such as Senna. “The bespoke Driver Programme has been designed to ensure each driver is prepared, mentally and physically, to make the most of the car and the track. The stages are the same as a professional racing driver would go through for a race weekend, whether it is a GT race or in Formula 1, and the team on the ground at each event will be working closely with the drivers to hone skill levels and push them beyond what they believe is possible,” said Senna.
Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo breaks cover in video game
Automan’s take
It seems Bugatti is ready to join the Vision Gran Turismo bandwagon with a bespoke virtual concept which will also serve as a sneak preview for the company’s new design language. 10
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Following the sale of the final production Veyron from the current model series, Bugatti is embarking on a new chapter for its successor. As of now, Bugatti is floating the idea for its next super sports car as a digitally rendered Vision Gran Turismo concept, developed exclusively for the PS3-only Gran Turismo 6 video game. According to Bugatti’s head of design Achim Anscheidt, it was created not just for the virtual world, but also to be driven on a real track. The visual teaser clue for this car so far released is the NACA-styled air inlet which was created both as an aerodynamic element and as an “iconic feature” of the concept. No other details have been released, but Anscheidt says the vehicle is “exaggerated and extremely performance-oriented” and at the same time provides a first glimpse of Bugatti’s styling evolution which will be implemented in future products. The Vision Gran Turismo concept will be displayed at the Frankfurt Motor Show and will soon be available as a free download for Polyphony Digital’s GT6 video game. Meanwhile, Bugatti Veyron’s official successor will likely debut next year under the Chiron nameplate and like the Veyron, it will use a 16-cylinder engine, but total output will reportedly reach 1,500hp.
DS Automobiles announces DS Performance motorsport division
Court settles Volkswagen-Suzuki dispute Volkswagen and Suzuki partnership is finally over and the dispute between the two entities have been settled by a court order. For almost four years, it had been a sore point between the partners and now a court ruling has settled the dispute between VW and Suzuki over their failed partnership. As part of the 2009 agreement, VW bought the Suzuki stake as a way of it gaining access to the Indian market for small cars, where Suzuki is commands top position. The two companies had also agreed to work together on fuel efficient cars but Suzuki accused VW of withholding information it had promised to share, while VW objected to a Suzuki deal to buy diesel engines from Fiat. The International Chamber of Commerce has ruled that VW should sell its 19.9per cent stake in Suzuki. After the favourable verdict, Suzuki’s chairman Osamu Suzuki said the ruling left him feeling “refreshed”. “It was a precious experience,” Osamu Suzuki said, “ I learned there are different types of companies.” Asked about future partnerships with VW he said “you will not remarry someone you have divorced.” On the decision VW released a statement which said: “We welcome the fact that there is now clarity. The co-operation between the two companies has now been ended.”
Automan’s take Suzuki had first requested the sale of VW’s shares in 2011 after a plan to collaborate on new technology failed, but the German firm had blatantly refused to oblige and hence the disputed matter was taken to court.
Kia Soul rival from Suzuki planned
It seems that Suzuki of Japan is also looking at the compact lifestyle crossover segment seriously. Recently leaked patent images preview a possible future production version of the Suzuki iM-4. For its design this new Suzuki carries on with the brand’s conservative approach and according to the information currently available, the final production car will be launched in late 2016. Mechanically, it will be based on the new Baleno sedan platform that will debut at the Frankfurt Motor show this month. The car will be offered with a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol unit and a 1.2-litre Dualjet naturally aspirated unit from the Swift. Frontwheel drive will be standard but all-wheel drive will be optional.
PSA-owned DS Automobiles has confirmed that it will establish a motorsport division under the “DS Performance” banner. The newly established set-up will be based at the PSA Excellence Centre in Satory, France. The first business objective is to provide support for DS Virgin Racing in Formula E where the team is using the DSV-01 racecar that features a DS-developed electric motor, gearbox, rear suspension, cooling system while the motor management system was created in collaboration with Magneti Marelli. According to Yves Bonnefont, CEO of DS Automobiles, it will be more than just an R&D laboratory as DS Performance “will stand as a true showcase of the technological expertise and avant-garde spirit of the DS brand.” Although it’s labeled as a motorsport division, the developments made by DS Performance in plug-in hybrid and electric power will eventually trickle down to road-going models part of the PSA Group.
Daihatsu reveals concept SUV
At the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show last month, Daihatsu previewed a new production ready compact crossover SUV concept called the FX. The concept is 3,800mm long and 1,690mm wide on a 2,450mm wheelbase. To put it into context, it’s 495mm shorter than the Honda HR-V. Its dimensions position it between the A-segment Renault Kwid and B-segment Honda HR-V. Although it had some typical show car features like suicide doors, and elaborate head and tail lamp detailing, the production ready study previews a B-segment SUV for Asian markets. On the mechanical side, Daihatsu’s concept study was outfitted with a 1.2-litre engine and it will be a rear-wheel drive car like the Terios SUV. SEP 2015
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Aston Martin planning more models
Rapide to go electric
Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer has revealed the company should have enough money to develop a seven model line-up in the coming years. Speaking to media, Palmer said the future Aston Martin line-up would include three sports cars, two Lagonda badged sedans, the DBX crossover and a yet unnamed halo model. As part of the marketing strategy, Aston Martin will stagger the launches of new models so the company will have an all-new model every year to offer. The models will also have a sevenyear lifecycle which will ensure they remain ‘fresh’ and there’s a constant flow of new cars. Despite the onslaught of new models, Palmer intends to keep production capped at 7,000 units to maintain the brand’s exclusivity.
Aston Martin has confirmed that it will build a pure electric version of its Rapide sedan. By doing so, it will become the first production battery vehicle will be ready for launch sometime in 2017. Plans for a zero-emissions Rapide were announced on the sidelines of the recent Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. CEO Andy Palmer also sees a market for an EV sedan positioned above the popular Tesla Model S. “What Tesla clearly shows you is we haven’t hit the ceiling in terms of price,” Palmer said. “But I think it’s hard, though not impossible, for them as a relatively new brand to keep pushing up and to go into that super premier area.” More models are in the pipeline for electrification.
2016 Audi A4 to get virtual cockpit
Automan’s take
The new Rapide EV should help Aston Martin in more than one way. The carmaker which uses high-performance V8s and V12s will be able to comply better with tighter fuel economy and emissions regulations, particularly in China and US.
Jaguar planning more SUVs beyond F-Pace
One of Audi’s core strengths is engineering and innovation and this aspect is not just reserved for the top models only. Take for instance, the A4, which is Audi’s best-selling middle-order model. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise as Audi’s marketing team responsibly for preparing the feature content for the soon-toarrive all-new B9 generation is also looking at upgraded features. According to sources, an innovative feature currently available in other models such as the TT, Q7 and R8 – the Audi Virtual Cockpit will now be available on the all-new incoming A4 as an optional extra. The digital display will costs an extra €500 and replaces the analogue dials with a 12.3in LCD monitor that has a 1,440 x 540 resolution and provides a smooth 60 fps experience thanks to its powerful graphics processor. Audi promises the virtual needles are extremely precise and the driver will have the possibility of choosing between two modes that are selectable by using the “view” button mounted on the steering wheel. In infotainment mode, there’s a large central window showing off navigation map or lists with data from radio, audio and telephone. When classic mode is selected, the tachometer and speedometer are displayed in just about the same size as the conventional dials and are divided by a smaller central screen to mimic the analog look. 12
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If UK-based media reports are to be believed, then Jaguar is definitely looking beyond producing just one compact SUV. The British brand is reportedly working on a family of SUVs to follow the F-Pace in the coming years. Rumours are that Jaguar will look at more entry level models than top end three-row large SUVs. The British automaker is said to be instead focusing on sportiness for the whole family, potentially inspiring more than one coupelike variant with a streamlined profile. The company’s Special Vehicle Operations division will also be involved on creating high-performance packages for the variants that will carry R and SVR badges. Previous reports suggest two of the new crossovers will arrive on the market before the end of the decade.
Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz is looking back at open top S-Class models that it used to sell between 1961 to 1971. The idea is back on the table and according to plan, the new model will aim to be ‘the most comfortable cabriolet in the world’. “After 44 years we can again offer friends of our company an open variant of the S Class. The new S-Class Cabriolet symbolises our passion for individual and timelessly exclusive mobility, which we share with our customers,” said Ola Källenius, Board Member of Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales. Full details of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet are expected to be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Once launched, it will rival the Bentley Continental GT and the BMW 6 Series Cabriolet. When produced, it will come equipped with automatic wind protection system AIRCAP, the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, heated armrests and an automatic climate control system.
Hyundai Hyundai has released the first teaser image with their all-new Elantra compact sedan which appears to represent a major departure in terms of design compared to the outgoing model. It is also clear that Hyundai has decided to move the compact sedan more upmarket with contemporary styling and an upgraded feature pack. The teaser sketch suggests the Elantra design will be heavily influenced by Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language and hence characterized by elongated headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights, a hexagonal radiator grille and a sculpted bonnet, very much like the bigger Genesis. The new Elantra will be fitted with electric steering as standard and engine options will include a 1.6-litre petrol engine in both port- and direct-injection guises. As far as transmissions go, the incoming Elantra will be available with at least a six-speed manual and an automated seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Blind spot monitoring, a knee bag to bring the total airbag count to seven, an 8in infotainment screen, and a proximity key that automatically unlocks the boot when the holder is nearby are among the new features.
Mazda Mazda’s first look at a new crossover concept Koeru was teased last month and is said to preview a new high-riding model from the Hiroshima-based Japanese brand. Mazda says Koeru, which is Japanese for “exceed” or “go beyond” and is therefore a befitting name for its latest venture. Mazda has promised that this news car when it goes into production will surpass existing standards and raise the bar for performance, efficiency and overall value. The concept is styled in accordance with Mazda’s current Kodo design language, the sleek proportions and low stance of the Koeru hint at a coupe possibility. Mechanically, it is going to based on the platform of the subcompact Mazda CX-3 or compact CX-5. 14
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Toyota introduces updated JDMspec 2016 Land Cruiser
Toyota introduced the refreshed for 2016 Land Cruiser 200 Series a private event held in Japan last month. The incoming eight-year old model gets a bolder look in a familiar profile, now highlighted by an oversized grille with horizontal slats that stretch far into a pair of redesigned headlamps. The modifications go beyond the simple mid-cycle refresh, and the bonnet, mudguards and the bumper are also freshly minted. At the rear, the SUV benefits from revised LED tail lamps and an updated bumper. Additional alloy wheel designs and two new paint colours called Copper Brown and Onyx Blue, respectively, round out the major exterior updates. Toyota is also offering buyers a less rugged-looking front fascia that features a deeper bumper with a thin strip of chrome trim. The less aggressive front end was primarily designed for highvolume markets such as the Middle East, and it will most likely not be offered in other markets. The interior updates are more minor. They include a new-look instrument cluster with a 4.2in LCD screen, a refreshed four-spoke steering wheel and the latest generation of Toyota’s touchscreenbased infotainment system. In Japan, the Land Cruiser is available with a long list of electronic driving aids including a pre-collision warning system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams and a lane departure warning system. Whether the U.S.spec model will gain similar features is up in the air. Toyota has not made any major mechanical modifications. The refreshed for 2016 model is scheduled to go on sale in Japan and in a few other markets before the end of the year.
Audi
Audi has confirmed it is preparing an electric SUV model and will commercially launch it within three years. Dubbed Q6 by the European motoring media, the four-seat, coupe-style crossover e-tron wagon will be the brand’s first mass-produced full-electric vehicle. Rather than using one of the existing Audi SUVs as the basis for the new electric SUV, Audi says that the Q6 e-tron has been designed from the ground up to be an electric car. Its shape has been designed to reduce drag as much as possible with a low coefficient of drag at Cd 0.25, which Audi claims is a record for the SUV segment. Its lithium-ion battery has also been placed low underneath the passenger compartment to lower the centre of gravity. The batteries will be sourced from LG Chem and Samsung. The vehicle reportedly will come in two states of tune: a standard e-tron for everyday driving and a high-performance RS version, called R-tron, with an estimated 521kW of power in short bursts. Audi is calling the vehicle e-tron quattro, meaning it has a form of all-wheel drive that, rather than the traditional driveshaft and differential arrangement, has electric motors on the front and rear axles driving all wheels in what Audi calls ‘electrified quattro’. It is expected to be shown in concept form at next month’s Frankfurt motor show. Images of the e-tron’s interior show space-age controls based on organic-LED (OLED) screens that apparently deliver 3D images. These represent Audi’s latest take on a modern interior, following in the footsteps of similar layouts shown in the company’s Prologue series of concept cars. It is unclear where the Audi EV will be built, but an Audi executive was quoted two years ago as saying a Q6 might be built alongside the Q5 at the new Mexico-based plant.
Kia Official images of the fourth generation 2016 Kia Sportage hit the web late last month. Kia is promising that the new Sportage will come with the “most refined” cabin ever. The underpinnings are already known since the new Sportage will use the same platform, engines and gearboxes as the latest Hyundai Tucson. Depending on markets, petrol/diesel engine displacement will range from 1.6-litre to 2.4-litre. These will work with six-speed manual, six-speed automatic and seven-speed dual clutch gearboxes sending power to the front wheels as standard or to an AWD setup available as optional features. “The dynamic compact SUV styling creates visual harmony out of the tension between bold, precise feature lines and dramatically sculptured bodywork,” Kia said in a statement. SEP 2015
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Spotlight news
Author: Chandan B Mallik
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SEP 2015
Arguably, this is one of the world’s most cherished annual automotive event that draws attention from all corners. The twoweek event is held each August on the 18th Fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links. The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is an annual gathering of rare and antique automobiles, international automotive luminaries and motorcar enthusiasts from around the globe. The Concours d’Elegance is part of a multiple day auto extravaganza known as the Monterey Car Week. The festivities began in 1950 as a
friendly race along Pebble Beach’s 17 Mile Drive. Today the event has grown into a massive event that draws up to 85,000 attendees and includes car shows, car pageants, car rallies and car On Sunday, the 65th annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance formed the traditional Grande Finale of the Monterey Peninsula Car week. In addition to the familiar classes, among the featured marques and anniversaries were Cunningham, Pope, duPont, Mercury Customs, Carrozzeria Touring, 50 years of
the Shelby Mustang and 75 years of the Lincoln Continental. Ferraris also took centre stage with no fewer than four different classes. Special for this year were a class for Ferraris that raced at the Pebble Beach Road Races between 1950 and 1956, and a Preservation class, which included the 250 LM that scored Ferrari’s final outright Le Mans win, exactly 50 years ago this year. As always, the activities kicked off on Thursday with the Tour d’Elegance. Read on…
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Alfa Romeo 6C Abarth Osella
1750 GS Zagato
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We have been following this event for many years and recall it as the Monterey Historic Automobile Races or Monterey Historics. This has now been renamed as the 2015 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. The magnificent event was held August 13-16 at the 2.238-mile, 11-turn Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Salinas, California and was sponsored as always by Rolex. The event brought together a wide array of historic and famous track cars representing pinnacle of racing history. Some of the fastest and most powerful competition machines ever created were out here in full form. That most venerable of classic Ford Mustangs served as the featured marque this year. The occasion was also used to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Shelby GT350 Mustang. The field consisted of 550 vintage race cars and they were divided into 15 groups according to age, engine capacity and chosen for their period-correct presentation. Tommy Steuer’s 1966 Shelby GT350 took home the checkers in the field of 38 Shelby GT350s raced on Saturday. At this year’s edition, the fields were even more diverse with the inclusion of Formula 5000 cars for the very first time. Zak Brown’s Lola T332, in the hands of Richard Dean, won Sunday’s Formula 5000 race at this venue where the last professional Formula 5000 race was held at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca 40 years ago on October 12, 1975. It was won by Mario Andretti in the same car. The Lola T332 was awarded the President’s Cup, presented to the entrant whose car has the most historical significance to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Over two weekends, there was an interesting array of North American specials and factory efforts by the likes of Acura, BMW, Mazda and Nissan. SEP 2015
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Before lining their cars up along the coastline of the Pacific Ocean on Sunday, the entrants also get a chance to drive their cars in the Tour d’Elegance on Thursday, which includes some of the most scenic sections of Highway 1, just south of Monterey. This added measure ensures that the drivers get familiar with the route and reliability of the cars. The drive starts and finishes behind the Pebble Beach Lodge, which was used during the early 1950s for the Pebble Beach Road Races. This year, the route did not include a visit to the nearby Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and instead the participants ventured straight from the Del Monte Forest to the Tehema and Monterra property before heading south on Highway 1 to the turnaround point at Big Sur. Before returning to Pebble Beach, the participants were treated to lunch in Carmel during which the cars were lined up on Ocean Avenue.
Bugatti staged a parade of special vehicles from its history. The brand presented two record holders at “The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering” on Friday and “Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance” on Sunday. The first car was a Type 35, which was the most successful racing car of all time with nearly 2,000 victories and podiums. The second car was more contemporary in nature and was the fastest production car in the world, the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport. Another two exceptional examples of Bugatti’s super sports car heritage: a Type 57SC Roadster and a Type 55 Super Sport Roadster were also on display. The French car maker paid tribute to company founder Ettore Bugatti, which finds a modern interpretation in the brand values of “Art, Forme, Technique”. Interestingly, keeping with tradition, all vehicles exhibited were in blue, the historic racing colour of France. SEP 2015
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Traditionally, Ferraris are strongly represented at Pebble Beach and this year, Maranello had a dominating presence. No fewer than four classes were dedicated to the Italian marque due to the number of entries. Classes were included for Grand Touring and Competition models, complemented by a class for Ferraris that raced in the Pebble Beach Road Races between 1950 and 1956. Thirty five exotic Ferraris were in attendance. A class was dedicated to Ferraris that were preserved rather than restored. Among the cars entered was the headline grabbing 250 GT SWB California that had emerged from the Baillon Collection earlier in the year. Among notables was the 275 GTB/C which looked exactly when it was last raced in 1966. The most historically significant Ferrari was the 250 LM brought by the Indianapolis Speedway Hall of Fame. Also beautifully preserved, this is the very car that scored the final outright victory for Ferrari in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, 50 years ago. Coincidentally, the Italian manufacturer’s first winner, a 166 MM Barchetta, was also on the field as part of the class celebrating the coachwork by Touring.
1955 Ferrari 85
7S Sc
aglietti Spyder
1959 Ferrari 250 GT
Pinin Farina Cabriol
Ferrari 400 Superam Ferrari 250 LM
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erica
et Series 1
1952 Ferrari 340 Mexico Vignale Spyder This car was built to compete in the Carrera Panamericana race in Mexico. However, this particular Ferrari never raced in Mexico but finished first in class at the 1952 6 Hour Collier Memorial race at MacDill Air Force Base, driven by Phil Hill.
1964 Ferrari 250 GTL Scaglietti Berlinetta Lusso About 350 Lusso models were produced by Ferrari with steel bodies and aluminium doors, boot lid and bonnet. This model has been owned by the same family since new and is 100 per cent original.
1955 Ferrari 857S Scaglietti Spyder One of only three Ferrari 857S Spyders built, this rare model’s illustrious past included being raced by Carroll Shelby and owned by Andy Warhol. It’s the only 875S to feature a tail fin, similar to the Jaguar D-Type, another race car from that era. 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Pinin Farina Cabriolet Series 1 This car bore production plate # 36 of 40 250 GT Cabriolets built and was the last Series 1 Cabriolet to feature covered headlamps. This particular Series 1 was featured at the 1959 New York Auto Show.
1964 Ferrari 250 LM Scaglietti Berlinetta This is one of three LMs to race in the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans. It finished sixth overall behind another 250 LM that won the race that year, which was the last time Ferrari won the famous endurance race.
1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Scaglietti Berlinetta Competizione Featuring a 3.0-litre, 12-cylinder engine and an alloy body, this 250 GT short wheelbase model was the first Ferrari equipped with disc brakes. Out of the 42 alloy models built, this was car # 13. o Ferrari 340 Mexic Vignale Berlinetta
1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Scaglietti Spyder California Completely original and unrestored, this 54-year-old Ferrari was It was shown at the 1961 Paris Motor Show before passing through multiple owners between 1961 and 1971. It has been rarely driven over the last 44 years and is considered a “barn find.”
1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Scaglietti Berlinetta The 275 GTB Berlinetta Competizione was built on a completely new chassis for the 1966 race season. Only 12 of the aluminium-bodied cars were constructed, and this one was completed just 4 days before competing in the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS Pininfarina Spyder This car was the fifth 330 GTS built before an engine fire redirected it to an insurance auction. At auction the car was purchased by a collector and sat for 45 years untouched before it was restored. 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB-4 Scaglietti Berlinetta The winner of the inaugural Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, or “Cannonball Run,” Brock Yates and Dan Gurney drove this Ferrari Daytona from New York to Los Angeles in 35 hours and 54 minutes, averaging 80 mph across the US. SEP 2015
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Bentley The new 16 MY Bentley Continental GT made its North American debut alongside other models from Bentley’s past and future. In a nod to Bentley’s illustrious heritage and celebrating its 85th anniversary, the iconic 1930 Blower Bentley makes its dynamic appearance in the Quail Rally.
Aston Martin Aston Martin’s new 2016 DB9 GT had its global debut accompanied by a glimpse of Aston Martin’s Second Century with the DBX concept, Lagonda Taraf and Vulcan.
BMW
Swedish supercar manufacturer Koenigsegg made its very first appearance at The Quail, showcasing the sixth and final One:1, which is the only one destined for North America.
A year on from the launch of the BMW M4 Coupe, BMW M GmbH is presented as a preview a high-performance model for use on the road and on the race track: the BMW Concept M4 GTS. Two new technology applications highlight the car – water injection and organic light-emitting diodes for rear lamps. BMW also used the platform to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the German company’s motorsports activities in North American by revealing the 3.0 CSL Hommage R show car.
Lamborghini
Lexus
The new Lamborghini Aventador SV Roadster, which is the very first open model to be given the ‘Super Veloce’ treatment, was introduced by CEO Stephen Winkelmann. Like the Coupe, which was introduced a few months earlier, production of the SV Roadster will be strictly limited to just 500 examples.
Lexus showcased two of its models – the restyled GS sedan and LX570 full size SUV. The GS enters 2016 with a bolder design and a turbo version called GS 200t. All GS and LX570 SUVs have been upgraded with 8-speed automatic transmission, cosmetic enhancements and new safety systems.
Koenigsegg
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McLaren Four years on from its global launch, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) returned to the event selection of distinctive and individual commissions. The forthcoming new 570S Coupé, the first model to join the McLaren Sports Series was the top highlight for the brand with one-off bespoke features. Alongside the most track-focused model in the Super Series, the limited to 50 unit 650S Le Mans was also on display which was created by MSO to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the famous French endurance race. Completing the line-up was a 1996 McLaren F1 GTR
Nissan Nissan found an appropriate platform to highlight the evolution of its sedans. At the Monterey Motorsports Reunion, Nissan borrowed from its museum a 1967 Datsun 411 and 1972 Datsun 510. Throw in a showroom-fresh 2016 Nissan Maxima and you’ve got a rolling exhibition called “The Evolution of the Sports Sedan.” The three Datsun/Nissan sedans were driven from Los Angeles to Monterey by a group of automotive media and Nissan employees. The Nissan Garage also served as home base for the No. 75 Nissan 300ZX racer that in 1994 won the IMSA GTS class at the 24 Hour of Le Mans (including 5th place overall) and the 12 Hours of Sebring, along with the 1994 IMSA GTS Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ Championship. The No. 75 made its Monterey Motorsports Reunion debut last year in honour of the 20th anniversary of its historic season.
An absolutely gorgeous 1924 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A took top honors as Best In Show, besting a classic 1914 Rolls Royce, 1937 Delahaye and 1953 Abarth 1100. The full history and details of this Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A are scarce, but the car features sport cabriolet bodywork, created by Carrosserie Worblaufen after the company acquired the car in 1931. Worblaufen started working on a droptop body style on the long-wheelbase, 145inch chassis, and once the car was complete it was unveiled at the 1932 Geneva Motor Show. It also went on to win the Grand-Prix d’Honneur at Cannes in 1933. The car is an outstanding piece of automotive history and has had only four owners. The car also lived a quite life in France and Switzerland before coming to North America in 2014. Today the car is owned by Jim Patterson of The Patterson Collection in Louisville, KY. Patterson is a regular Concours participant, and last won in 2010. His vehicle was also a blue ribbon winner, named best in its “European Classic Early” class.
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Rolls-Royce Dawn
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Rolls-Royce has chosen a badge from its past to communicate its new direction. The new Dawn seeks to be more than just a Drophead Wraith. Author: Raj Warrior
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t isn’t very often that we get involved with the subterfuge and secrecy surrounding a global car launch. And when that car brand is Rolls-Royce, everything just gets murkier. But then the new car at the centre of attention here is called Dawn and the name implies a bringing of light and illumination. But back to that thought later. We were flown in to Monaco for a private viewing of the car in the fourth week of July. The choice of location wasn’t coincidental. The playground of the ultra-rich is the stomping ground of the beautiful people, those who are there to seek attention as well as to give the 28
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impression of being camera-shy. It’s the only place in the world where your hotel room’s electronic door key also doubles up as a credit card that can be used in establishments across the principality for the duration of your stay. Of course, the assumption remains that you will be able to pay up when the bill comes. The viewing itself was organised in a secluded corner of a marina, which was technically over the border in France. But then Monaco is that small and so integrated into the urban areas around it that you wouldn’t notice if you weren’t informed. After going through a reception that included a cloak room for electronics
and cameras and a frisking with metal detectors, we assembled in a lounge to be taken through the background and to understand the rationale for the car. The Dawn is a departure from the straight and narrow that Rolls-Royce as a brand has embodied over the past decade. Its pantheon is replete with names that are ethereal in nature. Even the current lineup of the Phantom, Ghost and Wraith are of the intangible spirits that haunt our psyche. So why the Dawn? The name is pulled out from a historical connection to the Silver Dawn, a post-second world war model that also saw life as a Bentley. It wasn’t one of the most defining models
but perhaps, if we dig deep enough, we can find parallels. Of course the company is completely different from the one that existed seventy years ago. Now the volumes are such that it can be profitably run, while maintaining the rarity that their customers seek. But the Dawn still had its place. It marked the entry of Rolls-Royce into factory built bodies – unlike the pre-war era where it supplied the chassis and engine but then left the bodywork to custom coach builders. It was a time of austerity for Great Britain – a time which had seen it lose much of its empire and was a period marked by rationing for the common man. Perhaps as a result, the
Silver Dawn didn’t sell too many cars over its six year life span. But of this quantity, only 28 were the Silver Dawn Drophead. But that’s not the only time Dawn has been used. In the 1980’s, the Silver Dawn was a variant of the Silver Spirit series. The notable introduction in this model series was the spring-loaded retractable Spirit of Ecstasy motif on the hood, which still carries on to this day. Going by the second instance, this Dawn should have been communicated as a variant of the Wraith. That is the most logical viewpoint, considering that the underpinnings are all from the hardtop
car. So then why were the officials, including the design director Giles Taylor, so insistent that this was a new model line? For an answer to that, we had to wait until the car was revealed in the closed room below. As the wraps came off the car, I found myself in a position where I was at the front three-quarters point. This is definitely the best angle to see the lines of the car. At first glance you wonder what’s happened to the brand? The car may look like the Wraith with an open top, but then again, it looks so different. You notice how it manages to look wedge like despite the bold vertical grille. How the slimmed SEP 2015
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Rear hip point sits just ahead of rearaxle
Hidden rollover safety built into rear firewall
Driver hip point is positioned well behind the midpoint of the wheelbase
Rear hip point sits just ahead of rearaxle
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Rear fenders actually get haunches
Rear overhang communicates the volume of the boot
Nice short front overhang
down headlights deceptively reduce the impact and add to the impression of a rising waistline. And there at the rear you see haunches. Not as aggressive as on a muscle car, but definitely there. And with the roof up, you get a dose of a Rolls-Royce as a hotrod, with a thicker C-pillar than you would expect as well as a wrapdown roof that makes the windows seem slimmer in proportion. As we shifted around, I then found myself in a position to see the profile. The car is definite sporty in nature, with its large wheels and wheelwells accentuating the proportions. A short front overhang partners a larger one behind. For a change
Rear deck tapers but doesn’t drop away
the rear deck doesn’t drop away, but defines a bit of a flick upwards. And the driver’s hip point sits well back of the centre point between the wheels, with the rear passenger’s hip point looking like it is just a few centimetres ahead of the rear wheel centreline. That’s when they dropped the roof. In the closed room, you couldn’t even hear the electric motors whine. The only sound was of the locks clicking in place as the assembly closed down. That’s the point at which you get an uninterrupted view of the interiors. Here is the point where you connect with Giles’ statement that 2+2 does not equal four. For this
car is a genuine four-seater, with the central tunnel serving to split the cabin into independent cockpits. The door is still the rearward opening suicide door arrangement, but getting in and out of the rear seats isn’t a problem and once seated you have loads of legroom. The cabin is surrounded by a wood treatment that communicates outwards (with the roof packed away). Its visual partner is wood veneer around luxury speedboats. The dashboard carries the usual Rolls-Royce treatment of mirrored and matching veneers as well as the new generation displays and controls. That was about all we got to see as we
This view perhaps best communicates the nature of this genuine four-seater Drophead, complete with its feel of boat decking and a journey to a sunny beach.
were promised further details at a later stage. That time has come now. The media pack carries on phrase, “Contrary to media speculation, the new Rolls-Royce Dawn is not a Wraith drophead. 80% of the exterior body panels of the new Dawn are newly designed to accommodate an evolution of Rolls-Royce’s design language and to encapsulate highly contemporary, fourseat super-luxury drophead architecture. “ If we hadn’t seen the car in the flesh, we wouldn’t have understood, but this one phrase actually communicates why the Dawn and Wraith are destined to lead separate lives, for this is so true. The communication also goes on to name the roof’s action as the Silent Ballet (nice!) and tells us that it takes just 22 seconds to do its act. Then there’s the Bespoke audio system with its 16-speakers and the twin-turbo 6.6-litre V12 that delivers 563bhp@5,250 rpm and the renowned
torque of 780Nm at 1,500rpm. This is matched to a ZF 8-speed gearbox that runs its gears in conjunction with satellite navigation feed to pre-decide the optimum gear.
The Dawn’s new design language means it is far more than a Wraith Drophead There’s also an upgraded controller interface with the Spirit of Ecstasy controller complete with touchpad that
takes handwritten input, pull and pinch functions and tracking. And you get automatic cruise control with the ability to brake safely, latest generation LED tech on the headlights as well as night-vision and heads-up display that can pick out humans and animals that may have escaped the headlights. So what’s our verdict? We are waiting for the chance to drive the car, while being chuffed about our inclusion in the select group that actually saw it in Monaco. The styling is spot on – we loved it at first sight and still cannot believe that this is the new design language at the marque. The car is one of the most beautiful we have seen – perhaps justifying the tag of the sexiest RollsRoyce made given by Torsten MuellerOetvoes, the CEO of the company. It does mark a new Dawn and it’s one to be enjoyed with the top down and with wind in your hair.
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2015 Subaru Legacy
Credible mid-sized performer
Hiroshima-based Subaru’s Legacy is a popular model in the Middle East and now comes the latest iteration refreshed with updated styling and features. Automan test drives the top-of-the line 3.6R-S model in and around in Oman and returns impressed Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Elvis John Ferrao
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T
ill now, most road going sedans in the line-up produced by Subaru focused more on engineering and dynamic abilities. However, with the fast-pace of change in market dynamics in a hotly contested segment which includes stylish models like the recently refreshed Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima and Mazda6, Subaru has realized that it also has to up its game for its segment contender. For the refreshed sixth-generation 2015 Legacy, Subaru has looked beyond its core engineering aspects and has paid attention in design and packaging. Subaru is confident that the changes that it has incorporated in the incoming Legacy represent the beginning of a new chapter for the Japanese brand. The production version of the 2015 Legacy first appeared at the 2014 Chicago auto show. Although the Legacy shares a similar look and feel to the outgoing model, it moves forward with just a few of the design cues as previewed by the concept version. Subaru prefers to keep styling a bit conservative and the changes don’t actually alter the profile or proportions drastically as dimensionally the car is unchanged and hence it is 188.8in long, 34
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72.4in wide, 59.0in tall and rides on a wheelbase of 108.3in. The styling has been toned down significantly from the concept version, but the “nosecone” front end and hexagonal grille are influenced from the concept. Giving it a sharper profile is the raked windscreen which has been pulled forward by 2in at the base. Most of the car’s sheet metal is devoid of unnecessary characters lines, whereas the deep creases in the shoulder
Subaru’s no-nonsense approach to car design is reflected in the simple and straightforward interior design of the new Legacy. lines sign off the styling nicely. In its construction, weight distribution and materials usage has played a key role. While most of the car it made out of steel blanks and stampings, the bonnet is made of aluminium. The car’s cabin is simple and mostly
uncluttered and clever packaging by designers have resulted in several benefits, key among them are the high seating hip points, addition of new fixed front quarter windows, door-mounted side view mirrors and in general space management. The cabin is also quite spacious which is interesting since there are no dimensional changes. Key changes include a new design that Subaru says “highlights horizontal themes.” A twobinnacle gauge cluster faces the driver and features either a 3.5in central LCD screen or 5.0in display on cars with the EyeSight suite of safety features. Softtouch materials are used throughout the cabin, and thicker cushioning graces the armrests and central console. A new infotainment system with a 6.2in touchscreen is set in the upper portion of the central console. The touchscreen display utilizes multi-touch functionality, and like many modern smartphones and tablets offers swipe and scrolling gestures. Navigation is available. In terms of space, total passenger volume stands at 104.6c-ft, a gain of 1.6c-ft over the outgoing model. That extra space has resulted in more shoulder, hip, elbow, and leg room for occupants. Cargo
volume measures 15 cubic-feet, a slight improvement from the 14.7 cubic-feet of the previous model. More room is available when the standard 60:40 split folding rear seats are folded down. Subaru claims that attention to NVH has been a priority area and as a result the car gets liquid-filled engine mounts that help keep vibrations and noises within the engine compartment. To hush the noise level in the cabin, acoustic glass is used along with effective damping material. On the hardware side, driver gets a quick-ratio electric power steering system which replaces the older version’s hydraulic set-up. The steering wheel diameter is slightly smaller than in a usual sedan and lends a sporty feel. The car’s 3.6-litre flat-six EZ36D boxer engine has been carried over from the fifth-generation model with no changes to its output or torque. The engine generates 260hp at 6,000rpm and 350Nm of torque at 4,400rpm and is paired to a high torque version CVT [Lineatronic] which is also used in the WRX and Forester Turbo. As with most Subarus, all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard in this model and the Legacy 3.6R-S gets a refined version of Subaru’s Active Torque Split Symmetrical
AWD. An electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch actively controls torque distribution in response to driving conditions and wheel slippage. The system can send additional torque to the rear wheels either proactively or in response to slippage at the front wheels. Taking input from acceleration, steering angle and yaw rate sensors, Active Torque Split AWD optimizes traction and steering response
With the refreshed 2015 Legacy, Subaru has been able to catapult the popular sedan to the top league of engaging cars within the segment when accelerating through turns and curves, particularly when the road surface is slippery. The new systems have been accommodated in a chassis that is carried
over but it has also been upgraded with new shock absorbers and stiffer suspension mounts. Subaru has also revised the geometry and damper tuning on the 2015 Legacy and added the Active Torque Vectoring system used on the new WRX and STI. That feature is an evolution of the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system, and can apply brakes to the inside front wheel for more neutral handling. The 2015 Legacy has earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, thanks to new features like the rollover sensors, while a new front seat-cushion airbag is designed to keep passengers in place in a frontal collision. That system offers Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert functions. In addition, Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance package is offered on Premium and Limited trim levels, and includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning systems. All new models are equipped with Incline Start Assist and the electronic Hill Holder System that holds the vehicle in place until the driver applies the throttle. Driving impressions This is car that is full of surprises from the SEP 2015
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moment you fire the engine and engage gear and move on. Within a few hundred yards, the car will communicate with the driver almost immediately its engineering prowess and superb torque delivery. It certainly did put a smile when we stabbed the throttle and experienced the gear shifting and holding pattern. It took us a while to accept the fact that we were driving a spirited sedan with CVT and not a cogged set-up. In today’s advanced motoring environment and to some extent from the marketing perspective, mating a CVT to a decent engine in general is a no-no, but in Subaru’s case the pairing has been mastered with utmost precision. The all-wheel drive system works coherently with the engine and transmission tie-up, and although Subarus have a tendency to understeer under pressure, the new Legacy felt well balanced and composed when push came to shove. While, the previous Legacy set a
dynamic benchmark for the model series, this new model isn’t a super sports sedan, rather it is considerably more engaging and fun to drive car. Subaru seem have deliberately kept the Legacy feel and behave much different than the smaller Impreza sibling and its sporty variants. The advantages of having an all-wheel drive set-up in any car has always been a subjective matter and it can divide opinions. While it is true that it adds weight, lowers fuel consumption and adds to overall cost, but in truth it certainly contributes in making the Legacy feel much different to its key competitors like the current segment leader, the Mazda6. Subaru engineers must be commended in getting this set-up to actually work with precision in what is generally considered complicated transmission set-up. While the line separating the Legacy and its siblings is clear, by now it became obvious that Subaru’s experience with
For instant, seamless response to changing conditions, the redesigned Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission elevates efficiency of the BOXER engine and Symmetrical AWD by keeping the engine in its ideal power range. Featuring a reinforced transmission case and new torque converter, Lineatronic delivers a smoother ride while also reducing mechanical noise during operation. Adaptive control automatically shifts to the most optimal gear to suit any driving style and road condition, while a stepped variable control is in tune with changes in engine speed, maximising drivability and performance. Lineartronic is designed for linear response, and of course predictable driving means more fun behind the wheel. Yet there is more than simply selecting the most appropriate gear
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the Impreza and XV has also had some impact on the Legacy too. The first thing noted is that there’s none of that constant drone that you get from the CVT set-up. In fact, it operates like a conventional automatic and even there’s a shift feel in-between up or downshifts. In fact, what we have experienced was the effects of the stepped variable controller which holds engine speed when you floor the throttle so unlike most CVTs it won’t simply dial in optimum revs. The car’s chassis also feels sharper than the older version despite the fact it is not an active type. The benefits of the chassis upgrade which includes new shock absorbers and stiffer suspension mounts ensure tighter body control by reducing body roll [than its predecessor] giving drivers more control while exiting fast corners. Factor in the performance from the 18in alloys shod with 225/50 tyres and it capacity to lend plenty
ratio. Another advantage of CVT is that it allows the engine to operate longer at a lower speed than conventional automatic transmission systems. A lower engine speed means better fuel economy. And CVTs also deliver a smoother ride, as it eliminates shocks when changing gears, and allows the engine to run quieter.
of mid-corner grip. The chassis ably absorbs cracks and potholes and keeps occupants cosseted when cruising along imperfect roads. The car’s overall handling also benefits tremendously from the torque vectoring system which was originally developed for the WRX and now adopted for the Legacy. The system is programmed to use brakes to reduce individual wheel speeds, thus reducing the general tendency to understeer. In this Legacy, the all-wheel drive system is set at 60:40 front/rear torque distribution [as opposed to 50:50] but alters this on the fly, depending on the inputs the sensors
send to the electronic command set-up. Another pleasant experience for the occupants in this car is that exhibits lower levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). This car is very quiet with hardly any engine, wind, tyre or road noise disturbing the serenity in the cabin. A few practical niggles encountered during the drive, the 7in satellite navigation system is typically Japanese and compared with the fast touchscreens available these days, it appears cumbersome and somewhat lethargic to respond. The six buttons around the screen make the set-up appear archaic and smarter solution would be to get all
the controls grouped under a rotary dial or similar system for optimised usability. Also the TFT screen could be recessed in the housing as it is difficult to read in direct sunlight. Verdict It’s good news for Subaru aficionados who have been expecting the brand to return to its roots and create aggressively styled vehicles with dynamic ability at their core. With the new Legacy, Subaru obliges by delivering an impressive package. This is a car for drivers who favour practicality and premium engineering over frills and flash. SEP 2015
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2015 Suzuki S-Cross
Compact drive
India-based Maruti Suzuki has aspirations to move the brand upwards into the premium segment with all-new offerings and new retail identities. The all-new 2016 global S-Cross compact SUV is the first offering under this mantra Author and photography: Faisal Khan
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t’s a global model that is also known as the SX4 S-Cross globally and in India it represents itself as a second generation member from the SX4 family. The all-new S-Cross for this market was showcased in concept form in September 2012 while the production model made its debut in 2013. The production version marketed as the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross for India was first showcased in India at the 2014 Auto Expo in New Delhi. The new S-Cross comes at a time when the compact SUV segment is booming in India and to leverage that growth, more and more car makers are entering into this segment. Till now, Maruti Suzuki was not represented in this segment but things are set to change as India’s largest car maker turns its focus towards this dynamic segment. At the same time, Maruti Suzuki is also looking beyond just creating a car for the masses. As part of its branding profile, it has created ‘Nexa’, a sub 38
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brand of sorts for boutique-styled retail outlets which will have the job of selling premium products like the new S-Cross. The S-Cross project began as a clean sheet one despite the fact that the current Swift hatchback had a possibility to act as a donor for a new compact crossover for that market to rival models like the Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano or Ford EcoSport. But Maruti Suzuki decided to invest and develop its own compact SUV [codename YBA] which is expected to be launched next year. Till that happens, the S-Cross will serve as the brand’s compact SUV representative in India. The S-Cross is a global model and is sold in different configurations depending on markets. It’s interesting that Maruti Suzuki chooses to call the S-Cross a premium crossover and not a compact SUV. The car at first glance, may remind one of the SX4 as it has a similar face, similar muscular looks and stance. But before you think this is the hatchback or the
cross version of the SX4, it has more of hatchback profile than a proper SUV when you consider its key dimensions. The car is 4,300mm long and has 2,600mm wheelbase and lowered to 180mm ground clearance. In its construction, Suzuki’s heavy use of highstrength steels in body construction has kept the weight down to around 1,275kg. To ensure it’s not mistaken as a hatchback on stilts, Maruti has given the car black cladding all around, roof rails and faux skid plates, these being design elements often associated with SUVs. The headlamps are HID projectors
and parking lights which double up as daytime running lights while the grille gets twin slats. The side profile reveals the hatchback like profile of the car and also reveals the almost Renault Duster like length of 4,300m. The car’s mirrors are mounted from the body. The rear gets split tail lamps, an integrated rear spoiler. Overall, the S-Cross does end up looking more like a big hatchback on steroids. While not exactly a design stunner from the exterior, but inside the story is quite different. Most of the cabin is finished in black contrasted with brushed aluminium finished trim. The dashboard
is simple and what breaks the monotony is the hexagonal shaped SmartPlay audio system in the centre of the dash. Touch and feel point include soft plastics with little evidence of hard plastics. The only fly in the ointment are the switches which are carried over from the Swift. The buttons under the right most AC vents feel a bit dated. The steering wheel too has been carried over from smaller Maruti but gets a leather wrap and is multifunctional with additional control buttons like cruise control. The 7in touch screen is super responsive and the voice commands work brilliantly.
The glass to metal area is generous thanks to the use of quarter windows front and rear. Occupants will not feel claustrophobic and all around view is good. Storage spaces inside the cabin are good. The rear seat offers excellent room, all the seats are very comfortable as well and leather bound seats get double stitching. Where the S-Cross really surprises is the rear, there is ample rear seat legroom and although headroom is far from class-leading, it is enough to accommodate a six footer without his head touching the roof. Under-thigh support is good too. But a SEP 2015
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third passenger isn’t very welcome due to the transmission hump design due to the car also being made in AWD for global markets and protruding centre stack that surprisingly doesn’t have rear AC vents. Other features include electric steering Bluetooth, USB, AUX, CD and navigation, 6-speakers, Smartphone app, keyless GO, push button start, climate control AC, electrically retracting rearview mirrors and automatic wipers. In terms of cargo space, the boot doesn’t sound big enough when you talk numbers. It is smaller than that of the Honda Jazz by a litre but is very usable and the low loading bay ensures easy 40
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access. The rear seats split fold in 60:40. In our view, the S-Cross will thrive as a small family car with the simplicity of its layout and controls which are hard to beat. The Indian version is a 2WD drive and is powered by two Fiat sourced oil burners. The forced fed 1.3-litre MultiJet has been powering all Maruti diesel cars till recently. The power output is 90PS and 200Nm of torque. It is matched to a 5-speed gearbox and has good punch in the mid-range, with performance being best once the turbo spools up which is post 1,750rpm. The second engine offered is the 1.6-litre diesel engine which produces 120PS and 320Nm. The
S-Cross doesn’t get an independent rear suspension but uses the traditional torsion beam instead. The car rides on dual purpose on-off road 205/60 R16 tyres. McPherson Struts with coil springs are used up front and torsion beam setup at the rear. Driving impressions As expected with any diesel engine, the low-end is rather weak as there is considerable lag but when the turbo spools up at around 1,800rpm, the S-Cross acceleration in all its glory, giving you a nice surge, making the mid-range the strong point of this powerplant.
Power delivery is abrupt when the turbo kicks in and that can be a task to handle in stop-go traffic. But out on the highway, the bigger of the two diesels variants tested offer more than enough grunt to deal with quick overtakes. The gearing is tall and can do 120km/h in third so one needs to really push the motor and get it into the mid-range to tackle city driving. One also needs to work the gearbox more often when ambling around town. The motor has good NVH levels although it’s not pin drop silent like the 1.6-litre oil burner from Hyundai, it is also very vocal when you get into the top-end, redline coming in at 5,000rpm. The 6-speed gearbox is smooth shifting but not as slick as Hyundai’s 6-speed box and when doing the ton in top gear, it ticks the needle at 1,750rpm. The S-Cross handles well and is quite engaging to drive but the electric steering exhibits typical characteristics of being short on feel. The car has a very good ride quality and the suspension although on the stiffer side, does a fine job of absorbing
Although the S-Cross is a global model for Suzuki, it is flexible enough to be engineered according to specific market requirements like India. The European version gets a choice of petrol engines and CVT transmission bumps. With the slightly stiffer setup, the S-Cross remains quite stable at speed. There is some body roll but it is very well contained and the handling is quite engaging, hinting more carlike feel than SUV. Steering feel is a bit numb off-centre but the car’s turning
radius is impressive. We noted braking performance is good across the variants and except the base Sigma trim, all models get rear discs as standard, there is no ESP though. Well weighted controls and a strong diesel engine mean the S-Cross is more fun to drive than most competitors. Verdict For the Indian market, the S-Cross presents itself as premium offering. The focus for this specific market is packing and efficiency given the type of market segment it attempts to satisfy. In India, the S-Cross will be available from Nexa branded boutique-styled retail outlets that have been created specifically to sell the brand’s ‘premium’ offerings. While, the S-Cross doesn’t represent the cutting edge design in the crossover class but it’s highly likeable, well resolved and offered at a decent price point. With good equipment on board, this car has the potential to attract the value conscious, especially with the 1.6-litre diesel variant. SEP 2015
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2015 Toyota Camry
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achievement
The globally popular current model series Toyota Camry gets a significant styling and packaging upgrade for 2015. Automan checks out the most stylish iteration in and around Oman Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Elvis John Ferrao
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sually, for any car that comes to Automan for review, we try to figure out where it stands in the buyer’s community and the core reasons for its commercial success or failure. It terms of commercial success, Toyota’s D-segment mid-sized Camry’s remains unbeatable and hence one does wonder about the mantra used by the Japanese brand in view of the automotive environment where power figures, acceleration times and features are major considerations. We think the Camry’s success over the years is because it has always been a value-packed proposition with a decent feature pack, high reliability and low maintenance costs. It definitely ticks on all the right boxes and in the past has been the best selling model in several countries for Toyota. The current model for our region is imported from Australia and as we all know, Toyota will be disbanding its production facilities in that country in a phased manner by 2017. However, this is not the end for the model series as Camry production will continue in other Toyota production plants including North America and Asia. In a way, the final Australian-built version gets a befitting send-off. A mild mid-life facelift would have been enough, but since it is a significant model, Toyota has treated the Camry to a major refresh. And there’s one other reason for this. Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda has ordered his engineers to make more exciting cars for 44
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For the 2015 Gen VIII Camry, Toyota has completely redesigned the mid-sized sedan giving it a more aggressive and athletic look the brand and in particular the Camry, which has earned the reputation as one of the most sedate cars on the road. So for anyone familiar with the Camry, it is an interesting juncture to see how the 2015 model has evolved further. One fact which needs to be appreciated about Toyota that it didn’t claim that the incoming car was all-new model and the reason for this is understandable. The chassis is basically unchanged apart from a slightly wider track, marginal increase in length, most of the hardware include powertrain has been carried forward. The refresh exercise began with the exterior where Toyota designers and engineers re-imagined nearly every exterior surface of the car. Only the roof panel is carried over. The car grabs subtle styling cues from the current Avalon and Corolla, with a hint of Lexus visible as well. The most dramatic change is the grille. And then you have a pronounced
body line starts from the Camry’s front mudguard and runs across the doors and rear quarter panel which together give the car a sharper profile. Dimensionally, the car is slightly longer now [by 45mm] and features a 10cm widened track. This helps communicate its dynamic stance and presence. The sleek profile also gets complementary detailing. New angular and sleek headlamp clusters contrast the aggressive front face, while the front turn signal indicators and LED DRL’s are now integrated in a single unit. The car’s rear tail lamps sweep into the tapered sheet metal at the rear of the car and a decorative garnish connects the tail lamps across the boot lid. The design story also infiltrates the car’s cabin. Once inside, the first thing noticed is the conscious attempt to get rid of the older car’s bland appeal. The dashboard and door panels continue to use an older design theme, but the bigger news is the marked improvement in the materials usage, the new multimedia system and in general improved amenities. The redesigned central console features a high-tech, upscale look that smoothly integrates with the rest of the cabin. The console now offers increased storage capacity while offering a convenient power source in the storage box. The new enclosed bin in front of the shifter now offers 12V power and USB socket. The revisited cockpit that offers intuitive topflight in-car electronics and displays that
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help reduce driver stress and distraction. The instrument panel features a new 4.2in TFT screen nestled between the threedimensional Optitron gauges. The screen’s colour animation displays a wide range of vehicle functions and coordinates with the multimedia system to display audio, navigation, warnings and communications. Detailed high contrast French-stitching and trim elements finished in satin chrome convey a sophisticated appearance. The car retains a very user-friendly passenger cabin with very comfortable seating for passengers. While a great deal of attention has been paid in enhancing cosmetics and touch points, Toyota engineers have also worked on the car in view of its business objective of trying to attract a more youthful audience. Part of this strategy involves adding more technology to its entertainment systems in addition to other applications. In terms of new technology applications, Toyota engineers have renewed their focus on reducing unwanted wind and road noise to offer an even quieter cabin. As a result of this drive, window and door seals have been improved to keep noise outside and more sound insulating material has been used. Even the exterior side mirrors were redesigned to better control air flow reducing turbulence and noise. While constructing the car on a carryover platform, engineers have stiffened the core structure by increasing the number of spot weld points to the door opening flanges to increase torsional rigidity. The electric power steering has been 46
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The Camry is the envy of many rival car makers as it offers a combination of convenience and dependability that cannot simply be beaten tuned for better on-centre feel, better straight line stability and more directfeeling steering inputs. In addition to improvements in steering feel, the hydraulic system has been revised with a two-stage brake booster to improve brake feel. A combination of Macpherson struts up front, a multi-link arrangement at the rear and a stiffer body structure allows for unique suspension tuning across trim levels. The car uses a carried forward normallyaspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engines paired with 6-speed automatic transmission. This set-up offers 178hp and 170lb-f of torque. All Toyota vehicles come standard with the STAR Safety System. In addition, Camry will offer safety-focused driver aids including Lane Departure Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System with Auto High Beams, and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert depending on trim level chosen.
Driving impressions We have driven several iterations of the older Camry’s and its dynamic strength over the years has always been creamy ride quality, smooth powertrains, and relatively quiet operation. While the styling definitely gives the 2015 Camry a much stronger visual presence, the adjustments in the driver gratification department was an area of our interest. And we were not disappointed. Under the bonnet is a tried and tested naturally-aspirated four cylinder engine. Acceleration from the fourcylinder is good for the segment and the transmission is very well paired for the job. It shifts smoothly and holds gears as long as it is necessary. The cabin is almost Lexus quiet at all speeds and the suspension erases small road irregularities competently. As before, the Camry is an uncomplicated to drive and to expect outright sports car performance isn’t really justified in this set-up. However, in some markets, the Camry is offered with a bigger V6 and factory tuned sports suspension. We wish at some point of time this variant becomes available in this market as it could give the Camry a new platform to talk about. The car’s road manners are predictable and this transparent aspect of driving is exactly what many motorists are looking for in a mainstream car. However, we do observe some of the benefits associated with the upgrades. For instance, the chassis feels tighter and sharper and this is evident from the way it is now able to resist body-roll and the way it sends more feedback through the steering wheel to the driver.
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2015 Infiniti Q70
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Higher aspirations It’s a new chapter for both Infiniti and its former ‘M’ badged sedans. For 2015, Infiniti’s flagship sedan has undergone both a facelift and a name change from M to Q. Automan checks out the Q70 3.7 variant in Oman Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Elvis John
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issan’s premium luxury brand Infiniti is in the process of reinventing itself. It has embarked on a mission to establish a befitting identity for itself in the premium category and for this it has looked at all sections of the business that matter including the relocation of its global headquarters to Hong Kong to the title sponsorship of a successful Formula 1 team and partnering with Daimler and refreshing its line-up with upgraded and new model introductions. Prior to the 2014 model year, the Q70 was known as the Infiniti M and depending on engine variant it was badged M37 [V6] or M56 [V8] for the standard wheelbase models. There’s also a longwheel version which is sold in US and China with Q70L badging. It may be recalled that the current generation of M-turned-Q cars were introduced on a version of the G35/350Z/FX Nissan FM platform in 2005. In 2010, these models were revisited and repackaged as a more exclusive alternative to the traditional stalwarts of the executive class, such as the BMW 5-series and Mercedes E-Class. In the current garb, the model series is once again in the focus as it gets revisited to coincide with the change in nomenclature.
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The refresh as it suggests does not mean that there’s a change of platform. It’s more of cosmetics and some engineering upgrades enough to give it a better marketing opportunity and to be considered by punters seeking an alternative to the German machines. And the results do speak for themselves: from the exterior, it is an undeniably handsome car with organic shapes which is quite a contrast to increasingly number of angular luxury sedans in the markets these days. New to all 2015 Q70 models are restyled front and rear ends and the inclusion of a new grille, giving the Infiniti Q70 a family identity closely harmonized with the recently debuted Q50 sedan. While, the car’s design may not be considered and outright stunner, its silhouette and profile do communicate an air of refinement besides being able to hold on its own in the styling department. This is expected from a vehicle in the class it represents. In terms of detailing, we can spot the other new elements easily and they include the new LED headlamps, taillamps and turn signals which are now integrated into the side mirrors. Infiniti’s Q70 designers have taken full advantage of the contemporary LED headlamp
cluster’s styling potential and designed it like upturned eyes, with not a little menace in them. Actually it gives the car a kind of determined expression. In its revised sheetmetal side profile, befitting the image it wants to portray, it gets pronounced wheel arches around the standard 18in or the even more stylish 20in wheels and well-planted stance appearance. The car’s cabin does give an impression that Infiniti designers have two agendas in mind. One is to take the best from the bin and upgrade features and materials. As a result, to the keen eye, one can spot the amalgamation of ideas where for the most part, everything from the front seats forward has been carried over. While fit finish and materials used are top notch, buttons, knobs, displays and dials feel a bit dated in comparison to competitors like the Lexus GS, BMW 5-Series, Mercedes E-Class or Audi models which have opted for more digital than analogue content. This aspect will appeal to drivers who prefer the former over the latter. Meanwhile, the interior of the car is a comfortable and luxurious place to be. Our test car was fitted with supple semianiline leather and finished with Japanese
Ash wood trim with genuine silver effect. Front occupants will undoubtedly find accommodation offered to be cosseted and pleasant, where the car really shines is in the rear. The car’s navigation system and infotainment set-up which has been carried over we feel could have been better as it feels average in comparison to the latest COMAND, iDrive, and MMI systems in Infiniti’s German rivals. We do understand this was done as a result of Nissan product sharing but it is showing age issues like low resolution output and in particular the awkwardly placed rotary knob mounted just below the display which also remains unchanged. Of particular interest to us was the Q70’s standard Active Noise Control which is a system that delivers sound from the door speakers which actively cancels unpleasant engine harmonics, and thereby promoting a serene riding environment. The test car was equipped with the 330hp/270 lb-ft 3.7-litre V6 mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic function where fast manual shifts may be summoned via the shift lever or column-mounted shift paddles. On the hardware upgrade side, Infiniti engineers have recalibrated the
Infiniti say that their stylists and engineers have worked together to help incorporate standalone styling, rewarding drive and most importantly resolve niggles found in the older models. transmission to retain its comfortable shift characteristics in Standard and Eco settings while making the Sport mode sportier with rev-matched and predictive automatic downshifts and throttle response. In terms of technological safety features bundle, the Q70 ranks very high. The car comes with a lot of bells and whistles and features include lane departure warning and prevention, intelligent brake assist with forward collision warning, intelligent
cruise control with full-speed range, and distance control assist. Infiniti’s excellent Around View monitor also comes standard and best of all, with the push of a button, most electronic nannies can be turned on or off. Driving impressions The Q70 aspires to represent itself as a good sports sedan and benchmark attributes to verify this would be its powertrain response, steering feel and handling. Outward visibility is excellent and the V6 set-up which has a power output of 330hp and 270 lb.-ft. of torque is well mapped. We were happy to note it feels perfectly suited to the car’s job description and provides plenty of oomph on demand, which is quite handy when fast exits are required. Driver involvement in this car is not very specific as the car sits on the borderline of both luxury and sports. The way the car is package it tries to offer the best of both worlds and as a result, one is compelled to look also at the recently introduced smaller all-new Q50 which was designed to create a new, distinct level of customer engagement with a high level of creativity and technology in its package. In that SEP 2015
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respect, there’s more work to be done for the Q70 if it wants to reach that level. In the Q50, for example, there’s direct adaptive steering technology, a world’s first production vehicle design which allows independent control of the car’s tyre angle and steering inputs and hence transmitting the driver’s intentions to the wheels faster than a mechanical system. In the Q70 the steering set-up seems to be a bit compromised and here’s why: there’s a feeling of disparity between the lightness on centre and in lowspeed manoeuvering and the heaviness during cornering is vast. If the driver is not careful, it can catch him/her off guard. The Q70 feels light and heavily assisted when driving comfortably but the second it’s thrown into a corner, you immediately feel how it is connected the road surface. Keeping this sedan pointed in one direction can be more involved than you’d first expect. Switching to Sport mode quickens throttle response and gear changes somewhat, but the difference from normal mode was noted to be marginal. The transmission set-up is one of the car’s strongest points. One of its greatest strengths is its very aggressive Downshift Rev Matching, which rapidly brings the 52
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This mid-cycle refresh is more than just a facelift and a name change, as Infiniti have updated the steering, ride, throttle, and transmission to address many of the criticisms of the previous models. engine up to the correct rpm for a fast downshift, executing the entire process practically as quickly as you can operate the paddle shifter. We did note that when driven vigorously, it feels agile, responsive, and well balanced and in more sedate conditions, it is comfortable and smooth. Interestingly, the car sports an exceptionally low aerodynamic coefficient of drag of Cd0.27 and hence the cabin is mostly quiet on the move with occasional crosswind noise filtering in. There’s no reason not to like this car despite some shortcomings.
While, the car can be driven aggressively in the Sport driving mode where it is programmed with higher transmission shift points and stronger acceleration, the driver can switch to the Eco driving mode which programmed the transmission for more fuel-efficient shifts, and even provided a slight push-back through the throttle pedal, indicating that throttle use should be moderated for greener results. This aspect would appeal to both kinds of drivers. In terms of overall handling, the car’s front-mid-engine layout with the engine sitting behind the front axle but in front of the driver results in good front-to-rear weight distribution and hence predictable handling, excellent turn-in response and directional abilities. And last but not the least a word about stopping power. The car’s brake package we felt was extremely powerful and fade-free in extra-heavy use. This is significant, because at around two tons, the Q70 is no lightweight and stress on the brakes is considerable. Verdict The refreshed 2015 Infiniti Q70 comes at an interesting juncture for the brand. It has been presented as a finely assembled, well engineered, mid-size performancecum-luxury sedan.
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2016 Ferrari 488 Spider
By engineering an open top in one of its favourite models, Ferrari has created a much awaited Spider version of its evocative 488 GTB. Automan has the details which were revealed by the sportscar maker ahead of it official 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show reveal Author: Chandan B Mallik
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sually, one would not expect the unexpected from Ferrari and following the introduction of the Ferrari 488 GTB we knew it was only a matter of time before a Spider version would surface. Ferrari released teaser pictures of the 488 Spider in July 2015 and the official public reveal in flesh takes place this month. Ferrari’s new drop-top exercise takes advantage of the 488’s space frame which was designed around the retractable hard top set-up. Ferrari says that it wanted to ensure that the car was better than a soft top for the occupants and equally competent like its coupe sibling. As a result, the car during development spent a lot of time in the aerodynamic department and it was here where it was made to exceed the parameters set. As a result in its construction it uses a blend of magnesium, upto 11 different aluminium alloys and other
Ferrari announces the launch of the 488 Spider, its most powerful ever mid-rear-engined V8 car to feature the patented retractable hard top along with the highest level of technological innovation and with cutting-edge design SEP 2015
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metals to ensure torsional rigidity and beam stiffness equal to the 488 GTB coupe. At the same time, Maranello’s engineers have been able to optimize downforce by getting rid of unwanted drag by using innovative aerodynamic solutions like a specially designed spoiler and underbody vortex generators. All these efforts have ensured that the 488 Spider with retractable hard top is the most aerodynamically efficient Spider ever from Maranello. Apart for aerodynamically optimizing the car, Ferrari has been able to ensure that the extra mechanical appendages do not contribute in excessive weight gain. Interestingly, the retractable hard top takes 14 seconds to retract or deploy and as a package in the 488 Spider, it is roughly 25kg lighter when compared to a folding soft top equivalent. The Spider gains 50 kg in dry weight over the GTB, scaling in at 1,420kg which makes it lighter than the recently announced Lamborghini Aventador SV Roadster [Eds note: see preview elsewhere in this issue of Automan]. In terms of body structure and styling, the Spider retains most of the coupe’s profile,
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Ferrari was the first manufacturer to successfully introduce the concept of retractable hard top on a car using this type of architecture. Ferrari’s engineering solution ensures light weight and better cockpit comfort compared to the classic fabric soft-top but as expected there are some detailing differences which have been necessitated due to the addition of a retractable hard top. However, stylists have ensured that the changes are minimal when compared with the regular 488 GTB. The Spider
wears a set of flying buttresses that serve to channel airflow through to the ribbed engine cover, while the three-position electric glass wind stop adjusts to increase driver and passenger comfort when the top is down. Similar to the 488 coupe’s revised powertrain set-up, the 488 Spider shares the GTB’s mid-rear turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 engine which has been mapped to deliver increasing levels of power across the rev range. In the Spider it produces 660hp at 8,000 rpm and 760Nm of torque at 3,000rpm. Power is transferred via seven-speed F1-style dual-clutch transmission. In terms of performance, the Spider’s numbers are same as the coupe which means it will do the 0-100km/ h sprint in the same 3.0secs as the hardtopped 488. However, the Spider is a bit slower to 200km/) than the GTB, but with an 8.7sec time, the difference is less than half a second. The car’s top speed is 3.2km/h short of the GTB’s 325 km/h. Ferrari says that it has also tweaked the mechanical and electronics systems, helping the Spider to accelerates 12 per cent faster out of corners than its predecessor.
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2016 Lamborghini Aventador LP750-4 SV roadster
Automobili Lamborghini presented the open top version of its Aventador LP750-4 Superveloce model to a select gathering at the famous Monterey Car week in California last month Author: Chandan B Mallik
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utomobili Lamborghini has already established the fact that with increased power, lower weight, improved aerodynamics and innovative technologies in its 2016 Aventador LP750-4 Superveloce. The SV boasts of being the most pure incarnation of a Lamborghini to date. The latest variant is the roadster, which waspresented at the ‘The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering’ event in Monterey. The limited to 500 unit series production variant is also the first production open-top Lamborghini to be adorned with the Superveloce [SV] badge. During the launch, Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili
Lamborghini said: “The Superveloce is the purest, most sports-oriented and fastest series production Lamborghini ever. The Roadster version represents our commitment to satisfying our passionate clients with immensely emotional driving dynamics combined with an extraordinary open air experience.� Since it belongs to the Superveloce family, the car has been engineered to offer greater performance with a power increase of 50hp to 750 hp and a dry weight of 1,575kg. This means it is 50kg lighter when compared to the Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster and the weight reduction has led to an exceptional power-
to-weight ratio of just 2.1 kg/hp. And as with the Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster, the SV Roadster comes with a two-piece hardtop made from carbon fibre featuring advanced technologies which deliver a perfect surface finish and allows complex design shapes to be incorporated besides offering the highest possible component stiffness combined with extremely low weight. Thus, the two roof parts each weigh less than 6kg and can be stowed easily in the luggage compartment. They provide the perfect complement to the monocoque, which is entirely made from carbon fibre In the SV Aventador variants, overall
aerodynamics have been optimized by 150per cent in term of efficiency and gained a considerably higher downforce of 170per cent over the standard Aventador. The most obvious new element is a large racing-style rear wing which improves aerodynamic efficiency and generates additional downforce. It can be manually adjusted to three different positions to suit a driving style. The wing can be regulated to allow for a change of 15per cent in the aerodynamic balance of the car. In this way the best set-up is guaranteed in every driving condition, both on the road and on the track in order to reach maximum downforce or speed. SEP 2015
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The front end of the car has been redesigned completely to allow for a more ‘open’ view, with the forward-stretched line of the front skirt and two front wings - one in black carbon fibre and one in the car’s colour - generating significant downforce in the front of the car. This improves handling and stability, gives even more precise turn-in at high speeds and, in conjunction with the ABS, ensures a sensitive and accurate feedback from the steering. Larger front air intakes optimize brake cooling. Lamborghini claims that despite losing its top, none of the coupe’s characteristics like acceleration, torque delivery and handling prowess has been compromised. In fact, there’s an enhancement to the Superveloce coupé experience wherein the Roadster variant features a power rear window that allows the free-flowing engine sound to fill the cabin with invigorating tones and harmonics during spirited driving. The interior has also been completely revised with a clear focus on weight reduction. The new sports bucket seats and the door panels are made of carbon and the interior’s lightweight design 60
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excludes an infotainment system which is available as a no cost option, carpets and certain noise insulation parts. Like its hardtop counterpart, the Roadster also gets the new instrument cluster. The TFT screen is dominated by the colour yellow, with an RPM shifting indicator in light
The limited production Roadster benefits from all the technology applications from the coupe and adds its own characteristics as the first open top production model to bear the Super Veloce badge blue, and a G-force indicator in the lower part of the cluster similar to racing cars. At 8,400 rpm, the car’s naturally aspirated
6.5-litre V12 produces 750hp and torque of 690Nm comes in at 5,500rpm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h comes in 2.9secs with a top speed of more than 350 km/h. As before, the Roadster uses 7-speed ISR transmission with fast gear shifts. The engine’s power is transferred to all four wheels via Haldex Gen IV 4WD system. The electronically controlled coupling matches the torque distribution perfectly to the dynamic situation in a matter of milliseconds. A self-locking differential at the rear axle and an electronic differential lock at the front is controlled by the ESP. As in the SV coupé the car takes advantage of adaptive Magneto Rheological Suspension, a pushrod damping system and Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS) for improved driving dynamics. Deliveries of the Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Roadster begin in early 2016. The Superveloce’s lightweight forged rims in matt black measure 20in at the front and 21in at the rear and are optionally equipped with central locking mounts, as in motorsport. The standard-fit Pirelli P Zero Corsa sports tyres ensure maximum grip, with Carbon Ceramic Brakes as standard.
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BMW M4 GTS Concept
Road, track or both in one package? That’s what BMW’s M performance division wants to address with its M4 Coupe-based M4 GTS Concept Author: Chandan B Mallik 62
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t the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance in California last month, BMW’S M division officially celebrated the first anniversary of the M4 Coupe with a road and track-focused Concept called M4 GTS. The concept was presented alongside an updated version of the 3.0 CSL Hommage. Keen visitors at the event and BMW followers believe that the GTS is production-ready. And should it be green lighted for production and sale, it will be the latest in a long line of performance Coupes from the M stable. What is significant about this development is the fact that BMW M Division is once again returning to its roots. The BMW
offshoot, founded in 1972 as BMW Motorsport GmbH, not only caused a sensation with its iconic BMW M1 racing car, but developed the first turbocharged engine to win the Formula One World Championship and was the force behind what remains the world’s most successful racing touring car - the Group A BMW M3. The Concept M4 GTS is anticipated to fall in line with its illustrious M3 peers like the M3 Evolution [1988], M3 Sport Evolution [1990], M3 GT [1995], M3 CSL [2003], M3 GTS [2010] and M3 CRT [2011]. Over the years, all these M3 models have been developed to offer more power, less weight, besides purposeful road
manners and to some extent some form of exclusivity. Therefore, to find some new technology applications in the new cars/concepts from M division is a normal expectation. In this respect, M doesn’t disappoint. Very much like the last-generation M3 GTS, the Concept M4 GTS is focused on shaving weight and boosting power to help transform the car from a road going machine into a road-track player. That’s not all. The concept also brings to the road a host of new technology applications in a production car like new water injection system, as seen on the MotoGP safety
The BMW Concept M4 GTS continues the tradition of M3 special models – chiefly among them the M3 Evolution [1988], M3 Sport Evolution [1990], M3 GT [1995], M3 CSL [2003], M3 GTS [2010] and M3 CRT [2011]
car revealed earlier in March this year [Eds note: see accompanying story]. The innovative water injection system has already provided a significant output and torque boost in the BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car. In addition, the Concept M4 GTS has rear lamps with OLED [organic light-emitting diode] technology. OLED technology enables extra flexibility and forges an unmistakable appearance that signals exceptional precision. Their low installation height of just 1.4mm and the ability to actuate individual light modules separately create fresh design scope in lighting concepts for car applications.
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In fact, for BMW, OLED technology, its characteristic and distinctive light signature in both daytime driving and during the hours of darkness offer new creative avenues for use in future cars. The Concept M4 GTS remains connected to the stock M4 Coupe as a day-to-day use car. However, for its track day use, every detail that matters has been addressed. Evidence of this comes in the form of the manually adjustable exposed carbon fibre front splitter and rear wing which allows
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the car to be adapted for both individual race tracks and for use on the road. Other performance-oriented changes on the GTS include a bonnet made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic which is the same strong, ultra-lightweight material used extensively on the i3 and i8. A wide front air intake optimises airflow and minimises front axle lift. The dynamic and exclusive presence of the BMW Concept M4 GTS is accentuated by the exterior paint shade Frozen Dark
Grey Metallic, with the Acid Orange accent on the front splitter creating an effective contrast. The lightweight, forged and polished light-alloy wheels in 666 M styling also feature an Acid Orange accent. The 9.5 J x 19 [front] and 10.5 J x 20 [rear] wheels are fitted with Michelin Sport Cup 2 tyres [265/35 R19 at the front, 285/30 R20 at the rear]. The mixed-size tyres provide the ideal conduit for the stand-out dynamic attributes of the BMW Concept M4 GTS.
Engine thermal management explained The water injection system introduced by BMW M Division sees the engineers using the physical effect of water when vapourising to draw the required energy from the ambient medium. Usually, the performance achievable by a combustion engine is limited by various factors, including the process temperature in the combustion chamber. If this temperature is exceeded, the result is uncontrolled combustion [knocking] and thus a loss in performance and, in the worst case, expensive damage to the engine. This is particularly important when the engine is charged, as the intake air is already heated intensely in the turbocharger’s supercharger. So, the idea of thermal management comes in here. Using special injectors, pressurised water is injected into the plenums of the intake manifold as a fine spray.
When the water vaporises, the intake air cools significantly. An intercooler does ensure that the temperature drops as necessary, but even that has its physical limits. Increasing the supercharging pressure would exceed the knocking limit and is therefore not a viable means for increasing performance. Depending on design and dimensions of the cooling system and the car’s aerodynamics, the intake air reaches temperatures that are just below the maximum permitted temperatures. As a result, the final compression temperature in the combustion chamber - and therefore the engine’s tendency to “knock” - is reduced, enabling the turbocharged engine to use higher boost pressure and earlier injection timing. Finally, the effective internal cooling of the combustion
chamber reduces the thermal strain on numerous performance-related components. This not only prevents damage to pistons, exhaust valves and catalytic converters, but also reduces the strain on the turbocharger, which is subjected to lower exhaust temperatures. This technology ensures an increase in output and torque, while at the same time reducing the thermal stress on performance-relevant components. All of which also enhances the stability and durability of the turbocharged engine. The BMW Concept M4 GTS therefore brings high-performance technology directly from the race track to the road. Using water injection to increase the knocking limit also helps to largely resolve a familiar conflict in objectives when designing powerful engines.
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Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 Coupé
Mercedes-Benz and AMG have released the first details of their new performance-badged C-Class Coupé prior to its official Frankfurt motor show unveil this month Author: Chandan B Mallik
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t’s no secret now that MercedesBenz and its in-house tuner-cumperformance arm AMG make a stunning range of performance cars from stock models in the line-up. Globally, the C-Class is Mercedes-AMG’s bestselling model series and forms one of the backbones of the company’s success. Since its launch in 2011, the Coupé version has steadily gained in significance, culminating with the C 63 AMG Coupé “Black Series in the last generation. Even in stock form, the new C-Class is being hailed as a scaled down version of the top-
of-the-line S-class. But the story with the incoming C-Class Coupé variant/s is expected to be different as they will reside in an active segment where overall packaging is key to the success of this model. It may be recalled that the segment enjoys patronage from competitive European premium players, particularly Audi and BMW. And it’s no secret that BMW raised the performance bar with the 4 Series and Audi raised the benchmark for interiors across all its models. As a result, the incoming C-Class coupé will see the best of both worlds
being offered and the model will be offered in several flavours. As of now the two variants that will be offered are the Coupé and S Coupé. Technology applications and visual distinctions are the key mantras for this and it begins with bodywork. Only the doors, roof and trunk lid are shared, while other sheetmetal components are very much tailored to suit the job description. Both front and rear wheel arches have been flared and there’s an increase in track width. The flared wheel arches make the AMG Coupé 64mm wider at the front
and 66mm wider at the rear. Meanwhile, the larger wheel arches allow the use of wider tyres up to 255mm on the front axle and up to 285mm on the rear axle. Two distinctive powerdomes adorn the aluminium bonnet. Taking its inspiration from the S-Class Coupé, the completely redesigned rear end includes a diffuser insert that revives a typical feature from the world of motor sport. For the interiors, there’s usage of highgrade materials with a pleasant touch points. Various AMG-specific controls hint at the brand’s motor sport heritage. As an SEP 2015
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alternative to the standard sports seats in microfibre material or synthetic leather, performance seats are also available. The AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine is core to the set-up and will be offered with two output levels. In the Coupé it will produce 476hp and in the S Coupé 510hp. On the performance level, the C 63 S Coupé will sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 3.9secs and the C 63 Coupé will take 4.0secs. These figures make the coupé just a fraction faster than the sedan. Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h and cars with the AMG Driver’s Package, limited to 290km/h. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission plays a major part in the direct and sporty character of the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupé. It’s been programmed to offer faster upshifts and downshifts than in the previous model. This increased spontaneity is made possible by an even sportier set-up of the engine and transmission parameters. The C 63 Coupé also benefits from a completely redesigned suspension. A four-link front suspension with radial, racing-style brake connections is used. With the active suspension set-up with adjustable damping, three settings are available at the press of a button. The 68
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rear axle has also been newly developed specifically for the Coupé. Other measures include AMG-specific wheel carriers, stiffer elastokinematic tuning and higher negative camber. For improved traction and vehicle dynamics, the C 63 Coupé is provided with a mechanical rear-axle limited-slip differential, while the C 63 S
Mercedes-Benz and AMG see the new C 63 Coupé as setting a new landmark in the brand history by virtue of its yet more technical packaging and visual distinctiveness Coupé comes with an electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential. Both differentials reduce the slip on the inside wheel when cornering, without control interventions in the braking system. The C 63 Coupé comes as standard with 10-spoke light-alloy wheels 9.0in x 18in [front] and 10.5in x 18in
[rear] as well as with tyres of size 255/40 R 18in [front] and 285/35 R 18in [rear]. In the case of the C 63 S Coupé, the tyre sizes are 255/35 R 19” [front] and 285/30 R 19” [rear] on 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels 9.0” x 19” [front] and 10.5” x 19” [rear]. Meanwhile, the electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential [standard on the C 63 S] is the even more sensitive and faster. The ESP is programme for three settings and can also be switched off. The driver is also able to access four different transmission modes. The C 63 S has an additional “Race” transmission mode. All these can be activated using a controller to the left of the touchpad. The driver can choose between various preconfigured transmission modes and an “Individual” mode that the driver can to a large extent personally configure. Unique in its segment, the C 63 S Coupé - like the sedan and station wagon – the car is equipped with dynamic engine mounts which can instantly adapt their characteristics as demanded by the occupants. Safety features include drowsiness detection system and collision prevention alert system. Several other optional assistance systems are available to increase both comfort and safety.
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Nissan Juke R 2.0 Concept
Genuine exclusivity for a volume selling crossover is a rarity in the automotive business. However, Nissan seemed to have mastered the plot with its Gen I Juke R four years ago. The story continues with the Juke R 2.0 Concept which was presented at UK’s Goodwood Festival in summer Author: Chandan B Mallik
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n 2011, team Nissan along with specialists Ray Mallock Limited of UK created a unique performance version of the soft lifestyle crossover Juke by marrying mechanicals and running gear from the GT-R and heavily modifying the rest of the car to suite its job description. Six units were created for sale and four years later, Nissan has decided that the Juke R can do with an upgrade. Enter, the Juke R 2.0 Concept which reflects the brand’s commitment to this creation. The car, in production ready concept from was presented to the visitors at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. And out here, it wasn’t just a static show. Nissan GT Academy graduate and Le Mans 24 Hours driver, Jann Mardenborough was
seen piloting the car as part of its dynamic debut on Goodwood’s Hillclimb on all three days of the event. Boasting several significant design and technical enhancements, the Juke-R 2.0 has been injected with further levels of GT-R testosterone. From the cosmetic standpoint, the new 2.0 has been restyled to bring it line with the stock Juke which received its facelifted last year. As a result, the Juke 2.0 R gets the same new headlamp design, day-running lights and new ‘V-motion’ grille. To reduce weight, the front bumper is now made of carbon fibre and has been redesigned with larger ducts to help feed more cool air into the uprated engine. The bonnet is from the standard Juke too, but has been modified with exposed carbon
Still sporting the iconic ‘R’ matt black paint work, the Juke-R 2.0 is an even more muscular, bolder and powerful version of its predecessor fibre engine cooling ducts. To the side of the car, there are new carbon fibre sills while at the rear there’s a new carbon fibre bumper with a large diffuser and more prominent exhaust cowlings. Wheels come from the current GT-R stable.
Inside, the full FIA-specification roll-cage, body-hugging bucket seats and steering wheel mounted paddles for faster transactions. Under the bonnet, the outgoing Juke R’s 545bhp 3.8-litre turbocharged V6 from the GT-R supercar [not Nismo] gets an upgraded state of tune. It now pumps out 600hp and promises a sub-three seconds 0-100km/h sprint time and a top speed of over 320km/h through its carried over the six-speed dual-clutch gearbox set-up. As of now, the Juke R 2.0 is officially a concept car. And going by how the last Juke R caused a ripple among the supercar crowd, we are sure in the interim weeks Nissan would have received generous offers from serious enthusiasts. SEP 2015
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2016 Lexus LX570
It will be a wait for a few more months before the new full-size 2016 Lexus LX570 officially arrives in showrooms, but the Japanese luxury carmaker has chosen to whet our appetites by revealing its details. Automan has the story Author: Chandan B Mallik
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he last major redesign for Toyota’s luxury arm Lexus LX570 large SUV was in 2008 and a major overhaul was overdue considering the activity in the segment. Finally, that has happened. Lexus showed the new LX570 ahead of the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance in California last month. The incoming model comes in as a major refresh and carries over very few parts from its predecessor like door panels and the roof. The styling of the SUV, takes advantage of the current Lexus design DNA and hence the incoming model will wear the corporate single piece spindle grille, newly design rear tail lamps, and front and rear bumpers in its now familiar silhoutte. Apart from the cosmetic upgrades, the bigger news lies under the mass of sheetmetal and glass. The eight-seater luxury off-roader also gets its transmission upgraded from six to eight speeds. The incoming car will also now get some driver-oriented kits like the Drive Mode Select system for drivetrain and adaptive suspension adjustments on- and off-road. The 5.7-litre V8 will continue to power the car, but it also gets a bump in output. US figures show 282kW and 546Nm, which would be a jump of 12kW and 16Nm over the current model respectively. The 4WD system remains full-time, with a Torsen lockable centre diff running 40:60
front and rear in most driving situations, with the ability to tailor the driveline via Drive Mode Select. From the marketing perspective, the LX570 will be offered in one model variant. To add variety, optional upgrade packages
The Lexus LX 570 is a full-size luxury sportutility vehicle and is a quite popular in our region and competes with the Nissan Patrol, new Cadillac Escalade, refreshed Lincoln Navigator, Infiniti QX80, Audi Q7, Land Rover Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class will also be available. New features that will be made available will include headup display, a centre dash display screen upgrade and a panoramic view monitor for
the driver. Meanwhile, the infotainment system screen upgrade spearheads a major interior makeover, with a massive 12.3in screen and the brand’s staple remote touch interface being engaged for controlling most of its functions. Audio boffins will appreciate the fact that the surround speaker count will remain unchanged at 19 and inputs will be fed by the car’s factory installed 450-watt Mark Levinson Surround Sound set-up. Application of LED lighting technology sees a big boost. LED lighting illuminates the cabin and load area, controlled by touch-sensitive switchgear, with larger [11.6in up from the current 7.0in] rear TFT screens for the rear entertainment system and manual side sunshades to keep the TV screens visible for the rear occupants. Wireless charging for Qi-compatible mobile phones, a three-spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel and the option of ventilation and heating for the rear seats which are fitted with their own climate controls and USB inputs are also on the incoming car’s specification sheet. Safety systems have also been update and will now include ten airbags as part of the Safety System + that adds the accident prep Pre-Collision System, lane-departure warning, auto high beam and radar adaptive cruise control, as well as blind spot warning and tyre pressure monitoring. SEP 2015
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Hyundai Vision G Concept Coupe
The next-generation coupe to bear the Genesis badge has been previewed by Hyundai as the Vision G Concept Coupe. Unveiled in Los Angeles last month, it will also be sold in our region when it goes into production Author: Chandan B Mallik
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he first-generation Genesis Coupe was introduced in late 2008. Despite it being reasonably designed and packaged, commercially, it didn’t do the wonders that Hyundai was expecting. Research suggested that its ‘in-between’ positioning was the main culprit. It was seen as too large to take on the likes of smaller cars like the Toyota FT 86 and on the other too small to be considered as a flagship entry. Hyundai, aware of the coupe’s limitation has now sought to rectify the outgoing edition’s shortcomings with an impressive concept, which the car maker revealed to the North American audience last month. Dubbed as the Vision G Concept Coupe, Hyundai also hopes that it will also represent its aspirations in the luxury segment confidently. At the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Hyundai offered a select gathering an early sneak peek, prior to its Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance official reveal. In terms of positioning, Hyundai could be looking at positioning both rear-drive and all-wheel drive versions somewhere inbetween the E-Class Coupe or BMW 6 Series where prices range from $80,900-$177,900 in the US. The entry level model will
be served with variations of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo and both V6 and V8s are also on the agenda depending on market. The top end spec will be offered with the 5.0-litre Tau V8, which in the Vision G Concept delivers 312kW of power at 6,000rpm and 519Nm of torque at 5,000rpm. The pillar-less full-size coupe concept car, internally known as the HCD-16 “Vision G” Concept Coupe, was designed under the leadership of chief design officer Peter Schreyer. Most of the design work was done at Hyundai’s Californian Design studio. “The design is our interpretation of the idea that Hyundai breathes into all of its vehicles – a DNA that balances design and performance with the idea that you
The Vision G explores the next generation of Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Hyundai is cautiously moving away from only performance credentials and focusing more on features found in the luxury segment
don’t need to be over the top in terms of glitz and stereotypical luxury cues,” said Schreyer. More than anything else, Schreyer’s vision does underline the most important market where the production version will be sold eventually in large numbers. Interestingly, the new concept varies greatly from the striking HND-9 coupe concept that Hyundai revealed at the 2013 Seoul motor show. Mechanically, the car is based on the second-generation Genesis sedan platform. Considering the fact that most of Hyundai’s new products are sporting the Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language, the Hyundai Vision G Coupe Concept’s new design DNA will stand to serve as an inspiration for the company’s family of future premium products.
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2015: Belgian GP
Lewis Hamilton delighted with win around ‘weaker’ Spa
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ewis Hamilton continues to move clear of Nico Rosberg in the championship fight. The British driver claimed he felt in complete control of the Belgian GP after inflicting another raceday defeat on Nico Rosberg, this time on what he described as a “weaker circuit for me”. For just the second time in his F1 career, Hamilton triumphed at Spa-Francorchamps on Sunday - although he had an additional ‘victory’ in 2008 cancelled out for a controversial overtaking infringement - to increase his world title lead over his Mercedes team-mate to a season-high 28 points. Although the fast-flowing circuit is routinely listed by drivers as being among their favourites on the calendar, Hamilton raised eyebrows on Thursday when he said it wasn’t one of his. Speaking to media after his subsequent commanding pole and race victory double, Hamilton explained why he 76
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always found the Spa circuit especially challenging. “This is a really difficult track. For some reason, there are tracks that really suit your driving style and other tracks that you struggle at a little bit and this is definitely one of those tracks I’ve struggled at a little bit more,” he said after his sixth victory of 2015. “I’ve had good results - when it’s been raining, it makes it easier for me! But this weekend, I really did the best and extracted the most that I could get out of, if I could say, a weaker circuit for me.” Lewis Hamilton was delighted to match Ayrton Senna’s tally by making the podium for the 80th time in his career after winning the Belgian GP. He added: “I was really happy with the performance I had this weekend - particularly in qualifying. Then the race was just about trying to manage what I had, the gap that I had, the tyres, everything. Nico was exceptionally fast today but I
didn’t feel like I was incredibly under pressure. I was able to match him when I needed to. Super happy.” Hamilton’s only serious threat across the 43 laps of racing following the initial aborted start came in the opening stages when he was challenged - and very briefly overtaken - by the fast-starting Sergio Perez down the Kemmel Straight. “Sergio was great. If it had been the other way round and Nico was there, it would have been a different outcome probably, but I’m really glad that today went the way it did.” In fact, Sunday was the first race since June’s Canadian GP that Hamilton had not lost at least one place on the opening lap from pole. His stronger getaway came despite the clampdown on radio instructions to drivers concerning bite point settings, with the Briton citing lessons learnt from the last race in Hungary when his W06’s clutch overheated following an
aborted start then. Asked if he had been especially nervous before the lights, Hamilton replied: “I wasn’t. Generally at the start, you can’t get nervous - you can’t allow yourself to get nervous - but today we did the restart and it was really just about cooling my car and making sure it’s good and when it came to doing the restart. “I did the appropriate sequence to ensure it didn’t overheat and it turned out generally good. I did get wheelspin just as Nico got, but I managed to control it a little bit better I guess and still maintain the lead.” The Mercedes driver, who has taken just one more race to match the late great Brazilian’s mark, admitted: “I was five years old when I started watching Ayrton, I don’t know what age it was when I wanted to emulate him, but to think that I have the same amount of podiums now doesn’t feel real.”
Hulkenberg inks new two-year deal with Force India
Nico Hulkenberg will race in Force India’s racing colours until at least the end of the 2017 season, giving the team valuable stability in the years ahead. “I’m very pleased to finalise and announce my plans for the future,” said Hulkenberg. “I know this team inside out and I feel at home here so it made perfect sense to make a long-term commitment. “The progress the team has shown over the last two years has really impressed me and gives me confidence for the future. It’s a great group of people who are hungry for success and want to keep improving year-on-year. I think we have the important things in place going forward and I want to continue growing with this team as we move even further up the grid.”
Pirelli to reveal the results of its investigation Sebastian Vettel’s Spa tyre failure at Monza has been a much talked issue and the Italian tyre manufacturer has been back in the spotlight following the German’s retirement on the penultimate lap of the Belgian Grand Prix whilst holding off Romain Grosjean in the battle for third. Uncharacteristically, Vettel immediately went on the attack, citing Nico Rosberg’s tyre failure days earlier, saying such things shouldn’t happen. Pirelli, which put Rosberg’s failure down to an “outside source”, suggesting the Mercedes driver had run over an object which cut his tyre, suggested that Ferrari’s race failure was to blame, the Italian team having opted for a single stop for its driver. The tyre manufacturer subsequently claimed to have previously called on the FIA to impose mileage limits on tyres, stating that if such limits had
been applied at Spa, the maximum number of laps on the medium compound would have been 22, whereas Vettel completed 28. That said, prior to the incident, which took place shortly after Eau Rouge, there was no discernible drop-off in performance indeed, Vettel appeared to have strong pace and looked likely to hold off Grosjean. Vettel subsequently took to his personal website to defend his team and its strategy, whilst the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association - effectively the drivers’ union - also waded into the debate. “We have finalised the investigation into Sebastian Vettel’s tyre at Spa,” said Paul Hembery in Pirelli’s preview to next week’s Italian Grand Prix, where the same soft and medium compounds will be used. “Detailed conclusions from the technical analysis will be presented at Monza.”
MotoGP
MotoGP Great Britain 2015: thrills and spills Valentino Rossi has regained the lead in the MotoGP championship with victory in a dramatic wet race at Silverstone, while Jorge Lorenzo lost vital ground in the title fight after being pushed out by Danilo Petrucci and Andrea Dovizioso. The Movistar Yamaha rider mastered the treacherous conditions in driving rain after taking the lead from Lorenzo in the opening stages while his closest rival Marc Marquez crashed out on lap 13 to all put end his revival in the championship battle. Octo Pramac Ducati’s Danilo Petrucci had the ride of his life to take a maiden MotoGP rostrum in second and even had a shot at Rossi after reeling in the leader in the closing stages. Andrea Dovizioso made it a nearperfect day for the Italian
manufacturer by taking the final podium place ahead of Lorenzo. In another Rossi win full of high drama it was a nightmare day for Honda, who had three riders in the top six in the opening stages but after multiple crashes Dani Pedrosa represented the top Honda in fifth place. Marquez suffered a slip coming around Copse corner at the start of lap 13 while chasing Rossi in second and his Repsol Honda bike flicked him off, which promoted Petrucci and Dovizioso on to the podium. Cal Crutchlow had his dreams of a first MotoGP podium at his home event destroyed by his LCR Honda team-mate Jack Miller. The rookie got an electric start off the line from 16th to battle into the top five but attempted an
Marc Marquez’s crash at the Octo British Grand Prix last month brought a halt to the momentum the Spaniard had been building. At the rather wet Octo British Grand Prix it looked like it was all set for an epic last-lap Silverstone showdown between rivals Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez. The two riders disappeared at the front of the field before we were denied any Assen-style last corner drama when Marquez crashed for the fourth time this season. The last crash came in Barcelona at the Catalan GP in the dry when the reigning MotoGP World Champion was trying to keep pace with Jorge Lorenzo. After that fall, Marquez switched back to using his 2014 frame with his 2015 engine and swing 78
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extravagant move down the inside of Crutchlow from a long distance back and failed to control his entry into Vale to low-side and collect his teammate who was a passenger. The wet conditions caused havoc for many of the riders who showed promising race pace earlier in the weekend in the dry. Scott Redding, who announced a new deal to move to Pramac Ducati for 2016 on the morning of the race, grabbed his best result of 2015 in sixth to finish top British rider ahead of his fellow countryman Bradley Smith in seventh. Andrea Iannone took a lowkey eighth place ahead of Aleix Espargaro, while Alvaro Bautista rounded out the top ten. The original race start had to be red flagged as the weather
arm, and immediately it paid dividends. The Spaniard went on a run of 4 podiums in a row, including back-to-back victories at the Sachsenring and Indianapolis. In the process he managed to reduce the gap to Rossi at the top of the standings from 69 points after the Catalan GP, to just 52 before Silverstone. Unfortunately, his crash at Copse on lap 13 of the Octo British Grand Prix whilst trying to match the electric pace of Rossi now sees the double MotoGP World Champion fall 77 points behind the Italian in the standings. With a maximum of 150 points left in the last 6 races, Marquez faces an uphill struggle to lift his third MotoGP title in 2015 but insists in his latest blog that the title fight is not over for him yet.
took a dramatic turn moments before the start. After initially being declared a dry race the rain fell much heavier during the warm-up lap and every rider returned to the pits to change to the wet set-up and race direction aborted the start. Maverick Vinales ended the British MotoGP as top rookie in 11th while Nicky Hayden grabbed the top open class honours in 12th. Avintia Racing duo Hector Barbera and Mike Di Meglio finished a distant 13th and 14th with Alex De Angelis rounding out the points paying positions. While Petrucci enjoyed a fantastic day for Pramac Ducati his team-mate Yonny Hernandez had one to forget after crashing on the exit of turn one on the opening lap after being bunched out.
Is Marquez dragging on expectations?
Is McLaren in a fix?
Fantastic opportunity awaits rookies in UAE Dubai Autodrome will host the ‘Ultimate Rookie Workshop’ this month. The idea is to offer aspirant racing drivers and riders the opportunity to acquaint themselves with exactly what it takes to get involved in UAE track racing. The event is free of charge and the proceedings will be opened by Dr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem President of the Automobile & Touring Club of the UAE, VicePresident of the FIA, and Chairman of the Arab Council of Touring and Automobile Clubs. Also on the speaking roster are UAE Champions Costas Papantonis, Alex Annivas (Touring Cars) and Mamoud Tannir (Superbikes), along with two wheeler veterans Steve Blackney and Alan Boyter. Guy Sheffield of Al Ain Raceway and Dubai Kartdrome’s David Bright will conduct the karting workshop. A selection of the top racing teams in the UAE will also be present, including AUH Motorsport (Radicals), GulfSport (Formula Gulf 1000), Gulf Petrochem (Touring Cars) as well as karting teams and suppliers such as Scuderia Racing, OTK Middle East, Rotax UAE, CRG, Energy Dubai, Birel Art, Abu Dhabi Racing and Sodi Racing. Lectures and displays will give potential rookies and aspiring competitors the opportunity to mingle with experienced drivers and riders, as well as interact with teams and their personnel. Dubai Autodrome General Manager Richard Birch said: “For anyone on a fact finding mission about how to become involved in motor racing in the UAE, the Ultimate Rookie Workshop will tick all the boxes and provide insight into exactly what it takes to get involved.” “It is very encouraging to see the big support of teams and competitors who will attend the day’s proceedings, and there is no better source of information than what those involved in the sport currently can provide.” Interested participants are not required to pre-register and can turn up to the Dubai Autodrome to attend the workshops before 14:00. A Track Evening will follow the workshops, where drivers and riders will have the opportunity to test. A fee for all track evening participants is payable before the sessions on the day.
Despite employing some of the brightest minds in motorsport, McLaren’s engineers are still scratching their heads as to why the Woking team is struggling so badly this year. After ending a 20-year partnership with Mercedes-Benz at the end of last season and reuniting with Honda for the first time since 1992, it was inevitable that their new relationship would bring initial teething problems. However few could have predicted the extent of McLaren’s troubles. The revival of the famous McLarenHonda partnership inevitably evokes memories of past glories and in turn raises expectation levels for a team that last won the constructors’ title in 1998 and has failed to win a race in the last two seasons. Completing fewest laps during pre-season testing than any other team on the grid that participated set initial alarm bells ringing however there appeared to be a consensus in the paddock that fortunes would change as the season progressed. That has not been the case. While the reliability of the MP4-30 has been inconsistent, to blame all of McLaren’s woes solely on their partnership with Honda would be far too simplistic. McLaren’s performance during its final year with Mercedes power in 2014 did little to inspire confidence in the team going forward and while a strong finish at the recent Hungarian Grand Prix lifted the spirits of those in the McLaren camp, questions remain over whether the team has the capability of replicating that level of performance on a regular basis in the second half of the season. Team figures often proclaim that improvements are imminent yet tangible progress is hard to distinguish when McLaren is regarded as one of the top teams in Formula One yet has struggled to rectify its early season woes. McLaren remains a team that appears to be hindered by internal conflict. Signing Eric Boullier as racing director from Lotus last season was initially something of a coup for McLaren and coincided with the return of Ron Dennis as chief executive officer yet the new partnership has failed to blossom thus far. It is also unusual for McLaren’s veteran driver pairing of Fernando Alonso - who remains one of the sport’s top earners and whose pre-season crash in Barcelona remains something of a mystery and Jenson Button to be wearing largely plain overalls and drive a car with a distinct lack of sponsorship logos. Alonso appears to be committed to the cause in the long-term however Button’s future remains uncertain. Companies will not have gone cold on McLaren overnight, however the positives of sponsoring one of Formula One’s heritage teams currently do not appear to outweigh the negatives. Major brands are unlikely to want to be associated with a team that is suffering from a chronic lack of pace and performance. McLaren seem to have all the right ingredients to mount a serious championship challenge in the future, however the team is currently in a prolonged rut that it must get out of sooner rather than later if it is to turn back time and relive the glory days of its past. SEP 2015
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Time for a recharge If you have owned a car long enough you will have faced two situations – one, you would have suffered a puncture and secondly, you would have had a flat battery. It’s a given and no amount of technology or modernity in your car can take away from the fact. It also cannot take away from the grind that you have to undergo. There’s apparently no way to save yourself from a puncture. Sharp object lying on the road meets pliable rubber and sundry plys of fabric and you have a flat. Run-flat tyres may be a solution to getting back to a tyre shop, but can you actually prevent the puncture in the first place? Hardly. On the other hand, the other type of flat is the one that’s raised my ire this month. I own a car that I consider a sleeper hit. Not that many people in Oman or indeed the region do (for if they did, Peugeot wouldn’t be in such a bad way here) but the 508 packs in all the bells and whistles I could want. It has features like auto headlights, auto wipers, parking sensors, navigation, remote entry – in short, the works. To have all of this the car needs a 650 Ah battery. This battery itself is almost a work of art, with a small footprint and lots of additional stuff added on a layer above. But the one thing it doesn’t have is the good sense to give the driver even a day of warning before packing up. You get out to the car in the morning, thinking ahead about the meetings you have planned for the day and trying to figure out the workload and the fancy pants car just does not crank up. Click, click and that’s all. And the only way I even know what’s wrong is through sheer experience – no warning message that comes up and says flat battery or the like. And why can’t they manage that, I ask? It’s not just Peugeot, no manufacturer seems to want to tell us things like this. In the good old analogue days, you could feel the intensity of the cranking process through the sound. You knew well in advance that the battery was weakening and you either replaced it in time or had a handy jumpstart cable ready. I have the latter, which seems to be out on constant loan because people find themselves betrayed by their car batteries. 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 raj@alroya.net. Identify yourself or your message will be trashed and your id blocked
I would have laughed at the irony of my being saddled with a dead car and no other car around for the jumpstart. I had to call a mechanic, who did the honours and found myself battery shopping in Wadi Kabir. Try finding an exotic, high-drain battery like I need in the volume driven marketplace of Oman’s car parts market. I had to drive back to the dealer’s place on the other side of town and wait while the battery was replaced, in the bargain having spent half a day on the task. Now, I ask you, in a day and age when your camera, laptop and mobile phone have the decency to show you the battery status, tell you how well it is charging and even warn you well in advance about the deteriorating health of the little powerhouse, why can’t we get the same in our cars? Don’t say the technology doesn’t exist – I say ‘Pthah’ to that! Why are the bulk of cars saddled with a little red battery light in the first case? Shouldn’t it flash rapidly or something if the battery is nearing its sell by date or retention capacity? And with all the welcome and other sundry messages that the car delivers on its monochromatic LCD display, shouldn’t it tell you something along the lines of “a change of battery is in order”? Car manufacturers need to give us customers a means to avoid getting caught out. I foresee dark days ahead, indeed, for the industry that will be delivering cars that run purely on battery power and the comfort of a little red light whose only function is to just be there.
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