Autobloid Issue 2

DRIVING YOUR DECISIONS

AN

PRESENTATION

JUNE 2011 ISSUE 2 A FREE MID-MONTHLY

gossip on cars @autobloid

POSH CAT

Lower on power, high on class

El magnífico toro

Move over Murciélago, there is a new bull in town

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GRAND REVIVAL The Grand Cherokee steps up its game

The pure-bred, all-American Ram gives a twist to the phrase ‘King of the road’

ENJOY EVOLUTION IN THE ALL- NEW PEUGEOT 3008.

THE ALL-NEW 3008 IS POWERED BY A TURBO 156 HP ENGINE AND HAS A 6 SPEED AUTO GEARBOX, ELECTRONIC STABILITY, SKID RESTRAINT AND ABS BRAKES.

TEST DRIVE ONE TODAY!

For more information call European Motors 24 584 540

CROSSOVER PEUGEOT

DASHBOARD Editor-in-chief Hatim al Taie Managing Director Abdullah al Taie General Manager Rathish Ramachandran Asst. General Manager Terry Mathukutty Asst. Content Head Malcolm X Crasta Senior Designer Shyniben Koyakkil Designer Muneeb Khan Photographer Shakeel al Balushi Sales Mary Gonzales Sami Dalwai

Produced by

deenar press and publishing LLC

a supplement of

Correspondence can be addressed to AUTOBLOID PO Box 139, PC 102, Al Qurm, Sultanate of Oman Tel: +968 24696868, Fax: +968 24693569 Email: info@autobloid.com

printed at Oman printers and stationers June 2011 Print Run: 10,000

© All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers; while every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information here in, or any consequences arising from it. All figures and values used in the tests are the sole property of AUTOBLOID and shall not be used, copied or quoted without permission.

Road to safety N

o matter how much a spectator might deny it, a massive crash during a race is a thrilling spectacle to behold. This holds true for us too. Many a time we fail to realise that there are actual human beings inside those machines as they twist, turn and crumble at high speeds. This thrill would be morally unforgiveable if it wasn’t for the strict safety standards that the sport is governed by.

However, this was not always the case and the road to proper safety was a long and arduous one.

Looking back at the 1960s, danger and death were an accepted face of Motor Racing. Imagine a mix of daredevil drivers, cutting edge technology and scant regard for safety. You had straw bales lining tracks, spectators standing anywhere they wished, open pit lanes with petrol drums lying everywhere, overalls made of cotton, leather helmets and no seatbelts.

There was a two in three chance that a driver wouldn’t finish a race or maybe even lose his life.

Survival then was as much a factor of luck as it was skill and engineering.

As with any technology, and a sad fact of such a money-driven world, it takes a considerable loss of life to convince the ‘people in charge’ to make the necessary changes. In the case of motor racing, it cost us some of the best drivers the sport has ever seen, including the likes of Jim Clark and Jochen Rindt. Jackie Stewart was instrumental in setting up the Grand Prix Driver’s Association that led the fight to increased safety standards. It is his strug-

gles and that of his fearless fellow drivers that we have to thank for revolutionising the sport.

In fact, two crashes at the recent 24 Hours of Le Mans stood as a testament to their struggles and their ultimate victory. Two out of the three leading Audi R18s met horrific ends – less than an hour into the race the R18 #3, with McNish at the wheel, went into the barrier at high speed and later the #1 car driven by Mike Rockenfelle ran into another barrier at practically full speed. Both were trying to overtake the slower traffic. Despite the cars being completely obliterated, the drivers managed to walk away from the crashes practically unharmed. Some 50 years back their survival would have been considered a miracle. Today we call it technology.

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NEWS Total protection The Automotive Division of Mohsin Haider Darwish has launched a ‘Diamondbrite’ paint and fabric protection centre at its Wadi Kabir Service centre. It was launched in the

presence of John Boseley, managing director, and Neil Simmonds, export sales manager from Jewelultra Limited, and David Aziz, director automotive, along with other senior personnel from the automotive division.

The Diamondbrite paint protection process protects against all environmental issues that can damage and age automotive paintwork over a period of time. The interior protection coats each fibre with an invisible resin-based material. After this treatment, the interior fabrics and carpets are guaranteed for three years against spills and stains from everyday liquids and grease from foodstuffs.

Prestigious award Dhofar Automotive recently received an award from the Chrysler Group Middle East for the ‘Highest Training Participation Rate in 2010’ at the Chrysler After Sales Annual Meeting which was held in Dubai in April.

Chrysler Middle East awarded Dhofar Automotive for their commitment to the training and development of their employees designed to ensure that all their customers receive the very best after-sales service possible. “I am extremely proud to receive this award on behalf of the Dhofar Automotive team and look forward to the year ahead as we continue to provide our customers with the technical knowledge and attention they deserve,” said Chris Edwards, general manager, Dhofar Automotive.

Guesswork Members of the public flocked to Muscat City Centre recently, following a number of advertisements and announcements on Hala and Hi FM, to guess what was inside the large mysterious box in the mall, for the chance to win RO100 worth of shopping vouchers.

The three lucky winners, Viola Tilto, Mohammed al Shuheimi and Wafa al Wuheibi were all randomly pulled from the draw during the official unveiling of the Volkswagen Jetta and were invited to the Wattayah Motors showroom to collect their prizes. The winners were presented with their shopping vouchers by James Oliver, general manager for Wattayah Motors.

Simply the best The 4,499 cc, V8 engine powering the Ferrari 458 Italia has won two categories in the prestigious 2011 International Engine of the Year Awards, taking the accolade of ‘Best Performance Engine’ as well as winning the ‘Above 4-litre’ category. The jury for the awards is made up of 76 motoring journalists from 36 countries who assess engineering excellence in engines in terms of driveability, performance, economy and refinement. In assigning the awards the jury also praised the 458 Italia’s engine for its unmistakable sound. The awards were received by Jean Jacques His, head of Ferrari powertrain department.

June 2011

Zoom-Zoom Bang-Bang

In encouraging members of their club to lead an active and healthy lifestyle by indulging in fun outdoor activities, Mazda’s Zoom- Zoom Club has recently tied up with Muscat Paintball represented by Xtreme Sports’ paintball division. Located in Shatti al Qurum, the 45x45-metre paintball field layout is the same as the one used for the World Cup championship with international standards.

For those new to the game, paintball is a game in which players eliminate opponents by hitting them with pellets containing paint. A game of paintball usually involves two opposing teams seeking to eliminate all of the other team’s players or to complete some other objective, such as retrieving a flag, eliminating a specific player, or other scenarios.

Drift off Oman Automobile Association organised a ‘Car Park Drift’ event recently on Al Hail beach, next to ‘The Wave’. The track was specifically designed to bring out the best drifting skills of the athletes.

In addition to Abdo Feghali, the Lebanese rally champion, the judging panel consisted of Anwar Soumar, deputy general manager of the Oman Automobile Association and Hamad al Wahebi, ex rally champion.

Honouring the prize giving ceremony was Ayman bin Hamoud al Bousaidi, who handed the first prize over to the winner. The fierce competition continued to the final round, until the judges decided upon Al Asmi as the local champion of ‘Red Bull Car Park Drift’.

LETTERS

If you have any queries, mail us on info@autobloid.com, and we will try to answer them in the next issue.

Hi Autobloid team, Recently, there have been a lot of pictures of accident scenes in the papers in Oman. And even though airbags are a must in cars these days, I have never noticed one in any of the pictures. So is there any particular condition under which the airbags are deployed?

– Ahmed al Hadi Dear Ahmed, Airbags in cars are primarily supplemental systems and will not deploy in every crash. This is because the force with which they are deployed is great and can actually harm passengers if deployed unnecessarily.

They work with complicated sensors that determine the impact force, the direction and much more. Once these calculations are done the system determines if the airbag is necessary and in most modern systems, even the force of the airbag is regulated depending on the crash. Furthermore, in most new cars, airbags will not deploy if the seat belt is not fastened because in such cases it will do more harm than good.

– Ed

Hi, I just started driving a couple of months back.

I also have a fairly new car. Every time I brake, my car makes a squealing noise. I thought there was an issue with my brakes but they seem fine.

What could possibly be the problem? Do I need to check my brake pads?

– Susan Waddel

Dear Susan, Unless it is consistent or excessive, brake noise doesn’t really mean that your pads need replacement. Some brake noise may be normal, especially on older high-mileage vehicles with semi-metallic disc brake pads.

How the sound occurs is a bit more complicated and we won’t get into it now but should it get excessive we suggest you get them checked immediately. It might be nothing serious. But there’s no way to know for sure without examining them.

– Ed

Dear Autobloid team, When I press the brakes and stop the car the low oil pressure light comes on. I had an oil change only last month. Does that mean I need more oil in my car?

– Azhan Dear Azhan, Firstly, you need to check your engine oil levels at regular intervals. The oil pressure itself depends upon several factors including the engine temperature, oil temperature, oil viscosity and the amount of engine bearing wear and other tolerances. Also, if the oil is getting low, the pressure reading can be intermittent. The oil pump operates directly off the engine and will pump oil at higher

pressures as the engine runs faster. This could be the reason your low oil pressure light comes on when you slow down.

We also have a few tips on checking and changing your oil in our ‘Pitstop’ section on page 12. Alternatively, the sensor or the pump itself may be faulty. So, if your oil levels are fine but you are still getting the warning get your car checked immediately.

– Ed

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TEST DRIVE

Born Tough Standing at over two metres wide and nearly six metres long, the Dodge Ram is one of the most imposing vehicles on the road today

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here has been a recent influx in the sport truck market in Oman. As a result, most brands have started importing their respective models, making them readily available in the showrooms.

Dodge is one such brand that has brought the entire Ram truck model range. We got a hold of the very best truck they had on offer in all its HEMI V8 glory and it’s called the Laramie.

The Looks

Every aspect of the vehicle, from the gaping muscular cross grille to the huge twin tail pipes, screams out size, masculinity and power. Even the slightest glance is enough to recognise this as one mean looking truck. This feeling is further enhanced by its high ride height, large 20-inch rims and its 5.8m length.

Under the Skin

The model we drove came equipped with a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and MDS Fuel Saver Technology. The output is rated at 390hp and 407 foot-pounds of

torque at 5,600 and 3,950rpm respectively. This is mated to a five-speed automatic which may be dated but is perfectly up to the task. There are other engine options available as well including a 4.7l V8 and a 3.7l V6. Given the vehicle’s weight we would suggest you avoid the V6. The 4.7l V8 is perfectly adequate, but when you consider the substantial gain in power with the HEMI unit, and the fact that the latter actually gives you better fuel mileage, there is no real reason to go for the 4.7l unit. Another nice touch is the coil spring rear suspension, which is a rarity in such a vehicle.

Performance

The Ram is an exceptional performer with only two negatives to contend with. So let’s get these out of the way. The first is the steering, which is too light for a vehicle of this size. Then we have its sheer size and high driving position which can hamper visibility. Neither of these is enough to harm the Ram’s overall performance and it is easily one of the best in its class. Its rear coil springs work wonders on the ride and

handling capabilities, especially off-road. Yes, the Ram’s cornering capabilities will not blow you away but what can you expect from such a gargantuan vehicle. Also, the vehicle is a tad bit slow on the take off but once moving it picks up momentum surprisingly quick. The transmission is unobtrusive and smooth, and the ride is comfortable. It is also surprisingly quiet with only the rumble of the V8 breaking the peace.

In addition to this, it is also a very capable offroader regardless of terrain.

Inside the cabin

As mentioned before, the driver has an extremely high seating position which works well for taller people. The seats provide good articulation so most drivers can find a good driving position.

The steering, however, can only be adjusted for rake making it tougher for shorter drivers. That said, the vehicle we drove did come equipped with power adjustable pedals which reduced this problem greatly. The seats themselves are extremely comfortable both front and back.

The interior shares the chunky muscular look of the exterior. The dash and centre console are simple and uncluttered with clearly marked controls and dials.

Space is also of no concern. You are provided with limousine-levels of head and leg room both front and rear. And storage room is taken to an entirely new level. Not including the bed in the back, there is a two-part system comprising two dry, lockable and lighted storage bins on both exterior sides of the bed. Each is large

June 2011

Dodge Ram Laramie

SPECS Engine: 5.7l, HEMI V8 Power: 390hp@5,600rpm Torque: 407lb-ft@3,950rpm Available features: Media Centre 430 radio with surround sound speakers and subwoofer, power heated front seats, power adjustable pedals.

ENCAP: Not tested Price (as tested): RO17,300

IMPRESSIONS Highs: Few trucks offer ride quality this good Lows: Steering is too light for our taste Verdict: Quite easily one of the best vehicles in its class

enough for big tools, golf clubs, or can function as a clever built-in and drainable ice chest.

Additionally there are in-floor bins and dual glove boxes for maps, gloves, and similar items. There is also a storage section under the rear seats, offering additional space when you need to store valuables out of sight.

seat with 60/40 rear split/fold seat and storage; memory system for mirrors, seats, pedals and radio; woodgrain door trim and power adjustable pedals making up just a part of the list. And to seal the deal, interior material quality is not bad either.

The vehicle comes quite well featured with the Media Center 430 radio with surround sound speakers and subwoofer; power heated front seats; leather-wrapped heated steering wheel; Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control; power ten-way driver’s seat; six-way power passenger seat; leather-trimmed heated bench

The Dodge Ram brings a lot to the table. It is spacious, comfortable, feature-packed and powerful. It also has a very smooth ride and is a capable off-roader. And best of all, it is not that pricey, making it a perfect weekend vehicle for the family.

Conclusion

The Ram has the looks to give

the Ford F150 Raptor a run for

its money

7

CAR TECH Proteus folding helmet Riding a motorbike can be fun but lugging your helmet once you reach your destination isn’t.

Leaving your helmet back at the bike is not a very enticing option either. Twenty-five-yearold Australian industrial designer Jessica Dunn faced the same problem as she spent five months in Indonesia riding around on a motorcycle. This led her to come up with the Proteus folding helmet. An outer layer of polycarbonate covers polystyrene foam, and the innermost layer is a material that‘s pliable during normal use but instantly hardens when it registers an impact. The helmet itself collapses, the visor slides back on top while the sides and back fold into the helmet‘s interior cavity. The folding reduces the helmet bulk by 20 per cent, enough to put in your backpack, and better still it meets Australia‘s safety standards.

Martin Jetpack Jet packs are finally here. Just strap on a Martin Jetpack and away you go. Best of all it is extremely easy to fly; a Jetpack pilot can be trained and competent with only around twenty hours of classroom and flight training. It is also safe, with a ballistic parachute deployable even at low altitudes. Powered by a 200hp Martin Aircraft 2.0l, V4 two-stroke engine, the jetpack has a range of 50km and can travel at a maximum speed of 100kmph. The only

Girard-Perregaux R&D 01 Luigi Macaluso, the late president of Girard-Perregaux, was a former racing driver. He was also the president of both the Italian Motorsport Federation and the International Karting Federation. He even served on the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council. As a result, his ties with the automotive world greatly helped in the development of the company’s watches. The latest, the R&D 01, is the product of several years of research and development, consulting with Formula 1 racing drivers to create a timepiece designed around the requirements of the driver. As a result, the push-pieces are actually on the left-hand side of the case rather than on the right. This choice was carefully investigated in conjunction with sportsmen in a variety of disciplines including motor racing.

Even its rotating internal bezel is resistant to being knocked out of place. Hence, the chronograph provides optimum ease of use in any competition.

drawback is the substantial asking price.

It is now available for preorder from the Martin Jetpack website at a price of around USD100,000 (RO38,500).

Get Connected

Driver, car and environment: by interconnecting these three elements, the BMW Group is creating something truly unique.

Under the umbrella of BMW ConnectedDrive, the BMW Group has developed a range of new technology features that give the driver and passengers information

June 2011

and services to help make their driving experience safer and more comfortable.

The comfort category focuses on the communications level of the passengers and the outside world, something central to BMW ConnectedDrive.

The Infotainment encompasses information and entertainment at the same level as in the office or at home. As part of its infotainment category, BMW is the first automobile manufacturer to offer unlimited on-board Internet access.

Also, smartphone functions can now be transmitted to the car via Bluetooth Office. Drivers can also play music from an MP3 player or smartphone via the car’s own sound system using Bluetooth. There is even a passenger information display mounted in the instrument panel in front of the passenger.

Available across the entire BMW range of new models as optional features, the BMW ConnectedDrive elements fall into three categories – Comfort, Safety and Infotainment.

The central area of safety symbolises the interaction between the driver and the environment with active safety measures such as driver assistance systems. These features

enable the vehicle to pass information relevant to safety on to the driver.

These include the likes of the BMW Head-Up Display, which projects information about the current speed, route navigation on to the windscreen as a virtual image; Surround View, which offers a 270 degree bird’s eye view of everything around the car; Park Assist, a system that allows the vehicle to parallel-park itself; and Collision Warning with Brake Activation, which uses radar technology to monitor distance to the car ahead and provide warnings wherever necessary.

QUICK SPIN

Is the V6 XJ worth a look or should you stick with the V8? We take the former for a drive to see for ourselves

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ack in 2006 Jaguar started to redesign its fleet with former Aston Martin designer Ian Callum at the helm. This was to alter the image of the brand and make it appeal to a wider audience.

It began with the introduction of the second generation XK and was soon followed by the XF in 2008. But changes to the cars included more than just a redesigned exterior. They featured new modernised interiors that were individual to their respective models, state-of-the-art construction and technology and an array of new options never before seen in a Jaguar.

Then in 2009 they introduced the all new XJ which, while sharing the underpinnings from the previous model, featured a redesigned exterior and interior and was available only with a 5.0l, V8 engine, either naturally aspirated or supercharged. The company has now introduced a 3.0l, V6 model to the line-up.

On the road its all-aluminium build and well-tuned suspensions truly prove their worth. On the highway the ride is supple, but when cornering the car maintains its composure with grace. There is very limited body roll and tonnes of grip. This is further accentuated by the sharp steering and relatively light weight. More often than not you will forget that you are at the helm of a five-metre luxury saloon. The 3.0l unit in the XJ is the same tried and true model seen in the XF. While it is perfectly adequate for daily duties, it does feel a bit strained on take off. headlights to its sleek LED tail lights the XJ is a stunning machine to behold. It even retains a hint of the brand’s traditional designs with its tapered rear and flat grille.

Take your place in the big comfy seats and you will be surrounded by plush high quality leather, lavish veneers and chrome. The new design, with its bull’s-eye air vents and blue ambient lighting offers a perfect blend of class, luxury and heritage. And to add a touch of modernity, the cabin features the now iconic circular gear sector, an eight-inch dual view touchscreen and a stunning 12.3-inch high-definition virtual instruments panel.

Interior space and comfort is easily on par with its competitors in the segment. And as expected there is an ample amount of articulation available in the seats and steering column to get a perfect driving position regardless of your build or height.

All controls are perfectly laid out and built from high quality materials so reliability shouldn’t really be an issue.

Only the limited head room in the rear prevents the jag from attaining a perfect score.

Even the base model comes with the dual-view monitors, a premium audio system, leather and much more. Additionally, almost any option available on the V8 model is also available on the V6. The same goes for safety equipment. All-round airbags, a deployable bonnet, ABS, traction control and much more are available as standard regardless of which model you choose.

Ultimately, choosing the V6 model is a matter of preference. Aside from the wheel rims and a few interior options, there is little else to differentiate the V6 XJ from its V8 brethren. The price difference isn’t all that much either. As such, opting for the lesser model makes for quite a tempting proposition if the extra grunt from the V8 is not something you crave.

Jaguar XJ V6

Posh Cat SPECS Engine: 3.0l, AJ - V6 Gen III Power: 238hp@6,800rpm Torque: 216lb-ft@4,100rpm Available features: Bi-function HID Xenon Headlamps, LED signature lights, virtual instruments, eight-inch dual view touchscreen ENCAP: Not tested Price (as tested): RO29,990

IMPRESSIONS Highs: Great handling, good looks and luxurious modern interior Lows: Engine feels a bit strained on take off Verdict: The style and prestige of the V8 XJ in a more cost efficient package

The exterior of the XJ is identical to the V8 model aside from the wheel rims. From the XF concept-inspired

Few vehicles can match the new XJ’s road presence 9

CONCEPT Technology and design in perfect harmony – this is the Lamborghini Aventador and it will dominate your dreams

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ith today’s stringent emission requirements and the increase in fuel costs, impressive numbers in regards to CO2 figures and fuel efficiency dominate most press releases and adverts from automobile manufacturers. But when you read a 26-page release dedicated to engineering breakthroughs and passionate design, with only two lines dedicated to fuel efficiency and CO2 numbers, you know you are in for something special. The vehicle in question here is the new Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4, a vehicle that will soon replace the current Murciélago.

The modern aeronautics-inspired design gave rise to this avant-garde work of art offering maximum functionality and sharpness with all aerodynamic elements integrated directly into the bodyshell. While the limited edition Reventón and the Sesto Elemento were the forerunners of this design philosophy, the Aventador is the first Lamborghini series production car embodying this vision. The truly impressive proportions come from an overall length of 4.78m matched with an impressive width of 2.26m and an extremely low height of 1.14m.

It goes without saying that both doors open upward, a feature that was first introduced in the now legendary Countach. Additionally, the Aventador also evokes its immediate predecessor through the electronically managed air intakes which open depending on the outdoor temperature and the need for cooling air. Even the rear spoiler is deployable and controlled electronically.

This flagship has a full carbon-fibre monocoque. Not only does it offer

Did you know?

Aventador was the name of a bull that entered into battle in October 1993 at the Saragossa Arena, earning the ‘Trofeo de la Peña La Madroñera’ for its outstanding courage.

the highest levels of stiffness and safety, it weighs only 147.5kg. In fact, the monocoque, together with the front and rear aluminium frames, totals to just 229.5kg. Even the 6.5l, V12 is a completely new, naturally aspirated high-performance power unit. With 700hp at 8,250rpm, 509lb-ft at 5,500rpm and weighing in at just 235kg, it is both extremely powerful and lightweight.

Engineers at Lamborghini have even created the perfect mate for the new V12 with the highly innovative ISR (Independent Shifting Rods) transmission, capable of shifting cogs in only 50ms. Thanks to the overall dry weight of 1,575kg the weight-topower ratio stands at 2.25kg per hp.

This results in a fantastic 0-100kmph acceleration figure of just 2.9s and a top speed of 350kmph for the allwheel drive Aventador. And yet, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are down by around 20 per cent compared to its predecessor, despite the eight per cent increase in power.

Rounding off this incredible package is the expressively designed interior which offers hi-tech features ranging from the TFT cockpit display to the Drive Select Mode system. The Aventador will be built to the very highest quality standards in an allnew production facility in Sant’Agata Bolognese. The Aventador LP 700-4 carries an MSRP of USD379,700 (about RO146,200) and the first customers are expected to take delivery in late summer 2011.

El magnífico toro June 2011

OFF-ROAD

Grand Revival

The new cabin design is a lot more welcoming. The centre console layout is more accessible; it is also well laid out with each button and knob clearly labelled. The same goes for the dash, with easily readable dials and a very informative and functional driver information display. Even the quality

of materials used is a huge jump up from previous models, and the sculpted design should appeal to a broader audience. The vehicle also utilises a longer wheel base which provides passengers with more leg room. To further complement this, the seats have been redesigned to offer more cushioning and better support. And if you go higher up in the model range you can even get ventilated seats.

Chrysler has spent millions of dollars developing a brand new power plant.

The result of this research is the new 3.6-litre, Pentastar V6 and the Grand Cherokee is one of the first to take advantage of it. While the new engine may have a lower displacement than the previous V6, it delivers 80hp and 25lb-ft of torque more. This brings the total to 290hp and 260lb-ft.

However, this engine isn’t the biggest technical change in the vehicle. That honour goes to the chassis and four-wheel drive system. The vehicle now features four-wheel independent suspension and a new chassis that is significantly more rigid than ever before. It even utilises Jeep’s new Quadra-Lift air suspension and Selec-Terrain 4x4 system. These together take its on-road ride quality to entirely new heights. Even its off-road capabilities have been vastly improved. However, the combination of 20-inch rims and the stock tyres don’t cope too well with sand or pebbles. So if off-roading is your main purpose, opt for lower rim sizes and higher profile tyres. Doing so will enhance the vehicle’s off-road capabilities to a level that will be very hard to match in this price range.

Jeep has definitely stepped up its game with the new Grand Cherokee, offering a vehicle that is immensely capable both on-road and off. It is also better built, comfortable, spacious and practical. And while we still prefer the older designs, there is no denying the new vehicle’s good looks.

Minor quibbles aside, the new Grand Cherokee should definitely be at the top of your wish list if you are in the market for a mid-sized SUV.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

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ver the past few years the market has shifted gradually towards crossovers because of their practicality and car-like mannerisms. Furthermore, people generally seem to find the curved car-like designs more appealing.

Looking to capitalise on this trend Jeep has taken a more subdued approach to the design of the new Grand Cherokee.

It is more sedate and curved than the previous generation model.

Redesigned from the ground up with a new engine, chassis and suspension, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee is a huge step up from its predecessor

SPECS Engine: 3.6l, 24-valve Pentastar V6 Power: 290hp@6,400rpm Torque: 260lb-ft@4,800rpm Available features: Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control, power rear liftgate, Ventilated Front Seats, Quadra-Lift, Selec-Terrain ENCAP: Not tested Price(as tested): RO20,500

IMPRESSIONS

The Quadra-lift system offers some serious ground clearance when set to its maximum height as shown

Highs: Technological advancements make it a very capable vehicle Lows: 20-inch rims and stock tyres don’t cope well with sand and pebbles Verdict: An overall improvement on its predecessor in every aspect 11

CLASSIC CARS

Did you know?

The ‘40’ in Ford GT40 represents the vehicle’s overall height of 40 inches

0 4 T G d For

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he story of the GT40 started with Henry Ford‘s wish to have a Ford at Le Mans since the early 1960s. In the spring of 1963, Ford reportedly received word through a European intermediary that Enzo Ferrari was interested in selling to Ford Motor Company. However, Ferrari unilaterally cut off talks at a late stage due to disputes regarding the ability to direct open wheel racing. Henry Ford II, enraged and in a spate of retaliation, directed his racing division to find a company that could build a Ferrari-beater on the world endurance-racing circuit.

Lola was selected and to this end an agreement was made which included a one-year collaboration between the two companies, and the sale of the two Lola Mk 6 chassis to Ford. To form the development team, Ford also hired the ex-Aston Martin team

manager John Wyer. The first chassis built by Abbey Panels of Coventry was delivered on 16 March 1963. The first ‘Ford GT’, the GT/101 was unveiled in England on April 1. It was powered by the 4.2l Fairlane engine. The Ford GT40 was first raced in May 1964 at the Nürburgring 1,000km race where it retired with suspension failure after holding second place early in the event. However, the rest of the races were a disaster and the programme was handed over to Carroll Shelby. Shelby’s first victory came on their maiden race with the Ford programme, where the GT40 won the Daytona 2000 in February of 1965. The rest of the season, however, was again a disaster. The experience gained in 1964 and 1965 allowed the seven-litre Mk II to dominate the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1966 with a 1-2-3 result.

The team then embarked on a complete redesign of the car, which became known as the Mk IV. This car,

Basic Car maintenance • Under-inflated tyres create excessive heat and stress that can lead to tyre failure.

Get yourself a tyre pressure gauge and use it at least two to three times a month and keep your tyres inflated to recommended levels. On the same note, check tyres when they are cold for an accurate reading.

• Check the coolant-antifreeze level weekly that shows on the translucent coolantantifreeze overflow tank. If low, fill to the maximum fill mark on the tank with premixed coolant.

• Engine oil levels have to be checked at regular intervals. For an accurate reading, run your car for about 15 minutes to warm the oil; then park the car on level ground and wait five minutes with the engine off. Clean the dipstick and reinsert all the way to take a reading. If necessary, top up with the type and amount of oil as specified in your owner’s manual.

• Check brake fluid quarterly. Wipe dirt from the master cylinder lid before you open it. If you need fluid, add the type recommended by your car’s maker. And don’t use brake fluid from a previously opened container. Once exposed to air, brake fluid absorbs moisture and contaminates easily.

June 2011

a newer design with a Mk II engine but a different chassis and a different body, won the following year. Then a revised 4.7-litre Mk I won the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1968. This result, added to four other round wins for the GT40, gave Ford victory in the 1968 International Championship for Makes.

By 1969 and 1970 the stunning GT40 had become obsolete and stopped racing thereafter.

LAUNCH

Ace Six

With its light body, sporty chassis and a wide array of new assistance and multimedia systems the new Audi A6 was all set to impress us at the Yas Marina

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For the three-week-long launch event, Audi Middle East invited over 800 VIP customers and members of the press from countries in the Middle East as well as Australia, India, Algeria, South Africa and Singapore. Guests were given a taste of the new machines on the track as well as in numerous handling exercises and a scenic drive around Abu Dhabi. This also provided us with the perfect opportunity to get our first impressions of the car’s performance both on the track and off it.

The sedan is 4.92m long, 1.87m wide and just 1.46m high. The long engine hood, the low, sweeping roofline and the prominent lines on the flanks create a dynamic overall appearance. As always, Audi’s Xenon plus headlights with the LED daytime running lights add an attractive finish to the front.

However, for a truly unique look you should opt for the full LED headlights.

They are similar in appearance to those found on the A8 and just as striking.

Each headlight consist of four one-chip and five two-chip LEDs and 24 smaller white LEDs Audi is known for its classy interior designs. The new interior is spacious and stylish with an attractive ‘wraparound’ inlay encircling the driver and the front-seat passenger. As expected, interior materials are of top-notch quality and the finish is meticulous.

Space is of no concern either with vast amounts of head and leg room both in the front and rear with very comfortable seats to boot. The A6 also comes with extensive standard equipment including the latest Multi Media Interface operating system (now available in Arabic, including all Menu points, navigation maps and voice instructions, as well as MMI touch handwriting recognition), a multifunction leather steering wheel, the Audi parking system plus, as well as a glass sunroof.

Audi also offers a variety of high-tech options including a head-up display, Audi active lane assist, Audi park assist, and the Bang & Olufsen Sound System.

Furthermore, the new adaptive cruise control regulates speed and distance to the vehicle ahead and if necessary breaks the vehicle to a full standstill.

The A6 currently comes with the option of two engines – a 204hp, 2.8l FSI and the 300hp, 3.0l TFSI, both of which feature the new S tronic transmission and latest generation of Quattro fourwheel drive. Considering the A6’s lightweight design, even the 2.8 FSI is perfectly adequate for everyday driving.

The ride is comfortable on either model and the acceleration is brisk with the 3.0 TFSI being understandably faster.

The A6 is also very refined, with barely a hint of wind or engine noise at cruising speeds. The car did suffer from considerable road noise but this was more a fault of the high-performance Pirelli tyres than the car itself.

However, these same tyres were perfectly at home on the track. In conjunction with the Quattro all-wheel drive system and the A6’s light weight, the tyres provided immense grip during cornering. The steering was a bit lighter than we would have wanted but it was quick and responsive. As a result, the A6 is a lot more nimble than its size would normally warrant.

The new A6 is quite an improvement over its predecessor. It is not to be ignored if you are in the market for a mid-sized executive saloon.

Audi A6

he newly constructed Yas Marina Hotel, set across the Yas Marina F1 Circuit in Abu Dhabi, is one of the most stunning and technologically advanced hotels in the Middle East.

This makes it a prime location for major automotive events. The latest vehicle to take advantage of this automotive ambience was the new Audi A6.

SPECS Engine: 2.8l, FSI V6 and 3.0l, TFSI V6 Power: 204hp@5,250-6,250rpm and 300hp@5,250-6,500rpm Torque: 206lb-ft@3,000-5,000rpm and 325lb-ft@2,900-4,500rpm Available features: Full LED headlights with LED tail lights, MMI navigation plus Base Price: RO19,960 for the 2.8 and RO24,590 for the 3.0

IMPRESSIONS Highs: Looks good, is technologically advanced and handles well too Lows: Steering could use more feel; a bit too much tyre noise Verdict: A technological powerhouse that is light on its feet 13

Did you know?

FEATURE

The ghost insignia on a Koenigsegg’s rear window is a tribute to a squadron from the Swedish air force wing F 10 Ängelholm, which used the symbol as its emblem.

GAMING

Offering great variety and production values, Dirt 3 easily lives up to fan expectations

L

ike its predecessors, Dirt 3 has you drifting your way around peaceful country roads, hazardous mountain trails or even serene forests as you relish in the thrills of rallying.

The game’s main tour mode is made up of four seasons each consisting of three sponsored series followed by a championship to complete the season. Each series comprises a number of events taking place in a variety of locals, featuring their own unique and challenging terrain.

Unlike most racing games, your objective in Dirt 3 isn’t to collect all cars. Instead, each event already has a selection of cars for you to choose from depending on the sponsors that are backing you. You can earn access to more vehicles by increasing your driver level which in turn attracts more sponsors. To do this you need to earn reputation points by winning races or by completing vehiclespecific objectives per race.

As with all their games, Codemasters has managed to hit the perfect sweet spot when it comes to vehicle handling. Easy enough for beginners to get into the game but deep

BEHIND THE LOGO

June 2011

enough to keep veterans satisfied. The vehicle damage models have also had a complete overhaul, allowing you to disable or even total your car during the race if you enable the feature. And for that extra touch, snow and rain have also been added to the game for the first time.

While at its core Dirt 3 is a rally racing sim, its uniqueness lies in its sheer variety. Aside from the series races, Rallycross and Landrush will have you racing side-by-side with other racers on fixed courses and feature a variety of vehicles including cars, buggies and trucks. The Gymkhana events will have you performing stunts and proving your car control skills on open courses. There are even some other light hearted events if you wish to take a break from hardcore rallying.

Online play takes things a step further. The game supports up to eight players and for those of you not so keen on international competition, the game also

supports system link, and for the first time, split-screen. For multiplayer events you have access to all the modes available in the single player game. Additionally, online games have access to a bevy of party modes. One of our favourites is a take on infection during which players spread said ‘infection’ by tagging others. But without a doubt, our favourite is Transporter which is a chaotic auto themed take on ‘capture the flag’.

The game also provides you with a feature to upload replays directly to your YouTube account. However, it is severely limited allowing you to only upload in 480p and for a maximum of 30 seconds. Further hindering the feature is the fact that you cannot save replays on the system itself, leaving you with the tedious YouTube uploading as your only means of saving them.

Koenigsegg Automotive AB is a Swedish manufacturer of high-performance supercars and is based in Ängelholm. It was founded in 1994

by Christian von Koenigsegg, with the intention of producing a world-class supercar. Following many years of development and prototyping the company delivered its first streetlegal production car in 2002 – a red CC 8S handed over to the customer at the Geneva Auto Show. The Koenigsegg badge was designed in 1994 by Jacob Låftman based on the shield of

The Good

The Bad

Stunning production values, great variety and a well developed physics engine

Very restricted Youtube functionality and no way to save replays on the system hard drive

SCORE 9.0 The graphics are simply stunning with varied environments, great lighting, sharp textures and breathtaking weather and dust effects. And as is the case with all Codemasters’ games, the menus are bold and stylish.

Overall Dirt 3 is a great game, not just for rally fans, but for just about anyone that has an affinity for racing games. It offers great variety, incredible sense of speed, stunning visuals and flexible controls in a comprehensive package that is hard to put down.

the Koenigsegg family. The shield has been the family’s coat-of-arms since the 12th century when a family member was knighted by the Germanbased Holy Roman Empire.

CARtoon Corner>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

DIRECTORY CAR brands

Mud Wrestling

Ever wonder how much dirt your 4WD can take? We never really find out here in Oman, but Wrangler lovers will be pleased to know it’s a whole lot more than they imagined.

BUMPER STICKER I’m not bossy, I just know what you should be doing.

AUTOQUiZ

#2

Across Clues 1. The first Middle Eastern country to host an F1 championship 4. The model that holds the current production car speed record 7. The world’s oldest automotive brand still in existence today 9. This brand resulted from the merger of four German automobile manufacturers and was initially called the Auto Union 10. Ford GT40 was built specifically to compete against this brand in international racing*

* These are present prominently in the magazine itself so should be easy enough.

The rest are very easily found by running a quick online search

CAR RENTAL

4X4..........................................................................24798437 Avis..........................................................................24400888 Budget..................................................................24683999 Europcar...............................................................24700190 Elegant..................................................................24571951 Hertz.......................................................................24625200 Mark.......................................................................24562444 Thrifty.....................................................................24489248 Value Plus..........................................................24817964

Police Stations

Muscat Police Headquarters..................24560021 Al Amerat Police Station............................24875999 Al Azaiba Police Station............................24521099 Al Qurum Police Station............................24560099 Baushar Police Station...............................24600099 Darsait Police Workshop..........................24799492 Muttrah Police Station................................24712211 Nizwa Police Station....................................25425222 Port Sultan Qaboos Police Station.....24711499 Quriyat Police Station..................................24845555 Ruwi Police Station.......................................24701099 Salalah Police Station.................................23290099 Seeb Police Station.......................................24420099 Wattayah Police Station............................24566538

others

Arabian Automobile Alliance.................24605555 Car Care Centre...............................................24545224 Oman Automobile Association.............24510630 Sayarti Autocare..............................................24500777 Zubair Leasing................................................24500000

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WIN

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Down Clues 2. Last driver to die behind the wheel of an F1 car (died at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix) 3. Named after a cat, owned by Tata motors and built in Coventry, England 5. The latest supercar from Koenigsegg* 6. Lamborghini’s latest model that is to replace the Murciélago* 8. Model name of the rally-spec road legal Mitsubishi

SsangYong.........................................................24561788 Skoda....................................................................24584500 Subaru..................................................................24561788 Suzuki....................................................................24571110 Toyota....................................................................24578000 Volkswagen.......................................................24584500 Volvo......................................................................24523200 Yamaha...............................................................24584500

Fill in the crossword and send it to us for a chance to win an attractive prize.

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Aston Martin.....................................................24694436 Audi........................................................................24584500 Bentley.................................................................24584500 BMW......................................................................24567108 BYD..........................................................................24523200 Cadillac.................................................................24561788 Chevrolet..............................................................24561788 Chrysler.................................................................24584530 Citroen...................................................................24584500 Daihatsu..............................................................24578000 Dodge...................................................................24584530 Ferrari....................................................................24699060 Ford.........................................................................24578000 GMC........................................................................24591261 Harley Davidson.............................................24489428 Honda...................................................................24560391 Hummer..............................................................24561788 Hyundai...............................................................24561788 Infiniti.....................................................................24560111 Isuzu......................................................................24563287 Jaquar...................................................................24523200 JEEP.........................................................................24584530 Kawasaki............................................................24489428 Kia...........................................................................24578000 Lamborghini......................................................24484700 Land Rover.........................................................24523200 Lexus......................................................................24578000 Lotus.......................................................................24484700 Maserati..............................................................24699060 Maybach.............................................................24562077 Mazda..................................................................24526650 Mercedez............................................................24562077 MG...........................................................................24523200 MINI........................................................................24567108 Mitsubishi...........................................................24584500 Nissan...................................................................24560111 Peugeot................................................................24584500 Porsche.................................................................24492544 Renault.................................................................24560111 Rolls Royce........................................................24567108

Name.............................................................................................................

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Age.............................Mobile.......................................................................

Email..............................................................................................................

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Occupation...................................................................................................

Company......................................................................................................

Car Owned....................................................................................................

Fax your entries to 24693569 or email to autoQUIZ@autobloid.com before 5th of July

Last issue’s winner

AUTOQUiZ

Andre Dominic Bernard gets his Maisto

#1

Answers A-5 B-6 C-2

D-1 E-4 F-3

Employees and their families of AUTOBLOiD / DPP, Zubair Automotive cannot participate in the quiz. Judges’ decision is final. Correspondence after the entry deadline will not be entertained. Please write clearly. Incomplete or illegible entries will be disqualified. Winner must provide valid ID to claim prize. Allow up to two weeks to process. The image shown for the gift is for illustrative purposes only. Actual prize may differ.

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