Autobloid Issue 8

DRIVING YOUR DECISIONS

AN

PRESENTATION

DEC 2011 ISSUE 8 A FREE MID-MONTHLY

gossip on cars @autobloid

ROADSTER REINVENTED

LIKE A BOSS

New experience in open-road riding

Loose Cannon Taking street legal to an entirely new level

Immortal Epitome of high performance and cool

Redesigned in perhaps the most significant area that matters – under the hood

DASHBOARD Editor-in-chief Hatim al Taie Managing Director Abdullah al Taie General Manager Rathish Ramachandran Asst. General Manager Terry Mathukutty Asst. Content Head Vinod Chandran Senior Designer Shyniben Koyakkil Designer Muneeb Khan Photographer B G Hemanth Sales Mary Gonzales Leticia Meneses

Produced by

Living loud

T

here exists a notion that the noise emitted by loud motorcycle exhausts would help the other motorists aware of your presence.

Yet, not a single thoughtful study has been done that supports this theory. We are sure that the cruisers and sport bikes that use loud pipes are significantly over represented in crash data.

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 December 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.

Surely, hotrods with their hulking size and eyecatching paint jobs don’t need help from loud exhausts to be noticed. The question then arises whether drivers of cars with booming sound systems have safety in mind. Aside from showy cosmetics and oppressive noise emissions, one thing that most of the owners of these vehicles have in common is an aggressive, even anti-social presence on public roadways – most notably a constant revving of the engine, particularly under heavy throttle.

The mechanism that binds the various people and their behaviours is a physiological condition known as acute stress response commonly known as ‘flight or fight’ response. Most often induced by loud noise, flight or fight is an involuntary reaction that cannot be controlled by conscious thought. When triggered, release of the stress hormone cortisol causes an array of metabolic changes including an instantaneous increase in cardio-respiratory rates and muscle tension.

The state of arousal is perpetuated by a release of dopamine, endorphins, norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline). Most importantly, chemical releases (catecholamines) suppress activity in the area of the brain concerned with short term memory, concentration, inhibition and rational thought; ‘flight or fight’ reactions require spontaneity and aggression.

Is this really the optimum state of mind to be in while perched atop a machine that can abruptly reach triple digit speeds with the jerk of a wrist?

The high motorcyclists get from stress response may be the perfect elixir to get them in the mood for a weekend romp around town. Unfortunately, though, the metabolic spikes are most unwelcome to anyone trying to relax or sleep or even engage in the ordinary activities around their homes.

One of the more intriguing aspects of flight or fight is the compulsion to goad others by abrupt stimulation. Any martial arts combatant knows that a loud, piercing scream can thrust his opponent into a physiologically induced state whereby the opponents’ actions may be manipulated or impulsive, even though the opponent is trained to expect the ploy. Is it wise to create a stressful driving environment with loud noise when surrounded by vehicles many times your size and mass?

- Ed

3

NEWS Record-Breaking Sales

Dhofar Automotive, the sole distributor of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge in Oman, celebrated a record-breaking first year operations with sales set to double by the end of the year. The company was created as a joint venture in October 2010 by the Shanfari Group and the Zubair Automotive Group to provide a single highly focused distributor for three iconic American brands across the sultanate that were previously distributed by both companies. Following the joint venture, customers have been able to benefit from a single point of contact for the business and enjoy the economies of scale delivered from Dhofar Automotive that was created with a commitment to offer customers trouble-free motoring delivered through the best prices and levels of services, better maintenance and repair that will give them a lower cost of ownership.

New HQ for Rolls Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has opened a new office in Abu Dhabi to further enhance its growing activities in the Emirate and the wider region. The office, located in the new ‘HQ’ building, developed by Aldar Properties, will become home to all Rolls-Royce employees in Abu Dhabi.

Rob Watson, Rolls-Royce Regional Director – Middle East, said, “This is an exciting time and an important milestone in the continuing development of our business in the UAE. Rolls-Royce has a long and proud history of serving customers across the Middle East for over 75 years and this new office in Abu Dhabi demonstrates the strength of our commitment here for the long-term. Expanding our presence will enable us to work more closely with our customers and stakeholders in this important market.”

December 2011

Concept to reality

Dubai Motor Show Dubai International Motor Show 2011 has reported spectacular sales, drawing record crowds to not only admire, but also buy cars from some of the most impressive brands in the world. Shelby Supercars, who participated at the show purely to raise brand recognition, ended up selling a stunning ten Tuatara models valued at USD1.3 million (AED4.8 million) each.

The 11th edition of the show generated deals across the board, with economy, mid-range, luxury and supercar exhibitors all reporting an excellent response in terms of footfall, leads and sales, with many describing their results on a par with the Motor Show boom year of 2007.

Alfardan Premier Motors Co., the exclusive importer of Land Rover in Qatar, launched the newest edition to the Range Rover family – the long anticipated Range Rover Evoque – during a glittering event at the newly renovated Land Rover showroom.

Holding the title as the smallest, lightest and most fuel-efficient model to date, the Range Rover Evoque Coupé and the Range Rover Evoque 5-door are now available at the Land Rover showroom in Qatar initially in two stylish design themes: the luxurious ‘Prestige’, and the bold and sporting ‘Dynamic’.

The advanced new 240PS 2L Si4 turbocharged engine combines direct fuel injection and twin variable valve timing for exceptional drivability and fuel efficiency, delivering 0-100kmph in 7.6 seconds. The car can be specified with the sophisticated Adaptive Dynamics system which uses advanced MagneRide dampers to provide a particularly good balance of confident, nimble handling and supple, controlled ride. As a true Range Rover, the Evoque delivers the all-weather, all-surface capability which is a hallmark of the Land Rover brand, enhanced by the latest version of the company’s signature Terrain Response system.

Audi magazine launched Audi Oman, the exclusive distributor for Audi in Oman, hosted an event to launch the Middle East edition of the Audi magazine. The Audi magazine will be published bi-annually and is a tailored version of the successful international edition, which has enjoyed a print run

of over 15 years and is available in 25 languages in 70 countries. This magazine will be mailed to customers throughout Oman who have recently joined the world of Audi. It will also be available in the Audi showroom as well as select 5-star hotels and retail outlets in the sultanate.

LETTERS

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

Dear Editor,

Hi,

My air conditioner does not cool the interior when the car is idle. But it gets colder when I get on the highway. Is this a sign that my compressor is weak?

I’m looking for a trailer hitch to transport jetski and ATVs. What would I need to know to decide which one to purchase?

Amir

Faisal

Dear Amir, There could be a few reasons for this. One is the lack of air flow across the condenser. Make sure the electric cooling fan motor near the condenser is turning on, or in models that are equipped with a fan blade make sure this fan is turning and is turning very fast. Another important reason could be the low coolant levels. Have a certified air conditioner mechanic check the coolant level and pressure. Overheating could also cause the problem. When the vehicle is travelling at freeway speeds, the compressor is pumping the coolant throughout the system much faster than when idle. There is a dramatic increase in air flow across the condenser due to high winds, and the engine is usually operating at a cooler, more efficient temperature as well, thus allowing the air conditioning system to operate efficiently.

Dear Faisal, Trailer hitches are commonly classified into five groups: Class I, Class II, Class III, Class IV and Class V. The style that you install depends on the vehicle. Class I hitches have a towing capacity of 900kg with a tongue capacity of 90kg. These are common on small cars. Class II hitches have a towing capacity of up to 1.5 tonnes with a tongue capacity of around 150kg. These hitches are often installed on mid-sized cars. The next larger hitch is a Class III, which has a towing capacity of up to 2.2 tonnes. Class III hitches are common on mid- or full-size trucks and SUVs. Class IV and V are for heavy-duty towing. Refer to your owner’s manual to identify the maximum towing capacity and the correct trailer hitch for your vehicle.

- Ed

Dear Autobloid, On my car’s dashboard, I have a gauge that is labelled ‘RPM’. What does RPM represent?

Geetha Dear Geetha, RPM stands for revolutions per minute. This instrument gauge is called a tachometer.

It measures the number of times the

- Ed

crankshaft makes a complete revolution.

This is also referred to as engine speed.

Look at the gauge and look for numbers in red or a red line. When running the engine, do not let the engine operate in the red areas. Running an engine in or near the red line puts excessive strain on engine components, could damage the engine, or ultimately shorten its life.

- Ed

5

TEST DRIVE

n w a d m o Fr ll DUST ti

This Wrangler will never call itself iconic. It knows if you have to call yourself that, then you’re not. And this Jeep certainly is.

T

he 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, with its new powertrain, finally moves out of the dark ages. Jeep defines more than just a brand name – it defines a way of life. The Wrangler is a model that comes to mind if you just close your eyes and imagine a Jeep. At a point where enthusiasts are usually against change, one drive with the 2012 Jeep Wrangler is all that’s needed for them to relax. In fact, the Wrangler is opening doors to more than just those crazed enthusiasts who always have mud splattered on their face and clothes, and dust covering the dash, floor and everything else. The Wrangler has now made room for everyone else, including those who don’t care for dust.

Build and Design

At first glance the Wrangler’s looks haven’t changed much other than the great cues that say you drove to work through a wadi, the big round headlights, the iconic sevenslot grille and a chunky 18-inch wheel strapped onto the back. The exposed door

December 2011

hinges and the trapezoidal-shaped fenders further define the Wrangler. Jeep has talked about their improved manufacturing and new paint shop. This made it possible to provide a body-coloured hardtop for the Wrangler Unlimited.

Engine and Transmission

The star of the show here is the new Pentastar V6 engine that gives considerably more power with slightly better fuel mileage. It’s smaller, lighter and more advanced than the engine it replaces. Chryslers DOHC 3.6L Pentastar V6 kicks out 260lbs-ft of torque at 4,800rpm and 285hp at 6,400rpm, some 23lbs-ft and 83hp more than the old-school pushrod 3.8L V6 it replaces. To ensure Jeep-worthiness, the Pentastar received some important tweaks. Wranglers need to be able to go through water about 30 inches deep, so the alternator was relocated to the top of the accessory drive. A deep-sump oil pan and pickup was fitted to ensure reliable lubrication while crawling up

ridiculous grades, and a revised intake tract improves torque output. A smooth new five-speed automatic transmission for 2012 replaces last year’s inadequate four-speed. The transmission is well behaved and doesn’t hunt for gears. It was designed to use with Chrysler’s 5.7L HEMI engine, so it maintains Jeep-like industrial strength.

Interior

An interior overhaul adds a lot of sophistication and appeal to the 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The difference is really just the way this dash looks. The halfbaked changes Jeep underwent in 2011 is now complete. The softer dash pushes out on a few inches from the nearly straight up windshield, and the redesigned instrument gauges are crisp.

The dash materials feel high-grade and there is a completeness that the previous model lacked. USB connectors are easy to reach and front seats come with a heating option. The new Uconnect sytem allows for voice-activated Bluetooth

2012 Jeep Wra ngle r Unli mite d

an acronym for the ‘Jeep’ came from was ral purpose), which ne (ge vehicle’s use d Jeep. ce un no pro d an then reduced to GP

SPECS Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V6 Power: 285hp@6,400rpm Torque: 260lb@4,800rpm Acceleration: 0-100kmph @ 8.4s (4-door) ENCAP: Not tested

IMPRESSIONS

Highs: Powerful engine, comfortable interiors Lows: Wind noise inside cabin Verdict: Best 4x4 by far – Sorry LR

phone connection for hands-free phone operation and your music playing device.

The old-generation 6.5-inch colour touchscreen with chunky buttons down each side still exists but with a better system than last year. Rear seats were just as comfortable as the front on our four-door Jeep Unlimited.

The Drive

Turning the Jeep loose on the roads, the reinvigorated Wrangler is more enthusiastic, and the autobox is more than geared for the occasion. This is still a 1,800+kg truck with the aerodynamic profile of a brick, so those hoping that the Wrangler has been transformed into a tyre-burner will be disappointed.

Zero-sixty drops to 8.4 seconds for the four-door Wrangler, compared to the 10.7 for the 2011 model. The engine’s flat torque curve masks the rate at which speed rises, making its urgency feel appropriate, rather than the old engine’s asthmatic feel. The engine feels more grunt and the extra gear means less hunting between gears on the freeway.

Cruising was not too different as wind noise still dominated everything else that makes noise, including the engine.

But throttling the engine did make a sound better than the old lump. The recirculating ball-type steering still remains ropey on pavement. Driving the Wrangler still felt like driving a forklift.

We can call it part of the charm of the

thing, along with being able to tear the roof open and remove the doors, which is really too cool for words.

Conclusion

With all this capability and improvements, the Jeep even burns less fuel. The suspension that was created for all the crazy wheel articulation off-road, provides a smooth ride on the highway.

Off the road, it will eat up any terrain you throw at it. It revels at any opportunity to get dirty. On the road, it feels like a comfortable SUV with a smooth ride.

It’s like having a cake, eating it, and then finding out it lowers your cholestrol too.

7

TEST DRIVE

Trike Strike C

an-Am parent company BRP recently unveiled the 2012 Spyder models. It combines the open air exhilaration of two-wheeled transport with the stability of four, but it’s not a motorbike and it’s not a convertible sports car. In fact, direct comparisons with anything else on the highway is useless because there is simply nothing out there like the Can-Am Spyder Roadster RT. Besides a new quantum blue metallic colour, the only change in the 2012 Spyder from the previous edition is a new dot-matrix. It sports amber-coloured, multi-function display for improved contrast at night.

The RT has the option to allow a user to adjust the rear suspension on the fly from a button on the console with a ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ setting. There is a single coil shock absorber with pneumatic adjustable preload in the rear. Up front, a double A-arm suspension geometry includes dual shocks and more than 5.9 inches of suspension travel. A standard anti-roll bar helps keep the Spyder’s three wheels on the ground during cornering and ensures the ride stays smooth and stable. Dynamic Power Steering (DPS), one of the many proprietary systems unique to the Spyder, is an electronically controlled power-steering system that provides the rider with a varying assist when turning the handlebars. The amount of assistance

December 2011

varies with the speed of the vehicle to adjust the steering effort to a comfortable level.

Now, some may want to know if the wheels come off the ground in a turn if they lean. They do not lean, and if turning fast and hard enough, one wheel can come off the ground. But that said, you need to be driving really hard and aggressively for this to happen.

All Spyders are powered by a Rotax 998cc engine, but on the RT, the engine has been specifically calibrated to provide the performance needed for touring. Peak torque is available at a lower rpm, that being 80ft-lbs of torque at 5,000rpm. This wasn’t built

for drag racing in any way. Anti-lock brakes come standard on all Spyder RT by the way of a foot-operated, fully integrated hydraulic three-wheel braking system coupled with fourpiston callipers on 250mm discs up front and a single piston calliper on a 250mm disc in the back. Storage space is ample on the RT with the front cargo loader big enough to fit a helmet, a rear cargo compartment, a couple of side compartments and one more up front for stashing sunglasses, gloves and spare change.

For a motorcyclist, the way the Spyder behaves – particularly in corners – is counter-intuitive and it has to be treated as a whole new ball game.

2012 Can -Am Spy der RT

The Spyder RT is a combination of two-wheeled transport with the stability of four SPECS

Engine: 998cc V-twin engine calibrated for touring Power: 100hp @ 7,500rpm Torque: 80lb-ft. @ 5,000rpm Transmission: 5-speed manual (SM5) with reverse

IMPRESSIONS Highs: Very comfy, excellent stability and power for a trike Lows: Very expensive Verdict: Perfect riding experience for all Unlike a conventional motorcycle, the Spyder with its flat profile car-like tyres is not designed to tilt or lean. Thus counter steering is not an option and throwing your weight sideways won’t significantly affect the way it handles at turns. The acceleration is smooth and by no means sluggish – around 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds. It is also a comfy ride. The wide seat and relative upright seating position, based on a sports touring motorcycle, avoids the soreness felt after a long ride.

Overall, the Spyder is undeniably a uniquely enjoyable experience and one that will appeal to touring enthusiasts because of the stable platform, sophisticated electronics and relatively simple operation it offers.

JAWDROPPERS

Untameable Porsche 911 GT3 RS is raw and angry

T

he term ‘race car built for the road’ is thrown around a lot these days, often used to describe regular cars with stiffened suspension, go-fast aero bits and a set of sporty wheels. However, there’s one car that truly encapsulates the meaning of the phrase and that’s the Porsche 911 GT3.

Styling and Interior

It’s not only the carbon-fibre wing and black bands running across the doors that characterise the RS. There are also the rear fenders borrowed from the Carrera 4, which add an extra 22mm of width on either side of the car, larger air-intakes, a lower front lip, centrally-mounted exhaust pipes and 19-inch alloy rims. Inside, the car gets a pair of carbon-fibre sports buckets with a six-point racing harness, a full roll-cage, a fire extinguisher and full Alcantara trim.

Accessories like the SatNav system, cruise control and luxurious trim remain as options.

Engine

The GT3 RS is based on the same body as the Carrera 4 and sports the same wider rear end, measuring 1,588mm across. Engineers have

also lengthened the car’s wheelbase by a tiny 5mm, which is said to improve the car’s stability. The RS also sheds a further 20kg over the regular GT3, with most of the weight saved by replacing the standard GT3 seats with thinner carbon-fibre buckets and swapping the rear glass window with a plastic one.

The engine remains largely unchanged, displacing 3.6L and pumping out a naturally aspirated 415hp (302kW) at 7,600rpm. The car weighs 1,250kg. However, load it up with the necessary fuels, coolants and oils, and you’re looking at a kerb weight closer to 1,400kg.

On the Road

Slide into the driver’s seat, grip the chunky Alcantara-clad steering wheel, rev the engine, and all of a sudden you start to feel that maybe you could break the records in any place. Then you pull up at a set of traffic lights and all ambitions go out of the window as you realise you’ll never be able to test your skills while stuck on public roads.

At idle, the engine has a rough, mechanical sound to it, and, when pushed to the limits, emanates the

boisterous trademark rumble of Porsche’s actual GT3 racers. As you slide the slick gearbox into first, load up plenty of revs and then release the clutch, the huge 305mm semislick sport tyres struggle to find grip before finally clamping down and propelling the car to 100kmph in an as tested 4.3 seconds.

Around town, everything is done with a heavy hand. Stop-start traffic will give your left leg a serious workout as it deals with a very stiff clutch and the firm suspension sees every bump on the road reverberate through the hard plastic seats.

Head to an open road and allow the car to build some speed and you’ll soon forget all previous complaints.

The rear of the car feels very stable,

its wider girth being very noticeable and constantly reminding you there’s just a little extra grip over the narrower 911 field. Hit the ‘Sport’ button, and the car’s torque levels get a boost while the traction control is softened, giving us the chance to really push the car to the limits.

Final Verdict

For those Porsche customers who desire the extreme performance but without the loss of comfort, we’d strongly recommend going for the Turbo. The force-fed 911 is much more useable on the road and it won’t set you back an arm and a leg over the cost of the GT3 RS. Of course, there’s always that crowd for whom only the purest of race cars homologated for the road will suffice and for that there is only the GT3.

9

TEST DRIVE

Comfortably

rough N

issan and Patrol are two words that have been synonymous with the 4WD segment over the years. This is mainly due to the model’s indestructible goanywhere reputation. The Patrol comes with a new 5.6L V8 with a seven-speed automatic gearbox and more gadgets than a driver could handle. On one hand Nissan has the supercar beating GT-R to please sports car fans and on the other, it has the Patrol, a model no ‘real man’ would dare dismiss. Nissan will continue selling the existing Patrol as the new Patrol does not come with a V6 engine on a diesel version.

The new Patrol is from another planet, compared to its current model. It’s a

case in point of what happens when you have a ten-year product lifecycle.

The old model barely resembles the new one. The new Patrol is not targeted towards those who want a basic but highly capable off-roader that can take the family and neighbours for a long distance drive. Not because it’s incapable of doing so, but mainly because it would almost be a waste.

Sitting inside the new Patrol felt like sitting in a suite at the topmost floor of the best hotel in town.The white leather seats and steering wheel, combined with the high-quality soft touch plastics and polished aluminium, set a rather unique and very upmarket ambience to the cabin. Front seats were comfortable and there is plenty of

room in the rear seats for three normalsized adults. The third-row seats exist mainly for kids under six.

The main attraction was the giant LCD screen and two rear seven-inch screens, each capable of playing from different sources. The dashboard screen can be used to watch movies (when stationary) or when left on, the on-board computer can show everything from satellite navigation, the vehicle’s fuel usage over a period of time to maintenance settings. It also displays stats for a world-first tyre pressure monitoring system. Of course, tyre pressure monitoring systems have been around for years, but Nissan has taken this technology a step further. When owners begin to inflate a tyre the Patrol will

Niss an Patr ol 2012

We drive the Most aggressive Patrol yet SPECS Engine: 5.6L V8 Power: 400hp @ 5800rpm Drivetrain: RWD/4WD

IMPRESSIONS Highs: Posh interior, sleek exterior, great drive Lows: Expensive Verdict: 5-star hotel room on wheels

begin flashing its hazard lights until the desired pressure is reached, at which point the horn sounds to let you know the job is done.

Behind the wheel, the new Patrol accelerates in the same manner a luxury European V8 large SUV would – with enormous enthusiasm and no respect for your license. Keep your foot flat on the floor and the V8 emits a very aggressive (yet subdued) muscular sound that will certainly scare the neighbours back into their inferior compact SUVs. Although it weighs a good 2,785kg (kerb), it definitely moves with authority. Around corners the steering feel is consistent and provides adequate feedback to keep the enthusiast happy, whilst being light enough for easy day-to-day driving.

Overall, the short but precious time spent in the all-new 2012 Nissan Patrol showed that Nissan is heading in the right direction to meet its 2012 goal of becoming one of the most wanted 4WDs of the year.

December 2011

FEATURE Waihaibi Motor Sports Launched

T

he premier motorsports company from the stables of Oman’s legendary rally driver Hamed al Waihaibi, Al Waihaibi Motor Sports (WMS), was formally launched at a high profile ceremony held at the Intercontinental Hotel recently. Conceived and launched

by Hamed, WMS marks the rally driver’s spectacular comeback to the rally circuit and establishes the introduction of a new rally team in the country.

The new company is geared towards developing motorsports in the country. It has drawn up a host of ambitious plans for the future, including a youth development programme as well as the production of an entry level race and rally car that meets the FIA specifications and particularly following the steps of FIA campaign towards safety on roads programmes. Its operational ambit will also include rallying and racing, as well as upgrading and maintenance of rally cars for Oman

and the region. As per the objectives drawn, the company will eventually be in charge of the new rally team and will also be involved in launching new initiatives in the field of motorsports in the near future. These initiatives will be undertaken with the sole intent of befitting the community of rally drivers in Oman. It will also be driven towards encouraging new Omani drivers to the world of motorsports – they will, in the process, be professionally trained by experts in the field.

The company will make its professional mark with the launching of its first programme – the 2012 Middle East Rally. The Middle East Rally has become a beacon of sportsmanship and teamwork, uniting the region with races taking place in Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Jordan, Lebanon, Cyprus and Syria.

WMS is working towards bringing the championship back to Oman.

WMS will commence operations with three new events this year – two in Oman and the other in Dubai – in Group N, driving a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, WMS will be represented

by Hamed al Wahaibi and his co-driver Allan Harryman.

11

Did you know?

The 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake made history on January 21, 2007, fetching USD5.5 million at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, a world record price for an American car.

LEGENDS

AC Shelby Cobra 427

The Cobra was allegedly the car responsible for the introduction of the motorway speed limit

T

he AC Shelby-Cobra had been designed so quickly that most of its chassis, suspension, and general structure was a virtual carryover from the last of the British six-cylinder Aces. After only three years, therefore, a much more purpose-built Shelby Cobra, the Mark III, was introduced. Although the two Mark III models – 289 and 427 – looked basically alike, they differed in almost every other respect. The most obvious one was the engine of the new 427 model, named for the cubic-inch displacement of its big-block Ford V8. In addition, it sported a new chassis, new suspension system, and important changes to the body shell. With this brutish engine, the Cobra Mark III was sold only in the US. Its European cousin, the AC 289, retained the small-block V8 of the earlier Mark II Cobra (see Shelby Cobra 260/289 AC 289).

in 1967. For 1968, the Cobra name (which now belonged to Ford, not Carroll Shelby) began to appear on hopped-up Mustang engines.

In truth, any Cobra, but especially the 427, was too fast for its chassis, and not nearly as refined – or as reliable – as it should have been. Yet because of their rarity and shattering performance, Shelby’s high-performance hybrids continued to grow in stature and collectability as the years passed.

Demand quickly outstripped supply, resulting in

a slew of Cobra replicas in the seventies and especially the eighties. Most employed different and – believe it or not – even cruder chassis designs. Fortunately, the small but persistent demand for real Cobra motoring prompted Brian Angliss and his UK-based Autokraft Company to build ‘Mark IV’ Cobras using surviving original tooling purchased from AC, which Autokraft has since acquired. These cars now have Ford’s official sanction, which only goes to show that some legends simply will not be consigned to history.

The Cobra 427 body was similar to that of the Mark III AC 289 and included many common sections. However, wider track dimensions and much fatter tyres made it necessary to flare the wheel arches considerably, swelling overall width by seven inches compared to the Mark II shell. This and the burly engine made the 427 a muscular monster that looked as aggressive as it sounded and was only slightly slower than an Atlas rocket.

In fact, the 427’s performance was little short of staggering. Even ‘customer’ cars had 390bhp, while race tuning could provide up to 480bhp and a pavement-peeling 480lbs-ft of torque.

For its three years of production, the Cobra 427 was undoubtedly the wildest and most exciting machine on American roads. Come to that, it still is. Alas, sales ran down, so production did too,

Motorcycle Maintenance

Checks should be made every time you ride your bike

• Engine/transmission oil level It is important to ensure that the oil level doesn’t drop below the minimum marking. An engine in good condition will use very little oil between oil changes.

• Steering and suspension Check that the steering moves smoothly when the handlebars are turned from side to side.

Also check that the front and rear suspension operates smoothly when you sit on the bike.

• Tyres The correct tyre pressure is essential on a bike. Always check tyre pressure with the tyres cold – never after riding because the pressure increases when the tyres get hot. Give the tyre a quick visual check for wear of the tread.

December 2011

• Lights and horn Check that all lights, brake lights and turn signals work. Check that the horn works – you never know when you might need it!

• Brakes Check the brakes individually. Their application must be firm and they must be fully applied without the lever (front) or pedal (rear) reaching its full travel. They must also free off completely when the lever or pedal is released and allow the wheels to turn freely without drag.

• Drive chain Most bikes have chain drive to the rear wheel.

It is important that the chain is well lubricated and does not have too much freeplay.

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CAR TECH OnStar FMV OnStar has only been available in GM vehicles and a few other cars — until now. OnStar’s FMV mirror replaces your vehicle’s original rear-view mirror, allowing you to add this safety feature to a wide range of vehicles. It gives you key OnStar services, and lets you tap the blue button to talk to an OnStar Advisor whenever you need to — 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Plus, it gives you built-in Bluetooth for making handsfree calls, and it works as a phone all by itself.

ESS Headrest Video Package This headrest video package from ESS will keep your backseat passengers happy. Each package includes two headrests with built-in seven-inch screens, available in black, grey or tan so you can find the best match for your vehicle’s interior. The headrests feature adjustable posts that’ll fit into the seats in just about any vehicle.

A DVD player is built into one of the headrests, and a built-in transmitter sends the DVD soundtrack to your wireless headphones (not included in the package). If you don’t opt for wireless headphones, each headrest also offers a standard headphone jack.

An SD card slot, a mini-USB input, and two audio/video inputs in the DVD headrest accept a variety of sources, in addition to the DVD player itself. Soft-touch controls ensure smooth operation and no worries about sticky buttons down the road. LED backlight technology gives you better contrast and truer colors. You can control the action with the two included remotes, and your smaller passengers can tilt the screens for the best viewing angle.

LaCie Porsche Design The LaCie Porsche Design P series is a new breed of desktop hard drive, a perfect blend of form and function. It’s the product of a collaboration between one of the most renowned design firms in the world and LaCie. The device lets you transfer files faster than ever with USB 3.0 performance, and has the capacity to hold all of your files. It also features a striking LED that both indicates power and lends sophisticated elegance.

LaCie first joined forces with Porsche Design in 2003 to produce one of the most iconic and enduringly popular external hard drives on the market. Since then the two companies have worked closely to create products that blend flawless functionality and design.

The luxury brand and the leading technology company complement each other, with technical influence from LaCie, together with an exclusive and timeless shape presented by Porsche Design.

BEHIND THE LOGO

JEEP The Jeep logo consists of two circles denoting the headlights, with the vertical bars representing the grille in the front. The word ‘Jeep’ runs on top of the logo.

Jeep started out as a military vehicle and was later considered a Willys-Overland model, so it didn’t really have a logo unless you count the word ‘Jeep’ in parentheses, which appeared in the same typeface from the civilian introduction in 1946 well into the 1960s. Probably the closest thing to a Jeep logo appeared in 1963 in the centre of Wagoneer and Gladiator hubcaps and steering wheels. This was the same time

December 2011

Kaiser dropped the Willys name, changing the division name from Willys Motors to Kaiser Jeep Corporation and establishing Jeep as a standalone brand name. This emblem was a circle (in some illustrations looking vaguely like a stylised rendition of a Warn locking hub) with two gold quarters, two red quarters, and the name ‘Jeep’ across the middle. After AMC’s purchase of Jeep in 1971, the gold was replaced by blue.

The interesting thing about this logo is that it is never seen on the car itself. The car just has the word ‘Jeep’ on it. The logo is primarily used for advertising and marketing purposes.

The two circles denote the headlights, and the vertical bars represent the grille in the front

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

DIRECTORY CAR brands

Cop-out

That’s one way to stop a runaway tram. Or was it bad overtaking?

BUMPER STICKER Don’t worry about what people J T Q H Xthink, Y G J W B I X O I D NC they don’t do it veryAoften

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 DRenault.

E ................................................................24560111 N Z Rolls Royce........................................................24567108 H D Q M SsangYong.........................................................24561788

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

CAR RENTAL

4X4..........................................................................24798437 Avis..........................................................................24400888 Budget..................................................................24683999 Europcar...............................................................24700190 Elegant..................................................................24571951 Hertz.......................................................................24625200 Mark.......................................................................24562444 Thrifty.....................................................................24489248 Value Plus..........................................................24817964 Zubair Leasing & Rental............. 24500859/844

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 I O Oman Automobile Association.............24510630 R E Sayarti Autocare..............................................24500777 Q Z L K A J T P I T F N V Z J G O P D L H N A C N V J F R Z K H Q R O V N Y C I T C B B V #8 N G C H A R L E Y U M H E T A B C M K W B F P P D D L G I K V O E W S U Z U K I D G L I I Find the ten words hidden within the puzzle and send themVto Rus A for H a chance A M to A win Y an J attractive C L I prize.

X KThe L word list on the bottom will show you all the words that are hidden on the board. The hidden word can be found in all directions, E N F I E L D C X U R W A X Y written from left to right, right to left, horizontally, vertically and diagonally, but is always on one straight line.

I Q J S B C S S W P O S H V M Q X A B Y A W NA H A D U W M J T Q H X Y G J W I O D E N Z T F J I M S E A G W V Y G U U A B I X O I D NC R E H D Q M A H A K U U M S A M M K F G B Q Z L K A J T P I T F N V Z J B I B F J C Z K Z F M W R L X G O P D L H N A C N V J F R Z K H Q R O V N Y C I T C B B V AEMC N G C H A R L E Y U M H E T A APRILIA B C M K W B F P P D D L G I K BAJAJ V O E W S U Z U K I D G L I I HARLEY V R A H A M A Y J C L I X K L DUCATI E N F I E L D C X U R W A X Y SUZUKI I Q J S B C S S W P O S H V M Name.............................................................................................................

KAWASAKI Q X A B Y A W NA H A D U W M Age.............................Mobile.......................................................................

ENFIELD T F J I M S E A G W V Y G U U YAMAHA A H A K U U M S A M M K F G B Email..............................................................................................................

LIGHTNING B I B F J C Z K Z F M W R L X

AUTOQUiZ

WIN

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

Solution AEMCto AUTOQUiZ

APRILIA M I K A M I K I O X C L W M BAJAJ X R N X S O L O J O T K W L HARLEY J I R A R R E DUCATI L J Z S Z I Q J T B H H V F SUZUKI O E Q E W H X A L G F T Y S KAWASAKI A O K M Q T X H R J G N Z E ENFIELD A V G F F U P M E N A T M F YAMAHA A H U M M S E LIGHTNING Y C P O L A R

F B M A Y B A C H I X E T U L

L Q G O F J P S E K T G S D I

#7

K R R U H V Y X K N O V W E S

F S A M E V C X X D Y R I C R

M I T S U B I S H I O I L R Q

R N D B M A S E R A T I F E T

E D C A L L I D A C A U Y M L

F O H N E G I R V H P A D O R

FERRARI MASERATI MAYBACH MERCEDES TOYOTA CHEVROLET CADILLAC

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

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

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

Last issue’s winner

Rajeev T

gets his Maisto

MITSUBISHI YAMAHA POLARIS

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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PEUGEOT RCZ: EXCEPTIONALLY BOLD

The ALL-NEW RCZ is powered by a Turbo 156 HP engine with a 6-speed auto gearbox.

NEW PEUGEOT

RCZ

European Motors

LLC

Showrooms open from 8.00am to 1.00pm and 4.00pm to 8.00pm.

Email: peugeot@em-oman.com

Call 24 584 540 to book your test-drive or to know more about the New Peugeot RCZ.