Car Xpress Apr - May 08 by Kalimat Group International

ground rush Finding the Bentley GT Speedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s limits...

hummer dinger The HX concept rocks

plain sailing The new Land Cruiser gets a makeover

positive charge The stunning electric Tesla Roadster

PRICES - KSA SR 15 UAE AED 15 OMAN RO 1 BAHRAIN BD 1.5 LEBANON LL 10 000 QATAR QR 15 KUWAIT KD 1.5

volume 4 \\ issue 04 \\ april 08

Publisher Kalimat Group International FZ - LLC

Motormouth Our cover story this month is the world’s first production electric sportscar, the Tesla Roadster. Is this a real step forward in the race to find viable alternative vehicle propulsion? Time will tell. But related to this is the constant debate in the media at the moment as to whether the recent Earth Hour initiative of everyone switching off all unessential electric light for one hour has any real significance in the overall effort to SAVE THE PLANET – I put that phrase in capitals as I think that many people either forget, don’t care or are in denial about the issue this gesture is meant to highlight, although ‘issue’ seems too understated a term to describe the potential death of the Earth’s most dominant species – us! If you took part in the Middle East’s contribution to Earth hour, then congratulations. Last year’s Earth Hour in Australian cities alone saved energy that was equivalent to taking 45,000 cars off the roads for one year. So imagine the impact of every city in the world switching off their lights for one hour – for one hour a week, or even one hour a month. Sadly, even this will not be enough in the long term. From an automotive perspective it is a concern that many large manufacturers are still producing V8, V10 and V12 engines although from an enthusiast’s point of view you can’t beat them! Chevrolet, for example has just launched its most powerful Corvette ever, while Ford’s answer is the Mustang GT500. It is not enough to say that these large engines are less pollutant than their predecessors – they are still far too pollutant for our environment. Also, while most manufacturers have hybrid programmes under development, there is a strong risk that such a concentration on just one solution to the climate change and fossil fuel ‘issue’ could undermine the development of other, possibly more sustainable and environmentally responsible technologies. Whatever the solution, they cannot arrive quickly enough. And what of the throaty rasp of the V8? Ironically, Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman of Product Development and Chairman of GM North America, told me recently that just as the ‘whoosh’ of the jet engine replaced the thrum of propellers, so too will the automotive consumer learn to appreciate the sound of a new silent breed of car – or possibly synthesized big block sound. And while a lot of money is being invested in hybrids on the one hand, on the other, just as much is being spent on bigger, more butch and thirsty powerplants designed simply to boost the male ego and keep in touch with our ‘savage’ id. This all begs the question: When will the issue of saving our only home be taken seriously? The answer would seem to be: When it’s too late…

Car Xpress Head Office Office G4, Building No.1, Phase One, P.O. Box 502408 Dubai Media City, UAE Tel: +971 4 391 0410/1/2/3 Fax: +971 4 391 6619 e-mail carxpress@kalimatgroup.com General Manager Hekmat el Zein Assistant Editor Eugene Correia Designer Altaf Hussein df Asst Designers Qaiser Nawaz Mohd. Noufal Contributors Gordon Torbet Matt Carroll Alistair Weaver Marketing Account Manager Alie Jaber Photographer Wahb Mabhkout Car Xpress Lebanon Office Riad el solh 11072070 P.O.Box 11-1197 Beirut, Lebanon Tel: +961 3 208 528 Fax: +961 1 924 440

This Car Xpress Car Buyers Annual 2008 has been produced independent of the Middle East International Motor Show (MEIMS) and its partners and therefore MEIMS bears no responsibility with regard its contents. The material used in this publication is intended for informational purposes only. A sincere effort has been made to report details accurately, however, as specifications, models and pricing vary over time, readers are advised to use the data herein as a guide only, and to seek specialist assistance before acting on information offered in this publication. All text and layout remains the copyright of Kalimat Group International FZ LLC, unless stated otherwise. Car Xpress is fully independent, and its views are not those of any company mentioned herein. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. © 2008 Kalimat Group International

news contents

city & town car

high gear

The Honda Accord Coupe is a very different animal from its sedate sedan sibling

special car

face to face

The GT Speed has its limits – but good luck finding them!

Audi’s aural experience is in the hands of the Danish sound masters

for your buck

news

predictable, but not dull 18 Honda’s Accord Coupe is a quite an animal

Tesla’s all electric driven Roadster could well be a spark of genius

plain sailing

ground rush

More B&O for your buck

sand stormer

passive aggressive

hummer dinger

positive charge

maranello mambo

The new Land Cruiser gets a makeover Finding the Bentley GT Speeds limits... Audi and the Danish Sound Masters VW’s Concept T dune stomper The unassuming new VW Passat - with attitude

60 APR 2008

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APR 2008 61

The HX concept rocks city & town car

concept car

Sand stormer

The all-electric stunning Tesla Roadster

vw’s concept t is made for

the deserts of uae

Here is a concept that has for some reason slipped under the radar of most motoring journos. OK, it’s a couple of years old now, but it still looks like it would be perfectly suited out in the desert 20 years from now. It’s VW’s Concept T.

Under that slim and oh-so curvaceous bodywork is a 241bhp V6 mated to VW’s 4MOTION permanent all wheel drive and Tiptronic gearbox. On hard surfaces the ‘T’ will hit 100kph in around 7 seconds and flatout will top 230kph. And this is an off-roader! But while it offers the flexibility of the off-roader it is also has the essence of a thoroughbred sports car. Its progressive design and the clver variability of its body also bring completely new lifestyle and leisure values within reach. As you would expect from an agile sports car, the ‘T’ is characterized by its exciting body dimensions (4m long, 2m wide and 1.4m high). The powerful exterior also incorporates short body overhangs for off-roading as well as a large number of hightech features.

Blue sky project

These start with the wing doors which represent a stylistically fascinating body detail. They are mounted in the upper section of the A-pillars and when opened, swing

slightly outwards and steeply upwards, giving the advantage of comfortable entry using comparatively little space. The ‘T’ also, rather coincidentally, features a T-bar roof which can be swung upwards for easy removal. Even more sky is available when the rear roof module – designed as a hard top with integrated trunk lid – is removed. If the side windows are lowered, the ‘T’ is transformed completely into a convertible with a secure roll-bar. To underscore the off-road character of the ‘T’ – if it ever were needed – are the extremely wide and upward arching fenders, giving the over-all effect that the 19-inch wheels stand free, in the style of the legendary VW dune buggy. This provides more than just character: the selected tyre and wheel combination provides a further basis for the on- and off-road handling on the ‘T’. On the inside, the ‘T’ also demonstrates progressive directions because it has been conceived as both a 20seater and a 2+2, as well as having a consciously purist sports design. For example, a soft tactile synthetic

Ferrari’s 599GTB takes on South America VH's latest Passat may be unassuming, but it s spoiling for a fight

The all-new VW Passat, big brother to the Jetta, is something of a surprising car -even the mid-range 2.0-litre FSI (the top-of-the-range is the 3.2-litre V6 FSI). From the outside it is subdued and understated, but under the elegant body is an engineered car that is out to make an impression.

concept car

New minds design the HX – the near future of off-road

www.car-xpress.com

2 APR 2008

Car Xpress

news

Rapide development Early last month Aston Martin announced a partnership with automotive specialists Magna Steyr which will see the company’s 4-door Rapide built at a dedicated facility in Graz in Austria. Aston Martin say that the decision to outsource production of this model has been taken because they are currently enjoying unprecedented levels of success from an increasing number of markets around the world. Demand for its current models – the DB9, the V8 Vantage and the recently launched DBS – means that its HQ at Gaydon in the UK, is fast approaching full capacity of 8,000 cars. Since the commitment from the new

4 APR 2008

Car Xpress

shareholders in May 2007 that the Rapide would go into production, Aston Martin has investigated several companies, each with outstanding experience and reputation for handling such projects and high-performance models, and concluded that Magna Steyr was the best partner to do this. Aston Martin’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez, comments: “I am confident that the partnership with Magna Steyr is a sound business proposition to ensure continued future stability and growth for Aston Martin. The dedicated Aston Martin Rapide Plant will have the ability to deliver the highest levels of quality similar to those which currently exist at our Gaydon production facility.”

To meet Aston Martin’s stringent requirements work has already begun to establish a dedicated Aston Martin production operation within Magna Steyr’s facility in Austria which and this is expected to produce 2000+ cars annually some time after it begins production in towards the end of 2009. The design of the Aston Martin Rapide Plant (AMRP) will be based upon the company’s production facility in Gaydon and the Aston Martin Engine Plant (AMEP) in Cologne, and will integrate the company’s corporate identity including a travertine marble reception and Aston Martin workwear for employees.

news

Juiced Coupe Having earned critical acclaim, industry awards and brisk sales, Cadillac CTS has moved into the vanguard of contemporary design. In doing so, Cadillac designers faced the question of what to do next. Their answer celebrates that design legacy with the exhilarating Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept, which premiered at the 2008 North American International Auto Show. The CTS Coupe takes Cadillac’s acclaimed Art and Science design language and adds more of both: More expressive, more technical and very personal. “The CTS Coupe Concept is a dramatic design statement,” says Ed Welburn, VP of GM Global Design. “We did not create it as the result of sifting through reams of market data, nor is its shape trimmed to suit the input collected at a consumer clinic – it is emotion on four wheels and the very essence of what defines Cadillac today.” The fast-rake styling of the CTS Coupe concept shares the same wheelbase as the CTS, but is approximately 51mm lower and 51mm shorter, while the hand-sculpted bodywork bulges around the wheels and gives the vehicle a ready-to-pounce stance that is dramatic, powerful and sleek. “Just about every decade, Cadillac designs a breakthrough car that becomes synonymous with the brand’s character of the period, such as the 1938 60 Special, the 1959 lineup,

6 APR 2008

Car Xpress

the 1975 Seville and the 2003 Sixteen Concept,” says Clay Dean, Cadillac’s global design director. The surfaces of CTS Coupe Concept are complex, inviting careful inspection. The rear fenders, for example, were sculpted by hand in the design studio until they provided a perfect, muscular form that wrapped tightly over the wheels. At the top, the rear fenders are beveled – owing to the diamond-cut theme – and become part of a horizontal plane that runs from the leading edge of the taillamps and merges into the roof. A classic 2+2 interior environment enhances the CTS Coupe’s personal feel. It shares the hand cutand-sewn instrument panel and centre console with the CTS, but features unique front and rear seats, a continuous console running between the front and rear seats, and custom door panels. Custom-trimmed sport seats from Recaro are for all four positions. They support the grandtouring nature of the car and are covered in rich, black and suede-like microfibre material, with yellow ochre-colored inserts which provides dramatic contrast with the black

surrounding trim, but is a subdued hue consistent with the interior’s overall feeling of refinement. Like the sedan, the CTS Coupe Concept’s interior is home to a host of technologies, including a premium Bose audio system, 40Gb hard drive a satellite navigation system, which – like the CTS – features a screen that rises out of the centre of the instrument panel. The CTS Coupe, of course, ascertains the sedan’s V6 3.6-litre engines, including the 323bhp direct injection powerplant. The Coupe Concept also is designed for a new 2.9-litre turbo-diesel being developed for international markets. This new engine, tailored for use in the CTS, will deliver an estimated 250bhp and 405lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission backs the engine, sending torque to an independently sprung rear axle. The CTS Coupe’s sport-tuned suspension gives it a slightly lower ride height than a production CTS – a look enhanced by the car’s rakish shape and large, 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels.

Tata to JLR

Speculation has been rife for some time now, but Ford Motor Company has finally entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) operations to Indian automotive giant Tata Motors for around US$2.3 billion with another US$600 million being contributed from ford for the JLR pension plans. This follows Ford’s decision last August to explore strategic options for the JLR business, as the company accelerates its focus on its core Ford brand and “One Ford” global transformation. The sale is expected to close by mid 2008 subject to customary closing conditions including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals. Alan Mulally, president and CEO of Ford Motor Company says, “It is time

for Ford to concentrate on integrating the Ford brand globally, as we implement our plan to create a strong Ford Motor Company that delivers profitable growth for all.” Lewis Booth, executive vice president, Ford Motor Company adds, “This is a good agreement. It provides the Jaguar Land Rover management team and employees with the assurances needed to maintain their focus on delivering the best results for the business.” As part of the transaction, Ford will continue to supply Jaguar Land Rover for differing periods with powertrains, stampings and other vehicle components, in addition to a variety of technologies, such as environmental and platform technologies. Ford has

also committed to provide engineering support, including continued research and development, as well as information technology, accounting and other services. Speaking about the agreement, Mr. Ratan N. Tata, Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors, comments, “We are very pleased at the prospect of Jaguar Land Rover being a significant part of our automotive business. We have enormous respect for the two brands and will endeavour to preserve and build on their heritage and competitiveness. We aim to support their growth while holding true to our principles of allowing the management and employees to bring their experience and expertise to bear on the growth of the business.” Car Xpress

APR 2008 7

news

Birth of a new Korean Coupe These are the first pictures of Hyundai’s Genesis Coupe, a purpose-built rear-wheel drive sports coupe that promises to take the Korean manufacturer into supercar territory for the first time. Revealed at the New York International Auto Show, the stunninglystyled 2-door coupe will be powered by a choice of two performance-focused petrol engines – a 220bhp 2.0-litre turbo 4-cylinder and a range-topping all-aluminium 305bhp, DOHC 3.8-litre V6. The Genesis Coupe is scheduled to join the Hyundai line-up in South

Korea and North America early in 2009. Both Genesis Coupe engines are mated to a standard 6-speed manual transmission with an auto option, and it has 18-inch alloys or optional 19-inch wheels. “We think our entry-level Genesis Coupe 2.0-litre, with its unique combination of rear-wheel drive and 4-cylinder turbo power, offers an intriguing alternative to existing front-wheel drive sports coupes,” says John Krafcik, Vice President of product development and strategic planning for

Hyundai Motor America. “The 3.8-litre version takes things to an even higher level, rivalling the capability of premium coupes.” In keeping with its mission to be the most exciting, affordable sports coupe on the road, the Genesis Coupe boasts a cockpit designed to enhance the driving experience. Among the other refinements are an Infinity audio system, sport bucket seats and two-stage heated front seats. The Genesis Coupe also offers the convenience of a proximity key and push button starter.

A lesson in marketing for Mercedes

The competition to find the winner of Gargash Enterprise’s latest advertising campaign for the launch of the new Mercedes C-Class coupe in the autumn of 2008 is well under way, and it’s no ordinary approach. As part of Mercedes global campaign to launch the coupe in the UAE, Gargash approached the final year marketing students at Wollongong University in Dubai to come up with an innovative marketing strategy. Students of MKT333 were chosen specifically because the C-Classs coupe is aimed at a younger age group than other Mercedes models. Mr. Derbi says, “The C-Class Coupe is designed with young drivers in mind, therefore having university students come up with ideas for the launch will yield campaigns that ooze with creativity and impact.” The students were placed into groups and chose their own ‘agency’ names including INK’Q Communications, All Over Advertising and Bullzeye Agency. Then they received a full brief from Mr. Wassim Derbi, Marketing Manager of Gargash Enterprises, on the new C-Class Coupe. As well as developing the theme and ideas behind their campaign, the 8 APR 2008

Car Xpress

students are also required to budget for all project-related costs including media buying and event production. In turn, they are also deviating from the normal course syllabus and submitting a full proposal on the best possible way to launch the car in the region. Inspiration for the students has come from diverse sources including the cultural mix, the region’s passion for cars, people’s spending power and fashion. And not least their impressions of the Mercedes brand itself which they have identified as being about style, stunning design with quality and comfort, luxury, power and high brand reliability, technologically superior, and with competitive pricing in comparison to other German brands. “Such a project is an excellent way to give students a taste of what awaits them in the real world, and as an added advantage, they get the opportunity to work with such a prestigious brand as Mercedes-Benz,” adds Dr. Alun

Epps of the University of Wollongong Dubai. And for the students, this association is one of the real challenges, as well as the fact that their campaigns will need to encompass the cultural spread in Dubai, will need to stand up against existing professional ad agencies, and mustn’t diminish Mercedes’ brand reputation. The 27th April 2008 is the deadline when the project finalists, who are nominated during the last classes, will give their presentations to the Gargash Enterprises board in order to conclude on which team’s campaign the launch will be based.

Hybrid dilemma

Hybrid electric vehicles that “There is a general convergenc run on both conventional gasoline e of strategies towards promoting and stored electricity can be no hybrid vehicles as the mid-term solution more than a stopgap until more to very low-emission and high-mileage sustainable technology is develope d, say vehicles,” the researchers assert. researchers in France. Writing in “This the is largely due to Toyota’s strateg Inderscience publication ‘Internat y of ional learning the technology, while buil Journal of Automotive Technolo ding gy up its own ‘quasi-standard’, tha and Management’, they suggest nks that to its high quality and reliability the adoption of HEVs might even slow reputation and its high market development of more sustainable share in fuelNor th America.” cell powered electric vehicles. They add that, “Such a convergenc Jean-Jacques Chanaron Researc e h is bas ed more on customer perception Director within the French Nationa l triggered by very clever marketi Centre for Scientific Research ng and communication campaigns than (CNRS) and Julius Teske at Grenob on pure le, rational scientific arguments and question strongly whether the curr may ent resu lt in the need for any manufacture acceptance of hybrid vehicle tech r nology operating in the USA to have a hybr particularly in the USA is in any way id electric vehicle in its model rang environmentally sustainable. e in order to survive.” The researchers have analyzed the Moreover, political pressures also spread of this technology inclu ding play a significant part. The three the non-financial drivers for its major US manufacturers – GM, Ford, and adoption. They point out that mos t Chrysler – recently urged Preside manufacturers are rapidly inte nt grating Bus h to financially and politically sup hybrid electric vehicles into thei port r a national technological solution technology portfolio, despite the for hybrids; this was independent of absence of significant profitability. the currently dominant solutions initi ated They add that the misinformed craz e by Toyota. The researchers conced for hybrid vehicles especially in the e USA, that, “The quest for low emission and increasingly in Japan and Euro , pe, and clean, and high-mileage vehicles potentially in China, could represen is on t a red its way and should be at the top of light for more innovative technolo the gies, manufacturers’ agenda.” However such as viable fuel-cell cars that , they can suggest that the technology, mar use sustainably sourced fuels, such keting, as and public perception lead to one hydrogen. They concur with earlier studies overriding problem: Is a hybrid stra that suggest that hydrogen fuel tegy cells will sust ainable in the long run? Chanaro not be marketable in high volumes n before and Teske think not. at least 2025. This could, however , be too The complexity and high cost of the late for some models of climate chan ge hybr id technology is also playing against and emissions reduction. They also point itself,” they say. “There is a huge stra out that even fuel cell technology tegic has its dilemma for the key players in the drawbacks and much of the marketi ng automotive industry where a mistake surrounding its potential has eme in rged only technology decision-ma king might turn even from the hydrogen lobby itself. a big player into a take-over candida te.”

Audi ME gets new MD Only weeks after reporting a successful 2007 with a sales increase of 38.2% Audi Middle East has now announced a new Managing Director for the region. Australian Jeff Mannering 43 year old Mannering has been in the automotive industry since 1982. After 15 years with two major Japanese brands he moved to Audi Aftersales where he spent eight years with Audi Australia and a further two years as Head of Aftersales of Audi Middle East. Among his most notable achievements for the region was the set up of the Middle East Training Center as well as Parts Distribution Center with an overall investment of approximately $10 million. Mannering says:“This appointment is a great honour for me and I intend to fulfil the high expectations that have been placed in me and Audi Middle East. While sales are going strong and new models arrive to the market, we will further focus on strengthening our dealerships through training and Aftersales service development.”

Car Xpress

APR 2008 9

news

Du Ryder, don’t drive for the call to say If you’re still waiting du stic Mustang-based you’ve won the fanta n’t ve ha u yo – no longer Ryder car, then wait t Kumar, an Indian expa yam Sh e us ca won. Be o ag hs E just six mont who arrived in the UA – or at least he me ho r ca has taken the could drive! would have done if he

10 APR 2008

Car Xpress

automatically The 28 year-old was ary promotion run ers entered into the anniv an active du mobile by du simply for being me was picked from customer. Kumar’s na es received in the du the 32,038,502 entri ended on 15 February. at Ryder promotion th logging Basically, subscribers

5 ring the period from the highest points du re we 08 20 ry ua br 15 Fe December 2007 until into the draw to win ed ter en ally tic ma auto the du Ryder. the calls from du “At first I did not take n wo d ha informing me that I

the car very seriously,” says Kumar. “My friends and I had been pulling pranks on each other during DSF, trying to trick the others into believing they had won one of the DSF raffle cars and I thought this was another such call! On the third call from the Director of PR at du however, I realized it was not a hoax and could not believe my good fortune.” Custom built by international experts West Coast Customs, this state-of-the-art car was further enriched by partnering with leading IT giants, adding next generation technologies including a wireless hotspot, instant wireless connection, web access and TV streaming systems that allow access to satellite TV programming such as Showtime. Additionally, the du Ryder has been fitted with an 80Gb hard drive, a sophisticated 7-inch touch screen DVD player/burner, Bluetooth connectivity, two USB ports, a 24-inch Dell monitor, built-in USAmp audio, two 12-inch subwoofers, and a DriveSoft vehicle compatible multimedia player. If you want to get a closer look the du Ryder, West Coast Customs have said they will look after the car at their Al Quoz workshop and showroom until Kumar has passed his test.

ED’s up

The HED-5, named “i-mode” is a 6-seater people carrier that incorporates high-tech materials, an advanced seating concept and state-of-the-art communication technology in a completely new vehicle. By working together with the partners Bayer MaterialScience AG, Keiper and LG Electronics, Hyundai is continuing a cross-industry cooperation to drive new technologies to market. The cooperation with Bayer MaterialScience enabled the radical design of the HED-5 to be implemented more quickly. The materials used are lighter and more adaptable than the metal and glass they replace. This, in combination with a lightweight body construction, reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Selfhealing water-based bodywork finishes from Bayer add to the environmentally friendly concept of the vehicle and even let minor scratches magically disappear by themselves. The i-mode is the first vehicle to feature the new “BayVision” glazing system and Collimator headlight lenses made from Makrolon®. LG electronics have developed the advanced entertainment concept whereby the vehicle becomes an extension of the digital

home, allowing passengers to stay connected, communicate and interact in the car. Access to the web, video games, movies or video calling are all possible through the pop-down touchscreen displays and webcams, located within the overhead console. A wireless network enables a selection of cable-free keyboards, game controllers and headphones to further personalize the entertainment experience. Hyundai’s engineering partner Keiper supported the i-mode project with the exclusive world premiere of its new and unique Swivel Seat concept. The first row passenger seat rotates to face second and third row occupants. Through the door opening mechanism, the interior is in the form of a lounge compartment. The interior represents the concept of social space, an environment where all occupants can enjoy safe travel in comfort, surrounded by sophisticated technology and luxurious materials. i-mode is powered by an all-new 2.2-litre R diesel engine which first passes the intake air through a low-pressure turbocharger from where it is forced into a high-pressure turbocharger for maximum boost: 212bhp and 340lb-ft of peak torque.

Car Xpress

APR 2008 11

news

Ride like the wind

The Scirocco is back and VW claim that it is most dynamic and technologically advanced production coupé they’ve ever built. The essence of the original Scirocco is apparent in its modern day successor. Styled by a team led by Klaus Bischoff, Chief Designer at Volkswagen, the Scirocco draws inspiration from the Iroc Concept, unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2006. Deep front air dams and a razorthin grille are framed by twin-lens headlight units. In a rare departure the VW roundel has been moved from the grille to the bonnet. The aggressive yet cohesive design of the exterior flows into the new Scirocco’s interior which is airy and light, while the option of an electrically-operated panoramic sunroof further emphasizes the feeling of spaciousness. The new Scirocco features four, individual sculpted seats finished in a choice of either cloth or leather. The sports seats aren’t just

Toyota recently gave its new Urban Cruiser small SUV its European debut at the Geneva motor show, the latest addition to its distinguished 4x4 vehicle heritage. The new model is aimed firmly at the urban all-road market, where European sales have almost doubled since 2002, and it responds to customer demand for stylish SUVs with lower fuel bills and CO2 emissions: Urban Cruiser is expected to come in below the 140g/km emissions benchmark. The new Urban Cruiser is designed as an aspirational urban SUV that is very close in spirit to the discontinued 3-door RAV4 with its compact dimensions, clever packaging, practicality and 4-wheel drive transmission. The Urban Cruiser has the rugged, muscular

12 APR 2008

Car Xpress

restricted to those up front – the contoured rear seats feature integrated headrests to offer plenty of support. Proportions for the new Scirocco are classic coupé – short, low and wide. Key to the advances made to the Scirocco are the new dynamic aids. All models feature advanced adaptive chassis control offering three driver-selected settings – comfort, normal and sport – allowing a balance between sharp responses and comfortable

Urban warrior

appearance expected of an SUV, but with 5-door practicality and compact

everyday accessibility. The system’s influence extends to the steering system: should ‘sport’ be selected the steering firms up to provide more feel while ‘comfort’ mode makes the steering lighter and easier to operate at low speeds or around town. The Scirocco’s dynamics are linked to a range of powerful yet efficient petrol and diesel engines. A comprehensive range of safety features is fitted to the Scirocco as standard, including six airbags, Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) and ABS with Hydraulic Brake Assist. The new model will be launched with a 2.0-litre T-FSI 4-cylinder engine developing 197bhp and driving through the front wheels via a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG gearboxes. A range of TSI and common rail TDI engines will also be offered linked to 6-speed manual and 7-speed DSG gearboxes, from the end of the year.

dimensions that make it suitable for driving around town. It measures 3,930mm long, 1,725mm wide and 1,540mm tall, with spacious accommodation for five inside, plus luggage space. A high belt line, additional bumper protection, prominent lower door sills and pronounced wheel arches give the vehicle a robust appearance. The show car was fitted with 5-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels and a special Ice Blue paint finish.

t u o y a d l ia c e p s ’s t Yellow Ha iddle East’s first Yellow Hat, the M dged superstore has ple auto accessories by ity un m m e Dubai co its support to th Needs ally-based Special loc e th g sponsorin ramme (SNAP). Awareness Prog by ogram, arranged th As part of e pr s ide ov pr AP SN a, Gobbar es, nc founder Theresa rie pe w and exciting ex an students with ne ’, AP SN ature ‘lap with with the event fe Dubai t event hosted by or pp su e automotive Th . iday March 7, 2008 use Autodrome on Fr to ity un en the opport ile students were giv wh e om dr to at the Au top class facilities ivers dr l na sio es of pr d by being accompanie thusiasts. en b clu r ca E UA and F1 Net Café, who of an Sandy Norm

ys: “This ent with SNAP, sa organises the ev and we t en ev al hile annu is a hugely worthw ard to bo on ing m co Hat appreciate Yellow ar. support us this ye ort etely upon supp pl m “We rely co of rs be em m d an nies t from local compa en ev sure this annual the public to en rs ee nt lu e many vo continues, and th r a day e a difference fo ak m ly al involved re ecial children.” at to some very sp , general manager kw Graham Mar ick : ins pla ex e or st Center the Times Square d rthwhile cause an “This is such a wo the r commitment to fits nicely with ou ings th all r fo r passion community and ou car-related.”

SOUL from Seoul

The Kia SOUL Burner is the ‘bad boy’ of Kia’s three new concept characters, including the Sould Diva and Sould Searcher. A ‘showoff’ complete with dragon tattoos, from the outside, it is a mean, totally black beast with sparse flashes of scarlet. The tattoos are gloss black on the black satin paintwork, which shows a large dragon creeping over the bonnet. On the other side, a small dragon climbs up the C-Pillar. The front bumper of the SOUL Burner is equipped with L-shaped daylight LED driving lamps around the outer edges and at the

rear, two vertical exhaust pipes are placed at the extremes of the bumper. Inside SOUL Burner, the 4 individual sports seats and entire cabin trim are divided horizontally. Above the split, everything is finished in a rich matt red, while below all is deep black. With a less ‘guerrilla’ look, the Kia SOUL

Searcher is the concept that provides a haven of tranquility within the urban jungle, a comfort-zone on four wheels while the Kia SOUL Diva has been created as a fashion accessory for a style-conscious young-atheart woman who regards her car to be as important as her entire outfit.

Car Xpress

APR 2008 13

news feature

Advanced intelligence Also in Geneva, Toyota premiere the production design of the new iQ, destined to go into production late in 2008. The iQ – whose name represents what the car embodies: “i” for individuality, innovation and intelligence and “Q” for quality – is a sophisticated car which measures less than 3m long, but has a flexible interior that allows up to three adults, plus a child or luggage, to travel in comfort. Toyota say “the iQ is designed for buyers who want more than just urban mobility, but who are also looking for space, refinement and a vehicle that is kinder to the environment.” Its revolutionary packaging is achieved through 6 spacesaving, interlinked engineering innovations that represent a break-through in Toyota’s vehicle development: a new differential and design of steering gear to reduce the size of the engine compartment; a flat under-floor fuel tank and rear-angled shock absorbers to help reduce length; a smaller heater/aircon unit; an asymmetric dashboard and sliding seat configuration to create space up front; and slim seat design. “The iQ story started a few years ago when we at Toyota began thinking about the environmental impact of automobiles,” explains Kazuo Okamato, Executive Vice President in charge of Research and Development at Toyota Motor Corporation. “We concluded that, in order to ensure a sustainable future, there was a need for a radical change in vehicle packaging.” Toyota has created a “techno-organic” design for the interior, which fuses geometric precision with inner beauty. This is demonstrated in the floating “V” centre console that dominates the asymmetrical dashboard and the matt silver door handles, which have a flowing, manta ray shape. The result is a breakthrough in “small yet spacious” packaging, which at the same time has been designed to meet Euro NCAP’s top five-star safety rating.

14 APR 2008

Car Xpress

APR 2008 15

news

Arresting RSR The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR is the most powerful race car based on the Porsche 911 sports coupe, and last year it scored wins in the renowned 24-hour races at Le Mans in France and Spa in Belgium, as well as overall victory in the gruelling Nurburgring 24 hours in Germany. The 911 GT3 RSR is designed for competition in the GT2 class of international long-distance racing, and for the 2008 motorsport season it has gained extensive modifications. The most distinguishing feature of the new GT3 RSR is the front end, which receives major improvements to the aerodynamics. However, the majority of innovations are hidden beneath the lightweight body. Aside from the easily recognizable additional spoilers on the front apron,

16 APR 2008

Car Xpress

so-called ‘flicks’, optimized air ducting with newly-designed side air outlets generate more aerodynamic downforce and reduce drag. The rear end, including the rear wing, is carried over from the previous car. Under the skin, extensive changes to the suspension kinematics have increased mechanical grip and the range of suspension set-up options has been broadened. The 3.8-litre flat-6 cylinder ‘boxer’ engine of the GT3 RSR remains unchanged apart from slight improvements. It delivers 465bhp at 8,000rpm and maximum torque of 317lbft at 7,250rpm. The rev limiter kicks in at 9,400rpm. Much of the know-how in the totally new gearbox of the GT3 RSR has come from the RS Spyder sports prototype. As a consequence, the sequential 6-speed unit is considerably lighter than its predecessor.

Alongside the GT3 Cup and the GT3 Cup S, the GT3 RSR is the third race car based on the Porsche 911 offered by Porsche Motorsport. 35 units of this fastest and most powerful racing derivative of the 911 are now being produced and delivered to customer teams around the globe. The price of the 911 GT3 RSR is 360,000 Euro (AED2,100,000).

Technical Description 6-cylinder aluminium boxer engine, watercooled; 3,795cc; stroke - 76.4mm; bore 102.7mm; max power - 465bhp at 8,000rpm; max. torque - 317lb-ft at 7,250rpm; air

restrictors - 2 x 29.5mm; maximum engine speed - 9,400rpm; four valves per cylinder; dry sump lubrication; individual throttle butterflies; central air intake; electronic MS 4.0 engine management; fuel injection; fuel grade - RON 98 Super Plus unleaded

6-speed gearbox with sequential jaw-type shift; oil/water heat exchanger; single-mass flywheel; hydraulic disengagement lever; 3-plate carbon-fibre clutch; rear wheel drive; limited-slip differential 45/65%

Monocoque body (basis GT3 RS) of hotgalvanised steel; aerodynamically optimized front end with front spoiler; aerodynamically optimized front underfloor; adjustable rear wing; 90-litre safety fuel tank with fast filling function; air jack; welded-in safety cage; bucket-type racing seat (on driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side only) with flame-resistant seat cover; six-point seatbelt adapted for use of the HANS Head and Neck Support; electric fire-extinguishing system

Front: McPherson spring strut axle; Sachs 4-way gas pressure dampers; double coil springs (main and ancillary spring); front axle arms adjustable for camber; adjustable swordtype anti-roll bar on both sides; power steering

Rear: Multi-arm axle with rigidly mounted axle sub-frame; Sachs 4-way gas pressure dampers; double coil springs (main and auxiliary spring); rear axle tie-bar reinforced and infinitely adjustable; adjustable swordtype anti-roll bar on both sides Complete suspension infinitely adjustable (height, camber, track)

Brake system with balance bar control Front: Single-piece 6-piston aluminium fixed callipers; inner-vented, 380mm in diameter; racing brake pads Rear: Single-piece 4-piston aluminium fixed callipers; inner-vented, 355mm in diameter; racing brake pads

Front: 3-piece BBS light-alloy wheels (11J x 18-34); central bolt Rear: 3-piece BBS light-alloy wheels (13J x 18-12.5); central bolt

Motec display with integrated data recording; adjustable traction control; battery: 12 volt, 50 Ah, 140 Ah alternator

Approx. 1,225kg complying with A.C.O. regulations, 1,200kg complying with FIA regulations

Car Xpress

APR 2008 17

city & town car

The Honda Accord Coupe is a very different animal from its sedate sedan sibling

18 APR 2008

Car Xpress

APR 2008 19

city & town car

So far driving experiences of the new Honda Accord Coupe have been limited, in this region at least. But CX was among a select group of journalists who had the opportunity to get to grips with this nippy little critter at Dubai's Autodrome.

It’s been a while in coming, but the Accord Coupe finally went on sale in the GCC on 1st March this year, and for many young drivers it will tick a lot of the essential boxes: stylish, distinctive, wellappointed, sporty engine and handling, but it also won’t break the bank. Comparing the Accord sedan and the Coupe, there is very little behind the front wheel-arch which bears much similarity. Even in front of the wheel arch the differences are distinct: the Coupe has been given a much more angular and sharper face with a chiselled wide and aggressive grille. The headlamps are ‘hawk-like’ and flow up the side following the defined crease of the upper valance. Behind the wheel-arch, the Coupe is a completely new car with a sporty wedge-shape and sexy flowing roofline which drops elegantly to the trunk lid. The character line along the shoulder line and the crease just above the base of the door add dynamism and a feeling of movement, although the crease also emphasizes the squared-off rear arches which lack true muscularity. The interior is also greatly adapted specifically for the Coupe. The driver and passenger seating positions are low-slung front and back. This makes for a more racy posture while allowing a few inches more headroom in the rear. A sporty 3-spoke steering wheel with ‘silver’ trim also adds to the aesthetic as well as being the ideal dimensions and contours for positive steering.

20 APR 2008

Car Xpress

APR 2008 21

city & town car

For a road car it has exceptional turn-in at speed and is utterly predictable even when it starts to break free

Circuit Tester So what’s it like out on the track? There are two variants available: the 191bhp 2.4-litre inline-4 and the 271bhp 3.5-litre V6. Surprisingly, apart from off-the-line pick-up there is not that much difference except for the fact that the V6 delivers the power that much more eagerly through its 18-inch wheels and low profile tyres. Engineers have also redesigned the chassis to lower the engine and fuel tank, resulting in a lower centre of gravity and a 22 APR 2008

Car Xpress

‘stickier’ car. The steering and brakes have also been given the once over so the car feels more responsive and fun to drive. And it is a lot of fun, believe me. For a road car it has exceptional turn-in at speed and is utterly predictable even when it starts to break free and it is very forgiving – even when you quickly lift off the throttle to correct oversteer. A few journalists headed on to the apron a couple of times on the tighter turns, but that was less to do with the car’s limits and more to do with taking the wrong line or

getting the approach speed wrong. While the suspension is still too soft for serious track work, the Coupe still acquitted itself extremely well through the Autodrome’s club circuit S bends and the swinging g-force inducing ‘bowl’. To coin a phrase of one of the Autodrome’s instructors, ‘it is eminently chuckable’!

But Seriously So off the track, what can the coupe offer? Well, just as with the V6 Accord sedan, the

the shift hold system recognizes the attitude of the driver and senses the amount of braking and acceleration

V6 coupe features Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management system which has a marked effect on the car’s economy while not affecting the performance. Basically, under hard acceleration it fires on all 6 cylinders for maximum power, while cruising consistently at speed it cuts back to 4 cylinders, and while trundling in traffic at low speed or idling, it cuts back to 3 cylinders. This system is obviously not available with the inline-4 engine which, while it is 34bhp more powerful than the 2007 US model, still manages 8% improved fuel economy. The 3.5-litre V6 is a

6% improvement by comparison and 24bhp more powerful than its predecessor. One final addition to the Coupe’s driving dynamics is the Shift Hold System designed to improve dynamic driving performance. Where the standard automatic gearbox will, for example, change between 3rd, 4th and 5th while driving and braking through a set of consecutive turns, the Shift Hold System recognizes the attitude of the driver and senses the amount of braking and acceleration and will hold the gearbox in the most suitable gear so the power delivery is

more controlled and the maximum torque and horsepower is available instantly. As yet, we have not had the opportunity to drive the Coupe sensibly on the public highway, so we can’t tell you about the sound system, the comfort levels of the long trip, the visibility in traffic, the ease of crawling in long queues, or the real-life economy figures. But we will, in a future issue. Personally, I think the Accord Coupe has the potential to challenge the Hyundai Coupe for fun value for money. It has balance, poise, image, power and build quality. Car Xpress

APR 2008 23

24 APR 2008

Car Xpress

Specifications Engines 3.5 litre V6 2.4 litre inline-4 Max power 271bhp 191bhp Max torque 34.6kg-m 22.6kg-m Transmission 5-speed automatic Acceleration 0-100kph in 7secs 9secs Top speed 208kph Economy 10lt/100kph 9.5lt/100kph

Car Xpress

APR 2008 25

high gear

The new Land Cruiser gets a makeover

26 APR 2008

Car Xpress

APR 2008 27

high gear

Preliminary market research towards the look of the new Land Cruiser has not been that favourable. But whether you like its jelly mould rounded edges or not, there's more to the 'Pride of the Land' than meets the eye. Compare the 2008 Land Cruiser with its predecessor the Amazon, and you’ll notice just how less this new model looks like a purely functional ‘van’. While it’s still a box, Toyota’s designers have softened the edges somewhat while somehow making the Land Cruiser look even bigger and more muscular. In particular the face has a deeper grille, and the colour-coded bumpers and lower

28 APR 2008

Car Xpress

valance all add ‘weight’ to the presence of the Land Cruiser. The headlamp clusters now have a teardrop-style wrap-around with a bulbous protrusion which reminds you of a facial mole! In profile the make-over has added a touch of style – which you really couldn’t say about previous models. As well as functionality, the designers have finally realised that ‘looks’ also count. Hence, the thicker and more sporty rear angled pillar (with roof spoiler) which flows down and rearward to the rear bumper to give a more aerodynamic appearance. The side lines have been made less fussy except for a lower crease which emphasizes the slight muscles of the wheel-arches.

Booty-licious The rear-end has far more sexy curves than earlier models but is still quite masculine (hmm, what does that say about me?) and the split tailgate is excellent for sitting on, or for access to the rear storage area.

Internally, the Land Cruiser has always offered space. There is a clever side stowage solution for the third row seating to open up as much space as easily as possible. Even with the third row in place there is still room for a couple of sets of golf clubs in the rear. With the second and third rows stowed the storage space is excellent. However, one drawback with the third row (as with many SUVs of this size) is that there is no floorwell because it’s over the rear axle, so there so only legroom really for children. In the GX.R variant we test drove, the interior is a very mediocre cloth upholstery which looks neither quality or hardwearing – and perception counts for a great deal in this price bracket. The top-of-the-range VX-R, however, has luscious leather throughout and the difference this makes to your initial impressions is immense. But perception aside, space, layout, comfort, and visibility (good large wing mirrors) are all up to Toyota’s usual high standards. The centre

console features some appealing contours which also allows for the gear lever to sit further forward for better ergonomics and the use of darkwoods, while thankfully limited, also fit the interior aesthetic. The only thing that stood out as being a little peculiar was with the sound system: the On/off/volume button is on the right while the tuning button is on the left. However, the driver is more often going to be using the on/off/volume button which means he has to reach further and take his eyes further away from the road. There is also no steering wheel-mounted control either – at least not on the GX.R.

Slow motion There are a few other additions which differentiate the VX.R as well, possibly the most notable being the Crawl system. Designed to take you effortlessly over any type of terrain either forward or in reverse without you even having to touch the

accelerator or brake, the Crawl maintains a constant low speed which allows the driver to concentrate on steering the best path. The system minimizes wheel-lock and spin, enhancing vehicle stability and the capability to free the vehicle from difficult spots, such as being stuck in deep sand. The VX.R also features the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) which offers good stability on the road while giving a long suspension stroke and articulation off-road. This is ideal for a vehicle which will probably see a 50/50 split between customers who will purely use it for highways, those who will mostly use it off-road, and those for whom it will be a balance of the two.

Rock solid For the on-road part, the Land Cruiser is a tourer. It has a high, comfortable driving position, wide passenger seats, plenty of storage for drinks – including a cooler box

between the front seats, it is stable, safe and reliable. Economy might not be great with the 4.7-litre V8 under the sizeable hood, averaging about 14.5lt/100km and don’t expect lightning acceleration. But what you do get is a very responsive 5-speed automatic gearbox and a smooth ride with surprisingly little bodyroll and superior noise and vibration limitation. Off-road, as ever, the Land Cruiser inspires confidence. In 4LO ration and with diff.lock on it feels like there is no terrain it won’t take you over, whether powering up dunes, crawling over rocks, or wading through wadis. While this 8th generation Land Cruiser’s interior refinements seem to suggest that the it is a spacious large family hauler, it’s performance still seems to keep it at the top of the off-road pile. It’s big, it’s a lummox, it’s not going to save the environment, it’s not the car I would buy as my first motor, but it’s unquestionably as well suited to the region as the camel, and a lot more comfortable.

Car Xpress

APR 2008 29

30 APR 2008

Car Xpress

Specification Engine Max power Max torque Transmission Aceleration Top speed Economy

4.7-litre V8 271bhp @ 5,400rpm 302lb/ft @ 3,400rpm 5-speed automatic with manual shift 0-100kph in 9secs 200kph 14.5lt/100km

Car Xpress

APR 2008 31

special car

32 APR 2008

Car Xpress

The GT Speed has its limits â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but good luck finding them!

Car Xpress

APR 2008 33

special car

When you talk about the ‘luxury sportscar’, most manufacturers come up short. You either get a sportscar which is extremely short on luxury or a luxury car which disappoints when you floor the accelerator and start to turn the wheel. The Bentley GT Speed, however, defines the label perfectly.

34 APR 2008

Car Xpress

There’s a very good reason why the Bentley GT speed weighs in at over 2.5 tons. There is a lot of equipment underneath that luscious muscular exterior to ensure the occupants not only have one of the most comfortable and safe rides of their lives, but also one of the most exciting. The ‘GT’ model line has, without a doubt, re-launched Bentley in the global car marketplace, especially as a maker of iconic and classic high-powered sports coupes. And this latest sports version sitting on 20-inch multi-spoke alloys with bespoke performance tyres simply takes the GT range to a higher level of achievement. Externally the GT-Speed doesn’t look so different from its oestrogen-bestowed sister. However, take a closer look and you’ll

see where that extra testosterone has gone: the Speed features a wider lower front grille and a more upright upper grille both for improved engine ventilation. Interior identifiers include the ‘Speed’ moniker on the door plates, while the diamond quilted hide to the seat facings, doors and rear quarter panels, and the drilled alloy sport foot pedals and knurled chrome gear lever as standard on the Speed are only available as options on the Continental GT.

Power tools

Having recently had the opportunity to take both the GT and the GT Speed out on circuit, I was impressed with the performance of both. The GT does not

feel weight that it is, exhibiting great stability, power, pretty nimble handling, and acceleration. However, the ‘Speed’ is in another league again. The 6-litre engine is Bentley’s most powerful production motor ever. Its 600bhp develops 15% more torque than the standard Continental GT and 9% more power. This means that the ‘Speed’ will go from 0-100kph in round about the time it will take you to read this sentence. So you can either embrace that power or let it scare the daylights out of you. Fortunately, Bentley has done their utmost to allow you to enjoy the 600 horses chomping at the bit so that they don’t send you hurtling into Armageddon extremely quickly. The chassis has a lower ride height,

uprated spring/damper settings and uprated anti-roll bars for improved agility and body control, giving a harder-edged, more sporting driving experience. Self-levelling air suspension also constantly monitors and adjusts the ride height and damping according to road conditions or you can select a firmer sports setting manually using the centre console functions. The advanced 6-speed auto gearbox is able to lock up its torque converter during normal driving conditions to replicate the immediacy of a manual transmission while maintaining the smoothness of an automatic. A manual override function also allows clutchless manual changes using either the gear lever or paddleshifters, which were, personally, just a little too high

up on the steering wheel for comfortable use. But to be honest, with this much instant power and torque there was rarely any need to manually shift at all. With all that power on tap going to the all-wheel drive system, the Speed features a ‘Dynamic’ mode introduced on the uprated Bosch 8.1 ESP system which is set up to offer more progressive intervention which basically means it’ll let you lay down rubber if you pedal hard. Even when you gently depress the accelerator, the W12 engine sounds more like you’ve just flicked the on switch of a nuclear generator – or a time machine. Which in a strange kind of way, you have. From the moment you climb into the GT Speed to the moment you get out, time will fly by, as will everything else outside the cabin.

Car Xpress

APR 2008 35

special car

Hide and sleek

The interior of the Speed is no less spartan for its racy under-the-hood performance powerplant. In our test drive car, luxurious chocolate leather dressed all seating surfaces, the steering wheel and centre console and roof lining. It was like sitting inside a delicious warm chocolate fudge cake. Balanced against this is the milled aluminium fascia of the instrument cluster, which while it is functional, is the only aspect of the car that gives me a feeling of being short-changed – or at least it would do if I’d bought it. The dials are traditional and simple to read with a large rev counter and speedo and two small engine temperature and fuel gauge dials. But they lack a little sophistication. The sort of sophistication that you see in the subtle angular design of the metallic surrounds for the steering wheel cruise control, phone and volume control buttons, as well as the detail on the gear lever with its onyx black Bentley button on top. Or the sophistication you see in the detailing of the handstitching and leather seats with the Bentley insignia sown into the head rests.

Practical mechanics

For the most part, the GT Speed oozes quality, comfort and performance. But it’s not without its drawbacks when you take it away from the track. The brakes, while

36 APR 2008

Car Xpress

wonderfully confidence-inspiring on the circuit, are extremely jumpy in everyday city traffic, and parking in some of our regional mall car parks can prove to be a challenge, not only in finding a parking space to allow you to open the doors wide enough get out, but the lowered suspension, the high, long bonnet and the height of the proximity sensors make it virtually impossible to gauge when you are going to make contact with those irritating concrete ‘stoppers’. The front seats also seem to have a mind of their own when it comes to flipping them forward to allow rear passengers access – sometimes they slide forward when you lift the release handle, sometime they don’t; sometimes the forward/back slide buttons move the seat a predetermined distance and sometimes they don’t. But you would never let these niggles get in the way of choosing to buy this car if you had the money. When the figures on the speedo dial equate to the width of your smile so as you put your foot down you grin just gets wider and wider – and you’ll happily drive in all weather conditions with the windows down just to soak up that tremendous rumble and roar of the 6.0-litre W12 powerplant, then it’s money well spent. The GT Speed may look less lithe than many of its competitors and may indeed weight considerably more than most, but for a balance of comfort, roominess, fine finishing, power, handling and over all driving excitement, it is quite a formidable piece of machinery.

Car Xpress

APR 2008 37

38 APR 2008

Car Xpress

Specifications Engine Max power Max torque Transmission Acceleration Top speed Economy

6.0 litre W12 600bhp 553lb-ft 6-speed auto with Tiptronic paddleshift 0-100kph in 4.5secs 326kph 16.5lt/100km

Car Xpress

APR 2008 39

face to face

40 APR 2008

Car Xpress

for your buck

Audiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aural experience is in the hands of the Danish sound masters

Car Xpress

APR 2008 41

face to face

Bang & Olufsen have long been recognized for producing high quality and innovatively designed sound systems for the home. But over the past year or so they have been spreading their expertize by supplying Audi’s top-of-therange cars with exclusive systems. CX recently spoke to Kim Fiskbaek Andreasen from B&O’s Automotive ‘arm’ about the challenges of producing aural environments for cars.

42 APR 2008

Car Xpress

CX: Which Audis will the B&O systems be installed in?

KFA: The A8, S8, Q7, A4, A5, S5, and R8. We have two experts: one called Natanya Ford and she’s the ‘Tonmeister’. She’s the person responsible for the sound inside the car and the sound tuning, spending thousands of hours to listen to the music inside the cars to make sure that the quality is perfect.

ears. But one of the good things about the car is that we know exactly where people are seated. Their ears will only move around 10cm from a centre point. So we can focus on specific locations in the car.

CX: Is there a non-technical way to explain how the Acoustic Lens differs from the standard speaker?

KFA: Due to the geometry of the tweeter CX: What’s her background? violin in a symphony orchestra – and she has a masters in music technology and a PhD in sound recording. And we also have Manny LaCarruba from the US, who is the inventor of the acoustic lens that we use in the cars and in the home speakers.

shape it will spread the sound out 180°, so it means that everyone on the car will get the same sound quality and experience. A normal speaker only spreads the sound at around 30° so there would always be somewhere in the car where the sound didn’t reach except by being reflected off a surface. It also narrows the sound so that it will not get lost in the roof or in the interior.

CX: Is it easy to develop a sound system for the environment in the vehicle?

CX: Is it only with tweeters that this works?

KFA: No, it’s very difficult. First you have

KFA: Yes, but in our most advanced system

the size of the car: it’s quite a small cabin. There’s a lot of road noise etc., and most of the speakers are located incorrectly, for example at the height of the legs. The best place for the speakers is at the same level as the

for the home you can also do it with midrange as well. It is very difficult to locate where bass and sub-woofer sound comes from, so you can place the sub-woofer wherever you want, but it’s really easy to tell where the tweeter and most of the mid-range sound comes from, so it’s really important that it comes from the right direction.

KFA: She is both a musician – she plays the

CX: How much have you had to adapt the technology of the speakers used in the home for the car?

CX: How much of the B&O design ethic has been carried over to the physical appearance of the systems in the cars?

KFA: It’s one of the reasons we entered the car industry because we have some really good technologies such as the acoustic lens and ICEpower [a new energy-efficient, ultracompact amplifier module] which we wanted to use not only in homes. So we started to enter the car industry. And we have managed to get most of those technologies into the cars.

KFA: From the Advanced Sound System in the

CX: Is there the same sound system in all of the Audi range?

CX: Is the whole sound system B&O?

A8 and Q7 we have used aluminium grilles with the B&O name laser engraved into it and we also have the acoustic lenses which rise and fall in the dashboard when you switch the system on and off. We’ve done a lot to make the design unique, but of course it’s more difficult when the design is inside a car.

KFA: The CD changer, the control panel and KFA: No, it’s different from car to car. We have two levels of sound system: the Advanced Sound System for the A8, S8 and Q7, and the Bang & Olufsen Sound System for the A4, A5, S5, and R8. In the Advanced Sound System we have 14 speakers and a bit more than 1,000 watts. In the Bang & Olufsen Sound System there are 14 speakers again but only 505 watts, and it doesn’t have the acoustic lenses or the ICEpower amplifier, so it’s not as unique as the Advanced Sound System. There is quite a big price difference – Ð6,000 (AED32,700) for the Advanced Sound System and only Ð895 (AED4,800) for the B&O Sound System.

CX: Are the systems optional?

KFA: In the A8 and the Q7 there is the standard system and you can upgrade to the Advanced Sound System, and in the A4, A5, S5 and R8 it’s only the standard Sound System.

screen that we use are standard from Audi. We only deliver the amplifiers, speaker units, design elements and software updates for the Audi system.

CX: Is there a different equalizer for the B&O systems?

KFA: Yes. In the menu we have a DSP [Digital Sound Processing] Bang & Olufsen menu where it’s possible to adjust the sound focus to the driver, or rear seats, for example, and also to turn the surround sound quality up and down. If you choose the driver focus, the sound from the right-side speakers will be played a moment before the left-side so the sound reaches your ears at exactly the same time. Our philosophy is that we want to reproduce the sound as naturally and clearly as it was recorded in the sound studio. Most CDs are only recorded in stereo with a right and left channel, so the best

way to play this music is actually with no surround, with only sound coming from the front through the right and left channels. But many customers want the surround sound, so you can turn it on and use the DSP computer which calculates how to play a stereo signal through 14 different speakers. Another really important feature is the volume normalisation function. A microphone in the ceiling picks up any external noise and finds out exactly what frequencies in the music we can’t hear because of it. Then it only turns up the volume on those frequencies to make sure the music is perfect at all times. It also has direct input from the air conditioning system and from the engine speed.

CX: Did B&O approach Audi or vice versa?

KFA: We approached several different manufacturers with the concept and Audi were the first to say yes. They’ve been perfect because they are a growing luxury brand and they have a strong focus on design and quality, and we have overlapping demographic groups.

CX: How successful has the implementation been?

KFA: So far every 5th A8 or S8 is equipped with a B&O Advanced Sound System. It is far above both Audi and our expectations. When we first proposed the Ð6,000 sound system to Audi they thought the maximum they could sell would be 5 systems a year. Last year 4,500 systems were sold. So it shows that we have redefined the audio market in cars.

Car Xpress

APR 2008 43

concept car

44 APR 2008

Car Xpress

Sand stormer vw’s concept t is made for

the deserts of uae

Blue sky project

These start with the wing doors which represent a stylistically fascinating body detail. They are mounted in the upper section of the A-pillars and when opened, swing

APR 2008 45

material with a shiny satin surface structure is used for the fixtures, door trims and seats throughout the entire interior making it extremely easy to clean after a weekend at the beach or off-road. The rear of the ‘T’ conceals copious storage space, either for luggage and the spare wheel which is visible from outside, just for luggage or for the rear seats for passengers and luggage.

T-communications

And once the driver and front seat passenger are seated, 5-point harnesses will hold them in place in the ergonomically formed aluminium flex shell seats. For the driver to be able to keep his eyes on the terrain in front, key information such as speed, engine temperature, fuel level, audio levels and data from the satnav system is projected onto a head-up display. Another vital feature of the ‘T’ is the Personal Mobility Gateway (PMG) – a mobile communication unit with wireless remote control, similar to a PDA, using which the driver and front passenger can, on the one hand, control functions like air conditioning or adjustment of the seat (an alternative to using the seat switches), steering wheel and exterior mirrors, while on the other, the PMG takes over the entire personal data communication, including phone, high speed internet and email access and control of the MP3 player and satnav. At the same time, you can remove the PMG from the ‘T’ and simply use it as a multifunction PDA.

46 APR 2008

Car Xpress

Specification Engine Max power Max torque Transmission Acceleration Top speed Economy

3.0 litre V6 241bhp 235lb-ft Tiptronic 4MOTION 0-100kph in 6.9secs 230kph Not available

Car Xpress

APR 2008 47

city & town car

VH's latest Passat may be unassuming, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spoiling for a fight 48 APR 2008

Car Xpress

APR 2008 49

city & town car

I always felt that the VW Phaeton was a little hard done by. It was and is a luxury car to rival most competitors in its segment, but for some reason people just couldn’t see past the large VW badge plonked on the hood. Maybe the Passat will be less of an enigma for potential buyers as it is more in keeping with the expectations of what a Volkswagen should be: reliable, stylish, not too expensive and ‘of the people’. The new Passat is all those and edging timidly towards aspiring to be a Phaeton as well. While it may not be a step up the luxury ladder it is definitely a step on the ladder to luxury. Depending on the trim level you desire – Trendline, Comfortline, Sportline or

50 APR 2008

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Highline you can choose to be cosseted in leather and suede seats – in a mild-bucketseat style in the 2.0-litre and 3.2-litre FSIs – a range of high-grade wood applications (burr-walnut, poplar, Makassar) as well as aluminium, and soothed by colour schemes in Black, Latte Macchiato, Classic Grey or Pure Beige. Although the front seat forward and back adjustment is manual in our 2-litre FSI, the electric upright and lumbar adjustment is very effective and made for a very pleasing seating position, with all controls ideally located around the driver. The burr-walnut combination on the instrument panel is, for example, perfectly

tailored to the fittings’ simplicity, while aluminium trimmings give a classy finish to the entire central console. Class distinction As well as the interior design and decoration such as the flowing lines of the upper door fascia (similar to the Eos) and the ribbed leather seats, you also have comfort features such as rear side window shades, an electric rear window shade, puddle lighting under the wing mirrors, colour-coded door handles and keyless entry. This feeling of classiness is carried over to the instrument cluster which glows with

a cobalt blue light and red hands at night while an array of red illuminated switches across the dash present the feeling of being in a cockpit with all the technology that suggests. In all, these elements make the Passat a very tactile and welcoming environment. Balancing act It is also a very pleasing car to drive. The 2-litre FSI is a perfectly adequate engine for the size of the Passat, even though one would imagine that the 3.2-litre V6 is just that little bit more fun and performance orientated. The ride is neither particularly soft nor stiff, suggesting that

VW recognize the Passat as somewhere between a sporty sedan and a family car. Throw the Passat into a corner at speed and while you might get a hint of understeer you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel any unnecessary body-roll, but at the same time, drive on stony or mildly potholed surfaces and very little of the vibration will permeate the cabin. So comfort has definitely been a consideration not only externally in the suspension and chassis setup but internally in the amount of legroom for both driver and passengers alike, in storage space both in the ample door pockets and in the cavernous 565-litre trunk, and in the high quality sound system. In terms of driving

innovation VW introduce the Auto-Hold button which is a blessing when sitting at traffic lights in an automatic car. Basically, when you pull up at lights you leave the car in Drive, press the Auto-Hold and take your foot off the brake pedal. The Passat will remain stationery until you press the accelerator pedal, when it will release the brake automatically to allow you to pull away, so you avoid sitting with your foot on the brake. It also features a push button parking brake usually only seen in more expensive sedans which frees up space where the handbrake would normally be and avoids the awkwardness of a foot operated parking brake.

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city & town car

While the 2.0-litre engine does take a bit of heavy right foot to get the best performance and sounds a little unsophisticated at high revs, it still manages a smooth and respectable 10 second 0-100kph time and is quite torquey. The 3.2-litre V6 manages to knock three seconds off that time with a wonderfully slick DSG gearbox option for the 6-speed auto. Dressed to impress But whether you are looking at the 2.0-litre or the V6, you’ll get a car that manages to combine the dynamic exterior

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of a luxury sedan with its deeply sculpted flanks, a rear that resembles the Phaeton complete with LED ‘afterburner’ tail lights, and a front three-quarter profile that has more than a little hint of Audi A6, with an uncomplicated but distinct interior with 2Zone electronic climate control, six airbags and an excellent sound system, and perfectly competent driving dynamics. The Passat will not disappoint. Look out for VW’s most potent Passat yet in the shape of the R36 – a 3.6-litre V6 engine developing 300 PS which hits 100kph in around 5.5 seconds.

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Specifications Engine Max power Max torque Transmission Acceleration Top Speed Economy

2.0 litre 16V inline-4 150bhp at 6,000rpm 200Nm at 3,500rpm 6-speed Tiptronic automatic 0-100kph 10secs 208kph 7lt/100km

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concept car

New minds design the HX â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the near future of off-road

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concept car

The HUMMER HX concept reflects the innovative minds of three new GM designers - David Rojas, Min Young Kang and Robert Jablonski - whose first assignment was to provide a vision for the future design of offroad vehicles – a fun, nimble and innovative HUMMER concept. “HUMMER appeals to young people globally and served as a perfect first assignment for our newest talent,” says Ed Welburn, vice president of global design and product planning. “Today’s graduates from top design

schools are ready to hit the ground running. The HUMMER design challenge gave our newest designers an opportunity to sprint.” The task presented numerous challenges to the new designers, from creating a vehicle for a brand known around the globe for its iconic design, to ensuring the model would live up to the market’s expectation of HUMMER off-road capability. To help ensure designs were true to the HUMMER brand, the designers were given limited design direction by Carl Zipfel, an ex-

professional motocross racer and director of the HUMMER design studio. “Carl definitely set the tone,” says Rojas. “While he gave us creative liberty and challenged us to develop innovative ideas, he also defined three HUMMER proportions – wheelbase, approach and departure angles, and stance – and assigned one to each of us. It gave us a chance to collaborate, but also take our own direction.” “We drew inspiration from one another,” says Kang. “As you’re designing and sketching

you try to absorb what the other designer is doing and try to make it better.” David, Min Young and Robert’s collaboration inspired the HUMMER HX concept, which presents efficiency without sacrificing the unique essence of the HUMMER brand. “While we took inspiration from the HUMMER heritage and DNA, we each wanted to evolve it in a new way,” says Jablonski. “We agreed it should be contemporary, compact and definitely open air. It came out great.”

After three months of sketching and sculpting theme work for the new HUMMER concept, each designer had the opportunity to present scale clay models to Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman and Ed Welburn, who chose which design would ultimately become the HX concept. In its final concept form, the E-85 FlexFuel capable HUMMER HX embodies the off-road spirit of HUMMER in a fully customizable package. The HX offers an open-air driving experience via a pair of

removable roof panels above the driver and front passenger and a modular, removable rear roof assembly enabling a quick conversion from closed vehicle to open SUT. It also features a slant back assembly with removable doors and fender flairs. “Working as a team, you realize it’s more than one person influencing the vehicle,” says Rojas. “You can see the inspiration from each of our designs in the final concept vehicle. We’re all proud to have the chance to see our sketches become reality.”

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Teslaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all electric driven Roadster could well be a spark of genius

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sports car

At first sight you might be forgiven for thinking that you are looking at the Lotus Elise. While the design of the Tesla Roadster is undeniably influenced by the British marquee, that’s about where the similarities end. For a start, when you floor the accelerator pedal you won’t be greeted by a racy rasp of a 1.8-litre internal combustion engine. In fact, all you will hear as you go from 0-100kph in around 4.5 seconds is a mild whirring When you build a car that’s electric, you start with one built-in advantage: electric cars aren’t as complex mechanically as the car you’re probably driving now. Sophisticated electronics and software take the place of the kilos of machinery required to produce the power of the internal combustion engine. For example, the typical 4-cylinder engine of a conventional car comprises over a hundred moving parts. By comparison, the motor of the Tesla Roadster has just one: the rotor, so there’s less weight to drive around and fewer parts that could break or wear down over time. But the comparison doesn’t end with counting moving parts. The engine and transmission of a conventional car also need oils, filters, coolant, clutches, spark plugs and wires, oxygen sensors, a fan belt, a water pump and hoses, a catalytic converter etc. – all items that require servicing, and all items that aren’t needed in an electric car. The Tesla Roadster’s powertrain, on the other hand, consists of just the four main components: the energy storage system, the motor, the transmission and the power electronics module. Mind you, these aren’t ‘off-the-shelf’ components, and each includes innovations

Current thinking When Tesla set out to build a highperformance electric

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car, the biggest challenge from the start was the battery. Its complexities are clear: it’s heavy, expensive, and offers limited power and range. Yet it has one quality that eclipses the disadvantages and motivated the company to keep working: it’s clean. The Roadster’s battery pack or Energy Storage System (ESS) represents the car’s biggest innovation in the and is one of the largest and most advanced battery packs in the world. Combining basic proven lithium ion battery technology with their own unique battery pack design, Tesla have produced a safe, light, durable, recyclable battery which is capable of delivering enough power to accelerate the Tesla Roadster from 0 to 100kph in under 4 seconds. The battery also stores enough energy for the vehicle to travel about 355km without recharging.

Mighty mouse Some people find it hard to imagine that the roadster’s Lamborghini-beating acceleration comes from a motor about the size of a watermelon. And while most car

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sports car

engines have to be moved with winches or forklifts, Tesla’s motor weighs just over 30kgs. But more important than the motor’s size or weight is its efficiency. Without proper efficiency, a motor will convert electrical energy into heat instead of rotational energy. So Tesla designed their motor to have efficiencies of 85 to 95%.

Stick shift Tesla’s transmission couples the fuel efficiency of a manual with the driving ease of an automatic. The Tesla Roadster has only two forward gears, allowing you to fine-tune your driving experience. Unlike a manual transmission, the car will not stall if you have it in the wrong gear. There’s also no clutch 64 APR 2008

Car Xpress

pedal. Just move the lever and the electronic control module takes care of the shift, so you can launch from a standstill to highway speed without taking your focus off the road, your foot off the accelerator, or your hands off the wheel.

Power Electronics Module (PEM) Most of the subsystems in the Tesla Roadster are completely electronic and under direct software control. But unlike all other cars, these systems are not a hodge-podge of independent systems – instead, they are designed as an integrated system, the way complex network and computer systems are designed today controlled by the Power Electronics Module (PEM). When you shift gears or accelerate in the

Tesla Roadster, the PEM translates your commands into precisely timed voltages, telling the motor to respond with the proper speed and direction of rotation. The PEM also controls motor torque, charging, and regenerative braking, and it monitors things like the voltage delivered by the ESS, the speed of rotation of the motor, and the temperatures of the motor and power electronics.

Dynamic drive The first time you drive the Tesla Roadster, prepare to be surprised. You’re at highway speed in seconds without even thinking about it. There is no clutch pedal and no race-car driving techniques required. Just the touch of your foot and you’re off, without any of the

sluggishness of an automatic. How powerful is the acceleration? Tesla say that a favourite trick here at the company is to invite a passenger along and ask him to turn on the radio. At that precise moment the driver accelerates. the passenger simply can’t sit forward enough to reach the dials. 100% torque, 100% of the time The Tesla Roadster delivers full performance every moment you are in the car, even while at a stoplight. Its peak torque begins at 0rpm and remains to 13,000rpm. This is the opposite to a petrol engine, which has very little torque at a low rpm and only reaches peak torque in a narrow rpm range. This forces you to make frequent gear changes to maintain optimal torque. With the

Roadster you get formidable acceleration and the high energy efficiency at the same time. This makes the Roadster six times as efficient as the best sports cars while producing one-tenth of the pollution. Until now, if you wanted a car with amazing economy, you’d pick something like a hybrid, but when you pressed the accelerator to zip along a highway, you’d likely be a little disappointed – it takes over 10 seconds to reach 100kph. On the other hand, if you demanded the 0 to 100 times of a AED1,000,000 supercar, you’d wind up with an embarrassing 26lt/100km in the city.

Safety cell But the Tesla is no cheap kit car either. Standard interior features include sports

seats with adjustable lumber support, 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel, leather seats Blaupunkt sound system with CD and MP3 player, iPod interface, cruise control, air conditioning, and power windows and locks. Safety features such as ABS, traction control, tyre pressure monitoring, crumple zones, front airbags, side impact beams and seatbelt pretensioners also come as standard in the AED360,000 price. Tesla recently announced that they are going into production and say that while they are aware that the Roadster is outside many people’s budgets it only represents the first major step in the company’s plan to produce a less expensive sports sedan which can be sold at higher volume. So watch this space. Car Xpress

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Specifications Motor Max power Transmission Acceleration Top speed Range Charge time

3-phase, 4-pole electric motor, 248bhp peak (185kW) 2-speed electrically-actuated-manual-shift 0-100kph in 4secs 200kph 335km 3.5 hours

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Speedcar attracts more speedsters

With the international Speedcar series well under way for 2008, the excitement and challenge of driving these NASCAR inspired monsters is attracting more and more prominent names from motorsport to take the wheel. The latest additions to join the likes of Jean Alesi, Johnny Herbert, Stefan Johansson and local star Hasher Al Maktoum are ex-F1 drivers Heinz Harald Frentzen, JJ Lehto, Alex Yoong, Christian Danner and Jacques Villeneuve who will drive in the final to races during Bahrain F1 Grand Prix and at the Dubai Autdrome’s Grand Racing Weekend. With a US$300,000 purse for the winner at

~Jacquec Villeneuve

Crossing Jordan

Team founder and former owner Eddie Jordan has thrown a spanner in the works of the Force India outfit, according to reports. The Swiss publication Motorsport Aktuell claims that the Irishman, despite no longer owning the team, still

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the end of the season it seems that Jean Alesi has 2008 wrapped up, but with more and more names coming to the series, who knows what the 2009 season will hold. One thing is certain: you can bet it will be loud, raucous and thrilling.

If you wer listening caree fuwllyatyochu’ing and tweak to the knockoutll have noticed a subtle session at the Bahra section of the qualifying problems which arosin F1 GP following moving cars that were in M alaysia as slowtheir in-lap got in th e saving fuel while on final flying laps at th e way of runners on their The imposition of a e end of ‘Q3’. for in-laps – 120% maximum time limit – is therefore being in of a driver’s quickest lap grounds of safety. troduced, main ly on the “Our clarifi will be that cacatirsonretotu the teams and drivers completed their flyin rning to the pits having required to do so witg lap or laps will be set,” an FIA spokesmhin a time that we will will apply ot all rem an confirmed. This ruling sessions for the 200aining race qualifying 8 F1 season.

controls some of the land surrounding the Silverstone factory in rural England. Jordan has apparently been trying to sell to Force India a section of land that provides access to the team factory. But because the Vijay Mallya and Mol family-

owned team has so far refused to buy, it is reported that Jordan blocked access to the factory while the race team and bosses were away for the Malaysian grand prix. Motorsport Aktuell claims that Jordan ordered the dumping of a truckload of concrete on the access road.