Car Xpress March-April 2013

Skoda Yeti

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Special Guest

Dr. Joerg Breuer, Managing Director, BMW Group ME.

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Road Test

Volume 9 . Issue 74 . march - april 2013

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2011

Lykan Bentley Flying Spur Spyker C8 Aileron Porsche Boxster Jaguar XJ

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Meet Sergio

Pininfarina’s exclusive two-seater barchetta

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Volume 7 . Issue 67 . November 2011

4GD MDV 6 :@F@SN Brutally elegant!

Inspired by the fastest airplanes

Re-imagining the luxury sedan

Pursuing the dream

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n this edition, Car Xpress, the Gulf â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading motoring monthly, brings to you a closer look of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most expensive car, so farâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the US$3.4 million, Lykan hypercar, which was born out of cravings by the big boys for a new toy, so to speak.

Manufactured by W Motors, Lykan is the first Arabian car of its kind. It went on display at the 2013 Qatar International Motor Show on Jan. 28 this year, and was sold on opening day.

W Motors has received dozens of interested buyers from around the world for the car. Lykan also went on display at the recent 21st Dubai International Boat Show where it reportedly also got serious inquiries.

This edition as well features at least five launches including the sixthgeneration Quattroporte, which was recently unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and has now made entry into the Middle East with a launch in February this year by Al Tayer Motors, the luxury sports sedanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distributor in UAE. Liberty Automobiles, distributor of Cadillac, has also unveiled the all-new 2013 Cadillac XTS and Cadillac ATS, which come equipped with radars, cameras and ultrasonic sensors, for what could yet be the most technologically advanced luxury sedan, so far.

Meantime, Pininfarina unveils the Sergio, the exclusive two-seater barchetta, and McLaren P1 was instantly the darling of the crowd at the just-concluded 83rd International Geneva Motor Show in our Debuts section.

This, plus a load of other features that includes the Spyker C8 Aileron, the revolutionary Jaguar XJ and the 2013 Porsche Boxster, among others, should make for a really interesting read.

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P 24

McLaren P1

Designed for the track. Developed for the road

On the Cover Debuts

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Road Tests

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Our Guest

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Sergio

On the driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seat, we tell you how it is with Volkswagen Golf GTI Honda Accord 2013 BMW 7 Series Skoda Yeti Alfa Romeo Giulietta Dr. Joerg Breuer Managing Director BMW Group Middle East

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Updates

GET A DIGITAL FEEL OF OUR NEWS, CARS, REPORTS, DRIVERS AND MORE @ WWW.CARXPRESSMAG.COM Parmigiani Bugatti Vitesse R ead more inside

Lamborghini’s global deliveries increased by 30% from 1,602 to 2,083 units. Turnover increased by 46% from 322 million euros in 2011 to 469 million euros in 2012. P17

The Crosstour is produced at

18 Launches

Mercedes-Benz CClass and M-Class get top marks in US crash test

Honda’s East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio USA.

iPod connection, 18” alloy wheels, sunroof, fog lights, one-touch turn signals, and a premium audio system to name a few. The Crosstour offers two grades (EX, Touring) available with V-6 powertrains and Real Time™ 4WD. Rich new exterior colors for 2013 include Kona Coffee Metallic and Mountain Air Metallic.

The 2013 Crosstour is one of the first Honda models available with the new keyless Smart Entry system with Push Button start. It is also equipped

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with the latest feature; the Honda’s LaneWatch™ blind-spot display, which uses a camera system mounted on the passenger mirror to provide an enhanced rearward view of the passenger-side roadway.

Other standard visibility-enhancing features include the rearview camera with dynamic guidelines and new re-shaped rear headrests.

Safety upgrades to the 2013 Crosstour are designed to help it earn top IIHS roof-crush safety scores, as well as a 5-Star NCAP rating.

Ron Dennis, Sergio Perez and Jean-Christophe Babin Ron Dennis, Executive Chairman of the McLaren Group, McLaren driver Sergio Perez and JeanChristophe Babin, TAG Heuer’s President

Jean-Christophe Babin, TAG Heuer’s President & CEO, and Ron Dennis, Executive Chairman of the McLaren Group, have announced a new exclusive partnership agreement.

To seal their partnership and celebrate McLaren’s 50th anniversary, as well as the 50th anniversary of the Carrera timepiece, the TAG Heuer logo will now be visible on the rear spoiler of McLaren cars, as well as on the drivers’ suits and team apparel.

TAG Heuer will continue to supply the official timepiece for the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team and the partnership will be extended to include McLaren Automotive, the manufacturer of world leading high performance sports cars including the 12C and McLaren P1.

TAG Heuer and McLaren engineers already have a strong technical partnership, working together on timepieces and on-board timekeeping systems, highlighting the connections between watchmaking and racing car production.

The partnership will extend the relationship, as with an eye to the future TAG Heuer will support McLaren’s ‘’Young Driver Development

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Programme’’, a scheme to identify and support the most talented young drivers. For many years TAG Heuer has successfully supported the rise of great F1 champions, and working closely with McLaren this is set to continue.

As part of this new partnership Sergio Perez – the talented Mexican driver – will be an ambassador for the Swiss brand, together with the Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button.

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In the main

All-new 2013 Cadillac XTS and Cadillac ATS, Renault Fluence, Maserati Quattroporte, Nissan Nismo

Since the American crash test program US NCAP was made more stringent in 2010, only a few vehicles have achieved the highest assessment with five stars.

These elite vehicles include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and M-Class. These two models also achieved top marks in the European Euro NCAP rating and in the test by the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), thereby confidently mastering three of the most challenging international safety ratings.

The manufacturer-independent US NCAP rating (US New Car Assessment Program) is similar to its European counterpart Euro NCAP in many regards.

However, unlike the Euro NCAP, the updated US rating uses a significantly heavier deformable barrier (1368 kg compared with 950 kg) for the side collision to comply with the increased average weight of modern American vehicles. Another example: A rigid barrier is constructed for the frontal collision instead of a deformable barrier. The vehicle also hits the barrier with a full overlap (40 percent in Euro NCAP). The test program has also been expanded to include a lateral angled pole impact.

The assessment criteria have also been made significantly more stringent. The probability of serious injury to the head (head injury criterion) and the strain on the throat, chest and femur of the driver and front passenger are evaluated. In order to get five stars, the probability of serious injury must be under five percent.

20 Debuts Pininfarina Sergio McLaren P1

15

A special choice for an awesome read.

Remember the “Underworld” films? In the world of vampires and werewolves, there were Lycans—the most advanced species. In the world of automobiles, there is Lykan, a USD3.4 million car with diamond-encrusted LED lights, and a 750-horsepower engine delivering a top speed of 395 kph, and sprinting from 0 to 100kph in less than 2.8 secs.

LYKAN

Featuring in this edition:

52 Luxury Sports The Revolutionary Jaguar XJ

The first Arabian hypercar

L

56

ycans, in the popular film series, “Underworld” display a number of greatly enhanced physical attributes and are able to crawl across walls with great ease and speed.

In the real world of cars, there is Lykan, a USD3.4 million car with diamond-encrusted LED lights, and a 750-horsepower engine with a top speed of 395 kph, and sprints from 0 to 100kph in less than 2.8 secs.

Lykan, manufactured by W Motors recently had its world premier in—guess where?—one of the places in the world with the most number of high net worth people: Doha, specifically at the 2013 Qatar International Motor Show on Jan. 28 this year.

Obviously named after the most advanced species of wolves in the mythical legends but written with a ‘k,’ the Lykan possesses a luxurious blend of power, advanced design, technology and exclusivity in the same way that Lycans have super strengths and unqiue abilities.

28

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Exotic Car Spyker C8 Aileron ‘Luxury’ in capital letters

29

60

RoadTest

SUV Range Rover Evoque All-terrain. All-weather. All-surface.

All-wheel.

64 Luxury Car Bentley Fly away on a spur of the moment

ALFA ROMEO GIULIETTA carxpressmag.com

70

Roadster The new 2013 Porsche Boxster Lighter. Faster. More efficient

47

 

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RE ½ LdeIT TLE(suYperch4arg ed mo l) BEN wer Bentley

Aka Blo

Manufactured from 1926 to 1930, a total of 720 cars rolled out of the production line. It is believed that 43 Blowers still exist.

T

he Bentley 4½ Litre is a British sports car built by Bentley Motors. Its supercharged variant is also known as the Blower Bentley. Famous for his statement “there’s no replacement for displacement,” Walter Owen Bentley upped the displacement of the Bentley 3 Litre in 1926 to produce the 4½ Litre.

Upon taking control of the company, the “Bentley Boys” went in search of even more power and developed the supercharged model in 1929 at Henry

Birkin’s racing workshops in Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire, England.

Evolution The 4½ Litre was an evolution of the 3 Litre, sharing that car’s basic chassis, including its semielliptical suspension at all four wheels, and the fourwheel brakes. The straight-4 engine was bored out to 100 mm (3.9 in) to produce 4.4 L (4398 cc/268 in³) of displacement. This was good for 110 hp (82 kW) in road-going models or 130 hp (97 kW) when tweaked for racing.

A 4½ Litre Bentley claimed victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1928 with drivers Woolf Barnato and Bernard Rubin.

This is the car that author Ian Fleming first chose for James Bond. It is featured in three of the 007 Novels, Casino Royale, Live and Let Die and Moonraker. In the book, Bond drives a battleship grey 1930 4½ Litre Convertible Coupé, with French Marchal headlamps and an Amherst Villiers supercharger.

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Blower Bentley Although W. O. Bentley despised forced induction, his “Bentley Boys”, and especially Henry “Tim” Birkin, wanted to supercharge the engine for more power. When the company ran out of money in 1925, millionaire Bentley Boy, Woolf Barnato bought the company, and in 1929 the first supercharged “Blower” Bentley was built at Sir Henry Birkin’s engineering works in Welwyn Garden City.

Barnato quickly authorised the building of 50 production Blowers to meet the qualification requirements for entering such models at Le Mans the following year. The large Roots type supercharger was placed outside the engine cover, giving the cars a unique appearance.

With 175 hp (130 kW) on tap, expectations for racing success were high, but durability was lacking and the Blowers never won a major race. In the end, it was W. O. Bentley’s larger-displacement 6½ Litre car that would secure victories for the marque in 1929 and 1930.

The supercharged engine had a huge thirst: the

76

2Ways Readers’ suggestions & comments. let’s talk about it.

Litre became highly successful.

Based on the 4 1/2 Litre, the sensational ‘Blower’ Bentley was created. A Roots-type supercharger by Amherst Villiers gave 9 1/2 lbs boost at 3,500 rpm. To run a Bentley 4 1/2 Litre Supercharged in Le Mans a minimum of 50 cars had to be produced for homologation purposes.

Though the engine had been extensively modified, lubrication was poor and cooling problems were immense. At Le Mans never and rarely ever in another major race Blower Bentleys finished first.

Forced

induction is the process of delivering compressed air to the intake of an internal combustion engine

non-supercharged version, at 100 mph (161 km/h), would have a fuel consumption of about 16 l/100 km (15 mpg) while the supercharged version would use about 102 l/100 km (2.3 mpg).

Birkin’s famous red single seater Blower, built and maintained at his Welwyn Garden City works, took the Brooklands Outer Circuit lap record to 137.96 mph (222.03 km/h) in 1932. The record stood for another two years before being beaten by John Cobb’s 24 litre Napier Railton.

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Memory Lane Bentley 4½ Litre Aka Blower Bentley (supercharged model)

Birth

If it hadn’t been for the fact that the Bentley 3 Litre showed little potential for a further increase in performance and the Bentley 6 1/2 Litre was prone to consume tyres at an alarming rate there might never have been a Bentley 4 1/2 Litre.

Around the end of 1927 series, production started of the new model with an engine designed to the proven pattern of the Litre. Collecting victory after victory on various race tracks, the Bentley 4 1/2

Five supercharged models were made for the competition at the 24 Hours de Le Mans.

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Volume 9 . Issue 74 . MARCH - APRIL 2013

WWW.CARXPRESSMAG.COM

Winner of the Dubai Intl. Printing Award

Line Up

2011

Lykan Bentley Flying Spur Spyker C8 Aileron Porsche Boxster Jaguar XJ

for best magazine

Pininfarina’s exclusive two-seater barchetta

Publisher Kalimat Group International FZ - LLC CEO Hekmat el Zein Managing Director Shatha Sharaffdeen 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 Editor Josua Joplin Assistant Editor Ayman Mujahed Creative Director Matt Drake Creative Designer Najeeb Hamza Photographer Maher Rashed Contributors Shawn Carroll Alistair Weaver Digital Creative i.

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Car Xpress

Reasons why I like this car

By Stephan Arvore

46

Dr. Joerg Breuer, Managing Director, BMW Group ME.

Meet Sergio

TAG Heuer, McLaren Group extend ties

2013 Honda Crosstour now has more power

Special Guest

News, views & novelties

NEWS, VIEWS & NOVELTIES

Honda Motor Co. (Middle East) has announced the introduction of 2013 Honda Crosstour, available across all Honda showrooms in GCC. The Honda Crosstour has more purposeful exterior styling, significant upgrades to the interior design and materials, and a more powerful, fuelefficient Earth Dreams V 6 engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift control. The rugged new styling, teamed with class-leading fuel-efficiency make the 2013 Honda Crosstour the smartest choice in a premium midsize crossover.

Standard equipment on all Crosstour models includes a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, ODMD touch screen panel, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, USB/

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

10 Updates

Sold!

The Bugatti Vitesse recaptures the outstanding concept of the Bugatti Super Sport, with the dial setting wheel at a 90° angle to the movement spindle. P16

Skoda Yeti

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CONTENTS

Road Test

79

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Silver Winner of the Dubai International Printing Award 2011 for best magazine

recycle

kindly recycle when you are finsihed with it Car Xpress Disclaimer 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 and models vary over time and upgrades are constantly appearing on the market, readers are advised 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. © 2012 Kalimat Group International

The kind of view that makes you want to take a photograph or two hundred.

Urban beauty spot

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LaFerrari limited edition Coming in the next issue

Updates

LaFerrari limited edition R ead more inside

NEWS, VIEWS & NOVELTIES

This super car is equipped with dynamic controls that are integrated for the first time ever on a Ferrari road car with active aerodynamics and the HY-KERS system. P13

A sculptured Bugatti? Why not?

French artist Bernar Venet has created a oneof-its-kind sculptural work celebrating the Bugatti Grand Sport.

Through a congenial synthesis of artistic concept and technical possibilities, Venet has created an object that integrates the symbol of speed with a fascinating, painterly exterior and an interior that alludes to haute couture.

Venet’s work will be on view at the Rubell Family Collection in Miami during Art Basel Miami.

“A Bugatti is already a work of art in itself, one that transports both its beholder and its driver into new dimensions of reality. I realized how I could translate my passion for mathematical equations and scientific treatises into three-dimensional form,” Venet said.

“My works are usually self-referential. So I found the idea of translating the equations of the Bugatti engineers onto the bodywork of the car very appealing. It was, so to speak, a logical conclusion

and a new challenge in terms of the specific form of collaboration and implementation. To me, the result is also exceptional when measured by artistic standards and bestows the object with a mythical character.”

The artistic avant-gardes of the first half of the twentieth century found inspiration in the car as an object of desire; they depicted it in drawings, paintings and sculptures that projected absolute speed as their point of orientation. In the 1970s, the car served as an unconventional canvas for many artists, such as Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol, who painted what became known as art cars.

This practice continued to be embraced in the 1980s. Since the 1990s, international artists have concentrated on exploring the shifting cultural historical significance of the car. This has resulted in sculptural and conceptual responses such as those

by Erwin Wurm, Gabriel Orozco, Christoph Keller,

10

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Olafur Eliasson and Damian Ortega, which tend to contextualize the car as a paradigm for the acute social and cultural changes of a globalized world.

Venet´s approach is radically different from these movements and art works. He takes on the Bugatti Grand Sport by selecting a totally original solution, which distinguishes itself from the more traditional work of his predecessors.

In his 2012 artistic adaptation and exploration of the Grand Sport, Venet has combined image and object to highlight the fascination with this model’s absolute beauty and speed. His work unites a conceptual approach and sculptural craft on equal footing.

Venet incorporates signs taken from the realm of production into his visual idiom and creates a total work of art that harmonizes object and outer surface, interior and exterior, and evokes the exhilarating speed of the Bugatti Grand Sport.

Breitling for Bentley’ Bentley and Breitling have once again combined British chic and Swiss horological excellence to create a limited edition, ultrasporty Bentley Light Body Midnight Carbon chronograph. P13

The all-new BMW M6 Gran Coupé Strikingly sporty M-Powered version to arrive in the Middle East in mid 2013

In 1998,

Bugatti

Automobiles revived the company and produced super cars.

BMW Group unveiled its new BMW M6 Series Gran Coupé – the third body variant of the BMW M6 high-performance sports car – to global audiences at the recent 83rd Geneva International Motor Show.

Expected to go on sale in the Middle East during the middle of this year, the new member of the M6 family retains its customary M performance characteristics with extra helpings of luxury and aesthetic appeal.

Following in the tracks of the BMW M6 Series Convertible and Coupé that were launched last year, the new BMW M6 Series Gran Coupé is set to cause a storm with its hard hitting looks and head turning, high revving V8 engine.

The new BMW M6 Gran Coupé will be imme-

diately recognisable as an elegant and sporty 6 Series, but with enhanced M styling design cues that make it look sportier and more powerful. These elements include wider air intakes, stunningly contoured headlight units, the newly designed M kidney grille, which bears an “M6” badge, and powerful 17 and 18-inch M light-alloy wheels.

Three new Peugeot models on their way to ME French Lion posts 53% sales increase in 2012

French automaker Peugeot is enjoying soaring sales in the Middle East and with three new models on the way, the trend looks set to continue, company officials said.

This even as Peugeot has increased its presence in KSA, tying up with a new partner, HHA Group, a well-known and established family in Saudi Arabia. Nine new showrooms and workshops were launched in the KSA in 2012, and the plan is to

carxpressmag.com

11

double that number in 2013 to ensure a larger and stronger presence of Peugeot in the region.

Peugeot is basking in a 53-percent sales increase across the GCC countries in 2012 compared to the year before, according to Jamal Sahl, head Peugeot’s Middle East regional office.

“We’ve had a product plan for the Middle East and it is working extremely well – our sales success and our impressive, ever-increasing market share bear testimony to this,” Sahl said.

Part of the French Lion’s strategy has been the release of two new models a year but for 2013, Sahl said that has been ramped up to three new releases for the Middle East. “The three models are completely new – we’re not replacing older models,” he said.

The “new style” Peugeot vehicles include the impressive new 301 to be launched in the second quarter of 2013. The other two new models will be launched during the second half of 2013.

Updates

2013 Honda Crosstour now has more power The Honda Crosstour has a fuel-efficient Earth Dreams V 6 engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift control. P14

NEWS, VIEWS & NOVELTIES

‘zai for Bentley’ Bentley is proud to present the new limited edition ‘zai for Bentley’ ski, poles and bag. Working with Bentley’s own styling team, Swiss ski manufacturer zai AG has created the new skis incorporating innovative, unique combinations of materials resulting in unmatched levels of performance and durability.

The new skis comprise a natural rubber surface, offering uncompromised comfort, integrated with a spring steel to mirror the Bentley matrix grille. Similarly to a Bentley, the ski is based upon a pureness of design and hand craftsmanship that will meet the technical demands of the most avid skier.

The skis are limited to 100 pairs in both white and green and are available through zai and Bentley dealers. Further information can be found at www. zaiforbentley.com

Bridgestone opens state-of-the-art regional hub in Dubai Bridgestone, a multinational auto and truck parts manufacturer founded 1931 in Fukuoka, Japan, has opened a state-of-the-art hub at Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) in Dubai that includes a training house for the company’s employees, distributors, and business partners across Middle East and Africa (MEA); a car, truck and bus service centre; and a learning facility specializing in tyre retread training.

Shoichi Sakuma, President, Bridgestone Middle East and Africa (BSMEA) said the new facility, measuring 21,678 square metres, will enable the company to provide its regional customers with new and enhanced services and, as well train its staff to deliver the highest possible standards of customer care.

“Bridgestone Park will become a new, strategic and state-of-the-art hub for BSMEA to enhance our employees’, partners’, and

12

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distributors’ skills and knowledge, to serve our customers and communities better, ” he said during inaugural ceremonies held Jan. 21, 2013 and attended by Ibrahim Al Janahi, Deputy CEO – JAFZA and Chief Commercial Officer UAE Region – Economic Zones World (EZW), and Talal Al Hashimi, Managing Director – UAE Region – Economic Zones World (EZW).

Also present at the opening ceremony were Kunitoshi Takeda, Vice President Asia Pacific, China, Russia, Middle East and Africa Tyre Operations, Bridgestone Corporation; as well as senior officials from JAFZA and Bridgestone’s local business partners.

Through the training centre, Bridgestone is keen to increase professional training standards and take learning and acquiring knowledge to a higher level.

TAG Heuer, McLaren Group extend ties As part of this new partnership Sergio Perez – the talented Mexican driver – will be an ambassador for the Swiss brand, together with the Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button. P15

LaFerrari limited edition Only 499 will be built

For Ferrari the development of a limited-series special like the LaFerrari represents an opportunity to experiment with all the technological solutions that will later filter down onto the production cars. Of particular significance in this context is the introduction of the hybrid system which, making full use of the Scuderia Ferrari’s F1 KERS know-how, has resulted in a solution that exalts Ferrari’s fundamental values – performance and driving thrills.

The hybrid technology used, known as HYKERS, represents the perfect combination of maximum performance and lower emissions. LaFerrari in fact emits just 330 g/km of CO2 but without resorting to electric-only drive which would not fit the mission of this model. The HY-KERS system is, however, designed so that in future applications a car can be driven using exclusively electric power for a few kilometres and, during development testing, a full-electric version of LaFerrari achieved just 220 g/ km of C02 emissions on the combined cycle.

The LaFerrari is equipped with dynamic controls

that are integrated for the first time ever on a Ferrari road car with active aerodynamics and the HY-KERS system. Thanks to Ferrari’s proprietary logic which govern all the systems, the car can achieve absolute levels of performance, aerodynamic efficiency and handling without any form of compromise in any area. A very advanced and uncompromising approach was also taken with the interior design which features an HMI inspired by F1 single-seaters.

The car’s architecture posed a challenge for the design team at the onset.

‘Breitling for Bentley’ Light Body Midnight Carbon Watch Bentley and Breitling have once again combined British chic and Swiss horological excellence to create a limited edition, ultra-sporty Bentley Light Body Midnight Carbon chronograph. Displayed in the Bentley Boutique at the Geneva Motor Show, the limited edition watch conceals a light and sturdy titanium chassis featuring a highly resistant carbonbased coating beneath its all-black exterior.

The dashboard-style dial displays exclusive Breitling technical features highlighted by redrimmed indications. The originality and strength of the design are accentuated by the hands and hourmarkers, also clad in matt black and enhanced by a luminescent coating ensuring optimal readability in the dark. The midnight black rubber strap is distinguished by its central raised motif echoing that of the knurled bezel – a refined nod to the famous radiator grilles gracing the prow of a Bentley.

The watch is limited to only 1,000 pieces worldwide, the unrivalled performance of this elegant and reliable watch is powered by a self-winding chronograph movement chronometer. Further information can be found at http://www.breitlingforbentley.com

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Updates

Parmigiani Bugatti Vitesse The Bugatti Vitesse recaptures the outstanding concept of the Bugatti Super Sport, with the dial setting wheel at a 90° angle to the movement spindle. P16

R ead more inside

NEWS, VIEWS & NOVELTIES

The Crosstour is produced at

Honda’s East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio USA.

2013 Honda Crosstour now has more power Honda Motor Co. (Middle East) has announced the introduction of 2013 Honda Crosstour, available across all Honda showrooms in GCC. The Honda Crosstour has more purposeful exterior styling, significant upgrades to the interior design and materials, and a more powerful, fuelefficient Earth Dreams V 6 engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift control. The rugged new styling, teamed with class-leading fuel-efficiency make the 2013 Honda Crosstour the smartest choice in a premium midsize crossover.

Standard equipment on all Crosstour models includes a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, ODMD touch screen panel, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, USB/

iPod connection, 18” alloy wheels, sunroof, fog lights, one-touch turn signals, and a premium audio system to name a few. The Crosstour offers two grades (EX, Touring) available with V-6 powertrains and Real Time™ 4WD. Rich new exterior colors for 2013 include Kona Coffee Metallic and Mountain Air Metallic.

The 2013 Crosstour is one of the first Honda models available with the new keyless Smart Entry system with Push Button start. It is also equipped

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with the latest feature; the Honda’s LaneWatch™ blind-spot display, which uses a camera system mounted on the passenger mirror to provide an enhanced rearward view of the passenger-side roadway.

Other standard visibility-enhancing features include the rearview camera with dynamic guidelines and new re-shaped rear headrests.

Safety upgrades to the 2013 Crosstour are designed to help it earn top IIHS roof-crush safety scores, as well as a 5-Star NCAP rating.

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Lamborghini’s global deliveries increased by 30% from 1,602 to 2,083 units. Turnover increased by 46% from 322 million euros in 2011 to 469 million euros in 2012. P17

TAG Heuer, McLaren Group extend ties Mercedes-Benz CClass and M-Class get top marks in US crash test

Ron Dennis, Sergio Perez and Jean-Christophe Babin Ron Dennis, Executive Chairman of the McLaren Group, McLaren driver Sergio Perez and JeanChristophe Babin, TAG Heuer’s President

Jean-Christophe Babin, TAG Heuer’s President & CEO, and Ron Dennis, Executive Chairman of the McLaren Group, have announced a new exclusive partnership agreement.

To seal their partnership and celebrate McLaren’s 50th anniversary, as well as the 50th anniversary of the Carrera timepiece, the TAG Heuer logo will now be visible on the rear spoiler of McLaren cars, as well as on the drivers’ suits and team apparel.

TAG Heuer will continue to supply the official timepiece for the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team and the partnership will be extended to include McLaren Automotive, the manufacturer of world leading high performance sports cars including the 12C and McLaren P1.

TAG Heuer and McLaren engineers already have a strong technical partnership, working together on timepieces and on-board timekeeping systems, highlighting the connections between watchmaking and racing car production.

The partnership will extend the relationship, as with an eye to the future TAG Heuer will support McLaren’s ‘’Young Driver Development

Programme’’, a scheme to identify and support the most talented young drivers. For many years TAG Heuer has successfully supported the rise of great F1 champions, and working closely with McLaren this is set to continue.

As part of this new partnership Sergio Perez – the talented Mexican driver – will be an ambassador for the Swiss brand, together with the Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button.

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Since the American crash test program US NCAP was made more stringent in 2010, only a few vehicles have achieved the highest assessment with five stars.

These elite vehicles include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and M-Class. These two models also achieved top marks in the European Euro NCAP rating and in the test by the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), thereby confidently mastering three of the most challenging international safety ratings.

The manufacturer-independent US NCAP rating (US New Car Assessment Program) is similar to its European counterpart Euro NCAP in many regards.

However, unlike the Euro NCAP, the updated US rating uses a significantly heavier deformable barrier (1368 kg compared with 950 kg) for the side collision to comply with the increased average weight of modern American vehicles. Another example: A rigid barrier is constructed for the frontal collision instead of a deformable barrier. The vehicle also hits the barrier with a full overlap (40 percent in Euro NCAP). The test program has also been expanded to include a lateral angled pole impact.

The assessment criteria have also been made significantly more stringent. The probability of serious injury to the head (head injury criterion) and the strain on the throat, chest and femur of the driver and front passenger are evaluated. In order to get five stars, the probability of serious injury must be under five percent.

Updates

Infiniti reaps awards at MENA Cristal Infiniti’s brand philosophy of doing things its own way has once again paid off with two awards from the recent MENA Cristal Festival.

Infiniti received a Sapphire (silver) and Emerald (bronze) Cristal for its inventive use of print media for advertising campaigns promoting its products’ technology and the brand ambassadorship of Sebastian Vettel, three-time World Formula One Drivers Champion.

NEWS, VIEWS & NOVELTIES

Parmigiani Bugatti Vitesse A new exceptional timepiece

0-100 kph in 6.3 seconds; GP stands for Grand Prix.

World’s fastest MINI has landed This nifty world first is limited to just 2,000 units across the globe with limited numbers available at MINI showrooms in the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar.

The Bugatti Vitesse recaptures the outstanding concept of the Bugatti Super Sport, with the dial setting wheel at a 90° angle to the movement spindle.

As the new convertible Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse unveiled its futuristic curves, Michel Parmigiani and his team were working on the extension of the prestigious Bugatti collection, tasked with the creation of a new watch meant to reflect the car and bear its name: the Bugatti Vitesse.

This world first include a double-pinion system with bevel gearing, and a complex mechanism which allowed for a perpendicular time display. Today the technical feat of the movement remains the same, but in this new execution of the lug-shaped watch, the quest for identification to the car has been pushed much further in terms of materials, colours and design.

Introducing the MINI John Cooper Works GP a limited edition model fit for the race track.

The MINI John Cooper Works GP, the sportiest and fastest production model ever built under the nameplate of this British premium brand, has a 1.6-litre turbo engine, bespoke suspension and race car looks.

This nifty world first is limited to just 2,000 units worldwide, with limited numbers available at MINI showrooms in the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar.

Extensively equipped with MINI John Cooper Works motor sport technology, this two-seater MINI boasts outstanding performance to match its sporty looks. Powered by an extensively modified four-cylinder turbo engine capable of developing 218 hp, with adjustable coilover suspension and an extrapowerful sports brake system, this model is set to impress. And to top it all off the MINI John Cooper Works GP is one of the lightest sports cars in its class.Boasting large front and rear aprons, striking side skirts and a bespoke roof spoiler, which is

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complemented by a newly developed rear diffuser, this model can only impress.

Commenting on the arrival of the MINI John Cooper Works GP, Sarah Klippert, MINI Manager, BMW Group Middle East, said: “This is the most extreme MINI yet – more focused and aggressive than even the original MINI John Cooper Works GP of 2006.

Supercharged Range Rover V6 Range Rover has come up with a state-of-the-art 340PS 3.0-litre V6 supercharged engine that, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, produces effortless drive that can lung from rest to 100kph in 7.4 seconds. The features Land Rover’s intelligent Stop/Start system to help significantly enhance fuel efficiency. With CO2 emissions of 254g/km, the LR-V6 supercharged achieves a 15-percent reduction over the 5.0-litre LR-V8 naturally aspirated.

Audi supports celeb-studded Grazia Style Awards Audi has teamed up with leading fashion and beauty magazine Grazia for the most stylish night of the year - the Grazia Style Awards. Audi Middle East’s Managing Director Trevor Hill presented the awards for “Best International Designer”, “Best Regional Designer” and “Best Online Retailer” to Christian Dior, ESSA and Net-A-Porter respectively.

Nominated for the Designer awards where Dolce & Gabbana, Saint Laurent, Elie Saab, Chanel and Christian Dior and Ezra, Essa, Michael Cinco, Furne One and Zayan.

Held at the JW Marriott Marquis, the region’s fashion elite got together for a celeb-studded evening with some of the biggest names of the global fashion scene like Peter Pilotto, Christopher De Vos, Matthew Williamson, Amber Le Bon and Zara Martin, to name just a few.

Commenting on the event, Trevor Hill, Managing Director of Audi Middle East, said; “Audi prides itself on not only demonstrating the latest technological advances in motoring technology, but is also committed to design innovation and supporting the arts. Our collaboration with the Grazia Style Awards is further illustration of this. Congratulations to the winners.”

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Lamborghini worldwide deliveries grew by 30% to 2,083 units in 2012

Lamborghini marks its

50th

anniversary this year

Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. has completed the fiscal year 2012 again with a double digit increase in deliveries and turnover.

Global deliveries increased by 30% from 1,602 to 2,083 units. Turnover increased by 46% from 322 million euros in 2011 to 469 million euros in 2012.

“In spite of ongoing worldwide financial and economic uncertainties, Lamborghini has delivered a very satisfying performance in 2012, confirming the strength of our product and commercial strategy.

We will continue to invest in the development of our product range to address further growth in the future,” said Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. “As a global acting company we have a balanced sales distribution which helped us to compensate downturns in specific markets. In 2012 we sold more than 70% of our production outside Europe.”

The growth is driven by the first full year of sales for the new Aventador LP 700-4 (922 units) while the Gallardo (1,161 units) confirms its status as the

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most successful Lamborghini ever with an almost stable performance compared to 2011 and reaching a total of more than 13,000 cars delivered since its launch.

Lamborghini is a global brand and sales distribution is well balanced among the three regions: Europe 29%, America 28% (of which USA is 25%) and Asia Pacific 35% (of which China accounts for 15%). The Middle East and South Pacific by 9%.

In 2013 the Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster, the most extraordinary open top super sports car, has joined the successful coupé. Initial pre-order expectations for this model have been exceeded and the order bank for both versions covers the next 15 months.

“Beside the existing models Gallardo and Aventador, we will continue, as part of our product strategy, the approach of manufacturing uncompromising, street-legal One-Off’s such as the Lamborghini Veneno, which has been successfully presented at this year’s Geneva Motor Show as a homage to our 50th anniversary,” said Winkelmann.

Launches New cars on the road

Renault Fluence goes hi-tech

Meet the new Cadillacs

Equipped with radars, cameras and ultrasonic sensors, how can you go wrong?

Liberty Automobiles, distributor of the luxury sedan, Cadillac, has unveiled the all-new 2013 Cadillac XTS and Cadillac ATS, which come with advanced safety and infotainment systems for a really pleasurable ride.

The two new sedans feature the exclusive CUE (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment system and the “control and alert” system that employs radar, cameras and ultrasonic sensors to help prevent crashes.

The Cadillac XTS has a number of advanced safety systems like the Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Automatic Front and Rear Braking, the safety alert seat that vibrates to alert the driver, and the intervening braking system that lessens or avoids potential collisions.

The Cadillac ATS, for its part, is the most agile and lightweight Cadillac weighing 1,504 kg, one of the lowest curb weights in the segment. The car has near 50/50 weight distribution and extremely balanced ride and handling, and as well boasts a

stylish exterior and illumination and its sleek aerodynamic design expands the Cadillac line up and supports the brand’s ongoing renaissance.

Over the years, Cadillac has been leader in many high-tech innovations, including the first automotive night vision system and Magnetic Ride Control, the world’s fastest-reacting suspension technology, which is a crucial element in the performance of Cadillac’s CTS-V and Escalade models, as well as the all-new XTS and ATS sedans. It has since been adopted by other manufacturers of elite sports cars.

The acclaimed CUE system features an eightinch LCD multi-touch sensitive screen, seamlessly integrated into the top of the central instrument panel. It integrates entertainment and information data from up to 10 Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices, USBs, SD cards and MP3 players, with a vehicle infotainment system that reduces complexity through customized information, voice commands and fewer buttons and larger icons.

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Renault has launched Fluence, which builds on the comfort and roomy interior of its predecessor but places the emphasis on technology and design enhancement with more dynamic lines.

With a length of 4,618mm, a wheelbase of 2,702mm, a height of 1,485mm and a width of 1,813mm, the balanced and generous proportions of New Renault Fluence mark it out as a substantial three-box C-segment saloon (compact family cars).

The car is packed with high-end technologies designed to make driving simpler. The principal instrument inside the cabin incorporates a large round LCD screen, the main functions of which include a digital speed display and the visual component of the parking assistant function. White segments around the circumference of the LCD screen indicate the settings of the cruise control and the speed limiter systems.

The multimedia functions on the New Renault Fluence include hands free mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming music with Bluetooth or with USB / jack connection.

In a first for the model, the New Renault Fluence

features a 4x20W audio system with a three-line display and an MP3-compatible CD player, jack/ USB sockets, remote control on steering wheel and Bluetooth.

3D sound by Arkamys is fitted at the LE equipment level. In addition, this system has a remote A3 screen and dual tuner. Bose premium radio is available as an option in the higher equipment at LE level.

The New Renault Fluence also offers a range of driver-assistance technologies, including the handsfree key card for no-touch locking and unlocking of doors, as well as push-button ignition.

Nismo enters a new era

Sixth-generation Quattroporte unveiled

YOKOHAMA, Japan - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has kicked off a new era for Nismo, confirming it as Nissan’s exclusive global performance road car and motorsport brand and officially opening the new Nismo global headquarters and development center in Yokohama, Japan.

Nismo is already well-known to motorsports and performance car enthusiasts in Japan and to millions of global gaming enthusiasts. Now, Nismo is poised for accelerated global impact, enhancing Nissan’s reputation for innovation and excitement with a new line-up of sporty Nissan road cars.

“Nismo will democratize performance and bring new excitement to the Nissan portfolio with a broader range of affordable and innovative performance models for more markets and more people,”

Direct-injection V8 delivers 530 HP and a peak torque of 710Nm. V8 twin turbo 0-100kph acceleration in 4.7 seconds and top speed of 307 kph.

The all-new Maserati Quattroporte, which was recently unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and has now made its entry into regional markets in the Middle East with a launch in February this year by Al Tayer Motors, the luxury sports sedan’s distributor in UAE. The flagship of the Maserati product range is larger, lighter, more luxurious and more practical than the globally acclaimed car it replaces. With a 307 km/h top speed, it is also as fast as most twodoor supercars.

The sixth-generation Quattroporte delivers a leap forward that not only sets the high-technology tone for Maserati’s upcoming new-model onslaught, but also remains faithful to Maserati’s long history in luxury sports sedans.

The powerful engine and the large cabin are at the core of the Quattroporte’s design, dominated by a long, powerful nose and a concave Trident grille providing a clear link to both the outgoing Quattroporte and the GranTurismo.

The direct-injection engine family will boast a 3.8-litre V8 and a 3.0-litre V6, both of which are all new, twin turbo charged, designed by the Maserati Powertrain experts and assembled by Ferrari at Maranello.

The 3.8-litre V8 engine provides Maserati’s new performance benchmark, reaching 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds and achieving a 307km/h top speed. It is 20km/h faster than the Quattroporte Sport GT S and has up to 200Nm more torque as well.

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said Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn.

“Whether it’s a small car or a sports car, if it’s wearing the Nismo badge it offers something special -- quality, functionality, and efficiency, with Nismo’s distinctive styling, sporty handling and dynamic performance capabilities,” he added.

The first new Nissan road car to get the Nismo treatment, the Juke Nismo, is already on sale in Europe and Japan and launches in the U.S. in the second quarter of this year. A new version of the 370Z Nismo for European markets is the next Nismo road car, which made its world debut earlier this month and builds on the platform of Nissan’s most popular and accessible sports car.

DEBUTS

Meet

Sergio Pininfarina unveils the Sergio, the exclusive twoseater barchetta, in the name of innovation and passion

P

ininfarina presents a concept car that renews the spirit and values of the extraordinary achievements obtained under the leadership of Sergio Pininfarina, projecting them into the future in the name of exclusivity, innovation and passion.

The new Pininfarina concept car could only be called Sergio. It is an exercise that Pininfarina decided to undertake on a brand that more than any other has marked the history of Pininfarina: Ferrari. The name of Sergio Pininfarina is inextricably linked to that union conceived 60 years ago: the Sergio, therefore, will also celebrate the importance of Pininfarinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contribution to the history of Prancing Horse design. A tribute that was immediately morally supported by Luca Montezemolo and Ferrari as a whole.

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Package Chassis Weight Maximum speed Acceleration from 0 to 100

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4550 mm 1940 mm 1140 mm 110 litres 4499cc V8; Sequential gearbox 7M + RM 2 doors, 2 seat Original 458 Spider s 1280 kg 320 km/h 3.4 seconds

SPEX

Maximum length Maximum width Maximum height Boot capacity Power train

Two-seater With the Sergio you enter the fascinating and exciting realm of the two-seater barchetta as a unique and extreme object. Sportsmanship in the truest sense of the joy of driving, the passion of those who view cars as an unequalled source of excitement, the pleasure of admiring the essentiality of a one-off car by Pininfarina.

The sports car theme is built into Pininfarina: the fruitful collaboration with Ferrari which began in 1952, has generated some of the most popular sports cars of the postwar period. Returning to the charm of the two-seater Ferrari, compact and very sporty, is moreover, the perfect base for bonding Pininfarinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past to the future.

The Sergioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mechanicals are those of the 458 Spider, which remains unchanged in its wheelbase and

tracks.

The modern interpretation of a barchetta is a choice consistent with one of the historical peculiarities of Pininfarina: mastery in the crafting of exceptional car bodies, capable of stirring emotions and becoming a future icon.

Aerodynamics Changes in the body with which the Pininfarina Style Centre has transformed the original car. A Ferrari 458 Spider, into a barchetta were supported by calculations and tests in the Grugliasco wind tunnel to optimise aerodynamic performance.

In particular, a totally new body was produced, full carbon, saving about 10% in weight compared to the original body in aluminium, all to the benefit of acceleration and pick-up.

The aerodynamics has made it possible to

Overall, the Sergio offers a real sports performance with improved acceleration at below 3.4 seconds for 0-100 kph, which is at the top of its class.

The interior is essential and functional.

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The formal harmony of the side view is a strong feature of the Sergio. achieve interesting results. The engineers and designers at Pininfarina have designed, built and tested an airfoil placed in a recess on the front bonnet, which produces a double deflection of the air flow entering the passenger compartment. The first deviation is from the wing itself, the second from the air that accelerates in the channel created between the airfoil and the corresponding shape of the recess in the trunk.

The result is that, thanks to the virtual windscreen, the air passes above the heads of the driver and the passenger, greatly increasing comfort. This aerodynamic effect also contributes to increase the

down force on the carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s front axle. The virtual windscreen is effective at speeds as low as 50 kph.

The engineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s air intake is channelled from the air inlets in the two sides. The air vents at the base of the roll-bar convey the cooling air to the oil coolers.

Overall, the Sergio offers real sports performance, with a shell of torsion stiffness which exceeds that of the original spider, thanks to the reduction in the size of the doors, and the reduction of the total mass of about 150 kg compared to the spider. This allows good handling and a further improvement of acceleration, estimated at below 3.4 seconds for 0-100 kph, at the top of its class.

Sergio has no conventional doors but half doors with vertical rotation opening for easy access.

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McLaren P1 Designed for the track. Developed for the road 24

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One surprising feature is that this car can also be driven solely in electric mode.

M

cLaren Automotive’s P1 was darling of the crowd at the just-concluded 83rd International Geneva Motor Show held March 7 – 17, 2013, getting nods for what specialists say the most technologically advanced and overall fastest production car ever to come from the UK. The race-inspired Instant Power Assist System (IPAS) gives the McLaren P1 astonishing performance. Zero to 100km/h will take less than 3 seconds, zero to 200 km/h under 7 seconds, and zero to 300 km/h will be achieved in no more than 17 seconds.

Putting that into perspective, that’s 11 seconds faster than the legendary McLaren F1 road car. Top speed is electronically limited to 350 km/h.

McLaren has announced a production number of just 375 units – a figure that will ensure the McLaren P1 will remain a rarity and, if spotted on the road, an unforgettable sight.

McLaren has also announced that the car will have a specification that fully equips the car for both road and track use. The company prides itself on designing performance cars that their owners can use regularly so the McLaren P1 comes standard with a comprehensive specification list. The options list is limited to only bespoke content that a customer might wish to add through McLaren Special Operations, and fitted luggage.

The P1 will have the combined force of two highly-efficient powerplants, offering the optimum

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mix of superb throttle response, day-to-day drivability and top speed. A mid-mounted 3.8-litre twinturbo V8 petrol engine is substantially enhanced featuring, for example, larger turbochargers and a highly effective electric motor, to give a combined output of 916PS (903 bhp) and a maximum torque figure of 900Nm. This ensures instantaneous throttle response through the rev range, more akin to a naturally aspirated engine. Emissions of less than 200g/km on the combined cycle are reduced to zero in full electric drive mode, while the Formula 1-derived DRS and IPAS technologies offer an increase in straight-line speed and an instant boost of power.

The tyres fitted to the McLaren P1 are specially

developed P Zero Corsas, which have been developed with McLarenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s technology partner, Pirelli. The team at Pirelli has been involved throughout the entire development programme, and this has seen the tyre testing phase integrated into the schedule, as a key performance component. The final compound and construction has been developed and optimised during testing, and the end result is a tyre that is finely tuned specifically to the performance and handling characteristics.

To rein in the power produced by the twin powerplants, the McLaren P1 is designed to offer braking performance more associated with a GT3 or sports racing car. Developed by McLarenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Formula 1 partner Akebono, the system features a new type of carbon ceramic disc, which has previously seen service in space, but never before used on a road car. Stronger than conventional carbon ceramic, the material dissipates heat more effectively, giving the highly efficient braking system exceptional stopping and cooling capability. The system also boasts significantly reduced weight, and a bespoke ceramic layer coats both friction surfaces to give an attractive mirrored finish.

One surprising feature is that the car can also be driven solely in electric mode. In city driving, with an average speed of 30 mph, this could mean up to a 20km range. More than enough for an owner to enter, for example, a city centre Zero Emissions Zone, have dinner and return home.

Instant Power Assist System (IPAS) provides astonishing acceleration: 0 to 300 km/h takes less than 17 seconds, more than 35 per cent faster than the legendary McLaren F1.

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Top speed is electronically limited to 350 kph.

Production of this car will strictly be limited to

375 units

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In the main A special choice for an awesome read.

Lykan The first Arabian hypercar

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Remember the “Underworld” films? In the world of vampires and werewolves, there were Lycans—the most advanced species. In the world of automobiles, there is Lykan, a USD3.4 million car with diamond-encrusted LED lights, and a 750-horsepower engine delivering a top speed of 395 kph, and sprinting from 0 to 100kph in less than 2.8 secs.

L

ycans, in the popular film series, “Underworld” display a number of greatly enhanced physical attributes and are able to crawl across walls with great ease and

speed.

In the real world of cars, there is Lykan, a USD3.4 million car with diamond-encrusted LED lights, and a 750-horsepower engine with a top speed of 395 kph, and sprints from 0 to 100kph in less than 2.8 secs.

Lykan, manufactured by W Motors recently had its world premier in—guess where?—one of the places in the world with the most number of high net worth people: Doha, specifically at the 2013 Qatar International Motor Show on Jan. 28 this year.

Obviously named after the most advanced species of wolves in the mythical legends but written with a ‘k,’ the Lykan possesses a luxurious blend of power, advanced design, technology and exclusivity in the same way that Lycans have super strengths and unqiue abilities.

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The Lykan is indeed a super car that goes beyond and above, it breaks barriers and blows the mind. It is an exotic car maker’s dream car.

Absolutely distinctive in every way, the innovative Lykan is powered by a Flat-6 Twin Turbo, midrear mounted engine producing 750 horsepowers and 1000Nm of torque.

The automobile was engineered with the perfect balance between power, torque and speed, creating an exceptional driving machine for a remarkable driving experience.

The Lykan also features a cutting edge holographic display with interactive motion, an ID4 motion dashboard and uniquely designed seats for ultimate comfort and safety.

Adding a touch of modern luxury with the integration of the most refined and luxurious materials both inside and outside, the Lykan comes with diamond-encrusted LED lights that lend the hypercar a magnificent finish and glow (220 diamonds, 15k in each light).

Additionally, the car comes with gold-wire stitched interiors, a 24/7 concierge service and a patented design Cyrus Klepcys watch, that has been dedicated to Lykan owners only.

Touted a “modern machine with a touch of humanity,” the limited edition Lykan is one of the most exclusive and exquisite cars in the world.

W Motors received dozens of interested buyers from around the world for the first Arabian Hy-

percar and one of the most expensive in the world, even managing to lock a record-breaking sale on the opening day of the Qatar motor show.

The Middle East is renowned for its automobile-crazed audiences and it is a common sight to see roads in Dubai, Beirut and other parts of the Gulf region adorned with the finest automobiles from around the world.

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Channeling this very obsession for cars, it was only a matter of time before a revolutionary hypercar emerged from the Middle East, courtesy of the world’s first Arabian Motor Company, W Motors.

July 2012 witnessed the lavish launch of W Motors at the Sursock Palace in Beirut wherein the company’s shareholders publicly vowed to deliver the world’s most exclusive hypercar to the passionate addressees.

Lykan is described as an ambitious promise and vision realized.

7

Only units of this car will be manufactured.

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Road Tests On the driver’s seat, we tell you how it is.

We took them for a ride. Here’s, our take on the new Volkswagen Golf GTI, BMW 7 Series, Honda Accord 2013, Skoda Yeti, Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

RoadTest

Cult status

Driving a classic on Sheikh Zayed makes for a lot of heads turning

By Anton Francas

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Founder of the sporty A-hatchback segment, Golf GTI, the predecessor of the Volkswagen Bettle, has an 18-percent improvement in fuel economy compaired to the previous model.

A

Volks is a Volks is a Volks is a Volks!

Driving a car with cult status, a classic like the Volkswagen Golf GTI, on Sheikh Zayed makes for a lot of heads turning, and a great day.

Just recently, Volks launched its next generation GTI at the Geneva International Motor Show, which, I gathered also made more heads turning— and jaws dropping, too.

Some interesting points: The latest version of the legendary compact sports car, which has been revered by motoring enthusiasts like me for over three decades (yes, I’m a GTI groupie), is powered by a turbocharged petrol, direct-injection engine (TSI) with 162 kW / 220 PS coming as standard and accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 246 km/h.

I also read somewhere that the Golf GTI systematically combines sportiness and driving fun, with the strengths of the Golf, into a unique concept of compact sport hatchback. The 6-speed DSG automatic gearbox helps to reach DIN fuel consumption value of 6.0L/100 km; meaning that the new Golf GTI offers an 18 per cent improvement in fuel economy compared to the previous model.

The sporty character of the Golf GTI is reflected in its traditional red-painted brake callipers, two chrome tailpipes and a sport suspension. The exterior of the compact sports car also scores with 17-inch “Brooklyn” GTI wheels and 225/45 size

The New GTI is due to arrive in the Middle East during the third quarter of this year. carxpressmag.com

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01

The GTI has won many awards throughout its history.

tyres, special side sills, a diffuser and smoked LED rear lights (including LED license plate illumination).

Visual highlights in the interior are top sport seats in tartan pattern (“Clark”), a black roofliner and red ambience lighting. The cars also offers sporty GTI features such as a sport steering wheel, GTI gear shift grip and instrument cluster, special trim strips and stainless steel pedals and foot support.

I take comfort in the words of Mr. Thomas Milz, Managing Director, Volkswagen Middle East, who said: “The new Golf GTI is sportier than ever and one of the most eagerly anticipated new models for 2013..”

He said this model represents pure dynamics with all of the everyday utility qualities of the Golf, the seventh generation of which was launched in the Middle East in January.

“The GTI has long been a favourite amongst automotive aficionados across the Middle East and last year accounted for 60% of all Golf model sales in the AGCC,” he said. Wow!

The GTI is a subcompact car made by German automaker Volkswagen since 1974

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At a Glance

02

The original Golf GTI was a frontwheel drive.

Debut of first generation Golf GTI: 1976.

Engine: Four-cylinder TSI (turbocharged direct petrol injection); front transverse engine; displacement 1,984 cc; bore/stroke 82.5/92.8 mm; compression ratio 9.8:1.

Power: 162 kW / 220 PS from 4,500 to 6,200 rpm.

Torque: 350 Nm from 1,500 to 4,400 rpm.

Gearboxes / drive type; automatic 6-speed DSG; frontwheel drive.

Brakes: Disc brakes front and rear, front 312 x 25 mm,

ventilated; rear 300 x 12 mm.

Fuel consumption / CO2 emissions (manual): 6.0 l/100 km; 139 g/km CO2. Driving performance (manual): 0-100 km/h in 6.5 s; V/max 246 km/h.

Unladen weight: 1,351 kg (base version including driver [68 kg], luggage [7 kg] and 90 % filled fuel tank; calculated as per RL 92/21/EEC.

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RoadTest

Those glances

By Victor Morilla

The BMW 7 Series is consistently amongst BMW’s bestsellers across the Middle East.

D

riving along Sheikh Zayed Road, I noticed how fellow motorists seemed to give me a quick glance.

I was in my car quite comfortable in my leather seat listening to a tune from a 1,200watt Bang & Olufsen High End Surround Sound System and cruising through an on-board iDrive control system, which by the way, has an Arabic interface and navigation system, talking to me—yes, talking—about a hotel I was looking for while enabling me to receive emails as well.

In the cockpit, the all-new multifunctional instrument display behind the steering wheel meets all my needs. My car has a whole new range of display options through a 10.25-inch screen, including

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instruments that use different colours and graphics depending on the driving mode selected.

My car’s control display in the centre of the instrument panel has high-resolution 3D graphics, too.

As I drive on the road, I swear it felt like a carpet ride because the car is fitted with air suspension and an upgraded chassis that helps give added comfort.

In addition, my car has a new and comprehensively revised engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission for a more enjoyable ride.

Technology such as Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration and the second-generation Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode and coasting function help raise the bar

FLAGSHIP The 7 Series, produced by German automaker BMW was born in

1977

It was in 2006 that the 7 Series had a facelift with a restyled front and rear.

in terms of my car’s performance and efficiency.

As I neared the hotel for a morning meeting, I kept noticing those glances. Was it my sunglasses?

I really couldn’t tell. Definitely not my suit as it’s partly hidden from the window view. Definitely not my hair style—I badly needed a haircut!

I stopped the car, got off and let Johnny, the concierge, take it to the parking lot. “Nice BMW 7 Series, Mr. Morilla,” he tells me, with that same glow in his face as the ones I’ve seen glancing at me on my way to the hotel in my car.

Stepping aside so he could hop in, I suddenly realized why I was getting those glances. They weren’t for me. They were for my car. Oh my, it’s just stunning!

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RoadTest

The Accord Sedan comes in 8 colours; the Coupe, in 7.

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I got that

new car smell?

I was driving the Accord 2013, that’s why

By Vice Gooder

J

ust fresh off it’s official launch, I was lucky to be among the few who was given privilege to try out the 9th generation Accord Sedan, which, along with the Coupe went on sale starting January this year.

One of the things that immediate caught me was the car’s even more spacious and comfortable passenger cabin wrapped in a dynamic and prestigious exterior design. My dealer told me the completely new Accord line-up offers a wide choice of seven different grades in Sedan and two grades in Coupe version.

By the way, the Sedan and Coupe are powered by four cylinder or V6 engines mated to five-speed or six-speed automatic transmission respectively.

The car’s looks make for that mean tough-andsporty-outside-sophisticated-inside appearance on the road. Starting in the front, a bold grille imparts a distinctive and dynamic tension that complements the powerful look of the hood’s multiple styling lines. In the back, the inward slope where the fenders taper into the trunk and C-pillars convey a powerful, athletic stance from the rear.

Now for the drive, the car’s base of 173horsepower, four-cylinder engine hooked to a

five-speed automatic transmission sure makes for a smooth ride.

And safety? My dealer told me the 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe have the greatest range of active and passive safety features in Honda history, which includes the updated Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, which improves occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions, and the most extensive use of high-strength steel in Accord history. The Accord’s impact-absorbing front body design can even help attenuate energy in the event of a frontal collision with a pedestrian, or so I read somewhere.

The car has six airbags, including dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, front side airbags, and side curtain airbags.

And, read this: Based on internal testing in USA, both the 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe are expected to earn a top safety pick rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and five-star ratings in federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests.

All said, I think I’d go for this car. I love that new car smell coming with me when I get off, too.

Smell distinctly Accord.

The Honda Accord was born in 1976.

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At a Glance All-new Smart Entry & Push Button Start included on Accord EX and Sport models.

Three features highly coveted are now available on new Accord EX grade onwards: Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, USB/iPod integration and rearview camera.

The Accord 3.5 EX and 3.5 Sport offers Honda’s first LED projector headlights for improved visibility.

RoadTest

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Face to face with the

Yeti

Ĺ kodaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s compact SUV cuts a swath

By Yosemite Devins

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The Yeti model with a 4x4 drive, backed by the 4th generation Haldex clutch as well as an off-road mode, can easily negotiate even difficult terrains.

T

he first time I saw Yeti was back in 2011 when it appeared on a BBC motoring show. The presenter declared the car to possibly be the best in the world, and used 20 minutes of the programme putting the Yeti through a number of challenges to support his point, which virtually blasted the Škoda UK website as it overloaded temporarily because of the show.

I had a chance to test drive the Škoda Yeti recently to come face to face with this car, which, following the UK TV stint, became an instant Twitter star.

Certainly what I love the most with Yeti is its Columbus navigation system which offers, amongst others, off-road navigation that enables a driver to record and save a route taken by the vehicle off the digitised road network, for example on unpaved roads-literally cutting a swath.

The Yeti is perfect for street canyons, shopping terrains and the urban jungle, the car brochure read. And I really think it’s not far off the mark saying so.

The Yeti model with a 4x4 drive, backed by the 4th generation Haldex clutch as well as an off-road mode, can easily negotiate even difficult terrain.

The offroad term represents a number of functions such as the hill descent assistant or start-up assistant, the adaptation of the ABS, ASR and EDS electronic systems to the driving conditions and a more sensitive accelerator configuration.

Indeed, Yeti can tame the wild at the push of a button. It represents a perfect mix of comfort and practicality as well as sports style and elegance, as demonstrated for example by the noble steel foot pedal covers or the integrated telescopic headlamp washers.

It has a wide choice of radios, navigation systems, phone preparations as well as multifunctional steering wheels. It can also be equipped with MDI (Mobile Device Interface), which is a connector

located in front of the gear stick enabling control of an external device through buttons on a radio, navigation system or multifunctional steering wheel.

The Yeti has 4 cylinder turbo with direct fuel injection with an engine capacity of 1798cc, a maximum output of 160 brake horsepower, a maximum torque if 250Nm at 1,500 rpm – 4500 rpm.

It has a six-speed DSG automatic transmission, a top speed of 22kph and acceleration numbers of 8.4 seconds zero to 100kph.

It has a 36 month / 150,000KM manufacturer warranty. Škoda Auto is a Czech car maker. Yeti debuted at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

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At a Glance Engine Type 4 cylinder turbo with direct fuel injection Engine Capacity 1798cc Max BHP Output 160 BHP Max Torque Output 250NM at 1500 rpm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4500 rpm Transmission 6 Speed DSG Automatic Top Speed: 200kmh Acceleration 0-100kmh 8.4 seconds Fuel consumption in 1/100 km Urban: 10.1 Extra Urban: 6.9 Combined: 8.0 Emission value: 189 g/km The offroad term represents a number of functions such as the hill descent assistant or start-up assistant, among others.

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RoadTest

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Alfa Romeo Giulietta Reasons why I like this car

By Stephan Arvore

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A MultiAir engine, like the one this car has, allows optimum intake valve opening schedules.

I

probably was the happiest guy in the world when I learned that the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is now available across the Middle Eastâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and for a number of reasons, too.

The Giulietta has a 170hp 1.4 TB MultiAir engine. What it does is it increases power by up to 10 percent, and torque by up to 15 percent, as well as considerably reduces consumption levels by up to 10 percent and carbon emissions also by up to 10 percent compared to your usual petrol engine. In other words, this car is green and efficient. Note that this technology took over a decade to develop.

Some cars seem to tilt you over to a corner when making turns in speed. Not the Giulietta. The Alfa DNA has with it an electronic Q2, a system that when cornering - transfers the torque to the external wheel to prevent the front from understeering, thus gaining traction and improving driveability.

The Giulietta has DST, which prompts the driver to make the correct manoeuvre in emergencies, through a pulse sent to the steering wheel, and a pre-fill that guarantees the maximum braking promptness in the case of danger.

Augmenting these safety features are antiwhiplash system, a three-point seatbelts with double pretensioners and six airbags as standard plus ESP. Moreover, noise is significantly reduced with a 25-percent thicker side windows and double door seals.

It is also interesting to note that Giulietta needs the lowest number of service intervals during its first three years or 90,000-kilometre run.

All this confirms its efficiency and low operating costs, which have led to the car being preferred not just by individuals but also by fleets (Giulietta is the top seller in Italy and is entering the policy of all the leading European companies).

Topping it all is that Giulietta has the best resale value among cars of its segment. After twelve months, the value for the Italian market is 68.5%, English market 77.5% and Spanish market 66.9%, and in all other major markets Giulietta is at the top when it comes to residual value among its competitors.

The Giulietta available in the Middle East is equipped with the 170hp 1.4 TB MultiAir engine, awarded Best New Engine 2010, by the way.

The car has a top speed is 218 kph and accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in just 7.7 seconds.

The first Giulietta made was a coupe, the Giulietta Sprint.

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A compact design with resistant materials, restricts weight.

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta was first made in 1954.

Now available across the Middle East, the Giulietta carries on the tradition of the best Alfa Romeos, further enhancing the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heritage. carxpressmag.com

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Line Up An independent account on the latest cars

In this issue we present a selection of the latest cars from the different segments: Jaguar XJ, Spyker C8 Aileron, Range Rover Evoque, Bentley, Porsche Boxster 2013. Enjoy the ride.

luxury sports

Jaguar XJ Revolutionary

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“An XJ should be the ultimate in comfort, design and refinement. The bespoke interior changes we have incorporated…make it an even more special car to drive or be driven in.”

-- Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar Cars

T

he original XJ was the last car designed

by Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons and the latest car to wear the nameplate is as innovative, beautiful and desirable as its famous forebear.

Revolutionary, not evolutionary, the XJ is truly a product of the 21st century and is the clearest indication yet of the singular sense of purpose behind Design Director Ian Callum’s vision for the future of Jaguar.

The unique full-length panoramic glass roof that floods the cabin with natural light allows the XJ to offer an unrivalled sense of spaciousness and occasion for driver and passengers and at the same time retain the sleek coupé-like profile and lithe stance for which Jaguars are famous.

Lightweight The mould-breaking styling is matched by similarly impressive construction techniques pioneered

by Jaguar. The lightweight aluminium structure - 50 percent of which is made from recycled materials

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A total of 61,441 Jaguar XJ6 cars were manufactured from 1973 to 1979, while 16,060 XJ12s were made during the same period.

- offers improved fuel consumption and reduced emissions. In conjunction with a lifecycle approach to design and manufacture this allows the XJ to minimise its carbon footprint.

The weight saved by the use of aluminium - an average of 150kg compared to its rivals - also has benefits for performance and agility and is complemented by the most advanced, powerful and efficient Jaguar powertrains ever. The choice of engines has been enlarged for the 2012 range with the fitment of a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine (market specific).

All engines are coupled to a shift-by-wire, six-speed

automatic transmission controlled by the JaguarDrive Selector or steering wheel-mounted paddles.

Contemporary The cabin of the XJ blends elegant, contemporary design with the comfort, luxury and unmistakable sporting style of a Jaguar. Chrome and piano black detailing provides an eye-catching contrast to the beautifully-crafted leather and wood veneer surfaces. Both standard and long-wheelbase models are available, for an even more sumptuous and refined experience for rear seat passengers.

Advanced new technology has allowed Jaguar’s interior designers to create an environment more akin to a state-of-the-art living space than a car cabin. Stunning 12.3-inch high-definition virtual instruments complement an innovative Dual-view 8-inch Touch-screen that allows the passenger to view DVD movies or TV programmes while the driver is provided with vehicle functions or satellitenavigation directions.

Premium surround sound options include the

The current Jaguar XJ was launched in

2009

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top-of-the-range 1200W Bowers & Wilkins system that is comparable in audio quality to the best in-home entertainment. Advanced infotainment features also include hard-drive based audio and navigation systems and comprehensive connectivity for portable audio and video devices via the powerful Media Hub. Enhancements Subtle enhancements to the cabin have been made available for the XJ range to allow greater personalisation and flexibility of use. A new Rear Comfort Pack offers seats that now feature electric adjustment of the backrest recline angle, four-way lumbar support and a massage function. Increased comfort is also provided by new winged headrests, footrests and the ability for the front passenger seat to be stowed away forwards when unoccupied to increase legroom even further.

On the long-wheelbase Portfolio derivative a new ‘Executive Pack’ transforms the rear of the XJ into a high-speed mobile office space with the

This Jag runs on a 3.0litre petrol V6 engine.

provision of fold-down laptop trays and an electric rear sunblind for increased privacy. The package also includes upgraded carpeting, combination wood and leather steering wheel, gloss wood veneer choices and chrome mirror housings.

Jaguar has always listened closely to customer feedback and in the case of the XJ, this has led to a new interior colour combination. Available with the Premium Luxury and Portfolio trim levels the Jet/Ivory option features ivory seating with contrast jet stitching, piping and upper surfaces while the headlining is available in either colour, according to customer preference.

A 9,378-car run of the two-door XJ coupe with a pillarless hardtop body called the XJ-C was built between 1975 and 1978.

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exotic cars

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Spyker C8 Aileron â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Luxuryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in capital letters

New, lighter and aviation-inspired 19 inch Rotorblade alloy wheels, a totally developed double wishbone suspension and vertically placed shock absorbers provide for an improved ride quality for street and track purposes.

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T

he Spyker C8 Aileron, the Dutch firm’s second-generation, all-aluminum sports car, made is a splash.

The new C8 continues Spyker’s signature architecture as first seen in the original C8 Spyder, with a mid-engine configuration in an aluminum space frame including aluminum bodywork.

Without adding any weight, and with a stretched wheelbase, the car’s torsional rigidity was improved by 40 percent, and cockpit space was increased.

In its design, the new C8 Aileron marks a new chapter in the company’s history. Spyker still hews to the aviation-inspired design, but in the new model, a reduced amount of chrome and polished parts plus redesigned airflow around the car give it a more grown-up and cleaner appearance.

The five-valve, four-cam 4.2-liter V8 engine still comes from Audi’s parts shelf and is now able to send its 400 horsepower to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox from Getrag or an all-new six-speed automatic gearbox from ZF. New, lighter and aviation-inspired 19 inch “Rotorblade” alloy wheels and a totally new developed suspension featuring double wishbones and vertically placed shock absorbers provide an improved ride quality for both street and track purposes. On top of that, Spyker will offer optional carbon-ceramic brakes from AP Racing by the end of the year.

Inside, Spyker still writes “luxury” in capital letters: Top-level leather in 14 standard colors, a Kharma sound system incorporating multimedia features such as satellite navigation, Bluetooth, CD player and iPod and optional Chronoswiss dials should satisfy even the most demanding driver.

The Spyker C8 Aileron is priced at the equivalent of $312,390 for the manual-transmission model and $324,750 for the model with automatic transmission.

The C8 Aileron is a

Dutch-made car

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This carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first race was in the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2002.

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SUV

Range Rover

Evoque

All-terrain. All-weather. All-surface. All-wheel.

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The joy is in the MagneRide dampers which give greater control and minimise body roll, providing a balanced, flat ride.

L

and Rover engineers have developed the Range Rover Evoque to provide customers with a polished driving experience that combines dynamic and sporty handling with responsive, effortless performance and refinement.

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.

Dampers are devices that eliminate or progressively diminish vibrations or oscillations.

MagneRide is an automotive suspension system that utilizes magnetically controlled dampers, or shock absorbers, for a highly adaptive ride. As opposed to traditional suspension systems, MagneRide has no mechanical valves or small moving parts that can wear out. This system consists of four monotube dampers, one on each corner of the vehicle, a sensor set, and an Electronic Control Unit to maintain the system.

With the MagneRide dampers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which are more typically fitted to high performance sports cars â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Adaptive Dynamics system provides an optimum balance between confident, nimble handling and a supple, well-controlled ride.

MagneRide dampers offer infinitely variable damper settings between soft (comfort) and hard (sports) extremes, and operate by using a special damping fluid which contains magnetic particles.

When subjected to a magnetic field, the fluid becomes more viscous, thus increasing the damping.

This technology allows MagneRide to change damper settings quickly and with a wider operating range, delivering more stable and confident dynamics.

The Adaptive Dynamics system monitors vehicle movements at least 1000 times/second, reacting to driver or road inputs virtually instantaneously to give greater control and minimise body roll, providing a balanced, flat ride. The system will even sense off-road conditions, and optimise damping accordingly.

Terrain Response Drivers can also select a Dynamic Mode through the Terrain Response system, which modifies the damper settings to deliver even tighter body control,

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Pushing the wheels out to the four corners helps give the car its purposeful stance.

with flatter handling and sharper responses.

Like a true Range Rover, the Evoque delivers the all-weather, all-surface capability which is a hallmark of the brand. In common with its larger siblings, the new model provides formidable off-road potential, which is enhanced by the company’s signature Terrain Response system.

Drivers who take their Range Rover Evoque off-road will be reassured to know that in addition to generous ground clearance, the car has a significantly better breakover angle, approach angle and departure angle than other premium compact SUVs. The Range Rover Evoque offers a smooth and responsive turbocharged powertrain line-up.

Customers can choose from the comprehensively updated 2.2-litre turbodiesel with 190PS and 150PS derivatives, or the state-of-the-art new 240PS 2.0litre Si4 petrol engine.

The advanced new 240PS 2.0-litre Si4 turbocharged engine combines direct fuel injection and twin variable valve timing for exceptional drivability and fuel efficiency, delivering 0-100 kph in 7.6 seconds*.

Standout Meantime, Land Rover designers and engineers have developed a host of distinctive and innovative features to ensure the Range Rover Evoque stands

out from the crowd.

These include xenon headlamps where first to catch the eye is the powerful signature graphic in the front running lights, created by innovative LED light-blade technology. A similar graphic is repeated in the LED rear lights, with their jewel-like threedimensional design.

More special touches greet you when you enter the car. The interior displays come to life with a choreographed animated start-up sequence, while the rotary auto shifter completes the “greeting” as it rises silently into the driver’s hand.

Also, the Evoque has been designed such that the driver sits slightly lower than in one of the larger Range Rovers, and ergo, adopts a Sports Command Driving Position, which offers a more sporting feel but retains the important sensation of control and command.

Tech-savvy At the heart of the Evoque’s control system is Range Rover’s much acclaimed eight-inch highdefinition touch-screen display with its crisp graphics and simple, intuitive menu structure. The display is available with the innovative dual-view technology, so that driver and passenger can view completely independent content.

Tech-savvy customers get the connectivity they

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demand with a comprehensive package that includes Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone use and audio streaming, plus a range of USB and auxiliary inputs for iPods and other portable devices.

The Evoque is also the first Range Rover to offer breathtaking new sound systems developed in partnership with the high-end audio specialist Meridian. The premium Meridian offering is an 825W 17-speaker system that delivers the ultimate in surround-sound performance.

The Range Rover Evoque also supports Bluetooth audio streaming, so that customers can enjoy music stored on their phone, or other portable Bluetooth device, via the car’s audio system.

For added convenience, the Range Rover Smart Key system enables keyless entry to the vehicle. The rear tailgate is powered for ease of opening, and can also be opened remotely using the key fob.

The Range Rover Evoque is available in two distinctive versions: the stunning coupé model, and the stylish 5-Door, which adopts a slightly higher rear roofline for extra practicality and greater family appeal.

Both coupé and 5-Door Evoque models stay true to the core values of the Range Rover brand, providing premium levels of craftsmanship, luxury, performance and renowned Land Rover all-terrain capability, but in a more compact package.

The design of the Range Rover Evoque 5-Door was closely derived from the coupĂŠ model.

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luxury car

Fly away on a spur of the moment

Bentley

nails new benchmark

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SPEX

Engine 6-litre twin-turbocharged W12 Max. Power 616 bhp/460 kW/625 PS@6000 rev/min Max. Torque 800 Nm/590 lb. ft @ 2000 rev/min Transmission ZF 8-speed automatic Acceleration 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds Top Speed 322 kph

The new Flying Spur is a mobile office tucked in comfortably from, yet still connected completely to, the outside world while delivering a breathtaking 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.3 secs and a top speed of 200 mph.

B

entley lovers will love to hear this: The luxury carmaker has pushed its limits even farther, this time coming up with a new Flying Spur that can be personalized to become a mobile office with maximum outside noise reduction and a top speed of 200 mph.

The new Flying Spur’s

Bentley Connectivity Unit (BCU) allows portable devices, laptops and tablet computers to connect to the internet through the car’s own Wi-Fi hotspot with an active SIM and includes 64 GB of internal storage capacity.

Two 10” LCD screens are installed to the backs of the front seats, while top-loading multimedia players sit in pockets fitted beneath, allowing the user to load and enjoy video, photo and music content from DVDs, SD cards, USB devices including iPods and iPads, and HDMI devices.

Each rear passenger can view separate content, or stream media from the BCU. A USB charging port keeps batteries fresh, and wired headphone ports complete the connections, allowing music and internet radio to be played directly through the BCU. Bentley wireless headphones complete the specification for the ultimate in rear-seat infotainment.

Acoustic isolation Meantime, as achieving class-leading comfort and refinement was a priority during the development of this wonderful work of art, acoustic isolation of the cabin from external noise inputs was a particular focus.

Therefore Bentley used lightweight acoustic underfloor panels to minimise road noise, with aerodynamically optimised insulating sections applied to almost the entire underfloor of the car.

Side glazing and both front and rear screens are made in acoustic glass, featuring a specially developed interlayer that reduces noise transmission.

An improved sealing system around the side glazing now features two individual sealing points to reduce wind noise to a minimum regardless of road speed.

The redesigned doors are also fitted with additional insulation to the outer skin, reducing noise diffusion in to the cabin. Enlarged rear mufflers reduce exhaust noise by 12 dB at 3000 rev/min for enhanced passenger comfort.

Central infotainment Complementing this is a selected state-of-theart technology, for both the driver and passengers.

Central infotainment is controlled through a high resolution 8” touch-screen interface, complete with Bentley’s advanced satellite navigation system and

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The US remains Bentley’s largest global region with 2,457 sales (up by 22%) in 2012.

Bluetooth connectivity, while infotainment features can be controlled by voice activation.

In all, Bentley’s styling team has developed an athletic design for the new Flying Spur that combines traditional Bentley styling cues with a sporting stance and contemporary details. Sharp feature lines complement muscular rear haunches, while LED day-time running lights, dipped headlights and taillights characterise the front and rear profiles. The interior designers have created a luxurious, spacious cabin that dresses advanced acoustic and electronic technologies in exquisite hand-crafted leather hides and wood veneers.

Powering the new Flying Spur is Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine, coupled

to a ZF eight-speed transmission. Developing 625 PS (616 bhp) and 800 Nm of torque, the new Flying Spur features more power than any other Bentley four-door in history. A 14-percent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio over the outgoing model delivers a breath-taking 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top-speed of 200 mph (322 km/h).

In the modern Bentley tradition, power is delivered to the road via all-wheel drive with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split for a sure-footed, engaging drive in all road and weather conditions.

Aerodynamics As the new Flying Spur approaches its 200 mph (322 km/h) top speed, the ride height is

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automatically lowered via the air suspension system to compensate for aerodynamic forces. This helps not only to improve vehicle stability by optimising aerodynamic balance along the car, but also reduces drag, with benefits both to top speed and CO2 output. The new car has a two-stage lowering strategy, firstly lowering by 5 mm at the front and 10 mm at the rear at 121 mph (195 km/h) and then by a further 8 mm and 13 mm respectively at 149 mph (240 km/h).

As Bentley’s most powerful engine, the 6.0-litre, twin turbocharged, 48-valve W12 is the natural choice to power the fastest ever Bentley four-door.

Now delivering 625 PS (616 bhp) at 6,000 rev/ min and a staggering 800 Nm (580 lb ft) of torque

815 Bentleys were delivered to Middle East owners in 2012.

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from only 2000 rev/min, the W12 has recently undergone a complete engine management system upgrade to the latest Bosch ME17 interface.

Improved torque management, turbocharger control, driveability and emissions performance all result from the adoption and optimisation of the new system, with a resulting improvement in low speed responsiveness.

Eight-speed Coupled to the W12 is the very latest eightspeed, quick-shift automatic transmission from ZF. All Bentley models now feature this state-of-the-art gearbox. Delivering seamless and imperceptible shifts in under 200 milliseconds, the gearbox is not only designed to handle the mighty torque output of the W12 but also to ensure smooth and refined delivery of power to the wheels.

An optimised set of gear ratios keeps the engine in its most efficient operating range under light loads and when cruising, contributing in an overall improvement in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of more than 13 per cent over the outgoing model. The new Flying Spur delivers a combined cycle fuel economy of 19.2 mpg (14.7 litres/100 km), and CO2 emissions of 343 g/km – impressive figures for a 12-cylinder ultra-luxury, high perform-

ance sedan.

The transmission feeds power to all four wheels via Bentley’s renowned all-wheel drive system. With a standard torque split of 60 percent to the rear wheels and 40 percent to the front, but the ability to vary this division up to 85 percent to the rear axle or 65 percent to the front depending on available traction, the Flying Spur’s drivetrain ensures optimal grip regardless of prevailing road or weather conditions. The assurance provided by such a sure-footed set-up means that the spirited driver can deploy all of the car’s available power and torque in a controlled and dependable manner, in virtually any circumstances.

Choices As with the entire Bentley range, the new Flying Spur is built to individual customers’ exacting specifications. A range of seventeen standard exterior paint colours includes Dark Cashmere, a sophisticated and contemporary addition to the Bentley palette. The extended paint range of over 100 colours is joined by Damson, a rich hue

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inspired by the extremely rare purple diamond, and one that is complemented by an optional matching hide colour.

A new 19-inch Classic wheel is fitted exclusively to the new Flying Spur, either bright-painted or with a diamond turned finish. The new design consolidates a wider range of 20-inch five-spoke, 21-inch six-spoke and 21-inch ten-spoke wheels available as cost options.

Customers wishing to extend the range of available options further can choose to include the Mulliner Driving Specification. This includes five additional hides, expanding the number of available shades to 17, and five further wood veneers. Bentley’s traditional diamond quilting is incorporated to the seats and door panels, together with an indented leather headlining and embroidered Bentley wings to the headrests. Drilled alloy foot pedals, a knurled sports gear lever, jewel filler cap and 21” two-piece five-spoke alloy wheels in painted or polished finish complete the Mulliner suite of options.

roadster

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t. n ie c i ff e re o M . r te s a F . r e t h g i L

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SPEX

Engine Water-cooled flat-six engine; aluminium engine block and cylinder.

Engine Power 195 kW (265 hp) at 6,700 rpm Max. Torque 280 Nm at 4,500 rpm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6,500 rpm

Optional extra is the Sport Chrono Package which features dynamic transmission mounts for the first time.

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ighter and more fuel-efficient, faster and more agile – with an all-new lightweight design body and completely revamped chassis, the latest generation of the Boxster is setting new top scores for Porsche Intelligent Performance.

Considerably lower weight, a longer wheelbase, a wider track and larger wheels significantly enhance the mid-engine sports car’s driving dynamics yet further, already far and away the best in its class, supported by the new electro-mechanical power steering.

As an additional boost to driving dynamics, Porsche offers the Sport Chrono Package as an optional extra for the Boxster, featuring dynamic transmission mounts for the first time.

Also new in the Boxster is Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical rear axle differential lock.

The new Boxsters boast superior performance as well as being up to 15 percent more fuel-efficient.

They boast ultra-modern, direct fuel injection, six-cylinder engines and all variants get by with less than nine litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, the Boxster with PDK (Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe or dual clutch gearbox) even managing with less than eight litres.

The first-generation Boxster (the 986) was introduced in late 1996.

Two Boxsters The Boxster has a 2.7-litre boxer engine with 265 hp (195 kW). It’s a rear-wheel drive with a six-speed manual transmission, and has an optional seven-speed PDK. The Boxster accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 5.8 seconds, with PDK it does it in 5.7 seconds (5.5 seconds with Sport Chrono Package).

The Boxster has a top speed of 264 kph, or 262 kph with the optional PDK. Fuel consumption (NEDC) is 8.2 l/100 km, CO2 192 g/km—with PDK, it is 7.7 l/100 km CO2 180 g/km.

Meanwhile the Boxster S has a 3.4-litre boxer engine with 315 hp (232 kW). It is also a rear-wheel drive with a six-speed manual transmission, and has an optional seven-speed PDK. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 5.1 seconds, or 5 seconds with PDK (4.8 seconds with Sport Chrono Package).

Top speed is 279 kph, or 277 kph with the optional PDK. The car’s fuel consumption (NEDC) is 8.8 l/100 km, CO2 206 g/km; and with PDK, it’s 8.0 l/100 km CO2 188 g/km.

Generation change Never before in the history of the Porsche Boxster was a change of generation so comprehensive and so clearly apparent at first glance: The change in proportions is a lasting one.

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For example, the wheelbase has increased by 60 millimetres and the front track width by up to 40 millimetres and at the rear by up to 18 millimetres, as a result of which the wheels align flush with the body.

The windscreen is flatter and set approximately 100 millimetres further forward; all in all the Boxster is up to 13 millimetres lower. Together with its convertible top line extended far to the back, the new Boxster cuts a very elegant silhouette.

Another factor contributing to its sportier appearance is that the body is a mere 32 milli-metres longer than before, while at the same time the overhang at the front has been re-duced by 27 millimetres â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Boxster remains the compact roadster.

Typical of the enhanced design is the shoulder line, which runs from the strongly upward curving front wing into the rear side section and which also accommodates the exterior mirrors, now in the vicinity of the upper edge of the door.

Heart Particularly expressive and characteristic is the new dynamic indentation in the door, which guides the intake air to the striking intake in the rear side section: you can see where the roadsterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart beats.

The more distinctive shapes of the wings, doors, intake air guide and top further accentuate the wheel housing. The newly designed, larger alloy

Never before in the history of the Porsche Boxster was a change of generation so comprehensive and apparent at first glance.

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In 2005, Porsche unveiled the second generation of Boxster: the type 987.

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The third generation Boxster (type 981) was launched at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. wheels emphasise the car’s dynamics even when it is stationary.

The Boxster comes with 18-inch wheels featured as standard; the Boxster S is equipped with even more imposing 19-inch format wheels – each with its own individual design. 20-inch wheels are available as an optional extra.

The new Boxster’s front-end is dominated by the large lateral radiator openings and the headlights. Both the halogen headlights, standard for the new Boxster, and the new Bi-Xenon headlights, standard for the Boxster S, were completely redeveloped.

The headlights, also redesigned, with daytime driving and position lights in LED technology, are integrated above the striking air intakes.

The rear end of the new Boxster models has been completely redesigned: there is no longer any convertible-top compartment lid, rear wing and lights are linked by a prominent edge spanning the entire vehicle width and the central lamp unit located beneath it combines the rear fog light and reversing lights in one flat strip.

The new tail lights, all in LED technology, are perfectly integrated into the rear apron, with their shape curving around the corner of the car. The redesigned tailpipes complete the deep, centred look.

This is further emphasised by the diffuser, which spans the width of the vehicle. A characteristic feature of the Boxster is an oval tailpipe; the Boxster S has a twin-flow double tailpipe.

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2Ways READERS’ SUGGESTIONS & COMMENTS. LET’S TALK ABOUT IT.

SEND YOUR THOUGHTS, COMMENTS & FEEDBACK TO THE FOLLOWING E-MAIL: EDITOR@CARXPRESS-MAG.COM

Loving the Maserati, hands down

and CD changer, electrochromic rear view mirror, rear parking sensors, seat heaters, and cruise control.

The whole nine yards!

I’m getting carried away.

Thanks again for introducing me to GranCabrio—I just might shift gear this time.

Vyron Stears Doha, Qatar

Dear editor, Thanks for featuring the GranCabrio in your most recent edition. I have always been fascinated by Maserati’s perfectionist approach in producing cars.

Back home, I drive an old one myself, a four-seater 2005 Coupé GT, the GranTurismo’s predecessor, and which debuted at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show.

I have driven other cars before but it seems my GT is by far the one that has stayed with me the longest.

I guess it’s in the 4244 cc engine which develops 385 hp at 7000 rpm and runs a peak torque of 450 N·m (332 lb·ft) at 4500 rpm.

Also maybe the comfort is one reason. The GT has what they call a “skyhook” suspension system that makes you feel like riding on an airplane –without the turbulence of course; the GPS navigation system and hands-free GSM phone, the upgraded I audio system

Dear Mr. Stears As they say, everybody loves a Maserati. We have lined up some more of this work of art in our forthcoming editions. Stay with us.

Editor

Electrifying

Dear editor I should say Pininfarina’s luxury sports saloon concept, the Cambiano, that fully runs on electricity is—for lack of a better word due to the sheer heartPRESENTIN G THE pumping excitement it gives CAMBIA NO me—electrifying.

Pininfarina is a motoring icon and anything from them is certainly something that inspires awe.

What would be coming up with next?

Erlan Feedler New York City

  

The drive syste m is based on four electric moto rs, one for each wheel, and of their respectiv reduction geare .

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In Sport passe mode, the ng V8 giv es the thrillin ers the full g driver an with the roar that be power of its 323kW d , with a surroun top down, comes even as it be mo dings. comes re exciting one wit h its he opentop GranC unadu

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talian car design builder, Pininfarinfirm and coacha has launched luxury electric a sports saloon it described which tion of design, as a “perfect combinaart embodies Italian and technology than environment.” style and respect of the It is a new approach to luxury in car, according the to Pininfarin a’s school of thought. The Cambiano, a concept car named after the town where headquartered, Pininfarina is is environme nt-friendly.

“The Cambiano Pininfarina today, is an expression of company’s skills embodying all of the in ning and research terms of style, planin the field of able mobility,” stated a statementsustainthe company. from The luxury sports saloon embodies the innovative archetypes of design in full.

Pininfarina Another example milestone in was a the company’s history, the Florida II, a concept car of 1957 which the founder Pinin Farina conceived and built for his own personal saloon-coupé use, a with line that influencedan architecture and global production for

Pininfarina’s luxury elect ric sports salo on

many years.

In a way, it was Pininfarina’s concept car. first real The Cambiano breaks with of design that the general trend is overloaded with elements, confidently embraces and the return of the absolute pure form as value, in the best “tradition” Style, reflecting of Italian the deepest essence Design. of Pininfarin a The Cambiano reveals its true glance, starting from the unconventcharacter at first of the doors: ional layout on the driver’s side the car coupe with a is a sports single door, but on the passenger there are two doors that open no central pillar. from the centre side This simplifies with the most of access and makes the spacious, luminous passenger

Plug in charging time: 6 hrs. grid and 20% min. state of with 6 KWh charge.

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55 CV) in the Gallardo ratio 419 kW (570 ment generates weight-to-power (5.18 This puts the 2.35 kilograms Superleggera. model at only ng performof the new top guarantees breathtaki ra handles lb) per hp and LP 570-4 Superlegge in 3.4 ance. The Gallardo to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) zero mph) the dash from past the 200 km/h (124 flies seconds and ultimately reaching seconds later, mark only 6.8 mph).

Stratificata” 325 km/h (202 “Iniezione Diretta impressive with interior and The engine boasts an is the exterior injection also er. Carbon ion and CO2 One key factor gasoline direct as powerIts fuel consumpt made from carbon-fib comlighter, more re of sportscars components degree of efficiency. reduced by 20.5 percent ini for the manufactu ven more dynamic, been – the Lamborgh fibre is ideal uction and improved emissions have for weight-red ful and stunning Superleggera is the ce is thus previous model. its use allows pared to the 570-4 The car’s performan line-up.

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Dear Mr. Feedler In this edition of Car Xpress is

carxpressmag.com

Do you have something worth featuring?

A Car, your Story or a Collection?

CAR XPRESS WELCOMES YOU. 76

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Pinifarina’s newest, jaw-dropping, head-turning work: Sergio concept car, an exclusive two-seater barchetta which debuted at the recent Geneva Motor Show.

Read on.

Editor.

Super Gallardo

Dear editor, Thanks for coming up with a piece about the Lamborghini Gallardo super sport car in one of your editions.

My work requires me to travel a lot and I must admit, it is in Dubai where I have seen so many Lamborghinis on the road. In other places, you don’t often see these cars running everywhere or parked at a grocery store.

This brings me to the Gallardo. I have seen a few so far and I have to tell you these ones are really super in form and function.

Mathew Pelicen Dubai, UAE Dear Mr. Pelicen Sheikh Zayed Road is one place to start car watching. They are all there.

Also try JBR The Walk. The Gallardo, it’s a mind-blower as they say.

Editor

It is in Dubai where I have seen so many Lamborghinis on the road.

memory lane

e r t i L ½ 4 y e l t l) e d n o m e d e B wer Bentley (supercharg

Aka Blo

Manufactured from 1926 to 1930, a total of 720 cars rolled out of the production line. It is believed that 43 Blowers still exist.

T

he Bentley 4½ Litre is a British sports car built by Bentley Motors. Its supercharged variant is also known as the Blower Bentley. Famous for his statement “there’s no replacement for displacement,” Walter Owen Bentley upped the displacement of the Bentley 3 Litre in 1926 to produce the 4½ Litre.

Upon taking control of the company, the “Bentley Boys” went in search of even more power and developed the supercharged model in 1929 at Henry

Birkin’s racing workshops in Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire, England.

Evolution The 4½ Litre was an evolution of the 3 Litre, sharing that car’s basic chassis, including its semielliptical suspension at all four wheels, and the fourwheel brakes. The straight-4 engine was bored out to 100 mm (3.9 in) to produce 4.4 L (4398 cc/268 in³) of displacement. This was good for 110 hp (82 kW) in road-going models or 130 hp (97 kW) when tweaked for racing.

A 4½ Litre Bentley claimed victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1928 with drivers Woolf Barnato and Bernard Rubin.

This is the car that author Ian Fleming first chose for James Bond. It is featured in three of the 007 Novels, Casino Royale, Live and Let Die and Moonraker. In the book, Bond drives a battleship grey 1930 4½ Litre Convertible Coupé, with French Marchal headlamps and an Amherst Villiers supercharger.

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Blower Bentley Although W. O. Bentley despised forced induction, his “Bentley Boys”, and especially Henry “Tim” Birkin, wanted to supercharge the engine for more power. When the company ran out of money in 1925, millionaire Bentley Boy, Woolf Barnato bought the company, and in 1929 the first supercharged “Blower” Bentley was built at Sir Henry Birkin’s engineering works in Welwyn Garden City.

Barnato quickly authorised the building of 50 production Blowers to meet the qualification requirements for entering such models at Le Mans the following year. The large Roots type supercharger was placed outside the engine cover, giving the cars a unique appearance.

With 175 hp (130 kW) on tap, expectations for racing success were high, but durability was lacking and the Blowers never won a major race. In the end, it was W. O. Bentley’s larger-displacement 6½ Litre car that would secure victories for the marque in 1929 and 1930.

The supercharged engine had a huge thirst: the

Litre became highly successful.

Based on the 4 1/2 Litre, the sensational ‘Blower’ Bentley was created. A Roots-type supercharger by Amherst Villiers gave 9 1/2 lbs boost at 3,500 rpm. To run a Bentley 4 1/2 Litre Supercharged in Le Mans a minimum of 50 cars had to be produced for homologation purposes.

Though the engine had been extensively modified, lubrication was poor and cooling problems were immense. At Le Mans never and rarely ever in another major race Blower Bentleys finished first.

Forced induction is

the process of delivering compressed air to the intake of an internal combustion engine

non-supercharged version, at 100 mph (161 km/h), would have a fuel consumption of about 16 l/100 km (15 mpg) while the supercharged version would use about 102 l/100 km (2.3 mpg).

Birkin’s famous red single seater Blower, built and maintained at his Welwyn Garden City works, took the Brooklands Outer Circuit lap record to 137.96 mph (222.03 km/h) in 1932. The record stood for another two years before being beaten by John Cobb’s 24 litre Napier Railton.

Birth

If it hadn’t been for the fact that the Bentley 3 Litre showed little potential for a further increase in performance and the Bentley 6 1/2 Litre was prone to consume tyres at an alarming rate there might never have been a Bentley 4 1/2 Litre.

Around the end of 1927 series, production started of the new model with an engine designed to the proven pattern of the Litre. Collecting victory after victory on various race tracks, the Bentley 4 1/2

Five supercharged models were made for the competition at the 24 Hours de Le Mans.

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Our Guest A one-on-one interview with key industry players

BMW Middle East already started the year off well with good sales numbers and intends to do even through 2013.

Dr. Joerg Breuer, Managing Director, BMW Group Middle East, grants Cax Xpress an exclusive one-on-one and bares all from car sales projections to new launches and what lies ahead. customer base because of its long wheel base, sporting and elegant design, excellent comfort and the fact that it has highest standard in efficiency in its class.

Another market favourite is our flagship BMW 7 Series, which welcomed its latest generation to the region in September 2012 with enhanced levels of luxury, comfort and power. Our other top performing BMW models include the X5 Sports Activity Vehicle, X6 Sports Activity Coupé and the BMW 3 Series.

The BMW Concept 4 Series Coupe, recently celebrated its world premiere in Detroit, offering an early glimpse ahead to the next generation of BMW’s sporting mid-range coupe.

The 4 in the model designation represents a new era for this coupé which will set it apart competitor models when it arrives in the Middle East in September, according to Dr. Joerg Breuer, Managing Director, BMW Group Middle East.

Car Xpress: What are your car sales projections for 2013?

Dr. Joerg Breuer: We will aim to sell more cars than in 2012. We have already started the year off well with a 27% increase in sales for January and February, so we will keep our foot on the accelerator with the intent to do better in all areas of our business compared to last year.

It’s not only about selling cars, but also about the experience we offer our customers from the environment of our importer facilities to how they are treated throughout the ownership experience they have with their BMW Group vehicle.

CX: Which models are market favorites? Why is this so?

JB: In 2012 the 5 Series was our best selling model in the Middle East. We sold 5,210 vehicles throughout the Middle East which represented almost a quarter (22%) of all regional sales. We believe that this model is a best seller because it appeals to a large

CX: What are your new launches for the year?

JB: We have already launched the BMW 7 Series and 6 Series Pearl Individual vehicles, a creation from our BMW Individual programme, which enables customers to select unique features that suit their individual style.

Joining the Pearl Individual vehicles in the luxury segment will be the sporty, compact and executive all-new BMW 4 Series Concept Coupé. The 4 in the model designation represents a new era for this coupé which will set it apart competitor models when it arrives in the Middle East in September.

There will also be a number of other new BMW model launches planned throughout the year which we will be communicated at a later stage.

On the MINI side, we have just finished launching the MINI John Cooper Works with an automatic transmission which is now available on all MINI models, and we’ll launch the seventh MINI product, the MINI Paceman, which is a Sport Activity Coupé combining the sportiness of an SUV with the sleek design of a coupé, later this month. We have high expectations for the MINI Paceman and other family members. MINI is a strong fun brand that attracts customers for its fun and sporty driving experience.

Last year, MINI grew across the region by 18% and we’re expecting its popularity to soar higher.

CX: What is your assessment of the Gulf car market, specifically the UAE’s?

JB: The car market in the Gulf differs greatly compared to most other markets. There are high disposable incomes and a desire to make a strong statement with one’s car. Customers therefore have a preference

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and the means to buy top-of-the-range premium cars, and want to enjoy owning something that is different. As a result, our importers are receiving a lot of interest from customers wanting personalisation of vehicles which is why we launched the BMW Individual Pearl models in January. 88 BMW 7 Series and 6 Series Gran Coupe models were developed which feature exclusive materials, paints and interior trim options.

In terms of the automotive industry’s future sales, the UAE’s luxury vehicle category is expected to continue to grow in 2013. The reason I say this is because of the GDP growth in the UAE which is expected to grow around 3% this year. In addition, the UAE has some of the highest net worth households in the world, so there is disposable income to purchase luxury goods.