Middle East Automotive News
ISSUE 02 | MAY 2016
AMERICAN
MUSCLE The new Camaro SS M2 Brutus BMW’s Little Killer
LUXURY IN EXCESS
MAQINA MAGAZINE QR20 - AED20 - $5
Bentley Goes SUV
ALONG CAME THE 488 SPIDER HEAD-TURNING STYLE, NECK-SNAPPING ACCELERATION
ROAD TRIP | BENTLEY BENTAYGA & MINI COOPER S & ROLLS-ROYES DAWN & BMW M2
ISSUE 02 | MAY 2016
EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief Adel Habib Managing Director Tarek Hawchar Associate Editor Adam Baeur Motoring Editor Liam Nelson Advertising Manager Sidarth Saigal Creative Director Roman Khidko Creative Artist Hany Said Art Editor Viktor Blashuk Photographers Natali Leonova Malek Fayoumi Etiquette & Image Consultant Dr . Marie Abi Rached Contributing Editors Thomas Olsen , Nick Janes
PUBLISHER
ORYX GULF MEDIA LLC
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A WORD FROM OUR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dear Reader, Thanks again for making the inaugural issue of Maqina Magazine a resounding success. It’s almost daunting to begin on a high note, lest we succumb to the dreaded sophomore slump. Succeeding out of the gate in any creative endeavour can be hard to follow up— look at Rocky II, or the sequel to Wall Street, both great movies, followed by duds. So what have we done to prevent it? Well, by bringing you some of the most exciting cars around, that’s how. Check out our contrasting takes on the mighty Chevy Camaro SS and the lithe, yet aggressive BMW M2, two cars that will blow your hair back and fluff your ego, albeit for very different reasons. Then, think small, yet comely as we test out the Mini Cooper S, or go big and grandiose, as we invite you to experience a day in the life of a Rolls Royce Dawn patroller. Glory comes in all shapes and sizes, and you’re holding one example in your hands. Enjoy the issue,
ADEL HABIB
EDITOR -IN–CHIEF 6 MAY 2016 / maqinaonline.com
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74 BENTO BOXING
CONTENTS 28
BUGATTI CHIRON
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42
11 NEWS ( LOCAL NEWS ) - BMW M2 Coupe Safety Car - Al fardan Automotive Operations Monthly Activities - Toyota Fortuner 2016 - Maserati Pilota - Ferrari California T - Yalla MINI - Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana CO. Together With Infinite
THE NEW CAMARO
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28 GLOBAL NEWS - Bugatti Chiron - McLaren P1 And 675 LT Spider - Maserati Levante Debuts
H2 TRADITION
36 MEET THE CAR INFINITE Q60
8 MAY 2016 / maqinaonline.com
- Bentley Bentayga - Juguar F-Pace S
HYT’S RETRO CONTEMPORARY U-TURN
PAGE 121 FERRARI 488 SPIDER
Lamborghini Doha
LAMBORGHINI HURACĂ N LP 610-4 SPYDER
Lamborghini Doha Authorised Dealer Al Muftah Plaza Al Rayyan Road PO Box 17444 Doha, Qatar Phone: 4411 4411 www.lamborghini.com
Fuel consumption* (l/100 km): urban 17,5 / extra urban 9,2 / combined 12,3. CO2 emission: 285** g/km * In line with the directive EU 80/1268/EEC ** With COD (Cylinder On Demand)
82 BMW | M2 BRUTUS
CONTENTS 90
41 KNOW THE CAR - The New Camaro - Infinite Q60 - Audi S6
108
61 CAR OF THE MONTH - Ferrari 488 Spider
MINI COOPER S
98
73 Road Trip -
Bento Boxing BMW M2 Brutus MINI Cooper S Rolls-Royce Dwan
107 Radar
MY 17 NISSAN GT-R
114
- The MY 17 Nissan GT-R - McLaren 570 GT
121 Gearbox ROLLS-ROYCE DWAN
10 MAY 2016 / maqinaonline.com
124 Dashboard
McLaren 570 GT
NEWS BMW M2 Coupe Safety Car Al fardan Automotive Operations Monthly Activities Toyota Fortuner 2016 Maserati Pilota Ferrari California T Yalla MINI Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana CO. Together With Infinite
GLOBAL NEWS Bugatti Chiron McLaren P1 And 675 LT Spider Maserati Levante Debuts
Corvette Gets Grander
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hen a sports car’s design team decides to take inspiration from racing heritage, the results had better not disappoint. Revealed in Geneva and inspired by the 2015 Le Mans winning Corvette C7.R GTE Pro race car, Chevy’s new Grand Sport Corvette combines a lightweight architecture, track-honed aero, Michelin dancing shoes and a naturally aspirated engine. So far so good, eh?
Chevy claims this car has Corvette Racing in its DNA, and with an estimated 1.05g in cornering capability (up to 1.2g with the available Z07 package) they’ve definitely got our attention. The car takes several design cues from the historic Grand Sport legacy, established in 1963 to take on the world’s best sports cars. Only five were built before a corporate decision suspending direct motorsports involvement ended the project.
“Racing has been part of Corvette’s essence for more than 50 years and that track experience has helped us build better, more capable cars,” said Mark Reuss, Executive Vice President of Global Product Development and Global Purchasing and Supply Chain. “The global acclaim for the seventh-generation Corvette validates that direct link and the 2017 Grand Sport takes its track-bred technology to a new, exciting threshold.” maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 11
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BMW M2 Coupe Safety Car Makes first appearance at the Qatar Commercial Bank MotoGP™ 2016
12 MAY 2016 / maqinaonline.com
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lfardan Automobiles – the official importer of BMW in Qatar – celebrated the successful conclusion of the BMW brand’s twelfth consecutive year as the official car of Commercial bank MotoGP™ in Doha, Qatar, with the BMW M2 Coupe making its safety car debut. Riders, officials and organizers of the premier Grand Prix motorcycle race event, which took place last at the Losail International Circuit, also enjoyed a weekend of premium BMW models, with a fleet of luxury models. The cars were used for chauffeuring and other transportation needs throughout the event. Together with BMW M GmbH, Alfardan Automobiles celebrated the launch and start of the grand prix season with an exclusive event, in which media representatives and customers were invited to attend the race at the Alfardan Automobiles VIP lounge. Guests also had the exclusive opportunity to ride in the BMW M2 Coupé safety and BMW X5M medical car around the Losail International Circuit. The highlight of the weekend was the BMW M2 Coupé, which made its Qatari debut as the lead model of a fleet of Safety Cars alongside the BMW X5M, which served as the medical car, the latest sports utility vehicle from BMW M com-
bines the temperament of a traditional M sports car with the functionality of an X model, powered by the latest-generation 4.4-litre V8 engine. Despite making its Middle East debut at the Qatar International Motor show just last month, the BMW M2 is expected to be popular amongst Qatar motorists thanks to a high-performance six-cylinder in-line engine, rear-wheel-drive agility, lightweight aluminium M Sport suspension and extrovert styling. “Alfardan Automobiles has gone from strengthto-strength in Qatar, continuing our successful partnership for the twelfth year running with the internationally focused MotoGP™. This partnership is testament to our commitment to promote and support the Qatar’s ever expanding sporting calendar,” said Ihab Allam General Manager of Alfardan Automobiles. Launched earlier this year and making its debut at the Losail International Circuit, the BMW M2 Coupé makes no secret of its extraordinary performance potential. The low front apron with large air intakes, muscular flanks with characteristic M gills, 19-inch aluminium wheels in familiar M double-spoke design and low, wide rear with M-specific twin-tailpipe exhaust system all play impressive roles in the new M model.
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The newly developed, three-litre six-cylinder in-line engine in the new BMW M2 Coupé deploys cutting-edge M TwinPower Turbo technology to develop 272 kW/370 hp at 6,500 rpm. The same applies to power delivery. Peak torque of 465 Nm (343 lb-ft) can be increased to as much as 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) in short bursts under overboost. All of which enables the new BMW M2 Coupe with an optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) and Launch Control to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. To make the BMW M2 Coupe MotoGP ready, BMW M engineers modified, optimised and prepared the new model for the race track. In addition to exclusive tailor-made solutions and mandatory safety features, the model was equipped with a range of BMW M performance parts, giving the car a unique appearance, aerodynamics, cooling and lightweight design.
The interior and exterior of the car was modified to represent a BMW M DNA, with a number of the new components in the colour gold, including the roll cage, wheels, brake callipers rear wing mounts, seat rackets steering wheel and contrast stitching. The body of the vehicle is painted in Alpine White with BMW M livery. “We are proud to be the first to debut the BMW M2 Coupé as the lead safety car for the MotoGP, as well as having the pleasure of being the first in the region to introduce the new M model to the Middle East at the Qatar Motor Show for its regional debut. We also have the BMW X5M, another example of automotive perfection from BMW M, bringing innovation, technology and design like no other.” The MotoGP™ Championship is the pinnacle of motorcycle racing in the world. Starting in 1949, the sport has become hugely popular and is followed by millions globally. It is synonymous with exciting racing, high performance and the very latest technology. World Championship titles are awarded in three categories: the elite Moto GP class, Moto2 and Moto3.
maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 13
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ALFARDAN AUTOMOTIVE OPERATIONS SUPPORTS THE ANNUAL GCC TRAFFIC WEEK IN QATAR
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lfardan Automotive Operations, importers of the world›s most iconic brands, was recognized for its strong support of the 32nd GCC Traffic Week which wrapped up its activities last week. Alfardan Automobiles, the official importer for the BMW Group in Qatar displayed BMW X6 and, Alfardan Premier Motors, the official importer for Jaguar and Land Rover in Qatar displayed Range Rover Sport. Alfardan Automotive operations took part of the week-long program which saw in attendance scores of high ranking traffic officials from across the GCC. Mr. Ma›n Marwan Alhamawi, Chief Operating Officer Alfardan Automotive operations said: «We, at Alfardan Automotive Operations, are committed supporters to core national initiatives, particularly ones which would help safeguard the future of our youth and the well-being of our society. Road awareness and traffic safety are key issues we should all truly consider and firmly drive in our community. The Traffic Department and the Ministry of Interior of the State of Qatar have saved no effort into crafting an annual road awareness program that brings together young and adults to better understand the importance of road morals. The GCC Traffic Week is one in a series of initiatives which are being organized year on year.» The 32nd GCC Traffic Week, titled «Your Safety is Our Goal», opened last week at a ceremony held in Doha. The opening ceremony was attended by Director General of Public Security Major General Saad bin Jassim Al Khulaifi, and a number of directors of departments of the Ministry of the Interior and the Heads and members of the delegations of the GCC participants and a large gathering of citizens and residents. The exhibition included a number of pavilions for participating companies and institutions to showcase their methods and procedures, as well as publications for traffic safety.
14 MAY 2016 / maqinaonline.com
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FERRARI QATAR REPRESENTATIVES EXPERIENCE THE THRILL AND SPEED
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lfardan Sports Motors the official Ferrari importer in Qatar, held its annual Passione Ferrari, offering Qatar’s Ferrarists and media representatives an exclusive opportunity to discover Ferrari’s incredible performance. This year marked the Seventh edition of Ferrari’s highly anticipated track event that gathered media representatives on the 24th of March, and Ferrari owners and prospective clients on the 25th of March, at the Losail International Circuit for a burst of adrenaline. The event kicked off with a safety demonstration by Corso Pilota drivers, the world famous Ferrari team of Italian driving trainers from Maranello. Renowned for their effortless manoeuvring and exceptional driving techniques, the Corso Pilota drivers divulged to guests on both days, skilful sports driving techniques to expose the full potential of the car at the race track. As part of the dedicated media day, members of the press were invited to put the Prancing Horse to test at the Losail International Circuit, under the supervision of the Corso Pilota drivers. The following day, Ferrari owners and prospective clients assembled at the Ferrari showroom at The Pearl-Qatar, where an exciting car parade took off. Guests made their way to the racetrack in a convoy of striking Ferrari models, and proceeded to perform thrilling circuit laps around the track in their respective Ferraris. Towards the end of the exhilarating experience on the circuit, the owners formed the word “Qatar” with their Ferraris in a stunning view, reflecting the vibes of the city where the Passione Ferrari took place. The event brought to the forefront Ferrari’s phenomenal facets – from its technological advancement to its sharp responsiveness on a racetrack, captivating guests at every turn. The air of excitement around the Passione Ferrari traversed beyond the racetrack. An interactive wall was installed on site which enabled guests to evaluate their reflex speed, which in turn highlighted the safety aspects of sports driving. Furthermore, an F1 simulator engaged guests in a thrilling interactive experience, while kids were kept entertained with a designated play area featuring a small racetrack, a photo booth and a variety of gaming activities. A stand-out attraction at the event was Ferrari’s lifestyle boutique featuring a range of state-of-the-art accessories and products from the brand. Commenting on the event, General Manager of Alfardan Sports Motors, Charly Dagher, said: “The Passione Ferrari has become one of the most sought after events in Qatar, and we are delighted to successfully host this year’s edition. This is a unique platform for Ferrari owners and enthusiasts in the country – one that challenges them to race their own Ferraris and discover its ultimate power. This year, Ferrari Qatar also sought the participation of media representatives to express our recognition of their unwavering support over the years. We believe it was necessary to provide them a first-hand experience of the Ferrari to judge for themselves the power of the brand.” He added: “At Passione Ferrari, we do not just demonstrate the unparalleled speed of the Ferrari, but also focus on maintaining the highest standards of safety while driving. Ferrari Qatar expresses our gratitude to the Corso Pilota drivers for sharing invaluable techniques on driving safe. We continuously strive to build a culture of safety around the Ferrari lifestyle, and encourage customers to experience the same.” The Passione Ferrari is a reflection of Ferrari Qatar’s commitment to celebrate the brand’s racing history with its customers, and showcase the excellence and innovation of the iconic Prancing Horse.
maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 15
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Toyota Fortuner 2016 Style Plays Rough
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l-Futtaim Motors, exclusive distributor of Toyota in the UAE, launched the second generation of the highly popular Toyota Fortuner seven-seat SUV, featuring fully redesigned exterior and interior styling, coupled with legendary off-road performance synonymous with Toyota SUVs. Renowned for its durability, on-road comfort and off-road prowess, the new Fortuner features a more distinctive, sleek and powerful design with improved driving dynamics and fuel consumption, as well as a wide variety of features for additional convenience, safety and ride comfort. Saud Abbasi, Managing Director of Toyota at Al-Futtaim Motors said during the launch: “The Medium SUV segment constitutes %46 of the volume SUV market in the UAE and the Fortuner has played a major role in maintaining Toyota’s leadership of this segment in the past 5 years. For the last ten years the Fortuner has catered to a very specific demographics in the SUV market. Thanks to its excellent capability on and off-road, good fuel economy and versatility, the car has always been considered as the ideal commuting vehicle for medium to large families, with 2 or more children. With the new enhancements, we believe the car will not only continue to appeal to these families but will even see an increased interest among young Emiratis and Westerners looking for a strong SUV that can combine unbeatable off-road capabilities with premium looking interior.” Toyota has created a new “Solid Fluidity” design language for the Fortuner which expresses toughness and wideness through the high body axis, the bulging wheel arch flares as well as the chunky trapezoidal front bumper. Sophistication on the other hand is reflected in the detailing – slender headlight clusters that are fused with the front fenders, the three lines that score the sculpted roof line and flanks, as well as the sleek rear combination lamps that blend with the complex surfaces of the rear body.
16 MAY 2016 / maqinaonline.com
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Compelling Design The exterior has been completely overhauled, and the new Fortuner now stands longer, wider and lower. The large, slanted upper grille is framed by thick chrome plating that extends around the sleek, aggressive Bi-beam LED headlamps with integrated Daytime Running Lights (DRL), while the prominent trapezoidal front bumper creates a sense of depth. The Fortuner has a tough yet smart rear design that defies the typical unrefined image of an SUV. The rounded upper body is highlighted by chromeplated moulding that wraps around from the sides to the back glass and is in contrast to the shape of the rear bumper, which has protruding corners. The elegant interior features colored accent stitching throughout, metallic ornamentation and detailed ‘Fortuner’ script on the upper glove box release button and rear door trim ornament.
Excellent Utility The Fortuner’s ample cabin space is complemented by superb convenience features, culminating in a sublime driving experience. The interior exhibits the toughness of an SUV, tempered with the elegance of a premium sedan. A focal point of the dashboard architecture is the vertical centre cluster flanked by columns of soft simulated leather upholstery that offer leg support from both sides. In fact, soft-touch textures and exquisite chrome detailing liberally pepper the cabin; all beautifully harmonising with the clear blue interior illumination. The interior has stylish white ambient lighting which is easy on the eyes and is used throughout the interior of the vehicle, creating a warm atmosphere that passengers enjoy. The air conditioner not only maintains a comfortable cabin temperature, but it can also be used to chill drinks. It has a high-efficiency compressor which decreases engine load and enhances cooling performance, contributing to improved fuel economy performance. Other innovative touches (model dependent) include a -7inch tablet-inspired multimedia touchscreen display that allows easy operation of on-screen features, a Smart Entry & Start system, an electronic 4WD switch and second-row seats with one-touch operation for ease of folding. Passengers in the second row seats also get an 8” RSE, which includes plenty of entertainment options for kids. The third row seats are equipped with a fixed hook attachment for simple and convenient stowage. There are no fewer than 15 storage areas in the new Fortuner. The front seats are given a sporty seat shape that flares out at the shoulders on both sides. A
comfortable length for the front seat cushions has been ensured, while the cushioning has been optimised to enhance support. The cushion shape for the second-row seat has been optimised to provide better support, enhancing ride comfort. The folding process for the second-row seat (as passengers enter or exit the third-row seats) has been simplified. With a full-colour display, the Rear View Monitor System ensures peace of mind when reverse parking. The Auxiliary (AUX) and Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports have been equipped near the console tray, where small items can be stored. Smartphones and portable media devices can be used freely. The Fortuner also has a 6 speaker specialised audio equalizer to achieve low-distortion playback at low range and a clear playback at middle to high range. The Fortuner has a -4.2inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) type Multi-information Display which is flanked by strips of blue ambient light on each side. It is located on the dashboard in between the speedometer and the RPM gauge. It shows driving information, Eco Drive Indicator (Eco Judge/Eco Wallet), idling-stop time and also has an audio operation function. An entertainment display function is also provided. The vehicle is also equipped with a power back door system that can be opened and closed electronically with a switch. With the memory function, users have the option of storing an automatic stop position for each time the back door opens. In terms of seats, two sophisticated colours further enhance the sense of quality with Chamois available for fabric seats and Saddle Tan for leather seats (available on the VXR model).
Outstanding Driving Performance The new Fortuner now enjoys a -6speed automatic transmission which maximises engine potential and multi-stage gears optimised to improve drive force in the low-speed range. The car is available
in a -2.7litre four-cylinder engine which produces 164hp and 24.9 Kg-m of torque and the -4.0litre V6 engine, which churns out 235hp and 38.3 Kg-m of torque. With a newly developed rigid frame structure the new Fortuner delivers exceptional toughness in the harshest environments while preventing torsion and distortion to provide a stable driving experience. More spot welding points have been used and body rigidity has been increased, thereby improving steering response. As a result, the feeling of steering input and rear end grip are enhanced. The Fortuner’s suspension comfortably absorbs the vibration to provide a ride that you would expect from a luxury SUV. The suspension uses a double wishbone (front) and a four-link suspension (rear) combination that has been redesigned for optimised comfort. An additional rear stabiliser has been installed to aid on-theroad smoothness and stability. The car comes with a Drive Mode Switch which offers a choice of ECO or POWER driving, allowing the driver to select a preferred drive mode – Eco for optimum economy or Power for enhanced acceleration, ensuring a more agile drive. A dial type 4WD switch is equipped with a sleek design and is easy to operate. The steering wheel has a Tilt & Telescopic steering column and features a bold shape, a substantial pad and thick chrome ornamentation which combine in harmony with the instrument panel. A paddle shift allows gear changes without releasing the wheel for a sporty drive. The Fortuner is fitted with newly developed -17inch all-terrain tires, which boast high running performance both on and off-road. Newly developed -18inch highway-terrain tyres have also been designed. The new tread pattern takes into consideration noise reduction and fuel economy performance, in addition to contributing to stable driving both on paved roads as well as the road less travelled. maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 17
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Advanced Safety Technology The Fortuner is equipped with comprehensive safety systems to protect its occupants. These include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). In addition to ABS, which prevents the tyres from locking during braking, EBD is equipped to perform measured brake force distribution between the front and rear wheels according to the vehicle condition. As a result, the force required to operate the brake pedal is reduced, ensuring strong braking performance.
The car comes with the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) for the front seats along with a knee airbag for the driver. In terms of seatbelts, a three-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seatbelt is equipped on all seats. When impact is suddenly applied during a collision, the seatbelt locks to restrain the passenger. A pre-tensioner and force limiter function are also provided for the front seat belts. When a strong impact is received, the seat belt instantly retracts to prevent load exceeding
a specified amount from being applied to the seat belt, reducing impact to the chest of the passenger during a collision. A top tether anchor compatible with the Child Restraint System (CRS) is present for the second-row seat. The new Fortuner also comes with standard new ISO Fix feature, which means babies and children can be conveniently secured in their compatible car seats by simply plugging those seats into the mounting points available in the car.
The new Fortuner is available in 8 exterior colours across all Al-Futtaim Motors showrooms, with prices starting at AED 105,900 for the 2.7L EXR, and AED 127,900 for the 4.0L GXR and AED 139,900 for the top of the line 4.0L VXR.
18 MAY 2016 / maqinaonline.com
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Maserati Qatar thrills with unique Maserati Master Pilota Drive
Maserati Qatar brought home the electrifying experience of professional driving, as the Maserati Master Pilota drivers took clients on thrilling drives across the streets of The Pearl, Qatar. The Maserati Master Pilota drivers belong to an exclusive class of professionally trained drivers from Maserati’s home of Modena, in Italy. The drives they offer are highly coveted due to their expertise in showcasing the minutest of details, while also providing comprehensive knowledge on the vehicle dynamics to participants. The two-day event was a first of its kind for Maserati in Qatar, during which the Maserati Master Pilota drivers demonstrated the performance of
the Maserati model range including the Maserati Ghibli, Quattroporte and GranTurismo. Commenting on the success of the driving sessions, Maserati Qatar’s General Manager, Mr. Charly Dagher said: “We are extremely delighted to provide Maserati enthusiasts in Qatar a one-ofa-kind driving experience with our current range of Maserati models. In this unique event we had the privilege of the professional drivers from Maserati Master Pilota demonstrating the phenomenal characteristics of the Maserati models. We look forward to offering our clients a first-hand experience of the legend that is Maserati through our exclusive drive events every year.
The Maserati Master Pilota drives is scheduled to be an annual event starting this year. It will be carried out over a two-day period, inviting Maserati enthusiasts across the country to experience the power of Maserati. The Maserati model range made a striking impression with their sophisticated blend of high performance with exotic Italian design and renowned luxury. The GranTurismo Sport features a powerful, naturally-aspirated V8 engine, hand-assembled by Ferrari, giving the GranTurismo range its characteristic eager throttle response and free-revving characteristics. Its 4.7-litres V8 engine outputs 460 hp. The Maserati Ghibli is a four-door sports executive sedan and the marque’s first E-segment model. The S variant features a new-generation twin turbo-charged 3.0-litre V6 engine with a power output of 410 hp, which races to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 285 km/h. Maserati’s Quattroporte range celebrates the concept of luxury sports sedan. Powered by a high performance engine, the Quattroporte GTS boasts of a 3.8-litre V8, while the Quattroporte features the 3.0-litre V6 – both of which are all-new, twin turbo charged, developed by Maserati Powertrain in partnership with Ferrari. maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 19
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Ferrari California T
‘Deserto Rosso’ Following on from its globally-acclaimed ‘Deserto Rosso’, an exhilarating short film showcasing The California T in perfect harmony with the Arabian Desert, Ferrari Middle East and Africa has released a behind-the-scenes cut taking its viewers into the private event where the video was filmed.
20 MAY 2016 / maqinaonline.com
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hot over a two-day luxury drive weekend deep in the Liwa Desert, ‘Deserto Rosso’ was attended by a handpicked selection of Ferrari owners and connoisseurs. The first California T Owner’s gathering ever paid tribute to one of the most successful Ferrari models ever and its proud customers were invited to immerse themselves in its unique characteristics and by doing so, collectively represent the definitive spirit of the California T. The new video, titled ‘Deserto Rosso Behind the Scenes’, shows why the California T is considered one of the most sublime, exclusive and versatile members of the Ferrari stable. This iconic vehicle is never more at home then when it is navigating the breathtaking desert roads, demonstrating its superior handling and classical features. This profound combination of performance and luxury lifestyle is the reason why the California T has set a global benchmark for all high performance Grand Tourer models. The California T is the product of a strong Ferrari lineage, dating from the 50s and epitomizing supreme elegance and styling. Definitive beauty meets with a remarkable sporty DNA in the form of the new turbocharged V8 engine and cutting edge technological solutions. The California T is also known for its versatility, which is demonstrated with the retractable hood, to shield drivers from the midday temperatures, or to enjoy the cool desert winds at night. This respect for the traditions of the past makes it the perfect automotive accomplice for the Arabian desert, a wild terrain rich with ancient stories and in some place virtually untouched by contemporary hands. In the video, the California T skillfully navigates the twisting roads of the desert environment, in an exuberant display of speed and razor sharp responsiveness that serves to enhance the passion and natural beauty of the dunes. Witness the blistering performance, superbly powerful acceleration and marvel at the exhilarating Ferrari soundtrack. Owning a California T is an exclusive prestige afforded to the very few, and handling this Grand Tourer as the red sun sets over the horizon is surely one of the most rare and purest expressions of luxury money can buy. READ EXTRA NEWS AND COMMENT ON YOUR WEBSITE www.maqinaonline.com
maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 21
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YALLA MINI
MINI made its presence felt in Qatar this weekend with the ‘YALLA MINI’ roadshow event, which saw a convoy of MINIs go from the Alfardan Automobiles MINI showroom in West Bay to the Losail International Circuit in cooperation and support of Mawater Group. Customers and media took the various models of the MINI family for a spin around the track and immersed themselves in the world of the iconic British brand via a dynamic driving event, for the first time MINI customers enjoyed a drive experience on Losail international circuit. Present on the day was a number of MINI models, including the MINI John Cooper Works Hatch, MINI 5 Door Hatch, MINI 3 Door Hatch and MINI Countryman. ’Yalla
22 MAY 2016 / maqinaonline.com
MINI’ familiarized guests with the various characters and features that each of the MINI models portray through a series of dynamic driving experiences in the MINI John Cooper Works Hatch. Ihab Allam, General Manager of Alfardan Automobiles, commented: “Our “Yalla MINI” roadshow is the ideal platform to give Qatar’s MINI fans the best brand experience, and fits perfectly with MINI individual character, and we have taken this a step further taking the event for the first time to the Losail Circuit. During this event, our customers will not only connect with the British brand and its values, but also get to know the vehicles’ strength, technologies and attitude on the road through various dynamic driving activities.”
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Having arrived in Qatar last year, the MINI John Cooper Works packs the most powerful engine ever for a production MINI – a -2.0litre TwinPower Turbo engine delivering 231 hp and 320 Nm of torque. It also draws on the brand’s motorsport expertise with a package of suspension, brake, aerodynamic and interior upgrades to deliver race-car sensations without losing sight of MINI’s premium position, making ideal vehicle to take around the Losail circuit. The MINI John Cooper Works was joined by the MINI -5Door Hatch and -3Door Hatch, with both variants of the popular model setting new standards within its competitive segment in terms of legroom,
maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 23
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headroom and boot space, and boasting two engine variants of BMW Group›s latest generation 3 and -4cylinder engines with TwinPower Turbo Technology. The -4cylinder petrol engine in the MINI Cooper S 5 door is 192hp and the three-cylinder petrol engine has a peak output of 136hp. The -3Door hatch also comes with both a three-cylinder and four-cylinder engine using a six-speed automatic gearbox and MINI TwinPower Turbo technology. The Cooper is powered by a -1.5litre three-cylinder engine, with outputs of 136hp, while the Cooper S 2.0 litre -4cylinder unit outputs 192 hp with maximum torque of 280 Nm reaching 100-0 in 6.7 seconds. The success of the brand in Qatar continued in 2015, with Alfardan Automobiles seeing a successive year of double digit growth for MINI, with %34 in comparison with the same period of 2014. Favourites in the
24 MAY 2016 / maqinaonline.com
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country were the MINI -3door Hatch, MINI Countryman and MINI John Cooper Works. The MINI -3door Hatch achieved the highest growth with %27 and along with the MINI -5Door Hatch, commanded the biggest sales share for the Qatari importer. The MINI Countryman saw the second highest sales growth with %18 compared to last year. The MINI John Cooper Works remained a top seller, resulting in Alfardan Automobile’s retaining the position as having the highest sales shares for John Cooper Works models in the entire world and selling more John Cooper Works models than any other market in the Middle East.
maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 25
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Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co. together with Infiniti Launches New Boutique at The Gate Mall along with two Premium Crossovers
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aleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co., the authorized distributor of Infiniti in the State of Qatar, together with Infiniti in the Middle East launched the new and exclusive Infiniti boutique at the Gate Mall. The distributor also unveiled two of the latest crossovers from the premium marque; the Infiniti QX60 and QX50 at the exclusive event. The one-of-a-kind Infiniti boutique will enable Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co. deliver on Infiniti’s promise of a premium experience in the State of Qatar. Offering a relaxed retail focused experience; the boutique will cater to mall patrons and Qatari residents, with the ability to offer customers test drives as well as the added convenience of having their new Infiniti vehicles delivered to their place of residence. “The Infiniti boutique at the Gate Mall is the first of its kind in the region,” said Hisham Al Mana, Chairman and Managing Director of Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co. “The boutique will be the latest edition to the Infiniti network in Doha offering its customers the premium experience that reflects the Infiniti brand. In addition to the opening of the boutique we will be launching the new QX60 and introducing the QX50 long wheel base to the local market. We at Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co. remain committed to Infiniti and to our customers; 26 MAY 2016 / maqinaonline.com
striving to provide them with the exclusive and prestigious service they deserve.” Infiniti around the world and in the region is in the midst of a massive product and network expansion. 2015 saw the brand enhance their Middle East footprint with new facilities in the UAE as well as the announcements of a number of new vehicles that include the all-new Infiniti Q30 and Q60. “We are proud to join our partners Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co. to inaugurate the new Infiniti boutique,” said François Goupil de Bouillé – Vice President Infiniti Europe, Middle East and Africa. “In addition, we have also unveiled two of our latest crossovers; the QX50 and QX60. Both vehicles feature a redesigned exterior. The QX60 also offers customers a number of interior and technological advancements whilst the QX50 offers greater functionality with increased legroom and storage capacity. We are confident that both vehicles will continue to drive our success in Qatar.” The exclusive launch event was attended by key executives that included; Bengt Schultz, Chief Operating Officer, Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co., Juergen Schmitz, Managing Director, Infiniti Middle East and Declan J. McCluskey, General Manager – Automotive, Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co.
NEWS
Infiniti QX60 from the exterior and also features a host of new features and technologies that enhance comfort, convenience and safety. At the front, the redesigned double-arch grille is flanked by standard-fit bi-xenon headlamps. There is greater use of LED lighting, including new LED Daytime Running Lights as well as front fog lamps which feature LED lighting and chrome finishers. It also features the signature brand design cues such as double-wave bonnet, and crescent-cut D-pillar. On the interior, Infiniti’s QX60 offers the signature driver-oriented cockpit, highlighted by thin chrome accents as well as an upper instrument panel has been wrapped in soft-touch material with contrast stitching. Infiniti’s QX60 continues to deliver in spades on the technology front. Added in for 2016, is Forward
Emergency Braking (FEB) with Pedestrian Detection. When combined with the already existing industry first features like Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Backup Collision Intervention and Around View Monitor, it makes for one of the safest 7 seat crossovers in its segment from a technology perspective. The 2016 QX60’s new suspension components and settings combine to deliver superior levels of both comfort and agility, while arevised steering system delivers greater feedback for a more rewarding drive. Featuring Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, the QX60 is offered with a powerful and efficient 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine. The 2016 Infiniti QX60 is available in Qatar from QAR 185,000.
Infiniti QX50 From an exterior design perspective the QX50 LWB has been enhanced for 2016 with a new front and rear bumper and lower front and rear fascia, new LED Daytime Running Lights, new signature Infiniti-style double-arch front grille, new side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals and updated side sill styling. Significant inroads have also been made on its size. The wheelbase increases by 81mm whilst overall length is boosted by 114 mm. The result is an increased interior volume by 235 litres as well as increased 2nd row – rear legroom by 109 mm. The QX50 LWB also features a host of technological advancements that include; Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® wireless technology, Advanced Around View® Monitor (AVM) which includes front and rear sonar, 7-inch colour display with Infiniti Controller. Also available is the optional Infiniti Hard Drive navigation System with a colour touch-screen display that is additionally complimented with the Bose Premium Audio System with 11 speakers.
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The 2016 Infiniti QX50 LWB starts at QAR 143,000 subject to availability. maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 27
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Bugatti Chiron world premiere for the ultimate super sports car
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ugatti is celebrating a world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show: the French luxury brand is unveiling the Bugatti Chiron, the most powerful, fastest, most luxurious and most exclusive production super sports car in the world. The Chiron is the latest generation of the ultimate super sports car and is a completely new development. The sports car manufacturer from Molsheim, with 28 MAY 2016 / maqinaonline.com
its long tradition, has taken the unique features of a modern Bugatti to a new level and developed a high-performance machine that has become significantly better in every respect. With a power output of 1,500 HP, unprecedented for production vehicles, an exceptionally high torque value of 1,600 Nm between 2,000 and 6,000 rpm and a wide variety of technical innovations, the Chiron sets new standards in every respect. The
Chiron is therefore very well-positioned to become the next world speed record holder and reach a maximum speed significantly above the record currently held by Bugatti. The manufacturer has limited the maximum speed of the new car to 420 km/h for road use. The Chiron is to be built at the company’s headquarters in Molsheim. Only 500 of these exceptional cars are to be produced.
NEWS
The basic price is 2.4€ million net. Currently, advance orders have been received for one third of the total production run. The first vehicle is due to be delivered to a customer this autumn. “It is part of human nature to cross boundaries and set new records – to run 100 m faster than ever before, to fly even further into space and to enter new realms. This striving is also our driving force at Bugatti,” said Wolfgang Dürheimer, President of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S., at the presentation of the Chiron. “The Chiron is the
result of our efforts to make the best even better.” With the Chiron, the Bugatti President said that Bugatti had left the dimensions which define the operations of all market players and had established new paradigms that had previously not existed. “Bugatti has tested the limits of physics. There is no area where we have not achieved significant improvements.“ The Bugatti Chiron is the world’s first super sports car to bring 1,500 HP onto the road with a torque of 1.600 Nm at 2,000 to 6,000 rpm with tremendous effectiveness, extremely high safety levels and unprecedented comfort. This is the result of the legendary and unique eight-litre W16 engine that has been newly developed by Bugatti. In combination with the four new, larger turbochargers that are controlled by the Bugatti two-stage turbocharging, an innovation that Bugatti is introducing, and a large number of other technical refinements and innovations, maximum performance is available maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 29
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constantly and can be easily controlled at all speeds. In its Top Speed mode, the car reaches the maximum speed of 420 km/h, limited for road use – however, this is by no means the end of the road for the Bugatti Chiron. With the new carbon fibre monocoque, a newly designed adaptive chassis, tyres developed especially for Bugatti and other innovative technologies, the Chiron is not only a champion in terms of maximum acceleration but is, for the first time, also an agile, modern Bugatti with handling that ensures maximum driving pleasure. The design of the Chiron combines significantly more “beast” with a very high level of “beauty”. The design language introduced by Bugatti with the Chiron has a significantly more aggressive tone and 30 MAY 2016 / maqinaonline.com
does justice to the character of the new super sports car. The designers have succeeded in reinterpreting Bugatti’s DNA with its distinctive features in a modern manifestation at the same time as adding new features resulting from the technical demands of even higher performance. The Chiron remains unmistakably a Bugatti. “The Chiron is the quintessential ultimate super sports car: ultra-modern, incredibly fast, agile and powerful with a stylistically demanding design and the highest possible levels of comfort,” says Wolfgang Dürheimer. “This combination is not offered by any other market player and gives Bugatti its unique market position.” “Our customers form an exclusive group of automobile collectors who are searching for the very best. With the
Veyron, they have the best production sports car of the past 10 years,” Dürheimer continues. “This is why their demands and expectations for our next step – the Chiron – were so high.“ Customers’ reactions show that Bugatti has hit the mark. Advance orders have already been received for one third of the production series. “Those who have already considered Bugatti and its unique features in connection with the purchase of a Veyron will find there is no way they can ignore the Chiron,” according to Wolfgang Dürheimer. “With the Chiron we will not only be providing a key emotional element for the image of the Volkswagen Group but will also be making a positive contribution to Group results,” says Wolfgang Dürheimer.
NEWS
Feeling Ferrari ?
According to Ferrari, and it’s hard to doubt them, the Ferrari GTC4Lusso was one of the most photographed cars at the Geneva Show. Even when still draped in the traditional red wraps, the car attracted more curiosity than any other car at the show.
Then, as the reveal approached, the crowd in front of the Prancing Horse swelled to throng as the flashbulbs popped and the wraps were whipped off. Yes, wraps plural because there were not one but two examples of the new four-seater on the stand: one sporting a Bianco Italia livery, Blu Sterling interior, Low-e panoramic roof to keep the cabin temperature constant even on the sunniest of days, and diamond-finish forged wheels, and the other in classic Grigio Ferro Met with a Cognac semi-aniline leather cabin.
Molto bene, amici. Molto bene indeed.
maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 31
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WELCOMES MSO PAYS CARBON FIBRE TRIBUTE TO McLAREN P1 AND
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cLaren Automotive will attend the Geneva Motor Show for the fourth time this year with its largest ever stand in a new location, showcasing the largest range of models from the full three-tier model line-up. Among the headlines, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) will pay a carbon fibre tribute to the McLaren P1™ which recently ceased production. MSO has also created a bespoke version of the 675LT Spider which makes its first public appearance at the show after selling out in weeks. They will line up alongside the 32 MAY 2016 / maqinaonline.com
recently-confirmed 650S GT3 racing car and a still-to-be-announced addition to the Sports Series family on Stand 6040, Hall 6. It will be the largest motor show presence of McLaren to date, underlining the growth of the proudly independent British sports car brand. The latest customer project completed by the team at McLaren Special Operations, through its MSO Bespoke division, showcases the craftsmanship and levels of tailoring available to all McLaren owners. The McLaren P1 by MSO, one of the 375 road legal versions produced,
is presented with a full visual carbon fibre body which has been hand-laid, with a bespoke ‘Lio Blue’ tinted lacquer. The Geneva Motor Show marks the first time the full visual carbon fibre body conversion has been displayed publicly after it was made available to McLaren P1™ customers earlier this year. Other key upgrades completed by MSO include a gloss black finish to the wheels, an extensive retrim of the interior with carbon black Alcantara® and contrasting blue stitching, and a -24carat gold exhaust heatshield in a homage to the McLaren F1.
NEWS
675LT SPIDER Making its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the 675LT Spider is limited to only 500 examples worldwide, with each model already accounted for. The team at MSO has developed a one-off example of the track-honed Spider finished in Ceramic Grey from the MSO Defined range with even greater levels of carbon fibre than the standard model. The satin carbon fibre retractable hardtop and tonneau can be operated at speeds up to 40km/h (25mph) and saves 1kg, while the front wings
include carbon fibre louvres. The ‘Longtail’ Airbrake is finished in body colour on the upper surface with the lower plane shows the natural carbon fibre weave, while the aerodynamic front bumper end plates, side skirts, side intakes and rear bumper are also finished in visual carbon. A pair of black Alcantara® trimmed racing seats include contrasting Xenon Yellow contrast stitch with the rotary Handling and Powertrain controls on the Active Dynamics Panel finished in Solis, a unique colour to the 675LT Spider.
The gold detailing is also visible through the exposed engine bay with a -24carat gold heatshield around the titanium exhaust system. Performance for the 675LT Spider by MSO remains unchanged, with the -3.8litre twin turbo V8 engine generating 675PS (666bhp) and 700Nm (516lb ft) of torque. These figures accelerate the 675LT Spider from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 2.9 seconds, zero to 200km/h (124mph) in 8.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 326km/h (204mph). maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 33
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Maserati Levante Debuts The Maserati of SUVs arrives in Qatar
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he Maserati Levante is a turning point in Maserati’s history. The luxury SUV, which made its World Premiere at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, has now arrived in Qatar. The Levante name was inspired by a warm, Mediterranean wind that can change from mild to gale force in an instant, mirroring the character of the first Maserati SUV. It enables the Trident to access the largest luxury segment in the world and contributes to creating of the most complete product line-up in Maserati’s history. “This is the first ever SUV by Maserati, so it is a complete game-changer, particularly in this region. Maserati is renowned for exotic sports cars, so our mission was not just to build an SUV, but to build a Maserati. Exciting times are ahead and we are glad to be able to offer Maserati aficionados a completely new experience,” said Charly Dagher, General Manager Maserati Qatar at Alfardan Sports Motors. The Levante is based on the evolution of the sedan platform, designed exclusively by Maserati. The car chassis has been specifically developed to offer unique on-road drivability and competitive off-road capability, with day-to-day comfort and practicality. 34 MAY 2016 / maqinaonline.com
The Levante’s design is distinctive and attractive, embracing the most valuable aesthetic elements of Italian style. Its design brings a new concept to the SUV world, combining spaciousness and coupé lines while achieving the best aerodynamic efficiency in its segment with a Cx coefficient of just 0.31. The thoroughbred on-road handling typical of all Maserati cars and solid off-road capabilities, as demanded in the SUV segment, describe the car’s overall dynamic. The Levante is here to excite any sports car driver counting on performance-oriented features, such as the extensive use of lightweight materials, ideal -50 %50 weight distribution and its lowest in class centre of gravity. The Levante was designed to deliver best in class comfort on rough terrains and handling on snow and ice. The aluminium “double wishbone - five link” suspension layout comprises standard Air Springs and electronically controlled Skyhook shock absorbers combined with the intelligent Q4 All-Wheel-Drive system and the newly introduced Torque Vectoring system. The Levante is equipped with the latest evolution
of the Maserati -3litre V6 engines, globally acclaimed for their unique Maserati signature sound and exceptional performance. The petrol Maserati V6 engine with latest GDI and twin turbo is available in two versions: the top of the range 430 hp and the exciting 350 hp. The most powerful Levante makes it to 100 km/h in 5.2” and has a top speed of 264 km/h, while the figures for the 350 hp version are 6.0” and 251 km/h respectively. Both variants of the Maserati Levante adopt the eight-speed automatic ZF gearbox that provides seamless comfort and fast gear shifting, depending on the selected drive mode: “Normal”, I.C.E., “Sport” or “Off-road”. The Levante has entered the SUV segment with a marked advantage in terms of new options and content, including: Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Forward Collision Warning and Brake Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Surround View camera, the capacitive 8.4» Touch Screen display with brand new rotary control and a high level of customisation. The result is a driving experience that is as unique as the Maserati brand and its customers.
NEWS
Kitty Comes Back Jaguar Recreates The XKSS
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A new state-of-the-art production line was set up exclusively for the Levante in the historic Mirafiori plant. Maserati’s 100-year tradition of craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology guarantees outstanding quality right down to the tiniest of details.
In brief - Unparalleled design combined with abundant space - Unique on-road drivability and competitive off-road capabilities - Best in class on-road handling in “sport” mode - Best in class handling on snow and ice - Leading off-road comfort - Made in Italy - Manufactured in the refurbished Mirafiori factory - Based on the evolution of the Maserati sedan platform - Levante name inspired by a warm Mediterranean wind - Coupé style SUV with best in class interior space - Cx = 0.31, best in class aerodynamic coefficient - 3.0 litre V6 turbo engines line-up - Gasoline engines manufactured by Ferrari in Maranello - 3.0 V6 twin-turbo GDI petrol engine with 430 hp & 350 hp - Best in class specific power and torque for the 430 hp engine
- 0 - 100 in 5.2” and 264 km/h top speed for the 430 hp version - Extensive use of aluminium in chassis, body and suspension - Ideal 50:50 weight distribution - Lowest centre of gravity in SUV class - Intelligent Q4 AWD system with standard Torque Vectoring - Maserati Stability Program developed for on-road and off-road use - Double wishbone front and five-link rear suspension - Standard Air Spring Suspension with 4 ride height levels (plus normal ride height and parking height levels) - Electronically controlled Skyhook shock absorbers - Best in class 100-0 km/h in 34.5 m for 430 hp version - New Human Machine Interface with 8.4” Touch Screen - Sumptuous leather interior as standard - Sport and Luxury specific packages offered from launch - Standard Air Quality Sensor on all variants
he Jaguar XKSS - often referred to by experts as the world’s first supercar - will be hand built by Jaguar Classic to the exact specification as they appeared in 1957, replacing the cars lost due to the famous Browns Lane factory fire. The original cars were earmarked for export to the USA, however, just 16 were completed before disaster struck. Now 59 years later, Jaguar is going to build the nine ‘lost’ XKSS sports cars for a select group of established collectors and customers. The expertise gained during the construction of the Lightweight E-type project will be transferred to the construction of the nine ultra-exclusive continuations. Each one will be hand-built at Jaguar’s new ‘Experimental Shop’ in Warwick. Every car will be constructed to the same specifications as those first 16 made in 1957 – every aspect fully certified by Jaguar. The price will be in excess of £1 million. The story of the XKSS began following Jaguar’s three successive Le Mans victories in 1955, 1956 and 1957 with the all-conquering D-type. After the hat-trick of wins, Sir Williams Lyons took the decision on 14 January 1957 to convert the remaining 25 D-types into road-going versions with several external modifications - creating the world’s first super car. These modifications included the addition of a new higher windscreen, an extra door on the passenger side, taking away the divider between driver and passenger and the removal of the famous fin behind the driver’s seat. The first deliveries of the new continuation Jaguar XKSS will commence in early 2017. maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 35
MEET TH E C AR
BENTLEY BENTAYGA The fastest SUV ever built and has all of the quality hallmarks that you would expect from the British manufacturer
36 MAY 2016 / maqinaonline.com
MEET THE CAR
maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 37
MEET TH E C AR
JAGUAR F-PACE S a performance SUV that combines maximum driving exhilaration with efficiency. Technologically advanced to the core, F-PACE keeps you safe, connected &
entertained
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MEET THE CAR
maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 39
LO O K B E T T E R • F E E L B E T T E R • K N OW M O R E MIDDLE EAST
SHARPMAGAZINEME.COM
CHEVROLET FOOTBALL AMBASSADOR MICHEL SALGADO
CHAMPION KICKS OFF HIS MIDDLE EAST MISSION
WWW.SHARPMAGAZINEME.COM
E V E RY T H I N G Y O U N E E D T O K N O W A B O U T N E W C A R S T H I S M O N T H
KNOW THE CAR
T he N ew Camaro . Inf inite Q60 . Aud i S 6
KN OW TH E C AR
Ah!
Santa Monica
with your sunshine and palm trees
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K N OW T H E C A R
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hat better place for a ride in a shiny new 2016 Camaro. One thing is clear on initial inspection: the new car doesn’t particularly seem smaller than the last, but it’s five centimetres shorter and 91 kilograms lighter, depending on model and options. And while it’s certainly identifiable
as “the new Camaro” one of the most significant changes arrives under the hood of the base car, with Camaro’s firstever turbo, a force-fed 2.0L that makes 275 hp and 400 Nm, while sprinting to 100kph from dead stop in “well under 6 seconds,” as per Chevrolet.
maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 43
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K N OW T H E C A R
Over the next few days, driving from the tangle of LA, to the desert of Nevada, the car is like a new friend. Under the hood is GM’s 3.6L V6-, GM’s first go at cylinder deactivation in a six pot. This modern, technology enhanced engine is SAE-certified for 335 hp and 385 Nm, giving Chevy claim to “the highest specific output of any naturally aspirated V6- in the segment.” Obviously Mustang is a notable rival, with Challenger marching to a slightly different drummer, so it’s worth mentioning that Ford positions their four-cylinder Ecoboost turbo engine as their mid-level variant, while Camaro follows the more traditional path: the engines get bigger as the price goes up. The 2016 Camaro SS is the most muscled of these cars, commanding a new 6.2L LT1 direct-injected Small Block V8- for 455 hp and 617 Nm.
maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 45
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This new car’s multi-link MacPherson strut suspension claims Camaro specific geometry up front, meaning that a lot of thought has gone into the setup. According to Chevy, this double-pivot design offers “a more precise feeling of control, including more linear and communicative feel from the quick-ratio electric power steering
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system,” which strikes me as an eloquent way to differentiate between the old and new cars. At Spring Mountain Raceway the Camaro SS car feels lighter, more planted, and sharper on turn in— all of which translates into more agility on road and track. With this more athletic version of the car and a
bit more knowledge of the track I’m able to carry more speed through each turn, adding to my confidence as we approach the short track’s most severe corner. With one authoritative dab of the brakes the Camaro is settled enough to swing hard right, and I roll on the throttle, opening up as the steering comes back to true.
K N OW T H E C A R
Between the track and the road drive I had enough time in the car to begin to assess its overall driving dynamics and feel, and can tell you that driving this new Chevy feels very very good. This new car is reason to be excited,
and confirmation that the pony wars are hotter than ever, with a clear winner on the horizon: the consumer. So much so that I have a strong recommendation— someone needs get this car out on a track
and drive it back to back with a similarly specced Mustang and Challenger, for my money there’s a worthy contender on offer from each of Detroit’s “big three,” and I’d love to find out who gets to wear the crown.
maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 47
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Queueing Up For Infinite Possibility The Q60 Makes Its European Debut
maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 49
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ike a socialite of yesteryear, born abroad but deeply connected to Europe, the new Q60 made its European premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show, in advance of European availability as early as summer 2016. The Q60 represents a heightened example of Infiniti›s «Powerful Elegance» design language, with taut, muscular lines and distinctive proportions. At the heart of the car is an all-new lightweight and sophisticated «VR30» 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine, which plays a key role in the Q60›s engaging yet refined drive experience. The new engine, from the new and exclusive «VR» powertrain family, continues the brand›s longstanding heritage of advanced six-cylinder powertrain production. This new V6 is available in two states of tune – either 300 hp or 400 hp – and has been engineered to offer superior levels of power and torque, coupled with high standards of efficiency. The Q60 Red Sport shown in Geneva features the higher-powered 400 hp V6 engine, which provides the car with one of the best power-to-efficiency ratings in the sports coupe class.
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K N OW T H E C A R
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Power from the high-performance VR30 engine is delivered as standard through the Q60›s rear wheels, although all-wheel drive is optional. The Q60 is also available with the company›s second-generation
Direct Adaptive Steering – comprehensively modified from the ground-breaking first-generation system – and Infiniti›s new Dynamic Digital Suspension, which gives the sports coupe an optimal blend of ride comfort and
class-leading response and agility. So, let’s not let Geneva have all the fun. Europe is fine by us, but we’re much more excited for the car’s arrival in the Middle East. More on that as dates are announced.
maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 53
Deep Sixing The Audi S6 is a mighty sharp car By | Adel Habib . Photo | Malek Fayoumi
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s the fine people at Audi will tell you, the company takes its name from a twist on the name of its founding father, August Horch: “Horch chose a Latin translation of his name for the new company. So «horch!» – or «hark» – became «audi!». It was a brilliant idea that came from the son of one of August Horch›s business partners.” Later still, Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer, four previously independent firms, were combined to form Audi AG— each one symbolized by the four rings that identify the marque. Although
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his name has been cleverly disguised within the brand DNA, Horch is hardly forgotten, Audi designs cars that are clearly meant to be, er, harkened with. The cabin of this sports salon beats many of its luxury counterparts, with a nice mixture of stitched, (optional) carbon-fibre trim, supple leather and comfortably contoured seats. The front seats offer optional ventilation and massage function, for those long hot days of toiling, er, in an air-conditioned office no doubt of you’re buying this car. There’s also Audi’s intuitive MMI
infotainment system and (since you do have to leave said office once in awhile) climate control is standard. MMI is configured with navigation plus with MMI touch running off of a power-retractable eight-inch running lightening quick Tegra 30 graphics chip from Audi’s tech partner Nvidia. You can also add an Audi connect module for LTE data transfer and access to Audi’s new media streaming apps. If that’s not enough display real estate, there’s also an available headup display for sundry info.
maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 55
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The S6 affords a robust suite of driver assistance programs too, including adaptive cruise control with full stop & go function, Audi side assist, which uses radar to look out for you behind the car during lane changes, while working in conjunction with Audi active lane assist, which helps keep you between the lines when you’re zoning out on the long dry hustle to Abu Dhabi. Audi has updated the night vision assistant for the 2016 model year, and collision pre sense is now included standard. The car is not a radical departure over the previous model year— but then why mess with a great combination of
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power and style for the consummate V8 lover looking for the utility of a saloon? Cosmetically, the S6 shares upgrades with the Avant, adding slightly thicker and now twin crossbars on the grille, while the air inlets, bumper, and headlights are reformed for what I like to describe as, a modicum of drama. Looking quite deliberately, one can see that the S6 enjoys matte black brake callipers, a aluminium-like rear diffuser, pared down LED headlights, while riding 20mm lower than the standard A6, atop Audi’s excellent adaptive air suspension. Additionally, overall changes to the A6 are reflected (and appreciated) here too, with
more protruding side skirts, 20” twinspoke alloy wheels, and just generally more of what Office Space writer/director Mike Judge might call “flare.” This whip feels exceedingly smooth, even when the -4.0litre V8 turbo and 7 speed transmission combine to deliver the car’s 444bhp and 550Nm of torque to the tarmac in earnest, shuttling up to the 100kph mark in 4.4 seconds, topping out at a healthy 250kph. Despite it’s unnatural aspiration, the big V8 eschews perceptible lag, running through the gears with the pep and alacrity of a Dubai taxi driver on, er, his or her (mustn’t neglect the pink taxis) last day of work.
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The S6 has ample grip, hanging in on the turns to the extent that sanity and your tolerance for G-force is about all that seems to limit its, er, limits out on the road. I didn’t get a chance to try the car on the track, but I reckon that would be quite enjoyable too. If you lack an Autobahn, you may find yourself feeling constrained by any real place to put the S6 through its paces, so I suggest a visit to Yas or the Autodrome if you can swing it (and the car), of course that’s just
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my gut talking. The ride is on the stiff side, which helps give the handling its incredibly honed feel— just watch out for those sleeping policemen. Out on the road I found the S6 both comfortable and sporty, with plenty of power on tap whenever I needed it. It’s also a great looking car that anyone would be proud to be seen in. Lighter and trimmer than the S7, the S6 gobbles up corners and loves to be hurled into tight corners with the various
nanny bits defeated— assuming you’ve got the skills and stomach for it. Meanwhile, you could drive this thing to Yemen and barely need to stretch your legs, as it offers a great deal of comfort to match its superlative performance. August Horch began a tradition of spare-no-expense automotive engineering and, while there’s quite a bit of tech that comes optional on this car, the basic package is one serious driver’s car, and that’s reason to toast Herr Horch’s legacy.
K N OW T H E C A R
maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 59
CAR OF THE MONTH
Blue & White
The Ferrari 488 Spider
maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 61
C A R O F TH E MONTH
Why The Ferrari 488 Spider Makes You Feel Invincible By : Tarek Hawchar | Photos : Natali Leonova
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CAR OF THE MONTH
The Ferrari 488 Spider is the latest chapter in Maranello’s ongoing history of open-top V8 sports cars and is Ferrari’s most powerful ever mid-rear-engined V8 car to feature the patented retractable hard top, along with the highest level of technological innovation and with innovative design.
maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 63
C A R O F TH E MONTH
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hat’s the most important thing about a sports car? Is it the 100-0kph time? Displacement? The price tag. We would argue that there’s nothing more essential than how the car actually makes you feel. Experience is subjective and, quite frankly, every car feels a little bit faster with the top down. Enter the Ferrari 488 Spider, the latest iteration of Maranello’s love affair with open-top V8 sports cars. The 488 Spider also happens to be the marque’s most power mid-rear-engined V8 to be paired with a retractable hardtop— ever. In fact, the Spyder represents Ferrari’s first foray into adding a retractable hardtop to this 488’s specific architecture. Maranello says the new design saves about 25kg over a conventional fabric design, and makes the cabin more comfortable as well. The car combines its aluminium spaceframe chassis and bodyshell with a fiery turbocharged V8. Add to that increased downforce with reduced drag to compliment the specific cabin airflow demands of an open-top car, and vehicle dynamics equally fit for the track or cruising the boulevard— you can see how something quite pleasing begins to take shape.
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CAR OF THE MONTH
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C A R O F TH E MONTH
I first drove the car first around the streets of Dubai and then on lonely stretch of Sheikh Zayed. What struck me immediately is that the car is very smooth with more-than-ample power at the ready whenever you ask for it. I’d gladly cram myself into a sardine can for that kind of adrenaline rush, but in the 488 I didn’t have to feel physically (or in any way, for that matter) restricted. Taking into consideration that I am 190cm tall and weigh more than 110 kg, it’s worth noting that the cabin was very comfortable, even roomy by sports car standards. I’m not the only one who thinks so— Charly Dagher agrees, although he’s biased as the affable General Manager of Alfardan Sports Motors. Like myself, he sees that intersection of performance and ergonomics as a boon to Ferrari lovers. “We are confident that the new Ferrari 488 Spider will be received warmly because of its excellent performance and driving comfort and go on to become one of the country’s most popular sports cars.” He said. “This model is an innovative and distinguished addition to the Ferrari family and a true representation of the history and excellence of the brand combining strength and luxury at once.” My next adventure was to test the car at Losail International Circuit during a track day organized by Ferrari Qatar. When you see the words Ferrari and track in your inbox, the adrenaline starts pumping almost immediately— the anticipation is nearly as delicious as the event. Nearly.
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CAR OF THE MONTH
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C A R O F TH E MONTH
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CAR OF THE MONTH
At Losail I got the chance to apply the car’s necksnapping acceleration to some very apexes. The 488 Spider is unbelievably fast in the corners and the handling is confident and smooth, even when you ask for ridiculous amounts of lateral acceleration. This Ferrari, like others in their stable, gives you a feeling that it cannot be explained— you simply have to drive it to experience it. Under the bonnet beats the cars 3902 cc turbocharged V8 heart, the very same engine that recently had its coming out with the 488 GTB. This powerplant takes performance to superlative levels with maximum power output of 670 CV and maximum torque of 760 Nm at 3000 rpm. All that push catapults the Spider to 100 km/h in 3 seconds and 200 km/h in 8.7— all from a standstill. This blown V8 has 100 CV more grunt than its naturally-aspirated predecessor, as well as lower CO2 emissions. This turbo V8 has a voice all its own, with a hint of turbo whine and plenty of sonorous Ferrari bravado. The exhaust headers boast longer, equal-length piping and a flat-plane crankshaft and, as if that wasn’t enough, Ferrari commissioned a full-scale nerd fest, studying harmonics and tonality at different engine speeds. Whatever they did, it worked, the car sounds powerful and commanding in any gear, at any speed. I found myself going back outside during breaks just to turn it over again for a listen/
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CAR OF THE MONTH
The engine supplies increasing power throughout the rev band, and there’s no appreciable lag— Ferrari says the throttle tip in time is a scant 0.8 seconds. And while some of us will always pine for the naturally aspirated stallions, it’s fair to say Maranello and Scuderia have just about perfected this beast. That aforementioned spaceframe chassis is made of 11 different aluminium alloys combined with other noble metals, such as magnesium, each one used to maximise efficiency in its given role. The car matches the coupé for torsional rigidity and beam stiffness and, according to Ferrari, betters its predecessor by %23. Gone are the days when wanting to put the top down meant a serious performance sacrifice. Overall the 488 Spider is one of the finest vehicles we’ve had the pleasure of driving. Sure, it’s not the most practical choice— it’s a Ferrari, a car that most of us can only dream of. On the track, or on the road, this car makes you feel like a superhero, as if the car’s incredible power stays with you when you’re queueing up at the grocery, hanging with friends, or paying a speeding citation. Sure, that feeling’s not something that can be measured in specs or money, but i’s value definitely knows few equals.
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ROAD TRIP
Bento Boxing . BMW M2 Brutus . MINI Cooper S . Rolls-Royce Dwan
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Bento Boxing Crewe’s Take on Luxury SUVs 74 MAY 2016 / maqinaonline.com
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estled between the less geographicallyspecific towns of Blythe and Indio, where the low growl of Interstate 10 meets the more sedate State Route 177, you can find the almost forgotten village of Desert Center. Only around 150 people live here, there’s not much more than a post office, a café and a few old buildings making up downtown, but they do have something for many city dwellers to envy— they’ve got the Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, where Karts, bikes, Mustangs and Porsche Cup Cars have all been known to run. Presently though, this dusty berg is the temporary home to a fleet of shiny new Bentley Bentaygas, Crewe’s deluxe SUV based on the very successful Audi Q7 platform— which, channeling Troy McClure here, you may remember from such other hits as Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne. And sorry Cayenne owners, you no longer own the most exclusive member of the Q7 clique, the Bentayga will be the most expensive and powerful of the group. The Bentayga is all about the comfort, convenience and safety features you expect, nay, demand from a Bentley. Add to which, there’s a bespoke Mulliner picnic set from Linley that you can option for around 100,000 AED or so. For a little more, the Bentayga adds a carbon fiber bits, most notably on the rear spoiler. And while it might seem gauche to mention the “R” word here, Bentley is surely aware how Rolls rakes it in with customization, and they’re offering all sorts of add-ons like contrasting piping on the seats, a rear seat entertainment system, and a good deal more. Regardless of the scenery, Bentley loves a nice “torque plateau” and the 6.0L twin turbo W12 is no exception with its 663 lb-ft. Paired with the excellent ZF -8speed automatic transmission, and with 600hp on tap, the car will do 100-0kph in around 4 seconds and continues the run all the way up to 300kph. The car rides on Bentley Dynamic Drive Control; an AWDall-the-time job that offers 4 suspension settings in the, er, base car, and eight in the all terrain spec car.
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We tested the suspension first in“comfort” mode out on the track, noting the fast and smooth power delivery, but with appreciable body roll and less-than-insane throttle response. Slap on sport mode and the SUV’s demeanor sharpens up considerably. Throttle response is on par with a sports car, and the track becomes your play thing. Off road, the Bentayga handled the dunes with ease. I wouldn’t want to traverse the stony Rubicon trail in one, but if you’re the sort of driver who needs to rock the same ride on track and sand, this is an interesting offering. Whatever we threw at it, the Bentayga found its grip and carried us through, it was remarkable. Our time was seemingly without incident, but the thing about off-roading in one of these beasts is that, for mere mortals, any body repairs would be quite dear. Then again, if you are seriously pondering a Bentayga, you may not concern yourself with such trifling manners anyway.
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Inside the Bentayga is, as expected, quite lovely. Crewe offers 15 interior colors and, all manner of bespoke enhancements are on offer in the material selection. There’s no mistaking the guts of this car for anything but a Bentley, the signature diamond quilted upholstery makes sure of it. The seats are quite comfortable, whether lolling about in the back on a country drive, or gripping the wheel on the track. The driver’s position feels a tad lower than average for SUV-land, but feels great when you’re focused on spirited driving, without distracting from day to day visibility or ergonomics. As stated, the Bentayga boasts 600HP, but it’s also not much of a showboat and it runs both smoothly and quietly. To improve fuel economy the mighty W12 employs both cylinder deactivation and stop/start functionality, both of which run almost imperceptibly and never at the expense of the car’s premium feel. This is, after all, a very large and heavy vehicle, and it’s not like you don’t notice. But at the same time, like the Cayenne, it’s very impressive what the big gal is capable of. Open the throttle, and the world is your oyster, overtaking is a cinch and you’ll be blowing away all but the most exotic SUVs. There’s also plenty of optimization possible via the driving mode selector custom mode so, for instance, you can dial in the steering feel to your liking. All told, this is not a limousine in SUVs clothing, it’s an SUV that wants its master at the wheel as much as possible. This is a car that, while the subject of much print and internet whinging about tradition and taste, is bound to be a huge success here in our SUV loving region. Starting at around 800,000 AED, the Bentayga is, love it or leave it, a face you can expect to be seeing a lot more of.
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BMW | M2 Brutus We take BMW’s lithe high performance coupé for a spin at Laguna Seca. 82 MAY 2016 / maqinaonline.com
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IN
1957 a group of dreamers from Monterey California raised 1.5$ million to build a race track on what had been a section of the US Army›s Fort Ord maneuver area and field artillery target range. After one too many accidents, the picturesque beach community had halted the Pebble Beach Road Races in favour of a closed course that is now one of the most famous tracks in North America. Back in November 1957 ,9, Pete Lovely (sounds like a total scoundrel) took the chequered flag behind the wheel of a -2liter Ferrari Testa Rosa, ushering in the Laguna Seca’s rich racing history. Hmm, a rich racing history… where could we be going with this? The BMW M2 is a statement piece, a shot over the bow of motoring motormouths everywhere
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that announces Bimmer’s commitment to performance cars. Yes, some critics have questioned BMW’s performance chops of late, wondered if they’d lost their edge— although for us, cars like the X6 make it somewhat hard to understand that narrative. So there was lot hanging in the balance of this new M car, so here’s what we thought. Piloting the M2 around California’s gorgeous central coast the car acquitted itself admirably, supplying the kind of M car prowess you’d expect, with chassis dynamics, engine performance, interior, and design worthy of the name. The first thing you really notice behind the wheel is the steering— it’s quite good. One feels connected to the car and this version of electric assist power steering is one of the best we’ve tried. Actually, before you even have a chance to enjoy the M2’s steering feel, you’ll get to hear the sound of its N55 twin-scroll turbo -3.0liter inline-six, with its throaty exhaust note. Open the throttle and four tailpipes employ electronically controlled flaps to follow suit. The exterior sound is full on, but BMW weren’t quite happy with the cabin sound (windows up) so they use a mechanical diaphragm tuned to enhance desirable frequencies inside the car, relative to which Driving Dynamic Control setting you select. Therefore Comfort is sedate and polite, Sport is somewhere in the middle, and Sport+ gives you the full aural dose. The car develops 365 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 343 lb-ft from 1,450 rpm. Mat the pedal pass the kickdown bracket and you get a boost of torque good for a total of 369 lb-ft, more than the outgoing M3 had on tap. All that push needs to be met with considerable grip, and the M2 gets model-specific Z-rated Michelin tyres— 35/265 out back, and 45/245 up front. The downside is that these shoes contribute a lot to road noise, but they’re also a big part of what makes the M2 feel so good on the road. 86 MAY 2016 / maqinaonline.com
According to BMW, the M2 can do the 100-0 run in 4.3 seconds thanks to the launch control function of its seven-speed DCT automatic transmission. The manual is just a few tenths of a second off that and, with its wide rev band, it’s a luddite’s dream. Well sort of, the rev-match feature makes heel-toe redundant, and as with all technological progress, somebody somewhere is likely angry about it. Not to worry, as that type of driver will be set against traction control and other assists— all of which can be deactivated along with rev matching for a purists track experience. BMW won’t let you disable ABS (a wise choice) but the combination of fixed calipers brakes with four-pistons in front, two in the rear on -15inch and -14.5inch rotors respectively, affords ample stopping power. Also they’re blue with the M logo on the, so they look the business too. maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 87
As stated, the nanny bits can all be shut off for track use and will only kick back in if things start looking very dire. The Active M electronically controlled multi-plate limited-slip differential inspires confidence, allowing the driver to skirt the edge of his or her ability. Flick on Sport+ and turn DCT off, and the rear end is suddenly driftable. The automatic tranny is the fastest option here, and we found the paddles to be more attractive than the shifter for navigating the gears. Truth be told, in the 88 MAY 2016 / maqinaonline.com
heat of a hot lap it’s easier to focus on just driving the car, and letting it shift. That said, you can row your way to glory, or power through the kick-down bracket to call up a down shift when needed. The truth is this, unless you make your living on the track full time, you are extremely unlikely to overmatch this very capable, high performance coupé. If you like the track, but want something you’ll be quite at home in on the daily drive, this whip is worthy of consideration.
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Flying The Coop The Mini Cooper S is Topless You might not notice the differences upon first sighting, but the new Mini Cooper S Convertible expands on a top to bottom redesign rolled out in 2014. So while the new Mini is still quite recent, it calls back to the original, and intervening years, and feels familiar in a pleasing way. That should be comforting news to the legion of Mini fans out there who’ve made the little whips such a success— there’s nothing worse than when a carmaker completely reworks a model, jettisoning everything that was good about the outgoing car into obsolescence. Let’s start with the most relevant bit— the Mini Cooper S Convertible is quite agreeable in its topless operation— the lid lays down nearly flat, providing good rear visibility. Meanwhile
with the windows and wind deflector up, you can actually talk to your copilot without going hoarse. That said, if you need to haul around a third and fourth passenger, the deflector has to go, but it’s still pretty manageable and (possibly) your friends are worth it. The top opens electronically in two stages, and there’s also a sunroof function when you just want little extra air. But should you open the full top, it only takes 18 seconds, and it’s impressively quiet. The soft top, once open, sits just over the boot, which while an awkward compromise aesthetically, maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 91
is par for the course in the segment.The overall quality of the setup is quite impressive, and it gives the impression of quality and reliability, although only time and experience can really tell that tale. Inside the materials have a premium feel and the ergonomics are well thought out and engaging. I noticed that even the taller drivers
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in our cohort seemed to fit in the cockpit, albeit at the expense of rear seat legroom. That’s not unusual in this vehicle class and the level of adjustment offered to the front seats is quite robust. And while the interior clearly retains that essential Mini DNA, nothing from the previous version is actually in there.
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This new Mini Cooper, with its longer wheelbase, offers a more forgiving ride that will be appreciated by dedicated roadtrippers. There’s also a good bit more space for your gear, just like the hardtop, cargo space is improved by a healthy 25 percent. While the older car could be unsettled by relatively minor potholes or gaps, the new car is more adept at smoothing over these challenging bits. We found the car to be quite comfortable as we toodled around the sleepy beach towns of central California. The car is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged DOHC -16valve I4-, producing 189 hp and 207
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lb-ft of torque. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a -6speed Automatic transmission. MINI’s lauded go-kart feeling is maintained here due to suspension technology that’s setup for each specific model. The wide track and long wheelbase, single-joint strut front axle and multilink rear axle with increased stiffness and reduced weight all combine to give the car its sporty driving dynamics. It’s also a modern, technologically enabled car that sports Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Electronic Differential Lock Control, Performance Control and available Dynamic Damper Control, sports suspension and more.
We’re at the dawn of smart car (no, not those super-extra-mini Daimler jobs) and will be seeing a more and more app-centric motoring experience treading ever so lightly on the already full-blown phenomenon of extremely distracted drivers. The Mini is full of apps that, depending on your level of interest in that sort of thing (and likely which generation you belong to) will range the full gamut from excellent to annoying. There’s plenty of handy metadata on offer about efficiency etc. and all kinds of kitsch that almost approaches the level of automotive emojis. But keep in mind, this is basically BMW’s navigation and connected apps suite, just through the Mini lens, and there’s quite a lot of depth there. On the recommended options list you have a driver assistance bundle that combines active cruise control and pedestrian recognition with active braking, and speed-limit-sign recognition. There’s also an excellent head up display on offer, for those of us who get tired of glancing down at the speedo. Although to be fair, your eyes only have to move an extra degree or two just to look at the actual dial. For a bit of extra LED bling, there’s a larger ring of these bright diodes bordering the car’s main screen, and they allow for fairly detailed colour customisation, if you’re into that sort of thing. You can set the ring-o-bling as a rev counter, hitting the red at -20past. Or, if you have the parking sensor option, it can be set to light up more and more the closer you get to whatever’s lurking behind you. You can also pair it with nav, ticking off the distance to your final destination. Other times, if you don’t have it set up for some purpose, it just sort of fizzes away like the light show at a poorly attended night club, which can be a bit annoying. But really, you have to dig deep to find fault with the new Mini. maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 95
While the car is only nominally related to it’s truly British forbearer, it’s also only technically related to Bimmer. That’s great, they have some of the best tech around, but the car is really it’s own thing and that’s quite an accomplishment in a market niche that features quite a few featureless vehicles.
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And so, I have a conclusion of my own: if the last 16 years of Mini are any indication, I expect we’ll see at least 16 more, and that’s an extremely conservative estimate. I do wonder though, given the car’s slowly creeping girth, if the 2028 model will finally accommodate tall people in back.
ROAD TR I P
It’s
a new Dawn a new Day a new Life and I am feeling good
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Nina Simone
a day with the
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ROA D T R I P
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estled in a verdant palm oasis, deep within Dubai’s magical dune and desert landscape in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the Al Maha Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa is a fitting destination for the Rolls Royce Dawn. Surrounded by arabian oryx and gazelles, this topless cruiser might be the ultimate Dubai motoring accessory, depending on your whims. That, or I’m just feeling slightly grandiose upon arrival at Al Maha, fresh from lunch at the Waldorf Astoria’s 3 star Michelin restaurant on the Palm. So much so, just for a few hours, I forget that this splendid car isn’t actually my own. Rolls has done this on purpose you see, what better way to get journalists to laud the new whip, than to treat them to a taste of how an actual Rolls Royce owner might live? Like the falcon we watched hunting in the desert, a demonstration of grace and acumen that anyone would enjoy, the Dawn is an attraction that draws every eye. Whenever a supercar or a luxury saloon or SUV passes,
one can’t help but look at the car and appreciate it. The Dawn however, is a sort of trump card, you feel people looking, wondering who this successful person behind the wheel is— it’s a great feeling, even just for 24 hours. Sir Henry Royce once admonished his staff to “strive for perfection in everything you do. Take the best that exists and make it better. When it does not exist, design it. Accept nothing nearly right or good enough.” To my thinking, they named this car the Dawn, because it represents a new moment for Rolls Royce, one they’ve worked diligently to perfect, much as Sir Royce commanded. Isn’t that the ultimate definition of comfort—perpetual newness, as if meeting your motoring love for the first time, every time? But not all is new here, it’s more of a gorgeous illusion, and that’s just fine. More or less a Wraith Coupé at its roots, the Dawn is rather the opposite of some stiffened up sports car that feels every bump like an expert Braille reader, making
Words: Adel Habib | Photos: Natali Leonova
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meaning out of vibration. Here, the goal is the opposite, to almost forget that you’re in a car, unless perhaps you’re taking a turn behind the wheel, enjoying the feel of all that velvety goodness in your hands. This expeditious Roller rides on a shorter iteration of the Ghost’s platform, but the similarity ends there as the body design evinces a much sleeker and, counter intuitively, seemingly elongated body style that looks as though the driver might arrive a few minutes before his baggage in the boot reaches the venue. It is strange, since the car is actually smaller than Ghost in wheelbase, height, and overall length, but manages to seem larger than life. Actually you could say that about the Ghost too, so never mind. The point is that, with a century of stellar design in their rearview, Rolls has taken a crowd pleasing sprint towards the sinister with the Dawn’s visage, asking the onlooker to lean in as the car’s exhaust whispers sweet nothings on their ears perhaps that’s why the retractable “Spirit of Ecstasy” figure is tilted five additional degrees forward— she feels the same pull.
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The sonorous howl of the Dawn’s twin-turbo 6.6-litre V12 is anything but ghostly, more a proclamation of life than the alternative. Not that you’d notice from inside the car, as the Dawn’s sound dampening is absolutely world class. At low speed the world seems to have gone silent, mash down the accelerator (highly recommended) and take the Dawn up to cruising speed and a modicum of wind noise is there to remind you that you’re speeding down the motorway. The Dawn delivers that ridiculously smooth ride quality that makes a Roller the best car for quaffing exceedingly foamy cappuccinos while signing million dirham checks with a quill and a pot of India ink. Naturally the Dawn is packed full of the latest electronic driver assistance systems, including anti-roll stabilization, dynamic stability control, dynamic traction control, cornering brake control and dynamic brake control— all to make sure you make it to the bank on time. Stitched leather, the likes of which you’ll want to rub your face in, and wood paneling abound. Somewhere there’s a forest full of trees with door-shaped flesh wounds, but it’s worth it. The center console is (almost) equally woody and, because this is a Rolls, exceptional care has been put into make sure that the wood is of the utmost quality with the grain arrayed to give the decorate the cabin with subtly gorgeous natural patterns. Where wood and leather can’t be utilized, metals step in to ward off that (almost) universal harbinger of cheapness: plastic. There’s plenty of room wherever you sit in the Dawn, and you won’t even hear the top as it peels away, revealing the stars or sun, depending on whether your adventure is ending, beginning, or possibly both.
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As you might guess, the infotainment system with its sundry navigation, communication and amusement feature borrowed from a little outfit known as Bavarian Motor Works, whose head-up display, parking minders and the adaptive cruise control are all quite worthy of sharing. Rolls classes things up a tad with a motorized cover for the screen (Pynchon called it the “greenish dead eye” after all) dual-zone climate control for all discrete temperature settings for your upper and lower body, which should help avoid the overly cold feet I sometimes get from blasting the AC in our charming local weather. And yet, the Dawn isn’t an overly technological car to drive— you can’t paddle it, there’s no track mode (and honestly a Rolls on a track is a silly idea) and while you
can raise and lower the suspension, it’s more so you don’t bottom out on the ridiculously steep ramps that seem so popular among the smaller shopping center’s lining beach road (I’m looking at you Jumeirah Town Centre). Body roll is minimal as I push the Dawn through a series of switchbacks— it’s not 911-adept at clawing through to an apex, but performs surprisingly well for a deluxe big boned beauty. But then, this is a car for enjoying the scenery, and I doubt most Dawn riders will be tearing up the mountainside en route to their ski chalet. No, they’ll be basking in the comfort and the knowledge that they could attack the hairpins if they really wanted. You can push this car well beyond reason, but there are limits as even the finest modern automotive technology
can only go so far to overcome the laws of physics. Happily, when you do unexpectedly find that edge stability control is on hand to steady the ride. The steering is on the softer side, but there’s still feedback to be had. The brakes are authoritative without being overbearing. This car is basically always optimally placed in the rev band, almost as if the invisible hand of some, er, ghost was shifting for you. (Dawn is Scottish for ghost, by the way). One slight concern though— since Dubai is changing so rapidly, it might be hard for the robo-ghost-shifter and its fleet of satellites to keep up with the changing landscape. In fact, I advise all future Dawn owners to avoid the area known as Jumeirah Triangle as Jumeirah in this special case is apparently synonymous with Bermuda.
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The Dawn’s acceleration is almost Fisker-like in its mild-mannered awesomeness— it boats 800 Nm of torque at 1500 rpm, but instead of a sports car’s roar and lunge the Dawn takes off like one of the disembodied spirits form which it takes its name, seeming to defy gravity and its close friend, friction. Not that the car mopes along, mind you, the twin-turbo 6.6-litre V12 lays 624 ponies at your feet, and the throttle response is articulate and immediate. It’s hard to say goodbye, but even if the Dawn won’t grace my garage again any time soon, I’m pleased to know this topless whip is out there, prowling the roads, and giving those fortunate enough to afford a Rolls Royce, even more difficult decisions to ponder — assuming they can’t have one of each.
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Available in stores at : UAE : ALL ABOUT WATCHES Stores, DUBAI : Dubai Mall, Deira City Centre, Mirdif City Centre, Ibn Batuta Mall, SHARJAH : Sahara Centre, AJMAN : Ajman City Centre, ABU DHABI : Al Wahda Mall, KSA : JEDDAH : Haifa Mall, Mall of Arabia, Tahliya Mall, RIYADH : Kingdom Centre, MECCA : Mecca Mall, KHOBAR : Rashed Mall, Dhahran Mall, BAHRAIN : All WATCH TIME & AL HAWAJ Stores, ALL ABOUT WATCHES Stores DOHA : All CRONO, CRONO FASHION and WATCH CORNER Stores, KUWAIT : All VISITOR Stores, IRAN : All ZAMAN & ZEEVAR Stores, JORDAN : All ABU SHAKRA and GRAVITY Stores, LEBANON : CLOCKWISE SARL, DUBAI DUTY FREE : Terminal 1 & 3 (Concourse CA, CB, CC)
RADAR
CARS , BIKES, TRUCKS & BOATS UNDER OUR RADAR T h e M Y 17 N i s s a n G T - R . M c L a r e n 5 7 0 G T
THE MY17 NISSAN GT-R Armed with a fresh look and more power maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 107
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issan unveiled the new 2017 GT-R at the New York International Auto Show highlighted by an exciting new look both inside and out, as well as major drivingperformance enhancements and key new features. They represent the most significant changes made to the model since it was introduced in 2007. The new GT-R’s exterior gets a complete makeover across the front end. The new chrome matte finish “V-motion” grille represents one of Nissan’s latest design signatures. It has been enlarged to provide better engine cooling and features an updated mesh pattern. A new hood, which flows flawlessly from the
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grille, has been significantly reinforced, contributing to stability during high-speed driving. A freshlydesigned front spoiler lip and front bumpers with finishers situated immediately below the headlamps give the new GT-R the look of a pure-bred racecar, while generating high levels of front downforce. The GT-R’s familiar wind-cutting shape defines its profile, but the side sills have been pushed out to improve air flow. The rear of the car also received a thorough makeover. While the GT-R’s hallmark four-ring taillights remain, look closely and you’ll notice new bodywork to help improve air flow, as well as side air vents next to the quad exhaust tips. Also, the belt line that separates the
lower black section from the body panel has been heightened to give the car a wider and more aggressive look from the rear. These exterior changes don’t result just in a sportier-looking car, they create an aerodynamically efficient vehicle, with less drag but retaining the same amount of downforce as the current GT-R to keep the car stable at high speeds. Step into the cabin, and you’re greeted by a premium interior that is befitting a high-performance sports car of this caliber. The entire dashboard and instrument panel are new and covered with highquality leather artfully stitched together with TAKUMI precision. The shape of the dashboard adopts
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a “horizontal flow” that delivers a sense of increased stability for the car’s front-seat occupants, while the line from the instrument cluster to the center console provides a distinct driver-oriented environment for those behind the steering wheel. The center dashboard layout has also been improved and simplified. Integrated navigation and audio controls reduce the number of switches from 27 in the previous model to only 11 in the 2017 model. An enlarged 8-inch touch-panel monitor features large icons on the display screen to make it easy to operate. A new Display command control on the carbon-fiber center console allows easy operation.
The shift paddles are now mounted to the new steering wheel, allowing drivers to change gears in mid-turn without having to take their hands off the wheel. The paddles themselves, along with the ventilation controls, have improved feel and better sound when engaged or adjusted. “As the icon of Nissan’s driving performance, the GT-R continues to evolve. With the signature V-Motion grille, the GT-R now possesses the latest Nissan design language. Its exceptional aerodynamic performance and upgraded interior have given the GT-R a more mature character, which will continue into the future,” said Nissan’s Executive
Design Director, Mamoru Aoki. The GT-R’s award-winning 3.8-liter V6 24-valve twin-turbocharged engine—each unit handcrafted by its own TAKUMI technician—now delivers 565 HP (EUR 570 PS) at 6800 rpm and 467 lb-ft of torque. The engines are the definition of TAKUMI expertise. The improved output, which are the result of individual ignition-timing control of the cylinders and extra boost from the turbochargers, allow the new GT-R to possess superior acceleration in the mid- to high-ranges (3200 rpm and above). It comes mated to a thoroughly refined 6-speed dual-clutch transmission that features smoother shifts and less noise.
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That familiar GT-R tone also has been upgraded with an engine that has never sounded better. The resonance of the new titanium mufflers and Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) enhance the driving experience. The GT-R has always been regarded as one of the world’s best handling machines, and for 2017, its cornering abilities have become even better. A more rigid body structure and new suspension result in better stability through quick lateral transitions and higher overall cornering speed. Providing the grip are sticky 20 inch tires, wrapped around new “Y-spoke” machine-finished forged aluminum wheels. Despite all the performance
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enhancements, the 2017 GT-R is the most comfortable model to date, with a new sense of elegance and civility that one would rarely find in such a high-performance supercar. The new GT-R exhibits a smoother ride quality than the outgoing model, and its cabin remains much quieter at all speeds and new sound absorption materials. “The new GT-R delivers a heart-pounding driving experience at all times and on any road for whoever sits in the driver’s seat. We have continued to push its performance boundaries to the outer limits—it’s even more potent than before. At the same time, more refinement has been added to take the entire driving experience to an entirely new level. We’re proud to bring you what we feel is the
ultimate GT that possesses amazing performance, newfound civility and a rich racing history,” Hiroshi Tamura, the Chief Product Specialist of the GT-R, said. New for the 2017 GT-R are fresh colors inside and out that complement the car’s sophisticated character. A “Blaze Metallic” with multi layered painting has been added to the exterior paint palate, which the interior of the Premium Edition, which features semi-aniline leather, offers customers four different options: the newly added Black/Rakuda and Samurai Black, as well as the always popular Black/Amber Red and Black/Ivory. The 2017 Nissan GT-R will be available this summer.
The new GT-R delivers “a heart-pounding driving experience at all times � maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 11313
570GT MCLAREN EXTENDS THE APPEAL OF THE SPORTS SERIES WITH THE
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he McLaren 570GT joins the 570S Coupé and 540C Coupé as the third model in the recently announced Sports Series family. The clean lines of the revised glasshouse give the 570GT a sleek and refined silhouette, and mark out the second of three bodystyles which will eventually complete the Sports Series. A standard fixed glass Panoramic Roof provides a bright, open cabin running through to the large rear glass hatch creating the most luxurious and relaxing McLaren driving environment. As seen on the other models in the Sports Series, levels of craftsmanship throughout the interior of the 570GT are of the highest level, upholstered and specified with quality materials and the latest technologies throughout. EVERYDAY USABILITY The 570GT is the most practical model ever launched by McLaren Automotive, targeted towards longer journeys and weekends away. As with all Sports Series models, ingress and egress are optimised through a lower and narrower sill, while the signature dihedral doors open with a more upward arc. Within the spacious and ergonomically-optimised cabin, a pair of eight-way electrically adjustable sports seats are upholstered in leather as standard. The control interfaces for the air conditioning, telephony, navigation and audio systems are
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managed through the centrally-mounted touchscreen, while vehicle setup is configurable via the TFT LCD digital instrument cluster. The standard fixed glass Panoramic Roof provides a bright, open cabin with a dramatic glasshouse design running through to the large rear glass hatch. The roof glass is treated with 18 percent transmission tint – the same as the glass roof of the McLaren P1™ – and also features SSF (Sound & Solar Film) to absorb solar radiation while providing additional noise insulation. With the increased glass area of the 570GT, cabin temperatures are regulated and maintained by an enhanced dual-zone air conditioning system. The system allows fully automatic and independent settings for passenger and driver. A two-stage Automatic function – ‘Auto’ and ‘Auto Lo’ – allows a desired temperature to be obtained, with the latter setting limiting the speed of the fans to minimise fan noise within the cabin. The front luggage area remains unchanged from the Coupé, providing 150 litres of stowage, while a further 220 litres of space is available behind the seats on the leather-lined Touring Deck. This additional space is accessed via the side opening Glass Hatch bringing the total storage space for the 570GT to 370 litres. The Glass Hatch opens on the kerbside whether left- or right-hand drive and is framed by carbon fibre providing significant torsional rigidity.
Refinement and day-to-day usability are further enhanced through the latest tyre technology from McLaren Automotive technical partner, Pirelli. The 570GT features specially developed Pirelli P Zero™ tyres which reduce in-cabin road noise by up to three decibels. The unique characteristic of the tyre is the innovative Pirelli Noise Cancelling System (PNCS): a new technology patented by Pirelli that reduces road noise from the grooves within the tyre, designed to absorb vibrations and reduce transmission into the cabin. CRAFTSMANSHIP As with all models in the Sports Series, the 570GT is extensively equipped throughout with the latest technologies and the highest quality materials. As standard, the new model features extended leather upholstery, electrically adjustable heated seats with memory function, front and rear parking sensors, an electric steering column with easy entry / exit function, soft close doors and a quieter exhaust system compared to the 570S Coupé. Lightweight noise absorbing and damping materials are used to line the Touring Deck and bulkhead, further enhancing the level of refinement within the cabin. Available from launch are a range of ‘By McLaren’ designer interior specifications, designed to demonstrate the breadth of personalisation available. As with the 570S Coupé, these are available in a choice of Luxury or
Sport configurations, and are designed to showcase the interior design of the 570GT, and compliment the exterior colour choices. The eight speaker McLaren Audio Plus system is fitted as standard. This system – optional on the 570S Coupé – includes two 100mm mid / bass drive units adding to the clarity and depth of the sound, and two 25mm tweeters in the rear of the cabin which balance the sound to ensure the occupants have a greater sense of immersion. A 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system is also available re-tuned to the different interior acoustics of the 570GT. The system comprises five 25mm aluminium Nautilus tweeters, five 100mm Kevlar® mid-range drive units and two 200mm carbon fibre & Rohacell bass subwoofers. All speakers are driven by a fully digital 14-channel 1280W Class D amplifier. THE DRIVE Under the skin, the 570GT has been developed with a unique dynamic setup to reflect its positioning, while retaining the supercar levels of engagement experienced on the 570S Coupé. Pure McLaren design and engineering combine to produce a car with breathtaking performance yet increased levels of luxury and refinement. Sharing the newly developed suspension system with the other models in the Sports Series, the 570GT
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emphasises long distance comfort through further fine tuning to the system which includes a reduction in spring rate stiffness of 15 percent at the front and 10 percent at the rear. Independent adaptive dampers can be dynamically adjusted through Normal, Sport and Track settings, and are coupled to front and rear anti-roll bars. The overall set up of the 570GT has been calibrated to enhance road and motorway driving, and aid ride quality over poor road surfaces. The electro-hydraulic steering system is retained from the Coupé models but with a reduced ratio – by two percent – and has been specifically designed to smooth out driver inputs at high cruising speed. The 570GT is fitted with the McLarendeveloped 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 M838TE engine which debuted in the 570S Coupé. Power and torque remain at 570PS (562bhp) and 600 Nm (443lb ft) and power is delivered to the rear wheels via a seven-speed seamlessshift transmission with adjustment through
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Normal, Sport and Track settings to produce one of the most rewarding and engaging driving experiences in the sports car class. The settings include bespoke gearchange calibrations with comfort (Normal), Cylinder Cut (Sport) and Inertia Push (Track) technologies all available. As with all models in the McLaren Automotive range, the McLaren 570GT is factory-filled with Mobil 1 New Life™ 0W-40. DESIGN AND AERODYNAMICS The revised design of the 570GT sees the glasshouse with clean and sleek lines leading to the rear of the car. With the side-opening Glass Hatch and increased luggage area, the 570GT features a unique aerodynamic package, including an extended fixed rear spoiler – 10mm taller than that fitted to the Coupé models – designed to offer the same levels of aerodynamic performance as the distinctive flying buttresses of the 570S Coupé. The front end design of the 570GT is shared with that of the 570S Coupé, with the front
bumper featuring a pronounced point which generates the centre of pressure, piercing the air to reduce drag and forming four quadrants. This aerodynamic feature is designed to separate the airflow above and below the bodywork, and along each flank. As seen on the other models in the Sports Series, the bonnet features strong crease lines which optimise airflow over the front fenders and into the side air intakes. Aero Blades below the front bumper are angled to produce an area of high pressure ahead of the low temperature radiators. First introduced on the iconic McLaren F1, and now signature to each of the models in the McLaren Automotive range, the 570GT features distinctive dihedral doors, which open upwards and outwards to aid ingress and egress from the cabin. The design includes a ‘floating tendon’, designed to channel air into the side air intake. Body-coloured door inserts, unique to the 570GT, create a more understated side profile and further differentiate the 570GT from the Coupé models.
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LIGHTWEIGHT As with all McLaren models since the introduction of the MP4-1 Formula 1™ car in 1981, the 570GT uses a carbon fibre chassis. The MonoCell II debuted in the 570S Coupé, and is shared across the Sports Series models. Weighing just 75kg, the lightweight yet extremely stiff chassis contributes to a dry weight of 1,350kg (2,976lb). This equates to 422PS per tonne, providing breathtaking performance more commonly seen in the supercar segment: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.4 seconds, 0-200 km/h (0-124 mph) in 9.8 seconds, with a top speed of 328 km/h (204 mph). Despite supercar performance figures, there have been no sacrifices to the everyday drivability and practicality of the 570GT which
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returns 26.6 mpg (10.7 l/100 km) on the EU combined cycle and emissions of 249 g/km. The latest model in the Sports Series is fitted with a lightweight composite braking system. Set up with a greater focus on road driving, the system includes iron discs (front 370mm x 32mm / rear 350mm x 30mm) with four-piston callipers front and rear. In front of these sit a set of unique 15-spoke GT Design cast alloy wheels – 19-inch front, 20 inch rear. The newly-designed wheels are fitted exclusively with Pirelli tyres. As standard, road-focused P Zero™ tyres are fitted, while a more performance-focused P Zero™ Corsa option is also available.
G E A R B OX
LEICA ULTRAVID EDITION ZAGATO When Germans and Italians get together, terrible techno music is usually the result. Not this time. Italian auto designers Zagato have teamed with German optics gurus Leica for a cutting-edge, aluminum pair of 8x32 binoculars. There are only 1,000 of them – way more exclusive than DJ Euro’s latest mix. QA 10,000 EN.LEICA-CAMERA.COM
GEAR
BOX Watches Clothing Shoes Gears Bags Tech
LACOSTE MILLARD CHUKKA A modern and minimalist update to the chukka. Lacoste pairs traditional leather uppers with a trendy wedge-shaped gum sole. QA 650 LACOSTE.COM
HEAD PORTER SPIRIT RUCKSACK
Sleek and lightweight, these glasses frame your face without becoming the centre of attention – which is the job of all good eyeglasses – thanks to their thin construction and understated use of metallic accents.
The Japanese brand has seriously scienced the heavens out of the ordinary backpack. There are pockets for just about everything, waterproof nylon twill construction, and a classic minimalist design.
QA 700 MOREL-FRANCE.COM
QA 750 HEADPORTER.CO.JP/EN
ÖGA TANGER GLASSES
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G E A R B OX
LOUIS VUITTON ESCALE WORLDTIME “THE WORLD IS A DANCE FLOOR”
TUDOR BLACK BAY ONE
F.P. JOURNE TOURBILLON SOUVERAINE BLEU
Geneva-based Francois-Paul Journe is easily one of the world’s most impressive independent watchmakers. The brilliant maverick offers a unique version of his seminal masterpiece: the Tourbillon Souveraine, which boasts a gorgeous blue metal dial with an extremely rare case produced from tantalum, a rare element that somehow looks computer-generated.
CHRISTOPHE CLARET ESPOIR & PAIX
“Hope & Peace” is the theme for this one-of-a-kind timepiece by Christophe Claret that celebrates charity, as well as the Nobel peace prize. On the back of the watch, around the automatic rotor, are the names of all the current 129 peace prize recipients adjacent to a green-tinted view of the in-housemade movement. The front of the watch offers a unique display with Christophe Claret’s innovative “mirascope” dial that has an emerald appearing to float in the air. 122 MAY 2016 / maqinaonline.com
Based on an original military-style diving watch, the Tudor Black Bay One takes the contemporary Black Bay steel sports watch and gives it a unique dial inspired by the 1950s original. That might not seem like much until you remember the fanatic collector’s market for the original watches, and how many would kill to own a unique one produced by the same brand.
Louis Vuitton sought inspiration for this watch from the person who helped inspire the Only Watch event in the first place – the son of the auction’s founder, Luc Pettavino. He asked for a version of Louis Vuitton’s Escale Worldtime with a hand-painted dial centre made to look like a disco dancefloor.
MB&F MELCHIOR ONLY WATCH
Produced as a unique piece with red shoulders, this robot table clock fully sums up the appeal of MB&F’s more recent non-wrist watch offerings. Made in collaboration with the historic clockmaker L’Epée 1839, Melchior features fully adjustable arms with a removable “winding key arm cannon,” as the time is read via discs on its chest.
KEEZEL ONLINE FREEDOM DEVICE
The drawback of using free Wi-Fi is any wannabe hacker can view your private data through the public network. But the Keezel’s got your back: it lets you connect to your own VPN, bypassing the black hats and opening up the world of US Netflix. PRICE UPON REQUEST KEEZEL.PR.CO
LOUIS VUITTON CARTABLE SATCHEL
WINGS + HORNS SHEARLING AVIATOR JACKET
It’s a new style for Louis Vuitton, and we can’t help but wonder what took them so long to come up with it. The ombré leather is soft to the touch, with a slightly aged patina that adds depth and character.
Wings + Horns have turned the traditional aviator on its head by merging a shearling body with knitted sleeves, finished off with leather straps and metal buckles.
QA 15,000 LOUISVUITTON.COM
QA 6,500 WINGSANDHORNS.COM
BOSE SOUNDTOUCH 10 Bose’s latest wireless music system boasts Bluetooth and Wi-Fi built in for your instant music pleasure as well as multi-room listening. Stream any song, playlist, music service and YouTube directly from your Bluetooth-compatible phone or tablet; and you can broadcast to as many SoundTouch speakers you have. You can use the intuitive SoundTouch app to explore integrated music services, set personalised presets, and enjoy different music in different rooms. QA 1000 BOSE.AE
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DASHBOARD
DASHING: MARKED BY UP-TO-DATENESS IN DRESS AND MANNERS by Dr.Marie Abi Rached
Color Psychology Do you feel strongly about driving a car of a certain color? Why do Ferrari and Ducati sell mostly their unit with red color? Colors have a great power to affect a person’s mood, emotions, productivity and concentration. Several researches agreed that there are four psychological essentials colors that affect the mind, feelings, and body senses. These colors are: red, blue, green and yellow. Where it can reflect positively or negatively. Car color can psychologically reflect how we want others to have an impression about us. It has been known that color preferences can highly vary with the influence of gender, age and culture. However, the vehicle style and brand can influence and affect the color choice. Let us explore those colors. Red color: if red is your favorite color, it reflects that you are extroverted. You like to be center of attention, with high confidence. However, it is believed that red reflects strength, power and energy. Physically red color stimulates the body and increases the pulse rate. Therefore, we see this color popular to be used on racing cars and motorcycles such Ferrari and Ducati, where both sell units mostly with red colors. Since red is perceived as masculine color, it reflects aggressiveness. Owners of red cars are energetic and they drive faster than other owners. Black Cars: Empowered people tend to like black cars. Black cars’ owners are mysterious and can’t be influenced easily. Some researchers declared that black cars’ owners are competitive, conservative and professional. However, it was shown that not only most of diplomats and empowered people select black color. Moreover, a significant percentage of fashion designers purchase black cars to reflect elegance and ultimate impression. BLUE Cars: blue color conveys high self-esteem and high selfconfidence. Blue cars’ owners are likeable to be calm and dependable. They are less engaged in cars’ accidents comparing to black color. Owners of dark blue cars drive more cautiously than owners of black car. Dark blue cars’ drivers are loyal, calm and practical. Yellow Cars: Yellow cars drivers are energetic and young at heart. They have a positive personnality and they are very practical and intelligent. White cars: The White car is the choice of calm and extrovert personality, fastidious enjoy simple life have a strong attention to detail and possible a perfectionist Purple cars: Purple car owner is a distinctive individual, that he doesn’t give interest about the impact of the others’. He is creative and has high self-esteem to have his own style and design. Silver cars: Silver cars’ owners have a quiet and a cool personality. They are less involved in car accidents as they are aware of their own responsibilities. 124 MAY 2016 / maqinaonline.com
DA S H B O A R D
“Colors like features, follows the changes of emotions” Pablo Picasso Green cars: The green color reflects calm and balanced personality owners of green vehicles tend to care about the environment. Do you feel anxious in a red room? Do you feel more powerful if you are driving a black car? Does green and blue color make you feel relaxed and calm? The psychology of color is based on the impact of colors on people’s emotions and behaviors. There are many factors that influence the perception of colors: culture, age and gender. Color psychology has a big role in marketing, brand logos and products. Therefore, it’s evident to all that yellow color increases the appetite and is well recognized in printing marketing materials especially with restaurants and food advertisement. Besides, red color has played major effect on reflecting the power and passion of companies such Virgin, Coca cola and Christian Louboutin. What color to wear for workout? Red is perceived as a strong and energetic color. It has effects on the person wearing it and on others. In England teams with the red uniforms have higher league positions and more league winners than teams with other colors. Players with red uniform assigned to win 55% of the matches comparing to those wearing blue or black. A study found that when the goalkeeper wears red, the player that takes a penalty kick won’t achieve well. Orange color is a stimulating color and it produces an energizing effect. Research has found that Orange and red colors increase oxygen supply to the brain and give the feeling of enthusiasm and happiness. What color to choose for an office? Researchers at Creighton University found, in 1999, that blue and green colors are the best color for a work place. It increases the productivity and the efficiency of employees. Since green color produces the least amount of eyestrain and it’s harmless for eyes. Moreover, it reduces stress and anxiety and it’s linked to money. It’s an excellent choice for desktops and for employees’ websites. Employees that work in blue and light purple offices feel more tranquil, cheerful and they concentrate the most. Blue color is able to decrease the heart rates and give a relaxing feeling. To increase the employee’s creativity, it is know that purple is the most suitable color. However, purple is the combination of blue and red which creates a balance between encouragement and tranquility. What color to wear to an interview? Dark blue color is the best color for a man to wear it to an interview. As known blue color conveys stability, trust and confidence. Lisa Johnson Mandell at AOL Jobs writes: “Studies show that navy blue is the best color for a suit to wear to a job interview, because it inspires confidence. You are more likely to get the job when you wear navy blue to an interview than any other color.” It is not recommended to wear a grey color to work as it gives the impression to be passive and inactive. It is advisable to pair it with another bright color. We can select suitable colors for our daily activities, however, colors affect our efficiency, mood and feelings but it’s not the only factor. Therefore, we should not depend on what only to wear but also on other factors that keep our mood positively active, as colors are part of a power communications tools.
Color and therapy Chronotherapy or color therapy: is a method of treatment using the visible spectrum to heal people from certain diseases. It was used long time ago in ancient Chinese and Egyptian cultures. In this treatment: Blue color: was used to reduce the pain and to calm the patients. Indigo color: were thought to treat skin problems. Orange color: was used to treat lungs disease sand to increase the level of body’s energy. Yellow color: was thought to purify and to clean the body and to stimulate the nerves. Red color: was used to increase the blood circulation and to stimulate the mind and the body maqinaonline.com / 2016 MAY 125