TELEPHONE : 17 52 00 52 , FAX : 17 52 00 59 EMAIL : bjc@bjc.com.bh WEBSITE : www.bjc.com.bh
DECEMBER 2016 Issue 209
LAP OF LUSSO
COVER
A DAILY DRIVE FERRARI... IS THERE SUCH A THING? WELL APPARENTLY NOW THERE IS!
82
TESTS&DRIVES
68
TIGER-UANA THE ALL-NEW TIGUAN SHOWS ITS TEETH!
74
AUTOMATION E-SCALATION
STORY
94 74
THE E STANDS FOR EFFORTLESS!
78
SPIRIT OF OPULENCE THE RR GHOST SERIES II WILL HAVE YOU FLOATING LIKE NOTHING ELSE
94
TORNADO RED RIDING R GERMAN BALLISTIC MISSILE!
98
GERMAN STINGRAY CLASSIC CAR - OPELS OWN STINGRAY
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Contents www.arabiamotors.co
arabiamotorsmagazine
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42 50 100
106
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FEATURES&DEPARTMENTS 16
MOTORING NEWS ALL THE LATEST AUTOMOTIVE NEWS
46
MALL MEET! THE DANA MALL CAR SHOW ATTRACTS THE RIGHT CROWD
50
REDBULL CAR PARK DRIFT SMOKE IN THE AIR, TYRES SCREECHING, IT CAN ONLY BE THE REDBULL CAR PARK DRIFT!
54
TURN IT UP! BDRC Kicks off With a Roar!
60
THE MOTORSPORT WEB WE SPEAK TO A RACING LEGEND ABOUT HIS RETIREMENT.
90
MSK RACING BAHRAIN AND BMW COME TOGETHER
98
AS GOOD AS NEW BENTLEY FLYING SPUR SPEED MULLINER UP FOR GRABS
106 DUCATI RIDING EXPERIENCE BAHRAIN GETS ITS FIRST DRE AT THE BIC
110 AM GEAR THE COOLEST CAR STUFF THAT YOU NEED
8 www.arabiamotors.co / DECEMBER 2016
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! T N A R Y L H T N O M E H TRABBING LIFE BY THE HORNS! G
t old in life “You know when you ge u. things get taken from yo . life of rt pa t’s That’s, tha But, you start losing stuff.” you only learn that when Tony D’amato
Any Given Sunday
ino’s character in ional speech given by Al Pac th’s rant from the inspirat mon back into action. this t life star jolt I to en d nee tlem Gen ise I’m getting older and real I cuz ” day I am surely Sun en and Giv ing the movie “Any energy levels are dwindl mirror is greyer, I feel my The face that I see in the I order car parts, and they running out of patience. y to pop a vein every time read am I why on reas ugh to send it by the Which is exactly er side was “STOOPID” eno cuz the “idiot” on the oth just yed dela ting get up end 10) Fedex! (breathe ...count to er and bogged down with “USPS” instead of DHL or say was that as you get old to ted wan ly real I t wha to find an outlet that you for nt But apart from that, orta kids, groceries, etc... it’s imp , wife aka , life be anything, from golf of s can It itie . the complex to some time on your own ard forw k loo and le n’t be reading smi e, allows you to breath lets be honest... you should g to play an instrument. But s not count! nin doe lear ” n isha eve “sh on, or mm bar kga the to bac gs... and heading down to thin se should tho you n into the ’re s, you bike if this magazine for automobiles or be blessed with a passion and I can tell now car nd seco my If you are lucky enough to on am ject. I oration or modification pro course. start a car/motorbike rest right after my daughter of ... life my in g thin g illin g to other enthusiasts on akin spe e, mad you it is the most fulf tom cus ing for parts, having stuff You find yourself busy in. bra r you Browsing the net, research a set of new spark plugs for ing buy like s feel her is it toiling or all it y, lly, forums or loca mundane kind of bus neit actually enjoying. Its not a k you’ve got a thin will ple Peo g. bein but doing something you are love the “kind of busy” you will is it y, advice! trar for con ing the ask On ing, s. laboriou arching, read sed on your smart phone, rese to be ready for you n war me let e mistress as they see you focu not t tha has it’s minuses, and on of what ey... but these are all part Of course everything in life ilable or things being pric ava not t value ts ldn’ par es, wou tak You mis e! slow suppliers, fell into place at onc exercise fun. Imagine it all makes the whole project or eI pleted my GTR and yet her it or love it as much. ther project once I had com ano on ark emb not ld I had sworn I wou Special. 9 Mercedes 560SEC Koenig be a pain. am working away on my 198 ing parts for classic cars can find e aus bec es, tim at me ed to garages trat ng frus goi a, has it Bab est Ali I’ll be hon pliers, scanning Ebay and sup ing tact con nt and spe elf n Countless hours have bee fellow petrol-heads like mys ly is a ing car forums speaking to real join it lly you fina tell and can I rain all, Bah it here in ng back and looking at ndi Sta es. issu ir the ed solv car. learning how they ds dirty working on the choose to get your own han to two, three and lot of fun especially if you h one car, then moved on wit off ted star two of er fath , nds the four, and after frie se t hou bes to One of my built a garage at home ntly rece has He in! aga n . Obviously he bor four and its like he’s a he gets to work on his cars ing his dues to his family, pay t...but that’s a and k nex wor ing buy from k he’s t bac getting hobby is costing him or wha this h muc how ut abo hasn’t told his wife erve to treat my life, than at least I des whole other story. taken everything away from its t tha d har so k wor I “Dude if I do it.” he says. be able to smile. This is how to enjoying myself once in a while and a hobby car, and get back ves rsel you get is say to t wan I that car or all Buy th, rn. mon retu this in g for . hin So.. you and give you back not from y awa gs at once -that’s thin all e it tak for life. Don’t let life You don’t have to pay ted, and get to work on it. But don’t sit . wan ays cash or alw ’ve life you from ike you orb in mot on it slowly so it doesn’t dra k wor car ject pro a ed why it’s call grab life by the horns! pen. Make your move and there wishing for it to hap
Group Editor
MOHD. A. KAYANI Contact us on: .com arabiamotors@maxmediaco
THE ARABIA MOTORS TEAM Editor-in-Chief SAMEER Z. UCHI Group Editor MOHD. A. KAYANI Deputy Editor MISHAL FAKHRO Sales & Marketing Director TAREK RASHDAN Senior Sales Executive Mohammed Bahar Production Manager / Art Designer SACHAN C. Photographer Haroon Rashid Produced by MAXMEDIA CO. W.L.L. P.O Box 108, Manama Bahrain. Tel: 973 17 402482 Fax: 973 17 402483 E-mail: arabiamotors@maxmediaco..com www. maxmediaco.com. ARABIA MOTORS is published monthly (12 issues) and has a GCC circulation of 15,000 copies. It is available in all supermarkets and book stores across the GCC. If you cannot find our magazine in your area, please call +973 17402482. Annual Subscription to ARABIA MOTORS. Bahrain BD15 ($40.000) GCC Subscription is BD25 ($66.000) for 1 year. Foreign Subscription is BD35 ($93.000) for 1 year.
3 EASY WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE e-mail: subscription@maxmediaco.com Online at www.maxmediaco.com Call +973 17402482, Fax +973 17402483 E-mail Us Your Motoring News! arabiamotors@ maxmediaco.com Anything to do with: Car Clubs, Races, Car Agents, Dealers, Tires, Associations, Engine Oils, Electronics, Motorbike, Boats, Jet-skies, Vehicle Rental, Accessories, Vehicle Loans & Insurance, Mobile Phones and more........ CAR 213 Copyright 433\04 ARABIA MOTORS Magazine all rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without our written permission. The content of this publication is the exclusive property of MAXMEDIA CO. W.L.L. and must not be reproduced in any form without written permission. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, MAXMEDIA CO. W.L.L. and all its publications cannot accept any legal responsibility for any error or omission. Magazine is printed at AWAL PRESS Bahrain and distributed by Al Hilal Corp. Tel: 17480800, Fax: 17480818
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MOTORING NEWS
ALL-NEW MERCEDES-BENZ GLC COUPE LAUNCHED ast month, the German Business Network Reception was held in Bahrain under the patronage of H.E. Alfred Simms-Protz, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, in cooperation with Oliver Oehms, the Delegate of German Industry and Commerce for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Yemen and the German Business Roundtable Bahrain. The event was held at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Bahrain, where the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe was been officially launched. The latest model the GLC Coupe, available at Al Haddad Motors, was unveiled by Head of HR and Deputy Vice Chairman of Al Haddad Motors Deema Al Haddad. The GLC Coupe is equipped with a wide-range of features that are both distinct to other Mercedes-Benz SUVs and some features that are taken from other models. At the front, the upright, twin-blade grille is characteristic to sporty MercedesBenz models, while the powerdomes on the hood and the large side air intakes give the GLC Coupe a dominant stance. The rear of the GLC Coupe in particular reveals a wide, muscular stature that is integrated with modeled wheel arches and four polished stainless-steel tailpipes of the exhaust system that provides a visual distinction of the rear.
14 www.arabiamotors.co / DECEMBER 2016
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MOTORING NEWS
THE ALL-NEW GMC ACADIA AVAILABLE AT NMC he 2017 GMC Acadia is a go for sale in GMC showroom in Bahrain this November. The strategic re-scoping of the 2017 Acadia offers customers a midsize crossover positioned between the compact Terrain and full-size Yukon. Depending on the model, it is available with five-, six- or sevenpassenger seating, while offering greater maneuverability and enhanced driving dynamics over the first-generation model. A new standard 3.6L V-6 engine is more powerful and efficient, while offering over 1800 Kilograms of estimated trailering capability (with the available towing package). It delivers 310 horsepower and 9.41 L/100km highway (FWD models). The new V6 is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and an electronically controlled drive mode selector. Built on a new, lighter body structure, the 2017 Acadia is completely redesigned to strike at the heart of the Medium SUV market. The Acadia SLE comes standard with a three-year/60,000 kilometers scheduled service package. The SLE is complemented by a three-year/100,000 kilometers manufacturer warranty, as well as four years of 24/7 Roadside Assistance. 16 www.arabiamotors.co / DECEMBER 2016
MOTORING NEWS
BAHRAIN LAUNCH OF BALENO he Distributor of Suzuki Motor Corporation in Bahrain Mohammed Jalal & Sons has announced the launch of its premium hatchback, Baleno in the Market. It is built on a brand new Suzuki platform which is lighter (by 100 kg), stronger (by 10%) and more rigid compared to existing platforms in the industry. Built on Suzuki’s Total Effective Control Technology (TECT), the Baleno relies on extensive use of High Tensile Steel makes the body stronger, safer and lighter. The Baleno is available in 9 colors and comes with 4 cylinders and 1400 cc with automatic transmission. Mohammed Jalal & Sons offers the car at a starting price of BD. 4,850 with the free registration and insurance, free 5 years warranty unlimited kms- free three years road assistance and a courtesy car during repair.
18 www.arabiamotors.co / DECEMBER 2016
consumer review infiniti Q50
We really put the Nissan 370Z’s through their paces on put the Nis We really circuit at GT Academy in Abu Dhabi. circuit at GT Academ
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MOTORING NEWS
E. K. Kanoo competes in 2016 GCC Body & Paint Technicians Skills Grand Prix brahim K. Kanoo, the sole distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in the Kingdom of Bahrain, took the top spot in both categories of the 2016 GCC Body & Paint Technicians Skills Grand Prix. The Paint category was won by master technician Jaffar Eid, while the Body category was awarded to Body Technician Vipin Kappara. The annual event showcases the skill levels and competencies of body and paint technicians in a contest against their peers from distributors across the GCC. The two-day activity consisted of a written test and rehearsal on the first day, followed by the main contest on the second day. The participating teams included guests from the other GCC distributors, namely MNSS (Kuwait), Saud Bahwan Automotive (Oman), Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. (Qatar), Abdul Latif Jameel (Saudi Arabia), and Al-Futtaim Motors (United Arab Emirates). The contest was attended by the UnderSecretary of the Ministry of Labour, Mr. Subah Al Salem Al Dossary, Japanese Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, H.E. Kiyoshi Asako, and officials from the General Directorate of Traffic. Also present were representatives of Kansai Paints and the Japan headquarters as well as the Bahrain Regional Office of Toyota Motor Corporation.
First 5 Ford Trucks delivered in Bahrain ord Trucks held a delivery and handing over ceremony of the first 5 Ford Trucks in Bahrain (4 to National Concrete Company and 1 to Almoayyed Contracting Group). The ceremony was held at Almoayyed Heavy Equipment Service Centre in the presence of Mr. Yousif Al Moayyed (Director
22 www.arabiamotors.co / DECEMBER 2016
- National Concrete company),Mr. M.T. Mathews (Director and CEO – Almoayyed Contracting Group), Mr. Sandeep Mathur (General Manager – Almoayyed Motors), Mr. ErcanEmrahDuman (International Markets Director - Ford trucks), Mr. Mustafa Caner Sinanoglu (MiddleEastManager - Ford Trucks Business Unit), along with the Sales and After Sales team.
MOTORING NEWS
Euro Motors Offers Instalment Options on the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport uro Motors, the exclusive retailer and distributor for luxury automotive manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover in the Kingdom of Bahrain, announced the introduction of instalment options on both the performance oriented Range Rover and the highly capable Range Rover Sport.
Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover now presents customers with the opportunity to avail the Range Rover for an initial deposit of BHD 6,999 and BHD 699 in 36 monthly instalments. The features of the offer also extend to covering the Range Rover Sport at an initial BHD 5,999 deposit and additional payments of BHD 599 for 36 months, with both vehicles being presented at guaranteed future values with options to own. Along with the exceptional payment scheme presented, the offers involve
guaranteed buyback options along with a trade-in option where customers can trade-in their existing vehicle and select a new vehicle, opting for the best finance deal suitable for them at the later stage. To complement the offers and make them altogether irresistible, Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover also includes with the purchase of the vehicles free service, maintenance, tyre replacement, insurance and registration as well, along with the provision of replacement vehicles during routine service, if required.
There is a New Lotus in Town! t’s called the Lotus Exige Sport 380, and it’s the fastest version of extreme the hardcore track car ever made. 0-62mphis dispatched in a mere 3.5 seconds and will go on to a top speed of 178mph, thanks to the mid-mounted V6 which now puts out 375bhp (a 30bhp bump). The Exige Sport 380 includes a new front splitter, rear spoiler and rear diffuser. Other weight-saving options including
24 www.arabiamotors.co / DECEMBER 2016
forged wheels drop the Exige’s kerb weight to a miniscule 1100kg. Downforce at the car’s top speed is 140kg. With no power steering, the Exige Sport 380 provides a pure track car feel on a road legal platform. There’s an option for both manual and automatic gearboxes, but we would go for the six-speed manual, which brings with it a beautifully crafted exposed gear linkage.
MOTORING NEWS
Infiniti Q50 Sports Sedan Launched
.K. Almoayyed & Sons, the exclusive distributor of Infiniti in the Kingdom of Bahrain held an exclusive press conference at Flavours, Downtown Rotana, to introduce the new 2017 INFINITI Q50 Sports Sedan. Leading the way is the new Q50 Red Sport 400, the performance-orientated version of the refreshed sports sedan. Its 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine with direct injection delivers 400hp and is the focal point of the power plant. Continuing the list of powertrain options, the number of Q50 trim levels is extended to four
for the sports sedan. An additional turbocharged V6 powertrain is also available for the Q50 with a 300hp output, included in the Q50 Sport. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged unit that produces 208hp is packaged in the standard Q50. Customers seeking a performance hybrid model will also be able to opt for the Q50 Blue Sport which combines a 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC aluminiumalloy V6 and a compact laminated lithium-ion battery with an innovative one-motor, two-clutch control. The hybrid system net power is 350 hp with a combined torque of 536 Nm, providing strong acceleration and lean fuel economy.
As standard, Q50 models equipped with the new 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine (300 hp) feature INFINITI’s new Rack Electronic Power Steering. Key technological enhancements include; Blind-Spot Warning with Intervention, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention with Active Lane Control, Back-up Collision Intervention with Cross Traffic Alert, Predictive Forward Collision Warning and Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection. The INFINITI Q50 Red Sport 3.0t 400 is available across the Middle East from BD 21,000, while the entry level Q50 2.0t is available from BD13,650.
Europacorp And Lexus Unveil 28th Century Spacecraft exus announced the formation of a creative partnership with film studio EuropaCorp. One of the early highlights of this collaboration will be the highly anticipated 2017 science fiction film, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, starring Cara Delevingne and Dane DeHaan. Lexus collaborated with the Valerian creative team, as they imagined and brought to life the vision for the SKYJET, a singleseat pursuit craft featured in the film. The Valerian team created the SKYJET with the ambition of featuring a vehicle grounded in reality but befitting of the Valerian world, set 700 years in the future. The creative team met with Lexus’ Chief Engineer, Takeaki Kato and the Lexus design team, to discuss incorporating believable, imaginative technologies and contemporary design cues into the final iteration of the SKYJET. The SKYJET design also incorporates an adapted interpretation of Lexus’ signature “spindle” grille, and a similar headlight design to that of the hotly anticipated 2018 Lexus LC coupe, defined by an athletic and aerodynamic shape. The brand is set to provide unique fan experiences over the next nine months, designed to bring enthusiasts from around the world closer to the action leading up to the film’s release in July 2017.
26 www.arabiamotors.co / DECEMBER 2016
MOTORING NEWS
Jaguar Electrifies With I-Pace Concept Car aguar has announced their latest addition to their line up, the I-PACE Concept car. The car is currently at the production preview stage, it’s slated to be revealed next year and on the road in select markets in 2018. Customers in select markets can register now at Jaguar.com to be one of the first I-PACE owners. The state-of-the-art electric motors and 90kWh lithium-ion battery pack were designed in-house by Jaguar Land Rover to give the best possible performance and range for most
daily journeys. Where ever you are in the world you can simply plug your car into a wall socket overnight, and have more than enough range to complete the average daily commute of around 50 km. For rapid charging, using a typical public 50 KW DC charging network, a full charge will take just over 2 hours. Enough to deliver more than 220 miles range (measured on the US EPA test cycle) or more than 500 km range(measured on the European NEDC test cycle). The I-PACE Concept transforms the electric
driving experience and offers the driverfocused performance and response for which Jaguar is renowned. To help deliver this, the I-PACE has electric motors on the front and rear axles. Their combined output is 400PS and 700Nm of torque – the same torque rating as the F-TYPE SVR. With 700Nm and the traction benefits of all-wheel drive, the I-PACE Concept accelerates from 0-60mph in around four seconds. The Concept made its first public physical appearance at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show last month.
Mclaren Automotive’s New Retail Partner for the Kingdom of Bahrain cLaren Automotive has enhanced its retail network in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America region with the appointment of Kanoo Motors S.P.C. as the retail partner for the Kingdom of Bahrain. McLaren Automotive Chief Executive Officer, Mike Flewitt and Kanoo Motors Directors, Ebrahim M. Kanoo and Talal F. Kanoo announced the appointment at the Bahrain International Circuit. Currently available from McLaren Bahrain is the Super Series, comprising the groundbreaking McLaren 650S in Coupé and Spider derivatives. Both models incorporate a range of Formula 1™ technologies such as carbon fibre MonoCell, active aerodynamics and the state-of-the-art ProActive Chassis Control, providing the ultimate control on both road and track. The McLaren range is completed with the Sports Series, conceived to introduce McLaren DNA and performance credentials to the sports car segment. The range includes the McLaren 570S Coupé and 570GT. Deliveries to customers in Bahrain of each derivative have now started and customers wishing to test drive a vehicle or book a service appointment will be able to visit the McLaren showroom at the World Trade Centre. 28 www.arabiamotors.co / DECEMBER 2016
MOTORING NEWS
470 HP Maserati V8 Engine is beating heart of Lazareth LM 847 Bike udovic Lazareth’s latest creation is an impressive feat of engineering in all aspects. The heart of this beast is certainly a talking point, the V8, 32-valve, 5.0-litre power plant. It produces an insane 470Hp and 457 lb-ft of torque, good for a burnout every time you dare go near the throttle. Handling this power is the responsibility of a single-speed gearbox with a hydraulic coupler and dual chain final drive, meaning zero to whatever the bonkers top speed will be without shifting gear. This mad motorcycle also features a complex TFX suspension system to keep it on-road, while the Michelin Power Cup Pro tyres provide grip. The task of stopping this behemoth bike is the responsibility of two perimeter Brembo rotors measuring 420mm in diameter, squeezed by 8-pot Nissin calipers in the front, while the rear uses two 255mm Brembo rotors and 4-pot calipers. Weighing in at a 400 KG, the power-toweight ratio is just as bonkers as the looks, a potentially good or bad thing for whoever decides to sling their leg over this beast.
30 www.arabiamotors.co / DECEMBER 2016
MOTORING NEWS
Jaguar Land Rover Wins Four at ArabWheels Awards 2016 uxury automotive manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover took home four top motoring awards at the second edition of the ArabWheels 2016 Awards, a ceremony held recently at the 5-star Meydan hotel. Nominated alongside its peers in the automotive industry, Jaguar Land Rover’s flagship models were recognised at the ArabWheels Awards 2016. The new Jaguar F-PACE took the ‘Best Compact Premium SUV’ award while the 322kph, all-weather supercar, the Jaguar F-TYPE SVR was recognised as the region’s ‘Best Premium Performance Coupe’. Land Rover got its own accolade for the world’s most luxurious and capable vehicle, taking ‘Best Full Size Premium SUV’ for the peerless Range Rover SVAutobiography. And the cars weren’t the only ones taking the spotlight, as Bruce Robertson, Managing Director Jaguar Land Rover MENA, was awarded ‘Managing Director of the Year’ for the second consecutive year, as an acknowledgement of his leadership in growing the business in a constantly changing landscape.
Genesis G90 Wins Prestigious Luxury Award
he Middle East’s newest luxury car, the Genesis G90, has won the prestigious Best Sedan Luxury Car of the Year Award at the exclusive EXCS Motor Show in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. With the award decided by a panel of top motoring journalists, the win is recognition of the G90’s levels of quality, engineering, technology and comfort, and coincides with the luxury brand’s launch into the Saudi Arabian market. Introduced to the Middle East market at a media launch in Dubai in September, the G90 is the flagship model for the Genesis brand. As 32 www.arabiamotors.co / DECEMBER 2016
well as offering elite standards of luxury, the large sedan leads the market in its use of the latest technical innovations, including advanced safety and driver assistance features developed as part of research into autonomous vehicles. The G90 offers a choice of three V6 and V8 engines, including an all-new twin-turbo option. The impressive G90 will be the top-of-the-range model for Genesis brand, and is the first in a planned range of cars. It is due to be followed by the more driver-focused G80 before the end of 2016. The compact G70 is planned for a 2017 launch, while two SUVs and a sports coupe are expected by 2020 to complete an enticing six-model line-up.
Unique Spherical Shaped Concept Tire
Goodyear has presented a vision of a future tire that looks radically different from tires today —it’s a sphere. Goodyear unveiled its latest concept tire, Eagle-360, at the Geneva International Motor Show. The spherical, 3-D printed tire highlights Goodyear’s vision for the future and presents an inspiring solution for the longterm future when autonomous driving is expected to be more mainstream. According to a recent study from Navigant Research, 85 million autonomous-capable vehicles are expected to be sold annually around the world by 2035, for example. According to the J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Tech Choice Study, consumers are most concerned with ensuring safety through technology in autonomous cars.
MOTORING NEWS
2016 EICMA Show Prototypes he 2016 EICMA show saw various manufacturers unveiling concept bikes. KTM, Honda and even a Husqavarna resurgence has us very excited for what is to come after these bikes get the green light and start rolling off the production line.
Dubai Announced as Final Destination for series one of The Grand Tour mazon has announced that after a year-long journey around the world, Dubai will be the final destination for the studio filming aspect of the new Amazon Original Series The Grand Tour, bringing the first series of the Prime exclusive show to a close. Having travelled around the globe, the show’s mobile studio - a giant tent – will be pitched at the base of the world’s tallest tower, The Burj Khalifa, located in the heart of Downtown Dubai. Jeremy, Richard and James have been travelling the world filming the first series of The Grand Tour in far-flung locations across the globe. The team has already taken the tent to Johannesburg, California, Whitby, Rotterdam and Lapland with Stuttgart, Scotland and Nashville.The Grand Tour, which has been shot in 4K Ultra High Definition, will launch on 18th November 2016 exclusively for Amazon Prime members, with new episodes releasing weekly for 12 weeks.
34 www.arabiamotors.co / DECEMBER 2016
MOTORING NEWS
McLaren Technology Appoint New Director
McLaren Technology Group is pleased to announce that Zak Brown has accepted the position of Executive Director, McLaren Technology Group, commencing on a soon-to-be-finalised date. Brown replaces legendary F1 BOSS Ron Dennis, who stepped down after pressure from fellow shareholders Bahraini Mumtalakat and Mansour Ojjeh’s TAG Group, who own a 50 and 25 percent share respectively. In this senior role, Zak’s appointment will be a significant part of a restructuring programme that will align the Group’s commercial and strategic operations relating to achieving success in Formula 1. Reporting directly to McLaren Technology Group’s Executive Committee, both Jonathan Neale (Chief Operating Officer) and Zak Brown (Executive Director) will jointly lead the businesses as part of the first step in the Group’s transition to a new and strengthened organisational structure. The process of identifying and recruiting a new Group Chief Executive Officer will continue.
Hyundai Unveils Glimpses of All-New Azera yundai has unveiled the first rendering of its All-new Azera. The newest bearer of a long-established signature sedan nameplate from Hyundai Motor. The sixth-generation Azera builds on its heritage while also standing out from its predecessors thanks to its futuristic looks. “The All-new Azera will be the latest in one of Hyundai’s most cherished model lines, tracing its origins to the first Hyundai Grandeur 30 years ago” said Mike Song, Hyundai’s Head of Operations for Africa and the Middle
East. “Yet like Hyundai as a company, this is a car that very clearly looks to the future and will define our brand in the years to come.” The Azera’s design represents a departure from its predecessor’s styling, while taking hints from previous Azera models to ensure it is still fundamentally recognizable as the newest generation of a distinct lineage. For those looking to purchase, the Azera will be available for purchase from Hyundai Motors in Korea within the next month, with sales in selected international markets to follow soon.
Superleggera Unveiled ucati have announced the official release of the Ducati 1299 Superleggera. During last month’s EICMA show in Milan, Ducati lifted the cover off of its most hardcore street bike to date. Complete with carbon fiber frame, wheels, and fairings, Ducati claim that this is the most technologically advanced production superbike ever to be manufactured. The 1299 Superleggera uses Ducati’s more oversquare 1285cc Superquadro engine, with 116 x 60.8mm bore and stroke and produces a crazy 215 hp at 11,000 rpm—10 more than the standard 1299 engine. Other revisions include an updated intake system with new, Superbike-derived air filter, throttle body opening and has been reshaped to be more aerodynamic.
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MOTORING NEWS
Stroll: To be racing in Formula 1 in 2017 is incredible ance Stroll – just like Max Verstappen before him – is a part of the new generation of teenage drivers being fast-tracked into Formula 1 thanks to impressive driving prowess and, in the case of the 18 year old Canadian, substantial backing which has resulted in a deal for him to drive for Williams in 2017. Stroll will start his Formula 1 rookie season in 2017 better prepared than most drivers since the days of unlimited testing over a decade ago. He has racked up massive mileage in a Williams run test programme, using a 2014-spec Williams FW36, to prepare him for his debut season. Stroll said of his big break, “To be racing in Formula One in 2017 is incredible, I can’t thank Williams enough for showing faith in my ability. Racing in F1 was something I dreamt about as a young kid. When I began karting seriously, F1 was then the ultimate goal and especially when I started racing cars in 2014.”
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T
he biggest change to the Q50 comes in terms of its power train. The maturing VQ-series that was used to power Q-50’s of the past has been replaced by a new beating heart. The engine in question? Infiniti’s all new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. The base model of the new Q50 power plant will provide 300 horsepower, while the highest output variant, dubbed the Red Sport, will be pushing 400 horses. Put that down to upgraded intercoolers and what Infiniti claim to be the highest rpm speed for any turbocharger on a production V6 engine. The improvements to the engine come not only in terms of its power output, but also boasts a much smoother driving experience, while turbo lag has been effectively nullified. The Red Sport also powers the Q50 to 60 mph in a time of 4.5 seconds, staving off other competitors in its segment in terms of speed. The cornering of the car is managed by Infiniti’s Direct Adaptive Steer, which is a simulatory system, meaning there is no actual tangible connection between the steering wheel and the rack. However, despite the lack of physical connection, the steering system provides the feel of a conventional electronically assisted setup when set to the more driver oriented sport settings. In comfort settings, the steering maintains sharpness but the sporty orientation is decreased marginally, meaning you don’t feel as if you have jumped into a completely different car while switching through the modes. While the entry-level model ticks all the right boxes, we would recommend the Red Sport for maximum bang-for-buck entertainment.
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INFINITI Q50 NEW CAR REVIEW
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16TH HOG MENA RALLY & 3RD HOG BAHRAIN RALLY EVENTS
Harley Owners Group® (H.O.G.®) Bahrain Chapter held the 16th HOG MENA Rally & 3rd HOG Bahrain Rally which took place last month. The event was held at the B.I.C and featured a huge group of Harley Davidson riders from all over the region as well as other bikers that joined in on the fun. The Rally concluded with a concert by former Guns N Roses guitarist Bumblefoot.
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“THE RALLY CONCLUDED WITH A CONCERT BY FO
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16TH HOG MENA RALLY & 3RD HOG BAHRAIN RALLY EVENTS
RMER GUNS N ROSES GUITARIST BUMBLEFOOT.”
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THE DANA MALL CAR SHOW ATTRACTS THE RIGHT CROWD ast month, Dana Mall hosted a car show that featured some amazing cars from JDM icons to Classic muscle cars and everything in-between. We took a walk around and snapped some photos of the best cars on offer, so sit back, relax, and enjoy ogling some amazing cars!
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BAHRAIN CAR SHOW EVENTS
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EVENTS BAHRAIN CAR SHOW
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“FROM JDM ICONS TO CLASSIC MUSCLE CARS AND EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN.”
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RANGE ROVER AUTOBIOGRAPHY REDBULL CAR PARK CONSUMER DRIFT REVIEW EVENTS
n an exhilarating and smoky showdown, Salman Abdulla was crowned Bahrain’s ‘King of Drift’ for the fifth time in a row at the Red Bull Car Park Drift Bahrain Qualifier, held in association with Bahrain International Circuit at their premises. As the top drifter, with 378 points, Abdulla will go on to represent Bahrain in front of a massive crowd at the Final hosted by Oman in December. The Bahrain Qualifier, back for the first time since 2013, showcased seven of the kingdom’s most skilled drifters as they battled it out at speed on the twists and turns of a challenging track. Red Bull Athlete and Rally Champion, Abdo Feghali designed the demanding track. Soon after being announced as the winner of every Red Bull Car Park Drift Bahrain Qualifier, Salman Abdulla said: “I plan to continue to win every Red Bull Car Park Drift in Bahrain!” He knows that that is no easy feat, though, as he noted, “The competition’s just come back from a hiatus, so I know the level of competition will be much stronger next year.” The reigning Bahraini champ plans to give it his all at the Red Bull Car Park Drift Regional Final in Oman.
Abdo Feghali at this year’s event
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“SEVEN OF THE KINGDOM’S MOST SKILLED DRIFTERS BATTLED IT OUT AT SPEED ON THE TWISTS AND TURNS OF A CHALLENGING TRACK.”
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REDBULL CAR PARK CONSUMER DRIFT REVIEW EVENTS
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BAHRAIN DRAG RACE CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS teve Jackson powered Bahrain1Racing to a resounding victory in the Pro Mod category to highlight a thrilling opening round in the 2016/2017 Bahrain Drag Racing Championship. The multi-titled American racer was making his highly anticipated debut in the national meeting held at Bahrain International Circuit’s (BIC) world-class quarter-mile drag strip. Jackson defeated Kuwaiti Bader Korshid in the final to claim first place in the ultra-competitive Pro Mod class. He had a blistering run of 3.824 seconds with a speed of 314.86kph in his Camaro while Korshid could only manage a 5.247s time after having car issues. In their first round elimination runs, Jackson beat countryman Gary White of E Kanoo Racing Team in the semi-finals while Korshid overcame Qatari Mahana Naemi. In the first round of eliminations, Jackson had gotten the better of Bahrain1Racing teammate Khaled Al Belooshi, whereas Korshid defeated popular lady drag racer Lizzy Musi of Al Anabi Racing Team. White had beaten Khalil Al Ansari to go through and Naemi beat Mustafa Al Atat.
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“YOU CAN FEEL THE TENSION IN YOUR BONES AS TWO THUNDEROUS V8 POWERED MONSTERS LINE UP AT THE TREE.”
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BAHRAIN DRAG RACE CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS
Jackson attributed his unexpected victory to the work ethic of his crew on Bahrain1Racing and their approach to the season, which they barely had time to get ready for. “I’ve been racing cars a long time and there’s a lot of times in racing where you feel like you’re behind the eight ball; we got here and we put this deal together really quickly so we had a lot of adversity in the beginning,” explained Jackson, who is more popularly known in the drag racing world as ‘Stevie Fast’. “But everybody on this team pulled together; everyone had a common goal, and it wasn’t even to win this first round, it was to do things properly, have sportsmanship and do the best we could so we could set ourselves up to do better over the course of the season. There are a lot of ways you can look at adversity; I look at it as an opportunity for greatness. So when our crew and I were told to just relax and have fun, that’s when it really fell together. We quit going out there and trying to outrun the other cars and we started racing our car. So, the feeling is as good as it gets in racing. Being in the winner’s circle with all the fans cheering you on, knowing that you’re representing them and their passion behind it, it’s an awesome win. I’m very glad we came to Bahrain to do this.” Jackson is just one of several legendary names in drag racing who are a part of the new season’s Pro Mod field, and he knows that winning in the first round doesn’t guarantee anything as the season goes on. “It was definitely there,” Jackson said of the high level of competition in the season-opener. “When you look at some of the times people were running, it’s not as fast as people will get. And by the next race, everyone will step it up. We will try to step up with them.” White and Lizzy Musi were both unlucky on Race Day as they both were unable to get the best out of their respective cars.
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“THE NOISE OF UNADULTERATED EXHAUST, TURBOS WHOOSHING, NITROUS PURGE SHOOTING WHITE STREAKS OF FLAMMABLE GAS INTO THE AIR LIKE DRAGON’S BREATH.”
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BAHRAIN DRAG RACE CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS
White said: “It’s nothing to hang our heads about. We got put out in the semis, so that’s not a bad day. We’ll make some changes in the next few weeks and get a few things refined. We’re very close to where we want to be.” Lizzy, who has made history as the first-ever lady driver in the Pro Mod class in the Bahrain championship commented: “The car used to go down the track with no problems. Hopefully we can do some testing and see what this car wants.” Elsewhere in the first round, White made up for his Pro Mod loss by taking the Outlaw 6-Cylinder class over Yousif Al Zayani; while E Kanoo Racing teammate Khaled Mohammed followed suit with a big win over Turki Al Humedi in the Super Street V8 class. In the other categories, Mohammed Al Jalahma won the Street 4 and 6 after beating Jamil Ebrahim Hilal; Zakaria Al Kohajee clinched the Outlaw Front-Wheel-Drive victory after beating Mohamed Mubarak; Hamad Al Murbati won the Super Street 6-Cylinder following a final win over Nawaf Ahmed; Hayabusa and Mohamed lifts off Sulyman won the Street V8 after beating Salah Salahuddin. Mohamed Busayloom won the Competition 4.5 category after beating Hisham Al Mulla in the final and Duaij Al Fahad Al Sabah won the Outlaw 10.5 after beating Yousuf Mohammed Al Ali. Suliman Dawood beat Saleh Janahi in the Index 10.5 class; Ali Abdulla Mohammed defeated Mohamed Al Dosari for first place in the Index 9.5 category; and Hussain Hassan beat Abdulla Ali to win the Index 8.5. In the four bikes categories, Bader Bin Edan defeated Masfer Almasfer to win the Street Bike class, Mshari Al Turki beat Masfer Almasfer to claim the Super Street Bike, Mashal Al Sabor overcame Mohamed Al Darwesh to win the Pro Bike category, and Mohamed Mater defeated Danel Natale to claim the Index Bike 9.50. More than 130 participants in the various cars and bikes categories took part in round one. At the end of the action, the winners were presented their respective trophies by BIC Chief Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa alongside officials from the Bahrain Drag Racing Club.
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WEC 6-HOURS OF BAHRAIN EVENTS
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WEC 6-HOURS OF BAHRAIN EVENTS
he WEC 6 hours of Bahrain was held at the Bahrain international circuit last month. The fun and festivities were held as part of the Bahrain Motorsport Festival that featured various different events and races happening across a actionpacked 3 day weekend. The weekend also held special significance for a couple of different reasons, ones that would send ripples through the world of motorsports. Firstly, major player and championship winning team Audi stepped into the ring one last time before they permanently hang up their boots, and secondly an F1 icon and huge name in motorsport, Mark Webber, marked his last race as a professional driver at the Bahrain International Circuit. We were lucky enough to sit down with the man who has fought to more than 50 accumulative podium finishes in the world of endurance racing and Formula 1 and get his thoughts on his illustrious career and where he will go from here.
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“WE WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO SIT DOWN WITH THE MAN WHO HA
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S FOUGHT TO MORE THAN 50 ACCUMULATIVE PODIUM FINISHES.”
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MARK WEBBER INTERVIEW
What are your thoughts with this being your last race?
Its incredible how much you focus on the job, you’ve got a job to do, and you want to finish with a really nice result, its important to try and win the race if you can. For my teammates obviously I have an immense amount of respect and the three of us want to go out on the biggest high that we possibly can, which is to pull all the potential out of the car. I think it will hit home gradually that it really is over and also with the guys who will go testing, as they will go testing in the next couple of months and I won’t be involved, so that is a reality that will sink in. I’ve had a good run, life goes fast and I wan’t to have the next part of my life not so focused on driving round in circles (laughs).
What’s next for you?
I’m going to be a Porsche consultant and special representative which I’m really looking forward to. From the motorsport side I’ll be involved with all facets of Porsche’s sports car business, which is great because only two of us (racers) have had that role, which makes it a special and distinguished role and Porsche have given me the reins, so I’m very thankful to have that. I will also continue to work with Redbull and F1 tv; work with a little bit of punditry, and some fun. Even I don’t know all the drivers now, I mean it all changes so quickly, all my old mates are leaving as well so, Felipe (Massa), JB ( Jenson Button) and all those boys... so its going to be a different scene. We’ve now got Max (Verstappen) and Daniel (Ricciardo), some great talent coming through. Yeah, watch this space.
Looking back, what have you found to be the most difficult part of your transition from F1 to the WEC?
I think in Formula 1 everything moves very fast. Here (in the WEC) only because of the regulations you can’t be that aggressive with the design of the car because it has to be very safe and durable. To do the Le Mans 24 hour you have to run a 35 hour simulation, you have to have a car that is very strong and tough and that takes, sometimes, a whole year to get all the components married together. When you start to play with one ingredient you can undo the whole recipe, so you have to be very stable. In Formula 1 you have the luxury of being able to be a bit more aggressive with this aspect. Of course sharing the car with your team mates is also a big change, but at this age I love it, at 25 maybe I wouldn’t love it so much because you have more of an ego as a younger man. But as you get older that tends to dissipate. So I’m a lot more loving now.
What do you like most about the Bahrain International Circuit? Definitely the weather. (laughs)
What is your favourite track? Suzuka, Japan.
Last year you finished as a world champion, this year you were not as fortunate. Where do you think it went wrong for your team?
Probably Le Mans. Obviously the non-finish there, we were leading the race and had a water pump failure, which cost us two races because it’s double points. Since then we have lead the most laps and we have won the most races, we’ve been the dominant car, but if you miss the double points in one race it is very hard to get them back. In the end we’re very proud of what we achieved, we controlled what we could control and when you look at our performance we are very happy with it this year. We like to think that we have defended the world title very well and are probably still the benchmark car. Touch wood, to be honest! If we got the points at Le Mans, even a non-podium finish, we would have gotten twenty or thirty points, which would have been nice to have. We are allowed one mistake from the driver’s side each year, which was Brendon at Silverstone, but the Le Mans mistake was a costly one.
Once you’re done will you miss the stress of competition?
(Laughs) Yeah I think the first part I won’t miss! But the second part I definitely will miss. The competition I will miss. I mean can I do this until I’m 75? Realistically, no, but I would have liked to. I mean I’ve had so much joy out of this sport and I’ve worked with so many incredible people, I’ve learnt more about myself than I would have ever done by not competing in this sport as a complete person away from the track. The competition will be hard to replace, I’ll still be doing some bike racing and other activities where I can get the adrenaline pumping, and the expectation and accountability to yourself. It’s completely normal for any sports man or woman who has been exposed to the high levels of responsibility, expectation and performance that when its over you have to have a reality check on how to move forwards. It’ll take some adjusting, and I’ll miss the camaraderie too, I have a lot of friends here, and of course I’ll still get to see these people but the balance and timing is perfect, I have a great feeling about what is around the corner for me. DECEMBER 2016 / www.arabiamotors.co 67
THE ALL-NEW TIGUAN SHOWS ITS TEETH!
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VW TIGUAN CONSUMER REVIEW
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VW TIGUAN CONSUMER REVIEW
“Compared to the first generation model, the new Tiguan certainly stands out in a lot of aspects.”
he Tiguan’s name (pronounced TEE-gwan) is a portmanteau of the German words ‘Tiger’, which funnily enough means Tiger, and ‘Leguan’, which translates to iguana. The idea came from a naming contest conducted by Autobild magazine. This creatively named German compact crossover is currently in its second generation, and we’ve gotten our hands on it this month to put it through the paces.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Compared to the first generation model, the new Tiguan certainly stands out in a lot of aspects. It has always been a good looking car, but the 2017 model comes looking longer and lower, equating to some improvements to the interior that we will discuss later on. Also new to the Tiguan are the sharp looking daytime running lights which feature LEDs, set in the newly designed LED headlights. The rear brake lights have also been heavily revised and are one of the best looking features on the car, thanks to a protrusive, angular design and carefully thought out lines. They also serve as a safety feature which help improve the visibility of the car by day or night. While the SEL trim level car we took out for a spin is perfect for those who want a compact crossover that stands out, the R-line adds additionally, but not comprehensively, features such as bumper and sill extensions, a body colored rear spoiler and brushed stainless steel pedals to add a sporty feel to the car.
WHAT IS IT LIKE ON THE INSIDE?
The inside of the car has received just as much of a revision as the outside has when compared to the second generation model. At the heart of the interiors ergonomic design, you’ll find the new centre console, which has been angled towards the driver, providing an intuitive and easy to access layout. Prominently featured on the aforementioned centre console is the new 4MOTION active control system, which allows you to choose from four custom designed driving profiles for on-road and off-road driving and an array of different weather situations. While not a new addition to the Tiguan, a very welcome feature is the car’s panoramic sliding/tilting glass roof, which creates a great ambience in the car and spans almost the entire ceiling, creating great views above for both front and rear seat passengers. The interior of the new Tiguan also has ambient
lighting which can be adjusted from the infotainment system and the ‘ Air Care Climatronic’ air conditioning system, featuring three zone temperature control and an allergen filter. Also featured on the Tiguan is a high-resolution touchscreen which displays the navigation system, apps and connectivity functions and the ‘DYNAUDIO Excite Surround’ sound system, which features an impressive 8 speakers with a total 400 watt output and a digital ten channel amplifier, which provides crisp, clean audio. Once you’ve got your tunes sorted and have input your destination into the navigation system, you can activate the new head-up display, which pops out of the dashboard, and can get your navigation directions and speed safely within the drivers field of vision, so you never have to take your eyes off the road. Also designed to provide you with all the information you might need at your disposal is the new high-resolution ‘Active Info Display’, measuring 12 inches across; Whether you want to check the rev counter, speedometer, mileage recorder or your route. This display also allows great customisation as it allows you to put the focus on your favourite functions and display them accordingly. For example, selecting the navigation mode will move the speedometer and rev counter to the edge of the screen, making more space for the map display. Expect to see a lot more of this intuitive and useful feature as well; The ‘Active Info Display’ has been spotted on the yet unreleased MK8 Golf and is likely to feature across the Volkswagen product range.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The Tiguan is quite the versatile vehicle when it comes to getting around. Short of dune-bashing and cliff climbing, it is quite capable off the road and very capable on. During the day we spent with it, it performed well as a quiet, comfortable cruiser, providing ample space to carry equipment in between photoshoots, and never felt out of its comfort zone. The engine on the SEL spec which we drove is a 2.0 litre TSI, which has 180 hp managed by an ultra smooth seven speed dual-clutch gearbox. While, as previously mentioned, the car always felt capable, for those of you who like that extra bit of oomph when your right foot starts to feel heavy, we would recommend the Tiguan in 2.0 litre Sport trim, which adds an extra 40 Hp bringing it up to a tidy 220 hp.
THE VERDICT;
This hybrid tiger-iguana/compact-crossover certainly does the part and then some. Like the animals it is named after, its proved to be a carnivore capable of eating up those miles, while its as cool and composed as a cold-blooded Iguana soaking up the sun when it comes to meeting your everyday needs, with plenty of space, comfort and tech to keep you entertained. The takeaway is that the Tiguan is about as versatile as you would need a car to be, while adding renowned German fit and finish and a reasonable price-point to boot! Thankfully, no large wild cats or scaly reptiles come as part of the package. DECEMBER 2016 / www.arabiamotors.co 71
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MERCEDES E-CLASS CONSUMER REVIEW
THE E STANDS FOR EFFORTLESS!
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CONSUMER REVIEW MERCEDES E-CLASS he Mercedes E-class has been around since 1993 and has seen been a host to a plethora of updating throughout its 23 year existence, but we would wager to say that the latest E-class sits not only in the present, but further ahead thanks to the exciting and innovative technological features new for 2017. WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
As with many car manufacturers in this day and age, there is a certain similarity that runs throughout the entire range. This is not a bad thing, especially when talking about Mercedes, as the whole range from the AMG GT to the A-Class all share distinctive and handsome styling features all complimented by the three-spoked star fascia on the grille. The E-300 primary function is not to a performance car and as such the design reflects it, with the E-Class focusing more on comfort, technology and safety. The design of the car looks slick and smooth, with flowing lines and beautiful curves, complemented by the design of the LED headlights tying it all together into one classy package.
WHAT IS IT LIKE ON THE INSIDE?
The interior of the E-Class consists of top notch German fit and finish, with soft leather and trim we especially liked in the form of brushed metal running along the dashboard. The seats are incredibly comfortable and would probably put some orthopaedic desk chairs to shame. The car also has a feature that we found added a perfect personal touch to the car, which came in the form of the all-new ambient lighting system, with 64 individual colours to choose from, providing the driver with so many customisation options and a cabin that can be altered to suit both their mood and taste.
The traditional way of controlling the features on older E-Class cars was the touchpad that sat on the centre console. But with the new E-Class, that has given way to highly intuitive trackpads placed on the steering wheel, allowing the driver a distraction free method of selecting from various different functions, including, but not limited to, media functions, navigation and performance information. Also new for the 2017 E-Class is the beautiful 12.3 inch command online display screen, which is considered part of the cockpit view. It provides the ability to change the layout of your gauges based on your preference, with a customisation option that would surely suit anyone thanks to different displays. Those who like a simplified view of just the speedometer and tachometer, you can always go for the classic look reminiscent of the traditional dash. For the teched-up lot who prefer to have all the information at their fingertips, such as what sound system setting you are on and a map display that provides directional input as part of the digital instrument cluster, one can always opt for the progressive look. Also new for the digital information cluster is the assistance graphics function, which is effectively a very clever form of lane keeping assistance and blind spot detection, while the autonomous features can be further enhanced by the ‘ Driving Assistance Package’. This option provides you with self autonomous driving and braking features, along with active blind spot assistance which will actually keep you in a lane, rather than merely alerting you when the car is veering out.
PARALLEL PARKS AT A CLICK
Another feature that makes the E-Class a serious competitor in its segment is the automatic parking, which operates as a parking pilot, effectively parking the car by itself. Just flick your indicator in the direction that you would like to park in, press the parking spot finder and the car will begin to scan for spaces as you drive along, notifying you instantly when a space has been spotted. Once you have selected your spot, you are provided with the option to drive into the space nose first, or to reverse into it. After making your selection, there is no input you need to provide the car for it to position itself in the space and come to a stop. Having said that Mercedes-Benz always recommend you keep your foot by the brake!
“WE REALLY ENJOYED OURSELVES DRIVING AROUND IN THE NEW E-CLASS, IN TERMS OF BOTH THE CONVENTIONAL DRIVING AND EXPLORING ALL THE TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS THE CAR HAD TO OFFER.”
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WHAT IS IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The car we drove was powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0 litre inline-4 engine, producing 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Power is managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission with a manual shifting mode. With this combination of engine and gearbox, the power at our disposal always felt incredibly linear and smooth, with the nine different speeds managing to perfectly distribute power to ensue the car never felt laboured or jerky. It operated perfectly in all on-road situations from start stop traffic to long drives along the highways on unobstructed roads, and never felt large or cumbersome. All in all, it offers sufficient power to be a daily driver with comforts pulled straight out off the grand S-class. Its evident where Merc wants to go with this range - and also the other smaller ones too - as it tries to bolster all its lines with opulence and extravagance. It wants its customers to note, that although they couldn’t afford the S-Class’s first class cabin, they still have the next best thing in business, albeit with a little less leg room and thankfully the airline isn’t Lufthansa ... it’s Emirates all the way!
THE VERDICT;
We really enjoyed ourselves driving around in the new E-Class, in terms of both the conventional driving and exploring all the technological advancements the car had to offer. It will take a little bit of time to look through all the customisable options the car has to offer, but once you do, you can be sure that you will have a driving experience that will keep you coming back for more. Its all about bringing your fantasy, cosy living room into a car and then driving to work in it. Seriously, how can you decline that? DECEMBER 2016 / www.arabiamotors.co 75
The Ghost series II will have you floating like nothing else 76 www.arabiamotors.co / DECEMBER 2016
GHOST SERIES II CONSUMER REVIEW
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hen you think of luxury car brands, what springs to mind will probably be Bentley, BMW, Mercedes and so forth. But if we asked you, what is the most luxurious car brand on the market, chances are the answer will be; Rolls-Royce! Whereas the Phantom is designed for the most luxurious way to get from point A to B, the Ghost aims to inject some dynamism into the drive, while maintaining the unmistakable Rolls-Royce grandeur. For this months issue, we review the Series II while talking about some of the enhancements that the Ghost has received.
How does it look?
Rolls-Royce have a phrase that they have used to coin the Ghost, ‘ The power of simplicity’. The most identifiable feature of a Rolls-Royce has always been the grille flying the timeless Spirit of Ecstasy, and the Ghost has foregone the traditional pantheon facia favoured on the Phantom’s stately design in favour of a sleeker appearance to grace the face of the Ghost. The second series Ghost also receives re-sculpted headlights, with daytime running lights unmistakable for those of any other brand. The bumper has also been revised from the original Ghost to present a stronger stance and an imposition of width and height, while the front air intakes have been redesigned for both form and function, the inclusion of chrome inserts designed to channel air to brakes.
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The look of the car is akin to a high end yacht flowing along the tarmac, with a a long bonnet, sleek body and powerful flanks a nod to the cars zeal. These features, coupled with the optional 21’ wheels are all indicative of a modern and contemporary execution of a Rolls-Royce.
What’s it like on the inside?
Getting in the Ghost is always a breeze and quiet literally, because you always find yourself in a hurry to settle in and drive off. But hold on! Things have changed in here since our last visit. For starters the seats for the Series II have been redesigned, with electronically adjustable thigh supports for front seat passengers - with massive thighs - get a whole lot of bolstering courtesy of the new seat structure. Revised rear seat design allows for a comfortable place to conduct business as the seats are slightly angled towards each other to allow for the ability to converse in a comfortable seating configuration. Should you chose to forego a business meeting on the move, the Ghost can also cater to your needs with the lounge seat configuration allowing the seats to be reclined, perfect for after a long day of choosing what private island would best suit your vacation requirements. The seats are available with three-level heating or cooling as standard with the optional massage function. All thats missing is a butler popping out of the glove box and serving you steak. Sitting in the front seats, you can fully admire the layout and craftsmanship on offer. The instrument dials and clock have been revised from the original Ghost, receiving subtle enhancements. The individually applied polished metal chaplets around the dials are designed to reminiscent precision designing of hand-made yesteryear, luxury wrist watches, whilst the matte chrome centres ‘float’ in the middle of each instrument. In 2016, the famous Spirit of Ecstasy figurine celebrates her 105th birthday. In order to celebrate this, she not only adorns the bonnet but is also reproduced within Ghost Series II’s cabin, below the crystal glass surface of the new rotary controller. In typical Rolls-Royce fashion, the Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller is used as a touch pad as opposed to having a more common touch screen, the reason being that Rolls Royce want to avoid any fingerprint marks at eye level. The rotary controller features the ability to write characters by finger, as well as functioning
GHOST SERIES II CONSUMER REVIEW as a conventional scroller by turning the chrome dial and pressing down to select its functions. The Rotary Controller’s touch pad also works the same way a smartphone should you decide to zoom in or out. This of course would be very handy when toying about the navigation system. Usually, when we discuss the sound system of a car, we take it for a test drive, we talk about the wattage of the system, how many speakers there are, the clarity of the sound and who the manufacturer partnered/ collaborated with for it. With the Rolls Royce Ghost, we have to do things a bit differently. The Ghost’s audio system is tuned by Rolls-Royce’s own audio engineers, also being the most exhaustively designed automotive audio system ever developed. Heavy emphasis was placed on acoustic balance and performance of the car, so much so, that the audio engineers at the factory were consulted throughout the design process about the repercussions of any and all changes to the vehicle, something previously unheard of in the automotive industry. The system utilises a highly sensitive microphone to constantly monitor ambient exterior noise, subtly adjusting the volume and tone settings accordingly to ensure the system delivers consistent performance. The technology complements this, with frequency and phase correction for individual speakers eliminating potential loud and dead spots caused by outside influences. The sound system is composed of Eighteen individually-tuned speakers, with both theatre and studio settings. Two bass speakers located in the boot work in conjunction with seven speakers meticulously placed throughout the car. Two ‘exciter’ speakers in the roof-lining are designed to bring the sound to passengers ear level.
What’s it like to drive?
In terms of the drive, the Rolls-Royce Ghost series II has everything you might even consider worrying about already thought about, sorted out and wrapped in a bow. Just to emphasise to what extent we mean this, I’ll refer to the transmission. While an eight-speed gearbox isn’t the most common transmission on the market, there are still several different manufacturers that utilise them. They are great for smooth driving and distributing power all across the rpm range. The pièce de résistance on Rolls-Royce’s, however, is that it is a satellite aided transmission. This means that the Transmission utilises GPS data to allow the car to see beyond what the driver sees, anticipating their next move based on
“THE GHOST AIMS TO INJECT SOME DYNAMISM INTO THE DRIVE, WHILE MAINTAINING THE UNMISTAKABLE ROLLSROYCE GRANDEUR.”
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“IN TERMS OF THE DRIVE, THE ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST SERIES II HAS EVERYTHING YOU MIGHT EVEN CONSIDER WORRYING ABOUT ALREADY THOUGHT ABOUT, SORTED OUT AND WRAPPED IN A BOW.”
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GHOST SERIES II CONSUMER REVIEW location and driving style. It uses this information to select the most appropriate gear from the Ghost Series II’s 8-speed ZF gearbox to ensure the driver is able to appropriately exploit the power from the Rolls-Royce 6.6 liter twin-turbo V12. It has the right gear ready before you even get near where you might need it, and the satellite aided transmission comes as standard on all Ghost Series II cars.
SEE WHAT I MEAN?
New features on the Series II also include LED lighting technology. Electronically controlled reflectors move in the direction of the steering-wheel turn to increase your field of vision. As a reader based in the Middle East, you may also be familiar with driving along and suddenly being blinded by another motorists inconsiderate use of their full-beam headlights, or cars having their headlights fitted with aftermarket reflectors not designed for the bulbs they use, effectively scorching the retinas of those they drive past. The Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II provides you with the ability to have powerful high-beam headlights and use them too. The automatic dipping of the previous Ghost has been replaced with revolutionary new glare-free technology. When a car approaches, light is deflected to ensure the oncoming driver is not left wondering whether they have lost their eyesight, allowing Ghost Series II drivers to enjoy the safety benefits of constant full-beam visibility while being considerate to other motorists.. The Ghost also represents Rolls-Royce’s pursuit of a more spirited drive, combining driving dynamics and the hallmark Rolls-Royce comfort. The Ghost Series II customers can specify a Dynamic Driving Package that provides Re-designed front and rear struts married to new steering gear and adjusted dampers. The aim of this package is to significantly increase Ghost Series II’s cornering ability, while the thicker steering-wheel is designed to provide enhanced feedback. With or without the dynamic driving package, however, ride quality and rear stability has been enhanced thanks to new rear hydraulic axle bearings, which are available on any specification.
TO SUM IT UP
After reading the praises we’ve heaped on the series II Ghost, you might think that all of these features are well and good but at the end of the day, it won’t drop you off directly to your desk on a rainy day, and you’d be right, it won’t. It does however come with two umbrellas placed inside each individual front passenger door which pop out at the touch of a button. Like I said, the Ghost has you covered. So would we recommend you to buy one? If you ever won the lotto or robbed a bank? Yes most certainly. Why? Because it is the perfect accessory to have when the driver has taken a day off. This is the car you or the missus can slip into tight parking spaces. It is the miniature version of the behemoth Phantom! In the same way Mini-Me is to Doctor Evil. It maintains all the poise and panache of its elder brother and comes from the same company that refers to driving a Rolls as “wafting” and automobiles as “motor cars”. What we are trying to get across is that you cannot call the Ghost as the poor man’s Rolls anymore... ever...instead you can wake up to reality and understand that this is here is a wealthy one’s personalised accessory. Pick up the black card and get one now!
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A DAILY DRIVE FERRARI... IS THERE SUCH A THING? WELL APPARENTLY NOW THERE IS!
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FERRARI GTC4 LUSSO COVER STORY
he rumour mill is always churning on about Ferrari doing the unthinkable and putting out a passenger 4x4, keeping in line with the current “monkey see - monkey do” trend of the auto industry. Thankfully Maranello’’s interpretation of that thought transcended first onto the FF and now into the all-new GTC4 Lusso - a vehicle that truly stands out in a league of its own. Classy, elegant and ferociously fast, this is the world’s ultimate Grand Touring sports coupe. We find out why... DECEMBER 2016 / www.arabiamotors.co 83
One of my favorite things in life is taking my six-year old daughter for a drive in every car I test drive. I mean, as a little person her comments are certainly very honest and straight to the point, sometimes even opening my eyes to the practicalities I miss out on. For example, “this car is too loud dad” or “I can’t hear myself sing” and “the seats are not as comfy as...” if you get the drift? Now obviously, when I get a two seater coupe our drive time is limited to just a few quick spins around the block with Taylor Swift or Selena Gomez blaring out of the stereo. And I don’t really like that... both of the latter and especially the former! I love sharing my experiences with her whether its the Ferrari, the Mclaren or the Porsche, but the front seat is no place for a child, hence cruise time gets limited, that is…
ENTER THE GTC4 LUSSO
I have been a sucker for hatchbacks...all my life. So to me, the whole “shooting brake” (aka station wagon, hatchback or estate) concept has always been a jaw-dropping proposition. Of course there are exceptions to that rule, when we start talking about Subarus, Toyota Yaris or some Chinese made obscenity that have flooded the market of late. Point being, I have always in love with the Ferrari FF... since its launch. To me the FF (four seats, four wheel drive) is a gentleman’s steed. You get plenty of room, dapper interior and decent luggage space to keep all your boxes... just in case you get fired... or the missus finds out about your other squeeze. But besides the afore mentions, it offered a thumping Ferrari V12 engine upfront, a Ferrari gearbox and a glorious Ferrari exhaust note. It was the ultimate Grand Tourer in my books, and my personal favorite from the existing range. So imagine my surprise when people chose to bypass it either due to its looks or simply because they found it too large to track. Either way, Ferrari hit the refresh button earlier this year and came out with this updated, smarter looking and slick driving GTC4Lusso. Alright, the name is a bit clunky but it’s been soaked in classic Ferrari heritage. The GTC4 was bagged from the roomier and spacious variant of the 1970’s Daytona, while Lusso was the designation given to the less flashy but super classy, drop-dead gorgeous (1963-64) 250GT . Yes! It is amazing how the Italians can just pick up the archives and splice off names/designs for all their new products. Only exception to the rule being La Ferrari (still hate that name!)
IS IT A FACELIFT?
The answer to that is no. Facelifts are the industry standard for adding shine to a product that has started softening up on sales. Ferrari doesn’t do that. Ferrari goes through a “modificato” process that ensures its road cars stay abreast with the fast paced developments at the company’s R&D shop. And that’s 84 www.arabiamotors.co / DECEMBER 2016
FERRARI GTC4 LUSSO COVER STORY
“A FERRARI CAN’T GROWL... IT NEEDS TO SCREAM AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT THE 6.3-LITRE V12 DOES WHEN IT’S HAMMERED.”
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COVER STORY
FERRARI GTC4 LUSSO
“ON THE OPEN ROADS AND LARGER SWEEPING CURVES THE FERRARI LUSSO IS CLEARLY IN ITS ELEMENT WITH ITS BIG ENGINE HOWLING AND PLENTY OF GRIP AND POWER BOTH ON HAND AND FOOT.”
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exactly what the new Lusso is all about. The GTC4 offers a plethora of improvements which not only make it faster, lighter and roomier but also adds for the first time ever...four wheel steering. I guess, this was done for specifically for those of you who questioned the FF’s handling prowess - being such a large car. But more on that a little bit later.
THAT INTERIOR
It’s awesome... that’s the only way I can describe it. There is a new dash design which incorporates a ten-inch screen and an upgraded LCD passenger display just above the glove box. This will not only keep your passenger fascinated with the speeds your driving at, but also allows them to fiddle around with extras such as making phonecalls, controlling music or adjusting the satnav. The new infotainment processor is about eight times faster than the last, which means displays switch over in micro-seconds and you certainly need that in this car, so you can look out for speed cams. The quality of leather and metal used is peerless. The entire interior has been given a re-fit albeit with a smaller but grippier steering wheel. There are four new seats developed with partner Poltrona Frau which have got a retro 70s vibe to them. They are comfy in a very un-Ferrari-esque kind of way, and even if you’re not sitting in them, they are just amazing to look at. The Lusso may be only millimeters bigger but the cabin feels a lot roomier than that. The panoramic glass roof option only further adds to the airy and luxurious ambience of the car. I was ecstatic as my daughter got into the rear seat and sat there comfortably enjoying the
ride. No words spoken is always a great sign at that age. It would be safe to say that average sized adults can travel quite comfortably in the back of this car, no issues at all.
REDRAWN OR RESTYLED?
It looks big on the outside too, and sure enough the changes to the exterior have altered the proportions. The new gills or fins behind the front wheels help visually shorten the long nose, while the rear haunches are curvier, giving the car more width in terms of stance. Overall the rear end with its bracketed top and integrated spoiler with the round protruding lights looks really cool. I mean don’t get me wrong, I love the front end of this car... but in all honesty, this is probably the first car on the planet I would purchase based on its behind. Aesthetically you can see it looks a lot more chiseled than its predecessor. Although I loved the FF, but it looked a lot more straightish. In my humble opinion there was something quite not right from the B-pillar on and the “modificato” process has rectified it. This here is the finished product and it resonates that sentiment through the driving dynamics of the Lusso. It feels more broad shouldered through the turns and stubbier when stationary. If you like cigars then consider this a ‘churchill’ that finishes off as a ‘robusto’.
THE PERFORMANCE
I know it might sound clichéd but there is nothing like the sound of a naturally aspirated V8 or V12. So when Maranello started toying with the twin-turboed V8s, I wasn’t too
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pleased, not from the aspect of output, but more so from the sound. A Ferrari high note should never end as a growl... it can start off with one but it must finish off with a scream! And that is exactly what the GTC4’s 6.3-litre V12 does when hammered. Forced induction might have been introduced if the GTC4 had rivals from a performance aspect, but luckily it does not! You might think Bentley, Aston, AMG S-Coupe or Wraith, but ever tried sitting in the back of one of those? Or say...doing a time-attack challenge in a Wraith? Nothing comes close to the driving ethos of the Lusso and there is literally nothing around the corner either. As a result the GTC4 is not inclined to adhere to segment benchmarks or slap on turbo chargers or blowers in the quest for more HP. However, improvements have been made to output but through the use of conventional machinery and tools. The old car made 651bhp, the new one makes 681bhp. Compression ratio has been raised, the piston design has changed, there’s now multi-spark ignition and as a result, power has climbed up by 30bhp. With further tweaks to the gearbox and traction software the GTC4 knocks of 0.3 secs from the FF, delivering 62mph in just 3.4secs. Top speed is 208mph.
HORSE WITH CLAWS
In typical Ferrari fashion the spec sheet handed to me was jampacked with acronyms. But the one that really stuck out first was
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the 4RM-S, which controls the new four-wheel drive and fourwheel steering system. This is the same system that made its debut on the limited edition F12 TDF, making the Lusso an even more special proposition. Anyways, the afore mentioned system works in tandem with the SSC4, SCM-E and E-Diff (in order: side slip control, adaptive damping and electronic differential), and I’m only bringing these up to show you the complexity and integration of the various systems that keep the GTC4 pointing in the desired direction. The four-wheel steering really does make the Lusso feel more agile than the FF. It is a bit lighter (by about 60kg in total), which helps with direction changes, but this system, which is almost entirely unobtrusive, makes the GTC4 sharper into corners (when the back wheels turn in the opposite direction to the fronts) and gives it a more attacking, willing demeanor. You feel more confident once you realise you can overtake or change directions mid-curve especially in a car that’s this big and heavy. Quite frankly the Lusso does a far better job of controlling its weight on bends and turns than I expected. On the open roads and larger sweeping curves it’s clearly in its element with the big engine howling and plenty of grip and power both on hand and foot. But the best part is when you get the power on, feel all four wheels work the last part of a winding curve, and then the V12
FERRARI GTC4 LUSSO COVER STORY propels you out and on to the straight. It is quiet torquey at the bottom end (80 per cent at 1750rpm Ferrari claims, although it doesn’t feel quite that strong), but forget about that, because it’s what happens higher up that counts.
ONE OF A KIND
Yes it truly is. Because Ferrari’s usually tend to focus more on their front row occupants and performance rather than excess baggage...or any baggage for that matter. The FF was therefore a welcome break from routine and a proper car with all the mannerisms synonymous with the famed prancing horse insignia. Therefore the Lusso has turned out to be a step above its predecessor gaining a whole lot more, while losing none of its original dynamism, especially that stratospheric V12. Its an expensive car, but I can’t think of anything as exclusive, sophisticated, elegant and sporty to carry four people, while staying true its brand values, like the GTC4 has. And given that the company has said it will never go down the route of producing an SUV (and thankfully so) enthusiasts looking for a ‘non-Ferrari’ to use as a daily driver have had their prayers answered. To put it simply, there is nothing quiet like it out there... not at least until the next “modificato” on this offering is due.
THE GTC4 BORROWS FROM THE ROOMIER AND SPACIOUS VARIANT OF THE 1970’S DAYTONA WHILE LUSSO WAS THE DESIGNATION GIVEN TO THE LESS FLASHY BUT SUPER CLASSY, DROPDEAD GORGEOUS 1963-64 250GT.”
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It is always fantastic to see Bahrain being represented in motorsport, and even more so when you have a team to support at the next BDRC event in the form of a Bahraini BMW drag-bike team! With such a dream team being put together, we had to get a firsthand look at the process behind the bikes as well as getting to hear what the founder of team MSK Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman Al-Khalifa had to say.
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MSK RACING FEATURE
How did the idea start to form this drag racing team?
Well the idea came from me having experience in drag racing with my car, but I never really thought about drag racing with a bike. However, three or four weeks ago I was at the BDRC event at the BIC and I was admiring the drag bikes and witnessing the power of the bikes going down the quarter mile strip which inspired me to get involved. I am a motorbike enthusiast myself and I currently own several bikes and quite a few of them are BMW’s. I immediately decided to do research on the idea and contacted the current world record holder for the BMW S100RR from Australia, inviting him to Bahrain to be a part of the project. We really wanted to get his opinion on the matter and possibly produce one of the quickest BMW bikes in the world right here in Bahrain. So far its all coming together perfectly.
How did your passion for motorsport begin?
It started back in 2009 when I got my first superbike and I started entering and participating in the open-track days. I realised that I had done a lot of motorsports which involved bikes apart from drag-racing, so I thought why not try my hand at it. I am also a competitor in the Bahrain Superbike Championship which is currently underway.
What fuels your passion for Drag-racing and competing in the BSBK, and what goes through your mind when you do so?
The community plays a big part. It’s such a beautiful thing. There are around 17 of us competing in the BSBK and believe it or not we are all great friends; have a whatsapp group where we laugh, talk with each other and share tips. However, the minute that the race starts you go into competition mode. Having experience with open track days, I entered the BSBK with the aim of bettering my skills with the professionals. I thoroughly enjoy learning from some of the best riders, competitors from all over the world, looking at the racing lines they take and the angles that they enter a corner. Every time I compete, I learn more and more and enhance my skills. And of course the adrenaline fuels the rest of it!
What are your expectations for MSK Racing?
Well there are four categories that compete at the drag race; 9.5, street, super street, and the pro-bike category. MSK Racing is joining the 9.5, street and super street categories, with a different bike to enter in each. The bike that we’ve currently been working on is the super street bike, which is the fastest category we compete in. As for expectations, everybody is in it to win it and so are we. We are starting off well prepared and are hoping for the best.
Why choose BMW?
Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman Al-Khalifa
Let me be frank.... I am a BMW guy! And in this world you either are, or you’re not. Why? Because BMWs are cars made for the purists, especially the M cars and the bikes. I have a personal passion for BMWs having owned over nine different BMW bikes, not forgetting to mention my M car collection. And having expressed that, I would also like to add that now that we have started this project, I want MSK Racing to stand out and be different than any other team currently competing under the BDRC umbrella. Our plan is to do something that has never been done before in Bahrain or the Gulf region and we God willing we will achieve it. DECEMBER 2016 / www.arabiamotors.co 91
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MSK RACING FEATURE
A FEW WORDS FROM MSK TEAM CONSULTANT and BMW Motorrad Manager Ali Al Asfoor; Are you aware of any similar teams operating in the Kingdom of Bahrain?
There are several, but most of them run in different drag racing classes. The challenges of being in the 1000cc category and using the naturally aspirated BMW S1000RR is that we are trying to modify what is essentially a stock engine. But since we have done a lot of research, so far we are having great success. We have managed a time of 8.5 seconds for the Âź mile which is quite good for the first time around and we are obviously going to keep trying to better that.
Being the team consultant, you obviously have lots of experience with these bikes and customising them. How do you choose the best modifications for the bike?
Thanks to the experience we have had with the engine, we can come to quicker conclusions on decision making and going with what we can do best. Obviously a good amount of knowledge is needed to cypher through various engine components such as piston sizes, strokes, cams etc.. but it is very easy now to get all the information you need. I am pretty excited so far and I think that with MSKs passion we are going to have a great debut season.
How many people are currently involved in the project?
So far around four drivers and seven bikes. We aim to run a lean trim operation that’s based more on the quality of our racers rather than just quantity.
Ali Al Asfoor
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OMAR QAED’S GOLF R IS A BIG BAD BEAST READY TO TEAR UP THE TRACK 94 www.arabiamotors.co / DECEMBER 2016
GOLF R MODIZONE
t first glance, the average onlooker would be forgiven for mistaking this new Golf R for the more common GTI. The styling is subdued yet maintains the timeless hatchback style the Golf is renowned for. Upon further inspection however, you understand that this is no ordinary Golf. The squat and aggressive stance are an indication that this car is designed to corner flat and level, coupled with the four chrome plated exhaust pipes and the R livery that is subtly dotted throughout the exterior. This months modi zone is certain to stand out from amongst even its other R emblazoned counterparts, thanks to the Carbon fibre Revozport hood for
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installed over the original for weight reduction and cooling purposes, and the OSIR spoiler and carbon fibre front lip for an increase in downforce. The aforementioned aggressive stance is taken a step farther thanks to H&R lowering springs, making for even better handling.
MODS ON THE IN-SIDE
Despite being a car that falls straight into the performance hatchback segment, it still maintains plenty of interior room and comfort that is perfectly suited to a daily driver. The owner has also added a few race-oriented additions of his own to the spacious and comfortable cockpit. The in-built paddle shifters on the steering wheel feature carbon fibre extenders to allow for maximum surface area to change gear while manoeuvring, while a P3 multi-gauge has been added into the left-drivers side A/C vent. This digital gauge is perfect for those wanting to keep an eye on all the performance parameters of their car, as every serious gear-head does. The display includes boost and vacuum pressure, coolant temperature, air intake and exhaust gas temperature, speed, RPM with integrated shift-light and more, effectively working as a performance monitor and a scan tool.
POWER UP!
The engine in the MK7 R is the EA888 2.0 TSI petrol variant, making it the most powerful mass-produced Golf to ever be offered by the Volkswagen group. With the Mk7 came revised pistons, intercooler, exhaust valves as well as a larger turbocharger. This means that a stock MK7 R is good for an output of around 300 Hp from
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GOLF R MODIZONE
“DESPITE BEING A CAR THAT FALLS STRAIGHT INTO THE PERFORMANCE HATCHBACK SEGMENT, IT STILL MAINTAINS PLENTY OF INTERIOR ROOM AND COMFORT THAT IS PERFECTLY SUITED TO A DAILY DRIVER.”
the factory, and while this would be plenty for some, individuals and aftermarket tuners alike have realised that this engine is far from all the power it is capable of wringing out. In order to set those ponies free, the owner of this R has gotten a custom tune in order to increase the boost pressure and alter the ignition timing. To help keep that boost circulating an aftermarket GFB diverter valve has also been installed. For cooling and maintaining the car at optimum temperature, and to help it breathe easier, an Arma carbon fibre intake and Wagner intercooler replace the respective OEM parts. It is also known that one of the main restriction points of any turbocharged car is the factory downpipe, which is designed to cater to a blend of emission regulation, driving comfort and noise insulation. In this car, however, the stock downpipe has been replaced with an aftermarket Bullit Catless downpipe and a Milltek catback, removing the said restriction point and allowing the IHI turbocharger to do its job that much better.
PERFORMANCE MONSTER
After all these aftermarket parts come into play, take this car to the dyno and you’ll get an impressive readout of an excess of 400 hp being sent to all four tyres. While attacking the apex and exiting a corner at speed is where the Haldex AWD system truly shines especially since the engine has now been given the appropriate power output in order to fire you out of the corner like a ballistic missile. Furthermore, if a growling V8 muscle car designed for the drag strip pulls up next to this pocket rocket at the lights, it will most likely leave them and their ‘bigger is better’ displacement logic in its dust. Personally speaking, this is how “WE” think God wanted all Golf’s to be created! DECEMBER 2016 / www.arabiamotors.co 97
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OPEL GT CLASSIC CULTURE
IT LOOKS LIKE A BABY CORVETTE BUT WAS PRODUCED IN GERMANY AND SOMEHOW FOUND ITS WAY TO BAHRAIN! WE NAIL DOWN ONE OF ONLY TWO OPEL FASTBACK GTS ON THE ISLAND FOR OUR CLASSIC CAR MONTHLY.
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here is an age old recipe every petrol head is nuts about... whether they be mad about all-terrain AWDs, crazy about fwd hatchback hooliganism, or even the ability to always go forwards in their 4x4. That recipe is the front engine, rear wheel drive layout which has stolen the fuel-pumping hearts of many car enthusiasts. This layout has been used from what is widely regarded as the very first affordable automobile, the Ford model T, to modern day performance cars like the Mercedes AMG GT and the Dodge Viper. Couple this layout with oh so covetable fastback styling and ultra-slick looks and you have a killer cruiser for this months classic car, the 1972 Opel GT. The first generation Opel GT (1968-1973) was introduced as a concept displaying styling and design at the 1965 Paris and Frankfurt motor shows respectively. The production vehicle used mechanical components from the Opel Kadett B and the bodywork was contracted out to French coach-builder Brissoneau & Lotz for the two-door hardtop platform. The styling of the GT was noted as similar to the Corvette Stingray, with many giving it the nickname of the ‘European Corvette’. The Opel GT came with the choice of a base 1.1 litre straight-4 engine producing 67 horsepower or an optional 1.9 litre camshaft in head engine which produced 102 horsepower. It also came with a 3 speed automatic or 4 speed manual, of which this car is specced with the latter. True to the times, the steering in the Opel GT was unassisted in any way, meaning effortfilled input is required and pure analog feedback is received when driving this car.
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OPEL GT CLASSIC CULTURE The suspension on the Opel GT consisted of A-arms and a lower transverse leaf spring for the front, while the rear received a live axle and coil springs. Stopping power came down to disc brakes up front and drums in the rear. The Opel GT also has an interesting feature in the form of the pop-up headlights. Unlike the usual hydraulically or mechanically operated variants, the Opel GT’s were mechanically operated through the use of a lever next to the shifter on the centre console. It’s these kinds of quirks that you just don’t see on a modern day car that makes all the difference when it comes to the character. A classic is a classic is A CLASSIC! I mean you take this car out, and you’ve got people from all walks of life appreciating it. It might not sell for millions on the classic market, but it is sure to appreciate as the years go by, depending on the condition its in. Internationally you can buy these for anywhere between BD6000. - BD9000. for a good clean condition one. We’d say its money well spent on driving something unique and rare... as long as you make sure that the other one on the island isn’t out for a cruise that day.
“THE STYLING OF THE GT WAS NOTED AS SIMILAR TO THE CORVETTE STINGRAY, WITH MANY GIVING IT THE NICKNAME OF THE ‘EUROPEAN CORVETTE’.”
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or this months as good as new, we have a fantastic example of the brand with the flying B, a Bentley Flying Spur Speed Mulliner. This bespoke behemoth is powered by a 12 cylinder 6.0 liter Biturbo engine, making 552 Bhp at 6100rpm and travels to an absolutely immense top speed
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of 200 mph (320 Km/h). 0-100 Km/h is dispatched in a minuscule 5.3 seconds. The paint scheme on this car is Light Gazelle, while the main hide used for the interior consists of Hotspur and a secondary hide of beige to complement it. The veneer is Burr Walnut and seat piping consists of Burnt Oak. This model also features Mulliner Driving Specification with Painted Wheels, cruise control system, navigation system with colour screen, telephone voice control and cd changer. With 39,139 KM on the clock, this 200 Mph topping V12 engined beautifully crafted bespoke brute can be yours for a steal of BHD 45,000.
BENTLEY FLYING SPUR SPEED MULLINER AS GOOD AS NEW
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T
he MGX-21 is the most unconventional and technological of the 1400 cc grand cruisers built at Mandello del Lario. It is the latest representative of a line begun in 1921 when Moto Guzzi started building unique motorcycles, strictly assembled by hand, as unique collector’s items. From the racing track to the streets of the world, the company has not compromised its Italian soul. The MGX-21 seems to invite you to fasten your helmet and set off, heading wherever the map takes you. The immediately obvious aspect of its appearance; the technical and stylistic features of the prototype, which had surprised everyone at its first presentation, have been kept totally intact. This is not a small detail, given that very important changes are typically made between a prototype version of a motorcycle and the final production model. In the case of the MGX-21 a considerable detail has been added: The MGX-21 has become a large touring bike. The 58-litre carrying capacity and the presence of convenient, removable internal bags guarantee space and practicality. The external pannier covers are in carbon: the reflections that come from the fibre are combined with “total black” graphics that make the MGX-21 the darkest bike from Mandello. To celebrate the powerful look of the bike, Moto Guzzi gave the MGX-21 the title of Flying Fortress. The Flying Fortress also boasts a high attention to detail: the headlight cluster uses LED DRL lighting technology, whereas the electrical controls on the handlebar are finished with metal shells. Numerous parts are made of carbon, such as the front mudguard, the fuel tank panels, the side pannier covers and the engine cover. The new Moto Guzzi shows off a large 21” alloy front wheel, now protected by lenticular carbon covers with small openings where the spokes intersect with the channel. This stylistic choice also brings the technical advantage of increased stability and ease of handling due to the passage of air from one side of the hub to the other while the bike is in motion.
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MOTO GUZZI MGX-21 NEW BIKE REVIEW
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Bahrain Gets it’s First Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) at the Bahrain International Circuit. UCATI RIDING EXPERIENCE (DRE), based out of the DUCATI factory in Bologna, Italy, in collaboration with Wheels of Arabia offered a unique experience on the Bahrain International Circuit by providing motorcycle riding courses in an exclusive format available currently only in Bahrain and Italy.
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The courses offered by DRE are carried out with the goal of allowing new and experienced riders learn or improve their motorcycle riding skills in order to ensure a safe experience on track and potentially on the road as well. The courses are segmented into three parts: Intro, Track Evo (Intermediate) or Advanced, each of them catering to the different level of riders with different models of Ducati motorcycles. The DRE team, headed by Dario Marchetti, arrived in Bahrain with an experienced team of trainers including Michele Pirro, Official Ducati Corse test rider for MotoGP and current Moto GP racer, Manuel Poggiali, an ex- 125cc and 250cc World Champion, Alessandro Valia, Official Ducati test rider, in addition to many other established trainers. “We are extremely proud to be in Bahrain for this experience,” said Dario Marchetti. “Ducati is a brand well known for it’s racing pedigree and we can’t think of a better place to run the Ducati Riding Experience. I have been to Bahrain several times and the culture here is very motorsport oriented. After
several visits we decided to run the full program here with the support of our importers, Wheels of Arabia, and we are very excited to come again in the future.” Abdulrahman Almoayed, Director at Wheels of Arabia said “This is a proud moment for us and Bahrain since this program has always been run with the highest of standards globally.
DUCATI RIDING EXPERIENCE EVENTS
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EVENTS DUCATI RIDING EXPERIENCE
We are happy to have had a successful event and to have brought so many people to see the beauty of the country and the high standard of the circuit here. I am very confident we will be running this program again with the same success.� The course is open to every level of rider and was held twice over two days, providing an unforgettable experience at the BIC. Participants over the two days flew in from various countries including Russia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Italy, and Saudi Arabia in addition to various Bahraini attendees. This puts Bahrain on a prestigious list of destinations where Ducati have held the program, providing a unique and accessible experience to people looking to experience the home of Motorsport in the Middle East.
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MICHELE PIRRO INTERVIEW Thanks for speaking to us Michele. What are your thoughts on Bahrain so far?
Its my first time here and I really like it! You guys have a great circuit. I’m also very happy to be with the Ducati team here in Bahrain and am thankful for the opportunity to visit this beautiful island and meet its friendly people.
If you were not a motorcycle racer, what would you be?
Well motorcycle racing is my life and I can’t really imagine otherwise. I started very young and now I ride in the MotoGP Class, which is the best in the world. It is not easy as I am competing with very high level riders like Valentino (Rossi) and Lorenzo Pedrosa, but I try my best to improve and learn with every race I partake. Its the only way to keep improving.
What is your best skill as a motorcycle racer?
With the MotoGP this year being very fast, this year I hit 362 km/h in the Ducati. The bike is very fast and I’m very happy to have helped develop this bike in Bologna. Next year Lorenzo will be joining us at Ducati and we’ve worked hard to give Lorenzo a bike that will be a serious competitor. So best skill? I’d say “going fast!”
What is your worst trait as a motorcycle rider?
Well this is a dangerous sport, but when the race starts all your mind is focused on is to do your best and focusing on getting the best results possible.
Fast into the corners and slow out, or slow in and fast out?
RIDING SIDEWAYS WE SIT DOWN WITH DUCATI RACING TEAM’S PROFESSIONAL R&D RIDER/ COMPETITOR, MICHELE PIRRO, AT BAHRAIN’S DUCATI RIDING EXPERIENCE
( Laughs) Definitely the second one, especially with the speed you travel on the bikes. If you are lose traction on exiting a corner, it then becomes impossible to use all the power available to you on the way out.
Do you prefer to race with or without traction control?
I prefer without traction control, but with the amount of power the bikes are now producing it is very difficult to control the bike. About five or six years ago it would have been possible to compete without it, but now it isn’t. If all riders raced without however, I would definitely go that route.
What goes through your head when you are racing? Depends. The big problem is in practice if you just aren’t feeling in sync with the bike it’s hard to focus on the race ahead. But when you manage to get in your zone then your focus is all about going fast and enjoying yourself while doing so.
DECEMBER 2016 / www.arabiamotors.co 109
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Luxury leather tablet case designed to fit the iPad and iPad 2. The compact Aston Martin Folio BZ provides every necessary feature for a busy business life such as card holders, multi-purpose pockets and an easy-to-carry design. The stylish zip closure elevates the overall design of the case. Available From; Aston Martin Online Store
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Large and spacious multifunctional bag. Wearable on the removable belt or on the handles for the briefcase look. The interior also features a message and BMW M motif. Available from; BMW online store
110 www.arabiamotors.co / DECEMBER 2016
AUTOMOTIVE GEAR
MEN’S BLACK LEATHER WALLET WITH CREDIT CARD HOLDER
This Alfa Romeo wallet is made of calfskin. The front is features black monofilament fabric detail measuring approximately 1.5 cm with the Alfa Romeo logo in machined aluminium at the bottom. The wallet interior is in calfskin, with sewn and folded horizontal slots on each side designed to accommodate credit cards
SCUDERIA FERRARI REPLICA 2016 POLO SHIRT
The Scuderia Ferrari Polo Shirt is the official replica of the shirt worn by the men of the Maranello team on the racetrack during the 2016 F1 World Championship, including the logo of the Scuderia and all its sponsors. Available from; Ferrari Online Shop
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FLAT PEAK BASEBALL CAP
Flatpeak baseball cap featuring an embroidered Lotus Cars logo. Perfect for keeping the sun off your face and showing your allegiance to your favorite British sports car brand.
PORSCHE DRIVER’S SELECTION
Collectors and fans know that when Porsche introduces a new vehicle, the matching model car is soon to follow. The first virtual model is completed between six and eight weeks later and is scrutinized digitally. Then, individual parts and openings are compared with their original counterparts. The 911 RSR, for example, is composed of 32 different parts, making a great gift for the Porsche fan in your life. Available from; Porsche Online Store
DECEMBER 2016 / www.arabiamotors.co 111
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All type of Harley Davidson motorcycle accessories, Custom items, Motorcycle oils, Oils filters, Air filters, Tires etc. Also available rider attire like Leather vests, Safety vests, Leather jackets, Cordroy jackets, Boots, Eye protective wears, Helmets, Face masks, Arm tattoos etc.
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118 www.arabiamotors.co / DECEMBER 2016
Showroom 2085B, Road 433, Salmabad 701, Bahrain Google maps location: 26.1781110,50.5327840
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