Motors novemner 2016

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HAPPY SPORT


NOVEMBER 2016 Issue 208

NISMO-FIED

COVER

STORY

WHEN PATROLS TURN EVIL!!!

84

TESTS&DRIVES

70

FORD GAINING AN EDGE PUTTING THE SLICK CITY ORIENTED SUV THROUGH ITS PACES.

74

SWEDE-NING IT UP!

90 74

WE TAKE THE LATEST VOLVO S90 OUT FOR A SPIN.

78

REDEFINING LUXURY THE GENESIS G90 JOINS THE LUXO-BARGE CLUB

90

FAST AND FEROCIOUS JAPANS CULT CLASSIC GETS A GCC UPGRADE!

70

54 78

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Contents www.arabiamotors.co

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arabiamotorsmagazine

52 64 94 56

100

FEATURES&DEPARTMENTS 16

MOTORING NEWS ALL THE LATEST AUTOMOTIVE NEWS

52

STANGS ON STANGS! BAHRAIN MUSTANG CLUB HOLDS FIRST MEETING OF THE SEASON

56

BLACK BADGE ROLLS ROYCE UNVEIL THEIR DARK, EDGY MASTERPIECES

60 THE RED BARON WHY THE LEGACY OF MICHAEL SCHUMACHER WILL LIVE ON

64

ON THE PROWL JAGUAR RACING MAKES FORMULA E DEBUT IN HONG KONG

94

RESTO DONE RIGHT! FEATURING THE CLASSIC VOLKSWAGEN MK3 VENTO

98

AS GOOD AS NEW BENTLEY GT UP FOR GRABS

100 SUPERBIKE SPECIALE BSBK CHAMPIONSHIP OFF TO A ROARING START

104 AM GEAR THE COOLEST CAR STUFF THAT YOU NEED

8 www.arabiamotors.co / NOVEMBER 2016

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OFFICIAL FERRARI DEALER

Euro Motors

EURO MOTORS P.O.Box 2226, 810 Sh. Jaber Al Ahmed Al Subah Highway, Al Hamriya 611, Sitra, Kingdom of Bahrain Telephone: 17 750750 Fax: 17 750850 www.bahrain.ferraridealers.com

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THE MONTHLY RANT!

Electrifying... Not!

attend is the world coming to? es it as GOP, and finally I Seriously? What on earth d music, then Trump mak goo ing duc pro ts star ber First Justin Bei ed to g Kong! you blame me? I was subject a silent Formula race in Hon am still reeling from and I one all I got the and is es one anc last form the Honestly, see tire scorching per formula cars... expecting to viewing ferocious looking I return to motorsports, but was... a silent race! race commemorating their the , nd line atte t to star uar, the at Jag re by in the We were flown oration. I mean we stood seriously call it a commem nd... maybe can sou of we if bit a bt e dou duc in l pro t stil am well at leas the cars to scream away cameras rolling, waiting for decibel all the way! zero was it but e, not the t aus watching the cars go around even a fake recorded exh ie as the fans stood there when the mov tell nt n sile eve a in not g ld bein cou like You It was er scratching their heads. oth h eac never at g Ive kin but loo nd, uit, sou beautiful street circ rated a little about no t. Ok, maybe I have exagge nex by fly to ng goi e any. wer seen cars have I , screaming golf carts... nor ed a release deciding really written about roaring ible news followed. Audi issu terr e mor n eve and rain the Formula E series. in uar Jag I came back to Bah h wit next season and join up from es seri C WE up being the future of the of end nt out poi to pull this series would at some t tha red figu had s se to join early and boy The Le Mans bad in. It does make perfect sen ld be the right time to join would jump ship wou who now rs and ture orts ufac orsp man mot them stay ahead of other help ld cou t and god knows tha bo es Lam , ogi nol rari develop tech be long before Porsche, Fer ’t won it it, of ks loo the sooner or later. From ld be running on batteries. who else follows suit. re Lambos and Ferraris wou whe ld wor a ing gin up a new pack of ima rt Breaks my hea e 10 years from now to pick be running to the coldstor ld HAUST NOTE!” cou EX you “NO it... ntly ut orta abo nk imp t Thi er on track day! But mos fast go to s cars? While at r cell er you on rgiz g Ene kin Eveready or Guess who would be wor et. secr r the ano lge technicians r divu On that note let me g on these cars were elevato ority of mechanics workin tronic gear maj a elec t ut tha abo told ow was w-h I , kno the race the people with the most are se ers from tho e elop aus dev Bec ce y? uen Wh and electricians. partments. As a conseq and slow down elevator com and boring 9-5 up l ed dul ir spe the to how from on and os ing rati ers and mov ens etc are switching care ties and pit-girls. Being a companies like Otis, Siem lane passes, champagne par pitk thin lane fast into office jobs and moving that, in ineering or something like nerd finally pays off, eh? a degree in electronics eng get good to e “All hav say y may I the k As thin Personally I oming Arabia Batteries. rally see Arabia Motors bec lite can I up. p kee to er ord ” things must come to an end Enjoy the read!

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.

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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

New Tiguan Arrives at VW Bahrain olkswagen Bahrain presented the all-new Tiguan for the first time in the Kingdom at a launch event in the Volkswagen showroom for the media and public. The new Tiguan features upgraded off-road capabilities and a new striking design. The new Tiguan is noticeably sharper and more streamlined in design, exhibiting a new design language by Volkswagen. The latest model features several new engines ranging from a 1.4L engine with an output of 150 HP, up to a 2.0L engine with a 220 HP and a six and seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) with 4MOTION, which is now offered for the first time in the Tiguan. The new model will be available in five trim levels - S 1.4L, SE 1.4L, SE 2.0L, SEL 2.0L and Sport 2.0L with 220 HP with an additional R-Line package available from the SE model upwards for both the interior and exterior.

16 www.arabiamotors.co / NOVEMBER 2016



MOTORING NEWS

Bapco 6 Hours Of Bahrain And MBC Action- Ha Motorsport Festival aking place between November 17 and 19 in Sakhir, the Bahrain Motorsport Festival will be headlined by a pair of globally renowned racing events, namely the FIA World Endurance Championship’s (WEC) Bapco 6 Hours of Bahrain and the CIK-FIA Karting World and World Junior Championship. It will be the first time such an event will be taking place at “The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East”, as the worlds of Le Mans endurance racing and top-class karting come together for an epic weekend on track. In addition, off-track entertainment entitled Action-Ha – organized in cooperation with popular satellite broadcaster MBC – will be held as part of the festival’s programme. Headlining the weekend’s events at BIC’s 5.412-kilometre track will be the FIA WEC Bapco 6 Hours of Bahrain, which will be the ninth and final round of its 2016 WEC season. Aside from the WEC and the karting worlds, a pair of supporting championships will also be held as part of the Bahrain Motorsport Festival. These are the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East and the MRF Challenge.

18 www.arabiamotors.co / NOVEMBER 2016





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MOTORING NEWS

Malibu Reborn hevrolet has introduced an all-new Malibu to the line-up for 2017. The new Malibu was launched last month at an event at the NMC showroom in Sitra. The new Malibu features include having been built on an entirely new architectural platform, meaning it is 60mm longer and has a wheelbase that is 93mm longer than the previous model. The new Malibu has also managed to shed 130kg of weight using high-strength steel and advanced weight reduction technologies and is powered by a 2.5 litre ECOTEC engine developing 186 HP. It also features a Macpherson strut front suspension and four-link suspension with individually tuned bushings on each link, delivering segment-best ride and handling. The Malibu is to be offered in LS, LT and LTZ trim.

24 www.arabiamotors.co / NOVEMBER 2016



MOTORING NEWS

Motorcity Launches New Business-Friendly Maxus Models

otorcity, the exclusive distributor of SAIC vehicles in the Kingdom of Bahrain, today launchedits new Maxus multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) models, aimed at meeting the rigorous demands of business. The launch, held at Motorcity showroom Nuwaidrat, was attended by Motorcity Senior General Manager, Bijan Majidi and commercial division Assistant General Manager, Arun Kumar The new Maxus G10 uses SAIC’s selfdeveloped 2.0 litre turbo engine with 221 HP, and features a ZF 6-speed transmission to

provide dynamic acceleration. Its intelligent interior layout provides optimal storage and passenger space. The Maxus V80 has spacious interiors and is available as a panel van and a 15-seatercommuter. Powering the V80 is a Euro IV emission 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 136bhp and 330Nm of torque. Fuel consumption will vary according to the model but SAIC estimates a comprehensive fuel consumption figure of around 9.2 litres per 100 km. The vehicle has undergone extensive collision testing. It has four disc brakes and is also equipped with advanced

safety features such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), and LED daytime running lights. The Maxus V80 Minibus is a light commercial van with a long-wheelbase chassis and dropside cab. It is fitted with alloy wheels, reverse parking sensors, dual sliding side doors, rear barn doors on cargo models and electric entry step for passenger models, withdual-zone air-conditioning as standard equipment across the range. A reverse-viewing camera and tyre pressure monitoring system are available on higher-spec models.

Official Launch of the 16th Harley Owners Group (HOG) MENA Rally arley Owners Group® (H.O.G.®) Bahrain Chapter and Harley-Davidson Bahrain hosted a press conference to announce the 16th HOG MENA Rally & 3rd HOG Bahrain Rally which will be taking place this month. The press conference, held at Harley-Davidson® Bahrain showroom announced the details of one of the region’s foremost biking events. The launch concluded with a special acoustic music set by rally concert opening band from Bahrain, Hot Laser.

26 www.arabiamotors.co / NOVEMBER 2016



MOTORING NEWS

E-Class Does The National Tour l Haddad Motors, distributors of Mercedes vehicles in Bahrain held a unique launch for its all new E-Class sedan last month. Selected customers and media were given the opportunity to experience the all-new 2017 Mercedes Benz E-Class across hot spots and iconic locations in the Kingdom of Bahrain. “The E-Class National Tour” started with a briefing at the Mercedes showroom,

followed by a trip to the historic Riffa Fort, a tour of the Bahrain International Circuit, a brunch stop, afternoon tea and final return to the point of origin. The all new E-Class comes in an array of exciting new interiors, technological and safety features, and an all-new redesigned exterior. When it comes to the design of the E-Class, the interior and exterior have been completely redesigned and reimagined. The cabin features superior ergonomics that are both visually

appealing and also offer extreme comfort and options to all passengers in the car. A host of powertrains options will be available for customers to choose from, starting with the entry level inline-4 in the E200, producing 181hp, to the roaring V-8 in the AMG E63 S, producing a whopping 604hp. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you which one we can’t wait to get our hands on. Look out for the test drive of the all new Mercedes-Benz E-Class in our upcoming issue.

UAE Motorists To Get Replacement Cars Under Insurance Shake-Up eplacement cars will be provided to UAE drivers after an accident as part of new vehicle insurance laws to be introduced next year, the regulator told local media. State news agency WAM said the UAE’s Insurance Authority (IA) has adopted a new “unified” regulation for vehicle insurance policies against civil liability, loss and damage. The new regulation brings civil liability (or, third party) cover, and comprehensive loss and damage cover, into the same policy, with benefits to the estimated 3 million motorists with vehicle insurance policies in the country, Ibrahim Obaid Al Zaabi, director-general of the Insurance Authority was quoted as telling The National that under the changes, it will be mandatory for insurance companies to provide policyholders with post-accident compensation equivalent to the cost of a replacement car for a maximum of 10 days and a value of up to AED300 per day. Drivers will also see liability coverage extend to husbands, wives, children and parents, and a substantial rise in cover for destruction of property from AED250,000 to AED2 million, Al Zaabi was quoted as saying.

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MOTORING NEWS

Hyundai Witnesses Unprecendeted Growth yundai Motors is now ranked sixth in the global automotive industry’s Top 10 Brands, ahead of Audi, Volkswagen, Nissan and Porsche, and is the fourth most valuable highvolume automotive brand. Despite yet another challenging year for the automotive industry, Hyundai Motor’s global brand value increased 11.1% to reach $12.55bn, securing its place among the biggest brands on the planet. Overall the Korean manufacturer is now the world’s 35th biggest brand, according to the latest rankings published by global brand specialists Interbrand, overtaking four other renowned brands in the past year. Hyundai Motors has also maintained global sales at five million units, helped by successful launches of its Creta, Sonata and Tucson models, while reinforcing its Modern Premium brand philosophy through increased differentiation between the Hyundai and Genesis brand identities. Meanwhile the manufacturer is planning an even greater onslaught with electrified IONIQ models, high-performance Hyundai N cars and futuremobility focused Project IONIQ moving the brand into new automotive spaces.

Smoking Seriously Damages Car’s Resale Value

With Stoptober campaign in full swing and one year on from the introduction of a law which banned smoking in vehicles containing someone under 18, automotive data and valuation specialist, cap hpi says any smokers needing further incentive to quit should be aware that their habit will drag down the value of their vehicle. The two main impacts smoking has on a vehicle are physical damage to the interior and smell - something many smokers are oblivious to or think can be resolved by using an air freshener.

30 www.arabiamotors.co / NOVEMBER 2016

Mitsubishi Motors Joins RenaultNissan Alliance itsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announces that Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (Nissan) has become its largest shareholder after completing the purchase of 34% of MMCissued stock for 237 billion JPY. As part of Nissan’s strategic investment, MMC will become a full member of the 17-year strong global alliance between Nissan and Renault – paving the way for synergies to enhance profit margins and earnings per share. Nissan Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn has been nominated to become chairman of the Board. Ghosn will be joined by three other Nissan nominated directors, including Mitsuhiko Yamashita, Nissan’s former executive vice president of research and development, who joined MMC earlier this year as head of

development. The other nominees are Hitoshi Kawaguchi, Nissan chief sustainability officer and head of global external affairs, and Hiroshi Karube, Nissan global controller and global asset manager. MMC President and Chief Executive Officer Osamu Masuko requested that Nissan also provide a senior executive to join the company’s executive committee to bolster MMC’s management. Trevor Mann, currently Chief Performance Officer of Nissan, will become Chief Operating Officer of MMC. The three largest institutional shareholders in MMC – Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Corporation and The Bank of TokyoMitsubishi UFJ – have welcomed Nissan’s investment and pledged their support for its board nominees. Moving forward, these three Mitsubishi institutional shareholders together with Nissan will maintain a more than 51 percent of the share capital.



MOTORING NEWS

Mclaren Boss Reportedly Set To Vacate Position McLaren boss Ron Dennis is reportedly set to leave his position at the end of the year, following a decision by fellow shareholders to bring in someone new to lead the automotive conglomerate. Just days after “categorically” saying he was not stepping down as CEO and chairman of McLaren Technology Group, the parent company of the Formula 1 team and the car manufacturer, a fresh report quoting “insiders” said Dennis will leave the post at the end of the year. The UK broadcaster said the decision has been made by shareholders not to new Dennis’ contract, which is believed to run out at the end of this year. Those mooted as possible successors include former F1 bosses Ross Brawn and Martin Whitmarsh, as well as Justin King, the former head of UK retailer Sainsbury’s. In response to the latest story, McLaren issued a denial, saying that Dennis is “not stepping down”. “He (Dennis) remains contracted as chairman and chief executive officer of McLaren Technology Group, and he retains a 25% shareholding in the Group - exactly equal to that of Mansour Ojjeh,” the statement added.

Dubai Police Rake In The Mclaren S570!

ubai Police has unveiled the $175,000 McLaren S570 supercar as the latest addition to its fleet to help fight crime in the emirate. The car joins the likes of Bugatti Veyron, Ferrari FF, Audi A8,

F1 Teams To Switch 2017 In-Season Testing From Barcelona To Bahrain ormula One teams have agreed a compromise to switch next year’s first in-season test from Barcelona to Bahrain following a failed attempt to move winter testing to the warmer climes of the Middle East. Red Bull principal Christian Horner told reporters that all the teams had met the sport’s commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone at the US Grand Prix on Friday to discuss the situation. Testing outside of Europe, according to the sporting regulations, requires the unanimous agreement of all the teams and Horner said a vote conducted earlier in the week by the

32 www.arabiamotors.co / NOVEMBER 2016

McLaren MP4-12C, Aston Martin One-77 and Lamborghini Aventador. According to McLaren’s official website, the S570 is capable of 0-124mph in less than 10 seconds and boasts a 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine, delivering 570PS.

governing FIA did not achieve that. “It’s agreed that we will test in Barcelona pre-season,” he said. “And that in order to hopefully find a compromise for assisting Pirelli, after the Bahrain race the first of the inseason tests is planned to be in Bahrain. “Hopefully commonsense has prevailed.” Bahrain is scheduled to be the third round of the 2017 season, at the Sakhir circuit on April 16, with Spain the fifth race on May 14. The championship is set to start in Australia on March 26 and temperatures in Barcelona in February and early March, when the two four-day pre-season tests are scheduled, can often be cold and damp.



consumer review infiniti Q50

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MOTORING NEWS

FORD - ALL TRUMPED UP! inally Donald Trump does something right! Obviously very indirectly...and certainly not intentionally. Throughout his campaign, the Republican candidate has spewed continuous vitriol towards Ford for moving more and more of its manufacturing to Mexico. The Detroit car firm has now rebutted, with their argument about the investment and job growth that they have been a part of in the US, and with the promise of four new SUV’s to be added to their line-up. We are happy to report that one of these SUVs looks to be the Ford Bronco, made infamous by O.J Simpson’s police chase through Los Angeles and set to be manufactured in the US. No official Images have been released as of yet, but as soon as they are you will see it in AM.

36 www.arabiamotors.co / NOVEMBER 2016


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MOTORING NEWS

Mazda MX-5 Speedster Evolution And RF Kuro SEMA debut azda has prepped two MX-5s for the upcoming SEMA show in Las Vegas. The MX-5 Miata Speedster Evolution and MX-5 Miata RF Kuro use the production car as their starting platform - the soft-top and RF ‘retractable fastback’ models respectively, but each have received small changes in line with the raceprepared MX-5 Global Cup car. The Speedster Evolution is the developed speedster concept that debuted at SEMA in 2015 and has also been spotted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The original car cut around 113kg from the initial 1075 kg weight, but the Evolution sheds more than 45kg more, leaving the final car little more than 900kg in weight.

Mercedes X-Class; Concept No More ercedes-Benz has unveiled its new X-Class Pickup truck. It is set to feature several high-torque V6 engines and permanent all-wheel drive. The midsize truck comes with permanent all-wheel drive and high-torque V6 engines. There are set to be two key variations, with one to be an upper-market

38 www.arabiamotors.co / NOVEMBER 2016

model focusing on Mercedes-like quality and styling and one geared more towards off-road usage. “With the Mercedes-Benz pickup we will close one of the last gaps in our portfolio,” said Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche in a press statement. “The X-Class will set new standards in a growing segment.” The differentiating features between the

two models to be produced are significant. The off-road focused model (Named “Powerful Adventurer”) has a higher ground clearance and raised ride height, along with reinforced wheel arches and an electric winch at the front. The second model (“Stylish Explorer”) model has been designed to feel more like an SUV, with sharp lines, flared wheel arches, and 22-inch light-alloy wheels.


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MOTORING NEWS

Chevrolet Camaro At 50 t long last the the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro has arrived in dealerships across the Middle East. In the 50 years since its introduction there have been six generations of the Camaro, all distinguished by styling that uncannily captured the design zeitgeist of their respective eras. The Gen Six Camaro introduced the Camaro’s highest-ever levels of performance, technology and refinement, all rooted in a lighter, stronger architecture, which helped the

vehicle earn the “2016 Motor Trend Car of the Year award”. The 50th Anniversary Edition honors the distinctive looks and performance that have always set the Camaro apart. It is now available in both Coupe and Convertible 2LT and 2SS models. Other features include; nightfall Gray Metallic exterior (Convertible models include a Black top); 20-inch 50th anniversary wheels; 2LT includes

Aston Martin And Red Bull Team Up For AM-RB 001. he product of a unique Innovation Partnership between the British luxury brand and eminent F1TM team, this ambitious collaboration aims to create a road car the like of which has never been seen. Built around a lightweight carbon fibre structure, the AM-RB 001 boasts radical aerodynamics for unprecedented levels of

40 www.arabiamotors.co / NOVEMBER 2016

downforce in a road-legal car. The AM-RB 001 is a bespoke machine from the tyres up. It will be built in the purpose-built facility created for Aston Martin’s original hypercar, the One-77. More details of the AM-RB 001‘s technical specification are yet to be revealed, but its heart is a new, mid-mounted, highrevving, naturally aspirated V12 engine with the potency to achieve a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio; 1 bhp per kilo of weight.

RS Appearance Package; specific 50th Anniversary stripe package and exterior badges; unique grille with satin chrome accents; body-coloured front splitter; orange brake callipers (front only on LT); unique black leather interior with suede inserts and orange accent stitching and distinct 50th anniversary treatments on instrument panel, seatbacks, steering wheel and illuminated sill plates. This is the one you need to own!



Land Rover Discovery The all-new ‘Digital’ Discovery sets the benchmark for family SUV’s.

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he all-New Discovery features unrivalled capability and technology like no other SUV preceding it. The full sized SUV features a three-row, seven seat layout which is designed to seat full sized adults comfortably, even in the third row, thanks to the trademark stepped roofline, ever-present on the Discovery. The interior has the premium feel of a Range Rover, with options such as Windsor leather and natural oak veneers, while a lot of thought has gone into the interior layout of the car, making available 2,500 litres of storage space. The use of darker colours closer to the floor of the vehicle demonstrate the thought that has gone into the design of the vehicle, centred around an active and adventurous lifestyle. The entertainment features consist of Jaguar Land Rover’s InControl Touch Pro infotainment system, featuring a large 10-inch touchscreen positioned high on the centre console, reducing the number of switches on the centre console by a third, delivering a clean and uncluttered appearance. Sound is provided by a Meridian digital surround system, with an additional subwoofer. Connectivity options consist of 9 usb ports and six 12 volt charging points, keeping people in every row happy. Combine this space and family friendly-ness with unparalleled capability and versatility, and you have a serious contender for the title of world’s best. The latest model sheds a seriously impressive 480 kg over its predecessor, thanks to innovative lightweight aluminium construction, while power is provided by a 340PS supercharged petrol 3.0-litre V6, paired with the ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox. The Discovery also features best-in-class 3,500kg towing capacity, thanks to 450Nm of torque at your disposal. The ability to tow that kind of weight is made that much easier with the semi-autonomous Advanced Tow Assist, designed to take the stress out of difficult reversing manoeuvres. Convenience and refinement take centre stage in the new Discovery thanks to features like the Auto Access Height technology, which reduces the ride-height by up to 40mm as passengers prepare to enter or exit the vehicle.These technological advancements represent what Land Rover call a shift ‘From cogs to code’, in order to allow them to connect better with the 21st century driver.

42 www.arabiamotors.co / NOVEMBER 2016


LAND ROVER DISCOVERY NEW CAR REVIEW

NOVEMBER 2016 / www.arabiamotors.co 43


LaFerrari Aperta The ultra exclusive LaFerrari drops the top .

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he LaFerrari Aperta made its debut at the Mondial De L’Automobile (Paris motor show FYI) in 2016. The Aperta in Italian, is the name given for ‘open’ with this being the open-top version of the original LaFerrari which debuted in 2013. The Aperta distinction means it comes with two options of roof for the clientele Ferrari have handpicked; A removable soft-top or removable carbon fibre hard-top. It features the exact same 6.3 Litre V12 coupled with 120 Kw electric motor used in the original LaFerrari, however Ferrari claim to have made it more efficient by using minor tweaks to the powertrain and control electronics. Other differences include the angle of the radiators which now direct air flow underneath the car rather than over the bonnet as per the original design. This prevents hot engine air blowing directly into the cockpit of the car. Various air ducts have also been repositioned and a longer front air dam has been added to help increase downforce. Structural rigidity has been given a priority as Ferrari wanted to maintain the performance-focused drive of the LaFerrari even sans roof. Without going into specifics, Ferrari have said ‘significant and extensive modifications have been made to the chassis with the aim of retaining the same torsional rigidity and beam stiffness as the coupé version. The car’s aerodynamics have also been further honed to guarantee the same drag coefficient when driving in the open configuration.’

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LAFERRARI APERTA NEW CAR REVIEW

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Impala Leaps Forward The downlow on Chevrolet’s full size sedan.

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he Chevrolet Impala is a front-drive full-size sedan that slots above the midsize Malibu. It comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine featuring direct fuel injection and variable valve timing. This provides the Impala with 305 horsepower, and a 0-100km time of only 6.8 seconds. The Impala also comes with an electric rackand-pinion steering system providing precise and responsive handling with a tight steering radius. For even sharper control, there is an available variableeffort feature, which increases the level of power assistance during low speed maneuvering. It also helps in making easy work of congested city traffic. On the technological side of things, the Impala comes with the Chevrolet MyLinkTm, which allows you to Make calls or play your favorite songs just by connecting your device via BluetoothÂŽ or USB. The Impala also offers other conveniences such as the Remote Starter System, the Valet Mode feature and an 8-inch touch-screen. With simple drag-and-drop control, you can arrange the apps in any order you wish, including a variety of music options. The 2017 Impala also boasts Siri integration that allows you to make calls, send and receive messages by voice via Siri.

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LAFERRARI APERTA NEW CAR REVIEW

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E.K.KANOO DRAG AND DRIFT EVENTS

he arrival of cooler weather in Bahrain means only one thing to everyone who doesn’t run stock or has 95 Octane running through their veins - The Bahrain International Circuit’s Drag and Drift Mondays are back! This past month, it was action packed – from Toyota Tundras pushing 600hp to Challenger Hellcat’s burning rubber on the drag strip, to E46 BMW’s and Nissan Z cars slaloming through the cones at the drift track. Particularly prominent was Godzilla in the form of EKanooracing’s angry r35 GTR, managing an ET of 7.6 at 315 Km/h! We will be bringing you more on the Drag and Drift nights over the coming months – so in the meantime keep your eyes peeled and rest assured, there’s lots of action to be had.

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“TIRE SMOKE & ENGINES PUMPING FUEL AND HORSEPOWER. MAKES EVERY MONDAY WORTH WAITING FOR!”

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E.K.KANOO DRAG AND DRIFT EVENTS

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n n o o s s g g n n SSttaa 52 www.arabiamotors.co / NOVEMBER 2016


BAHRAIN MUSTANG CLUB MEET

EVENTS

! ! s s g g n n nn SSttaa We met up with the Bahrain Mustang Club for their first meet of the season. he Bahrain Mustang Club meet held its first gathering for the 2016/2017 season last month at Sultan Mall in Zaid Town. Fans of Ford’s famous muscle car were in for a treat as Present was everything from Fox-bodies to Shelby’s, and even an ultra-slick classic ’67. As usual, keep your eyes peeled cause we will be bringing you any further pony car action right here in AM. NOVEMBER 2016 / www.arabiamotors.co 53


EVENTS

BAHRAIN MUSTANG CLUB MEET

“PRESENT WAS EVERYTHING FROM FOX-BODIES TO

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SHELBY’S, AND EVEN AN ULTRA-SLICK CLASSIC ’67.”

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ROLLS-ROYCE ‘BLACK BADGE’ EVENTS

A DARK EDGY, LIFESTYLE STATEMENT FROM ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS NOW AVAILABLE TO ORDER IN THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN.

olls-Royce Motor Cars has announced a new facet of the ultra-luxury marque’s personality, a dark and edgy lifestyle statement: ‘Black Badge’. A permanent new sub-brand, Black Badge was unveiled earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show and transforms the character of both Ghost and Wraith. The new sub-brand is expected to appeal to those people who are elusive and defiant, the risk takers and disruptors who break the rules and laugh in the face of convention. It is in this spirit that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced that Black Badge ‘Inspired by dark edgy lifestyle’, is now available to order from Euro Motors, the sole authorised dealers of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in the Kingdom.

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EVENTS ROLLS-ROYCE ‘BLACK BADGE’

Brett Soso, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Regional Director for Middle East, Africa, Central Asia & South America commented on the reveal of Black Badge by saying, “Following the launch of Wraith in 2013, many of our new customers have gravitated towards the revitalised Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, as the brand most capable of encapsulating their truly individual lifestyles. Through the introduction of Black Badge, we are able to further satisfy the demands of these new customers for a more dark and assertive Ghost and Wraith, to suit their personalities and lifestyles and offer the most commanding presence on the super-luxury landscape.” New material accents and tonalities are combined to accommodate the tastes of those fast-moving customers who adopt a strident approach to life’s finer challenges. With this manifesto as their departure point, Rolls-Royce designers, engineers and craftspeople set to work transforming Ghost and Wraith in subtly different ways. Their intent was to deliver darker, more assertive and more focused Black Badge alter egos that differ from each other as much as they do from their siblings. The result is Ghost Black Badge and Wraith Black Badge. Black Badge is known as the ultimate in pure luxury style and engineering substance. Giles Taylor, Director of Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars commented, “In creating Black Badge, we were conscious of satisfying the different demands of these new customers. Not only did they demand an alternative image for themselves, they demanded authentic Rolls-Royce engineering substance to underpin it. As a result, the Black Badge Spirit manifests itself through a series of

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carefully considered design elements which together express a darker luxury sophistication. New material accents and tonalities are combined to accommodate the tastes of those fast-moving customers who adopt a strident approach to life’s finer challenges.” It was vital to us that the aesthetic appeal and promise of Black Badge Ghost and Black Badge Wraith be underpinned by superlative engineering. The cars could not be the same as each other while at the same time, they had to offer their owners something subtly yet substantively different from the host cars, delivering a more spirited and exhilarating drive but in a truly Rolls-Royce manner.” Black Badge will bring the colour black to new levels of intensity. The multiple layers of paint and lacquer that go into creating Black Badge Black are repeatedly hand polished – the most exacting painting and polishing process ever used for a solid paint colour. The result is the deepest, darkest and most intense black ever seen on a production car surface. The centrepiece of the Black Badge cabin is the aerospace-grade aluminiumthreaded carbon fibre composite surfacing – material often seen on the surfaces of stealth aircraft. This futuristic material has been reinterpreted at Goodwood to become the world’s most innovative new super-luxury material. The launch of Black Badge further demonstrates Rolls-Royce Motor Car’s true luxury credentials as the world’s leading super-luxury brand. Now available to order from Euro Motors in Bahrain, this new sub-brand will meet the demands of its discerning clientele and attract a younger and yet confident customer to the marque.


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25 YEARS ON FROM HIS FIRST RACE, WHY MICHAEL SCHUMACHER IS STILL THE YARDSTICK FOR TODAY’S F1 SUPERSTARS Aged 22, Schumacher got to drive for Eddie Jordan only because the No 1 driver, Bertrand Gachot, had been imprisoned for two months for spraying a taxi driver with CS gas in London. Schumacher assured Jordan he “knew” Spa. He did not, having never driven there. But a couple of laps on his bike were enough for this outstanding talent to familiarise himself. It was a precursor of things to come. 60 www.arabiamotors.co / NOVEMBER 2016

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO, the son of a German bricklayer arrived at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium to experience first-hand one of the most fabled circuits in motorsport. His first laps were completed on a bicycle and on his first attempt behind the wheel of a Formula One car he qualified in seventh position on the grid. Michael Schumacher’s debut grand prix, held on this day in 1991, was derailed by a gearbox failure in his Jordan after just a few hundred yards, but nobody who saw him conquer Spa-Francorchamps, and its notorious Eau Rouge corner, in that qualifying session could doubt that a new star had appeared. Even now, the story of Schumacher’s emergence is startling. Then aged 22, he got to drive for Eddie Jordan only because the No 1 driver, Bertrand Gachot, had been imprisoned for two months for spraying a taxi driver with CS gas in London. Schumacher assured Jordan he “knew” Spa. He did not, having never


MICHAEL SCHUMACHER FEATURE

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driven there. But a couple of laps on his bike were enough for this outstanding talent to familiarise himself. It was a precursor of things to come. Schumacher went on to redefine what it was possible to achieve in Formula One. In the view of those who worked most closely with him across a career spanning more than two decades, Schumacher managed even more than that: he redefined what it meant to be a Formula One driver. The results are testament to his monumental achievement. There were the seven championships, five consecutively from 2000 to 2004, and two more than anyone has ever managed. He won 91 races, nearly double those of the next best, Alain Prost. Schumacher holds the record for most victories in a season, for pole positions, for fastest laps, for podium finishes. A personal favourite statistic is that he won the 2002 championship with six of the 17 races to spare. Some would fairly argue that Schumacher enjoyed advantages no other driver has ever been blessed with. Tyres that Bridgestone effectively designed to suit him, and an all-conquering team centred around him, are just two examples. But he was in a position to exploit those benefits because he was instrumental in creating the environment in which they came about. Not only was he the greatest driver of his era in Formula One, he was perhaps its greatest leader. These considerable qualities – a ferocious attitude to fitness, awesome commitment and a team-building ethic that ran contrary to the public image of the German as the cold ‘Red Baron’ – were immediately apparent to Ross Brawn, who worked with Schumacher for almost all of his career. Brawn was with Jaguar in sports cars when he first spotted a rare talent. Schumacher stood well above his Mercedes team-mates, Karl Wendlinger and Heinz-Harald Frentzen. “He went faster and further than the other two by some margin,” Brawn recalls. “It meant I was

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not at all surprised by what we saw on his debut at Spa. “Clearly he had a huge natural talent. But what separated him was a massive commitment to fitness and preparation. Very quickly he was setting new standards for Formula One. He was relentless. He wouldn’t leave a track until he was absolutely sure he hadn’t left any stone unturned. With some drivers, you had to twist their arm a bit to get that level of dedication, but from Michael it was there as soon as you started.” His talent and commitment enabled Schumacher to drive races in a way no one else could. His 1998 victory in Hungary is remembered with particular awe, the German turning an improbable three-stop strategy into a winning one with a series of remarkable laps. “We used to have a lot of fun watching him do this,” Brawn adds. Others who have worked with Schumacher speak glowingly of his dedication and capacity for concentration. Sabine Kehm became the German’s personal PR officer in 2000, the year of his first title with Ferrari. Before this, Kehm remembers interviewing Schumacher as a journalist during a testing day. Midway through an answer, an engineer interrupted and said they needed Schumacher to do three laps immediately to correct an issue they had “Michael got up, went for five minutes, did his laps, came back and finished the sentence,” Kehm tells The Telegraph in a rare interview. “Even I didn’t remember what the sentence was or what I even asked. I really thought, ‘This guy must have so much concentration’.” It made Schumacher a demanding, but rewarding, driver to work for. “He would not be too proud to not follow your opinion,” Kehm adds. “It’s one of the secrets why people who worked with him love him so much. He respected everybody. He never said, ‘I’m Michael Schumacher, who are you?’ ”


MICHAEL SCHUMACHER FEATURE COULTHARD: “Surely you’re not right all the time Michael?” SCHUMACHER: “Yeah, I think so.” COULTHARD: “Come on, at home with your wife, you’ve never been wrong?” SCHUMACHER: “Not that I recall.”

Schumacher would never criticise Ferrari, or any of his teams, publicly. “Internally yes, but never publicly,” Kehm said of Schumacher. “When Michael was p----d, he was not shouting around. He would go to the meeting and would very calmly point exactly to the problem.” The biggest praise Brawn can give is that no one who ever worked with Schumacher has a bad word to say about him. The former Ferrari technical director remembers Schumacher knowing his mechanics intimately, helping them out with problems at home if he could, without any fanfare. Jean Todt, the team principal who took Schumacher to Ferrari in 1996, agrees. “Michael was one of the nicest champions of Formula One, one of the nicest drivers,” Todt, now the president of motorsport’s world governing body, the FIA, says. “He was dedicated, he was special. He was very generous to everyone. He always wanted to protect himself, to protect his family.” But away from the German national hero, warm team player and family man, there is the side of Schumacher that the rest of the world, not to mention his rivals, are more familiar with. In a career pockmarked by title-deciding collisions, team orders and acts of driving skulduggery – including the parking of his car at Rascasse in qualifying for the 2006 Monaco Grand Prix – one vignette from David Coulthard stands out. At Spa in the pouring rain in 1998, Coulthard was being lapped by Schumacher, when the Ferrari driver inadvertently drove into the back of him. He accused the Scotsman of trying to kill him. At the next race in Monza, Bernie Ecclestone hosted a meeting to try and clear the air. “He was still absolutely adamant it was entirely my fault,” says Coulthard, who recalls the conversation as follows:

“I left it at that,” Coulthard says with a smile. “When you’ve got that level of self-belief and commitment, and are not prepared to acknowledge a weakness, it’s very difficult to negotiate.” There was no negotiating with Schumacher on the track. It helps to explain why controversy was never far away, from the crashes with Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve in 1994 and 1997, to forcing his old team-mate Rubens Barrichello up against the pit wall at the Hungaroring on his comeback in 2010. Even the move to Benetton, the team who gave him the first two titles in 1994 and 1995, was controversial, taking some help from Ecclestone and an army of lawyers. Brawn believes the divisive incidents on track were hard-wired into Schumacher’s personality; a small bit of rough to take with all the smooth. “He was this contradiction,” the 61-year-old says. “He was relentless in asserting himself – you’d see him fly into corners with unbelievable speed and the confidence that he could deal with whatever came. That was his style. “Then there was the odd aberration, which you wouldn’t explain from a rational person. Somewhere in there was an intensity which occasionally misfired. For 99.9 per cent of the time, you stood back in awe. And then 0.1 per cent you would see some aberration, which you knew was part of the package.” Kehm believes Schumacher is unfairly maligned, and singles out over other drivers who have occasionally been just as ruthless, if less flagrantly. “What people underestimate is that Michael has driven for the championship more than any other driver. I’ve seen a lot of other drivers criticise him and then when they are fighting for the championship they do the same things.” Although not without merit, this is perhaps a slightly generous interpretation of a driver who pushed boundaries to their absolute limits. Yet even he had moments of doubt. Todt reveals that, before the start of a new season, Schumacher would ask to do private testing to confirm he was still quick. “He was always wondering how good he was from one season to another one,” the Frenchman adds. Doubts did not visibly manifest themselves on his three-year comeback with Mercedes in 2010, but he was not the same. One podium finish and one fastest lap in qualifying in Monaco were his only reward, while his team-mate Nico Rosberg starred on a regular basis. It has been curious to witness how the shine this period took off his reputation has been restored since his dreadful skiing accident nearly three years ago, in which he sustained traumatic brain injuries. The accident left him in a medically-induced coma before the lengthy process of rehabilitation. Few details of that recovery are known, other than that Schumacher is facing a fight bigger than anything he encountered in his racing career. Sometimes it can take a tragedy to force a re-evaluation. Perhaps the definitive test of Schumacher’s legacy is by comparing the 47-yearold with the sport’s current stars. In Brawn’s view, Lewis Hamilton, Vettel, and Alonso all have considerable talents, but none have the complete package of Schumacher. “I don’t see it, quite frankly,” he said. “None of them are changing the perception of a racing driver in the way Michael changed people’s perception of what a racing driver should be. He raised the bar. They all have to achieve that now. He changed the landscape of Formula One drivers. I don’t see anyone doing that now.” However controversial or divisive Schumacher may be, this has more than a ring of truth about it. This generation may go on to surpass Schumacher, to take being a Formula One driver beyond what it meant in his time. l then they will still be defining themselves against the achievements of the man who made his debut a quarter of a century ago at Spa. CREDITLINE: Daniel Johnson / The Telegraph / The Interview People.

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JAGUAR

RACING MAKES DEBUT AT FORMULA E IN HONG KONG Hong Kong ePrix marks Jaguar’s return to motorsport. Jaguar Land Rover, Britain’s largest R&D investor, underscores its commitment to ‘Race to Innovate’ using the championship as a platform to support development of next generation electric powered road cars. 64 www.arabiamotors.co / NOVEMBER 2016


PANASONIC JAGUAR RACING FEATURE

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J aguar Racing now known as Panasonic Jaguar Racing, made its FIA Formula E debut in the season opening race in Hong Kong’s iconic central harbourfront district, last month. The British manufacturer is hoping to extend its successful motor sport legacy that dates back to the 1950s by entering a full manufacturer two-car team in Formula E, the all-electric singleseater series that brings racing to the heart of some of the world’s greatest cities. Beginning in Hong Kong, British driver Adam Carroll, 33, and New Zealander Mitch Evans, 22, will race Panasonic Jaguar Racing’s first all-electric Jaguar racecar, the I-TYPE, in the 14-round series which will conclude in Montreal in July 2017. Obviously Jaguar’s Formula E programme will create tangible R&D benefits for the electrification of future Jaguar Land Rover road cars and is designed around the team’s founding principle, Race to Innovate. For those not in the know, Formula E races last 50 minutes and include a mandatory pit stop, in which drivers switch to a second car adding another element to the exciting competition. Drivers face unique challenges in Formula E as they have to manage battery consumption and regeneration of the battery to maintain charge throughout the race. Manufacturers can design their own powertrains, which includes the motor, transmission, inverter and the rear suspension, while components like the carbon fibre chassis and battery remain uniform in order to help control and lower costs. The focus of course is on developing electric vehicle powertrains and technology that will eventually trickle down to our road going cars. Panasonic Jaguar Racing’s I-TYPE features an MGU (Motor Generated Unit) with a maximum power output of 200kW and with a maximum speed of 140mph. Power is delivered via a paddle shift sequential gearbox. Beyond its all-electric concept, Formula E is also unique in the world of motorsport for its choice of venues. Every round, bar one in Mexico, takes place on street circuits, in the centre of major cities. Track action, including practice, qualifying and racing, takes place in a single day, apart from at the two-day doubleheader races in New York and the season-finale in Montreal. 66 www.arabiamotors.co / NOVEMBER 2016


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PANASONIC JAGUAR RACING FEATURE

THE TEAM

James Barclay, Panasonic Jaguar Racing, Team Director said: “This is a proud day for the whole of the Panasonic Jaguar Racing team. We’ve worked very hard and tested endlessly to prepare for our debut here in Hong Kong. We are here to race but we’re also here to innovate and to inspire. We will race hard from the start but our expectations are in check as we respect our competitors who have a two-year head start in the series. We’ve learnt a great deal from our pre-season test and development programme, but there is nothing like real race experience to give us an understanding of what we need to achieve our potential – and it all starts on Sunday. We can’t wait to return to the track!” Briton Adam Carroll, 33, brings speed and experience to Jaguar in a career that has included multiple single-seater championships including A1GP, IndyCar and GP2. He has also successfully carried out the bulk of Panasonic Jaguar Racing’s Formula E testing duties. Adam Carroll said: “It is a historic moment for Jaguar as a team to be embarking on this new journey in electric racing. As a driver, I am really looking forward to getting out on track. There is nothing quite like Formula E and I’m

looking forward to refining how we approach the race weekends and seeing the benefits of each improvement as we reach our potential. We have a big opportunity to inspire fans around the world and reach the next generation of EV drivers in new and innovative ways. As drivers, we are here to race but it is important to remember why we are here and the legacy of our Formula E programme in writing a new chapter in Jaguar’s history.” At 22, Mitch Evans is the youngest driver on the Formula E grid but brings experience far beyond his years to Panasonic Jaguar Racing. With multiple karting and open-wheel championship titles to his name including the 2012 GP3 Championship, Mitch is a young driver with proven race credentials. Mitch Evans said: “In just two seasons, Formula E has established itself as a real drivers’ championship. It has probably the most competitive driver line-up in the world and includes many ex-F1 and IndyCar drivers and a lot of current FIA World Endurance Championship drivers. The championship also offers some of the most thrilling racing in the world. We have a lot to learn in the season ahead but rest assured we will be racing hard. It has been my dream to be a works driver and I can’t wait to put on the Jaguar overalls on Sunday!”

DRIVERS - PANASONIC JAGUAR RACING

MITCH EVANS

ADAM CARROLL

Mitch began karting in 2001, entering the world of motorsport at just six years old where he won numerous titles, including the international trophy in the Toyota World Series for Giles Motorsport. In 2011 Mitch won his first New Zealand Grand Prix becoming the youngest ever driver to win the event. Mitch has since raced for MW Arden, Arden International and Russian Time, winning multiple races including the GP3 Series, eventually progressing to GP2 in which he secured 4th place during the season. He recently competed in the historic Le Mans 24 hour race in LMP2 with Jota Sport, reaching 2nd place in his first attempt.

Adam is a British motorsport World Champion with A1 GP and started racing competitively at nine years of age. He has raced in a range of formulas including F1, IndyCar, DTM, GP2, F3 British Formula Ford and the European Le Mans Series. His racing history displays a consistent pattern of a winner from an early age in his native Northern Ireland and his vast experience covers a range of roles, highlighting his ability to adapt quickly and perform competitvely with different racing cars, tracks and formulas.

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PUTTING THE SLICK CITY ORIENTED SUV THROUGH ITS PACES.

he EDGE is the latest offering from Ford in the crossover SUV market. Being a crossover means the EDGE provides some of the versatility and size of a larger 4x4 with the manageability better suited to the urban jungle. But does this Ford have an EDGE over the competition? 70 www.arabiamotors.co / NOVEMBER 2016


FORD EDGE CONSUMER REVIEW

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THE LOOKS

The EDGE holds a serious advantage over its competitors here. Out goes the more rounded look of its predecessor in favour of a more angular design, not only bringing the aesthetic up to date but making it look futuristic. If you see this car in a cursory glance you are sure to do a double-take to admire the features. It sits on on a set of 18-inch alloy wheels but should you tick the right boxes, higher trims levels will give you a slick set of 19-inch rims.The angular intakes are a particularly sharp-looking addition to the EDGE but are also a form & function feature; They are part of the Air Curtain , which streams the air alongside the vehicle using smart duct work, improving aerodynamics at high speed. The front and rear lights have been also been updated to feature sharp-looking LED lighting.

THE INTERIOR

The cabin of the Ford EDGE has always been a comfortable place to be, something I can personally attest to having owned the previous generation model. It offers a spacious interior, with plenty of room to stretch your legs. The boot also provides plenty of space, while the rear seats can also be folded down as needed to provide more room for storage.

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FORD EDGE CONSUMER REVIEW Should your hands be full on the way back to your car? The EDGE has you covered with the handsfree liftgate, meaning all you have to do is wave your foot under the bumper and watch it ascend.The quality of finish in the EDGE is that of a premium SUV, with a solidity to the fit and finish and a well thought out interior layout. Moreover the EDGE is brimming with technology, including a touchscreen with Ford’s new Sync 3 interface, a significant improvement over the old Sync system. The new system has been further refined and is much more intuitive, and on the SEL with equipment package, boasts the ability of working in tandem with two screens wrapped around the speedo. This allows you to make calls or turn up the AC, as you will definitely be doing in summer, without taking your hands off of the wheel. The infotainment system also provides you with a CD player, smartphone integration with bluetooth connectivity and auxiliary inputs so you can pass the aux cable amongst your friends to play tunes.

FEATURES

Other available features include automatic air conditioning, cruise control, voice recognition and a 180° camera tucked into its front grille. At low speeds, the camera is activated and displayed on the dashboard. As if that wouldn’t make parking easy enough, the available enhanced park assist uses ultrasonic sensors dotted around the vehicle to guide it into almost any parking space. Just control the throttle and brake as you would normally, and the EDGE will practically park itself. The SEL equipment package also provides you with leather upholstery, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat and several other features. Opt for a higher trim still,The Titanium level, and you get heated front seats, a reclining front passenger seat, and driver memory settings.

THE DRIVE

Right from first impressions the EDGE is a comfortable cruiser, feeling light and easy to drive at all speeds. Some of this praise can be attributed to the adaptive steering settings, which adjust at low-speeds, requiring less rotations of the steering wheel to manoeuvre or park. This adds a level of finesse and tidiness, despite being a spacious people mover. The EDGE has a plethora of safety features such as lanedeparture assist and adaptive cruise control, for those who want to get from point A to point B in the most convenient way possible. The intelligent AWD system works in tandem with these safety features, balancing torque between the front and rear wheels to enhance handling and maximise traction, while putting power down to the road. The EDGE also comes with Electronic Brakeforce Distrubution (EBD) a feature that automatically varies the amount of force applied to each wheel in order to maximise stopping power while at the same time preventing the wheels from locking up and skidding. The braking system constantly monitors what optimal braking conditions would be based on, plus speed and road conditions. It will even further adjust the force applied based on the weight of the passengers or cargo. The available engines for the SE, SEL and Titanium trims are the 2.0 litre Eco boost which makes 245 Hp and 275 lb ft of torque, or the 3.5 litre V6, producing 280 Bhp and 250 lb ft or torque respectively. However, For those who like to get there as quickly as possible we recommend the EDGE Sport. Featuring front and rear antiroll bars that are 15 percent stiffer than the base model and unique rear monotube dampers that are larger in diameter, giving the driver more control, sharper steering and greater confidence. The Sport also features a 2.7 litre Ecoboost twin-turbo V6, offering 315 Horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque at the disposal of your right foot. In layman’s terms, it makes it for an entertaining drive and manages to negate some of the aspects of size, with a 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds! This power is managed by a six-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel for the times you want to be fully involved in the drive. We think the EDGE has proven to be a very versatile crossover SUV, perfect for cruising round in great comfort, style and safety. NOVEMBER 2016 / www.arabiamotors.co 73


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VOLVO S90 CONSUMER REVIEW

WE TAKE THE LATEST VOLVO S90 OUT FOR A SPIN. weden; A country famous for flatpack furniture, a band called ABBA and Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s bicycle kick over England from 30 metres out. But now one of their stalwarts in the automotive industry has produced a new car, and we’ve had the chance to take it for a drive. WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

In the standings of modern day saloon cars, we’d have to say quite elegant. Whereas you’ve got cars like the Mercedes-Benz E Class designed in line with aggressive angularity, and the Audi A6’s subtle-yet somehow still in your face swagger, the Volvo takes a step back from this.

EXTERIOR

It is a refreshing take on a saturated market, with clean, sweeping lines forming the body of the S90, you can tell the Swedes have done without the dramatics. It really looks beautiful as you watch it growing on you, purely because it stays away from any of it’s competitors cues! The only shout-y visual cues come on the front of the car in the form of the new chromed out grille with the Volvo badge, and even then they’ve managed to keep it in with the aesthetics of the car without being so in your face. Another key feature of the S90’s looks that is sure to become a trademark of the brand - having already been adorned on its big brother, the XC90 - are the daytime running lights, uniquely named ‘Thor’s Hammer’. These Swedes...they sure do things differently.

INTERIOR

When we first got into the S90, we literally had to do a double take, but not for the reasons you might expect. The interior of this car is incredibly quirky, and definitely not the standard fare of your typical executive saloon. It blends modern contemporary style with an art deco touch, from the two tone black and beige steering-wheel, to the polished-aluminum adorned vertical A/C vents. All around you notice matte-finished open-pore wood trim and plenty

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CONSUMER REVIEW

VOLVO S90

of leather to keep those who are considering making the jump from a German saloon, a happy one. The biggest talking point about the S90’s interior however, has to be what initially appeared to be a vertically mounted iPad in the dash to serve as its infotainment system. This LCD screen serves as the central control panel to many of the cars settings, with very few analog buttons actually on the dashboard, meaning you’re going to have to take some time to familiarise yourself with the system. But we’re glad to report its quite intuitive and about as time consuming as learning to use the aforementioned iPpad. All you need to do is spend a little bit of time poking, prodding and swiping, and soon you will be good to go. The driving position in the S90 is superb as the steering column can be adjusted to the highest or lowest setting without obstructing the view from the instrument dials. We all know that Volvos are well known for having the most comfortable and well bolstered seats on the market and the S90 does not disappoint either. Rear seats are great too and offer ample seating space both in terms of head and legroom for rear seat passengers, especially when compared to other competitors. We hopped into the car, fumbling to find the key fob and sure enough... no dice! Okay this must be one of those push-to-start jobs, so we started looking around for a button that would breathe life into the engine. Instead we ended up finding a dial which looked like something that may start the car when pushed and... no go. After a few minutes of fiddling with various bits and bobs in the car we finally fired up the car and pulled out of the driveway. Honestly when we said this isn’t your typical German saloon “this is exactly what we meant!” The Swedes have no desire to adhere to the standard layout of a car. Rather than going for the standard start/stop button they opted for an unorthodox yet arguably cooler (certainly more individual) knob next to the gear-selector that says ‘ ENGINE’. To start the S90 all you need to do is just twist it and bingo, the car is ready to roll.

THE DRIVE

On the road, the S90 feels super comfortable in most aspects. The T6 variant we drove comes equipped with a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine providing 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard on this car and for suspensions you receive control arms set up for the front and leaf springs as standard at the back. However the leaf springs can be replaced with optional air suspensions to ensure a more comfortable ride. The S90 also comes in T5 form, powered by a turboonly version of the 2.0-liter, utilizing front-wheel drive and making 240hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Step on the throttle from zero and the S90 darts out forward instantly. Brake-torquing the engine can switch on launch control, which will help the car blast off a bit harder. Its not necessary or convenient to do that in traffic, but every now and then you may want to play ‘Speed Racer’ and this is adequate enough to deliver the goods. Driving on the highway the eightspeed automatic shifts logically and frequently to dish out the best power band according to your speed and driving mannerisms. The S90 gives you the option to play around with the overall driving dynamics, by offering you three choices to chose from; Comfort where your gear changes are smooth and unobtrusive; Eco when the upshifts are quicker and the car shoots forward at the slightest nudge to the throttle and Sport

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where the gear changes at a higher rev-range and down-shifts are two gears down to give you the maximum torque when you press kick-down. Obviously the central ECU is synced up with the rest of the car to adjust other aspects such as braking, cornering and handling. A feature we found very interesting was the ‘Pilot Assist Function’ which allows the S90 to steer itself. This feature now works at speeds of up to 80mph in conjunction with the adaptive cruise control and works great on highways with clear lane markers. A word of warning though! You can’t keep your hands away for more than 15 seconds (reasonable enough for you to bite into a sandwich and sip some coke) and the system can’t keep up with sharp turns on twisty roads. Apart from that it does pretty well and shall impress all your passengers.

VERDICT

Volvo has already stated that a T8 twin engine model will be appearing soon producing a 400hp plu-in-hybrid using the same powertrain offered in the XC90. Also on the cards is a wagon based model designated as the V90. The company promises that more new design themes and technology are on the way and the brand will entirely be revamped by next year, making for the youngest product range in the industry. The S90 truly stands out in a highly saturated segment, thanks to its individuality and quirkiness, mixed with its Swedish styling. While the T5 variant does its job in a more than ample manner, we would recommend the T6 for maximum bang-for buck performance. Overall the S90 is a solid, comfortable and beautiful looking European car that breaks away from convention. If you are out in the market looking for something in the mid-luxury segment, something that provides you with individuality and road-presence, then we recommend you go check the S90 out. We can assure you that it won’t disappoint.

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Hyundai has been trying to dabble in the luxury segment known as the Genesis G80, has now completely morphed last month and are glad to tell you that the GENESIS G90 78 www.arabiamotors.co / NOVEMBER 2016


HYUNDAI GENESIS CONSUMER REVIEW

for quite some time now. What started off as a test bed into the finished product - the G90. We got our hands on it has surpassed all expectations. NOVEMBER 2016 / www.arabiamotors.co 79


“FORTUNE FAVOURS THE BOLD” “Fortune favours the bold” I kept the adage firmly in mind as I headed to Dubai, ready to test drive Hyundai’s boldest new investment into the uber-luxury sedan class. The G90, already being touted internationally as a serious threat, to the established order of Asian luxo-barges, is now snarling at the European grand masters! The first homegrown product from Genesis Motors, the G90 doesn’t just represent a new flagship vehicle, it represents the launch of a new player in the luxury space, one with an entirely different set of goals from its siblings at Hyundai. While the latter primarily focuses on affordable sedans and family-friendly crossovers, Genesis will use dedicated platforms and engines to take on well-established juggernauts like MercedesBenz, BMW, Audi, and Lexus. This big cruiser is aiming straight for the top!

EXTERIOR

The moment we laid eyes on the car during the pre-drive presentation, we could tell that this car had panache... and loads of it. It was large, imposing and full of character no matter which angle you looked at it from. Don’t get me wrong, its not a very striking car and you could be forgiven for passing it by without a second glance. But it is the kind of car that exuberates class, in an old money kind of way. Its designing wreaks of understated elegance, but the kind that is usually expected from cars of this

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caliber. Suffice to say “money talks but wealth always whispers!” Overall the exterior is clean cut and handsomely sculpted. You can see that the G90 has extracted the best elements, from the best looking competitors from around the world. For example, the rear is screaming “S-Class” all the way while the front end is dressed with a massive, Audi-like grille and standard LED daytime running lights. The headlights remind me of the new Ford Mustang while the logo itself can easily be mistaken for that of Aston. But its not all about form, is it? The Genesis promises functionality too, with a drag coefficient of just 0.27, and a generous 124.4-inch wheelbase, the car delivers class-leading front-seat legroom.

INTERIOR

Virtually all of the G90’s features come standard — super comfortable luxury leather seats, Lexicon stereo, massive 12.3 inch display screen, adaptive suspensions... everything! And that, we believe, is where Genesis will gain an upper hand over its competitors, ranging from Mercedes, BMW and Audi, down to Lexus and Infiniti. When we first entered the car, we were met with swathes of Nappa leather, real wood panels, and suede that all felt fantastic to the touch. The cabin ergonomics are quite nice to look at as well, with uncluttered surfaces and adjustable interior lighting to provide contrast. For the driver, there’s a 22-way ventilated power seat in addition to the 16-way passenger unit. Rear seats are also adjustable and the right hand seat can actually transfrom into a recliner. As a nice little detail, the buttons are contoured to feel

better from the driver’s approach angle. It’s the little things that count. The list of standard conveniences goes on and on; carbon-dioxide sensors that direct fresh air into the cabin if C02 builds to a level that could reduce alertness, wireless cell-phone charging in the center console, a heated steering wheel for when necessary, power rear-seat sunshades, and … well, if you can name it, the Genesis G90 probably has it and that too as standard. As we stated earlier, there’s little about the G90 that suggests athleticism. Its comfort-first intention is clear from the moment you sink into the driver’s seat (designed with input from the Aktion Gesunder Rücken, a German consortium of doctors and physical therapists that aims to prevent back pain). It continues with doors that shut with a damped refinement aided by thick seals around the aperture. Silence seekers will love the G90’s convincing auditory impression of a bank vault with windows. Inside the cabin it boasts 67 decibels at 70 mph, a figure that matches today’s MercedesBenz S550, while the car’s 37-decibel idle and 73-decibel full-throttle sound measurements beat the Benz by 3 and 2 decibels. Acoustically laminated glass in all four doors and “soundabsorbing” wheels contribute to the serenity. The car is so quiet I actually fell asleep when I decided to ride in the back as passenger!

THE DRIVE

As for the ride, the G90 feels softer than cotton sandwiched between two clouds. Opt for the Sport drive mode and the ride firms up... but only ever so slightly. Outside of a mild tendency for the G90 to outrun its rebound damping,


HYUNDAI GENESIS CONSUMER REVIEW

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HYUNDAI GENESIS CONSUMER REVIEW

which allows the body one gentle bounce after large road dips, the car is otherwise planted and wheel motions are well controlled. Step on the throttle and the taps on Hyundai’s 413-hp V-8, leans back and smoothly builds speed. The muffled ripple emanating from beyond the dashboard interrupted only by the Hyundai-designed eight-speed automatic’s buttery shifts. At about little past 100kph is when you really feel the V8 getting comfy and loosening up . The speedometer needle is constantly on the move and like most V8s in this league, makes for effortless driving. We also tried the 3.3 litre V6, twin-turbo variant and as expected it felt slightly spritelier, even though its only had 370hp on tap. You can tell that in everyday driving, the V-8 model might feel slightly ponderous than its sharper-handling V6–powered sibling. Since neither model is dynamically gifted, we left the Sport mode alone and instead spent the majority of our time in the standard Smart setting. The G90s lovely interior made soaking up the kilometres between Dubai and Abu Dhabi a whole lot easier. The ambiance inside feels handsome, even though a bit understated just like its exterior. There is a mesmerising number of buttons on the dashboard, but all are within easy reach and impart a sense of accessibility that is unmatched in, say any BMW or Lexus. The cabin, with its fixtures and fittings inspires an expensive-feeling of confidence. When you

buy this car, you know that its money well spent, and not just on some cheap imitation, but on a product oozing with quality and cutting edge technology.

CONCLUSION

By now we’re pretty sure you’re wondering what this opulence costs and whether it is worth it? To answer your first query... well the V6 starts at a very reasonable BD26,500. and the V8 at BD32,300 fully loaded.

Is it worth it?

To which we reply... You tell us, considering it offers every amenity, luxury, quality and sophistication that you would get, say in a Lexus LS, an Audi A8, Mercedes S-Class or a BMW 7-Series... BUT! ...for way lesser money. What’s more, it comes with a five year unlimited mileage warranty, which technically means, Genesis is putting their money where their mouth is. Yes it may not be an established luxury brand with history...yet! But neither was Mercedes Benz in 1926, nor Lexus in 1989. Everything has to start somewhere at some point and the Genesis G90 is no exception, albeit it has started right from the top. Its evident that massive money has gone into this venture, and Genesis have produced an upstart capable of upstaging the luxury car world as we know it. We’ll simply end it here with the adage...’fortune favours the bold’.

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NISSAN PATROL NISMO COVER STORY

Nissan decided to do something outrageous for its cult following in Arabia, and created the Nismofied predator of all things jeep. Result? A vehicle unlike anything else on the market. Meet the all new NISMO Patrol.

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NISSAN PATROL NISMO COVER STORY

t had been the talk of motoring circles for some time now and quite rightly so. We’d heard earlier this year that Nissan’s tuning arm, NISMO had decided to get its hands on the ultimate dune basher -Patrol and give the GCC market a real treat! The rumour mill started off with tales of a jeep with a body kit and some red and white CI making its way into the interior. But back in Japan, the wizards at NISMO couldn’t pull their hands away from adding more grunt and muscle to the entire car, and the culmination of those efforts is subject of our cover story this month. For those of you familiar with NISMO already, you may be wondering why the company chose to build on the big and bulky Patrol platform; especially when its notoriety and expertise originated through street and track cars, like the Skyline GTR, Silvia and the Z. The answer may shock you, but the ‘suits’ back in Tokyo know about the mad men of Arabia for whom motorsports defined only one word - ‘speed’. The GCC today, is home to some of the worlds quickest Nissans thereby cementing the love affair between region and product. Add to this, Nissan Patrol’s have reigned supreme when its comes to desert-duelling for a good part of three decades thus making the candidacy a natural. NISMO took one of the best 4x4 off-road vehicles on the planet, and give it a make-over to match most expectations.

EXTERIOR

At first glance, it is immediately apparent that this is no ordinary Patrol. The bodykit will have you doing a double take on the cars balance of 4x4 brutishness. We’ve been told that it offers a segment first aero functionality - producing zero lift - meaning that all the body armour isn’t just for show. The front bumper takes its cues from the NISMO 370Z. Its got a massive intake that’s nearly as wide as the main grille, and vertical vents on the corners which are adorned with horizontal daytime running lights. Of course you’ve got the red accents that complete the SUVs aggressive intentions. Other aesthetic enhancements include new side-skirts, painted red grilles for the front fenders, 22-inch Rays allow wheels, Bilstein shocks for comfort and

a sports tuned suspension to give it the low riding menacing stance. In the back, NISMO did away with the standard apron for one that looks more akin to the 370Z. There are small intakes towards the fenders similar to those in the front, an aero diffuser and twin exhaust pipe’s sticking out. All around the SUV is adorned with NISMO badges indicating this car means business.

INTERIOR

Take a peek inside and you get a treat of the standard NISMO fare, albeit a bit more sporty-luxurious than the regular model. The whole theme is black and white with redtrim and NISMO embossed accents where necessary - for example checkout the diamond stitched seats. These are covered in soft supple leather, with exclusive black wood inserts on the centre console, door panels and dashboard. The instrument cluster has also received the NISMO upgrade, with a red rev-counter in tow. It also comes fully loaded with features like ventilated seats, sat-nav, parking sensors and cameras, blind spot detection mirrors and most importantly a “built-in radar detector.” The last part literally had us sold.

POWER

Underneath the hood, the regular Patrol’s 5.6 litre V8 has been hand tuned by Nissan Takumi’s (The highest skilled Nissan engineers...think Master Yoda to the rest of the Jedi) who are responsible for putting together the beating heart of the nasty Godzilla. Power has gone up from 400hp in the standard Patrol, to 428hp in the NISMO. Torque has been improved across 70% of the rev-range meaning this baby is putting out approximately 600Nm to the pound, compared to the 413Nm in the stock car. These cars are a limited production run and if you do happen to own a NISMO GTR35 or 370Z or both, then this accessory should be on top of your priorities list! The tranny on this monster is a seven-speed automatic with power being sent to all four wheels permanently.

DRIVE

Naturally the drive of this Patrol is completely different from that of its lesser mortal siblings. The first thing to go under the knife was the body, which has now been re-bolstered and customised to match up with the precision responses of the sports tuned power steering. Get behind the wheel and you immediately realise that the NISMO Patrol handles more like a luxury sedan than a huge and bulky 4x4. You instantly notice it feels a whole lot steadier and stable around bends and corners - much more than any of its competitors (Not that there is one...yet) even in the SAV classes. The ride is uncompromised, forgiving and still offers a great level of comfort. NOVEMBER 2016 / www.arabiamotors.co 87


Power is instant and you can feel the car lunging forward through the gears like a hot knife through butter. Cabin insulation is so good, that you end up failing to realise how fast you are shooting forward. The only indicator you have is the speed warning chime and the speedometer needle which moves rapidly through the gears, no thanks to 600nm of torque. Yes there are SAVs like the BMW X5 Ms or the Mercedes GL63s, that go faster and have more hp, but the NISMO Patrol somehow feels a lot more easier and crisper to drive than the others. This could possibly be attributed to the 200kg weight drop from the standard SUV and of course the brilliant suspension and steering tuning done by the four Takumis in Japan. Remember that the NISMO division is known for its expertise in road and track going Nissans and with the 22-inch wheels, the engineers made it clear that they had every intention of doing the same with the company’s flagship SUV. We think, the idea here was to showcase their skills at making such a massive chunk of automobile to perform like a sports car... but never to be used as one. Yes! The car has been made by NISMO but it is not a car you can or should track.

SAFETY & OPTIONS

The NISMO Patrol comes equipped with the same safety features as the regular SUV, meaning six airbags and a range of safety systems. These include Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Brake Assist, Distance Control Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Tire Pressure Monitor System with Tire Inflation Indicator, and Active Head Restraints. Like many off-roaders, the Patrol also features Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control. Finally, a crash-sensitive door unlock system unlocks the doors in the event of a collision. Did we mention the built in refrigerator for both front and back seat passengers?

CONCULUSION

Being huge fans of NISMO , we are very happy to see a resurgence in activity from Nissan’s in-house tuning arm as well as a wider range of rad vehicles that can be purchased straight off the showroom floor. True that the power hike from standard may not seem like a huge leap of performance, but credit is due to Nissan, for thinking outside the box and creating a vehicle that is unparalleled in the full size SUV segment. The muscular body kit and the massive wheels give it a stance and presence that most European manufacturers would be jealous off. Lets face it, the regular Patrol was already excellent, offering amenities and pricing that made it the “King of SUVs” here in the region. With the NISMO version, Nissan has just added a crown to its head - and we love it. 88 www.arabiamotors.co / NOVEMBER 2016


NISSAN PATROL NISMO COVER STORY

“ THE BODY-KIT WILL HAVE YOU DOING A DOUBLE TAKE ON THE CARS BALANCE OF 4X4 BRUTISHNESS.”

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Fast & F JAPANS CULT CLASSIC GETS A GCC UPGRADE!

nly one of the most iconic JDM cars to ever hit the scene. This poster-boy is the Toyota Supra, famed for the bulletproof 2JZ engine and further pushed into the limelight by Paul Walker’s infamous drag race with Vin Diesel’s 67 Charger. Arguably one of the most memorable scenes from the Fast and Furious franchise. This dramatic drag race effectively doused race fuel all over the the Import vs Muscle car argument and sent shockwaves around the globe. And here, to represent the Import side of the argument is a 1994 Supra that would probably put Mr. Diesel’s car to shame when it comes to tech and trickery up the sleeve! 90 www.arabiamotors.co / NOVEMBER 2016


erocious 1994 TOYOTA SUPRA MODIZONE

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BELLY OF THE BEAST

The engine bay is covered by a custom designed hood by SMS Design and Performance, neatly displaying the waste gate dump tube. Power is provided by a custom-built longblock with ported and polished forged internals, and a single turbo in the form of a precision 6266, replacing the twin turbo set up the car used to run on previously. To supply the monster power plant SMS installed an AEM Methanol injection kit and Aeromotive Fuel Cell and fuel system kit. An engine needs to combust and combust fast in this case!

KEEPING COOL AND THINKING STRAIGHT

To keep the car cool SMS have designed a custom intake and intercooler kit, replacing the stock radiator with a Koyo aluminium one, with the shroud kit also custom designed by the performance shop. The computer has also received an upgrade in the form of a Haltech ECU package dealing with the wideband, boost, fuel pressure, EGT and temperature sensors. To manage distribution of power to the wheels SMS employed a TRD differential and an upgraded clutch kit. Inside the car, we have the kind of bride that most car guys are after - the CF Bride bucket seats, as well as a hydraulic handbrake conversion system to send this Supra sideways as smoothly as possible. Last, but not least, we have a Veilside body-kit adorning this beast, making it look like something straight out of the Fast and Furious film franchise. Our boys at SMS informed us that the car had taken a long time to build as the owner was meticulous about detail and wanted only the best products in his ride. We can tell you that you wont be seeing this bad boy racing down the highways - EVER! But do look out for it going sideways, power sliding away like a dream at drift competitions and car meets. 92 www.arabiamotors.co / NOVEMBER 2016


1994 TOYOTA SUPRA MODIZONE

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S US WHAT W O H S TO EN V 3 K M IS TH IS ABOUT. CLASSIC DAILY DRIVING

or this month’s classic car feature, we’ve decided to do things a little bit different. This isn’t your typical classic car that becomes a garage queen for fear of a drop in value, but rather a car that is used as a daily driver. We decided to go for something a bit more recent, making this months feature a modern classic. 94 www.arabiamotors.co / NOVEMBER 2016


VOLKSWAGEN VENTO MK3 CLASSIC CULTURE

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VOLKSWAGEN VENTO MK3 CLASSIC CULTURE For a little bit of a history, the Vento carries the same naming theme that Volkswagen uses, with ‘Vento’ meaning wind in both Portugese and Italian. However, what you may not know is that this car has been received multiple different names over the generations such as Sagitar, Fox, Atlantic, Clasico and Voyage. But one name that may stand out to you is Jetta, because it still carries this name, while being manufactured at VW facilities around the world today. While also under the title Jetta this generation of the car effectively prevented Volkswagen from pulling out of the North American market. At the time of its introduction in 1993, Volkswagen of America’s sales had dropped to a low not witnessed since the 1950’s. However, sales bounced back heavily in the following years, mostly based on the strength of the Jetta, which continued to be the bestselling Volkswagen in the USA at the time. This particular Vento, as mentioned earlier, is used as a daily driver by the owner and as such, has been restored to run in optimal condition. The engine has been rebuilt with new pistons, new drive shaft, new rods and bearings and lifter springs to alleviate valve float. Brakes have been upgraded to a larger diameter with dual piston callipers. A lot of restoration and rebuild work has gone into this car, so that its owner could enjoy using it as a daily driver or a weekend cruiser... depending on the weather and his mood. One of the few things left stock in the vehicle is the gearbox. On the visual side of things, this Vento has a completely new front-end and bumper, a Momo steering wheel and custom built LED gauge faces. It also sits moderately lowered thanks to FK coilovers and has a somewhat stanced look thanks to the BBS RS wheels and stretched tyres.

“All in all, this Mk3 Vento is an example to car owners that if you’ve got a retro or ultra classic car, make the most out of it and don’t turn it into a garage queen.”

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or this month’s ‘As Good As New’ segment we stumbled upon this beautiful Porsche 911 Carrera S from Behbehani Used Cars. Porsches are renown for producing true driving enthusiasts’ cars and utilising incredible levels of engineering in the pursuit of driving perfection. The 911 as we all know is not only their signature product, but their flagship and cornerstone of the brand’s unprecedented success. This particular example is adorned in a Sapphire Blue Metallic paint scheme and sits pretty butch on its optional 20-inch 911 Turbo wheels. The interior consists of two-tone leather in Black and Garnet Red. The engine is the 3.8 liter Flat-six, mated to Porsche’s superb optional PDK gear-box, producing 400hp on demand for your right foot. Besides these marvels, this particular example also comes with plenty of boxes ticked in terms of options; The sport chrono package, electric slide/tilt glass sunroof, power steering plus, sport/design steering wheel, smoking package, park assist for the front and rear with reversing camera and, lastly, but not comprehensively, the pièce de résistance, the Porsche crest embossed on the head rests. As you can see this car is pretty optioned up and is a real eye-catcher no thanks to its beautiful colour combination. Travelled less than 8000kms you can pick this 2015 model up for a bargain price of BD34,900. from the Behbehani Approved Used car showroom. For further information call +973 17459808 or +973 17701333. NOVEMBER 2016 / www.arabiamotors.co 99


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BAHRAIN SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS

Alneaimi headed into the season-opening race of the 2016/17 Bahrain Superbike Championship looking to start from where he left off last season, when he was crowned the series’ first-ever title winner with an undefeated record in 12 races. But it was clear from the lights that the Qatari was not going to be cruising to any easy victories this year, as Aussie rival Aaron Moris and Briton Mike Edwards quickly showed that they are ones to look out for. DECEMBER 2015 NOVEMBER 2016 I/www.arabiamotors.co www.arabiamotors.co 101 101


“SUPER-BIKE ENTHUSIASTS GO CR A OPENER PUTTINGON A THRIL

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BAHRAIN SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS

AZY AT THE START OF THE SEASON LING PERFORMANCE AT BIC.”

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The latest products you need in your life... AUDI SUNGLASSES

Keep everything in view in the best weather – with the sporty and unbreakable G2 Gloryfy Sunglasses in Audi Sport design. Made from innovative, flexible, unbreakable plastic that offers additional protection and featuring grey lenses with SPF3, UV 400 (100% protection).

PORSCHE PHONE CASE

Send a clear message about your favourite car manufacturer. Made of original Porsche material this phone case, with its soft padded interior is designed to protect the iPhone 6 Plus or other similarly sized mobile phones like the Samsung Galaxy S 5. Where to get it: Porsche online store

Available at Audi online shop

MCLAREN JAMES HUNT 40TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION POSTERS

McLaren and Unique & Limited celebrate the defining moment of James Hunt’s career: the Japanese Grand Prix of 1976, where he secured his only world title. The posters depict Hunt’s McLaren M23 – one of the most successful chassis McLaren ever built in terms of longevity. Part of a limited edition of only 1000 produced and an official licensed product of McLaren Racing Limited and James Hunt Racing.

Available from: the official Mclaren store website

PORSCHE R.S PEDAL CAR

Here’s one for your little ones; The new RS 2.7 pedal car was created to brainwash your little one early and get him/her accustomed to having their own ride. The perfect beginner model for those little aspiring gear-heads who show their passion for cars from an early age.

Available from: Porsche online shop

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AUTOMOTIVE GEAR

ZENITH RANGE ROVER EL PRIMERO

Manufacture Zenith’s El Primero Range Rover Special Edition. In tribute to the first luxury SUV, its brushed grey dial bears the inscription “Zenith Range Rover”. The hands and hourmarkers are rhodiumed and luminescent. It has a 42 mm-diameter matt black ceramised case, waterresistant to 100 metres and topped by a cambered sapphire crystal, it is equipped with a ratcheted crown and black round pushers.

FERRARI WALLET

Available at Zenith Boutiques

This Ferrari Cavallino Rampante wallet is hand made in Italy and features 3+3 credit card slots, four document pockets and a bank note compartment. This wallet has a series of sophisticated details such as the seamless exterior, the calfskin interior, lambskin and moiret. Where to get it: Ferrari online store

BMW MEN’S SUMMER DOWN JACKET

TYRE WATCH MOD. 03

For those Lamborghini loving horophiles out there, Tonino Lamborghini have you covered. The new TYRE chronographs owe their name to the special shape of the bezels in polished/satin-finished steel with black-PVD treatment; the strap is in black rubber and recalls the tyre tread. The buckle has a tongue closure with black PVD treatment. The “Tonino Lamborghini” signature enriches it and the shield of the Bull burdened in 3D.

Lightweight, hip-length summer down jacket with an outer material boasting a metallic sheen. As well as side pockets and BMW Automotive Design branding on the inner lining, you get a BMW leather badge on the back. Covered in insulating material, this jacket can be folded up very small. Available on BMW online shop

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‫ دينار‬250 ‫أقساط مريحة للمتقاعدين واصحاب السجالت التجارية لموظفي الحكومة والقطاع الخاص ذوي الرواتب التي تبدأ من‬

‫اآلن يمكنك تأمين سيارتك بأرخص األسعار مع الفخامة (تأمين شامل‬

13303000 :‫ هاتف‬، 115 ‫زورونا يف فرعنا �جلدديدد يف منطقة �حلدد �ل�سناعية‬

Hurry! Good news for government & private sector employees whose salaries start from BD 250 - transferred or without transfer - very simple procedure Working Hours: from 8am - 1pm & 3:30pm - 8:30pm

Tel: 17466663 (Arad) - 13303000 (Asry) /

ً ‫ لي‬8:30 ‫م�ساء �إىل‬ ‫ال‬ 3:30 ‫ ظهر�ً ومن‬1 ‫ �سباح ًا �إىل‬8 ‫ من‬:‫�أوقات �لدو�م‬ ً

Mob: 39445459 /

majestic_cars_bh

www.bhautotrader.com

Porsche Panamera 2015

Tel: 16666660, mob: 66991888

Land cruiser 2015

Bmw 7series


BUSINESS DIRECTORY AM

Once You

T O U C H www.microfibermadness.de Bahrain

The Finest Microfiber Towels

View the full collection Insta @microfiber_madness_bah

You'll Understand ...

from Germany

Looking for distributors in Kingdom of Bahrain

Kingdom of Bahrain Official Distributor Contact: +973 39 99 72 77 | dg@microfibermadness_bah.com | www.microfibermadness.de | insta @microfiber_madness_bah

NOVEMBER 2016 / www.arabiamotors.co 111


AM BUSINESS DIRECTORY

NEED A BODY SHOP?

Rider's Mart

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.

7734 6667 albarakaatridersmart@gmail.com albarakaat riders mart albarakaatriders

112 www.arabiamotors.co / NOVEMBER 2016

Showroom 2085B, Road 433, Salmabad 701, Bahrain Google maps location: 26.1781110,50.5327840


Do you need to change anything? OIL CHANGE

A/C GAS FILLING

BATTERY CHANGE

WIPER CHANGE

SUSPENSION CHANGE

BRAKE CHANGE

SPARK PLUG CHANGE

LIGHT BULB CHANGE

Call autoMAX and

WE’ll COME TO YOU FOR A CHANGE! autoMAX car care will come to your home or office to perform any of the above services on your vehicles in less then an hour*. Call us for an appointment or book online now. VICE

16 POINT OIL SER

BD

10 +

MATERIAL

CALL US

Call +973 17 404131

* some vehicles require more time

Book appointment online

www.automaxme.com


RX STATEMENT MAKE A

The Lexus RX embodies driving pleasure and progressive luxury. Discover dynamic styling and refined features that blend advanced technology and design, equipped to match your personality. Express your drive for performance. Visit the Lexus showroom in Sitra to discover the range of RX models. Lexus Showroom - Sitra 17 737 773 lexus.com.bh

/LexusBahrain


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