ArabWheels - issue 156 - Nov/Dec 2018

Results Inside

November-December 2018

Tested

2019 Jeep Wrangler Living up to its ancestors

ARES L

and Ro ver Defend er

All-new 2020 Range Rover Evoque Velar’s baby brother evoked!

Honda Odyssey and Odyssey J

Pirelli takes ‘grip’ of luxury supercar market

Content

12

Rolling News

8

Cover Story

16

2019 Jeep Wrangler Living up to its ancestors

All-new 2020 Range Rover Evoque Velar’s baby brother evoked!

4

www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

22

Glo10 bal Drive

2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 6,500 reasons to energize you!

28

Editors' Choice

32

Ferrari GTC4Lusso T test drive Ferrari’s V8 avatar looks promising

36

Ferrari 812 Superfast Chef d’oeuvre’s homage November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 3

Content

Editors' Choice

40

2019 F-150 Raptor Absolute fun with an EcoBoost punch

44

Opel Grandland X Good but not so great crossover

46

Honda Odyssey and Odyssey J

Special Feature

Life Style 4

www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

58

50 50

Pirelli takes ‘grip’ of luxury supercar market with expansion of its flagship store P Zero World

54

ARES Land Rover Defender Hermès of coach-built auto industry

Updates

60

SMS MQ11 TO 4881 FOR MORE INFO

Staff

Editor's Letter

November-December 2018

Editor in Chief Issam Eid issam@tracemedia.info Co-Editor in Chief Khaled Hammoud khaled@tracemedia.info

Nissan/Mitsubishi dismiss Carlos Ghosn while Renault stands by its top guy

Senior Editor Mark Forker Contributing Editors Mohammed Ershad Hisham Sakr Graphic Designers Charbel El Khoury Copy Editor Jennifer Robertson

The official story behind Carlos Ghosn’s arrest in Japan is that he underreported earnings, used company assets for personal gains, and falsified financial statements.

Photographers Elie Mouawad

As it turns out, there may be more to this story and Nissan may have had more serious reasons to take Ghosn down. According to a report from The Financial Times, Carlos Ghosn had been planning to take the Renault Nissan Alliance one step further and fully merge the two companies — despite repeated denials from his part. That was something Nissan’s board couldn’t let happen, as it would equate to the Japanese company’s total surrender to Renault.

Chief Executive Officer Toni Eid Operations Manager Marian Santos Responsible Manager Lara Hojaiban

Renault has a 43-percent stake in Nissan which gives it unusual power over the Japanese company, including the ability to appoint senior executives. On the other hand, Nissan owns just 15 percent of Renault which gives it no voting rights or control over its French partner.

Nissan’s decision came despite Renault urging the Japanese company to delay Ghosn’s removal.

So far Renault has kept Ghosn in the position of the company’s chairman and CEO, naming Thierry Bollore as interim CEO, while Mitsubishi announced its intention to follow Nissan’s footsteps and dismiss him at a board meeting a few weeks later.

Events Manager Tatiana Makarova

Published by Circulation audited by

In our last combined issue of the year we brought you the best of the best as always.

Results of the ArabWheels Awards 2018 ceremony are found in this issue. I would like to congratulate Jaguar on earning the EV of the Year award for the I-PACE and Volvo on earning the Car of the Year 2018 for the XC40. Next year we will be celebrating our 5th edition of ArabWheels Awards!

Our cover story has been divided by two. We feature the all-new 2019 Jeep Wrangler, the iconic off-roader from USA and the best compact premium SUV from London, the all-new 2020 Range Rover Evoque in its second generation. We also tested the new C-Class in its AMG setup, the C43-AMG. We tested many vehicles either in Beirut or Dubai, which you have requested the last few months: Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T, Ferrari 812 Superfast, Ford F-150 Raptor, Opel Grandland X, Honda Odyssey and Odyssey J. Other test drives are featured on the website.

I personally laid my hand on the Land Rover Defender designed and tuned by ARES in Modena. Believe it, it is a legacy that has been revived to fit in the present time. Pirelli, the prominent tire manufacturer, was also part of our last issue of the year from Monaco.

Distribution Advertising Trace Media Ltd. Zouk Mikael, LEBANON Kaslik Sea Side Road, Badawi Group Building, 4th Floor, P.O. Box 90-2113, Jdeidet el Metn Tel. +961 9 211741 Mob. +961 70 519 666 Email: info@tracemedia.info Trace Media International Dubai Media City Building #7, 3rd floor, Office #341 Tel.: +971 4 4474890 Fax: +971 4 4474889 Mobile: +971 5 56397080 P.O. Box: 502498 Dubai - UAE Email: info@tracemedia.info

I would like to take the opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas blessed with your families, friends and colleagues and a happy healthy 2019!

UAE, Dar Al Hikma LLC KSA, AlWatania Distribution Kuwait, United Company for Dist. of Newspapers & Publications Qatar, MMO (Messagerie Du Moyen Orient) Lebanon,MMO (Messagerie Du Moyen Orient) Bahrain, Dar al Ayam Jordan, Aramex Media Egypt, Modern Distribution Company Printed by United Printing and Publishing © All Rights Reserved.

Publication of any of the contents is prohibited.

Keep yourself warm when surfing our website at www.arabwheels.net and our social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube channel and Twitter.

www.arabwheels.net Instinctively Driven

Issam Eid, Editor in Chief

Follow us on

ArabWheels Awards 2018 Always first to recognize the successes of car manufacturers!

It’s that time of the year when ArabWheels gears up for its annual awards ceremony; now entering its fourth year. Every year ArabWheels presents a more influential, further reaching and more prestigious awards ceremony, held at the Meydan Hotel—an impressive landmark of Dubai.

“At ArabWheels, a Trace Media platform, we are serving our partners to recognize their achievements and celebrate their successes in the region.

No other media platform in the region does that. ArabWheels is the first to consider that the relationship should be mutual between media platforms and car manufacturers. I hope you will have better evaluations in your plans for next year because media platforms don’t survive from press releases only.

Thank you for joining us and congratulations for each shortlisted brand and a big congratulations to this year’s winners!” said Toni Eid, CEO of Trace Media International.

Commenting on the ArabWheels Awards, Issam Eid, editor in chief of ArabWheels and director of Automotive Media at Trace Media, said: “ArabWheels Awards is much more than just handing over a trophy at a glamourous event every November. It’s a long assignment that is intended to inform potential car buyers about the vehicles that should appear on their 8

www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

shortlists. Notably, it also gives consumers a 50 percent say in the results via our online voting process. Another 50 percent is for our judging panel whose jurors ensure the integrity and credibility of the awards but also serve as an important resource for the industry with a focus on excellence and innovation on a regional scale. The main goal was to achieve a balance between consumers and expert motoring journalists.”

To be eligible for ArabWheels Awards, a car must be an “all-new” or “significantly facelifted” vehicle that has been for sale prior to the announcement of the nominated vehicles.

The four jurors for this year’s ceremony were: Nabil Moustafa, editor in chief, Strive Middle East, Hisham Sakr, pre-owned sales manager, Gargour Automotive Company, Khaled Hammoud, co-editor in chief, ArabWheels, and Issam Eid, editor in chief of ArabWheels.

Small Premium Sedan: Kia Stinger

Midsize Sedan: Honda Accord

Luxury Coupe Convertible: Ferrari Portofino

Large Premium Sedan: Audi A8

Compact SUV: Mazda CX-3

Compact Premium SUV: Mercedes-Benz GLA

Small SUV: MG RX5

Small Premium SUV: Alfa Romeo Stelvio November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 9

10

Midsize SUV: Jeep Wrangler

Midsize Premium SUV: Lexus RX450h

Midsize Premium SUV Coupe: Audi Q8

Midsize Performance SUV: Range Rover Sport SVR

Prestigious Luxury SUV: Rolls-Royce Cullinan

Large SUV: Ford Expedition

Large Premium SUV: Cadillac Escalade

Pickup Truck: RAM 1500 Limited

www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

Premium Sports Coupe: Mercedes-AMG C43

Midsize Executive Estate: Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

Luxury Coupe: Aston Martin DB11

Supercar: Lamborghini Aventador S

EV of the Year 2018 (EVOTY): Jaguar I-PACE

Car of the Year 2018 (COTY): Volvo XC40 November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 11

Rolling News Jaguar’s Electric I-PACE is Germany’s Car of the Year drove 59 cars in a series of comparison tests. They loved the groundbreaking I-PACE’s blend of driving dynamics, performance and style.

Jens Meiners, German Car of the Year Award jury member and spokesman, said, “The Jaguar I-PACE is not only the first premium electric vehicle from an established manufacturer, it also makes uncompromising use of the advantages of an electrified vehicle architecture.”

“Its performance is impressive, and its design and practicality stand out, which is why the I-PACE ultimately was the winner against strong competition.”

The British EV topped a shortlist of five to win the award. The jury evaluated the design, performance, ride, handling, future viability and general relevance of each model on the road and at the Bilster Berg circuit.

The Jaguar I-PACE electric performance SUV has won the 2019 German Car of the Year Award.

The British brand’s first fully electric vehicle (EV) earned the most votes from a panel of 12 expert journalists who

Accepting the award, Prof. Dr. Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover CEO, said, “We are extremely proud to receive this honor from the German media for our first fully electric vehicle, the Jaguar I-PACE. To get such an award in the homeland of premium brands is very precious.”

Road Safety UAE - 5-year anniversary!

Road Safety UAE, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) & Engagement Platform, was launched five years ago with the aim of raising awareness for proper conduct on UAE roads in an innovative, holistic, permanent and broad manner. Now, five years later, they want to thank all of their partners & supporters and all involved stakeholders for having worked greatly on their cause.

In addition, they wish to thank all CSR-Partners during the last five years: ABB, ADNOC, Al Fahim - Eastern Motors, Al Futtaim Automotive, Al Hilal Bank, Al Masaood, AMEC Foster Wheeler, Audi, Axa, BMW, Careem, Daman, Deliveroo, Dubai Properties - Dubai Holding, dubizzle, EGA (Dubal, Emal), Emarat, ENOC – AutoPro, Galadari Mazda, Galadari Motor Driving, Gargash Insurance, Habtoor Motors, JustKidding, Mercedes Gargash, MMI, Pepsi, Pernod Ricard, Red Bull, Valvoline, Zurich, 3M. Jointly with CSR-partners, and also supported by public stakeholders like Dubai Police, RTA, Abu Dhabi Police and many more, they conducted a series of innovative and often ‘first-ever’ road safety initiatives like events & conferences, behavior studies, consumer promotions, PR activities, celebrity endorsements, staff engagement activities, lobbying efforts, and more. The company also thanked UAE’s leading media who have been supporting them so strongly, compiling more than 4,500 articles, creating a media value of more than US$ 15 Million for their cause.

12

www.arabwheels.net

Moreover, they mentioned receiving a number of prestigious awards on country, regional and global level for the work they conducted with their CSR-Partners and other involved stakeholders. These recognitions are amazing compliments for the quality, reach and consistency of their joint efforts. After 5 years, they are still committed to continue contributing to the overall road safety objectives with their partners and with their work.

November-December 2018

Nissan Patrol breaks Guinness World Records title for Largest Synchronized Car Dance

The Nissan Patrol has broken another Guinness World Records title for the Largest Synchronized Car Dance. This award recognizes the activation which has the greatest number of cars moving in unison within a formation. A total of 180 Nissan Patrols took part in the record attempt, driving in a synchronized routine in the shape of a giant desert falcon. This new accolade is the third time the iconic Nissan Patrol has achieved a Guinness World Records title.

Nissan achieved this new record at the Dubai Rugby 7s stadium, beating the previous world record holders by 36 cars. Led by international racing driver Axcil Jefferies, two concentric lines of cars drove in opposite directions around the outline of a falcon, a total distance of 1,476 meters. The shape formed by the 180 Nissan Patrols taking part in the attempt measured 176.5 meters by 225 meters. Viewed from above, the activation looked like a giant falcon in flight over the sands of the Arabian desert.

This award is the third time the iconic Nissan Patrol has broken a Guinness World Records title. In September 2015, the car broke the record for the fastest ascent of a 100-meter sand dune by a car, scaling the dune in a rapid 4.9 seconds. The first title was achieved in August 2013, when the Nissan Patrol successfully towed the world’s heaviest aircraft for more than 164 feet (50 meters) at Sharjah International Airport in the UAE. The Guinness World Records official attempt was also a celebration of three new editions that have been added to the Nissan Patrol family this month. Launched in response to popular demand, the Patrol Safari Falcon, Gazelle and Gazelle-X were

developed for and are exclusively available to customers in the Middle East. The names of the new cars also inspired the shape formed during the record-breaking synchronized car dance.

Nissan Middle East’s new Guinness World Records title is the sixth to have been achieved by the company, with three of these being awarded to the iconic Patrol. Most recently, Nissan Middle East sped into the record books after driver Masato Kawabata (Japan) achieved the fastest ever vehicle drift. Kawabata reached a staggering 304.96 km/h (189.49 mph), while driving a Nissan GT-R Nismo during an event at Fujairah International Airport in April 2016.

November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 13

Rolling News

Porsche 911 under pressure: Testing the new generation

T

he home straight for the new Porsche 911: the eighth generation of the sports car classic will be launched in Europe at the beginning of 2019. Prior to this, the prototypes’ engines get revved up to complete the final stages of a global testing program which put the new sports cars under a great deal of stress. Test vehicles are moving between climate zones with temperature differences of up to 85 degrees Celsius; sprinting across elevation changes spanning more than four kilometers; enduring lengthy traffic jams in major cities and setting new records on race tracks.

Despite those grueling tests, every component of the car must function as reliably as it did at the outset.

The testing focuses first on Porsche’s traditional core areas of expertise, such as the chassis and engine, which have been enhanced even further to increase both performance and everyday use. Additionally, there are functional checks and stress tests for the entirely new operating concept in the cockpit, as well as instruments and displays. The new driver assistance systems and enhanced connectivity must also be assessed as part of the strenuous testing phase.

In hot regions, such as the Middle East or Death Valley in the USA, the air conditioning, thermal management, and combustion behavior need to pass functional checks in temperatures up to 50 degrees Celsius. Interior components must not expand or contract and make noises when exposed to extreme heat. In Finland’s 35 degrees Celsius below freezing point, testing focuses on functions such as cold start, heating, traction, handling and braking behavior, as well as the response speed of the control systems related to driving dynamics. Endurance runs saw the new 911 test cars on China’s roads in country-typical traffic situations, and proved the fact that they can run reliably on different quality fuels.

The vehicles reach their geographically lowest point in Death Valley, which descends to around 90 meters below sea level; while the thin air on Mount Evans, Colorado, with a height of 4,300 meters, challenges the biturbo charging and the fuel system. By the time testing is complete, the cars have been driven for around three million kilometers in total.

A less spectacular component of testing, albeit no less important, is customer-oriented everyday driving on public roads through cities and across the countryside to ensure that the vehicle and all systems are durable for daily use. This phase also sees significant mileage being covered, while complying with all traffic rules, with the common goal that the eighth generation of this sports car icon continues the tradition of being the best 911 of all time.

14

www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

Cadillac V-type engines: over 100 years of automotive innovation

C

adillac has been at the forefront of automotive innovation throughout its 116-year history, leading the way with V-type engines. From V6 up to V16, the American premium car brand has evolved its V-type engine range since 1914, becoming the first automobile maker in the world to massproduce V8 engines.

The first 1902 one-cylinder Cadillac car was a quality product, thanks to the insistence on precision by the brand’s general manager, Henry Leland. A four-cylinder car was then invented in 1905, confirming Cadillac’s place in the luxury market.

In 1912, Cadillac wowed the automotive world with the groundbreaking electric self-starter that made driving more convenient, paving the way for the brand to consolidate its luxury status. Three years later, Cadillac went exclusively to a 5.1-liter, 70-horsepower V8, which smoothness and performance were well received that 13,000 were sold in the first year. From then on, the V8 was Cadillac’s mainstay engine.

Fast-forwarding to the present day, building on its V-8 legacy, Cadillac introduced earlier this year the brand’s first-ever twin-turbo V-8 engine, boasting 550 horsepower and 850Nm of torque. Debuting in the Middle East in 2019 as the centerpiece of the new first-ever CT6-V, the all-new Cadillac Blackwing™ Twin Turbo V8 engine is hand-built and then signed by a single engine builder. It complements the brand’s current portfolio of V-type engines, including the ATS-V’s 3.6L, 464hp, Twin Turbo V-6 and the CTS-V’s 6.2L, 640 horsepower supercharged V-8 engines.

Cadillac’s reputation for manufacturing V-type engines began in 1914 with the introduction of brand’s first V-8 engine but continued to bolster it through the subsequent generations.

The premium American brand expanded the range in 1930, adding the V16 engine to its portfolio, followed by the V-12 engine few months later. The V16 was one of Cadillac’s signature engines, with its tight 45-degree V angle, becoming a distinguishing design that once again made the brand stand out among its industry peers and luxury-segment rivals.

Almost two decades later, Cadillac began work on a groundbreaking technological development, presenting the 1949 short-stroke, overhead-valve, high-compression V8 engine.

It displaced 5.4 liters, produced 160 horsepower, and its release became a trend-setting moment for automotive engine technology.

Three years later, in 1952, Cadillac then improved upon its original design by raising the output of the V8 to 190 horsepower. By 1970, Cadillac’s Eldorado V8 had reached 8.2 liters and 400 horsepower.

As part of designing its own powerplants, Cadillac then created its new-for-1993 twin-overhead-cam Northstar V-8, marking another engine-technology milestone with a fine tribute to its 90 years of Vtype engine production.

Today, Cadillac continues to offer a V8, in its twin-turbo form, as it has for more than 100 years, setting the manufacturer apart from all other premium automotive brands. With trackhoned design, chassis and suspension elements, the Cadillac V-Series of vehicles are dual purpose luxury performers with true track capability straight from the factory, blended with sophisticated and refined features.

November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 15

Cover Story

2019 Jeep Wrangler Living up to its ancestors

16

www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

“M os t c off-r apab le o availa ader b t he m le in as va arket lue fo r mo n e y�

November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 17

Cover Story 2019 Jeep Wrangler

Risk is everywhere in life. It’s in the trail itself. It is in the rocks, trees and cliffs.

But our expectations were confronted. This is all about the famous Rubicon Trail. That’s the last name of the Jeep Wrangler, Rubicon! Again we were doing the famous Rubicon Trail in California – Nevada borders but this time on board of the all-new 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (2-door and 4-door). As most of you know, Rubicon Trail is a 35-kilometer path west of Lake Tahoe, California. Some segments are no trail at all, just isolated and thin openings of immense boulders that no vehicle passes through-except the Wrangler Rubicon.

t no ts u b ed c n i n o a s h “En change .” r tte majo silho ue 18

www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

The famous Rubicon Trail

Rubicon Springs Road, and it begins in Georgetown, California, a hamlet in the state’s Gold Country.

Jeep is a legendary brand with an almost 80-year history of off-road capability.

Part of this history was forged at the Rubicon Trail, arguably one of the most famous off-road trails in the world.

The McKinney-Rubicon Springs Road was originally established for stagecoaches to access resort hotels at Wentworth Springs and Rubicon Springs from the 1890’s until the 1920’s. The trail saw the first motorized travel in 1908.

From the 1950’s through to today, the Rubicon Trail has been used by off-road enthusiasts for recreation.

In 1953, a group of approximately 150 friends took their Jeep vehicles across the rough granite path through the Sierra Nevada Mountains on their way to Lake Tahoe, California (USA). This trek, originally conceived as a way to support the economy of the local community, was to become the first official Jeep crossing of the Rubicon Trail and the first-ever “Jeep Jamboree.”

At that moment, Jeep vehicles were making the shift from being working vehicles to becoming partners for personal adventures of discovery. Since then, tens of thousands of Jeep enthusiasts and their vehicles have traversed the famous trail.

The Rubicon Trail is 35-km route, part road and part 4x4 trail, located west of Lake Tahoe. The maintained portion of the route is called the McKinney-

The trailhead for the unmaintained portion of the route begins in a location adjacent to Loon Lake. The 4x4 trail portion is about 19 km long and passes in part through the El Dorado National Forest. Rambling over large boulders, rocky terrain and enormous granite slabs with steep inclines and sharp drops, the trail ends in South Lake Tahoe.

The trail crosses a river at one point close to Lake Tahoe. Early settlers named the river “Rubicon” after its counterpart in Italy - a small river north of Rome that Julius Caesar fatefully crossed in 49 BC. Drawing upon that history, the term “Rubicon” now means “a limit that, when passed or exceeded, permits no return and typically results in irrevocable

he t m f ro n ow o n c i d to “An ior an p u r exte er ior is t n i y!” t i e l a th equ November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 19

Cover Story 2019 Jeep Wrangler

commitment.” Therefore, to “cross the Rubicon” means “to irrevocably commit to a course of action or make a fateful and final decision.”

The Rubicon Trail remains one of the world’s most challenging trails - rated a 10 for “most difficult” on a scale of 1 to 10 - and is known as the “granddaddy of all off-highway trails.”

The Rubicon Trail has also been used for over four decades by Jeep engineering teams to improve the off-road capability of Jeep brand vehicles and to aid in the development of new models and technologies.

Using trails like the Rubicon for Jeep brand vehicle development has led to innovations such as: • • • • • • • • •

Rock-Trac 4:1 transfer case Quadra-Drive II Tru-Lok locking axle differentials Disconnecting front sway bar Underbody skid-plate protection Front Dana 44 axle Long-travel, multi-link suspension designs BLD - Brake lock differential (on all JL’s) Steel front and rear bumpers (Rubicon high end models)

Powertrain options include a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and an all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. Wrangler continues to offer a body-on-frame design, front and rear five-link suspension system, solid axles, electronic lockers and is one of the few midsize SUVs that offer a six-speed manual transmission in addition to its available eight-speed automatic.

What’s new for 2019?

• • • • •

• • •

•

•

•

Wrangler’s Advanced Safety Group package now includes adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning Bikini exterior paint color joins the Wrangler lineup Jeep Wrangler’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque and is engineered to provide a broad torque band Available 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with eTorque technology delivers 270 horsepower and 100Nm of torque Available on Sahara and Rubicon four-door models, Sky One-Touch powertop allows occupants to open or close the Wrangler’s roof with a push of a button. The Sky One-Touch powertop can be used at speeds up to 60 miles per hour (mph) Best-in-class approach angle of 44 degrees, breakover angle of 27.8 degrees, departure angle of 37 degrees and a ground clearance of 10.9 inches help the Jeep Wrangler scale the toughest terrain Wrangler models feature lightweight, high-strength aluminum doors, hinges, hood, fenders and windshield frame, as well as a magnesium swing gate, to help reduce weight and boost fuel economy The capable driveline of the Sport and Sahara models include the Command-Trac NV241 part-time, two-speed transfer case that features a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio and next-generation Dana front and rear axles.

In addition, an optional Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential provides extra torque and grip in low-traction environments, such as sand, mud or snow The Wrangler Rubicon model features next-generation Dana front and rear heavy-duty axles, enhanced off-road rock rails and the RockTrac NV241 two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio. Wrangler Rubicon also includes electric front and rear locking differentials, disconnecting front sway bar and 33-inch BF Goodrich KM All-Terrain tires, taking the Wrangler to the highest level of capability Wrangler Sahara models offer a Selec-Trac two-speed transfer case with full-time four-wheel drive and a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. This full-time two-speed transfer case is intuitive and allows the driver to set it and forget it, while constantly sending power to the front and rear wheels Jeep Wrangler’s signature features include iconic round headlamps, sevenslot keystone grille, trapezoid wheel flares, removable doors, exposed hinges with the Torx tool-bit size stamped into it, a fold-down windshield and innovative removable tops that allow the Wrangler to retain the brand’s iconic appearance and function

20 www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

• •

Fourth-generation Uconnect system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the choice of a 7.0- or 8.4-inch touchscreen with pinch-andzoom capability. A 5.0-inch screen is standard on Sport Standard electronic stability control (ESC), electronic roll mitigation, trailer-sway control, Hill-start Assist and brake traction control are among more than 75 available safety and security features

Model lineup

For 2019, the Wrangler lineup consists of four models: Sport, Sport S, Sahara (4-door only), and Rubicon.

The available exterior colors are: Bright White, Hella Yella, Granite Crystal, Billet Silver, Black, Firecracker Red, Punk’n Metallic, Mojito!, Sting Gray, Ocean Blue Metallic, and Bikini.

The available interior colors are either Black or Heritage Tan.

2019 Jeep Wrangler Words: Khaled Hammoud One Word: legacy

T

Pros: Impeccable off-road in any mode, iconic design, improved interior, easy-to-use optional off-road system Cons: Still more for adventures than daily commute to work

Rivals: Toyota FJ Cruiser, Toyota Prado, Land Rover Defender, Chevrolet Trailblazer Z71, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Frontier

he 2019 Jeep Wrangler has an unquestionable charm that can’t be measured on any scale at all. It is the incarnation of an authentic legacy that conjures liberty and journey.

The all-new Wrangler didn’t compromise on its off-road capabilities, but rather offers now an improved interior, easy to use off-road system with an off-road drive that can’t be described; it’s simply off the hook!

Specifications 3.6-liter pentastar V6, 285 hp @ 6400 rpm, 353 Nm @ 4800 rpm

Engine

Transmission

Performance

Chassis

8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode (6-speed manual available), 4WD Top speed: 185 kph, 0-100 kph: 7 secs, fuel consumption: 11L /100 km Weight: 1,814 – 2,267 kg (2-door & 4-door)

Overall Rating

“It is better than its predecessor in every single way but kept its iconic design to its authentic legacy”. said Khaled

November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 21

All-new 2020 Range

Rover Evoque Velar’s baby brother evoked!

22 www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

he t r o V f U S ur y x u l d.� n o y “ The d be n a ci ty November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 23

Cover Story All-new 2020 Range Rover Evoque

ArabWheels was among the top media present during the world premiere of the all-new 2020 Range Rover Evoque in its second generation in London at an old brewery (it is a hipster-friendly Shoreditch district). We all know that the car is aimed at trendy young urbanites, or so the presentation wants us to believe. The original luxury compact SUV has gotten even better. At home both in the city and the mountains, the new Evoque joins the Range Rover family with a choice of hybrid-electric engines.

H

aving pioneered the luxury compact SUV market, with global sales of over 772,096 and more than 217 international awards, the new Range Rover Evoque is a sophisticated evolution of the original. Combining unrivaled Range Rover heritage with cutting-edge technology—designed, engineered and manufactured in Britain—it meets the needs of today’s customers.

Finbar McFall, global marketing director, Jaguar Land Rover, said, “Eight years ago we created a new segment and the world followed. Now we have redefined what it means to be a luxury compact SUV. With design and capability at its heart and the latest technology to hand, the new Range Rover Evoque meets your needs like never before and ensures you reach your destination, no matter the conditions.”

Building on the original’s instantly recognizable design, the new Range Rover Evoque is a sophisticated evolution of the distinctive coupe-like silhouette, typified by its distinctive fast roofline and rising waist that identify the Range Rover family.

The outstanding volume and proportions are amplified by its pronounced shoulders and powerful wheel arches that, alongside 21-inch wheels, combine to create a strong and dynamic attitude.

The introduction of jewel-like elements, such as super-slim Matrix LED headlamps, provide a more sophisticated front and rear lamp graphic. Flush door handles add to the smooth, sculpted aesthetic, while sweeping directional indicators create a purposeful signature. Optional R-Dynamic details and burnished copper accents add to the unique appeal.

Inside, the finely crafted design integrates uncluttered surfaces and simple lines with carefully curated premium materials to create a luxurious, minimalist, digital cabin. Technical textiles that use recycled plastics are offered as premium alternatives to leather, such as a Kvadrat wool blend and Dinamica suedecloth, as well as Eucalyptus and Ultrafabrics options. The cabin is designed to be a calm and serene space, ensuring comfortable, healthy and happy occupants, with technologies such as the twin touchscreen Touch Pro Duo system, featuring new, faster software, 16-way seat controls and cabin air ionization that complement the increased interior space.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover chief design officer, said, “When Range Rover Evoque made its debut back in 2010, it transformed the world of compact SUVs and the new model is set to continue that remarkable journey. This characterful vehicle combines refinement and fun to create that all important emotional reaction that will turn heads and make people smile.”

24 www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

ung o y dy n e r t t a d e “Aim e s.� t i n urba November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 25

The footprint is almost identical, yet built on Land Rover’s new mixedmaterial Premium Transverse Architecture, there is more interior space than before. A longer wheelbase yields 20 mm extra rear kneeroom and an increase in small item stowage—the larger glove box and center cubby can now fit tablets, handbags and bottles with ease. The luggage space is 10 percent larger (591 liters) as well as much wider and easily fits a folded pram or set of golf clubs, with space increasing to 1,383 liters when the flexible 40:20:40 second-row seats are folded.

The new architecture has been developed for electrification, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid available at launch and a plug-in hybrid model offered around 12 months afterwards. The mild hybrid powertrain is a first for Land Rover and works by harvesting energy normally lost during deceleration thanks to the engine-mounted belt-integrated starter generator, storing it in the under-floor battery. At speeds below 17 km/h (11 mph), the engine will shut off while the driver applies the brakes.

When pulling away, the stored energy is redeployed to assist the engine under acceleration and reduce fuel consumption. The result is a refined, quiet and efficient drive in built-up traffic heavy areas, in addition to efficiency savings.

Available across the range of four-cylinder Ingenium petrol and diesel engines, the mild hybrid delivers CO2 emissions from as low as 149 g/ km and fuel economy from 5.6 L/100 km (based on NEDC equivalent test procedure). If the customer chooses the 150 horsepower diesel engine with front-wheel drive, Evoque only emits 143 g/km. An even more efficient plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) model and three-cylinder petrol Ingenium engine will also join the range next year.

Every bit a Range Rover, the compact SUV combines all-terrain capability with all-weather assurance. New Evoque features all-wheel drive, as well as a second-generation Active Driveline with Driveline Disconnect to enhance efficiency and Adaptive Dynamics to deliver the optimum balance of comfort and agility. Terrain Response 2—technology first found on full-size Range Rovers—automatically detects the surface being driven on and adjusts the set-up accordingly, while Evoque can now wade through water up to 600 mm (previously 500 mm).

26 www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

e ch t t h “Hig co mpac V sh Br iti mium SU e d pre s t jo in er v ju has ange Ro t he Rfamily!”

The famed Range Rover command driving position has jumped into the digital age, with a segment-first ‘ClearSight rearview mirror’ that transforms into an HD video screen. If rear visibility is compromised by passengers or bulky items, the driver simply flicks a switch on the underside of the mirror and a camera feed from the top of the car displays what is behind the vehicle in crisp high definition. The screen provides a wider (50-degree) field of vision and superior visibility in low light.

“It has the same silhouette as the previous generation but is the new design as remarkable as the first-generation?” said Issam.

The new Range Rover Evoque is also the first in the world to feature Ground View technology, which effectively makes the bonnet invisible by projecting camera imagery onto the upper touchscreen to show the driver a 180-degree view under the front of the vehicle. This is useful when negotiating difficult parking spaces, navigating high city center curbs or tackling rough terrain, and is the realization of the Transparent Bonnet technology previewed by Land Rover in 2014.

Nick Rogers, executive director, product engineering, Jaguar Land Rover, said, “Underneath the skin is an engineering and technical revolution. The architecture is all-new to accommodate both plug-in and mild hybrid systems, with only the door hinges remaining unchanged on the body. The chassis has been significantly reworked to make the most of the stiffer body, ensuring the characteristic ride comfort and refinement of a Range Rover.”

“Evoque is now smarter than ever. The software that sits behind our infotainment system has been refined to provide a more intuitive customer experience. On top of that, we’ve added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration,” he added.

Evoque is the first Land Rover with Smart Settings, which uses artificial intelligence algorithms to learn the driver’s preference and acts as an onboard butler. In addition to seat position, music and climate settings, Evoque can also control steering column preferences to maximize comfort.

Jaguar Land Rover’s commitment to the UK car industry continues following a £1 billion investment to support its creation and delivery. This includes £110 million into the company’s UK manufacturing plant in Halewood, Merseyside, to develop the state-of-the-art flexible manufacturing facility.

November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 27

Global Drive

2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 6,500 reasons to energize you!

We lately took the “new�

2019 Mercedes-AMG C 43 for a drive from Luxembourg City to the Moselle wine region of Germany and the way back. It was a jolly march, as we drove through the old town of Luxembourg, Moselle valley lined by the vineyards, some breathtaking views of the river and finally the urban Kirchberg.

28 www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

“It has w hat it take s to s tay up in t his segm e nt.�

November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 29

Global Drive 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43

Now, where was I? Yes, the “new” C-class. I am brutally lying if I still hold on to the “new” part; at least that’s how the pictures suggest. You see the model is refreshed; but “new” to what extent?

Let’s get the numbers to talk- out of about 12,000 components that make up the car, 6,500 parts have been replaced, making the latest facelift the most dramatically updated one. C-class has been the best seller globally for over a decade and one can see the progress- all the way from 1982 when the 190E hit the ground, which by the way was never called a C-class. With the launch of its 5th generation just about three years ago, we are witnessing the facelifted edition, further cementing its urge to be on top. That being said, the new updates kind of still refute the figures I mean 6,500 parts, seriously!

And by the way, we also took the 2019 MercedesBenz C 300 for a brief drive and I can say firsthand, its good news for C-class shoppers.

I started my day with the Mercedes-AMG C 43 sedan. There were also coupe and convertible options.

Let’s closely examine the key updates. Front fascia along with the headlight unit is new and our sedan had the optional multi-beam LED headlamps, with ULTRA RANGE high beam technology. AMG C 43 took the front grille from the C63, a set of twin horizontal strakes. The side air curtains in the front apron help the airstream flow easy. You can spot the sleek 19-inch AMG rims, which otherwise is a set of 18inch for a regular non-AMG. At the rear, I like the two double exhaust pipes instead of split pipes- they look more aggressive and appealing. Simple things like a small and thin wing lip on the rear and of course, the new taillights account to the “new” list.

The big diffuser rounds up the lower part in a sporty note. The overall “classic” sedan shape along with the sporty attributes clearly tells you the story- that we are getting close to the all-time fun ride, the AMG C63.

30 www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

“The o verall “classic” se d an shape alo w it h the sport ng y attribute s c learly tells yo u the story - that we are getting close to the all-tim e fun ri de.”

With C63 impressions, I step inside the car, here comes another narrative. I am itching to suggest that I see bits and pieces of E-class and to some extent, the S-class!

The key has got a new design; I’ve seen it in E-class. And then a typical Mercedes luxury touch runs through the cabin, which is a given. One can’t miss the AMG bits of light grain aluminium and matt silver fibreglass laid across the dash and black leather upholstery with red topstitching. Among all the new stuff, it’s definitely the AMG steering wheel that caught my attention. With a flat bottom and a sporty design and heavily contoured rim, the steering wheel was a show off with Alcantara leather wrapped around.

Unlike before, we have buttons on the wheel for cruise control operations.

Built-in touch control buttons are a new feature and they follow directions to control instrument cluster and the multimedia system by swiping the finger horizontally and vertically. Takes a little time to close in, but you’ll get there.

Seen it in S-class?

Let’s catch up with the engine. A 3.0-liter V6 unit with two turbochargers can deliver 390 hp at 6100 rpm and tick the torque rates of 520 Nm at 2500,5000 rpm. The AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive is intentionally worked out to hit the right composure with a flamboyant touch. A rear-biased torque distribution with a front-rear axle split of 31 to 69 percent does the trick. C 43 4MATIC has the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission set-up that uses a software application to pick up very short shift times.

Technology, communication and interfaces have gone by a mile ahead and here’s the break down. The operating system doesn’t looks confused and there are multiple ways to feed in directions; be it through the same old “touch mouse” like controller in the centre stack or the new touch buttons on the steering wheel. The optional fully digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch screen was quite flexible in showing off the meters, the way it should look like. Display parameters and color themes change as we switch through the AMG-specific display styles namely “Classic”, “Sport” or “Supersport”. I could browse through a lot of features and play around the options. Some of them are suspension, exhaust system, ESP, transmission, G-force, Racer time and engine data. There’s a nice central multimedia screen above the center console which is of the size 10.25 inch. The only issue here is that it doesn’t come with a touch control screen; weird thing as it’s kept a standard feature in some of the outgoing Mercs now.

2019 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Words: Ershad

One Word: A mighty

subordinate (to the beast C63)

Pros: Tech upgrades, S-class type features, fairly quick, body type options (sedan, coupe, cabriolet) Cons: Stiff drive, pricey with optional kits, no touch control screen

Rivals: BMW 3 series, Audi S5, Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400, Lexus IS 350 F-Sport

W

e are pretty convinced that the revived C-class lineup including the AMG C 43 was more than a refresh and there shouldn’t be any objection addressing the model as “new” (remember- 6,500 new components). MercedesAMG C 43 positions itself in between C 300 and C63. One should literally add the price of C180 and C 300 to own AMG C 63 S- let’s put it this way. So the placement definitely makes sense. Advanced powertrains, driver aids and the infotainment system should help the 2019 C 43 but let’s not ignore the arrival of the 7th generation BMW 3 Series, which I think will debut in Paris. For now, C 43 has what it takes to stay up in this segment.

The standard entertainment options are Audio 20 multimedia system featuring two USB ports, SD card reader, Bluetooth connection and media interface.

Our test car came with Burmester surround sound system. The COMAND Online system gets you fast 3D hard-disc navigation with topographic map display, photo-realistic 3D buildings and map rotations.

Specifications Engine

Transmission

Performance

Chassis

3.0-litre V6 with two turbochargers, 390 hp @ 6100 rpm, 520 Nm @ 2500-5000 rpm AMG Performance 4MATIC AWD with rearbiased torque distribution, AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed auto 0-100 km/h: 4.7 secs, top speed: 250 km/h, fuel consumption: 9.5 L/100km Weight: 1,560-1,880 kg

Overall Rating

“One should literally add the price of C 180 and C 300 to own AMG C 63 S, so the placement definitely makes sense”

Dealing with an AMG, you’d expect a hi-alert tenacious affair as soon as you step in. AMG Performance seats come with specially designed seat side bolsters at the seat cushion and backrest. They give adequate lateral support in spirited drives. Having done a full day through the winding roads of Luxembourg to Moselle valley, I kind of lean towards the regular sports seat- for a fairly relaxed drive. The steering wheel, though it looks heavy with all the wrapping done, felt light. It’s well weighted with precise reactions. The C-Class in general has all the latest driving assistance. Improved camera and radar systems help visual aid for a good distance forward and detect the objects nearby the car. Active Brake Assist is standard, which can help avoid rear and front collisions.

“Among all the new stuffs, it’s definitely the AMG steering wheel that caught my attention” said Ershad

AMG C 43 4MATIC can be a quiet lad and if you want just tweak a button and shout for the bad boy. We started with a comfy ride in “Comfort” mode and then to “Sport”, “Sport+” and “Individual”. The shift was really evident as you literally sense the urgency all at once. The aftermath power delivery, suspension, steering and transmission reaction was a testament to AMG’s work. There’s also manual mode “M”, where you shift gears with the exclusive paddles on the steering wheel. Anything “Sport” and above was exciting, but a tad tiring as well for long hauls. Exhaust notes are good as long as you stick to manual gear tricks, but don’t expect any better otherwise. It’s part and parcel of a model that comes right in the middle of C300 and the monster C63. The rear biased AMG Performance 4MATIC four-wheel drive didn’t disappoint with our short stint at corners but also proved tight and effective when traction was crucial.

One of the key highlights noticed was the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension.

The fully automatic, electronically controlled system adjusts the damping at each wheel to what’s required on the move real time. It worked out well for upright stability when cornering at speed. At the end, I can test a range of “comfort and sport” in any given situation. Additionally there’s an option of ENERGIZING comfort control which basically is a comfort systems incorporating A/C and seats heating, ventilation and what not, even lighting and music moods. More points for easy life.

November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 31

Editors' Choice

Ferrari GTC4Lusso T

32 www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

Ferrari’s V8 avatar looks promising.

“Fe r T i rar i c beh s ju s t laim s i spr nd th 0.1 s the V to int e V eco 8 1 f 0 top 0 k ro m 12 in nd aga spee m/h, zero a wh ins d is i t th l 320 e i e k m V12 k m/ ts /h.” ’s 3 h 34

November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 33

Editors' Choice

Ferrari GTC4Lusso T

The shooting-brake body style was an icebreaker for a brand like Ferrari who takes huge pride in anything sport.

Ferrari FF wasn’t a dummy run though. It just broke all the Ferrari conventions in terms of styling and perception.

Most importantly, it didn’t stop there.

“While the GTC4Lusso’s V12 had a brawny and precise note, the V8 delivers an exotic howl despite the muffling effect of turbochargers.”

Ferrari GTC4Lusso was a successor to the Ferrari FF with an updated infotainment system and an even more elegant interior, amending the FF’s often cited issues. Minor tweaks were done in and out, and the engine was the same V12 put on the all-wheel-drive set-up. Today, I am here to talk about the Ferrari GTC4Lusso T—an evolution of the ground-breaking Ferrari FF. Put GTC4Lusso and GTC4Lusso T together; you wouldn’t see a lot has changed except the wheel design and the exhaust tips. There’s more to the T story though. It uses a twin-turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 seen also in the Portofino (California T). In short, a twin-turbo V8 steps in for the naturally aspirated V12 and rear-wheel drive replaces all-wheel drive. These two changes lead to a weight loss of at least 50 kg. That reduction has come off the front, eventually increasing the rear weight bias to 54 percent.

Ferrari claims the V8 T is just 0.1 second behind the V12 in a sprint from zero to 100 km/h, while its top speed is 320 km/h against the V12’s 334 km/h.

GTC4Lusso T’s V8 delivers 601 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and maximum torque of 760 Nm between 3,000 and 5,250 rpm. Gearshifts are done by the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic system with manual shifting mode.

34 www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

As expected in a grand tourer, the Lusso T’s cabin was grand. It was covered in wraps of rich red and black leather, aluminum and carbon fiber detailing.

The front seats are well positioned, comfortable and good for long drives.

We get a reasonable view up front and rear. There’s a large tachometer in front of the driver, with digital gear readout on two configurable screens on either side. The right one is for speed, music and navigation and the left screen is for trip meter and vehicle stats. The dash features a 10.3-inch central touchscreen, backed by a few knobs and buttons around and they were all easy to access. Striking enough, the Lusso T offers good leg room for rear passengers, but you still do the theatrics to get behind (rear access through front doors). There are many storage options throughout and the large transmission tunnel that extends through the center of the cabin stays predominant. The seatbacks fold to expand the cargo room.

The steering wheel was just awesome: F1-inspired with a flat bottom, wrapped with leather and carbon fiber. You have controls, including an ignition button, push buttons on the spokes for the turn signals, the wiper switch, damper mode button and the driving mode “manettino” knob.

Manettino is the same F1-type knob in a polished version to switch modes from Comfort, Sport, Wet and the ESC Off option. To add more drama, we’ve

Ferrari GTC4Lusso T Words: Ershad One Word:

the Italian oddball

Pros: Engine power, lavish interior, genuine room for rear passengers, futuristic steering wheel, agile Cons: The V12 soundtrack will still be missed

Rivals: Bentley Continental GT, Aston Martin DB11

G

TC4Lusso T’s twin-turbo V8 is as quick as GTC4Lusso’s V12 and also consumes way less fuel. The car was with us for three days and we found the GTC4Lusso T to be very much a grand tourer. I don’t think a move to rear-wheel drive really impacts a buyer’s decision—for the most part. The Lusso T makes out a good blend of a supercar and a four-seated luxurious privilege—all for a lesser price tag compared to the GTC4Lusso. V12 fans: are you reading this?

got the LEDs at the top of the rim that illuminate in a progressive manner.

We also like those huge carbon fiber shift paddles just behind the steering wheel.

Specifications Engine

Transmission

7-speed auto transmission

Performance

0-100 km/h: 3.5 secs, top speed: 320 km/h, fuel consumption: 12.5 L/100 km

Chassis

GTC4Lusso T’s flat-plane crankshaft V8 gets new pistons and intercoolers, a revised air intake, and a new exhaust system. While the GTC4Lusso’s V12 had a brawny and precise note, the V8 delivers an exotic howl despite the muffling effect of turbochargers. At low revs, you’d notice the shout is a little inconsistent and dull but as the revs climb past 5,000 rpm and all the way ticking the redline at 8,000 rpm: you get that exotic Ferrari thud—very Italian!

3.9L V8 turbo engine, RWD, 601 hp @ 7,500 rpm, 760 Nm @ 3,0005,250 rpm

Curb weight: 1,870 kg

Overall Rating

“Striking enough, the Lusso T offers good leg room for rear passengers.”

From the word go, the response was immediate and turbo lag was totally out of context. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle seems to be top notch. Engine revisions along with the twin-scroll turbos give it a striking throttle response that’s actually felt in a naturally aspirated engine.

GTC4Lusso T is something with the best of both worlds: incredible lowrev kick with those big torque numbers to back, and a thrilling rush to the red-line. Then there are modes to select. There’s nothing wrong with the Auto mode, as it really behaved as I wished for and mind you I was nowhere near a racetrack. Comfort, as it suggests, is for smooth gearshifts and normal dampers, while Sport calls up the hasty, aggressive gear changes and the exhaust valve for a full-throated engine note. Ice and Wet (which we didn’t pay any attention) are meant for maximum traction. The carbonceramic brake rotors and massive calipers were highly responsive. There’s something worth citing about the new Variable Boost Management software that essentially increases torque output for each advancing gear, producing an exciting curve through the revs and allows for longer ratios in sixth and seventh gears.

“We found the GTC4Lusso T to be very much a grand tourer.”

So you can see Ferrari wanted the lighter, rear-drive Lusso T to have a sportier feel than the V12—reprogrammed the electronically controlled dampers and four-wheel steering system. The steering was light and there was contiguity to it. At higher speeds the rear wheels turn in level with the fronts or the frame’s ultra-quick 2.3 turns lock to lock. In faster corners and narrow lanes, the Lusso T responded truly and felt super balanced. You just need a little time with the car to gauge and control the steering and pedals— after all there’s loads of power in the pot. The chassis was well composed, keeping the car tight and gripped. There are many options like E-Diff, F1 TRAC, Side Slip Control 3.0, ESP 9.0 and SCM-E; further assuring stability.

With a rear-wheel drive set-up, a shot to the throttle leading up to pounce through vigorously is enough to give the traction control a quick workout.

November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 35

Editors' Choice

Ferrari 812 Superfast

Chef d’oeuvre’s homage

36 www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

“This is the last, biggest and naturally aspirated engine.�

November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 37

Editors' Choice

Ferrari 812 Superfast

I still recall my first drive of the F12 Berlinetta back in Dubai a couple of years ago. Honestly I loved it! It has the glamourous and driver-focused flair. Not to mention fast. The F12 delivered 730 horsepower. Believe it or not, it was a bolt of lightning! The one problem was it scared the hell out of me! Yes, and I’m not kidding at all. Here I am driving the 812 Superfast in Beirut…

T

he brand itself is sort of a benchmark and they keep surprising us, be it about the new engines, seductive designs or the exciting names.

After all I got to drive the 812 Superfast (which is the sequel of the F12 Berlinetta). The lighter and more powerful F12tdf came in 2016 and was named after the “Tour de France” motor race regularly won by Ferrari 250s in the 50s and 60s. You could only dream about the special V12 of the F12tdf—such were the stories out in social media. Right when we all thought it time to bid farewell to the V12s and welcome the new V8 turbos forever, the 812 Superfast showed up.

The now uprated 6.5-liter V12 develops 800 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 718 Nm at 7,000 rpm. With all honesty, how am I supposed to differentiate this with the F12tdf or for that matter, anything that is above 600 horsepower? But that’s exactly what Ferrari has been doing all this time, pushing further.

The 6.5-liter unit was an absolute cracker. Would you believe, almost 80 percent of the torque kicks in from as low as 3,500 rpm, and the initial launch was quite suggestive. Zero-to-100 km/h in just a mere 2.9 seconds, despite the fact that it’s a rear-wheel drive set-up, is just staggering. Ferrari, here, has applied a highly evolved transaxle architecture that couples a front-mounted engine with a rearmounted transmission in the most efficient way in order to get the best out of its engine. The warble trilling out of those four tailpipes is nothing short of a rock concert. The exhaust system geometry has advanced, they say.

For me, the most important part is how resolutely the 812 grips. With so much power and torque in a front engine, rear-wheel drive set-up and on a not-soheavy car, the obvious concern would be, is it really handy? You instantly get the confidence to tame the beast. 812 Superfast is the first Ferrari to sport EPS (electric power steering). Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0 system (PCV) combines electric front-wheel steering assistance with the mechanical concept built around tire dimensions and the rear-wheel steering. Straight line shots were flawless and 38 www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

fas t r e p u S 2 1 8 i r “Fer ra notable a n i a m e r l l wi y the b k r a m h c n e b other brand for an es.” seven decad

Ferrari 812 Superfast Words: Issam Eid One Word: precious jewel

the rear-mounted Ferrari’s F1 seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox got the ratios shortened by about 6 percent to fully abuse the engine’s exceptional rev ranges.

They say the transition time has been reduced by 30 percent; and it felt so. It’s the same case whether you run it on auto mode or use the sporty paddles. The suspension had a set of stiffer springs for less body roll and to limit understeer, as expected. The 812 Superfast gets the same PZero Corsa tires used in the F12tdf, developed especially for Ferrari by Pirelli. The ultimate aim is to offer the best performances in the dry and in track use. To keep things in check, Ferrari has deployed the best Brembo extreme design brakes that were used in the LaFerrari.

Combined with the high-performance ABS and 9.0 Premium ESP, they deliver absolutely unmatched stopping distances. Stats suggest they’ve improved over the F12 Berlinetta’s performance to 100 meters by 11 percent. There were a few instances where I thought I was poised and tried too many tweaks around corners with some immature maneuvers, but then the whole control system kicked in, avoiding the unacceptable. Mind you, they didn’t interfere often, so no joy was taken away. At this point, our tester won the confidence.

Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the aim seemed to be to work out an aero package that looks chic and compliments the handling part. To better the old V12, they had to optimize the intake system and combustion efficiency to uprate the displacement from 6.2 to 6.5 liters. To channel the airflow, there were things like a turning blade on the front bumper (to the side of the air intakes)—good for engine and brake cooling. Ultimately, the objective is to reduce the overall drag and boost the downforce further. We had a range of equipment at our disposal, starting with diffusers with a mobile aero system and the spoiler on the car’s tail.

The rear diffuser is given a system of three active flaps that rotate to a 14-degree angle in the minimal drag configuration to completely stall the diffuser, thereby reducing overall drag.

T

Pros: 6.5-liter V12 is a work of art, F1-type exhaust notes, throttle and gearshifts are a new level, exotic and aerodynamic design, steering control and traction, easy access to the door, comfortable seats Cons: Can’t complain at all!

Rivals: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera

Specifications

he Ferrari 812 Superfast is so beautifully crafted that you could be excused for just parking it in your driveway and staring at it every single morning before going to work. The model is an institute of aerodynamics best done for a road legal car, and to know it’s one of the best the Italians have made so far is in itself a tribute to the anniversary occasion. After all is said and done, I urge you do take it out and drive it: rain, shine, dust…whatever. You won’t be disappointed and it won’t kill you. It whispers loudly, “Push me and I’ll handle you!”

Engine

Transmission

Performance

Chassis

6.5L V12, RWD, 789 hp @ 8,500 rpm, 718 Nm @ 7,000 rpm

7-speed automatic

0-100 km/h: 2.9 secs, top speed: 355 km/h, fuel consumption: N/A Weight: 1,630 kg

Overall Rating

“The 6.5-liter block is an absolute jet fighter!”

Sharply skewed pleat lines and remarkably muscular wheel arches get the fastback sleekness on a two-box design to impose the ever present V12’s aggression visually too. Full LED headlights in the front, four round taillights, vents behind the front wheels, and a rear diffuser with a suspended splitter were the key highlights that stood out.

“For me, it has the technology to spoil your drive!” said Issam.

Ferrari wants to get that GT element in here, meaning it must be a comfortable long distance tourer. While there’s not much softening expected, there’s enough cuddling offered by the lavish leather interior and an evolved infotainment system that we’ve seen in the Lusso. By the way, the access inside was much easier than any other super car around.

November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 39

Editors' Choice

Ford F-150 Raptor Absolute fun with an EcoBoost punch 40 www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

“It pow is big erfu , l an das d hin g!”

November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 41

Editors' Choice

Ford F-150 Raptor

had I e r o f e b r e v e N “ t the u o b a d e i r r o w ance.” gro und clear

Our GPS coordinates indicate that there is nothing ahead. No road, no speed cams, no traffic lights. It’s just the desert and us—and yes, the 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor for company (evil grin!).

Six drive modes on offer and if you don’t know what the ‘Baja’ mode can do, you better stay away from my Raptor please. It is going to be a lot of flying sand ahead!

Even though I am more of a car guy, the Ford F-150 Raptor always had a special touch to it. I’ve never seen anything look that macho from the factory. It was that wholesome package of ‘show and go,’ which made my jaw hit the seat. It was big, powerful and dashing!

So, Baja mode was selected and the transmission was automatically in 4x4 High, ready to take on some high-speed sand surfaces. Traction control was switched off in this mode and the 10-speed transmission held on longer to revs for peak power output. I closed my eyes to get a whiff of all those trophy trucks galloping away on godforsaken terrain and pushed the gas pedal to the max. Boom! There I was, gathering some serious speed pretty quickly and I felt like a ship’s lookout straining to get my eyes on to any long-distance hazards. Never before had I worried about the ground clearance, the type of surface or anything. I enjoyed some air-time too midway! This level of enjoyment—only in a Raptor!

Since its launch in 2010 as a super-truck, the F-150 Raptor has brought high performance off-roading to a league of its own. The new version, however, ditches the old crowd-favorite 6.2-liter V8 for a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. Now, just like any other performance aficionado, I was plain disappointed. Why on earth have a Raptor running half the cubic capacity? The new power plant for the Raptor generates more horsepower (450 hp) and torque (691 Nm) compared to its predecessor. You get two turbos pushing air into the engine and doing the magic.

But I believed those numbers were just numbers…until I drove the new Raptor.

The V6 seems less stressful and easy to run your daily job; but can really get things moving when you need it the most. The mild reduction in overall truck weight will also help to increase overall efficiency.

Sitting in the new Raptor felt much more civilized and updated than in the older models. There is a slight hint of car-like features rather than a truck. The airy cabin 42 www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

had a lot of soft-touch surfaces and tons of leather wrapped around the cabin. The red stripe on the huge steering wheel reminds you that you are driving something special. Touchscreen infotainment finds its place in the center console. Drive modes can now be changed using switches on the steering wheel while the old one needed a real sharp guy to know what configuration to use where. You have Normal, Sport, Rain, Snow, Baja and Rock/Crawl modes. Usually the Raptor runs a rear-wheel drive set-up for normal driving conditions; basically on-road and for a bit of driving fun. But the high seating position ensures that drive feel on-road is close to zero. The truck switches to all-wheel drive for trickier surfaces and can eventually be locked mechanically for the ultimate sand drive experience. A huge panoramic sunroof can help you soak in all the solar power you ever needed!

Tons of storage slots and boxes within the cabin will ensure that you survive even if you are lost in the desert for let’s say three or four days! And coming to the feature I loved on this Raptor, the aircraft-inspired overhead switches for any extra lighting, winches or accessories you may bolt on to the already well-equipped truck. I wouldn’t mind adding some extras just to flip these switches once a day!

What Ford has done here is a combination of clutch-based power transfer to the front wheels, which provides 4x4 drive for on-road conditions and mechanically locking systems between the axles for off-road conditions. It would be worth mentioning that there’s new Fox suspension with larger diameter tubing and a new damping system, which prevents the Raptor from bottoming out under heavy off-roading conditions. As far as my drive impressions are concerned, the suspension feels all set for off-road. On road, it felt a bit too stiff with the Raptor jumping around humps rather than absorbing them. Riding on 315/70/R17 tires, I was either riding over every other undulation on the road or I was not able to judge the tire width! I don’t know if it was the tires, but on-road braking could have been a notch higher for a vehicle in this class.

Stepping out of the Raptor, you suddenly notice people looking away or doing that ‘you-lucky-jerk’ smile or just ignoring you and admiring the truck. The new exterior touches provide the Raptor with a much more attacking stance. Right from the redesigned front grille, to the rugged front bumper, flared wheel arches with contrasting cladding and till the new dual exhausts; almost every design aspect on the Raptor has been freshened up. The only thing I miss are those ‘splash’ vinyls on the older Raptors, which have now found their way into almost all truck makes.

Ford F-150 Raptor Words: Ershad One Word: the ultimate desert sprinter

Pros: Mean looks, excellent road presence, unbeatable off-road performance, EcoBoost efficiency Cons: Rough on-road manners, exhaust soundtrack leaves a bit to be desired

Rivals: Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra 1500, Ram 1500

W

Specifications

rapping it up, the F-150 Raptor is a one of a kind.

It’s that ultimate desert hooligan which can also handle your urban commutes. This is a truck that likes to run loose with its drivers screaming in excitement.

If you want a pickup truck with practicality, you will own a Ford F-150. But with the Raptor decals, you are not just that practical guy anymore! The only thing I want is a sprinkle of salt from the Shelby kitchen.

Engine

Transmission

Performance

Chassis

3.5L EcoBoost turbocharged V6 engine, 4WD, 415 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 678 Nm @ 2,750 rpm

10-speed auto

0-100 km/h: 7 secs, top speed: 160 km/h, fuel consumption: 14.5 L/100 km Curb weight: 2,540 to 2,630 kg

Overall Rating

“I closed my eyes to get a whiff of all those trophy trucks galloping away on godforsaken terrain and pushed the gas pedal to the max. Boom!”

“The ultimate desert hooligan which can also handle your urban commutes.”

November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 43

Editors' Choice “Sporty design and rugged off-road looks”

Opel Grandland X Good but not so great crossover

Back in the days and specifically to our parents’ generation in Lebanon, Opel was something. I recall my father telling me that he used to own an Opel Rekord E in the 80s and a few of his friends used to drive the Opel Kadett D. It was an amazing era at that time, probably the golden age in Lebanon. Indeed, Opel was something very distinguished to every single family in Beirut.

44 www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

Opel Grandland X Words: Issam Eid One Word: good not great

Pros: Comfortable ride, spacious interior, attractive front lights Cons: Central console design, price tag has to be competitive, 4WD option not available

Rivals: Mazda CX-5, Honda CRV, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail, Ford Escape, GMC Terrain, Chevrolet Equinox

What about our days now? Well, the dealer has recently changed; A.N.Boukhater is Opel’s official distributor. I can only say that I do expect a promising future for the brand within the new dealership after I given the Opel Grandland X to test during a pretty long weekend. Let’s see what the outcome was.

The Opel Grandland X is a Compact Crossover SUV that was officially unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show last year. Its whole concept is designed especially for small families searching for practicality, quality and high-tech features.

In terms of design and styling, the model takes its design cues from its sibling the Astra hatch, with a similar front end including LED daytime running lights.

The side profile includes a narrow glasshouse with a shark fin-like C-pillar design significant of the Citroen DS3. The rear side features LED tail lights as the typical boomerang design we saw already on the Astra.

T

Specifications

he Grandland X is a modern SUV with an exceptional presence and a bold design that looks compact, sporty and muscular. Opel has really improved its design philosophy to create an SUV which combines both sportiness and elegance to make it an eye-catcher in its segment. My only concern in the Lebanese market is that the brand has been absent for a few years. However, everything can be back on the right track if the dealer puts the right price on the model to face competitors and gives back Opel the brand equity it used to have in the old days. Check out the recently inaugurated showroom in Hazmieh and request your test drive.

Engine

Transmission

Grandland X is available at A.N.Boukhater with only one engine option: 1.6-liter turbocharged, which is essentially the same engine bloc used in the Peugeot 3008 and is good for 164 horsepower and 240 Nm to the front wheels through a sixspeed automatic transmission, which is the only transmission available too.

How does it drive? Well nothing really special about it. Nonetheless, the Grandland X is a comfortably perfect cruise car at highway speeds and gives you superior comfort. There is a bit of wind noise as the speed increases, but nothing to bother you that much. The whole cabin is spacious from front legroom, to rear legroom and even the headroom is ample, so really nothing to worry about.

1.6 liter turbocharged, 4-cylinders, 160 hp @ 5,500 rpm, 240 Nm @ 1,750 rpm

6-speed automatic, FWD

Performance

0-100 km/h: 8 secs, top speed: 222 kph, fuel consumption: 8.8 L/100km

Chassis

Weight: 1,425 kg

Overall Rating

“The Grandland X looks like its cousin the Peugeot 3008, but the most important components of the Grandland X are very specific to it” “German marque offers Grandland X in a very busy and competitive crossover/ SUV segment. Will it stand a chance against its rivals?” said Issam.

November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 45

Editors' Choice

Honda Odyssey and Odyssey J

Practicality for the real world

46 www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

“MP Vs w lo ok ere bo r ing at s back to ome , bu t t im e rece w ise n ly t de sig n betw fill up s e t en t he g and heir ap SUV s e da co u n nter part s.”

Not everyone is excited to see an MPV or a van passing by on their daily traffic halt.

Prior to driving one, I even had thoughts about drafting a request to the world automobile headquarters to stop making these! (Ah no! I wasn’t really going to.)

M

y association with vans was a bit clunky. Back in my home country, I was hauled to school (along with 101 other kids) jam-packed in something that was shaped like a bread pack, was rusty and never felt like it would pass a test for roadworthiness. Still it could take in a lot of passengers and luggage compared to our family car; and I always had that association of unlimited storage space with anything that looked like a van.

Remember the ‘Mystery Machine’ in Scooby Doo series? I always wanted to own one.

The van largely remained as a people carrier with more function over form in my mind, until I started reading auto magazines. Then, as I traveled abroad for studies, I could see better-looking vans from well-known carmakers, which increased my curiosity about this segment. Fast forward to my professional life in the Middle East where vans generally form part of an airport shuttle/city tour fleet. Here it’s all about living the off-road life, even though a good majority of SUVs spend their time on pristine tarmac.

If you are driving only on the roads, then why an SUV? We had the 2018 Honda Odyssey and Odyssey J for a week, and I would say, it was quite a revelation.

The Honda Odyssey has been in production since 1994 and with almost 2.7 million units on the road, there should be something nice about it! MPVs were boring to look at some time back, but recent designs wisely fill up the gap between their sedan and SUV counterparts. First, look at the Odyssey and it feels big. Straightaway you know that there is going to be a big roomy interior to fit in your family plus your friend’s family and go shopping at Ikea. Our test car was the top-end Touring version and the full LED headlight cluster adds a touch of modernity to the updated Honda grill section, which follows the line of other models in the family. The front end stoops heavily from the windshield area, which may hint at good front visibility when driving, we will check that later. Viewed up front, the Odyssey looks clean and uncluttered. Walk around the Odyssey and you will be walking a lot. With an overall length of more than 5,000 mm, the Odyssey still has to try hard to look good in profile. Featuring a completely new exterior design, there are some clever tricks which make the Odyssey easy on the eye. First off would be the wrap-around side and rear glass, which lends a floating roof feel. And the next would be those nicely hidden sliding door tracks which normally look like a black strip fixed on the body. Two bold character lines also help the Odyssey to shrug off some visual heaviness. 19-inch wheels on the full spec tester fill in the wheel arches nicely. The rear part is dominated by the C-shaped LED tail lamp cluster now seen across new Honda models, but this one took time to grow on me. Overall, the Odyssey looks modern but there is no hiding the stretched-out van feeling. A lot of glass area around the van means that you will never get tired of travelling in this one. Let’s find out!

November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 47

Editors' Choice

Honda Odyssey and Odyssey J “There is plenty of head and shoulder room even at full capacity.”

Stepping into the Odyssey is easy, thanks to the low floor height. As you settle into the wide driver seat and take that casual glance towards the rear, believe me: you are in for a shock. The amount of interior space is just too much by our usual sedan or medium SUV standards. The Odyssey is made to take eight passengers, including the driver, and I could easily fit two more within the cubbyholes and storage compartments! If you could find seven passengers to go with you, then it’s fine. If not, the Odyssey lets your imagination run free to arrange seats within the cabin. The Magic Slide feature for the second row not only allows front and back seat movements, but also sideways. With the center seat removed, the outermost seat on the second row can be moved towards the center for the easiest third row access ever. And then there are about five various positions for the second row seats, which I just managed to learn during my test tenure. Third row features 60/40 Magic Split as well as a single pull flat folding feature which can further help the Odyssey swallow cargo of almost any size and shape. The interesting thing is that it is difficult to feel cramped in an Odyssey regardless of your seating position. There is plenty of head and shoulder room even at full capacity. One distinct feature noted while playing with the seats was the adjustable tailgate height which allows operators of all heights to be comfortable with the opening height. It also helps in places where you have low roof heights. Our top spec test car came with leather upholstery as well as integrated sunshades for the second and third rows. Comes in very handy when you are testing a car with no window tints in the Middle East!

A gentle push on the start/stop button cranks up the 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine.

A push-button gear selector replaces the conventional knob. Even with a 2,000 kg curb weight, the Odyssey pulls off pretty easily with no drama. Mated to a 10-speed auto tranny, the 280 horsepower engine drives the front wheels. Drive is smooth and quiet, as expected from a Honda, especially because our Touring spec Odyssey had acoustic glass, extra sound damping material and active noise cancellation. Suspension handles bad surfaces with ease and works without too much body roll. Honda Sensing finds its way into the top-of-the-line Odyssey, which brings in a host of safety features such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, lane control systems, collision prevention systems and pedestrian safety systems; all of which are increasingly being seen in modern cars as we travel towards autonomous/semi autonomous transportation. As difficult as it might seem to maneuver the Odyssey in tight spaces, the park assist and reverse assist packages work together with the dual pinion power steering to make our loves easier. Not to mention the ease of getting in and out through the sliding passenger doors, which means no more hitting the neighbor’s car door!

The Odyssey features a range of infotainment options to keep you and the passenger group engaged throughout the trip. Two new features are CabinWatch (which uses a night vision camera to bring up images of rear passengers on the front display screen) and CabinTalk (which helps to talk to second and third row passengers through the car’s speakers). An eight-inch touch display unit in the console helps you with the audio, navigation and different customization options.

A 10.2-inch screen can display content for second- and third-row passengers through Blu-ray or HDMI input. In the Touring spec, the Odyssey also features an 11-speaker premium audio system to make sure that all occupants get the best music delivered to them.

After half a week in the Odyssey, it was time to switch over to the Odyssey J. Even though they share the same model names, the Odyssey and Odyssey J have only two similarities. One is that both of them are made by Honda and the other one is that they are both vans.

The Odyssey J is the smaller cousin among the two. Dimensionally smaller than the Odyssey, the J is made to fit into an urban environment where going around with a full-size van feels crazy and you need to take care of your fuel bills. Powered by the Earth Dreams 2.4-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine, the J develops 173 horsepower and sends power to the road through a CVT. I was searching for gear selector buttons, but the J features the conventional shifter knob placed high on the console. Compared to the Odyssey, the J needs to be pushed hard to keep the spirits high and does feel a bit harsh on higher rpms. But I guess it would just be the Odyssey V6 playing tricks in my head. For the typical urban commute, the J does great.

Styling is taken a notch higher on the J. If the Odyssey was all about serene and clean lines, the J likes to be a bit louder. Multiple horizontal slats on the front grille, snazzy looking air dams and body kits find their place on the J. Headlamp and rear lamp clusters look disco-spec and go well with the overall theme. In fact, I liked the rear lamps on the J better than the Odyssey. And

48 www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

Honda Odyssey and Odyssey J make sure you have a good look at the colors available for the J. They have some very blingy options!

Stepping into the J suddenly feels cramped because of my Odyssey blues but things were fine in just 15 minutes. Interior feels a lot livelier and controls fall into hand easily. Wooden garnish is strewn all over the dashboard and door pads, which is not particularly to my taste, but can attract customers. There is a mix of black plastic, beige and wood finish on the dashboard, which feels a bit overdone.

Our test car was the top spec EX-V that can accommodate seven people in total.

The second row features two Captain Cradle seats and even though the third row is a bench seat, three would be a squeeze. The second row is the place to be with even calf supports in place. With the seats reclined, the second row in the J would definitely be a good place to unwind after a tough day. The third row features full flat folding for bigger cargo.

A seven-inch infotainment system finds its place in the center console and the climate control buttons are touch sensitive too. There are very few physical buttons on the J compared to the Odyssey. There are still a lot of options for storage and knick-knacks. Honda Sensing features are available on the EX-V version as well.

Summing up my experience with the Odyssey vans, I could really vouch for the practicality of this segment for the real world. They allow you to take your entire large family and a lot of luggage, if required. MPVs can be better value for money as they run on smaller engines and on-road tires. The only place where I felt the hitch was on my beach drive where I could take the Odyssey only as far as the other sedans. But yes, this segment has a purpose and the Odyssey cousins are brilliant at it. It would be great to see these models outside of the commercial fleets and into personal garages.

Words: Ershad

T

he Odyssey continues its reign as an undisputed segment king in the region, while the Odyssey J has been seeing some competition building up recently.

Let’s hope that the 70s van culture returns soon!

ODYSSEY Pros: Huge interior space, quiet and supple ride, unbeatable Honda reliability Cons: Parking can be tricky in tight spots, dynamics still remind you of the old Odyssey, engine can be thirsty in urban conditions (time for a smaller powerhouse with turbo?)

Specifications

Engine

3.5L i-VTEC V6, FWD, 280 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 357 Nm @ 4,700 rpm

Rivals: Kia Carnival, Toyota Previa Transmission

10-speed automatic

One Word: car-a-van

Performance

luxury

“The amount of interior space is just too much by our usual sedan or medium SUV standards.”

ODYSSEY J Pros: Jazzy looks, mix-n-match seat configurations, compact dimensions for car-like usability Cons: Jazzy looks (mixed opinions), dashboard feels overdone (too many materials and finishes), engine feels busy at highway cruise speeds

Chassis

0-100 km/h: 8 secs, top speed: 192 km/h, fuel consumption: 13 L/100 km Weight: 2,080 kg

Overall Rating

Specifications

Engine

2.4L i-VTEC 4-cylinder, FWD, 173 hp @ 6,200 rpm, 225 Nm @ 4,000 rpm

Rivals: Kia Carens, Toyota Innova Transmission One Word: JDM-style utility

Performance

“MPVs can be better value for money as they run on smaller engines and on-road tires,” said Ershad.

November-December 2018

Chassis

CVT

0-100 km/h: 12 sec, top speed: 200 km/h, fuel consumption: 8.5 L/100 km Weight: 1,600 kg

Overall Rating

www.arabwheels.net 49

Special Feature

Pirelli takes ‘grip’ of luxury supercar market with expansion of its flagship store P Zero World Words: Mark Forker

50 www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 51

Special Feature Pirelli takes ‘grip’ of luxury supercar market

Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli has moved into pole position in its efforts to solidify its status as the market incumbent in the luxury supercar segment by opening its third flagship P ZERO World store in Monte Carlo.

T

he Italian multinational has established itself as one of the most recognizable and trusted brands in the world and has addressed the needs of consumers globally since its inception in 1872. Pirelli has an unblemished and distinguished record for producing high-performance and high-quality consumer tires across its diverse product portfolio – and the opening of flagship stores in key markets in North America and Europe is set to enhance that reputation further.

Pirelli has already opened P Zero World flagship stores in Los Angeles and Munich. ArabWheels was in attendance at P Zero World’s franchise extension to Monte Carlo which really is the world’s capital when it comes to luxury supercars!

The decision by the Italian automotive behemoth to establish flagship stores that are specifically dedicated to Prestige clients - owners of sports cars and luxury cars - has ultimately cemented its standing as the undisputed leader in this elite area of the automotive industry. To celebrate the official opening of the P Zero World store in Monte Carlo, ArabWheels was able to immerse itself fully into the Pirelli experience by availing of the opportunity to drive the Maserati Levante and Lamborghini Urus around the stages of the world-famous Monte Carlo Rally.

We were subjected to breathtaking views throughout our exhilarating drive and we could feel the phenomenal quality and outstanding excellence of the Pirelli P Zero tires when driving both supercars which were equipped with 52 www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

P Zero World tires on our way to our scenic destination which was nestled deep in the mountains overlooking Monaco.

After spending the day test driving supercars and immersing ourselves in the Pirelli experience, it was time to attend the official inauguration of the latest P Zero World garage in Monte Carlo. We were invited to attend a glamourous bash that was befitting for the opening of a state-of-the-art tire facility that is likely to be unrivaled anywhere in the world.

The brand vision behind P Zero World is unambiguous – the garages constructed in LA, Munich and Monte Carlo have been established to tailor to the very specific needs of the owners of some of the world’s most expensive and desirable cars. However, in addition to this, Pirelli’s main objective is to create unparalleled experiences for its customers in terms of the level of service and quality provide.

What differentiates P Zero World stores from any other premium retail outlets for luxury supercars is not just the technology that is available to the staff onsite, with cutting edge diagnostics and equipment, but also the entire customer experience, with the surroundings more reminiscent of an automotive-themed boutique hotel than a tyre dealer.

ArabWheels managed to secure an exclusive interview with Pirelli director and manager of its Prestige project Giovanni Tronchetti Provera at the opening of the P Zero World store in Monte Carlo.

In a brilliantly forthright and engaging discussion Provera discussed the corporate strategy and brand vision behind opening P Zero World in key markets and ultimately what differentiates the company from its competitors in the luxury supercar segment.

When pressed on how the concept of P Zero World was born, the manager of Pirelli’s Prestige project said it was created because the Italian company felt its customer service in this particular part of its overall product portfolio was lacking in terms of final delivery and needed to be addressed.

Provera said, “P Zero World was a concept that was designed to address a specific need in our organization and that was in relation to customer experience. Pirelli is one of most recognized, respected and reliable brands in the world but we weren’t delivering on the final part of the customer delivery aspect for our consumers. Our primary objective in establishing flagship P Zero World stores in key markets is to ensure we deliver the highest customer service and excellence to our consumers.”

In addition to this, Provera highlighted that Pirelli is the market incumbent with the principal car manufacturers in the world, but was not a company that rested on its laurels and declared the P Zero World stores in LA, Munich and Monte Carlo would firmly cement its position in the automotive market as the go-to company for luxury car manufacturers and owners of supercars because of their history of knowledge, expertise and excellence.

Provera said, “We have 100% of Lamborghini, Ferrari and Maserati in terms of market share because they know when they need something very specific done for one of their luxury supercars, there’s only company that can do it – and that’s Pirelli. We’ve earned that reputation through our vision, our pioneering innovation and our leadership. I’ve been tasked with the responsibility of spearheading Prestige and I must admit it’s a challenging role.

I’ve purposely surrounded myself with a young, dynamic, ambitious and driven team in order to execute our goals and visions with the Prestige project. There’s a lot of pressure on you when brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Aston Martin are relying on you, but it’s a challenge we relish as an organization and it’s in our DNA to be a leader in high value and bespoke services. We firmly believe that the new P Zero stores in LA, Munich and especially in Monte Carlo will provide an experience and service that is simply unrivaled - and that our competitors can simply not compete with.”

The sentiments expressed by Provera were echoed by Gaetano Trezza, Pirelli’s head of Trade and Operative Marketing, who disclosed that the P Zero World franchise is extending its operations to Dubai.

He said, “P Zero World represents the DNA of our company to the maximum effect, offering a unique customer experience thanks also to cutting-edge digital technology. Now, our positioning in the market is underlined by another new flagship store in Monaco. After Los Angeles, Munich and Monte Carlo, the Emirates will be our next destination, with the opening of our next P Zero World in Dubai.”

Matthieu Brinon, CEO of Pirelli France, added: “Pirelli’s decision to open the third P Zero World in Monaco integrates perfectly with Pirelli’s retail development strategy in the French market. This is a market that is growing significantly in the high value sector: 18 inches and higher, which has more than doubled in the last four years. Seen in this context, P Zero World is a perfect way for Pirelli to unite endusers in spaces dedicated to high value and bespoke services, where Monte Carlo and the Cote d’Azur are a natural fit”.

Pirelli’s brand identity is defined by fusions of high tech and artistic expression, which elevates the brand beyond the tire industry and into the wider world of lifestyle. This clearly takes center stage at P Zero World in Monte Carlo – and will ensure that Pirelli will remain the global market leader and envy of every other tire manufacturer in the world.

November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 53

Special Feature

ARES Land Rover Defender

Hermès of coach-built auto industr y 54 www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

“ The D an a efender is ico n uto mot i ve u nl i k ot he e any r!�

November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 55

Special Feature ARES Land Rover Defender

When we speak about the Defender, we’re talking about a long, nostalgic and rich history. Originally, it was known as “Land Rover”. As you all might know, the Defender stopped production back in 2016. Land Rover celebrated its 70th birthday and still the legacy lives within us. The Defender has been known by many as the world’s strongest 4x4; especially during the wars.

Back in the day, it was known as a “Go anywhere vehicle” and was initially considered as a commercial and agricultural vehicle. Many celebrities drove the famous Land Rover and among them was Winston Churchill who used to bigheadedly stand next to his custom-built Series I Land Rover. That’s without forgetting to mention Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh and it was also featured in the famous James Bond movie, Spectre.

Land Rover showed the DC100 concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2011 and received many criticisms for its look. Since Land Rover didn’t launch a complete new model, some surgical operations were needed to make the Defender fit in with current trends.

Here we are in Modena, the motoring valley of the Italian supercar manufacturers. Yes, we’re in Modena, but not to visit the Ferrari Museum or the Maserati factory. We are here with ARES Design.

56 www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

ARES Design ARES Design was founded in 2014 by Dany Bahar, ex-Ferrari manager and CEO of Lotus. ARES Design’s main goal is to deliver a new level of design, development, manufacture and sales of coach-built and unique cars in the heart of Italy and through an expanding global network of studios. The brand-new 18,000 square-meter ARES Design facility in Modena, Italy was officially opened in January 2018. Founder and CEO, Dany Bahar, with his long-term Dubai-based business partner, Waleed Al Ghafari, quickly spotted the opportunity to move the coach-building business to another level of service by developing the world’s first ‘concept-to-creation’ coach-building facility.

The ARES Design facility can produce up to 300 bespoke cars a year, taking personalization into a new league in line with global demand for luxury

and bespoke automobiles. This significant increase in volume potential for personalized cars results from bringing coach-building processes in-house and under one roof, from design to rapid prototyping to 3D printing, paint shop and leather works. It is a unique combination of luxury car brand resources with artisan principles and skills.

The launch venues in Dubai, Beverly Hills and Munich have proven successful in the two years since opening, working hand-in-hand with clients on over 100 projects. However, Dubai has already outgrown its location and the business will soon confirm a brand new and even higher-profile studio.

By 2020, ARES hopes to have a network of around 10 studios such as the UK, France, China, Russia and Singapore, as well as other potential openings in the established UAE, German and U.S. regions.

Bespoke projects include a Bentley Mulsanne Coupe, a one-off reimagined De Tomasso Pantera, and an obscenely ‘roided’ Mercedes G-Class remix, called the X-Raid.

ARES Design Land Rover Defender ARES Design Company let us drive its own version of the Defender from its similarly luxurious, bright-white headquarters in Modena, Italy.

Limited to 53 units, this most extreme embodiment of the 70-yearold workhorse has been developed with Coventry-based Land Rover specialist, JE Motor Works. Under the bonnet lies a modified Range Rover 4.7-liter V8 delivering 282 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque.

That’s the one we drove. Another version will be available too which is powered by a 4.7-liter supercharged V8 and delivers 475 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque. Both engines breathe from the twin side-exit exhausts.

ARES Land Rover Defender Words: Issam Eid One Word: bespoke

T

Specifications

he addition of copious amounts of soundproofing and high-quality leather and carbon fiber trim has made the Defender a more civilized one, which surely turned heads during our drive on Modena’s roads.

All in all, the Defender does everything exceptionally well. ARES Land Rover is the finest specimen of the bespoke Defender off-roader on the market today. Prices start from EUR 215,000 for the naturally aspirated engine and EUR 245,000 for the supercharged engine. Delivery should take a maximum of two weeks.

Base car model: 2014

4.7L, V8, 282 hp, 440 Nm

Base car model: 2014

4.7L, V8 supercharged, 475 hp, 650 Nm

Performance

6-speed auto, 4WD with rear limited-slip differential

Overall Rating

“ARES Design built 53 completely bespoke Defenders.”

What are my first impressions? Simply, ‘WOW’ and I’m pretty sure if you have ever driven a Defender, you will know it is not easy to drive.

I can say it is a monster. Said to be inspired by the Land Rover that was featured in the Bond movie, the Spectre, the ARES Defender sits high on a raised suspension and 18-inch wheels with 305/70R18 Cooper Discoverer tires.

Carbon fiber add-ons are almost everywhere from the exterior to the interior of the Defender. Front grille, wide wheel arches, and bonnet. Sideprotection bars and heavy-duty bumpers, with a Warn winch on the front.

Driving impressions Is it quick? Well keep in mind that this car weighs almost two tons, and we all know that the Defender is not particularly aerodynamic. But yes, it is quick! Not like a supercar, but talented enough to face off any obstacle effortlessly! The normally aspirated version of the ARES Design Defender is not as potent at 282 horsepower and is not as fast as the supercharged one, but is wonderfully ‘torquey’ for what it is made for.

The driver’s door opens effortlessly to divulge a stylish interior of dark Italian leather and carbon fiber. The alloy step was a must, due to the extra 100mm of ride height, and once you’re in, the door closes the first time without the typical bounce off. The ignition key is located down on the left of the steering column, and leg and shoulder room is still limited (as it’s always been on the Defender). The seats are bespoke Recaros, trimmed in leather. On the floor I noticed an aluminum plate, because thick floor mats would still feel unsuitable in a Defender I think.

The cool addition was a top-spec infotainment system with sat-nav and Bluetooth.

When pushing the gas pedal with the exhaust symphony button on, the exhaust blares. OMG, that’s what I call a wild beast sound! What differs on this Defender from the original one is that the body roll and shakes are significantly reduced; this is because of the suspension, which now uses JE Motor Works bespoke springs with heavy-duty Fox dampers and revised anti-roll bars. The brakes are by AP Racing, the fronts being hefty 362x32mm discs and six-pot calipers.

November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 57

Life Style

Roger Dubuis celebrates UAE National Day with exclusive Limited Edition Excalibur Spider Skeleton automatic

Graham Chronofighter Superlight Carbon Skeleton

Chronofighter Superlight Carbon Skeleton Usp • New technology: Superlight black carbon composite case • Black carbon trigger, bezel and buckle (3K carbon frame) •Black carbon bezel with golden filaments (2CCBK.B25B) •Automatic skeleton chronograph •Fast-action start / stop carbon trigger •Integrated black rubber strap with “Clousde Paris” decoration •Limited edition: 100 pieces (2CCBK.B25B) Functions: Skeleton chronograph (seconds, 30 minutes counter) Hours, minutes, seconds Calibre: G1790 automatic skeleton chronograph with view on the balance wheel and escapement. Black chrome& rhodiated movement with hand-drawn strokes decoration. Openwork balance bridges and plates. Oscillating weight with hand-drawn strokes decoration and snailedexternal segment 28’800 A/h (4Hz) Incablocshock absorber 29 jewels Power reserve: 48 hours

Joining with the people of the United Arab Emirates as they celebrate their 47th National Day, Roger Dubuis, the pioneer of contemporary skeleton calibers, introduces an exclusive UAE Limited Edition Excalibur Spider Skeleton, dedicated to the people and leadership of the nation.

Issued in only 28 pieces, the UAE Limited Edition is decked out in the red, green, white and black colors of the UAE flag and features the in-house movement RD820SQ, a demonstration of the Manufacture’s expertise of architectural and technical mechanics, stamped with the prestigious Poinçon de Genève.

The automatic movement is highlighted by the astral skeleton structure and the micro rotor, offering a spectacular view on the mechanism. Not only aesthetics, the micro rotor offers a winding ratio as good as the best single direction big oscillating weight.

This exceptional edition has been personalized with the mark of all Roger Dubuis contemporary skeleton movements: the black skeleton dial, the star-shaped bridge and rhodium plated indexes filled with white luminous SLN. The green strap is adorned with red stitching, all details proudly representing the national colors of the UAE flag.

58 www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

Case: 47 mm superlight black carbon composite case Titanium casing ring with diamond’s molecular structure Black carbon fast-action start / stop trigger (3K carbon frame) Black rubber reset pusher with “Clousde Paris” high grip pattern Domed sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coating on both faces Smoked sapphire crystal case back (2CCBK.B25A) See-through sapphire crystal caseback with wider opening (2CCBK.B25B) with red “superlight carbon” inscription engraved Bezel: Black carbon bezel (3K carbon frame) / with golden filaments (2CCBK.B25B) Water resistance: 330 feet / 100 m / 10 bar Dial:Black skeleton movement with white Super-LumiNova graduation, hours and minutes hands Red chrono, minutes and seconds counters’ hands Strap: Integrated black rubber strap with “Clousde Paris” Additional white rubber strap (with 2CCBK.B25A.K102K additional black rubber strap) Black carbon pin buckle (3K carbon frame)

Corum hoists the mainsail at the Hôtel de Crillon Watch Name: Admiral Legend 42 Automatic “Hotel Crillon”

• Movement: Movement number: CO 395 Winding system: Automatic Functions: Hour & minute • Date • Small second Power reserve: 42 hours Frequency: 4 Hz, 28’800 vph Dimension: 11 1/2’’’ Rubies: 27

•Dial Colors: Blue Material: Brass Distinctive features: Special tracing in the 6h counter

• Case Shape: Dodecagonal Dimension: 42 mm Thickness: 10.00 mm Case material: Stainless steel with blue PVD treatment Crown material: Stainless steel with 5N 18kt rose gold PVD treatment Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment Back type: Screwed-in open-back stainless steel cover smoked sapphire crystal with 5N gold-toned metallized logo and anti-reflective treatment Water resistance: 50 meters / 5 ATM

• Hands Hour and minute: Dauphine • Faceted • Skeleton • 5N Golden

• White superluminova Bracelet Material: Stainless steel with blue PVD treatment Colors: Blue Interhorn/Buckle: 21/18 mm Buckle type: Triple folding clasp Buckle material: Stainless steel Buckle distinctive features: Blue PVD treatment November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 59

Updates Ford’s Driving Skills for Life for Her returns to Effat University

W

omen in Saudi Arabia say that strictly enforced traffic laws would help make roads safer, and that self-parking technology is a top priority for them when shopping for a new car.

The revelations came during a Twitter poll which targeted Saudi women, ahead of Ford’s return to Effat University in Jeddah for the second running of its acclaimed Driving Skills for Life for Her program recently. Ford’s DSFL for Her made its successful global debut in Saudi Arabia earlier this year in March when more than 250 students from the university took part in the course—and dozens more took part in the second wave.

The poll targeted women aged 18 to 35 in three main cities— Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam—and attracted more than 85,000 votes. When asked what would make roads safer, 45 percent of women agreed that stricter traffic rules would help make a difference, while 26 percent said that everyone was responsible for making the roads safer to drive and that it should be a collaborative effort on everyone’s behalf.

Chief among driver concerns was traffic suddenly stopping ahead—one of the key issues DSFL addresses with the space management and braking modules. Of those surveyed, 38 percent said that the prospect of a suddenly stopping vehicle—possibly while in heavy traffic, or because of a problem ahead—overruled any issue they may have with breaking down (26%) or tailgating (22%).

The survey also revealed that women drivers in Saudi Arabia placed a high priority on technology that helped them to park. When asked which features they looked for in a new car, almost 80 percent said that parking technology, like self-parking features (50%) and parking sensors (29%) were a must. Surprisingly, Bluetooth (11%) and navigation (10%) were distant considerations.

The different modules of this new customized introductory program have been created with first-time female drivers in mind, with the aim to break down the barriers that would intimidate those that hadn’t been in the driver’s seat before.

The sessions include: • Learning About Your Vehicle – where women are taught the fundamentals of preparing to drive, such as the importance of adjusting seating position, checking mirrors, and placing hands at the correct point on the steering wheel • Braking – which presents ladies with the learning opportunity to safely control the car from being in motion, instilling safe driving practices, preparing these new drivers to take to the road with confidence

60 www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

• Driver distraction – stressing the importance of staying focused on the road at all times, highlighting through practical, hands-on experience the dangers of driving distracted. In Saudi Arabia alone, close to 7,500 road deaths in 2017 have been attributed to the use of mobile phones while driving.

During the program, participants of DSFL for Her also had the chance to wear specially-designed “fatal vision goggles” —which mimic the effect of tiredness or drowsiness— as well as the unique “nighttime goggles” that created conditions synonymous with driving in darker roads, which so often requires added attention and focus due to limited lighting.

In Saudi Arabia, there’s an average of one road accident every minute, with more than 7,000 people losing their lives on the Kingdom’s roads last year. With Driving Skills for Life, Ford aims to instil safe driving practices early on with younger drivers, both men and women.

A signature program of Ford Fund, Driving Skills for Life is an international initiative for road safety created in cooperation with the Governors Highway Safety Association and a panel of safety experts. It captures newly-licensed drivers’ interest with free, hands-on courses that pair new drivers with professional instructors to focus on the issues and obstacles that cause crashes, including impaired and distracted driving.

Now in its 15th year, Ford Driving Skills for Life has provided free training to more than one million newly-licensed drivers—including more than 3,600 students across the Middle East since 2013—in more than 40 countries. In total, Ford has invested more than $50 million in initiatives globally as part of its long-standing commitment to promoting safety on the road.

Chevrolet Bolt EV partners up with Ripe Market for new outdoor season at the Dubai Police Academy Park Dubai’s popular Ripe Market is back outdoors this month, with a brand new location and Chevrolet is joining the fun with its first electric vehicle for the Africa and Middle East region, the Chevrolet Bolt EV. Just in time for the UAE’s cooler winter months, Ripe Market kicked off its outdoor season on November 23 at its new permanent location in the Dubai Police Academy Park (Umm Suqeim), in collaboration with the Dubai Police.

Running every Friday and Saturday from 9am to 7pm, Ripe Market promises to fill weekends up with an exciting slate of entertainment and activities for everyone to enjoy. In addition to the farmers market, food truck, arts & crafts, sports, music and petting zoo attractions, Ripe Market visitors will get the chance to take a closer look at the Chevrolet Bolt EV, the brand’s first electric vehicle for the region, which boasts an unprecedented 520-km* range in its segment.

Before walking away with a few Chevrolet surprises, market goers will also be able to register for Chevrolet Bolt EV test drives to get behind the wheel and put the car’s performance to the test.

Collaborating with Ripe Market for their season of events across the UAE, the Chevrolet Bolt EV will be present during the following editions: • • • • • • •

Dubai Police Academy Park, Umm Suqeim, Dubai November 23-24, 2018 January 18-19, 2019 March 29-30, 2019 Umm Al Emarat Park, Abu Dhabi January 12, 2019 April 6, 2019

The new BMW 8 Series convertible

BMW

is forging ahead with its model offensive in the luxury segment with the presentation of an opentop sports car that explores the highest reaches of dynamic flair, emotionality and exclusivity. The new BMW 8 Series convertible blends ultra-sporty driving properties with distinctive design elegance and offers an extremely exclusive passport to hallmark BMW driving pleasure and a full-blooded open-top driving experience.

November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 61

Updates Over AED 15 million worth of counterfeit Toyota spare parts have been confiscated and destroyed to date this year

A

l-Futtaim Toyota, in partnership with UAE government authorities, has completed a total of 16 raids on counterfeit car part dealers across the emirates mainly in Dubai, AL Ain, Um AL Quwain, Sharjah and Ajman to date. More than 300,000 counterfeit Toyota parts valued at over AED 15 million (USD 4 million) have been confiscated and destroyed. The majority of the items were serviceable goods such as oil filters, fuel filters and spark plugs.

This year alone, Al-Futtaim Toyota has provided thorough training to more than 100 Economic Department Field Inspectors across the UAE. Training focused on increasing awareness amongst officials, in identifying counterfeit parts, while providing them with the necessary tools to educate consumers about the importance of using genuine parts.

Genuine Toyota parts are available at Al-Futtaim Toyota and its reputable authorized dealers. All parts are built Despite their potentially appealing price point, counterfeit to meet the highest quality standards, adding to Toyota’s spare parts will not just effect vehicle longevity but quality, reliability and durability. In 2017, Al-Futtaim will also result in a number of fatal accidents on the Toyota and UAE government officials successfully roads such as failure of brake pads and other essential executed a total of 29 raids, resulting in the confiscation functions. of goods worth more than AED 41 million.

Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East announces exclusive partnership with Spotify in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East announced its partnership with Spotify, the world’s largest music streaming subscription service, following its launch in the MENA region. As the exclusive automotive sponsor for Spotify’s launch, this association will connect Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East with a highly engaged demographic who are passionate about music.

Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East customers will be able to access Spotify via Apple/Android CarPlay from the comfort of their car. With CarPlay, drivers’ phones are integrated into the dashboard via Bluetooth, ensuring a safer and more convenient way to listen to music while driving. The feature also helps drivers make calls and send messages and is accessible through MercedesBenz’ pioneering in-car MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system, available in all 2019 models.

Lennart Mueller-Teut, head of Marketing & Communications at Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East commented, “Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East is delighted to be the exclusive partner for Spotify in the region. Mercedes-Benz is renowned for innovation and is consistently looking for ways to enhance the driving 62 www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

experience. The partnership with Spotify is a testament to this, as we increasingly prepare for a future where automobiles become much more than just means of transport.”

With more than 191 million active users globally, Spotify is the largest digital music subscription service in the world, covering both local and international artists, genres, and tracks. Its launch in the region will allow users to access billions of curated playlists for every mood and moment, tailored to their own specific music tastes.

Women drivers to take the wheel at Saudia Ad Diriyah E-Prix

A

n unprecedented number of women are to compete against male counterparts in Formula E’s hotly contested ‘Rookie Test’ for up and coming drivers being staged in Saudi Arabia the day after the inaugural Saudia Ad Diriyah E-Prix.

On Sunday, December 16, following Formula E’s first race in the Middle East at the stunning UNESCO heritage site of Ad Diriyah on Saturday, December 15, female drivers will line up against male rivals on the grid to take part in the official in-season test for the forthcoming season of the FIA ABB Formula E Championship.

The ‘Rookie Test’ has seen the local promoter work with teams to encourage more female participation—with the results being one of the most exciting, diverse and competitive lineups seen in motor sport.

The list consists of a varied group of up-and-coming talent along with well-known faces, including the first Emirati female racing driver, the youngest winner of the British GT Championship, a former Andretti Formula E driver and a member of the FIA’s Women in Motorsport commission.

Amna Al Qubaisi, will be competing in the test with Envision Virgin Racing. The UAE-born driver has had a steep progression in her career so far, starting karting aged 13, and going on to win the UAE Rotax

Max Challenge Championship before more recently competing in Formula 4 with Prema Theodore Racing.

The DS TECHEETAH team has recruited Tatiana Calderon to get behind the DS E-TENSE FE19 for the first time on track on December 16. The Colombian is no stranger to single-seater racing, having competed in the FIA European Formula 3 Championship, before taking the jump to GP3 in 2016. Her current role is as official test driver for the Alfa Romeo Sauber.

Swiss racer Simona de Silvestro, who previously competed in the FIA ABB Formula E Championship’s first two seasons and today races in Australia’s Supercars Championship, will drive with the Venturi team in a new Venturi VFE05. Spanish driver Carmen Jordá spent two seasons in Formula 1 as a development driver and will drive with the Nissan e.dams team in Saudi Arabia in a Nissan IM01.

Meanwhile, British racer Katherine Legge, a Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY driver and who has impressed regulars in NASCAR during 2018, will drive with MAHINDRA RACING in a Mahindra M5Electro on her first outing in a Formula E car since 2015.

Finally, BMW junior driver Beitske Visser will link-up with BMW i Andretti Motorsport team.

Both HWA RACELAB and GEOX DRAGON are still working to secure female drivers to take part in the test as part of their respective teams.

November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 63

Updates DBX: Prototype of Aston Martin’s first SUV begins testing Aston Martin has made a significant and symbolic stride towards the luxury brand’s first SUV—now officially confirmed as being named DBX—with the first development prototype being put through its paces along a demanding Welsh Rally stage in the hands of the company’s chief engineer, Matt Becker.

This first test for DBX signifies the start of an extensive testing program. One that has begun in Wales, as a nod to Aston Martins’ new St Athan production facility in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Though simulation is an essential part of DBX’s early development phase, this first prototype drive in Wales signifies the start of ‘real world’ testing, in which the SUV will be subjected to a punishing regime that will ultimately see development prototypes of the allnew machine tackle some of the world’s harshest environments, from the frozen Arctic and scorching deserts of the Middle East to high Alpine passes and the high-speed demands of the German autobahn and Nürburgring Nordschleife.

The unique nature of DBX in the Aston Martin range means it requires a dedicated test program; one that features new processes, procedures and standards that reflect its all-purpose role. So, while it will perform with

the verve and poise of a true Aston Martin, its dynamic envelope has to extend into areas previously off-limits to the marque’s sporting roots. Naturally this includes impressive multi-terrain and towing capabilities as befits a state-of-the-art SUV. DBX is scheduled to be unveiled in the last quarter of 2019 and will be built at Aston Martin Lagonda’s St Athan facility; a state-of-the-art luxury manufacturing plant that will ultimately become the ‘Home of Electrification’ when the marque’s fully-EV models enter production.

Total Marketing Middle East (TMME) announces AW Rostamani Trading Co. (AWR Trading) as new distributor partner

T

otal Marketing Middle East (TMME) - a fully owned affiliate of the Total Group and a leading lubricant company in GCC - recently signed a distributorship agreement with AWR Trading - a strategically established automotive business and a subsidiary of the AW Rostamani Group - for the distribution of TOTAL branded lubricants in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

Taking this forward, both parties have decided to join forces to increase their footprints in the automotive aftersales market in UAE. The distributorship agreement is fortifying the existing strategic alliance that will further build the repertoires of the Group’s affiliate. With the excellent support of AWR Trading, TMME is aiming to increase the number of oil change outlets to strengthen its leading position in the market and to expand its geographical reach in the country. This partnership will also provide better access to premium quality lubricants to customers.

64 www.arabwheels.net

November-December 2018

The agreement was signed between Mr. Michel Ayat, CEO of AW Rostamani Group, representing AWR Trading, and Mr. Thibaud de Lisle, Managing Director of Total Marketing Middle East.

November-December 2018

www.arabwheels.net 65