Automan April 2011

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No 116 APRIL 2011 Oman’s Best Automotive Resource OMR 0.500 AED 5.00 QR 5.00

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116 No 116 APRIL 2011 Oman’s Best Automotive Resource OMR 0.500 AED 5.00 QR 5.00

ULTIMATE ULTIMATE ULTIMATE ULTIMATE ULTIMATE ULTIMATE ULTIMATE ULTIMATE ULTIMATE ULTIMATE ULTIMATE ULTIMATE ULTIMATE ULTIMATE ULTIMATE ULTIMATE ULTIMATE TTTTTTTTTT???TT?TTTT?TT??TT?TTTT?TTEXCLUSIVE FIRST DRIVE 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

\\ 2011 AUDI TT RS \\ 2011 FACELIFTED MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASSYOU’VE WAITED ALL THESE YEARS AND IT’S FINALLY HERE!

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INSPIRED BY THE ELEMENTS NEW FACE AND OVERHAULED INSIDE OUT

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editor-in-chiefMohammad Al taie

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Letter from the EditorJust a month back, no one could have foreseen the changed circumstances that are facing

the world in general and the Sultanate of Oman in particular.

Around the world, tragedy struck more than once, with a large Earthquake hitting off the

coast of Japan, following in the wake of the already deadly Christchurch temblor. Perhaps

the quake itself may not have been deadlier, but the Tsunami that overwhelmed the

coastal defences and bulwarks of the main Island, took out entire towns and villages and

left a badly battered economy, a damaged nuclear plant that is leaking radiation and a

populace that is still looking for the bodies to be honoured and buried.

Closer to our region, a social media driven broad uprising has been happening. Egypt

has seen change, so has Tunisia. Libya is in the throes of a full-fledged civil war. Closer

to home, in Oman, various levels of outcry have been seen, from the genuine to the

atrocious. Many demands have been heeded and there is now a genuine flow of initiatives

in place to address perceived injustices.

In the process, we have been assured that close to 50,000 youths will join the workforce

for the first time, unemployment benefit of RO 150 will be paid for up to 3 months and

greater sums will be available to a broad spectrum of government and private sector

employees.

Large corporate houses have also announced the training and employment of new

trainees as well as a move towards five day weeks.

To the automotive industry in Oman, this couldn’t have come as better news. For it has

been proven time and again that when money supply is freed up by putting extra money

in people’s hand, the money is spent. Only insignificant amounts will be put away, usually

money that is used to pay off debts. Other than that people will spend one the big ticket

items – like a house, marriage and a car.

So what is the outlook for this year then? More money, more people in the job market

and perhaps a greater incidence of car purchase? The demand is there then – how about

the supply? With Japan’s ongoing crisis and the outcome of the crisis on domestic car

production, we may have to do for some time with a “Not made in Japan” sticker. Equally

worrying is the world’s dependence on high-tech parts supply and vendors in Japan. Even

the car that ends up being made in Thailand may be delayed due to non-availability of

parts.

What we do foresee is that the price point is set to rise, not only due to the demand-

supply gap but also because it will become far costlier to bet on currency exchange rates.

And with the threat of a Euro zone crisis just not going away, the rest of 2011 continues

to be as rocky as it started out.

in this issue

News From across the region and around the world

6

46

30cover story2011 Audi TT RS 2011 Chrysler 300Pagani Huayra

70MotorsportsSeason’s opening F1 race kicks off on Oz

26braNdwatchLow down on global brands

22first drive2011 Hyundai Elantra

53safetyFord working on new child dummy

42first drive2011 Hyundai Elantra

36

previews2011 Skoda Fabia Dodge Charger SRT8M-B C ClassMugen Honda CR-ZPorshe 918 Special Chevy Colorado Concept

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cover story 28

74 44

80chicaNeJapan struggles to recover after devastating Tsunami and earthquake

50

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poster

News aNalysisTop 10 headlines

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12spotliGhtGeneva Motorshow

8

regional news}

Since its debut in the fourth quarter last year, the new 2011 Ford Edge has received

outstanding feedback from GCC consumers, driving sales up 87 per cent in the first two months of 2011 when compared to the previous model sales in January and February last year. The sharpest uptick in sales was seen in the United Arab Emirates, with sales almost trebling with a whopping 198 per cent rise, followed by Kuwait with an increase of 164 per cent and KSA by 21 per cent over the same period last year. “The Edge competes in one of the fastest-growing and fiercely competitive segments in our industry,” said Hussein Murad, Sales director at Ford Middle East. “Consumers who have driven the 2011 Edge have given great feedback – and word of mouth is clearly boosting sales, as drivers realise it is, without a doubt, the segment leader, thanks to its looks, performance and class-exclusive technologies.”

gCC hot for ford’s stylish edge

new skoda fabia launChed in uae

Skoda Auto is now officially represented by Ali & Sons Motors Division in the UAE and

the retailer has recently launched the new Fabia for 2011. The Fabia range will offer consumers a choice of three models including the entry model Classic, mid-range Ambiante and the Elegance as the flagship model. All models benefit from Volkswagen Group 1.6-litre 16 valve engine and 6-speed tiptronic automatic

gearbox. The Fabia, which compares head-to-head in its segment with other models that often come at a much higher price – has an affordable price tag which ranges from AED 54,000 to AED64,500 (depending on model). The price also includes a 3-year unlimited mileage warranty. Ali & Sons further offers a special service plan for 3 years/60,000km for less than AED3,000.

General Motors Middle East registered year-over-year sales growth of 21

per cent in the month of February with total sales of 9,907 vehicles in the region across its three brands: Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC. The growth was driven by an

increase in retail sales – purchases made by individual customers – of 42 per cent across GM’s range of cars, pickups and utilities. Sales increases were registered across the region with the greatest rise recorded in Iraq, GM Middle East’s second largest market, where sales doubled.

gM’tops sales in february

9

The German premium carmaker’s first generation mid-size luxury four-wheel-drive

SAV, the X3 effectively had a segment to itself when it was first launched in 2004. But then competition heated up with introduction of similar models from Land Rover, Audi, Volvo, Lexus and Infiniti. With the all-new second generation X3, which was launched last month in Oman by BMW Middle East and Al Jenaibi International Automobiles LLC, BMW is keen to regain lost territory with more content, efficient powertrains and convenience factors in the incoming model. The xDrive28i is powered by a new 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine mated to the brand’s eight-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the all-new third generation 6-Series convertible was also unveiled. Both engine variants [V6 and V8] use twin turbos, with power output ranging from 320 to 407hp and are mated to a standard eight-speed Sports automatic transmission.

twin launChes froM bMw Middle

east in oMan

Volkswagen Middle east foCuses on after sales

Selling a car is easy, but maintaining top class ownership experience is something

that Volkswagen Middle East takes quite seriously. For the past few years VW has been hosting its annual after sales conference to discuss with retail partners and service managers its future business strategies in the presence of key representatives from Volkswagen HQ. Michael Horn, executive director and head of Volkswagen after sales worldwide was flown in for the meet and

he also visited the 10,000sqm Middle East Parts Centre, located in Jebel Ali Free Zone. Volkswagen has also introduced its Service Excellence initiative, which offers customers increased benefits in after sales care. Andreas Boethfuehr, After Sales Director Volkswagen Middle East commented: “The annual After Sales Conference is an important platform to ensure Volkswagen continuously strives to improve service standards throughout the Middle East.”

Moosa Abdul Rahman Hassan LLC opened an exclusive showroom for

Suzuki in Sur last month. The outlet was inaugurated by Ali Bin Ahmed Bin Meshari Al-Shamsi, Wali of Sur. “Opening a 3 S (sales, service and parts) facility in Sur

is part of Moosa Abdul Rahman’s plan to ensure premium service and convenience to our valued customers across Oman, right from pre-sale to after-sales. It reiterates our commitment to provide them with the highest quality of customer care that adds to their overall motoring experience,” said Viren Agarwal, CEO of the company.

new suzuki showrooM opens in

sur

The 2011 Camaro Convertible is scheduled to arrive in showrooms across the Middle

East region this month. “The introduction of the Convertible will further strengthen Camaro’s dominant position in the sports segment,” said Luay Alshurafa, Chevrolet Regional Brand Manager at General Motors Middle East Operations. “The new Convertible will attract new customers looking for top-down driving fun and precise engineering.” The convertible is equipped with similar model configurations as the Camaro Coupe. The standard model has a fuel efficient 312hp direct injection V6 engine delivering 8-litre per 100km highway while the SS model features the 6.2-litre V8 engine producing 426hp.

Meanwhile, Chevrolet and Yas Marina Circuit have signed an agreement marking Chevrolet Camaro as the official vehicle of the Yas Drag Racing Academy.The academy has received six Camaro SS that will form the basis of the training programme for aspiring drag racers across the region. All Camaros given to the

Drag Racing Academy are equipped with a 6.2L V8 SFI engine with six-speed automatic transmission. The cars will be used to train

upcoming drag race future champions before they are able to drive 1,200hp Super Comp dragsters.

10

regional news}

For China, General Motors is serious about moving some muscle and supporting the

move it plans to introduce the Camaro. The Camaro in China will be sold as the Ke Mai Luo, which GM insists is a “sonorous Chinese name.” The Chinese Camaro will get the base 312hp 3.6-litre V6 engine with six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

breaking news

drop top CaMaro to hit

showrooMs this Month

12

regional news}

Major manufacturers, industry experts and transport, fleet and logistics decision

makers from the Middle East road transport business shared the stage as the commercial vehicles industry’s biggest regional event last month. The exhibition is being staged in tandem with the Commercial Vehicles Conference, creating a dual platform with a double focus on cost saving as well as the future of environmentally friendly transport. A panel of industry experts from leading transport organisations will be debating key issues over the first two days of the conference ahead of a workshop on the final day to analyse future plans for effective fleet management of heavy and light commercial vehicles. In the first half of 2010, sales of commercial vehicles in the GCC countries - including trucks, busses, vans, pick-ups and utility vehicles – leapt by 37.97 per cent to 253,790 over the same period in 2009. The UAE led the way with a 54 per cent rise to 53,683 units sold, while Kuwait (49 per cent), Oman (41 per cent), Bahrain (38 per cent), Saudi Arabia (29 per cent) and Qatar (24 per cent) also enjoyed significant sales increases. During the exhibition a key announcement was made involving US manufacturer DesignLine and UAE-based Liberty of joint venture to set up a $US30mn manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi for the Eco-Smart 1 electric bus.

regional CoMMerCial VehiCles

exhibition held in dubai

13

Qatar MerCedes-benz dealer Celebrated brand’s 125 years

Zubair Automotive Group announced that Jawareh Al Shuaily was the lucky

winner of the Yamaha Raptor 90 all terrain vehicle, at an official Prize Draw Ceremony held at the Muscat Festival grounds in Qurum Park on Wednesday - following a month of promotions from the company that attracted thousands of Muscat residents.

luCky winner takes it all

uae nissan dealer introduCes

approVed used Car prograMMe

Following the recent introduction of the first manufacturer-approved

Japanese brand CPO program in the UAE, Arabian Automobiles has announced the opening of UAE’s largest used cars 7,000sq-m facility. “Despite the economic downturn in 2009, we had foreseen a steadily increasing demand for used cars with more than 40 per cent growth in our used car sales volumes over the last year,” said Michel Ayat, CEO of Arabian Automobiles.

Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, exclusive dealers of the iconic Mercedes-Benz in

Qatar, celebrated the global Mercedes-Benz 125 years of automotive excellence with a special weeklong campaign last month. The service week offered Mercedes-Benz owners

complimentary visual checks and giveaways, special prices on genuine spare parts and servicing, test-drives of the latest Mercedes-Benz models and attractive trade-in offer deals.

14

geneVa Motorshow

Rise&

shine

&shine

15

As an international motor show platform, Detroit did generate a lot of hype for what turned out to be in January. But the flipside contrary to expectations, the show was damp as it didn’t offer many new products for the audiences. In contrast, the 81st Geneva show was a true return to form, with an array of impressive all-new vehicles occupying various different market segments making their debuts. As always the expo at Geneva can never be complete without the dazzling array of concept cars filling the halls of the Palexpo. The Swiss

show’s neutral policy once again proved that it still remains the perfect ground for the French, Italian and German automakers to talk about their future visions on mobility. In our March issue curtain raiser for the show, we highlighted 30 reasons to be in Geneva. By taking into account independents, design and creative houses along with the regulars, the reasons more than doubled and here’s our review of the show brand and theme wise. Read on…

geneVa Motorshow

With its Cruz hatchback variant, Chevrolet wants to cement its place in Europe. The production With its Cruz hatchback variant, Chevrolet wants to cement its place in Europe. The production model looks identical to the show car that was presented in Paris and will be offered with a model looks identical to the show car that was presented in Paris and will be offered with a choice of four-cylinder engines. Buyers choosing the entry-level LS trim receive a naturally choice of four-cylinder engines. Buyers choosing the entry-level LS trim receive a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre four-cylinder while the other trims use a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine. The aspirated 1.8-litre four-cylinder while the other trims use a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine. The engines put out the same power, rated at 138hp, but the uplevel engine should offer substantial engines put out the same power, rated at 138hp, but the uplevel engine should offer substantial fuel economy benefits. There are also improvements in drivability, as the turbo 1.4-litre offers fuel economy benefits. There are also improvements in drivability, as the turbo 1.4-litre offers an additional torque and peak power and torque numbers that occur at lower revs.

ChevroletChevrolet

Audi released teaser sketches of the Audi A3 concept ahead of its debut at the show. We think Audi could be hinting at an expansion to the A3 line-up as currently there’s no sedan in the line-up. The car is 4,440mm long, 1,840mm wide and 1,390mm high which makes it marginally longer than the current A3 Sportback but shorter than the current VW Jetta saloon. The car is slightly wider and lower than the current A3 and seems to be conceived along similar lines to parent company Volkswagen’s latest Jetta. It is also being described as a spiritual successor to the original Audi 80. The new variant is being looked upon to boost Audi sales in markets such as North America, China and Russia.

BMW’s Vision ConnectedDrive Concept was one of the real show stars in Geneva and it’s clear that it is more than just a car. It’s a befitting example of BMW’s vision of the future and focuses a lot on connectivity, man and machine interface. Following the acclaimed Vision EfficientDynamics Concept shown at the IAA in Frankfurt in 2009, the design in based on layer and the utilization of space between those layers with specific purposes. In fact, the layers have taken on three roles [visually identified by colour codes] such as comfort (green), infotainment (blue), and safety (red-orange). Comfort, relates the driver and the car to the world around it by flowing around. Shared information can be downloaded and passed to driver by simple touch slide on the dashboard. Safety wraps around the driver and comes together in a cone on the bonnet. Despite an array of complex technology, in the flesh the car has an elegant form and a lightness of design execution.

According to Ferrari, FF stands for four and four, but it may well be an acronym for first and first. Not only it is Ferrari’s first all-wheel-drive production model, but the FF is also the brand’s first wagon -- or shooting brake. Interestingly, the platform combines all-wheel-drive in a performance GT wagon, which is rather unusual in the world of V12-powered luxury sports cars. Ferrari says rolling those two features can go together even though they appear unconventional. Pininfarina penned the lines and the FF looks much like a genuine Ferrari GT with a modern twist. The design blends subtle cues from the 458 Italia with those of the FF’s forebear, the outgoing 612 Scaglietti.

Virage According to Aston, the Virage capitalises on the technology from the DBS and unites it with the comfort and refinement found in the DB9 and Rapide. A look at shared-between-the-trio numbers produced by the 6.0-litre V12: the DB9 has 470bhp and 442lb ft, the DBS 510bhp and 420lb ft, and the Virage sits neatly between the two with 490bhp and 420lb ft. 0-100km/h is 4.8secs for the DB9, 4.3 for the DBS, and 4.6 for the soon to arrive Virage. The Virage on arrival should be more sporting than the recently revised DB9, but it is not expected to be quite as agile as the DBS. Meanwhile, the Virage does without carbon body panels, and is 90kg heavier than the DBS, with the drop-top Volante version weighing 80kg more. But Aston is also talking about Rapide-matching levels of comfort, thanks to NVH tweaking.

Audi

BMW

Ferrari

Aston Martin

16

While Kia has updated or replaced most of its key models, the Rio and Picanto subcompacts are among of the oldest cars in its line-up. However, this is set to change later this year with the debut of all-new 2012 Rio and Picanto. As with the rest of Kia’s recent product introductions, both model receive Kia’s corporate face and styling with key styling highlights such as corporate grille flanked by headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, sculpted air intakes in the lower valance and flared wheel arches help to lend the car a sportier and aggressive look. The new Picanto will be powered by four different variations of 1 and 1.2-litre petrol, diesel, bi-fuel and flex-fuel engines. For the Rio, powertrains will vary by market, but a variety of engines are planned including 1.6-litre, direct-injected inline four and 1.2-litre turbocharged inline four.

While Kia has updated or replaced most of its key models, the Rio and Picanto subcompacts are among of the oldest cars in its line-up. However, this is set to change later this year with the debut of all-new 2012 Rio and Picanto. As with the rest of Kia’s recent product introductions, both model receive Kia’s corporate face and styling with key styling highlights such as corporate grille flanked by headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, sculpted air intakes in the lower valance and flared wheel arches help to lend the car a sportier and aggressive look. The new Picanto will be powered by four different variations of 1 and 1.2-litre petrol, diesel, bi-fuel and flex-fuel engines. For the Rio, powertrains will vary by market, but a variety of engines are planned including 1.6-litre, direct-injected inline four and 1.2-litre turbocharged inline four.planned including 1.6-litre, direct-injected inline four and 1.2-litre turbocharged inline four.

17

Who can forget that Jaguar launched a performance-tuned XKR-S model at the Geneva Motor Show three years ago and this year’s there’s a more powerful version that joined the Swiss extravaganza. The latest XKR-S uses a supercharged, direct-injection 5.0-litre V8 which is now boosted to roughly 542hp and 501 pound-feet of torque. With a gain of 32hp and 40 pound-feet of torque, Jaguar claims the enhancements allows the new XKR-S to sprint from 0-96km/h in a blistering 4.2secs and hit a top speed of 300km/h. No wonder the automaker claims the XKR-S as the “fastest Jaguar ever built”.

Jaguar

While we were waiting to hear something about the NSX supercar’s resurrection, Honda disappointed at the show. The only face saver being the facelifted Honda Accord 2011. Honda described it as “subtly reinforced” and the car gets a new grille, revised bumpers and lights and clear lens indicators. The interior is largely untouched although the seat upholstery is new. The highlight of the show for Honda was probably the EV Concept based on the Fit/Jazz platform for a possible future mid-size plug-in hybrid vehicle.

With the European market firmly in mind, Hyundai is quick to say that the i40 was developed in Rüsselsheim, Germany. It will be the carmaker’s first crack at the model. Beneath the skin, the i40 rides on the same D-segment platform as its wildly successful Sonata sibling (and, for that matter, Kia’s latest Optima).While designers suggest the new front fascia is patterned after last year’s i-Flow concept, but in many ways, the entire front clip bears a close resemblance to the company’s new Elantra compact. The i40’s powertrain offerings are restricted to four-cylinder engines, but Europeans do have a choice between petrol and diesel engines. The i40 certainly has the makings of a stylish, sophisticated midsize offering, and may fare well against the likes of the Opel Insignia, Ford Mondeo, and the new Volkswagen Passat.

Honda

Kia

Hyundai

Since its inception Infiniti has always struggled to create an identity of its own and with the Etherea, the brand wants to encapsulate everything it stands for including a no-compromise hybrid power in 4.4m long car which blend elements of a coupé, sedan, hatchback and even crossover in one highly sculptural, near-mono volume form. The Etherea concept exterior and body kit design has an original surface treatment, with the bonnet character lines that extend to the sides giving form to a distinctively sculpted descending waistline. Several of the styling cues like the distinctive crescent-shaped C-pillar first seen on the Essence concept – will appear on future car production models. All the hallmarks of a modern-day concept car are present and accounted for, including a hybrid powertrain that features a 245hp supercharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a twin-clutch system that links the electric motor to the engine. Power will be routed through a continuously variable automatic transmission to the front wheels. As far as the styling statement goes, Infiniti says: “As an exploration of a future entry-level Infiniti production model, Etherea can be summed up as a four-door coupe with five-door practicality – a hatchback that doesn’t look like a hatchback.”

Infiniti

geneVa Motorshow

Touted as Mitsubishi’s new bread-and-better car and the Colt replacement, the new five-door model attempts to combine compactness with affordability and fuel efficiency in a sharp design package. Seating five adults, the new compact employs either a 1.0- or 1.2-litre petrol engine with a regenerative braking system and idle-stop mechanism that creates CO2 emissions in the mid-90g/km range. To be built at the company’s new factory in Thailand, the car will also get CVT transmissions.

Mitsubishi

Sweden-based Koenigsegg released the full technical specifi cations for its Agera R street racer. Built and developed in-house, the company’s twin-turbocharged 5.0-litre V8 engine runs on 1.4-bar of boost to produce 820kW of power at 6,900rpm using E85 bio-fuel, but will rev on to 7,250rpm. While the ‘standard’ Agera produces more than 1,000Nm of torque from 2,500rpm, the Agera R produces at least that much all the way from 2,700rpm, peaking at an astonishing 1,200Nm at 4,100rpm. That may not be enough to unseat the mighty 1,184hp/1,500Nm Bugatti Veyron Super Sport from the top of the supercar perch, but is enough to launch the Agera R from 0-100km/h in just 2.9 seconds and to 200km/h in 7.5secs. The 0-100km/h time exactly matches Lamborghini’s Aventador LP700-4, despite the Italian car carrying an extra 245kg of weight and having a humble 691hp and 690Nm from its naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12.

BMW’s iconic British MINI brand still dreams of futuristic cars blending futuristic style and technology with classic design elements. The Rocketman Concept definitely lives up to its name in that context. The new space-age concept previews what the future of urban mobility could look like for the brand. Dimensionally, it’s slightly smaller than the current Cooper, and comes with dual-hinged doors that pivot outwards, complete with the sills. The car’s interior uses a space-efficient three-plus-one seating arrangement, and we’re told that the car is powered by a highly efficient powertrain. MINI’s new Connected infotainment system is displayed via three-dimensional graphics on the interactive speedometer screen, and there’s even a steering wheel-mounted joystick to operate the whole array of lifestyle functions.

While the Esflow concept wasn’t one of the top stars of the show, but it shared the podium with some very interesting details. The Esflow uses quite a lot of technology from the mass-market Leaf EV hatchback, but uses a separate motor to turn each rear wheel and should hit 100km/h hour from a standstill in under five seconds. The laminated lithium batteries are mounted low to help out the center of gravity and are said to be good for 240km per charge. Any weight penalty of the energy storage system is offset by a rollbar-integrated aluminium chassis mated to a composite shell. At the moment the Esflow is a pure concept, but there is hope it could come to production: “Nissan has a heritage in sports cars and now it is establishing one in electric cars,” said a company spokesman.

The Italian supercar maker is no different when it comes to re-evaluate what they do and how they do it in view of tight market conditions and tough emissions and efficiency regulations. With the Sesto Elemento in Paris, it was a materials management exercise, with the new Lamborghini LP700-4 Aventador, has pulled off a car that’s still as outrageous as anything Lamborghini has ever done. And it goes without saying that it has employed a host of advanced technologies to help the newest Raging Bull meet the new overall efficiency parameters. The Aventador is being seen as a spiritual successor of the Countach which Lamborghini first produced in 1974. As with the concept, the body is sculpted around the passenger compartment, with the longitudinally mounted 6.5-litre 690hp naturally aspirated V12 situated in the middle. The big news is that not only is there more power, but it is more available at lower revs and also that it does these stratospheric numbers while using 20 per cent less fuel.

Koenigsegg

MINI

Nissan

Lamborghini

BMW’s iconic British MINI brand still dreams of futuristic cars blending futuristic style and technology with classic design elements. The Rocketman Concept definitely lives up to its name in that context. The new space-age concept previews what the future of urban mobility could look like for the brand. Dimensionally, it’s slightly smaller than the current Cooper, and comes with dual-hinged doors that pivot outwards, complete with the sills. The car’s interior uses a space-efficient three-plus-one seating arrangement, and we’re told that the car is powered by a highly efficient powertrain. MINI’s new Connected infotainment system is displayed via three-dimensional graphics on the interactive speedometer screen, and there’s even a steering wheel-mounted joystick to operate the whole array of lifestyle functions.

18

The Spanish arm of Volkswagen Group unveiled its IBX crossover concept at group’s pre-show party. The IBX has been designed under ex-Lamborghini designer Luc Donckerwolke and it’s the second concept car to preview Seat’s future design language. It also gives a strong hint that company is preparing to launch a new small SUV mechanically based on the Tiguan. As a design concept, the IBX blends cues from a crossover, a two-door mix of SUV and sports car in a package which is almost identical in dimensions to the Tiguan. Seat claims the IBX has been conceived as a hybrid, and can travel 60km on electric power before a direct injection TSI or TDI engine has to take over. The IBX is front-wheel drive to save fuel, but Seat says four-wheel drive could be an option.option.

SEATSEAT

Horacio Pagani and his team of detail-obsessed engineers and designers all the time in the word [seven years to be exact], 10 design models, five heavily camouflaged prototypes, and almost half a million kilometers of testing -- including Death Valley and the Arctic Circle to produce the all-new Huayra. Like the name of his other creation, the much-drooled-over Zonda, the car’s name takes inspiration from ancient South American culture. According to the Aymara people’s legend, Huayra Tata is the deity of all things pertaining to wind, who could lift water, move earth, and basically shape the world. The manually-assembled 700hp Huayra has spare-no-expense detailing and was carefully detailed to avoid negative performance consequences [eds note: see preview.

Given the change of ownership and subsequent turmoil Saab went through in 2010 and its current status, it is surprising that this carmaker is still alive. The Swedish company is trying hard to prove that it is quite ready for new challenges. Is Saab’s PhoeniX concept a step in that direction? Well, giving the benefit of doubt, it seems that the PhoeniX concept could be that indicator of the direction Saab will eventually use for its future powertrains, technology, and design. The platform and powertrain used by the PhoeniX are a preview of what will underpin the next-generation 9-3. The concept uses a 200hp 1.6-litre turborcharged four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The concept uses Saab’s new eXWD (electric Cross Wheel Drive) system, with the gasoline engine powering the front wheels and a 34-horsepower electric motor driving the rear axle.

The diminutive Swift, about the size of a Mini Cooper, has been a success in Europe, and Suzuki has said the newest version of the car was engineered to meet U.S. regulations. Based on the latest Swift, which debuted last year at the Paris auto show, the S-Concept gets an appearance package and some mechanical tweaks. The car is lowered on stiffer springs, and its wider fenders accommodate a 2.4-in stretch in width. Front and rear bumpers adorned with slats and a Ferrari-like exhaust and diffuser. Inside the S-Concept is a race-car-inspired steering wheel with an “up” marker band in yellow. Behind the wheel are two sport seats and the engine is derived from the previous generation Swift Sport. In the old car, the 1.6-litre four-cylinder made 123hp, but Suzuki is mum on the concept’s proposed output.

Rolls-Royce, one of the world’s most iconic of classic luxury marques, has stepped firmly into the EV waters with the 102EX Concept. According to CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös, the concept was created to help the company understand what technology may be suitable to drive Rolls-Royce motor cars of the future. The concept started life as stock Phantom from which the 6.75-litre engine and six-speed automatic gearbox were removed and replaced with a pair of electric motors putting out 145KW each. That thrust is sufficient to send the 6,000-pound EV to 100km/h in “under eight seconds.” The car’s battery pack is comprised of 96 individual cells assembled to resemble the shape of the original engine and transmission. Rolls-Royce believes its 338-volt, 71-kWh unit is the largest battery ever fitted to a road car. A charging [inductive] mat on the underside of the vehicle wirelessly recharges the battery. A plug also exists where the fuel filler normally resides.

Pagani

SAAB

SUZUKI

ROLLS-ROYCE

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The Indian car maker which also owns Jaguar and Land Rover is setting its sights for Europe. Two years ago it launched the world’s cheapest car, the $2,500 Nano for domestic markets, but it did show a Nano concept with European flair. Now, that the Nano sales are beginning to pick-up after several improvements, the platform served as the base for the Europe youth-oriented Pixel Concept. It shows how a more upscale four-seat urban car could be built on the underpinnings of the tiny Tata Nano, the world’s cheapest new car. One clever feature in the 10-foot-long car is that its scissor doors open up, rather than out, so they stay within the car’s footprint without impinging on passing traffic, cyclists, or pedestrians. But there’s another feature that’s even cooler: ‘Spin on the spot’ parking, which lets the Pixel park in little more than its own length. This unique feature comes courtesy of a unique Zero Turn infinitely-variable transmission, designed by Torotrak, that splits the torque from the Pixel’s rear-mounted engine to let one rear wheel rotate in one direction while the other goes in the opposite direction.

One of VAG’s premium performance brands, Bugatti made some headlines with their very first appearance at the Qatar However, aficionados who were expecting the marque’s latest Super Sport to turn up at the venue were slightly disappointed. But the presence of the blue and white open top 16.4 Grand Sport, by far, the world’s fastest, most powerful and perhaps the most exclusive car in its segment made up for the absence of the Super Sport. Like with the coupe version, the Grand Sport edition is powered by an 8-litre W16 engine that develops a whopping 1,001hp at 6,000rpm. This car will do 0 to 96km/h in an incredible 2.7secs. Top speed goes up to 406.4km/h, but is reduced to 347km/h with the top down, obviously for safety reasons.

Toyota’s rear-wheel drive FT 86 coupe is almost ready to hit roads. It’s a compact sports car, measuring 4,235mm in length, 1,795mm in width and 1,270mm in height. The new Toyota FT-86 II or shall we say facelifted version was unveiled along with its Subaru version. While the two sports cars are being co-developed, Toyota president Akio Toyoda said: “I want to transfer the thrill of the race track to our vehicles, and make driving fun and exciting for our customers.” The FT-86 was designed with input from the company’s ED2 European design centre and its F1 experience has helped develop the aero package. Toyota is positioning the FT-86 as the spiritual successor to Celica, and of course the legendary rear-wheel-drive AE86.

Peugeot had a pretty busy agenda. The carmaker presented the new Peugeot 308, launched the new 508 and introduced the world’s first diesel hybrid - the 3008 HYbrid4. The 3008 Hybrid4 is being offered in a limited production run of 300 units. It combines a 2.0-litre diesel engine driving the front wheels with an electric motor at the rear and sets the scene for an all wheel drive with maximum combined power output of 200 bhp, a “zero emission” mode and standardised average fuel consumption of 74.3 mpg. However, it was the new 908 endurance racing car which Peugeot Sports will use for their campaign in this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours and the ILMC that stole the show.

Tata Motors

Concepts: a special mention

Volkswagen

Toyota

Peugeot

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The first concept design from Italdesign Giugiaro after becoming a part of the Volkswagen Group was the Tex concept. It’s designed to be a fuel efficient small car, under four meters long. Giugiaro also presented the Go! MPV, giving a glimpse at what a people-mover could look like in the future. Like the Tex, the Go! uses Volkswagen’s new modular transverse architecture which could help accommodate a wide range of powertrain options. The Go! is powered by the automaker’s Blue-e-motion EV technology, Volkswagen’s Twin Drive plug-in hybrid system with a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine that works in tandem with the electric system. This will enable the concept to travel 35km on battery power. With seven-speed direct shift transmission and 400Nm of combine torque, 0 to 100km/h takes a bit over six sec.

The Captur is the second in a series of concept cars put out by Renault in recent times that explores the different stages of relationship in a human life cycle. The first being the DeZir, shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year with a theme of introducing two people and now the Captur moves into the second phase of human exploration. Hence the car is tagged as “A Crossover That’s All Muscle in Motion”. As in the DeZir, strategic LEDs placed on the matt-finished car highlight its profile. Another example of the use of carbon fibre at the show is fitted in Captur’s hard top convertible roof that reveals an exotic interior created that uses layers of design elements.

VW-Guigiaro

Renault

Developed in partnership with Abarth, aspiring design students at the Turin-based Istituto Europeo di Design this year they teamed up with Abarth [Fiat’s performance arm] to create the Scorp-Ion under the supervision of Luca Borgogno, senior designer at Pininfarina, and Luigi Giampaolo, a designer for Maserati, these students have created the Abarth Scorp-Ion, a concept car that was presented in a 1:4 scale at the Geneva Motor Show.Emphasizing the “ion” in the name, the design study calls for an all-electric drivetrain, using four electric motors (one per wheel) that get their power from a lithium-ion battery pack. The concept aims at exploring the very essence of the brand – independently from the Fiat models.

While the Esflow concept wasn’t one of the top stars of the show, but it shared the podium with some very interesting details. The Esflow uses quite a lot of technology from the mass-market Leaf EV hatchback, but uses a separate motor to turn each rear wheel and should hit 100km/h hour from a standstill in under five seconds. The laminated lithium batteries are mounted low to help out the center of gravity and are said to be good for 240km per charge. Any weight penalty of the energy storage system is offset by a rollbar-integrated aluminium chassis mated to a composite shell. At the moment the Esflow is a pure concept, but there is hope it could come to production: “Nissan has a heritage in sports cars and now it is establishing one in electric cars,” said a company spokesman.

IED

Nissan

Concepts: a special mention

VW-Guigiaro

Ssangyong, the ailing Korea-based automaker exited a court-led bankruptcy protection in force since 2009, after India’s Mahindra formally completed the takeover last month. The SsangYong SUT 1 Concept is similar in size to the current Actyon SUV -- 4,985mm long x 1,910mm wide x 1,755mm high, and with a generous 3,060mm wheelbase. The new 2.0-litre diesel engine is Euro 5 compliant and produces 155hp and torque of 360Nm. The new model will offer the choice of either six-speed manual or automatic transmission in either 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive models.

Ssyanyong

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MTM Tuning and Individualisation specializes in VAG brands such as Audi, VW, Seat, Skoda, Bentley, Lamborghini, as well as KTM, Spyker and Porsche. The hand-polished MTM Audi R8 V10 BiTurbo sports the mirror-like good looks of Audi’s seminal 1991 Avus Quattro concept. The bi-turbo V10 engine has been modified to produce 777hp and 888Nm of torque, helping the R8 achieve a 0 –100km/h sprint time of 3.0secs. The car sprints to 200km/h in 9.37secs and 300km/h in 19.42 secs with a top speed of 350km/h. Complementing the enhanced output, MTM had added adjustable sports suspension and large brakes with 8-piston calipers in the front and back. Other visual and aerodynamic improvements include a massive rear spoiler, front lip, and 20in rims wrapped in Michelin PS2 tyres.

MTMMTM

Brabus has worked wonders again on the SLS AMG V8. On an already-excellent mill, it has attached a pair of turbochargers resulting in a bump of output from 563hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, up to 700hp and 626 lb-ft of torque. It goes without saying that the intake and exhaust manifolds, engine mapping and exhaust system on the car have also been changed. Traditionally, twin-turbocharged engines have a pair of turbos both spinning in the same direction. Brabus has fitted a right-turning and left-turning exhaust to the respective sides of the engine, and this allows for optimal air flow into the engine. All of this work has produced a car that’s lightning quick with 0-100km/h coming up in 3.7sec with top speed of 340km/h. Commendably, Brabus has achieved this feat without resorting to major tampering of the stock aerodynamic package.

The Bentley ICR Convertible was specially created to commemorate the achievements of Juha Kankkunen. Kankkunen took a lightly-modified (tyres, aero bits and roll-cage) car out to a long stretch of sea-turned-ice. The car set a new ice speed record by hitting 328.76km/h. Bentley marketing pundits seizing the PR wasted no time in grabbing the opportunity to create a limited edition [100 units] Continental Supersports Ice Speed Record Convertible. Each of these cars will boast standout features that will help them stand out from non-ICR versions. Only three exterior colours will be available to compliment the Dark Grey Metallic top; Beluga, Quartzite and Arctica White. Inside, carbon fiber has fitted on the dashboard and center console, while the familiar Breitling dashboard clock gets red accents.

The Germany-based customizer of high-end exotics arrived in Geneva with its take on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG called the Mansory Cormeum. In the past, Mansory has produced some truly questionable designs, but it seems this time, its creation was in tune with the market. Mansory’s engineers have put the car on diet and shed almost 91kg, while simultaneously boosting output to more than 660hp. This was done by replacing many of the body panels with lighter carbon fiber units, and swapping the wheels with lighter forged units measuring 20in up front and 21inc in the rear. Drivetrain modifications include a high-flow air filter and exhaust, as well as a remapped ECU. Only 15 examples of the gullwing Mansory Cormeum will be produced.

Swiss tuner FAB-Design has unveiled its take on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The car with matte blue paint finish had an outlandish aero treatment with things such as massive rear air vents below the taillamps and blue-trimmed wheels sticking out as a sore thumb. Fab designs for some other premium German brands have come in for scrutiny and this latest addition is no exception. Even the interior hasn’t been spared and it uses a mixture of white and blue on nearly every touchable surface, including the leather seats.

Brabus

Bentley

Mansory

Fab Design

Tuner Specials: a special mention

The Germany-based customizer of high-end exotics arrived in Geneva with its take on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG called the Mansory Cormeum. In the past, Mansory has produced some truly questionable designs, but it seems this time, its creation was in tune with the market. Mansory’s engineers have put the car on diet and shed almost 91kg, while simultaneously boosting output to more than 660hp. This was done by replacing many of the body panels with lighter carbon fiber units, and swapping the wheels with lighter forged units measuring 20in up front and 21inc in the rear. Drivetrain modifications include a high-flow air filter and exhaust, as well as a remapped ECU. Only 15 examples of the gullwing Mansory Cormeum will be produced.

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The last time we heard of this legendary Italian marque De Tomaso, was when Gian Mario Rossignolo, a former Fiat executive was trying to resurrect it. Rossignolo, allegedly, was seeking a production facility in Italy to build a new range of sports cars under the brand. Cut to Geneva and it seems that some progress has been made in this respect. Three concept models bearing the De Tomaso name -- a crossover SUV, a luxury sedan and a new coupe, were presented as part of the portfolio. The cars have been penned by Pininfarina and feature an all-wheel drive system and is said to be capable of accommodating V8 or V6 powertrains.

De TomasoDe Tomaso

This Swiss automobile manufacturer and tuning designer never fails to entertain at the Geneva Show. Founder and owner Frank M. Rinderknecht loves to stimulate and provoke the status quo with quirky concepts and ideas. This year it was the Bamboo, a four-seater summer buggy. Jointly developed and built by Swiss engineering firms 4erC and Esoro, the car employs for propulsion a high-torque 54kW electric motor that helps accelerates the 1,090kg vehicle to a top speed of 120km/h with a range of 105km on single charge. In its construction, the Bamboo combine steel and composites. Lifestyle and connectivity were a big part of the Bamboo concept with colour changing rollover bar. The rear seats and roof are inflatable and can be removed and taken to the beach and instead of a grill there is a conversation panel supported by “Identiface” an Intel product developed by Daimler MBtech.

While Volkswagen’s Microbus may be one of the most iconic vehicles ever to come out of the German automaker’s stable after the Beetle, VW has so far resisted in making a re-entry in this segment. With the Bulli concept, it is believed that VW could be testing waters with the concept with some modern technology applications. The Bulli is equipped with an electric motor that generates 114hp. With a lithium-ion battery pack, the car has a range of roughly 300km which is surprisingly high versus most EVs. It can also accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 11.5sec and has a top speed of 140km/h. A footnote from VW that seemed to hint at future production possibilities indicated that the concept was capable of incorporating petrol and diesel direct-injection engines as alternative drives. It specifically noted that those engines have a 1.0- or 1.4-litre displacement.

Jaguar has plans to enter new market segments by 2014 and this fact is perhaps Italian design house Bertone’s inspiration for the B99 Jaguar Concept. The concept may have moved the crowds at Geneva, but somehow, Jaguar was not impressed by it and there’s no question of this going into production. “It is not our concept. We appreciate the fact that Jaguar is interesting enough for people to do a concept around. It’s not that we are offended by it, or against it — it is just not for us,” said Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar’s global brand director.

After the Smart Crossblade, Smart has created another open top based on the Fortwo -- the Forspeed EV concept. The Forspeed is similar to the 2002 Crossblade concept, which means it is roofless and doorless. The Forspeed is eco-friendly as it electric, using a 30kW electric motor with an additional 5kW boost mode available via a centre-console switch. The electric motor draws power from a 16.5kWh lithium-ion power cell, which offers 104km of range. Charging is via a 220 AC volt port located between the rear light clusters, and Smart claims the Forspeed can be charged to 80 per cent in 45mins. There’s also a clever use of solar cells in the wind deflector, to assist in charging the inevitable built-in smartphone.

Rinspeed

Volkswagen

Bertone-Jaguar

Smart

Wild and whacky cars: a special mention

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regional news

automan had some fun with the sportscars at the formula 1 trackaautoman had some fun with the sportscars at the formula 1 trackormula 1 track

Porsche Roadshow

returns to Yas MarinaAuthor Chandan B Mallik

No true petrolhead will dispute ever with the fact that there is no better way to experience the excitement of

sportscar than to drive one. And that’s why Porsche conducts the Porsche World Road-show, a branded international driving event in different countries around the globe with an in-built programme designed to give potential customers the opportunity to drive a range of Porsche models for one day in different situ-ations. The last Porsche World Roadshow for the UAE was held in 2009 at the Dubai Auto-drome.

Last month, the 2011 edition of the Porsche World Roadshow was held at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina circuit and the programme ran from 2-9 March. Porsche flew in 25 vehicles of the current model range for this event which was accompanied by specially trained European and UAE-based driving instructors. Among

the impressive line-up of models was the recently introduced 408hp Porsche 911 Carrera GTS, 500hp Panamera Tur-bo and the 320hp Boxster Spyder.

The programme started in late after-noon with a brief introduction about the brand and activity. Guests were splitted into groups and the track programme was split into four sections namely: han-dling, braking, Moose test and slalom. The grand finale was taxi rides with the expert instructors.

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Porsche Roadshow

returns to Yas Marina

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regional news}

HandlingThis section involved lapping the North

loop of the track behind an instructor. The cars we drove in convoy included the Car-rrera 2S/4S, Cayman, Boxter, Panamera and Cayenne Turbo. Since the convoy had a mix of drivers and laps were extremely limited, the real track potential of the cars were difficult to ascertain. However, they did give a basic feel of capabilities.

BrakingIn this exercise, the objective was to ac-

celerate as fast as we could on a fixed length with hard braking and turning at the same time. The car for the job was a 997 Turbo convertible which not only is mind blowing fast but is equally capable of putting serious G’s during acceleration and braking. What im-pressed was the car’s vice like grip, ABS and to some extent brakes which showed no signs of fading after repeated use.

Moose testTechnically, this exercise is a little harder

than the previous exercise as there’s an el-ement of uncertainty thrown in. Cones are placed strategically in a such as way that in instant a driver has to make a choice of steering either right or left. However, the catch is: the driver doesn’t decide which way to manoeuvre the car till the last moment. A marshall with yellow flag standing behind the cones beckons the driver after he approaches or crosses the demarcated line. The marshal will wave the flag indicating either right or left to avoid “the moose” with no braking at all, just steering the car to avoid that moose. And this is where the Panamera S was put to test. The test was carried out with and without PSM (Porsche Stability Management).

Slalomthe setting for the slalom in a large parking

lot can be quite challenging if your reflexes are slow. The car we had was the new Boxster Spyder which now comes with a similar engine to the Cayman S. As far as performance and handling goes it is a whole different animal. First there is a trial run to get acquianted with the course and and then three time trials. As always, there’s no need to hard push the car, just maintain line, length and speed. In expe-rienced hands and with a bit of practice, the Boxster Spyder can be drifted through the en-tire slalom course without hitting the cones. The real secret for being quick in a slalom is to use both feet during driving. Since most Porshces come with PDK (double clutch), so no real clutch work is required.

The score so far…Automan announced in January 2011 its first exhaustive Car of the Year (COTY) programme. And since then, the editorial team has been quite busy. We are pleased to announce that there have been several nominees [in their

respective categories] for The Car of the Year 2011 award so far.The members of the editorial jury have nominated these models from several potential candidates, covering

most of the segments in the market based on tests carried out either in Oman or in the GCC region.You can also monitor the progress each month in Automan’s dedicated Car of the Year official website

[www.automanweb.net].The following models which have received nominations in Q1 are as follows:

January 2011-04-05

February 2011-04-05

March 2011-04-05

Bentley Continental GT [Performance car] Infiniti M37 S [Luxury car] Ford Mustang GT [Sports car]

Audi R8 V10 Spyder [Sports car] Volvo S60 [Premium car] Ford Edge [Premium SUV]

Dodge Challenger SRT [Performance car] Lexus CT200h [Premium hatch] Suzuki Kizashi [All new debut/Dodge Challenger SRT [Performance car] Lexus CT200h [Premium hatch] Suzuki Kizashi [All new debut/Dodge Challenger SRT [Performance car] Lexus CT200h [Premium hatch] Suzuki Kizashi [All new debut/offering]

Automan announced in January 2011 its first exhaustive Automan announced in January 2011 its first exhaustive Car of the Year (COTY) programme. And since then, the Car of the Year (COTY) programme. And since then, the

The following models which have received nominations in The following models which have received nominations in Q1 are as follows:Q1 are as follows:

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brandwatCh

UK-based and India’s Tata Motors owned Jaguar is all set with its own business plans

which covers activity for the next 12 years. Of course, much of the eventual offerings will be determined by factors such as legislation, emissions, fuel efficiency, hybridization and other applications of technologies. What’s immediate on the palate and effective later this year is an updated version of the XK sports car. Following this in mid-2012, Jaguar will launch a refreshed version of the XF, along with a long-rumoured wagon variant. The XF wagon will likely be reserved for the European market. At the tail end of 2012 Jaguar will launch a smaller XE sports car to slot beneath the XK. Although earlier reports suggested the smaller sports car could employ a mid-engine layout, it appears Jag will go with a shortened version of the XK’s platform to save costs. In early 2013 Jaguar will release an updated version of the XJ sedan followed by an all-new XK.

The decision about the production site for the fifth model line of Porsche has

finally been made. The new vehicle is the smallest SUV, which has an internal project designation “Cajun”. This new addition will be manufactured at the Porsche plant in Leipzig, Germany. This decision has been approved by the supervisory board as the monitoring body authorised the board of management to finalise plans for the Saxony plant to become a fully-fledged production site for the “Cajun” including body assembly line and paint shop. Within the context of the Cajun production, at least one thousand new jobs are to be created in Leipzig, and additional new jobs at Porsche in Zuffenhausen and Weissach. Subject to approval by the authorities, construction work at the 400 hectare site is scheduled to begin in 2011. Currently, the Leipzig facility produces the Panamera and Cayenne models.

Suzuki Motor Corporation has announced that car production at its

Indian subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki India, has recently passed the 10 million units milestone, 27 years and three months after the first production began. Maruti Udyog Limited, which was formed as a state enterprise in 1981, signed a car-production agreement with Suzuki in 1982. The first resulting model, the Maruti 800, reached the Indian market in 1983 when the passenger car market was just 70,000 units. The company, now named Maruti Suzuki India, has since produced and sold models such as the Omni (known in Japan as Every), Gypsy (known in other markets as Jimny), Wagon R, Alto, Swift, SX4, A-star (Alto) and Ritz (known in Europe as Splash) in line with improving Indian road conditions and consumer demand. Maruti Suzuki India has plants in Gurgaon and Manesar (both near the capital, New Delhi), which have combined annual production capacity of 1.2 million units. In line with rapid market growth, the company is building two more plants. The new facilities are scheduled to be completed in 2012 and 2013 and will each be able to produce about 250,000 units per year. Maruti Suzuki India plans to have maximum production capacity of about 1.7 million units per year in 2013.

Saab Automobile is advancing its entrepreneurial business strategy

by initiating the establishment of a sub-assembly plant in co-operation with ZF Chassis Systems, a leading international supplier of driveline and chassis systems. Located in Halvorstorp, just three kilometresfrom Saab Automobile’s state-of-the-art production facilities at Trollhättan, the plant will be operated on just-in-time, lean production principles and supply front sub-frames and complete rear axle assemblies for installation in the

next generation of Saab cars. Under the agreement, the plant will be run by ZF as a subsidiary company, ZF Sverige AB, and is expected to employ about 50 people. Large sub-frame pressings will be stamped out at the Trollhättan press shop and taken to the ZF Sverige plant where they will be welded together and fitted with chassis mountings. Suspension and brake components will also be fitted to the rear sub-frames to form complete rear axle assemblies. All units will then be shuttled back to the factory for vehicle installation on the production line.

The decision about the production site for the fifth model line of Porsche has

finally been made. The new vehicle is the smallest SUV, which has an internal project designation “Cajun”. This new addition will be manufactured at the Porsche plant in Leipzig, Germany. This decision has been approved by the supervisory board as the monitoring body authorised the board of management to finalise plans for the Saxony plant to become

a fully-fledged production site for the “Cajun” including body assembly line and paint shop. Within the context of the Cajun production, at least one thousand new jobs are to be created in Leipzig, and additional new jobs at Porsche in Zuffenhausen and Weissach. Subject to approval by the authorities, construction work at the 400 hectare site is scheduled to begin in 2011. Currently, the Leipzig facility produces the Panamera and Cayenne models.

Kia wins two red dot design awards

Porsche to build cajun in leiPzig

Maruti-suzuKi Production Milestone

sKoda record sales and strong growth rePorted saab signs uP with zF For chassis systeMs

Peugeot’s new 908 earns its First PodiuM

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About a year ago BMW indicated

that it was developing a new family of petrol and diesel engines

and was considering a three-cylinder variant. BMW has now revealed that these new generation efficient engines will feature its latest ‘TwinPower Turbo’ technology in order to ensure that any car fitted with such tiny engines will still be worthy of carry the ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ tag. TwinPower Turbo technology features a twin-scroll turbocharging system, direct fuel injection and solenoid injectors, the latter being the latest innovation for BMW’s VALVETRONIC variable valve control system. The resulting effect is a small engine--and small engine fuel economy--but with big engine performance. The most recent application of this new TwinPower was seen in a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine which develops 245hp. This performance is comparable with the automaker’s naturally aspirated 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine. It won’t be surprising to see forthcoming models ditching their in-line-sixes in favour of the turbo four. As for the new three-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine range, the first model expected to use it will be the next-generation MINI due in 2014 and two front-wheel drive BMW models following shortly after. The move to downsized engines is part of BMW’s wider goal to cut its average carbon dioxide emissions another 25 per cent by 2020, after they were reduced 30 percent between 1995 and 2010.

A report emerged last month suggested that inside sources had confirmed A that inside sources had confirmed A

that talks were taking place between the world’s top producer of commercial vehicles, Daimler AG, and Fiat Industrial S.p.A. regarding a possible partnership to build commercial trucks. Now, the suggestion has been shut down by Daimler in a phone interview between a representative from the German auto group and Automotive News Europe. “There are no talks between Fiat and Daimler,” said Heinz Gottwick, Daimler spokesperson. The clarification by Heinz counters a previous report by Maneger Magazin, which cited John Elkann, head of the Agnelli family which owns a 30 per cent stake in Fiat, and suggested that the Italian automaker was in the midst of talks with Daimler AG. As expected, Fiat refused to comment on the situation, which was a resurrection of talks that ended last year when Daimler walked away from talks when Daimler walked away from talks with the Italian automaker, citing its with the Italian automaker, citing its “disciplined” approach to mergers “disciplined” approach to mergers and acquisitions.

Chrysler’s “Born of Fire” two-minute-long video clip that debuted during

the Super Bowl featuring the Chrysler 200 had Eminem and a gospel choir. The commercial generated lots of publicity, even though some of that buzz seems unwarranted and even though Chrysler may not know what to do with it. The company had to file a trademark-infringement lawsuit against Detroit retailer Pure Detroit for using the tagline “Imported from Detroit” in its t-shirt designs. While the law is on Chrysler’s side, since Chrysler owns the trademark and already offers its own line of “Imported from Detroit” products. While we understand the importance of protecting trademarks, we are also aware that since a sizable chunk of Chrysler’s equity is now in foreign hands, the “imported from Detroit” tagline seems pretty apt. But according to analysts, the lawsuit could easily blow up in Chrysler’s face since the “Imported from Detroit” shirts are designed within city of Detroit and printed in the metro Detroit region (Madison Heights, specifically) and the company can’t guarantee that the shirts themselves are made in America (much less Detroit) or that they’re made from American cotton. For the time-being, Pure Detroit seems to have removed items with the “Imported from Detroit” tagline from its website and Facebook tagline from its website and Facebook page.

After a record year in 2010 with over 762,000 vehicles sold, Škoda expects to continue

this growth in 2011. By 2018, the Czech manufacturer plans to double its annual sales to at least 1.5 million units. To achieve this, the company has ambitious plans to increase production across all manufacturing facilities. Škoda finished 2010 with a positive result, with sales revenue rising 22.4 per cent to EUR 8.692 billion. The operating profit was more than doubled to 447 million EUR. “2011 is exactly 20 years after the entry of Volkswagen – this is a year of setting the course and setting out new horizons for Škoda,” said the chairman of

the board of Škoda, Prof. Dr Winfried Vahland at Škoda’s annual press conference in Prague. In the first two months of the 2011, worldwide sales for the brand increased by 25 per cent to over 132,000 vehicles compared to last year. Skoda plans to increase the production at Škoda locations, both in domestic as well as outside of Europe. Within the framework of the Škoda Growth Strategy developed in 2010, the company aims to double its sales to at least 1.5 million units by 2018.

While Indian automaker Mahindra and Korean automaker SsangYong consider

themselves specialists in utility vehicles in their respective countries, with Mahindra leading the utility market in India and SsangYong laying claim to building the first-ever SUV manufactured in Korea back in 1988, known as the Korando Family. Indian automaker Mahindra says that the single largest benefit it hopes to gain from the merger is the ability to harness synergies between the two companies. As a result, a Synergy Council is planned that will contain senior management representing both companies, with the aim at improving global procurement, new car development and business strategies in order to penetrate various international markets. Mahindra has laid out a five point agenda for the Korean automaker: strengthen the product pipeline, harness synergies between the two automakers, invest in the SYMC (SsangYong Motor Company) brand, build human resources and focus on creating financial stability. SsangYong has also laid out proposals for investments in 2011, which include for a 70 per cent increase in product development compared to 2010, or at least $177 million. SsangYong also intends to spend $35.5 million, or a 60 per cent increase in brand building within Korea, and an increase of four fold

chrysler eMineMcoMMercial insPires

Merchandise and KnocK-oFFs

bMwMwM banw banw King on twinPower turbo twinPower turbo t

technology For three-cylinder engines also

daiMler-Fiat: no alliance For the

tiMe being

sKoda record sales and strong growth rePorted

Mahindra-ssanyong wrawraPs oFF deal Finally

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year. Skoda plans to increase the production at Škoda locations, both in domestic as well as outside of Europe. Within the framework of the Škoda Growth Strategy

TOP

10 H

EAD

LIN

ESAutoman’s take: According to the latest Kelley Blue Book Brand Watch study shows Ford has reclaimed the No. 1 spot as the most considered automotive brand overall for new car shoppers. And Ford is back on top in a big way, with a significant lead over second-place Toyota/Chevrolet and third-place Honda. In addition to being the most-considered auto brand overall (regardless of segment) for Q4 2010, Ford has been the highest-considered brand within the truck segment for nine consecutive quarters. Currently, Ford is the most-considered brand in the non-luxury SUV/CUV segment, and continues to gain ground quarter-over-quarter in the non-luxury sedan/coupe/hatchback segment. kbb.com shoppers’ opinions are leading indicators of future new car sales, and the study shows that in the fourth quarter of 2010, durability/reliability, fuel efficiency, driving comfort, and performance and safety ranked as the top five most important factors in their search for a new vehicle.

Automan’s take: US-based The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released new guidelines today to help parents decide on a safety seat for their child and the best use of that seat. According to the new guidelines, kids should stay in rear-facing child seats until they’re two years old, or have reached the height and weight limits advised by the seat’s manufacturer. Whether kids are kept in a rear- or forward-facing seat, NHTSA says it is important

children always ride in the back. If the back seat is unavailable, passenger air bags should be turned off when car seats are in front of them. After kids reach the age of two, NHTSA recommends leaving them in a child or booster seat appropriate for their weight and height until they properly fit in an adult seatbelt. Further, NHTSA recommends keeping kids in the back seat at all times until they hit those magical teen years.

Automan’s take: To celebrate the start of the 2011 MotoGP season, Ducati has released the new Ducati Corse App via the Apple App Store and iTunes. It’s free and full of info direct from the Ducati MotoGP Team pit garage and factory in Bologna. Discover everything you need to know about the Ducati MotoGP Team with Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden and hold all the secrets of the Ducati Desmosedici in your hand. Receive rapid updates on races, results and championship standings in addition to all the latest trackside news and a wealth of additional information from

the world of Ducati. The Ducati Corse app is compatible with iPhone (3G or later), iPod Touch and iPad. It requires iOs 4.2 or later operating system.

Automan’s take: A Snow White Pearl Optima sedan destined for the US market shipped from Kia in South Korea represented the 10 millionth vehicle exported since the car maker began exports in 1975. The first

exports Kia made was a consignment of Brisa pick-up trucks for Qatar and ever since Kia Motors has made a rapid,

increasingly significant imprint of the global automotive industry, particularly in recent years with the introduction of a new generation of models including Picanto, Rio, Sorento, Sportage and Optima.Following the company’s cumulative five millionth export in March 2005 which took 30 years to achieve, Kia Motors was able to reach the next five million exports in just six years thanks to a

focused management strategy that has resulted in rapid improvements in product design and quality as well as major enhancements in its global marketing and dealer network strengthening activities. The milestone event was attended by some 400 guests including Kia Motors Vice Chairman & CEO Hyoung-Keun Lee, local government officials and numerous foreign dignitaries stationed in Korea.

Automan’s take: The Modena-based automaker has announced that it has found qualified buyers for the first 800 FFs it intends to produce annually. Deliveries of the car begin in May, and the first cars will be handed over to domestic clients in Italy, where the car lists from about $368,750). Subsequent orders won’t be delivered until the second half of 2012, when FFs will be titled as 2013 models. Interestingly, you can’t walk in and just buy this new shooting brake model. Like all recent Ferraris, being the first owner of a new car means that you must have owned at least one used Ferrari. To become an owner of the company’s newest model, we would assume requires a much more extensive Ferrari resume. Eventually, Ferrari plans to assemble 70 FFs monthly at its factory in Maranello, Italy. Meanwhile, a media event for the car was held where the car was air freighted by Chinook helicopters to the test location.

Kbb.com Brand Watch Q4 2010 StudyMost-Considered Auto Brands Overall (Regardless of Segment)

Ford 29 %Chevrolet22 %Toyota 22 %Honda 21 %Nissan 13 %Hyundai 11 %BMW 11 %

{headlines}

30

1 ford reclaiMs NuMero uNo spot with New buyers

2 New child seat GuideliNes froM Nhtsa 4

5 Kia Motors hits 10MN export MilestoNe

3 ducati corse app puts the MotoGp chaMpioNship iN the palM of your haNd!

ferrari ff sold out

Automan’s take: Off late, Mazda has been focusing on flab reducing “gram strategy” across its product line-up and the best examples of how this philosophy works is in the new MX-5 GT race car. The roadster, which will compete in the Britcar MSA British Endurance Championship this year, weighs just 1,874 pounds while packing nearly twice the punch of the standard MX-5. The heavily modified MX-5 engine produces 275hp, which is enough to propel the light-weight roadster

to 96km/h in three seconds flat. The race-ready Mazda can also crest 256km/h while looking damn fine with its new Spirited Green paint job.The Jota Sport racing team removed interior components, revised other interior fittings and dipped the stock car’s shell in acid. The doors, like many interior components, are made of carbon fibre and the windows are made of polycarbonate. The racing team also lowered the engine height, adjusted the suspension and

added a six-speed paddle shift transmission to aid with handling.

Automan’s take: Till now, the Bugatti Veyron’s 1,001hp rating was considered obnoxious, absurd and outrageous. But, the usually quieter Swedes at Koenigsegg think 1,099 horsepower is more appropriate for their range-topping Agera R. Shown to the public at the Geneva Motor Show, it is unofficially reported that one car has already found a home in the Middle East. Although the power figures are impressive, the Agera R will scoot from a standstill to 100km/h under three seconds, then on to 199km/h in 7.5secs, and a top speed of 392km/h [which just falls short of the Veyron Super Sport’s top speed by about 35.2km/h]. All of this power and speed comes from an aluminium 5.0-litre V8 which features four valves per cylinder,

twin turbochargers and a seven-speed dual clutch. Standard features include dual airbags, detachable storable hardtop with glass roof,

power windows, adaptive rear wing, adjustable pedals and steering column, Agera stitching, adjustable seats in rake and length, carbon ceramic brakes with Sport ABS, hydraulic lifting system, power steering, power brakes, extra

four-point seatbelts for track use, Satellite-navigation, Intelligent LifePo4 battery, MP3 player, USB connection, climate control, digital warning and info system, G sensor, alarm, tire monitoring system, silver key, leather carpets, roof storage bag and a car cover. The insanity that is the Agera R can be had for the low, low price of just $1.4 million U.S.

Automan’s take: In all likelihood yes, as the aging Maserati is almost overdue for a replacement. Analysts believe that the Frankfurt Motor Show which will be held later in year will offer the ideal platform for a first glimpse of the mid-range sedan. As for the new Quattroporte, the design is being carried out in-house by Maserati and is expected to incorporate the design language of the

new GranTurismo Coupe and Cabriolet. For power, Maserati is expected to continue with its current 4.7-liter V8 with improvements – especially in the fuel economy and emissions departments. With Porsche’s Panamera as the key rival, it is expected that the “entry level” model could command a price tag of around $75,000 to compete with the German sedan.

Automan’s take: Spring has officially begun and it seems just in time for Volkswagen’s production of its newest drop top: the 2012 Golf Cabriolet. For the past two generations of the Golf, Volkswagen hasn’t offered a cabriolet variant. VW toyed with the idea of filling the gap since 2003 with the slightly upscale Eos and retro-chic New Beetle Convertible. Now it seems that both were aimed at different target markets, meaning there was still a potential in the VW line-up with this open top variant.Largely resembling the two-door Golf, VW took steps to give the Cabriolet its own flavour. A slightly revised front fascia and steeper windshield rake offset the drop top

from its hatchback sibling. Unlike the staple appearance of prior cabriolets, VW removed the fixed roll bar and replaced it with units that automatically deploy in the event of a roll over. European customers will have the choice from the same array engine options as the Golf hatchback, all I-4s ranging in displacement from 1.2 to 2.0-litres in both gasoline and diesel. Rolling off the Onsabruck production line first was a model painted Sunset Red. By the end of the year VW will have invested some $420mn into the plant in preparation for the new model. With an annual capacity of 100,000 units, the Osnabruck facility has the ability to produce Porsche Boxter and Cayman models.

Automan’s take: Cars that can fly, cars that run on water and a limousine boasting twin hot tubs inside: these were among the many colourful and inventive ideas produced by the winners of the UK section of the Toyota Dream Car Art competition.The winners’ achievements were celebrated at a recent prize-giving ceremony hosted at Toyota’s head office in Surrey, attended by many of the young artists and their families. Toyota chairman Naoya Taniguchi presented the winners with their certificates and prizes and told the audience: “The goal of the competition was to create opportunities for children to have fun drawing their dream car of the future. We wanted to see how their imaginations could run wild and inspire creativity. “Dreams and how we can inspire the young people of tomorrow are very important to Toyota. The subject of ‘future cars’ and future technology is at the heart of our business, which is why we spend more on research and development than any other vehicle manufacturer.” All fifteen short listed finalists will now go forward to the global competition.

ferrari ff sold out

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8MeNtal KoeNiGseGG aGera r specs released

2012 vw Golf cabrio rolls off productioN liNe

is the Maserati Quattroporte replaceMeNt coMiNG to fraNKfurt?

uK wiNNers aNNouNced iN toyota dreaM car art coMpetitioN

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NGNG

6 ultra liGhtweiGht Mazda Mx-5 Gt uNveiled for british eNduro raciNG

Uber coolUber coolUber coolUber coolUber coolUber coolUber coolUber coolUber coolUber coolUber coolUber coolTTTTTTTT

32

{road test}

Author

Chandan B Mallik

Photography

Author and Nabeel

Ferzan

Sometimes even the best among the

well-informed motoring journalists can

underestimate an automotive brand and

what it is capable of doing with its product

line-up, especially if it is engineering led. Take

the case of Audi and its TT range. When we

were beginning to think that a 265hp Audi

TTS was just fine in the line-up with all its

potent ingredients such as a high output

turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s not

only capable of giving the Porsche Cayman

a run for its money, but also as a credible

and sporty alternative to the silky 3.2-litre V6

powered sibling, Audi decides to surprise and

drops this bombshell called TT RS.

But what we understand now is that this

exercise is a part of the natural progression

of the model series which also provided

the carmaker to rekindle its five-cylinder

technology once again. First point in favour

for this was the TT’s highly flexible VW-derived

Editorial NomiNEE

audi tt rs

sports car

33

For 2011, Audi’s TT coupe gets a high-

performance variant with the RS badging.

Automan discovers how this car has been

metamorphosed into a veritable sports car

metamorphosed into a veritable sports car

PQ35 platform which was capable of receiving

such a donor. In the group, the 2.0-litre TFSI

four-cylinder has almost reached its limits in

the Audi S3 and VW’s Scirocco R and Golf R.

Offering between 265–270hp, this engine is

still lively with its smooth turbo lag. A bigger

turbo could add another 40 or so hp in this

set-up, but the flip side would have been

an old-school feel— meaning lots of turbo

lag and full boost coming at higher rpm. To

turbocharge the 3.2-litre of VR6, or the 3.6-

litre variant in the Volkswagen CC could have

been possible, but VW and Audi are phasing

out this engine because it doesn’t meet with

prescribed fuel-economy requirements.

The question was – was this the end of

the road? Actually no, since there was a third

option thanks to VAG’s global operations.

VW’s Mexico unit produces a 170hp 2.5-

litre five-cylinder engine for the US-market

Rabbit/Golf and Jetta models and this engine

34

{road test}

had a potential to be tweaked further.

Interestingly, the Mexican inline-five is

based on VW’s venerable four-cylinder

engine code-named EA113. In Europe,

where customer focus is still on power

and torque instead of cubic inches, this

straight-five’s job is far more efficiently

accomplished by the 1.4-litre twincharged

four.It took Ferdinand Piëch, grandson

of Ferdinand Porsche and now head of

Volkswagen’s supervisory board, to turn

Audi into a high-tech, premium carmaker.

An engineer by trade, he pushed for

projects such as the charismatic five-

cylinder engine, Quattro all-wheel drive,

turbocharged engines, and, ultimately,

Audi’s advance into the luxury segment

with the all-aluminium A8. So it’s not

surprising that almost 30 years after

the launch of the original Quattro, Audi

launched the TT RS in 2010.

The 4,200mm long car is constructed

as per the Audi Space Frame principle

wherein lightweight components and

aluminium structures are bonded or

riveted. It has the same wheelbase of

2,468mm and from the exterior, our

test car sporting metallic Mugello Blue

paintwork still looked like a stock TT in

profile, but on closer scrutiny subtle

detailing is evident. The front air intakes

have grown considerably, so much so

there are no fog lights anymore. There’s

an optional silver bar on the lower end of

the front skirt and rear diffuser and the

rear spoiler is now a large fixed unit. The

model also gets a high-gloss black single

frame grille with a frame in matt aluminium

finish. The xenon plus headlights come

with LED daytime running lights. At the

rear are twin exhausts separated by a

diffuser.In contrast to the exterior metallic

paintwork, the entire interior is mostly

black with contrast metal finishes. The

heated sports seats feature an Alcantara/

leather combination with silver contrasting

stitching and embossed TT RS logos in

the front backrests. Additional badges

and logos appear on the steering wheel,

in the rev counter, and on the door sill

trims. The inlays are made from brushed

aluminium. Meanwhile, floor mats feature

silver piping trim and the footrests and

pedals are also made of aluminium. I

particularly liked the perforated leather

flat-bottomed multifunction steering

wheel.The dashboard is also quite busy with

an integrated instrument panel with

analogue and digital displays. The driver

information system can display boost

pressure and oil temperature as well as

a lap timer. An automatic climate-control

system and the concert sound system are

standard. So how did double the output

of this engine? Actually, very much like

the RS4 and the RS6, the TT RS was also

developed by quattro GmbH as a pure,

no-holds-barred driving machine. The

chassis of the car builds on a foundation

that uses four-links at the rear suspension.

The standard sports chassis, which

lowers the body by 10 millimeters (0.39

inches), features tightly tuned springs

and shock absorbers. The optional Audi

magnetic ride adaptive damping system

allows the driver to select one of two

modes for the shock absorbers by simply

pushing the Sport button. Dynamic mode

enables the Audi TT RS to hug the road

and Comfort mode provides a pleasantly

balanced ride. Audi has designed from

scratch an ultra-compact forced fed

2.5-litre five-cylinder engine which has

been mounted transversely and not

longitudinally. Hence it doesn’t affect the

front end overhang dimensions. Audi has

combined a turbocharger with FSI direct

injection and this TFSI delivers 340hp

with a specific output of 137.1hp per litre.

Audi claims a sprint time of 0 to 100 km/h

in 4.6sec and governed top speed of

250km/h. However, Audi can de-restrict

it to 280km/h. The ultra-powerful five-

cylinder engine is extremely fuel-efficient,

requiring an average of just 9.2 litres/100

km. The large turbocharger generates up

to 1.2 bar of boost pressure aiding torque

availability of 450Nm @ 1,600 rpm.

Meanwhile, the intercooler is fed air from

the lower segment of the single frame

radiator grille, reduces the temperature

of compressed air by over 80 per cent

at full load. The new six-speed manual

transmission’s defining characteristics

are a high efficiency ratio and a sportily

narrow spread of the gear ratios via a

short throw shifter. As expected, the TT

RS features quattro permanent all-wheel

drive as standard equipment. Its heart

lies at the rear axle: an electronically

controlled, hydraulic multi-plate clutch.

Driving impressions

Although, the TT RS is slightly heavier

than the TTS you don’t feel it front heavy.

This is a car where you can really feel the

engine and gearbox working for you in

super tandem. We like the sound of the

five-cylinder and could do with less sound

dampening, but Audi has done us an extra

35

favour by providing an “S” button that not only sharpens throttle response but also opens a valve in the exhaust for a more authoritative sound. The short-throw, six-speed manual transmission [the only one offered now] is a delight to use. While, we think the manual transmission is cool, but Audi has pampered us with super hit dual-clutch transmissions so much that we could wish for one in the TT RS [grapevine suggests there’s one coming

soon!]. What’s more, with the incessant throttle blipping even when driven by the not-so-experienced fails to subdue the impressive soundtrack of this engine. And thanks to a drag coefficient of just 0.30, the 2+2-seat coupé glides effortlessly through the wind. The car’s acceleration is pretty fast and the aggressive pulling power and the availability of maximum torque of 450Nm between 1,600 and 5,300rpm is what particularly impressed

us which meant that we could effectively cruise lazily in top gear, or rev it up to the limiter. With its free flowing character, hitting redline becomes addictive, especially if you don’t watch the tachometer because the boost just does not drop off. This is one of the few turbo engines that accelerate seamlessly and eagerly beyond redline and even in the milliseconds before the turbo boosts, the RS is cat quick passing other traffic with little

36

need for downshifts or revs.

That the availability of the quattro

drivetrain in TT RS resulting in outstanding

traction, fascinating dynamics, and superb

stability is a fact that is time honoured.

The precise and responsive steering, the

instantaneous reactions of the chassis,

neutral behaviour during cornering limit

and the vice like grip from the 18in wheels

fitted with 245/45 tyres while exiting a curve

exudes the distilled essence of sportiness.

However, the only time you could feel the

car on the heavy side is when using the

speed sensitive electromechanical steering.

Although it is quite quick and precise, it is

also heavy but numb, so it feels a bigger TT

as well as a heavier one.

Also impressive is the chassis and the

driver-friendly management systems that

go with it. As a true sports car for purists,

the Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP)

can be switched off partially or entirely. In

Sport mode, the engine does not intervene

to monitor traction and, correspondingly, the

brakes engage later than otherwise. In the

second mode, the ESP is fully deactivated.

Depending on driving conditions, we found

the car mostly entertaining in the mountain

roads in UAE. We also discovered on the way

that sometimes it can’t really take all the

power before the apex because of traction

bias where the front wheels gets loaded

and the car goes gently into an understeer.

The best way to engage the car is by using

a minimalist driving style where the car will

just feel like a fast front-wheel-drive car with

a hidden agenda. The large ventilated disc

brakes, which measure 370mm in diameter

at the front and 310mm at the rear are

strong performers, but over servoed.

VerdictIf you thought the TT was cool anyway, then

this is even cooler. While we tested this car,

we also had the V10 R8 Spyder. We could

say with both cars, arguably, we had the

best combination of thrill, flow, usability and

desirability yet seen in a supercar and it’s

hard to think what will come next, but for the

time being the TT RS ticks all the right boxes

confidently. We wouldn’t hesitate to mention

that the Audi TT RS should be considered as

the first classic sports car in the RS family

and despite strong competitors such as the

Porsche Boxster and Cayman, the BMW Z4

sDrive35i, and the Mercedes-Benz SLK55

AMG, we are confident that the TT RS will

stack up well against any of them. We also

think it’s about time Audi created some more

history here as well.

{road test}

Audi has once again produced a five-cylinder engine and a very special one at that. Michael Dick, Audi’s board member for R&D, recalls how the engine for the TT RS was developed. “For the Mexican engine, we added one cylinder to the four-cylinder unit, and we used a cylinder head basically coming from the Lamborghini Gallardo V10. The focus was low cost.” Audi engineers then added direct-fuel-injection technology, an intercooler, and a turbocharger with up to 17psi of boost to create an adequate TT RS powerplant. Switchable flaps in the intake manifold mix the incoming air in a calculated configuration.

Injected at a pressure as high as 120 bar by the common-rail system, the gasoline swirls intensely in the combustion chamber - which in turn cools the walls. The result: 340hp at 5,400rpm and a 7,000rpm redline, which is twice the power of the naturally aspirated engine. Thanks to direct injection, there is instant torque even at low rpm and before the turbo kicks in—and it kicks in quickly. From 1,600 to 5,300 rpm, 332 lb-ft are on tap. The power-to-weight ratio is also outstanding. In the case of the Coupé, which weighs in at a mere 1,450kg, the power-to-weight ratio is just 4.3kg per hp. the 2.5-litre TFSI is ultra-compact. Just 19.29in in length, it is ideally suited for transverse installation in the Audi TT RS. And its weight of just 183kg also sets a record of sorts. The crankcase is made of

vermicular-graphite cast iron. This high-tech material unites the utmost in strength with low weight; it has otherwise only been used for the large TDI engines from Audi. For a forced fed engine it boasts of a very high a compression ratio of 10.0:1.

And it’s no secret that sporty five-cylinder petrol engines have a long legacy at Audi. The most famous one we can recall is the

turbocharged 2.1-litre engine in the 1980 quattro which by then standards offered an impressive 200bhp. The Sport Quattro was inspired Audi’s motorsport success delivered a whopping 306bhp in 1984. For over 25 years, turbochargers and quattro have been a dynamic formula for success.

37

A formulA thAt clicked!

years, turbochargers and quattro have been a dynamic formula for success.

300 – Prepare for Glory!

38

{CoVer story}

Last month we took a detailed look at the new Dodge Charger and what it means for the Dodge brand under Chrysler’s

umbrella plan for meeting the challenges of a new American automotive landscape. This month it is our turn to look at the flagship brand and the flagship product. For years most automotive brands have been recognized by one single flagship model and Chrysler has gone through quite a few models taking that label. At one time, it almost seemed that the flagship product was the Voyager/ Caravan combination. However the past decade saw the renaissance of the big American saloon car as the mainstream Chrysler product. Despite a tie-up with Daimler for much of that time, the most well-known product was the 300M series of models, including the extended versions like the Concorde. For its time and considering what we know of the American marketplace in hindsight, perhaps the 300M was in the right place at the wrong time. We do know that we liked the car itself. Oddly enough, the 300M was one of the cars that we saw at a Hyundai test facility as it was considered good enough to be a benchmark.

We are of course aware that the decade has seen Hyundai grown to be a leader, catering in essence to the same market where Japanese car makers had made their biggest gains – the US home market. Practically all these gains, by both the Japanese and Korean manufacturers were at the cost of the big three in Detroit. Now it is the turn of the littlest of the erstwhile big three to mark a departure.

We participated in the global media ride and drive event of the 300 at the end of this January. It was followed with the official launch of a communication programme for Chrysler that built on the “imported from Detroit” slogan.

caught at the crossroads of the march of technology and an increasingly globalised customer, the new chrysler corporation is pulling out all the stops in getting battle-ready. and leading the charge is the completely overhauled 300

300 – Prepare for Glory!

39

Author Raj Warrior

40

{CoVer story}

the evolutionary changes in the 300

include a raked back windscreen and a

departure from the the bentley look

Filmed against the steel works, machine shops

and assembly plants that have made the city

the homeland of American automobiles, it

casts an unlikely hero in the choice of rapper

Eminem as the protagonist, telling the story of

industrial revival.

The 300 makes its appearance at a critical

juncture in Chrysler’s fortunes. Saddled as

it is with the onerous task of a complete

product overhaul, Fiat’s management and

hand can be seen in everything the company

does, including the name badges of the staff

receiving us at San Diego. So it is something

of a relief to see that the 300 has much of

the genes of the ongoing car and is more

evolutionary in nature.

Parked beside the San Diego docks the car

looks the part, largely due to the redesigned

grille with seven horizontal bars, the

redesigned Chrysler wing emblem and the hint

of a sportier profile with a windscreen raked a

further 3” back. At first glance the car is still

the 300 but it is almost like the car the 300

should have been all along. Beefy haunches,

large wheel wells (almost begging for 22” ULP

chromed rims) and the inborn look of a hotrod

dominate the 300’s character. You don’t even

have to get to the rear of the car to know that

the tail would have been modernised. You

can see the kink of the integrated spoiler on

the trailing edge of the rear deck and as you

round the tail section, the new jewelled lamps

with vertical light pipes and a strong chrome

linkage between the tailpipes become visible.

Good moves along the evolutionary ladder

include the move to lighten the interiors and

41

provide all round better visibility by trimming

the pillars and increasing the rear glass area

by adding in a quarter glass at the C-pillar. The

effect on driver visibility is striking, though the

A-pillar does still remain prominent, admittedly

also due to the large mirrors. However the cabin

itself loses the confined space feel of the current

300 as the roof gets a large panoramic roof

thrown in, two-piece with a large cross bracing

at the B-pillar. Interestingly, this is the only glass

roof available on the 300 in this generation as

the normal sunroof has been withdrawn from

production. Now, you would expect a large car

with some radical new production technology

used, the 300 now claims a much better factor

of torsional stiffness. High speed steel tailored

blanks; new processes and a certain degree of

added insulation also make the executive sedan

much-quieter. The cabin has also been upgraded

from the dashboard back. The console gets a

much brighter and more modern looking blue

on black twin pod and a small multifunction

console in between. The dash also has a classic

trapezoidal analogue clock.

The seats have been redesigned inside out,

with more of a support built in around the back.

Also the choice of colours inside the cabin,

along with the feel of the plastics and leather

takes the car upmarket as does the large central

display that serves as the nerve centre for

the communications, camera, navigation and

entertainment.

The 300 now gets two engines as part of its

powertrain, with the option of an only RWD or

AWD layout for the transmission.

The first is the all-new Pentastar engine that

is becoming the mainstay of the entire Chrysler

range across Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands. The 3.6-litre V6 engine with VVT, 292 horsepower and 353Nm of torque has cylinder angle of 60-degree and offers exceptional smoothness and fuel-efficiency.

The larger of the two, which will get the coveted C badge, is the Hemi 5.7-litre V8. Both engines will be available with the proven W5A580 five-speed automatic transmission. The Hemi gets fuel saver technology allowing it to run on four-cylinders while switching over to 8

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{CoVer story}

on demand. Surprisingly the torque is similar in both

engines though the Hemi does provide for a higher

power output.

At some stage in the early part of its cycle the car

will be available with AWD in our region too. Sitting

slightly higher, the AWD arrangement is unique in its

ability to disconnect the front-wheels at will from the

drivetrain, in order to improve efficiency while bringing

them back online to provide traction and stability.

The 300 has not lost any of its fun to drive nature. It

has a quick-shifting gearbox that allows some degree

of wheelspin and plants its torque to the road through

a large part of the rev band in the 6-cylinder, while

chewing up the tarmac with the Hemi. The AWD gives

a very neutral stance in the bends, while the RWD-

only layout does let you know that the tail exists.

Braking has been vastly improved on all versions and

the provision of large tyres and wheels as standard

starting with P225/60R18 and going onto P235/55R19

and the optional performance sizes of P245/45R20

with chrome wheels.

In the bargain the suspension has also undergone a

revamp with new isolated, lightweight front- and rear-

suspension cradles that deliver an ultra-rigid assembly

needed for precision and performance.

All-new monotube front-shock absorbers,

springs and a repositioned lower-front shock-

to-suspension-link bushing deliver improved

control, ride and comfort. Combined, these

suspension components improve the front

suspension’s handling and durability, while

reducing the harshness from road bumps

compared with the previous Chrysler 300

sedan. In addition, all-new front-suspension

hydrobushings – a premium suspension

component – reduce ride harshness and

prolong smooth braking characteristics.

At the rear, the 300’s five-link rear-

suspension design features new roll-steer

geometry, allowing independent control of

camber and toe suspension movement for

world-class handling. All-new monotube

shock-absorbers and springs make the ride

more refined, while improving handling

and dynamics. Premium urethane jounce

bumpers and suspension links with rubber

shock absorber bushings help the sedan’s

rear suspension contribute to a quieter

interior cabin. In addition, new upper and

lower spring-seat isolators provide additional

dampening for increased passenger comfort

over bumps.

After a day of driving the 300 close to the

Mexican border, we couldn’t just help thinking

that the car was so much at home, not just

in the city where it looks like it is born to the

manor, but also on the open road and through

the winding countryside. It is again a large

American flagship sedan that has risen to the

occasion. Chrysler Corporation and the Fiat

Chrysler alliance can bank on the new version

to take its battle to the roads of America and

by default to remain competitive in the large

car market of the GCC.by default to remain competitive in the large

car market of the GCC.

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High-strength and Advanced High-strength Steels

More than 67 percent of the 300’s lower unibody structure and 53 percent of its upper unibody structure are stamped from stronger high-strength or advanced high-strength steels.

Use of high-strength steel can be found in the vehicle’s centre tunnel, bodyside, front-wheel housing structures and rails. With approximately twice the tensile strength of high-strength steel, advanced high-strength steel is applied to critical areas of the vehicle that

require higher structural rigidity. These body areas include the vehicle’s seat cross members and upper-rear cross-car area behind the rear seats, which allow the vehicle to deliver higher cross-car rigidity.Weight Reduction through Ultra High-strength Steels

The 300 features hot-stamped ultra-high-strength steel in the A-pillars, bodyside doors, upper front-rail section and windshield header.

Delivering the tensile strength of advanced high-strength steel with thinner and

lighter applications, total outward visibility improves by 15 percent compared with the previous model, and the windshield header was positioned rearward 3 inches to make it easy for the driver to see stoplights and overhead road signs.Energy-absorbing Dual-phase Steel for Impact Protection

Delivering twice the strength of high-strength steel with maximum energy absorption during an impact, dual-phase steel enables the 300 to compete with the world’s best with

respect to crash test ratings. Thin, lightweight dual-phased steel is strategically engineered into the Chrysler 300 sedan’s inner-front rails and engine box area for occupant protection.Transformation Induced Plasticity (TRIP) and Nylon Reinforcements Add Strength, Rigidity

The 300 features advanced transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) steel in its upper unibody structure. TRIP enables the B-pillar, lower header and rocker areas to use thinner, lightweight steel. In addition, the

Chrysler 300 strategically integrates nylon-composite reinforcements in sedan’s upper header cavities and A- and B-pillars for enhanced passenger crash protection.Laser Brazing for a Seamless Surface

Enhancing the 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan’s sculptural body is the use of laser brazing. This advanced manufacturing technique harmoniously creates an uninterrupted unibody with smooth roof panel and rail sections for a precision-appearance and improved aerodynamics.

Rethinking the basics The 300 has gone through a major revamp in production of the body structure, right from the steel it uses. Five aspects bear particular mention:

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the soon-to-arrive fifth generation 2011 all-new elantra compact sedan is like no other car in the segment. automan gets a first-hand feel of the car in seoul, south Korea and returns highly

impressedAuthor Chandan B Mallik

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Entering the very top of the extremely busy and fiercely competitive global compact sedan market is no easy task

these days. It’s not because it’s bitterly cold [minus 6°C] outside Hyundai-Kia Motors HQ in Seoul where we first saw the fifth generation all-new 2011 Hyundai Elantra [Avante in the domestic market and Malaysia], but it’s more to do with how the segment has behaved over the years. Automakers have rarely been ambitious in this segment which has long lived in the shadow of midsize sedans till now. But that’s going to change very soon with the arrival of a car codenamed “MD” internally, or for the masses, the production version of the incoming fifth generation Elantra. This new model debuted at the 2010 Busan International Motor Show in April 2010 and while we warm up to this volume global all-new compact sedan model for which Hyundai has spared no effort in getting all the elements right in packaging this model – be it style or design, levels of kit, powertrains, safety or performance, we also realize that we are looking at possible new benchmarks in the segment.

To begin with, the fifth generation Elantra has shed its bland and boring and now appears sharper and visually balanced under the influence of Hyundai’s current “Fluidic Sculpture” design language – a new styling philosophy successfully applied on the new Sonata and to some extent on the Tucson/iX35. The new Elantra has been designed at Hyundai’s North American Design Center in Irvine, California and Korea, as a global model is able to buck the general segment convention convincingly with its distinctive “Wind Craft”-inspired profile. Add to that elegant style features such as small boot, wraparound headlights, signature hexagonal front grille, front fog lights and muscular wheel arches to give it sporty profile. A lot of design and aesthetics in the new Elantra seem have been inspired by larger and expensive sedans, particularly the way the Day Light Opening or DLO [a designer’s term for the side glass] has been blended in.

Compared with the outgoing model, the incoming Elantra’s dimensions have marginally changed. Now the car rides on a 106.3in wheelbase, which means it is just two inches longer than the previous generation. Meanwhile, the overall length has also been increased by 0.9 in to 178.3in,but there’s no change in width which remains fixed at 69.9in. The car’s height has been lowered by 1.8in to 56.5in and hence the car has a squat look. While the sheetmetal comes with sharp and flowing character lines, the Elantra

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can easily be mistaken as a shrunken Sonata except for the fact it has got an extra feature line originating at the front door. These lines, along with muscular wheel arches and a sleek roofline also contribute to a highly evolved aerodynamic profile that comes with an exceptional drag coefficient of Cd 0.28 that compares favorably to the performance cars such as Audi’s TT RS(0.30). The car’s assertive stance is complemented by a choice of 15-, 16- or 17in alloy wheels.

The bright spot in the Elantra’s interior is that doesn’t resemble that of a budget compact anymore. While leaving its own predecessor miles behind Hyundai’s interior designers have found an intelligent way of blending style with some interesting trim materials in this car. Despite the change in dimensions, the interior is very spacious with generous head and leg room. In fact, it has more space than the current Toyota Corolla or the Honda Civic. And it’s not just open fields, the Elantra has plenty of room for premium features like front and rear heated seats- a compact segment first, leather seating surfaces and even a factory installed 360w audio system. From the features perspective, heated rear seats are standard on the Limited, along with leather upholstery and imitation leather door panels all perforated in a wave pattern. GLS models use cloth covering but all the seats are the same construction. The headliner employs a mix of material that includes volcanic rock

to an interesting effect more attractive than plastic. We were also surprised to find the AC vents were colour-coded. Room up front is very good and the seats are set well in from the doors for extra elbow space. Front seats are comfortable with adequate bolstering and so are the rear seats. Since there’s no driveshaft tunnel, the floor is nearly flat.

Drivers of the entry level will miss the benefits of a telescoping steering column, which usually helps a driver to get ideal driving position and view but all Elantras have electric power steering. Outward visibility is fairly good despite the presence of thick A-pillars. But in terms of information and instrumentation, there’s quite a bit of kit which not only is stylish, but highly functional and uses state-of-the-art technology.

Hyundai expects a lot of family-oriented customers and hence cabin storage is extra generous in quantity, variety and location. Each door has a map pocket, electronics plugs aren’t right next to the cupholders waiting to fill with coffee or cola, and there’s a pocket on the right side of the console with an adjacent 12v power point. It’s handy for charging things but anything in it takes away the passenger’s left knee-rest. The boot offers nearly 15 cubic feet of space and we think only the Chevrolet Cruze or Mazda3 might offer a bit more. It’s not a big opening, but sufficient, and there are pulls to drop fold the 40:60 folding rear seats for more capacity.

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But the real piece of news actually lies under the Elantra’s rakish bonnet. An all-new, all-aluminum 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine with Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT), dubbed the “Nu” offers respectable 148hp and 131 lb.-ft. of torque. The new engine is smaller and weighs 34 kg less than the Beta engine it replaces and is able to offer 16-18 per cent improvement in highway fuel economy. If we are not incorrect, then new Elantra can boast of offering the best power-to-weight ratio, lower fuel consumption than the standard engines in all its compact car rivals. Thanks to advanced clean engine technology, the new Elantras are certified as Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) by the EPA in the US. And backing up the new engine are two equally new six-speeds transmissions, in manual and automatic versions with Tiptronic function.

The rest of the running gear keeps up to the new drive-train. Steering is via a new electric system and front suspension uses MacPherson strut, while there’s a torsion beam at the rear. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard, unlike the rear drums found on most compacts except the Mazda3. The safety kit in this car does put a lot of models [even some bigger names] to shame. Besides a comprehensive active and passive safety kit, Hyundai now takes compact car safety to the next level with the introduction of Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) which manages Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and the power steering. Interestingly, ESC is still not standard on the higher priced 2011 model year Civic. For stopping, the new Elantra also features a

state-of-the-art braking package comprising of four-wheel disc brakes (Civic, Jetta and Corolla still use rear drum brakes) and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Electronic stability control. ABS is now standard across all Elantras.

Driving impressionsWe drove only the automatic top of the line GLS version which had a two-tone interior and premium features such as keyless entry, push button start and immobilizer, power sunroof, one touch driver’s window and leather trims. The touch-screen navigation is user-friendly and includes a high-resolution 7.0-in TFT screen and can also operate via voice-activation. The sound system plays compact discs, accesses digital music files via Bluetooth streaming audio or allows driver and passenger to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs.

Within a few kilometers of the drive, the quieter new engine feels sharper in response and part of that is due to the introduction of electronic throttle control which does the mapping for air intake and engine torque and NVH efforts. While, the 1.8-litre engine offers as much power as the 2.0-litre say in the Mazda 3, like most compatriots it has to be revved a bit to get the most out of it. Even doing so, it seems fairly happy and cooperative.

The six-speed automatic transmission is also shifts effortlessly and holds gears as needed to maintain speed or acceleration.

Directional stability in general is good, with little of that vague on-centre feeling that characterizes some electric-assist steering systems. However, it does add assist when the steering wheel is turned in the correct direction, and lessens assist, requiring more driver effort, when the steering wheel is turned the wrong direction. Since the new Elantra unibody structure is extra stiff, the car feels solid, tight and is mostly squeak free. Suspension seems to be calibrated more for ride comfort than outright speed but the rigid structure means it can do a commendable job on twisty roads and still glide down the highway with equal ease. However, it does exhibit body lean in hard cornering but this is more than acceptable in a car in this class.The electric-assist steering has nice weighting and feedback for this class of car and we not

VerdictTill now, buying a compact car used to be a compromise with consumers settling for affordable, fuel-efficient cars without style, space, or luxury amenities. The all-new 2011 Elantra not only encompasses all of Hyundai’s latest ambitions including modern design, advanced safety technologies and best-in-class 40 mpg highway fuel economy, but it also has delivered a car that not only challenges the compact status quo, but seemingly will give the elite competition a run for its money. With a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine producing a respectable 148hp, the Elantra has more power than the industry benchmarks, mainly the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.power than the industry benchmarks, mainly the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

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InspIred by an ancIent legend

<< ancient legends of the aymara tell us of huayra tata, god of wind, who commands the breezes, winds, and blizzards that invade the mountains, cliffs and hills of the andean highlands. it is told that huayra tata resides deep in the high peaks and valleys, abandoning them only to demonstrate his power to his wife,

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Gullwinged Huayra is officially Pagani’s long-awaited

all-new Zonda supercar successorAuthor Chandan B Mallik

pachamama, goddess of mother earth. with his power huayra tata was able to lift the waters from lake titicaca and rain them down on the fertile pachamama. when huayra tata sleeps, the waters and rivers lay quiet. >>

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It’s no secret that it’s over a decade since Modena-based Pagani Motorbili released its game-changing supercar, the Zonda.

Horacio Pagani, founder of the extremely specialized handcrafted supercar company and architect of the Zonda C12 is calm as usual and in no hurry. Pagani has spent seven long years in creating a befitting successor to the ultra-high-performance million-dollar Zonda and the first specifications of this awesome new gullwing supercar creation, also known as Huayra has just been released.

Pagani builds cars inspired by nature’s elements and the Huayra (pronounced ‘why-ra’) takes its inspiration from ‘god of the wind’. The Huayra measures 4,605mm in overall length, 1,169mm in height and 2,036mm in width. Weight distribution is biased 44 per cent front and 56 per cent rear, with the bodywork (including the doors) made from carbon-fibre. The monocoque chassis is made from carbon-titanium and is combined with ‘active front suspension’ which allows for the ride height to be adjusted.

At the same time, once again, fruits of Pagani’s exclusive alliance with Mercedes-AMG is showing up in the form of a highly tweaked Pagani specific twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre ‘M158’ V12 which is also homologated to meet the strictest environmental regulations, EU5 andLEV2. Although, the same engine also graced the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black

Series three years ago, it gets specifically designed heads, pistons, turbos and exhaust manifolds from AMG. Meanwhile, the previous AMG-sourced 7.3-litre V12 used in the Zonda has been discontinued. Depending on customer preferences, two levels of turning for the engine will be offered. The base package will offer an output of 700hp and 900Nm of torque and a bumped up Sport grade will add a modest extra 30hp and 200Nm of torque, with the latter taking it into the 1,100Nm range. Although, these are still preliminary figures, according to Pagani, but the Italian supercar marque has made it clear that Huayra – despite being bigger than the Zonda – will improve on its predecessor in the performance benchmarks, with the new-generation coupe (dry weight: 1,350kg) reportedly accelerating from 0-100km/h in 3.3 seconds.

As before, the engine is mounted behind the seats and drives the rear wheels through a transverse-mounted sequential seven-speed gearbox with paddle shifters and a dual-plate clutch. Pagani says a dual-clutch system was evaluated “but ultimately not selected as it would have increased the weight by approximately 70kg, thus negating any minor improvement in shift-time”. The Huayra’s Xtrac-developed gearbox weighs just 96kg and dry sump lubrication ensures an optimal oil feed to the engine even when the car is subjected to the most extreme lateral accelerations.

The performance claims place the Huayra three tenths of a second faster than the 2005 Clubsport-spec Zonda F. Although not quite as ballistic as the wild 2009 Zonda R ultra 1,079kg dry weight track special [which came with AMG’s race-derived ‘M120’ 6.0-litre dry-sump V12 (producing 551kW/710Nm) and could hit 100km/h from standstill in an even more eye-watering 2.7secs. Even with these performance figures, Pagani is quick to point out that the Huayra, which was developed under the codename C9, was not designed or engineered as a Zonda clone in any case. It was developed with more safety technology than Zonda, and to ensure it passed homologation requirements for sale in the US and some new first time makers for the Italian brand. “Since the original design of the Zonda was done in the early ’90s, the first thought was that it was now an obsolete project and we decided to imagine the car totally different in form, dimension, dynamics and technology – all this without losing the essence of our approach,” says Pagani.

While there are plenty of mod-cons onboard, as evidenced by an advanced infotainment system operated via a high-definition central touch-screen, the Italian designers have also placed an emphasis on a “living, breathing” atmosphere rather than an overtly digital one.

Size mattersIn defining the size of the new vehicle, he wanted it longer than the Zonda, with a wider track, a more spacious cabin (with the seating position pushed back a little) and, overall, with a silhouette that would be “soft, easy to read and form itself from lean and sleek lines that have a clear beginning and an end”.

What Horacio Pagani

AerodynamicsAerodynamics inspired by an aircraft wing played a major part in the design evolution, not simply in the flowing shape but also specific aviation tools, such as moveable flaps at each corner of the car that are independently and automatically operated. “The eternal element air in all its forms, especially wind, became

determining in defining the concept and it was a great inspiration, as it is ever present in our lives: a jet turbine, the silence of a glider... the elegance of the movements the wind creates, but also the violence and force that it can unleash, ” says Pagani. Four specially designed flaps allow the car to be optimally balanced – especially the vehicle’s drag coefficient and downforce.

one.

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wanted in the Huayra

Safety and performanceThe car complies with the strictest European and American standards in term of safety and pollution regulations. According to Pagani, the goal was to have neutral vehicle behaviour under all conditions and tight rein over bodyroll via aerodynamic means rather than electronic intervention. It says the behaviour of the flaps

is managed by a dedicated control unit that is fed information from the ABS and ECU, which pass information about the car’s speed, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, steering angle and throttle position. Keeping the car connected are specially developed the bespoke Pirelli P Zero tyres.

Lightweight constructionAs a composite material specialist in supercars, very few people would know that it was Horacia Pagani who introduced carbon fibre as key material for construction in Lambhorghini. The new central monocoque on the Huayra is an entirely new design made from carbon-titanium composites. However, with the gull wing doors cutting deep into the roof, much research was focused on achieving the highest levels of rigidity through the application of new advanced composite materials and technologies first tested on the Zonda R. The fuel tank is located integrally in the best protected area of the monocoque, behind the driver, reinforced by safety cell made of different composite and ballistic materials. The dry weight is 1,350kg and makes the Huayra the lightest sports car in its class.

Breaking news: Roadster version plannedHoracio Pagani has announced plans to build an open air version of the new Huayra supercar. “There will be a Huayra Roadster in approximately three years.” This, of course, means we can expect the model to be launched in 2013 or 2014.

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For 2011, Škoda has completely revised the Fabia supermini with a new

face and has put greater emphasis on energy efficiency and comfortAuthor Chandan B Mallik

For 2011, Škoda has completely revised the Fabia supermini with a new

Revisited!

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Almost two decades of cooperation with Volkswagen and with an investment AVolkswagen and with an investment Aof $14bn over the years, no wonder

Skoda’s cars are better than ever. For what was once a small regional European brand is now on the threshold of becoming a top tier global player. While the company initially focused on Europe, now it sees major potential in Asia and markets such as Middle East.

The smallest supermini of the Skoda family available in the Middle East is the Fabia and its family roots are evident throughout. From the bold, elegant lines of its exterior styling down to its smallest component, the Fabia exemplifies Škoda’s attention to detail through simple, clever solutions and innovation. And now, the breadth of its technical innovations goes far beyond a mere facelift. It begins with a completely redesigned front end incorporates strong horizontal forms, which visually lower the car despite its unchanged height. The Fabia now looks much more dynamic but does so without compromising any of its

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comfort. Meanwhile, according to Skoda, some changes in the engine programme made it necessary to redesign the Fabia’s front end and so the opportunity to reprofile its face was also taken. The bumper and its mountings, the headlamp shapes, the bonnet and the front floor area - nothing is shared from the previous Škoda Fabia.

The new grille and the three-dimensionally shaped headlamps define the new look of the Škoda Fabia, their horizontal lines emphasising the front end’s width. Despite its redesign, the car’s existing virtues haven’t been forgotten. The visor-like window surface which wraps around the passenger compartment has always been a key feature of model. The option for a complementary roof paint have been kept.

The Czech-built 2011 Skoda Fabia range consists of three models including the

entry-level Classic, the mid-range Ambiante , and the full-options Elegance, all powered by a 105 hp 1.6-litre Volkswagen-sourced 4-cylinder engine with a 6-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox. Available features include 16in alloys, dual-colour cloth upholstery, Bluetooth phone, auto climate control, cooled glovebox, cruise control, sports suspension, a multifunctional steering wheel, parking sensors, stability control and front airbags with side airbags. Skodas are already priced well below equivalent VW’s offerings, although they share engines, transmissions, and many other parts and technology. The 2011 Skoda Fabia is priced from Dhs 54,000 to AED 64,500 in the UAE, depending on model trim.

<< the new engine meets eu5 exhaust emissions regulations, offers excellent fuel efficiency and extremely low co2 emissions >>

Fabia is priced from Dhs 54,000 to AED 64,500 in the UAE, depending on model trim.

newsMaker

Fbody model to better understand the effects of car crashes on youngsters. The

model will be created from MRI scans of real children and used in computerized crash tests to see how accidents specifically affect small kids. Ford hopes the model will significantly help reduce injury rates for children in car accidents. The child model is a continuation of an adult model project that Ford’s been working on for more than a decade. Like the digital adult, the child’s skeleton and vital organs will be painstakingly rendered to make sure they’re as near-to-life as can be. According to Ford, the technology has already been put to good use designing better restraints, but there’s always more to be learned.

Building a digital model is no simple task. The

started back in 1993 was not completed until 2004 and only then after extensive validations. Digital models are used in research, not in vehicle development. They don’t take the place of crash dummies, which measure the effect of forces on the body. Instead, they are used as a way to understand how to further improve restraint system effectiveness through better understanding of injury mechanisms.

The digital model is constructed component by component – brain, skull, neck, ribcage, upper and lower extremities, etc. – with extensive research included on each part.

Ford says that building the model of a person is just like building a model of a car where the starting point is surface geometry for each component and any subcomponent

human body and its internal organs. After gathering such data through medical

scans as well as anatomical texts, the researchers build a model section by section, creating regions of the body. The brain in Ford’s adult human digital model was constructed as a separate component, detailed down to the stem, the gray matter and the fluid between the layers. The components are then joined into a virtual human body, which is extensively validated. Then, using mathematical and analytical tools combined with available body data, researchers are able to determine the effects of a crash – and the pressure of a restraint system – on the body.

Ford has started working on a digital child body model to better understand the

work on Ford’s adult human body model that started back in 1993 was not completed until

it contains – in this case the geometry of the human body and its internal organs.

Ford begIns work on chIld crash-test dummy

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effects of a crash – and the pressure of a restraint system – on the body.

As part of the Dodge product onslaught, the fire-breathing

Charger SRT8 will return for the 2011 model year Author Chandan B Mallik

As part of the Dodge product onslaught, the fire-breathing

ttthoroughly recharged

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5656

At least for now, it is beginning to get clear where Honda is heading with its product direction. Although Honda has earned a

reputation for producing a fuel-efficient line up of cars and crossovers, it is beginning to look at models that have been its bedrock and also cost effective to produce. As the rising yen is playing havoc with Japan’s carmakers, Honda is a little late in understanding that it has to work out a global strategy for effective manufacturing. The Alabama, US-built Odyssey tops the list of priorities and despite the fact it’s not an all-new model but clearly marks the next generation of one of America’s favourite vans which is also available in the Middle East. It seems that Honda wants to prove that these multipurpose vehicles aren’t just plain Jane minivans anymore.

First revealed as concept in early 2010 at the Chicago Auto Show, the production version of the incoming fourth-generation Honda Odyssey has been thoroughly redesigned in almost every aesthetic and functional department over and under the skin. New exterior features include revised front end with HID headlamps and new 18in alloy wheels.

Honda not only improved the safety of the Odyssey for 2011, but also made it more stylish. The incoming Odyssey gets more than a token nip and tuck upgrade. The car now sports and aggressive stance and sporty “lightning-bolt” influenced waistline. This unique character line not only provides an exclusive appearance, but also adds increased visibility for third-row passengers. Meanwhile, it sits lower than before and it now also wider and longer which in turn gives it an athletic stance and Honda claim that the overall aerodynamic efficiency has improved by 5.5 per cent.

While, comfort and poise on the road are top class, Honda has set up the car to carry

The fast-paced rebuilding of Dodge as a performance brand and the expansion of the in-house SRT branded product line-

up in 2011-12 is an important part of Chrysler Group’s rejuvenation plan has received a shot in the arm with arrival of the beefed-up Dodge Charger SRT8 sports sedan.

The car’s now famous Coke-bottle lines have been slightly modified reflecting intent and purpose. With the addition of a full SRT body kit, the car looks much more aggressive up front and in the rear with Charger’s new signature “racetrack” LED taillamp, while sculpted rocker panels and a rear boot mounted spoiler differentiate the model from lesser variants. A gloss black cross grille sits prominently and polished four-inch exhaust tips indicate that this SRT-badged Charger which is connected to the road via 20in alloys

means business.The cabin of the car has also been tweaked befitting the demands

of a spirited driver. Uniquely bolstered, stitched, and branded SRT adjustable front bucket seats are vented and heated. Even rear passengers get a similar arrangement. Carbon fibre-themed trim pieces replace some of the stock Charger’s plastics and a 900w 19-speaker Harman Kardon designed audio system comes with an 8.4in touch screen. Very similar to the Challenger SRT8 392, the central display can be configured to show ‘Performance Pages’, essentially all the statistics petrol heads would love to see and measure (like 0-100km/h, average g forces, and quarter-mile times etc). Other notable features that add to the premium bells and whistles content will include keyless Enter-N-Go, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring.

Under the bonnet comes the new 6.4-litre Hemi V8 delivers more horsepower and torque than the 6.1-litre V8 it replaces. While estimated power ratings are 465hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, there’s an estimated extra 80 lb-ft of torque available at 2,900 rpm. Specific horsepower, torque and fuel economy numbers will be announced closer to the vehicle introduction. That’s not all. The new SRT8 Charger focuses on improved efficiency and it further builds upon the standard displacement on demand fuel saving technology in the new 6.4-litre Hemi V8. New for 2011 is the adaptive valve exhaust system which allows the technology to engage over a wider rpm range, which in turn delivers improved fuel efficiency or the use of all eight cylinders when the power is needed. This means with an active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft on the Charger SRT8, it will optimize low-end grunt for even more speed.

Dodge continues to use the aging W5A580 five-speed automatic transmission, but SRT has added paddle shifters. Even with this gearbox, Chrysler reckons the SRT8 can sprint to 96km/h from a standstill in the high four second range and offer enough grunt to achieve 0.88 g on the skidpad.

Some work has also been done in the suspension department. Dodge claims it as an SRT first, wherein the adaptive damping suspension adjusts stiffness levels based on driver inputs and road conditions. When left in Auto mode, the suspension’s ECU calibrates all four corners to a softer level; toggle to Sport for a tauter road feel. SRT engineers have also installed a beefier power steering system for direct, yet livable communication.

For additional stopping power, there are four-piston Brembos to clamp down hard on 14.2in front/13.8in rear slotted rotors. The massive binders utilize Chrysler’s Ready Alert Braking system that positions pads closer to the rotors when a collision is anticipated by onboard telemetry.

<< the 2011 dodge charger srt8 will be built at the brampton assembly plant in, ontario, canada >>

012 DODGE CHARGER SRT8

Engine: 6.4-litre HEMI V8Power: 465 bhp (est.)Torque: 465 lb.-ft. (est.)Handling: .88g on skidpad (est.)Top Speed: 175 mph (est.)0-60 mph: High 4-second range (est.)¼ mile: High 12-second range (est.)

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onboard telemetry.

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Over the skin, the fourth generation Mercedes-Benz

C-Class, gets a very modest facelift for the current model

year. The big news is really under the skinAuthor Chandan B Mallik

Over the skin, the fourth generation Mercedes-Benz

C-Class, gets a very modest facelift for the current model

on an eFFIcIency drIve

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Mercedes-Benz’s compact fighter and volume model, the C-Class was com-pletely redesigned for its 2007 launch,

but surprisingly even after four years in the business it doesn’t look outdated even after a million units having being sold worldwide. Its styling still has an air of contemporary fresh-ness and has weathered competition [Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series mainly] quite well and this is perhaps one of the major reasons why M-B decided not to tamper with it too much during its traditional mid-cycle refresh.

Technically, the 2011 C-Class is not an all-new car, but instead a revised 204 series model where even the minimal exterior de-sign tweaks such as the new aluminium bon-net, slightly restyled headlamps and LED day-time running lamps are noticeable. However, most of changes made are under the bonnet where it is evident that Mercedes-Benz is on an efficiency drive with its BlueEFFICIENCY packaging and the efficiency-enhancing pack-ages include new engines and features such as engine start/stop function among others.

Direct fuel injection is being used on all en-gines in the line-up now and that helps the smallest 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder pot to offer 201hp and 229 lb-ft torque. Meanwhile, all-wheel versions get a normally-aspirated V6 displacing 3.0-litre and deliver-ing 228hp and 221lb-ft of torque. The top-of-the-line rear-drive powertrain gets a 3.5-litre V6 making 302hp and 273lb-ft [an increase of 34hp] over 2011’s C350.

Interestingly, all engines are mated to the company’s seven-speed 7G-Tronic transmis-sion. Mercedes-Benz claims that with the combination of direct injection, an extra cog in the gearbox and a small overall weight sav-ings help boost fuel economy by up to 15 per cent. The gains are bigger in markets where engine stop/start system is also standard. As with improvements to overall efficiency, dy-namic performance is also improved. Daimler says to expect a 5.9sec 0-96km/h sprint for the 3.5-litre and about 7.1secs for the other two powertrains.

For the interior, the car gets a significant jump with a lot of design inspirations coming from the stylish new CLS with focus on quality and comfort for occupants. Interior design-ers have paid painstaking attention to restyl-ing the dashboard, which gets a new surface treatment with high-resolution colour integrat-ed display screen in the instrument cluster. A nappa leather steering wheel comes as part of the standard specification. New comfort-enhancing equipment and appointments now include climatised seats and automatic climate

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control. As part of the standard specification, all Mercedes-Benz C-Class models include the two-zone automatic climate control. M-B also offers an optional luxury automatic climate control which allows individual temperature settings for three zones - for the driver, the

front passenger and the rear passengers. A new feature in the C-Class climate modes in-cludes pre-select adjustable air quantity and distribution buttons. Occupants can engage “Diffuse”, “Medium” or “Focus” settings to their individual requirements without having

to leave the convenient automatic mode.The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class also sees

the debut of a new telematics generation which will also be gradually introduced in other model series. Major new features in-clude greater operating convenience, larger

616161

displays, telephone directory transfer, SMS message display, wireless music reproduction via Bluetooth and a USB interface now accom-modated in the centre armrest.

In addition to the standard appointments, for marketing purposes, customers will be of-

fered two distinct design and equipment lines under Elegance and Avantgarde trim designa-tions which are now part of the individualisa-tion programme of the C-Class. Mercedes-Benz claims that the two lines are now even more readily distinguishable from each other.

On the handling front, In addition to the standard-specification suspension, the C-Class range will offer two optional packages in line with drivers’ personal preferences. As an op-tional extra a sports suspension can be se-lected - it has shorter springs, shock absorb-

<< with over a million cars worldwide since its launch in March 2007, the Mercedes-benz c-class is the highest-selling model series for the brand >>

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<< More than just a facelift, over 2,000 new components find place in the latest generation of the Mercedes-benz c-class >>

ers with tauter tuning, and stronger torsion bars. Meanwhile, the dynamic handling pack-age which is available as an alternative will offer the driver two shift programs to choose from: Sport and Comfort. Within these shift programs the shock absorbers are electrically adjusted on a continuously variable basis. New driver assistance systems like Attention Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Parktronic help keep things in check out on the road.

Honda’s tuning arm Mugen Euro to

build high-performance CR-Z hybridAuthor Chandan B Mallik

crcrcr-Z -Z -Z onononon mmugenugenugenugenugenugenstersterstersterstersterstersterIIodsodsodsods

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Realising that the all-new CR-Z has Realising that the all-new CR-Z has Rthe looks but is short of customer Rthe looks but is short of customer Rperformance expectations, Honda has Rperformance expectations, Honda has Rturned to its in-house tuning set-up for help. Mugen Euro is developing a highly-tuned version of Honda’s CR-Z, which will deliver “Type R-like” performance from the hybrid’s petrol-electric powertrain – and may offer

even better fuel economy. The CR-Z Mugen will feature

enhancements to both the 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine and the Honda IMA engine and the Honda IMA system to boost power and torque, while bespoke brakes and suspension will be fitted to improve the

chassis dynamics. The major engine changes, and those made

to exhaust and induction, may even result in greater mpg and lower CO2 emissions during some conditions. However, at this early development stage, final power, torque and fuel economy figures are not yet known.

Lightweight components, including a carbon fibre bonnet, will be employed to lower the overall weight, and the car will use Mugen

designed alloy wheels to reduce unsprung mass and to improve aerodynamics and give the car an even more sporting look, some new body parts will be added, including front and rear bumpers, and a spoiler.rear bumpers, and a spoiler.

“We wanted to extend the performance of the CR-Z,” says Hiro Toyoda of Mugen Euro. “It is already a fun car to drive, with an excellent chassis, but we thought that with more power and enhanced torque delivery it could be even more exciting. However, as with all Mugen projects, we have stayed true to the Honda design and philosophy, and the electric motor is still a vital ingredient to boost performance and economy.”

The CR-Z Mugen is a joint project between Honda (UK) and Mugen Euro – the Northampton-based subsidiary of Honda’s long standing tuning partner Mugen. It may

be recalled that in 2009, Mugen Euro produced the 240hp Civic Type R Mugen hot hatch. “This will be one quick hybrid,” says Martin Moll, Head of Marketing for Honda (UK). “With more torque, more power and Mugen’s experience of working with Honda cars, we’re expecting great things. It promises to show how hybrid cars can be even more exciting to drive.”

At this stage, the CR-Z Mugen is being developed purely as a one-off prototype, with no plans for a production version. This faster, more powerful car will make its world debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.

Honda R&D chief Tomohiko Kawanabe revealed to some UK-based journalists that the automaker is working independently on a hotter version of the CR-Z. Kawanabe denied some reports which suggested that the CR-Z hot hatch would be powered exclusively by a turbocharged petrol engine and reconfirmed that the new performance model will retain its hybrid system. “It’s true: we are working on a more powerful CR-Z,” Kawanabe said. “Our problem with the car as it stands is that it looks very good, but it doesn’t have the performance some customers expect. Turbocharging is an option, but a high-compression petrol engine would work better in tandem with a hybrid assist system.”It seems now that in all likelihood, the performance CR-Z will get Honda’s next-generation and upgraded IMA hybrid system which uses lithium-ion batteries instead of the current nickel-metal setup. The new battery pack will offer more power and is lightweight. Over all, the car is expected to arrive with 160hp – representing a 40hp bump from the current car. The best part is that it will retain the standard car’s fuel economy ratings.

Breaking news

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Plug & play

Last month, the Stuttgart-based sports carmaker announced a European price of €645,000 plus value-added taxes and

country-specific charges for the limited-edition model. In all, 918 left-hand drive units of the

mould-breaking plug-in hybrid supercar have been confirmed for production. Production of these cars are scheduled to commence on September 18, 2013. What is interesting, is that unlike the turbocharged flat-six engined

GT2 RS and petrol V10-powered Carrera GT [which were also produced exclusively as left hand drive models only], the 918 combines a 368kW petrol V8 with two electric motors delivering at least 160kW to deliver claimed

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Plug-in Porsche 918 hybrid supercar in either coupe or convertible guise will be

available from 2013. In the interim, however, customers can opt for a strictly

limited edition 911 Turbo S-based “Edition 918 Spyder”

Author Chandan B Mallik

0-100km/h acceleration just 3.2 seconds and a 320km/h-plus top speed. At the same time, the 918 comes with an estimated fuel consumption figure of just 3.0L/100km and CO2 emissions of only 70g/km, making it

actually more efficient than a Toyota Prius.The 918 Spyder’s mid-mounted 4.0-litre-plus

V8, which is based on the RS Spyder’s racing engine, will be matched with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. It will combine with

an electric motor at each end, offering variable all-wheel drive with independent control of the propulsion force on both axles. Using the latest in rechargeable battery technology, the electric motors are powered by a liquid-cooled

lithium-ion battery pack that can be fully charged from a conventional domestic power socket. Its charge cycle is about three hours and Porsche says that it’s even less with a quick-charging option. With an electric-only mode, the driving range of this car will be at least 25km. Porsche has also confirmed that further development of the 918 Spyder model line-up as suggested by three accompanying sketches indicate a two-seater convertible with and without its removable hard-top roof. During the concept presentation last year, Porsche had mentioned that it would require 1,000 firm orders to guarantee production of the car. Before confirming it for production in mid-2010, a spokesman from Porsche said at last April’s Beijing show the 918 has attracted more than 900 legitimate customers. That’s all fine, if you are a Porsche aficionado and prepared to wait for at least two and half years for delivery of this car.

In a smart marketing move involving creating limited production editions, as a sweetener for future 918 customers, Porsche has bookmarked new flagship edition based on the current 997 as special 911 Turbo S “Edition 918 Spyder”. This version of will be limited to 918 units and is differentiated from the regular Turbo S by unique ‘acid green’ interior highlights including part-embroidered model logos, leather trim seams, instrument cluster needles, PCM screen and illuminated door sills. The special 911 Turbo S, which also comes with a unique plaque on its glove box lid to reflect the customer’s 918 build number, can also be had in acid green exterior paint. We are expecting this to be the final version of the current 997-series 911 before an extra-hardcore 4.0-litre version of the current GT3 RS and then the next-generation 911 emerge later this year.

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911 Turbo S 918-edition coupe and convertible

Porsche 918 Spyder rear and interior

year.

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The first of only 66 production Panamera 4S Exclusive Middle East Editions visited

Porsche Centre Abu Dhabi, Ali & Sons Co. L.L.C., last month for an exclusive viewing experience over a period of 66 hours only. Customers and Porsche aficionados were invited to view the limited edition Panamera

4S Middle East Edition.With its exterior colour Carrera White Metallic and the unique Carrera Red natural leather interior with real carbon fibre trims/inserts, the Panamera 4S Exclusive Middle East Edition is the first ever Porsche model built to meet the customer demand of a specific region and hence bears model number “1” inlaid in the illuminated door entry guards. The csr rides on 20in wheels. The 4.8-ltre V8 is good for 400hp and 0-100km/h takes just 4.8secs.

Behind this special project is a team of 100 specialists of the Porsche Exclusive department at Porsche AG in Stuttgart. It offers handcrafted and bespoke options in terms of design and performance.

Bespoke, manual work – also with needle and thread wherever appropriate – is the most important principle of Porsche Exclusive; as no machine handles material with as much finesse as human hands. The next stop of this car is Muscat, Oman where it will be on display from 5 to 7 April. The retail price for this is edition is RO 62,800 and it will be intersting to see which of the GCC countries will get its hands on the first car!

For the Middle east only!

Limited bespoke Panamera 4S edition tours region

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Less than a year before the redesigned Colorado goes on sale,

Cheverolet’s first all-new one-tonne ute in eight years officially

broke cover on the eve of its world debut at the 32nd Bangkok

International Motor Show in Thailand last month

Author Chandan B Mallik

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Colorado

unCovered

It seems that automakers are now paying attention on producing new global compact utility pick-ups with a taste of lifestyle

attached. As of now, Ford has an all-new Australian designed and engineered T6 Ranger, Volkswagen has Amarok and Mazda recently showcased its BT-50 concept [mechanical twin of the Ford Ranger] in dual-cab body styles. General Motor’s candidate till now in this segment dates back to 2003, which was a Colorado (nee Rodeo) based on the Isuzu D-Max. The current Colorado continues to share its full ladder chassis underpinnings with its Isuzu-badged mechanical twin. However, all that is about to change very soon.

Offering a cue of what GM has in mind with a future Colorado replacement, it was on the eve of the 32nd Bangkok International Motor Show that GM officially revealed its response to Ford’s new Ranger under the Chevrolet brand umbrella. Called, in its initial project stage, the Colorado Show Truck, the model is a preview of the production version Colorado which will be launched later this year by the American manufacturer.

The concept presented in Thailand seems to be designed for the emerging Asian markets and is powered by a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine. The engine, promises Chevrolet, has been designed in such a way that “produces a broad torque band for excellent cargo and towing capability.”

Engines and mechanical underpinnigs aside, the new Colorado is intended as a revival of the nameplate in terms of design. With a more powerful look, the pick-up brings with it more fluidic sculptures compact lines enhanced by detailing like the 20in wheels and 285/50-section Zeon LTZ off-road tyres, polished aluminium in the trim and LED lighting. For the interior, the Colorado has been revised to include dual-zone, digital climate control system, 7in TFT display, motorcycle-inspired, three-dimensional gauges and details in low-gloss and soft-touch materials. The concept feel of the model points to some possible changes to be brought to the Colorado for the production version. GM says it will release more details about the pickup for the masses in the months to come. “Although this is a show vehicle, the basic proportions and form convey the vision for the next-generation Colorado that we will bring to market,” said GM global vehicle line executive Brad Merkel. GM said its all-new compact pick-up, which is this time expected to be sold in North America – where a bigger pick-up based on the same GMT 345 platform has carried the Colorado name since 2004 – was developed within the US auto-maker’s global product development organisation.

The Chevy bow-tie logo on the Colorado concept vehicle will also be swapped for a Holden Lion badge for Australia. Once the production model is signed off, the all-new model will be produced in a separate GM plant to the D-Max in Thailand’s Rayong province.

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<< trucks have been chevrolet’s heritage for nearly all of its 100-year history >>

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Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel got his world Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel got his world Rchampionship defence off to the best Rchampionship defence off to the best Rpossible start in Albert Park on Sunday Rpossible start in Albert Park on Sunday Revening. The German beat Lewis Hamilton’s KERS-assisted rush as they had a drag race to the first corner, and thereafter that was all she wrote.

Vettel was 2.4s ahead at the end of the opening lap, and simply controlled the pace to win by 22.2s after a problem with the floor of Hamilton’s McLaren caused an off-course moment in Turn One on Lap 32 and cost him some downforce.

At times the Englishman was able to match Vettel’s pace and he did a better job controlling his tyres in the first part, as both ran two-stop strategies in a race in which all the gloomy predictions about Pirelli’s tyres proved completely unfounded.

Behind them, Red Bull’s Mark Webber originally ran third ahead of fast-starting Vitaly Petrov in the Renault, who benefited when McLaren’s Jenson Button kept Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso out wide going into Turn One at the start. As Webber faded after being the first to change tyres, Petrov moved into the third place he maintained throughout as he became the first Russian ever to stand on the podium after an excellent race.

In the closing stages he must have been thinking of Abu Dhabi as a recovered Alonso, who like Webber was on a three-stop strategy, began to haul him in. But as Petrov finished 8.2s adrift of Hamilton, the Spaniard’s Ferrari was still 1.2s behind by the flag.

Jenson Button had a miserable race for McLaren, unable to pass a tough Felipe Massa in the opening stages despite the drag reduction rear wing. He got by the Ferrari on Lap 11 after having to run off the track as Massa squeezed him, whereupon Alonso also slipped ahead of Massa. The race stewards

Vettel wins with ease in Melbourne

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Motor sports - f1

later gave the 2009 champion a drive-through penalty for going outside the track limits, and that compromised his race completely.

At the end, however, he pushed ahead of three-stopping Massa at the end of the pit straight going into Lap 54, and brought the second MP4-26 home in sixth place behind an unhappy Webber, who pulled off the track immediately past the pits after crossing the line. Adrian Newey said later that he had no idea what was wrong with the Australian’s car during a disappointing race. Sauber’s Sergio Perez was another sensation. Driving on his debut with the spirit of Pedro Rodriguez at his shoulder, the young Mexican drove an incredible race with just one pit stop (up to four had been predicted) and beat team mate Kamui Kobayashi for seventh place on a great day for Peter Sauber’s team. The Swiss cars’ pace was too much for Toro Rosso, who saw a resurgent Sebastien Buemi fighting with Massa for ninth place. The Swiss moved ahead on Lap 51, only to be repassed by the Ferrari three laps later. Rookie Paul di Resta ran 10th in the opening stages after narrowly avoiding a Turn Three clash between Mercedes GP’s Michael Schumacher and Toro Rosso’s Jaime Alguersuari. He was overtaken by Force India

team mate Adrian Sutil, got ahead again after their first of two stops, and traded lap times with the German as they headed home 11th and 12th. It was a very strong performance from the young Scot. Alguersuari recovered from the first-lap tag with Schumacher, which damaged his Toro Rosso’s front wing and necessitated an early pit stop, while Schumacher got his right rear Pirelli torn off and later retired his Mercedes on safety grounds after replacing the damaged tyre at the end of the lap. With Nico Rosberg losing his engine after damage from a strike by Rubens Barrichello’s Williams, it was not a great day for the Silver Arrows

Nor was it for Nick Heidfeld, who was totally overshadowed by his Renault team mate and could not better an unimpressive 14th place ahead of Jarno Trulli’s surviving Lotus and Jerome D’Ambrosio’s Virgin.

Barrichello hit Rosberg in Turn Three when an adventurous overtaking move went wrong, which was a shame as he’s been flying in the early stages after losing ground in the opening lap traffic. Williams Team mate Pastor Maldonado was the first retirement when his FW33 stopped out on the track.

Timo Glock made several pits stops for attention to his Virgin, while Heikki Kovalainen’s Lotus succumbed to a water leak.

Following post-race checks, both Saubers were disqualified for technical i n f r i ngmen t s , so Vettel now leads the world championsh ip with 25 points to Hamilton’s 18, Petrov’s 15, and Alonso’s 12, while Red Bull

lead the constructors’ title chase with 35 points from McLaren on 26, Ferrari on 18, Renault on 15, Toro Rosso on four and Force India on three.

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Sauber’s Sergio Perez was given a very warm welcome as he returned home to

Mexico for a demonstration run ahead of his Formula One debut. Between 150,000 and 200,000 people lined the streets in the city centre of Perez’s home town of Guadalajara on Saturday to cheer on the first Mexican F1 driver in over 30 years.

“This was one of the best days of my life,” the 21 year-old exclaimed. “It was a great, great experience. I have never experienced something like this before with so many people cheering me. I’m proud to be Mexican, and I’m proud to receive all this support. It is a big boost for me ahead of the new season.”

Perez took charge of the team’s 2010 C29 on the 1.5 kilometre long course, before taking part in several interviews and signing autographs for fans.

MexiCo out in forCe for perez’s sauber deMo run

As the highest-finishing Formula One debutant of the

season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Sauber’s Sergio Perez left Melbourne with a big smile on his face. Perez wowed in the quick-looking C30, converting his 13th on the grid into seventh place (which was later disallowed) in the race to take six world championship points and to finish just ahead of his more-experienced team mate Kamui Kobayashi.

“I will never forget this race, that is certain,” said the Mexican. “After we changed from the hard to the soft tyres, I thought at first

I had to push. But then I realised I could manage the tyres quite well and we decided to go to the end with them. I am very proud of my team, the strategy worked and it was a nice surprise the tyres lasted so long. I want to thank everybody, especially in Mexico, who helped me to get into Formula One.”

Before the race, many had predicted the drivers would have to pit up to four times, but Perez managed to pit just once, completing 35 laps on a single set of the soft Pirelli tyres. Kobayashi, who had to change tyres twice, finished in eighth.

Sauber have decided they will not appeal their disqualification from the Australian Grand Prix. Drivers Sergio Perez and Kamui

Kobayashi lost their seventh and eighth-place finishes after post-race checks by the Melbourne race stewards revealed that a radius on the upper rear wing element of both Sauber C30s contravened the FIA’s technical regulations by a few millimetres.

“It did not bring us any performance advantage, but the fact is that it was a deviation from the regulations,” explained Sauber’s technical director James Key. “We take note of the stewards’ decision. We have since found that there was an error in the checking process for the relevant dimension on this component. We have already put measures in place to ensure that nothing of this kind occurs again in the future.”

perez thrilled with flying

start to forMula one

Career

sauber will not

appeal Melbourne

disQualifiCation

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Motor sports - f1

Lotus have announced Karun Chandhok is to join the team as reserve driver for the

2011 season. Chandhok, who raced for HRT at 10 Grands Prix last year, will make his first appearance for Lotus on Friday during the opening practice session for this weekend’s Australian event.

“This is another great day for Team Lotus,” said team principal Tony Fernandes. “Karun’s appointment to our team gives us not only his immense driving talent and F1 experience, both of which will help us develop the car even further, but also brings one of the warmest, most professional personalities I have the pleasure of knowing into the Team Lotus family.

“I do not think it is going too far to say that Karun represents the future of motor

racing - he is living proof that geography is no boundary to talent and ambition and that you will succeed if you work hard and keep dreaming. He is fiercely proud of his Indian

heritage but he has a truly global outlook and I am honoured that Team Lotus is now giving one of India’s brightest stars the chance to continue to develop his talent. Everyone in the team is excited about working with Karun, and I cannot wait to see him representing the Indian nation in our car.”

Chandhok will join race drivers Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli,

third driver Luiz Razia and test drivers Davide Valsecchi and Ricardo Teixeira in the team’s line-up. In addition to his Melbourne appearance, he is expected to take part in a number of Friday practice session.

The Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) award will serve to further

facilitate the promotion of commercial and cultural ties between the United Kingdom and Malaysia, says Dato’ Sri Tony Fernandes who was honoured with the award by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in London today.

The award is attributed to his “services to promote commercial and educational links”

between the UK and Malaysia. “I am extremely humbled to have

received this award today and I would like to thank Her Majesty The Queen for bestowing such an honour upon me. More than a personal honour, it will serve as a catalyst to further enhance relations between the UK and Malaysia, particularly in the areas of business, culture and education,” says Tony Fernandes CBE.

karun Chandhok joins lotus as reserVe driVer

tony fernandes reCeiVes Cbe

Carmakers Daimler announced at the end of February that,

together with Aabar Investment PJS, they have acquired the remaining 24.9 per cent stake in Mercedes GP from the team’s management, led by team principal Ross Brawn.

Daimler and Aabar - Daimler’s biggest shareholder - now own 100 percent of Mercedes GP, with Daimler upping their stake from 45.1 percent to 60 percent, while Aabar’s has increased from 30 to 40 percent. It follows Daimler’s purchase of a 45.1 percent stake in the team (then Brawn GP) back in November 2009.

“This majority stake holding demonstrates our determination to build a long-term Formula One involvement on an even more successful platform,” explained Dr Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.”Our company’s founders invented the automobile 125 years ago and the very first Mercedes was a racing car. These are the reasons why we see our Formula One programme as an important element of our brand history.

“The acquisition of a majority stake holding in our Silver Arrows team sends a clear signal that we intend to achieve technical and sporting success on world motorsport’s biggest and most important stage - and to do so in cost-effective conditions.”

Ross Brawn commented: “Daimler and Aabar’s acquisition of the remaining 24.9 per cent stake in Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix will be a further step in the consolidation and strengthening of our team for the future. Motor racing, particularly Formula One, is a very specialised industry, and we are privileged to have such strong and understanding partners as Daimler and Aabar to support our joint ambitions.

After announcing in January After announcing in January Athat they were considering Athat they were considering Aselling shares in the team to the public, Williams have now confirmed their intention to launch their Initial Public Offering (IPO) on Germany’s Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

“The offering will consist of up to 27.39% or 2,739,383 existing shares, with a nominal value of GBP 0.05 each, of which up to 330,000 shares will come from an over-allotment option,” read a statement from the team. “Sir Frank Williams will remain the majority and controlling shareholder of Williams and Team Principal of the AT&T Williams team.

The IPO will included a public offering in Germany, the UK, Austria and Switzerland and a private placement for institutional investors outside Germany, the UK, Austria and Switzerland, the United States of America, Canada, Japan and Australia.

Meanwhile Williams reduced the price range for its €265m German flotation, just as the sport scrambled to fix its racing schedule in the midst of the Middle East crisis.

The range was reduced and tightened from €24 (£20) to €29 a share, to between €25 to €27 a share, creating an expectation

that up to €72m will be raised after Formula One’s season opening race in Bahrain was called off because of anti-government protesters.

The shares sold in Williams will create a free float of about 28pc with the majority of the offering sold by co-founder Patrick Head. He will see his stake drop from 23.5pc to 5.8pc – netting him a cool £54m-plus.

Formula One legend Sir Frank Williams will remain the company’s biggest shareholder. He is selling only 640,000 shares valued at £14.4m at the mid-price. He will retain a stake of more than £113.3m.

daiMler CoMplete

MerCedes gp takeoVer

williaMs to float

on frankfurt stoCk

exChange

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Ogier strikes gold in Portugal

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Motor sports -wrC

Sebastien Ogier completed the final day ebastien Ogier completed the final day of Vodafone Rally de Portugal to claim of Vodafone Rally de Portugal to claim his third victory since breaking into the his third victory since breaking into the

world championship’s top division three years world championship’s top division three years ago. Driving a Citroen DS3 WRC, Ogier and co-ago. Driving a Citroen DS3 WRC, Ogier and co-driver Julien Ingrassia produced an error-free driver Julien Ingrassia produced an error-free performance to land their second successive performance to land their second successive triumph on the demanding gravel stages of triumph on the demanding gravel stages of the Algarve. After completing the rally-closing the Algarve. After completing the rally-closing Power Stage with the third fastest time, Ogier Power Stage with the third fastest time, Ogier said: “I’m very happy, we had the perfect said: “I’m very happy, we had the perfect weekend, the car was perfect and Julien was weekend, the car was perfect and Julien was perfect. I would like to dedicate this victory perfect. I would like to dedicate this victory to all the team who prepared a perfect car. to all the team who prepared a perfect car. They showed trust in me since the start of the They showed trust in me since the start of the season and following my mistake in Mexico. It season and following my mistake in Mexico. It is the best way to come back. It is a long way is the best way to come back. It is a long way to go in the championship but I’m in a better to go in the championship but I’m in a better position.”

Ogier’s team-mate, the seven-time world Ogier’s team-mate, the seven-time world champion Sebastien Loeb, won the Power champion Sebastien Loeb, won the Power Stage to cement second overall. The three Stage to cement second overall. The three points he scored for winning the final run, points he scored for winning the final run, combined with his 18 points for finishing combined with his 18 points for finishing second, means the 37-year-old Frenchman second, means the 37-year-old Frenchman is now equal on points with Ford’s Mikko is now equal on points with Ford’s Mikko Hirvonen at the top of the drivers’ standings Hirvonen at the top of the drivers’ standings after three rounds.

Hirvonen finished fourth overall behind Hirvonen finished fourth overall behind Ford team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala after being Ford team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala after being delayed on Sunday morning by a broken delayed on Sunday morning by a broken driveshaft. He was also slowed in the closing driveshaft. He was also slowed in the closing section of the Power Stage with a suspected section of the Power Stage with a suspected rear damper problem.

Latvala’s third-place means he has now Latvala’s third-place means he has now finished on the podium on the opening three finished on the podium on the opening three events of the year. “That makes me really events of the year. “That makes me really happy,” he said.

Matthew Wilson started the final loop of Matthew Wilson started the final loop of stages in fourth place but couldn’t prevent stages in fourth place but couldn’t prevent Hirvonen from overtaking him on the rain-hit Hirvonen from overtaking him on the rain-hit penultimate stage. He admitted he crawled penultimate stage. He admitted he crawled through stage 17 to secure an impressive fifth through stage 17 to secure an impressive fifth overall in his M-Sport Stobart Ford Fiesta RS overall in his M-Sport Stobart Ford Fiesta RS WRC. Petter Solberg started day three in ninth WRC. Petter Solberg started day three in ninth position but wins on stages 15 and 16 hauled position but wins on stages 15 and 16 hauled him back to within touching distance of sixth-him back to within touching distance of sixth-placed Kimi Raikkonen heading into the Power placed Kimi Raikkonen heading into the Power Stage. Although he was unable to bag a third-Stage. Although he was unable to bag a third-straight win on the test, he did manage to straight win on the test, he did manage to overhaul Raikkonen, in a similar DS3 WRC, for overhaul Raikkonen, in a similar DS3 WRC, for sixth spot.

“It was not bad but for me I am very sad about the first day with the unbelievable punctures,” said Solberg. “But I recovered from this and I will never give up.”

Ice 1 Racing driver Raikkonen said: “I knew Petter would push like hell [on the last stage] but it was okay. We learned a lot with this car on this rally after just a little test. We improved the car, now we have to pick up the speed a bit.”

Argentina’s Federico Villagra said he still needs more time to learn his Munchi’s Fiesta after finishing eighth with stand-in co-driver Jose Diaz.

Henning Solberg started Sunday’s opening stage in sixth overall but fell back when his Fiesta suffered a turbo boost problem on the penultimate stage. Fearing he might delay Hirvonen on the Power Stage (the Finn was running behind him after the running order was reversed for the last two stages), Solberg lost more time when he stopped to wait for Hirvonen to pass. He settled for ninth.

Dennis Kuipers landed his first drivers’ championship point of the season by finishing 10th in his FERM Power Tools World Rally Team Fiesta. The Dutchman said: “I’m really happy. It’s been a tough rally with lots of difficult stages.”

Mads Ostberg restarted on day three following his retirement with powersteering failure on Saturday. He spent the morning experimenting with different set-ups on his Fiesta and set several top 10 stage times in the process.

Peter van Merksteijn Jr also restarted on Sunday after stopping with an unspecified mechanical fault on Saturday. He brought his DS3 WRC, which he was using in competition for the first time, to the finish in 22nd after surviving an overshoot on the Power Stage.

Team Abu Dhabi’s Khalid Al Qassimi was another driver to return to the action on day three after crashing on Saturday. His accident left Michael Orr, celebrating his 100th start at WRC level, with broken ribs.

Bruno Magalhaes was the leading Portuguese driver home. Driving a Peugeot 207 Super 2000, the former national champion finished 12th overall following delays on Friday morning with brake problems.

78

Loeb profits as Ogier crashes

79

Motor sports -wrC

Sebastien Loeb made the most of Citroen team-mate Sebastien Ogier’s crash to win Rally Guanajuato Mexico

for the fifth time in Leon.Loeb started the final three stages 10.5s behind Ogier.

But when Ogier left the road 13 kilometres into the Guana-juatito test on the Sunday morning, damaging his Citroen DS3 WRC’s front-left wheel in the process Loeb moved into a lead he would not relinquish.

“It was very hard to win because it was a big fight with Ogier,” said Loeb, whose win was his 63rd in 140 starts at world championship level. “He was pushing me really hard. We are team-mates and we have to fight for the champion-ship and it is a shame it ended for him like this. But I am happy with the performance of our DS3 WRC; it has been very fast on this rally.”

Mikko Hirvonen also benefited from Ogier’s exit to in-herit second place in his Ford Fiesta RS WRC. The result means the Finn maintains his lead in the world drivers’ championship following his triumph on Rally Sweden last month. He ended the event by winning the Power Stage to secure three bonus points in his bid to become world champion for the first time.

“Friday was difficult cleaning the road but when it was obviously we couldn’t consistently match the speed of the Citroens we just took it steady,” said Hirvonen. “Getting three extra points is also good for the championship.

Jari-Matti Latvala completed the podium in his Fiesta and secured his second stage win of the rally with the fast-est time on the penultimate test of the event.

Petter Solberg opted to carry one spare tyre in his DS3 WRC in an effort to give him the best possible chance of winning the Power Stage. After adopting a cautious ap-proach on the first two stages to save his tyres, Solberg hoped the reduced weight in his car would help him take victory on the Power Stage. However, he was ultimately unsuccessful when he slid wide on a corner, allowing Hir-vonen to take the best time.

Mexico rookie Mads Ostberg continues his impressive start to the 2011 season in fifth place in his M-Sport Sto-bart Fiesta. Following his extensive time loss with a punc-ture on day one, the Norwegian spent the remainder of the event fine-tuning his pacenotes.

Henning Solberg battled through brake and powersteer-ing problems to a hard-earned sixth in his Fiesta, one place ahead of Super 2000 World Rally Championship winner Nasser Al-Attiyah. Class rival Martin Prokop took eighth with Juho Hanninen surviving a light roll on the penulti-mate stage to claim ninth overall.

Federico Villagra fought back from his delays on Friday to bag the final WRC point on the first appearance of the season by the Munchi’s Ford World Rally Team, despite completing the final stage with a broken driveshaft.

An electrical fault halted Ken Block on the penultimate stage although he was eventually able to complete the run and make it to the finish.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA Vice-president, and Chairman of the Desert Challenge Organising Committee announced an agreement between the

Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge 2011 and Nissan Middle East FZE. With this, the eight year partnership between the two sides scales new heights. Interestingly, Nissan’s flagship Patrol SUV marks its return as the official car of Abu Dhabi’s international cross-country rally. Nissan will provide a fleet of Patrols and other SUVs for the organisers in the build-up to the event. As in previous events, one of the rally’s toughest stages, which will take place on April 6, will be named after Nissan, and will start and finish at the prestigious Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, deep in the heart of Abu Dhabi emirate’s Western Region of Al Gharbia. “Nissan is a highly valued, long-term partner of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. They have been with us for eight years and their support has been invaluable in helping us to take the great strides we have taken to make the rally the world-class event that it now is,” said Ben Sulayem. The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is organised by the Automobile and Touring Club of United Arab Emirates (ATCUAE) under the title sponsorship of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), and is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region.

nissan patrol is offiCial

Car of 2011 abu dhabi

desert Challenge

ABU DHABI DESERT CHALLENGE 2011: April 1 – April 7FIA Cross-Country Rallies World Cup and FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship, round one• Open to competitors driving cars and trucks complying with FIA T1, T2, T3 and T4 technical regulations and motorcyclists and quads running under the auspices of the FIM• March 28, Rally HQ opens at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina circuit• April 2, Super Special Stage and ceremonial start• April 7, Leg Five; the final leg from Liwa to Abu Dhabi for ceremonial finish and prize-giving

rally bites

80

Motor sports -

Nasser Al-Attiyah has been excluded from the results of Rally Guanajuato Mexico.

The Barwa World Rally Team driver completed the 22-stage event at the top of the Super 2000 World Rally Championship standings in seventh overall in a Ford Fiesta S2000.

However, a post-event scrutineering report issued by the technical delegate from the FIA, motorsport’s world governing body, stated that the fuel cell ventilation valves did not conform to the technical regulations.

After deliberation, the event stewards took the decision to exclude Al-Attiyah and co-driver Giovanni Bernacchini. It would have been the duo’s first win in the SWRC.

After being informed of the decision, a dejected Al-Attiyah said: “I’m bitterly disappointed. I’m looking to win the championship this year. This is a rally I like very much and a rally where I have a lot of experience. We did not get any advantage

through this and it’s very bad after such a great race where we made no mistakes.”

al-attiyah exCluded froM MexiCo results

Kimi Raikkonen won’t turn his back on the World Rally Championship despite announcing plans to

branch out into the US-based NASCAR Truck Series later this year.

News of Raikkonen’s plan was reported in the Finnish Turun Sanomat website earlier. It revealed that the 31-year-old would use the Truck Series to build his experience of oval racing before a future switch to the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup

stock car disciplines. However, his WRC campaign would not be affected, the article stated.

Raikkonen will compete under the Ice 1 Racing banner, which enters his Citroen DS3 WRC in the world championship. Foster Gillett, whose family have interests in ice hockey and football, will become a major partner of the team, according to the website report.

“I’m really looking forward to get there to familiarise to the world of NASCAR,” Raikkonen was reported as telling Turun Sanomat. “I have been following it for a long time. I know it’s a very tough and open, top racing series. I just love the American spirit of racing. It feels just great to get involved with that. Obviously, it will be very challenging and great fun for me.” It’s not clear what type of vehicle Raikkonen will use or when his first event will be although there are 21 rounds remaining this season.

Raikkonen has committed to a 10-event WRC campaign in 2011. His next event will be the Jordan Rally in April. He will skip the rounds in Sardinia and Argentina before returning for Acropolis Rally of Greece in June.

On Vodafone Rally de Portugal last weekend Raikkonen claimed second overall, his second point-scoring finish in as many starts.

“I am trying to improve all of the time and learn more and more to go fast more often,” Raikkonen told Wrc.com in Portugal. “It’s more or less the same story as last year but of course we have more experience so it’s a bit more easy.”

raikkonen to try his hand

at nasCarMotogp unites to help

japan

The MotoGP community has moved to do all it can to support those in Japan following the recent earthquake and its after-

effects, and the 17 riders in MotoGP have put their signatures on a specially printed shirt with the message “We are for Japan”.

The t-shirt will be available at a range of circuits on the World Championship calendar, as well as being available from the MotoGP official website at weforjapan.motogp.com. It can be purshased for €20. The funds collected through this initiative will be presented to a humanitarian organisation during the Japan Grand Prix, which is scheduled to take place on October 2nd.

Jorge Lorenzo: “We must give our maximum support to Japan at a moment such as this. Japan is already a strong country that has always demonstrated its ability to overcome adversity. A strong embrace to all Japanese people and fans of motorcycling who live there.” Casey Stoner: “We considered the floods in Australia at the beginning of the year a huge disaster, but after the events we’ve seen in Japan - it’s beyond what we can comprehend. Having heard some of the stories from colleagues in Honda and seeing the coverage on the news, it’s devastating to hear what they are going through and our hearts and thoughts are with everyone in Japan. I hope they can find the courage to keep fighting and get through this period to help rebuild their lives”.

Valentino Rossi: “This is a very tough moment for everybody but we support Japan and we are with our Japanese friends. We encourage them not to give up, and I wish good luck to everybody from me, and from all my team.”

Unite with the MotoGP community and buy this t-shirt to help the people of Japan. Please forward this information to friends, relatives and colleagues across the globe using every outlet of social media to bring the MotoGP paddock and fans together with the message “We are for Japan”.

Casey Stoner had a titanic tussle

with his Repsol Honda team-mate

Dani Pedrosa at the Commercialbank

Grand Prix of Qatar in the first round of

the 2011 MotoGP World Championship

to snatch 25 points on his debut ride with

Repsol Honda. Stoner eventually finished

3.440s ahead of reigning World Champion

Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha Factory Racing),

with Pedrosa third.

It had been eight years since a Honda

rider won the opening round of the MotoGP

season, the last rider to do so was Valentino

Rossi in 2003 at Suzuka. Stoner had an

impressive record at the Losail International

Circuit having won three years in a row from

2007-2009, and the Australian claimed the

31st win of his career here this evening - his

24th in MotoGP.

The riders observed a minute of silence in

honour of the victims of the Japan earthquake

ahead of the MotoGP race. The 22-lap race was

run in the best conditions of the weekend, with

warm temperatures but minus the

strong winds that

had

been present intermittently

throughout the practice sessions. It produced a

thrilling race with close encounters throughout

the field.

Pedrosa took the lead from the start of

the race and then it was the reigning World

Champion, Lorenzo, who took up the mantle as

race leader. What followed was fierce between

the two Spaniards and Stoner, with the Repsol

Hondas eventually pulling an advantage. Stoner

and Pedrosa swapped position for the lead on

several occasions and at the midway point, the

pole sitter, increased his pace and set off for the

chequered flag. This left the two Championship

rivals from 2010 duelling it out for second place

and it was the Yamaha rider who picked up the

20 points with second place.

Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda) and Marco

Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini Team)

were involved in a close battle for fourth place

throughout the race and it was the Repsol Honda

man who prevailed. Dovizioso finished 5.942s

behind Stoner.

There was much anticipation surrounding the

debut of Valentino Rossi with the Ducati Team.

The Italian finished seventh after racing Ben

Spies (Yamaha Factory Racing), and having

swapped places with the American

the Yamaha got the

advantage over the Ducati to take sixth place.

Colin Edwards (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) was

eighth, with Nicky Hayden (Ducati Team) and

Hiroshi Aoyama (San Carlo Honda Gresini)

completing the top ten. MotoGP debutant Cal

Crutchlow (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) managed

to take 11th place on the last lap ahead of

Héctor Barberá (Mapfre Aspar Team). Premier

class rookie Karel Abraham (Cardion ab

Motoracing) was the final rider to pass the

chequered flag and earned himself three

points, with just 13 riders finishing the first

race of the season.

It was not the MotoGP return that Toni

Elías (LCR Honda) had been hoping for.

After languishing in 14th place at the

back, he suffered a crash towards the

end of the race which cost him two

points, as he lost the front end entering

a corner.

It was a highly disappointing start

to the season for the Pramac Racing

team after Randy de Puniet had a

nasty highside on lap one, causing

his race to end early. His team-

mate Loris Capirossi was hit by the

Frenchman’s bike, crushing his hand

and therefore forcing him to retire

from the race.

Stoner victorious in

season opener in Qatar

81

Moto gp

82

on Friday, March 11, 2011 at 02:46:23 PM a magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Japan. To the Japanese people, this is a point in time that marks a national tragedy – in equal parts a natural one as it is man-made. To the rest of us, in the safety of the distance we have between our lives and the North-West Pacific, it is something that makes us pause, reflect and then continue with our lives. But can we afford to be dismissive in the least? For this time around, when the klaxons blared out along the hundreds of kilometres of Japanese coast, they blared for humanity.

The lessons of mankind’s technological progress tell us about how capricious nature can be. We know that Earth’s surface is made of plates that move and shift, releasing immense energy that dissipates in the form of earthquakes and Tsunamis. The question is not if, but when and where will the next one strike. If you are stone-hearted enough you may even dispense with the tragedy of Japan’s Tsunami as one that affected less than the Indonesian one. Even the economic aspect of the tragedy seems to be palatable, with the latest estimates topping out at around 300 billion dollars, something that the world’s third largest economy can digest.

However, this time around the effects are much, much deeper than we comprehend.Who was it who went and placed six nuclear reactors in the path of a Tsunami? It could

be anyone, because reactors need to be cooled and with all the heat generated by nuclear plants, having the sea close by is just dandy. So now we have a nuclear emergency adding in to the problems already faced by Japan. Admittedly, we have to admire the dignity, calm and character shown by the Japanese public, the bravery and dedication to duty shown

by the emergency crews and the sheer Samurai spirit that cloaks the people trying to avert a meltdown.

Japan, its industry and its society will take sometime to bounce back from the wall. Already the wheel of industrial production is clamped due to unavailability of parts from vendors. Japanese manufacturers have put production on hold and there has been immediate effect on global production. The risk of contamination hovers over other exports, including prized Japanese food. It is likely that more Japanese companies will shift manufacturing abroad altogether, a trend that had already begun due to an aging populace and high Yen values.

However, I believe that national character will define the path ahead. Japan has rebuilt after every tragedy, something that is taken for granted among a population that has faced thousands of years of nature’s wrath. Japan as we know it is the post-war Japan that rose from the ashes to become a superpower. After the Kobe earthquake, Japan rebuilt again. Despite its high level of debt and the current tragedy it will invest in itself and the country will rebound. But one thing that will need to be sorted out in the process is the status of nuclear power as a commercial source of energy. It is very odd indeed that the only country to experience the horrors of atomic warfare has become so dependent on nuclear power for electricity. And that the lack of electricity is what has brought about the latest nuclear issue.

In the meantime, what happens to brand “made in Japan”? Will its appeal change? For better or for worse? And just at a time when car prices seem to have gone through the roof it seems like there is still some area for growth. Of course, I would also dare to ask – is this the “big one”? It doesn’t seem like it considering how much aptitude we have to hurt ourselves and how little we respect nature as a species.

Raj Warrior is editor of Automan and has been in the thick of the Automotive journalism field from the past 15 years.Want to comment or have your say? Email at [email protected]. Identify yourself or your message will be trashed and your id blocked

{ChiCane}

What the tide brings in...What the tide brings in...

82

on

Japan. To the Japanese people, this is a point in time that marks a national tragedy – in equal parts a natural one as it is man-made. To the rest of us, in the safety of the distance we have between our lives and the North-West Pacific, it is something that makes us pause, reflect and then continue with our lives. But can we afford to be dismissive in the least? For this time around, when the klaxons blared out along the hundreds of kilometres of Japanese coast, they blared for humanity.

The lessons of mankind’s technological progress tell us about how capricious nature can be. We know that Earth’s surface is made of plates that move and shift, releasing immense energy that dissipates in the form of earthquakes and Tsunamis. The question is not if, but when and where will the next one strike. If you are stone-hearted enough you may even dispense with the tragedy of Japan’s Tsunami as one that affected less than the Indonesian one. Even the economic aspect of the tragedy seems to be palatable, with the latest estimates topping out at around 300 billion dollars, something that the world’s third largest economy can digest.

However, this time around the effects are much, much deeper than we comprehend.

be anyone, because reactors need to be cooled and with all the heat generated by nuclear

meltdown.Japan, its industry and its society will take sometime to bounce back from the wall. Already the

wheel of industrial production is clamped due to unavailability of parts from vendors. Japanese manufacturers have put production on hold and there has been immediate effect on global production. The risk of contamination hovers over other exports, including prized Japanese food. It is likely that more Japanese companies will shift manufacturing abroad altogether, a trend that had already begun due to an aging populace and high Yen values.

However, I believe that national character will define the path ahead. Japan has rebuilt after every tragedy, something that is taken for granted among a population that has faced thousands of years of nature’s wrath. Japan as we know it is the post-war Japan that rose from the ashes to become a superpower. After the Kobe earthquake, Japan rebuilt again. Despite its high level of debt and the current tragedy it will invest in itself and the country will rebound. But one thing that will need to be sorted out in the process is the status of nuclear power as a commercial source of energy. It is very odd indeed that the only country to experience the horrors of atomic warfare has become so dependent on nuclear power for electricity. And that the lack of electricity is what has brought about the latest nuclear issue.

In the meantime, what happens to brand “made in Japan”? Will its appeal change? For better or for worse? And just at a time when car prices seem to have gone through the roof it seems like there is still some area for growth. Of course, I would also dare to ask – is this the “big one”? It doesn’t seem like it considering how much aptitude we have to hurt ourselves and how little we respect nature as a species.

Raj Warrior is editor of Automan and has been in the thick of the Automotive journalism field from the past 15 years.Want to comment or have your say? Email at [email protected]. Identify yourself or your message will be trashed and your id blocked