Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Rolls-Royce Dawn
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38
32
16
cover story
NEXT ISSUE
2016 Hyundai
Tucson
brandwatch
first drives
62
Previews
66
Spider
62-65 BMW M4 GTS Concept
66-69 Mercedes Benz C-Class Coupe
70-71 Nissan Juke R 2.0
72-73 Lexus LX570
74-75 hyundai vision g concept
MOTORSPORTS
Chicane
editor-in-chief
Mohammad Al Taie
hatim@alroya.net
EDITOR & GM
Raj Warrior
raj@alroya.net
executive EDITOR
Chandan B Mallik chandan@alroya.net
contributing EDITOR
Anne Kurian
annekurian@alroya.net
HEAD OF Design
Antony Karlo
Faced with an embargo date of 9th September, we had to take a call on whether we
considered it worth the delay. We had after all been honoured with an acknowledgement
of our professionalism with the original invite and we felt quite possessive about the story
itself. So we agreed to the embargo and here we are now with the full story.
Along with this new model, we also carry a region first exclusive report about Hyundais
new global small SUV, the Creta. Launched in India, our associates in the country have sent
us images as well as test drive reports. We hope that you find the car as interesting as we
do and can assure you that it will make landfall on our shores in a matter of a few months.
The other big report we have is a comprehensive look at this years Pebble Beach concours
and the events around it, with stand out positioning of Ferrari and Bugatti as well as a
clutch of new model releases from various brands at this signature event.
photography
Elvis John Ferrao
marketing
Sayantani Ghosh sayantani@alroya.net
circulation
books@alroya.net
FINANCE & ADMIN
Sumy Mol
We have to start off this editorial with an apology for coming out five days later than
usual. This was necessitated by a rather unique event. And that event has found its way
onto the cover of this months magazine the new Dawn. Admittedly, its a big thing for
Rolls-Royce Motorcars as a company. The launch of a new model line that just happens
to be seen as the Drophead version of the Wraith. Rolls-Royce has gone to extraordinary
lengths to ensure that we understand why the Dawn should be seen as a new model and
we must say that our inclusion as part of an extremely select group of journalists that got
to view the car a month ago helps us know why they say it.
sumy@alroya.net
Website & IT
Mohammed F Draz mohammed.draz@alroya.net
In our test drives this month, we have two market defining sedans on the platter, with the
Subaru Legacy in its flat six 3.6-litre guise and the new Toyota Camry. Both have a buyer
spectrum that remain dedicated to the virtues of these sedans, though to our editorial
team the amazing handling and power delivery of the Fuji Heavy car was the major draw.
And if the rest of the industry has one lesson to learn from this brand it is in the nature
of its Lineartronic CVT arrangement. We just couldnt believe that the car didnt have a
regular auto cogged gearbox.
DisTRibution
United Arab emirates
Dar Al Hikma LLC alhikma@emirates.net.ae
Tel: +971-4-2665394 | Fax: +971-4-2669827
We are also now in the closing phase of our compendium on SUVs. This book traces the
story of utility vehicles, their evolution into SUVs and now the new phase of Crossovers
that is taking their place. Look out for next months issue, which will give you information
on how to get your copy.
Printer
Al Anan Printing Press LLC
Tel: +968 24446163 | Fax: +968 24446287
alananprinting.com | alananprinting@gmail.com
In the meantime, weve also revamped our website and ported ourselves onto a new
platform. We will henceforth be online first, with exclusive content reserved for our print
edition. You now have the incentive to stay with us both digitally and in print. Enjoy.
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Mitsubishi Ramadan
Boutique British sports car manufacturer, Caterham Cars, is expanding its business
and has partnered with UAE-based Al Futtaim to bring the cars to this region. The new
showroom is located in in Dubais Festival City, as part of its ERAS Custom and Classic
brand. ERAS Customs and Classics is the largest British Heritage sportscar dealership in
the Middle East. In addition to catering for new car buyers, the facility will offer a full
after sales service to Caterham owners in the UAE. Caterhams range of ultra-lightweight
sports cars for sale in UAE will included the entry level Seven 160, and the recentlylaunched 270, 360 and 420 models and 620 R. David Ridley, Caterham Chief Commercial
Officer, said: We are thrilled to establish Caterhams presence in the UAE with ERAS
Customs and Classics; as the largest British Heritage sportscar outlet in Dubai they were
the natural choice for us. Dubais love of Supercars is globally renowned; were looking
forward to seeing Sevens driving through the city.
brandwatch
news
Automans take
The N Performance sub brand builds factors in Hyundais
continued advancement as a primary competitor in World Rally
Championship, its focus and investment to create striking and
pioneering high performance cars.
Automans take
It seems Bugatti is ready to join the Vision Gran Turismo bandwagon with
a bespoke virtual concept which will also serve as a sneak preview for the
companys new design language.
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DS Automobiles announces DS
Performance motorsport division
Automans take
Suzuki had first requested the sale of VWs shares in 2011 after
a plan to collaborate on new technology failed, but the German
firm had blatantly refused to oblige and hence the disputed
matter was taken to court.
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Rapide to go electric
Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer has revealed the company should
have enough money to develop a seven model line-up in the
coming years. Speaking to media, Palmer said the future Aston
Martin line-up would include three sports cars, two Lagonda
badged sedans, the DBX crossover and a yet unnamed halo
model.
As part of the marketing strategy, Aston Martin will stagger the
launches of new models so the company will have an all-new
model every year to offer. The models will also have a sevenyear lifecycle which will ensure they remain fresh and theres a
constant flow of new cars. Despite the onslaught of new models,
Palmer intends to keep production capped at 7,000 units to
maintain the brands exclusivity.
Automans take
The new Rapide EV should help Aston Martin in more than one
way. The carmaker which uses high-performance V8s and V12s
will be able to comply better with tighter fuel economy and
emissions regulations, particularly in China and US.
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Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is looking back at open top
S-Class models that it used to sell between
1961 to 1971. The idea is back on the table
and according to plan, the new model
will aim to be the most comfortable
cabriolet in the world. After 44 years
we can again offer friends of our company
an open variant of the S Class. The new
S-Class Cabriolet symbolises our passion
for individual and timelessly exclusive
mobility, which we share with our
customers, said Ola Kllenius, Board
Member of Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz
Cars Sales.
Full details of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Cabriolet are expected to be revealed at
the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Once launched, it will rival the Bentley
Continental GT and the BMW 6 Series
Cabriolet. When produced, it will come
equipped with automatic wind protection
system AIRCAP, the AIRSCARF neck-level
heating system, heated armrests and an
automatic climate control system.
Hyundai
Hyundai has released the first teaser image with their all-new Elantra
compact sedan which appears to represent a major departure in
terms of design compared to the outgoing model. It is also clear that
Hyundai has decided to move the compact sedan more upmarket
with contemporary styling and an upgraded feature pack. The teaser
sketch suggests the Elantra design will be heavily influenced by
Hyundais Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language and hence
characterized by elongated headlamps with integrated LED daytime
running lights, a hexagonal radiator grille and a sculpted bonnet, very
much like the bigger Genesis.
The new Elantra will be fitted with electric steering as standard and
engine options will include a 1.6-litre petrol engine in both port- and
direct-injection guises. As far as transmissions go, the incoming
Elantra will be available with at least a six-speed manual and an
automated seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Blind spot monitoring,
a knee bag to bring the total airbag count to seven, an 8in
infotainment screen, and a proximity key that automatically unlocks
the boot when the holder is nearby are among the new features.
Mazda
Mazdas first look at a new crossover concept Koeru was teased
last month and is said to preview a new high-riding model from
the Hiroshima-based Japanese brand. Mazda says Koeru, which
is Japanese for exceed or go beyond and is therefore a
befitting name for its latest venture. Mazda has promised that
this news car when it goes into production will surpass existing
standards and raise the bar for performance, efficiency and
overall value.
The concept is styled in accordance with Mazdas current Kodo
design language, the sleek proportions and low stance of the
Koeru hint at a coupe possibility. Mechanically, it is going to based
on the platform of the subcompact Mazda CX-3 or compact CX-5.
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Toyota introduced the refreshed for 2016 Land Cruiser 200 Series
a private event held in Japan last month. The incoming eight-year
old model gets a bolder look in a familiar profile, now highlighted
by an oversized grille with horizontal slats that stretch far into a
pair of redesigned headlamps. The modifications go beyond the
simple mid-cycle refresh, and the bonnet, mudguards and the
bumper are also freshly minted.
At the rear, the SUV benefits from revised LED tail lamps and an
updated bumper. Additional alloy wheel designs and two new
paint colours called Copper Brown and Onyx Blue, respectively,
round out the major exterior updates.
Toyota is also offering buyers a less rugged-looking front fascia
that features a deeper bumper with a thin strip of chrome trim.
The less aggressive front end was primarily designed for highvolume markets such as the Middle East, and it will most likely not
be offered in other markets.
The interior updates are more minor. They include a new-look
instrument cluster with a 4.2in LCD screen, a refreshed four-spoke
steering wheel and the latest generation of Toyotas touchscreenbased infotainment system.
In Japan, the Land Cruiser is available with a long list of electronic
driving aids including a pre-collision warning system with
pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high
beams and a lane departure warning system. Whether the U.S.spec model will gain similar features is up in the air.
Toyota has not made any major mechanical modifications. The
refreshed for 2016 model is scheduled to go on sale in Japan and
in a few other markets before the end of the year.
Audi
Kia
Official images of the fourth generation 2016 Kia Sportage hit
the web late last month. Kia is promising that the new Sportage
will come with the most refined cabin ever. The underpinnings
are already known since the new Sportage will use the same
platform, engines and gearboxes as the latest Hyundai Tucson.
Depending on markets, petrol/diesel engine displacement will
range from 1.6-litre to 2.4-litre. These will work with six-speed
manual, six-speed automatic and seven-speed dual clutch
gearboxes sending power to the front wheels as standard or
to an AWD setup available as optional features. The dynamic
compact SUV styling creates visual harmony out of the tension
between bold, precise feature lines and dramatically sculptured
bodywork, Kia said in a statement.
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Spotlight
news
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Alfa Romeo 6C
Abarth Osella
1750 GS Zagato
Alfa Romeo 6C
Spider
2500 SS
SE021
Byers Volvo Sp
ecial
Bugatti Type 35
BMW 700 S
Elva Courier M
Dolphin Sports
k3
Racer
Delage D6
Lotus 7A
i
Lister Maserat
Hall-
-A-7A
Scott The Four
Jaguar Hagem
ann Special
Morgan Plus 4
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Maserati Tipo
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Mazda 787
TT
Alfa Romeo TZ
Alfa Romeo Gi
Cooper Porsch
ulia GTA
e Pooper Spec
Cooper T49 M
ial
onaco
Ginetta G12
Ford Shelby M
ustang GT350
Lotus Six
Williams FW07
Porsche 935 J
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20
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1955 Ferrari 85
7S Sc
aglietti Spyder
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erica
et Series 1
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Bentley
The new 16 MY Bentley Continental GT made its North American
debut alongside other models from Bentleys past and future.
In a nod to Bentleys illustrious heritage and celebrating its 85th
anniversary, the iconic 1930 Blower Bentley makes its dynamic
appearance in the Quail Rally.
Aston Martin
Aston Martins new 2016 DB9 GT had its global debut
accompanied by a glimpse of Aston Martins Second Century with
the DBX concept, Lagonda Taraf and Vulcan.
BMW
Lamborghini
Lexus
Koenigsegg
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McLaren
Four years on from its global launch,
McLaren Special Operations (MSO)
returned to the event selection of
distinctive and individual commissions.
The forthcoming new 570S Coup, the first
model to join the McLaren Sports Series
was the top highlight for the brand with
one-off bespoke features. Alongside the
most track-focused model in the Super
Series, the limited to 50 unit 650S Le Mans
was also on display which was created by
MSO to celebrate the 20th anniversary
of the famous French endurance race.
Completing the line-up was a 1996
McLaren F1 GTR
Nissan
Nissan found an appropriate platform to highlight the evolution of its sedans. At the
Monterey Motorsports Reunion, Nissan borrowed from its museum a 1967 Datsun 411
and 1972 Datsun 510. Throw in a showroom-fresh 2016 Nissan Maxima and youve got a
rolling exhibition called The Evolution of the Sports Sedan.
The three Datsun/Nissan sedans were driven from Los Angeles to Monterey by a group
of automotive media and Nissan employees. The Nissan Garage also served as home
base for the No. 75 Nissan 300ZX racer that in 1994 won the IMSA GTS class at the 24
Hour of Le Mans (including 5th place overall) and the 12 Hours of Sebring, along with
the 1994 IMSA GTS Drivers and Manufacturers Championship. The No. 75 made its
Monterey Motorsports Reunion debut last year in honour of the 20th anniversary of its
historic season.
An absolutely gorgeous 1924 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A took top honors as Best In Show,
besting a classic 1914 Rolls Royce, 1937 Delahaye and 1953 Abarth 1100. The full history
and details of this Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A are scarce, but the car features sport cabriolet
bodywork, created by Carrosserie Worblaufen after the company acquired the car in
1931. Worblaufen started working on a droptop body style on the long-wheelbase, 145inch chassis, and once the car was complete it was unveiled at the 1932 Geneva Motor
Show. It also went on to win the Grand-Prix dHonneur at Cannes in 1933.
The car is an outstanding piece of automotive history and has had only four owners. The
car also lived a quite life in France and Switzerland before coming to North America in
2014. Today the car is owned by Jim Patterson of The Patterson Collection in Louisville,
KY. Patterson is a regular Concours participant, and last won in 2010. His vehicle was also
a blue ribbon winner, named best in its European Classic Early class.
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Rolls-Royce Dawn
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Rear
fenders
actually get
haunches
Rear overhang
communicates the volume
of the boot
Rear deck
tapers but
doesnt drop
away
This view perhaps best communicates the nature of this genuine four-seater Drophead, complete with its feel of boat decking and a journey to a sunny beach.
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Credible
mid-sized
performer
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Subarus no-nonsense
approach to car
design is reflected
in the simple and
straightforward
interior design of the
new Legacy.
lines sign off the styling nicely.
In its construction, weight distribution
and materials usage has played a key
role. While most of the car it made out of
steel blanks and stampings, the bonnet is
made of aluminium.
The cars cabin is simple and mostly
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Compact
drive
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Significant
achievement
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Driving impressions
We have driven several iterations of the
older Camrys and its dynamic strength
over the years has always been creamy
ride quality, smooth powertrains, and
relatively quiet operation. While the styling
definitely gives the 2015 Camry a much
stronger visual presence, the adjustments
in the driver gratification department
was an area of our interest. And we were
not disappointed. Under the bonnet is a
tried and tested naturally-aspirated four
cylinder engine. Acceleration from the fourcylinder is good for the segment and the
transmission is very well paired for the job. It
shifts smoothly and holds gears as long as it
is necessary. The cabin is almost Lexus quiet
at all speeds and the suspension erases small
road irregularities competently.
As before, the Camry is an uncomplicated
to drive and to expect outright sports
car performance isnt really justified in
this set-up. However, in some markets,
the Camry is offered with a bigger V6 and
factory tuned sports suspension. We wish
at some point of time this variant becomes
available in this market as it could give the
Camry a new platform to talk about.
The cars road manners are predictable
and this transparent aspect of driving is
exactly what many motorists are looking
for in a mainstream car. However, we do
observe some of the benefits associated
with the upgrades. For instance, the
chassis feels tighter and sharper and this
is evident from the way it is now able to
resist body-roll and the way it sends more
feedback through the steering wheel to
the driver.
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Higher
aspirations
Its a new chapter for both Infiniti and its former
M
badged sedans. For 2015, Infinitis flagship sedan
has
undergone both a facelift and a name change from
M
to Q. Automan checks out the Q70 3.7 variant in
Oman
Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Elvis John
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Ferrao
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2016 Lamborghini
Aventador LP750-4 SV
roadster
Automobili Lamborghini
presented the open top
version of its Aventador
LP750-4 Superveloce model
to a select gathering at the
famous Monterey Car week in
California last month
Author: Chandan B Mallik
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Mercedes-Benz AMG
C63 Coup
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ts no secret now that MercedesBenz and its in-house tuner-cumperformance arm AMG make a
stunning range of performance cars from
stock models in the line-up. Globally,
the C-Class is Mercedes-AMGs bestselling model series and forms one of the
backbones of the companys success.
Since its launch in 2011, the Coup version
has steadily gained in significance,
culminating with the C 63 AMG Coup
Black Series in the last generation. Even
in stock form, the new C-Class is being
hailed as a scaled down version of the top-
of-the-line S-class.
But the story with the incoming C-Class
Coup variant/s is expected to be different
as they will reside in an active segment
where overall packaging is key to the
success of this model. It may be recalled
that the segment enjoys patronage from
competitive European premium players,
particularly Audi and BMW. And its no
secret that BMW raised the performance
bar with the 4 Series and Audi raised
the benchmark for interiors across all its
models. As a result, the incoming C-Class
coup will see the best of both worlds
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Mercedes-Benz and
AMG see the new C 63
Coup as setting a new
landmark in the brand
history by virtue of
its yet more technical
packaging and visual
distinctiveness
Coup comes with an electronic rear-axle
limited-slip differential. Both differentials
reduce the slip on the inside wheel when
cornering, without control interventions in
the braking system. The C 63 Coup comes
as standard with 10-spoke light-alloy
wheels 9.0in x 18in [front] and 10.5in x 18in
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It will be a wait
for a few more
months before
the new full-size
2016 Lexus LX570
officially arrives
in showrooms,
but the Japanese
luxury carmaker
has chosen to whet
our appetites by
revealing its details.
Automan has the
story
Author: Chandan B Mallik
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Hyundai Vision G
Concept Coupe
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2015: Belgian GP
Lewis Hamilton
delighted with win
around weaker Spa
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Hulkenberg inks
new two-year
deal with Force
India
MotoGP
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Is Marquez dragging on
expectations?
Is McLaren in a fix?
79
I would have laughed at the irony of my being saddled with a dead car and no other car
around for the jumpstart. I had to call a mechanic, who did the honours and found myself
battery shopping in Wadi Kabir. Try finding an exotic, high-drain battery like I need in
the volume driven marketplace of Omans car parts market. I had to drive back to the
dealers place on the other side of town and wait while the battery was replaced, in the
bargain having spent half a day on the task.
Now, I ask you, in a day and age when your camera, laptop and mobile phone have the
decency to show you the battery status, tell you how well it is charging and even warn
you well in advance about the deteriorating health of the little powerhouse, why cant
we get the same in our cars? Dont say the technology doesnt exist I say Pthah to
that! Why are the bulk of cars saddled with a little red battery light in the first case?
Shouldnt it flash rapidly or something if the battery is nearing its sell by date or retention
capacity? And with all the welcome and other sundry messages that the car delivers
on its monochromatic LCD display, shouldnt it tell you something along the lines of a
change of battery is in order?
Car manufacturers need to give us customers a means to avoid getting caught out. I
foresee dark days ahead, indeed, for the industry that will be delivering cars that run
purely on battery power and the comfort of a little red light whose only function is to just
be there.
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