Issue 103 Feb 2010 Oman’s Best Automotive Resource OMR 0.500 AED 5.00 QR 5.

00

Dubai Motorshow manages to

outride the recession with some
premieres. Full report inside!

Green Leader Lexus LS600 L Hybrid – In Oman

Visit us online at www.automanweb.com

Face to face Phil Horton

BMW’s regional head speaks to us about the group’s
direction for 2010 and some exciting new products
 103
k

10

editor-in-chief
Mohammad Al Taie A year of great expectations
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It is indeed heartening that the year set out on a positive note. Along with an
HEAD OF marketing almost uninterrupted growth of the new markets of China and India, global
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 103
in this issue
k

10
FEATURES
12 k Cover Story
Lexus’ new technology
34 k Road Test
KIA Sorento 3.5 V6 is put
flagship the LS600h L through the paces
20 k Cover Story 46 k Road Test
Lincoln MKS still makes a
A look at the master
craftsmen behind the Lexus good offer for this year
LS 600h and the LS460 Special
30 k FUTURE LOOK 38 k MOTORSHOW
Rinspeed fields a concept car The full report from the
and transport solution Dubai motorshow
Poster 500 with aMG spor
ts packaGe
,e
e-class caBriolet 103 | Feb 2010
Mercedes-Benz

Departments
4 k NEWS
62 k
All the news you can use
from around the world Launch
Bentley’s new Continental
26 k Interview
We meet Phil Horton,
supersport convertible
BMW’s regional head
about their plans for 2010

28 k Accessorise MOTORSPORTS
About Apple’s new iPad
and some fancy watches 52 k People
We meet a young racer
58 k Heritage
Of the Daimler wire-wheel car
from the UAE

and Paris 1889 54 k Region

Bahrain to play host to
72 k Chicane Australian V8 supercars
Of airbags, brakes, gas
pedals and recalls... 56 k News
From the world of F1
{news}
BMW Brings its Gran Turismo to Oman
The Top-of-the-line 5-series variant is set to draw customers who are
looking for uniqueness and a car for all occasions
O
nce again defining a brand new
segment in the market, BMW has
announced the arrival of the all-new
Gran Turismo in Oman. An embodiment of the
leading premium automotive manufacturer’s
commitment to innovation, the BMW Gran
Turismo combines the characteristic features
of a prestigious sedan, the functionality and
space of an SAV and elements of a traditional
grand touring car.
The exterior of the car combines the
proportions so typical of a BMW, an elegantly
stretched silhouette and a coupé-like roofline,
as well as four doors with frameless windows
to create one complete, harmonious unit.
The front view of the car animates powerful
dynamism through the sheer presence of the
4
upright BMW kidney grille, large air intakes
and dual round headlights slanted back at
an attractive angle. For the first time the
daytime driving light function is provided by
corona rings with LED technology, while the
rear end is enhanced by L-shaped rear light
clusters with illuminated rows of lights in LED
technology and a two-piece tailgate.
The luxurious interior of the BMW Gran
Turismo enables the driver and passengers
to vary the generous space inside the car
to their individual, personal requirements.
This superior feeling of comfort is further
enhanced by the large window areas, the
optional panorama glass roof, as well as high-
class materials with supreme quality of finish.
Commenting on the arrival of the vehicle in
Oman, Johnny Oommen, Head of Operations
at Al Jenaibi International Automobiles, the
exclusive importer of the BMW Group in Oman,
said: “BMW has a proud history of pioneering
automotive innovations, and the success of
the BMW X6 proved that there is a healthy
demand for a completely new segment of
innovative and aesthetic vehicles. The BMW
Gran Turismo is the only vehicle of its kind in
the market right now.
“We are confident that this new model
will strengthen BMW’s position in the luxury
performance class, and our customers can be
assured of a truly exceptional offering backed
by excellent customer service,” Mr. Oommen
added.
The BMW Gran Turismo enters the market
 {news}

carrying over BMW EfficientDynamics into a

new segment in the automobile world, allowing
the model to set new standards in terms of
economy and emission management.
The Gran Turismo will enter the Omani market
with eight-speed automatic transmission and
two engine variants – the in-line six cylinder
535i and the V8 550i – both with twin-turbo
technology. The BMW 535i Gran Turismo has
a maximum output of 306 hp with a top speed
of 250 km/hr and acceleration from 0–100
km/h in 6.3 seconds. The top-of-the-range
engine, the BMW 550i Gran Turismo has a
maximum output of 407 hp with a top speed
of 250 km/hr and acceleration from 0–100
km/h in 5.5 seconds.

5
{news}
Chevrolet Cruze Wins Middle East
Car Best Small Family Car Award
T he all-new compact value Chevrolet Cruze
fended off the competition to claim Middle
East Car Magazine’s 2009 Best Small Family
Car award.
“The Cruze has shown that it’s a global car
with a world-beating product. Its appearance
is hi-tech and appealing, with excellent
performance. It’s a winner when it counted
most,” said Philip Moore, Middle East Car
Editor.
The all-new Cruze has raised the benchmark
for compact sedans with a new level of detailed
execution and appointments that stand above
Chevrolet Camaro Flexes Muscle
T he 2010 Chevrolet Camaro has lived up
to its legendary reputation and claimed
Wheels magazine’s 2009 Best Sports Car
award along with Middle East Car Magazine’s
2009 Best Muscle Car award.
6
any other competitor in the segment. The
Cruze has already gathered serious appeal
with small families and younger consumers
with the best rear legroom in the segment,
an interior that spoils and unmatched value
for money.
Available in two trim levels, LS and LT, the
Cruze features a 1.8-litre, DOHC 4-cylinder
gasoline engine delivering 140 hp (net).
Transmission choices include a five-speed
manual gearbox and an all-new 6-speed
automatic transmission, offering a smoother
ride and greater fuel efficiency than its peers.
The Camaro is sleekly styled on the DNA of
the first generation Camaro, produced from
1967 to 1969, which along with its performance
and advanced technology, delivers on its high
expectations as a sports coupe for the 21st
century.
The Camaro is available in two trims
in the Middle East. The LT has a
standard 3.6L Direct V-6 engine
that pumps out 304hp (net)
and propels the car from
0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds.
The SS model comes with
two equally impressive
6.2L V-8 engines; the LS3
and the L99 pumping out
426hp (net) and 400hp
(net) respectively, each
launching the car from
0-100km/h in a thrilling 4.7
seconds.
20 YEARS OF LAND ROVER
DISCOVERY
A daptable, capable, indefatigable,
unmistakable. Workhorse, tow car, law
enforcer, status symbol, people carrier; few
cars can claim to fulfil any of these duties with
genuine conviction. Yet since 16 November
1989 – 20 years ago – one car has consistently
met all those challenges and more, earning
itself iconic status as the ultimate all-purpose
vehicle. That car is the Land Rover Discovery
now known in the Middle East and North
America as the Land Rover LR4.
Designed originally to fill the gap between
the utilitarian attributes of the iconic Land
Rover Defender and the more luxurious
characteristics of the flagship Range Rover,
Discovery soon became the perfect niche
vehicle for the growing demands of the family
4x4 market.
Having revolutionised the mid-sized 4x4
sector in 1989, it’s no surprise that the
Discovery evolved to reflect the needs and
tastes of its increasingly urbane and discerning
buyers. Today’s Land Rover LR4 continues
that ethos of evolution to winning effect: Its
strikingly architectural interior design, clear-
yet-stylish dashboard, user-friendly features
and luxurious interior creating an attractive,
well-appointed and practical environment for
driver and passengers alike.
While go-anywhere ability is synonymous
with any Land Rover product, the Discovery’s
enduring success comes from a combination
of all-terrain capability and all-important
practicality for the demands of family life.
Like its predecessors, Land Rover LR4 comes
with seven seats – the rearmost pair offering
legroom for full-sized adults, providing a
versatile space for family and friends.
The vehicle is sold in 91 countries and
sales to date have hit over and above
900,000. Adaptable, capable, indefatigable,
unmistakable; the Discovery legend is wholly
deserved. Here’s to the next 20 years.

Suzuki and VW enter
comprehensive partnership
S uzuki Motor Corporation (Hamamatsu,
Japan “Suzuki”) and Volkswagen AG
(Wolfsburg, Germany “Volkswagen”) have
reached a common understanding to establish
a comprehensive partnership. A framework
agreement has been signed by representatives
of both companies.
In terms of global presence and product
diversity, the partnership marks an important
step towards the future for both Suzuki and
Volkswagen. In terms of product portfolio,
global distribution and manufacturing
capacities, Suzuki and Volkswagen ideally
complement each other. The companies plan
a joint approach to the growing worldwide
demand for more environmentally friendly
vehicles. The management of Suzuki
and Volkswagen has concluded that the
complementary strengths of each company
make for a perfect fit in exploiting their
respective advantages as well as rising to the
challenge of the global market.
In the automotive industry, where
globalization and diversification proceed
in parallel, both companies will establish a
cooperative relationship while respecting
each other’s independence as a stand-
YAMAHA SPONSORS OMAN CLASSIC BIKES CLUB EVENT
Y amaha Motorbikes, who are distributed
in Oman by Zubair Automotive, were the
main sponsor for a fun-packed end of the year
event organized by the Oman Classic Bikes
Club.
The one-day event was a celebration of
motorcycling in Oman and included a classic
bike tour of the Muscat area by 40 motorbikes,
entertainment for children including a Kids
Bike contest, a contest for bikers and a New
Year’s Eve celebration party.
In addition to sponsoring the day’s events,
Yamaha also provided specialist training
for youngsters to learn to ride All Terrain
Vehicles in a safe and controlled environment
– mixing the fun and excitement of riding with
education.
Yamaha Brand Manager for Oman, Bobby
Chacko, said: “We have had a long association
alone entity. Both parties are focused on
achieving synergies in the areas of rapidly
growing emerging markets as well as in the
development and manufacturing of innovative
and environmentally friendly compact cars.
To support a smooth development of this
relationship, Volkswagen will purchase 19.9%
of Suzuki’s issued shares. The Closing of
the transaction is subject to approval of the
relevant authorities and is expected in January
2010. Suzuki intends to invest up to one half
of the amount received from Volkswagen into
shares of Volkswagen. Both companies will
form a long-term strategic partnership based
on this which will support their successful
strategies in these challenging times.
As demand continues to rise for smaller
cars and for power trains with higher fuel
efficiency and lower CO2 output, Suzuki and
Volkswagen will offer a compelling solution for
customers in emerging markets buying a car
for the first time and also for customers in
advanced economies seeking to lower their
CO2 footprint while still enjoying the freedom
of transport offered by an exciting range of
cars.
with the Oman Classic Bikes Club and were
delighted to be able to support this wonderful
one day celebration of motorcycling. This
was a great way to both end the year and
welcome in 2010 which we are confident will
be a great year for our outstanding range of
Yamaha motorcycles and all terrain vehicles.
{news}
Volkswagen Middle East
announces growth in
the automotive market
share in 2009
V olkswagen Middle East has completed its
fourth year in the region with a steady
continued growth in market share despite
the challenges of the current climate in which
the automotive industry has been operating
through last year.
During 2009, Volkswagen Middle East
recorded positive sales growth in some Middle
East markets with sales increasing overall by
18 percent in Lebanon and 15 percent in
Kuwait compared to 2008.
Several Volkswagen models achieved
resilient sales figures in 2009. Volkswagen’s
latest compact SUV, the Tiguan, proved to
be the biggest growth model of Volkswagen
Middle East with 49 percent increase over
the past year. Representing 16 percent
of 2009 total sales, Volkswagen Tiguan is
known for its versatility and is the perfect
match for drivers who enjoy the individual
appearance and flexibility of a SUV but also
expect a premium level of comfort, agility and
variability. The Touareg, Volkswagen’s flagship
model, accounted 18 percent of total sales,
continuing to captivate customers around the
region.
2009 also witnessed the launch of new
Volkswagen models in the region, including
the third generation of the legendary Scirocco,
the iconic sixth generation Golf followed by
the unveiling of the new sporty Golf GTI in
August 2009, which all contributed in boosting
the sales performance.
The Golf GTI has been a phenomenal
success story for Volkswagen around the
world, with its high level of customer value,
leading the global market in the high-
performance section of its class.
Regionally launched in December 2008,
Volkswagen’s first four door coupé vehicle,
CC, has also been recognised by Wheels
magazine, achieving the ‘Best Family Car of
the Year’ award.
7
{news}
911 GT3 R Hybrid Celebrates World Debut in Geneva

E xactly 110 years after Ferdinand Porsche

developed the world’s first car with hybrid
drive, the Lohner Porsche Semper Vivus, Dr.
necessary, that is when accelerating out of a
bend or when overtaking, the driver is able
to call up extra energy from the charged
the performance of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid, for
example by reducing the weight of the tank or
making pitstops less frequent.
Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is once flywheel generator, the flywheel being slowed After its debut in Geneva the 911 GT3 R
again taking up this visionary drive concept down electromagnetically in the generator Hybrid will be tested in long-distance races
in production-based GT racing: During the mode and thus supplying up to 120 kW to on the Nürburgring. The highlight of this
Geneva Motor Show, a Porsche 911 GT3 the two electric motors at the front from test programme will be the 24 Hours on the
R with innovative hybrid drive is making its its kinetic energy. This additional power Nordschleife of Nürburgring on May 15th
debut at the Geneva Motor Show, opening up is available to the driver after each charge and 16th. The focus is not on the 911 GT3 R
a new chapter in the history of Porsche with process for approximately 6 - 8 seconds. Hybrid winning the race, but rather serving as
more than 20,000 wins in 45 years scored Energy formerly converted – and thus a spearhead in technology and a “racing lab”
by the extremely successful Porsche 911 in wasted – into heat upon every application of providing know-how on the subsequent use of
racing trim. the brakes, is now highly efficiently converted hybrid technology in road-going sports cars.
The innovative hybrid technology featured into additional drive power. The 911 GT3 R Hybrid is a perfect example of
in the car has been developed especially Depending on racing conditions, hybrid the Porsche Intelligent Performance philosophy,
for racing, standing out significantly in drive is used in this case not only for extra a principle to be found in every Porsche: More
its configuration and components from power, but also to save fuel. This again power on less fuel, more efficiency and lower
conventional hybrid systems. In this case, increases the efficiency and, accordingly, CO2 emissions – on the track and on the road.
electrical front axle drive with two electric
motors developing 60 kW each supplements
the 480-bhp four-litre flat-six at the rear of
the 911 GT3 R Hybrid. A further significant
point is that instead of the usual batteries in
a hybrid road car, an electrical flywheel power
generator fitted in the interior next to the
driver delivers energy to the electric motors.
The flywheel generator itself is an electric
motor with its rotor spinning at speeds of up
to 40,000 rpm, storing energy mechanically
as rotation energy. The flywheel generator
is charged whenever the driver applies the
brakes, with the two electric motors reversing
their function on the front axle and acting
themselves as generators. Then, whenever

8

Bosch to roll out new braking system in 2010 to improve
pedestrian safety in ME
A new predictive emergency braking
system to be rolled out by Bosch in 2010
could help significantly improve road safety
throughout the Middle East. The new system
has the potential to avert three out of four
injury-causing rear-end collisions.
Middle Eastern countries are intensifying
their road safety programs in response to
the World Health Organisation’s warning that
SUCCESSFUL 24 HOURS ENDURANCE RUN PROVES NISSAN world’s first electric
ALTIMA IS THE BEST IN ITS SEGMENT
On the 23rd & 24th December, at the City Its advanced Continuously Variable Valve
Center outside parking lot in Seeb (near Al
Makkan Coffee Shop), 2 Nissan Altima cars
were taken through a ‘non-stop run’ by expert
drivers who know how to test a car. A rally
track, complete with sharp bends and other
hazardous turns, was set up.
What was proved in those 24 hours was
‘how good is the Altima’? Did the engine have
stamina to run from one evening to another?
Was the suspension good enough to make the
entire ride comfortable?
The expert drivers, specially selected by
the Oman Automobile Association (OAA), had
the feel for everything in a car. From a smooth
sturdy-built engine and everything mechanical
for the long drive, to many comfort zones
like air conditioning, spacious and luxurious
interiors and cabin accessories. There are
many aspects of the Altima these drivers
reported after the ‘non-stop run’ was over.
Nissan takes pride in delivering Altima in
the highest quality to all its customers. Every
Altima is dynamically tested on Nissan test
track prior to shipment to the world.
Named 14 times as one of the ‘10 Best
Engines’ by Ward’s Automotive Group, Altima’s
285-hp VQ 3.5-litre V6 features numerous
refinements to ensure its legendary status.
road-related crashes will become the number
one cause of death by 2020 unless positive
actions are taken. They are particularly
focusing on the four hazard control measures
of Elimination, Engineering, Education
and Enforcement. Bosch will support the
Engineering dimension by introducing a
predictive emergency braking system that will
provide drivers with support on three levels.
“More intelligence is being built into braking
systems to enable them to assess traffic
conditions and provide additional braking
support as needed. Rather than being sold
off as separate equipment, such systems are
already being built into entire automobile lines.
By next year we will be installing predictive
systems into Audi vehicles, which are very
popular in the Middle East. With governments
such as the UAE spending heavily into road
safety, the introduction of our new system
next year represents a significant step
7-Seater MPV That will
‘Think Ahead’
Timing Control System (CVTCS) now works
over a wider RPM range for greater low-end
torque and a relentless rush to the redline.
A new 6-point engine-mount system reduces
engine vibration. It even sounds better,
thanks to acoustic tuning that limits unwanted
mechanical noise, while letting the pure,
exhilarating sound of power come in.
In Oman, SBA offers the Altima in 3
variants – the Altima Sedan 2.5 & 3.5, and
the thoroughly glamorous Altima Coupe.
{news}
towards better regional prevention of road
accidents,” said Volker Bischoff, GM, Robert
Bosch ME.
The upcoming Bosch system detects
potential obstacles and initially provides
an audible or visual warning, followed by a
brief application of the brakes. If the driver
reacts and steps on the brakes, the system
uses the emergency braking assistant to
increase braking pressure and avoid collision.
However, if there is no driver response but
impact is imminent, then the system brakes at
maximum force. Bosch engineers have been
able to reduce the weight and size of the new
braking control system by up to 30 percent as
compared to the previous version. A further
reduction in cost supports the efforts of the
automotive industry and authorities to make
active safety systems standard equipment
worldwide. The new Bosch system will go into
series production in 2010 at Audi AG.
L UXGEN, Taiwan’s first automobile brand
made its global debut at the Dubai
International Motor Show. On display was
the full line-up of 4 unique LUXGEN vehicles
scheduled to become available in the GCC
from Q4 2010.
LUXGEN vehicles are engineered to ‘Think
Ahead’ for their drivers. Armed with advanced
technology designed by Taiwan’s global smart
phone leader HTC, LUXGEN vehicles are
equipped with a suite of advanced features
to preempt road conditions and potential
hazards. All LUXGEN vehicles feature a state
of the art onboard computer system, dubbed
the ‘Think+’, which, for the first time ever,
combines HTC smart technology and Windows
CE Automotive interface. ‘Think+’ boasts six
main attractive features, including video and
audio entertainment, telecommunication,
GPS navigation, safety alerts, owner exclusive
applications and system settings. Additionally,
the vehicles also feature: Eagle View+ (a
360 degree surround imaging system),
Night Vision+ (light-enhancing forward-
looking camera system), Side View+ (Blind
spot Monitoring System nod LDWS+ (Lane
Departure Warning System).
9
{news}

VOLVO XC60 NAMED

New E-Class Cabriolet is model for
“FAMILY CAR OF THE YEAR” all seasons

T he Volvo XC60 took first prize in the “Family

Car of the Year” category in the first-ever
Women’s World Car of the Year competition.
All told, 21 cars competed in four categories
when eight female motoring journalists from
seven countries voted for their favourite cars.
“It is naturally immensely gratifying that
women appreciate the Volvo XC60 and
that our product meets their requirements.
With the Volvo XC60 we feel we have truly
succeeded in creating a car that appeals to
many different customer groups,” said Johan
Rasmusson, Car Line Manager for the Volvo
XC60 and XC90 at Volvo Cars.
Over the past year, eight female motoring
journalists from Britain, the USA, Canada,
South Africa, India, Australia and New Zealand
put 21 selected cars to the test. The group
and the award were created to educate the
world’s car makers about female customers’
A highly appealing and emotionally charged
Cabriolet is the latest addition to the
successful Mercedes-Benz E-Class line-up.
roof. The soft top’s exceptionally high-quality
insulation brings about a clearly noticeable
reduction in the interior noise level compared
requirements. The open-top two-door model, which goes on to conventional fabric soft tops. Exterior noise
All the winners in the four categories were sale in the first quarter of 2010, features a caused by other vehicles and wind noise are
recently presented in London. The Volvo XC60 classic fabric soft top, making for a stylistically therefore absorbed more effectively. On the
won the “Family Car of the Year” category. pure cabriolet feeling. road, the difference is audible from speeds
The overall winner of the competition was the The soft top can be opened and closed fully of just 80 km/h, for example when driving
Jaguar XF. automatically within 20 seconds – even when through a tunnel or overtaking a convoy of
The cars were assessed on a wide range driving at speeds of up to 40 km/h. The cabriolet trucks.
of criteria described as a “women-specific roof is stowed in a special compartment behind The soft top is of course waterproof and
shopping-list”. This includes parameters such the rear panel. A retractable cover separates windproof. Plus it can be put through an
as storage space, child-friendliness, design the soft top compartment from the boot area automatic carwash without any hesitation.
and driving pleasure. Acceleration and torque which must be closed in order to close the With a total thickness of 23.5 mm, the fabric
were also assessed, but were not among the soft top. If the roof is to remain closed, the soft top offers excellent thermal insulation,
top priorities. Climate impact was another cover can be slid rearwards, in which case the meaning that the E-Class Cabriolet is also
factor. boot capacity is increased by 90 litres to 390 ideal for use in winter.
The voting procedure and the competition litres. A through-loading feature is included as The new Cabriolet offers the wealth of
itself were monitored by globally renowned standard for the new Cabriolet, as is EASY- safety innovations one would expect from a
auditing firm Grant Thornton. In order to ENTRY – a manually operated entry and exit Mercedes model. Highlights of the open-top
qualify for this year’s competition, the cars had aid for the rear passengers. two-door model include roll-over protection,
to be sold in at least ten countries throughout Thanks to its acoustic soft top, fitted as the A-pillars reinforced by two additional
the world and must have been available on standard, even the closed E-Class Cabriolet has tubes and the plug-in B-pillars. This new
the market between September 2008 and one of the quietest interiors in the segment for model is also the first Mercedes cabriolet to
September 2009. four-seater premium cabriolets with a fabric feature headbags.

10

In other news
GREAT WALL OMAN
STRENGTHENS TIES
WITH CHINESE
MANUFACTURER
Zubair Automotive
Strengthen ties with Great
Wall Chinese Manufacturer
to Bring Best Technical
Services to the Sultanate
In an effort to enhance
technical training, technical
support and provide a
more efficient Great Wall
parts supply in Oman, the
Great Wall Motor Company
distributed exclusively by
the Zubair Automotive
Group in Oman is setting
up a centralized parts
distribution facility in Jebal
Ali in the UAE.
With easy access to
Oman, the new facility will
house over 95% of the
current Great Wall range of
spare parts and technical
documentation. A training
plan is also currently being
discussed between Zubair
Automotive and the Great
Wall Chinese manufacturer
that should be finalized
soon. Great Wall customers
will be able to receive the
most advanced diagnostic
and repair methods that
are utilized on the global
products in Oman.
A team of experienced
automotive engineers were
also recently dispatched
to Oman from Great Wall
to offer the technical team
some in-field specialized
training.
BYD AUTO RANKED
TOP 3
According to the statistics
released by China
Association of Automobile
Manufacturers (CAAM),
BYD Auto hit a historic
new high with monthly
sales of 60,150 units in
December, 2009. As the
most popular model of
BYD, F3 made a new
record of 40,000 units on
monthly sales and orders
among the best-selling
models in China. BYD
also ranked amongst top
3 vehicle manufacturers
together with Shanghai GM
and Shanghai VW in terms
of monthly sales which
showed BYD’s strong sales
momentum.
BYD is represented in
Oman by the automotive
division of MHD LLC. The
BYD brand was launched in
Oman in November 2009.
Launched from a totally
new facility in Azaiba the
range comprises of the
F3 1.6 Litre 4 door saloon
available in both Manual &
Automatic versions and the
F6 2.4 Litre fully automatic
4 door saloon.
EIB APPROVES LOAN
TO SAAB AUTOMOBILE
AB
The EIB has approved a
loan to Saab Automobile
for €400 million. A
statement on the EIB’s
website reads:
The EIB has confirmed
the authorisation to
conclude the EUR 400
million loan to SAAB
Automobile AB in
accordance with the
terms and conditions
approved by the Board of
Directors on 21 October
2009 and to conclude
the guarantee agreement
with the Swedish National
Debt Office, as the loan
is subject to a state
guarantee which the
Swedish Government
approved on 26 January
2010. The EU Commission
approved the Swedish
state-guarantee for the
Bank’s loan to SAAB on 8
February 2010.
Victor Muller, Spyker CEO
said: “We are extremely
pleased with the decision
by the EIB as this was
a crucial component in
enabling the acquisition of
Saab to proceed. Months
of hard work have paid
off. We cannot wait to
close this transaction now
as soon as practically
possible. We extend
our gratitude to the EIB
officials who have worked
relentlessly to make this
happen.”
Renault Clio ‘S’ to
make a return in
certain countries
Renault’s bid to market
cars that deliver sporty
appeal at affordable prices
has led to the return of
a version of Renault Clio
that proved highly popular
in the 1990s, namely
Renault Clio ‘S’. Like its
predecessor, today’s
Renault Clio ‘S’ features an
overtly sporty feel thanks
to a competitively-priced
package of exclusive and
distinctive design details.
Renault Clio ‘S’ has
been on sale in the United
Kingdom since January
and is now available in
Belgium, Switzerland,
Spain and Portugal, as well
as in the Nordic nations. In
France, itwill be released at
a later date in the form of
a Pack.
In addition to Europe,
it will also be marketed in
South Africa, Israel and
Japan.
ZERO TO 80 PERCENT
IN 15 MINUTES
Electric vehicle
manufacturer THINK today
announced that it will work
with AeroVironment, Inc.
(NASDAQ: AVAV) (AV),
a leading developer and
supplier of electric vehicle
charging infrastructure,
to pursue demonstration
and commercial projects
using AV’s level III fast-
charge system and the
THINK City electric vehicle.
The projects will be
designed to jump-start the
development of fast-charge
infrastructure in the United
States.
The announcement
came at a 15-minute
news conference at the
Washington Auto Show.
Fifteen-minutes is
{news}
the time it will take to
charge a THINK City from
completely depleted to
80 percent charged using
an advanced fast-charge
system, establishing a new
benchmark for the rapidly
developing electric vehicle
industry.
First Omani
Certified Audi
Service Manager
Wattayah Motors
Volkswagen workshop
manager Said Darwish,
is the first Omani
Audi Certified Service
Manager in the Gulf due
to a successful training
programme that was
organized on behalf of
Volkswagen and Audi held
recently in Dubai.
Said Al Balushi
representing Wattayah
Motors in Oman was
nominated for this training
amongst a list of service
managers from various
Audi dealers across the
Middle East. He was
the only Omani and
GCC national amongst
all the attendees that
successfully achieved the
highest results in business
planning, leadership,
time management,
budgeting, marketing and
management.
11
{Cover Story}

Hybrid flagship
The much-awaited technology flagship is now in the market here
and is set to draw decision-makers with a conscience

12

Arrives in Oman
T
he luxury marque from Japan is now
going places with its new generation of
Hybrid technology. Especially to places
like Oman, where petrol costs around 30 US
cents a litre and very few car owners get
scared of buying a V8 engine.
The Lexus LS600
L Hybrid
therefore has a more ubiquitous role to play
for the brand not just in Oman but in other
Gulf states as well. Potential owners of the
car will be neither trying to save money nor
worried about the cost of fuel. These are
owners who will willingly put in the extra
money that the sophisticated drivetrain and
the ‘L’ badge dictate for the honour of saying
“I care”.
The brand’s flagship model, the LS 600h L
– the “L” signifying the long-wheelbase LS
platform -- provides the highest level of
performance, technology and luxury
in the LS line. The LS 600h L is
powered by the ultra-
quiet Lexus Hybrid
Drive system,
which was the
{Cover Story}
world’s first to combine a V8 petrol engine with
an all-wheel-drive (AWD) hybrid drivetrain.
The LS 600h L’s combined estimated EPA fuel
economy rating of 21 mpg is equal to or better
than the combined fuel economy ratings of
some mid-sized V6 AWD luxury sedans.
The 2010 LS 600h L is distinguished by a
revised front grille and bumper.  Rear styling is
enhanced with distinctive blue-tinted taillights
and a revised license plate surround and
exhaust diffusers. New side mirrors integrate
turn signals.
Thanks to improved hybrid battery
packaging and placement, the trunk capacity
for the 2010 LS 600h L grows by nearly two
cubic feet. New Intelligent High Beams adjust
their brightness in response to oncoming
vehicles.
13
{Cover Story}
Already lauded for its comprehensive luxury,
the 2010 LS 600h L gains numerous additional
luxury amenities and user technology
features including a driver’s seat that now
features a standard slide-away feature that
makes ingress/egress more comfortable; a
new LCD instrument cluster; the standard
Lexus Navigation system employs new casual
language recognition; Bluetooth® phonebook
capability and new music playing capability
with USB/iPod® connectivity and Bluetooth
audio streaming.
Drivetrain
The LS 600h L hybrid powertrain system
uniquely combines a 5.0-liter V8 petrol engine
with two powerful electric motors and a large-
capacity battery pack.  The hybrid powertrain
generates a peak combined output rating of
438 horsepower and can effortlessly accelerate
the LS 600h L from zero-to-60 mph in just
5.5 seconds.  Mid-range acceleration is even
more impressive. The system’s electric motor
is capable of delivering maximum torque on
demand and is most beneficial during passing
maneuvers.  The LS 600h L can accelerate
from 50-70 mph in just 3.5 seconds.
The innovative V8 features an electric
motor-driven Variable Valve Timing with
intelligence (VVT-i) and Electrically controlled
intake cam (VVT-iE). The combination of VVT-
iE and oil pressure-controlled VVT-i for the
exhaust cam provides superior engine-startup
operation and high-output performance.  A
specially developed Hydrocarbon Absorber
and Catalyst System is linked to the two-
way exhaust to help prevent hydrocarbons
contained in the exhaust from being released
into the atmosphere during cold start up when
the catalysts are not up to temperature.
The LS 600h L meets the Super Ultra Low
Emission Vehicle II (SULEV II) certification,
emitting nearly 70-percent fewer smog-
forming emissions than the average new car.
The super-low noise, vibration and harshness
(NVH) levels in the LS 600h L make it one of
the quietest automobiles ever built.  The LS
600h L is a full hybrid, capable of operating
in electric-only mode or with a combination
of the gas engine and electric motor.  Lexus
hybrid technology allows electric-mode-only
operation when certain conditions are met at
low speeds or stop-and-go driving conditions,
reducing fuel consumption and noise.
A compact 288-volt DC Nickel Metal Hydride
14
(Ni-MH) battery pack is installed behind the
rear seat. The battery’s power is directed
through a boost converter that efficiently
raises voltage to a maximum 650V DC.  An
inverter changes this to AC, providing its
elevated power to a 165-kW electric motor
that turns at up to 10,240 rpm.  The trunk
also contains a 12-volt auxiliary battery that
powers the audio, navigation, and other
systems.
The LS 600h L powertrain uses two motor
generators: MG1 and MG2. Each performs
specific functions and can operate as either
a motor or a generator, although MG1 is used
as a starter motor and provides no motive
force.  The engine-driven generator, MG1, can
charge the battery pack or provide additional
power to the drive motor, MG2, as needed.
A regenerative-braking system further
boosts efficiency.  When the vehicle is coasting
or the brakes are applied, the electric motors
function as generators, capturing kinetic
energy that would normally be lost as heat
through the brakes and transforming it into
useable electricity to recharge the batteries.
A state-of-the-art, full-time all-wheel drive
system adapts to road surface conditions
to help provide excellent vehicle control
during acceleration, high-speed driving and
cornering.  The AWD system employs a
compact, ultra-quiet transfer case equipped
with a TORSEN® limited-slip differential
(LSD) that is 30 percent lighter in size and
weight than previous TORSEN systems.
The LSD provides rear biased torque
distribution of 40:60 during normal straight-
line driving, automatically and continually
adjusting power distribution according to
changing speed and road conditions.
An eight-speed sequential braking mode,
activated when the shift lever is in the “S”
position, allows eight different stages of
response.  When up-shifting, engine speed
is controlled by the selected range, offering
an exhilarating boost in acceleration during
each of the eight “shift” stages.  When
downshifting, brake-force increases to provide
powerful deceleration.
The driver can select “hybrid” (normal),
“power,” or “snow” modes to change the
rate of throttle opening for a given throttle-
pedal angle.  The “hybrid” mode provides
the smoothest operation and is ideal for
city or suburban driving; “power” sharpens
accelerator pedal response and “snow” mode
softens accelerator pedal response, making it
easier to accelerate on slippery road surfaces. 
By pushing an EV switch, power reverts to full
electric mode for short-distance, low-speed
driving situations such as residential areas or
parking garages.
 
Chassis
Multi-link front and rear air-suspension
systems help maintain superb vehicle posture
and driving performance while maintaining
the ultra-comfortable ride that is synonymous
with all Lexus vehicles.
The LS 600h L is equipped with large front-
and rear-ventilated disc brakes and standard
19-inch, seven-spoke aluminium alloy wheels
with all-season tyres.  These special wheels
receive extensive buffing.
Electronic Power Steering (EPS) delivers
a smooth steering feel and reduces parasitic
losses. Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS)
optimizes the steering gear ratio according to
vehicle speed, enhancing responsiveness and
driver control.
Networked with the Vehicle Dynamics
Integrated Management (VDIM) system,
VGRS can make minor adjustments to the
front-wheel angle to help provide improved
stability in challenging road conditions.
 
Safety Features
The VDIM stability system incorporates and
manages all of the car’s dynamic handling sub-
systems, including: Electronically Controlled
Brake (ECB) system, EPS, Vehicle Stability
Control (VSC), Antilock Braking System (ABS),
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and
engine torque via the electronically controlled
throttle. Monitoring a variety of sensors, the
system anticipates the onset of a vehicle skid
or slide while cornering, and helps correct
the situation with a combination of braking,
throttle and steering control in a way that is
essentially transparent to the driver.  VSC can
be turned off for particular circumstances via
the Trac Off button.
In addition to the active safety features,
the LS 600h L is standard-equipped with
eight airbags, with a maximum of 11 airbags
available through option packages.  The
world’s first low-beam LED headlamps provide
superior road illumination, and the standard
Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) helps to
illuminate a turn or curve as the driver steers
into it.
{Cover Story}

Top of the line interiors

and the same level of
attention to detail are
the hallmark of the LS
interiors

The car can be identified

by the blue hue added
to the logo and the 600h
badge

15
{Cover Story}
The available Advanced Pre-Collision
System (APCS) was the world’s first system
designed to help detect pedestrians in the
vehicle’s path when it debuted on the 2009
Pebble Beach® Edition LS 600h L.  This
system is now available for the 2010 LS 600h
L (and the LS 460 models) with Lane Keep
Assist.  Using two small cameras mounted at
the front of the car that work in conjunction
with millimeter-wave radar, APCS is sensitive
enough to detect certain nonmetallic objects.
16
As part of APCS, the LS also offers the
Driver Monitor System, which was another
world first.  A third camera, mounted on the
steering column, monitors the orientation of
the driver’s face.
If the camera detects that it appears the
driver is not looking directly ahead for a
few seconds or more, and if an obstacle is
detected ahead, then it alerts the driver, first
with a warning chime and a flashing light.  As
the car gets closer to the obstacle, APCS can
begin to gently apply the brakes on its own. 
To help assist the driver in maneuvering
around the obstacle, the system reprograms
the steering ratio, amplifying the intensity and
quickness of the steering response.  At the
same time, APCS automatically retracts the
front seatbelts and prepares the brake system
to respond with full force when activated
by the driver in anticipation of a possible
impact.

Luxury
The LS 600h L is based on the long-wheelbase
LS chassis, providing nearly five inches more
legroom than the standard LS 460 model.  Sound audio system.  An auxiliary jack
This flagship sedan provides the highest level
of comfort and convenience features in the LS
series.  Standard features include a hard disk
drive (HDD) Lexus Navigation system with a
backup camera, Bluetooth technology, Voice
Command casual language voice-recognition
system.
For theater-level entertainment, the LS
600h L features a standard 19-speaker 450-
watt Mark Levinson® Reference Surround
located in the front centre console allows for
MP3 digital music players while a USB port
allows for iPod connectivity.
Additional standard features include
climate-controlled front seats, heated rear
seats, a heated steering wheel, power rear
sunshade, one-touch open/close power
{Cover Story}
trunk, power door closers, headlamp washers,
SmartAccess with push-button start and card
key, electronic parking brake, Intuitive Park
Assist, and laminated side glass.
New standard features for 2010 include
the Cold Weather Package, which includes a
windshield de-icer, upgraded battery and more
efficient heater, and the Advanced Parking
Guidance System (APGS).  APGS is designed
to assist with parallel and back-in parking. 
Once the driver has correctly positioned the
17
{Cover Story}
car and identified the desired parking spot via
the navigation screen, APGS utilises the rear
back-up camera parking sonar sensors and
electric power steering system to guide the
car into the space, while the driver controls
speed via braking.
 
Luxury Options
The Premium Package II includes two new
additions for 2010, butterfly rear headrests
and left rear seat with lumbar massage.  The
package also features rear climate controlled
power seats with memory and power
headrests, rear seat-mounted side airbags, a
rear heater control panel, four-zone climate
control, rear audio controls, additional wood
trim, rear air purifier, rear headliner and side
air ducts, power rear-door sunshades, and a
rear seat entertainment system equipped with
a power ceiling-mounted nine-inch screen for
DVD viewing.
18
The Executive Class Seating Package II
includes all features in the Premium Package II
and adds a power right rear seat with ottoman. 
The seat reclines up to 45 degrees with an
upper-back recliner featuring a 17-degree
angle adjustment.  A multi-function massage
feature for the right-rear seat recliner can be
used separately or in conjunction with the
seat heater and cooler.
The package also includes a rear-seat
wood-trimmed table, and the rear-seat
entertainment system features a rear DVD
player and wireless headphones.  The rear
climate control is upgraded with an infrared
sensor located in the headliner that measures
lap, upper body and seat surface temperatures
on each side and adjusts airflow accordingly.
 {Cover Story}

The LS600 L Hybrid is a technology leader even when it comes to cabin comfort. With streaming Bluetooth Audio or
the option of hooking up your iPod, entertainment and a comfortable ambience are part of the package.

19
{Industry}

Master Craftsmen Blend

Old-World Traditions
And Advanced Technologies
Master Craftsmen,
a classification of
skilled, highly trained
workers almost
completely eliminated
by the rise of mass
production, once
again are making
their presence felt
in the automotive
industry. They are
the people entrusted

O
with putting the final nce upon a time, Master Craftsmen
personified a valued old-world
polish of quality and tradition that ensured quality and
workmanship. Because this tradition consisted
excellence on the of masters and apprentices, it also guaranteed
that the skills involved in craftsmanship would
redesigned Lexus LS be passed from generation to generation.
However, in all but a few factories, the pace
600h L, LS 460 and of the assembly line and the insistence of
speed over excellence and quality almost
LS 460 L completely eliminated Master Craftsmen from
the automotive business.
The tradition of master craftsmanship
was well developed in Japan, where such
people are called takumi. These were the
artisans largely responsible for Japan’s unique
manufacturing culture. Chosen from a select
group of individuals who possess the needed
combination of production experience, sensory
evaluation expertise and management skills,
they apply themselves with the same focus
and determination that local craftsmen have
devoted to their work for generations.
So it is that valuable old tradition of quality,
craftsmanship and specialized training has
been given new life in a place where it never
completely faded away. A group of 10 of these
skilled, highly trained and highly specialized
workmen comprise the key ingredient to the
stunning levels of quality found in the newest
generation Lexus LS.
The tradition of craftsmanship has a special

20
 {Industry}

place of honour at Toyota’s Tahara plant in

Japan, where the Lexus LS is built. Tahara is
a special place because it’s the most awarded
and recognized plant in the Toyota/Lexus
firmament. But the craftsmen there were
challenged to do an even better job than they
were doing. They were challenged to become
“takumi,” or Master Craftsmen.
Under the Master Craftsman program in
place at the Tahara plant, each of the 10
areas has one master engineer who performs
his job better, more skillfully and more artfully
than anyone else does. He’s asked to develop
other engineers, to create standards and
measurements that will not only insure that
the cars built under his watchful eye meet
Lexus’ expectations of and requirements for
quality, but equally important, also to insure
that his skills and his art will be passed on to
younger workers who can carry forward the
tradition of craftsmanship and quality.
At the Tahara plant each Master Craftsmen
is the top expert in his field. Rather than
reminding one of the days when violins, for
instance, were carefully and lovingly built
individually by hand labour, the names of those
fields reflect today’s reality of automotive
design and construction. The 10 are involved
in the design and assembly of the LS 600h L.
The areas they oversee are Engine Casting,
Engine Machining, Engine Assembly, Plastics
Moldings, Plastics Painting, Vehicle Assembly,
Body Painting, Welding, Stamping and Final
Inspection/Quality Control.
Together, these takumi guide every
stage of the production process, adding
refined touches and a deep sensitivity
culled from years of experience. Their keen
observations and subtle manipulations of
activities are not merely a glossy finish. They
are deeply embedded in the entire process
from the development stages of the LS to
final production, even down to refining the
production technology itself.
Master Craftsmen were added to the build
procedure of the all-new LS as a result of an
ongoing desire by Lexus officials to continue
to improve upon the already impressive build
quality of prior LS models. The plan was to
take that build quality even further, in some
cases, cutting already close tolerances in
half.
The selection process for these Master
Craftsmen was careful and rigorous. Each of
them not only had to be at the very top of

21
{Industry}
his field in terms of skill, but he also had to
possess excellent management and training
abilities.
Six months before production was
scheduled to begin, the Master Craftsmen
were selected for each of the 10 production
areas. They were given extensive instruction
and education about the idea of quality, which
was redefined to not only be quantitative, but
also qualitative, so that it can be both felt and
sensed.
Each Master Craftsman is tasked with
innovating new methods for achieving
higher levels of quality within his area of
expertise. To achieve this goal, he works
with two assistant master craftsmen, who
report to him. These two are in charge of the
craftsmen for each area and are responsible
not only for implementing the new processes
that the Master Craftsman develops, but they
also train the employees that will be working
directly on the line.
Early on in the development of this process,
two challenges were identified: Engineering
required tightened tolerances and higher
standards, and manufacturing required new
human skills and equipment to attain these
goals.
For example, although the LS 600h L is
a mass-production vehicle, plant officials
arranged for one of the best, most renowned
car painters to paint a new LS by hand to
22
illustrate what can be achieved when the
highest levels of quality are all that are
acceptable. As a result, the finishing touches
on each LS models’ exterior paint are also
done by hand.
In this way, each Master Craftsman and
his team was made aware of the targets in
his own area and the gap in quality that was
evident between this target and current levels.
The Master Craftsmen also needed to devise
an educational plan (both training, and tools
and equipment) to allow the plant technicians
to achieve a higher level of quality.
One of the places the work of these Master
Craftsmen is felt is in the sanitized clean
room where the LS engine is painstakingly
assembled and inspected. Every aspect
of engine performance is examined, even
some aspects that others might label as
unnecessary.
“One thing that differentiates the LS engine
from its predecessors is the beautiful sound
it achieves,” says Osamu Fujita, the Master
Craftsman in charge of engine assembly.
“While prior LS engines were rightly valued
for their quiet running, this time we strove
to go further and create an engine that is
powerful, yet melodious in its tranquility,”
Fujita said.
For Fujita, rigorous inspections such as
checking the block and cylinder-head interiors
via X-ray and CAT scan were not enough to

yield the sound qualities desired of the LS. He
personally fires up every assembled engine
on a test bench and listens intently with a
stethoscope to detect even faint variations
in sound. When Fujita discovers an off-key
note, he makes minor adjustments, tuning
the engine much as a specialist might tune a
grand piano until it sounds exactly right to his
demanding ear.
Later on, cars coming off the line will
be driven by experts to ensure the engine
produces precisely the right sound and feel.
These very human ministrations go beyond
the technical analysis of production data to
guarantee each LS delivers performance that
feels tailor-made to its customers.
Does this all sound just a bit extreme?
It isn’t, at least it isn’t to these Master
Craftsmen.
Masahide Sakato, the Master Craftsman
responsible for the body press line, has also
made it his mission to insure nothing but
excellence from the new LS.
“The styling of the new LS is superb,”
Sakato said. “Our mission is to bring out the
vehicle’s design sophistication even further for
the enjoyment and excitement of drivers.”
To evolve the already advanced design
still closer to perfection, Sakato subjects
the car to a wide range of tests to ensure
it meets the uncompromising standards set
by the designers. Spacing between doors,
panels, headlights and other adjoining parts
are precisely measured. The data is relayed
instantaneously to the production floor where
any necessary adjustments are directly
implemented by Kaoru Chiba, the Master
Craftsman for body assembly. Chiba’s vast
skills enable him to align various adjoining
parts with incredible precision.
Next, Sakato and Chikao Kawamura, the
Master Craftsman who specializes in paint
application and finishing techniques, inspect
the exterior under a range of different lighting
{Industry}
conditions. Sakoto uses a specially made
light tunnel that allows him to examine the
surface flow over the entire body and carefully
compare it against the theoretical ideals of
their CAD images. Kawamura goes over the
paint job under three different simulated
light conditions. Together, they ensure that
the surface is free of even the most minute
imperfections.
Kawamura’s influence starts long before the
car arrives at this point, however, beginning
with his redesigning of the production-line
robots to precisely mimic the movements of
a craftsman’s hands, giving the mechanical
process a human nuance and bringing it closer
to takumi techniques. The buffing robots’
movements create a deeper finish over the
curved body panels, while the painting robots
function as virtual human artists, eliminating
color irregularities and clotting.
Even this is not enough. Both of these
technical operations are further enhanced
23
{Industry}
by Kawamura’s team, who step in to re-buff
areas that are more detailed and perform the
water polishing that gives the finished LS its
unmistakable sheen. Before the cars leave
the factory, every surface is given a final
inspection, passing only when Kawamura
feels the results are something he can look
upon proudly.
The person who holds the job that might
be most interesting to enthusiasts is Lexus’
tuning Master Craftsman. He works in a more
subjective area than some of the others, the
area that involves the actual feel of a vehicle
as it is driven and its responses to driver
inputs. Working with the car’s chief engineer,
he helps develop the chief engineer’s vision
for the sound, feel, and handling of the car.
This concept of a Master Craftsman for
Vehicle Dynamics was created in 2005. When
the Lexus brand was going to launch in Japan,
Hirokazu Koga was selected for this role.
Koga works alongside Chief Engineer Yoshida
for each LS to ensure a consistent feel among
the Lexus models.
This was, at the time, an entirely new
position within the corporation, but it was one
that was judged to be absolutely necessary.
The Dynamic Master’s role is to drive and
give input on each vehicle in the Lexus stable
to achieve a common tuning goal and feel for
every vehicle in the brand, while allowing each
model to keep its own unique personality and
driving feel.
24
Perhaps that simplifies things too much.
Actually, Lexus’ goal was much more complex
than that. The brand’s chief engineer wanted,
basically, what he called a “realization of
everything.” For example, the LS 600h L will
utilize a 5.0-litre V8 hybrid system that will
produce 438 horsepower, yet meet the most
stringent worldwide emission criteria, with a
fuel target similar to a V6 midsize all-wheel-
drive luxury-sedan engine.
“The goal for the LS 600h L,” Koga said,
“is for the driver to enjoy the vehicle without
any stress, and that all aspects of driving
can be enjoyed, everything from city driving
to freeways and interstates to the most
challenging of mountain roads.”
A tall order, for sure. To help fill that
order, one of the Dynamic Master’s activities
occurs early in the vehicle-development
process when a prototype is shown to third
parties for vehicle evaluation. Koga’s group
uses this feedback and information during
development.
Explained Koga, “Whether it’s our cars, our
prototypes or the cars of our competitors,
I am constantly driving, comparing and
analyzing. I work closely with the developers
and chief engineers for each model to
integrate key driving elements that form the
foundation of Lexus vehicles. On top of this
foundation, we collectively build the individual
driving characteristics required for each
model. I provide input and feedback from a
variety of sources, and foster communication
between chief engineers to see that our
efforts contribute to strengthening the brand
overall.”
In addition to the fundamental character
of the LS, such as excellent body control and
rear stability, Koga is looking for a ride quality,
a distinctive feel in the way the car moves and
responds that belongs uniquely to Lexus.
Among the challenging goals the design
team had in mind for the fourth-generation
LS was that it should feel distinctly agile when
driving over winding mountain roads, but
without sacrificing performance for highway
cruising. The result is a thoroughly engaging
ride. Acceleration and braking are smooth
and responsive, free from jolts associated
with sudden changes in velocity, for excellent
driver and passenger ride comfort.
When this level of determination to polish
the LS’s dynamics is equal to the resolve
to polish its manufacture, the result meets
Chief Engineer Yoshida’s high standards for
satisfaction.
“Only by joining the finely honed skills of
our master craftsmen with the world’s most
advanced production technologies can we
create a vehicle that achieves an unmatched
degree of perfection,” Kawamura said.
And that, of course, is exactly the ideal for
which Lexus is striving.
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{Interview}

BMW ready for 2010

We interviewed Phil Horton, Managing Director of BMW Middle
East for his insight on the brand’s readiness for the new year
What is BMW’s reading of the market middle east overall. In what we call the Oman particularly we were running down 5%,
during 2009 (The interview was during premuim segment, it is pretty much the same. so were actually performing better than the
the Dubai Motorshow in end 2009)? Having said that, at BMW, we have been very whole region.
fortunate, particularly because of the strength Primarily this is because of the 7-series. It
You are right. It has been a tough year in of some of our models and particularly in that coincided with the arrival of the credit crisis
the market. In fact, we are at the end of the new models. We were down overall in in the region. Because this part of the world
November so we have few days to go. The the whole region about 8%. Obviously better likes big cars and novelty, we have really been
market will be down at least 25% in the than 25% that the market shrank and in saved by the arrival of the 7-series as well as

26
 {Interview}

BMW X5 and X6. Both continued to perform

very well. Overall we are happy with the year
and we are looking for some growth over the
next year, 2010.

What do you look forward to in 2010 in

terms of product?

We have a very strong first half in terms of

product. The most important product is the
arrival of the new 5-series which will be
avaliable in the world and in the middle east
from mid-march moving into April. It may be
our best selling car in the year. As well as
that, we have got the arrival of other new cars
which are the Active-hybrid 6 and 7. Frankly
in terms of volume that would be a small
volume. I think that is positive and then we
have got some changes in X5 too, so I think
next year we are looking forward certainly to
growth in 2010. Phil Horton holds a positive outlook about the brand’s chances during the new
year as well as the general outlook for the region
How about in terms of powertrains?

In terms of power trains in new X5 there

will be ugraded engines. As I said the active
hybrid is obviously a new technology where
we combine electric power and enhanced
versions of the existing 750 engine so those
will new power trains as well. When the
5-series comes, it comes also with all-new
powertrains.
Are you trying to enhance sales in the
region by any commercial tweaking of
your operations?
I don’t think so. Clearly all the importers are
trying to enhance the offer they have got.
In Abu Dhabi and in Dubai for example we
have some new facility improvements coming
online. But not Oman because you know
we already have an excellent facility there.
So apart from the natural improvement that
we hopefully might see in sales and service,
there will be no major new initiatives on the
commercial side.
How about financing?
Financing is always an intersting one in this
region. Compared with America and Europe,
there is still a long way to go in terms of the
finance market and acceptance of leasing as a
product. It is a process of steady development
and we have to do that with the local banks
because unlike US and Europe and in many
other countries, we don’t have our own
financial services entity which is what BMW
uses in most parts of the world so we have
to do every thing in cooperation with local
banks.
What do expect of your presence here in
the motor show?
Although it is here in Dubai it is billed as the
Middle East International motorshow so it
is the one show in the whole region where
BMW Middle East as an entity rather than
the local dealer really takes the lead in terms
of providing the stand and a presence. This
stand for instance comes from Germany.
Dubai is recognized as the only show that is
what we call a C category show so that is why
it gets quite some support from Germany. It
is something, to be honest, that we argued
hard about whether to be here or not and the
decision was taken eight months back when
we were right in the teeth of the recession
and I know that some of our competitors
decided not to come but we are here and we
will see how the audience stacks up versus
previous shows.
What is your reading for BMW’s position
in the market in 2010?
2010 will be the first full year with the whole
range of the 7-series, because we didn’t
have the 730i until August. Even though
the 7-series has done very well for itself it is
that car which is an institution in itself. And
with the new 5-series we are very optimistic
and certainly I would be disappointed if we
didn’t grow year on year by 5%. Yesterday’s
announcement from Abu Dhabi about the 10
billion dollars of support to Dubai will hopefully
make everybody atleast in the UAE a little bit
more optimistic.

27
{accessorise}
This column brings the latest, the trendiest and the must-have accessories, gadgets and toys that we
think our readers should have.
Apple Launches iPad
A pple has introduced iPad, a revolutionary device for browsing
the web, reading and sending email, enjoying photos, watching
videos, listening to music, playing games, reading e-books and much
more. iPad’s responsive high-resolution Multi-Touch™ display lets users
physically interact with applications and content. iPad is just 0.5 inches
thick and weighs just 1.5 pounds— thinner and lighter than any laptop
or netbook. iPad includes 12 new innovative apps designed especially
for the iPad, and will run almost all of the over 140,000 apps in the App
Store. iPad will be available in late March starting at the breakthrough
price of just $499.
“iPad is our most advanced technology in a magical and revolutionary
device at an unbelievable price,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “iPad
28
creates and defines an entirely new category of devices that will
connect users with their apps and content in a much more intimate,
intuitive and fun way than ever before.”
iPad features 12 next-generation Multi-Touch applications. Every app
works in both portrait and landscape, automatically animating between
views as the user rotates iPad in any direction. The precise Multi-Touch
interface makes surfing the web on iPad an entirely new experience,
dramatically more interactive and intimate than on a computer. Reading
and sending email is fun and easy on iPad’s large screen and almost
full-size “soft” keyboard. Import photos from a Mac®, PC or digital
camera, see them organized as albums, and enjoy and share them
using iPad’s elegant slideshows.

iPad runs almost all of the over 140,000 apps on the App Store,
including apps already purchased for your iPhone or iPod touch. The
iTunes® Store gives you access to the world’s most popular online
music, TV and movie store with a catalog of over 11 million songs,
over 50,000 TV episodes and over 8,000 films including over 2,000 in
stunning high definition video. Apple also announced the new iBooks
app for iPad, which includes Apple’s new iBookstore, the best way to
browse, buy and read books on a mobile device. The iBookstore will
feature books from major and independent publishers.
Apple also introduced a new version of iWork® for iPad, the first
desktop-class productivity suite designed specifically for Multi-Touch.
With Pages, Keynote and Numbers you can create beautifully formatted
documents, stunning presentations with animations and transitions,
and spreadsheets with charts, functions and formulas. The three apps
will be available separately through the App Store for $9.99 each.
iPad syncs with iTunes just like the iPhone and iPod touch, using
the standard Apple 30-pin to USB cable, so you can sync all of your
contacts, photos, music, movies, TV shows, applications and more from
your Mac or PC. All the apps and content you download on iPad from
the App Store, iTunes Store and iBookstore will be automatically synced
to your iTunes library the next time you connect with your computer.
iPad’s brilliant 9.7-inch, LED-backlit display features IPS technology
to deliver crisp, clear images and consistent color with an ultra-wide
178 degree viewing angle. The highly precise, capacitive Multi-Touch
display is amazingly accurate and responsive whether scrolling
web pages or playing games. The intelligent soft keyboard
pioneered on iPhone takes advantage of iPad’s larger
display to offer an almost full-size soft keyboard. iPad
also connects to the new iPad Keyboard Dock with a
full-size traditional keyboard.
iPad is powered by A4, Apple’s next-generation
system-on-a-chip. Designed by Apple, the new A4
chip provides exceptional processor and graphics
performance along with long battery life of up to 10
hours.* Apple’s advanced chemistry and Adaptive
Charging technology deliver up to 1,000 charge cycles
without a significant decrease in battery capacity over
a typical five year lifespan.**
iPad comes in two versions—one with Wi-Fi and
the other with both Wi-Fi and 3G. iPad includes the
latest 802.11n Wi-Fi, and the 3G versions support
speeds up to 7.2 Mbps on HSDPA networks. Apple
and AT&T announced breakthrough 3G pre-paid
data plans for iPad with easy, on-device activation
and management.
iPad will be available in late March worldwide
for a suggested retail price of $499 (US) for the
16GB model, $599 (US) for the 32GB model, $699
(US) for the 64GB model. The Wi-Fi + 3G models
of iPad will be available in April in the US and
selected countries for a suggested retail price of
$629 (US) for the 16GB model, $729 (US) for the
32GB model and $829 (US) for the 64GB model.
{accessorise}
Parmigiani–Bentley
Timepiece
L uxury Swiss watch manufacturer Parmigiani announced the
latest in the line of Bugatti concepts developed by Parmigiani
that underscores the watchmakers’ technological virtuosity in a new
dimension - or rather four.
The challenge this time relates to how the timekeeper is worn and
how it can always be kept close by, in all of life’s situations. Evolving
to the rhythm of the requirements of both day and night, the new
Parmigiani Bugatti concept with its prestigious tourbillon movement is
being transformed. With the greatest of ease, it can be adapted for use
either on the instrument panel of the new Bugatti car, as a wristwatch
worn by the owner, a pocket watch for more discretion, or a table clock
to mark the most private hours spent at home or in the office.
The Bugatti mechanical watch is one of the most important control
instruments. The removable case middle can be positioned or removed
with a single action. Integrated into the instrument panel, the support,
which was custom-designed by the Bugatti engineers, provides the
perfect housing for the timepiece. Its retractable system allows the
support to be pivoted over 180° once the engine has been started.
This accesses the pocket into which the case middle must be fixed.
At will, and when circumstances require, the driver can conceal the
Parmigiani timepiece underneath the instrument panel.
The Bugatti wristwatch, entirely sheathed in barenia calfskin,
perfectly complements the interior of the Bugatti car. The system it
uses is based on the idea of a bonnet opening to reveal its mechanical
marvels. By simply pressing the two push-pieces positioned on the
lower lug, the bezel lifts to allow the watch middle to sit on the case
back. Once the bezel is folded down, the Bugatti tourbillon wristwatch
is complete.
As the third style suggestion, the Bugatti watch is transformed into
a pocket watch. The solid 18-carat gold pocket, extended by a chain,
houses the middle which sits naturally inside. The sporty design of the
Bugatti is turned into a great watchmaking classic.
For the fourth style option, Parmigiani has designed a table
clock, acting as a precious presentation case for this fine piece of
watchmaking, in which the middle can be housed.
29
{Future View}

Cars, Trains and the

Web in a New Mobility
Concept - “UC?”
Filled with emotions and new ideas - that is the signature feature of
the concept cars from Swiss car visionary Frank M. Rinderknecht
that have added colorful bright spots to the Geneva Motor Show
for many years.

30

R
inspeed boss Rinderknecht always
has a surprise up his sleeve and this
year is no different. Once again he
does what nobody would have expected
from the whiz kid known in the past for his
affinity for powerful machines: He’s building a
subcompact car. But that’s not all: For the first
time in the long history of its concept cars the
Swiss automobile and concept powerhouse
has developed not just a vehicle but an entire
mobility concept. The cute two-seater with
electric drive is aptly called the “UC?” which
stands for “Urban Commuter.” But the biggest
surprise is that the “UC?” was designed to
be ready for future series production. The
little speedster measures less than 2.60
meters in length and is intended to help avoid
{Future View}
gridlock in the inner cities. At the same time
an advanced railcar loading system will add
the option to cover long distances by train,
comfortable, without traffic jams and stress-
free.
The goal is to create a new mobility concept
that integrates individual car ownership and
public transportation. A transverse loading
system using custom railcars allows loading
and unloading of numerous “UC?” vehicles
simultaneously and in a very short time.
Train passages are booked and reserved
online directly from the vehicle. Harman
International provides the permanent 3G
internet connection as well as marvelous
sound on wheels. VoIP2Car technology
provides IP telephone service, video chat,
31
{Future View}

32

video conferences, e-mail and many more
features in the “UC?”.
Integrated charging stations on board
the custom railcars ensure that upon arrival
at the destination the “UC?” battery is once
again fully charged for maximum operating
range. During the train trip drivers can visit
the train restaurant, use any of the other train
amenities or spend time in the privacy of their
cars.
With this mobility concept Rinspeed
elegantly circumvents the obstacle of limited
operating range that so far has kept many
interested parties from switching to zero-
emission vehicles. As Frank M. Rinderknecht
sees it: “I can make more efficient use of
my time than spending it driving on a boring
highway. I’d rather visit the train restaurant or
retreat to work in my car.” The Swiss visionary
is already in discussions with international
railroad companies about his new mobility
concept.
Anyone who lays eyes on the clever high-
tech bubble for the first time is reminded of
the Fiat ‘Topolino’ models from the ‘30s to
‘50s. This is loveable car design. Rinspeed
boss Frank M. Rinderknecht: ““UC?” is a
new and highly emotional web-based car
world that interweaves individual and public
transport in an intelligent way. We want to
create a community of people who are open
for a new definition of mobility.”
As in past years, the concept car was built
by Swiss engineering company Esoro. The
lightweight vehicle produces 130 Newton
meters of torque, reaches a top speed of
120 km/h and has an operating range of 105
kilometers. That is more than enough for most
traffic in urban areas. Statistics show that in
Europe 82 percent of all trips cover distances
of less than 60 kilometers - short-distance
driving clearly represents the vast majority of
all individual traffic.
The “UC?” also features a number of
technical highlights: Goodbye steering wheel,
hello force-feedback joystick. The new joystick
technology is supplied by German electronics
specialist Rafi. Rinderknecht says: “Forget
everything you have learned about joysticks
so far. Finally this system provides a better
steering feel and clear feedback from the road.”
The entire car is operated via Space Drive, a
drive-by-wire system developed by Paravan,
one of the leading manufacturers of handicap
vehicles. Rinspeed and its partners had to
master numerous challenges surrounding the
{Future View}
electric drive system: The lithium-ion batteries ‘tank lid’ from Swarovski covers the necessary
come from Li-Tec-Battery in Germany, a 230-volt plug. A stylized laser-cut coil
joint venture of Evonik and Daimler AG. The filament embedded in the crystal lid serves
efficient and reliable on-board charger is as a battery charge indicator: red=empty,
supplied by specialist Absaar; the external orange=half charged, green=fully charged.
stationary charger comes from ABB Sécheron. Rinspeed wants to change the electric drive’s
Axpo Holding is yet another energy company image: The “E” signifying the electric drive
that partnered with Rinspeed on this project. isn’t shamefully hidden but displayed openly
The electric heater and sphere-shaped and proudly: “Look here, I drive with electric
vents were installed by the specialists from power”.
Eberspächer. Rinspeed also received support The “UC?” is designed to be available
from the consortium Swiss Coop, which in several distinct versions: The “Ultimate
promotes decisive action and zero-emission Commuter” is the comfortable lifestyle vehicle
mobility, and from the power plants of the for urban commuters. The vehicle of choice
Canton of Zurich that provide electricity and for pizza deliveries, mail carriers and workmen
the required infrastructure. To save as much in general will be the “Unlimited Commuter.”
energy as possible the developers have placed The experts from renowned A.T. Kearney
highest priority on lightweight design: Ticona, Consultants designed the modular production
one of the world’s leading manufacturers of strategy to ensure that the car will be built as
engineering polymers, plays a major part in cost efficient as possible. The ultimate goal
achieving this objective. The lightweight lift is to serve many different types of use and
gate comes from Rehau, an OEM supplier for configuration variations: It will take just three
the automotive industry. The P7 Cinturato days to build an electric car. There is a good
‘Green Tires’ from Pirelli in size 195/40 R 17 chance the “UC?” will enter series production.
are mounted on special lightweight rims from The concept is designed be easily adapted
German-Austrian manufacturer AEZ. The and integrated by volume manufacturers.
delicate-looking rims weigh just 6.2 kilograms Intensive dialogues at the highest levels are
each. Eco-friendly lubricants are provided already well underway.
by Motorex.And of course
the electric “love bug” has
a number of features that
will stir up emotions: An
immediate eye-catcher is
the paint that changes color
from yellow to green. The
paint was supplied by Akzo
Nobel, one of the world’s
largest paint manufacturers.
A new adhesive paint called
“Stickerfix” is perfect for
touching up minor cosmetic
paint blemishes sustained on
the road.The jazzy leather
interior including aluminum
inlays and a custom leather
suitcase for the roof come
from specialist Sellner
Group. VDO Continental
Automotive has designed
a new futuristic instrument
cluster for the “UC?” The
new cluster also houses
a Swiss-made mechanical
watch from Swiss premium
manufacturer Carl F.
Bucherer. A beautiful crystal
33
{Road Test}
The not so
Light Champ
The new Sorento is now also available with the larger 3.5-litre V6
engine to beef up its offering in the 7-seater segment
W
ith a streamlined and attractive
look, the new Sorento represents a
modern utility vehicle that is just the
right size for today’s consumer. Completely
redesigned from this model year, the all-
new Sorento now employs a unibody design
with the ability to comfortably fit up to seven
passengers, offering more space and ride
comfort than the previous-generation model.
Prominently displaying the signature tabbed
grille and wraparound headlamps soon to be
seen on all Kia models, Sorento offers a more
aggressive stance and sleeker profile than the
previous version.
The new Sorento meets the needs of a
burgeoning car buying segment that looks
to SUVs as an extension of an urban-centric
lifestyle. To this end the 4685mm long by
1885mm wide platform is just right as it
serves to offer a three row seven-seater
arrangement, with the third row consisting
of almost full size seats that fold away to
provide a flat floor. What really surprises is
how the styling of the new platform retains
a hint or two of a connection with the past
while pressing the reset button on the
overall identity. The front fascia of the car is
very much new KIA with the large notched
pentagon grille, nice wraparound headlights
and a prominent framing of the lower foglight
ports.
However, you will notice from the side that
the car no longer appears perched as high as
it used too. That is partly because the new
monocoque integrates some of the structural
elements while allowing various interior
features to be lowered, like the floorpan and
the seats. This lowering of the floorpan has
decidedly reduced the ground clearance a bit
34
but that is more than acceptable at 184 mm.
For a new-generation SUV that is more than
sufficient and the benefits are immediate and
tangible. The entry and egress height has
similarly gone down – you no longer have
to climb into the car and even in terms of
aesthetics the lower floorpan is a winner.
Now when you are seated behind the
steering wheel, the seating position is less
command seating and more comfort seating.
The ambience inside the car is very much that
of an upmarket car, improved by the quality
feel of the instrumentation and cabin trims.
The lowered pan means that there is more
legroom and foot space in the well while
bringing the hood higher in the line of sight of
the driver. From the driver’s perspective the
car seems a lot beefier than before.
Interior space is intelligently used. In the
higher trim level of the car we tested the
feature package includes a panoramic sunroof.
In the case of the Sorento that means that
the front row passengers get a large pane
of glass on the roof that lifts up and slides
back, while for the rear of the compartment
that translates into a fixed pane on the roof.
In terms of solar insulation the glass meets
the needs of Oman and thankfully also comes
with slide away blinds. Both blinds roll or slide
away towards the rear so that means that
the rear blind cannot be operated from the
driver’s seat. However this feature is at par or
better than other cars even higher up in the
price bracket.
Headroom and legroom have gone up in
every seating position and unlike the older
Sorento, the third row in this case is completely
usable and has air-conditioning vents located
at just the right positions. Even the second
{Road Test}

35
{Road Test}

36

row gets vents at face level mounted into the
inside of the B-pillars.
Access into the third row is through the drop
and flip forward smaller part of the 60:40 split
second row. While the seat flips ahead it does
not remain locked there, so you will need to flip
it back into position before moving. However,
the latching is such that third row occupants
can get out without needing any assistance
from the second row or the driver.
The larger engined variant of the
Sorento gets KIA’s powerful 3.5-litre engine
generating 274hp@6300rpm and a torque of
335Nm@5000rpm. The power is immediately
evident on the car and it helps that the engine
is partnered with a modified version of the six-
speed gearbox that the car comes with even
in the 2.4-litre version.
The first gear is relatively low and if you
are in a hurry the car can shoot off from a
roundabout like any normal six-cylinder
can. Then the relatively peaky powerband
is evened out by the number of cogs that
are available in the geartrain. To keep fuel
efficiency at a peak, the fifth and sixth cogs
serve as overdrive. And if you really do find
yourself pushing the Sorento over rough and
uneven terrain, then the car’s dashboard
offers you the ability to lock the transmission
into a four-wheel drive mode rather than opt
for the automatic demand-sensing control to
take over.
The suspension is also quite good. Take it
over speed bumps or rumbler strips and you
{Road Test}
don’t have to slow down the car. Unlike the
older car, there is limited bounce from the rear
as you do that and the monocoque structure
seems to be a lot more rigid. The overall effect
is one of being cocooned in a safety cage as
you push the car through its paces.
From experience we can say that the car’s
suspension will prove to be a delight in gravel
and shale and while wheel travel may be
limited, the body’s stiffness will allow you to
do a bit of rock crossing.
The final difference that the car has over
the past is that there is no low gear. However,
if you really want a car that does offer all the
parts that you were lamenting are now not
there you should be looking at the larger
Mohave that doesn’t cost all that much more
to buy.
For the mix of styling, excellent engineering,
top rate interiors, great feature set and safety
kit the Sorento sets a new standard in the
mid-size SUV segment. And it brings in all
these without moving too far upwards in
terms of price. Starting at the mid-8000 level
to the top of the line panoramic-sunroof kitted
one at the mid-9000s the Sorento gives you
a choice that wasn’t quite in place till now. In
fact, when you use its price as a benchmark,
there isn’t a single flaw in the reinvigorated
Sorento. We predict that it will be a huge hit
with car owners who weren’t quite ready to
sacrifice comfort, handling and car-like agility
for the move into an SUV. The Sorento will
take them through to that final frontier.
37
{Motorshow}

Not really a sign of

recovery – But Dubai
shInes on

The 10th edition of the Dubai International Motor Show was quite
a handful with 13 global launches, 40 regional launches and about
200 new model introductions

38

T
he adage says, the best is reserved for the last and it seemed
that most participants at the Dubai International Motor Show,
which concluded last month, had reserved their energies for
the region’s grand finale event of the year. It’s no secret that most
car manufacturers and their retail partners have suffered from the
economic downturn, but players in the Middle East are optimistic that
the markets will be robust enough and recover to modest levels in
2010. And the Dubai motor show provided that platform to showcase
that optimism last month.
Amidst hype and hoopla of an action packed set-up, the absence of
show regulars such as Chery, Chrysler, Dodge, Honda, Infiniti, Jeep,
Porsche, PGO, Lamborghini, Volvo, Saab, Seat, Skoda, Suzuki and
Volvo was hardly felt. Since the Dubai show usually attracts a lot of
low volume and specialist car makers, some of the traditional high
end supercar names such as Koenigsegg, Spyker, Pagani, and high
profile customisers such as West Coast Customs were notably absent.
However, the absentee slots were capitalized by new names such as
Kepler Motors, Zenvo, Luxgen, Aroosh, Jason Castriota Design, while
first time home grown specialist manufacturer appearing in the show
was Abu Dhabi-based Alanqa. With its impressive presence, Alanqa
highlighted the entrepreneurial ambitions in the fiercely competitive
automotive world.
While car makers, tuners and modders were in significant numbers,
the turnout of spares and accessories suppliers was comparatively low,
but their shortfall wasn’t missed. Besides cars, many of the region’s
two-wheeler and quad/dune buggy brands had an impressive array
of displays. That’s not all. Almost every display hall had a car-related
{Interview}
simulator and it seemed that Ford’s Raptor 150, Mobil’s and Yas Marina
circuit’s racing car had the crowds mesmerised for the full duration of
the show.
Considering the record footfall this year at the show, some non-
participants who anticipated the show to be a mere formality must be
chewing their fingers by now!
Biggest disappointments
Aston Martin
Just two days before the Dubai motor show closed, Aston Martin
announced officially that two of its top-of-the-range sports cars;
the DBS and V12 Vantage have undergone a unique Carbon Black
makeover. The DBS and V12 Vantage may celebrate enormous success
commercially since launch, but these special editions are believed to
add a typically understated flair as they have several unique bespoke
accoutrements. The cars feature specially formulated bespoke Carbon
Black metallic paint with a subtle metallic twist to create a deep rich
patina effect. For the V12 Vantage, the iconic Aston Martin side strake
has been fashioned from real carbon fibre backed by a black mesh
and complimented with gloss black 10 spoke diamond turned alloy
wheels. A bright finished grille and front parking sensors (normally an
option) complete the exterior detailing. Inside, swathes of Obsidian
Black leather highlighted with a contrast silver coarse stitch are all
hand stitched. Clearly, the British marque missed a great opportunity to
present this highly desirable edition to the Middle East crowd.
39
{Motorshow}
Audi
Although Audi revealed its new product line-up and sported a surprise
of sorts with a hot 340 bhp version of the Audi TT badged as the TT
RS, the most significant car of Audi’s freshened line-up unveiled a few
weeks ago in Maimi, the top-of-the-line A8 was conspicuously missing
at Dubai.
BMW
BMW opened Frankfurt with its Vision EfficientDynamics concept, a 2+2
seat plug-in hybrid sports car that set the overall tone for a show where
green technology and low emissions were the dominant focus. At the
heart of the car is a small, 3-cylinder turbodiesel engine, positioned
directly in front of the rear axle and working in tandem with a spine of
lithium-polymer batteries powering electric motors. It would have been
a nice PR exercise as BMW is actively promoting EfficientDynamics in
the region.
Kia
Due to some logistics issues at Korea, Kia Motor’s forthcoming stylish
‘budget sporting’ coupe couldn’t make it to the shores of Dubai in
time for the show. The production model is very similar to the concept
40
and the engines will likely include a 2.0- and 2.4-litre with 156 and
173 hp, respectively. Kia will also equip the Forte Coupe with the new
1.6-litre GDI (direct-injection gasoline) turbocharged engine which it
co-developed with Hyundai. The Forte Coupe went on sale in South
Korea at the end of the summer and a December release for the US
market is on the schedule. Meanwhile, the Middle East versions are in
transit for early January introduction.
Maserati
A few months ago at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Maserati unveiled its
long-awaited convertible model. With the Maserati GranCabrio, it looks
like the Italian automaker has done a beautiful job of translating the
Pininfarina-designed GranTurismo into an open-top machine. Sadly, it
didn’t make it to Dubai show, but the GT4 and the designer MC line
did.
Toyota
Is it because Toyota feels the auto market has become so focused on
being green, eco-friendly that they thought that the FT-86 concept
would be over shadowed?
Porsche
Stuttgart-based Porsche claims that it never rests on its laurels,
whether on the road or the race track and 2009 was once again a year
of constant activity with the launch of a number of new models and
new facilities both in the UK and Germany. The Middle East is one of
the big markets for the marque and one wonders how could Porsche
let it slip the idea of not showcasing the Panamera, especially when key
rival Aston Martin was in full force with the Rapide and One 77. One can
understand the not participating in smaller regional shows, but was it
really worth missing Dubai? Business in 2010 will tell.

Most significant consumer-oriented launches
Hyundai
The Centennial, new Sonata and Tucson are the three main models
that Hyundai will be pushing for the next year. The 2010 Sonata
adopts Hyundai’s new “fluidic sculpture” design language, boasting
outstanding performance with the segment-leading safety features and
fuel efficiency.
The highlight of the vehicle is its 2.4 litre Theta II GDI engine, which
operates with greater efficiency using less fuel and creating fewer
emissions while attaining higher fuel efficiency.
{Motorshow}
The 4WD Tucson or ix35 is the first Hyundai Crossover Utility Vehicle
to be designed and engineered in Europe at Hyundai’s Frankfurt-based
design and technical centres.
It features precedent-setting engineering including advanced weight
saving technology and the eco-efficient Theta II 2.4-litre four-cylinder
engine delivering up to 31 mpg on the highway.
Kia
Kia Motors Corp, through its distributor in the UAE, Al Majid Motors Co,
held the world launch for the new Cadenza, the new hi-tech premium
saloon which replaces the decade old Opirus. Peter Shreyer, Kia’s
design chief was present at the show.
Unexpected model launch
Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo’s stunning Alfa 8C Spider supercar has been officially
named as the Most Beautiful Car of the Year by an influential UK-based
magazine. Limited to a production run of just 500 examples, with
41
{Motorshow}
most of them sold before you could say “bellissima”. Valued at around Arguably, the ZR1 is the greatest all-round performance car in the
£174,000 the chance of owning an example remains ultra exclusive, world, the undisputed “King of the Ring”, posting the fastest ever lap
but some will find homes in the Middle East. time for a true production car at 7:26:4 secs on the famed Nurburgring

Audi

Audi presented the new Audi TT RS, its 340 bhp souped up version of
the Audi TT, which was not expected to arrive in the region initially.
The TT RS sports a turbocharged five-cylinder 2.5-litre engine, which
has a long tradition of powering cars like the legendary “Ur-quattro”
rally car.

Super cars galore

Super cars attract petrol heads and this year’s Dubai show had quite
an impressive turnout – from Brabus, AMG, Shelby, Zenvo and even a
company that no one has ever heard of. In this specialist field, a few
have managed to last more than a few years, like Koenigsegg and
Pagani, but most seem to disappear just as quickly as they appear.
Corvette connection
Nordschleife in Germany.
The custom white show car came with impressive credentials, with
contrasting black suede leather interior and teardrop design. Castriota
said that the car’s design had equal inspiration from modern aerospace
and the world of Formula One and that the six-speed manual car’s
supercharged Corvette ZR1-based LS9 engine will power the car to
160km/h in seven seconds and has a top speed of 360km/h. Only five
will be made and it won’t be cheap. Expect to shell out a cool $1.6mn
for this exclusive machine.

Zenvo

There was a time when the famous VW Beetle and its air-cooled Boxer
engine was a hit with kit car makers and modders. Then came Ford and
now it is GM’s Corvette that inspires many specialists.

Mantide

It’s no surprise if you thought this was a Corvette with a touch of

Italian design flair. In fact, that’s what ex-Bertone designer Jason
Castriota had in mind when he designed the Mantide. First shown at
the Shanghai Auto Show, Castriota’s Mantide may even outshine his
last great design, James Glickenhaus’ Pininfarina P4/5.
Stile Bertone has a long history of creating one-off prototypes based
on the mechanicals of Chevrolet’s sporting automobiles spanning
over 50 years. The Mantide uses the mechanical undepinnings of
the 2009 Corvette ZR1 and employs know-how from the Le Mans
winning Corvette C5R. Of course, the inspiration had to be really good.
Danish specialist maker Zenvo revealed its limited to 15 units of
production supercar, the ST1. The reworked stylish composite bodied
car houses a revised 7-litre V8 engine with a supercharger and turbo
produces a staggering 1,104bhp and 1,430Nm of torque. Zenvo claims
that supercar will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in three seconds, and
has an electronically limited top speed of 375 km/h. The car will be
available from Ultimate Motors, the exclusive distributor of the Zenvo
in the region.

42
 {Motorshow}
Arash AF-10

The Arash AF-10 supercar may have its official global premiere in
January, but Dubai had a first glimpse of the real car. The AF-10
features a carbon fibre body and is quite light at 1,260 kg. Chassis
tuning has been done by Loris Bicocchi, of Bugatti Veyron fame. Under
the hood, the car is outfitted with the 550hp 7.0-litre V8 engine from
the Corvette Z06. Connected to a six-speed Graziano transmission (or
the optional six-speed sequential gearbox from Zonda F), the AF-10 is
expected to hit a top speed of 350km/h. In addition, all uprights have
been internally designed to fit AP Racing 6-pot carbon ceramic discs
and calipers, while floor mounted pedals offer a racing feel, better ‘heel
and toe’ control.

The British supercar maker will start selling the top-of-the-line sports
car in the region with a price tag of $580,000 in 2010. Arash wil partner
with its distributor in the region, Ultimate Motors.

Shelby Super Cars

It comes with a price tag of $740,000, Shelby SuperCars (SSC), an

American supercar company and the creator of the ‘Ultimate Aero’, got
Mohammed Ben Sulayem to introduce the bright orange 2010 Ultimate
Aero. Acclaimed as the fastest production car in the world, the new
supercar model can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.78 seconds and
is capable of a top speed of 439 km/h. Bringing this exceptional new
offering from SSC to the region is Ultimate Motors, one of the leading
distributors of exotic and luxury sports cars in the GCC.
Most significant UAE-based car manufacturer
It may be too early for a UAE-base automotive player to make a dent
in mainstream automotive manufacturing globally, but its vibrant
entrepreneurial energies in specialist vehicle manufacturing are coming
of age. This was evident at several stands.

Alanqa

Abu Dhabi-based Alanqa Motor Company, a new subsidiary of Advanced

Integrated Systems has ambitious plans to roll out extreme vehicles a
year from its plant located in Musaffah. The specialist company says
that it has invested $8mn in research and development of vehicles that
suit a range of military and civilian applications.

Alanqa showcased three variants of the models which have been

specifically built for military use, the V-Guard, Boomerang and
BodyGuard. One could say the vehicles have more than a passing
resemblance with the Humvees, but these machines will be equally
powerful.

Riding on the world’s first one-piece carbon fibre wheels, the ‘2010
Ultimate Aero’ is a mid-engine, rear wheel drive supercar with twin
turbo chargers, dual-water to air intercoolers and custom Recaro seats.
Customised and road-tested to suit the harsh weather conditions in
the GCC, the ‘2010 Ultimate Aero’ runs on an exclusive SSC-designed,
one-piece billet aluminum twin turbo V8 engine block designed to
improve structural integrity and oiling capabilities while improving
durability. Now armed with the more powerful new engine, the 2010
model produces 1,287 hp, 15 per cent more horsepower than the 2007
model, and 1112 ft-lbs of torque.
One of the vehicles is built with the Corvette’s ZR1 V8 engine should
produces 620hp. The 2,400kg truck will sprint from 0-100 km/h in
seven seconds, on its way to a 210 km/h top speed. Off-road tyres can
also affect performance, as top speed and sprint times are likely less
impressive when the car is loaded to its 4,000 kg maximum weight.
Clearly off-road oriented, with a 650mm ground clearance, it is nice
to see the GM 2-speed 4x4/4x2 transfer case in the package. With a
200-litre fuel tank capacity, the vehicle has a range of 750km. This
translates to a whopping 26.7-litres per 100 km, or roughly 8.8mpg.
Production of the vehicles should be limited to about 100 per year,
with prices ranging from $120,000 to $277,000, depending on how
much customization is required.

43
{Motorshow}
Chinese cars
Having started its cooperation with Mazda in 1992, Haima has
Although, Chery was the first Chinese automobile maker to export its moved on to build its own research and development, and quality
products, it seems to have gone into hibernation in the UAE at least. control system. The company started exporting its cars in 2007 and
Despite Chery being a top exporter among Chinese automakers in now the sales network covers the Middle East, North Africa, East
2009, other players such as Haima and BYD believe strongly in UAE’s Europe, South America and Southeast Asia. The countries the company
automobile market potential and hence have decided to go on the
offensive.

covers currently include Egypt, Algeria, the UAE, Syria, Jordan, Libya,
Venezuela, Peru, Moldova, the Philippines and more. Nearly 10,000
Haima cars and spare parts have been exported.

Most impressive presentation from Taiwan

Luxgen

Arguably, Taiwan’s first automobile brand made an impressive and

BYD compulsive presentation during its global debut at Dubai. Probably the
world’s youngest car maker, the four models of vehicles and a concept
BYD stands for “Build You Dreams”, is better known as a Chinese battery mid-sized SUV were impressive enough to attract some of the industry’
manufacturer than a mainstream car maker. Surprisingly, the company noted bigwigs. Even Aston Martin’s CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez, who has a
remains relatively low-key while it has been on the leading edge of
technology for hybrid-electric cars since 1995. Recent innovative
technologies within BYD Auto have led to a safer and more efficient
iron-phosphate battery.

Just a few weeks before the Dubai show, BYD officially opened its
first overseas car manufacturing facility in Egypt. The F3 will be the first
model to be produced and there are strong indications that the F3DM
plug-in hybrid might also be manufactured in the plant. The ambitious
company plans to set up 40 overseas plants by 2025, according to its
overseas strategy. BYD and its local partner Naser Mohamed Nasser Al
Sayer Trading have ambitious plans to market non-hybrid cars in the
region.

Haima

Haima tested UAE waters in the 2007 edition of Dubai Motor Show
and within two years has been successful in establishing a complete
supply chain and sales and services framework in line with international
standards. Now, it formally enters the UAE by partnering with First
Motors, a company belonging to the Bin Omeir Holding Group.
keen eye for engineering detail was visibly impressed after visiting the
Taiwanese automaker’s stand.
Luxgen is currently in the process of final negotiations with Middle
East retail partners and hopes to begin retailing the cars in the GCC
from Q4 2010.

44

Pimp my ride
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
The regional market’s affiliation for gold was quite evident at the show
with manufacturers offering individual interpretations. The matte
Desert Gold paint scheme of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG which was
introduced none other than by Volker Mornhinweg, CEO of AMG,
certainly drew a lot of public attention.
Mansory
Whether it is a Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Bugatti, BMW or a Porsche,
high-end aftermarket tuner Mansory surely knows how to infuse Middle
Eastern influenced opulence in exotic or uber-expensive cars. It may be
recalled that Mansory had announced its own tuned version of a Veyron
at the Geneva Motor Show, dubbed the Linea Vincero. Meanwhile, the
two-tone maroon and gold painted Rolls-Royce Phantom or the gold
flaked Porsche Cayenne may be considered outlandish customization
project in the West, but if that is what the regional market wants, then
Mansory just delivers. Arguably, Mansory’s outlandish creations perhaps
won’t impress anyone with an aesthetic taste, but the performance
figures, amazing fit and finish certainly will.
{Motorshow}
Lexus
After gilding 40,000 24-carat gold flakes on a black Lexus LX570
under the shadow of a constant stream of show visitors, four expert
craftspeople from Paris-based Gold Emotions sighed a relief after
completing the job in time. The first commercially available gold plated
Lexus was sold on the last day of the show. The estimated cost of the
gild work was €40,000 and reportedly 200gms of gold was used for the
unique project.
Bugatti
It’s no secret in the automotive manufacturing business these days,
there’s no guarantee that you can always win even if you are capable
of offering the best. Bugatti may be losing money on each Veyron it
builds, but that doesn’t mean it has lost its innovative charm.
The Veyron is pretty exclusive by its very nature as it has a limited
production run of 300 units with multimillion dollar price tags. However,
that hasn’t stopped Bugatti from coming out with a seemingly endless
supply of ultra-limited edition variations that cost considerably more
than the original. We’ve seen models such as the Pur Sang, Fbg par
Hermes, Sang Noir, Grand Sport, Bleu Centenaire and at the show
didn’t really surprise with its collection of one-offs. Included this time
was the Veyron Nocturne, the Veyron Sang d’Argent and the Veyron
Soleil de Nuit. While the Veyron Nocturne has a limited run of five units
costing €1.65mn each, the Veyron Sang d’Argent and the Veyron Soleil
de Nuit are strictly one-offs for the discerning few and are priced at
€1.45mn and €1.55mn respectively.
45
{Road Test}

The mark of a
new Lincoln
Automan took the new Lincoln MKS out on a test drive – big,
powerful and surprisingly agile the new face of the brand helps
reinvent the brand

46

W
e have had many run ins with big
American cars in our test drives and
invariably one facet of the genre
that repeatedly comes across is that they
are invariably just that – ‘big American cars’.
Now that could be taken in any sense that
you wanted to – if you were a buyer from the
US heartland before your gas cost 4 dollars
a gallon you wouldn’t see much wrong with
the statement, just like if you were buying
the car in neighbouring Saudi Arabia with the
cheapest fuel in the world and some really
long roads to drive on, you would see it as a
compliment.
Different strokes for different folks we
guess. But in these days of a rampant fuel
price and with more than a hint of eco-
consciousness coming to the fore, you need
more reason to buy a big car even here in
Oman.
{Road Test}
And that can cause some worrying nights
to the bosses of the Ford group, especially
with its Lincoln brand. Ford as a whole has the
ability to build for the present and the future
on a host of smaller cars that originate from
across its global empire – especially from its
European operations. But Lincoln is identified
with luxury and the large car, yet does not
have the large footprint across the globe
that would help even its equation in terms of
numbers. That’s why it is really interesting to
see what it is doing in terms of product and
brand, in order to cater for the new realities
of the market.
The Lincoln MKS carries the mantle of being
the introduction of Lincoln’s new approach
into our market. Launched at almost the
same time here as it is in the US, the MKS is a
large car by any definition. But it isn’t the size
that hits you as much as the grille does – with
47
{Road Test}
a strong central zone flanked by two distinct
grille areas, each having slats that give the
are polished chrome on buff aluminium in
look, the car wouldn’t look out of place sitting
in the bat-cave. You can almost picturise the
caped crusader sitting behind the wheel and
just in case you were worried about whether
his pointed ears would hit the roof, no they
won’t. The roofline is taken way up and would
do justice even on on one of the modern day
SUVs. Surprisingly the grille is a part of Lincoln
heritage having originated in the 1941 Lincoln
Continental.
The MKS has an overall length of 5185mm
and sits on a wheelbase of 2870mm, which
gives it a bit of an overhang at both ends.

48

But the styling has been done so nicely that
you wouldn’t notice it. The overall cues are
borrowed from the MKR design concept. The
overall impression of understated power is
there along with more than a hint of attitude.
The power bulge on the hood partners the
broad stance of the car – from head on the
car’s proportions look about right, but move
over to the side and you begin to notice the
height of the roof – 1560mm.
The boldness of the design is reflected in
the profile as well with its use of stainless
steel accents around the windows, ending
in a prominent swathe at the C-pillar. The
taillights have a new LED treatment and use a
vertical white light bordering the trunk to add
character to the rear.
What is even more interesting is the way
in which the new design philosophy merges
with the traditional as you get into the Lincoln
MKS’ interior. The modernity of the layout goes
well with a lot of old-style lincoln cues like
the sweeping dashboard. This predominantly
horizontal theme is broken to the vertical by
the leather upholstery and wood in-lay that
starts from the THX centre speaker and is
carried down through the centre console to
the split arm-rests. The shiny sides of the
centre console help keep the unit looking sleek
and long and the wood in-lay communicates a
high quality and finish.
In fact that is the overriding feel of the entire
{Road Test}
cabin. While the Lincoln brand was always
associated with luxury, the cabin of the MKS
today feels as luxurious as any competitor’s
and at the same time matches all of them
for the detailing and fit and finish. You only
have to run your hand over the stitched edges
of the leather on the dashboard, the wood
and leather steering wheel or indeed any of
the touch points along the console or the
door, including behind the handle and along
the armrest to realise that after a long time
Lincoln has risen to the challenge of making
the cabin one that speaks luxury and quality
in the same breath.
Of course, being a Lincoln you wouldn’t be
surprised at the leg room in the rear or the
49
{Road Test}
comfortable seating and headroom that the passengers have
despite the sweeping confines of the roof. The kicked up rear
deck, while lending a dynamic wedge-like shape to the exterior
also brings with it the counterpoint of a slightly challenged rear
view and you are really thankful for the presence of the rear
parking sensors. The MKS also has a full complement of front
parking sensors too.
The other big upgrade that Lincoln provides to its brand
values in the MKS is the provision of SYNC as an integral part of
the car’s instrumentation. You still are able to navigate through
the entire spectrum of personal settings and customisation
through the normal console and these seamlessly integrate with
the features that distinguish SYNC in terms of communication,
bluetooth and media management. We look forward to the
promised late-availability colour touch screen which will add
instant appeal to the combination. There is also the possibility
that with the coming of the screen, we will get DVD-Navigation
and a rear-view camera.
However the hallmark of the MKS is its unique to Lincoln
3.7-litre V6 engine with pistons of 95.5mm bore and an
86.7mm stroke, differentiating it from the Ford 3.5-litre genre
in both critical dimensions. Both engines share the same
strong, die-cast aluminum block and lightweight four-valve
heads for smooth operation at high rpms. This engine has a lot
going for it - it is one of the latest generation units using DOHC
and variable camshaft timing on the intake side, allowing it to
produce more power and torque than the Ford unit. In fact,
in these days of increased focus on fuel efficiency, we even
get a system that reads when the driver has lifted off the
pedal completely and cuts off fuel delivery to the injectors.
This is called Aggressive Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off (ADFSO).
In addition it uses a two-speed fuel pump that moderates fuel
delivery according to need.
The powerful 273 hp engine is partnered with a 6-speed
automatic gearbox that delivers power to the front wheels.
Think that’s good? Take the car for a spin and you realise the
sheer amount of torque available at the front wheels. If you are
the hard-driving sort, you will no doubt appreciate the torque-
steer that grabs the front of the car, makes it leap ahead off
the block and then settles into a completely controllable rush
ahead. The 19” wheels are spot on, though we would love to
see the car bling out on the polished 20” aluminium alloys.
Even with these large wheels and tyres, the NVH levels of the
car are awesomely good. You can hardly hear the engine roar
away over the amazing THX surround sound system – you
wouldn’t be surprised if you saw the large and effective seals
that sit around the door and the amount of acoustic insulation
that seals off the cabin.
We had the MKS over a couple of days and we must say
that it grew on us. It is an admirable bit of engineering and
serves to showcase the direction in which the brand is moving
ahead. We must remember that Lincoln is not yet a global
brand - but with products like the MKS, the day is not far off
when we hear announcements that they are ready to take on
a worldwide footprint. Kudos to Lincoln on the fantastic bit of
product engineering that resulted in the MKS. There is nothing
that a bit of finely-honed marketing and pricing can’t do to
make this car a hot seller in the premium segment.

50
{Road Test}

51
{Motorsports}

Local Talent at First Hand

We meet Zaamin Jaffer, UAE talent

and a budding race driver

52

Could you tell us something about your
background?
I was born in Mumbai and lived in Dubai till the age of 14.
Whilst I was living in Mumbai I was at boarding school
in the UK as well and would spend my time between the
UK and Mumbai. I then moved to Dubai with my family
and now divide my team between the UK and Dubai for
University and racing.
What encouraged you to want to become a racing
driver?
After watching a Formula 1 race on television with my
family, I became fascinated by the sheer speed of the cars
and the whole event in general. The idea of racing at such
high speeds, along with my cousin’s interest in the sport
is what engaged me. We used to watch all the races every
weekend on TV and the more I watched, the more my
passion for the sport increased. Moreover, the fact that
my family’s business involved construction equipment, I
was constantly around engines and tools, which further
contributed to my growing interest in the sport.
What is your training regime?
Training for me in preparation for any race involves both
physical and mental facets. On the physical side, I did
most of my preparation in the summer whilst I was in
Dubai before the winter programme started.
I have stepped up my training up a notch to be ready
to test faster cars at the end of the year whilst I evaluate
my options for the next year.
Being part of the Andy Priaulx Performance Management
Programme, I do a lot of work on the mental side of
driving-including visualization and a form of meditation.
The tools we use to increase our mental strength are
all tried and tested by Andy Priaulx (3 time World Touring
Car Champion and current BMW factory driver) himself
and as soon as he discovers new ways to improve – we
are trained.
What does it take to become a top class driver?
Motorsport is a very unique sport and to succeed you need
to have many different skills.
A driver must be 100% committed to your goals if you
want to come out to top. The competition is very fierce
and you are fighting for tenths of a second which seems
very small but it requires a lot of work to gain the extra
time. You also need to be very dedicated in your off - track
work e.g raising sponsorship, PR etc, sometimes it can be
your off - track work that can affect your results in a huge
way so it cannot be overlooked.
What and how many events have you participated
in?
I have taken part in approximately 10 UAE National Karting
{Motorsports}
Championship races in both the TaG and Rotax Max Class
2 Dubai 24h karting races
However, these are only races and do not include the
remaining time I have spent in racing Karts and Cars.
How do you balance your motorsport career with
your studies and daily life?
I started University at the same time as my winter
programme began so initially it was tough. But over the
winter I’ve improved my time management and have kept
myself up to date with my studies as early as possible in
order to focus on my racing.
What competitions did you compete in during
2009?
I competed in the British Formula Ford Championship
from April to October. The championship has been at
the very pinnacle of junior single seater formulae since
the 60s. Alumni include Ex F1 drivers Aryton Senna and
Michael Schumacher as well as current F1 drivers Kimi
Raikonnen, Jenson Button and Mark Webber.
There are 9 Rounds and 25 races in the season.
The championship is a support package for the British
Formula 3 & GT championships as well as being a
support race to the DTM and Formula 3 Euroseries
round at Brands Hatch.
How do you balance your motorsport career with
your studies and daily life?
I started University at the same time as my winter
programme began so initially it was tough. But over the
winter I’ve improved my time management and have kept
myself up to date with my studies as early as possible in
order to focus on my racing.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
In five years, I will hopefully be on the boundary for F1
and racing in the GP2 series as well as being part of A1gp
Team India, I would also like to have competed in the Le
Mans 24h race.
What advice do you have for other drivers who
share the same dream of making a name for them
in motorsport?
You need to be very committed and have the dedication
not only on track but in terms of sponsorship and raising
their profiles. Without the right financial backing in
motorsport it is very hard to move up the ranks. I would
also have to say that every time they are on track, it is
very important to use the time productively and make sure
they are pushing themselves every lap. It is very easy to
go quick and settle into a rhythm however you need to
have the push on all the time to be the quickest.
53
{Motorsports}
CHEVROLET SUPERCARS PREPARE TO
COMPETE AT YAS 400
B
ahrain International Circuit announced
today, Monday 15th February 2010,
the participation of the Chevrolet
Supercars Middle East Championship as part
of the support race line up for the first round
of the V8 Supercars Australia Championship.
The Bahrain based series will be hosting its
fifth round during YAS 400, taking place at
Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit on the 19th
and 20th of February. The series is renowned
for its thrilling performances as some of
the GCC’s most talented drivers compete
in the V8 muscle cars. The championship
was created in 2006 following a unique
partnership between Bahrain International
Circuit and Chevrolet Motorsport.
“Chevrolet delivers excitement on and
off the track with spirited performance and
expressive design, especially with models like
the legendary Camaro and the all-powerful
Lumina CR8, which we will see in action this
weekend at the Chevrolet Supercars Middle
East Championship,” said Luay Alshurafa,
54
GM Middle East Regional Brand Manager,
Chevrolet and GMC.
The Chevrolet Supercars ME Championship
has remained at the Yas Marina Circuit
following the fourth round of the series,
where it competed during the second
round of the GP2 Asia Series, held in the
UAE. The championship will return to
Bahrain International Circuit, ‘The Home of
Motorsport in the Middle East,’ to participate
as a support race for the 2010 Formula 1 Gulf
Air Bahrain Grand Prix, taking place on the
12th, 13th and 14th of March, 2010.
As only two rounds remain in this year’s
season, almost all 20 competitors will be
participating in an attempt to advance as far
as possible in the rankings before the third
season comes to a close. With six drivers
still in contention for the SC09 Championship
Title, the following rounds will feature
some of the most exciting racing action on
this year’s regional motorsport calendar as
Fahad Al Musalam, Tarek Elgammal, Shaikh
Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Abdulaziz Al Yaeesh
and many more of the Middle East’s most
talented drivers battle it out on the tarmac.
The fourth round saw Fahad Al Musalam,
last seasons’ Championship Title winner and
currently top of the table, win race one, while
Australian Tarek Elgammal, the first-ever
champion of the series, claimed victory in
the second race of the round. Shaikh Hamad
bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain and Abdul Aziz
Al Yaeesh of Saudi Arabia completed the
podium for both races. Al Musalam has
maintained his lead with 57 points with Al
Yaeesh and Elgammal following with 44
points each.
While the SC09 class has featured intense
rivalries as several drivers compete for
the title, Bahraini Faisal Raffii has been
dominating the SC06 category, winning seven
of the previous 8 races with his aggressive
driving style. Raffii has established a
significant 22 point advantage, leading the
championship on 56 points. Saudi Arabia’s

Alqassim Hamidaddin followed in second
with 34 points, while Husam Al Saleh trails in
third with 27 points.
Heading into the fifth round, all the drivers
are determined to compete to the best of
their abilities as the championship visits
the Yas Marina Circuit for the last time this
season. Al Yaeesh, currently in second place
in the SC09 class, is particularly determined
to do well as he looks to close the gap
between himself and Al Musalam. One of
those who is most focused on the task at
hand is Al Yaeesh, who is looking forward to
making the most of the upcoming races and
narrowing the gap on Al Musalam. Jubilee year of
“There is still a long way to go in the
championship and I will continue to fight for
as many points as I can get, and hopefully
Formula 1 at Bahrain
another victory. I cannot wait to get back
out on track and on to racing, and it is going T he 2010 Formula
One Gulf Air Bahrain
Grand Prix marks the 60th
anniversary of the world’s
biggest annual sporting
series with the most
illustrious gathering cars and
drivers to have claimed the
title in living memory. On
March 12-14 these legends
will join to celebrate Bahrain
as ‘Race Number 1’ of the
2010 season and to mark
the diamond anniversary of
Formula One racing.
It was in 1950, after
44 years, two world wars
and one abortive attempt,
that Grand Prix racing
gained the honour of an
official world championship
under the auspices of the
Fédération Internationale de
l’Automobile. At the outset
much still remained of the
sport’s origins, taking place
on circuits formed from
closed public highways in
to be very interesting how everything will Europe and it was presided
play out until the very last race,” Al Yaeesh over by the last of the true
commented. grandee teams: Alfa Romeo.
The sixth and penultimate round of the The astonishing 1.5-litre
championship will take place on the 12th, supercharged type 158
13th and 14th of March in support of the ‘Alfettas’ were designed
2010 FIA Formula 1 World Championship’s during 1937-38 and kept
inaugural race, taking place at Bahrain hidden in a monastery
International Circuit. The season finale will during WW2, but emerged
then follow on the 31st of March and the to dominate every Grand
1st of April at Reem International Circuit in Prix they entered. In 1950
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. the team was known as the
‘three F’s’ for its driver line-
up, consisting of Italian aces
Giuseppe Farina and Luigi
Fagioli plus the remarkable
talent of the Argentinean
driver Juan Manuel Fangio.
This trio were at their
peak in time for the first
ever round of the World
Championship; the British
Grand Prix at Silverstone
on May 13 1950. Under
the watchful eyes of King
George VI, Queen Elizabeth,
the princesses Elizabeth and
Margaret and up to a quarter
of a million fans, the world
championship began as a
demonstration run for the
‘Three F’s’ from which Farina
would emerge victorious.
The Alfa Romeo team
remains statistically the
most successful of all time,
losing only three races
between 1945 and 1951,
and the 1950 Alfetta takes
pride of place in the display
{Motorsports}
at the BIC throughout the
celebrations.
Although Alfa Romeo
abandoned the sport at
the end of 1951, a new
superteam was already
emerging. Enzo Ferrari
had raced for Alfa Romeo
in the 1920s and through
the next decade established
his privately-entered team
under the name of Scuderia
Ferrari. After making a
fortune producing ball
bearings during World War
2 Ferrari decided to become
a constructor in his own
right and, at the 1951 British
Grand Prix, his 4.5-litre
unsupercharged car became
the first to defeat Alfa Romeo
in the hands of Argentinean
star José Froilan Gonzales.
In 1952-53 Ferrari was
unbeatable. Due to an
absence of Formula One
machinery, the world
championship was held for
Formula Two cars and in this
smaller category Ferrari was
supreme thanks to its 500 F2
cars. Ferrari won 14 out of
15 races entered and one of
these gem-like cars will also
be present at the BIC from
March 12-14.
In 1954-60 the 2.5-litre
Formula One rules brought
stability and a raft of new
constructors – among which
the return of Mercedes-
Benz was far and away the
most spectacular. With its
heritage of success dating
back to the 1900s, Mercedes
had lain dormant since
1939. In 1954 the German
superteam was reborn;
producing the innovative
W196 car and harnessing it
to the magnificent talents
of Juan Manuel Fangio to
dominate the next two
seasons. One of these all-
conquering silver machines
will be present to witness
the return of Mercedes-Benz
after 55 years at the 2010
Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
55
{Motorsports}

World premiere of Porsche

911 GT3 R in Birmingham
P
orsche AG, Stuttgart, keeps the focus on customer racing during
the 2010 motorsport season. The new Porsche 911 GT3 R,
delivered to customers ready-to-race, replaces the 911 GT3 Cup
S in Porsche Motorsports’ model range. The 911 GT3 R will be raced
in series based on international FIA GT3 regulations. In developing
the vehicle, the emphasis was placed on improving driveability
and making handling easier. The 911 GT3 R features a four-litre
six-cylinder boxer engine delivering 480 hp (353 kW). A six-speed
sequential gearbox transmits the power to the rear axle. The new 911
GT3 R celebrates its world debut on 14th January 2010 at the Racing
Car Show Autosport International in Birmingham (Great Britain).
The development of the 1,200 kg lightweight 911 GT3 R is based
on the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup presented in September 2009 for one-
make cup racing. Thanks to a 0.2-litre increase in engine capacity, the
GT3 R delivers 30 hp more than its Cup pendant. Both race vehicles
are based on the extra-wide body of the street-legal 911 GT3 RS.
An anti-lock brake system (ABS), traction control and an e-gas with
“throttle-blip” function help pilots familiarise themselves quicker to
the new GT3 race vehicle compared to its predecessor, also making it
easier for ambitious amateur racers to get used to the car. The flared
wheel arches front and rear show the wider track compared to the
previous model. The underbody of the vehicle is completely covered
and features a rear diffuser. Compared to the forerunner model, the
adjustment range of the rear wing has been increased.
The highly developed race suspension can be extensively adjusted:
At the front are height-adjustable McPherson struts with variable
SACHS two-way shock absorbers and double coil springs (main and
auxiliary). At the rear, the GT3 R features a rigidly mounted sub-
frame with a height-adjustable multi-arm axle, as well as adjustable
SACHS two-way shock absorbers and double coil springs.

Lotus on schedule for mid-February debut

Mike Gascoyne, the new Lotus team’s chief technical officer, has confirmed that the team are a week ahead of schedule on their build process and
making excellent progress in all key areas in their efforts to be ready for the forthcoming Bahrain Grand Prix in March.
Asked for an update, Gascoyne said “We had been looking at firing up our engine for the first time on 12th February, but with the efforts
everyone’s been putting in we have now been able to bring that forward to 5th February. This is obviously a great boost for everyone involved in the
team, and shows how much hard work has already gone in since we had our entry confirmed on September 12th. With the engine fire-up date now
in the diary, we are also in a position to confirm that we will be on track for the first time at the third official test at Jerez from 17th February, and
then at Barcelona from 25th February. We are also aiming to run chassis two for the last two days of that Barcelona test.”
Gascoyne also looked ahead to the forthcoming season and announced that the development programme will see a major update at the Spanish
Grand Prix in May: “We have said we are aiming to be ahead of the new teams when we all reach Bahrain, but we would also like to be pretty close
to the midfield teams after the first few races of the season.

56
 {Motorsports}

Yas Marina Circuit now Schumacher to race for

operating year round Mercedes in 2010
After weeks of speculation
Yas Marina Circuit will host five major Mercedes confirmed recently that
motorsport events in 2010 as part of a year Michael Schumacher will make
round calendar of world-class entertainment. a comeback to race for the team
GP2 Asia, V8 Supercars Australia and the next season alongside fellow
new FIA GT1 international series will all take German Nico Rosberg.
place in the first half of 2010. Schumacher, who retired at the
The circuit will again host the final race of end of 2006, has signed a deal
the Formula 1 FIA World Championship, with that will see him return to the
the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Formula One grid at the age of
Grand Prix taking place from November 12- 41, bidding to add to his record
14. tally of 91 wins and seven world
GP2 Asia Series: The start of Yas Marina titles.
Circuit’s 2010 calendar welcomes the
return of the popular GP2 Asia Series on
5 - 6 February and a bumper programme
of excellent local races: the Porsche GT3
Cup Challenge Middle East and Chevrolet
BMW Sauber FIA, FOM and the teams’ Kobayashi signs
Supercars Middle East Challenge. Established announce new association FOTA and has for BMW Sauber
in 2008, GP2 Asia Series is an extension team structure been a member of the board for 2010
of the highly successful GP2 Main Series BMW Sauber have revealed of management since 2001.
that will see as many as 10 veteran drivers their new management An Austrian national, she
progress into Formula 1Ô for the 2010 structure following Peter completed a law degree
season. Sauber’s purchase of the at the University of Vienna
 V8 Supercars: Yas Marina Circuit, Abu team from the German before graduating as a
Dhabi will start the Australian V8 Supercars carmaker at the end of last Master of Laws from the
Championship in 2010. From 19 - 20 year. Sauber himself will London School of Economics.
February this action packed series will thrill become president of the Sauber’s son Alex will
local crowds as the Fords and the Holdens board of directors and will take over responsibility
bump and grind around the circuit in their lead the squad at Grands for the team’s marketing Their place on the 2010
first ever night race. The V8 Supercars will Prix as team principal. He activities. Thirty six year-old grid is yet to be officially
also be the first to use Yas Marina Circuit’s won’t, however, take on any Alex has worked in Swiss confirmed, but that hasn’t
“Corkscrew”. As well as enjoying popularity operational tasks at their professional football for the stopped BMW Sauber
in Australia and New Zealand, it is growing Swiss factory. last two years with Neue signing one of the hottest
in stature across the world as the premier The new managing Grasshopper Fussball AG, talents to emerge from
Touring Car racing series director at the team’s most recently as commercial the 2009 season. Kamui
International Drag Racing Festival: headquarters will be director. Kobayashi, who sprang to
America’s top fuel dragsters for the first time 38 year-old Monisha Technical director Willy prominence after replacing
in the Middle East will invade Yas marina Kaltenborn, who has been Rampf will be in charge injured Toyota driver Timo
circuit to delight race fans and spectators their head of legal affairs of the team’s engineering Glock in the final two
during The International Drag Racing since 1998. In her former department, while 62 year- rounds, is set to race for the
Festival, 19 - 20 March. capacity Kaltenborn looked old Urs Jampen returns to Swiss-based team next year.
FIA World GT1 Championship: Another after relations with the the post of finance director. Kobayashi made his F1
big event FIA GT1 Championship, 16/17 debut at the Brazilian Grand
April (TBC) will feature internationally- Prix after Glock injured
known champions of the world’s top his leg and back in the
sports car series where spectators’ faces preceding Japanese round.
will express a gamut of emotions.The FIA The Japanese acquitted
World GT1 Championship is new for 2010. himself well at Interlagos,
Six renowned sports car brands, making finishing just outside the
up 24 cars, compete in this, the inaugural, top eight, but at the season
championship. Each privateer team must finale in Abu Dhabi he went
have two entries, with every sports car brand one better, clinching his very
having four cars represented. Ten rounds, first world championship
including Abu Dhabi’s Yas marina Circuit, are points after a strong drive to
provisionally on the 2010 schedule. sixth place.

57
{Heritage}

Of when wired wheels

meant something else
altogether

58
 {Heritage}

Along with the Eiffel Tower, the 1889

Paris World Exposition also saw the first
presentation of the Daimler wire-wheel car

I
n 1889 the eyes of the world turned to Paris and the World slender iron wheels. This was an entirely new design. Of particular
Exposition. The biggest attraction – in all senses of the word – note are the technical similarities with the bicycle, in particular the
was the tower wrought in iron by Gustave Eiffel. But something frame and chassis, which is why in his design sketches Maybach also
else that fascinated the crowds of visitors to the show was the use of referred to the vehicle as a “quadricycle”. The frame and wheels of
electric bulbs to illuminate many of the exhibition stands – the very the wire-wheel car were supplied by Strickmaschinen-Fabrik AG of
epitome of the modern age. Never one to be left behind, Gottlieb Neckarsulm, a well-known local firm of bicycle manufacturers, which
Daimler installed thirty electric light bulbs around his stand, powered later achieved international fame under the name NSU.
by current generated from his “illumination car”, a mobile mini power Maybach additionally used the robust tubular steel frame of the
station equipped with Daimler engine and electricity generator. The lightweight vehicle as a conduit for coolant water and positioned the
light from his bulbs highlighted one exhibit in particular that had yet engine in the rear. On the rear axle beside the right-hand wheel he
to achieve its breakthrough – the four-wheeled “wire-wheel car”. fitted a sealed bevel gear differential, and on the left wheel a brake
Although it received considerable favourable interest, the car failed drum with a band brake operated by a hand lever from the driver’s
to strike many visitors as sensational. And yet only three years earlier, seat.
Gottlieb Daimler, aided and abetted by the engineer Wilhelm Maybach,
had built the world’s first four-wheeled automobile – a carriage
equipped with internal combustion engine and steering device. 1886
was also the year in which Carl Benz presented his Patent Motor Car;
this, too, was on display at the World Exposition. But the new Daimler
automobile featured a number of ground-breaking innovations: the
wire-wheel car had a two-cylinder petrol-powered V-engine and a
geared manual transmission. The same engine also powered two
boats brought by Daimler to Paris and with which he proved the
innovative drive system’s viability for watercraft on the River Seine. In
short, then, Daimler’s was an impressive display of products.
The first automobiles in 1886 had succeeded in demonstrating what
was feasible in principle. But they had also shown their limitations.
The output of 1.1 hp (0.8 kW) at 650/min achieved by the Daimler
single-cylinder engine was inadequate for many applications. Maybach
multiplied the power by adding a second cylinder canted at 17
degrees – thereby giving rise to the world’s first V-engine. In common
with the earlier single-cylinder engine, nicknamed the “grandfather
clock” on account of its vertical shape, the V-engine featured water-
cooled cylinder heads and was equipped with the curved-groove valve
control initially favoured by Daimler. The displacement of 565 cubic
centimetres was sufficient to develop an output initially of 1.5 hp
(1.1 kW) at 700/min. A major advantage of the new engine was its
lightweight design – it weighed just 40 kilograms per horsepower,
half as much as its predecessor. The patent awarded to this engine
in 1888 (DRP No. 50839) already included designs with cylinders in
parallel and in boxer configurations, overhead exhaust valves and Wilhelm Maybach at the wheel of the “steelwheel car” of 1889
cam-operated rather than curved-groove valve control.
The twin-cylinder V-engine was the perfect drive system for the There were initially problems with the steering – axle pivot steering
highly-elegant wire-wheel car initiated by Maybach, so called for its did not appear on a four-wheeled vehicle until Benz introduced it in

59
{Heritage}

All-gear four-speed transmission with differential for the

wire-wheel car, a design of Wilhelm Maybach, 1889.

60

1893 – which explains why the design documentation still contained
a draft for a “three-wheeled velocipede” with steerable rear wheel.
This three-wheeler design soon disappeared back into the drawer,
however, when a different solution was found to the steering problem
with the four-wheeled wire-wheel car. Here, using the same principle
as a bicycle, each of the front wheels was individually mounted in a
fork and linked by a track rod. So when the steering lever was turned,
the wheels tracked a common radius.
The world’s first V2 engine: Daimler’s two-cylinder unit made its
debut in the wire-wheel car of 1889.
Four-speed geared manual transmission
The wire-wheel car gave Maybach the opportunity to try out his design
for a geared manual transmission with four speeds. This consisted of
various gear pairings with straight-cut teeth, of which one pair was
in service at any given moment. First gear enabled the vehicle to
travel at up to 5 km/h, fourth gave a top speed of 16 km/h. During an
extended test drive in Paris the transmission was impressive enough
to convince an engineer from Renault, the carmaker that had been
{Heritage}
founded only the previous year. It was so perfect that it became the
model for all subsequent gear transmissions for motor cars. The only
downside was that technology of the day did not permit optimum
hardening of the gear wheels, which meant that service life left
something to be desired.
In spite of all the innovations, the wire-wheel car for which Daimler
and Maybach had harboured the highest hopes, met with little interest
Daimler’s wire-wheel car: The car with the world’s first V2 engine
was presented to the public for the first time at the Paris World
Exhibition in 1889.
among the visitors to the World Exposition in Paris. Nevertheless, the
World Exposition was to be the scene of another event of enormous
significance – Gottlieb Daimler cemented a business partnership
with Louise Sarazin, the widow of his long-standing French business
colleague, Edouard Sarazin. She acquired the licensing rights to Daimler
engines on condition that the engines bore the name “Daimler”. This
was to prove a catalyst for the French automotive industry, as well
as for the widespread growth in general of the automobile – since
France would be at the centre of this growth. Before long, there
were more cars equipped with “moteurs système Daimler” than in its
country of birth, Germany, where distribution was moving ahead at
a comparatively slow pace. In addition, French licensees also found
profitable business with motor boats, trams, trolley cars, power
generators and fire hoses.
In 1890 Louise Sarazin married Emile Levassor. Her husband’s
company Panhard & Levassor also supplied engines to other
companies. Their biggest customer was the family-run Peugeot
company, which bought the wire-wheel car at the end of the World
Exposition. Using this as a model, the company began building its
own automobiles, supplied exclusively until 1906 with Panhard &
Levassor engines produced under the Daimler licence. By the turn of
the century Peugeot had become France’s leading car manufacturer.
The wire-wheel car was an important milestone in automotive
history. As was the V-engine, of course, which went on to become the
drive system for all kinds of vehicles.
61
{Launch}
Supersports in a
Convertible mode
The Continental Supersports Convertible is the fastest drop-top
Bentley ever built – 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of
325km/h. It is also the fastest four-seat convertible in the world.
T
he Continental Supersports Convertible
further strengthens Bentley’s supercar
range, following the introduction of the
Continental Supersports Coupé in 2009. The
new Supersports Convertible, with the same
630PS (621bhp/463kW) twin-turbocharged
W12 engine, is the fastest, most potent
drop-top Bentley has ever built, offering the
ultimate Bentley driving experience in the
world’s most dramatic convertible.
The inspiration for the ‘Supersports’ name
is the 1925 Bentley Supersports, a race-bred
version of the iconic Bentley 3-litre, that
delivered 85bhp when more ordinary cars
were equipped with a modest 15bhp. It was
also the first production car to reach 100mph
– extreme performance in its day.
The new, muscular four-seat Supersports
Convertible is unmistakably Bentley in its
design and craftsmanship but its interior
signifies a dramatic re-interpretation of
Bentley luxury. Satin-finished carbon fibre,
Alcantara™ and ‘Soft Grip’ leather create a
unique ambience with a distinctly sporting
and contemporary style.
All models in the Continental model range,
including the new Supersports Convertible
are now capable of running on both petrol
(gasoline) and E85 bioethanol or any
combination of the two, reaffirming Bentley’s
ongoing commitment to make all its cars bio-
fuel compatible by 2012. Pioneered by the
Supersports Coupe, this FlexFuel technology
offers a reduction of up to 70 per cent in
CO2 emissions on a ‘well-to-wheel’ basis, a
measure of a fuel’s net contribution to the
atmosphere, not just tailpipe emissions.
To ensure seamless power delivery, the on-
board fuel supply system detects the blending
ratio of the fuel in the tank and ensures that
62
power and torque remain constant regardless during the overrun. During transmission
of the ratio of petrol to biofuel. upshifts, fuel and ignition are cut momentarily
Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive to give faster mechanical shift times through
Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen welcomes the new torque reduction, also improving shift quality
addition to the Bentley range, as well as the and durability.
standardisation of the FlexFuel W12 engine The extreme performance of the Superports
on all 2011 Continental models: Convertible is matched by precise, agile
“The new Supersports Convertible blends handling, while retaining class-leading levels
thrilling performance and dramatic styling of ride comfort and refinement. Developed
with luxury and practicality in the Bentley from the GTC Speed, chassis enhancements
open-top tradition. Extreme power combines include retuning of the electronic Continuous
with pioneering FlexFuel technology, now Damping Control (CDC) system, stiffer front
shared with all Continental models, reflecting suspension bushes and uprated rear anti-roll
Bentley’s ongoing commitment to more bar. The Supersports Convertible also shares
environmental motoring.” its ride height with the GTC Speed, sitting
The increased power and torque are 10mm (0.4in) lower at the front and 15mm
transmitted to the all-wheel drive system via (0.6in) lower at the rear than the standard
an uprated and rapid six-speed Quickshift GTC.
transmission, which more than halves shift The front suspension trailing lever features
times (to just 93 milliseconds) and maximises a new design of hydraulic bush, 33 per cent
the new Convertible’s
enormous potential.
The revised gearbox
also has the ability
to deliver double
downshifts (sixth
to fourth gear, for
example) and improves
acceleration across the
entire gear range. To
cope with the additional
power and torque, the
planetary gear set of
the ZF transmission is
also strengthened.
Positive torque
during downshifts
is achieved through
engine and gearbox electronic controller stiffer than those of GTC Speed, for improved
interaction for extra throttle and fuel injection steering response while the uprated rear anti-
 {Launch}

The retuned CDC The 9.5Jx20-inch forged alloy wheels,

roll bar provides improved body control and
turn-in response.
system provides shared with the Supersports Coupé, offer a
enhanced control of weight saving of 10kg (22lb) per car, reducing
body movement to unsprung and rotating mass while the open
strike the optimum 10-spoke design offers superior brake cooling.
balance between The rear wheels have a 25mm (1 inch) greater
agile handling and offset resulting in a 50mm (2 inches) increase
ride comfort during all in the rear track, further benefiting handling
driving manoeuvres. and stability.
Agility is further The lightweight wheels are fitted with
sharpened by a 40:60 275/35 ZR 20 Pirelli Ultra-High Performance
rear-biased torque split tyres, providing excellent steering response.
for the all-wheel drive The standard-fit tyre monitoring system allows
system which reduces the driver to select tyres type and speed range
understeer during parameters. As well as monitoring pressures,
hard cornering and the system warns drivers if their speed is too
allows the experienced high for the tyre pressures or if tyre speed
driver to modulate the car’s line and balance ratings are exceeded on winter tyres.
via precise throttle control.

63
{Chicane}
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 raj@alroya.net. Identify yourself or your
message will be trashed and your id blocked
64
Of airbags, brakes, gas
pedals and recalls...
The big news this time of the year has got all
the ingredients of a soap opera
T
he title may be a bit misleading,
for frankly I am not going to be
writing about any of the automotive
components listed above. The only topic of
any interest at all seems to be the size, fallout
and repercussions of the largest recalls in
automotive history.
Before I even start putting pen to paper
on this, may I offer one piece of advice to
expert, generalist and the interested onlooker
to this subject – stop getting carried away by
the media and our overwhelming interest in it.
As an industry this is the stuff that makes our
mouth’s collectively salivate. Perhaps it can be
only matched by a bankruptcy or two in its
ability to get people to notice the car industry
on our pages.
You may gasp. “but what about the risks
attached to the failure of parts?” Before
you manage to put your brows together in
tune with that question mark may I remind
you that companies like Toyota, Honda and
the like are the very companies that have
brought automotive quality standards to
where they are today. Perhaps ironically, you
are measuring their deemed failure against
the massive success of the Japanese system
that bred this excellence. I am sure that there
are many drivers, atleast of my generation,
who have learnt in theory and sometimes by
hard experience that systems do fail. So what
do we do? Brakes fail, we use gears, throttle
control and finally the parking brake to stop.
Door latches fail, we tie the door handle to
the seat or B-pillar with rope and drive to the
repair station.
What we don’t do is make such a huge noise
about a quality-control failure that seems to
have become so ‘safety-related’.
Ask yourself, “what are the chances?” What
are the chances of you getting a car with a
defective component? What are the chances
that the component will fail while you own
the car? What are the chances that it will fail
at a crucial time, as you are driving up to a
junction or through heavy traffic?
Then compare that with the chances you
take by not wearing a seatbelt, buying a car
without a full complement of safety systems
because it has saved you some money,
speaking or texting on your mobile while
driving or even buying a ‘seemingly’ perfect
car from a complete stranger because the used
car is just so right for your budget. Or even the
chances that you take when running across
a road. I would take a brand new car from
any of the affected manufacturers, especially
Toyota any day over those chances.
One lesson we need to learn that a man’s
and an organisation’s word is only as good as
the lengths they will go to stand by it. Even
if genuine mistakes are made, one needs the
strength to admit them and then rectify them.
Toyota on a global basis has done just that.
So have the other brands affected. Full marks
to them. I would still recommend them over
other brands that ignore problems, or choose
to quietly address them in the silence of the
dealers workshops.
Perhaps now, more than ever, we as car
buyers need to realise that there is no such
thing as a perfect machine. All cars are the
outcome of the work of designers, planners,
engineers, vendors and so on, who have
to integrate supply, production and quality
control. The aim for a zero failure rate is
laudable but hardly realistic. A more pragmatic
aim would be that any failure is safe, with no
loss of limb or death resulting therewith.
I have never been a fan of big business
and usually stand with the underdog on most
issues, but in this case folks, you’ve got to stop
worrying. As long as remedial action is put in
place there will be no long-term fallout of the
whole recall issue. And to the gentlemen from
the not-affected brands who are sniggering
at the embarrassment, remember next time
around it could be you.