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2014 LAMBORGHINI HURACAN | 2014 BENTLEY CGT V8 S |2014 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R |2014 PORSCHE MACAN |2014 MINI COOPER |2014 TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE |NISSAN MURANO & PULSAR | MOTORSPORTS
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JUNE 2014 ISSUE NO 154
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SPOT REPORT: 2014 NEW YORK AUTO SHOW | TRENDS: SUB-BRANDING GAINING MOMENTUM PAGE - 27
in this issue
28
CONTENT METER
COVERstory |
2014 Lamborghini
Huracan
Gallardo successor is a
stunning piece of design
and engineering
NEXT ISSUE
2015 GMC Yukon
cover story
28-35 2014 lamborghini huracan
36-41 2014 bentley continental gt v8 s
Oman and regional news
6-11 New GMC Yukon coming soon, New car launches:
2014 Honda City, 2014 Subaru WRX STI and STI, Blue Ovals
latest technologies showcased at brand event in UAE,
Regional performance indicators: Nissan, Jaguar Land
Rover, General Motors Middle East, Renault, Infiniti.
Al Jenaibi organizes Tour of Supremacy with BMW cars,
Michelin summer promotion held in UAE, Al Nabooda
opens new multibrand car showroom in UAE, Zubair
Automotive Group website wins award, SBG receives
three awards from Toyota, New VW Beetle in region,
marketwatch, VVIP edition Nissan Patrol on sale, VW CC
gets no-cost engine upgrade
10
20
brandwatch
22-27 TFiat Chrysler Automobiles game plan detailed,
Jaguar confirms XE as new name for forthcoming

sports sedan, Aston Martin will not retire 12-cylinder
engines, Aston Martin confirms new platform
development, Mazda MX-5 chassis for new Fiat product?
Jaguar to produce six units of classic Lightweight
E-Type, Volkswagen locks in design for budget brand,
Subaru details future business strategy, Lexus planning
bigger SUV? Lexus to offer supercharged LX 570 exclusive
for Middle East, Lexus shy of China production, New
Navarra-based SUV to be launched by Nissan soon,
Mercedes-Benz future SUV strategy getting clearer,
US taxpayers whopping $11.2bn bill for GMs bailout,
Anniversary specials from Ford and BMW, Wiesmann
closed for good, Executive appointments: Mark Fields,
Jean-Marc Gales, Yves Bonnefont
36
Bentley Continental GT
V8 S
Now, with that extra punch
42
54
60
International news
12-21 2014 New York auto show REPORT
12
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Stunn duction car
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30
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also driven
42-45 2014 volkswagen golf r
46-49 2014 mini cooper
54-59 2014 porsche macan
exclusive First drive
50-53 2014 hyundai xcent
60
First ride
54-56 2014 triumph bonneville
previews
64-65 2014 kia carnival
66-69 2014 nissan murano & pulsar
70-71 2014 mercedes-benz s63 amg coupe
70
72-75 2014 COTY

MOTORSPORTS
76-79 FORMULA 1 China/Spain reports, Jack Brabham
80 Chicane
80
editor-in-chief
Mohammad Al Taie
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2014
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It looks like the recovery in the global car market has gathered steam. The
good old battle between GM and Toyota is back on and the volumes are back
above 50 million vehicles worldwide. In the process, some market dynamics
have changed with China becoming the worlds largest market, the GCC
being the most profitable per capita and the luxury segment getting newer
players.
We had some interesting one on one discussions with senior global
industry executives over the past month. One of the outcomes has been
the acknowledgement of a resurgent luxury segment. Bentley has anyway
confirmed its SUV, sending out teasers of what it will look like. And another
sportscar brand is exploring a 2+2, which should be unveiled for the
motorshow season at the end of the year. And mainstream premium brands
are working hard to catapult newer, more efficient models into the market
as well.
The Huracn that features on the cover this months issue is Lamborghinis
replacement for the Gallardo. It raises the bar for the segment, with classleading interiors, an amazingly stylish exterior and a hundred thousand Rial
price tag. But what is really important is that it also symbolises a change in
the mind-set of a major brand it realises that customers who pay so much
expect their cars to be multi-modal, fulfilling the need for a track car along
with a city commuter. To their credit the Huracn beats the Gallardo on the
track and beats the class as a regular drive on the road.
However, the way in which we interact with our cars also seems to be set for a
change. Google has taken the next step in its exploration of an autonomous
drive by announcing its own car without steering wheel, brake or even
an accelerator pedal. If ever that goes mainstream, we may just become a
magazine of a rapidly disappearing genre the human-driven car. Googles
move symbolises the trend towards offering solutions that serve as market
disrupters. For starters, if you have a car that will take you wherever you
want, who needs a human-driven taxi? And why would you wait for a bus
when you could summon one of these bugs to your location through your
smart phone?
Admittedly, we are still some time away from the day when legislation around
the world will allow these devices on the main road. Can it truly be called a
car?
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2014 Subaru
WRX & WRX STI
ubarus authorized importer in Oman

has announced the arrival of limited to
1,000 unit worldwide production of the
2014 WRX STI sports sedan, the halo model in
the series. The instantly recognizable model
sports exclusive combination of WR Blue
paint and forged alloy wheels and unique
interior trim. The WRX STI is powered by a
300hp 2.5-litre turbocharged Boxer engine
mated to 6-speed manual transmission that
comes with an STI specific short-throw shifter.
Meanwhile, for better control, Incline Start
Assist will momentarily prevent the car from
rolling backward when being driven away
from a stop on an incline. The incoming model
also debuts Subarus new four-door widebody design and is built on a stiffer chassis for
even greater handling agility and precision.
The Subaru WRX STI provides a rally-bred
drivetrain and all-wheel drive handling that
is unique to this model. Handling is enhanced
with a stiffer chassis, firmer springs and faster
steering (13.0:1 ratio). New technologies
include Active Torque Vectoring which
compliment proven handling technologies
like Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Centre
| www.automanweb.com |
JUNE 2014
Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel

Drive, Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control,
and a Brembo Performance Brake System
with Super Sport ABS.
The second car that also made its debut was
the all-new 2014 WRX. The Legacy-based
car had its world premiere at the 2013 Los
Angeles Auto Show and the product concept
for this car is Pure Power in Your Control.
Reigning in the intense power and superior
environmental friendliness of the 268hp
2.0-litre horizontally-opposed direct injection
turbo Boxer engine and symmetrical AWD in
a stiffened chassis and reworked suspension
designed to quicken vehicle response to
driver steering input and raised the limit
performance for cornering. For Oman
market, the car is offered with Subarus
Sport Lineartronic transmission which offers
spirited driving styles. For instance, when
driving in the D-range, selecting Sport S
mode with SI-DRIVE switches to eightspeed shifting. This gives the Lineartronic a
selectable mode in addition to its standard
smooth shifting mode lets drivers directly feel
the WRXs impressive power performance
to better enjoy its sporty ride. In addition,
Multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)
and Active Torque Vectoring have been
added for even more predictable, more
enjoyable driving. Both cars where launched
simultaneously at the dealers all-new stateof-the-art Wattayah showroom.
Oman & region
Blue Ovals latest technologies showcased at brand event
n a bid to keep its core audience wellconnected, over 300 regional Ford sales
consultants, fleet customers and media
were invited to experience Ford brand
culture, DNA and pillars as manifested in
its latest technologies and products across
the spectrum.
Dubais Autodrome was chosen as the
venue and two models -- the all-new 2014
Ford Fusion mid-size sedan and the new
Ford Ranger compact pickup were picked
out as the models boasting capabilities
and technologies. In todays competitive
marketplace, its more important than ever

for us to highlight how Ford cars stack up
against the competition, said Kalyana
Sivagnanam, director, Marketing, Sales and
Service, Ford Middle East & North Africa.
The track and off-road demonstration
exercises also included a key Japanese
brand rival. The all-new 2014 Fusion mid-size
sedan which was tested by Automan last
month offers an unprecedented portfolio
of segment leading driver assistance
and convenience technologies based on
sensors, cameras and radar that enable
the car to see and respond, whereas Ford

claims that the all-new Ranger has been
tested in places offering various levels
of challenges such as Australia, Dubai,
Thailand, North America, Brazil, Sweden
and South Africa. Ranger prototypes have
reportedly clocked more than a million
kilometres on the road supported by
countless hours of exhaustive testing in
state-of-the-art laboratories. Engineered
and tested to ensure it can stand up to the
toughest challenge. It can tow more, carry
more, wade deeper and climb higher than
many competitors.
Nissan posts strong

performance results
n 2011, Nissan Motor Companys introduced

its ambitious Power 88 six-year business plan
aimed at accelerating the companys growth
across new markets and segments. The plan was
put into effect in mid-June [2011] and covered
fiscal years 2011- 2016. Carlos Ghosn, President
and Chief Executive Officer announced the
financial results for 12 month period and fourth
quarter ending March 31, 2014 last month.
Nissan generated solid results in fiscal year
2013, said Ghosn. Nissans performance
will improve further in 2014. We are taking
determined steps to reach our Power 88 goals
[committing to an 8 per cent operating profit
and targeting 8 per cent market share] including
greater focus on market-by-market execution,
ramping up newly installed manufacturing
capacity and strengthening our brand power.
The Middle East has also contributed in this
global success story. Nissan achieved record
sales in the Middle East of 196,885 vehicles in

the 2013 financial year, a 23.1 per cent increase
versus financial year 2012. This same record
results registered March as the highest sales
month in the companys history reaching 28,900
units in the region. In addition, overall market
share grew from 8.9 per cent to 10.3 per cent
over the 12-month period.
In the 2013 financial year, Nissan also announced
a very ambitious plan for the KSA market and
Turkey was also added as a new territory for
Nissan Middle East [NME]. NMEs ambitious
goals include tripling current sales volume [to
100,000 units] and market share [12 per cent]
by the 2016 financial year. Nissan is confident of
building on this success in the current financial
year with a further jump in regional market
share to 12 per cent. Retail sales are projected
to increase by 20.9 per cent per cent to around
237, 988 units.
Nissans results for the last financial year have

been exceptional. Our product line-up has
never been as broad or as versatile and that
clearly resonates with the motoring public in
the Middle East The its soaring success was a
result of Nissan Power 88 an extensive global
midterm plan that includes a commitment to
significantly boost the product line-up and a
drive to increase Nissans brand power and
awareness. The momentum will be more than
maintained it will escalate over the next 12
months and beyond. Our ever-expanding lineup will continue to mirror the creative best of
Nissan. Success cannot be achieved without
outstanding dealership partners and our
network is truly exceptional. The Middle East is
a pivotal market for Nissan and we are totally
committed to it, Samir Cherfan, managing
director Nissan Middle East.
JUNE 2014
news
onda Motor Co.

(Middle
East
Office) introduced
its C-segment new sedan,
the City, for the Middle
East in Dubai last month.
The sharper styled new
arrival will be offered
in three grades with an
introduction of a new
base grade -DX followed
by LX and the top-of-the-line
EX. Only one engine, the 1.5-litre
i-VTEC delivering maximum power of
118hp at 6,600rpm and a maximum torque of
145Nm at 4,600 rpm is offered. This engine
is mated to the new generation CVT 7-speed
transmission which has been developed using
the companys Earth Dreams technology.

Meanwhile, Honda has introduced some
improvements to the carry over engine from
the previous City and this has improved fuel
efficiency from 6.6-litre/100km with the old
auto to 5.7-litre/100km. The new City features
24 per cent improved rigidity over the
outgoing model and changes have also been
made to the steering, while the suspension
has been tweaked for an improved ride.
Honda claims the car has been structurally
designed to score a maximum five-star rating
in the NCAP frontal off-set, side- and poleimpact collision tests.
A lot of attention has been paid in getting
the feature pack up to date and the key
highlight in the cabin besides generous space
is a completely new dashboard with pianoblack finish accents and a control panel touch
screen beneath a larger seven-inch advanced
integrated audio screen. External devices can
be paired via various ports like USB/HDMI.
Cargo space is up from up from 506=litres
to 536-litre cargo capacity. The car was also
launched in Oman by its official importer
retailer. Prices in Oman begin at OMR5,949
for entry DX and OMR6,869 for top EX model.
And despite the political unrest in Thailand
from where the car will be imported, Honda
Middle East have assured dealers that the
supply chain is not affected and hence it will
be business as usual.
Oman & region
Regional performance
indicators
Jaguar Land Rover
Jaguar Land Rover has once again witness exceptional growth in the MENA region
by posting an impressive 36 per cent year-on-year sales increase for the fiscal year
April 2013 to March 2014. In a fiscal year when we introduced our strongest and
most comprehensive line-up to date, whilst being awarded the most accolades in the
companys history, our performance in MENA is a phenomenal achievement, and one
which firmly places us in the top five markets for Jaguar Land Rover globally, says
Bruce Robertson, Managing Director for Jaguar Land Rover MENA.
General Motors Middle East
GMME has reported its fourth consecutive

year of growth in April vehicle sales, spurred
forward by positive performance in the UAE,
Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain. In comparison with
April last year, Bahrains sales grew by 69 per.
cent. This was followed by particularly high
growth in other key markets Kuwait (up by 27
per cent), UAE (up by 22 per cent), and Oman
(up by 12 per cent). GM Middle Easts overall
April sales performance has increased year-onyear since 2010. Of course were pleased to see
such growth across the region and such strong
performance in key markets, says GM Middle
East President and Managing Director, Maurice
Williams.
Renault Middle East has reported that it has entered 2014 confidently, pursuing its
growth strategy with 8 per cent sales increase year-on-year across the GCC. Over the
first three months in 2014, year-on-year the French brand registered 18 per cent and 14
per cent growth in a Dubai & Northern Emirates market respectively. KSA and Qatar
also contributed 21 per cent sales growth and 5 per cent market share, 10 per cent
sales growth over a 7 pe rcent market increase year-on-year respectively.
Infiniti
Infiniti has announced that it sold 5,892 units across the Middle East in Financial Year 2013
(April 2013 to March 2014) which represents a significant rise of 19 per cent for the brand
when compared to the same period for 2012. The brand reports that its SUVs contributed
to over 75 per cent of total sales volume with QX60 and QX70 remaining Infinitis core
models. Juergen Schmitz, General Manager, Infiniti in the Middle East, said: The Middle
East is a very important market for Infiniti globally. The region provides our third highest
market share worldwide and we are committed to growing further. To achieve this we
have a robust mid-term plan in place which took a significant step forward last week as we
began roll-out of our strategy for strengthening of our position in KSA.
Coming soon!
GMC has announced that ME dealerships will begin selling the all-new 2015
Yukon this summer. The Yukon will provide greater capability and refinement
with more power, new fold-flat rear seats and a quieter interior. The allnew Yukon family is more powerful and efficient than before, thanks to
the new EcoTec3 engine family, which debuted earlier this year in the allnew 2014 Sierra. A 5.3-litre V8 is standard in Yukon and Yukon XL models
and an exclusive 6.2-litre engine is standard in Denali models. The engines
are designed to deliver the segments best horsepower and torque. Besides
bold styling and detailing, advanced technologies including new pioneering
safety and security specs join the comprehensive list of standard and luxury
features. Meanwhile, optimized infotainment options are designed to
broaden the appeal of one of the industrys most-popular full-size SUV lineups. The Yukon and Yukon XL was engineered from the ground up, building
on a strong legacy of capability to take them to the top of the segment with
exceptional refinement and purposeful technology, said Nadim Ghrayeb,
GMC brand manager.
8
JUNE 2014
Tour of supremacy
l Jenaibi Automobiles and experts from BMW regional office

organised a two-hour media drive in and around Muscat in the
6 Series Gran Coupe and BMW 7 Series. Both model represent
the German premium brands top-of-the-line models. The event also
included customers who were given some updated information
about the models, the 7 Series mainly, which now gets some chrome
trim additions. While the aging 7 Series still holds on to its luxury
portfolio, the sporting aspirations are taken care by the stylish 6
Series Gran Coupe.
Jaguar F-Type coupe shown at Yas Marina

Jaguar has already introduced the convertible variant of the F-Type in the
region and the hard top sibling will hit showrooms soon. The coupe was shown
to select media in UAE and more recently at the Yas Marina circuit during a
performance brand event. The interesting thing is that despite the fact that the
F-Type was originally conceived as a convertible, its the coupe which we think
will turn more heads. By far, its one of the best looking cars to be offered for
sale. The F-Type will be offered in Oman also by MHD with the supercharged
3.0-litre V6 and also the bigger V8.
The F-Type uses an all-aluminium chassis, sound and vibration insulation is
provided by the addition of a special underbody tray and engine mounts, and
a double bulkhead between the engine bay and passenger compartment.
The layout is front-engined, rear-wheel-drive. The gearbox is an eight-speed
automatic with paddle-shifters offering manual override. The F-Type has
double-wishbone front and rear suspension with adaptive dampers and
adjustable suspension settings to allow the driver to adjust ride and handling.
Depending on spec, the car can offer 25 different driving modes programmed
to suit different road conditions and driving styles. Mod cons included in the
two-seater setup are leather interior and control buttons finished in aluminium.
There is a touchscreen display in the centre console and another TFT display
between the dials in the instrument panel. There is also a choice of flat-bottom
or alcantara finish for the three-spoke steering wheel and buttons finished in
soft-feel matt black. Jaguar has also introduced a stop-start engine shutoff
function, which Jaguar says boosts fuel economy by 5 per cent. Unlike the S
and V8 variants, the active exhaust system which opens special valves over
3,000rpm to intensify the sound profile will not be available on the basic V6.
General Automotive Company, the

official distributors of Mitsubishi Vehicles
in Oman launched a special promotion
last month. The promotion runs till June
15, 2014 and offers customers to receive
great range of benefits from products
from the triple-diamond brand. The
package includes new 6-year unlimited
mileage warranty, free cash gifts, free
insurance and inclusive service packages.
news
Renault
Mitsubishi
VVIP edition Nissan Patrol

First shown at the Dubai Autoshow last year, the
limited to 200 unit production version of the VVIP
edition of Nissans Patrol has arrived in the region.
As of now this edition is officially available for sales
today across showrooms of Arabian Automobiles
[AA] in UAE. Key highlights include an alluring black
colour matt finish exterior, high quality red leather
seats, Matt black front grille, and a rear gate handle
garnish. The exclusive VVIP Patrol also sports special
design chrome finish alloy wheels and special logo
Patrol stitched in the front seats.
JUNE 2014
SBG receives three awards

from Toyota
Mohammed Saud Bahwan, chairman of Saud
Bahwan Group received three prestigious
awards from Hisayuki Inoue, senior managing
officer, Toyota Motor Corporation HQ in Japan
last month. The awards presented included
Toyota Marketing Award (Overall) and the
Toyota Marketing Award for Excellence
(Vehicle Sales). Inoue also presented the
Outstanding Customer Service award the
third one in appreciation of Saud Bahwan
Automotives initiatives to reach out to the
customers in the Sultanate of Oman. These
prestigious awards mean a lot to us at Saud
Bahwan Automotive. I humbly dedicate
these awards to all our Toyota customers in
Oman, whose loyalty has made Toyota the
most admired brand in the country, said
Mohammed Saud Bahwan after receiving the
awards.
Al Nabooda opens new multibrand

car retail outlet in UAE
H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan

Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of
Sharjah and Chairman of Sharjah Executive
Council, today officially inaugurated the
new AED120mn Al Nabooda Automobiles
combined sales and after sales centre for
the Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen brands in
Sharjah, UAE.
10 | www.automanweb.com |
JUNE 2014
exclusive TO Middle East Lexus

to offer supercharged LX 570
The ubiquitous full-sized third generation LX 570 has been a popular full-size luxury SUV
in the Middle East due to its urban centric profile with outstanding off-road and towing
capabilities. Until now the model has focused more on providing a plush cruise rather
than an outright sporty performance experience. But, thats about to change, thanks
to an initiative thats been taken up by Sadayoshi Koyari San, chief engineer [Lexus
Product Planning and Toyota Product Planning] to pump in some oomph in the model.
In the planning for three years, a limited official factory production performance version
of the LX 570 is now available for select Middle East markets. Production of this model
is strictly limited to 200 units.
Oman is among the first ME markets to have received this variant of the LX 570. The
upgraded package uses the 5.7-litre V8 engine as in the standard LX 570, but its output
has been bumped up by 69hp. The revised output is 450hp now, thanks to the addition
of forced feeding via supercharger. Other upgrades include the introduction of high
efficiency brake pads.
From the exterior, the car is mostly stock but at the rear has Supercharged badging.
The mostly black interior has been distinguished by red leather seats, red accents and
wood trim, with Supercharged scribed into the illuminated aluminium door sill. Other
upgrades include xenon and LED headlights, a premium stereo and a full range of
electronic assistance systems.
Koyari San, who was in Oman last month told Automan that supercharging was opted
over turbocharging as it helps optimize torque delivery in lower revs much better. The
supercharged edition also comes in the year when Toyota/Lexus is celebrating the 25th
anniversary of the Lexus. When asked whether this was a precursor to a new line of
performance SUVs, Koyari San made it clear that there were no such immediate plans
and his priority with the model series was to ensure it was durable, reliable and safe
besides continues with its hallmark go anywhere capabilities. In line with global trends
of downsizing, lightweight construction, Koyari Sans team focus is to ensure that the
future large SUV models retain their uniqueness even as specifications and advanced
features find their way in to the successive models. Buyers in Oman are expected to pay
a premium of OMR16,000 for this version over MRSP of the regular LX 570.
Spotlight
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne is keen to get

Alfa Romeo back in the US as soon as possible and the brand
presented the 4C as its mission statement. On arrival, the first 500
units will be called Launch Edition 4C, the carmaker has announced.
ach motor show comes with

a message from automakers
and the recent 2014 edition
of New Yorks motor show was no
exception. On one hand you had the
German premium brands like Audi,
BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche
pushing performance machines, while
on the other hand compact crossover
CUVs from Jeep, Honda and Chevrolet
were vying for attention from the ecoconscious crowd. And then you also
had manufacturers banking on special
or limited edition taglines for outgoing
merchandise.
And somewhere in-between these
extremes were automakers who have
discovered the power and market
influence of design, even in volume
selling models. Toyota and Hyundai
Author: Chandan B Mallik

lead the chase with the redesigned
Camry and Sonata respectively. The
mood at New York was entertaining
and the venue also served as platform
for model anniversary celebrations by
Ford and Mazda for the Mustang and
Miata respectively.
Here are the key highlights from the
show
Hondas US-only premium brand Acura took the wraps off the 2015
TLX sedan. Earlier it was previewed as the TLX concept at Detroit,
the production model was designed to deliver a unique and
compelling blend of sports-sedan athleticism and premium luxury
refinement under the theme of Red Carpet Athlete. The TLX will
replace both the TL and TSX in the US market. The job of bringing
the TLX to life was entrusted to Erik Berkman, a 30-year Honda
veteran who in 2012 became the companys first non-Japanese head
of research and development for North America. As Acura brand
wants to shine among luxury franchises, it will be interesting to
see how this reworked luxury car fares the test of the Tokyo-based
automakers decision to give more influence to US engineers.
Audi seems to be enjoying tweaking its RS7 and at New

York presented another dynamic! edition. The US market
audience also got a first look at the A3 Sportback.
news
This years New York Motor Show had an interesting mix of concepts and production models
Essentially the replacement to the outgoing M3 convertible, BMW officially unveiled the M4 convertible. The open top is heavily influenced
by the coupes mechanical set-up which includes 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo six cylinder engines mated to seven-speed M Double Clutch or
six-speed manual transmission. BMW also used the venue to introduce the new Track Handling Package in the 2-Series. BMW Motorrad
also showcased its retro-theme Boxer engine based motorcycle concept.
The Vantage V8 GT as we know made its debut at the Geneva

Motor Show and New York marked its US debut. However,
at the media presentation Aston Martin created ripples after
it announced that 2015 V8 Vantage GT was to be available
from $99,900. The GT was joined by the unveiling of the DB9
Carbon Edition that mixed sport and luxury in the brands
traditional style.
JUNE 2014
JUNE 2014
| www.automanweb.com | 13
Chevrolet Camaro as Bumblebee along

with a Corvette Stingray that converts into
Autobot Crosshairs. In addition, a Sonic RS
will also feature in the film along with other
cars like a Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghini
Aventador and a Pagani Huayra. Meanwhile,
news
Among the usual array of Chevrolet models,

there was a special section devoted to
the Autobots for Transformers: Age of
Extinction. All three previous Transformers
movies featured Chevrolet cars and now
for the fourth installment there will be a
Spotlight
Dodge used the event to showcase

its redesigned 2015 Charger sedan.
The incoming version gets redesigned
headlights and grille, a new wheel package
and a more rounded rear but with the
same giant brake light. Meanwhile, the
new Challenger gets an upgraded Hemi
V8 which with the Scat Pack option will
offer 485hp. And from the Pentastar-Fiat
umbrella, there was the limited to 50 units
SRT Viper Anodized Carbon Special Edition.
Ten of these will get the Time Attack Group
package.
for performance crazy Americans, one of

the fastest reveals was that of the 625hp
Z06 convertible. Chevy also showcased the
Trax, its small SUV for the eco-conscious
and the facelifted for 2015 Cruze.
Like many brands who believe design is an integral part of a cars success story, Hyundai take it one level further by introducing mature
design direction even in mass market models. Hyundai North American CEO Dave Zuckowski introduced the redesigned 2015 Sonata.
In a traditionally large car market it was
interesting to note that compact SUVs
were big at the show this year. Honda is
planning to introduce the HR-V this winter
around the same time as the Chevrolet
Trax. Honda has promised that the Mexicobuilt Fit-based HR-V [Vezel in Japan] will
be one of the most practical CUVs in the
segment with generous cargo space and
magic seats from the Jazz/Fit
JUNE 2014
JUNE 2014
New
York marked the
el made its first

The global mod
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s
cu
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t grille, the Focu
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sp
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,
ow
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sh
niversary Edition
eek before the
d Fiesta received
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Mustang 50th An
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online media a w
e
M
15
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d
ta
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te
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w
the origin
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design cues from
powertrain. Also
V8
ec
sp
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e
th
with all getting
North American debut of the 2015 Jeep Renegade, the
Besides
the usual array of
models and the GT Concept, Kias big message
brands smallest crossover in the brands lineup. Sport, Limited
at New York was that it hadnt abandoned its interest in the
and Latitude are the trims designated for Jeeps latest entry level
MPV segment. The Korean brand introduced its all-new 2015
model Renegade. These badges represent the lifestyle street-
Sedona/Carnival mid-size MPV which has been redesigned from
biased models in the line-up, while the Renegade Trailhawk has
the ground up. The incoming model is less boxy than other
more off-road orientation with an increased ride height, skid
competitors and has received several crossover cues and Kias
plates and unique bumpers that improve the approach and
corporate styling.
departure angles.
Land Rover finally unveiled - in the flesh - its Discovery Vision Concept a couple days in advance of the New York Auto Show. The glitzy
event took place on the deck of the USS Intrepid, now serving out its retirement as the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in the Hudson
River in New York City. The venue was appropriate, as Land Rover and Virgin Galactic, Richard Bransons commercial spaceline, have
announced a long-term global partnership (thus explaining why a full size model of the VSS Enterprise suborbital spacecraft was in
attendance).
Land Rover is touting the Discovery Vision Concept as a vision into the future of Land Rovers new family of leisure vehicles. For the
past decade, Discovery models sold in North America have been badged as the LR3 and LR4, but the Vision Concept marks the return
of the Discovery nameplate to our soil. According to the British automaker, the Discovery is back to redefine its territory in the leisure
category. The concept is intended to represent a future family of Discovery-named vehicles that will boast the new design language and
introduce new technologies.
bring
ks in an effort to
ea
tw
g
in
yl
st
of
in the
couple
to the drivetrain
d now sports a
or
ite
e
m
Li
sid
0
in
s
X8
te
Q
e
da
rs
Th
to Range Rove
e arent many up
n and QX80 SUV.
concept similar
uage. While ther
a
yed its Q70 seda
ng
y,
la
la
tr
n
sp
en
di
sig
e
m
de
lin
ar
t
ery
en
-th
Nissans luxu
the brands curr
im as its top-of
e luxury SUV tr
more in line with
th
e
ce
ot
an
ar
om
pr
pe
ap
to
its
done
e exercise was
editions.
SUV, we think th
GL-Class Designo
nz
Be
sde
ce
er
M
or
y
Autobiograph
The
Jaguar XK is on its final leg
of its career and befitting its farewell later
this year Jaguar introduced the XK Final
Fifty Edition at the show. The Final Fifty
Edition is based on the XKR and will include
a production run of 25 coupes and 25
convertibles exclusively for the US market.
JUNE 2014
JUNE 2014
Introduced at a revision, the new Countryman incorporates some

very minor cosmetic tweaks to the exterior.
More details were leased about the NX
compact crossover. While powertrains will
vary by markets, Lexus is offering a naturally
aspirated NX 200, a NX 300h hybrid and an
NX 200t turbo. The US market will get the
NX 200t turbo and NX 300h hybrid. The
NX 200t F Sport will also be available in
Americas at a later date.
ay. The
an interesting w
in
n
tio
no
is
th
styling.
rward
and utility-based
Murano takes fo
ity
15
20
rm
ifo
ew
un
l-n
r
al
fo
n
atio
the 2013
n more
d the third-gener
ncept shown at
t in a field know
an
Co
ou
n
e
ds
sig
nc
an
de
na
st
so
n
on
ai
g
Re
wn the
bankin
of the
once ag
but then tone do
floating roof
nal design that
e
Nissan is heavily
g
io
nc
in
ot
na
op
em
sl
so
ly
dRe
ar
gh
13
w
hi
the 20
al design
d back
ver is a
n concepts like
ys Nissans glob
-side creases an
incoming crosso
sa
sig
dy
o,
de
bo
an
e
ed
ur
siv
M
nc
es
w
ou
gr
e ne
the pron
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te a buzz with ag
. Not so with th
The car retains
-door Versa/Sunn
akers often crea
nsible shoppers
m
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se
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e
l
or
Au
ve
.
m
le
g
y
ow
in
tr
sh
riz
en
e
Detroit auto
n to avoid pola
eshed take on th
r mass productio
splay was a refr
di
on
s
el
od
m
styling in time fo
r
othe
amura. Among
chief, Shiro Nak
Mazda put up an interesting display of products and future technologies. The technology part was highlighted
by the new Skyactiv chassis that will be used in the next generation Miata sportcar besides being shared by an
unnamed Fiat product which will be manufactured in Japan by Mazda. Meanwhile, the Miata also celebrated its
25th anniversary at New York.
In January, Porsche brought not one, but two sun-loving

convertibles to the 2014 North American International Auto
Show in Detroit. As expected, right in time for summer
Porsche had new Porsche 911 Targa and recently introduced
Macan sharing the stand as key highlights.
Mercedes-Benz wants to take its performance

prowess to the doorstep of compatriot Porsche
and it was no surprise when the German tristar
brand showed off its new 911 fighter a night before
the show. The new 577bhp S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe
was among the key models shown. The S63 AMG
coupe essentially replaces the CL63 AMG and
serving as the high-performance upgrade to the
S550 coupe, the S63 AMG is powered by a handbuilt 557hp 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8.
JUNE 2014
JUNE 2014
The lightly modified Scion FR-S Release Series 1.0 is the first in yet many
to come factory specified customization options. Limited to 1,500 units
each 1.0 will come wearing screaming Yuzu Yellow paint and sporting a
wild lower body kit, a prominent rear spoiler extension, an aero kit, a
side garnish and a TRD quad-tip exhaust system. All this and a numbered
commemorative plaque near the gearshift lever sign off the kit.
Almost every competitive model in the midsize sedan segment

has undergone a significant facelift within the past two years as
the competition has tightened and the overall market improved.
Design has become a bankable currency in the midsize segment
and even mundane models have gone under the scalpel and have
returned with more expressive designs.
in its line
the void of a sports car
ing
fill
g
rin
ide
ns
co
en
form of a
Kia has be
ve been displayed in the
ha
ns
tio
ira
asp
Its
.
ile
concept
up for a wh
cased as the GT4 Stinger
ow
sh
e
up
co
ve
dri
el
he
ered with a
2+2, rear-w
en lighted, it could be off
gre
ts
ge
it
If
ar.
ye
the
der used in
earlier in
turbocharged four-cylin
re,
-lit
2.0
the
of
on
rsi
detuned ve
Challenge.
er from the Pirelli World
the Kia Optima GTS rac
gon shape and

tback retains its wa
Ou
w
ne
e
Th
r.
ste
re
2015 WRX STI.
RX or Fo
red Rallycross-spec
w bigger than the W
lou
no
co
is
tly
ich
igh
wh
br
k
ac
its
tb
off
new 2015 Ou
o took off the wraps
Subaru present the
edecessor. Subaru als
pr
its
an
th
re
tu
ma
looks much more
We
feel that Toyota has anticipated
the heat generated in the mid-sized sedan segment with refreshed or all-new models from
competitors, which prompted the Japanese brand to fast track and unveiled a refreshed version of its
best-selling Camry that technically arrives only two years into its lifecycle.
In
the US, Volkswagens essentially
production ready cars displayed at motor shows are a hit with the audiences and
this year it was the turn of the Golf Sportwagen TDI 4Motion to take the honours. Previously sold as a Jetta, VWs Sportwagen will
now fall under the Golf family. Volkswagen also introduced its facelifted for 2015 Jetta. With modest styling revisions, the freshened car
now looks more like a scaled down Passat.
JUNE 2014
the business case

are still trying to prove
General Motors insiders
t coupe. And theres
Cadillac Elmiraj concep
to build the car like the
dillacs global sales
ssibility thanks to Ca
a ray of hope of that po
successful ELR will
o strongly thinks that a
boss, Bob Ferguson, wh
ering than the Volteven more upscale off
likely lead to a larger,
based two-door.
owcase that it is in
ncept, Nissan is out to sh
Co
n
da
Se
ort
Sp
the
th
Wi
e new Sport Sedan
g its design language. Th
lin
au
erh
ov
of
t
ds
mi
the
t weve witnessed
the design elements tha
of
ny
ma
es
pli
ap
t
ep
nc
Co
r-door shape. But
a more conventional fou
to
s
car
ow
sh
t
en
rec
on
n Concept previews
exercise, the Sport Seda
n
sig
de
re
me
a
m
fro
far
every indication of
orts sedan, which has
sp
on
cti
du
pro
ure
fut
a
ion Maxima.
being the next generat
r
ive 2015 Mustang 50 Yea
has out its commemorat
just
to
d
ite
lim
is
n
Five decades later Ford
ctio
du
Pro
New York Auto Show.
2015
Limited Edition at the
is based on the all-new
car
pe
cou
ve
dri
l
hee
r-w
nt
rea
me
The
uip
its.
eq
un
ard
64
1,9
k. The stand
with performance pac
on
led
imb
--W
rs
ou
Mustang GT fastback
col
o
tw
only offered a choice of
or
list is long, with buyers
to a six-speed manual
ted
ma
V8
e
-litr
5.0
hp
420
A
l
e.
de
Blu
mo
na
n
Ko
itio
or
Ed
White
Year Limited
will be offered. The 50
an
h
wit
e
kag
Pac
e
a six-speed automatic
anc
rform
e Ford is offering its Pe
also marks the first tim
automatic gearbox.
g FT-1 Concept. Short

ta showcased its strikin
Earlier in the year, Toyo
nly disguised Supra
FT-1 many believe is a thi
for Future Toyota, the
team, the FT-1 draws
Calty Design Research
Concept. Penned by the
concepts from 2007
-HS and the Lexus LF-LC
inspirations from the FT
ept, it will be available
While it may be a conc
and 2012, respectively.
Digital to add the
worked with Polyphony
to drive soon, as Toyota
FT-1 to Gran Turismo 6.
JUNE 2014
Now that CEO Sergio Marchionne has spelled out Fiat Chrysler
Automobiles game plan, what are your initial impressions?
this year, will follow by the end of the year

- with these models and the otherexciting
future expansions to the product portfolio
that were detailed in the plan, well
continue to grow our sales and market
sharesignificantly throughout the region.
The five-year plan that was announced on May 6, is a further

refinement of our long-term plan. While its being viewed as
ambitious and challenging, the objectives are very clear and
were confident that it will be successfully executed, especially
given the results that have been achieved to date against the
original plan, which was also ambitious and challenging.
It seems that Jeep is the hero brand amongst the group.
What does that mean for SUV markets like Middle East?
Jack Rodencal
Managing Director / CEO ,

Fiat Chrysler Middle East
JUNE 2014
Jeep, the original SUV based on the brands enduring core

values - freedom, adventure, authenticity and passion - is our
lead global brand. The iconic Jeep brand is recognised the
world over, and every Jeep vehicle has a unique story to tell,
with a rich heritage that links back to the original Willys MA.
Jeeps iconic design and consummateoff-road capabilities
have come a long way since the brands first austere military
vehicle turned into a true automotive phenomenon. Since
then, Jeep has unveiled a series of unique SUVs that express
the brands core attributes whilst adding premium style and
comfort.
This combination defines Jeep and inspires its loyal following,
especially here in the Middle East, where the brand has
extremely high awareness and acceptance levels.
Jeep is a brand that never stops innovating, and the appeal
of our vehicles has been further broadened by the on-going
expansion of the range and remarkable attention to detail,
resulting in Jeeps position as the #1 SUV brand and a new alltime global sales record in 2013.
So far this year weve already launched the all-new Jeep
Cherokee and the Renegade, which has received rave reviews
since it was first revealed at the Geneva Motor Show earlier
Alfa Romeo is also on the renaissance

agenda. What are your plans for the
Middle East for this brand and what sort
of contribution you think this region will
be able to play considering the weakened
European scenario for this brand?
We are taking Alfa Romeo back to its roots
- the brand has aheritage that is steeped
in driving passion, from winning the first
World Championship at Monza in 1925
and the first Formula One Grand Prix in
1950, and its a modern expression of that
passion that will form the platform for the
brands continued revitalisation.
The brands DNA has a strong fit with
the Middle East customer profile, and
that, combined with an expanded lineup alongside the marketing and network
expansion plans that we have in place,
means that it can make a significant
contribution to our sales across the region.
What happens to Chrysler and Dodge in
Middle East? Any thoughts on how things
will move forward?
The Chrysler and Dodge brands are clearly
Key product highlights [2014-2018]

Chrysler
2014: Refreshed 300/300C, debuting at Los Angeles Auto Show

2016: 100 C-segment sedan launches; Town & Country minivan launches, complete
with PHEV version
2017: 200 sedan gets a mid-cycle refresh; all-new fullsize crossover launches,
complete with PHEV version
2018: all-new 300/300C launches; all-new midsize crossover launches Unconfirmed:
300 SRT8 will die
Dodge/SRT
SRT brand will be folded back into Dodge, meaning the Viper once again wears the
Dodge logo
2014: refreshed Charger launches; refreshed Challenger and Challenger SRT
launch; Avenger dies
2015: refreshed Charger SRT launches; Viper refreshed
2016: new Dart and Dart SRT arrive; new Journey arrives; Grand Caravan minivan
dies with the arrival of new Chrysler Town & Country. Join our siblings at AOL
Autos to reflect on the loss of the first mainstream minivan.
2017: new Journey SRT arrives; Durango refreshed
2018: new B-segment sedan and hatch arrive; new Challenger and Challenger SRT
arrive; new Charger and Charger SRT arrive
Jeep
2014: Renegade launches

2015: Grand Cherokee refreshed
2016: 75th anniversary of Jeep; Compass and Patriot die; all-new C-segment SUV
launches; Cherokee refreshed
2017: Renegade refreshed; all-new Wrangler launches; all-new Grand Cherokee
launches
delineated with product portfolios that

reflect their unique personalities.
The Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger,
Challenger and Durango are already highly
successful models for us in the Middle East.
The renewed brand focus and planned
additions to the line-up can only benefit
us, as this will further broaden our sales
opportunities.
We touch on Dodge in response to your
next question, but Chryslers positioning
is very clear - its a perfect balance of style
and substance, advanced powertrains
and transmissions - the brand is driven by
innovation, craftsmanship and world-class
quality and designed to deliver on the
promise of value.
There were some rumours that Dodge
would be transformed into a pure muscle
car performance brand. Is that likely to
happen? And would such a move really
help it move metal?
The strategy is to reinforce Dodges
positioning
as
our
state-of-the-art
performance brand - we build performance
cars and performance is technology - using
world-class platforms, advanced engine
technology and enhancing and developing
a product line-up that continues to build on
Dodges 100 years of attitude.
Dodge already has an extremely strong
brand perception in the Middle East, with
a line-up that generates a high volume of
sales for us. The Charger and Challenger are

amongst the most popular vehicles in their
segments, while the breadth of the Dodge
range is perfectly demonstrated by the
Durango, a true 7 seat SUV that has all the
functionality that customers are looking
for without losing the essential excitement
that is part of driving any Dodge.
In view of above, how are u planning to
communicate the repositioning of the
Chrysler models?
As part of our clear and focused brand
strategy, Chrysler will become our
mainstream brand with an expanded
line-up - by 2018, we will offer a line-up of
vehicles that will include a compact car, mid
size car, full size sedan, minivan, mid size
UV and full size UV.
Now that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has
officially decided to roll the SRT brand
under the umbrella of Dodge, how will it
affect Chrysler models which are also SRT
badged?
In-line with the strategy, all performance
models will fall under the Dodge brand as
we reinforce its position as our state-of-theart performance brand, and there will be a
full line-up that will, logically, include SRT
models and Viper.
JUNE 2014
face to face
cannot and achieve far greater sales

volumes than Maserati.
Marchionne also plans to revamp the
luxury Maserati to follow bigger rivals
such as Volkswagen by building global
brands and strengthening its position
in the fast-growing and high-margin
market for premium cars.
The most intriguing new plan laid out
by Marchionne involves Chrysler and
Dodge. He plans to pull back on Dodge
for a few years, while simultaneously
attempting to build Chrysler into a fullfledged, mass-market competitor to
Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, Nissan,
Hyundai, and Kia.
In its presentation, Fiat Chrysler
promised a newly-built Chrysler brand
that would present a perfect balance
of substance and style to be driven by
innovation, craftsmanship, and world
class quality, designed to deliver on the
promise of value and built with pride in
North America. In the grand scheme of
things, the plan will cost around $77bn
over the next several years.
news
May 06, 2014 was a date that industry watchers around the
world had been waiting for as a significant announcement
from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne
was due.
As part of the groups long-awaited five-year business
plan, Marchionne wants to show how Fiat Chrysler can
go on the attack against the giants in the industry
and hence a lot of emphasis has been on execution. The
group has repeatedly missed sales targets as it delayed
investments, made some bad design choices and has seen
its main European business lose share and plunge into
losses during a six-year market slump.
Marchionne has revealed that Fiat Chrysler will build
Jeeps in China and Brazil and is expected to invest billions
of euros to revamp its battered Alfa Romeo sports-car
brand in a bid to convince investors it can turn the newly
merged automaker into a thriving global business.
In terms of business prospects, it seems that Jeep is the
brightest within the group. Jeep has a decent portfolio
of SUV products and is a globally recognised brand.
Marchionnes best bet is to use Jeep to help grow sales,
boost margins and to gain a global manufacturing
footprint in Fiats home turf in Europe and in fast-growing
markets such as Brazil and China. Marchionne once again
vowed to bring Alfa Romeo back to North America
following a two-decade absence and believes that it can
deliver the global profile that mass market brand Fiat
JUNE 2014
Aston Martin confirms new platform development

Aston Martin CFO Hanno Kirner says that in the next few years,
Aston Martin will be implementing the biggest investment
programme in its 101-year history. Kirner further adds that
the carmaker is preparing the ground for new and exciting
products in the future. And for that, new investments will be
used to engineer a completely new architecture that will
underpin the companys next-generation sports cars, some of
which will also benefit from engines co-developed through a
partnership with Mercedes-Benz AMG division. The strategic
partnership with Daimler AG will bring with it cutting edge
electrical and electronic architecture expertise, and the shared
development of world-class bespoke V8 powertrains, Kirner
added. However, a possible launch time-frame for the nextgeneration platform still remains unclear. As regards to the
Ford block-based 6.0-litre 12-cylinder [AM11] engine which
was developed by Cosworth under Ford ownership of AM
will continue to be used even after Astons V8s make way
for AMGs. No details have been revealed as regards to the
beneficiaries.
Jaguar to produce six units of classic Lightweight E-Type
Mazda MX-5 chassis for new Fiat product?

In May 2012, Mazda and Fiat announced plans to co-develop a
new Alfa Romeo convertible sports car.
Under the plan, a new Alfa Romeo convertible was talked
about [tipped to revive the Spider name (although Duetto has
also been hinted at) and was supposed to be built by Mazda
alongside the new MX-5 at a plant in Hiroshima, Japan. Now,
there are strong indications that this joint venture product
will be for Fiat and not for Alfa Romeo. Reports from Europe
suggest that the joint-venture Mazda-Fiat sportscar will use
the new Mazda-developed SkyActiv chassis which shown at
the recent New York motor show. As expected both brands
will offer different body styling and powertrains. Fiat is
reportedly roped in Ferrari to help develop high performance
four-cylinder engines. The unnamed car is to be built for both
brands in Mazdas Hiroshima plant is another indication that
the car will be going to Fiat. This is because FCA executives
have repeatedly said that all new Alfa Romeos within the fiveyear plan will be made exclusively in Italy.
The latest on this is that this could be the new Fiat specialty model which Marchionne
has been talking about and that it will be launched at the end of 2015 in North America
and Europe. Mazdas SkyActiv architecture for the next-generation MX-5 will also sit
under a new Fiat further confirms European speculation is that this vehicle is a higherperformance Quadrifoglio cloverleaf version of the new 4C roadster.
Aston Martins has confirmed the

development of an all-new architecture
and V8 engine partnership with AMG for
its future product range, but what will still
remain core to the British brand is its V12
engine. Aston Martin spokesman Matthew
Clarke has confirmed that Astons 6.0-litre
V12 engine will continue to be improved
with ongoing development and will serve
a number of our flagship models for
the foreseeable future. Former CEO of
Aston Martin Dr Ulrich Bez has previously
indicated that a V12 can still exist in five to
ten years but not necessarily displace six
litres. This means a theres a downsized
possibility in future.
The CFOs comments appear to contradict recent reports suggesting the British automaker
had inked a deal to source its next-generation car platform from Daimler. Mercedes-Benz
GL-Class platform is separately viewed as a likely candidate for an Aston Martin SUV,
however.
Aston Martin will not

retire 12-cylinder engines
brandwatch
Dr Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer, Jaguar Land

Rover has confirmed the new naming nomenclature for
Jaguars forthcoming sedan: We announced just a few
weeks ago that our new Engine Manufacturing Centre
would produce a new family of premium, lightweight,
low-friction, low emission four-cylinder petrol and diesel
units. The first of our Ingenium engine range will be
used in our all-new mid-sized Jaguar sports sedan. That
car will be called the Jaguar XE, and it will be unveiled in
production form later this year. The XE will be the first
product from the new advanced aluminium architecture
which was showcased in the C-X17 concept car in 2013.
The XE will be the first aluminium monocoque vehicle
in the segment and power will be provided by engines
with a wide range of capacities and output, all delivering
inspirational performance and offering the latest
innovation in fuel-efficient technologies. Jaguar is set
to formally unveil the XE in October, with sales likely
beginning in spring 2015.
Jaguar has announced plans to produce six units of the Lightweight E-Type. Back in
1963 the British carmaker planned a small production of 18 units of the Lightweight
E-Type but they were able to produce only 12. The last car was assembled in 1964
while the rest of the designated chassis numbers were never used. Jaguar has
rekindled the idea and this initiative has led it to move forward with its first ever
recreation project. The project consists of producing the remaining six units
of the Lightweight E-Type and all of them are going to be hand-built in-house to
the exact specifications of the original cars. Compared to the stock E-Type, the
Lightweight version was 114kg lighter as a result of using aluminium for the engine
block and body panels. In addition, the car came with a stripped out interior,
lighter hand-operated side windows and it also lacked any chrome touches on the
exterior. Like the original cars, the new E-Type Lightweight will be powered by
the same straight-six 3.8-litre engine. Jaguar plans on showing the car sometime
in summer.
news
Jaguar confirms XE as new name

for forthcoming sports sedan
Volkswagen locks in
design for budget brand
VW has made some progress with its

proposed unnamed budget brand.
At the recent Beijing Auto show, VW
executive Hans Demant said that
the concept and design of a lowpriced car to be sold under an all-new
unnamed brand has been locked in.
The new vehicle is designed to retail
in 2016 for roughly US$7,000. The
project had previously hit cost snags
because of the trouble involved in
engineering a budget car that could
still match VWs high internal quality
standards. The car will be built and
sold in China and depending on its
market response, VW could expand
its markets to include India, Latin
America, Eastern Europe, the Baltic
region and Africa. Regarding the
possible choice of a brand name
Volkswagen Audi Group can look
at reviving NSU, Horch, Wanderer or
DKW any one of these nameplates
which it has in store.
JUNE 2014
Lexus shy of China production
Despite making impressive strides in the luxury car business, Lexus thinks that
when it comes to image perception, premium German brands like Audi, BMW and
Mercedes-Benz have an edge due to their long history. This was stated by New
Lexus president (and design boss) Tokuo Fukuichi recently when asked about the
brands aspirations for China.
The dynamic Chinese market which has metamorphosed from import-retail of
premium brands to domestic manufacturing in less than a decade still offers
opportunities for players intending to set-up manufacturing units. Mainstream
brands like Ford, General Motors and Volkswagen who have set their sights on China
have moved forward with big investments in manufacturing and processes [to
help offset huge import taxes] and luxury marques like Audi, BMW and MercedesBenz are also soon joining the manufacturing wave in the Peoples Republic. But
Lexus feels it isnt ready to build cars there, despite volume opportunities. Lexus
only sold about a fifth of what BMW did in China last year.
While importing vehicles into the country raises their prices considerably, it seems like
ultra conservative player Lexus is looking at the larger picture, rather than the shortterm profits it could make by building vehicles in China before its ready. We hope it
doesnt turn out to be a case of too little too late.
Subaru details
future business strategy
Subarus parent company, Fuji Heavy
Industries unveiled their new midterm business plan called Prominence
2020. The plan gives some hints about
Subarus future which includes the idea of
introducing a new modular architecture
that can underpin everything from the
Impreza to the Outback. It will reportedly
.be called the Subaru Global Platform
(SGP) and debut on the next-generation
Impreza. Subaru has also indicated they
will improve their product line-up with a
focus on SUVs. As part of this initiative
the company will reportedly introduce
a seven-seat crossover to replace the
Tribeca. Theres no word on when it will
arrive but it will likely be built in the US. The
plan also calls for Subaru to improve their
fuel efficiency by adding direct injection
to all their petrol engines and introducing
cylinder deactivation technology.
Mercedes-Benz future SUV strategy getting clearer

Despite making impressive strides in the luxury car business, Lexus thinks that when it
comes to image perception, premium German brands like Audi, BMW and MercedesBenz have an edge due to their long history. This was stated by New Lexus president (and
design boss) Tokuo Fukuichi recently when asked about the brands aspirations for China.
The dynamic Chinese market which has metamorphosed from import-retail of premium
brands to domestic manufacturing in less than a decade still offers opportunities for
players intending to set-up manufacturing units. Mainstream brands like Ford, General
Motors and Volkswagen who have set their sights on China have moved forward with big
investments in manufacturing and processes [to help offset huge import taxes] and luxury
marques like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are also soon joining the manufacturing
wave in the Peoples Republic. But Lexus feels it isnt ready to build cars there, despite
volume opportunities. Lexus only sold about a fifth of what BMW did in China last year.
JUNE 2014
Nissans all-new Navara pick-up is just

weeks away from its global reveal.
The new model is also expected to
form the basis of a rugged new SUV,
which could fill a gap vacated by
the previous generation Pathfinder.
This possibility comes from Nissan
executive vice president Andy Palmer
who hinted media at the recently
concluded New York motor show.
The new Navara-based vehicle
a Thai-built competitor for the
Australian-developed Ford Everest,
Mitsubishi Challenger, Isuzu MU-7
and Holden Colorado 7, among
others will effectively replace the
Pathfinder Classic that continues to
be built in Spain on the older Navaras
truck-style underpinnings for some
markets. The current Pathfinder
which was launched in 2013 is built
in America on a car-style monocoque
[crossover] architecture shared with
Murano and Maxima. While an official
naming is due soon, could this be the
new XTerra moving up the SUV ladder
in terms of capability and content
as it is unlikely Nissan will have two
contemporary versions with the
same name at the same time?
Sub-branding fancy catching on

Its no secret that most savvy marketing gurus in the automotive business are in the favour
of creating sub-brands. They think that such a move can help carmakers access to specific
market slots and in the overall equation help in expanding market share and broadening profit
opportunities. While there are pros and cons of this adage, depending on the organisations
abilities, it can be done successfully without the risk of jeopardizing the strength of the parent
brand.
In essence, for a car maker looking at sub branding as a business extension, it would probably
boil down to how different value bundles can be offered under each brand independently.
Besides addressing customer expectations from each sub-brand, such a move can also
provide safe distance distances when it comes to overlapping or conflicting interests within
a brand umbrella.
Automan takes a look at some of the brands that are on the move in this respect.
brandwatch
According to a report released by the

US Treasury Department, taxpayers lost
$11.2bn on account of the United States
federal bailout of GM. The Treasury
had estimated the US would lose about
$10.3bn on the deal when it sold its
remaining shares in GM in December. The
new figures suggest its approximately
a billion dollars more than expected.
It may be recalled that in 2009, the US
government bailed GM out to the tune
of $50 billion. Following the automakers
bankruptcy filing, the United States
became a 61 per cent owner of the
company. The government slowly sold
off its stake in GM in the subsequent
years and completely divested its interest
late last year. Although a sizable loss, the
Treasury notes that its goal in bailing out
GM was to rescue the economy, not turn
a profit.
New Navarra-based
SUV to be launched
by Nissan soon
news
New VW Beetle arrives in region
Consumers in Dubai and the Northern Emirates will be the first in the region to be offered
the all-new Beetle. Sporting a familiar profile, the new car is 1,808mm wide (84 mm +),
1,486mm tall (12 mm -) and 4,278mm long (152 mm +). This has resulted in entirely new
proportions. The gain in length meant that the roof could be extended further, the front
windscreen could be shifted back, and the rear section could follow the contour of the
original Beetle. The new focal point is the C-pillar. In parallel, the development team
increased the cars track widths and wheelbase. The car will be offered with one engine,
which is also found in the recently upgraded CC -- a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder offering 210hp
when mated to DSG gearbox. The new Beetle will be offered in three trims S, SE and SEL
with prices starting from AED99,900 and topping out at AED 129,500 from Al Nabooda
Automobiles showrooms in Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah.
US taxpayers
whopping
$11.2bn bill
for GMs bailout
Infiniti
Infiniti want to spin off its own performance sub-brand in an attempt to build itself a technology
showcase across a range of future products. During the
Launch of the Eau Rouge mid-size sedan concept in the US, Infiniti Americas vice-president
Michael Bartsch said the luxury offshoot of Japanese car-maker Nissan would soon have its
own sub-brand to rival the likes of Audis S, BMWs M and Mercedes-Benzs AMG. So you can
reasonably expect that you would have a performance variant of numerous models within the
product portfolio, Bartsch said. Infiniti will reinvent itself over the next three years, rolling
out the city-sized Q30 hatchback either late next year or early in 2016 and Q30-based SUV, and
at the higher end of the market a technology-laden rival to Mercedes-Benzs S-Class.
In October last year, Infiniti officially split from Nissan to become a standalone brand for
the first time in its 25-year history. One of the problems Infiniti had when you think that
Infiniti and Lexus launched in the US at the same time 25 years ago, and the difference
between Lexus and Infiniti was that Lexus was launched as an independent brand right
from the get-go, and Infiniti was always a brand that was a sub-product of Nissan.
Volkswagen
It seems Volkswagen may be looking to expand the Beetle as a range beyond just a single
body style. There are some indications about possible variants based on old ideas being
talked about in Germany. According to German publication AutoBild, three new vehicle types
that are high on the list of possibilities and can be engineered on the next-generation Beetle
platform include: a van, a coupe, and an off-road model, something on the lines of a Beetle
Dune concept.
Technically, all these are possible, thanks to Volkswagens new modular MQB platform which
allows the flexibility in creating new models. The Beetle name should cater to smaller niches
in select markets worldwide.
Volkswagen recently killed the Kombi in Brazil, its last country of production, and a van
variant of the Beetle could bring back the familiar shape, possibly based on the 2012
Bulli concept. Meanwhile, a coupe model could bring some serious performance to the
Beetle line, with rumours stating the car could have as much as 300hp on tap.
Audi
While Volkswagen looks at new ideas using its iconic Beetle badge, Audi seems to be
working on a similar idea with its TT. The strongest hint in this direction came from Dr Ulrich
Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management at the recent Beijing auto show The fourdoor Audi TT offroad concept provides a glimpse of how we might imagine a new model in the
future TT family, said Hackenberg.
JUNE 2014
Lamborghini Huracn
Gusty with a chance

of Lightning
JUNE 2014
Lamborghini has launched its Gallardo replacement Huracn at

a time when demand in the segment is growing. Is the Huracn
now a segment beater? And has Lamborghini done enough. We
report from the launch event in Spain.
JUNE 2014
JUNE 2014
JUNE 2014
ouve got to admire the nerve of

race drivers. As you are hurtling
down towards a sharp bend on the
track at speeds above 200 kilometres an
hour some questions pop up like irritating
little thought bubbles can the brakes
slow down the car? Can the car carry all
the remaining speed through the curve?
When do you step on the pedal again?
Now imagine doing that every few seconds
repeatedly through a 300 kilometre odd
race, while also trying to keep your position
or improve it, with the all the din and roar of
the race around you as I said at the outset,
hats off to the guys who do this for a living.
As for me, while I was thrashing a car around
a track, it wasnt quite a race even though
the track beckoned one to floor your way
ahead. We were at the Ascari track located
in the hills near Marbella in Southern Spain.
It started out as the personal playground
of a well-heeled car lover and now serves
as a home away from home for many more
of his ilk, some of them who park their
supercars there the year around. In more
ways than one, this was the perfect setting
to introduce the Huracn to the worlds
motoring media after all, some of the cars
could eventually end up joining the stable
of thoroughbreds housed there.
The Huracn comes at a critical juncture
for the brand after all the Gallardo that
it replaces began life as a 2004 model
year, with its 5.0-litre V10 engine receiving
regular power upgrades that ended with
the second generations 5.2-litre unit that
ended up as the phenomenal 570-4 post
2010. This time around, the Gallardo doesnt
get a new generation it gets the Huracn
tag instead.
Equipped with a re-engineered and retuned
version of the 5.2-litre V10 that now posts
an immense 610 PS, the 1,422kgs car enjoys
some amazing power to weight (1 HP
for 2.33 kgs) and power to displacement
ratios. But, dare we even say this; the
JUNE 2014
Huracn is more than the sum of

its performance ratios. It
seeks to be so in every
department and
somehow
manages
to
make
the math
shatter
the
myth.
a much smaller one that

shows air-conditioning or
engine heat and pressure
readings. The Start/Stop
button is hidden away
under a red flip cover,
resembling a missilefiring button. As a sign to
the times, the engine also
has the mandatory StopStart function that can be
overridden (its your choice
whether you want to save
fuel at the traffic signal).
For
starters,
the design sees
the hand of Filippo Perini,
who we have met over the years
at various model launches. Clearly logical
in what he sees in the car, he is equally
effusive about the input he receives from
his brilliant team. During a short design
interaction, he outlined the imperatives for
both the exterior and interior design of the
Huracn. Two lines, one that follows the
silhouette and the other that defines the
windows dictate the profile. This purity is
carried through into the interior too where
for the first time Lamborghini has admitted
that they shifted focus to the interiors
as well. On the Gallardo, their design was
principally about the outside with the
interiors not getting their due. This time
around the cars cabin is pretty much class
leading. A few odd millimetres have been
added in terms of legroom and headroom.
That too in a volume that actually seems to
have shrunk when you gaze on the Huracn
from almost any quarter. The wheelbase
is slightly higher at 2,620mm, serving as
the base for a car that tops out in three-
dimensional
space with figures
of 4,459mm, 1,924mm and
1,165mm (with the last being the height).
When you looking at the skeleton of the car,
you see how sharply angled the steering
column is in order to reach the front axle.
What has certainly changed is the symmetry
of the new interiors you see the use of
standardised design elements like the
hexagon in the IP nacelle, air vents and
console as well as on the steering wheel
boss. And the steering wheel is a work of
art, with almost all drive controls placed
on or around the wheel. You actually never
have to take your hands off the wheel (at
best having to use the paddle shift). Even
the drive mode selector is on the steering
wheel called ANIMA by Lamborghini,
you get to shift between Strada, Sport and
Corsa modes on the fly, taking the tuning of
the
engine, gearbox, ESC
and magnetic dampers along with in in
addition to steering ratios and force.
The availability of suitable technology new
means that the IP console is essentially a
large 12.3 TFT display powered by Nvidia
Tegra processors that can be customised
to show what you would like it to show.
Normally, it is dominated by a large tach,
but you can have it replaced by a speedo
or indeed serve as a navigation map with
subsidiary dials. The beauty of the system
is that the minute you switch drive modes,
you get the layout that is most appropriate
after all its no fun driving around the
Ascari with a navigation map showing!
The central console on the other hand
eschews the normal large monitors for
The
twoseater
does
get a bit more
space inside from a
drivers and passengers
perspective. A reversing camera
aids visibility out of the
rear, but the rear
three-quarters view
in both directions is limited. Lamborghinis
traditional use of Piano switches continues
with the unit spread across the centre
console. The interface for the display,
audio and navigation is through a knob
and switch plates located above the tunnel
interface that seems reminiscent of an Audi
MMI. Its not that we have a problem with
it its just that we had anticipated a haptic
interface. On second thought, considering
that the main screen is right in front of
you, even a plain old joystick would have
worked. The P, M and R gear controls are
more prominent on the tunnel as is the
presence of the electric parking brake.
For the first time too, a range of interior
colours come as standard, including a twotine treatment.
Another presentation by Maurizio Reggiani,
Lamborghinis affable Director of R&D
concentrated
on the changes that have been
brought about in the shell of the car.
Conceived as a hybrid shell, it is principally
constructed of aluminium, interfaced
with one large section located behind the
seats and just ahead of the engine made
from a carbon-fibre structure. The piece
overlaps with the sill structure, part of
the floor and the c-pillar. According to
the engineers, the use of the high-cost
carbon-fibre reinforced polymer has been
judiciously balanced to improve torsional
stiffness, reduce maximum weight and
provide best structural integrity. They have
been able to drop the weight of the shell
by up to 160kgs, allowing for a lower kerb
weight despite the extra mass of additional
creature comforts.
The aluminium shaping process has also
been further refined over and above the
use of hydro-forming, allowing for lowradius bends on the sheet metal that would
be unthinkable earlier.
The hybrid chassis of the Lamborghini
Huracn consists partly of aluminium;
the front and rear sections of the car
with the axle mounts are made almost
entirely from the lightweight alloy, and
carbon-fibre parts produced using the
RTM process (Resin Transfer Moulding).
They are concentrated around the
occupant cell, where they form part of
the floor and sills, the centre tunnel, the
rear bulkhead and the B-pillars with their
particularly complicated geometries.
The x-shaped brace in the engine bay
is also made from CFRP. Stainless steel
fasteners connect the aluminium and
carbon-fibre components.
JUNE 2014
engine diverts 30% of power to the front.

Under extreme conditions either way a
maximum of 50% of power can be taken
on the front wheels, while a maximum of
100% of the power can be pushed on the
rear. This gives the system considerable
latitude to handled wheel-spin and weight
shifts during hard handling. Remember,
this is done on a platform that has a weight
balance of 42:58 front to rear.
The suspension also gets a generous
dose of aluminium and carb-fibre
composite treatment. The layout uses
double wishbones on all four corners.
In some grades you can get the car with
Lamborghinis
magneto-rheological
dampers that use an electrically aligned
magnetic suspension to adjust the amount
and intensity of the damping.
The innovative hybrid chassis of the

Lamborghini Huracn LP 610-4 weighs
less than 200 kilograms, even less
than the Gallardo. The hybrid chassis is
considerably better when it comes to
crash safety and stiffness, which lays
the foundation for the dynamic handling
and precise production finish. The rear
bulkhead, for instance, offers excellent
protection in the event of a side impact,
because its fibres are laid out in exactly
the direction of load travel.
Engine and Transmission
The redone V10 unit is arranged in typical
Lamborghini fashion behind the driver in a
longitudinal layout. The engines 610PS is
generated through a combination of port
and direct injection Lamborghinis system
is called IDS and involves using direct
injection on start-up, heavy loads and high
revs, with fuel injected at up to 180 bar into
the combustion chamber, causing swirl,
cooling and allowing a higher compression
ratio of 12.7:1. At lower loads, fuel is injected
into the manifold, with some drive cycles
allowing both systems to run together.
Anyway the engine revs above 8,000 rpm,
with peak power at 8,250rpm and peak
torque of 560Nm at 6,500rpm. The engine
is already Euro6 compliant.
JUNE 2014
The V10 fires alternately at 54 and 90

degrees, with its forged crankshaft
conceived as a common-pin shaft. This
construction, in which the conrods of the
opposing pistons run on a common crank
pin, maximizes stiffness while minimizing
weight. The forged-steel conrods and the
forged aluminium pistons are likewise
both extremely strong and lightweight.
The transmission marks another signature
departure from the Gallardos six-speed
single-plate robotised manual unit called
the e-gear. The Huracn is equipped with
the LDF (Lamborghini Doppia Frizione)
seven-speed gearbox. This features a dualclutch arrangement in the gearbox, which
is located behind the engine.
How it works?
In Lamborghinis new dual-clutch
transmission, engine power flows along
a twin drive shaft and two output shafts.
Two multi-plate clutches positioned one
behind the other operate two mutually
independent partial gearboxes. Clutch K1
sends the torque via a solid shaft to the
gear sets for gears 1, 3, 5 and 7. Rotating
around the solid shaft is a hollow shaft. It
is connected to clutch K2 and drives the
gear sets for gears 2, 4 and 6, as well as
reverse gear.
The two partial gearboxes are

permanently active, but only one of
them is connected to the engine. When,
for example, the driver is accelerating in
third gear, the second partial gearbox
already has the fourth gear engaged
in preparation. The gearshift takes
place through switching the clutches
K1 opens and K2 closes in just a few
hundredths of a second. The driver
can shift gears himself via the steering
wheel paddles, or make use of the
fully automatic drive program. When
maximum acceleration is required, a
touch of a button hands the business of
engaging the clutch at optimum engine
speed over to Launch Control. It makes
sure that the engine power is delivered
to the road with a perfectly regulated
degree of tyre slip.
Drive characteristics
In some ways, Lamborghini has taken the
platform back to square one. It set out
to create a pure drivers car, lightweight
and highly responsive. It has done that.
Its almost as if at every point that the
company saw two choices one high tech
and fiddly and the other traditional and
pure, it took the latter. Low, squat profile,
large footprint, wheels out in the corners,
amazing aerodynamics without flaps and
dampers (other than a little ducktail),
naturally aspirated engine, lightweight
aluminium (largely) structure and a tried
and tested 7-speed gearbox and large
brakes. What more could you ask for in a
sports car.
On the Ascari track, every part of the

presentations comes back to you as you
are pushing hard in single file. On the initial
rounds we got to use the gears and brakes
a lot, just to keep some distance between
us and some slower drivers ahead. As
the day wore on, so did their appetite to
stay on the track and we got better drive
pairings. Now, the Ascari is not really a
racetrack, so you dont have a lot of run-off
area and some of the turns are hairy. It is
a technically demanding track and requires
you to be on your guard at all times. And
so does the Huracn, especially when you
get it into Corsa mode on the ANIMA. Sport
itself is interesting enough. You can set off
a lot smoother than on the Gallardo (and
are instantly rewarded by the complete
lack of bang and clatter of the e-gear).
Acceleration is 3.2 seconds to 100, under
10 seconds to all the way from 0 to 200
and it tops out above 325 km/h. The last
figure was the only one we couldnt prove.
Response on the gearshifts is amazingly
quick we tried both manual and auto
modes both upwards and down and frankly
couldnt see why we needed to use manual
the auto mode is blisteringly fast, allowing
a quick two-tap hard down shift with revs
building in appropriately. By the end of the
afternoon, we were drifting the Huracn
through corners, clearly having learnt to
compensate for the little bit of on-brake
understeer that was otherwise there.
The electro-mechanical rack and pinion
steering has been sharpened and now has
two electric motors added on to both aid

in the effort as well as to adjust the rate of
steering depending on inputs like speed
and selection of drive mode. It can vary
the steering ratio using a strain wave
gear between 9:1 and 17:1. At the very edge
of the cornering envelope, it minimises
understeer, as well as oversteer during
load transfer, by delivering tiny, targeted
countersteering impulses. Thank God that
Lamborghini hasnt yet gone the way of the
electric power steering!
The car is a drivers delight. You can feel
the weight shift forward as you brake, then
level out under power and carry through
corners just so. Even the sharper corners
then tend to become familiar enemies;
with the lack of a berm just meaning that
you flow a few millimetres inside the edge,
with the blur of the green background
zipping past. By now we were regularly
above 200 even on short straights both
ahead and after a chicane thrown in to slow
us down. As we came off the last run, our
pace leader (a Lamborghini driving school
instructor) got down and came to thank us
for a brilliant and fantastic drive. He was in
an Aventador!
If truth be told, most of the praise goes to
the Huracn. It proves that you can make a
driving machine that moulds a race driver,
even a boy racer that is way beyond his
use by date. And then you bundle in a
quality package, LED lamps (including the
headlamp),
The LP 610-4 is equipped with all-wheel

drive, which has been counted as one of
Lamborghinis strengths till date. In the
Huracn, the all-wheel drive has again gone
through a complete revamp, with a focus
on maximising its sports car handling. Here,
the power is taken off the rear-mounted
gearbox and runs through a prop shaft
that runs through the engine crankcase
back to the front of the car where it ends
in an electronically controlled, hydraulically
actuated multi-plate clutch. Normally, the
JUNE 2014
S adds a new
dimension
2014 Bentley Continental GT V8 S
JUNE 2014
With the new 2014 Continental GT V8 S variant,

Bentley lets the engineering do the talking.
Automan checked out the car during
its regional launch in the Sultanate of Oman
Photography: Elvis John Ferrao
JUNE 2014
Till now, Bentley Motors had an

interesting way of sort of sub
branding the sporting edge of
its Continental range with W12
engines with the Speed badging.
And now that a V8 has also been
introduced in the line-up and gaining
popularity in the Continental series,
any engineering or performance
upgrades also need to find their
own identity. The red winged B
and black gloss grille were created
as strong visual indicator that a
V8 powerplant was nestled in the
engine bay of the Continental GT
and its convertible stablemate. It
may also be recalled that Bentleys
Board of Directors back in 2008 had
insisted on 40 per cent efficiency
improvement and reduction in
displacement from 6.0-litre W12
to 4.0-litre V8. The all-new, twin
turbo 500hp 4.0-litre V8 engine was
introduced in late 2011 to the range.

The second generation Continentals
shape which was inked by Dirk van
Braeckels Bentley studio in Crewe,
England, has no doubt evolved in
detailing, and the nice thing is the its
profile hasnt changed significantly.
And to differentiate the enhanced
versions of the Continental [both
body styles] besides the engine
upgrade are subtle visible clues like
the S badging, black gloss radiator
grille with single chrome divider
bar and figure of eight exhaust
tail pipes out grille and lowered
suspension which makes the car
appear sleeker and enhances its
stance.
Although the S variants are
appearing to be moving towards
more sporty aspirations, the
traditional luxury element hasnt
been neglected. Inside the cabin,
theres the usual array of soft-touch

leathers, wood veneers, polished
metals and deep-pile carpeting.
As far as bespoke features go
which Bentley is offering for these
variants a range of striking duo-tone
interiors and option to select from
the full range of seventeen hide
colours. Our test V8 S coupe also
featured unique contrast colour
matched centre-stripe for the hidetrimmed roof lining and contrast
stitching throughout including on
the steering wheel.
As with all Continental models,
the S models include advanced
infotainment
technology
as
standard,
including
an
8in
touchscreen
which
displays
the cars navigation, audio and
telephone systems as well as the
ride and comfort settings for the air
suspension, all complemented by a
30GB on-board hard drive.

Compared to the V8 performance
in the non-S badged Continentals,
the revisited V8 engine has been
tweaked with both power and
torque outputs rising to a peak
521bhp [from 500bhp] at 6,000rpm
and peak torque of 680Nm [from
650Nm] coming at 1,700rpm. The
models 8-speed ZF transmission
remains unchanged and power
is sent to all wheels. In normal
operating, torque distribution is
40:60 [front: rear]. As before driver
gets several performance aid and
the choice to choose between drive
modes and use the variable adaptive
air suspension.
Driving impressions
To enjoy and evaluate a performance
car like this, Omans country side
and mountain roads provided a
perfect unadulterated setting.
JUNE 2014
While the spec sheet suggests that

the car weighs close to 2,300kg and
considering the fact that the car is
over 2m wide, the benefits of the
revised suspension are immediately
noticeable. Now the car handles
feels a lot smaller, lighter and
definitely sharper, thanks to the
cumulative effect of lowered by
10mm chassis, stiffened by 45 per
cent spring rates [front] and 33 per
cent, and stiffened by 54 per cent
rear anti-roll bar.
The cars all-wheel drive and
the recalibrated variable-boost
steering weights up nicely enough
to encourage drivers to dive into
fast curves at higher speeds with
confidence. The steering is an
absolute delight to experience,
particularly as its weight is near
perfect and turn-in response superb.
With its 2.6 turns lock to lock, as
expected, theres a lot of fun from

the steering which made such an
impression that we actually went
back up and down the twisties a few
times.
One of the nice things about the
car, rather what defines it hallmark
character is the torque plateau
that Bentley likes to refer to which
actually allows maximum torque
accessible at low revs and the pairing
with the silky smooth close-ratio ZF
8-speed automatic transmission
which virtually guarantees brisk
acceleration is available at your
beck and call, irrespective of what
gear you are in and holding them as
long as they are required. And the
full effect of the extra horsepower
and torque are instantly felt when
you switch into S mode via the gear
selector, the car rewards the driver
with a sharpened throttle response,
JUNE 2014
faster shifting and longer gear

holding.
While the autobox also allows
for Tiptronic manual shifting,
among the very few niggles in
the car, we think that Bentley
should re-consider as a priority the
placement of the paddle shifters
when this car is due for its midcycle refresh. As of now they are
fixed on the steering column which
is not so great practically when you
are driving in fast paced mountain
roads. Bentley engineering needs
to find a way of having them
migrated to the steering wheel
instead. Whether its push button
or a mechanical lever, we leave
the option to them to decide how
they want to move forward on this
and at the same time would like
Bentley to avoid putting them on
the gear shifter lever [like Ford]!
Another innovation that caught
our attention is the exhaust
note considering the fact that
the engine goes into Eco mode
[by virtue of a displacement on
demand arrangement] when
cruising. While in spirited driving
the baffles open and you enjoy
the downshiftings accompanied

with blips, the transition from
eight firing cylinders to four is
truly remarkable not because it is
seamless and hardly noticeable,
but the fact that it sounds exactly
the same.
During the drive programme we
had the opportunity to drive both
bodystyles and what strikes in the
convertible is the fact it doesnt
feel as an open top car with the
fabric roof down. Thanks to a thick
three-layer design with a sevenbow rigging and some clever
NVH management, its almost as
good as its fixed top sibling. On
the move, both variants feel quite
similar on road when it comes to
handling despite the added few kg
in the open top. In the 0-96km/h
sprint, the time difference is just
0.2secs between the two. The
coupe does it in 4.3sec and 4.5sec
in the heavier convertible. All of
this works through a ZF eightspeed automatic and all-wheel
drive, power split 40 per cent front
and 60 per cent rear.
Verdict
Its no surprise that the V8

Continental S variants work like
a charm. Its so Bentley that way:
build a car that weighs around
2,295/2,470kg and make it feel
like a featherweight the minute
youre underway. The power
train is incredibly smooth with
flawless throttle response and
spot-on gearing and in cars so
well engineered like these you
dont miss the overdrive influence.
In a city drive, the likes of traffic
or restricted speed zones, this
Bentley is a top notch luxury
car and when out of city limits a
spirited performer will all the perks
associated.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Continental GT V8 S/GT V8 S
Convertible Engine: 4.0-litre twinturbocharged direct injection V8
with cylinder deactivation Max
output: 521 bhp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque: 680 Nm @ 1700
rpm Transmission: ZF 8-speed
automatic with Quickshift, Block
Shifting and column mounted
paddleshift Driveline: Continuous
all-wheel drive (40:60 rear bias)

Ratios: 1st : 4.71; 2nd: 3.14; 3rd:
2.1; 4th: 1.67; 5th: 1.29; 6th: 1.00;
7th: 0.839; 8th: 0.667 Brakes
[Front] 405mm ventilated discs,
optional 420mm Carbon Silicon
Carbide, cross drilled, [Rear]
335mm ventilated discs, optional
356mm, Carbon Silicon Carbide,
cross drilled) Wheels and Tyres:
New unique 20 x9.5J Open-spoke
wheel in two finishes, 1x other 20
and 4x 21 designs in two finishes;
275/40 ZR20, optional 275/35 ZR21
Turns lock-to-lock 2.6 turns Turning
circle 11.3m Suspension [Front]
Four link double wishbones,
computer controlled self-levelling
air suspension, with anti-roll bar,
[Rear] Trapezoidal multi-link,
computer-controlled self-levelling
air suspension, with anti-roll bar
Dimensions Wheelbase 2,746mm,
Overall length 4,806mm, Width
(across body) 1,944mm, Overall
height 1,394mm
Kerb weight (EU) 2,295 kg / 2,470
kg
Top speed 309 km/h and 308 km/h
Lower-body styling up front includes a

sharp front splitter, discrete side sills and
subtle rear diffuser finished in Beluga gloss
JUNE 2014
JUNE 2014
2014 VW Golf R
A Golf that
thinks its a
ne of Volkswagens favourite models

based on the new MQB platform
is the Golf GTI hatchback and the
newest derivative is the performance
oriented Golf R. For Volkswagen, having
an R badged Golf is not a new concept
for the brand. The first R badged Golf was
built on the Gen IV Golf platform way back
in 2002 and what remains unchanged in the
USP that each new R version of this model
series has to be able to justify the title of
strongest Golf of all times.
In the early days of creating a performance
variant the mantra was to find the biggest
V8 or V6 engine and have it shoehorned in
the engine bay. Well, the biggest engine
that could be grafted into the Golf was a
3.2-litre V6. VW has also grafted six-cylinder
engines in the Mark 2, 3 and 4 Golfs, but
their displacements were usually under
2.5-litre and peak output achieved around
170hp. In the first Gen IV based R version
launched in 2002, the output was 237hp.
From the very beginning VW has ensured
the R came with latest in engineering. In
fact, it was the worlds first production car
to be offered with DSG transmission.
The new Golf R was revealed to the public

at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Its built
on the latest MQB platform, same as the
regular Gen VII Golf or GTI. Over the years
as the Golf generations moved forward, VW
has consistently kept the engineering upto-date in the R variants and also factored
in the benefits of technology applications
like lightweight construction, downsizing,
fuel efficiency and economy among others.
At 1,435kg with the DSG set-up, it is 100kg
heavier than the GTI [thanks to the AWD
system for this], but this R about 50kg
lighter than the outgoing one, part in
thanks to the modular MQB architecture.
The car sports a similar Golf profile but it
does get its signature styling treatment in
the form of badging and aero-profiled kit.
The car which now has some track oriented
kit as standard also has its suspension
lowered by 20mm for better road holding.
Compared to the stock Golf and GTI, the R
is lowered by 20mm and 5mm respectively.
Cosmetic kit beyond the lower body
include 19in wheels with fat tyres, Bi-xenon
headlamps with newly designed LED daytime running lights, dark red LED tail-lights
and quad chrome tail-pipe tips.

Inside the cabin, is a familiar Golf set-up.
The cars sports seat come with cloth and
suede-like Alcanatara, piano black inserts,
4MOTION badges and ambient blue
cabin lighting and instrument dials. Level
of standard equipment for a track-cumroad package is impressive and includes a
5.8in touch-screen to display, media and
entertainment and the five driving modes,
a reversing camera, keyless start (with a
starter button) and parking sensors.
However, the biggest news is under the
bonnet. While both previous generations
[Gen I and II] of the R32 were powered
by VWs narrow-angle normally-aspirated
six-cylinder, the outgoing R was endowed
with a detuned 2.0-litre turbocharged and
direct-injected inline-four from the Audi
TTS. This set-up pumped out 256hp and
243 pound-feet oftorque. For the current
version of the R VW have taken it a level
further by re-working the 2.0-litre [EA888]
engine and extracting more output than
the GTI engine on which it is based. While
it retains unique engineering features such
as a wastegate, it is designed to stays shut
track car
Volkswagen engineering once again
proves that downsizing and performance
can go hand in hand even in a compact
package. Proof of the pudding: the all-new
2014 Golf R. Automan checked out the car
in UAE recently Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: supplied
JUNE 2014
JUNE 2014
at low boost and only releases gas flow

under heavy use, thereby minimising losses
and turbo lag. Extra output and torque
[50Nm] come courtesy of a redesigned
cylinder head, exhaust valves, valve seats
and springs, new pistons and high-pressure
injection valves, and most of all, a bigger
turbocharger. Peak power is on tap from
5,100 to 6,500rpm while maximum torque
is available between 1,500 and 5,100rpm.
Drivers of this car are also offered an
advanced version of the GTIs Driving
Profile Selector, with Eco, Normal,
Individual, Comfort and Race modes.
These can be accessed via the touch-screen
display and depending on what mode is
selected, electronics tweaks the shock
absorbers, steering, throttle response and
adaptive cruise control to make them more
aggressive or more sedate. Also, unique to
the R is a fully switchable stability control
system that can be switched off for track
work with a long press of a button.
The cars electro-mechanical steering
system is also used in the GTI and takes only
2.1 turns lock-to-lock. Suspension comprises
MacPherson spring struts up front and a
multi-link arrangement at the rear. The car
also gets the fifth-generation front-biased
Haldex-coupling 4MOTION AWD system
which channel power through all four 19in
wheels shod in 235/35 R19 rubber.
Driving impressions
Ive driven the previous iterations of the
Golf R including the VR6 versions and
last year during the Volkswagen Driving
Experience in Arvidsjaur, Sweden had the
opportunity to drive the Golf VII and briefly
enjoy the new Golf R on ice. While Gen I
and Gen II Golf Rs were quite powerful
JUNE 2014
at the time, they did suffer in the handling

department due to the heavy front axles.
Excessive torque steer was also an issue.
This aspect got improved, Id rather say
corrected after the lighter four-cylinder
engine versions came. Our tester came
with dual-clutch automatic transmission
which is actually faster than a manual
version. Volkswagen says the manualequipped Golf R can dash from zero to
100km/h in 5.3secs or 4.9sec with the
automatic. One just has to tap the throttle
to realize the acceleration potential and
To attain extra output

from the Rs engine,
VW engineers subjected
the stock GTI engine
to a motorsports-style
development programme
where components like the
cylinder head (together
with exhaust valves, valve
seats, and springs), pistons,
high-pressure injection
system, and turbocharger
were modified or
completely redesigned
when compared
on track downshifts were accompanied by
a deep throated exhaust blip a befitting
characteristic in this set-up. Torque delivery
and the way it is spread helps the driver
to explore the transmissions character
fast changes and holding as appropriately
needed.
We were given the opportunity to explore
the car at the Autodrome facility in Dubai in
a programme designed to simulate normal
road
usage, fast paced laps and
some specific handling exercises. After
a few minutes behind the wheel of the
car, its true character begins to show up
and what we particularly liked was the
composure and the way it is able to offer a
balanced performance in its double role as
an accomplished daily commuter or a fiery
hot hatch. The cars adaptive suspension
which enables the driver to select three
different ride settings is mostly responsible
for this.
In terms of performance and handling,
usually rear wheel drive muscle cars have
a chassis strong enough to cope with the
demands. The way the Golf Rs chassis
set-up is engineered, its powered rear axle
nearly neutralizes the cars tendency to
understeer. Meeting the job description
to enable the car to handle neutral no
matter what is thrown in, is a differential,
half-shafts, and a driveshaft that enables
the front-axle weight to 60 per cent versus
62 per cent in the GTI. I remembered at
this point from the spec sheet where VW
suggests the Haldex four-wheel-drive
4Motion set-up will react to slippage and
will send all available torque to either axle.
After several rounds and hot laps, we have
no reason to doubt this, as the Golf R will,
at times, act like a rear wheel drive car and
perhaps add some driver fun by moving
the rear out a bit under power. Most of the
cars 290hp were well used at Autodrome
by us!
One of the features we enjoyed was
being able to drive the car without the
intervention of electronic nannies. Unlike
the previous-generation Golf R, where,
much to the dismay of many track-day
enthusiasts, the traction control would
reengage whenever the brake was applied.
Now, selecting ESC Off (via the control
button to the left of the shifter) in the
newest Golf R really means off. Lightly
tapping the ESC button engages the ESC
Sport mode, which reactivates the tractioncontrol measures but still lets you get your
swerve on before electronic intervention.
Verdict
For just Dh149,500 in UAE, spirited punters
get a genuinely engineered 290hp four-pot
turbo hot hatch with all-wheel and loads of
technology. A great car for the price.
Golf R history
Golf IV R32 (2002 - 2004)
At the international car show in Madrid

In 2002, Volkswagen unveiled the first
most powerful Golf variant ever created
on the Gen IV platform. Codenamed R32,
the Gen I R badged car was equipped
with a 237hp 3.2-litre V6 engine which
provides higher performance than any
other vehicle in the Golf series. It was
the worlds first production car with a
dual-clutch gearbox (DSG). Since it was
so special, it came with exclusive parts,
most of them installed in the interior
and under the bonnet. For instance, it
had black leather interior with brushed
aluminum on pedals and gearstick while
the seats where replaced with sports
ones which underline, once again,
the cars capability to provide high
performance.
Golf V platform was officially launched

in the same year in September. The
Gen II Golf R32 was available in 3- and
5- door configuration and was capable
of reaching top speed of 250km/h. The
V6 engine produced 250hp and could
accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in no less
than 6.2secs when equipped with a dual
clutch gearbox. The car came with an
impressive line-up of standard features,
such as ESP, bi-xenon headlights, tire
pressure monitor, six airbags and
multifunction display.
R Gen III also came in the two usual body

styles, namely the 3-door and the 5-door
hatch. This variant was also the first Golf
to receive factory fitted LED tail lights.
Golf R (2013 - Present)

VW claims that the seventh generation
(A7) Golf is surely the best one yet. The
current Gen IV Golf R was revealed to
the public at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor
Show and uses the same 2.0-litre turbo
engine used by the Audi S3. Output has
Golf VI R (2009-2013)
Golf V R32 (20052008)
First presented in 2005 at the Frankfurt

Motor Show, the Gen II R model on the
The new Golf R saw an in-depth revision

in 2009 when it featured the Mark VI
bodystyle. The company sacked the
R32 designation and subsequently the
3.2-litre V6 was dropped and a tuned
version of the 2.0-litre TSI petrol unit was
introduced. The all-wheel drive system
was kept for the R line models and power
was raised by 21hp to 271hp. The new Golf
been raised by 29hp to reach 300hp.

Power is delivered through a reworked
all-wheel drive system. Models equipped
with the DSG twin-clutch gearbox will
also accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in
just 4.9secs. While the new R is more
powerful than before, its also 18 per
cent more economical.
JUNE 2014
MINI John Cooper
In a new
dimension
All-new third generation 2014 MINI is quite

significant model for BMW Group now. Automan
samples the new arrival during the regional launch
in Dubai and evaluates its prospects
o design a new MINI for the masses

can be a challenge to both designers
and engineers. This is because with its
heritage also comes some non-negotiable
elements. Unlike some brands that are
still evolving design, part of its design job
description for a new MINI would definitely
include a paragraph that insists it must carry
forward its predecessors aspiration to lead
the premium small car segment. By any
measure within and outside the industry is
not an easy task.
The new MINI comes at a time when
significant things are happening in the
industry globally which even hardcore
traditionalists like BMW Group cannot afford
to ignore any more. Less than a decade ago,
who would have thought that BMW would
actually abandon decades of tradition and
launch its first front-wheel-drive hatchbacks
in 2013 as new entry-level models to its
range? This is where the connection between
entry level BMW models and MINI gets clear.
While new entry level new BMW models will
be based on the third-generation MINI UKL
compact car platform and despite the clear
overlap, BMW is not concerned that its own
front-wheel drive models will cannibalise
sales of the third generation MINI. This is
because like VWs Golf and Audi A3 individual
successes, both brands from BMW Group
are also well defined in terms of product
positioning and brand image.
The regional launch and first drive of the new
third generation MINI took place in Dubai a
few weeks ago. When you see the car for the
first time, it looks so familiar in its set profile.
While the new cars design is unmistakably
MINI, it continues to remain faithful to
core elements of the original Morris Mini
designed by Sir Alex Issigonis in the 1950s.
However, it is upon close inspection that the
modern detailing elements begin to surface.

First, what you dont see is that the car is
built on a completely new front-wheel drive
platform. What you do see if you are familiar
with the modern MINI profile is that this car
is slightly bigger than before and is better
proportioned as it gains a few millimeters in
its wheelbase also. MINI says the wheelbase
has been extended by 28mm to 2,495mm,
while track width has been stretched 42mm
at the front and 34mm at the rear, to 1,501mm
in both cases MINI says that the new groundup design is 98mm longer, 44mm wider and
7mm taller than the outgoing model. In its
construction, despite gain in size and kit,
greater use of aluminium and high-strength
steel has helped to slice weight considerably.
To be fair to the MINI variants, designers
gave the Cooper S some extra detailing and
kit like a honeycomb radiator grille, a bonnet
scoop, brake air ducts and a rear apron
incorporating the dual exhaust pipes. This
variant also gets 16in alloy wheels in place of
the standard 15in alloys on the base Cooper.
MINI is also claiming a first in class with the
LED headlight.
A glance through the spec sheet suggests
an array of technology mated with lifestyle
enhancements when it comes to equipment,
infotainment etc. The cabin is MINI familiar
and remains quite faithful to its past. But the
interesting bit is that this time, designers
have reacted to user feedback about
certain elements the focal point being
the unpractical centrally placed ring type
speedometer arrangement in an oversized
9in diameter set-up. Not only it looked out
of place, but also distracted the driver on
occasion. Now, thats gone and using the
motorcycle-influenced pod approach, both
speedometer and tachometer are placed in
front of the driver now. So, what happened
to the dash mounted arrangement after the

speedo was relocated? Well most of it stays
and 8.8in colour display provides feedback
on operations performed using the controller
in the centre console. The rim is LED back lit
and depending on mode chosen will change
colours. We think its gimmickry, but clever
car marketers will sell you that feature as a
lifestyle bonus. The central console is familiar
with the toggle switches and other controls.
However, in a bid to improve ergonomics, the
power window switches previously located
on the central console have now migrated
to the door pads, much in line with modern
motor cars. In place of those is now a new
switch application for new driver selectable
driving modes which includes a Green mode
[economy] alongside the default setting
mode and Sport. These applications are
electronically linked to engine management
and are designed to offer the driver different
engine characteristics. For the first time
there is an extendible Head-Up Display above
the steering wheel.
A rotary switch at the base of the gear
or selector lever is used to activate
either standard MID mode, the SPORT
or the GREEN mode. In addition to the
characteristic curve of the accelerator and
steering and engine acoustics, the MINI
Driving Modes also influence the ambient
lighting, the shift characteristics of the
automatic transmission and the Dynamic
Damper Control configuration in the Cooper
S variant.
Rest of the hardware seats, mood lighting
and practical attachments on the extended
to rear central console are as expected in a
MINI, but the key gain out here is occupant
space and its management. Since the
wheelbase is extended, this has helped
Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Jorge Ferrari
JUNE 2014
JUNE 2014
designers in creating a wider door and

besides better ingress and egress, the
driving position related to the A-pillar is
much better as the dashboard is now closer
too. All round view is also improved as a
result. Comfort and convenience features
have also been upgraded. For instance,
keyless start does away with key insertion,
while the rear seat backrest is not only 60:40
split fold but also can be tilted. Luggage
compartment volume is also expanded by
51litres to a total of 211litres now.
The biggest news in the third generation is
how BMW Group has timely factored in the
downsizing trend in engines and has taken
the onus on itself instead of co-developing
transverse application engines like before
with other automakers. Gen I MINI had
Chrysler-sourced engines, Gen II had codeveloped with PSA engines and this is the
first time a MINI is offered with a choice of
BMW designed turbocharged engines
ranging from a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder to 2.0-litre
4-cylinder. This means, this generation
doesnt see the 1.6-litre four-cylinder any
more. To be more specific, the Mini Cooper
gets a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder
pushing out 100kW of power at 4,500rpm
up 10kW and 220Nm of torque from
1,250rpm up a substantial 60Nm over the
previous Peugeot-sourced unit. The rangetopping for now Mini Cooper S gets
BMWs TwinPower direct-injection 2.0-litre
four-cylinder engine with 141kW at 4,700rpm
and 280Nm from 1,250rpm (300Nm with
turbo overboost). Transmission duties are
taken care by new six-speed transmissions
in manual or optional automatic formats.
The 6-speed automatic transmission
available for all variants of the new MINI
offers improved efficiency, enhanced shift
comfort and increased shift dynamics and
are programmed to work in conjunction
with active suspension.
MINIs are well-appointed as regards to
occupant protection and besides airbags,
safety kit also includes camera-based
adaptive cruise control collision and
pedestrian warning system, automatic
high beam, rear view camera and parking
sensors. For a relatively small car, the new
MINI has been loaded with safety electronics
ranging from ABS, electronic brake force
distribution EBD, Cornering Brake Control
(CBC) and the brake assistant, the driving
stability control system DSC (Dynamic
Stability Control) with drive-off assistant, a
brake dry function, Fading Brake Support to
DTC mode (Dynamic Traction Control) When
the driving stability system is deactivated
(DSC Off mode), there is an electronic
locking function for the front axle differential
which selectively and appropriately brakes
a spinning drive wheel on tight corners,
redirecting the drive torque to the other
wheel packaged as Electronic Differential
Lock Control. The Cooper S also features
JUNE 2014
the Performance Control system, which

counteracts any tendency to understeer
prior to reaching the threshold level so as to
support an agile yet neutral driving response
on bends.
Weight management has also been a
developmental consideration and in order
to reduce weight and increase component
rigidity, the new front axle is fitted with
aluminium swivel bearings as well as axle
supports and wishbones made of highstrength steel. Most of the set-up remains
unchanged in view of the go-kart handling
characteristics. Another new addition to
the MINI equipment programme is Dynamic
Damper Control which offers two levels of
damping. Meanwhile, the electromechanical
power steering has also been visited to
factor in torque steer compensation.
Driving impressions
Previous generations of the MINIs have been
fun to drive. With a planted stance, wheel at
a corner approach, the car has had left an
indelible mark with its hallmark go-kart feel.
The new packaging, we think is designed to
factor in two things downsizing doesnt
The selectable driving modes in the new

MINIs seem to have their job description cut
out quite well. The toggle can be directed
both ways. Switch in one direction and it
accesses Sport mode. The LED ring glows
red, the throttle jumps a few hundred
rpm higher, the steering stiffens, and the
adaptive shock absorber become firmer.
On the base car, theres still a strut setup,
and a multi-link set-up at the rear. In a
well defined and somewhat entertaining
manner, these modes not only influence
the accelerator curve and steering and
automatic transmission shift points, but also
the engine acoustics and ambient lighting.
In the Cooper S, the Sport model also can
adjust the dynamic damper control where
fitted.
In the steering department, even with the
older MINIs, there was no reason to complain.
They offered good weight and feedback. But
in view of the additional kit to the chassis/
suspension combination, as expected this
area also has been revisited. The revised
steering system includes torque steer
compensation to reduce that tugging feeling
at the steering wheel under acceleration,
Whats hot in the new MINI

MINIS third-generation hatchback is
all grown up, with a bigger body, more
technology and a fresh range of BMWsourced engines that include a pair of
punchy turbocharged three-cylinder
petrol engines for this region. Among
the new technologies on offer are
electronically controlled variable driving
mean loss in performance and secondly, a
well-endowed chassis can also be more fun
with the driver oriented electronic aids.
We would normally expect a new chassis, a
bigger footprint and a revised suspension
with reduced unsprung weight could really
change the driving character of any car. But
with the new MINII, we are relieved to find
that nothing has been compromised in that
respect. At the Dubai event, we tried out
both engine variants and are happy to note
that the legendary go-kart handling of the
three-door hatch not only is retained but
also appears intensified, thanks to some
clever engineering.
Both new MINI variant are also swifter
than their predecessors, with the Cooper S
dashing from zero to 100km/h in 6.8secs
more than a full second faster than before.
Despite their smaller capacity, the threecylinder models are also quicker to 100km/h,
with the Cooper doing the dash in 7.9secs
(down 1.2 secs). Fuel consumption has been
cut by up to 27 per cent, thanks to efficiency
gains such as weight optimisation and
improved aerodynamics via a 0.28Cd.
modes, fitted as standard on the Cooper

S. The three modes Mid, Green and
Red not only adjust driving controls
such as the accelerator curve, automatic
transmission shifts and steering weight
but also the ambient lighting, instrument
display and where fitted dynamic
damper settings
while also including BMWs Servotronic speedrelated steering assistance system for greater
feel in spirited driving. This seems to work
quite well now as during the handling tests at
the Nad Al Sheba track confirmed the electricassisted power steerings ability to counter
understeer.
An observation about the engines. The route
from the starting point to Nad Al Sheba entailed
a mix of very tight, low-speed corners, narrow
roads and a few stretches of highways meant
the turbo three-cylinder made more sense
in everything but flat-out acceleration runs
and hence seems to be more urban-oriented,
while the bigger engined version exhibits more
colourful character.
Verdict
The new MINI now comes with higher
levels of refinement and kit besides all-new
engineering solutions. While the number of
cylinders and engine sizes might have been
reduced, performance is up on all models. In
all, it can be summed up as a small car with
lot of kit and genuine orientation towards
sportiness.
JUNE 2014
2014 Hyundai Xcent
Compact hero
Hyundais newest sub 4m compact sedan, the Xcent is the most value for money
compact sedan in the Indian market today. Automan examines the potential of
this car for the Middle East markets where this segment is now opening up.
Authors: Faisal Khan and Chandan B Mallik
ubcompact cars are not a new

phenomenon even in some
traditionally large car markets
like the Middle East. Indias Maruti
Udyog was the first of the three big
Asian brands to come out with a sub4m sedan called Dzire in response to
tax slab benefits. Mechanically, the
Dzire was based on the Swift hatch
platform and has done commercially
JUNE 2014
well in India and also in Oman, where

it was introduced over a year ago. The
Indian market volume success has also
attracted a few more players in the
interim, including Indias number two
brand Hyundai. Hyundai first launched
the Accent in 1994 globally and the
model arrived in India five years later.
By the time the third generation model
was ready for market introduction
in 2006, Hyundai chose to keep the

outgoing Accent running in India, while
re-branding the new model as the
Verna. The Accent was finally retired in
2013 and the Xcent was created as its
successor.
So what is the Hyundais Xcent? To
begin with, its not a ground-up project
but a re-engineered Grand i10 hatch
[also sold in the region] with a boot.
In terms of profile, the Swift Dzire is
basically its a booted version of a car
that was essentially designed as a hatch.
The problem has always been with the
integration of the boot to the overall
look of the car [even Ford UK faced
the same problem when they created
the Orion out of the Escort, and Austin
MG with its Maestro and Montego
in the late 70s]. The second player to
arrive in the segment was Honda with

its ground-up designed Brio hatch and
Amaze sedan.
But again, by using the same formula of
slapping a boot on a hatch doesnt really
work, at least visually. Despite best
efforts to join two distinct concepts,
while the front end is identical to the
Grand i10, the rear end which is new is
short of being labeled as a cut and shut
job. One look at the Xcent and it will not
skip a heart beat for sure. Although,
plain Jane, the Xcent is nothing more
than a three box Grand i10 which makes
it look ungainly from certain angles
due to its odd proportions. While the
hatchback is a smart looker, the sedan
does not seem as appealing. While,
Hyundai is known for making drop-dead
gorgeous cars off late but in the case of
the Xcent, the magic is lacking, perhaps

due to the nature of the segment which
demands value more and design is not
a priority factor.
Come to the side of the car and the
increased length is immediately
apparent although everything is the
same till the C-pillar. The side profile
also flaunts the waistline moulding,
which runs along the side. From both
the side and rear profile, the styling
doesnt catch your fancy as it seems
design was limited due to the tall-boy
nature of the cars design and nonnegotiable wheelbase which is identical
to the Grand i10.
Compared with the Suzuki Swift
Dzire, the Xcent is identical in length
at 3,995cm. It is marginally narrower,
taller and has a shorter wheelbase. The

Hyundais ground clearance is lower
than the Suzuki and in terms of weight,
a few kg lighter.
View it head-on at the rear and some
will like the simple tail lights. The rear
profile seems too simple and maybe a
few more character lines would have
helped its cause. Designers have been
able fill the wheel wells in the top trims
by using 15in wheels as opposed to the
14in combo which are offered on the
Grand i10 and lower variants of the
Xcent. For the Indian market Hyundai
offers the Xcent in three variants (base,
S and SX).
One of the best interiors in the
hatchback segment is of the Grand i10
and the Xcent borrows a lot of stuff
from this donor. Quality of materials
JUNE 2014
top notch and there is ample amount

of room inside the cabin. As expected,
features are galore and the Xcent is
easily the most feature rich vehicle in its
class. Bluetooth connectivity, steering
mounted audio controls, 1 GB storage
for the audio system, push button start
with smart key, auto folding rear view
mirrors, electrochromic mirror with
parking camera and sensors among
others. The audio system allows easy
pairing of mobile phone via Bluetooth
streaming. While the cabin of the Xcent
is almost identical to the Grand i10, there
are a few changes done to the sedan for
meeting the expectation of sedan car
buyers. The Xcent gets a climate control
AC, reverse guide camera (the Grand
i10 only gets sensors), closed lid in front
of the gear lever and a rear seat arm
rest with twin cup holders. Surprising
for the segment, theres is a rear AC
vent too. Space at the rear is plenty
and the rear bench has been reclined
a bit for added comfort. There is good
amount of headroom for under 6 tall
passengers. The Hyundai Xcent is the
narrowest car in its segment and thus
seating five abreast isnt the easiest
thing to do. Seats are quite comfortable
JUNE 2014
but the rear bench could do with some

more under thigh support.
The boot is the largest in the segment
offering 407-litres and that was
expected since the Grand i10 also has
among the biggest boot in its class.
For propulsion, Hyundai has carried over
the diesel and petrol engines from the
Grand i10. Powering the petrol variant
is the 1.2-litre Kappa powerplant which
needs no introduction as it has been
doing duty on various Hyundai cars in
India. Performance is linear and throttle
response is urgent, the four-cylinder
engine offering terrific NVH levels with
the motor being barely audible inside
the cabin at idle. The top-end isnt as
creamy like its rivals but there is good
low end pep for comfortably ambling
around in the city. Hyundai is offering a
4-speed automatic with this engine.
Hyundai has achieved a good balance
of ride and handling with the Grand i10
and we feel the Xcent is even better.
While the Xcent is not as engaging to
drive as its rivals, it offers good manners
at speed, remaining very stable even at
triple digit numbers. The steering is light
at low speeds, weighing up decently as
you gather pace although its not really
feedback rich when you start pushing

it around corners aggressively. Body
roll is well contained and the top-end
models come with wider tyres which
boost the grip on offer. There is no
nervousness at high speeds and this is
one thing Hyundai has truly addressed
with the Xcent.
The suspension set-up is stiffer as
compared to the Grand i10 and this has
been done to cater to the additional
weight and towards improving road
manners. The Xcent doesnt get ABS as
standard on any trim, but its optional
on top trims sold in India where average
highway speeds are much lower than
Middle East. In terms of safety aids, only
the top spec model gets dual airbags as
standard. ABS is optional on the S and
SX trim.
Verdict
Its clear that Hyundai is using its
engineering and low cost development
expertise to create a car which caters
to specific needs. As a proven member
in the entry level line-up, it can find
its place in the Middle East, and be
especially useful for congested city
commuting duties in particular.
2014 Porsche Macan
Although it has started life using shared underpinnings, Porsche

engineering has ensured that the all-new Macan SUV is not a clone
of the Audi Q5. Automan attended the manufacturer sponsored
ride and drive event in Dubai a few weeks ago
Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Jorge Ferrari
JUNE 2014
JUNE 2014
orsches fifth new model and its

first all-new and small SUV, the
all-new Macan had its regional
debut in UAE. According to Porsche,
the Macan [internal code Cajun -- for
Cayenne Junior] was conceived and
developed as a fast track new project in
just three years. The name Macan is
derived from the Indonesian word for
tiger. Interestingly, during the product
presentation, Porsche executives
who used to appear uncomfortable
acknowledging that the Cayenne
shared its platform with the VW Touareg
or Audi Q7 showed no hesitation in
acknowledging that the new Macan
was built on the Audi Q5s platform. But
this aspect doesnt mean that Porsche
deviated from its core philosophy.
Besides the common platform which
you usually dont see, the big question
is what really sets the Porsche Macan
apart from your regular Audi Q5.
Porsches answer is simple: sheet
metal design, engines, transmission,
suspension
tuning,
software
management, interiors, performance
and handling.
JUNE 2014
At first glance it looks a lot like

Porsches bigger SUV, the Cayenne,
so its unmistakably a member of the
growing SUV family. But a closer look
reveals that its no clone of its donor or
a scaled down version of its sibling. For
starters, dimensionally, despite sitting
on a common 110.5in wheelbase and
sporting length of 184.3in, the Macan
is actually 1.7in longer than the Q5 and
also 1.4in wider. It is nearly identical to
BMWs X3 on the same wheelbase and
The Macan is built at

Porsches newly expanded
Leipzig facility. While
it ends up on the same
final assembly line as the
Cayenne and Panamera, it
starts in its own new body
shop, paint shop and preassembly lines
a bit larger than the Mercedes GLK in
wheelbase and overall length. The car
is also a foot longer than the Range
Rover Evoque. And when compared
to the bigger Cayenne, the Macan is
5.7in shorter overall, on a 3.5in shorter

wheelbase, and almost as wide.
Other headline changes are actually in
the styling department where Porsche
designers have been cautious about
what they wanted the Macan to look
like ultimately. It has the SUV profile
and the front end of the car appears
more matured and aggressive than the
Cayenne and the rear takes its design
cues from a 911 more than the Cayenne.
Porsche officials went out to prove that
the Macan is all-new from ground-up by
claiming that more than two-thirds of all
parts are new or tailored specifically for
the Macan. In that respect, the design
feature that immediately stand outs is
the clamshell bonnet which is one slab
stretching through to the wheel arches
a styling element that seems to have
been inspired by a classic Porsche racer.
Meanwhile, Porsches newest 918
Spyder has also influenced a number
of elements in the Macan including
the door side blades and the 3D LED
taillights. The blade is a painted or
carbon-fibre insert near the bottom of
the Macans side doors. While attention
to detail has been top class, we do note

some areas where in our view needs
some attention especially up front.
When you view the car upfront, its
a proper SUV with a large grille and
intake vents on either side of the
lower valance. Nothing wrong with the
design as it has been aero profiled, but
up close what got us worried is that its
like an open duct where two radiators
sit behind. Its like an open invitation
to disaster especially in off-road
driving situations where flying debris
has the potential to damage delicate
components that sit behind.
In terms of construction, the Macan
gets the best in flab management. The
bonnet and hatch door are made of
aluminium, but its unibody is entirely
steel. This arrangement makes the car
around 130kg lighter than the base
Cayenne. The centre of mass is nearly
an inch lower than Cayennes.
Inside the cabin, its a Porsche
throughout. The Macan continues
Porsches upward trend in its interior
treatments overall quality. Porsche
signature cues include the array of
buttons on either side of the gearshifter

on the centre console. The steering
wheel design comes straight from the
918 Spyder.
Unlike the Q5 which uses traditional
SUV type of layout for instrumentation,
the Macan prefers to stay with its
sports car influenced theme and clear
evidence of this is the central position
of the rev-counter as part of the three
pod instrument cluster. Mod cons also
not missed are the high-end Burmester
music system and the analogue
stopwatch at the top of the dashboard.
Quite handy for clocking lap-times on
the track and this feature is available in
the Sport Chrono package at extra cost.
Seats are contemporary Porsche and
come double stitched and bolstered
in the right places. The car is designed
to accommodate five adults, but the
relatively tall centre tunnel will pose
a problem if the middle occupant of
the rear seat is an adult. Legroom is
adequate, but rear headroom could
be a bit of a squeeze for six-feet plus
occupants. In terms of practicality
the Macans rear seats fold 40:20:40
and offer 1,500-litre of space, which is

good, but the sloped roofline impacts
rear headroom. Overall, cargo space
is 33 per cent less than that in the Q5.
Another odd thing spotted was that the
test cars offered had no rear air vents!
The Macan will be offered with two
petrols and one diesel engine at launch.
We are familiar with the twin turbo
and dry-sump enabled 3.0-litre V6 from
the Panamera S. In the Macan S boost
is limited to 14.5 psi and output drops
to 340 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. The
powertrain set-up in the Macan Turbo
is new even though it starts with the
normally aspirated 3.6-litre V6 from
the base Panamera (as opposed to the
undersquare, wet-sump 3.6 in the base
Cayenne) and adds twin turbo power.
With 17.4 pounds of boost, the Macan
Turbo delivers 400hp and 406 lb-ft (13
per cent more horsepower and 17 per
cent more torque than anything else
in the class, including the Audi SQ5). A
Macan S with a 3.0-litre, 429-lb-ft turbodiesel is also offered. None of these
engines are available in the Q5.
JUNE 2014
The Macans come with Porsches seven-speed PDK dualclutch automatic. Unlike the Q5, once again, Porsche
has saved 180kg by using the Torsen-based all-wheeldrive instead of grafting Audis Quattro. The system is
identical in concept to Cayennes, with an electronically
controlled, multiplate centre clutch and locking rear
differential. Default torque delivery is 70-75 per cent rear
and 100 per cent power shift to front or rear is possible.
To offer flexibility in the packaging, there are three
suspension options. The front and rear differentials are
shared with Audi, as are the suspension arms. But the
springs, shock absorber, stabilizer bars and bushings
are uniquely tweaked by Porsche. The standard setup uses steel springs with conventional shocks. Next
up is Porsche Active Suspension Management, with
electronically controlled adaptive shocks. The top grade
Macan gets class-exclusive self-levelling air suspension
capably of varying ride height up to 1.6in, dropping the
Macan lower on pavement than the standard suspension
and increasing ground clearance to 9.06 inches off
road. Wheels range from 19 to 21in in diameter, and all
packages get wider rear tyres.
Thats not all. Porsches driver oriented electronic
management system is also available. The sport button
adjusts parameters for throttle map, redline, shift
points, exhaust pitch and suspension (when equipped
with PASM). The off-road button optimizes the same
points, and torque distribution as well, for off-road use
up to 50 mph. PTV Plus -- Porsches torque vectoring
rear diff -- is optional.
Porsche which usually avoids using

hyperboles for its cars has declared
the Macan the name derived from
the Indonesian word for tiger to be
the first compact SUV that is also a
sports car
Driving impressions
The drive programme was divided over a period of
two days. Day One was dedicated to mostly soft beach
type off-road duties, chassis articulation exercises and
demonstration of torque in simulated hill climb and
descent situations. Ride height is 230mm (it is 190mm
with steel springs), while the approach angle and
departure angle are 26.6 degrees and 25.3 degrees
respectively. We tackled a 45-degree ramp, and used
the hill descent control to crawl down the equally steep
other side without braking inputs. Here we were able
to ascertain the key differences when compared to the
Q5s Quattro system. Quattro is mechanical, and under
normal circumstances sends 60 per cent of the torque
to rear and 40 per cent to the front wheels. But even
when slip is sensed, Quattro cant redistribute as much
torque to the front or rear axles as the Porsche AWD
system.
Day Two gave us the opportunity to explore the onroad capabilities further with a nice drive through the
city heading out to the new Jebel Al Jais mountain
JUNE 2014
climb. On road, the Macan feels more

like a spirited Audi RS4 Avant than a
Q5. While the Macan and Q5 share
the same power steering system, the
Porsche uses a quicker ratio. One of
the reasons contributing to this feel
Porsche
emphasizes
that two-thirds of the
Macans
parts
are
entirely new, including all
the key hardware such
as body panels, engines,
suspension, interior and
its all-wheel-drive system
is the light feel of the steering wheel
which offers sports car like feedback.
At speeds, the Macans lower mass
concentration relative to the Cayenne
is obvious. Supporting the drive is
the taut suspension, so theres very
little wallowing which helps managing
weight transfer more confidently
during
aggressive
side-to-side
movement on the steering wheel. The
Macan steering feels much lighter and
faster than a Cayenne. As expected,

the electro-mechanical steering lacks
the punch of the 911 regardless of the
driving mode selected, but provides
plenty of feedback from the (235/55
R19 front and 255/55 R 19 rear) tyres to
your fingertips.
The power upgrade from S to Turbo is
good for spirited drivers on road as the
extra boost allows more oomph out of
corners. The PDK suits the Macan as it
is tuned better than most dual-clutch
boxes available in the market and
is liked for its relatively fast smooth
shifting and lurch-free downshifts.
On the Jebel Jais twisties, we enjoyed
the cars rear-biased all-wheel-drive
set-up and ability to cope with fast
corners. When pushed into a fast
corner with PTV, all what was required
fron the driver was feed in throttle, and
you can feel the slight initial understeer
become oversteer as the rear end starts
to wiggle under full throttle which is
quite in contrast to the lesser dramatic
effects of PTV in typical city driving.
Despite its relatively supple ride, the
Macan S (one of tester) seemed a bit
out of place in the overall NVH control

department as intrusive tyre noise and
odd vibrations were felt. The Macan
Turbo is most fun to drive with Sport
Plus mode engaged. In this mode, the
car displays astounding agility and grip,
barely eliciting a squeak from the tyres.
Verdict
Its quite obvious that Porsche has used
the best from Audi and added their own
expertise in the Macan. In the process,
Porsche has created its standalone
Macan which definitely justifies it place
in the line-up and is no way a clone of
its donor, the Q5.
Macan Turbo
Engine 3.6L twin-turbo V6
Power 400 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque 406 lb.-ft. @ 1,350 rpm
Transmission 7-speed PDK
Length 4,699 mm
Weight 1,916 kg
Power to weight ratio 4.79 kg/hp
Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h) 4.8
seconds
Top speed 266 km/h
JUNE 2014
2014 Triumph Bonneville
The days of the British motorcycle arent quite yet

over not as long as Triumph still makes products
as appealing as the Bonneville
Author: Raj Warrior
JUNE 2014
JUNE 2014
man can hardly be called biking

country. Yes, it has the roads made
for biking, especially on the hills
around Muscat, through Fanja and even
onwards to Nizwa and Bahla. It even has a
whole bunch of biking clubs. But you can
still see the surprise in peoples eyes as you
pass them on the fast lane. They are so used
to the motorcycle being a delivery utility
that they just cant imagine you having fun
on one.
In my case, Im on to my fifth bike in my
innings in Oman and this ones all different.
For starters it isnt the usual Japanese 600
to 750 cc that I am used to this ones a
Triumph and although its made in Thailand,
its as British as they get. And it is more
than making up for the hole in my heart
that resulted from the sale of my trusted
1999 RC42 CB750 to a young aficionado.
The one good feature of that sale was that
he seemed to love the bike more than I did,
which is saying quite a bit. But then the
RC42 had to go in order to make way for a
new bike.
I had a Harley Sportster and the Yamaha
Bolt on the shortlist as well, but ruled
against them because a) I am not really
much of a Bobber rider and b) Neither of
them are really well priced especially when
you keep in mind that in the US they are
almost $2,500 dollars cheaper.
Aah, but then why the Bonneville, you ask?
A couple of months ago I had wandered into
a Triumph showroom in Marseilles, while
there testing the Mercedes C-class and it
was there that I first fell in love with the
brand and the Bonneville in particular. Of
course it isnt cheap in France it is actually
more affordable here. Fast forward to the
day before the Al Fardan bike showroom
opened in Wattayah, Muscat in the third
week of April and I had already paid up and
registered my bike. That was exceptionally
quick, speeded up by the fact that I hadnt
even ridden it. Hardly the sort of behaviour
you would expect from a professional car
and bike tester.
But then, this is a Bonnie as close to a
modern day classic as you can get. Laid
out to resemble the traditional standard
Bonneville, the new-age bike is made by
Triumph, albeit a different company than
the one that made the bike from 1959.
However, one aspect of British engineering
is its ability to stay firmly rooted in tradition
JUNE 2014
you only have to look at Bentley and RollsRoyce to see how they still trumpet their
history.
Triumph logo and the blue and white body

colours make the SE look as if has stepped
out of the 1970s.
The Bonneville brand in available in Oman

in various configurations the A3 SE that I
bought, with alloy wheels and minimal body
kit, the T100 that comes with wire wheels,
classic peashooter exhausts and more kit
and the America, a cruiser styled version
that combines low-slung peashooter
silencers with raised handlebars and
In a concession to modern day needs, the

odo readout is digital, albeit tucked away
on an analogue speedo. The SE doesnt get
a tach. Controls are all laid out in a standard
format you dont get a hazard switch
though. The steering lock is on the right of
the frame, ignition switch to the left.
The engine is an air-cooled parallel-twin
870cc unit with 360-degree firing offset,
matched with a five-speed gearbox in a
casing that is made to look like a classic preunit construction. The blackened engine
and gearbox are set off with milled fins
and bolt heads in chrome. Engine power is
68PS and torque is 68Nm and the seamless
delivery of both is a signature of the
parallel-twin engine and its 90mm bore and
68mm stroke. The headers are a DOHC unit
coupled with electronic fuel injection.
A completely new Triumph Bonneville

790 was debuted in 2001 by Bloors
Triumph Motorcycles Ltd. Originally
built exclusively in Hinckley, England,
some models are now produced at the
companys Thailand manufacturing
facility, which also makes components
and accessories for various Triumph
bikes. The new Bonnie strongly
resembles the earlier models in style
and basic configuration, but with
entirely modern engineering.
fairings. And of course there is the really

great looking Thruxton, the caf racer
version of the Bonneville, which may just
end up being my next bike.
The SE combines a naked look, alloy wheels
and slightly upward tilted megaphone
shaped silencers with a regular twin saddle,
partnered with visual elements that keep
it classic looking. Round headlight, round
indicators, a classic arched taillight, the
split, two-unit look of the gearbox with
throttle bodies designed to look like
carburettors, partnered with the chrome
So now I had bought the bike would I like it?

One good measure of that is my eagerness
to jump on the bike on my way to office
even in the 45-degree plus temperatures
that we are currently enjoying. Ive
clocked in hundreds of kilometres and Im
enjoying every moment. The Bonneville
has everything going for it from the
sound of the parallel-twin engine firing, to
the smooth gearshift, light clutch action,
good riding stance (especially since I value
a straight back posture while riding), low
seats and an amazingly responsive throttle.
There is something deceptive about the
way it handles you would think it was a
lot more heavy, but with a weight of only
225kgs, the bike behaves in some manner
like my CB used to without the aggression.
The CG is low enough to inspire confidence
in curves, while the tyres keep adhesion
while banked. Tyre sizes are 110/70 R17 in
front and 130/80 R17 at the rear.
As for the top speed, I have to remember to
slow down for the cameras, especially since
a free revving engine and a handy third
gear allow for quick sprints in the 120-plus
zone. The Bonnie has a tradition of being
able to keep going at 100-plus the whole
day (thats miles per hour, by the way)
and I see no reason why it shouldnt. The
tank of 16 litres will give a range of around
340kms at regular speeds. Combine that, its
practicality and the affordability and I cant
think of any reason you wouldnt buy it.
JUNE 2014
2015 KIA Carnival
The CARNIVAL MPV is the last of Kias products to

adopt the companys much-appreciated design
direction created by design guru Peter Schreyer
JUNE 2014
ts no secret that very few carmakers

offer minivans. One of the reasons
cited for this is that brands like Honda,
Toyota, Mercedes and Dodge/Chrysler enjoy
longstanding monopoly in the segment.
While Kia and sister company Hyundai are
not a newcomers in the MPV segment with
reasonable offerings, Kia it seems now has a
clear cut direction with what it wants to do
with the new 2015 Kia Sedona/Carnival.
Schreyers team has intricately studied
the outgoing MPV model and touched
each and every point. Design has been top
on the list and hence the MPV has been
completely redesigned. In addition to
innovative European-inspired design, the
2015 Sedona also delivers the exceptional
interior volume buyers expect in the segment
with ample passenger and cargo room and
a quiet and comfortable cabin. Following
the philosophy that has guided Kias recent
succession of highly successful redesigns,
the Sedona advances value to new levels of
sophistication with a host of segment-leading
new technology and upscale features, all of
which will be offered in a new premium trim
level.
The 2015 Sedona is built on an all-new
chassis with static torsional stiffness that is
36 per cent greater than its closest segment
competitor. Despite its overall width and
height remaining virtually unchanged, the
all-new Sedona provides more front shoulder
room, greater leg room in the front, second
and third rows, as well as a slightly higher

hip-point, improving outward visibility for the
driver. The Sedonas sophisticated interior
design theme is brought to life with a modern
color palette featuring solid or two-tone color
options in beige, gray and burgundy for a
warm and inviting atmosphere. The top-line
SXL trim features standard ultra-soft Nappa
leather seating surfaces throughout the
cabin, the same chromium-free leather found
in the K900 luxury sedan.
The horizontal design cues across the
instrument panel create a greater sense
of width, and the generous use of softtouch materials adds to the all-new
Sedonas premium ambiance. The Sedonas
proportions provide flexible seating in both
seven- and eight-passenger configurations
and a multitude of storage options.
The 2015 Sedona is powered by a new 3.3-litre
V6 engine which is the same one found
in the Sorento SUV and Cadenza sedan. It
offers 276hp and is paired with a six-speed
automatic transmission that drives the front
wheels. The Sedona will also offer most
modern safety features, including forward
collision alert, adaptive cruise control, blindspot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and a
360-degree camera view.
Length increases by an inch, and wheelbase is
up by an inch and a half; width is unchanged
and the roof is about a half-inch lower. Two
distinct looks grace the Sedonas exterior
depending on trim level,
JUNE 2014
2015 Nissan Murano
A lot is happening at Nissans design studios these days. While current model successors
like the trendsetting new Murano made its dramatic debut in the US at the New York Auto
show, across the Atlantic, in Europe Nissan unveiled its renewed interest in a hotly contested
European C-segment with the all-new Pulsar 5-door hatchback.
issan provided an early

look at the all-new 2015
Nissan Murano prior to its
world debut at the 2014 New York
International Auto Show. While the
Nissan Murano has always stood
out from ordinary crossovers with
its refined yet daring and futuristic
design, the new third-generation
Murano kicks it up many notches
with its concept car-like styling,
premium interior and advanced,
purposeful technology.
The cars design is clearly inspired
by the Resonance Concept that
was displayed at the 2013 Detroit
Auto Show. However, the new
Murano does exhibit a toned-down
V-Motion nose and the trademark
JUNE 2014
boomerang-shaped light fixtures.

The magic of the exterior design
carries into the interior, which offers
an engaging social lounge feel
through features such as the refined
lower-height instrument panel,
wide center console, advanced
NASA-inspired Zero Gravity front
and outboard rear seating, and the
airy atmosphere created by the
large windows and oversized Power
Panoramic Moonroof.
Available
technology
features
include NissanConnectSM with
Navigation and Mobile Apps, 8-inch
color display with multi-touch
control, 11-speaker Bose premium
audio system, and Bluetooth
Hands-free Phone System.
Powering the car will be a VQ-Series

derived 3.5-litre V6 engine, which
was introduced in the 2014 model
year, will continued to be offered
in the third generation version for
the 2015 model year along with
an advanced version of Xtronic
transmission. Murano is available
in front-wheel drive or Intuitive AllWheel Drive.
Available safety and security systems
include Moving Object Detection (MOD),
Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Predictive
Forward Collision Warning (PFCW) and
Forward Emergency Braking. The new
Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) system utilizes
radar to detect a moving vehicle behind
the Murano approaching from either side
of the parking space.
JUNE 2014
2015 Nissan Pulsar
ore
evidence
of
Nissans
Innovation
that
Excites
marketing tagline should appear
in the all-new Murano crossover and the
soon-to-arrive in Europe C-segment Pulsar.
Till now hatch markets like UK/Europe
are served by B-segment models like the
Micra. Combining bold design, technical
innovations and interior space, the new
Pulsar, according to Nissan will attempt to
take the fight to European brand market
leaders like the Ford Focus, Volkswagen
Golf and Vauxhall Astra.
The Pulsar badge was first introduced in
1978 by Nissan for its compact car. It was
produced in Japan till 2000, when it was
replaced by the Nissan Bluebird Sylphy in
the Japanese domestic market. Between
2000 and 2005, and then since 2012, the
name Pulsar has appeared in Australia
JUNE 2014
and select Asian countries on rebadged

versions of the Sylphy and similar Versa/
Tiida model. Now, the Pulsar name will be
used for Europe market entry by Nissan.
The new five-door Pulsar will be built on
Nissans modular CMF2 architecture at
Nissans Barcelona-based facility in Spain.
The same platform also underpins the Eurospec Qashqai and X-Trail SUVs. The hatch
borrows styling cues such as a V-shaped
grille and sharp headlights from the new
Rogue crossover.
Its a larger vehicle than one of its main
challengers, the Golf, riding on a 106.3in
wheelbase, which is 2.4in longer than the
VW. Its also longer overall, at 172.6in.
Nissan thinks the longest wheelbase in
the class and clever packaging will help
Pulsar users to enjoy considerably more
rear legroom and shoulder room than its
sector rivals. In terms of rear knee room,

the Pulsar, according to Nissan is more
spacious than many D-segment offerings.
On launch, the car will get a 1.2-litre
turbocharged petrol mill offering up to
113hp. The 187hp, 1.6-litre turbocharged
engine from the Juke crossover will arrive
later. Diesel options will include the 108hp
1.5-litre engine. No cogged transmissions
are planned and hence the latest versions
of continuously variable transmissions
should save the day. Nissan will also offer
segment first LED headlamps and the
NissanConnect infotainment system round
out the Pulsars feature pack. We cannot
just be a crossover brand. We can make
the Pulsar work. Getting it right is not an
easy or quick answer, but the results of the
Qashqai have bought us time, said Shiro
Nakamura, Nissans design chief.
JUNE 2014
2015 Mercedes-Benz S63

AMG Coup
The new Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coup

is the latest dream car to augment the
Mercedes-AMG model range
esign and engineering meet together in

the latest version of the Mercedes-Benz
S63 AMG Coup in more than a casual way.
Dominance and sensual purity combine to lend the
vehicle irresistible presence and effortlessly superior
sportiness in a canvas etched with exciting lines which
underpin this two-door car. Equally impressive is the
combination of high driving dynamics, ambitious
lightweight construction and groundbreaking
efficiency. As the most powerful member of the
BlueDIRECT engine family, the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo
engine which boasts an output of 585hp and 900 Nm of
torque will reside under the bonnet of the car. Mercedes
and AMG have programmed it to deliver exceptional
performance with remarkably low fuel consumption.
The brands AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive set-up will be
available as an option, otherwise in two-wheel ride mode,
the car is a RWD. New features have been introduced to
take care of handling performance and include a world
first in the shape of the curve tilting function, which is
part of the MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension system, to
further enhance both driving pleasure and comfort. The
car is the latest model to benefit from the systematic
implementation of the AMG Lightweight Performance
strategy. Lightweight construction has also helped
reduce body weight by 65kg, even though the car has a
higher output and more extensive standard equipment
than the predecessor model.
JUNE 2014
Automan is the first automotive magazine in the Sultanate of Oman which introduced Car Of The Year [COTY].
This year, it is in its fourth iteration. As before, the selection criterion and the nomination categories remain
unchanged. This means all of the contenders are new vehicles available now or before years end in the Middle
East markets. Only cars which have been tested by Automans jury/editors are eligible for nomination and the
nomination process goes through two stages. In the first stage Automan will produce a list of nominees in their
respective segments and will be announced in June and December of the current year. The second round will find
the single winner of the respective categories that will be made announced in January 2015.
For this year, we also note the importance of design driving new cars and hence we have decided to include a
special award for design under Editors Choice.
Heres a list of the nominated cars and their respective categories till June 2014
JUNE 2014
Bentley Continental GT V8 S
Lamborghini Huracan
Performance car
Performance car
Hyundai Genesis
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Premium car
Premium car
Porsche Macan
Volkswagen Golf R
Premium SUV
Hot hatch
JUNE 2014
MINI Cooper
Infiniti Q50
Jeep Cherokee
Volkswagen Tiguan
Hot hatch
Premium sedan
Mid sized SUV
Small SUV
Aston Martin Vantage S Q edition
Ford Fusion
Maserati Ghibli
Cadillac XTS V Platinum
Performance car
Mid sized sedan
Premium car
Luxury car
Mitsubishi Attrage
Chevrolet Camaro SS
Kia Soul
MINI Paceman
Small car
Performance car
Hot hatch
Hot hatch
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II
Audi A3
Mitsubishi Outlander
Sports car
Luxury car
Premium car
Mid sized SUV
Porsche Cayman R
Lincoln MKZ
Ford Ecosport
Peugeot RCZ
Sports car
Premium sedan
Small SUV
Sports car
JUNE 2014
JUNE 2014
ritains Lewis Hamilton led a Mercedes

one-two at the Chinese Grand Prix as
his teammate Nico Rosberg clung on to
his lead in the F1 world championship title race.
It was the third straight victory for Hamilton
after his retirement in the opening round in
Australia and he led for every one of the 56 laps
in Shanghai after starting from pole position.
By contrast, Rosberg had to battle through the
field after a wretched start and only overhauled
Fernando Alonso in his Ferrari after the final
round of pit stops.
Rosberg, who won in Australia, has a four-point
lead over Hamilton after four rounds of the 2014
season, which is being dominated by their allconquering Mercedes team.
Alonsos third was a rare bright spot in a difficult
season for Ferrari, whose team boss Stefano
Domenicali quit earlier on, but it was a frustrating
afternoon for Red Bull and defending fourtime champion Sebastian Vettel. The German
had to give best to his rookie teammate Daniel
Ricciardo in the battle for a distant fourth after
initially running in second following a fine start.

Vettel also appeared to disregard team orders
after being told to let Australias Ricciardo past.
Tough luck came the reply over race radio, but
he did move over shortly afterwards. Hamilton
was involved in an epic battle with Rosberg in
Bahrain, but spent much of the latest race in
splendid isolation, finishing over 18 seconds
clear as he took the checkered flag.
Its incredible, I just cant believe how amazing
This was his first hat-trick of

victories, following triumphs
in Malaysia and Bahrain.
Hamiltons third victory in
four races this season was
also the 25th of his career,
passing Juan Manuel Fangio
and drawing him level with
Jim Clark and Niki Lauda.
this car is, the 2008 world champion said in his
post-race podium interview. I was just really
racing myself, he added.
Two-time champion Alonso was delighted to
have edged ahead of the two Red Bulls after
the ructions within his team which have seen
Domenicali replaced by Marco Mattiacci.
It was a good weekend, we improved the car
and were more competitive, he said. Weve
not had the start to the season we would have
liked, but we are still in the fight, added the
Spaniard.
Nico Hulkenberg was sixth for Force India, just
holding off Finn Valtteri Bottas in his Williams.
Bottas and Rosberg made heavy contact on
the first corner but both were able to continue
unhindered. There were cars all over the place
and it was great my car held on, a relieved
Rosberg said.
Ferraris Kimi Raikkonen, Sergio Perez in the
JUNE 2014
second Force India and youngster Daniil Kvyat

in a Toro Rosso completed the points scoring
positions.
Hamilton was completing his 25th career win
and it was the first time he has achieved a run
of three successive victories, underlining his
challenge for a coveted second world crown.
With four races out of 19 gone, Mercedes
already have established a massive lead in the
constructors standings with 154 points, 97 more
than second-placed Red Bull, who disappointed
in the race proper Sunday after promising
performances in practice and qualifying.
In terms of points, Hamilton still trails his
Mercedes team-mate, Nico Rosberg, in the
drivers championship because of his failure to
finish the opening race in Australia. The gap,
however, is now down to four points.
Hamiltons superb form continued at Barcelona,
Lewis Hamilton took the world championship
lead from Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg
with a closely fought victory in the Spanish
Grand Prix.
Hamilton leads Rosberg by three points as his
fourth win in a row finally made up the ground
he lost by retiring from the season-opening
Australian GP.
The Briton led from start to finish to win a tense
battle with Rosberg, with the rest of the field far
behind.
Red Bulls Daniel Ricciardo was third and teammate Sebastian Vettel fourth.
The world champion produced a superb recovery
drive from 15th on the grid to finish ahead of
Williams Valtteri Bottas and the Ferraris of
Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen.
Hamilton successfully converted his pole
position into a lead at the first corner and built a
2.6-second lead over Rosberg by lap 13.
But the German closed in to within 1.6secs over
the next four laps until Hamilton made his first
pit stop on lap 18.
When Rosberg stopped three laps later,
Mercedes split the tyre strategies between both cars, just as they had in
their close battle in Bahrain two races ago, putting Rosberg on the hard
tyre whereas Hamilton had been fitted with the medium.
Hamilton was told he needed to maintain a four-second gap by the time of
his second pit stop, while Rosberg was told he had to get the margin down
to two seconds if he wanted to win the race.
Hamilton made his final pit stop on lap 43, fitting the hard tyres. And
despite a delay fitting a rear wheel, he was a comfortable 4.8 seconds
ahead when Rosberg emerged from his final stop on the medium tyre two
laps later.
Rosberg inexorably closed on Hamilton through the final stint and was
close enough to be able to use his DRS overtaking aid as they entered the
penultimate lap, but was unable to pass.
Hamilton had to lap Raikkonen as they headed down the straight into the
final lap but was able to retain the lead.
I wasnt fast enough really today, said Hamilton. Nico was quicker. I
had to rely on my engineers to tell me where I could find time and what
the gap was.
One more lap and I would have been close enough to give it a good
go, said Rosberg. Im a bit gutted, but still second place and in a good
position in the championship. There are many races to go.
Behind the dominant Mercedes cars, Vettel also displayed excellent form
as he recovered from a gearbox failure in qualifying and consequent fiveplace grid penalty for changing the part.
Red Bull put the world champion on a three-stop race, and after his final
stop on lap 52 he quickly passed Ferraris Kimi Raikkonen on lap 63.
Alonso, initially planning two stops, switched to a three-stop strategy in a
successful attempt to beat Raikkonen, who led him in the first part of the
race.
Alonso had spent the first stint of the race stuck at the back of a three-car
train led by Lotus Romain Grosjean and Raikkonen.
Against the usual protocol, which dictates the driver leading on the track
out of two team-mates gets first-call on pit-stop timing, Alonso made
his first stop a lap earlier in an attempt to pass Raikkonen. It failed when
Alonso hit traffic on his out lap.
During the second stint, Ferrari switched Alonso to a three-stop strategy in
what the Spaniard said was an attempt to prevent them being passed by
Vettel, who was doing the same.
But it failed - Alonso rejoined after his final stop right behind Vettel and
while he was unable to keep pace with the German, who passed Raikkonen
on lap 56 before setting off after Bottas, Alonso did close on Raikkonen.
Behind the Ferraris, Grosjean took Lotus first points of the season in
eighth, ahead of the Force Indias Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg.
Jenson Button beat McLaren team-mate Kevin Magnussen to 11th place.
Sir Jack Brabham passes away

Sir Jack Brabham AO, OBE, triple Formula 1 World
Champion died peacefully at the age of 88 last month in
Australia.
Formula 1 World Champion in 1959, 1960 and 1966 and
double Constructors Champion (1966 and 1967), Sir Jack
was one of the most accomplished drivers and team
owners in the history of the sport. The first driver to be
knighted for services to motorsport, Black Jack rose
from racing midgets on dirt ovals in Australia to dominate
global motorsport.
His first two titles in the Cooper Climax marked the end for
front-engined Formula 1 cars. The third made him the only
driver in history to win a World Championship in a car of
his own manufacture, the Brabham BT19 a feat unlikely
to ever be repeated.
Acclaimed as a brilliant engineer, technological innovations
brought about by the Brabham team helped to shape the
sport today. Through his partnership with Ron Tauranac,
over 500 Brabham racecars were built from the teams
British Surrey base in the 1960s alone, while the Brabham
name continued in F1 for 30 years.
Although Jack scored his final win in the 1970 South
African Grand Prix, the legacy has continued with all three
of his sons achieving their own global success, while third
generation drivers Matthew and Sam are building their
own notable racing careers.
On behalf of the family, Jacks youngest son David said:
Its a very sad day for all of us. My father passed away
peacefully at home at the age of 88 this morning. He lived
an incredible life, achieving more than anyone would
ever dream of and he will continue to live on through the
astounding legacy he leaves behind. Sir Jack is survived
by his wife, Lady Margaret, sons Geoff, Gary and David and
their families.
JUNE 2014
Who will replace Ecclestone?
JUNE 2014
maximum points in Tuscany will be

Rossis Movistar Yamaha MotoGP
team-mate Jorge Lorenzo. Although
the 2010 and 2012 MotoGP World
Champion is not currently in his best
form Lorenzo has won the race at
Mugello for the last three years,
enjoying a circuit where Yamaha have
a good record.
Just ahead of Lorenzo in the
standings in fourth place at present
is Ducati Teams Andrea Dovizioso,
who is sure to enjoy massive support
this weekend. Thousands of faithful
Ducatisti fans will gather at Correntaio
corner once again to will Dovizioso
towards the podium and to support
his colleague Cal Crutchlow as the
Englishman strives to move up the
standings from 16th.
The likes of Stefan Bradl (LCR
Honda MotoGP) and Alvaro Bautista
(GO&FUN Honda Gresini) go in
search of further top five results
from sixth and tenth respectively
in the championship table. Bautista
arrives at Mugello on a high, having
recovered from his early season dip
by racing to third at Le Mans.
Another excellent performer at Le
Mans was Pol Espargaro and the

rookie will aim to build on his fourth
place in France with another solid
performance in Italy. Having adapted
quickly to MotoGP in the first five
rounds, Moto2 World Champion
Espargaro is just ahead of his brother
Aleix Espargaro (NGM Forward
Racing) and Monster Yamaha Tech
3 team-mate Bradley Smith in the
overall classification.
Just outside the top ten in the
standings is another Italian in Andrea
Iannone.
The Pramac Racing rider looks to
bounce back from two consecutive
DNFs after showing his speed in
practice and in the opening three
races of the year.
Iannones compatriot Danilo Petrucci
(IodaRacing Project) makes a
welcome return at Mugello, having
missed the trip to France with the
fractured left wrist he sustained at
Jerez.
This event at Gran Premio dItalia TIM
represented the 29th occasion that
a GP has been held at the Mugello
circuit, including 24 times in the
consecutive years from 1991.
Asked if he wants to be the new Bernie,

Briatore told reporters I prefer the old
Bernie. Briatore admitted he knows
the kind of person that needs to be
running F1. What formula one needs is
a dictator, he said. He makes the rules
and the teams have to follow. If you dont
want to, look for another job.Formula
one is a strong brand, said Briatore.
Bernie took 30 years to build it, but
without him, it could be that it is destroyed
in two or three. What is needed now is a
man who has a clear plan for the formula
one of the future. Dieter Zetsche, the
chairman of Daimler, also said that amid
the corruption scandal that could end
Michelin becomes official

tyre supplier for MotoGP
ollowing the race in France, in

which Rossi finished second to
the victorious Marc Marquez,
he was already looking forward to
the Gran Premio dItalia TIM and
another chance to battle with the inform World Champion and standings
leader, this time in front of the
passionate Italian crowd.
With his victory at the French GP
Marquez became first rider to win the
opening five races of the year, all from
pole position, since Giacomo Agostini
in the 500 class in 1971.
Marquez leads the standings by 42
points from Repsol Honda team-mate
Dani Pedrosa and will aim to extend
his winning run at round six at a
venue where he crashed out last year.
Marquez will know, however, that
Pedrosa will be hungry for his first
win since Malaysia last year and that
Rossi will be doing everything in his
power to add to his nine victories at
Mugello, seven of which have come in
the premier class. It is fair to say that
a win for Rossi in his 300th GP would
certainly be popular with the home
crowd.
Another strong contender for
mbroiled in a corruption scandal

that could end his reign, F1s current
supremo, Bernie Ecclestone, has
hinted that his bosses at CVC could be
about to replace him.
Formula one needs a dictator,
according to the flamboyant former team
boss Flavio Briatore. I feel sorry for him,
Briatore said on his customary trip with
his yacht Force Blue to Monaco, but if
I was Ecclestone, I would have left five or
six years ago. Reports suggested Italian
Briatore, who left F1 amid his own scandal
some years ago, might be a potential
successor for Ecclestone, but the 64-yearold played that down.
Ecclestones reign, the next steps for the

sport are crucial.
It is very clear that Bernie Ecclestone is
responsible for the success of formula
one, Zetsche, whose Mercedes camp is
utterly dominating the 2014 season, told
Germanys Welt am Sonntag newspaper.
Meanwhile, Niki Lauda, triple world
champion and Mercedes team chairman
has ruled out replacing Ecclestone. No,
I will not be boss of formula one! the F1
legend told German newspaper Bild. I
have a job at Mercedes with a contract
that goes up to and including 2017.
Anyway, I do not think about things that
will not happen, said Lauda.
Dorna Sports, promoter and organiser of the MotoGP

World Championship, which is sanctioned by the Fdration
Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), has announced that
Michelin will be the sole supplier of tyres to teams participating
in the series from 2016. Michelins proven technical abilities
to respond to the needs of a demanding Grand Prix racing
schedule helped clinch the deal. Our policy of carrying over
our technologies from track to street fits perfectly with the new
technical regulations which are due to be introduced in 2016 and
which will dictate the use of 17in wheels. That is why Michelin
decided to submit a bid following the tender process instigated
by Dorna Sports. We take this opportunity to thank the governing
bodies for the confidence they have placed in us today. Their
confidence recognises Michelins expertise and the 26 Riders
world titles it has secured, says Michelin Motorsports Director
Pascal Couasnon.
JUNE 2014
ChicaneOpinion |
Competition
as a virtue
Who among us hasnt faced competition? We face it from the day we are graded
in school or even earlier if weve had the misfortune of being entered in bubbly
baby contests by our parents. From that point onwards, competition is a regular
companion, as we try to get into colleges, find jobs, look for promotions or perchance
even launch businesses. Its something we hate as much as we accept as a regular
part of our lives even letting it dictate our behaviour and our relationships.
So why are we all agog when Lewis Hamilton sees his main rival as his team-mate
Nico Rosberg? Media are equating this rivalry with the classic Alain Prost Ayrton
Senna clash in McLaren. But then arent we also looking at something like that
brewing over in the Infiniti Redbull stables where Ricciardo has managed to pull off
a few podiums this year while four-time champion and team-mate Sebastien Vettel
has been rather unfortunate? At what stage did this cross over from competition
into rivalry? And will we actually see another on-track shoving match like the ProstSenna one?
As contentious as this may be, it is competition that has brought about most of the
improvements that we take for granted. It is almost 60 years since the classic USSoviet space race began with the throwing into space of dogs, monkeys and such.
Now the two co-exist on a common space platform, despite the rivalry on the ground.
In the process society has gained by so much of the spin-off technology that the
space race spawned, including microchips, long-lasting batteries, solar charging,
food preservation techniques and even the esoteric stuff like Velcro and zero-gravity
pens.
Similarly, it is competition on the ground, between multi-national companies
and organisations that has given birth to the advances in informatics, media,
manufacturing practices and even something as crucial as fuel-efficient engines. If
you are old enough to have seen a Boeing 707 take flight, you would have known that
it had a signature black trail from its four jet engines. That was considered normal
despite being highly wasteful. Today, the engines that power the 787 are many
times more efficient, allowing us to continue flying even when oil is over 100-dollar
a barrel. This couldnt have happened without the spirit of competition among the
engine makers, knowing fully well that their engines efficiency and power would
decide whether an airline chose them over others.
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
Car manufacturers are also the beneficiaries of competition. Actually, its us, the
consumer who is the real beneficiary of competition on all fronts. Every motorsports
race, every new concept, every motorshow brings out the best in brands, whittling
away at cost and excess, bringing in efficiencies and bettering the product that
is on offer in the showroom. Nowadays we take stuff for granted, that years ago
would have surprised us. Service intervals of 25,000 kms, electrical components
that last the life of the car, paint that stays fresh for years. The list is huge. And it is
competition that makes it so real.
And the mobile phone and its phenomenal evolution is as much a product of
competition as it is a cause for competition. The old guard like Nokia who couldnt
compete are now way behind in the pecking order to the Samsungs and Apples of
the world. And the story is not over by a long shot. Who knows tomorrows leader?
That, in a nutshell, is what powers an open market. As long as you closet yourself
behind artificial barriers, efficiencies are lost. The open market brings out the best
for consumers and businesses, albeit with a hint of regulation to avoid gouging.
So I say, let the guys compete. There is no concept of we have all won. If you are
good, you get better and youve won when you have perfected yourself. You cannot
be a follower, or plain deadwood and claim to have won. Every new race, every new
corner is an opportunity to say why you are better at your job than the next man. And
I dont grudge Lewis Hamilton his angst at having his thunder stolen.
JUNE 2014

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154

AUTOMAN JUNE 2014

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NOW, THE REGIONS BEST AUTOMOTIVE RESOURCE

JUNE 2014 ISSUE NO 154

IVES |Bonneville | 2014 Vo

Jaguar confirms XE as new name for forthcoming

72-75 2014 COTY

AL ROYA PRESS & PUBLISHING

Now, Automan is available in bookshops in

ubarus authorized importer in Oman

Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel

Oman & region

Blue Ovals latest technologies showcased at brand event

marketplace, its more important than ever

the car to see and respond, whereas Ford

Nissan posts strong

n 2011, Nissan Motor Companys introduced

sales in the Middle East of 196,885 vehicles in

Nissans results for the last financial year have

onda Motor Co.

the companys Earth Dreams technology.

Oman & region

General Motors Middle East

GMME has reported its fourth consecutive

l Jenaibi Automobiles and experts from BMW regional office

Jaguar F-Type coupe shown at Yas Marina

General Automotive Company, the

VVIP edition Nissan Patrol

SBG receives three awards

Al Nabooda opens new multibrand

H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan

exclusive TO Middle East Lexus

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne is keen to get

ach motor show comes with

Author: Chandan B Mallik

Audi seems to be enjoying tweaking its RS7 and at New

The Vantage V8 GT as we know made its debut at the Geneva

Chevrolet Camaro as Bumblebee along

Among the usual array of Chevrolet models,

Dodge used the event to showcase

for performance crazy Americans, one of

el made its first

North American debut of the 2015 Jeep Renegade, the

brands smallest crossover in the brands lineup. Sport, Limited

at New York was that it hadnt abandoned its interest in the

MPV segment. The Korean brand introduced its all-new 2015

model Renegade. These badges represent the lifestyle street-

Sedona/Carnival mid-size MPV which has been redesigned from

biased models in the line-up, while the Renegade Trailhawk has

more off-road orientation with an increased ride height, skid

competitors and has received several crossover cues and Kias

plates and unique bumpers that improve the approach and

Introduced at a revision, the new Countryman incorporates some

In January, Porsche brought not one, but two sun-loving

Mercedes-Benz wants to take its performance

Almost every competitive model in the midsize sedan segment

gon shape and

the business case

g FT-1 Concept. Short

this year, will follow by the end of the year

The five-year plan that was announced on May 6, is a further

Managing Director / CEO ,

Jeep, the original SUV based on the brands enduring core