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2012 Mercedes Benz C350 Coupe driven in sand storm | Video

Pankaj — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 13:34:21 +0000

What we thought would be a nice early morning drive with little traffic on the roads turned out to be one helluva experience. Just about 30 minutes into the drive, we were engulfed by a sand storm, though it was no where close to what some of you might have seen in MI4.

2012 Toyota Land Cruiser | First Drive

George Kuruvilla — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 11:43:10 +0000

In 2011 Toyota celebrated the 60^th Anniversary with special editions of the iconic Land Cruiser. However, the Land Cruiser’s foray in the Middle East began 56 years ago with the introduction of the BJ 20 Series in Dubai in 1955 when a shipment of 28 units made it ashore and Toyota were hoping to capitalise on virgin Middle Eastern markets. For the 2012 range of Land Cruiser, Toyota have introduced face-lifted versions to the eight generation of LCs. “What is different”, you might ask? Specifically power has gone up 13 per cent and torque 7 per cent on base model 4.0-litre V6. ? New suspension bits have been added with the front using a new double wishbone set up. Simple things like the brake wiring has been concealed better and the exhaust system is now shielded for improved off road use. Aesthetic enhancements include new headlamps with xenon HID lamps and integrated LED daytime running lamps, new fog lamps, a new 5-bar grille that has a three-dimensional look, 18-inch wheels and aero stabilisers on the rear wing and side view mirrors to improve wind cheating abilities. There have been some marked differences on the insides as well. The graphics within the instrument panel now have white background lighting and chrome embezzled instrument gauges. The steering wheel has been has been given its fair share of wood and leather treatment for a more up-market appeal. There is also a multi-terrain monitor with six different views, for all-round visibility during off-roading.

The 4-litre V6 remains but the incorporation of dual VVT-i allows it to produce 271 horses, an improvement of 31 horses over the previous generations 240bhp. Torque is up by 10 units over the 375Nm, it now muscles out 385Nm of torque. The big change is the new 4.6-litre V8 that replaces the 4.7-Litre V8. In terms of output, it makes a very generous 304bhp and 439Nm. A definitive improvement over the 4.7-litre’s 271bhp and 439Nm. Torque multiplying responsibilities on the V8 motor goes to a 6-speed automatic that provides greater mechanical advantage over the previous 5-speed transmission. Specifications remain the same in the emperor engine, the 5.7-litre V8. What’s not broken, doesn’t need fixing says Toyota. Although we were expecting Toyota to challenge the 400bhp 5.6-litre V8 engine in the Nissan Patrol.

Another major improvement is that wheel articulation, also known as suspension travel that has gone up by 105mm and there is a new turn assist feature that allows the vehicle to pivot on the inside rear-wheel reducing the turning radius. At the launch, we drove a V6 GXR with a 4-litre engine. Once inside, we found the interiors to be pretty humdrum. It was the base level trim but displays Toyota’s impeccable build quality nonetheless.

The touch-screen music system was a treat in terms of audio quality and features. I cranked up the volume a bit and I quite enjoyed the lack of distortion in radio reception. The audio box seemed liked something after market though. More expensive versions have JBL units.

We needed to follow a certain protocol before taking 4.0-litre V6 off-road, which is mainly turning off the curtain airbags and turning on the centre differential lock. We didn’t tackle any challenging dunes and trotted along the desert in a well-organised convoy.

The first thing you notice is the smoothness of the new 4-litre engine. Power delivery is adequate and you have enough grunt from the get go. Toyota has done a good job with this new engine and it feels very potent. Only a complete road test will let us understand this engine better but for starters, its gets a thumbs up.

Sadayoshi Koyari, the key man behind the LC facelift project, who by designation is the Chief Engineer at the Lexus Development Centre and Toyota Development Centre 3 was also present at the event. Koyari san along with his interpreter answered the media’s questions which mainly revolved the Land Cruiser and it’s development for the Middle Eastern markets. He also made it a point to inform the media about the future developments of this model which will include a seven or an eight speed gearbox, a hybrid drivetrain and the possibility of a monocoque body.

The Land Cruiser gets its much needed face-lift for 2012. The few aesthetic changes don’t do much to differentiate it from its 2011 model, but the hike in power and torque figures is much appreciated. It is more an off-roader than ever before, reminiscing the BJ 20 series that traversed the virgin desert dunes more than fifty years ago.

Prices start at AED 195,000 and go all the way to AED 305,000.

2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

Martin Victor Alva — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 10:20:36 +0000

GL-Class

The GL-Class is one of the newer models of Mercedes-Benz. Unlike most of its siblings who were envisioned a couple of decades ago, the GL-Class came into existence in 2006. This car is a slightly expensive and more spacious and luxurious alternative to the M-Class.

The GL-Class is available in two variants, the GL 450 and the GL 500. The GL 450 has a 4.7-litre V8 engine that produces 348bhp of power and 460Nm of torque. For those who need more grunt, the GL 500 with its 5.5-litre V8 produces 382bhp and 530Nm of torque. Both these cars are full-time four-wheel-drive and have the seven-speed 7G-TRONIC transmission.

The GL-Class comes with an optional Off-Road-Pro Engineering package, which adds Hill-Start Assist and off-road ABS, which reduces braking distances on downhill gradients, particularly when driving on loose surfaces. The GL-Class has a modified AIRMATIC system with level control and Adaptive Damping System (ADS) enables a maximum ground clearance of 307 mm and a maximum fording depth of 600 mm.

The GL is equipped as standard with new seats in a fluting design and an electrically folding third seat row, which converts the GL into a comfortable 7-seater, is available as an option. All seats are upholstered in ARTICO man-made leather and are also optionally available in leather or nappa leather (GL 500 has nappa leather as standard). Driver and front-passenger sides feature fully power-adjustable seats. Front climatised seats (heating with ventilation) are also available as an optional extra.

The GL-Class has eight standard airbags with the DISTRONIC proximity control system and Intelligent Light System with LED daytime driving lights are available as optional extras.

Price

GL 450 4MATIC: AED 300,000
GL 500 4MATIC: AED 317,000
Specification

GL 450 4MATIC: 4.7-litre V8; 348bhp, 460Nm
GL 500 4MATIC: 5.5-litre V8; 382bhp, 530Nm

2012 Chevrolet Camaro SS 45th Anniversary Edition | First Drive

George Kuruvilla — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 09:31:54 +0000

Uncorking champagne and bursting confetti are the usual celebratory acts of an anniversary, but that’s not how we were planning on doing to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Camaro. We drove it, instead. Chevy has marked this year rather with a special edition of their heralded pony car. The celebratory Camaro gets a red-and-silver rally strip pasted on carbon flash metallic paint enamelled on its body. The jet black interior is also refreshed with a white instrument panel and door trim inserts. The seats and the steering wheel get the 45th anniversary logo which also marks its presence on the instrument panel, along with red, white and blue (that is just Chevy being pro-U.S.A.) stitching.

This special trim can be ordered with either the V8 or the V6 version. Besides the Camaro’s association with the Transformer series of movies, a glance of the car’s LED halo rings in your rear view mirror gives you an insight into the menacing look of the car. The design is inspired from the lines YF-22 fighter jet and there is no doubt that it is one of the better-looking cars on the roads today.

Fortunately we got to drive the 400bhp 6.2-litre V8 that makes 556Nm of torque at the crank. It was matched to the six-speed automatic. If you opt for the six-speed manual transmission you get 426 horses and a massive 569Nm of torque. There is also a direct-injection 323bhp 3.6-litre V6 for those who are light footed. The first thing you notice when you try getting into the car is that the doors are very long and need a lot of space to open them. You may chip the paint of the car next to yours if you’re not careful. The next thing is that for a 2+2 coupe of this size, the interiors are rather snug fitting; the rear seats are only suitable for kids under the age of five at max. An interesting bit was the heads-up display. It projects your navigation screen (not available on the model we drove) or vehicle diagnostics onto the windshield, this helps you keep your eyes on the road.

There is also a four-pack gauge set, suggestive of the aircraft-style chronographs on the lower end of the centre console. The surprising bit was that even after having the smallest of side view mirrors, rear visibility is not hindered. We settled into the car and switched on the audio system and discovered that you really need to pump up the volume on the Boston Acoustics Premium nine-speaker system because those 245-Watts are insufficient with the engine and the road noise seeping in.

How does it feel on the road? The long hood and short rear deck that give the Camaro an iconic look is instantly recognisable and heads will turn and people will trip once you cruise by them. We got into the car expecting pure Amercian muscle because there is nothing less you should expect from a throbbing 6.2-litre V8. The throttle sensitivity is decently good. You don’t have to wait till Christmas to get the car going. The company claimed 4.7 seconds to a 100km/h from a standstill is quite optimistic and although we never got the opportunity to do acceleration runs, we think the car’s performance will fall short of that figure. None the less, there is sufficient thrust to beat your neighbour at the signal lights. However, on the face of it, it does not feel like the muscle car. It sounds muted and in some form, civilised. Coincidently, we were driving the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 350 Coupe at the same time and there wasn’t much between them in terms of all-out acceleration.

Stopping power comes from four-piston Brembo performance brakes on all four wheels. Brake pedal feel is linear and general braking is confident and the car stays in line under emergency braking. Also offered on the six-speed automatic variant were steering-wheel-mounted TAPshift controls. We tried it a few times but shift times are anything but ‘DSG’ quick. Although the Camaro has lost some of its old school charm, what it has gained is improved handling dynamics. It now handles like how most sports cars should. I may not challenge its German and Japanese rivals at the Nurburgring but the everyday driver will find that the Camaro offers sufficient grip and flickability.

The auto-box also offers Active Fuel Management for a claimed 9.4l/100km on highways. As we parked the car and got out we noticed a few neat aesthetic touches, the one-piece body-side panel that extends from the A-pillar all the way to the boot and the chrome fuel filler lid, which is optional. Usually sports car owners are annoyed by the lack of luggage space but the Camaro’s offers 320 litres of cargo volume which accommodated our test gear and camera stuff without much fuss.

The 45th anniversary might not be the biggest of occasions and the anniversary edition of the Camaro, like the regular Camaro is lost between the Yankee’s pride i.e. the American muscle car and the true-blue sportscar. It does have a bit of an identity crisis. But is the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro SS 45th Anniversary Edition worthy of the drive and ownership? We say yes…until you peep into of the other American stables.

2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon

Martin Victor Alva — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 07:04:12 +0000

G-Class

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon needs no introduction. Developed more than 30 years ago, this car is the ultimate off-road vehicle for those who can afford it. The overall design of this car has remained unchanged since it first went on sale in 1979 and that is one of the reason why this car is so popular among off-roaders.

The new 5.5-litre V8 engine in the G 500 has a peak output of 388bhp thanks to its 4-valves per cylinder and continuously adjustable intake and outlet camshafts. Its maximum torque is 530Nm between 2800 and 4800. The G 500 also features the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission.

The G 55 AMG, with its 5.5-litre V8 supercharged engine develops maximum power of 507bhp and maximum torque of 700Nm. The G 55 AMG features the tried-and-trusted 5-speed automatic transmission.

On the inside you get a plush black-leather and wood finish. The dashboard has a 6.5-inch LCD screen for the COMAND system and the G-Wagon also gets the LINGUATRONIC. The G-Wagon can be ordered with a host of additional comfort features for those who want to go off-road but be in the lap of luxury.

The AMG variant gets 19-inch AMG 5-spoke titanium grey alloy wheels, body-coloured flared wheel arches, an AMG exhaust system with twin side-exiting tailpipes, a radiator grille with chrome highlights and trim strips in brushed aluminium.

The G-Wagon can handle gradients of up to 80 per cent; remains stable on transversal slopes of up to 54 per cent and can drive through water with a depth of up to 0.5 meters. The G-Wagon is the only vehicle in the world to offer the electronic traction system along with three fully lockable differentials.

The G-Wagon comes with all active and passive safety features you can imagine a top of the line Mercedes-Benz car to have. It is available as a short-wheelbase, long-wheelbase and a cabriolet along with the AMG version

Price

G 500: AED 381,000 (Short wheelbase)
G 500: AED 376,400 (Cabriolet)
G 500: AED 372,500 (Long wheelbase)
G 500: AED 526,000 (AMG)

Specifications

G 500: 5.5-litre V8; 388bhp, 530Nm
G 500 AMG: 5.5-litre supercharged V8; 507bhp, 700Nm

First MINI showroom launches in Jordan

Martin Victor Alva — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:28:44 +0000

Mini Roadster Concept

Apart from releasing new models since the start of the year, MINI has stepped up its involvement in the Middle East sales area in geographical terms as well. The brand’s market entry into the Kingdom of Jordan brings a further boost to MINI’s presence in this growth-intensive economic region. In 2011, MINI posted a 77 per cent increase in sales in the Middle East. Worldwide, the British premium carmaker is now represented in more than 100 countries.

The new MINI branch will open in the centre of the capital Amman in partnership with a local dealer who already collaborates with the BMW Group on BMW car sales and service. Potential MINI customers in Jordan will be able to choose from the full model portfolio.

In addition to the MINI, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible, the range also includes the MINI Countryman and the two latest additions to the brand family, the MINI Coupé and MINI Roadster. All models will be available in MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S variants.

2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Martin Victor Alva — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:17:00 +0000

2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has the same design cues carried over from the majorly revamped model of 2010. However, there are slight modifications on the exterior and the interior for the new model year.

Being one of the most successful models for Mercedes-Benz, the E-Class is available in eight trim levels. At the bottom of the range is the E200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY with its 1.8-litre petrol engine, which produces 181bhp and 270Nm. Then comes the E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY variant, which has the same 1.8-litre engine but pushes out 201bhp and 310Nm. The E 300 gets a 3-litre V6 engine with 227bhp and 300Nm on tap. The E 350 has a 3.5-litre V6 and makes 290bhp and 365Nm.

For those keen on performance from this saloon, you can buy the E 500 with its 382bhp, 530Nm producing 5.5-litre V8 and at the pinnacle of the E-Class is the E 63 AMG which has a 6.2-litre V8 engine that makes 517bhp and 630Nm of torque.

The E-Class offers plenty on terms of space and ride comfort and is often considered the benchmark for a mid-level premium sedan. The interior is built with a high degree of craftsmanship and the build quality is exceptional. Another contribution to relaxed driving comes from the newly-developed, standard-fit DIRECT CONTROL suspension with selective damping system. The shock absorbers automatically adapt to the driving situation. The V8 models get AIRMATIC as standard and this feature is optional on the V6 models.

Safety features include ABS, traction control and eight airbags with dual stage front airbags along with a host of optional safety features.

Price

E 200 : AED 171,000
E 250: AED 187,500
E 300: AED 207,500 (Elegance)
E 300: AED 212,000 (Avantgarde)
E 350: AED 228,000 (Elegance)
E 350 : AED 232,500 (Avantgarde)
E 500 : AED 293,200
E 63 AMG: AED 448,800

Specification

E 200 : 1.8-litre 4-cylinder; 181bhp, 270Nm
E 250: 1.8-litre 4-cylinder; 201bhp, 310Nm
E 300: 3-litre V6; 227bhp, 300Nm
E 350: 3.5-litre V6; 290bhp, 365Nm
E 500 : 5.5-litre V8; 382bhp, 530Nm
E 63 AMG: 6.2-litre V8; 517bhp, 630Nm

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Martin Victor Alva — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:17:52 +0000

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

In 2002 Mercedes-Benz built the CLS-Class, the world’s first 4-door coupe. It instantly turned a design icon and now the likes of Aston Martin, Porsche, Audi and BMW are clipping hot at its heels. In 2012, Mercedes-Benz redesigned the CLS-Class and it looks much more aggressive than before. It is based on the E-Class platform but because of its coupe-like appearance it isn’t the best car for rear seat comfort.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class comes in three trim levels, the CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY, the CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY and the CLS 63 AMG. The CLS 350 gets a 3.5-litre V6 engine, which produces 301bhp of power and 370Nm of torque. The CLS 500 with its 4.7-litre V8 makes 402bhp and 600Nm of torque and the high performance AMG version gets a 5.5-litre V8 that makes 550bhp and 700Nm of torque. The 7-speed transmission remains common among all variants.

On the inside, the CLS gets a long list of features that include a Harman Kardon Logic surround sound system gets an USB port and aux-in and the COMAND system and for those who want something additional can opt for the premium package., Amongst the many others, you also get, SPEEDTRONIC Cruise control, reversing camera with reference lines, blind spot assist and lane keeping assist, multi-zone automatic climate control, night view assist and ISOFIX seat mountings in the rear.

The CLS-Class gets stability control, park assist and eight airbags as standard equipment. You can also opt for additional optional safety features like lane departure assist and blind spot assist.

Price

CLS 350: AED 314,000
CLS 500: AED 381,000
CLS 63 AMG: AED 497,000

Specifications

CLS 350: 3.5-litre V6; 301bhp, 370Nm
CLS 500: 4.7-litre V8; 402bhp, 600Nm
CLS 63 AMG: 5.5-litre V8; 550bhp, 700Nm

BMW at the Geneva Motor Show 2012

George Kuruvilla — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:35:43 +0000

German automobile manufacturer BMW plans to show off large at the Geneva Motor Show 2012. The world will witness the premiere of the four-door coupe like BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, the very dynamic 560bhp M6 Coupe that is capable of reaching 100km/h from a standstill in 4.2 seconds and the new BMW X6. Also on display will be the BMW M Performance automobiles, which is a new product category. The BMW 3 Series, the best seller in the compact executive class will make its debut. It features BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology. BMW will also exhibit their share of concept cars in the form of the BMW i8, a new generation of sports car with plug-in hybrid drive concept and the very first electrically powered premium vehicle, the BMW i3.

2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

Martin Victor Alva — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:17:08 +0000

Mercedes-Benz CL

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is for those who want the S-Class with two doors. This ‘Comfort Light’ version is based on the S-Class and follows the same development cycle as the S-Class to ensure it never falls behind on luxury, prestige and comfort. It was given a facelift in 2011 and remains unchanged for 2012.

There are four variants of the CL-Class on sale. The CL 500, CL 600, CL 63 AMG and the CL 65 AMG. The 2012 CL 500 and the CL 63 AMG get a newly developed 8-cylinder engine. It has features like direct petrol injection with spray-guided combustion and twin turbochargers.

The CL 500 with its 4.7-litre twin turbo V8 engine produces 430bhp and a maximum torque of 700Nm and achieves a top speed (electrically limited) of 250 km/h. off. In the CL 63 AMG the new AMG 5.5-litre V8 bi-turbo engine achieves an output of 536bhp and a maximum torque of 800Nm. In conjunction with the AMG Performance Package the figures increase to 563bhp and 900Nm.

The CL 600 with its 5.5-litre twin turbo V12 engine develops 509bhp and a maximum torque rating of 830Nm. Maximum torque is developed from 1800rpm onwards and is maintained till 3500rpm. The top-of-the-line CL 65 AMG with its 6.0-litre V12 AMG twin turbo powerplant produces 620bhp and a maximum torque of 1000 Nm.

On the inside it gets all the comfort and safety goodies present in the S-Class and the only obvious difference is the smaller rear seats.

Price

CL 500: AED 537,000
CL 600: AED 676,000
CL 63 AMG: AED 698,000
CL 65 AMG: AED 934,000

Engine

CL 500: 4.7-litre twin-turbo V8; 430bhp, 700Nm
CL 600: 5.5-litre twin-turbo V12; 509bhp, 830Nm
CL 63 AMG: 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8; 536bhp, 800Nm
CL 65 AMG: 5.5-litre twin-turbo V12; 620bhp, 100Nm

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