Cars Magazine

Fisker Karma | First Drive

2013-03-13T14:01:00.001-07:00

Fight Global Warming in Style
Spend 5 minutes looking at the car and it is evident that this is a product of a designer. It is one of those cars that barely changed from concept design to final production. It’s got strong lines running along the long hood of the 4 door coupé, muscular looking fenders that bulge out the side and massive 22 inch wheels that would make Lil Wayne jealous. With the Z8 inspired nose and the Aston inspired body style, the Fisker Karma definitely makes its presence felt.

This car rides on green credentials, starting from the paint that uses crushed recycled glass instead of metal flakes to add glitter, to the wood trim in the car that is lacquer free and only from trees destroyed in Forest fires. As with any luxury car brand, the interior is a very nice place to be. Fisker claim the Ireland sourced leather is the best leather that can be had. An animal free interior (sans leather) is an option too. The roof has a solar panel on it that can generate enough energy to power your iPod, interior lights and the likes. While parked, the solar panel powers the fans in the car to circulate the inside air to ensure your bottom does not have to rest on hot leather

Get into the car and press the engine start button and you are greeted with…..silence. The car switches on in electric mode with absolutely no sound making it feel like a library. On full charge, the Karma can go up to 80kms without using any precious fossil fuel. However, the Fisker Karma is slightly different to other electric cars and hybrids in that it has a Ford acquired 2.0 Litre petrol engine that does not power the car but acts as a generator to top up the batteries instead. The car is powered by the 2 electric motors in the back capable of 403bhp and 951 lb-ft of torque. This type of setup ensures you don’t suffer 'range anxiety'. The petrol engine makes sure you can comfortably reach your charging station to load up on volts.

In ‘Stealth’ mode the car runs purely on battery power with the only audible sound being a UFO like exhaust note inspired by Hollywood, playing through the speakers placed on the outside. There is no concept of a gearbox here. Floor the (not so loud) pedal and all 403 e-horses will pull you to the 100kph mark in less than 6 seconds. There is no kickback from switching to a lower gear or an upshift for that matter. The power is constant, starting from 0 all the way to the claimed top speed of 200kph. It feels strange. Very strange. Tap the left paddle and the 2.0L force fed petrol engine fires up engaging sport mode. The dials turn red and you can finally hear a traditional engine under the hood. A not so good sounding engine though. The suspension is nicely sprung and the ride is very comfortable with little compromise to the handling. The car was designed to be a GT and it feels and drives like one. Everything about the car says GT. Except for the driver space which felt a little cramped due to the centre console running all the way from the dash to the back of the car. Rear passenger space is further limited by the sloping roof, a problem common with most 4 door coupés.

The Fisker Karma is not a driver’s car. It is a car for an individual that is concerned about offsetting the carbon footprint of an entire industrial town in China. In bespoke style of course. It has attempted to rewrite automotive manufacturing. It has its shortcomings and it will be a while before it finally catches on and is perfected, but it is a fantastic first attempt. It wins at being a beautiful piece of art and a great example of engineering. It fails at winning the hearts of petrolheads though. Maybe it could give birth to a new generation of Watt-heads, sounds apt for the internet generation?

Land Rover introduces first 9-speed automatic gear box

2013-03-05T17:16:00.001-08:00

Land Rover has announced that it’ll use the Evoque to debut ZF’s new nine-speed transmission, known as the 9HP. It’ll replace the six-speed automatic that was previously available as an option on most Evoque models.

The 9HP will feature a plethora of technological wizardry which, Land Rover says, will improve the automatic version of the Evoque considerably. More gears, it says, mean smaller steps between the ratios, resulting in improved response – ZF claims that the new gearbox’s changes are “below the threshold of perception” – as well as shift quality and refinement. There’s also a higher top gear that reduces fuel consumption as well as noise.

Nevertheless, Land Rover says that the 9HP is “extremely robust”, and as such that it “perfectly complements Land Rover’s rugged all-terrain ability”. As you’d expect, it’s also being touted as offering a “significant improvement in fuel economy and a corresponsding reduction in CO2 emissions.”

All of which sounds just marvellous. But there is of course, just one issue we have with it. And we reckon you’ve probably guessed what it is by now. Nine ratios? Really? Seven seemed quite a few when Mercedes debuted the 7G-Tronic back in 2003; eight seemed a little excessive with ZF’s last effort, as good as it is. Nine... well, it could be a case of 'the more, the merrier', and the proof of the pudding will be in the eating, but we can’t help but wonder where it’ll stop. Will we end up with a 20-speed by 2020?

Top 5 Mercedes C63 AMG Tuning Jobs

2013-01-16T13:48:00.006-08:00

A range of comprehensive tuning packages for the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG are on the market. Here’s a look at some of the best.

As one of the tuning community's most popular cars, there are plenty of Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG aftermarket packages available for those that want to restyle their rides or give them an added injection of power and pace. AMG's 6.3-liter V8 is no slouch, mind you, and with 451 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque at its disposal, the high-performance coupe can sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. But there will always be drivers out there wanting to join the 500-hp club, and that's where tuning firms come in.

Italian tuner Romeo Ferraris is synonymous with tuning packages for Abarth and Alfa Romeo, but once turned its hand to the C63 AMG, dubbing the project WhiteStorm. The exterior has been given a matte white finish, while other enhancements include a carbon fiber roof and trunk lid lip, black fog light surrounds, a black grille, black diffuser and a set of 5-spoke design black AMG alloy wheels. The cabin has been fitted with red leather seating. Romeo Ferraris also altered the ECU, which, combined with the sports-tuned exhaust, provides an additional 79 horsepower over the standard car

HMS Tuning offers a range of performance packages for C63 AMG, made up of a modified ECU, sports filter, Y-Pipes with sports catalytics, a performance valve exhaust system and three supercharger kits, the most potent of which increases power to 690 hp and 646 lb-ft of torque. The body kit for the C63 AMG consists of a carbon-fiber rear diffuser, rear fin, a front bumper in either carbon-fiber or fiberglass with LED daytime running lights, and rear fender flares. 19-inch bi-colored 5-spoke alloys, brake upgrades and a KW Clubsport Coilover suspension complete the tuning kit. If you want the entire list of upgrades, it will cost in the region of €50,000.

German tuning firm Edo Competition took a C63 AMG Wagon, and by adding a new exhaust system complete with headers and high-flow catalytic converters, high performance air filters and an ECU revamp, upped output to 600 hp and 501 lb-ft of torque. Top speed is now measured at over 211 mph thanks to a speed-limiter override. Edo's interior for the Mercedes C63 AMG Wagon is fully-customizable and can be lavished in carbon fiber, Alcantara and leather. The exterior features a body wrap wrap and a set of ridiculously aggressive multi-piece 19-inch wheels.

California-based tuning company Vorsteiner created a body kit for the German coupe made entirely out of carbon fiber in order to keep the weight down while adding plenty of style. The kit includes a front add-on lower spoiler, badgeless front grille and front fender grille covers, front vent louver covers, side skirts, trunk-lid with integrated spoiler wing and diffuser. It sits on a set of either 19- or 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, blacked out for a stunning contrast with its white exterior finish. Vorsteiner subtly influenced the interior, adding bespoke floor and trunk mats available in a wide variety of colors. An optional titanium or stainless sport exhaust system completes the kit.

Wheelsandmore introduced a tuning package dubbed the 5.7 Edition Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG adding power and slick styling. Designed to give the coupe a racing-car feel, it features an adjustable coilover suspension, special 4-in-1 manifolds, sport air filters, stainless-steel exhaust system, and 20-inch blacked-out 6Sporz forged alloys. Total power output has been measured at 570 hp and 509 lb-ft of torque, creating a new top speed just shy of 200 mph

Paris Motor Show 2012: Cars of the future

2012-12-27T00:45:00.000-08:00

The biennial Paris Motor Show is back in town, and as usual there's a glut of drool-worthy cars and concepts on show.
2010's Paris Motor Show wowed us with some stunning cars - the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento, Audi's new Quattro concept, the Renault DeZir and many others all managed to drop thousands of jaws two years ago.
Paris Motor Show 2012 has been no different thus far, and so we've pulled together a list of our ten favourite cars for your perusal. Scroll on...

Audi Crosslane

1. Audi Crosslane Coupe
This concept from the German auto giants packs a 116bhp electric engine, that claims an all-electric range of 80 miles, alongside a 1.5 litre, 130bhp engine that takes over when the battery runs dry. The Crosslane is in essence a coupe SUV, as it's much smaller and lower than the Audi Q3, whilst being only slightly larger than Audi's 3-door A3 coupe.
Price: TBC | Available: 2015

Ferrari FF

2. Ferrari FF
Ferrari has claimed that all it's new models are around 100bhp more powerful than previously, which is nice. But the main change to the sleek Ferrari FF is an enormous panoramic sun-roof. The special reflective glass is designed to make you feel as though you're driving in the open air, without being cold, wet or any of the other things that we normally associate with open-topped cars.
Price: > $300,000 | Available: 2012

Land Rover Range Rover 4

3. Land Rover Range Rover 4
The fourth-generation of this iconic range is set to take the Land Rover brand into the realms of elite luxury vehicles. Range Rover has added to its box of tricks, and is now capable of doing 0-62mpg in 5.1 seconds, thanks mainly to a new aluminium chassis which has taken 420kg off the SUV's shoulders. Added luxury inside the car means the price has hiked up a bit, but its well worth the cash - the Range Rover is still the world's top SUV.
Price: TBC | Available: 2013

Maserati GranCabrio MC

4. Maserati GranCabrio MC
Yet another beautiful automobile from Maserati. But for once the body isn't the star of the show here, because underneath the sleek exterior this Italian stallion is packing a massive 4.7 litre V8 that generates 454bhp and 384lb ft of torque. The MC is also 5cm longer than the original GranCabrio, and that change combined with a bit of trickery means that the new version is available as a four-seater.
Price: TBC | Available: 2013

McLaren P1

5. McLaren P1
A natural and stylistic successor to the McLaren F1, the P1 has been designed to be 'the best driver's car in the world on road and track'. McLaren hasn't released any specs for the innards of the supercar, but the P1 is lighter than the McLaren MP4-12C and likely to be more powerful, so we wouldn't be against their claims that this will be the 'ultimate supercar'.
Price: TBC ($1.5 million+) | Available: 2013

Mini Paceman

6. Mini Paceman
The Paceman is a 3-door coupe version of the Mini Countryman, with firmer suspension and shock absorbers designed to give it a sportier feel. The entry-level Paceman packs a turbocharged 1.6 litre engine that generates 119bhp, whereas the higher spec S model generates 181bhp, and is considerably nippier with a 0-62mph of 7.5 seconds. Ultimately, there are options for everyone, as the Paceman comes in multiple petrol and diesel customizations and you can have it with front or all-wheel drive.
Price: $28000 | Available: March 2013

Nissan Terra

7. Nissan Terra
Nissan are very much leading the way in eco-friendly car technology, thanks in part to the ingenious Nissan Leaf. The Terra introduces even newer hydrogen fuel-cell technology, which works in tandem with the electric motors installed in each of the rear wheels. Though the styling is reminiscent of the Qashqai, the Terra is proof that Nissan are ready to unleash a new generation of hydrogen-fuelled cars in the near future.
Price: TBC | Available: TBC

Peugeot Onyx

8. Peugeot Onyx
Peugeot are not normally renowned for striking supercar design, but the Onyx is proof that the French manufacturer is capable of stunning a large crowd. The Onyx is based on Peugeot's Le Mans cars and packs a whopping 600bhp, 3.7 litre V8 hybrid, and has comfortably made 180kph in testing. This car is a total one-off of course - with a dashboard made of recycled newspapers, doors made from sheet copper and a stitchless, single-piece, compressed felt passenger compartment, we're not surprised.
Price: TBC | Available: Dream on...

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

9. Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo
We'll have to wait four years to see Porsche's latest plans come to fruition, but this hefty, 5-door hybrid ought to be worth the wait. The electric motor gives the Sport Turismo an all-electric range of 18.6 miles, and is supported by a supercharged, 3 litre V6 petrol engine that gives the car a combined 410bhp.
Price: TBC | Available: 2016

Jaguar F-Type

10. Jaguar F-Type
The new Jaguar F-Type is - as the styling suggests - the long-awaited successor to the gorgeous E-Type, and you won't have long to wait to get your hands on one. The coupe is around tow years away, but the convertible model will land in May next year and is available in multiple engine combinations, from an entry-level, 335bhp V6 to a monstrous 488bhp V8 that boasts a 0-60mph of 4.5 seconds and a 186mph top speed.
Price: $90,000 | Available: May 2013

2013 Cadillac ATS launched in the Middle East

2012-12-13T01:53:00.002-08:00

The 2013 Cadillac ATS has been launched in the Middle East. The all new car marks a significant step for the American luxury car maker in its quest to increase Cadillac's global foot print. With an all new entry level luxury car, Cadillac is setting its sight on a new, younger audience base.
Two engines are being offered at launch - a 2.5 liter 202 horsepower inline 4 cylinder unit and a more powerful 3.6 liter V6, that can crank out 321 horsepower. The V6 unit is also seen in the Cadillac SRX and CTS.
The rear wheel drive 2013 Cadillac ATS is squarely aimed at the global segment leader, the 3 Series from BMW.
Prices for fully loaded versions of the 2013 Cadillac ATS stand at AED135,000 for the 2.5 liter version. The more powerful 3.6 liter engine powered car is cometatively priced at AED175,000.

2013 Cadillac ATS

2013 Honda Civic first images released

2012-11-23T21:52:00.000-08:00

The highly anticipated refreshed model of the ninth-generation Honda Civic is finally here. Honda has revealed the first look of the 2013 Honda Civic Sedan in advance of its debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 29.
The vast majority of updates for the 2013 Honda Civic are only skin-deep and Honda says that the Civic has been 'honed to make the segment's best-selling car even better.' Up front there is a new open-mouth lower bumper with a horizontal chrome accent and a sportier, black honeycomb mesh grille anchored by new integrated fog lights on upper trims. The grille is flanked by new clear-lens corner lights to provide a better look. The more sculpted front end flows into a new, more deeply faceted hood, complemented by a collection of sharp new wheel designs.

n the back, a new rear bumper design and new rear trunk lid are capped by a clean, horizontal chrome trim piece. The all-new design of the jewel-like taillights now carries into the trunk face, providing a more upscale look. The rear bumper features integrated reflector treatments and a new lower diffuser panel finished with a honeycomb mesh vent. A host of new alloy wheels will also be offered.
Honda has not yet revealed any other details regarding the aforementioned 'safety, feature, comfort, chassis and interior styling enhancements' or even the mechanical changes that will round-out the 2013 Honda Civic. We certainly do hope there is more to offer as far as engine, chassis and suspension set-up is concerned.

2012 Nissan Extrem compact crossover sports concept

2012-11-10T21:44:00.001-08:00

Nissan-This little bundle of bright orange aggression is the Nissan Extrem - a concept for a brand new kind of sporty compact crossover coupe. Designed and built in Brazil, it's just debuted at the 2012 Sao Paulo Motor Show. Seems we guessed mostly right.CJ Hubbard, MSN UK Cars

Nissan-Nissan says the Extrem is a unique new fun-to-drive breed: the urban sports car. It combines rakish looks, clearly influenced by everything from Nissan's GT-R supercar to its Esflow all-electric coupe concept, with a tall, crossover-style stance. Sexy but protective, no? The design team nicknamed it the 'Baby Beast', and calls it an 'urban rally car'.CJ Hubbard, MSN UK Cars

Nissan-While other carmakers have certainly built good looking three-door crossovers - take the BMW X6, Range Rover Evoque and the MINI Paceman to name but three - none of those go quite as far towards sporting coupes as this. It's like a miniature Lamborghini Urus. Sort of.CJ Hubbard, MSN UK Cars

Nissan-The Extrem is quite a bit smaller than the Lambo, though, at less than 3.9m long and 1.8m wide. In fact, it's remarkably similar in size to the other major new crossover concept at the Sao Paulo Motor Show, the Volkswagen Taigun. Slightly different emphasis, however...CJ Hubbard, MSN UK Cars

Nissan-Whereas VW has deliberately chosen to bring us a quite clearly production viable compact crossover, it seems unlikely Nissan is really planning to launch such a jacked-up sports coupe. It's 'strictly a concept' at this stage, but the Japanese firm is king of the SUV niche, so you never know.CJ Hubbard, MSN UK Cars

Nissan-Brazil is a coming global economic power, and has so far ridden out the recession with little difficulty. The Extrem demonstrates Nissan's understanding that there's a new generation of car buyers here looking for affordable individuality - the sporting emphasis an extension of the already hugely popular crossover market.CJ Hubbard, MSN UK Cars

Nissan-Makes you wonder why Nissan doesn't sell the Juke in Brazil already. Given the similarities, the Juke sounds like the ideal starting point for the Extrem, too. But instead the concept is based on the newer Micra platform - perhaps what we're actually looking at here is the Juke 2?CJ Hubbard, MSN UK Cars

Nissan-Nissan hasn't given any performance figures for the Extrem, but says it's powered by the 1.6-litre DIG-T turbo petrol that produces 190hp in the range-topping Juke. Similarly, front-wheel drive and four-wheel versions could be offered, with Torque Vectoring for extra agility on the latter.CJ Hubbard, MSN UK Cars

Nissan-The overlapping surface treatment is supposed to create 'a feeling of layered armoured toughness', but it's the details that really appeal. The Extreme has unusual see-through A-pillars for improved visibility, there's a strut brace in the rear and brightly coloured accents throughout.CJ Hubbard, MSN UK Cars

Nissan-The Extrem rides on 19-inch wheels, is finished in Solar Cortex orange and has a roof that mixes matte and gloss textures in what's described as an 'iconic' Brazilian graphics pattern. Nissan's California-based designers worked very closely with Brazilian designers to make it appropriate for the country. Looks like they succeeded to us.CJ Hubbard, MSN UK Cars

Porsche Panamera Platinum Edition to go on sale early next year

2012-10-30T01:06:00.000-07:00

Starting next year Porsche is adding a new model to the already very long Panamera line-up, the Panamera Platinum Edition. The 2013 Porsche Panamera Platinum goes on sale on January 5 in western markets, and it is only offered on the V6 models.

In terms of visual appearance, the Platinum Edition gets unique platinum silver metallic inserts on the lower grille(designed specifically for the turbo model), rear diffuser, trunk lid and on the lower half of the side view mirrors for a subtle differentiation from the base Panamera. The interior gets a few styling upgrades as well with the new black/luxor beige two-tone combination running throughout the cabin. A partial-leather interior package comes as standard, with a full leather package available. You get a sports design steering wheel and the distinctive Porsche crest on the front and rear headrests as well as the insignia 'Platinum Edition' on the front door trim strips.

Many options are now standard equipment with the Panamera Platinum Edition justifying the higher price tag as well ($4000 over the base Panamera V6) . These include the Bi-Xenon with Porsche Dynamic Lighting System (PDLS) main headlights, parking assist front and rear, 19-inch Turbo alloy wheels, the Bose Audio system and heated seats for all four passengers.
The base price for the Panamera Platinum Edition will be $80,500 and for the Panamera 4 Platinum Edition will be $84,600. We expect to see these new Panameras hitting Middle Eastern roads by the middle of next year.

Men prefer wheels over heels’ says Peugeot

2012-10-04T04:08:00.000-07:00

In a survey organized by Peugeot that involved 2,000 people in Britain, the brand concluded that Brits have a deep affection for the motor car and British men admit that they find their partner more difficult to maintain than their car.
Keen observations were as follows:

50% of men find their partner is more difficult to maintain than their car
10% of men confess to being more captivated with their cars’ alluring curves than their partners.
17% of Brits spend more on their car than their other half
13% of respondents have been with their car longer than their partner
14% of people think a sporty car will help them get the girl or boy of their dreams
The biggest proportion of people who think their car is better looking than their partner, are aged 45-54 (14%). (Not surprising!)
18-24 year olds are more likely to have more meaningful relationships with their wheels rather than their partners
A fifth of 25-34 year olds are more likely to regret losing their car rather than being dumped.

We at AutoMiddleEast.com think why Peugeot spent so much time, money effort on proving long known fact. This is old news!

2013 BMW M7 on the cards

2012-09-27T14:37:00.002-07:00

The 2013 BMW M7 will come with rear wheel drive or all-wheel drive options.

Although the new 7 Series gets cosmetic changes and new engines, a new 2013 BMW M7 is in the offerings too. For those who can't seem to get enough from the likes of Audi S8, AMG version of the popular Mercedes S-Class or even BMW's own 760Li riding on a V12 engine (which at best is only fast in a straight line), the 2013 BMW M7 may offer a fresh breath of air.

BMW has gone as far as registering the M7 badge as a trademark, which seems to be contradictory to popular belief that the BMW 7-Series is too much of a luxury car to wear a full M badge.

The 2013 BMW M7, akin to M division traits, will not be radically different visually. A 4.4 liter V8 with twin turbo chargers sits lurks under the bonnet, waiting to be unleashed. Propulsion will come from rear set of wheels. A four wheel drive version will be optional.

No word on how hard this will hit your wallet has been put out as yet. Stay tuned to AutoMiddleEast.com for more.

Word also goes that a hybrid 7 Series may also be coming soon. Powered by a combination of a turbo charged four cylinder N20B20 motor and an electric motor, the hybrid powertrain will produce power in excess of 245 horsepower. The hybrid car will be environmentally friendly with much lower emission levels.

2013 Range Rover | new car review

2012-09-22T00:12:00.000-07:00

Land Rover's Range Rover is thought of by many as the ultimate luxury SUV, and an all new one has just been introduced. The 2013 Range Rover promises to take the stately home on wheels to a whole new level of luxury, refinement and performance.
The 2013 Range Rover is the first SUV to feature an all aluminium monocoque body, which is 39 per cent lighter than the steel body of the outgoing model. Depending on specifications, there are weight savings of up to 420 kilos which makes for drastically improved performance and economy as well as a reduction in Co2 emissions. With a drag coefficient of 0.34, the 2013 Range Rover is the slipperiest Range Rover ever.

Although still instantly recognisable as a Range Rover, the design of the 2013 model differs significantly from the outgoing car. A thoroughly modern looks both inside and out; the 2013 Range Rover comes with reduced wind, road and engine noise and greater leg room for those seated in the rear. In standard specification it will seat five.
There are two familiar petrol engines on offer, a 5 litre V8 with 375hp and 510Nm of torque while the range topper is bestowed a 5 litre supercharged V8 putting out 510hp and 625Nm of torque which is capable of hauling the new Range Rover from 0-100km/h in an impressive 5.4 seconds. Both engines are mated to an 8 speed automatic transmission.
The Range Rover has always been very capable off the tarmac. The 2013 model features Land Rovers latest Terrain Response system which reads the terrain and adjusts the vehicles settings to ensure the best possible off road performance.
An array of safety attributes include driver, passenger, side curtain and thorax airbags, blind spot monitoring, intelligent emergency braking, dynamic stability control, electronic traction control and ABS.
Key specs and prices:
Price: Est. AED420,000 – AED580,000
Engines expected in the Middle East:
5.0 litre V8
Max Power: 375hp
Max Torque: 510Nm
5.0 litre supercharged V8
Max Power: 510hp
Max Torque: 625Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
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2013 Range Rover: technical Data

	5.0L V8 Petrol	5.0L Supercharged V8 Petrol
Height mm (in)	1835 (72.3)
Width excl. Wing Mirrors / Wing Mirrors Folded mm (in)	1983 (78.1) / 2073 (81.6)
Length mm (in)	4999 (196.8)
Wheelbase mm (in)	2922 (115)
Track – front / rear at ground level mm (in)	1690 (66.5) / 1683 (66.3)
Approach Angle deg	26.0 (standard height) / 34.7 (off-road height)
Departure Angle deg	24.6 (standard height) / 29.6 (off-road height)
Ramp Breakover Angle	20.1 (standard height) / 28.3 (off-road height)
Wading depth mm	900
Turning Circle m (ft)	12.3 (40.4)
Drag Coefficient from… Cd	0.35	0.36
Weight from… kg	2200	2330
Loadspace Volume litres (cu.ft) Maximum behind row 2 Maximum behind row 1 Under luggage cover	909 (32.1) 2030 (71.7) 550 (19.4)
Front Suspension	SLA suspension with twin lower links with air springs/ Adaptive Damping/ passive anti roll bar	SLA suspension with twin lower links with air springs/ Adaptive Damping/ Dynamic Response
Rear Suspension	Integral link suspension with air springs/ Adaptive Damping/ passive anti roll bar	Integral link suspension with air springs/ Adaptive Damping/ Dynamic Response
Brakes mm	380mm ventilated disc front / 365mm ventilated disc rear
Steering	Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) rack and pinion
Engine Type	Longitudinal, V8, 32 valves, Quad cam DIVCT (Dual Independent Variable Cam Timing)	Longitudinal, V8, 32 valves, Quad cam DIVCT (Dual Independent Variable Cam Timing)
Four Wheel Drive System	Permanent 4WD via centre differential and optional rear differential
Displacement cc (cu.in)	4999.7 (305.1)	4999.7 (305.1)
Bore / Stroke mm (in)	92.5 / 93.0 (3.64 / 3.66)	92.5 / 93.0 (3.64 / 3.66)
Compression Ratio :1	11.5	9.5
Max Power PS (kW)	375 (276)	510 (375)
Max Power US bhp	375	510
Engine Speed at Max Power rpm	6500	6000-6500
Max Torque Nm (lb ft)	510 (375)	625 (461)
Engine Speed at Max Torque rpm	3500	2500-5500
Transmission	ZF 8HP70 8-Speed auto	ZF 8HP70 8-Speed auto
Emissions	EU4	EU5
CO₂ EU Combined	299	322
Fuel consumption EU urban /extra urban /combined mpg (L/100km)	15.7 /29.7 /22.1 (18.0 /9.5 /12.8)	13.7 /28.5 /20.5 (20.6 /9.9 /13.8)
Fuel Tank Capacity litres	105	105
Range EU combined miles (km)	519 (835)	482 (776)
0-60mph	6.5	5.1
0-100km/h	6.8	5.4
Top Speed mph	130	140 (155-opt)

2013 Polo Sedan launched in the Middle East

2012-09-21T23:31:00.000-07:00

Continuing its product offensive, Volkswagen has launched the 2013 Polo Sedan in the Middle East. The sedan version has a longer wheelbase than the Polo hatchback and offers more legroom for rear passengers.

With a starting price tag of AED59,900, the 2013 Polo Sedan is an attractive option for a potential buyer in the segment.

A single engine is being offered on the car – a 1.6 liter capable of delivering 105 PS of power. The engine is mated to a 6 speed automatic transmission.

The 2013 Volkswagen Polo Sedan rides on 15 inch wheels, comes with dual airbags for driver and passenger, anti lock brakes, central locking system and keyless entry.

The 2013 Polo Sedan has been produced for the Middle East market in Volkswagen India’s plant in Pune. Opened in 2009 the Pune plant is one of the most modern plants in the Volkswagen Group.

Prices start from AED 59,900.

2012 Kia Mohave

2012-09-17T13:33:00.003-07:00

Out of the SUV line-up offered by the Korean marque, this is the only one that can really cut the mustard out on tricky terrain. It’s chock-full of modern SUV off-roading technology such as adjustable air suspension; hill descent control and a special low-range mode for gearbox should you find yourself in difficult situation.
The Kia Mohave arrived in the region in 2008 and has proved to be a popular left field alternative for the family who can’t quite stretch to a Jeep Cherokee or even a Land Rover. There’s space for seven on board and there’s a DVD player in the back to keep the younger members of the family quiet on a long journey.
There’s a 3.8-litre V6 tucked away under that rather vast bonnet – and with 274bhp on offer, it’s no slouch. In fact, other road users might be surprised about just how rapid this big Kia can hustle at. This engine is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. There is also a bigger 4.6-litre V8 on offer in the top of the line variant. This V8 engine makes 340bhp and is paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. There’s cruise control fitted as standard to make any long highway stretch rather easy to contend with. There’s even sat-nav fitted as standard just in case you’ve not got your head around the UAE’s road network yet, though to avoid future confusion we’d recommend upgrading the map CDs as often as possible.
The entry level variant gets one airbag and the mid-level variant gets two front airbags. The top of the line 3.8-litre and the 4.6-litre variants get six airbags. All variants come with ABS as standard.
Specification
Price: AED 90,000- AED 150,000
Engine
3.8-litre V6
Max power: 274bhp at 6000rpm
Max torque: 361Nm at 4400rpm
4.6-litre V8
Max power: 340bhp at 6000rpm
Max torque: 435Nm at 3500rpm
Transmission
5-speed automatic (3.8-litre)
6-speed automatic (4.6-litre)
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Mazda Takeri concept | Inspiring the new 6

2012-09-08T12:32:00.000-07:00

Mazda renders an insight into the next-gen Mazda 6 with the Takeri concept. The brand’s new kodo design language that debuted in the 2013 Mazda CX-5 small crossover makes it appearance here as well. The Takeri features Mazda’s Skyactiv fuel-saving technologies, including the Skyactiv-D clean diesel engine, a new six-speed automatic transmission, a new body and chassis framework and an engine idle-stop system.

The regenerative braking system converts kinetic energy to electricity during deceleration and stores it in capacitors, instead of batteries for use later in powering air conditioning, audio systems, lighting etc. Mazda claim, capacitors are more efficient than batteries because they can charge more quickly and have a longer lifespan. By 2015, all Mazda vehicles will get Skyactiv technologies and will sport the aggressive design philosophy that Mazda call kodo, Japanese for “soul of motion.”

Toyota GT86 CS-V3 race car unveiled

2012-09-04T23:43:00.002-07:00

Toyota Motorsport has launched Toyota GT86 CS-V3, racing variant of the popular Toyota GT86 sports car.

Positioned as an entry level race car for private participants, the race ready GT86 CS-V3 will cost close to US$ 57000. A stiffer chassis, racing exhaust, brakes and suspensions are fitted on the car.

The rear wheel drive, 200 bhp car was specially developed for the V3 class races at the Nurburgring based VLN series. Homologation by German motor sport authorities means that the Toyota GT86 CS-V3 can race in many other production based championships also.

Development of racing cars based on the GT86 continues at Toyota Motorsport, with a GT86 Cup car under consideration.

We want to share the passion of motorsport with as many people as possible and this car is the result. It is already race-proven having won the V3 class in the Nürburgring 24 Hours and we hope to see many more of these cars competing in the coming months. Yoshiaki Kinoshita, President at Toyota Motorsport

Toyota GT86 CS-V3 specifications
Vehicle	Toyota GT86 Customer Sport - VLN Production Class 3 (CS-V3)
Price	€38,500 excluding tax or €45,815 including German VAT
Dimensions	4,240mm x 1,775mm x 1,285mm (length x width x height)
Wheelbase	2570mm
Engine	Production-based 2.0l Boxer
	Four-cylinder, direct injection
	Rear-wheel drive
Exhaust	Racing exhaust
Top Speed	225km/h
Max. Torque	205Nm
0-100km/h	~7secs
Transmission	Production-based six-speed manual
Suspension	Motorsport suspension kit
Brakes	Ventilated front and rear discs
	Racing pads
	Additional brake cooling
Tyres/Wheels	Racing slicks; 24/61 17
Tyres/Wheels	Alloy wheels; 17inch
Safety	FIA-approved roll cage
	Racing seat
	Six-point safety harness
	Electronic fire extinguisher system
Others	Stiffened chassis
Others	Weight optimisation

2012 Mazda CX-9

2012-09-01T00:17:00.001-07:00

2012 Mazda CX-9

The Mazda CX-9 was revealed to the Middle Eastern audience at the 10th Dubai International Motor Show at the tail end of 2009 where the latest facelift of this model that originally came to market in 2007 was shown. The 2012 model is essentially the same 2010 model which had a revised front grille, tweaks to the fog and headlights, minor changes to the interior for those in the back and a new rear-facing camera to help with reversing manoeuvres.
The CX-9 is designed to appeal to growing families who are looking for something large enough for them and the ever-growing family, plus all the kit that a family inevitably ends up carting around with them at all times.
Just the one engine is offered – a 3.7-litre V6 with 273bhp. It’s got plenty of power in reserves to get the CX-9 moving rather swiftly and is pretty refined and cultured. A six-speed automatic gearbox sends the power to all four wheels. It’s an active four-wheel drive system, so it automatically shuffles power between the front and rear wheels depending on the conditions under the wheels.
There’s enough space for seven people and their luggage on board, though we’d recommend the smallest members of the family ride in the rearmost two seats as headroom can be a little tight for anyone over six foot tall. If you ever need to transport a bulky load, then all five rear seats fold completely flat into the floor creating a wide and long cargo carrying area.
All variants of the Mazda CX-9 come with six airbags, ABS and traction control as standard.
Specifications
Price: AED 125,000 – AED 145,000
Engine
3.7-litre V6
Max power: 273bhp
Max torque: 367Nm
Transmission
6-speed automatic

Red Cross goes green with Nissan LEAF

2012-08-29T14:31:00.000-07:00

Nissan and Fleet Forum today handed over a 100 percent electric Nissan LEAF car to the World Food Program (WFP) and International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC).

Under the agreement, the two organizations received a Nissan LEAF each for a period of six months. On completion of this period, the cars will be handed back to Nissan. The demonstrator program is designed to let organizations experience the benefits of electric cars and to encourage them to add some to their fleet.
Nissan, together with its Alliance partner Renault, aims to be a global leader in zero-emission mobility.

Best-selling sports cars ever

2012-08-26T23:22:00.000-07:00

In February 2011, Mazda sold its 900,000th MX-5, confirming it as the best-selling two-seater of all time.
It also proved that sports cars are very far from being a dying breed - in fact they're enjoying unprecedented popularity.
But which are the best-selling sports cars of all time? We've bashed the keys on our calculator and come up with the 20 most popular sports cars of all time. And there are loads of surprises.
The first question to answer is: what exactly is a sports car? Tough one, that. There's no absolute definition.
It can't be just open-topped cars; it can't be just two-seaters; it can't be just fast cars.
What we can say is that it must have only two doors and be a standalone model, not an adaptation of an existing saloon.
So for example, the Ford Capri doesn't count. We're also only counting single generations, or single platforms.
Nissan's 'Z' series can lay claim to being the most successful sports car franchise of all time, with more than 1.6 million made from the 1969 240Z up to the current 370Z.
However, we're excluding the 1978-83 280ZX (440,059 sales) and 1983-89 300ZX Z31 (329,900 sales) because we think they're too soft to be counted as true 'sports cars'.

Toyota announces recall of 760000 Rav4 SUVs

2012-08-25T23:35:00.003-07:00

Toyota has announced a voluntary safety recall of 760000 units of Rav4 small SUV. The recall involves 2006 to early 2011 model year Toyota Rav4 vehicles.
Toyota has determined that if the nuts on the rear suspension arm are not tightened to recommended torque specification during a rear wheel alignment, excessive play may occur at the threaded portion of the arm, followed by rust formation. If this were to occur, the threaded portion of the rear suspension arm may wear and cause the arm to separate.
Closer at home, 6628 units of affected model year Rav4s are being recalled by Al Futtaim Motors, the UAE distributor for Toyota vehicles. According to a statement issued by Simon Frith, managing director, no incidents related to this fault have been reported in the United Arab Emirates.
Al Futtaim Motors has initiated a service campaign to address the issue. The Rav4 owners are being contacted directly by their customer service team to set up appointments for a service check. Alternatively, customer care team at Al Futtaim Motors can be contacted at +9714 2066002.

Official images of the 2013 Honda Accord released

2012-08-22T01:05:00.000-07:00

Official images and sketchy details of the 2013 Honda Accord have been released by the Japanese car maker. Set to go on sale in United States of America in October/November this year, the new Accord should arrive in the Middle East soon after.
Shorter and more spacious than before, the 2013 Honda Accord will face stiff competition from some smart looking cars coming from Korea.
Honda claims the 2013 Accord will be more spacious and luxurious than the outgoing car. Two body forms will be available at launch - Sedan and Coupe. Whether or not both come to the Middle East at the time of launch remains to be seen. Despite being shorter in length, the 2013 Honda Accord comes with more space inside for passengers and their luggage.
This car is the most sculpted and the most dynamic Accord yet.
Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of product planning for American Honda.
From what we see, the 2013 Honda Accord has certainly evolved and looks sharper than the 2012 car, but nothing too dramatic. It probably is the most sculpted Honda Accord though. Honda is known to be conservative and that reflects in the new Accord design. Conservative but smart is how we interpret the new design.
LED lights, 10 spoke wheel rims, strong character line running across the new car, and its facelifted nose - we give points to Honda for these.
More details will be published as they emerge. Till then, enjoy the image gallery below.
2013 Honda Accord
2013 Honda Accord
2013 Honda Accord 2013 Honda Accord
2013 Honda Accord 2013 Honda Accord
2013 Honda Accord Sedan Touring 2013 Honda Accord
2013 Honda Accord Sedan Touring 2013 Honda Accord
2013 Honda Accord Sedan Touring 2013 Honda Accord
2013 Honda Accord Sedan Touring 2013 Honda Accord Sedan Touring
2013 Honda Accord Sedan Touring 2013 Honda Accord Sedan Touring
2013 Honda Accord Sedan Touring 2013 Honda Accord Sedan Touring

2012 Mazda CX-7

2012-08-22T01:01:00.003-07:00

Rather than think of the Mazda CX-7 as an SUV, Mazda would rather you consider it to be the ultimate hatchback.The Mazda CX-7 has been around for a few years now and is proving to be a popular choice for those looking for something a little different. It’s been designed to drive like a hot hatch on stilts – this is a car for the family man who doesn’t want to give up any driving thrills. It’s much more of a sporting proposition than the bigger Mazda CX-9.
This is most evident from the drivers seat. Everything is angled towards the driver – with even the gear selector moving high up on the centre console to be within a short reach of the driver. The steering wheel and instrument cluster are lifted straight from Mazda’s RX-8 sportscar (unfortunately not offered in this part of the world).
There’s just the one engine on offer – a 234bhp turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder. It drives all four wheels through an extremely quick-to-react six-speed automatic gearbox, which has been tuned to hold onto the gears longer if it senses the driver is tackling a particularly complex stretch of road.
Seating is provided for five people and though headroom is a little compromised in the back due to the coupe-like raked roofline, it should prove to be big enough for most. The cabin is finished in high-quality materials with deeply sculptured seats for all those lucky enough to be on board.
All variants get six-airbags, ABS and traction control.
Specifications
Price: AED 95,000 – AED 125,000
Engine
2.3-litre inline-4 turbocharged
Max power: 234bhp
Max torque: 350Nm
Transmission
6-speed automatic

2012 Jaguar XF

2012-08-15T01:36:00.000-07:00

When Jaguar first introduced the XF sedan in 2008 it effectively kick-started a new generation of cars for the big cat. Cars sold by Jaguar before the XF were unashamedly retro with many styling cues taken from early classics, however dwindling sales forced Jaguar into rethinking this strategy and the XF was the first new Jaguars.
It’s a four-door executive sedan aimed squarely at the likes of the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6. A number of engines are offered on the 2012 model ranging from the entry-level 238bhp 3.0-litre V6 that provides relaxed and refined motoring, through to a 510bhp supercharged 5.0-litre V8 with 510bhp and a tendency to smoke its rear tyres. For those who are torn between the two, there is also a non-supercharged version of the 5.0-litre V8 available with a more manageable 385bhp.
All XFs come with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic gearbox, which sends power to the rear wheels. Four trim levels are offered – though even those choosing the base model aren’t going to feel short-changed – it’s call Luxury after all. Rich wood veneers and leather seats – complete with electronic adjustment controls – are standard fit. The top level Portfolio models are fitted with a world-class premium sound system and a suede headlining.
And whilst the Jaguar XF looks pretty good from the outside, it’s on the inside that Jaguar firmly shows its hand. Instead of a dour business-like interior as favoured by the XF’s German competition, the Jaguar has a much more contemporary feel. At night, the whole cabin is bathed in ice cool blue lighting, as well as the rising gear selector, the air vents swivel open when the engine starts – it just feels rather special for all those onboard.
Specifications
Price:
V6: AED 165,000 – AED 250,000
V8: AED 300,000 – AED 320,000
V8 Supercharged: AED 430,000
Engines
3-litre V6
Max power: 238bhp
Max torque: 293Nm
5-litre V8
Max power:385bhp
Max torque: 515Nm
5-litre V8 supercharged
Max power: 510bhp
Max torque: 625Nm

2012 GMC Acadia

2012-08-08T14:14:00.000-07:00

For a long time the GMC Acadia sat as one of the very few eight-seat SUVs available in the Middle East market. It was introduced in 2007 and has proved to be a popular choice amongst growing families who prefer its more rounded styling compared to the boxy choices on offer by the other American nameplates.
The latest model, as introduced in 2009, received an improved engine over the early cars – the 2012 GMC Acadia gets a 3.6-litre V6 engine that makes a maximum of 288bhp and 366Nm of torque.

With a wide track and long wheelbase, the GMC Acadia is a rather competent car to drive for long distances on the highway. As with many crossover SUVs of its type, the Acadia is not really made for serious off-road work – it will feel very much out of its depth on anything other than the most straightforward of gravel tracks.

As standard, the GMC Acadia comes with three rows of seats with a total capacity for eight people – and, unlike many of its rivals, even with all eight seats occupied there’s still a reasonable amount of luggage room on offer behind the third row. On the top level SLT-2 trim the centre row of seats is removed. In its place are two swivelling captain’s chairs so those on board can live out their Captain James T Kirk/Jean-Luc Picard/Kathryn Janeway fantasies as you drive them to school in the morning.
For peace of mind, all Acadia models are fitted as standard with front driver and passenger, side and full-length curtain airbags to protect all those on board in case of an accident.
Specifications
Price: AED 150,000 – AED 200,000
Engine
3.6-litre V6
Max power: 288bhp
Max torque: 366Nm
Transmission
6-speed automatic

2012 Kia Sorento

2012-08-06T17:28:00.000-07:00

The Kia Sorento was launched in 2002 and the first generation had a body on ladder frame construction that made this a very capable SUV. The second Kia Sorento generation that was launched in 2009 lost some of that rugged characteristic and is now more road biased with its monocoque structure and the loss of its low ratio gearbox.

So with a new look and a new chassis, Kia also gave the Sorento a new interior to complete the set. And whilst certain elements might look a bit natty and up to date, the general fit and finish and quality of materials used is a little lacking. Still, at least there’s a decent amount of kit to keep your mind off it – the standard CD/MP3 player is pretty punchy and the leather interior helps lift the overall ambience a little even if it is finished in a drab grey colour.
The Kia Sorento was erstwhile available with a 3.3-litre V6 engine with an output of 241bhp but in 2011 the company opted for a smaller 2.4-litre engine as the one on Optima. This 2.4-litre motor makes 174bhp of maximum power and is quite a step down from the earlier V6. Transmission is taken care of by a new 6-speed automatic.
All variants come factory fitted with ABS, all-four disc brakes and two front airbags. There is no option of having additional airbags in the top-end variant. 17-inch alloy wheels are also standard across the range.
Specifications
Price: AED 75,000 – AED 85,000
Engine
2.4-litre inline-4
Max power: 174bhp at 6000rpm
Max torque: 225Nm at 3750rpm
Transmission
6-speed automatic

2013 Kia Cerato teaser images released, looks good

2012-08-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

The 2013 Kia Cerato will come as sedan, hatch and a 2-door coupe.
Kia has released teaser images of its best selling compact car, the Cerato. The 2013 Kia Cerato will be longer, wider and lower than the current car. The new car will be sold under a new name – K3 in the Korean market. Also known as Forte in some coutries, the Cerato is global best seller for the Korean car maker. More than 445000 units were sold around the world in 2011.
Kia cars have become much sharper and sexy in recent years. From the pictures, it is clear that the 2013 Cerato will keep that pace going. In addition to the sedan version, the new Cerato will also come as five door hatchback and two-door coupe.
Expect to see the 2013 Kia Cerato in showrooms close to first quarter of 2013.