DRIVEN!

RANGE ROVER SVR REFRESHED CAMRY

YOUR WEEKLY MOTORING FIX
DH10 ISSUE 541 JULY 24 - 30 2015
WWW.WHEELS.AE

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SILVERS

2015 CHEVROLET

TRAVERSE

With a versatile interior featuring seating for up to 8 and 3,293L of cargo space.
As well as a 5-star safety rating including an industry first Front Center Airbag, the
Traverse really is fit for any family.

Dubai: Sh. Zayed Road, Tel: 04 - 231 0800

Dubai: Ittihad Road, Tel: 04 - 608 4666
Ras Al Khaimah: Tel: 07 - 205 8333
Fleet Sales: Tel: 04 - 231 0800
www.alghandi.com

FIT FOR
ANY FAMILY.
e.
the

Insta

Abu Dhabi: Airport Road, Tel: 02 - 444 8888

Corniche, Tel: 02 - 681 7781
Al Ain:
Tel: 03 - 722 1555
Fleet Sales: Tel: 02 - 479 9241

12,866 km

15,500 km

Thunder Grey/Carbon Black

6,000 km

Starlight Blue/Copper
24,500 km

12,664 km

11,500 km

GROUP MOTORING EDITOR

Amit Benjamin
abenjamin@gulfnews.com
ENGLISH EDITION
DEPUTY EDITOR
Sony Thomas
sothomas@gulfnews.com
FEATURES WRITERS
Imran Malik Dejan Jovanovic
imalik@gulfnews.com djovanovic@gulfnews.com
DEPUTY ART EDITOR
John Gomez
ARABIC EDITION
EDITOR
Fadi Takieddine
ftakieddine@gulfnews.com
SUB-EDITOR
Kinan Alhabbal
DESIGNER
Mikaiel Serabian

It just might be the car to alter McLarens

image as a purveyor of proficient but
emotionally vapid automobiles.
IN THIS ISSUE

HEAD VS HEART
As paradoxical as it may sound, a great supercar isnt

These upgrades have

made this Toyotas most
convincing attempt
at infusing character
and liveliness into the
Camry.
SONY THOMAS ON THE
2015 TOYOTA CAMRY

Even as we passed
through the spotless
centre of Winterthur, with
a population similar to
that of Fujairahs, there was
hardly a car to be seen.
RICHARD WHITEHEAD:
ROAD WARRIOR

merely about cold, hard statistics. Zero-to-100kph times

and V-max are all well and good, but there are certain
unquantifiable qualities that separate a technically capable
car from a memorable one. Take the R35 GT-R. There are
few machines on the planet that are faster than Nissans
wondercar. It is an astonishing engineering achievement
that on paper rivals the likes of the mighty Bugatti Veyron.
And your only takeaway after driving one is that it is
brain-scramblingly rapid thats it.
Then there is the Lexus LFA, which is, in every tangible
way, not quite as good as a GT-R. Its slower, thirstier, pricier
and, in my opinion, not quite as pretty in the flesh as people
make it out to be. Yet it is absolutely incredible. A memorable
supercar engages all your senses, which the LFA does way
better than the GT-R.
Its not surprising, then, that McLaren, a company that
is excruciatingly numbers-driven (who names their first
supercar MP4-12C?), struggled to inject some soul into its
early cars. However, that may finally have changed with the
new 675LT. Not only does it bring back an iconic name, it just
might be the car to alter McLarens image as
a purveyor of proficient, but emotionally
vapid automobiles. We had the chance
to drive this remarkable supercar at its
global launch at Silverstone last week
and our Middle East exclusive feature
starts on page 30.
Enjoy.

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Al Nisr Publishing LLC trading as GN MEDIA

AMIT BENJAMIN

GROUP MOTORING EDITOR

5

ISSUE 541 JULY 24-30 2015

16

NEXT WEEK

ODD ONE OUT?

The low-down on Hondas revised
family favourite, the Odyssey J
Issue 542 out on July 31

COVER PHOTO PATRICK GOSLING COVER DESIGN JOHN GOMEZ DIGITAL RETOUCHING SOHELLUR RAHMAN

30
COVER STORY
The 650S was the lightest car in its class
but that title is now held by the 675LT, weighing
in at 1,230kg. Thats a full 100kg less.

12
16

STANG WITH MORE STING

22

COOL NEW TOY

26

RAGE ROVER SPORT

38
50

ORIGINS OF THE S-CLASS

Apollo Edition Pony packs a mighty 627bhp

BACK TO LIFE

Legendary Shelby Cobra Daytona coup returns

Toyotas refreshed Camry.

Now with added character

26

The angry, 543bhp SVR

driven in Dubai

The W111 started it all back in the Fifties

THE IDES OF MARCH

Just two 721Xs were built. They werent very good

9

TAKING IT TO THE MAX

Hi guys. I love the magazine and have been

a fan since it launched all those years ago.
The other day, I happened to spot this car
driving on Shaikh Zayed Road. It looked like
the new Maxima to me.
Has Nissan already brought the car here or
is this just a test model?
MAJID, DUBAI

Thats a good spot, Majid. It is indeed the

new Maxima. It is not on sale yet but once
the new model is officially launched in our
market, were sure that it will sell like the
proverbial hot cakes!

EVOQUE CABRIO...

LETTER OF THE WEEK

Last weeks cover story about the
Continental GT3-R was very enjoyable,
as was the rest of the issue especially
that Disco but is the Bentley worth
the money? Dh1.4 million for this car
is a bit much.
I do like the car as it offers the best of
both worlds (it is a luxurious grand tourer
one minute and a powerful beast the next),
but it is disappointing to see that it still
has Volkswagen sourced components like
the gearshift surround and audio controls,
despite its extremely high price. Also, for

NOT SPORTY ENOUGH

Last weeks cover star, the GT3-R, was no

doubt a sublime car but I feel that there
is one niggling problem with it.
Bentley said that the car was born on
the racetrack. It would therefore be fair
to assume that it is a bonafide sportscar.
But from the review, it appears the GT3-R
doesnt quite transform into a backstreet
bomber when you need it to, which is what
10

a sportscar, it seems those shift paddles

could have been far better placed.
Italian carmakers like Lamborghini and
Ferrari produce near-perfect models
and these would still represent a bargain
when compared to the Bentley.
But despite its issues, I would still
wholeheartedly welcome a GT3-R into
my garage because of its looks, exhaust
note and everyday drivability if I could
afford one. Time to start saving those
pennies!
KARAN KHATRI, DUBAI

all sportscars like the 911, R8, AMG GTS,

F-Type and the like are supposed to do at the
end of the day.
That makes the Bentley an overpriced but
superb GT. But then again, as you said in the
story, exclusivity has its price.
It is a lustworthy collectible, and Id definitely
be ready to welcome one into my garage
provided I had Dh1.4 million to stump up.
CHILLER X, VIA EMAIL

Recently, on Dubai Al Ain Road, I spotted

a heavily camouflaged Range Rover Evoque
convertible. I guess it was undergoing hot
weather testing here but I thought Id share
the photo with you.
BOBBY KWON, VIA EMAIL

Land Rover has been teasing us with this

model for sometime now (it was first seen
at the Geneva motor show in 2012) and
although its, frankly speaking, a weird
concept, well have to see what the finished
product is like before we judge it.

14
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS WEEK: NEW CARS TRENDS SPYSHOTS OPINION QUICK CHAT

FORD APOLLO EDITION MUSTANG

OUT OF THIS WORLD

This ordinary 2015 Ford Mustang GT has been transformed into a 627bhp monster with
a lovable spirit its one of a kind and built for charity
WORDS: DEJAN JOVANOVIC

ord has quite a history of bringing

out charity cars; Mustangs,

specifically. Now there is a new
US Apollo spaceflight programme, which
has stirred up Dearborns designers to
create a one-of-a-kind 2015 Mustang for
a charity auction. Over recent years Ford has
raised almost $3 million in charity auction
sales, so this latest special-edition Mustang
wont go cheap.
In fact its the eighth successive year
of unique aero-inspired Mustangs. This
particular Apollo Edition Mustang is
a Fastback GT model, but with a difference
added by team-leader and Ford designer
Melvin Betancourt.
The exterior is finished in a custom glossy
white and black paint thats not offered
anywhere else on Fords production line.
Body bits that are kitted out in carbon fibre
to match the contrasting paint are the front
12

The Apollo Edition gets exclusive

performance gauges, a modified
instrument cluster and special
trim panels and floor mats

NEWS

VUHL 05 COMING
THIS YEAR

Embroidered elements in the cabin,

special sill plates, a carbon fibre
front splitter and rear diffuser add
to the cars unique looks

WHEELS CHAT

16

Normally, it can last up to 18 months

or more, but depending on the project
we can finish the job in half the time.

Michelins Pierre Chaput on developing bespoke tyres

When Alan Shepard became the first
American to go to space on May 5,
1961, the first car he drove when he
stepped back on planet earth was a
Chevrolet Corvette. Thats some product
placement. The Mustang was three years
Astronauts Dick Gordon, Charles Conrad,
and Alan Bean with their matching Stingrays,
away so Ford missed out on that one
bought with special astronaut discounts
Shepard had in fact driven a Corvette
since the late Fifties during his spaceman
training, and Nasas finest always had nice discounts on Corvettes down the road
from HQ in Florida from a friendly, enterprising Chevy dealer.
Carrying on the tradition of sweet lease deals, when moon-landing astronauts
on Nasas Apollo 12 space mission returned and ordered new 1969 Corvettes they
specced their Stingray Coups identically, with 390bhp engines and custom black
and gold paint with obligatory red, white and blue detailing. Thats the right stuff.

splitter, rear diffuser and side skirts. The

underbody lighting is a bit of a Nineties touch
but at least its LED underbody lighting.
Thankfully Fords charitable team also
focused on the performance side of things for
the Apollo Stang, and added nothing short
of a supercharger to eke out 627 horsepower,
which is a fair bit more than the stock 435bhp
figure. For additional support there is also a
totally new exhaust system, new suspension,
six-piston Brembo brakes, some custom 21in
wheels and similar treatment inside. The
interior gets extra gauges and jewellery in the
form of door sill plates and various other trim
bits. In other words its fit for a spaceman.

HERES HOW SOME RECENT

CHARITY-AUCTION MUSTANGS
FROM FORD HAVE FARED
UNDER THE HAMMER

2010: SR-71 Blackbird

Mustang sold for
$375,000

2011: Blue Angels

Mustang sold for
$400,000

2012: Red Tails

Mustang sold for
$370,000

2013: US Air Force

Thunderbirds Mustang
sold for $398,000

2014: First 2015 modelyear Mustang GT sold

for $300,000

Proceeds from the sale will

go towards funding youth
education programmes
at the Experimental Aircraft
Association

2015: Shelby GT350R

chassis number 001
sold for $1 million

13

CUSTOM NEWS
THE HITS AND MISSES OF
THE TUNING WORLD

The kit consists of Liberty Walks

famed wide fenders with exposed bolts

SR AUTO HELLCAT

The car, which hit headlines during the 2013

Goodwood Festival of Speed, will reach the
Middle East in the last quarter of this year

VUHL 05

MARHABA, HOMBRE
All the way from Mexico, please say hola to the latest
supercar to enter the Middle East market

n the UAE you can buy just

about anything on two, four, six

or however many wheels you can
imagine, but blasphemously youre not able
to buy a Mexican supercar. Thats not on.
The problem is soon to be resolved however,
as the Mexican company Vuhl has just
announced its Mexican-built and developed
05 model will officially be available in the
Middle East region through newly appointed
dealers in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain,
Oman, Qatar and the UAE, before the year
is out. The 05 retails in Europe and the US
for just short of Dh350,000. We wont be
surprised if Middle East importers are adding
the customary 20 per cent markup.
Anyway, Mexicos ambitious 05 is a
lightweight track-biased supercar that stops
the scales at just 695kg. A mid-mounted
285bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder

RIVALS

from Ford powers the rear wheels via a

six-speed manual box for a 0-100kph sprint
time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of over
250kph. Only last week Dearborn announced
a $2.5 billion (Dh9.2 billion) investment into
engine manufacturing in Mexico, so the link
makes sense.
The 05s chassis is an aluminium tub with
steel subframes, but to save a further 30kg
in weight customers can also spec a carbon
fibre body instead of the standard glass fibre.
Braking is by Brembo, wheels by Sparco, and
tyres by Michelin. The 05 additionally comes
fitted with an electronic dash including data
acquisition for your Autodrome and Yas
Marina track nights (or just to fiddle with
as you inevitably cruise down Beach Road),
plus a built-in HD camera and even optional
titanium bolts. God forbid you should show
up at the valet without them titanium bolts.

KTM X-BOW
LOTUS EXIGE S ROADSTER
With a Toyota-sourced 3.5-litre V6 the Lotus
wheels has driven the Austrian KTM X-Bow
makes much more power than the Vuhl, in fact
KTMs first foray into four-wheeled track
60bhp more, but it also weighs a surprisingly heavy
fun extensively and we love its sturdy
1,100kg and comes with typical Lotus ergonomics Teutonic quality, no-nonsense turbocharged
and build quality, which means that nostalgic smell
VW Group engine, and infinite set-up
of glue The Exige S Roadster is available from
options (ours, for example, was too frontLotus UAE with a price of Dh292,500
light). Youll need about Dh400K for one

The Challenger SRT Hellcat

is a ferocious performer, of
that there is no doubt. But
some would argue that it
doesnt quite have the show
to match the go. Well, thats
all changed. And how.
SR Auto Group took that
outrageous Liberty Walk
widebody kit and stuck
it on the 707bhp Dodge.
The outcome may not be
everyones cuppa, but it sure
is an attention grabber. The
kit features the biggest wheel
arches weve seen in a long,
long time and it gives the
Hellcat a seriously wide and
aggressive stance.
The Canadian tuner didnt
stop there; were sure fans
of those tuned Toyotas and
Hondas will appreciate the
slammed look courtesy of
an AirRex air suspension kit
and those deep-dish,
20in gold PUR wheels that
finish it all off nicely.

PAST OFFENDER

PRESENTING THE BEST OF THE WORST

FROM THE ARCHIVES
There is one golden rule to
remember when you are thinking
about tuning your muscle car: avoid
the colour pink. But KC Trends
chose to ignore this solid piece of
advice. Unsurprisingly, their take
on the Challenger SRT-8 looked like
a bad joke. Adding ridiculously big
24in wheels and a custom bodykit
that made the back of the Dodge
jut out didnt exactly help matters
either...

KC TRENDS

Charges: Pink paint was

bad enough. But 24in
wheels on a muscle car?
14

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Whether you need one car or a eet of vehicles for your company, you can rely on
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While details of a turbo diesel have been

announced theres no word on the second-gen
Fortuners petrol drivetrains yet

ALL-NEW FORTUNER
The Fortuner has been a hugely

successful model in this market, despite

the fact that Toyota did nothing much
to hide its not-so-glamorous Hilux
pick-up roots. Along with Mitsubishis
Pajero, this capable ladder-frame offroader has held the fort well against the
onslaught of car-based unibody SUVs.
This week, Toyota has launched
a completely redesigned secondgeneration Fortuner, which is a
radical stylistic shift from the previous
generation. Sporting decidedly more
lines, the Fortuner has also grown in
size marginally with an overall length
of 4,795mm, width of 1,855mm, height
of 1,835mm and a 2,745mm wheelbase.
It rides on double wishbones at the
front and a five-link, coil-spring set-up
at the rear, while front and rear
stabiliser bars quash body roll. It also
features a trailer sway control feature,
which kicks in if a towed vehicle
becomes unsettled by crosswinds,
uneven roads or sharp turns. A locking
rear differential and hill-start assist
round off the features that add to the
Fortuners off-road prowess.

SPYSHOTS

INCOMING CARS YOU SHOULD

BE EXCITED ABOUT

The Q1s rivals will include non-premium crossovers

like the Renault Captur and the Nissan Juke

16

50TH ANNIVERSARY SHELBY COBRA DAYTONA COUP

LEGEND REBORN

Shelby American is celebrating 50 years since the

Daytona Coups 1965 championship title by recreating
the car in 50 limited examples

reat news for everybody who

doesnt have $10 million

(Dh37.7 million) to spend on
a Shelby Cobra Daytona Coup! Shelby
American, the official Carroll Shelby outfit,
is now offering one from Dh660,000.
The company is building 50 limitededition Shelby Cobra Daytona Coup
continuation examples to celebrate
the 50th anniversary of its 1965 World
Sportscar Championship title. That year,
at circuits such as Daytona, Monza,
Spa-Francorchamps, the Nrburgring,

Le Mans and Sebring, Shelbys Coup

beat Porsches and Ferraris.
Pete Brock, the Coups designer, worked
with test and race driver Ken Miles
to develop the original, while master
fabricator Phil Remington shaped the
body in Shelbys California workshop,
which produced just six cars. Today Shelby
American will release another 50, albeit
recreations, available in fiberglass or
aluminium. Sorry, aluminium
While the former starts from Dh660K,
the aluminium car is Dh1.3 million about

AUDI Q1 CROSSOVER
Audi has always been good at filling niches where none
of the other premium brands offer a model, the A5, the
A1 and the A3 saloon being examples. Now, the German
carmaker is working on a crossover that does not have a
direct competitor from any of its traditional rivals either.
The photos you see here are those of an Audi Q1 prototype,
which will probably go on sale late next year.
Although its based on the A1 subcompact hatch, its likely
to be underpinned by the MQB platform rather than the
current A1s PQ25 architecture. Despite the fact that its
heavily camouflaged, its easy to guess that the Q1 will
follow the styling cues of the latest Q7, a design that will

QUICK CHAT

WITH PIERRE CHAPUT,

MICHELIN TYRE DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER,
ON HOW TO DEVELOP BESPOKE
ULTRA-HIGH-PERFORMANCE TYRES

How does the process of developing a

bespoke tyre for any sportscar work?

The anniversary coups will stay faithful

to the Sixties blueprint for design
and specifications

the same price as that Bentley Continental

GT3-R wheels tested last week. Each car
will be badged as a 50th-anniversary
model and, most importantly, each car
will receive Shelbys famous chassis
number starting with CSX. Since the
original six cars were handmade and hand
formed, they all differed slightly, so for the
continuation cars, Shelby American took
the measurements of the original car they
thought to be best, and worked from those
50-year-old blueprints for the new models.
As it was back in the day, the 50thanniversary Coups get leaf spring
suspension and a tube chassis, plus
the authentic wooden steering wheel.
However, customers can choose from a
range of exterior paint options, as well as
opt for disc brakes, premium leather, or
a reinforced frame. The alloy-block V8
makes around 500 horsepower, so the
continuation Shelby Cobra Daytona Coup
wont be short of breath.

We sit down with the manufacturer from

the very beginning, before any work is done,
and together we decide on the targets for
the car. In France our tyre engineer and our
test driver begin work immediately, but they
work with the car manufacturer together as
one team. It is not at all like a consultation
or a partnership; it is all like one team.
How long does bespoke tyre
development take?
Normally, it can last up to 18 months or
more, but depending on the project we
can finish the job in half the time, like we
did with the Pilot Sport Cup 2 designed
for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, because of
the experience we had with the previousgeneration tyre.
Can you elaborate on the development
of the GT3 RS tyres?
When we developed a bespoke tyre for the
GT3 RS, we took the same tyre from the
918 Spyder. We have a long relationship
with Porsche, with 911, going back many
years, and we understand very well what
Porsche wants. So in the case of the
Pilot Sport Cup 2 we were able to develop
one side of the tyre for grip and the other
side of the tyre for feel.
But how does the same tyre work on cars
with very different architecture?

see its miniaturised application in the next-gen

Q5 and the Q3 as well. However, from the shots,
it appears that it keeps some characteristics of
the A1 intact, like the sloping roofline that leads
up to a boot-mounted lip spoiler.
Our snapper couldnt manage to get close
enough to take a shot of the interior, but the Q1
is likely to get the digital dashboard technology
that weve seen in the new TT and Q7.
The Q1s powertrain line-up is expected to be
the same as A1s, which will include a base 1.0-litre petrol engine and a bigger
1.4-litre unit. While these engines will be coupled with a six-speed manual in other
markets, the cars coming here could be equipped with a new 10-speed (yes, ten...)
DSG automatic gearbox.

The dimensions of the tyres in the 911

and the 918 are exactly the same, but we
did have to change the tyre compounds.
As you know, the 911 is a totally different
architecture, rear-engined, and the 918
is mid-engined, so we had to change the
compound to compensate for this weight
balance. For the front we needed to reduce
understeer so the compound was also
changed a little bit for that reason. The
dimensions of the front and rear tyres are
different from each other, 20in in the front
and 21in in the rear, but the compound was
carefully changed so it works for both the
front and rear tyres.

17

OPINION

LIMITED
VISION
Do limited-edition specials offer genuine value
that justifies a huge investment in them?

ast week I road-tested the

Bentley Continental GT3-R

(a Dh1.4 million, 300-unit-only
low-volume special) and it prompted
me to ponder the whole limited-editionvehicle lark.
Is it a ploy by car manufacturers to gouge
punters on the occasionally misguided
premise that their sizeable extra spend
is gaining them an exclusive and/or
significantly better vehicle?
Or do these limited-edition specials
sometimes have genuine merit and
collectable status that justifies the hefty
wallop they inflict on the wallet?
In the case of the Continental GT3-R,
I wasnt convinced the Dh400K premium
over the Conti V8S on which its based
was commensurate with what the former
actually offered low-volume status
or not but I may be proven wrong in
decades to come if the GT3-R becomes
a highly sought-after collectors car

ROAD WARRIOR
AVID TRAVELLER AND CHRONIC
PETROLHEAD RICHARD WHITEHEAD HAS
DRIVEN IN MORE THAN 50 COUNTRIES

THIS WEEK

SWITZERLAND

18

that trades hands for much more than its

showroom price. While this may be the
case, I suspect there are other contemporary
vehicles built in relatively small volumes that
offer greater investment potential, not to
mention a more visceral driving experience.
The first example that springs to mind is the
Ferrari 458 Speciale, which followed last year

G-FORCE

GAUTAM SHARMA IS AN INDO-AUSSIE MOTOR NOTER

WITH A LEAD FOOT AND DUBIOUS SENSE OF HUMOUR

Similarly, Porsches cracking 911 GT3

and GT3 RS are bound to be gilt-edged
investments in years to come, as build
numbers of this duo are unlikely to go
far beyond 2000 units each.
Low-volume 911s have always been great
collectables and, as prime examples, the
Nineties 993 RS, Turbo S and GT2 are now

Id be willing to wager my right arm that

history will repeat with the 458 Speciale.
in the wheel tracks of the 430 Scuderia and
360 Challenge Stradale.
Although not a limited-edition special in the
true sense (as Ferrari has never officially set a
production cap), rest assured the scintillating
coup will escalate in value.
The 360 Stradale and 430 Scuderia
already command a fat premium over
their price when new, and Id be willing to
wager my right arm that history will repeat
with the 458 Speciale.

worth the equivalent of a small mansion each.

If money is no object, you could look at the
multimillion-dirham Porsche 918 Spyder
(capped at 918 units), Ferrari LaFerrari
(499 units) and McLaren P1 (375 units),
although youd now need to source a secondhand one as theyre officially sold out.
Each of this trio is already trading hands for
around double what they cost when new, so
the proverbial wheels are already in motion.
Place your bets, gentlemen.

Could the person who took all the cars

from Switzerland please put them back?
That thought stayed in my mind last
weekend as I sped through some incredible
lowland scenery on a train from Zurich to
Konstanz, just across the German border.
The countryside might have been straight
from a chocolate box lid or a jigsaw puzzle,
and it had just a touch of North Korea about
it. It was all beautiful and pristineand
almost entirely carless. It was also very
disconcerting. On such a balmy late Friday
afternoon, anywhere else would have been
stuck in choking gridlock, but there was
little sign of that in northern Switzerland.
Instead, as we pulled out of the countrys
biggest city under a vivid blue sky that would
stay that way until well after 9pm, when the
sun sets in central Europe, the latticework of
grey highways that criss-crossed the greens,
browns and yellows of the countryside was
spookily unsullied by cars and trucks. Even
as we passed through the spotless centre of

Winterthur, with a population similar to

that of Fujairahs, there was hardly a car
to be seen. Intrigued to find where all the
vehicles had gone, I reached for my copy
of Google, which brims with answers to
such questions. I was surprised to find that
only six other European countries had
a higher proportion of cars per head of
population than Switzerland, where over
half the people own one. It didnt mention
where the Swiss put them all, so I asked
the train conductor, whose lilting Swiss
tones made his response sound like pure
Helvetian poetry. How would I know?
he shrugged, Im always on this damn
train. His point was well taken.
This really isnt natural, I thought as
I gazed out at a tourist poster picturing the
Matterhorn above valleys full of edelweiss
and cowherds. It may be beautiful, but
give me an autobahn any day. I was
relieved when I descended into some
real traffic in Konstanz.

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16

THE EXPLOSIVE
FORD PINTO

58

COOL CAR STUFF CLASSIC CORNER LONG-TERM TEST MY WHEELS

NEW CARS

AUDI R8: NOW WITH

ADDED LASERS

NEW CARS CUSTOM NEWS TRENDS SPYSHOTS OPINION QUICK CHAT

1. PORSCHE DESIGN SHYRT SERIES Crafted

from high-quality Italian leather, the new Shyrt
luggage series from Porsche Design comprises
bags in more than 20 designs, characterised by
straight, simple lines. The shoulder bag costs
Dh1,765, while the High Grain 24h bag comes
for Dh5,029 at www.porsche-design.com
TO FEATURE YOUR PRODUCTS ON THIS PAGE, CALL 04 406 7505
OR EMAIL GEARBOX@GULFNEWS.COM

WHEELS CHAT

17

We have given a lot of thought to the

Urus concept. Now is the time to work on it.

Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini president and CEO

Liked the concepts interior? Well, tough!

Maserati will redesign the cabin from top
to bottom for the production version
Maserati is saving the V8s for its bigger
GTs and saloons not that were
complaining; the most potent V6 available
for the Alfieri will have 520bhp. Blimey!

2. OFFICINE ALFIERI MASERATI

COLLECTION Thinking of ordering the
ravishing new Alfieri coup? While you wait
for your car to be ready, why not order a few
accessories from the Officine Alfieri Maserati
collection? The cotton polo is inspired by
fashion trends from the Fifties, so is the
mlange cotton flannel shirt with a two-sided
collar. Add to the list a silk tie with polka dot
pattern and embroidered with classic cars,
and youre set. Dh385, Dh750 and Dh358
respectively at www.maseratistore.com
3. FUJIFILM XT-1 If individuality and
uniqueness are what drive your car
purchase decisions, your choice of camera
to shoot your exquisite set of wheels
shouldnt be any different. The Fujifilm
X-T1 with its retro design and cutting
edge mirrorless technology is the one to
have, then. The worlds fastest real time
viewfinder and a shutter lag time of just
0.005 seconds are only a couple of features
that you can brag about to your DSLRwielding friends. And its a steal at Dh4,999 for
the body and Dh6,999 with an 18-55mm lens.

The 911 and F-Type rival will be based on an

adapted version of the platform underpinning the
Ghibli and Quattroporte

The Giorgetto Giugiarodesigned Merak was built

from 1972-83

MASERATI ALFIERI

NUMBERS GAME

With audacious plans to sell 75,000 cars a year by 2018, the greenlighted-for-production
Alfieri could make up half of those sales for Maserati
WORDS: IMRAN MALIK

3
BOOK REVIEW
TITLE The Volkswagen Golf Story:
40 years of the second peoples car
WHERE www.amazon.com
PRICE Dh250
RATING

Its hard to believe that the Golf is 40

years old this month.
Launched way back in 1974 as the
successor to the original peoples car
the Beetle, over 30 million have been
produced.
This, the second peoples car, is still
at the top of the sales charts and to
celebrate four decades of the everpopular Volkswagen, author Russell
Hayes has written a meticulously
researched 288-page book charting the

cars history from its beginnings to the

present days seventh generation.
The Volkswagen Golf Story:
40 years of the second
peoples car is a fabulous
celebration of the little car in
the fullest detail.
With more than 300
photographs and loads of
original material, this book is
a fitting tribute to a motoring
icon.

aseratis recent product surge

is a bit like the old adage: you wait
for a bus for ages and then all of a
sudden, a bunch of them turn up. Thankfully,
were not getting a bus. Were getting the
stunning Alfieri.
Having fed us nothing but slightly different
variations of the Quattroporte and Gran
Turismo for way too long to remember, the
Modena carmaker finally realised that its
faithful were starving for new models. To be
fair, it did get back to the drawing board and
rolled out the newgeneration Quattroporte
two years ago and more recently, the Ghibli

Every chapter puts each generation

of Golf in the context of its time and
in relation to the other
Volkswagen bestsellers
the Passat, Polo and
Scirocco.
With new interviews
with key Volkswagen
personnel and with every
kind of model covered, this
is a must-have for all Golf
aficionados.
41

MASER SIX
BANGERS
Maserati isnt suddenly
adopting a new trend
of fitting its cars with
a V6; its been doing
it for years. Back
in 1972, the Merak
was introduced as a
low-cost alternative
to the V8 Bora. Its
free-revving, quadcam 3.0-litre V6 had
187bhp while the
Biturbo that followed in
1981 had, yep, a twinturbo V6. The 2.8-litre
packed as much as
250bhp. Then in 1992
came the Ghibli II
almost identical to
the Shamal with a
2.8-litre twin-turbo V6
producing 284bhp.

our Car of the Year, no less. More is on the

way; Maser is just warming up.
Joining the current lineup will be the
Levante (formerly known as the Kubang)
SUV in 2015, which will give the Cayenne
a serious run for its money. But before that,
another Porsche that the Italian carmaker
has firmly in its sights is the 911. And to give
it, and the Jaguar FType, some sleepless
nights is the confirmedforproduction
Alfieri. Scheduled for launch in 2016, its
part of the we want to sell 75,000 Maseratis
by 2018 spiel that weve been hearing a lot
of lately. According to Masers CEO Harald

Wester, the carmaker is already getting 3,500

orders per month thats three times more
than last year meaning they should sell
around 42,000 units this year. We encourage
the bullish talk because by the looks of the
upcoming new twodoor, Maser has its mojo
back. That 75,000 figure suddenly doesnt
seem so daunting.
Having made its debut in Geneva in March,
the tridentbadged sportscar showcases the
brands new design language and theres
no doubt about it, its very impressive if
a tad too close to the 2009 Infiniti Essence
concept for comfort. That was a looker and

so is this; we love the aggressive fastback

style (inspired by the Pininfarinapenned
1954 Maserati A6 GCS53) bold grille, which
hides under that extended nose, those sharp
bixenonLED headlights and that rear end
featuring those hardtomiss side air ducts.
Finished in Steel Flair and lashings of
Maserati Blue trim, the Alfieri to be built
in both coup and convertible body styles
(the droptop is planned for 2017) will be
offered with a choice of three V6s. A 410bhp
V6 rearwheeldrive variant will be the base
while upping the ante will be a midlevel
450bhp with allwheel drive but the range
topper will have a monstrous 520bhp at its
disposal, again with allwheel drive. The
exterior looks production ready but the
same cant be said about the interior; it is to
undergo some serious modification.
If all that wasnt exciting enough, the V6
Alfieri means theres still room for a V8 GT in
the range, so we expect a new GranTurismo
and GranCabrio to be with us by 2018.
Ah, sweet music.

Produced from 1981-94,

the Biturbo didnt have
the greatest reputation...

According to Masers CEO

Harald Wester, the carmaker is
already getting 3,500 orders
per month. Thats three times
more than last year.

Available from 1992-97,

the Ghibli II was as fast as
it was luxurious very

Bellissimo indeed. The tin-top Alfieri is

sublime, but just imagine how good the
convertible will be ...

12

13

Lamborghini Huracn

CLASSIC
CORNER

FERRARI 195
Ferraris second road-legal car played a big role in making the brand
popular outside racetracks
WORDS: SONY THOMAS

lthough the Auto Avio

Costruzioni 815 was the first
car designed and built by Enzo
Ferrari after he set up his own company,
it was the 125 S that bore the Ferrari
logo for the first time. A pure racing car,
it brought Ferrari many wins during its
short lifespan. It was followed by the 159 S,
another track car, but soon Enzo realised
that in order to keep his racing ambitions
afloat, he needed funds from road cars and
their sales to private individuals.
The 166 was the first such car developed
to be suitable for both road and track.

YELLOW
FEVER

FEELING RICH?

THE RAGING BULL OF BOLOGNA UNLEASHES ITS ALL-NEW

V10 SUPERCAR. THE HURACN LP610-4 HITS THE SWEET SPOT,
BUT IS IT A FERRARI 458 ITALIA BEATER?
WORDS: GAUTAM SHARMA

30

31

42

GET 52 ISSUES OF WHEELS

FOR ONLY DH99!*
*Offer open to UAE residents only.

DH150 MILLION+
Ferrari 250 GTO

Encouraged by the interest the car drew from

the deeppocketed elite clientele in Europe,
Enzo commissioned a larger car with a bigger
engine. Thus was born the 195, which was
basically an upgraded version of the 166. It
shared its Aurelio Lampredidesigned chassis
with the 166 and the 125 S, while the V12
engine designed by Gioacchino Colombo
was bored out to displace 2.3 litres, producing
a healthy 130bhp in the 195 Inter street
version.
At 2,500mm, the 195 Inter also had a longer
wheelbase than the 166, which freed up space
inside the cabin. The 195 S or Sport offered
DH4 MILLION+
Ferrari F40

DH40 MILLION+
Ferrari California Spyder

more power at 160bhp and was built by

Milans Touring using its Superleggera
method of lightweight and aerodynamic
construction. A number of other coach
builders created their own designs using
the 195 chassis, but the most popular of
these allaluminium coachbuilt versions
were the ones by Ghia and Vignale. There
was also a Pininfarina version available.
With its great looks, trackbred
mechanicals and abundant power, the
Ferrari 195 soon established itself as one
of the most exclusive grand tourers in
postwar Europe. Although its the second
streetlegal car by Ferrari, the 195 is
considered the first desirable road car made
by Ferrari, starting a tradition of street cars
funding the firms racing commitments.
Considering the very limited number of
these produced, it is extremely difficult
to find one for sale nowadays, except at
auctions. Even if you find one, expect to shell
out anything upwards of Dh2 million.

26
ALL THE NEW CARS THAT MATTER TESTED AND RATED

Sharper front-end styling includes slightly larger

air dams, chunkier grille and sculpted fenders

MERCEDES-BENZ GLE

A SOLID BET
Its got a new name, but Stuttgarts replacement for the mid-size M-Class SUV is still one
of the sturdiest and most capable offerings in its segment
WORDS: MATT KIMBERLEY. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

B
20

y now, all of you should be familiar with Mercedes-

Benzs new naming convention, which has been realigned

to something more straightforward. If it starts with GL
then its an SUV, while the suffix (C, E or S, mirroring the
saloon range) defines the size. Simple.
With this shift comes a new GLE thats actually half
the old ML, with the chassis, parts of the bodywork
and the suspension carried over. But a new interior and
lower emissions, plus a plug-in hybrid option add new
dimensions to consider. Avoid pale colours and you cant
lose. Theres a slight awkwardness to the upper-rear
bodywork between the C- and D-pillars thats hidden by
dark blue, for example, and thats always a classy choice.

The GLE looks bulky without being flabby, muscular

without the roid rage and classy without being boring.
As for image, a new naming structure takes time to settle
into consumer consciousness but the GLE is one of the
less ostentatious and in-your-face SUVs you could buy,
though that means some of the standard wheel designs
are a bit dull. With five seats in place theres a whopping
690 litres of boot to play with, which rises to more
than 2,000 litres with the 60:40 split bench seat folded.
Theres a mountain of legroom for rear passengers, too,
and only the longest-legged drivers will spoil that.
The cabins cup holders arent positioned in the most
helpful place but its probably not a deal-breaker. Whats

DRIVEN

RANGE ROVER
SPORT SVR

COVER STORY

30

The 675LT has a provokable playfulness

that is extremely addictive and totally
confidence inspiring.

James Davison, contributing writer, on the McLaren 675LT

The GLE gets a mid-cycle refresh that includes a revised instrument

panel design and new trims compared to the M-Class it replaces

SPECS &
RATING
MODEL
GLE 400
ENGINE
3.0-litre V6 turbo
TRANSMISSION
Nine-speed auto, AWD
MAX POWER
328bhp @ 5,500rpm
MAX TORQUE
480Nm @ 1,400rpm
TOP SPEED
245kph
0-100KPH
6.0sec
LENGTH
4,900mm
WIDTH
2,003mm
HEIGHT
1,731mm
WHEELBASE
2,915mm
WEIGHT
2,180kg
ON SALE
September, 2015
PRICE
NA
OVERALL
RATING

HIGHS
Good to drive, practical,
capable off-road
LOWS
Ride quality isnt the best
in models without air
suspension

RIVALS

BMW X5
The X5 continues to be a benchmark
for luxury mid-size SUVs

AUDI Q7
Spruced-up Q7 is much improved and
a stronger contender in this class

of much greater import is the sense of size on the

road, which some people will actively want and others
just wont get on with. A test drive will tell you which
category youre signed up to.
The 3.0-litre turbo petrol V6 in the GLE 400 serves
up 328bhp and 480Nm, which aided by the smooth
nine-speed auto box does a great job in lugging the
two-tonne SUV along.
For the eco-conscious, theres the GLE 500e hybrid,
which combines the same petrol V6 with an electric
motor, emitting just 78g/km of CO2 while packing
in more punch.

Body control is good

through corners, but
without the high-spec
adaptive air suspension
theres a noticeable jiggle
to the ride quality.
Body control is good through corners, but without
the high-spec adaptive air suspension theres a noticeable
jiggle to the ride quality. If you can bring yourself to lift
off the throttle (very) early when slowing for hazards,
and to use momentum control to help smooth out
short inclines, this GLE can actually record decent fuel
economy. The figures experience some bad times if you
jam your foot into the carpet.
The GLE has a lovely sense of solidity about it that
makes you feel youre getting a quality product. That
goes a long way to justifying the price, but at the same
time the options list is long and tempting. List prices are
rarely left unmolested on models like this, so prepare to
budget for add-ons. An obvious target buyer is the safetyminded parent who wants that height and size on the
road combined with a level of premium feel not found in
cheaper cars. No doubt plenty will crop up in mall valet
parkings and JBR Walk, but the GLE does harbour a secret
and deeply impressive off-road ability that will appeal
to those of you who like taking on the wilderness.
21

A completely redesigned face with a larger grille

and sleeker headlights adds more character to the
Camrys looks

2015 TOYOTA CAMRY

BOLD FACE OF RELIABILITY

Toyota says its bold new Camry is a significantly better driving car than previous
models. We take one for a spin around town to verify this claim
WORDS: SONY THOMAS. PHOTOS: GRACE PARAS

W
22

hen Toyota replaced its rear-wheel-drive Corona

in 1983 with the aim of getting a bigger slice of the US
market, rival Honda had already been setting the sales
chart ablaze with its Accord saloon. But it took the Camry
only a few years to topple the Accord from the pedestal of
Americas bestselling car, a position it holds to date.
The recipe for its success was simple; robust
build quality, bullet-proof reliability, incredibly low
maintenance costs and high residual value. While these
winning attributes have been retained unfailingly across
generations, Toyota has often been panned for not
devoting as much attention to the Camrys looks. Its
this gripe that the worlds biggest carmaker is seeking to
address with the new 2015 version of the saloon, which is
evident from the timing and scale of this update.
The Camry has always followed a generational update

sequence of five to six years, so it came as a surprise when

Toyota announced this refresh barely three years after
an all-new model had been released. And as mid-life
makeovers go, this is one of the most comprehensive
weve seen from Toyota, with a claimed 2,000 parts that
are new or re-engineered, including an all-new exterior
design and brushed up interior. Apparently, its only the
roof that stands in the way of this being an all-new Camry.
The changes are obvious from the first glance, with
the thoroughly revamped front fascia sporting a more
prominent Lexus-like spindle grille thats also very
similar to the one seen in the larger Avalon, as well as
sleeker, redesigned headlights and daytime running
lights. These, along with the sculpted profile and the
smoother rear with an added dash of chrome and
restyled taillamps, give the car a bolder, more refined and

Better quality materials lend the Camrys cabin

a decidedly more upscale look than before

contemporary look compared to the 2014 model.

The changes inside are not as sweeping but the
overall quality of the cabin appears to have been
significantly improved with soft plastics and
perforated suede-like material used in the dashboard,
door trims and other upholstery with red contrast
stitched finishes.
The controls for the climate and entertainment
systems also feel more upscale than before, sensibly

As mid-life makeovers
go, this is one of the most
comprehensive weve
seen from Toyota, with a
claimed 2,000 parts that
are either new or
re-engineered.
designed and ergonomically laid out. As it has always
been, the Camrys cabin remains one of the most
spacious among all cars in this segment, with ample
room for four relatively tall adults to travel in comfort.
The eight-way power adjustable drivers seat is easy
to settle into and offers a great mix of support and
comfort, while the redesigned steering wheel feels
23

The Camry remains one of the roomiest and most

comfortable saloons in its class

24

SPECS &
RATING
MODEL
Camry Limited
ENGINE
2.5-litre four-cyl
TRANSMISSION
Six-speed auto, FWD
MAX POWER
178bhp @ 6,000rpm
MAX TORQUE
235Nm @ 4,100rpm
TOP SPEED
NA
0-100KPH
NA
LENGTH
4,849mm
WIDTH
1,821mm
HEIGHT
1,471mm
WHEELBASE
2,776mm
WEIGHT
NA
ON SALE
Now
PRICE
Dh105,900 (as tested)
OVERALL
RATING

7.5

HIGHS
Looks better,
drives better
LOWS
Still not the sportiest
in class

more agreeable in your hands than before. Meanwhile,

the dual-zone air conditioning system makes quick
work of cooling the cabin of the car even when its
been parked in the summer heat for hours. Completing
the overall upmarket ambience is a 10-speaker JBL
surround system, which offers a remarkably better
audio experience than previous iterations.
Realising that sharper looks mean nothing if
not translated into sharper dynamics, Toyota has
given the new Camry a stiffer body structure with
additional spot welds to increase rigidity, and a tuned
suspension with MacPherson struts up front and a
multi-link set-up at the rear. These, together with
recalibrated electric power steering and a tweaked
two-stage brake-booster system, make for a better
driving experience, with improved responses to driver
input and a much more poised, assured demeanour
around corners. However, even as these changes are
remarkable for a Camry, they arent enough to place
the cars driving dynamics a notch above that of
a Mazda 6s or a Volkswagen Passats.

Toyota has given the

new Camry a stiffer body
structure with additional
spot welds to increase
rigidity, and a tuned
suspension.
This being a facelift, Toyota has kept the drivetrain
unchanged, with the 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine
carried over, still making 178bhp and 235Nm of torque
coupled to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The fourpot has been around for a while now, but still has
enough juice in it to haul this mid-size saloon around
with ease. Upon acceleration, it feels livelier than the
similarly powered unit in the Honda Accord, which
is now only available mated to a CVT. And even at
highway speeds, its easy to agree with Toyotas claim
that added insulation has made this the quietest
Camry ever.
One gripe we had about Toyota here was that even
the top end variants of certain models werent offered
with the full list of safety features. Its heartening to
see that at least the top two trim levels the Dh95,900
SE+ and the Dh105,900 Limited now come with
10 airbags and other safety features like enhanced
vehicle stability control, anti-lock brakes, electronic
brake-force distribution, Brake Assist and Isofix child
safety systems, all of which have helped the new
Camry achieve top-notch results in crash safety tests.
The 2015 model year upgrades have made this
Toyotas most convincing attempt at infusing character
and liveliness into the Camry saloon. Add the
aggressive new styling, and a driving experience thats
different from the forgettable dynamics of the past to
its legendary reliability record, and the new Camry
is sure to appeal to a new set of buyers who wouldnt
have considered it an option previously.
25

A choice of colours is available, including Estoril Blue,

exclusive to the Range Rover Sport SVR

RANGE ROVER SPORT SVR

EXTREME SPORT
Jaguar Land Rovers SVO team gets their hands on the Range Rover Sport.
The results are breathtaking, if a little questionable...
WORDS: IMRAN MALIK. PHOTOS: STEFAN LINDEQUE

an SUV ready for the track. Im not kidding. It lapped the

Nrburgring Nordschleife in eight minutes 14 seconds
one of the fastest times ever recorded by a standard
production SUV. How did it manage such a feat? Well,
it built on the success of the RR Sports all-aluminium
architecture, but its that revised V8 that deserves special
praise. With its cast-iron cylinder liners and cross-bolted
main bearing caps, its still a very refined mill but the
chaps at Land Rovers Special Vehicle Operations have
dialled it up a notch by tweaking the ECU and retuning
the superchargers electronic bypass valve. So, when
you step on the throttle and it feels like youve left your
stomach behind, you can thank the SVO boffs for that. Its
acceleration is effortless. But the smooth ZF plays its part
too and with the eight ratios closely stacked, shift times
are 50 per cent quicker. Its exceptionally
It lapped the Nrburgring Nordschleife in
snappy too; flick the paddle shifters behind
eight minutes 14 seconds one of the fastest times the steering wheel in Dynamic mode and
the gear change is immediate. Youll be
ever recorded by a standard production SUV.
fiddling with the paddles all the time just

26

act: the Range Rover Sport SVR is the fastest and most
powerful Land Rover ever produced. Not a convincing
enough opening salvo? OK then, the following numbers
should hammer the point home a little better: 543bhp.
680Nm of torque. 260kph top speed. Impressed yet? You
should be, given that it can hit 100kph from rest in just
4.7 seconds. This thing weighs almost 2,500kg, remember.
Not that youd ever notice.
Its the first LR product to wear the new high-performance
SVR badge and, boy, does it deserve it. Its 5.0-litre
supercharged V8 has been poked and prodded to produce
40bhp and 56Nm more than the RR Sport and its blessed
with a much meatier ZF eight-speed automatic and
improved four-wheel-drive chassis to cope with the extra
power. The results are sublime. What you have here is

Unique sports seats

ensure occupants are
held securely in place
during spirited driving

An electrically controlled
two-stage active exhaust
provides a racecar-inspired
soundtrack

27

to hear the roaring exhaust crackle and pop on the

overun. Its addictive stuff and best enjoyed with the
windows down, but this model isnt just restricted to
straight line speed and a racecar-like exhaust. It has
permanent four-wheel drive and a fully independent
double wishbone front and an advanced multi-link
layout at the rear (the four-corner air suspension has
continuously variable magnetorheological dampers but
has been reprogrammed to trade some ride comfort for
grip), which gives it real agility in the bends. And it has
a two-speed transfer case, a best-in-class wading depth
of 850mm and six Terrain Response settings (including
grass/gravel/snow, mud/ruts, sand, and rock crawl),
which means its as capable off-road as ever. Not that I
bothered to off-road it because 0-100kph in 4.7 seconds,
remember!
It looks as good as ever, if not better; that iconic boxy
exterior has been enhanced with a new front bumper
with larger air intakes, new grille, side mouldings,
prominent SVR badges, a pronounced spoiler at the back
and a gloss black diffuser, all of which signals the Rangies
sporting intent but nothing does that better than the
six-piston Brembo brakes; theyre huge (20in calipers)
and ensure optimal stopping power.
The interior has been dressed up and features distinctive
leather sports seats finished in luxurious Windsor leather
with ribbed, quilted centres that do offer better support
28

LR says the SVRs fuel economy

is unaffected by the extra
performance and still gets a claimed
12.8 litres per 100km, just like the
V8 Supercharged derivative

21in alloys with

sticky Continental
SportContact tyres
complement the
driver-focused
chassis

during spirited driving, but getting into them in the first

place is a challenge, as is stepping out. The rear seats
get the sporty treatment too (however, the SVR is only
a four-seater the third row option isnt available due
to fear that it would overload the rear axle) but drop the
second row and you get 1,761 litres of load space. Thats
a lot of groceries.
Our Estoril Blue test car came swathed in carbon fibre
trim from the door panels, centre console and dashboard
to the steering-wheel bezel and it looked very tasty.
If thats a bit OTT for you, then, as standard, the SVR
has a turned aluminium trim, which, come to think of
it, would stand out quite a bit too. But then you dont
buy one of these to blend in. Its loaded with kit (antilock braking system, cornering brake control, dynamic
stability control, hill descent control and my favourite
a switchable active sports exhaust are just some of the
highlights) and it also packs goodies such as a Meridian
surround sound audio system with 19 speakers, 8.0in
touch screen and a TFT virtual instrument cluster.
Theres a lot of competition out there (the M, AMG and
Quattro divisions spring to mind as does a sporty SUV
shootout feature...) and even though a Cayenne Turbo
S is faster, it isnt as fun to drive as this SVR. JLR can
be sure its own in-house skunk works team has created
a rip-roaring monster thats equally adept on road,
off-road and now as strange as it may sound on the
track. But vehicles of this ilk beg the question, and its
a rather pertinent one at that: Does your SUV have to
be as fast and as expensive as a supercar? It doesnt
but the SVR is so much fun that Id have mine with the
optional 22in wheels, thanks. This thing is mad in a
very good way.

SPECS &
RATING
MODEL
Sport SVR
ENGINE
5.0-litre supercharged V8
TRANSMISSION
Eight-speed auto, AWD
MAX POWER
543bhp @ NA
MAX TORQUE
680Nm @ 3,500rpm
TOP SPEED
260kph
0-100KPH
4.7sec
LENGTH
4,872mm
WIDTH
2,073mm
HEIGHT
1,780mm
WHEELBASE
2,923mm
WEIGHT
2,495kg
ON SALE
Now
PRICE
Dh619,000
OVERALL
RATING

8.5

HIGHS
Exceptional performance,
exhaust note
LOWS
Ride quality has been
compromised a tad,
sky-high price

The quad exhausts help differentiate the SVR

from other Range Rovers

29

EVOLUTION
OF THE
SPECIES
IS THE LIGHTER AND SLEEKER MCLAREN 675LT
ALL THAT ITS CRACKED UP TO BE? WE FIND OUT
AT SILVERSTONE HOME OF THE BRITISH GP
WORDS: JAMES DAVISON. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

y brain, already frazzled

from a sleepless overnight

flight from Dubai, has enough
to contend with today without
throwing some rain into the
mix. But, hey, this is England and
the beautiful clear blue sky of this
morning has been replaced by damp
grey drizzle in a typically changeable
British summer fashion. Under normal circumstances, the wet
stuff doesnt bother me so much, but this is far removed from
normal circumstances. This is probably the only chance I will
ever get to drive the exclusive McLaren 675LT and rain could
quite literally dampen the experience.
Limited to just 500 units, all of which have already been sold,
the 675LT is the most track-focused, road-legal McLaren series
production model to date and comes equipped with tyres
developed in collaboration with technical partner Pirelli.
These high-performance Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres have a
stiffer internal structure and offer up 6 per cent more grip than
a P Zero Corsa. Which is great. However, even McLaren admits
that they probably arent the best choice in cold or wet weather.
Add to this mix that we are at Silverstone which may be the
home of British motorsport but is a circuit I have never driven

30

McLaren 675LT

31

 and the decision to have a spot of lunch and wait until the
track is dry is an extremely logical choice to make.
The nomenclature of the 675LT is a little bit misleading and
also perhaps an understatement of how much development has
been poured into this latest Woking wonder. This isnt just a
650S with a bodykit and 25bhp more power masquerading as
some sort of advancement of the species and, to best understand
this, the designation LT needs to be dissected and analysed.
Yes, the 675LT is a little bit longer. About 38mm longer. But
Longtail? Really? Surely that extra length is the result of its
jutting carbon fibre front splitter and the large rear airbrake
rather than it actually, you know, having a longer tail?
The LT/Longtail designation has everything to do with
McLaren heritage and very little to do with physical
proportions. The philosophy behind the development of the
675LT is that trademarked attention to detail and pushing
engineering envelopes that saw McLaren take the already
potent F1 GTR and completely re-engineer it from the ground
up to produce the most track-focused derivative of the F1. The
result was the 1997 McLaren F1 GTR Longtail that, among
other notable achievements, came first and second in class at
the 24 Hours of Le Mans, nearly 30 laps ahead of the nearest
GT1 competitor. What is perhaps even more impressive is that

32

the lead Longtail came second overall separated from the much
faster winning LMP car by only one lap.
The 675LT is the result of application of this McLaren ethos
to the already fantastic 650S and has seen every element that
could be improved either modified or completely replaced with
new components. A total one third of parts has been changed
compared to the 650S to improve handling, performance or aid
in weight reduction and the attention given to each and every
component can only be described as obsessive. I mistakenly
made a joke earlier in the day stating that the glass must be the
only item shared on both models, only to be informed that it
isnt. The windscreen is 1mm thinner, saving approximately 3kg,
the bulkhead glass is 0.5mm thinner saving 500g and the 675LT
has a louvred polycarbonate engine cover. Total weight savings
in glazing alone combine to 4.7kg. Yup, that shut me up.
This obsessive weight saving permeates every aspect of the
675LT. From new titanium wheel nuts shaving a few grams to
a massive 35kg saving from using carbon fibre body panels
with practically the whole rear section from the B-pillar back
now made of the stuff. The 650S was the lightest car in its class
but that title is now held by the 675LT, weighing in at 1,230kg.
Thats a full 100kg less. Well, as long as you didnt tick the
no-cost option of air conditioning, which steals back 11kg

McLaren 675LT

Lightweight Alcantara trim with contrast stitching

is standard throughout the cabin

The lightweight carbon fibre racing seats, first seen on

the McLaren P1, save a combined 15kg

The engine is another case of engineering obsession and

any assumption that the extra 25bhp has been extracted by
slapping a chip on the ECU needs to be dropped. Over 50 per
cent of engine components in the 675LTs 3.8-litre twin turbo V8
are unique, validating a new designation for the unit M838TL.
More efficient turbo chargers with a machined-from-solid
compressor wheel rather than cast have been strapped
on and everything from the exhaust manifolds to the fuel
pump and delivery system has been upgraded. So what
happens when you combine all these incremental changes,
100kg of weight saving and an extra nudge of performance
and combine it with 40 per cent more downforce and a whole
host of other fine fettling?
With an almost dry Silverstone circuit, the decision is
made that it is best getting on with proceedings before the
British summer has another wobble and it decides to snow or
something. Donning helmet and climbing on board, its the first
time I have paid any attention to the interior and, initially, it is
a familiar place similar in most respects to the 650S and the
MP4 12C that preceded it. But there are notable differences.
Lightweight Alcantara and carbon fibre is in abundance and
the seating position is much lower in the carbon fibre racing
seats with deep side bolsters bracing my frame. Its on start up,
though, that the true realisation that this is a bit different tingles
through your senses. Carpet and sound-deadening materials
have been largely sacrificed for further weight-saving gains and,
combined with the pleasantly raucous titanium exhaust system,
there is an undeniable feeling of being closer to the drama with
the burbling engine note filling the cabin, the noise immediately
focusing the senses in preparation for whats to come.
Fortunately, McLaren hasnt been too stingy with the amount
of time we have on track and I take the sound advice of using
my first three or four laps for familiarisation of the circuit

33

SPECS &
RATING

Ultra lightweight
10-spoke forged alloys,
finished in silver, are
fitted as standard

MODEL
675LT
ENGINE
3.8-litre V8 turbo
TRANSMISSION
Seven-speed auto,
RWD
MAX POWER
666bhp @ 7,100rpm
MAX TORQUE
700Nm @ 5,500rpm
TOP SPEED
330kph
0-100KPH
2.9sec
LENGTH
4,546mm
WIDTH
2,095mm
HEIGHT
1,188mm
WHEELBASE
NA
WEIGHT
1,230kg
ON SALE
NA
PRICE
NA
OVERALL
RATING

8.5

The bespoke exhaust doesnt just improve airflow

it optimises engine sound too

100kg weight saving makes the 675LT

the lightest in its class

34

HIGHS
Incredible performance
LOWS
Want one? Too late
theyre all sold out

The M838TL comprises more

than 50 per cent new components

McLaren 675LT
and working my way up through the Normal, Sport and Track
modes. It also allows me the added assurance that the track has
indeed dried.
On the first few familiarisation laps the 675LT is of secondary
importance. Im taking things rather sedately and trying to learn
the track. I also have the added benefit of a McLaren test driver
in the passenger seat guiding my efforts and, like a live action
satnav, keeping me from becoming at one with the scenery. With
a finite number of laps at my disposal, however, there comes
a time when you just have to man-up and get on with the job.
Stepping things up a gear is where the 675LT wants to be and it
is only when you start properly attacking that the true nature of
what McLaren has succeeded in producing becomes tangible.
The car feels much more lively than a 650S from the
combination of a little extra power, radically changed torque
delivery and the shaving off all that weight. And whereas the
650S and, to an even greater extent, the 12C have the ability
to fill you with confidence in infinite grip right up to the point
where an advanced save is required to prevent you from
facing the opposite direction, the 675LT is so communicative
and progressive as it gently breaks into oversteer that you
intuitively start provoking it to tighten steering angle.
Now, I am not talking about great swathes of drifting around
every corner Silverstone has to offer, but the 675LT has a
provokable playfulness that is extremely addictive and totally
confidence inspiring.
Added into this mix of optimised aerodynamics, a 20mmwidened track and visibly noticeable nose-down rake increasing
front-end downforce is the fastest steering rack ever fitted
to a McLaren. The cumulative effect of all these incremental
changes somehow seems to add up to more than the sum of
their parts and leads to a palpable awareness that the 675LT has
upped McLarens game considerably. Gearshifts are up to twice
as fast as previously offered and utilise technology developed
for Formula 1, including Ignition Cut and Inertia Push, which,

despite having been explained to me twice by McLaren boffins,

I still am not going to pretend to totally understand. The results
do, however, speak for themselves. Upshifts are fast and
violent, and accompanied by a fistful of torque and an aurally
pleasant soundtrack.
As my time on track runs out, I suddenly lose the ability to
count and sneak in one more lap. My professional McLaren testdriver companion seems not to be too bothered and has been
gradually reducing his aural instructions throughout my time
on the circuit. But every single time at the end of the Hangar
Straight he chastises me for being too early on the brakes.
My last sneaky lap is probably my cleanest and fastest yet and
I leave braking to the last possible moment to try to claim back at
least some credibility. But there he is again saying too early on
the brakes and shaking his head. As we pit and change places
it is time for him to put his shoe into his braking point and offer
up a hot lap for my recalibration of the 675LTs ability. Which he
does a good 10m after my braking point while carrying more
speed. He is also back on the power much sooner through Stowe
with the 675LT controllably squirming on exit while he chuckles
to himself like a man who thoroughly enjoys his job.
Following the adrenalin-fuelled time on track is a brief road
drive. Im handed a 675LT and scoot off on my own through the
English countryside on a sedate 45-minute loop down narrow
bumpy country lanes, through quaint villages and a brief blip
on a motorway. The 675LT feels a tad wide for some of the
route but otherwise is as easy to drive on the road as any other
McLaren. With regular speed cameras peeking over hedges and
hiding around corners I simply flick it into auto and cruise. The
ride is a bit stiffer and cabin noise a bit more prominent than
a 650S, but thats a worthy trade for all those little, incremental
changes that somehow combine to make the 675LT one very
special car. McLaren, always at the forefront of engineering,
now has something that engages with the senses.
The 675LT is an evolution of the species.

35

LET THE NUMBERS

DO THE TALKING
OVER A MILLION FANS
OVER A QUARTER MILLION FOLLOWERS

... AND COUNTING!

Keep following us for the most talked-about stories, pictures, videos,
polls, reports and everything else that has the world talking.

NOT THEIR
FINEST HOUR

50

COOL CAR STUFF CLASSIC CORNER LONG-TERM TEST MY WHEELS

MARCH
721X

1. MOTORING TEES One of our favourite motoring

apparel creators at www.importbible.com has a
new design that needs hardly any introduction
its called Legend and the tee comes in five sizes,
but only one colour combo at Dh99 a piece

1
TO FEATURE YOUR PRODUCTS ON THIS PAGE, CALL 04 406 7505
OR EMAIL GEARBOX@GULFNEWS.COM

2. LEGO MERCEDES Daimler teamed up with

Lego to build a Technic scale model based on the
Mercedes-Benz Arocs 3245 truck, and it even
comes with the trucks fancy frame, suspension
system and lifts. It has 2,793 components and
its one of the most complex Lego models yet,
measuring a massive 310mm high and 540mm
long. For more info, visit www.lego.com/technic
3. MUSTANG BELT This product comes with a
warning dont use the Ford Mustang seat belt
belt as a seat belt. Head to www.merchandise.
ford.com to buy this neat belt for Dh90, and dont
worry, it goes around a 38in waist
4. MOPAR TOOLBOX This awesomely cool (read,
ridiculously kitschy) Mopar toolbox is actually
also a refrigerator, because lets face it, its much
easier to work with a cold wrench than a hot one.
Its made of stainless steel and cools down to
-10 degrees. Head to www.wearmopar.com if
youre interested and set aside Dh1,650

BOOK REVIEW
TITLE Mark Webber
Aussie Grit
WHERE www.amazon.com
PRICE Dh75
RATING

Everyones been waiting in

anticipation for Mark Webbers tellall, mainly because the Australian
tends to actually tell it all. Former
F1 driver and now Porsche works
sportscar racer, the Aussie has finally
found time to sit down and talk
candidly about the many ups and
downs of his career.
Naturally, everyone wanted the
goods on the infamous Red Bull beef
from the get-go, but Webber talks

throughout most of his book of the

days leading up to Red Bull, right
from his beginnings in rural Australia.
So well have to be patient until he
truly becomes himself and lets rip.
In the meantime there are snippets
peppered throughout the book
offering his unique insider anecdotes,
such as the episode in 2005 about
the shambolic Grand Prix at Indy.
A lot of the pages morph into an
elaborate score sheet, with Webber

rattling through his earlier F1 seasons

by merely listing some results.
But the plot thickens, and the whole
relaxed casualness of the book really
does make a read-through feel like a
chat with Webber.
During his book tours Webber
warned us he was really having
a go at his teammate in the
autobiography, however, surprisingly
the villain doesnt really end up being
Sebastian Vettel.
37

CLASSIC
CORNER

MERCEDES-BENZ 280 SE

From an era when even Bentley or Rolls-Royce couldnt make a finer

Grand Tourer and boulevard cruiser, the Mercedes-Benz W111 280 SE
represents a bargain for one of the finest cars to wear a silver tri-star
WORDS: DEJAN JOVANOVIC

he epochal S-Class nameplate

really begins in the Fifties, and
the great Grand Tourer we know
today as the S-Class Coup was back in its
day known as the SE. More precisely, the
W111 series, or W108 or E112 depending
on what youre looking for.
From 1961 to 1971, for a full decade, the
Mercedes-Benz 280 SE in tin-top or droptop form remained the greatest boulevard
cruiser in the world, perhaps rivalled only
by Lincolns Continentals and maybe a few
Cadillacs. The W111 two-door was still
a car for the privileged few, and Stuttgart
found a little short of 30,000 buyers for
the straight-six engined SE Coup.
There were lesser models available, but
the final run-out 280 SE 3.5 is perhaps the

W111 VARIANTS

38

most desirable one. With a 3.5-litre V8 engine

the car more than matched its American
V8 counterparts, and even today drives like
a modern vehicle. These are some of the
best-engineered, best-built Mercedes models
of all time, so provided theyre maintained
regularly they dont go wrong. That ultimate
V8 version was rated at 200 relaxed
horsepower, but an open 300 SE is rare; only
708 were produced, however Mercedes built
slightly more 300 SE Coups between 1962
and 1967, finishing the run with 2,419 cars.
You would do little wrong with the 2.8-litre
straight-six cylinder because Mercedes M130
series engine is a long proven and reliable
motor. It was essentially the final evolution
of a 2.2-litre workhorse that dates back to
1951, so it had lots of years for refinement

FOUR-DOOR SALOON
The first model in the series
consisted of the 220b, 220Sb,
and 220SEb

TWO-DOOR COUP
Styled by Paul Bracq, the
coup boasted many classleading optional features

and development in time for its 280 SE

swansong. The later V8s have a reputation
for durability as well, and they featured
in facelifted post-1969 cars referred to as
flat-radiator models; the distinct Mercedes
grille was designed wider and lower.
Manufacture of all models ended in
mid-1971 with a total production of
37,000 cars the entry-level 220 SEb
Coup accounted for the largest slice,
finding 14,173 buyers.
You can get started with the local
classifieds, though current cars and
conditions listed vary in price between
Dh50,000 and Dh200K. Top concours
cars abroad are a couple of hundred
thousand dollars, but your selection is
vast and there are good cars with mileages
in the 100Ks, for around the Dh100,000
mark. The 280 SE is a year-round classic
that will only appreciate in value, as the
international classic car market has shown
since January this year when an excellent
280 SE averaged at Dh140k as opposed to
now, six months, later when the same cars
value is Dh190K.

WEEK 5
LONG-TERM REVIEW BMW X4 xDRIVE 35i

HOT OR NOT?

The X6 has always polarised opinion at wheels towers. Now, BMWs small
coup SUV also manages to divide the team into two camps
WORDS: FADI TAKIEDDINE. PHOTO: MIKAIEL SERABIAN

lthough the X4 has been in the wheels

long-term garage for the past five weeks,

Ive only just got the chance to get behind its
wheel. If you remember, Amit said in his opening review
that he was not a fan of the X4s styling. But Ill have
to disagree with him on that, as I find the X6-inspired
design language very attractive. In fact, Ive always been a
big admirer of the X6, and the fact that this is a miniature
version of the coup SUV makes it a good-looking car
by default. However, its a shame that the white exterior
colour on our long-termer doesnt exactly flatter the
X4s otherwise sharp lines.
But as is the case with the X6, the X4s dapper looks
come at a price. The sloping roof and the rising beltline
mean rear-seat occupants could feel claustrophobic,
making it a less attractive proposition for buyers looking
for practicality when compared to rivals like the Audi Q5
and Lexuss great new NX crossover. But if the comfort

and well-being of rear passengers isnt a concern for you,

then the X4 trumps every other competitor hands down.
None of the other cars in this segment drives better than
the Bimmer and the 3.0-litre turbo six is possibly one
of the best mills in its class. Add to that the customary
Abu Dhabi Motors special goodies such as Alpina
spoilers, M Performance enhancements and Kelleners
exhausts, and this is one extremely well-equipped car.
While most of those extras are of more cosmetic
value, adding no perceptible difference to the driving
experience, the sport exhausts are an exception. The deep
rumble that emanates from the quad pipes definitely adds
to the overall feeling of fun behind the wheel, making it a
box worth ticking when you spec yours up.

WEEK 4
The first blip in our
long-term test with the
X4 crops up when one of
the electric folding mirrors
refuses to budge. While it
snapped back into place
on the second attempt, it
got us worried that this
could be a sign of an issue
with the electric motor.
HIGHS
Collision warning and
prevention system works
like a charm
LOWS
Temporary snag with
electronic wing mirror

DRIVEN BY FADI START MILEAGE 1,820KM RECENT COST FUEL AVERAGE FUEL
ECONOMY 16 LITRES PER 100KM
HIGHS SHARP EXTERIOR DESIGN, GREAT ENGINE
LOWS WHITE ISNT THE BEST COLOUR FOR THIS CAR

LEXUS RC 350 F SPORT UPDATE

WEEK 2

THE
PROGRESS

Over the Eid weekend, the Lexus became my best friend.

Thats because I ended up spending quite a lot of time in the
car going to various places such as malls, or to friends and
relatives houses, and I grew accustomed to the layout of the
interior and its many functions and features.
It doesnt take long to feel at one with the RC 350 as the
infotainment system is quite intuitive. However, Im not a fan
of the touchpad mouse controller as it is a little too sensitive.
I do like the materials used in the cabin; from the plush and

comfortable leather seats to the soft-touch dash (although

the door card trim could be a little better) but all in all its
a lovely place to sit and while away the hours if youre
stuck in traffic, as I was in Sharjah. Thats thanks in large
part to the sheer amount of kit the car has. With a freezing
cold dual-zone AC, lane-departure warning system and a
particularly impressive reversing camera (even at night its
sharpness is incredible), to mention a few the Lexus is
kitted out to the max. My only other gripe is with the lack
of rear-seat space; its fine for small children, but I doubt
adults would want to squeeze into the back. KH

39

DEALER INFO
Name and contact
details of the
dealership

PICK OF THE
BUNCH
The most noteworthy
model from the
manufacturer

UPDATED INFO
All new model
additions and
pricing updates are
highlighted in yellow
DISCLAIMER Although we take utmost care to ensure that prices and specs in this Buyers Guide are
accurate, dealer prices may vary depending upon specs and trim levels.

ALFA ROMEO

TYPE

ENGINE

Gargash Motors: Dubai 04 340 3333

BHP/NM

TRANS

PRICE

GIULIETTA Alfa Romeos latest hatchback is an outside choice, perhaps

cross-shopped with rival models such as the Peugeot 308 and Opel Astra.
The Alfa offers just one engine, a 1.4-litre 170bhp turbo unit, that gives the car
a litheness in its ride, handling and performance response. Its also gorgeous.
159
MITO

SALOON
HATCH

ASTON MARTIN

3.2L/V6
1.4L/4-CYL

260/322
135/230

6A
6A

157,000
85,000

Aston Martin: Dubai 04 452 1222

DB9 The DBS has made way for the new Vanquish, but the DB9 remains
in noticeably improved form. The Aston best mixes GT performance with
sportscar agility, and its dated, thirsty, but free-revving and beautifulsounding 6.0-litre V12 is still a gem. Issues? Some weird ergonomics...
VANTAGE N430
VANTAGE N430 ROADSTER
VANTAGE N430
VANTAGE N430 ROADSTER
VANTAGE
VANTAGE ROADSTER
VANTAGE
VANTAGE ROADSTER
VANTAGE S
VANTAGE S ROADSTER
VANTAGE S
VANTAGE S ROADSTER
VANTAGE V12 S
VANTAGE V12 S ROADSTER
VANTAGE GT12
DB9
DB9 VOLANTE
DB9 CARBON
DB9 CARBON VOLANTE
RAPIDE S
VANQUISH
VANQUISH VOLANTE
VANQUISH CARBON
VANQUISH CARBON VOLANTE

AUDI

COUPE
CABRIO
COUPE
CABRIO
COUPE
CABRIO
COUPE
CABRIO
COUPE
CABRIO
COUPE
CABRIO
COUPE
CABRIO
COUPE
COUPE
CABRIO
COUPE
CABRIO
SALOON
COUPE
CABRIO
COUPE
CABRIO

4.7L/V8
4.7L/V8
4.7L/V8
4.7L/V8
4.7L/V8
4.7L/V8
4.7L/V8
4.7L/V8
4.7L/V8
4.7L/V8
4.7L/V8
4.7L/V8
6.0L/V12
6.0L/V12
6.0L/V12
6.0L/V12
6.0L/V12
6.0L/V12
6.0L/V12
6.0L/V12
6.0L/V12
6.0L/V12
6.0L/V12
6.0L/V12

430/490
430/490
430/490
430/490
420/470
420/470
420/470
420/470
430/490
430/490
430/490
430/490
565/620
565/620
592/NA
510/620
510/620
510/620
510/620
552/630
568/630
568/630
568/630
568/630

6M
6M
7A
7A
6M
6M
7A
7A
6M
6M
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
6A
6A
6A
6A
8A
8A
8A
8A
8A

525,000
565,000
540,000
582,000
505,000
545,000
515,000
555,000
540,000
580,000
550,000
590,000
840,000
890,000
1,650,000
810,000
875,000
855,000
920,000
915,000
1,180,000
1,269,000
1,241,000
1,330,000

Al Nabooda Automobiles: Dubai 04 378 4444, Abu Dhabi Ali & Sons 02 665 8000

RS 4 AVANT With the market all to itself, the RS 4 Avant is safe for a handful
of discerning buyers a year. Those who know, will love the fact that this is
an R8 with four doors and a tailgate, with the 4.2-litre V8 engine retained in
favour of the new biturbo. Amazing bit of kit
A1
A1
A1
A3
A3
A3
A3
S3
A4
A4

HATCH
HATCH
HATCH
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON

40

1.4L/4-CYL
1.4L/4-CYL
1.4L/4-CYL
1.4L/4-CYL
1.4L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL

122/200
122/200
185/250
122/200
122/200
180/250
180/280
280/380
120/230
170/320

7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
6A
6A
CVT
CVT

90,400
103,500
131,000
92,000
99,500
109,500
119,500
147,500
116,300
139,700

A4
A4
RS 4 AVANT
A5 SPORTBACK
A5 SPORTBACK
A5 SPORTBACK
A5
A5
A5
A5
A5
A5
RS 5
RS 5
A6
A6
A6
S6
RS 6 AVANT
A7
A7
S7
RS 7
A8 L
A8 L
A8 L
S8
TT
TT
TT
TT ROADSTER
TT RS
Q3
Q3
Q3
Q5
Q5
Q7
Q7
Q7
R8
R8
R8
R8 PLUS
R8 SPYDER
R8 SPYDER
R8 SPYDER

BMW

TYPE
SALOON
SALOON
ESTATE
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
CABRIO
CABRIO
CABRIO
COUPE
CABRIO
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
ESTATE
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
CABRIO
COUPE
CUV
CUV
CUV
CUV
CUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
CABRIO
CABRIO
CABRIO

ENGINE
2.0L/4-CYL
3.0L/V6
4.2L/V8
1.8L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
3.0L/V6
1.8L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
3.0L/V6
1.8L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
3.0L/V6
4.2L/V8
4.2L/V8
2.0L/4-CYL
2.8L/V6
3.0L/V6
4.0L/V8
4.0L/V8
2.8L/V6
3.0L/V6
4.0L/V8
4.0L/V8
3.0L/V6
4.0L/V8
6.3L/V12
4.0L/V8
1.8L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.5L/5-CYL
1.4L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
3.0L/V6
3.0L/V6
3.0L/V6
4.2L/V8
4.2L/V8
4.2L/V8
5.2L/V10
5.2L/V10
4.2L/V8
4.2L/V8
5.2L/V10

BHP/NM
211/350
272/400
450/430
170/320
211/350
272/400
170/320
211/350
272/400
170/320
211/350
272/400
450/430
450/430
180/320
204/280
310/440
420/550
560/700
204/280
310/440
420/550
560/700
310/440
435/600
500/625
520/650
160/250
211/350
211/350
211/350
340/450
150/250
170/280
211/300
225/350
272/400
272/400
333/440
340/800
430/430
430/430
525/530
550/540
430/430
430/430
525/530

TRANS
7A
7A
7A
CVT
7A
7A
CVT
7A
7A
CVT
7A
7A
7A
7A
CVT
7A
7A
7A
8A
7A
7A
7A
8A
8A
8A
8A
8A
7A
6A
6A
6A
7A
6A
7A
7A
8A
8A
8A
8A
8A
6A
7A
7A
7A
6A
7A
7A

PRICE
160,300
177,400
290,000
165,400
184,000
209,600
175,500
196,000
224,700
195,500
214,000
239,700
315,000
365,000
164,300
192,300
240,000
301,000
450,000
238,500
265,700
337,500
475,000
325,000
384,000
550,000
478,000
140,500
169,600
179,600
180,000
247,000
121,000
127,000
136,000
169,900
209,300
219,000
250,000
279,500
405,000
430,000
530,000
595,000
455,000
480,000
580,000

AGMC: Dubai 04 339 1555, Sharjah 06 544 1111, RAK 07 235 5666
Abu Dhabi Motors: Khalidiya 02 681 1700, Umm Al Nar 02 507 5800, Al Ain 03 766 8282

M5 Sure, BMW has to pipe engine sound into the cabin, and the naturally
aspirated tradition is dulled by two turbos, but the 4.4-litre V8 M5, 552bhp,
is still the benchmark in performance saloon-acy. Its hugely expensive, but
try justifying it by getting rid of your other cars. Its worth it.
120I
125I
135I
135I
320I
320I

CABRIO
CABRIO
COUPE
CABRIO
SALOON
COUPE

2.0L
3.0L
3.0L
3.0L
2.0L
2.0L

170/210
218/270
306/400
306/400
170/200
170/210

6M/A
6M/A
6M/A
6M/A
6A
7A

140,000
150,000
165,000
210,000
155,000
210,000

TYPE
CABRIO
COUPE
CABRIO
SALOON
COUPE
CABRIO
SALOON
COUPE
CABRIO
COUPE
CABRIO
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
ESTATE
ESTATE
COUPE
CABRIO
CABRIO
CABRIO
COUPE
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
CUV
CUV
CUV
CUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
CABRIO
CABRIO
CABRIO

320I
325I
325I
328I
330I
330I
335I
335I
335I
M3
M3
M5
520I
523I
528I
535I
550I
BMW GRAN TURISMO
BMW GRAN TURISMO
630I
630I
640I
650I
640I GRAND COUPE
730 L I
740 LI
750 LI
760 LI
X1 XDRIVE 18I
X1 XDRIVE 25I
X1 XDRIVE 28I
X3 XDRIVE 35I
X5 XDRIVE 35I
X5 XDRIVE 50I
X5M
X6 XDRIVE 35I
X6 XDRIVE 50I
X6M
Z4
Z4
Z4

CADILLAC

ENGINE
2.0L
3.0L
3.0L
2.0L/4-CYL
3.0L
3.0L
3.0L
3.0L
3.0L
4.0L
4.0L
4.4L/V8
2.0L/4-CYL
3.0L
3.0L
3.0L
4.4L
3.0L
4.4L
3.0L
3.0L
3.0L
4.4L
3.0L/6-CYL
3.0L
3.0L
4.4L
6.0L
2.0L
3.0L
3.0L
3.0L/6-CYL
3.0L
4.4L
4.4L
3.0L
4.4L
4.4L
2.5L
3.0L
3.OL

BHP/NM
170/210
218/270
218/270
240/260
272/320
272/320
272/320
306/400
306/400
420/400
420/400
552/680
204/270
204/270
258/310
306/400
407/600
305/400
407/600
272/300
272/320
320/450
407/600
320/450
258/310
326/450
407/600
544/750
150/150
218/206
258/228
306/398
306/400
407/600
555/680
306/400
407/600
555/680
204/250
258/310
306/400

TRANS
7A
7A
7A
A
7A
7A
6A
7A
7A
6M
6M
A
8A
8A
8A
8A
8A
8A
6M/A
6M/A
6M/8A
6M/8A
8A
6A
6A
6A
8A
6A
6A
6A
A
8A
8A
6A
8A
8A
6A
6A
6A
7A

PRICE
240,000
235,000
265,000
180,000
235,000
275,000
240,000
280,000
305,000
345,000
375,000
615,000
198,000
220,000
250,000
285,000
340,000
270,000
410,000
315,000
345,000
410,000
510,000
360,000
300,000
360,000
455,000
660,000
160,000
200,000
215,000
N/A
280,000
340,000
465,000
315,000
390,000
470,000
185,000
205,000
240,000

CHRYSLER

200 LX
200 TOURING
200 LIMITED
300C
300C LIMITED
300C SRT8
300C SRT8
GRAND VOYAGER

SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
MPV

CITRON

CHEVROLET

SALOON
SALOON
COUPE
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
CUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV

2.5L/4-CYL
3.6L/6-CYL
3.6L/6-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
3.6L/6-CYL
3.6L/6-CYL
3.6L/6-CYL
6.2L/8-CYL
6.2L/8-CYL
6.2L/8-CYL
6.2L/8-CYL

202/258
321/372
321/372
272/400
321/373
304/355
308/358
420/621
420/621
420/621
420/621

6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
8A
8A
8A
8A

137,000
188,000
205,000
175,000-205,000
225,000
245,000
167,000-210,000
345,000
355,000
365,000
375,000

SPARK
SONIC
SONIC
CRUZE
CRUZE
MALIBU
MALIBU
IMPALA
CAPRICE
CARPICE ROYAL E
CAMARO
CAMARO SS
CAMARO ZL1
CORVETTE
CORVETTE 3LT
CAPTIVA
CAPTIVA
TRAVERSE
TAHOE
SUBURBAN

HATCH
SALOON
HATCH
SALOON
HATCH
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
COUPE/CAB
COUPE/CAB
COUPE/CAB
COUPE
COUPE
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV

1.0L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
2.4L/4-CYL
3.0L/V6
3.6L/V6
6.0L/V8
6.0L/V8
3.6L/V6
6.2L/V8
6.2L/V8
6.2L/V8
7.0L/V8
2.4L/4-CYL
3.0L/V6
3.6L/V6
5.3L/V8
5.3L/V8

68/93
115/155
115/155
141/176
141/176
170/217
260/290
305/358
355/495
355/495
323/377
426/567
580/754
430/575
505/637
169/216
264/300
281/359
320/452
320/452

4A/5M
6A/5M
6A/5M
6A/5M
6A/5M
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A/6M
6A/6M
6A/6M
6A/6M
6M
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A

37,900
48,900
55,900
55,900
65,900
68,900
107,900
98,900
129,900
174,900
126,900
185,900
243,900
295,900
328,900
88,900
112,900
111,900
174,900
179,900

TRANS

PRICE

2.4L/4-CYL
2.4L/4-CYL
3.6L/V6
5.7L/V8
3.5L/V6
6.1L/V8
6.1L/V8
3.8L/V6

173/220
173/220
283/352
340/528
250/340
425/569
425/570
283/353

A6
6A
6A
5A
4A
5A
5A
6A

82,900
94,900
108,900
162900
139000
189900
199900
111900

C4 With a 408-litre boot, six airbags and electronic stability control with
traction control, the C4 is one of the most practical and safest cars in its
price range. And with a 120bhp, 1.6-litre engine under its bonnet, its also got
enough grunt to match its good looks.
C-ELYSEE ATTRACTION
C-ELYSEE ATTRACTION
C-ELYSEE CONFORT
C-ELYSEE EXCLUSIVE
C3 EXCLUSIVE
C4 CONFORT
C5 CONFORT
C5 EXCLUSIVE
DS3 SO CHIC
DS3 ULTRA PRESTIGE
DS4 SO CHIC
DS5 SO CHIC
DS5 SPORT CHIC
BERLINGO FGL2 N1
BERLINGO N1
JUMPER

SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
HATCH
HATCH
SALOON
SALOON
HATCH
HATCH
HATCH
HATCH
HATCH
VAN
VAN
VAN

1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
2.2L/4-CYL

115/150
115/150
115/150
115/150
120/160
120/160
160/240
160/240
120/160
120/160
156/240
160/240
160/240
110/NA
110/NA
130/NA

M
A
A
A
A
A
6A
6A
A
A
6A
6A
6A
5M
5M
6M

49,000
52,000
55,000
59,000
72,000
72,000
99,000
120,000
79,500
99,000
99,000
125,000
135,000
53,900
56,900
112,000

Al Yousuf Motors: Dubai 04 339 2223

TERIOS If youre in the market for a pint-sized SUV, youd do well to add the
perky Terios to your shortlist. With a willing 1.5-litre engine and underpinnings
sourced from the second-gen Toyota RAV4, the little Daihatsu is a competent
light-duty all-terrainer at a wallet-friendly price.
MATERIA STD
MATERIA H/G
SIRION H/G
SIRION EL
SIRION H/G
TERIOS DX
TERIOS SX

DODGE

MPV
MPV
HATCH
HATCH
HATCH
SUV
SUV

1.5L/NA
1.5L/NA
1.3L/NA
1.5L/NA
1.5L/NA
1.5L/NA
1.5L/NA

76/138
76/138
67/120
76/138
76/138
77/140
77/140

4A
4A
4A
4A
4A
5M/4A
5M/4A

52,000
55,000
42,000
42,000
44,000
62,000
67,000

Trading Enterprises: UAE 800 4119

DURANGO The third-generation Durango that launched in 2011 represented

a vast improvement over its predecessor. A recent mid-life update introduced
an eight-speed auto, LED taillights and a new steering wheel with paddle
shifters, boosting what was already a strong-value package.

Al Ghandi Auto: Dubai 04 231 0800/04 608 4666, Liberty Automobiles: Sharjah 06 533 1777,
Fujairah 09 224 4188, UAQ 06 766 6997, RAK 07 205 8325

CAMARO ZL1 A cut-price Corvette, the ZL1 proves muscle cars can handle
like the best of them, also hammering away at every straight with a blown
6.2-litre V8 worth 580bhp. Fuel economy is atrocious, but Chevrolet has paid
more attention to the cabin. Driving position is still bad though.

BHP/NM

Al Rostamani Trading Company: Dubai 04 321 2222 / 800 CITROEN

ATS This European-influenced saloon is perhaps Cadillacs finest hour we

can remember, with the ATS Nrburgring-honed chassis particularly
exemplary even next to the F30 BMW 3 Series. Its great value and the
cabin is above par, but the engine range lets the car down.
ATS
ATS
ATS
CTS
CTS
XTS
SRX
ESCALADE
ESCALADE ESV
ESCALADE PLATINUM
ESCALADE ESV PLATINUM

ENGINE

200 Facelifted and with an improved chassis and interior, the Chrysler 200
is available with either a 2.4-litre four-pot or 3.6-litre V6. Both are mated to a
smooth six-speed auto while front airbags, side-curtain airbags, ABS, stability
control, alarm and a tyre-pressure monitoring system come as standard.

DAIHATSU

Liberty Automobiles: Dubai 04 341 9341, Sharjah 06 533 1777, RAK 07 235 6100,
Fujairah 09 224 4188, Liberty Abu Dhabi 02 558 9988, Al Ain 03 722 2926,

TYPE

Trading Enterprises: UAE 800 4119

CHARGER SE STD
CHARGER RALLYE PLUS
CHARGER R/T
CHARGER R/T PLUS
CHARGER R/T ROAD TRACK
CHARGER SRT8
CHALLENGER SE
CHALLENGER RALLYE
CHALLENGER SRT8
CHALLENGER SRT8
DURANGO EXPRESS
DURANGO CREW
DURANGO CREWLUXE
DURANGO CITADEL

FERRARI

SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV

3.6L/V6
3.6L/V6
5.7L/V8
5.7L/V8
5.7L/V8
6.4L/V8
3.6L/6-CYL
3.6L/6-CYL
6.4L/V8
6.4L/V8
3.6L/6-CYL
5.7L/V8
5.7L/V8
5.7L/V8

250/340
292/360
370/535
370/536
370/537
470/637
306/363
305/363
470/637
470/637
290/366
360/530
360/531
360/532

8A
8A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A/M
5A
6A
6A
6A

104,900
126,900
121,900
139,900
144,900
187,900
119,900
149,000
199,900
204,900
119,900
146,900
174,900
199,900

Al Tayer Motors/Premier Motors: 800 MOTORS/800 668677

458 ITALIA Were not entirely sure what a Ferrari F40 LM is like to drive,
but we suspect it has to be just as awe-inspiring as the 458 Italia. Loaded
with technology and electronics, it still manages to feel soulful, offering a
mechanical connection unlike any other supercar of the moment.
CALIFORNIA
458 ITALIA
458 SPIDER
F12 BERLINETTA
FF

CABRIO
COUPE
CABRIO
COUPE
ESTATE

4.3L/V8
4.5L/V8
4.5L/V8
6.3L/V12
6.3L/V12

490/505
570/540
570/540
740/690
660/683

A
A
A
A
A

822,000
907,000
1,010,000
1,180,000
1,139,000

41

FIAT

TYPE

ENGINE

BHP/NM

National Auto: Dubai 04 284 0991, Sharjah 06 514 2700, Fujairah 09 205 4999

TRANS

PRICE

TYPE

HYUNDAI

FIAT 500 Isnt this thing just the easiest way to lighten up in the morning?
No matter which side of the bed you get out of, the Fiat 500 will put a smile
on your face with its sublime chassis and eager steering. The clutch-less
manual isnt to everybodys taste though.
500
500 LOUNGE
500 SPORT
500 LOUNGE
LINEA ACTIVE
LINEA DYNAMIC
LINEA EMOTION

FORD

HATCH
HATCH
HATCH
CABRIO
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON

1.4L/4-CYL
1.4L/4-CYL
1.4L/4-CYL
1.4//4-CYL
1.4//4-CYL
1.4//4-CYL
1.4//4-CYL

100/131
100/131
100/131
100/131
90/115
89/115
92/115

4A
4A
4A
4A
6M
6M
6M

66000
78,000
72,000
93,000
52,000
62,500
69,000

Al Tayer Motors/Premier Motors: 800 MOTORS/800 668677

FOCUS ST Even though its only offered with a manual box, the 255bhp
Focus ST is the current king of hot hatchbacks especially when you
consider its Dh99,000 price tag. No wonder Ford Middle East cant keep up
with the orders...
FIGO
FIESTA
ECOSPORT
FOCUS
FOCUS
FOCUS
FOCUS
FOCUS
FUSION
FUSION
TAURUS
TAURUS
ESCAPE
ESCAPE
ESCAPE
EDGE
EDGE
EXPLORER
EXPLORER
FLEX
FLEX
EXPEDITION STD
EXPEDITION EL
MUSTANG V6
MUSTANG V6
MUSTANG V6
MUSTANG ECOBOOST
MUSTANG ECOBOOST
MUSTANG ECOBOOST
MUSTANG V8
MUSTANG V8
MUSTANG V8
MUSTANG SHELBY
MUSTANG ROUSH
MUSTANG ROUSH
F-150
F-350 PETROL 4X2
F-350 DIESEL 4X4
F-550 PETROL 4X2
F-550 DIESEL 4X4
RANGER PETROL 4X2
RANGER PETROL 4X4
RANGER PETROL 4X4
RANGER DIESEL 4X4
RANGER DIESEL 4X4
TRANSIT DIESEL
TRANSIT DIESEL

GMC

HATCH
HATCH
CUV
SALOON
HATCH
HATCH
ESTATE
HATCH
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SUV
SUV
SUV
CUV
CUV
SUV
SUV
CUV
CUV
SUV
SUV
COUPE
COUPE
CABRIO
COUPE
COUPE
CABRIO
COUPE
COUPE
CABRIO
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
PICK-UP
PICK-UP
PICK-UP
PICK-UP
PICK-UP
PICK-UP
PICK-UP
PICK-UP
PICK-UP
PICK-UP
VAN
VAN

1.6L/NA
1.6L/NA
1.5L/NA
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.5L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
2.5L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.5L/4-CYL
3.5L/V6
3.7L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.7L/V6
3.7L/V6
3.7L/V6
2.3L/4-CYL
2.3L/4-CYL
2.3L/4-CYL
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
5.8L/NA
3.7L/V6
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
6.2L/V8
6.7L/V8
6.8L/V8
6.7L/V8
2.5L/4-CYL
2.5L/4-CYL
2.5L/4-CYL
2.2L/4-CYL
3.2L/4-CYL
2.2L/4-CYL
2.2L/4-CYL

101/NA
105/NA
110/NA
123/NA
123/NA
158/NA
123/NA
247/NA
175/NA
240/NA
288/NA
365/NA
171/NA
240/NA
240/NA
285/NA
305/NA
290/NA
365/NA
285/NA
355/NA
365/NA
365/NA
305/NA
305/NA
305/NA
310/NA
310/NA
310/NA
420/NA
420/NA
420/NA
662/NA
305/NA
575/NA
360/NA
385/NA
400/NA
362/NA
300/NA
163/NA
164/NA
163/NA
150/NA
197/NA
100/NA
125/NA

4A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6M
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6M
6A
6A
6M
6A
6A
6M
6A
6A
6M
6A
6M
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
5M
5M
5M
6M
6A
6M
6M

56,000-57,000
65,000-82,000
70,000-85,000
69,000-75,000
69,000-75,000
89,000-99,000
72,000
99,000
89,000-100,000
120,000-135,000
100,000-155,000
190,000
89,000-105,000
115,000-125,000
145,000
105,000-160,000
175,000
130,000-215,000
220,000
110,000-140,000
175,000
155,000-245,000
165,000-255,000
130,000
135,000
155,000
175,000
185,000
210,000
190,000
195,000-200,000
220,000
310,000-320,000
170,000
275,000
145,000-235,000
140,000
205,000-210,000
160,000
210,000-220,000
70,000-85,000
75,000
90,000-100,000
90,000
100,000-120,000
115,000
125,000

Al Ghandi Auto: Dubai 04 231 0800/04 608 4666, Sharjah 06 514 2700, RAK 07 205 8325, Fujairah 09 205 4999

GMC TERRAIN It may boast the bad boy styling of its bigger siblings, but this
is a puny crossover. Avoid the four-pot and go for the V6, which is reasonably
peppy. Its immensely comfortable and the six-speed auto is eerily smooth.
TERRAIN FWD SLE
TERRAIN
TERRAIN DENALI
ACADIA FWD SLE
ACADIA DENALI
YUKON 4WD SLE
YUKON DENALI
YUKON XL 4WD SLE
YUKON XL DENALI
SIERRA 1500 SINGLE CAB
SIERRA DENALI

HONDA

CUV
CUV
CUV
CUV
CUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
PICK-UP
PICK-UP

2.4L/4-CYL
3.6L/V6
3.6L/V6
3.6L/V6
3.6L/V6
5.3L/V8
6.2L/V8
5.3L/V8
6.2L/V8
5.3L/V8
6.2L/V8

182/233
301/369
301/369
288/366
288/366
320/454
403/565
320/454
403/565
326/454
403/565

6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A

93,500
108,900
146,900
129,900
195,900
189,900
273,900
198,900
283,900
139,900
199,900

Trading Enterprises: Dubai 04 206 6300/04 295 4246/04 347 2212

ACCORD With its crisply sculpted lines, the latest model is by far the
best-looking Accord in many years. Its available with two powertrains,
a 2.4-litre four-cylinder and a 3.5-litre V6, coupled with five-speed and
six-speed automatics respectively.
CITY LXI
CITY EXI
CIVIC LXI
CIVIC EXI
CIVIC EXI
CIVIC VTI
ACCORD DX
ACCORD LX-B
ACCORD EX-A
ACCORD EX-B
ACCORD EX-V6
ACCORD EX-V6 SPORT
ACCORD COUPE
ACCORD COUPE
CROSSTOUR TOURING
JAZZ LX
JAZZ EX
CR-V LX
CR-V EX
CR-V EX LEATHER
PILOT EX
PILOT EX-L
PILOT TOURING
ODYSSEY LX
ODYSSEY EXL LEATHER
ODYSSEY TOURING

42

SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
COUPE
COUPE
ESTATE
HATCH
HATCH
CUV
CUV
CUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
MPV
MPV
MPV

1.5L/4-CYL
1.5L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
2.4L/4-CYL
2.4L/4-CYL
2.4L/4-CYL
2.4L/4-CYL
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
2.4L/4-CYL
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
1.5L/4-CYL
1.5L/4-CYL
2.4L/4-CYL
2.4L/4-CYL
2.4L/4-CYL
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6

118/145
118/145
138/173
138/173
138/173
138/173
178/221
178/221
178/221
178/221
271/339
271/339
191/221
271/339
271/339
118/146
118/146
168/219
168/219
168/219
253/347
253/347
253/347
252/338
252/338
252/338

5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A

56,499
62,499
70,499
75,499
79,499
85,499
85,499
92,499
103,499
113,499
126,499
133,499
105,299
129,499
146,499
60,499
71,999
99,499
109,499
120,499
127,799
147,499
160,499
129,999
145,499
170,499

ENGINE

BHP/NM

TRANS

PRICE

Juma Al Majid: Dubai 04 266 5153/04 340 7070, Sharjah 06 559 8796, Abu Dhabi 02 644 0233,
RAK 07 235 2984, Fujairah 09 222 6316, Al Ain 03 721 6666

SANTA FE The Santa Fe is the Korean carmakers best-looking SUV yet. Its
also a huge improvement over the previous version in terms of performance
and refinement. Powered by either a 2.4-litre four-pot or a 3.3-litre V6, the
new Santa Fe is a credible alternative to pricier Japanese rivals.
I10
ACCENT
ACCENT
I 30
I 30
ELANTRA
ELANTRA
SONATA
AZERA
AZERA
GENESIS
GENESIS
CENTENNIAL
H1 (3/6 SEAT)
H1 (9 SEAT)
H1 (12 SEAT)
TUCSON
TUCSON
SANTA FE
SANTA FE
VERACRUZ

HATCH
SALOON
SALOON
HATCH
HATCH
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
COUPE
SALOON
MPV
MPV
MPV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV

INFINITI

1.2L/4-CYL
1.4L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
2.4L/4-CYL
2.7L/V6
3.3L/V6
3.8L/V6
3.8L/V6
4.6L/V8
2.4L/4-CYL
2.4L/4-CYL
2.4L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.4L/4-CYL
2.4L/4-CYL
3.3L/V6
3.8L/V6

66/98
95/124
112/144
121/152
143/186
121/152
143/186
178/228
192/250
235/304
290/357
290/369
366/439
174/228
174/228
174/228
166/197
177/228
176/225
270/318
260/348

N/A
5M/4A
4A
4A
4A
5M/4A
4A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
5M
4A
4A/5M
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A

32,000-36,000
38,000-44,000
44,000-46,000
48,000-51,900
65,000-69,900
54,000-67,000
49,000-67,000
68,000-96,900
99,000-119,000
99,000-119,000
161,000-174,000
123,000
254,000-263,000
64,000-65,900
75,000-81,900
74,900
66,000-81,000
69,000-92,500
84,000-93,000
98,000-124,000
99,000-134,000

Arabian Automobiles: Dubai 800-INFINITI

Al Masood Automobiles: Abu Dhabi 02 681 1118/02 884 4200

Q50 The Q50 embodies the new Infiniti, with a new naming system, curvier
design language and an array of cutting-edge technologies. Available as a
petrol-electric hybrid and as a 3.7-litre V6-powered regular version, this car
is all set to take the fight to its more established rivals in the segment.
G25S
G37S
G37C
G37CC
FX37
FX50
M37
M56
EX35
QX56

SALOON
SALOON
COUPE
CABRIO
CUV
SUV
SALOON
SALOON
CUV
SUV

JAGUAR

2.5L/V6
3.7L/V6
3.7L/V6
3.7L/V6
3.5L/V6
5.0L/V8
3.7L/V6
5.6L/V8
3.5L/V6
5.6L/V8

218/253
326/361
329/363
328/363
303/355
390/500
328/363
402/550
298/341
400/560

7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A

145,500-156,000
166,000
219,000
236,000
210,500-224,500
270,500
230,500
239,000-255,500
186,000
316-330,000

Al Tayer Motors/Premier Motors: 800 MOTORS/800 668677

F-TYPE COUP Loud, fast and fun to drive, the F-Type Coup is the most
powerful series-production Jaguar ever made. Its the first proper sportscar
from the British marque since the Sixties, and one that has the potential to
give even the iconic Porsche 911 some serious competition.
XF SE
XF PREMIUM LUXURY
XF SE
XF PREMIUM LUXURY
XFR SC
XJ LUXURY
XJ PREMIUM LUXURY
XJ LUXURY
XJ PREMIUM LUXURY
XJ PORTFOLIO
XJ PORTFOLIO SC
XJ SC SUPERSPORT
XK
XK
XK PORTFOLIO
XK PORTFOLIO
XKR
XKR
XKR-S

JEEP

SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
COUPE
CABRIO
COUPE
CABRIO
COUPE
CABRIO
COUPE

3.0L/V6
3.0L/V6
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
3.0L/V6
3.0L/V6
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8

238/293
238/293
385/515
510/625
385/515
238/293
238/293
385/515
385/515
385/515
470/575
510/625
385/515
385/515
385/515
385/515
510/625
510/625
550/680

6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A

169,000
209,000
199,000
239,000
409,000
289,000
309,000
309,000
369,000
419,000
479,000
599,000
319,000
339,000
380,000
400,000
450,700
470,000
599,000

Trading Enterprises: Dubai/Northern Emirates 800 4119

Western Motors: Abu Dhabi/Al Ain 800 5337, Al Ain 03 715 7477

CHEROKEE The all-new Cherokee has polarised Jeep lovers with its
awkward design. But it more than makes up for that with its brilliant off-road
capabilities, improved build quality, an array of safety features, and the
smooth operating 3.7-litre V6 mated to a nine-speed auto box.
COMPASS SPORT
COMPASS LTD
WRANGLER SPORT
WRANGLER SPORT
WRANGLER SPORT RENEGADE
WRANGLER SAHARA STD
WRANGLER SAHARA PLUS
WRANGLER SAHARA STD
WRANGLER SAHARA STD
WRANGLER SAHARA UNLIMITED STD
WRANGLER SAHARA UNLIMITED PLUS
CHEROKEE SPORT
GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO
GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED STD
GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED PLUS
GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED STD
GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED PLUS
GRAND CHEROKEE OVERLAND
GRAND CHEROKEE SRT8

KIA
PICANTO
RIO
RIO
CERATO
CERATO
OPTIMA
OPTIMA
CADENZA
QUORIS
SOUL
SOUL
CARENS
CARENS
CARNIVAL
SPORTAGE
SPORTAGE
SORENTO
SORENTO
MOHAVE
K 4000 G

SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV

2.4L/4-CYL
2.4L/4-CYL
3.6L/V6
3.6L/V6
3.6L/V6
3.6L/V6
3.6L/V6
3.6L/V6
3.6L/V6
3.6L/V6
3.6L/V6
3.7L/V6
3.6L/V6
3.6L/V6
3.6L/V6
5.7L/V8
5.7L/V8
5.7L/V8
6.4L/V8

170/220
170/220
280/352
280/352
280/352
280/352
280/352
280/352
280/352
280/352
280/352
210/318
290/352
290/352
290/352
360/528
360/528
360/528
470/624

CVT
CVT
6M
5A
5A
6M
6M
5A
5A
5A
5A
4A
5A
5A
5A
6A
6A
6A
5A

99,900
112,900
108,900
112,900
122,900
115,900
125,900
119,900
129,900
134,900
142,900
104,900
139,900
152,900
159,900
166,900
169,900
194,900
249,900

AMMC: Dubai 04 269 5600/04 266 5500/04 347 7999, Abu Dhabi 02 645 6277, Sharjah 06 575 2881,
Ajman 06 746 4848, Al Ain 03 722 0200, Fujairah 09 224 1614, RAK 07 235 1811

CADENZA With one of the best designs in the segment, a refined V6 and a
host of high-end features like ventilated seats, smart cruise control, blind-spot
detection, and lane departure warning, the Kia Cadenza is the most featurepacked saloon in its price range.
HATCH
SALOON
HATCH
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
CUV
CUV
MPV
MPV
MPV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
PICK-UP

1.2L/4-CYL
1.4L/4-CYL
1.4L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.4L/4-CYL
3.5L/V6
3.8L/V6
1.6L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
3.5L/V6
2.0L/4-CYL
2.4L/4-CYL
2.4L/4-CYL
3.5L/V6
3.8L/V6
3.0L/4-CYL

87/119.6
109/135
109/135
130/157
161/194
165/198
180/231
290/338
290/358
130/156
144/186
134/163
152/194
260/329
166/197
177/227
176/227
280/336
274/362
85/181

4A
4A
4A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
8A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
5A
5M

38,900-44,500
46,900-56,900
47,900-57,900
56,900-71,900
77,900
65,900
69,900-97,900
79,900-119,000
179,000-219,000
54,900-63,900
64,900
63,900-65,900
69,900-74,900
78,900-97,900
72,500-78,500
78,000-102,000
84,900-92,900
94,900-119,000
97,900-127,900
56,900

LAMBORGHINI

TYPE

ENGINE

BHP/NM

Al Jaziri Motors: Dubai 04 295 2225, Abu Dhabi 02 641 7611

TRANS

PRICE

AVENTADOR LP700-4 The eagerly awaited Murcilago replacement has

made a swashbuckling arrival packing a brand new 6.5-litre V12, a new
seven-speed gearbox and 700 horses. It races from 0-100kph in 2.9 seconds
and boasts a full carbon monocoque. Its a massive leap over its predecessor.
SPYDER PERFORMANTE
LP700-4 AVENTADOR
LP550-2
LP550-2 SPYDER
LP-560-4 BICOLORE
LP560-4
LP560-4 SPYDER
SUPERLEGGERA
SUPER TROFEO STRADALE

LAND ROVER

CABRIO
COUPE
COUPE
CABRIO
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE

5.2L/V10
6.5L/V12
5.2L/V10
5.2L/V10
5.2L/V10
5.2L/V10
5.2L/V10
5.2L/V10
5.2L/V10

570/540
700/690
552/540
550/540
560/540
560/540
560/540
570/540
570/540

6A
7A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A

970,000
1,550,000
650,000
750,000
780,000
760,000
840,000
890,000
950,000

Al Tayer Motors/Premier Motors: 800 MOTORS/800 668677

DEFENDER Sure, the Defender is half a century old, but did you know it can
be dismantled with one spanner? And with its 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine
you can pull off the line in third, driving it like an auto. Its practicality and
simplicity also make it great off-road. But its very much an acquired taste.
LAND ROVER LR2 HSE
LAND ROVER LR4 V8 LE
LAND ROVER LR4 V8 HSE
RANGE ROVER EVOQUE PURE
EVOQUE DYNAMIC
EVOQUE DYNAMIC COUP
EVOQUE PRESTIGE
EVOQUE PRESTIGE COUP
EVOQUE DYNAMIC PLUS
EVOQUE DYNAMIC PLUS COUP
RANGE ROVER SPORT SE PLUS
RANGE ROVER SPORT HSE
RANGE ROVER SPORT SC
RANGE ROVER SPORT SC HST
RANGE ROVER SE PLUS
RANGE ROVER HSE
RANGE ROVER HSE + KIT
RANGE ROVER VOGUE SC
RANGE ROVER VOGUE SC + KIT
RANGE ROVER AUTOBIOGRAPHY
DEFENDER 90 SW
DEFENDER 110 SW

LEXUS

SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV

3.2L/V6
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
2.2L/4-CYL
2.2L/4-CYL

233/317
375/515
375/515
240/340
240/340
240/340
240/340
240/340
240/340
240/340
375/510
375/510
510/625
510/625
375/510
375/510
375/510
510/625
510/625
510/625
122/360
122/360

6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6M
6M

169,000
239,000
269,000
210,000
240,000
240,000
250,000
250,000
260,000
260,000
309,000
345,000
399,000
434,000
310,000
340,000
360,000
435,000
455,000
559,000
160,000
170,000

LUXGEN

LINCOLN

HATCH
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
CABRIO
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV

1.8L/4-CYL
2.5L/V6
2.5L/V6
2.5L/V6
2.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.0L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
2.5L/4-CYL
2.5L/4-CYL
2.5L/4-CYL
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
2.5L/V6
2.5L/V6
2.5L/V6
2.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
4.6L/V8
4.6L/V8
4.6L/V8
4.6L/V8
4.6L/V8
4.6L/V8
4.6L/V8
4.6L/V8
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
5.0L/V8
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
4.6L/V8
4.6L/V8
4.6L/V8
5.7L/V8
5.7L/V8
5.7L/V8
5.7L/V8
5.7L/V8

98/142
204/250
204/250
204/250
204/250
312/378
312/378
312/378
312/378
312/378
228/301
314/378
314/378
314/378
314/378
471/530
471/530
181/235
181/235
181/235
272/346
272/346
272/346
206/253
206/253
206/253
206/253
312/377
312/377
312/377
312/377
312/377
341/352
382/494
382/494
382/494
382/494
382/494
382/494
382/494
382/494
438/520
438/520
438/520
438/520
238/350
238/350
238/350
238/350
275/348
275/348
275/348
275/348
275/348
275/348
295/317
295/317
292/438
292/438
292/438
362/530
362/530
362/530
362/530
362/530

CVT
6A
6A
6A
6A
8A
8A
8A
8A
8A
6A
8A
8A
8A
8A
8A
8A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
8A
8A
8A
8A
8A
8A
8A
8A
8A
8A
8A
8A
8A
8A
8A
8A
8A
8A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A

166,000
150,000
175,000
195,000
190,000
190,000
210,000
210,000
211,000
230,000
205,000
180,000
210,000
220,000
240,000
310,000
380,000
155,000
175,000
183,000
195,000
192,000
220,000
185,000
200,000
215,000
220,000
220,000
230,000
262,000
255,000
258,000
275,000
310,000
370,000
374,000
380,000
350,000
390,000
450,000
455,000
430,000
434,000
500,000
505,000
160,000
195,000
180,000
205,000
179,000
210,000
235,000
245,000
248,000
230,000
257,000
242,000
210,000
230,000
260,000
340,000
394,000
398,000
406,000
410,000

Al Tayer Motors/Premier Motors: 800 MOTORS/800 668677

MKZ With significantly revised styling and a sprinkling of chrome and LED
lights, the MKZ is a thoroughly modern car. Coupled with a crisp six-speed
auto, the 300bhp 3.7-litre V6 returns super-smooth performance and the
handling is better than that of any previous Lincolns.
MK-C FWD PREMIUM
MK-C AWD SELECT
MK-C AWD RESERVE

CUV
CUV
CUV

2.0L/NA
2.0L/NA
2.3L/NA

240/NA
240/NA
285/NA

6A
6A
6A

160,000
195,000
210,000

BHP/NM
305/NA
305/NA
303/NA
365/NA
300/NA
365/NA
365/NA

TRANS
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A

PRICE
195,000
195,000
165,000
205,000
145,000-195,000
285,000
295,000

Western Auto LLC: Dubai 04 297 7788

LUXGEN7 SUV P/L

LUXGEN7 SUV M/L+
LUXGEN7 MPV P/L+
LUXGEN7 MPV M/L
LUXGEN S5 TURBO
LUXGEN U6 TURBO
LUXGEN U7 TURBO

MASERATI

SUV
SUV
MPV
MPV
SALOON
CUV
SUV

2.2L /4-CYL
2.2L /4-CYL
2.2L /4-CYL
2.2L /4-CYL
2.0L /4-CYL
2.0L /4-CYL
2.2L /4-CYL

175/274
175/274
175/274
175/274
168/255
168/255
175/274

5A
5A
5A
5A
6A
6A
5A

129,000
115,000
119,000
105,000
83,000
97,000
139,000

Al Tayer Motors/Premier Motors: 800 MOTORS/800 668677

GHIBLI Beautifully engineered and powered by a resonant V6 that actually

sounds like a V8, the Ghibli isnt just fast, its blessed with sportscar-like
dynamics too. But if you think you have to break the bank to buy one, think
again. Its a real game-changer and dont its rivals know it
GRANTURISMO
GRANTURISMO SPORT
GRANTURISMO SPORT CC
GRANTURISMO MC STRADALE
GRANTURISMO MC CENTENNIAL
GRANCABRIO
GRANCABRIO SPORT
GRANCABRIO MC
GRANCABRIO MC CENTENNIAL
QUATTROPORTE
QUATTROPORTE S
QUATTROPORTE S Q4
QUATTROPORTE GTS
GHIBLI
GHIBLI S
GHIBLI S Q4

COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
CABRIO
CABRIO
CABRIO
CABRIO
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON

4.2L/V8
4.7L/V8
4.7L/V8
4.7L/V8
4.7L/V8
4.7L/V8
4.7L/V8
4.7L/V8
4.7L/V8
3.0L/V6
3.0L/V6
3.0L/V6
3.8L/V8
3.0L/V6
3.0L/V6
3.0L/V6

405/460
460/520
460/520
460/520
460/520
460/520
460/520
460/520
460/520
330/500
410/550
410/550
530/710
330/500
410/550
410/550

6A
6A
6M
6M
6M
6A
6A
6A
6A
8A
8A
8A
8A
8A
8A
8A

425,000
485,000
495,000
620,000
630,000
515,000
575,000
625,000
640,000
379,000
435,000
455,000
525,000
285,000
319,000
329,000

Galadari Automobiles: Dubai 04 299 4666, Abu Dhabi 02 677 3030,

Sharjah 06 532 0101, Fujairah 09 222 2474, RAK 07 235 1163, Al Ain 03 721 4775

GS 350 Lexus offers three variants of the new GS, including a hybrid you
should ignore. That makes the 3.5-litre V6 equipped GS 350 the pick of the
bunch, especially with the tasty-looking F Sport trim. Performance is much
improved, if not up to German standards, but it covers all the comfort bases.
CT 200H PRESTIGE
IS 250 PREMIER
IS 250 PRESTIGE
IS 250 PLATINUM
IS 250 F SPORT PRESTIGE
IS 350 PRESTIGE
IS 350 PLATINUM
IS 350 F SPORT PRESTIGE
IS 350 F SPORT PRESTIGE E2
IS 350 F SPORT PLATINUM
IS 300 F SPORT
RC PREMIER
RC PLATINUM
RC F SPORT PRESTIGE
RC F SPORT PLATINUM
RC F PLATINUM
RC F CARBON
ES 250 PREMIER
ES 250 PLATINUM
ES 250 PLATINUM PLUS
ES 350 PLATINUM
ES 350 PLATINUM PLUS
ES 350 TITANIUM
GS 250 PREMIER
GS 250 PRESTIGE
GS 250 PLATINUM
GS 250 F SPORT
GS 350 PREMIER
GS 350 PRESTIGE
GS 350 PLATINUM
GS 350 F SPORT
GS 350 F SPORT E2
GS 450H F SPORT
LS 460 PREMIER
LS 460 F SPORT
LS 460 F SPORT E2
LS 460 PRESTIGE SWB
LS 460 PRESTIGE
LS 460 PRESTIGE PLUS
LS 460 PLATINUM
LS 460 TITANIUM
LS 600H F SPORT
LS 600H F SPORT E2
LS 600H PLATINUM
LS 600H TITANIUM
NX PREMIER (TURBO)
NX PLATINUM (TURBO)
NX F SPORT PRESTIGE (TURBO)
NX F SPORT PLATINUM (TURBO)
RX 350 PREMIER
RX 350 PREMIER PLUS
RX 350 PRESTIGE
RX 350 PLATINUM
RX 350 PLATINUM LIMITED EDITION
RX 350 F SPORT
RX 450H PLATINUM
RX 450H F SPORT
GX 460 PREMIER
GX 460 PRESTIGE
GX 460 PLATINUM
LX 570 PREMIER INTREPID
LX 570 PLATINUM
LX 570 TITANIUM
LX 570 SPORT PLATINUM DA
LX 570 SPORT TITANIUM DA

ENGINE
3.7L/NA
3.7L/V6
3.7L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.7L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6

U7 Itd be easy to ignore this new brand and stick to the tried and tested
but the U7 can do everything its rivals do and for far less of an outlay. That
definitely makes it worthy of a serious look if youre after a proper family
hauler thats comfortable and attractive.

MAZDA

Al Futtaim Motors: Dubai 04 206 6600

TYPE
CUV
SALOON
CUV
CUV
SALOON
SUV
SUV

MK-X
MK-S
MK-T FWD
MK-T AWD
MK-Z
NAVIGATOR STD
NAVIGATOR EL

MAZDA The Mazda 3 hatchback has always been a fun-to-drive, practical car.
Now into its third generation, the 3 is a way more compelling proposition with
its striking good looks, refined ride, agile dynamics and class-leading features.
MAZDA2
MAZDA3
MAZDA6 2.0
MAZDA6 2.5
CX-5
CX-5
CX-9
MX-5

MCLAREN

HATCH
SALOON/HATCH
SALOON
SALOON
SUV
SUV
SUV
CABRIO

1.5L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.5L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.5L/4-CYL
3.7L/V6
2.0L/4-CYL

102/135
105/145
155/200
185/250
155/195
185 /250
273/366
166/190

4A
4A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A

49,000-51,000
60,000-73,000
75,000-84,000
85,000-110,000
80,000-100,000
110,000-118,000
115,000-146,000
119,000

Al Habtoor: Dubai 04 382 7500, Abu Dhabi 02 681 0403

650S A combination of the MP4-12C and the P1 means this 641bhp beauty
is absolutely sensational to drive, not to mention generously equipped and
extraordinarily comfortable to boot. It isnt a surprise, then, that this is the
worlds ultimate luxury sportscar right now.
650S
650S SPIDER

MERCEDES-BENZ

COUPE
CABRIO

3.8L/V8
3.8L/V8

616/600
616/600

7A
7A

1,048,500
1,161,000

Gargash Enterprises: Dubai 04 209 9777/04 347 6777, Sharjah 06 538 5222, RAK 07 235
5888, Fujairah 09 223 3999, Used Cars 04 323 3781. Emirates Motor Company: Abu Dhabi
02 444 7788/02 656 7755/02 403 7777, Al Ain 03 715 7444, Used cars 02 444 3171

SLS AMG ROADSTER Looks, power, performance; the SLS AMG has it
all, including gullwings. The Roadster ditches the latter for the sake of a
removable top. Now it looks even better, feels stiffer and is still a beast. The
571bhp 6.2-litre V8 propels the Roadster from 0-100kph in just 3.8 seconds.
A 250
A 45 AMG 4 MATIC
C 180
C 200
C 250
C 250
C 300
C 350
C 350
C 63 AMG
C 63 AMG 507
C 63 AMG
C 63 AMG 507
E 200
E 200
E 200
E 250
E 250
E 250
E 300
E 350
E 350
E 350
E 400
E 400
E 500
E 500
E 500
E 63 AMG
E 63 AMG S 4MATIC
CLS 350
CLS 500
CLS 63 AMG
CLS 63 AMG S 4MATIC
S 400 L
S 500 L
S 63 AMG 4MATIC L
CL 500
CL 600
CL 63 AMG
CL 65 AMG
SL 350
SL 500
SL 63 AMG
SL 65 AMG
SLK 200
SLK 250
SLK 350

HATCH
HATCH
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
COUPE
SALOON
SALOON
COUPE
SALOON
SALOON
COUPE
COUPE
SALOON
CABRIO
COUPE
SALOON
CABRIO
COUPE
SALOON
SALOON
COUPE
CABRIO
COUPE
CABRIO
SALOON
COUPE
CABRIO
SALOON
SALOON
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
CABRIO
CABRIO
CABRIO
CABRIO
CABRIO
CABRIO
CABRIO

2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
3.0L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
6.3L/V8
6.3L/V8
6.3L/V8
6.3L/V8
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.0L/V6
3.0L/V6
4.7L/V8
4.7L/V8
4.7L/V8
4.7L/V8
4.7L/V8
3.5L/V6
4.7L/V8
5.5L/V8
5.5L/V8
3.0L/V6
4.7L/V8
5.5L/V8
4.7L/V8
5.5L/V12
5.5L/V8
6.0L/V12
3.5L/V6
4.7L/V8
5.5L/V8
6.0L/V12
1.8L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
3.5L/V6

211/350
360/450
156/250
184/270
204/310
204/310
252/340
306/370
306/370
457/600
507/610
457/600
507/610
184/270
184/270
184/270
211/350
211/350
211/350
252/340
306/370
306/370
306/370
333/480
333/480
408/600
408/600
408/600
557/720
585/800
306/370
408/600
525/720
585/800
333/480
455/700
585/900
435/700
517/830
544/800
630/1000
306/370
435/700
573/800
630/1000
184/270
204/310
306/370

7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A

136,891
206,254
131,019
149,319
164,783
186,436
174,692
199,281
221,301
293,233
325,529
313,051
353,421
180,197
207,355
194,510
196,712
240,385
228,641
219,833
237,449
257,267
267,910
264,974
277,085
302,775
326,263
337,460
428,289
480,036
315,620
386,451
498,019
554,537
398,929
492,514
674,179
551,234
688,492
715,650
976,220
389,754
478,201
623,166
903,554
183,133
201,850
230,109

43

SLK 55 AMG
SLS AMG COUPE
SLS AMG ROADSTER
SLS AMG COUPE GT
SLS AMG ROADSTER GT
SLS AMG BLACK SERIES
GLK 250 4MATIC
GLK 350 4MATIC
ML 350 4MATIC
ML 500 4MATIC
ML 63 AMG
GL 500 4MATIC
GL 63 AMG
VIANO FUN
VIANO TREND
VIANO TREND LWB
VIANO AMBIENTE
VIANO AMBIENTE LWB
VIANO AVANTGARDE

MG

TYPE
CABRIO
COUPE
CABRIO
COUPE
CABRIO
COUPE
CUV
CUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
VAN
VAN
VAN
VAN
VAN
VAN

ENGINE
5.5L/V12
6.3L/V8
6.3L/V8
6.3L/V8
6.3L/V8
6.3L/V8
2.0L/4 CYL
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
4.7L/V8
5.5L/V8
4.7L/V8
5.5L/V8
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6

BHP/NM
421/540
571/650
571/650
591/650
591/650
631/635
211/350
306/370
306/370
408/600
525/700
435/700
557/760
258/340
258/340
258/340
258/340
258/340
258/340

TRANS
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A
7A

PRICE
299,839
775,104
805,565
844,467
874,928
1,034,573
150,103
196,712
244,055
330,667
419,481
307,303
488,110
166,985
189,005
190,840
225,705
227,907
242,587

AW Rostamani Trading Co. LLC: Dubai 04 211 2999, 800 AWRMG/800 29764

MG3 A once-great brand, MG lost its lustre in recent years, but the
now-Chinese-owned marque still has some worthwhile products to offer.
Among these is the stylish MG3 hatchback, which is available in the UAE at
a sub-Dh50K price good value for a 1.5-litre five-door with decent interior.
MG 3
MG 3
MG 350 LL
MG 350 HL
MG 5 ML
MG 5 HL
MG 550 TURBO
MG 550 GDEL TURBO
MG 6 FASTBACK DEL TURBO
MG 6 FASTBACK GDEL TURBO
MG 6 DEL TURBO
MG 6 GDEL TURBO
MG 750
MG 750E

MINI

HATCH
HATCH
SALOON
SALOON
HATCH
HATCH
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON

1.3L/4-CYL
1.5L/4-CYL
1.5L/4-CYL
1.5L/4-CYL
1.5L/4-CYL
1.5L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
2.5/V6
2.5/V6

87/118
106/135
108/135
108/135
108/135
108/135
158/215
158/215
158/215
158/215
158/215
158/215
184/230
184/230

5A
5A
4A
4A
4A
4A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A
5A

43,500
46,000
49,500
56,500
57,000
61,500
66,000
74,500
71,500
77,500
73,000
80,000
87,500
90,000

AGMC: Dubai 04 339 1555, Sharjah 06 544 1111, RAK 07 235 5666
Abu Dhabi Motors: 02 681 1700

COOPER S With a big 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, the Cooper S makes a

carefree 192bhp and that is 11 more than the outgoing version. The handling
brings plenty of fun like a proper Mini should, but its beginning to feel a bit
more grown-up now.
COOPER
COOPER S
COOPER S
COOPER CLUBMAN
COOPER S CLUBMAN
COOPER ROADSTER
COOPER S ROADSTER
COOPER COUNTRYMAN
COOPER S COUNTRYMAN
COOPER COUPE
COOPER S COUPE

MITSUBISHI

HATCH
HATCH
CABRIO
HATCH
HATCH
CABRIO
CABRIO
CUV
CUV
COUPE
COUPE

1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL

122/160
184/240
184/240
122/160
184/240
122/160
184/240
122/160
184/240
122/160
184/240

6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
A
A
A
A
A
A

132,000
165,000
176,000
125,000
145,000
159,500
176,000
165,000
187,000
N/A
165,000

Al Habtoor Motors: Dubai 04 269 1110, Abu Dhabi 02 678 8400

OUTLANDER The third-generation Outlander is now by far one of the best

CUVs in the market and a capable off-roader to boot. Redesigned from top
to bottom and now 90kg lighter than before, it has seating for seven adults,
packs a smooth 224bhp 3.0-litre V6 mated to a six-speed automatic.
LANCER GLS H/L
LANCER EVOLUTION
ECLIPSE GS AUTO
ECLIPSE GS PREMIUM
ECLIPSE GT
EVOLUTION X
EVOLUTION X
OUTLANDER GLX
OUTLANDER GLS
PAJERO SPORT

NISSAN

SALOON
SALOON
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
SALOON
SALOON
SUV
SUV
SUV

1.5L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.4L/4-CYL
2.4L/4-CYL
3.8L/V6
2.0L/N/A
2.0L/N/A
3.0L/V6
3.0L/V6
3.5L/V6

123/173
300/366
N/A
N/A
N/A
291/366
291/366
N/A
235/295
N/A

A
M
A
A
A
5M
6A
A
A
A

63,000-64,500
144,000-149,900
66,900
77,500
86,000-91,000
176,000
179,000
77,900
81,900-84,900
94,900-109,900

Arabian Automobiles: Dubai 800 NISSAN/800 647726

Al Masood Automobiles: Abu Dhabi 02 681 1118/02 884 4200

GT-R The original GT-R wasnt exactly a ponderous car, but the 2014 version
is even more rapid. The handling is improved further and 0-100kph time is
down to 2.7 seconds. In other words, its faster than the Ferrari Italia, Porsche
911 Turbo S and at Dh450K costs less than either.
MICRA
SUNNY
TIIDA
TIIDA
SENTRA
SENTRA
ALTIMA
ALTIMA
MAXIMA
370Z
GT-R
JUKE
QASHQAI
XTERRA
MURANO
PATHFINDER
ARMADA
PATROL HT (SWB)
PATROL SAFARI (LWB)
PATROL PICKUP
PATROL V8

OPEL

HATCH
SALOON
HATCH
HATCH
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
COUPE
COUPE
CUV
CUV
SUV
CUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
PICK-UP
SUV

1.5L/4-CYL
1.5L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
2.5L/4-CYL
3.5L/6-CYL
3.5L/6-CYL
3.7L/6-CYL
3.8L/6-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
4.0L/6-CYL
3.5L/6-CYL
3.5L/6-CYL
5.6L/8-CYL
4.8L/6-CYL
4.8L/6-CYL
4.8L/6-CYL
5.6L/8-CYL

99/134
99/134
116/154
130/174
116/154
130/174
182/244
270/340
291/350
328/363
550/633
117/158
142/201
270/394
256/336
254/326
320/533
280/451
280/451
280/451
400/527

4A
5M/4A
CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
6M/7A
6A
CVT
CVT
5A
CVT
CVT
5A
5M/5A
5M/5A
5M/5A
6M/5A/7A

39,500-44,500
42,500-54,500
53,000-59,000
64,500-73,000
56,000-66,500
60,500-79,000
76,000-94,000
106,000
99,500-124,500
139,000-169,000
445,000
59,500-82,000
75,000-103,000
99,500-114,500
115,000-141,000
107,500-164,500
162,000-179,000
119,000-155,000
165,000-175,000
114,000-118,000
169,000-319,000

Liberty Automobiles: Dubai 04 341 9341, Sharjah 06 533 1777

ASTRA OPC Remember the letters O-P-C the next time you think about
buying a hot hatch with striking looks and fabulous grip. This thing has bags of
power (280bhp) and is available with a six-speed manual. Youd need a Golf R
just to hang with it, and the key word is hang.
CORSA
ASTRA
ASTRA
ASTRA GTC
INSIGNIA
INSIGNIA OPC
ZAFIRA TOURER 7 SEATS
MERIVA 5 SEATS

44

HATCH
HATCH
SALOON
COUPE
SALOON
SALOON
MPV
MPV

1.4L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.4L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.8L/6-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.4L/4-CYL

90/125
115/155
115/155
140/200
220/350
325/435
170/NA
120/155

6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A

53,000-68,000
84,000
72,500-85,000
90,000
120,000-140,000
175,000
TBA
74,000

PEUGEOT

TYPE

ENGINE

Swaidan Trading: Dubai 04 266 7111

Omeir Bin Youssef & Sons LLC: Abu Dhabi 02 633 3000

BHP/NM

TRANS

PRICE

RCZ The RCZ is an important car for Peugeot. Its meant to make the brand
desirable again. And it looks like theyre right on the money with this one. It
packs the same 1.6-litre engine that powers the Mini, meaning it is peppy.
The RCZ has arrived in our region, going for the Audi TTs scalp.
208 ACTIVE 1.6L ATP
208 ALLURE 1.6L ATP
208 ALLURE 1.6L ATP - WITH CIELO ROOF
2008 ACTIVE 1.6L ATP
2008 ALLURE 1.6L ATP
2008 ALLURE 1.6L ATP (WITH GPS NAV)
301 SEDAN ACCESS - 1.6L ATP
301 SEDAN ACTIVE - 1.6L ATP
301 SEDAN ALLURE - 1.6L ATP
308 ACTIVE ATP
308 ALLURE ATP
308 GT LINE ATP
508 SEDAN ACCESS - 1.6L ATP
508 SEDAN ALLURE 1.6L ATP
3008 STANDARD 1.6 ATP
3008 PREMIUM 1.6 ATP
5008 PREMIUM 1.6 ATP - 7 SEATER
RCZ 1.6L TURBO SPORT ATP - LEATHER
PARTNER VAN B9 1.6L - SHORT BODY
PARTNER VAN B9 1.6L - LONG BODY
PARTNER COMBI B9 1.6L - 5 SEATER
BOXER VAN (CARGO VOLUME 8CBM)
BOXER VAN (CARGO VOLUME 11.5 CBM)
BOXER VAN (CARGO VOLUME 17 CBM)

PORSCHE

HATCH
HATCH
HATCH
CUV
CUV
CUV
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
HATCH
HATCH
HATCH
SALOON
SALOON
CROSSOVER
CROSSOVER
MPV
COUPE
VAN
VAN
MPV
VAN
VAN
VAN

1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
2.2L/4-CYL
2.2L/4-CYL
2.2L/4-CYL

120/160
120/160
120/160
120/160
120/160
120/160
115/150
115/150
115/150
160/240
160/240
160/240
160/240
160/240
156/240
156/240
156/240
163/240
110/142
110/142
110/142
120/320
120/320
120/320

A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
6A
A
A
A
A
6A
M
M
M
M
M
M

58,500
65,900
69,900
73,500
79,900
83,900
53,500
56,500
62,000
83,900
93,900
104,900
89,900
120,000
87,500
95,000
97,500
137,000
54,000
56,500
59,500
97,500
104,000
115,000

Al Nabooda Automobiles: Dubai 04 321 3911. Ali & Sons Co LLC: Abu Dhabi 02 674 5600, Al Ain 03 721 0066.
Porsche Service Centre: Fujairah 09 222 10 66. Porsche Centre: Sharjah 06 51 255 50

CAYMAN S The benchmark mid-engined sportscar has a latest-generation

model and it is so good that you might think twice about buying that 911. With
a seven-speed PDK mated to a superb 3.4-litre six-cylinder, this RWD beauty
produces 325bhp and 370Nm. And as youd imagine, it handles like a gem.
BOXSTER
BOXSTER S
BOXSTER GTS
CAYMAN
CAYMAN S
CAYMAN GTS
911 CARRERA
911 CARRERA 4
911 CARRERA CABRIO
911 TARGA 4
911 CARRERA 4 CABRIO
911 CARRERA S
911 CARRERA 4S
911 CARRERA S CABRIO
911 TARGA 4S
911 CARRERA 4S CABRIO
911 GT3
911 TURBO
911 TURBO CABRIO
911 TURBO S
911 TURBO S CABRIO
MACAN S DIESEL
MACAN S
MACAN TURBO
CAYENNE PLAT. ED.
CAYENNE DIESEL PLAT. ED.
CAYENNE
CAYENNE DIESEL
CAYENNE S
CAYENNE S DIESEL
CAYENNE S HYBRID
CAYENNE GTS
CAYENNE TURBO
CAYENNE TURBO S
PANAMERA DIESEL
PANAMERA
PANAMERA 4
PANAMERA S
PANAMERA S E-HYBRID
PANAMERA 4S
PANAMERA GTS
PANAMERA 4S EXECUTIVE
PANAMERA TURBO
PANAMERA TURBO EXECUTIVE
PANAMERA TURBO S
PANAMERA TURBO S EXECUTIVE
918 SPYDER
918 SPYDER W. WEISSACH-P

PROTON

ROADSTER
ROADSTER
ROADSTER
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
CABRIO
CABRIO
CABRIO
COUPE
COUPE
CABRIO
CABRIO
CABRIO
COUPE
COUPE
CABRIO
COUPE
CABRIO
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
ROADSTER
ROADSTER

2.7L/6-CYL
3.4L/6-CYL
3.4L/6-CYL
2.7L/6-CYL
3.4L/6-CYL
3.4L/6-CYL
3.4L/6-CYL
3.4L/6-CYL
3.4L/6-CYL
3.4L/6-CYL
3.4L/6-CYL
3.8L/6-CYL
3.8L/6-CYL
3.8L/6-CYL
3.8L/6-CYL
3.8L/6-CYL
3.8L/6-CYL
3.8L/6-CYL
3.8L/6-CYL
3.8L/6-CYL
3.8L/6-CYL
3.6L/V6
3.6L/V6
3.6L/V6
3.6L/V6
3.6L/V6
3.6L/V6
3.0L/V6
4.8L/V8
4.2L/V8
3.0L/V6
4.8L/V8
4.8L/V8
4.8L/V8
3.0L/V6
3.6L/V6
3.6L/V6
3.0L/V6
3.0L/V6
3.0L/V6
4.8L/V8
3.0L/V6
4.8L/V8
4.8L/V8
4.8L/V8
4.8L/V8
4.6L/V8
4.6L/V8

265/280
315/360
330/370
275/290
325/370
340/380
350/390
350/390
350/390
350/390
350/390
400/440
400/440
400/440
400/440
400/440
475/440
520/660
520/660
560/700
560/700
245/580
340/460
400/550
300/400
245/550
300/400
245/550
400/500
382/850
333/440
420/515
500/700
550/750
250/550
310/400
310/400
420/520
333/440
420/520
440/520
420/520
520/700
520/700
570/750
570/750
887/1280
887/1280

M/PDK
M/PDK
M/PDK
M/PDK
M/PDK
M/PDK
M/PDK
M/PDK
M/PDK
M/PDK
M/PDK
M/PDK
M/PDK
M/PDK
M/PDK
M/PDK
PDK
PDK
PDK
PDK
PDK
PDK
PDK
PDK
TIPTRONIC S
TIPTRONIC S
TIPTRONIC S
TIPTRONIC S
TIPTRONIC S
TIPTRONIC S
TIPTRONIC S
TIPTRONIC S
TIPTRONIC S
TIPTRONIC S
TIPTRONIC S
PDK
PDK
PDK
TIPTRONIC S
PDK
PDK
PDK
PDK
PDK
PDK
PDK
PDK
PDK

204,800
226,800
254,900
205,000
227,700
258,400
344,600
369,800
381,600
403,100
406,200
407,900
433,600
445,200
465,900
471,200
491,200
554,300
601,800
667,700
714,500
248,800
253,000
348,900
254,400
255,300
258,400
259,700
307,600
314,000
326,900
343,600
499,900
631,500
381,100
383,300
406,900
462,300
485,600
487,300
524,900
565,400
673,600
734,200
854,200
921,000
3,294,000
3,610,000

National Auto: Dubai 04 284 0991, Sharjah 06 514 2700, Fujairah 09 205 4999

GEN2 With a chassis designed in collaboration with Lotus, the Gen2 isnt
as bad as youd think. With a peppy 1.6-litre four-pot mated to either a fivespeed manual or four-speed automatic and options including 15in wheels, a
10-disc CD changer and ABS brakes, the Gen2 is ideal for the first time buyer.
SAGA M/L
PERSONA M/L
GEN 2 M/L

RAM

SALOON
SALOON
SALOON

1.4L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL

94/120
110/148
110/148

5A
4A
4A

34,000
46,000
46,000

Trading Enterprises: UAE 800 4119

1500 You only get the 5.7-litre Hemi mated to an eight-speed auto, not that
were complaining. But it is available in regular cab, quad cab and crew cab
body styles and two trim levels the SLT and the Laramie. Features include
heated and ventilated front seats, 30GB hard drive and rear DVD screens.
QUAD CAB
LARAMIE CREW

RENAULT

PICK-UP
PICK-UP

5.7L/V8
5.7L/V8

390/552
390/552

6A
6A

114,900
164,900

Arabian Automobiles: Dubai 04 339 0999/04 299 8999, Sharjah 06 598 6222
Al Masaood Automobiles: Dubai 04 299 8999, Abu Dhabi 02 644 9800/02 449 6300, Al Ain 03 721 9999

SAFRANE The newbie combines good looks, luxury and comfort at

competitive prices. Whats more, the second-gen car features some fabulous
kit including massaging seats, blind spot warning systems and a 4.3in
touchscreen. The 3.5-litre V6 is smooth and powerful producing 240bhp.
MEGANE PE
MEGANE SE
MEGANE SE
MEGANE LE NAV
MEGANE LE
MEGANE CABRIOLET
FLUENCE PE
FLUENCE LE
FLUENCE PE
FLUENCE LE
SAFRANE PE
SAFRANE SE

HATCHBACK
HATCHBACK
HATCHBACK
HATCHBACK
HATCHBACK
COUPE
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON

1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL

110/155
110/155
143/190
143/190
143/190
140/190
112/156
112/156
143/195
143/195
137/191
137/191

CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT

58,900
61,000
65,900
74,900
73,900
119,900
50,000
62,900
56,900
65,900
65,900
69,900

SAFRANE PE
SAFRANE SE
SAFRANE LE
DUSTER PE (4X2)
DUSTER PE+ (4X2)
DUSTER SE (4X2)
DUSTER SE+ (4X2)
KOLEOS PE (4X2)
KOLEOS PE (4X4)
KOLEOS SE (4X4)
KOLEOS LE (4X4)
KOLEOS LE NAV (4X4)
TWIZY
TWIZY
TRAFIC LOW ROOF
TRAFIC HIGH ROOF
TRAFIC HIGH ROOF PASSENGER

ROLLS-ROYCE

TYPE
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
ELECTRIC
ELECTRIC
VAN
VAN
VAN

ENGINE
2.5L/V6
2.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.5L/4-CYL
2.5L/4-CYL
2.5L/4-CYL
2.5L/4-CYL
2.5L/4-CYL
3CG
3CG
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL

BHP/NM
174/233
174/233
229/320
135/195
135/196
135/197
135/198
170/226
170/227
170/228
170/229
170/230
13/57
13/57
120/190
120/190
120/190

TRANS
6A
6A
6A
4A
4A
4A
4A
CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
A
A
6M
6M
6M

PRICE
79,900
83,900
95,000
49,900
53,500
58,900
62,900
75,900
81,900
91,900
109,900
114,900
76,900
77,900
76,000
79,000
88,500

AGMC: Dubai 04 405 0240

Abu Dhabi Motors: 02 558 2400

GHOST Its leather comes from bulls who roam the land freely, its wool from
fat California sheep, its mirrored dash wood from select trees and its V12
marvel of an engine from BMW. That makes the Ghost one of the greatest
cars in the world, with an unrivalled ride quality and eager handling too.
GHOST
GHOST EWB
PHANTOM
PHANTOM EWB
PHANTOM DROP HEAD COUPE
PHANTOM COUPE

SSANGYONG

SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
CABRIO
COUPE

6.6L/V12
6.6L/V12
6.75L/V12
6.75L/V12
6.75L/V12
6.75L/V12

563/780
563/780
453/720
453/620
453/720
453/720

A
A
A
A
A
A

1,300,000
1,500,000
1,900,000
2,200,000
2,000,000
2,200,200

SEAT

PICK-UP
PICK-UP
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV

2.3L/4-CYL
2.3L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
3.2L/6-CYL
3.2L/6-CYL

147/214
147/214
147/197
147/197
147/197
218/312
218/312

5M
5M
6A
6A
6A
5A
5A

59,000
69,000
69,000
79,000
89,000
95,000
105,000

Bin Dhaher Trading: Dubai 04 341 2828

LEON FR We used to work with a snapper who owned one and no matter
what supercar we were driving, he wanted to race us in his FR. Thats the kind
of confidence it instills by the way it handles. Its got 210bhp, making it as
powerful as a MkVI Golf GTI. Actually, it is a GTI underneath.
EXEO STYLE
ALTEA XL STYLE
IBIZA STYLE
LEON STYLE
LEON SPORT UP
LEON FR
LEON CUPRA R

SALOON
HATCH
HATCH
HATCH
HATCH
HATCH
HATCH

SKODA

Ali & Sons: Dubai 04 341 2022, Abu Dhabi 02 341 2022

2.0L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL

200/280
102/148
105/153
102/148
150/200
210/280
265/350

7A
7A
7A
7A
6A
7A
7A

109,000
79,500
59,900
73,900
66,500
109,000
124,900

OCTAVIA The new design is much changed and a big improvement; its
67kg lighter, while the clean lines are reminiscent of the Audi A4 of several
generations ago. The 1.4- and 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbos are peppy and
frugal, while the ride is smooth.
FABIA
OCTAVIA
OCTAVIA COMBI
OCTAVIA VRS TURBO
SUPERB
SUPERB COMBI
SUPERB 4X4
COMFORT
ADVENTURE

HATCH
SALOON
ESTATE
SALOON
SALOON
ESTATE
HATCH
SUV
SUV

SUBARU

Al Khoory Automobiles: 04 314 6214/04 314 6215

Al Aadiyat: 02 673 5991/02 673 5992

1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
3.6L/V6
2.0L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL

105/153
105/148
105/148
156/250
156/250
260/350
260/350
160/250
160/250

6A
6A
6A
7A
7A
6A
6A
6A
6A

54,000
71,500
74,000
102,000
120,000
125,000
102,000
99,500
107,500

WRX STI Subarus all-conquering rally-derived beast is now on sale in the

UAE, complete with a dealers warranty. Powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged
engine kicking out 300bhp, it comes exclusively with a six-speed manual
tranny. If you want an everyday sportscar, this is one to seriously consider.
XV STANDARD
XV PREMIUM
FORESTER PREMIUM
FORESTER SPORT
IMPREZA STANDARD
LEGACY STANDARD
LEGACY PREMIUM
LEGACY PREMIUM
OUTBACK 2.5 STANDARD
OUTBACK 2.5 PREMIUM
OUTBACK 3.6 PREMIUM
WRX-STI STANDARD
WRX-STI PREMIUM
BRZ MANUAL STANDARD
BRZ MANUAL PREMIUM
BRZ AUTOMATIC STANDARD
BRZ AUTOMATIC PREMIUM

SUZUKI

SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
ESTATE
ESTATE
ESTATE
SALOON
SALOON
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE

2.0/4-CYL
2.0/4-CYL
2.5/4-CYL
2.5/4-CYL
2.0/4-CYL
2.5/4-CYL
2.5/4-CYL
3.6/6-CYL
2.5/4-CYL
2.5/4-CYL
3.6/6-CYL
2.5/4-CYL
2.5/4-CYL
2.0/4-CYL
2.0/4-CYL
2.0/4-CYL
2.0/4-CYL

150/196
150/196
171/235
171/235
150/196
175/235
175/235
260/350
175/235
175/235
260/350
300/407
300/407
200/205
200/205
200/205
200/205

CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
6M
6M
6M
6M
6A
6A

89,000
103,000
107,000
115,000
75,000
93,000
98,000
115,000
102,000
112,000
126,000
160,000
175,000
106,000
112,000
112,000
117,000

Al Rostamani Trading: Deira 04 295 5907 / Sheikh Zayed Road 04 347 0008, Sharjah 06 574 4212
Abu Dhabi 02 674 0991, Al Ain 03 761 9556, Ras Al Khaimah 07 235 1611

JIMNY 80 horses sound like something your two-stroke lawnmower makes,

but Suzukis DOHC 1.3-litre (mated to a five-speed manual or slow-as-snail
auto) does just fine with its enthusiastic herd. For the cheapest 4x4 on sale
its zippy in town and good off-road. But dont have a go at Big Red.
APV PANEL
APV GA
APV GLX
CARRY
CELERIO
ERTIGA
GRAND VITARA 3D
GRAND VITARA 5D
JIMNY
KIZASHI
SWIFT GL
SWIFT GLX
SWIFT SPORT
SWIFT DZIRE

TYPE

Al Futtaim Motors: Dubai 04 206 6666

VAN
VAN
VAN
PICK-UP
HATCH
MPV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SALOON
HATCH
HATCH
HATCH
SALOON

1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.0L/3-CYL
1.4L/4-CYL
2.4L/4-CYL
2.4L/4-CYL
1.3L/4-CYL
2.4L/4-CYL
1.2L/4-CYL
1.4L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.2L/4-CYL

91/127
91/127
91/127
91/127
67/87
94/130
167/225
167/225
80/110
176/230
86/114
94/130
136/160
84/114

5M
5M
4A
5M
4A
4A
4A
4A
5M/4A
CVT
4A
4A
CVT
4A

54,500
58,000
69,500
48,000
34,900
49,900
77,000
87,000
55,000
87,000
45,500
60,000
72,000
44,900

ENGINE

BHP/NM

TRANS

PRICE

86 The spiritual successor to the Hachi-Roku, the Toyota 86 is one of the best
sportscars to have come out in the past decade. An old-school sports coup
with no turbocharging, minimal electronics and a classic short throw manual
gearbox, it comes with a sub-100K price tag.
YARIS
YARIS
COROLLA
COROLLA
CAMRY
ZELAS
AURION
AVALON
PREVIA
FORTUNER
FORTUNER
RAV4
PRADO
PRADO DEISEL
PRADO
LAND CRUISER
LAND CRUISER
LAND CRUISER
FJ CRUISER
SEQUOIA
INNOVA

HATCH
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
COUPE
SALOON
SALOON
MPV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
MPV

VOLKSWAGEN

1,3L/4-CYL
1.3L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
1.8L/4-CYL
2.5L/4-CYL
2.5L/4-CYL
3.5L/V6
3.5L/V6
2.4L/4-CYL
2.7L/4-CYL
4.0L/V6
2.4L/4-CYL
2.7L/4-CYL
3.0L/V6
4.0L/V6
4.0L/V6
4.6L/V8
5.7L/V8
4.0L/V6
5.7L/V8
2.7L/4-CYL

84/121
84/121
121/154
134/175
181/234
176/230
268/336
268/336
168/224
158/236
235/368
168/219
160/241
94/193
271/373
271/385
304/439
362/530
270/373
381/534
158/236

A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A/M
A/M
A/M
A/M
M
A/M
A/M
A
A
A
A
A/M

51,000-56,000
52,000-62,000
64,000-74,000
67,000-77,000
86,000-102,000
90,000-95,000
115,000-125,000
149,000
118,000-134,000
101,000
126,000-139,000
101,000-124,000
128,000-147,000
130,000-231,000
145,500-232,000
195,000-223,000
229,000-280,000
298,000-305,000
126,000-163,000
167,000-237,000
81,000-87,000

Al Nabooda Automobiles: Dubai 04 705 3333

Ali & Sons Co LLC: Abu Dhabi 02 681 7770

National Auto: Dubai 04 284 0991, Sharjah 06 514 2700, Fujairah 09 205 4999

REXTON Theyve been using Merc designs under licence for years, so the
2014 Rexton 320 DLX is actually decent. The mid-size SUV is influenced by
the ML-Class from its looks to the Benz 3.2-litre six-pot producing 218bhp.
Its driving dynamics arent great, but it is good value.
ACTYON SPORTS 2WD
ACTYON SPORTS 4WD
KORANDO S
KORANDO S AWD
KORANDO DLX AWD
REXTON W S
REXTON W DLX

TOYOTA

GOLF R Wolfsburgs performance flagship might not look very exciting,

but fans of sleepers will love the new Golf R. This is the fastest Golf ever.
Its 280bhp total is 25 more than the predecessor and a whopping 60 more
than the GTI.
BEETLE TSI (S)
BEETLE TSI (SE)
BEETLE TSI (SEL)
GOLF TSI (S)
GOLF TSI (SEL)
GOLF GTI
GOLF R
SCIROCCO TSI
SCIROCCO TSI
SCIROCCO R
TIGUAN TSI 2WD (S)
TIGUAN TSI 4MOTION (T&F)
TIGUAN TSI 4MOTION
JETTA SE
JETTA SEL
CC TSI
CC FSI 4MOTION
PASSAT SE
PASSAT SEL
PASSAT SPORT
TOUAREG FSI V6
TOUAREG FSI V8 R-LINE
PHAETON V8 4MOTION TIPTRONIC

VOLVO

HATCH
HATCH
HATCH
HATCH
HATCH
HATCH
HATCH
COUPE
COUPE
COUPE
SUV
SUV
SUV
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SUV
SUV
SALOON

2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
1.2L/4-CYL
1.4L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
1.4L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
1.4L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
3.6L/V6
2.5L/4-CYL
2.5L/4-CYL
2.5L/4-CYL
3.6L/V6
4.2L/V8
4.2L/V8

210/280
210/280
210/280
105/175
140/250
220/350
280/380
160/240
210/280
255/330
150/240
170/280
200/280
170/NA
170/NA
210/280
300/350
170/240
170/240
170/240
280/360
360/445
335/430

6A
6A
6A
7A
7A
6A
6A
7A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
8A
8A
6A

99,900
114,721
128,217
79,725
84,111
119,411
151,900
108,000
114,577
140,000
94,530
102,787
108,888
82,155
90,162
120,975
169,445
94,672
105,732
119,597
171,994
323,471
UPON REQUEST

Trading Enterprises: Dubai 04 340 2425/04 206 6400, Abu Dhabi 02 621 3400

S60 The S60 tries to infuse some much-needed sexiness into the Volvo
line-up. And does a rather good job. Its packed with safety features such as
active cruise control and a clutch of airbags. The 2.0-litre engine isnt bad
either. Starting at Dh140K, its finally a true rival to the German establishment.
V40 TURBO 4 SPORT
V40 TURBO 5 SPORT
V40CC TURBO 5 AWD PRESTIGE
V40 TURBO 5 R DESIGN PLUS
V60 TURBO 5 R DESIGN
S60 TURBO 4 SPORT
S60 TURBO 5 SPORT
S80 TURBO 6 AWD SPORT
XC60 TURBO 5 SPORT PLUS
XC60 TURBO 5 SPORT DESIGN
XC60 TURBO 5 R DESIGN
XC60 TURBO 5 SPORT DESIGN
XC60 TURBO 5 R DESIGN
XC60 TURBO 5 R DESIGN PLUS
XC60 TURBO 6 AWD OCEAN RACE ED.
XC60 TURBO 5 R DESIGN PLUS
XC60 TURBO 5 PRESTIGE
XC60 TURBO 6 AWD R DESIGN
XC70 TURBO 6 AWD SPORT
XC90 AWD SPORT

HATCH
HATCH
HATCH
HATCH
ESTATE
SALOON
SALOON
SALOON
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
SUV
ESTATE
SUV

1.6L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/5-CYL
2.0L/5-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
1.6L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
3.0L/V6
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
3.0L/V6
2.0L/4-CYL
2.0L/4-CYL
3.0L/V6
3.0L/V6
3.2L/V6

180/240
245/350
213/300
213/300
240/320
180/240
245/350
304/440
240/320
240/320
240/320
240/320
240/320
240/320
304/440
245/350
245/350
304/440
304/440
243/320

6A
8A
6A
6A
6A
6A
8A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
6A
8A
8A
6A
6A
6A

129,900
139,900
152,900
151,900
150,900
135,900
145,900
195,900
138,900
146,900
156,900
159,900
162,900
172,900
185,900
187,900
192,900
225,900
175,900
158,900

QUICK SPIN

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI

Volkswagen has evolved the seventh generation GTI only ever so slightly,
improving 10 per cent of pretty much every one of the hot-hatchbacks
components. That 10 per cent accounts for a significant leap, actually,
when you consider that the carried-over 2.0-litre four-pot gains an entirely
new cylinder head design and turbo trickery, improved suspension and
brakes, 42kg less weight thanks to the new MQB modular platform,
better infotainment, and hugely effective electronic driver assists. The GTI
Performance Pack is 10bhp stronger than the stock GTI, and gets torque
vectoring and electronic limited slip differential.
MODEL GOLF GTI TYPE HATCHBACK ENGINE 2.0-LITRE FOUR-CYL TURBO BHP/NM 227/350
TRANSMISSION SIX-SPEED DSG, FWD PRICE DH116,400 (BASE)

45

Khalid with his beautiful

Maserati Gran Turismo

MY WHEELS

GRAN SCHEME OF THINGS

Khalid Al Mulla is president of Group 63 AMG and he owns a mean Brabus E B63S.
But he says his Gran Turismo strikes the perfect balance between power and style
WORDS: IMRAN MALIK. PHOTOS: STEFAN LINDEQUE

NAME KHALID AL MULLA JOB PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER

OF GROUP 63 AMG FROM DUBAI WHEELS 2014 MASERATI
GRAN TURISMO IN THE UAE BORN HERE

Welcome back to My Wheels, Khalid.

Last time we saw you, you had
a beautiful 2010 Brabus E B63S.
Thats a keeper isnt it...
Yes, I dont intend to part with that one
anytime soon. Its my dream car, after all,
and like I said in the first feature, the car
freaks me out like no other.
Youve been busy working on it since
we last saw it, and now its even more
powerful, right?
Yes, its become much faster since you
featured it. I improved the performance with
a supercharger and there are some other little
secrets that I wont be divulging here!
Ive also been busy dressing it up; its now
got carbon fibre HRE limited-edition wheels,
carbon fibre paddle shifters and carbon
fibre floor mats. Its so much fun to drive,
especially on the track.
48

It must be one the stars of your Group

63 AMG club. Speaking of which,
what have you guys been up to lately?
Weve had to increase the number of events
we hold weekly due to the growing number
of members. We now have four events a week
and a total of 1,771 members in the UAE. Weve
also managed to expand the club in every GCC
country, and also into the UK, France, China,
Russia, the US and South Africa.
Ive written a book called Push To Start that
tells how I started the club and the progress
from its humble beginnings to being one of
the most respected and followed clubs today.
Weve also launched DXB Engine a council
of the most high-end clubs in the UAE where
we discuss mutual events and gatherings.
Youve clearly been very busy. What
are your future plans?
Soon well be launching our HQ, which will
take up the full 63rd floor of the Burj Khalifa.
Also, well be introducing new events on

both road and track to allow participants to

experience the maximum power of their cars.
Finally, a documentary about Group 63
will be out soon detailing the story and
achievements of the club.
Congratulations, that all sounds
great! Moving on, instead of another
AMG model, you are driving a
Maserati Gran Turismo. Its a great
car, but totally different from what
youre used to, isnt it?
And thats precisely why I bought this
car. One of the side activities that I do in
Group 63 is to host some of the UAEs most
prestigious events. These events require a lot
of meetings with people, and even though
I love my Brabus, it doesnt send the right
vibe to potential clients. So I snapped up the
Maserati to make a good first impression;
it is a fabulous exotic that has a timeless
appeal that everyone seems to appreciate.
Showing up in the right car ahead of an

With a 4.7-litre V8, this Maser sure knows

how to move and sounds glorious too

important business meeting where Im

hoping to strike a successful deal or forge a
new partnership is half the job done. It has
a personality thats just like mine; confident,
smart but at the same time a lot of fun if
I do say so myself! This car suits me right
down to the ground.
What do you like best about it?
The Rosso red leather interior is one of the
many highlights of this car. Its luxurious, but
at the same time very sporty. The other thing
I simply love is the sound of the exhaust.
Maseratis sure make all of the right noises,
and my Gran Turismo sounds epically good.
It feels as if it is alive.
They do sound incredible. Which
other models were you considering
before deciding to buy this one?
I had looked at the Continental GT and,
although I really liked it, I felt I needed
something that looked a little more aggressive
than the Bentley. Thats when I began to
notice the Gran Turismo and it wasnt long
before I had made up my mind to get one.
I certainly dont regret the decision.
Were you not keen on the Gran
Cabrio?
Its a good-looking car, no doubt. However,
I have never really liked convertibles, mainly
because I think they are a bit pointless,
what with the very hot weather we have
here almost all year round.

Your Maserati has a Ferrari-sourced

V8. The performance it delivers is
thrilling isnt it...
It is very thrilling, but I must admit that it
is nothing like my Brabus. That thing is
insanely quick. But the Gran Turismo is in
no way lacking in power and as an added
bonus, it is very comfortable too. Its a great
GT and not many can match that sound of the
exhaust. I only have to start this car up and
I am already smiling.
Where do you like driving it the most?
Aside from long open roads, my current
favourite spot is my parking lot at work!
I have to drive it up four floors and it feels
as if the building is shaking because of the
booming exhaust note. And this at only
15kph! You can imagine just how amazing
it sounds under full throttle.
Heres a tough one for you; which
exhaust note do you like more the
Maseratis or the Mercedes?
Theyre both great in their own way. The
Maserati has a beautiful sound, almost like
its singing. Ive heard other Gran Turismos
drive past and I must admit they make me
smile, but the Brabus is a totally different
animal. It is so aggressive that I often get
startled by it myself, especially after a few
weeks have passed without me driving it
but the moment I start it, it gives me a real
rush. There are few cars out there that sound
anywhere near as aggressive as my Brabus.

Which one gets more attention?

The Brabus, for sure. These cars were
limited to just 10 units and this is the only
one in the UAE. It is also more powerful
and much louder than the Maserati
Gran Turismo.
Do you plan to modify or customise
anything about the Maser?
I have been thinking about fiddling with
the exterior and plan to add a Novitec
carbon fibre spoiler and carbon fibre
diffuser. Thats all Id do as I think it looks
great as it is. It is subtle and sleek.
Finally, tell us about the time the
service centre nearly gave you an
MC Stradale
That was hilarious. Id gone there to
collect my car and the service manager
said it was an honour to meet me and
invited me to his office where we drank
coffee together. Then, he told me my car
was ready and that he was very surprised
that I had come in person to collect it.
I was growing a little suspicious at this
point and when he showed me to the
Stradale with a one digit number plate
I realised then that hed mistaken me
for someone else whose name was almost
identical to mine!
GOT A HOT RIDE? EMAIL US AT
MYWHEELS@GULFNEWS.COM WITH A PHOTO AND
DESCRIPTION AND YOU COULD BE OUR NEXT
MY WHEELS STAR!
49

CELEBRATING THE GREATEST COCK-UPS

IN AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY

MARCH
721X

WORDS: DEJAN JOVANOVIC

or Max Mosley, March
Engineering was just a side story to
his ascent in the world of politics.
To distance himself from his fascist parents
and their tarnished past and party, Maxs
politics were played out in the field of F1
he presided over the FIA from 1993 to 2009.
Mosleys operation was successful from the
get go in 1970 with plenty of customer cars
sold largely because of March 701s simplicity,
but when the team decided to experiment
and pioneer a new rear suspension design for
1972, the result was a disaster.
It wasnt as if March didnt have the talent
Mosley attracted greats such as Niki
Lauda and Ronnie Peterson to get behind
the wheel of the radical March 721X, the
X standing for experimental. The car also
had another genius behind it, but wielding
a pencil instead of a steering wheel Robin
Herd designed the 721X, after the 701, which
won at its maiden outing at the South African
Grand Prix, and the 711 with its characteristic
tea-tray front wing. He knew what he was
doing then, but the drivers compared the
721X to a truck.
March put the gearbox between the rear
axle and the engine in the 721X for better
weight distribution, but without the right
tyres available to compensate for the shift in
weight balance the front end was overloaded
and the rear all off, too. The car was,
technically speaking, a lemon.
Only two were built before March quickly
reverted to a traditional car after three
Grands Prix, and the team never found
success again, and Mosleys little detour
led him back to politics.

...when the
team decided to
experiment and
pioneer a new
rear suspension
design for 1972
the result was
a disaster.

GOT A MOTORING-RELATED WHINGE? USE #NTFH ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER AND WELL PUBLISH THE BEST ON OUR LETTERS PAGE

50

TOTAL TYRE
SOLUTIONS

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Al Saeedi Automotive Trading Co. LLC, PO Box 236, Dubai, UAE.
Tel: +971 4 889 5455, Fax: +971 4 889 5456, E-mail: saeedico@emirates.net.ae