167 automan july issue 2015

8/19/2019 167 Automan July Issue 2015

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30

COVERSTORY | 2015 Ferrari 488 GTBWe spend quality time with this hot carin and around Maranello and on track

562015 Ford F-150Rened further with aluminium intensive

construction

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COVER STORY

30-37 2015 FERRARI 488 GTB

OMAN AND REGIONAL NEWS

6-17 NEW CARS LAUNCHED IN REGION: 2015 INFINITI

Q70 SEDAN, HONDA ODYSSEY J, 2015 ROLLS-ROYCE

PHANTOM LIMELIGHT COLLECTION , 2015 DODGE DRIVING

EXPERIENCE HELD IN UAE, RAMADAN OFFERS FROM

AHLIBANK AND AL HILAL ISLAMIC BANKING SERVICES,

BANK NIZWA, BMW & MINI, MITSUBISHI PAJERO, AUDI,

MCLAREN SPORT SERIES ME PRICES ANNOUNCED, NEW

CAR ARRIVALS IN THE REGION BENTLEY GT3-R, NISSAN

PATROL ‘BLACK EDITION’, VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG R-LINE,

NEW APPOINTMENTS: LUAY AL SHURAFA [GM], MARCO

TRONCHI [FCA], SERVICE-LANE SUPERSTARS AT DHOFAR

AUTOMOTIVE RECEIVE TECHNICAL AWARDS!

EVENT

18-19 DODGE DRIVING EXPERIENCE IN UAE

BRANDWATCH

20-27 VW GROUP TO SPLIT BRANDS POST PIECH,

VOLKSWAGEN UNVEILS NEW “MORE CONTEMPORARY”

CORPORATE FONT, KOREANS OUTCLASS JAPANESE IN

JD POWER INITIAL QUALITY RATINGS, PSA INKS DEAL

FOR MOROCCO PRODUCTION, HONDA LOOKING ATS2000 REPLACEMENT? KIA AND HYUNDAI BEGINNING

TO FEEL THE PINCH, CADILLAC XT5 CONFIRMED FOR

2016, 2016 CHEVROLET CAMARO CONVERTIBLE LEAKED,

REFRESHED LEXUS LX IMAGES SURFACE IN JAPAN,

FERRARI TO CREATE NEW DINO SUB BRAND? FCA STALLS

FERRARI IPO, CYLINDER DEACTIVATION ALSO POSSIBLE

IN 1.0-LITRE ENGINES, SAYS FORD, NEW BMW X1 WILL BE

FRONT WHEEL DRIVE, BMW TOPS 2015 INTERNATIONAL

ENGINE AWARDS, LUC DONCKERWOLKE TO REPLACE

PETER SCHREYER, KIRK KERKORIAN PASSES, TOYOTA

MAINTAINS LEAD AMONG MOST VALUABLE CAR BRANDS,

ASTON MARTIN CONSIDERING HYBRIDS? SHELL ENGINE

LUBES APPROVED BY BMW FOR VARIOUS APPLICATIONS,

NEW MITSUBISHI PAJERO BEING PREPARED, SSANGYONG

TO MAKE WRANGLER RIVAL, HYUNDAI’S SMALLEST NEW

SUV GETS A NAME, SUBARU SEARCHES FOR NAME FOR

ITS FORTHCOMING 7-SEATER SUV, BMW MOTORRAD

PRESENTS NEW CONCEPT CALLED PATH 22, DUCATI

THRIVING IN INDIA

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

28-29 CLASSICS AND HOT RODS

FIRST DRIVES

38-45 2015 JAGUAR XE & XE S

46-49 2015 DODGE CHARGER SRT8 HELLCAT

50-55 2015 AUDI A6

56-61 2015 FORD F-150 PICK-UP

62-672015 VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO R

PREVIEWS

68-69 TLEXUS RCF GT

70 BENTLEY FLYING SPUR BELUGA EDITION

71 ASTON MARTIN DB9 GT

AUTOMAN COTY

76-79 NOMINEES

MOTORSPORTS

76-79 F1, MOTO GP, SNIPPETS

CHICANE

88 A COLLECTOR’S WORLD

68

70

2015 Audi Q7

NEXT ISSUE


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We have reached the mid-point of a rather interesting year. For starters, after four years ofcontinuous improvements to our Automan Car of the Year we managed to get the whole

of the industry in Oman in one room to collect the awards, which were handed out in the

month of February itself.

The institution of the Car of the Year is growing in importance and our edition of the

program has evolved into one that the participants and readers have learnt to respect. That

is because at the very beginning we laid down a few ground rules that were inviolable. We

understood that the parameters of measurement have to be standardised and the best

judges were our experienced test editors, both of whom have a couple of decades of test

experience. Then we set out that only cars that we’ve driven in that year, released in the

market that year would be judged. And all cars we drove would be eligible, completely

unconnected to the brand’s ability to spend in the magazine.

This model has stood the test of time and condence. We don’t add cars from a personal

wish list and we are happy working within our self given limits.

This means that even at the regional level, our Car of the Year program is respected and

anticipated.

This year has seen one addition in that we have initiated two categories for motorcycles –

the Cruiser/Road bike category and the Sports/Supersports bike category covering bikes

above 400cc that are closest to either one. This indicates that the motorcycle market is

growing despite the restrictions facing it and that we are testing motorcycles at a far moreregular basis.

Funnily enough we came face to face with Oman’s penchant for giving out meaningless

awards this month, when a car brand invited media to witness a car launch only to have

two of the tribe ‘awarded’ for their support of the brand. What is the value of a media

that can be bought by trinkets and awards? Surprisingly, we were the only media to take

offence at the concept, choosing to walk out. Have the rest of the media really gone so

venal and corrupted that they don’t see the inherent corruption in this? We hope that this

doesn’t signify the death of an independent media in Oman.

On our part we can assure you that we will continue to travel the higher path, one where

we choose to be unbiased and independent and treating all the cars, brands, people and

companies we interact with on an even keel. That’s the only way we know to be true to

our readers.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFMohammad Al Taie

AL ROYA PRESS & PUBLISHING

PO Box: 343, Postal Code 118

Al Harthy ComplexSultanate of Oman

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.automan.me

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Tel: +968 24652400/1/2/3/4/5 Extn 300,

Fax: +968 24652444

Distribution:

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Subscription:

Tel: +968 24652400/1/2/3/4/5 Extn 650

PUBLISHER

Hatim Al Taie [email protected]

EDITOR & GM

Raj Warrior [email protected]

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Chandan B Mallik [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Anne Kurian [email protected]

HEAD OF DESIGN

Antony Karlo

PHOTOGRAPHY

Elvis John Ferrao

MARKETING

Sayantani Ghosh [email protected]

CIRCULATION

[email protected]

FINANCE & ADMIN

Sumy Mol [email protected]

WEBSITE & IT

Mohammed F Draz [email protected]

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© 2015

All editorial content of Automan in the magazine

and its website is copyrighted and may not

be reproduced in any form without the written

consent of the management of AL ROYA PRESS &

PUBLISHING

Automan accepts unsolicited exclusive editorial

material, but reserves the right to publ ish any such

material. Once published, the copyright for any

such material will vest with AL ROYA PRESS &

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Ahlibank and Al Hilal Islamic Banking

services, Islamic nancing arm of ahlibankhave together announced their respectiveRamadan Festive Auto Financing

promotion programme. The RamadanFestive Auto Financing Promotion will bevalid during the whole month of Ramadan,till Eid and maybe extended to support thepromotional campaigns of branded autoretailers.Under the promotion, customers optingfor new car nancing from the bank will beentitled to discounted rates of just 3.99percent for a 12 month loan, and 4.49 percent for loans beyond 12 months and up toseven years without the need of any salaryassignment! The interest for longer loansis calculated on reducing principal basis.

The USP of the promotion is fasttransaction [usually, within an hourapprovals] for qualied customers if theapplication and relevant paperwork issubmitted before midnight. In additionto competitive rates and exible terms,Ahlibank and Al Hilal Islamic Banking

Services’ Auto Financing have centralizedthe whole operation at their HQ inMuscat. Services of sales representativeswill also be available at car dealershipsparticipation in the promotionThe maximum loan amount availableis OMR 50,000 and minimum salaryrequirement for Omani nationals isOMR300.00 and expats OMR 750.00per month. The upper age limit to nishthe loan payment is 60 for expats.Repayments can be done via salarytransfer or postdated cheques andcustomers need not be account holders ofAl Ahli to avail this facility. Early repaymentoptions are also available and the bankhas set terms and conditions for this.Meanwhile, nancing is also availablefor up to 2-year-old pre-approved cars,however dierent rates of prot [interest]

will apply.

Ramadan offers galore

Ahlibank and Al HilalIslamic Banking

services

53-year-old Marco Tronchi is the new CEOand Managing Director of the Fiat ChryslerAutomobiles (FCA) Middle East Regional Oce.Tronchi took the reins of the organization fromJack Rodencal in February 2015. Rodencal, whoafter serving the region for four years has now

moved back to the USA where he will take ona new role within FCA. Tronchi’s joined FiatAutomobiles in 1997 and was appointed asPresident and Managing Director of FCA Moroccoin 2011 prior to his new appointment.

Luay Al Shurafa, as managing director tolead General Motors operations and strategymanagement in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Al Shurafa has worked withGM in the Middle East for 17 years and forthe past four years, he has served as directorof Customer Care and Aftersales for GMMiddle East Operations. He has also heldseveral positions within the nance, sales andmarketing in the organization.

ME appointments

Bank Nizwa launched a special campaign called ‘CARnival’, oering customers’ on-the-spot approval for auto nance throughout the Holy month of Ramadan. Oering a xedprot rate of 4.59per cent, the Bank’s Auto Finance product is based on the Shari’aconcept of Murabaha and is available with value-added benets. During Ramadan, theBank’s hours have been extended well into the evenings from 9.00pm to 11.00pm atmost of the branches with special car display opportunities at Al Ghubra and Nizwabranches conveniently located next to major car dealerships. Available to Omanis andresidents alike, Bank Nizwa’s Auto Finance solutions provides transparent pricing with nohidden charges or processing fees. Applicants are not required to transfer their salariesand can avail nancing of up to OMR 75,000 and a payment period reaching seven yearsfor new vehicles. In addition, the product oers two months deferment on instalments

and a free Takaful life insurance, while catering for self-employed customers as well.

Bank Nizwaoffers

It seems as if the black and white themeis catching up fast within the SUV

community in the region. Al NaboodaAutomobiles in UAE is oering 10 bespokelimited-edition models of Touareg R-Linemodels called Carbon Edition. Availablein two exterior colours, Pure White orBlack, the bespoke models feature aluxurious interior with carbon bre trim,black nappa leather climate seats withred piping and black alcantara headlining.The SUVs ride on 21in alloys with redbrake callipers and come with the R-Linebody kit which includes a front and rearbumper with a black diuser. Al NaboodaAutomobiles is the only distributor in the

region to sell the Carbon Edition Touareg;the 10 SUVs are available starting fromAED262,059 for the duration of the Holymonth of Ramadan.

Volkswagen Touareg

R-Line

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General Automotive Company, the ocialdistributors of Mitsubishi vehicles in Oman, isoering super oer on all 2015MY Mitsubishimodels including the Pajero SUV. Facelifted justunder a year ago, the 2015 Pajero oer a freshmodernised look together with class-leading onand o-road performance. The attractive oerincludes free insurance, service, registrationand cash gifts until the oer ends on July 30. Inits latest iteration, the 2015 Mitsubishi Pajerogets a revised front grille, redesigned bumperwith integrated LED daytime running lampsand is available with 3.5-litre or 3.8-litre MIVECengines.

Under the slogan, ‘You deserve extra’,Wattayah Motors campaign givescustomers purchasing an Audi before

the 24 July 2015 extra features, luxury,and peace of mind with a 6-year serviceand maintenance plan, 6-year extendedwarranty and free registration.

McLaren Automotive has announcedpricing for its new Sports Seriesmodels across the GCC.The McLaren570S Coupé, which rst shown at theNew York International Auto Showin April, is on sale in the UAE, SaudiArabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar,with a base retail price starting fromUS$201,026. In addition, the 540CCoupé will debut in the GCC at a baseretail price of $176,960.

Bentley’s most performance-focusedinterpretation of luxury, the GT3-R, is

now available in limited supply at Bentleydealerships across the Middle East. Only 42units of the limited production run of 300will be available for the Middle East.Inspired by the Continental GT3 race car,the GT3-R blends in proven track and roadcredentials. Customers can now experiencerst-hand the Bentley marques return to itsracing roots, through a high performanceretuned version of the Bentley 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. Developing an astounding 572bhpand 700Nm of torque, together with a 100kgweight reduction and shorter gearing, theGT3-R is the fastest-accelerating Bentleyever. Capable of reaching 96km/h from astandstill in just 3.6secs, the GT3-R is a GrandTourer with performance that truly echoesBentley’s impressive racing pedigree.That’s not all. Each buyer of a GT3-R willreceive an exclusive gift. The one opackage includes a one of kind, limited editionBreitling watch, specically produced for theGT3-R as well as a limited edition canvas signedby Nigel Ratclie, Exterior Designer at Bentley.To witness rst hand Bentley’s anity with therace track, owners will also receive a specialVIP hospitality package at up to two Bentley

Motorsport races.

Arabian Automobiles, the agshipcompany of AW Rostamani Group andexclusive dealer for Nissan in Dubai andthe Northern Emirates, revealed the allnew Nissan Patrol ‘Black Edition’ for therst time last month at the Al Majilis inMina A’Salam in UAE. The agship SUV willcome in two versions, with one poweredby a 320hp or high output 400hp engine.Customers can choose between a blackor white exterior while all models in the‘Black Edition’ range.

Special deals in Oman

Mitsubishi Pajero

Audi

McLaren Sport Series

ME prices announced

Bentley GT3-R

Nissan Patrol ‘Black Edition’

Al Jenaibi International Automobiles, the BMW Group importer in Oman, has announcedits annual summer seasonal oer for BMW and MINI vehicles. The scheme went intoeect on June 1 and will run through to July 31, 2015. The programme is designed forhassle-free ownership with a variety of exclusive oers and benets on every BMWmodel purchased, including the 4 Series, 5 Series and X Series. all BMW models willbe available with the BMW Service Inclusive Plus (BSI) package covering all majorservicing costs for the rst ve years or 100,000kms (whichever comes rst). In addition,

registration costs in the rst year will be covered by the importer. Additional benetsinclude a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty or 150,000kms (whichever comes rst), a1-year complimentary insurance with cash payments or regular nance options, one yearvehicle registration and gift.Likewise, MINI customers will receive a complimentary MINI Service Inclusive XL Packagecovering major servicing for the rst three years or 50,000kms (whichever comes rst).In addition, registration costs in the rst year will be covered by the importer, ensuring aconvenient and hassle-free start to the customers’ MINI ownership. Additional benetsinclude: 3-year unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty, a-1 year complimentaryinsurance with cash payments or regular nance options and gift.

BMW & MINI

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Inniti Middle East invited over 400 guestsfor the dramatic Middle East introductionof its new 2016 Q70 sedan in a lmstudio located on the outskirts of Dubai.Formerly, known as the Inniti M in the

brand’s line-up, the new arrival under thenew naming nomenclature assumes theQ70 badging. On its shoulders, it carrieson the responsibility of representing thebrand in the midsize luxury performancesedan segment and is being oered inseveral trims with a choice of V6 or V8powertrains.The new arrival sports the familiar organicprole of the outgoing model as theplatform has been carried forward but itdoes feature a new design language atboth ends. According to Inniti, the core

focus has been to improved the car’sride comfort for the occupants and alsointroduce various cutting edge intelligentsafety technologies.“We pride ourselves in being able tooer our discerning customers premiumvehicles that feature the best in design,performance, safety and technology. Thenew Inniti Q70 is a sedan that deliversjust that,” said Juergen Schmitz, ManagingDirector, Inniti Middle East, at thelaunch. “The new Q70 further raises thebar in the segment with a host of newimprovements that is sure to oer a drive

that is both exhilarating and rewardingevery time.”Inniti also produces a long wheel versionof the Q70 in China and just to clarify, it isnot exported to any market and hence itwill not be available in the region. There isalso a hybrid version and this too, will notbe available in our markets.For the GCC region, the car will be oeredin three trims. The entry level will berepresented by the Excellence and movingupwards are the Luxury and Sport grades.Inniti has packaged the cars extremelywell with kit and dierentiating featuresboth for the exterior and interiors. Forexample, the Sport variant features aspecially designed front bumper thatgives an even lower and wider stance.The trapezoidal bumper intake and apronshape inspired from race car splitters givean athletic presence and bold impression.Black painted turn and fog nishers as welas the rear bumper nished in high-glossblack paint. To dierentiate between theluxury and sport grade is the S badging inthe latter.

2015 Inniti Q70

regional launch

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The cabin wraps its occupants in luxuryamenities, including a long list of standarditems that usually are oered as extrasby many competitors. Common to bothhigh end models are usage of high-quality materials in the cabin such ashandcrafted wood accents and customleather appointments and meticulouscraftsmanship. Important controls andswitches are so intuitively located thatthe driver does not have to changedriving posture to access them. Thecar’s instrument panel consists of FineVision gauges and a 7in full colour vehicleinformation display, while the driverand front passenger’s seats are leatherand feature 10-way power adjustment,including 2-way lumbar support.Two powertrains are available and thebase is the normally-aspirated 3.7-litre

V6 engine which oers 329hp at 7,000rpm and 363Nm of torque and matedto 7-speed automatic transmission withTiptronic function via paddle shiftersbehind the steering wheel. The secondoption is the 5.6-litre V8 engine thatdelivers 402 hp at 6,000rpm and 550Nm oftorque.According to Inniti, the new Q70 oersa segment rst with Predictive ForwardCollision Warning system that anticipatesthe speed and distance of two vehiclesin front to ensure that in the event of anemergency, the vehicle comes to a safestop. The car also is oered with AroundView® Monitor system which shows abirds-eye view of the vehicle in relationto parking lines, creating a 360˚ surroundview. This system also includes MovingObject Detection and Backup CollisionIntervention which alerts the driver tomoving objects around the vehicle whenpulling out of a parking space or backingup.Inniti also oered a brief ride for mediaafter the launch. As luxury agships go,the rear wheel drive Q70 appears stylish

and quite voluptuous but since it usescarryover powertrains, it misses out onthe sharpness and rened characteristicsof European premium models from sayAudi or BMW. Overall, the brief drivingimpression from the Sports packagedcar with V6 engine suggests that the Q70is cable of standing out with its uniquecombination of style, performanceand technology that makes for a trulyenjoyable driving machine.

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For the rst time in the GCC, Honda Middle Eastis oering two variants of the Odyssey MPV.Honda’s minivan has been around since 1994and is marketed worldwide. It is now in its fourth

and fth generation in North America and Japanrespectively. Last month, Honda Middle Eastintroduced the Asian version. Honda executivessay the Odyssey J has been introduced keepingin mind the customer preferences of Middle Eastregion.While both MPVs look similar in prole, thereare subtle changes. The exterior design of theJapanese version is based on “Solid Streamline”theme. Interestingly, previous editions of theJapan market version were oered with hingeddoors and the new version is the rst everOdyssey to feature dual sliding doors for thatmarket. The Odyssey J will be available in two

trims – entry level EX, which comes with eightseats, and the top-of-the-range EX-V, whichforgoes a middle seat for a more comfort-focused set of captains’ chairs, reducing capacityto seven people. The Odyssey J is slightlysmaller than its V6-powered US counterpart.At 4,840mm in length it is 313.6mm shorter,at 1,800mm wide, it is 211.6mm shorter andat1,695mm it is 42mm lower than the V6 variant.Most of the contemporary features are availabledepending on trim chosen. LED headlampsare oered in EX-V trim while, LED daytimerunning lights are common to both. Mod consinclude touchscreen infotainment and thirdrow air-conditioning. It’s also now bigger thanits predecessors and for seven-seater models,premium cradle seats are oered on the secondrow.The Odyssey J is powered by a 2.4-litre, DOHCi-VTEC 4-cylinder normally-aspirated enginemated to a Continuous Variable Transmission.The engine oers torque of 225Nm at 4,000rpmand output of 173hp at 6,200 rpm.On the safety front, the model has received5-star rating from the ASEAN NCAP as wellas Australian for superior Adult OccupationProtection and safety performance. Active

safety features include Vehicle Stability Assist(VSA), Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS), ElectronicBrake Distributor (EBD) and Hill Start Assist(HSA). Meanwhile, if you were wondering whatthe “J” is, it does not stand for Japan, but rather“Joy” as it represents “joy for utility” accordingto Honda. The entry pricing for this MPV is muchlower than the US-built V6 Odyssey. This versionof the Odyssey should help Honda better tacklethe segment’s perennial best seller, Kia’s GrandCarnival and Toyota Innova. Honda also arrangeda drive of this new model addition from Dubai toRas-Al-Khaimah during the regional launch. Thecar has also been introduced in Oman.

2015 Honda

Odyssey J Launched

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Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has used itsbespoke talents to create a highlyindividualized and limited to 25 unitsworldwide Phantom-based LimelightCollection. Mechanically, it is a stockversion that boasts of one-o bespokepaintwork outside and detailed intricatecraftsmanship inside. The very special car

was showcased to media and prospectsfor pre-orders at Al Jenaibi Automobile’sshowroom last month in Muscat. TheLimelight Collection will be available inboth short and longwheel editions andto maintain the car’s exclusivity, eachhandcrafted car is uniquely numbered.Rolls-Royce has created a special paint

called Gala Blue which it says has beeninspired by night and day. The depth ofits colour eects has been achieved by theapplication of multiple individual layers ofpigments and clear coats that have beenpolished to oer that premium mirrornish.Special embroidery with 3D graphics

is unique to this creation and so it thediamond shaped twin hand painted andlacquered coach lines. New enhanced rearseating with adjustable head, calf andfoot rests has been introduced for thevery rst time in the Phantom LimelightCollection. However, the piece-de-resistance is in the features that adorn

Oman preview

of 2015

Rolls-Royce

PhantomLimelight

Collection

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the door pads. The extended his and hersBespoke rear door panniers oer a rangeof spaces to keep most personal itemssuch as watches and jewellery items. Innormal use, these spaces appear hiddenand can be easily accessed by the user.For ladies, an illuminated compartmenthouses three bespoke fragrance bottles,

individually hand-crafted at the homeof luxury glassmaking, the Bresle Valleyof Upper Normandy, France. They havedifferentiated stoppers for ease ofselection, and integral filters to decantpreferred fragrance. Meanwhile, forgentlemen, there’s an exquisitely milledin aluminium and hand-covered in the

nest leather, a bespoke carbon-breZ-box which oers a concealed storagespace along with room for accessoriessuch as collar stieners, cuinks and tiepins.As expected, there’s application of veneerin the trim which has also been givena specialized treatment and nish for

this car’s application. The two-veneernish of the interior is also rst for thePhantom. Piano Seashell has been appliedto the door cappings, creating an addeddimension of harmony with the interiorleather schemes.The eect is to draw the eye to theextended rear door panniers and central

console where, in another rst, SmokedChestnut completes the veneer set-up.The car’s leather scheme is exclusivelyavailable in two colour palates: Seashellwith Navy Blue contrast leather andSeashell tone-on-tone stitching; and NavyBlue with Seashell contrast leather andNavy tone-on-tone stitching. Both are

perfectly complemented by Navy Bluelambswool oor mats. Rolls-Royce havealso said that it will even cater to optionalpersonalisation requests for theStainless steel tread plates if it’s the lastword in individuality for patrons of thiscar! Price is expected to be onwards ofOMR300,000.00.

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This year’s Dodge Driving Experience, athree-day event was staged at the YasMarina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. The eventwas specially designed to expose the GCCmedia, VIP customers and Dodge loyalistsincluding members of the UAE Mopar Cluband UAE Dodge Club to the all-new 2016Dodge Charger and Challenger models.Automan also attended the event.Besides demonstrating the performanceand state-of-the-art advanced

technologies that are packed into thenew arrivals, attendees were exposedto the highly qualied drive team whowere responsible for arranging the drivingelements on Yas’s North Circuit and VDA(vehicle dynamic area). In this section, theattendees were encouraged to improvetheir driving skills even further.The line-up of cars available includedall variants of the new Charger --3.6-litre Pentastar V6, 5.7-litre V8 HEMI,6.4-litre 392 SRT8 and the 6.2-litre V8Supercharged Hellcat, plus the 5.7-litre V8HEMI powered Challenger R/T. As a bonus,

the 8.4-litre V10 Viper was thrown in foracionados to try out on track.An extra attraction for the second andthird days was an original 1968 Charger,loaned for the occasion by ThamerMohammed Al-Naimi, Director of theUAE Mopar Club. And it wasn’t ust any1971 Challenger - it was the authentic 01General Lee that appeared in the “DukesOf Hazard” movie!Kicking o the event, Marco Tronchi, CEO/MD Dodge Middle East, outlined the newdirection for the Dodge brand, saying “By

consolidating with SRT, Dodge is gettingback to its performance roots with everysingle model it oers.”“The consolidated Dodge and SRTbrands will oer a complete line-up ofperformance vehicles that stand outwithin their own segments. Dodge will bethe mainstream performance brand, whileSRT will be positioned as the ultimateperformance halo of the Dodge brand,and together they create a complete andbalanced performance brand with onevision and one voice.”

2015 Dodge

Driving

Experience

held in UAE

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Post Piech: VW Group to split brands

Volkswagen unveils new “more contemporary” corporate font

Following the controversialexit of Volkswagen Groupchairman Ferdinand Piecha few weeks ago, it was amatter of time when his ideasand style of managementwas to be questioned andacted upon. And finally, it hashappened.As part of a majorrestructuring exercisewithin the organization,Volkswagen Group isplanning to decentralize itsoperations by splitting its 12brands into four different

holding companies. Whilethe official explanationabout the move is believedto be based on the logicalconsideration of sharing ofparts, platforms, and enginesbetween the various brands,VW observers see this moveis part of an internal VAGeffort to move away fromthe structure establishedby Piech. During his tenure,Piech favoured a compact,but highly centralized styleof management structureto oversee the independent

actions of the company’sbrands. However, criticismof Piech’s arrangementstemmed from the company’sslow responses to changes inthe market.As a result of the newdirection, Volkswagen, Seatand Skoda which make up apassenger vehicle divisionwill be led by former BMWexecutive Herbert Diess.Audi, which is tightlyintertwined with Lamborghiniand Ducati Motorcycles willbe managed by current Audi

executive Rupert Stadler.Porsche and Bentley, whichare already quite close, willbe joined by Bugatti and runby Matthias Mueller. Finally, acommercial vehicles divisionwill include VolkswagenCommercial, Scania, and Man.Former Daimler executiveAndreas Renschler will takecare of the big vehicles.According to VW, the newstructure should make for amore efficient, streamlinedcompany that’s better able tomake crucial decisions.

Besides getting the product portfolio right, VW also has to look at its human resources side too. In the past few weeks, there’s been aight of top designers from the organization. High-prole designers like Thomas Ingenlath, Achim Badstübner and Luc Donckerwolkeare leaving their long careers within VW Group to join rival manufacturers. There must be serious questions being asked withinWolfsburg about the apparent inability to retain key designers. Meanwhile, Audi has reportedly lost its powertrain development chief,Stefan Knirsch. Knirsch is credited with leading development of Audi’s latest powertrain innovations, including various E-tron hybridsand electrically-driven forced induction.

Volkswagen has unveiled a new font that will be used in corporate branding,websites, brochures and also on its cars. The new typeface is said to be inspiredby “its distinctive vehicle design,” and that it’s “more contemporary, lessgeometric, and features more dynamic contrast” than the outgoing font, whichis a customized version of the Bauhaus-inspired Futura.The new typeface is actually two new fonts: Volkswagen Text replaces VWUtopia in the brand’s familiar “Das Auto” tagline. VW Headline, created in1997 when each VW Group brand was given its own font instead of using VAGRounded – a common typeface that’s usually found on computer keyboardsnow becomes VW Head.

Automan’s Take

Herbert Diess Andreas Renschler Rupert Stadler Matthias MuellerVolkswagen,Seat and Skoda

Volkswagen Commercial,Scania, and Man

Audi, Lamborghini andDucati Motorcycles

Porsche, Bugattiand Bentley

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Koreans outclass Japanese in JD Power initialquality ratings

Kia and Hyundaibeginning to feel thepinch

One key aspect automakers have to realize is that if you start out poorly in theinitial quality study you usually do poorly in the vehicle dependability study severalyears later. One major US carmaker that has failed to gure out either study is FiatChrysler Automobiles. Jeep, Chrysler and Fiat scored among the worst ve out ofthe 33 brands surveyed.

Both Hyundai and Kia are facingfalling total sales worldwide with theexceptions in some markets like Indiafor Hyundai. Making the situationworse is that the strong Korean wonversus the weaker Japanese yengives competitors an advantage. Theautomakers also angered investorsenough last year to prompt a stockbuyback after paying $10bn for the landfor a future headquarters.

According to the latest J.D. Power, the automotive research rm, South Koreanautomotive brands now lead the industry when measured by the initial quality oftheir cars sold in the US. The rise of Hyundai and Kia marks a historic shift in theautomotive world, said J.D. Power, which conducts an annual survey asking new carbuyers about their vehicles after 90 days of ownership. In all, the survey revieweddata from 33 automotive brands.

As a group, Japan’s automakers were also surpassed by European brands, whiledomestic nameplates matched the Japanese for only the second time in the 29years J.D. Power has published its U.S. initial quality study. But both the Japaneseand U.S. automakers were below the industry average. “This is a clear shift in thequality landscape,” said Renee Stephens, vice president of U.S. automotive qualityat J.D. Power. “For so long, Japanese brands have been viewed by many as the goldstandard in vehicle quality.”Although the Japanese automakers continue to make quality improvements — asmeasured by the number of problems owners report per 100 new vehicles — otherbrands are improving at a faster pace. South Korean brands averaged 90 reportedproblems per 100 vehicles. The Europeans logged 113 and the Japanese and Americanbrands tied at 114. The industry average was 112.Among individual brands, Porsche ranked the highest for a third consecutive year,posting a score of 80 problems per 100 vehicles. It was followed by Kia with 86,Jaguar with 93, Hyundai with 95 and Inniti with 97. Rounding out the top 10 wereBMW with 99; Chevrolet, 101; Lincoln, 103; and Lexus and Toyota, both 104. Fiatscored the worst with 161 problems per 100 vehicles. Rounding out the bottom vewere Smart, 154; Chrysler, 143; Subaru, 142; and Jeep, 141.

Hyundai and Kia experienced bumpersales in the US this year, underscored byKia’s best sales month ever in May. Butglobally the situation for the South Koreansiblings hasn’t been nearly so encouragingRecently, the duo reported their fourth

consecutive quarter of decreasingoperating prots worldwide. As part ofthe forward business strategy, both arelooking at eorts to cut costs. However,the companies aren’t detailing wherethey would make the cuts or how muchthey want to save. The amount could besignicant, though. An unnamed Hyundaisenior executive reportedly told a SouthKorean newspaper that the businessmight be aiming for up to 30percent inreductions.

Automan’s Take

Automan’s Take

Honda looking at S2000 replacement?Even since Honda pulled the plug on the S2000 roadster in 2009, rumours of its spiritual successor hasbeen a hot topic amongst acionados and observers. A new set of patent illustrations suggest that anew S2000 is on the cards. The images suggest a compact mid-engined sports car. The overall styling ofthe mystery model is similar to that of the Acura NSX, but there are enough changes to suggest this isa dierent vehicle altogether and not something like an NSX convertible.The car’s apparent mid-engine layout also supports previous report that Honda’s S2000 successorwill be mid-engined like the bigger NSX. No technical details were attached to the sketches, buta version of Honda’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder is tipped for duty in the next-generationS2000. It’s also believed that Honda is working on a hybrid version that could bump power northof 350hp. Honda’s take on a modern S2000 isn’t expected to hit dealer showrooms until 2017 at

the earliest.

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Cadillac XT5 conrmed for 2016The next-gen SRX crossover will appear as early as next year with a new nomenclature.To be sold as the XT5, it will debut early in the 2016 calendar year. “When wetransition into all new product lines, we will evolve the naming convention to suit thenew classication we have announced. So SRX becomes XT5 next year,” companyspokesman David Caldwell said. Earlier spy shots and rumors suggest the XT5 might beoered with a turbocharged four-cylinder and naturally aspirated six-cylinder engines,plus a nine-speed automatic transmission.Meanwhile, Cadillac’s entire line-up of 2016 models will get a major infotainmentupgrade with improvements to CUE and integration with Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto. Using either of them requires a connection via USB, and they add a newprojection icon on the CUE screen. Once activated, both systems integrate with

driver’s phone and incorporate features like navigation, music, and contacts. They canalso accept voice commands. Even for those that don’t want to hook up a smartphone,CUE should work better thanks to a more powerful processor. Start-up times for theinfotainment system are expected to be faster, and Cadillac claims that it’s also moreresponsive for voice recognition, navigation searches, and media. The navigationinterface is simplied, as well. The Escalade, CTS, and XTS can now be ordered with a360-degree camera system to display on the screen. The outgoing SRX will not benetfrom these upgrades.

New BMW X1 will befront wheel drive

BMW has ripped the covers off its

new-generation X1 crossover that

becomes the second model in the

German car-maker’s line-up to drivethe front wheels.

On sale in Europe in October, the

new X1 will hit BMW showrooms

in the fourth quarter, with local

specifications to be confirmed closer

to the launch date. The new X1 is built

on BMW Group’s UKL platform that

underpins the latest MINI and the

BMW brand’s first front-wheel drive

model, the 2 Series Active Tourer.

BMW says the second-gen X1 ushers

in a new all-wheel drive system,new-generation petrol and diesel

engines and transmissions, fuel

efficiency gains of up to 17 per cent,

a redesigned cabin offering more

space, and additional connectivity

and other tech features. The new

X1 is shorter, wider and taller than

the model it replaces, which BMW

says has ensured extra space in the

interior, despite the wheelbase being

90mm shorter. The exterior design is

faithful to the original, but the extra

height – evident in the press images

– should help differentiate it from the

mechanically related 2 Series Active

Tourer.

This represents a change ofconguration from the outgoing X1 withits rear- and four-wheel drive platformshared with the larger X3 that in turnwas based on the underpinnings of the

E90 3 Series.

Automan’s Take

2016 Chevrolet CamaroConvertible leaked

Refreshed Lexus LXimages surface in Japan

Chevrolet has accidently leaked theimages of the forthcoming 2016 CamaroConvertible, following a teaser. Whilethe images were quickly removed fromthe company’s website, a member ofthe Camaro6 forums managed to graba handful of pictures before they weretaken down. As a result, we can see themodel will follow in the footsteps of thecoupe but adopt a retractable soft top anda repositioned antenna. Engine optionswill carryover from the coupe. The sixthgeneration Camaro was revealed in mid-May and now the company is preparing fora world premiere of its convertible versionon June 24. The producer says “the mostinnovative Camaro Convertible ever willsoon reveal all its secrets”, referring to the

car’s debut.

Images of a fac elifted Lexus LX 570have leaked ahead of the SUV’sofficial August debut. Th e initialimage of a golden LX was publishedin Japan’s automotive tabloid BestCar Magazine, depicting just thefront three-quarters view. Mostnoticeably, a massive spindle g rillereplaces the quasi-spindle grille andbisecting bumper bar, bringing thetop-of-the-lineup SUV in sync withthe rest of the offerings in the luxurymarque’s portfolio.Furthermore, formerly wide foglampcoves are now replaced with angularslivers. Headlights, too, are slimmerbut a row of LED driving ligh ts remainalong the bottom edge in a fishh ook

shape.

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Ferrari to create newsub brand?

FCA stalls Ferrari IPO

BMWtops 2015internationalengine

awards

Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne hasall but conrmed that the storied Dinonameplate will be resurrected in the not-too-distant future. “It’s a when, not anif. We know that [Dino] is an under-usedresource, but that’s why we need to get it

right,” said Marchionne.Which no ocial mechanical details havebeen released, Marchionne did suggest it could be powered by a twin-turbochargedevolution of the V6 engine that is currently being designed to power a long list ofupcoming Maserati and Alfa Romeo models. Interestingly, Marchionne has also insistedthat the Dino sub brand will not be represented as a budget Ferrari, and he has furtherstressed that the Prancing Horse will compromise and chase volume like some rivals. Ifthe report turns out to be true, the modern day Dino is at least three or four years awayfrom landing in showrooms.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has stalledthe planned initial public oering of itsFerrari division. The company is waitinguntil mid-October or later before initiatingthe sello, FCA chief executive SergioMarchionne told The Wall Street Journal,citing “technical reasons” associated withthe nalization of the Fiat-Chrysler mergerThe executive claims to have been advised

by attorneys that a full year must separatethe merger, which ocially occurredon October 12, 2014, and the Ferraridivestment. Marchionne also dismissedspeculation suggesting the companymight be delaying the Ferrari plans asit looks to nd a partner for a broadermerger. Recent reports suggest themerger push may have been associatedwith product-development delays thatare said to aect several models. FCAwill sell 10 percent of Ferrari in the IPO,while the other 80-percent stake will be

distributed to shareholders. It is unclear ifthe company is planning to time the IPOfor October of this year, or if the sale willbe further delayed.

The International Engine ofthe Year Awards for 2015 wereannounced last month andthis year, the winning designsblend high-end performancewith advanced technologiesthat reduce emissions andsubstantially improve fueleconomy. Forced inductionmotors came rst place inseveral categories, although one

naturally aspirated unit collectedtwo awards. Judges alsofavoured powertrains that madeinroads into weight reduction.Continuing a ve-year trend,

engines with small displacements(and fewer cylinders – especiallythe triples!) again proved to bevery popular, further highlightingthe IC downsizing phenomenonsweeping the industry.Reecting the rise of powertrainelectrication globally, therewere more all-electric and plug-inhybrid products for judges toassess than ever before, with key

innovations coming from BMW,Tesla, Kia, VW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BYD.One of the most crucialcategories is the New Engine

award, representing the greatestdevelopment of the past 12months – and the three winningcreations went head to head: theprogressive PHEV powertrain inBMW i8; the screaming 4.0-litrebiturbo in Mercedes-AMGGT and the heart-thumpingturbocharged V8 powerplant inFerrari California T.As in previous years, The 2015

International Engine of the YearAwards jury was made up of theworld’s most respected motoringjournalists. In total, there were 65jury members from 31 countries,

bringing with them a wealth ofexperience and knowledge oftoday’s advanced passenger carengines.The International Engine of theYear Awards are presented byEngine Technology Internationalmagazine, published by UKIPMedia & Events Ltd. TheAwards involve the voluntaryparticipation of 65 motoring

journalists from 31 countries.UKIP Media & Events Ltdreceives no advertising ornancial support from any carmanufacturer or distributor.

It looks like Dino will live again soon, the heritage-laced nameplate could once again beturned into standalone brand in order to avoid diluting Ferrari’s brand image. While,

it’s too early to tell precisely what form the 21st century Dino will take, but The Dinowill be congured as a mid-engined model regardless of what’s bolted in the enginebay. It is expected to be noticeably smaller and lighter than the Ferrari 488 GTB.

Since 1999 these awards have grown in stature, with car makers from around the globe competing ercely to win an accolade.Over the past few years, the International Engine of the Year Awards have become an important marketing tool for the winningOEMs, with the Awards’ logo featuring in media campaigns from the likes of Ford, Fiat, Ferrari, Volkswagen, BMW, Audi and PSAPeugeot Citroën.

Automan’s Take

Automan’s Take

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Shell engine lubes approved byBMW for various applications

Cylinder deactivation also possiblein 1.0-litre engines, says Ford

Aston Martin considering hybrids?

Shell has announced that it has been chosen by BMW AG as itsonly recommended global supplier for aftermarket engine oilsfor the following BMW brands: BMW, BMW i, BMW M, MINIand BMW Motorrad.From this year, premium engine oils manufactured by Shell willbe available to customers at BMW Group’s network of morethan 3,500 dealers, in more than 140 countries, including China,Germany, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, the UK and the USA.Shell says that its products will meet the latest BMW enginespecications and are underpinned by Shell’s PurePlus

Technology. Shell PurePlus Technology is a breakthrough inhow engine oils are formulated. It is a patented gas-to-liquid(GTL) process, developed over 40 years of research, whichconverts natural gas into a crystal clear base oil.Base oil, usually made from crude oil, is the main componentof nished oils and plays a vital role in the quality of the nishedengine oil. The base oil is produced at the Pearl GTL plant in Qatar,a partnership between Shell and Qatar Petroleum. From 2015,BMW service customers benet from the integration of Shell’sglobal lubricants supply chain with its gas value chain in Qatar.Mark Gainsborough, Executive Vice President for ShellLubricants, said: “We are honoured to become the BMWGroup’s recommended supplier of aftermarket engine oil. Welook forward to jointly supplying, distributing and marketingthese oils, as of start. “This is recognition of the benets ofShell’s engine oil expertise and cutting-edge technology by oneof the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobilesand motorcycles.”

It seems that no engine displacement is too small to benetfrom cylinder deactivation for fuel savings. Ford has revealedlast month that it has been working on experimental enginemanagement system that it says can shave six per cent from thefuel consumption of its pint-sized 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoostengine by cutting cylinders at certain road speeds. The system

– tested in real-world conditions in a Focus – can either cut onecylinder or switch to “rolling deactivation” that eectively halvesthe engine ring rate. Apart from a revised engine managementsystem to control the ring order, a dual-mass ywheel,pendulum absorber and tuned clutch disc were added to enablecylinder deactivation at a wider range of engine loads andspeeds while counteracting any increase in noise, vibration andharshness (NVH).The Ford experiment at its Aachen research and developmentcentre in Germany was revealed at the Vienna Engine Symposiumby Ford global powertrain, research and advanced engineeringdirector Andreas Schamel. “Even for an aggressively downsizedengine such as the 1.0-litre EcoBoost, a signicant improvement

in vehicle fuel economy could be found by exploiting cylinderdeactivation,” Schamel said. The direct-injected, turbocharged1.0-litre is only available in Fiesta in Australia where it is creditedwith a combined fuel economy rating of 4.9 litres per 100km inve-speed manual form and 5.3L/100km with the six-speed auto.

Chief executive Andy Palmer has recently argued that the Britishautomaker can deliver its “Power, Beauty and Soul” promise withoutdepending only on petrol engines. “It just needs to be really powerful,really beautiful and set your heart on re,” the executive said. “I’d arguethat 1,000bhp on the ground would probably do that for you. Imaginesomething like a 4x4, 1,000bhp silent Rapide.” “I see in our future

obviously V12s, V8s and probably battery-electric cars. And as time evolves,there’s probably an inevitability to oer hybridized solutions, simplybecause, car by car, you can only downsize so much. I’d rather put a hybridin there than an in-line four-cylinder.”Interestingly, Palmer’s predecessor, Ulrich Bez, did not share the samevision for the company. He rejected the idea of combining a hybrid systemwith internal-combustion engines, arguing that such congurationsmake vehicles heavier and electronic components are less reliable thanmechanical systems.However, there’s common ground as both Bez and Palmer agree thatAston Martin’s iconic V12 engines will remain going forward, alongwithwith downsized displacement or more V8 variants. Palmer claims there areno immediate plans to oer a hybrid, suggesting a battery-powered Aston

is unlikely to arrive before the end of the decade.

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Luc Donckerwolke

Kirk Kerkorian

Toyota maintains lead among most

valuable car brands

PSA inksdeal forMoroccoproduction

Last month we reported the news about Luc Donckerwolke,head of Bentley design, had left the VW Group. Donckerwolkehad publicly shamed the Lincoln Continental concept as a blatantBentley Flying Spur knock o. Now, there are rumours thatDonckerwolke could be joining Hyundai-Kia as part of a two-year transition period to replace Peter Schreyer, who is due toretire in 2017. Donckerwolke and Schreyer worked together on

the Audi A2 amongst others as their careers in the wider VWempire overlapped considerably. Presumably Schreyer has beeninstrumental in securing Donckerwolke’s services as his owncontract comes to an end in 2017.

Ranked by Forbes as the world’s 41st richest man in 2008 with a net worthof $16bn, Kerkorian was among the most talked-about investors in theAmerican automotive industry. The media-shy investor who became oneof the richest Americans by betting his money on ventures like casinos andlm studios passed away at the ripe age of 98 in Los Angeles last month.The billionaire ran the investment company Tracinda Corporation and wasthe largest shareholder in MGM Resorts International.Kerkorian attempted to use his power as a well-nanced investor inuencein the auto industry. In 2006, he used his nearly 10per cent stake in GeneralMotors to push a merger with the Renault-Nissan Alliance. The deal made itas far as discussions, but eventually fell through. Kerkorian also attempted

to purchase Chrysler twice. The rst eort came in 1995 with a $22.8bnoer for the automaker, and soon after it failed as the company mergedwith Daimler. Then in 2007, Kerkorian was back with a bid for $4.5bn.Not contended, the billionaire ended up buying up $1bn in Ford stockin 2008 to make Kerkorian the single largest investor in the company.However, the situation didn’t last long, and by the end of that year, he hadunloaded the shares.A a polarizing gure whose was born poor, Kerkorian in early life hadseveral careers as an amateur boxer, a daredevil pilot and a high-stakespoker player before guring out safer ways to amass his fortune. Hepursued strategies that baed business rivals and Wall Street analystsand that left him sometimes on the verge of bankruptcy. Other times, hismoves brought him windfalls.

Toyota has maintained its lead among the most valuableautomotive brands for the third straight year, according tothe annual ‘BrandZ’ study released by Millward Brown. TheJapanese automaker has an estimated brand value of nearly$29bn, down slightly from 2014 but still ahead of BMW’s $26bnvaluation. Mercedes-Benz again holds the third spot. The top ofthe rankings remain mostly unchanged for 2015, but there are afew shakeups below the Ford and Nissan, which hold the fthand sixth positions, respectively. Audi achieved the biggest gainsin terms of dollar value, rising 43percent to $10bn and stealingthe seventh position from sibling brand Volkswagen. Chevroletand Hyundai are no longer found in the top 10, displaced by Land

Rover and Lexus respectively.

Such a move will be a real coup for the Korean brands whichseem to be beneting tremendously from their design-ledgrowth strategy.

Automan’s Take

25JUL 2015

Africa and the Middle East are among the PSA’s historicmarkets, particularly for Peugeot and PSA Group’s regionalstrategy is now focusing on gradually expanding vehicleproduction capacity in the heart of the region to servethe interests of the Africa-Middle East markets. Potentialproduction volume is estimated to reach eight million vehiclesby 2025.

Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Managing Board of PSAPeugeot Citroën and Moulay Had Elalamy, the Kingdomof Morocco’s Minister for Industry, Trade, Investmentand the Digital Economy signed an agreement to build amanufacturing plant in the country. Once ready, the plantwill begin producing B- and C-segment engines and vehiclesas from 2019. Starting out with an initial production capacityof 90,000 engines and vehicles, the plant will ultimately raiseoutput to 200,000 units in line with future market demand.Automan’s takeThis agreement rounds out the existing manufacturingfacilities in Nigeria and those being negotiated in Iran, and allowsPSA to lay the foundations today for its ambition of selling onemillion vehicles in the Africa-Middle East region by 2025.


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New Mitsubishi Pajero beingprepared

Subaru searches for name for itsforthcoming 7-seater SUV

SsangYong to make Wrangler rival

Apparently, the next Mitsubishi Pajero (aka Montero in NorthAmerica, Shogun in the UK) will continue to revel in its truebody-on-frame construction as the company positions itselfas a company with SUVs as one of its core businesses. Thisinformation comes from Lance Bradley, head of MitsubishiMotors UK.

Mitsubishi strongly believes that true body-on-frame SUVs are adying breed and that there is an opening for the company whichhas won the backbreaking Dakar Rally 12 times with previousiterations of the Pajero. In fact, the company intends to positionthe new Pajero as an aordable but equally capable alternative tothe Land Rover Discovery.Bradley also red a shot across the bows of other automakers-- most of whom have shifted from SUVs to car-based crossoverswhile keeping the former’s rugged names -- saying, “A lot of therivals are more beautiful or more rened but the Shogun needs tobe an authentic o-roader: not fancy, not a school-run car but forpeople who tow horse boxes or actually go o-road.”Furthermore, Mitsubishi believes that the Pajero will haveanother edge with its plug-in hybrid technology, as previewed

by the GC-PHEV Concept shown in Tokyo and Chicago. With thenext Evo said to be taking the form an SUV, it appears Mitsubishiis gunning for the electric and o-roading segments. The newPajero is due out in 2017.

A recent Subaru owner’s survey revealed that the companyis considering a 7-seater crossover for the US market. In thesurvey, Subaru asks, “In thinking about the Subaru brand andthe possibility of a seven passenger vehicle being oered in thefuture, please rate how well you like these names for the newvehicle?”The survey further invites a rating from 1-10 from a list ofpotential names: Centauri, Cypress, Ascent, Meridian, Sojourn,and Columbia.The car in question is likely a version of the recently launchedJapan-market Crossover 7, based on a concept from the 2013Tokyo Motor Show. That vehicle itself was based on a three-rowExiga wagon that’s been on sale since 2008.The Crossover 7 is powered by Subaru’s 2.5-liter boxer fourmated with a continuously variable transmission. The company

has hinted as early as 2013 that there’d be a three-row crossoverlaunching as a 2016 model.Subaru has not had a three-row, 7-seat vehicle in its lineup sincethe B9 Tribeca ended production in January 2014.

South Korea’s Ssangyong Motors isn’t shy about admitting it hasbeen eyeing an entry into the lucrative North American marketfor several years. An early feasibility study is currently underway, and a spokesperson recently conrmed the company coulddevelop a Jeep Wrangler-ghting SUV to spearhead its forayinto the United States. The yet-unnamed o-roader will ride on

the same unibody platform as the Tivoli that was introducedlast March at the Geneva Motor Show but the two will not lookanything alike. Ssangyong is expected to put a big emphasis ondesign and give the SUV a rugged look with a few retro-inspiredstyling cues such as round headlamps. In Europe and in Korea,buyers will get to choose between a gasoline normally-aspiratedand forced-fed 1.6-litre four-cylinder engines. Diesels will alsobe oered. If all goes as planned, the new SUV will arrive inshowrooms in 2017 or 2018.

SsangYong’s proposed SUV will live up to the Herculean task of taking on Jeep’s most iconic and capable model thanks to a purpose-designedfour-wheel drive system and high departure and approach angles. It may be recalled that Ssangyong in the past had SUV called Korando in

mid-1990s which was relatively popular, especially considering it was sold well before SUVs and crossovers became hot sellers in Europe.

Automan’s Take

26 JUL 2015


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Hyundai’s smallest newSUV gets a name

New Concept from BMW Motorrad

Ducati Thriving in India

Hyundai Motor India has announced thename of its new SUV: ‘CRETA’. The globalroll-out of this new model will start in

the second half of 2015 in India, followedsoon after with sales in world markets.Thecompact model will rival Renault Duster,Nissan Terrano, Mahindra Scorpio and othersin the league, the Hyundai Creta will shareits engines with the Verna. Although, thereis no ocial conrmation about the engineoptions either, considering what is oered inthe segment, it could be oered with 1.4- and1.6-litre petrol and diesel powertrains fromthe current Accent/Verna. The Creta will bebased on the i20’s platform and will benetin its design inspiration from the Fluidic 2.0design philosophy.

BMW Motorrad has introduced a new concept called Path22. Named after one of Europe’s best-hidden surf spots, thePath 22 is BMW Motorrad’s rst-ever scrambler, a type of bikedesigned to go o the beaten path. The Path 22 is based on theR nineT, a highly-customizable roadster. It features a protectivegrille on the front light, a long-travel suspension, studded tireswrapped around machined alloy wheels and raised exhaustpipes. Scramblers have always stood out as function-oriented,minimalist bikes, and the Path 22 reects that with turn signalsneatly integrated into the handles.Since the Path 22 was designed to go surng, BMW has installeda custom-designed suroard holder on the right side of the bike.Crafted out of machined aluminium and leather, it can adapted tohold two suroards regardless of whether they’re short- or long-boards. Artwork by Ornamental Conifer adds a nishing touch to

the concept.BMW has not released technical details, but it’s safe to assumethe Path 22 packs a R nineT-sourced 1.2-litre air-cooled at-twin engine rated at 110 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 88 lb-ft. of torque at 6,000 rpm. The twin is bolted to a six-speedtransmission.

Ducati India held its rst ocial event in New Delhi at thelargest Ducati Store in the world last month. The iconic Italianmotorcycle brand announced the arrival of two new variants ofthe Scrambler. Ducati India Pvt. Ltd is the youngest of 11 ocialsubsidiaries owned worldwide by Ducati and since openingits rst dealerships in Delhi NCR and Mumbai, has received atremendous response from the motorcycling community. Theirwide range of motorcycles appeal to many dierent types ofenthusiast, such as the latest edition to the Monster family: theMonster 821, alongside the Monster S2R and 795. Ducati Indiaalso presented the Hypermotard and Hyperstrada, all models ofthe Diavel family and the 899, 1299, 1299 S and Panigale R besidesthe new scrambler variants.

Pierfrancesco Scalzo, General Manager of Ducati Asia spokeabout the brand’s history, its Italian heritage and currentrange, while Ducati India Pvt. Ltd Managing Director RaviAvalur presented plans for India’s network. A new dealership inBangalore will also be opened in October 2015 followed by outletsin Pune and Hyderabad.

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Beaulieu is an award winning attraction set in the heart of the New Forest National

Park in Great Britian. We visit this idyllic venue which promises something for everyone

including automotive fans. We bring this feature as an Automan special

Words: Chandan B Mallik

This is a place where classic beauties,hotrods and extreme machinesmingle together in the midst of

pageantry and themed with typicalVictorian splendor. Despite a cloudy start,the sun came out for the 2015 Hot Rodand Custom Drive-In Day at Beaulieu, heldon Father’s Day in southern UK. Over 450custom, hot rod and classic American carsand bikes cruised into the grounds of theNational Motor Museum to take part inthe colourful and diverse display, whichwas enjoyed by 6,500 visitors.With live music, dancing and stands sellingvintage wares, all capturing the spiritof the custom world, it proved to be avibrant event. Variety brought plenty of

spice to the show, held in association with

American car club Solent Renegades, asstripped-down hot rods parked alongside‘slammed’ American classics and pristinecustom cars.Visitors were engrossed with immaculatecustom paint nishes, highly polishedengine bays and even the distressed ratrod look, there were plenty of unique carson show this year. Bike fans were spoiltby a multitude of two-wheeled machines,ranging from beautifully crafted custombicycles, courtesy of club Crank Jesters, allthe way up to custom trikes powered byV8 engines.Visitors were kept rocking and rollingto live music throughout the day. Onthe Entertainment Stage, the Dotty Duo

performed vintage songs from the 1940s

and ‘50s, while Carmen Ghia and the HotRods revved up the crowds with classicrock and roll. Touring the show groundwas Mexican band Mariachi El Mexicano,serenading visitors with lively Latin tunes.No-one could miss the awesome displayput on by Russ Carpenter and his famousGlacier Grenade dragster. Carpenterstarted up the Daimler V8 engine of thisbrutal quarter-mile monster, astonishingvisitors with its roar and ‘cackle’, whileBrian Taylor talked visitors throughthe fascinating Allard dragster, whichnormally resides in the National MotorMuseum.Solent Renegades put on an excellentdisplay of club members’ cars, ranging

from ever-popular Chevy Day Vans and

Classic beautiesand hotrods

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Ford Mustangs, to rarities such as a 1967Plymouth Satellite Sport Wagon with itseye catching wood eect trim. Elsewherein the show, the lowered bare metalbodywork and race-tuned V8 engine of a1931 Ford Model A drew a sizeable crowd.Contrasting nicely with this was a pristinemint green and cream 1930 Model A hotrod, powered by a 354 Hemi V8.Other highlights from the rows ofremarkable machines was a weather-worn Chevrolet 3100 truck, which oozedoriginal patina, and a 1957 PlymouthSports Suburban estate which is the onlytwo-door example in the UK. The classicAmerican ‘woodie’ was represented by atimber-bodied 1925 Ford Model T BeachWagon, while a 1946 Ford Long DoorSuper Coupe Deluxe street rod hid itspowerful V8 engine beneath stock-lookingbodywork.Among the American cars on show were

numerous modied British classics,

including a Ford 100E Popular bodymounted onto an air-cooled Volkswagenchassis, and a 1960 Vauxhall Victor F-Typeequipped with a tuned 3.5-litre Rover V8engine. New for 2015, non-custom classicsand VWs were invited to park in their ownpaddocks within the showground.A real crowd-pleaser was a futuristicJetsons-style roadster based on BMWZ3 underpinnings. Named Cosmotronand equipped with unique breglassbodywork and an aircraft style dome forthe roof and windows, its owner hadspent two years building this uniquemachine.Throughout the day, visitors voted fortheir favourite machines on show in thePeople’s Choice Award. Tony Bevan’s 1936Buick Straight Eight, Paul Privett’s 1971Cadillac Coupe de Ville and Tim Day’s 1986Chevrolet Camaro 228 were all runners up,with Mick Wakeford winning the People’s

Choice Award with his pristine 1932 Ford

roadster. This was the rst outing thatMick had taken the car on, following twoyears building it from scratch.Further awards were given for otherstars of the show. The Best Hot Rod wentto Chris Andrews for his Ford ModelT ‘Bucket’, with Dave Day taking BestCustom for his subtle yet impressive 1952Chevrolet pick-up, while Best Americanwas awarded to Terry Jeeves for his 1957Cadillac Eldorado Series 62.One of the heroes of the show was BestBike award winner Nick Wallwork, withhis astonishing Bourget’s Bike Workscustom motorcycle. Nick had bought thisAmerican machine, equipped with a 2-litreengine and a huge rear wheel, only theday before the show. The coveted BestIn Show award went to Neil Jewell forhis Ford Popular, which is powered by atuned Rover V8 engine. The Hot Rod andCustom Drive-In Day is set to return for

next year’s Father’s Day, on June 19, 2016.

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Stallionon Steroids

The successor to the 458 Italia takes everything that

we’ve come to love in the breed and makes it moreintense. Ferrari’s V8 is now way ahead of the pack.

Automan reports from Maranello. Author: Raj Warrior Photographs: Supplied

2015 Ferrari 488GTB

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After last year’s introduction of the turbo in the CaliforniaT, it was only a matter of time before the sands of timeand the need to improve efficiency reached the bad boy

of the breed. The Italia typified the V8-powered gentleman’ssports car that could be cruised down a boulevard and thenjump straight onto the track for a healthy few laps around it.Never as raw as the competition from Lamborghini, the Italiawas in many ways an almost perfect package, which is why itsreplacement has to tick so many boxes.We were among select media flown into Maranello in a

world first for the brand. We were to test the new car onthe highway and on the track BEFORE it was released tocustomers. This, in itself, is a good indication of the changesthat are being wrought at the prancing horse brand with theadvent of Marchionne’s style of functioning. That and the sureknowledge that we are going to see more models and greatervolumes coming out of Maranello.The first introduction to the car was through a technicalbriefing by teams from the design, dynamics, engine,aerodynamics and product teams. Thoroughly focussed on thetechnical details of the new development, the session servedto highlight some salient features.For instance, aerodynamics dwelt on the underbody featureslike the large rear assembly with adjustable dampers that are

linked to the chassis dynamics. It allows the car to maximisedown force in hard handling situations and minimise drag inother circumstances. The same sort of aim drives the stylingof the unique front split assembly as well as rear spoiler. Bothof these come from specific track focussed Ferrari modelslike the Speciale. Of course a large amount of the body stylingis dictated by the need to make the car look as aggressiveas possible, complete with the cockpit form of the cabin.But even here, airflow has been maximised, with the twolarge engine air intakes dictating the shape of the sides. Anadditional gem of information was that the door handles hadbeen formed in their particular form to improve air intake by8%.The single biggest change is of course in the engine itself. Theoutput has gone up to 670 HP while the engine now sharesthe V8 block from the California T. Of course a lot of change inthe finer aspects means that this is one fascinating package.It gets a power boost of 100HP over the outgoing V8, whiledelivering a completely different and boosted torque curve.The provision of two twin scroll turbochargers now meansthat maximum torque is delivered on a rather flat torque bandat 3,000 rpm. Measure this against a backdrop of the Ferrarihigh revving nature of the engine that peaks out at 8,000rpm.This is what the engineers have to contend with as they tellus about the controlled torque delivery that is linked to thegear position, allowing the largest spread of torque comingin for the seventh gear. This feature has a secondary benefit

of keeping the car in seventh gear in normal highway driving,including giving torque for casual overtaking without having todrop gears.No discussion of the engine can be complete without beingrepeatedly informed of the benefits of the equal length intakepipes and exhaust pipes, both in terms of engine efficiency aswell as the ability to sound like a naturally aspirated engine.This has necessitated a new process of casting and welding thepipe assembly to generate these pathways.The turbochargers have also been upgraded from theCalifornia’s. The impellers are made from a new titaniumaluminium alloy that reduces the inertia of spooling up. Theturbo geometry also uses twin scroll layout. This means thatturbo lag is reduced while splitting air delivery uniformly

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between the intake head. Directinjection is at 200 bar pressure and theengine displays the usual Ferrari flatplane crank and 90 degree layout. Inengineer’s terms – nothing could besweeter!Even the profile of the engine haschanged despite the angle staying 90degree. The new layout is squatterand slightly wider than before withlarger radiators and the presence of

the intercoolers. More air is channelledonto the radiators and the largeintakes on the sides are needed for theintercoolers.Of course the torque is the biggesttalking point of the engine. Acomparison of response times showsthat the relative response is almost onpar with the 458 while after that pointpower delivery betters it all through.That’s how it manages a 0-100kph sprintof 3.0 seconds flat while hitting 200kphin 8.3 seconds.New materials have also been used on

the brakes. This has reduced the sizeand weight of the brakes needed for theimproved performance of the 488.In terms of dynamics the biggestimprovement has been in theintroduction of a new generation of sideslip control (SSC2) along with betterperformance envelope in each mode ofthe manetinno.The next day we took the cars out fora longish drive around the general areaof Modena. The drive included a lot ofsmall country lanes, twisting hill roads

and open highway. The routes were

set out on the navigation and we had afree hand to choose the paths to take,although it took a bit of fiddling and ashout out for help to get the systemover to English from Italian.For the part of the ownershipexperience that most customers will usealmost exclusively, the car is beautifullyset up for the day to day drive. Leave itin Sport mode (the default in the 488)and you get all the healthy response

of the twin turbo engine with a nicelyforgiving suspension. It soaks upthe rumble strip characteristics of a

secondary road while being reasonablystiff around the corners. As you floor theaccelerator and let the car rip you getoodles of push in the small of your back,with a throaty roar that you love to hear.Of course driving a Ferrari also meansgetting used to the preponderanceof the rev meter at the centre of thedial, turn indicators at your thumbsand a completely driver centric viewof things. It takes a couple of secondsto acclimatise oneself but after that

you begin to wonder why every car

wasn’t so logically laid out? In the 488 asmall panel has been added on for thepassenger to read, although we have noidea why they bothered.As for leather seats, perfectly designedsteering wheel, and a 16-channel,12-speaker, JBL audio system, with highresolution navigation screen, we won’tdwell on that. By now, we don’t expectany less from the hallowed Maranellomarque. What we do like is that the

seats are just firm enough and you canchoose the information shown to you onthe IP. This changes too depending onthe manetinno setting you choose.

Verdict

We simply love what Ferrari hasdone with its n ewest addition to theV8 family. There does seem to be a

significant amount of incrementaltechnology in the car, making it more

evolution than revolution, but thenyou don’t really need a revolution

in the car. As it is, the engineers didspend a lot of time telling us about

how close to naturally aspirated thecar was, but you still can feel the turbo

in the powerpack. But that’s not anegative at all. We feel that Ferrari

has finally made the huge leap intoaccepting the boosted output engine

and the result is outstanding. In termsof refinement the car has leaped to thehead of the pack, actually bettering

both Lamborghini and McLaren in theirofferings. It will take some doing tobetter this.

34 JUL 2015

The all-new 2015

488 GTB is a nice

combination of

blindingly fast and

utterly benign

sports car


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The biggest thrill of the entire visit, combining as it did a factoryvisit with visits to their classic car department, their XX andold F1 car garages and a visit to the museum was denitely theopportunity to drive the 488GTB on the Fiorano track. This trackis acknowledged as the brand’s homeground, used throughgenerations of F1 cars for development and testing.Each journalist was taken out by an expert instructor to

familiarise themselves with the track layout, though one mustadmit that we focussed on getting a video interview as we tookthe laps. That meant that when we went out, a few surpriseswere in store. Interestingly, a team from Med-Ex HPL were onhand with some fascinating equipment. They are the medicalpartners of Ferrari and provided us with a sensor that measuredvarious parameters including heart rate, respiration, G-forcesand posture. From these data points the company is able toextrapolate through software the emotional state that a driveris in at various points of the course. We had forgotten about thestrap on the chest by the time we went out but it was to reveal a lot.As we took the rst lap, the car in Race mode asked to be letloose. It is in the nature of the beast that every added Nm oftorque that spools in asks you to press down further. And theharmonics are so beautifully judged. It’s like the car a Valkyriesinging out while you are along for the ride. The rst right turnis followed by a couple of quick left-rights and then you take asharp left to start climbing the bridge. Of course as we hadn’tpaid attention we took the opportunity to start acceleratinghard, not noticing the 100m and 50m brake markers that sit nextto the railings. So we took the bridge in full acceleration mode,getting well above the recommended speed for the section. Aswe crested the truth slapped us in the face – a sharp right turnjust after the bridge, with a rolling embankment ahead! You havetwo options at that stage – panic or PANIC! We don’t know whichbutton we hit as we ipped the paddles down , braking hard andsteering sharply into the turn. We’re sure that the doctors will

nd some interesting tell tale signs about our emotional situationfrom the read outs, while we’re also glad that they couldn’t seethe reactions!If there was ever need of the SSC2 to perform this was it and itpassed with ying colours. Rookie mistake turned into jubilanttest driver mode, with perfectly tailored skid, spinning wheels,throaty engine roar and the most easy holding of race line thatwe’ve ever encountered in a sports car. Alright, so you wantto have some fun do you? Game on. The 488 could have beentelling us that as we now increased our aggression. We had beenintimated that the 600 metre home straight would allow us togo all the way to 7th and hit 260kph. Well, it does! The tyresare noisy, the brakes squeal at times but there is absolutelynothing that takes away from the performance. Steering feel

could have been just a wee bit harder, but the road feel is spoton. You can feel the track through the column, perfectly judge acorner and even handle the sharply tightening ones without evertaking you hands o the wheel. And weight transfer is handledso nicely, between the magnetic suspension controllers andselective braking. CT O allows you to really enjoy the SSC2 to themaximum though from past experiences we didn’t take it intoESC O mode.Even now, a few weeks after the experience, we still dream of thecorners on the Fiorano track. It’s the perfect accompaniment tothe dreams of a 488GTB.

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SPORTING AMBITIONS After its elaborate global unveil in September last year,

Jaguar’s 2015 XE sedan is ready for action. Automan

attended the first drive global event in picturesque

Navarra in Spain last month and returned with more

than a reason to be impressed Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: David Shepherd and Author

2015 Jaguar XE

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It’s no secret that under Ford ownershipthe X-Type Jaguar was created as theentry level model to challenge the

Germans brands, especially BMW 3 Series

when it was introduced in 2002. The thenX-Type was built on an existing Ford CD132platform which also supported the front-wheel drive Mondeo. The car’s interiorswere benchmarked against the VW Passatand on the mechanical side all-wheel driveand V6 petrol/diesel engines were alsooered. The price point was what madeit attractive for buyers looking to makean entry with the brand, but to Jaguarpurists it was a sort of no-no. After all, itwas conceived with aging Ford bin partsand came at a time when Audi presenteda similar concept called the A4. The Audi

was packaged superbly and presentedwith Quattro handling as its key USP. In away, this approach by Audi overshadowedthe Ford-Jaguar eort and the X-Typecould never reach the boundaries of therear-wheel drive machines like the BMW3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class. A lotof lessons were there for Jaguar to learnfrom.The X-Type was retired in 2009 shortlyafter Jaguar Land Rover’s [JLR] ownershipwas transferred to India-based TataMotors from Ford’s Premier Automobile

Group [PAG] umbrella. Under the tutelage

of Tata Motors, JLR is ourishing and oneof the reasons is that it can take decisionsof its own without interference from itsparent company and move forward with

its business plans [unlike its associationwith Ford, where the Blue Oval had a sayin everything of what JLR did]. In the newscenario with Tata Motors, a slew of newglobal products have been introducedand accordingJaguar’s global branddirector Adrian Hallmark who reiteratedthe company’s motivation at the Londonlaunch of the XE: “Jaguar Land Rover’saspiration is to be the fourth premiumcar company in the world. To do that,Jaguar needs to pull its weight in theright areas. We need to multiply volumesover the next few years.” This means

right products at the right time withappropriate content and packaging. Andthis also means bigger investments in alldirections to make that happen.We’ve witnessed the resurging Britishbrand with its new oerings like the XJ,F-Type and soon-to-arrive Gen II XF. Tobegin the new innings with the XE, Jaguarhas invested a great deal of its eorts for a100 per cent ground up [codename X760]project. No more borrowed chassis, nomore sharing of sheetmetal components,but a clear cut transition into modern

standalone territory with using state-of-

the-art aluminium intensivemonocoqueas the underpinnings and loaded withcontemporary technologies. Meanwhile,Jaguar’s involvement with aluminium in

cars can be traced to the 2003 XJ.During the London unveil, Ian Callum whodesigned the XE’s exterior said that morethan 70 per cent of the car uses aluminiumwith the exception of the cargo bay oorand suspension subframes which aremade of steel. These steel elements arebonded in place with special adhesivesthat help prevent catastrophic electrolyticcorrosion.In fact, the new XE is the rst built tobe on Jaguar Land Rover’s iQ modularplatform. The same platform will also beused for the second generation XF, the

F-Pace SUV and the forthcoming newyet unnamed Range Rover which will bepositioned between the Evoque and theSport. The product variants suggest theengineering exibility and complexities.In prole, even as an entry level model,Callum has given the car hints of familydesign DNA. As a result, it feels part ofthe family and also gets a standalonepersonality and in some ways appears veryclose to the next model up in the line-up, the XF. And there’s some interestingfunctional attributes too. The XE’s drag co-

ecient of Cd0.26 is a favourable number


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in the class and for this car. Even the basemodels feature additional drag reductionmeasures, such as air vents which openand close when needed to further reduce

drag.The car’s interior reects some binparts usage -- parts of the dashboardand steering wheel from the F-type arefamiliar kit and in its design, a wraparoundapproach has been adopted. This means,despite being a spacious car, it can appeara bit claustrophobic and adding to thatsense is the sloping rooine which meansrear head room is compromised for talloccupants. While there’s no shortageof leg room up front or at the rear, thecar can take ve people, but we thinkfor four it will be more comfortable.

Modern highlights in the cabin includethe multimedia and infotainment system,where most functions are operated thenew eight-inch touchscreen that oersclear graphics. The ability to control phoneapps is among key usable highlightsbesides driver aids such as self parking,standard automatic city braking andthe ability to communicate cross trachazards.For the driver there’s a low seatingposition behind a chunky three-spokewheel with two deeply recessed major

dials on the dashboard and air vents

mounted low down on either side. Driveis selected by Jaguar’s now-familiarretractable circular dial on the centreconsole.

Having the key structure of the car inaluminium oers several distinctiveadvantages. First an array of powertrainscan be shoehorned ranging fromfour-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol to

3.0-litre turbo V6 besides diesels. The carwill be initially oered with the XE petrolengines that still have some Ford legacyand will serve the line-up till Jaguar’s

all-new in-house developed Ingeniumengines replace them in 2016. Dependingon markets both either rear-wheel driveor all-wheel drive congurations andmanual and ZF 8HP eight-speed automatictransmissions will be oered.Six-speedZF manual gearbox is available on dieselmodels.A couple of advanced technologies thatfeature in the XE like the traction controlsystem [Jaguar calls it All Surface ProgressControl] has been developed from LandRover’s highly capable Terrain Responsesystem. Jaguar thinks their system is

superior as it allows for better tractionin snow and ice, conditions traditionallyregarded as challenging for rear-wheeldrive cars.To give the car its sporty handlingcharacteristics, the suspension packageuses a tried and tested technicallyadvanced multi-link independent rearand wishbone front suspension fromthe F-Type. Jaguar says this system is amore costly combination to manufacturebut allows for greater tuning to providea good balance between handling and

ride quality. And taking the weight

The XE is the first of

a new generation of

Jaguar motorcars

to use an advanced

aluminium chassis

system in which

Jaguar Land Rover has

invested £1.5bn and

which was pioneered

in the prototype C-X17

concept car at the

Frankfurt Auto Show

in 2013


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optimisation programme further, the caris endowed with single-piston brakes withswinging arm calipers on all variants.

Driving impressions

Our rst acquaintance with the productionmodel took place immediately after welanded Vittori airport in Spain. The two-day drive event in the country was dividedbetween the variants – base and top-of-the-line and choice of petrol or diesel. Thismeant we had the opportunity to test an XEwith Wolverhampton, UK-built 2.0-litre diesel

delivering 161bhp or 177bhp, a Valencia,Spain-built, Ford-sourced 2.0-litre turbopetrol delivering 197bhp or 236bhp, and aBridgend, UK-built 3.0-litre supercharged V6petrol with 325bhp on tap. The V6 was madeavailable only for the track exercises.Since our markets will be fed with the2.0-litre petrol and V6 engines, hence wedecided to spend most of the drive withthese two variants. We drove right f

167 automan july issue 2015

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