automan november 2011

8/3/2019 Automan November 2011

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editor-in-chiefMamma Al ta

AL roYA PreSS & PUBLiShinG

Po B: 343, Psal c 118

Al hay cmpl

Sulaa oma

emal: auma@alya.

Wbs: www.aumawb.m

eal :

tl: +968 24479888 e 300, fa: +968 24479889

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PUBLiSher

ham Al ta am@alya.

editor & GM

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execUtive editor

caa B Mall aa@alya.

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heAd of MArketinG

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circULAtion

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finAnce & AdMin

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2011

All al Auma magaz a

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maagm AL roYA PreSS & PUBLiShinG

Auma aps usl lus al

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maal. o publs, pyg ay

su maal wll s w AL roYA PreSS &

PUBLiShinG

Is it only us or does anyone else out there feel that there has been a signicant rise in

car prices? We know it is a sensitive topic among manufacturers and dealers, however

the broad spectrum of middle class buyers are having to bear the brunt of an insidious

rise in the acquisition cost of their cars.

If we step back in time three years, I.e to the height of the boom time, car prices

were going through the roof. It was all being blamed on the insatiable demand for raw

materials and major inputs from China and the other burgeoning economies. Then of

course came the huge crash of end 2008, making 2009 the worst year in recent history

for most car manufacturers (we wont even get into how it decimated the nancial,

real estate and service sectors). Now there was a glut of cars lying in dealer stockyards

around the world with many more in factory yards and continuing to roll off the assembly

lines.In many ways the 2009 model year will be remembered in notoriety. It tied up capital,

lled up stockyards and had to be sold with incentives, at loss or pushed in pariah

markets.

In the two years from that, customers have had to face a market that has swung back

at an alarming pace. In 2009, the buyer with money (or even a job) would walk in to

the showroom and demand a discount. He knew that if he showed interest and waited,

most sellers would eventually cave-in.

Can you imagine trying that this year?

The year started with the tsunami and nuclear crisis in North-East Japan and this

managed to cripple the production lines of auto units not just in the country but in other

places like North America which depended on the ancillary units in Japan. End result?

The supply side of the demand equation got affected for most of the Japanese majors

and whatever supply gap was there was hurriedly being lled up by the car makers who

could still make cars. What happened as part of this process is that the Japanese cars

that were available overnight started selling at a premium everywhere in the world. And

other car makers who till then had to discount their cars against the Japanese saw the

opportunity to raise prices.

Now most of the Japanese supply is back on stream and we are again faced with a

situation where supply is generally ahead of demand. But the strong Yen has made cars

from Japan costlier (along with electronic goods) and this has meant that Korean brands

can continue to price their cars higher. We have pegged cars across the three years and

seen a price rise of up to 15 to 20% in some mainstream models. Is it warranted?

The afuent buyer doesnt get fazed by paying more, but in the middle class anypremium paid up front is as good as paying twice the interest rate through the life of the

car. And the question that remains unanswered is what happens when another nancial

crisis hits us courtesy of Europe?


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NewsChevrolet Sonic launch in UAELamborghini Aventor in OmanMaserati Trofeo Series in ME

Q&AUlrich Schmalohr, Vice Presidand Global Vehicle Line Executfor General Motors InternatioOperations 1

brANdwAtch

Kias new brand strategy 14Previews2011 Dubai Motor Show 12011 SEMA 12012 Ferrari 458 Spyder 2

First drive2011 Audi A5 Sportback 12011 M-B CLS 22011 Hyundai Eon 64

sPeciAl rePort

Rolls-Royce Phantom102EX3AMG Performance Tour 44

Also driveN2011 Toyota Fortuner 4

cover story2012 Range Rover Evoque 52012 Jeep Rubicon Trail 3

MotorsPortsFormula One, WRC,MotoGP 6

chicANeA tale of two parking lots 8

in this issue

cover story 56

44 36

48

32 22

10

Poster


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Cadillac has extensively refreshed the SRXcrossover and the new package includes anew 3.6-litre V6 that now replaces the 3.0-litre as

the solo powertrain option. The incoming engineis known by its LFX engine code delivers 308hp

[16per cent more horsepower than the previous V6]

and provides greater low-rpm torque when paired

with the Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic

transmission, which features a driver-selectable

Eco feature that alters the shift points and throttle

progression to help optimize fuel economy.

Cadillac SRX also brings enhanced features for

2012, as well as updates that make it quieter and

more rened - including new sound-absorbing

material placed strategically throughout the vehicle.

The Base and Sport suspension systems have been

revised to improve the ride quality. Other upgradesand changes in the SRX for 2012 include standard

Bluetooth on all models, an optional heated

steering wheel, a xenon Blue Metallic exterior

paint option that will be available in fall 2011, an

all-ebony interior option with contrasting stitching,

and a new 20in wheel nish option.

SRX also features an advanced All Wheel Drive

system with electronic limited slip rear differential

that distributes power front-to-rear, and also

can move power across the rear axle based

on driving conditions and traction. The chassis

includes Adaptive Real-Time damping technology

for excellent ride control. Rainsense automatic

windshield wipers connect to the braking system,enabling the brakes to conduct slight periodic

caliper applications, keeping rotors dry for optimal

stopping power in wet conditions. SRX includes

HID headlamps with Adaptive Forward Lighting,

Bose 5.1 surround sound with navigation, a full-

color LCD Driver Info Center, and a rear-view

camera system. The SRX is Insurance Institute for

Highway Safety (IIHS) 2011 Top Safety Pick with

industry-leading active and passive safety.

As part of a US$683mn investment into theirLeipzig plant, Porsche has conrmed the Cajunwill go into production in late 2013. Described as

light and handy, the entry-level crossover will be

based on the Audi Q5 and compete with the BMW

X3, Mercedes GLK and Range Rover Evoque.

While engine options remain unconrmed, but

some previous reports have indicated there

could be a 2.0-litre TFSI with 220hp as well as a

supercharged 3.0-litre V6 with outputs of 300hp

and 350hp respectively. On the diesel side, there

are rumours of a 2.0-litre TDI with 200hp as well

as a 3.0-litre V6 TDI with 250hp and 310hp. A

hybrid is also expected and it will likely feature

a 208hp2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine and a 44hp

electric motor.

Its no secret that with the LamborghiniAventador LP700-4, Italian supercar maker Automobili Lamborghini is redening thevery pinnacle of the world super sports carmarket. Brutal power, outstanding l ightweightengineering and phenomenal handling

precision are combined with peerless designand the very nest equipment to deliver anunparalleled driving experience in new carslike the Aventador. And with the Aventador,Lamborghini is taking a big step into the future- and building on the glorious history of thebrand with the next automotive legend. Therst customers, including Middle East will takedelivery of the new Lamborghini AventadorLP700-4 in late summer as promised by thecarmaker. Lamborghinis much talked aboutand awaited agship supersports car was

launched in Oman on the 2nd of October. At a boutique ceremony in the Lamborghinishowroom in Muscat, Ahmad Al Naimi, salesmanager for the brand and Sachin Chengappa,brand manager hosted the event and unveiledthe car.Al Naimi said about the car, The

Lamborghini LP 700-4 Aventador embodiesthe purest Lamborghini values: Italian,extreme, sensuous, aggressive, exclusiveand uncompromising. The gures speak forthemselves: 2.9 seconds for the 0 to 100 km/hsprint and a maximum speed of 350km/h. Thecar embodies the latest technology, with aV12 aluminium engine encased in a carbon-bre body. The Aventador is Lamborghinisnewest car and its newest agship model. Itis powered by a 6.5-litre V12 that generates700 hp and has traction at all wheels.

8

regional news}

AVENTADOR LAUNCHED IN OMANUpgRADED 2012 CADILLAC SRX

TO ARRIVE SHOwROOMS THIS

MONTH

pORSCHE CAjUN pRODUCTION pLANS


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The Sonic geTS a youThful kick-offChevrolets latest small car came to the region with a media-onlyevent based around the Atlantis Palm Hotel in Dubai. Automanwas present at the event.

The current trend of manufacturers to give usbigger and better cars does not mean thatthey can afford to ignore the entry level. It is the

best place to generate volumes and Chevrolet has

made this segment its hunting ground with cars

like the new Spark (also sold as the Beat in some

countries), the Aveo and the Optra. This segment

has its own dynamics and one of the key features

is that it tends to be price sensitive and one

cant afford to upgrade a model without having a

replacement in place for existing customers.The Sonic is meant to address just that issue

for Chevrolet. Coming from General Motors

international operations in Korea, the new Sonic

should have ideally been the Aveo replacement,

but the Aveo continues to have a market and will

be a mainstream model in the region for some

time to come. Chevrolet is taking a two-pronged

strategy with the Sonic-Aveo team. While the

Aveo will continue to address the eet segment

and price sensitive customers, the Sonic with its

youthful guise and upmarket feature pack will be

placed as a premium offering in the same part of

the market. Early indications out of Dubai were

that the Sonic range should start at the RO 4500

level, however it is evident that the local prices

are tending to be signicantly more premium than

that.

As for the car itself, it is being offered in two bodystyles, i.e. hatchback and sedan, both equipped

with a new generation 1.6-litre engine and a new

six-speed automatic gearbox. The sedan is 36cms

longer than the hatchback and offers generous

luggage volume and a more sedate styling. The

hatchback is smaller and tighter in design terms

as well reecting a very youth oriented theme

including rimmed headlights without visible lenses

and a motorcycle inspired instrument cluster. This

carries over the treatment on the new Spark. In

both the body styles the large Chevy Bow-tie sitting

on the cross strip on the grille is a highlight.

We were part of the media that drove the car in

Dubai, though the event around the cars launch

entailed very little driving. Various events staged in

the parking lot of the Atlantis saw media participate

in tasks like stacking the car with cartons, driving

it with lled water glasses on the roof, driving itin reverse through a slalom, painting the car with

grafti, driving in a parking situation practically

blind with the help of a friend on the bluetooth and

a small treasure hunt. While the day was packed

with activity and was designed as a fun event, we

werent able test the car.

Look forward to a test next month.

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regional news}


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Face to Face

12

on The Small car fronT

s n n n:

hp://amanb.cm/v/vv/57/pp-a-nv/ch-chmah

or Qr p an


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What is the potential for small cars

and what are GMs expectations in the

segment?

The small car segments are among the

fastest growing in the world. It is growing in

importance because of the pressure brought

about by the need for better fuel efciency -

with the United States getting more and more

important with the prediction for sales beingquite high - though I will not discuss numbers

- but it is similar to what we will sell in China

and in Europe. That makes for three markets

with almost similar volumes. Also in South

America small cars are important and volumes

are growing too.

Automan: Would you agree that the demands

from a small car are in many ways more

intense than larger cars?

US: The smaller the car the more difcult

it is to get a decent balance of features,

performance and safety in it. Meanwhile

everybody expects a car from the segment tobe as good as a big car in performance and

safety and in features like the latest electronic

ttings and comfort. As you can imagine to

package all these into a small car is far more

difcult to do than in a big car. So I would say

that it is one of the more challenging tasks

in front of engineers and industry to make a

small car as interesting as a big one.

Would you agree that the demands

from a small car are in many ways more

intense than larger cars?

The smaller the car the more difcult it is to

get a decent balance of features, performanceand safety in it. Meanwhile everybody expects

a car from the segment to be as good as a big

car in performance and safety and in features

like the latest electronic ttings and comfort.

As you can imagine to package all these into

a small car is far more difcult to do than in

a big car. So I would say that it is one of the

more challenging tasks in front of engineers

and industry to make a small car as interesting

as a big one.

How does the Sonic t that bill?

As I highlighted in my presentation it is the

safest car in its segment. These are not just

predictions. In the US and Europe it is measured

to be ve-star (in the Euro-NCAP) and you will

nd that it is the best car measured as a small

car. In the US also, when the ofcial gures

nally come out we expect to be in the best or

the best in the segment. When you look at the

cost and features we have, we think we have

found a very good balance. We also have a very

modular approach in this car so that we can

specialise it for specic markets - so it is not

as if we have one solution available, we have

unique setups that meet the requirements in

different markets. For example the automatic

transmission setup is not the same for Europe,

Korea and the Middle East. We have rst

looked at whats required in these markets

and have met these requirements.

Does the Sonic target a younger market

than the Aveo?That was the idea - to target younger people.

Thats why we did the motorcycle cluster in the

interior and also the lensless headlamps and

Chevrolet is a car that has to be a little bit more

tough and sporty but also very functional. So

that balance you have today is that in normal

use in a day to day usage it feels natural to put

things in, its easy to get in the car, its easy

to maneouvre the seats, that we have a good

view from the car, that we have space for

everything like sunglasses, telephones - so the

practicality in the car besides its sportiness -

that was the aim we had. Sometimes a sporty

car is not always practical. Its easy to make

sporty cars but then you dont have enough

space in the rear seat. In our car, the car is

sporty and you have the best rear room in its

segment.

How signicant are the operations in

Korea in the GM scheme?

US: Korea was always a very important part

of GM. We export to many countries from

Korea. Our products go to the most diverse

destinations in the world. Other plants have

large volumes but dont have to serve many

markets. So we have 140 markets, which

means that we have to understand what is

important to that market and what can I trade-

off when I dene the car. So this is a unique

knowledge base that we have in Korea.

What is the launch schedule of the

Sonic?

We have already launched the car in Korea

itself, then China and the US. The car is also

launched in the European market and like the

Middle East will be served from Korea.

What is the break-up you foresee for

hatchback versus sedan?

In Europe it is more the hatchback, while in

the US the sedan is much more important

In China it is a little bit better balanced bu

also tending a little bit more towards the four

door. Korea and here too it will be the sedan

So except Europe, demand should be fo

the sedan. Initial volume is expected to be

500,000 units a year.

What future models can we expect on

the same platform?

As I said before, I cannot talk about future

models, but the architecture is setup in such

a modular way that you can do all kinds of

variants - you can do different wheelbases,

you can do high-seating, high-cowl, You can

have the cowl a little more forward or back

The architecture is done in such a way that

without touching the architecture we can

make cars that are different in core values.

In terms of competition you must have

targeted specic models and makes?

Absolutely. In different markets we have

different main competitors. For example

in Europe we have the Hyundai Accent orthe Kia equivalent but also in some really

developed markets we are targeting the

Fiesta and also the Polo.

Whats the Korea advantage?

i would say that we have set up a team in Korea

that is very international. So all the knowledge

is there. I have been there now for six years

I have done the architectures in Germany and

we have a colleague from Brazil who brings

all the knowledge from the Brazilian market

We have brought in everyone into the team

to consider the best of the best. I would say

that the quality and technical parameters of

this car is absolutely comparable to European

designed cars. We have had a focus on ride

and handling and this comes across when

compared to Europes best like the Fiesta or a

Polo for example. This car can easily compete

with those. Then when you see practicality,

storage items and the like, I think we might be

the best. I think the Sonic is an internationa

car and when you drive it you feel like it is a

European-designed car.

13

Automan met Ulrich

Schmalohr, Vice President

and Global Vehicle Line

Executive for General Motors

International Operations

based in Korea. He was in

Dubai to host the regional

launch of the Sonic,

Chevrolets new small car.


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The much awaited replacement ofChevrolets Aveo has nally arrived in theSultanate. General Motors and Oman TradingEstablishment Group unveiled Chevroletsnew compact car market competitor, theSonic, last month and the launch was part

of a global event in 140countries and simultaneousunveiling across MiddleEast Chevrolet dealerships,coming just before themarque celebrates itscentenary. The Sonic will beoffered in two bodystyles --as a ve-door hatchback andfour door sedan. The car isaimed at the youth marketsegment and will be offered in several trims a base model, the LS and the LT. While

the base model offers the bare minimum

(central-locking and an airbag), the LS andthe LT offer much more. A carefully tunedset of sensors is wired to four airbags thatare standard on the LT, along with a four-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with

brake assist that is available

on LS and standard onLT. The Sonic will bethe rst Chevrolet smallcar to sport a six-speedautomatic transmission -in the LS and LT variants- coupled with a 1.6-litreengine, producing 115hp.The Sonic hatchbackhas received a top ve-

star safety rating from theEuropean New Car Assessment Program(EuroNCAP), which released its latest results

in August 2011.

CHEVROLET SONIC NOw IN OMANUNIqUE pRODUCT pLACEMENTfOR ALL-NEw RANgE ROVER

EVOqUE IN ONLINE fLICk

AUDI SALES HIT ALL-TIME HIgH

IN MIDDLE EAST

REfRESHED 2012 fORTUNER

NOw AVAILAbLE IN OMAN

MASERATI TROfEO SERIES ON ITS wAy TO MIDDLE EAST

Classied, a drama was commissioned byLand Rover to celebrate the launch of thenew Range Rover Evoque in the Middle Eastregion. In a bold move away from traditionalproduct placement, Land Rover worked withRange Rover Evoque brand ambassador and

City of Life director Ali F. Mostafa to createa thrilling and exciting online lm series inwhich the Range Rover Evoque is featured asa main character with an integral role in theoverall storyline.

Audi reports a record of 5,602 vehicles soldin the Middle East in the period from Januaryto September 2011 24 percent more thanduring the same period last year. Exceedingeven the previous September year-to-date

sales record of 2008 (5,504 units), the brandwith the four rings remains strongly on trackfor a new all-time record year in 2011. Thelargest markets for the German premiummanufacturer in the region remain the United Arab Emirates with 2,245 vehicles deliveredto customers in the rst nine months of 2011and Saudi Arabia with 1,043 vehicles sold inthe same period a growth of 37 percent inboth markets.

Saud Bahwan Group, the exclusive Toyotadealer in Oman, has informed the availabilityof the all-new 2012 Toyota Fortuner in theSultanate. The new four-wheel drive SUV isavailable in three grades: 2.7-litre Premium,4.0-litre Exclusive, and 4.0-litre Grand.

Excitement in theregion is building forthe arrival of the Maserati

Trofeo JBF RAK series.

A full grid of Maserati

GranTurismo MC Trofeo

race cars is currently

being packed up from the

Maserati Corse factory in

Italy and about to embark

on its journey to the Middle East. After a successful

and action-packed series of racing, the Trofeo Maserati

is making its debut outside of Europe with the launch

of the Maserati Trofeo JBF RAK this November.

All cars have been given a clean bill of health by

the expert mechanics and technicians in Italy before

being loaded for transport to the region. Once the

cars land in the Middle East, they will be transferred

to the Maserati Trofeo JBF RAK technical partners

base in the UAE. There, they will be given another full

check prior to the pre-season test, which takes place

at the Dubai Autodrome on November 19.

This will be the rst time the eld of Gentlemen

Drivers get the chance to experience the sensation

of driving the Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo

alongside other cars on

a Middle East circuit. The

Maserati GranTurismo MC

Trofeo is developed from

the successful GranTurismo

S road car. Its design and

setup is tuned for the track

and has proved to be a

formidable racer in the

Middle East and Europe.

Drivers from across the Middle East will race against

each other over a full series of rounds, which take

place at the regions most prestigious circuits. In

addition to the pre-season test and races at the Dubai

Autodrome, the series will visit Losail Circuit in Qatar

and the Formula One tracks of Bahrain International

Circuit and Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Umberto Cini, Managing Director for Maserati Middle

East & Africa, cannot wait for the series to begin. We

began the journey to bring the Maserati Trofeo to the

Middle East over a year ago and I am looking forward

to seeing the cars in action here. We hope to see some

exciting battles out on track over the course of the 12

races and bring a sense of glamour to motorsport in

the region that only Maserati can deliver.

1414

world news}

THE SERIES IS A STANDALONE PROGRAMMESPECIFIC TO THE MIDDLE EAST AND WILL

BE RUN ALONG THE SERIES THAT HASBEEN RUNNING IN EUROPE OVER THE PASTTWO YEARS. DRIVERS FROM EUROPE CANREGISTER TO COMPETE IN THE MIDDLEEAST SERIES, BUT THERE IS NO CARRY-

OVER OF POINTS ETC FROM THE EUROPEANTROFEO.


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Zurich, one of the worlds leading insurancegroups, today announced the launch of arange of new motor insurance products tailoredto the unique requirements of drivers in theUAE. The three covers Essential, Extra andElite are available with a number of new-tomarket features, including roadside assistancepeople cover, GCC roadside assistance and a12-month hire car no-claims holiday. Zurichsroadside assistance people cover means ifa customer is stranded over 200 kilometresfrom home, the insurer will provide up toAED 500 towards either a hotel stay or returntransport. For customers who travel outsidethe UAE, whether for work or holidays, Zurichhas also made roadside assistance availableanywhere within the GCC. The companys 12month hire car no-claims holiday rewardscustomers who have not made a claim duringthe previous year with up to AED 1,000 withwhich to hire a car in the UAE for instance, i

they have family or friends visiting or in theihome country. The launch of Zurichs motorinsurance proposition marks the companysentry into the retail insurance market and isthe rst of many product launches scheduledfor this year and 2012. In the coming monthsZurich will continue to increase its retaipresence in a number of regional markets,including Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Omanand the UAE.

The Zubair Automotive Group once again

acted as platinum sponsors for the AnnualTrafc Safety Expo 2011 which ran from 18thto 20th October at the exhibition centre, Seeb.Since 1973 The Zubair Automotive Group hasbeen a pioneer in the automotive businessin Oman. It has always been committedto offering the safest vehicles and safetyproducts to keep customers and their families,safe while driving. Throughout the exhibitionthe company actively engaged with the publicand invited them to pledge their intention tocommit to safer driving habits by not usingtheir mobile phoneswhen driving, to use childsafety seats for their family, always wear aseat belt, have their car regularly checkedand serviced, keep to the speed limit etc. Toreinforce the importance of these pledges

there was an opportunity for visitors to put

their driving skills to the test on a custombuilt miniature car track, in order to showcasethe perils of what can happen if they dontconcentrate while behind the wheel.Zubair Automotive Group General ManagerSerdar Toktamis said: The level of casualtieson our roads every year is signicant, especiallyfor a small nation such as ours, and it is ourintention to do all that we can to reverse thistrend. The practical demonstrations of whatcan happen if a motorist loses concentrationwhilst driving really reinforces the message.Our aim is to educate and inform all driversabout safe driving practices and there byencourage everyone in kind of vehicle to makesure they enjoy A Safer Journey when they setout to their destination.

Following the introduction of Veloster andAzera in Oman by OTE, Juma Al Majid Est.- the sole distributor of Hyundai Motors in theUAE - ofcially launched the all-new Azera inDubai and Abu Dhabi. The premium large sedanwith technology-rich features for enhancedcomfort, convenience and safety is sharperlooking and more graceful than ever. Outsidethe Azeras uidic sculpture accentuates the premium wing frontal image and eagle eye,

high-intensity discharge xenon headlights in

a wider vehicle with a longer wheelbase. The

new car boasts a wide panorama sunroof, top

quality Nappa leather seats, front seat coolerand ventilated seats, high-quality suede interior,

smart key and an electronic parking brake. Inside,

the new Azera comes with a six-cylinder, 3.0-

litre engine built on an all-aluminum body, which

minimizes weight and utilizes a roller chain drive

system that signicantly reduces engine noise

levels. The Azera rides on MacPherson struts up

front and a multi-link suspension in the rear.

AzERA LAUNCHED IN UAE

zUbAIR AUTOMOTIVE SpONSORS ANNUAL TRAffIC SAfETy EXpO 2011

zURICH INSURANCE LAUNCHES

NEw MOTOR INSURANCE

pRODUCTS

kTM OpENS DEALERSHIp IN AL AIN

Monster Bikes UAE, a multi-brand high-performance motorcycle, ATV and UTV facilitybased in Al Ain, has now opened its doors to KTMcustomers. Jalmood Shamsi, an avid offroadeand motorcycle enthusiast who owns the set-updecided that it was time to take his business upa notch and now carries the Austrian motorcyclebrand, KTM. Their new facility opened to the public

on last month.

1515


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1616

brandwatch

South Korean Kia Motors has launched itsnew global brand campaign called Inspiredby What You Like. Kia, the Power to Surprise.The all-new campaign aims to increaseawareness and understanding of Kias corebrand beliefs Challenger, Human-driven

and Spirited through a series of high proleTV commercials and digital media in key salesmarkets.

In addition to large-scale traditional mediaexposure, Kia plans to provide an engagingdigital experience to create a more intimatebond with consumers. To achieve thisobjective, the digital campaign will be focusedon social media platforms where users canparticipate and share their experience withpeers, which is in line with the core messageof the TV commercials.

The rst campaign teaser TV commercialwas aired on October 27 featured Kias globalbrand ambassador, tennis sensation RafaelNadal, showing the audience what he likes.In the main follow-up campaign commercial,Kias brand beliefs will be communicated byshowing which customer likes are valued byKia as a brand. Leveraging Kias partnershipwith Facebook, the worlds largest socialmedia platform, the digital campaign will be

rolled out in three phases on Kias worldwideFacebook page and will include a social mediaquiz, a CSR program and a state-of-the-artsemantic interactive social movie. To bringthe brand closer to consumers worldwide, thecampaign is being launched in seven differentlanguages and seeks to harness the power of

social networks to communicate the campaigntheme, Inspired by What You Like. Kia, thePower to Surprise.

Facebook at the centre of digital campaignFocusing on the Facebook Like button, one

of the most recognizable icons on the Internettoday, the campaigns elements are designedto engage consumers directly to nd out whatthey enjoy and appreciate in life.Phase One: Guess What Nadal LikesAt the time of launch, Kias Facebook fans

will be able to play a simple, social media quizcalled Guess What Nadal Likes. Kia will selecttwo winners among those who submit themost correct answers and award them with a

trip for two to the 2012 Australian Open tennistournament. The correct answers along withthe winners will be revealed on 10 December.Phase Two: Kia Likes CaringDuring phase two, the company will team

up with a globally renowned environmentaladvocacy organization to drive awareness

and to support the brands commitmentto sustainability by sharing its values withFacebook fans. Driven by the theme Inspiredby What You Like, Kia will ask fans to placea badge on their prole pictures representingtheir support for the environment. In responseto the level of support generated on Facebook,

Kia will donate vehicles to the organization foruse in their daily efforts aimed at assistingdeveloping countries in implementingenvironmentally sound policies and practices.The Kia Likes Caring CSR program starts on 8November and is expected to conclude on 31January next year.Phase Three: Like LabSet to launch on November 18, Kia will

introduce the Like Lab as the third phaseof its digital brand campaign. Like Lab is astate-of-the-art semantic social movie that willallow users to control the content of the storyto reect what they like. The story unfoldswith a scene inside Kias secret agency called

Like Lab where agents and researchers studyvarious likes from users to create the bestdesigns and quality for their cars. The digitalcampaign on Kias worldwide Facebook pagewill run from today until 31 January, 2012, withcontent available in English, French, German,Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic.

Automans takeThrough its new global brand campaign, Kia wants to pay tribute to our fans around the world for the strong interest and loyalsupport they have shown in the brand and its products. In a bid to get even closer to its growing consumer base as a source of inspiration, Kia seeks to

use these tools to challenge the norm and drive innovation in its future products which it hopes will help form the key foundation is the way it conducts its

business.

KiA Motors lAuNches New globAl brANd

cAMPAigN


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Hyundai Motor Company rose four spotsto No. 61 in Interbrands 2011 Best 100Global Brands ranking, thereby attaining thestatus of Fastest growing Brand. Interbrand

calculated Hyundais brand value at $6bn, a19.3 per cent increase over 2010, tops amongautomakers. Hyundai stood out amongautomotive industrys strong performance thatcame during a period of relative weaknessfor most of the 100 Best Global Brands. Theaverage growth rate of the 11 automotivebrands included in the top 100 was 8.1 percent, while the average growth rate of all100 Best Global Brands was only 2.6 per centcompared to 2010.

The growth of Hyundais brand valueoutstripped that of key competitors, such asVolkswagen (which grew 14 per cent) and Audi(13 per cent). Hyundai has more than doubled

the growth rate of its brand value; prior to2010, Hyundais brand value grew at a rateof 9.3 per cent. The Interbrand rankings arecalculated using companies nancial balancesheets combined with marketing activities,while also reecting each brands potentialprot. Hyundai has worked to increase itsbrand value since Chairman Mong-Ku Chungestablished the companys brand managementphilosophy in 2005. Hyundai stepped up itsgame at the 2011 Detroit motor show, when

Vice Chairman Eui-Sun Chung launched thecompanys new brand concept, announcingHyundais commitment to producing ModernPremium vehicles. Interbrand noted

Hyundai displayed the most memorabperformance continuing from the previous yeardespite a growth slowdown of global brandsHyundais product competitiveness has beenacknowledged by such leading global qualityrating agencies such as Consumer Reportsand J.D. Power, adding, in particular, thelaunching of the Veloster offered consumersa new idea about cars and showed Hyundaisunique creativity which has been a key elemenfor the brands growth.

1717

Can market conditions dictate a prestigious brand? The answer isyes and no. While British marquee Bentley is edging slightly down

market, Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Mller-tvs has recently revealed thebrand doesnt have any plans to follow suit. Speaking with AutomotiveNews Europe, the executive said Bentley largely occupies another pricesegment and our customers dont see our cars as competition [toBentley]. They buy models of both brands. Despite this, Rolls-Roycehas plans to grow by adding new variants of the Ghost. Noting therecent unveiling of the extend-wheelbase model, Mller-tvs said thecompany could add a coupe, a convertible or something else entirely. As for alternative powertrains, the CEO commented a diesel couldnever deliver a true Rolls-Royce experience and there is no demandfor a production version of the 102EX concept.

Any way you look at it, ten million is an awfully big numberAll the more so when youre talking about luxury sedans, notbudget hatchbacks. But thats how many mid-size cars Audhas built to date. The total stretches back to 1972, throughfour generations of the Audi 80 and four more of its successonameplate, the A4. The landmark was reached earlier thismonth when the 10,000,000th midsize Audi - a red S4 withtwo-tone interior - rolled off the assembly line at IngolstadtThe announcement comes hot on the heels of the freshlyfacelifted A4 family, including the new A4 sedan, Avantwagon, Allroad Quattro soft-roader and S4 sports sedan.

Ten million Audi A4 milestone

Volkswagen aspires to be the number one car manufacturer in the world by2018, and as part of this strategy there is a strong focus on eet business.Volkswagen Middle East and its partner Saad Buzwair Automotive Qatar have

announced the rst of its eet taxis in Qatar. In collaboration with Mowasalat

the Qatar Transport Company, Volkswagen Middle East has supplied 300 all-

new Jetta Taxis to Karwa Taxi Services in Qatar. The initial handover of 300

vehicles is only the rst installment to be received by Karwa, with a total number

of Volkswagen eet Taxis in Qatar reaching 500 by the rst quarter of 2012.

Volkswagen has great experience in this eld throughout the world, and were

condent that the all-new Jetta eet will be well received. Marcus Butros, sales

director of Volkswagen Middle East said: This partnership with Karwa Taxi

Services symbolizes the rst venture into eet business for Volkswagen Middle

East in Qatar. The Qatar deal is further evidence that Volkswagen has the rightrange of cars available to attract more and more eet customers.

hyuNdAi Motor NAMed the FAstest growiNg

AutoMotive brANd For secoNd strAight yeAr

rolls-royce hAs No PlANs to Move dowN MArKet

Volkswagen providing eet solutions for ME


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newsmakers}

The 11th edition of the DubaiInternational Motor Show kicks-off this month and Automan has

some interesting information to share with

automotive acionados. And since this megaevent is considered as the years grand nalefor the Middle East markets, most participatingautomakers are all set to generate a hugebuzz with their respective offerings. And itgoes without saying that being the hub ofattraction, this years edition, is by far the mostambitious as it has attracted the attention ofseveral of the worlds most famous motorbrands such as De Macross, Lotus, McLaren,MG and Spyker.

Porsche is set to reveal the car many saidcould never be bettered the 911 Carrera,

which has been re-designed after 48 years. Along with the completely re-designed icon,the automaker is also giving UAE visitors therst opportunity to see its breathtaking 918RSR concept car.

BMW Group Middle East will use the venueto host new models that will demonstratethe luxury motor manufacturers leadershipin innovation, performance and individuality.Together with local importer AGMC, BMWGroup will showcase 16 models at the show.The highlight of the stand will be the BMWVision ConnectedDrive - on display for the rsttime in the Middle East - it a demonstration

of BMWs development of innovative driverassistance systems and mobility services.Models showcasing the BMW Individualprogramme will include BMW 7 Series Steinway & Sons Edition, a BMW 7 Series UAE Edition which celebrates 40 years ofthe UAE and a BMW 5 Series Individual. Thebrand-new fth generation BMW M5 will alsobe unveiled and BMW will also premiere theX6M tted with the Special M-Performance Kitas well as the BMW 1 Series M Coupe and X5M.

Meanwhile, MINI will be celebrating the 10thanniversary of its relaunch into the MiddleEast and will have two stars -- the all-newMINI Coupe and the MINI Paceman Concept -the rst Sports Activity Coupe in the premiumsmall car segment. Following the surprisereveal in Frankfurt recently, Jaguar and LandRover will offer an interesting glimpse intofuture of its new line-up across the brands.Highlights will include the Middle Easternreveal of the Land Rover DC-100 conceptand the spectacular Jaguar C-X75 concept.

The two concept vehicles will be showcasedalongside the latest 12MY line-up of vehiclesfor Jaguar, Land Rover and Range Roverincluding: the Jaguar XF and XJ, Range Rover,

Range Rover Sport, LR4 and LR2. In addition,the stand will also showcase the eye-catchingXKR-S, Jaguars fastest production vehicle todate and the long anticipated Ranger RoverEvoque, designed to bring the exclusivity ofRange Rover to a brand new audience.

McLaren Automotive has just beguncustomer deliveries of its rst production high-performance sports car - MP4-12C and thisscissor door version is expected to have itsrst ofcial outing with Middle East audienceat Dubai.

2011 dubAi Motor show

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vegAs show-tiMe!

Despite the economic stagnationworldwide, this years SEMA show isexpected to continue with the time

honoured tradition of high-voltage drama,outrageous concepts and exciting renditions

of cars and trucks from both manufacturersand specialty equipment suppliers. Chevroletis coming to this years SEMA show with a totalof six concept Camaro and Corvette models,and theyre all designed to show off exactlywhat owners can do with their vehicles witha little time, money and imagination. Whilethere will be a number of concepts wearingspecial visual upgrades, including the CamaroConvertible Red Zone Concept and theCamaro Synergy Series Concept, were mostexcited about the Camaro 1LE Concept. Die-hard Bowtie fans will likely recognize the 1LE

package code as a road-racing designation.Toyota is giving its iQ micro-car an array offull-blooded customised versions that takethe style-setting urban car into a new worldof pumped bodywork and pimped interiors.

Toyota will showcase three iQvariants for the shows Tuner

Challenge, with a fourth custom

special displaying a radical chop-top look.They are joined at SEMA by further American-market models that have been given ultimatemakeovers, plus some of Toyotas latest State-side racing machinery. Michael Chang, Jon

Sibal and Tatsu are the famous tuners whohave worked their magic on the iQ variants.SEMA also marks the public debut of the rstrace car to be developed from the new, thirdgeneration Yaris. The Yaris B-Spec Club Racerwill be competing in SCCA championship racingin the USA next year, driven by American BMXstar Jamie Bestwick.

Mazdas MX-5 Miata Spyder concept takes afresh look at topless motoring in an understatedmanner. Mazdas Turbo2 is, according toMazda, uses its most powerful turbochargedengine in its lightest platform. Hyundai will

unveil a range of custom models, includingthe Genesis Coupe-based Hurricane SC andtwo Velosters tuned by ARK Performance andPM Lifestyle.A range of 2012 Ford Focus and2011 Ford Fiesta have been customized byseveral tuning companies including Steedaand Rousch. Watch this space for more SEMAnews next month.


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{road test}

20


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A a f n M

ea p mak n

n A5 spak n

2009. N, gman amak

a ma a f mp pa

am a an aa n

nan mp mnAuthorChandan B Mallik Photography Raj Warrior


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{road test}

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Audi has been paying attention to markettrends and is current busy refreshingits current model series. While several

members of the A5 family have been upgraded,the Sportback is one model that has a specialplace in the line-up. From the market pointof view this car represents Audis brilliancein packaging technology and design usingbulletproof and proven mechanicals. The A5Sportbacks basic footprint is actually closer toA4 in dimensions, but its key measurementsare signicantly different than the A5 Coupes.Just to give an idea, the Sportbacks wheelbaseis more than two inches longer than the A5Coupe but less than one-tenth of an inch offthe A4. But the lower, broader Sportbacksstyle genes are heavily inuenced from othermembers of the A5 family.

Audis exterior designers have ensured thatthe car is visually connected with other family

members, yet remains clean, restrained andnicely proportioned and classy in some of itsdetailing, such as the bright trim around theframeless side glass which evokes memoriesof the famous 100 Coupe of the late 1960sand the elegance of the discreet spoiler atthe rear. In esh, the extra set of doors andlonger, higher stance means that the Sportbackdoes lose some of the coupes sporty prole,although the sharp rear-sloping rooine helpsit counterbalance this niggle and helps makesthe coupe look so great. In its construction,the car uses a lot of aluminium for optimizingweight management.

While its clear that marketing is at theheart of the A5 Sportback, so how does Audiexpect to command a premium on a car thatcan hardly claim to be all-new? Audi believesthe all-new A5 Sportback has no direct rivals,but we think the answer lies elsewhere in

its highly efcient conguration which alsoincludes exceptional high levels of luxury andstandard equipment in a four-cylinder car.

Inside the car, theres a lot to expectfrom Audi and thankfully all is in order outhere. A number of extra features round outthe standard equipment kit and include anelectromechanical parking brake, six airbags,belt tensioners and force limiters, Isox childseat preparation, the recuperation system forthe recovery of braking energy, fog lights,heated and power-adjustable exterior mirrors,four power windows and an intelligent ignitionkey that automatically stores service-relevantdata. To an expert, theres an extensive list ofsmall changes from the steering column stalksto the automatic transmission gear selector,to the Audi drive select button and even anew ignition key fob, but its the amount ofextra space Audi has managed to nd in the


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rear, we would point out as the Sportbacksbiggest design achievement. As a result, head

and legroom is now on a par with the A4, andboot space is equally impressive, offering 480-litre [same as the A4 Avant]. Whats more, theSportback matches the A4 with the rear seatsfolded at. Plus, thanks to the new cleverhatchback boot, it is very easy to load too. Ingeneral, comfort offered by the front seats isquite good for long road trips, but the seatslack the type of lateral support that a spiriteddriver desires. Sadly, theres no x for the rearseats, as the lack of head- and legroom makesthem suitable for smaller passengers only.

Its no secret that Audi shines with itspowertrain offerings and the A5 Sportbackis also no exception. Although offered as asolo offering, the 2.0-litre TFSI quattro matedto dual clutch seven speed transmissionalso showcases the marques technologicalexcellence and theres more evidence ofefciency in the package. The car also featuresthe servotronic steering, which automaticallyadapts steering boost to the driving speed,and xenon plus with LEDs for the daytimerunning lights and the tail lights, a light and

rain sensor as well as the Audi parking systemfor the rear.

Driving impressions

In some respects, the 1,615kg A5 Sportbackfeels like the A4 on road. First, its noise, vibrationand harshness levels are commendably lowand the seven-speed gearbox helps keepsengine ticking around 2,000rpm at 110km/h.The sweet spot of the drive is the 350Nm oftorque delivery over a wide range between1,500 and 4,200 rpm. The ip side is thatat this speed band, fuel consumption is lessthan 6.0-litre/100km and the idea of having a211hp four-cylinder as the only engine in thiscar begins to make sense. Power delivery fromthe forced fed engine is virtually seamless andthe A5 gives up little in terms of accelerationwhen compared to a V6. Overall handling issuperb, thanks to the benets of the all-wheeldrive which allows extremely high levels ofgrip from the 225/50 R17 tyres. However, wenoted an occasional understeer. Ride qualityhas been a priority area for Audi and theboth the latest A4 (and by default the A5) aresupple and comfortable while the dual clutch

seven-speed S tronic transmission impartssportiness. Audis drive select dynamic contro

system was one of our favourites in this carthat allows us to access all of the technicacomponents relevant to driving dynamics andvary their function by switching between threemodes comfort, auto and dynamic. Andsince our car had the MMI navigation systemis on board, a fourth mode individual wasalso available. This mode allows the driver tone tune own custom settings from a largenumber of available parameters.

Verdict

Creating a style-based variant using themechanicals of an existing model and thencharging a premium can actually confusea punter. But Audi has used all the tricks toensure that the A5 Sportback stands out fromthe pack. Although we dont buy Audis pitchthat here is something new under the sunin totality, but we do appreciate that Audistechnological brilliance has denitely addedvalue to an exceptionally well packagedcar which we can argue is better than anycomparably priced BMW or Mercedes-Benz.


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First drive

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t a-n n nan 2011 M-bnz cls m

an j a n m na n

n a n 2004. Aman a pnn a f a


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mn f- p n f an fn n an

mp n a

AuthorChandan B Mallik PhotographyRaj Warrior and author

EDITORIALNOMINE

E

pORSCHECAyMAN

R

LUXURyCAR


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It was in 2004, when the worlds automotivelandscape was caught unawares whenMercedes-Benz introduced the remarkably

simple, yet highly stunning E-Class basedCLS concept in production form. It was themarques rst four-door model that looked likea sports coupe from its elegant long nose to itsowing tail. Commercially, for Mercedes-Benz,the CLS has been a runaway success with over170,000 units sold since launch. Encouragedby numbers and market potential, M-Bsarch rivals such as Audi and BMW have alsoentered this unique slot with their respectiveinterpretations.

While the rst generation CLS set the pacefor the model series, the second generationCLS launched in Paris last year aims to set anew benchmark in engineering and bespokefeatures. The job of doing this was entrusted toKorean Hubert Lee, who now has a senior roleat M-Bs Southern California based AdvancedDesign studio. Lee has been keenly aware of

the awesome responsibility he inherited fromthe moment his proposal was picked as thebasis for the second-gen CLS in late 2006.

Lees scalpel has kept the original proleof the CLS intact, but he has added someathletic creaselines to give it a powerful andaggressive stance. The 2012 version has addeda touch of aggression and muscularity to thesoft, feminine curves of the old car, while stillbeing a sleeker and more curvaceous take ona typical sedan styling. In fact, the refresheddesign does a splendid job in reconcilingMercedes current mission to blend a longnose with a chiseled rear end which seemsto be inspired in part by the swoopy pre-warMercedes-Benz 540 K Autobahnkurier, muchbetter than the E-Class manages. While, theprominent character line running downwardfrom the top of the front wheel arches to therear, takes inspiration from historic Mercedessports cars, the two styling directions visuallybalance each other and at the same time help

the CLS get its standalone identity in the M-Bline-up.

Overall, the new sporty corporate look issigned off with a cluster of 71 LEDs in theheadlamps [these LEDs serve a variety offunctions such as main beams, turn indicatorsand address what is seemingly everyconceivable night driving situation] and theminimalist-style grille, similar to that on thecurrent SLS AMG. From the side there areprominent wheel arches, a high coupe-stylewaist line and narrow side windows. Theroof tapers gently from a high point near thecentre of the passenger cabin to well pastthe rear wheels. And despite its sporty lines,the rear doors actually extend much furtherback over the rear wheels than those on thecurrent model.

While, the incoming car uses broadlythe same architecture and has an identicalwheelbase to the current E-Class, there aresome fundamental differences under the sheet

M-bnz a k

n an a imp

n nain cls

namia, nia,an nmia

First drive


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metal where some dimensional changes havetaken place. The starting point for this extraspace was the vehicle body, which is 29mmlonger, 13mm higher and 8mm wider than itspredecessor. The wheelbase has increasedtoo, by 20mm to 2,874mm.

As with the efciency trend including abreduction these days, the broad framelessdoors are now constructed in aluminiumwhich according to M-B saves 24kg whencompared to its steel equivalent. Thats notall -- aluminium and resin composites havebeen used in the bonnet, front wings, boot lidand parcel shelf. Various support proles andkey parts of the suspension and engine are allmade of aluminium. The front end of the caruses a hybrid construction of aluminium panelsand plastic strengthened with bre-glass. Allthese help the model to become lightest ofthe CLSs besides being very slippery with adrag co-efcient of Cd0.26.

Inside the car, there are enhanced levels

of craftsmanship evident all around in thesumptuous four-seat cabin layout, withindividual seats for rear seat passengers. Thecabin is clothed in top-class trim materialsand soft-touch surfaces. While the cockpit isa bit on the snug side, Mercedes says headand shoulder room has improved for all fourpassengers. However, the car is not withoutits compromises -- the rear bucket seats arestill tight on headroom. The updated digitalinstrument panel features a hi-resolutioncolour display that relays information fromcars multitude of safety kit which according tothe spec sheet indicate that there are no lessthan 14 separate systems that come as eitherstandard or optional equipment and othersystems. The car also benets from the latest-generation of Mercedes COMAND, with itsdial located in the centre tunnel to access the7in TFT display, is by now familiar Benz farethat works relatively well controlling vehiclefeatures. Even as a luxury car, practicality

hasnt been overlooked as the two rear seatsfold down for added utility if needed. The bootis quite deep and offers 15.31 c-ft worth ofspace. And of course, the CLS comes with theusual assortment of standard and optionalentertainment features.

Compared to the previous model series,the Mercedes engineers have further enlargedthe deformation zones substantially in thefront and rear sections of the new CLS, aswell as improving the energy ows. The CLSis loaded with safety equipment, starting with11 airbags, a driver fatigue warning system,blind-spot warning system and Pre-Safesystem that primes the brakes and safetysystems in the event of imminent collision. Anautomated parallel parking is also standardnew feature in the CLS.

Under the bonnet, the CLS350 uses thethird generation of direct petrol injection in itsnormally aspirated V6, a rst time applicationin the new CLS. As part of the BlueEFFICIENCY


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drive, the software has beenprogrammed to help in optimizingfuel efciency by as much as 20 percent. The CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCYpackage offers 306hp and 370Nm.Fuel consumption is rated at 6.8litres per 100 km. Performance ofthe CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY from

0 to 100 km/h takes about 6.1seconds, and the car achieves a toplimited speed of 250km/h via theseven-speed automatic transmission.While, all CLS models [including the AMG versions] get a seven-speedautomatic transmission, but gearselection in the AMG version is viaa console-mounted E-shift andsteering-wheel paddles, while theCLS350 has a simple stalk selectoron the steering wheel.

Suspension-wise, the CLS is

tted with new generation E-Classcomponentry. Smoothing it all outis the automakers Airmatic airsuspension system that automaticallyadjusts damping force dependingupon road or driving conditions, witha three-link axle with McPhersonstruts at the front, and a multilinkrear. Ample stopping power comesvia the 14.2in discs at the front and12.6in at the rear. CLS350 features17in wheels tted with 245/45tyres as standard. The new electricsteering system has also enabled

implementation of the Active ParkAssist automatic parking function.

Driving impressions

Although, we are aware that the CLSis mechanically based on the E-Class,on road it feels distinctively different.The car feels sportier than a typicalexecutive drive and one of the reasonsfor this is its weight advantage. It isexactly where you want it and whileone might have initially wonderedabout the effects of a long nosefront-heavy car, but the stiffenedand lowered E-class suspensionprovides such ne natural balance, itis actually a rather enjoyable thingto ing around. We also liked thecars accomplished chassis so muchthat we arent really worried abouta heavier powertrain trying to bluntits handling or behaviour! Handlingcharacter is predictable and stable,those wide rear tyres keeping the tail

First drive


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planted. The set-up also encourages the driverto push the car, and when really pushing it tocar promptly responds with manageable mildundersteer. As expected, the stability controlintervenes only at high driver aggressionlevels, lightly applying the brakes at individualwheels. While sporty enough, we dont expectthe CLS350 to offer the composure of its AMG

equivalent.The V6 offers a lot of grunt and seems well

paired with the new transmission be we didobserve some hesitation, especially duringdownshifting.

The hydraulic steering which was once aserious drawback for a sporting Mercedes isnow history. The new electric option providedis direct and quite communicative and we

can empathise why it was chosen. One of thekey reasons is that it only uses energy on-demand, which helps reduce fuel consumptionand emissions can also feel a bit over-assistedat times. While we have mostly encounteredelectric steering set-ups which are syntheticat best, but this one works well enough.

VerdictCool, desirable, sporty and efcient, the all-new 2012 CLS-Class that heavily improvesupon its predecessor and also competesstrongly against the new cars it inspired. Whilecompetition heats up, but like the rest of therecently redesigned Mercedes-Benz models,the revised CLS should hold its position well.


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Preview

Author Chandan B Mallik

458 SPIDERGOESSOFTThe new Spider variant joins the 458 Italia, widening the range of Ferraris mid-rear

engined V8s and offering the uncompromising technological solutions, handling and

performance in a refined open-top configuration


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Billed as the worlds rst mid-engined supercarwith a folding hard-top and unveiled ofciallyat the Frankfurt Motor Show last month, the

458 Spider majestically expands the Italia range.The Prancing Horse brand released several imagesof the car with its top down prior to the show along


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Preview

with some basic details of its hottest familyaddition.

The 458 Spider is powered by Ferrarisnew naturally-aspirated, award winningdirect injection 4.5-litre V8. This direct-injection engine was new with the 458 whenit was introduced last year, gaining the Italiansportscar-maker the best performance engine

gong in the recently announced InternationalEngine of the Year awards. The Spider alsocarries over the seven-speed dual-clutch F1

paddle-shift automated gearbox, through thesophisticated E-Diff, itself integrated with theF1-Trac traction control and high-performanceABS for maximum handling dynamics. Ferrariclaims a 3.4sec acceleration time from zeroto 100km/h the same as the coupe version,despite a 50kg weight gain (in dry weightformat), to 1,430kg. Top speed is 320km/h.

In line with Maranellos exclusive spidertradition, specic features such as thethrottle mapping and the damping of the

multilink suspension have been calibrated toguarantee maximum sportiness and absolutedriving pleasure even with the top down.Whats more, the engine soundtrack has beenhoned to ensure that the cars occupants arecompletely captivated by the drop-top drivingexperience.

But the piece of technology that has aroused

a lot of interest in the motoring community isthe 25kg aluminium retractable hard top thatneatly tucks away and out of sight between the


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engine and the two-seat cockpit. The designof the drop tops mechanism is so unique thatFerrari has got it exclusively patented. Witha deployment time of just 14secs, it is fullyintegrated into the styling of the car. Thehard-top was engineered to t neatly aheadof the engine bay without compromisingaerodynamics or the performance of the car.

The small space needed to house the roofenables the designers to include a generousrear bench for luggage behind the seats.

Ferrari says the 458 Spiders chassis has newtechnical solutions that guarantee identicallevels of structural rigidity with the roof upor down, although there was no comparisonbetween the coupe and Spider in this regard.

The rear end of the car is characterised byinnovative forms with the buttresses designedto optimise the ow of air to the engine intakes

and the clutch and gearbox oil radiators. Formaximum comfort whilst driving top down theFerrari 458 Spider features a generously-sized

adjustable electric wind stop. The design wasperfected to slow and diffuse the air in thecockpit, enabling normal conversation to beheld even at speeds over 200 km/h.

New technical solutions adopted for thechassis guarantee identical levels of structurarigidity with the roof up or down. The result isa car that is truly exciting to drive, blending

extreme performance with the responsivenessthat has always characterised Ferraris open-top berlinettas.


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Silentnight,

holyPhantom!TheRolls-Ro

yce102EXwasinDubaias

partofits

experientialworldtourand

RajWarriorwasoneof

thefortunatefewwhogot

todrivethecarandshare

hisopiniononitwiththec

ompanysengineers

sPecial Feature

AuthorRajWarrior PhotographyJorgeFerrari


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Ever hear a pin drop? The phrase that hasgiven birth to this misquote can be appliedto the Rolls-Royce range of cars. And it

has been from almost the beginning of the Rolls-Royce story. Every one of us has become usedto a certain level of background noise, whichwe dont even know exists. What we take for

utter silence is often the result of our brainshaving tuned out white noise. The hum of air-conditioners, the muted throbbing of an engine,even the wind noise as we are driving at speedare all things that we take for granted and hencedont hear. In a Rolls the difference is that youdont hear most of that too, so when you areseated in a Rolls that doesnt have the throb ofthe engine or the air-conditioners running andyou start moving, any sound you hear could bea phantasm.We were enjoying these thrills as wedrove the 102EX around Dubais autodrome.

For the unintiated the 102EX is a technology

test bed developed by Rolls-Royce that seeks toserve as a magnet for owner feedback and expertopinion to explore future directions for the brand.Company representatives are quick to point outthat the 102EX (or the Phantom ExperimentalElectric as the company also refers to the car) isnot slated to go into production at any stage.

The car is on a world tour during the betterpart of 2011, having already visited the UnitedStates, Japan, Hong Kong, China, some Europeancountries and was in the UAE with stops in Dubaiand Abu Dhabi. Some idea of the importance thatRolls-Royce attaches to the project can gatheredfrom the statement by CEO Torsten Mller-

tvs, Today, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars begins anexploration into alternative drive-trains, seekingclarity on which technology may be suitable todrive Rolls-Royce motor cars of the future. Thealternative drive-train we choose must deliver anauthentic Rolls-Royce experience. It must be a


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technology that is right for our customers, ourbrand and which sets us on a sound footing fora sustainable future. That is why this project isso important.

Whats so special about the 102EX? Thecar is based on the traditional Phantom, buthas major changes. For a beginning the wholeengine and gearbox have been uprooted andin their place is a huge battery pack. At 670kgs,this lithium polymer assembly is supposed tobe the largest in any car. And you would needsuch a large pack since it has to store enoughjuice to power the two 145kW motors placedat the rear wheels and provide a range ofabove 200 miles in ideal conditions.

At the outset of our brieng session,we were told that the idea was to have analternative form of propulsion that stayed trueto the RR ideals in terms of performanceand ownership experience. How did theyintend to do that, taking into consideration

that everything remotely green in motoringwas a compromise, a word they didnt want tohear? The simplest form of compromise wouldbe weight reduction why move three tonneswhen you can move two or one? But the endproduct has to remain a Rolls. Secondly, whybatteries? Even with the latest technology inelectricity storage the batteries are inefcient,need substantial recharge time, have relativelylow energy density and a limited life. We alsoneed to remember that there are problemsassociated with the sourcing of raw materialto make them as well as in their clean disposalat the end-of-life stage.

It is hard to think of an electric car asanything but a compromise but we areready to accept the RR premise that they areexploring it as an extreme to see what else candevelop from there. There have been somestructural changes that have come about dueto the change in drivetrain. The transmission

tunnel has been done away with in favour ofa cable housing. Also the lack of a petrol tanknow means that the cars charging point sitswhere you would expect the fuel ller cap tobe. Apparently the cars charging circuit canhandle the variety of electric sources fromaround the world, needing the wall plug tobe changed. The car can be charged from anormal wall socket or can handle three-phasesupply too. We have been told that it takes8 hours to recharge and no, putting solarpanels on the roof wouldnt make a dent onthe recharge rate. Instead the car uses aninduction plate to recharge without physicalcontact.

We are familiar with induction on electriccooking ranges. The intense eld that is setup can excite the molecules in a at-bottomediron vessel to heat food to boiling point andmore. And it is safe. When you substitutethe vessel with another take-up coil, the eld

sPecial Feature


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is used to move electrons in the secondarycircuit thus charging the battery.

Of course no electric car is completenowadays without some sort of brakeregeneration. In Formula One cars KERS isthe equivalent. In the 102EX, engineers havetuned in a multi-stage regeneration that allowsthe car to feel like a) the driver having takenthe foot off the gas pedal to b) the gearboxdropping down a couple of gears too.

The drive was a once in a lifetime event too.Under oodlights and with the autodrome clubcircuit at our sole disposal, we took the car inturns around the track. You would expect takeoff torque to be tremendous given the electricdrive and the 800Nm of torque available.But engineers have done their best to tunein a slightly softer torque delivery, effectivelygiving us a curve instead of the atline ofa typical motor. In order to stay true to thecharacteristics of the Phantom, torque phases

in and power delivery to the rear wheels ismore than adequate to give you the feeling ofa large car shooting off.

The occupants hear almost nothing untilthe air-conditioners are switched on. Tobystanders, the tyre noise seems that muchlouder than normal. But thats it you wouldntregister the tyre noise at all against normalbackground sounds.

At night the other aspects of the 102EXthat keep it distinct stand out. The glowingSpirit of Ecstasy is a superb idea as are thenew dials that show the electric nature of theexperience. We wondered whether all theconsumption by the air-conditioners, audioand entertainment systems and cabin lightswould impact the range, but were told thatthe load added up to only two percent. Whatreally impacts range is trying to drive at out,which is something we were doing quite a bitoff. Weight transfer stays true to the mould

and braking is smooth a linear.So, does the 102EX have a future in some

future form? The questions that we still havengot an answer to seem numerous is thereany real demand for alternate propulsion fromRR customers (considering that fuel costs areonly a marginal part of their experience)? Will a200 mile range be enough? Can recharge timesbe reduced? And who wants to replace 700kgs of batteries every ve years or so? In theinterim, while the car itself is no compromisethe drivetrain will continue to be.

It will be interesting to see what the bofnstake away from the experience. For todayssmall steps will dictate the future at the homeof the worlds top car marque. A hundredyears on from today will a Rolls-Royce stilstand out from the beeping runarounds ofthe day? Or will all cars be made in one giantelectronics factory in China? Till then, enjoythe small distinctions.


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onthe

RubicontRail

Chryslerunveiledthecapab

ilitiesoftheirnewPentastarequippedWrangl

erand

WranglerUnlimitedbylet

tingselectautomotivemed

iadrivethevehiclethroughthe

hallowedRubicontrail.Ra

jWarriorreportsfromthe

event.


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The dust rising from the trail ahead of us was enough to obscure the view except to thesides. Through the pines we could see the way in which the precarious trail we weretraversing seemed to hang on for dear life to the side of the steep hill, with the land rising

up to the right and dropping away steeply to the left, covered by its army of rs and pine thahadnt been touched for hundreds of years. You could be forgiven for thinking that you werepart of a pioneering wagon train as it brought settlers across the high Sierras as they streamedto the promised western lands from the holding areas east of the Mississipi. After all we were


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in Sierra ranges of Northern California, drivingalong the hallowed Rubicon trail.

Some things served to differentiate us fromthe travellers of yore. We didnt need to puta foot down anywhere along the trail - afterall we were driving the latest generation ofJeeps Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited alongthe path. And yes, we were in the eponymous

Rubicon variants of the vehicles. The mainreason that every media member of theconvoy had own thousands of kilometresto participate in this drive was the new 2012edition of the Jeep workhorses - with the mainchange being to the drivetrain.

Modernity has nally caught up withtradition in a sense. The Pentastar V6 3.6-litreengine, the new star powerhouse across theCJD portfolio has nally seen application in

the car that calls for the toughest of duty. Forthose unfamiliar with the engine - it delivers285 horsepower and a torque of 353Nm,which represent an increase of 40% and 10%respectively over the outgoing 6-cylinderinline unit. In addition the car gets a brandnew 5-speed auto transmission that is sharedwith the Grand Cherokee.

But thats not all. Wrangler afcionados lovethe fact that the workhorse stays true to theJeep as it was with the American army duringWWII. There have been huge improvements,but it remains one of the vehicles that looksso much like the ancestor that even a newbieknows the provenance. So it is a challenegefor the designer and engineer to seek toreinvent the car. Do you acknowledge thatit has a winning formula and hold back from

xing imaginary problems? Or do you reinventthe car?

We are glad that circumstance and utilityhave ensured that the balance has beenleft at ironing out niggles and weaknessesrather than trying to reinvent the wheel. In adiscussion we had at the resort before startingout on the drive, engineers chose to highlight

that they managed to make the new 5-speedunique. Firstly they have used the extra gearavailable to provide for a steeper ratio on therst gear, providing a lower crawl ratio. Thendepending on the variant of the Wranglerdrivetrain ordered that ratio itself could bevaried from 3.21, 3.73 or 4.21, representinghuge differences in the pulling poweravailable. Then there have been signicantadaptations to the underbody. The Wrangler


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offers what the company assures us is best inclass approach and departure angles at 44.6and 40.6 with an aggressive breakover angleof 25.5 degrees.

The more urban versions of the Wrangler, ifyou choose to call them that - the Sport andSahara are equipped with a Dana 30 frontaxle and a Dana 44 rear axle. Its two-speed

transfer case is a Command-Trac NV241 thatoffers a 2.72:1 ratio on the low range. This canbe mated with an optional Trac-Lok limited sliprear differential.

Meanwhile the Rubicon really takesaggressiveness to a new level. It gets theheavier duty Dana 44 variants on both frontand rear axles and a Rock-Trac NV241 stepdown box that offers a huge 4.0:1 ratio on thelow gears. These then get the added versatlity

of electrically operated front and rear lockingdifferentials, the ability to electrically uncouplethe anti-sway bar through a splined shaftarrangement and large 32-inch tyres to offergood fordability and the ease of stepping overrocks. Now we understood why we had shiftedto the Rubicon variant in the rst place.

The Rubicon trail is considered 10/10 in

terms of toughness for offroad vehicles tocross. It is located on the western side ofLake Tahoe, which lies on the border betweenNevada and California. You have to y intoNevadas second city of sin Reno in orderto access the lovely ski resorts that dot theCalifornia side of the lake. On the morningof our leg out, we had got into a convoy ofSports and Saharas and driven down the roadbordering the enormous lake that sits almost

2000 feet above sea level. After getting achance to judge the added civility that hasbeen tuned into the suspension, the newinteriors with a better sound system, latesnavigation and better quality touch and feeelements, we went offroad to the base othe trail. Here the team switched over to theRubicons and set off up the trail. The initia

part of the drive is quite tame, with graveand some small undulations serving to set thetone. As we gained altitude the terrain beganto get more challenging as tree roots intrudedinto the path and we had to start movingsideways to avoid banging into them.

You have to admire the way in which theAmerican populace has consciously decided toleave their forest trails in a virgin state. Therocks a few metres off from the trail look like


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sPecial Feature

uPgrAded iNteriors

It looks like Jeep decided to match competitorswith a cabin that reects its Wrangler ownerslevel of wealth rather than sticking to utility.

A new navigation system, audio and phoneinterface and lots of speakers push the cabinupmarket

trAil grAde

While the lower prole road tyres doduty on the Sport.

However once you go off-road theMud Terrain tyres with their largeknobby treads make all the differencein performance.

RUBICON indicates that the caris Trail Ready for this 10/10 trail

The indicators on the fenderskeep the Wrangler road legal


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trAditioN rules

With the Wrangler, you cant ddlewith its heritage while engineand geartrain are overhauled, theexterior remains true to the breedwe already love.

PeNtAstAr wAy

The Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 enginehas become the mainstay acrossthe range of CJD. However, inthe Wrangler and the Unlimited itoutshines the older 6-cylinder andoffers optimum performance.

coMPAct

The engine bay accommodates thePentastar and looks like it could takea larger V8.

In terms of adaptability the brand islooking at world markets and has tomake engine variants available.

We didnt need the tie-downsprovided on the bonnet

You dont fddle withtradition. We love the look!


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{road test}

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they havent been disturbed for millions ofyears. As for the trail itself, our trail guidesstopped us and walked us through the toughparts, aligning us to the best attack angles andthrowing in a helpful rock on the path once in

a while. The convoy was gaining altitude not just by going up a path but in some placesby actually climbing up naturally formed stairsin the path. After a nice interlude for lunchon a scenic knoll called Observation point, westarted off on the really tough part. This wasfar more dramatic in the size of the boulderswe had on the path and it was here that wefound the longer wheelbase of the Unlimitedfacing some challenges as large rocks bangedagainst the rocker panels and rear guards. Butit didnt look as if any of our hosts or guideswere bothered, smiling as they shepherded usthrough to the camp where we were to stayovernight.

This camp is based on the shores of LakeLoon, a waterbody that seems to have beenthe result of a gigantic beaver dam. While wehad been warned of the mosquitoes aroundthe lake, generous quantities of spray-onrepellant were available. A huge bonre and

a cook out rounded off a thoroughly westerntheme of a day. Of course, Jeep believe inbeing thorough, so we drove the Wranglersback the way we had come the next day. Thetoughest part - named Cadillac hill apparently

because years ago they found a Pontiac wayup on the trail (with no one knowing how itmanaged to get there in the rst place) - nowhad to be crossed uphill. We guess it is atthis point that you realise that the Wrangleris really unique in its ability to handle thechallenges of the outdoors. The trail is rathertight, the sort of trail where at best you wouldbe able to walk two abreast. The problem isthat when we tried to walk up the trail, wewould tire out in a few hundred meters. Asfor the Wrangler, all we needed to do was slotit in 1st low and literally let it walk over therocks at 1000 rpm. All the time we had theairconditioning switched on - since the sunmanaged to make it just a little uncomfortablewhen compared to the cold night weather thatsaw us bundled up in sleeping bags.

If you ask us whether the company hasscored with the upgraded Wrangler - yes, theyhave. Importantly, the car stays true to the

virtues every user expects of it. It is rugged anda mans car in every way. Solid axles on frontand rear, no fancy variable height suspensionand stuff and no electronic attempts to add interrain response or the like. You have to know

what you are doing in the Wrangler - when touse low, when to lock differentials and whento free the sway bar. Great.

Overall, the new Chrysler Corporation isdoing a remarkable job of reinventing itself.Cars like the new Grand Cherokee andDurango are obviously completely new. Thenew Charger is a reskin, but what a reskin itis! And the 300 manages to distance the lookfrom its Pseudo Bentley look to somethingthat is unique yet completely butch. TheWrangler stays the faithful linchpin in thescheme of things, looking almost the same,yet coming across as a refreshingly new rideas we gathered by being the only media toavail ourselves of a 2011 Wrangler kept at thehotel. If you have driven the Wrangler you willwant to drive the new one to see all your wishlist items ticked off. If you havent ever - it isabout time you got into one. It will surpriseyou.


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TOUR SCHEDULE

DATE DAY TIME

16/Nov/2011 Wed 5pm to 9pm

17/Nov/2011 Thu10am to 1pm

5pm to 9pm

18/Nov/2011 Fri 5pm to 9pm

www

KIA ON TOUR

WIN A TRIP TO AUSTRALIA*

& EXCITING PRIZES**

*Test drive to get lucky coupon to win. **Conditions apply

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Optima 2.0/2.4L-The Essence of Modernity

Sportage 2.0/2.4L - Takes your breath away

Seeb (Lulu HypermAl Burj Complex)

Sohar (Safeer Ma

PLACE


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backon

thetouR

The Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi is host to one

of the night race events on the F1 calendar. Andyou can see why when you look around the circuit

at night, from the pulsating and ever changing colour onthe whale like silhouette of the Yas hotel to the almostperfect lighting you get as you speed around the corners.This year, the AMG Performance Tour returned to the Yascircuit as a day-night event and considering the heat ofthe day time drives last year - we were grateful for thechange.

The tour is designed to allow potential and current AMGowners the opportunity to truly get to know their carsin a controlled environment and with access to expertinstructors. Of course we car journalists make the best ofthe opportunity provided - driving the cars before anyoneelse get their hands on the wheel. And the PerformanceTour lives up to its name with at least 10,000 horsepowerof cars on offer - between the numbers of SLS, C63 andCLS63 and the lone SLS GT3.

Like previous AMG events, this year too the event wassplit up into multiple items including hot laps with C63 andCLS63, hot laps in the SLS, a handling course with theC63 and a performance parcour with the C63 and CLS63.In the bargain we were also offered the opportunity tohave taxi rides in the SLS GT3.

The performance parcour event was built around a

TheAMGPerformanceTo

urreturnedtotheregionth

isyearandaspromisedby

DaimlerMiddleEast

itwasaday-nightaffair.Th

isyeartootheSLSheadeda

n

impressiveline-upthatincludedtheC63Coupe,C63

andtheCLS63.

sPecial Feature

AuthorRajWarrior PhotographyJorgeFerr

ari


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quarter mile long drag strip where we startedout racing head to head between similarcars, ergo C63 against C63 and were givenopportunities to switch cars. But the moreinteresting races became those that featuredthe C63 against the CLS63. Hardly fair you

would say, considering the difference in theperformance parameters of the two cars, butone that served to highlight the differencesin a positive manner. We looped back on thesmall circuit with a few tight corners to takemore time on the drag strip.

The handling event was based outside theactual track area and was centred on a skidpad with a kick plate on the entry point. Yougot into your C63 Coupe, powered in at outon the accelerator and allowed the kick plateto throw your rear out to either the left orright and random. The tricky bit of controllingthe car came into play there. The car ismoving along the base vector across the skidplate while the car itself is spinning around itscentral axis. Here we learned after a couple ofcomplete spins to lift off and counter steer toprovide some dramatic footage for the videocameras. The skid pad is kept so slippery byjets of water sprayed onto the coated surfaceof the pad.

Once the car exited the pad we then had tosteer our way through a tight handling coursemarked out with cones that brought us backto the start.

The drives around the track later in the SLS

sPecial Feature

Whether with the 457hp regular engine or

the performance package equipped 487hp

unit, the C63 offers blistering track credentials

with quick sprints, superlative braking and the

ability to oversteer at will.


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and the C63 and CLS63 were entertaining intheir own right. Even with part of the trackmarked off for the parcours event and theouter loop not being used, we get more than2 kilometres on the loop. One part of the drivethat will remain with us is the dramatic exitfrom the pit lane as you dip down and underthe course to join it on the contra side. Thewalls of the tunnel seem to close in on you andthe twist as you ick left into the tunnel whilesitting way back in the seat of the SLS is besthandled at a moderate speed. Once throughthat we can freely speed up and whether youare in the SLS or one of the muscle sedansor coupes the thrills are available for thepicking.

The two cars that really stood out this timewere the C63 in both its body variants andthe CLS63. The C63 is a lot lighter and comesequipped with the 6208cc, 457hp engine with600Nm of torque. The engine is partnered with

the 7-speed AMG Speedshift transmission withMCT with 4 drive modes, double-declutchingand a Race Start function. The drive modesvary between the C comfort setting to the Sand S+ sport settings and the M manual mode.The car can hit 100 from a standing start in4.5secs. However, for the event we had theC63 with the Performance Package and thatadds more fun. Now the car has 487hp on tapand does 100 in 4.4secs. The performancepackage has been inspired by the SLS with theengine getter lighter parts.

The CLS63 on the other hand gets a smallerengine in terms of displacement. This too isa V8 like the C63 has but it is only 5461ccyet a lot more po

automan november 2011

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