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Exclusive first drive inside
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Exclusive first test drive and in-depth look
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editor-in-chief
Mohammad Al Taie

AL ROYA PRESS & PUBLISHING

The cost of consolidation
PO Box: 343, Postal Code 118
Al Harthy Complex Three of the automotive industries top companies have announced a
Sultanate of Oman
collaboration – Daimler AG will now be associated with Renault and Nissan
Email: automan@alroya.net with an equally significant cross-holding of shares in the companies concerned.
Website: www.automanweb.com This big new announcement has come as no surprise to us. For if you read
the fine print, what it amounts to is an admission that after the mauling that
Editorial office:
Tel: +968 24479888 Extn 300, Fax: +968 24479889 car manufacturers have got post the global meltdown, it no longer makes any
Circulation office: sense for individual companies to develop unique brand or company-specific
Tel: +968 2456 2138, Fax: +968 2456 2194
car platforms.

In the brave new world of leaner car manufacturing, platform sharing is a

must-do rather than just desirable like before.
publisher
Hatim Al Taie hatim@alroya.net
The difference in this arrangement is that alongwith the usual protocols, the
EDITOR & GM
entities involved have chosen to display their confidence in each other by
Raj Warrior raj@alroya.net
investing in each other’s shares as well. Again, is that so unique? Nissan and
Co-ordinator Renault have already had a good arrangement going. To most people the
Pratibha N Kadam pratibha@alroya.net
alliance has begun to reflect itself as a two-headed Janus that could be either
HEAD OF marketing of the brands depending on which continent the onlooker comes from. The
Abhyudit Greene abhyudit@alroya.net question is, what is Daimler doing in this cosy arrangement? The short-term
objective seems to be linked to sharing a small car platform for the next gen
marketing
Nikhil Nigam nikhil@alroya.net smart (which they just haven’t been able to hive off to any interested buyer).
Supreme Philips philips@alroya.net But where are the synergies for the long-term?
circulation
books@alroya.net It wasn’t long ago that there was a Daimler-Chrysler, with the much-touted
merging of three-pointed star and pentagram. You will remember that the
FINANCE & ADMIN
arrangement didn’t end very well. So now that the FIAT Chrysler arrangement
Abraham Daniel daniel@alroya.net
is on, it’s time to project the next tie-up. Remember that it will be a few years
Printer before the jury can rule on whether it was really as good for all parties in
Ruwi Modern Printers LLC
these particular set of marriages. And was it so long back that Daimler had
Tel: +968 2479 4167, 2479 8157
Fax: +968 2470 0545 something going with Mitsubishi, that we’ve chosen to forget?

Brand and product DNA distinctions used to be at the heart of what made us
© 2010
All editorial content of Automan in the magazine and its as consumers choose a particular car. In today’s changed world, the call it
website is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any seems will be based more on which particular flavour of a DNA you would want
form without the written consent of the management of
to buy?
AL ROYA PRESS & PUBLISHING

Automan accepts unsolicited exclusive editorial material,

but reserves the right to publish any such material. Once
published, the copyright for any such material will vest
with AL ROYA PRESS & PUBLISHING
 105
in this issue
k

10
FEATURES
12 k Cover Story
Superlight, superb
40 k Road Test
We test the new Lexus
performance Superleggera GX460 Luxury SUV
26 k Road Test 46 k Road Test
The new turbo MG in
A look at latest in KIA’s
line-up, the rather grand town - the 550
Cadenza 3.5 V6
32 k First Drive 50 k Bikes
Oman gets its very own
We do the paces on the dedicated bike club
Aston Martin Rapide

Poster
52 k Road Test
Ford’s brand new Taurus
put through a test

105 | Apr 2010

Leggera
-4 gaLLardo SuPer
Lamborghini LP570

Departments
4 k NEWS
All the news you can use
from around the world
22 k Accessorise
All about full frame,
medium, large and
format cameras
38 k Interview
We meet Marek
Reichman, Aston Martin’s
MOTORSPORTS Design Head

58 k F1 Report
The race report from
64 k Chicane
Of surviving complacency
Malaysia and Australia once again...
{news}
The New BMW 5 Series Arrives in Oman
Launch event includes drive across Muscat and a unique handling
track to The test car’s dynamic characteristics
T
he Oman debut of the new BMW 5 Series
Sedan marks the epitome of aesthetic
design and supreme driving pleasure in
the upper midrange segment. With its sporting
and elegant design, excellent comfort and the
highest standard in efficiency in its class, the
sixth generation of this immensely successful
executive sedan is expected to continue the
success story.
The new BMW 5 Series’ design is imaginative,
creative and effective, with BMW’s designers
and engineers working hand-in-hand to
ensure the perfect combination of design
and technology. The core product in BMW’s
portfolio and one of the top selling models in
the Middle East, the new 5 Series is set to
strengthen BMW’s position in the premium
midrange segment.
In terms of design, the new 5 Series has
the longest wheelbase in the segment, a
long and sleek engine compartment lid,
short overhangs front and rear and a coupé-
likeroofline. The interior has a stylish and
modern design with exciting lines that create
a generous and harmonious ambience. High
quality materials and superior craftsmanship
underline the premium feel.
The new BMW 5 Series will enter the Oman
market with one eight-cylinder and three
six-cylinder petrol engines. The top model is
the BMW 550i powered by a V8 with BMW
4
TwinPower Turbo featuring High Precision
Injection (407 hp).The straight-six with BMW
TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection
and VALVETRONIC in the BMW 535i delivers
maximum output of 306 hp; while the two
straight-six power units featuring High
Precision Injection and lean-burn operation
develop 258 hp in the BMW 528i and,
respectively, 204 hp in the BMW 523i.
The new BMW 5 Series is a class leader
in emissions reduction. It has been designed
around BMW’s successful Efficient Dynamics
strategy encompassing many technology
innovations to minimize fuel consumption and
CO2 emissions while maximizing power and
dynamic performance.
BMW ConnectedDrive also offers a unique
range of driver-assist technology functions
for enhanced comfort and safety. For the
first time the new BMW 5 Series comes with
a Parking Assistant, an optional feature that
facilitates the process of parking; Active
Cruise Control , Surround View and Rear
View Camera, and BMW Night Vision with
pedestrian recognition.
The launch event included a handling track
laid out at the Sultan Qaboos sports complex
in Bausher, where invitees and journalists
put the new BMW 5-series through its paces,
allowing them to test the power of the engine
and the improved handling.
2010 red dot awards
I nternational jury of experts awards the
Rolls-Royce Ghost, BMW 5 Series Sedan,
BMW X1, BMW Gran Turismo, BMW F 800 R,
BMW S1000 RR and five design innovations
by BMW Group DesignworksUSA.
The presentation of the red dot award 2010
once again provides impressive confirmation
of the outstanding quality of BMW Group
design. Six current models of the BMW
Group and five design innovations by BMW
Group DesignworksUSA will receive the
internationally renowned award this year, with
the new Rolls-Royce Ghost winning the special
“red dot: best of the best” award for the very
highest level of design quality in the category
Automobiles, Transport and Caravans.
Other BMW Group models to be awarded
the red dot as a mark of outstanding design
are the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, the BMW
X1 and the motorcycle model BMW F 800 R.
There were also honourable mentions from
the international jury for the BMW Gran
Turismo and the motorcycle model BMW S
1000 RR. The awards will be presented at the
gala held at the Aalto Theatre in Essen on July
5th 2010.
The red dot award is one of the most
important awards in the world for product
design.
 {news}

Honda Civic 5 Door arrives in UAE and Oman

H onda Motor Co. (Middle East Office)

announced the arrival of Civic 5 Door
hatchback in GCC. Sales of this premium
sports hatchback have already begun in UAE
and Oman.
For those customers looking for something
out of the ordinary, the Civic 5 Door will
be the ideal choice. Its unique design
combines the emotional styling of
a sleek & sporty 3 door and
functionality of a 5 door.
With clever use of
interior space,
excellent driving
performance,
superb comfort
and outstanding
quality, the Civic
5 Door is truly
a versatile car
that delivers
maximum joy of
driving for its customers.

Kia showroom opened with fanfare

U nder the patronage of His Highness Sayyid

Fatik bin Fahar Taimur Al Said, secretary
general, Ministry of Heritage and Culture, one
Congratulating Sheikh Mohammed Saud
Bahwan, H. K. Lee said, “On behalf of the
entire Kia Motors family, I heartily congratulate
add that Reliable International Automotive
is ranked amongst the top Kia distributors
worldwide.”
of the largest Kia integrated facilities in the you. It is due to your vision and leadership that The grand inauguration of the brand new
world was launched in Oman with a spectacular Kia has carved a niche for itself in Oman. In Kia facilities in Oman marks an important next
opening ceremony. recognition of your outstanding performance, I step for the brand in Oman.
Flying-in to grace the historic occasion were am indeed honoured
powerful personalities of the automotive world to present to you
– Euisun Chung, vice-chairman, Hyundai Motor the prestigious ‘Kia
Company and H. K. Lee, president, Kia Motors. Excellence’ Award.”
A senior management team from Kia Motors F u r t h e r
also accompanied them. commending the
The guest list gracing the event was equally Saud Bahwan
illustrious – His Highnesses, His Excellencies, Group, he said,
dignitaries from government departments, “We are very
chief executives and decision makers from the impressed by the
private sector were present to witness the start grand new Kia
of a new era in Kia customer care. integrated facility.
The highlight of the evening was the I am sure the Saud
prestigious ‘Kia Excellence’ Award presented Bahwan Group will
by H. K. Lee to Sheikh continue to ensure
Mohammed Saud Bahwan, the chairman the highest levels
of Saud Bahwan Group for overall excellence of satisfaction for
and outstanding performance, amongst Kia Kia customers in
distributors worldwide. Oman. I must also

5
{news}

Volkswagen Golf is Safest Car of 2009

The bestseller from Wolfsburg attained
the coveted five-star rating for the second
consecutive year with a top score of 103 points,
earning it the title of “Safest Car of 2009”. In
total, 33 cars were tested last year under the
new, stricter and more extensive EuroNCAP
crash testing procedure. The Golf had already
attained a five-star EuroNCAP rating in 2008.
Initially, this testing programme, conducted
since 1997, only assessed frontal crashes,
side crashes and pedestrian protection.
Electronic safety and assistance systems that
help prevent accidents and serious injuries
are now incorporated in the rating of the new,
stricter assessment method.
The Golf offers maximum safety with
standard safety features that include ESP
with counter-steer assist, ABS with braking
assistance, anti-slip regulation (ASR),
electronic differential lock (EDS), engine drag
torque control (MSR), trailer stabilisation,

A ccording to the World Health Organization’s

(WHO) most recent report, road traffic
accidents rank as the 10th leading cause of
mortality and burden in all WHO member
states, which includes all countries of the GCC
and Levant. With these statistics in mind, the
need for safer vehicles is fast becoming a
necessity on Middle Eastern roads.
To support safety for road users,
Volkswagen has produced the safest car for
2009. These efforts have now been recognised
by the EuroNCAP Institute in Brussels. After
compiling all crash test results for the year
2009, EuroNCAP has named the Volkswagen
Golf “Safest Car of 2009”, winning out against
the competition with a total of 103 points.
Isofix mounting brackets for two child seats
on the rear bench as well as airbags for driver
and front passenger with passenger-side
deactivation, including knee airbag for the
driver and a head airbag system for front and
rear passengers with side airbags for front
passengers.

SAYARTI OPENS PRESTIGE SHOWROOM

S ayarti Oman’s leading Pre-

owned quality car division
has opened a second showroom
in Azaiba for pre-owned luxury
cars. This comes due to the
huge success of the pre-owned
showroom that has offered
individuals and traders customer’s
quality cars at affordable prices.
Prestige Pre-owned quality car
showroom is proud to extend
luxury cars to their portfolio with
warranties on most of the leading
luxury models offered. Brands
include Audi, BMW, Land Rover,
VW Touareg, Lexus and Porsche
amongst others.
Sayarti has been insuring to
provide its customers with the
best pre owned quality cars to
the Oman public it is also proud
to bring luxury cars at affordable
prices. The Sayarti Pre-owned
Car Division is the largest used
car business in Oman offering
customers service with added
convenience.
Whilst offering a wide range of
leading brands, Sayarti facilitates
vehicle trade – ins. Customers
can trade in their existing cars
and use the payment towards
the purchase of a pre-owned
quality car. The advantages of
the Sayarti pre-owned division is
the choice of many leading brand
models with the lowest mileage
available under one roof.
Management also ensures a
competitive pricing strategy for
the vehicles in stock which is
not only in line with the current
market prices but in some
instances.

6

Fortune magazine names
Bosch as world’s ‘most
admired’ automotive
supplier
R obert Bosch GmbH, the world’s largest
supplier of automotive technology, has
been named the ‘most admired’ automotive
supplier by Fortune magazine in its annual
‘World’s Most Admired Companies’ list. Bosch
moved up from number three in 2009 to
occupy this year’s top spot, reflecting solid
support from key markets such as the Middle
East.
The majority of the 4,100 managers from
670 companies in 33 countries surveyed by the
Fortune business magazine expressed their
high regard for Bosch’s core values such as
innovation, corporate strength, management
qualities, and product and service quality.
Bosch also took place among the top four
most admired companies headquartered in
Germany and is positioned 14th in the overall
European ranking.
Robert Bosch Middle East FZE opened its
Middle East & Africa Regional office in Dubai
in 2008 to leverage market opportunities in
one of the most active automotive markets
in the world. Bosch Automotive Aftermarket
is recognized as a leading provider of
automotive products and services in the
region and maintains key partnerships with
leading industry players.
Peugeot leads in french patents in 2009
LAND ROVER LR 4 NAMED BEST 4X4
T he Land Rover LR4, has been crowned
‘Best 4x4’ at the prestigious What Car?
Awards 2010.
Steve Fowler, editor of What Car? said:
“Thanks to a recent comprehensive update,
the LR4 is shining brighter than ever…..It is
its ability to excel at so many different roles
that makes it so appealing. As well as offering
executive car comfort and MPV practicality, it’s
still a real go-anywhere off-roader…. When
you consider that the LR4 is so many great
cars in one, it’s a bargain.”
Phil Popham, managing director, Land
Rover added: “We are enormously proud to
be taking home this accolade for the LR4.
The outgoing LR3 won well over 100 awards
globally, including the coveted What Car?
Car of the Year in 2005. We’ve found ways,
however, to improve almost every aspect of
the LR4, resulting in a new supremely capable
and premium vehicle.”
P SA Peugeot Citroën represented by
European Motors in Oman has for the
third consecutive year confirmed its place
as the leading patent applicant in France.
According to the ranking released today
by the National Institute of Industrial
Property (INPI), the Group registered
1,265 patents in 2009, some 304 more
than in 2008. Despite a difficult economic
context, PSA Peugeot Citroën is preparing
for the future and allocating the resources
{news}
This award and others in 2009 means that
Land Rover moves into the New Year poised
for continued success. From the dependable
Defender, to the desirable Range Rover, Land
Rover has driven through the difficult market
conditions of 2009 to achieve 12 months filled
with global awards.
The introduction of an updated model line
up, featuring numerous new technologies and
combined with cleaner yet more powerful
engine options, has provided a cross-
continental boost for Britain’s world-renowned
4x4 brand.
The LR4 continues to lead the field. As well
as the What Car best 4x4 award for 2010, it
has scooped a variety of prestigious accolades
within a few months of going on sale. These
include, in the UK, two awards from the
Caravan Club, 4x4 Magazine’s Car of the Year
and the Scottish Car of the Year.
needed to best respond to the challenges
facing the automotive industry.
The Group’s number-one position
reflects its intense innovative activity as
well as the commitment of its technicians
and engineers to this dynamic.
These new patents further strengthen
a portfolio of innovations that serve the
Group’s aims, particularly its ambition to
be one step ahead on carbon-efficient
vehicles and automotive design.
7
{news}
RENAULT-NISSAN ALLIANCE AND DAIMLER AG ANNOUNCE WIDE-
RANGING STRATEGIC COOPERATION
T he Renault-Nissan Alliance and Daimler
AG today announced a broad strategic
cooperation that will enable both groups to
already realize benefits quickly from a range
of concrete projects as well as sharing of best
practices. The two groups also announced an
equity exchange that will give the Renault-
Nissan Alliance a 3.1% stake in Daimler, and
Daimler a 3.1% stake in Renault and a 3.1%
stake in Nissan.
According to Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman
of the Board of Management of Daimler AG
and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, “Daimler
and the Renault-Nissan Alliance are combining
common interests to form a promising
foundation for a successful, strategically sound
cooperation that is based on a number of very
concrete and attractive project cooperations.
Our skills complement each other very
well. Right away, we are strengthening our
competitiveness in the small and compact car
segment and are reducing our CO2 footprint
– both on a long-term basis. We know that
we can make brand-typical products based
on shared architectures. The individual brand
identities will remain unaffected.”
Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of
the Renault-Nissan Alliance, said: “The
Renault-Nissan Alliance knows how to work
successfully in collaborative partnerships,
and this experience is extremely valuable
in today’s and even more tomorrow’s global
auto industry. This agreement will extend
our strategic collaboration and create lasting
value for the Renault-Nissan Alliance and
Daimler as we work on broadening and
strengthening our product offering, efficiently
utilizing all available resources and developing
the innovative technologies required in the
coming decade.”
Following intensive and productive talks,
specific projects have been agreed upon and
will be implemented with immediate effect.
Specifically:
The successor to the current smart fortwo, a
new smart four-seater and the next-generation
Renault Twingo will be engineered on the basis
of a jointly developed architecture. All vehicles
will clearly differ from each other in terms of
product design. One main characteristic of the
new architecture will be the unique rear wheel
drive concept used by current smart vehicles.
8
The launches of the jointly developed
models are planned for 2013 onwards.
The smart plant in Hambach, France will
be the production location for the two-
seater versions, while the Renault plant in
Novo Mesto, Slovenia will be the production
location for the four-seater versions. Right
from its market launch, the jointly developed
future models will also be available with an
electric drive.
The focus of the cooperation in the
powertrain area is on the sharing of highly
fuel-efficient, diesel and gasoline engines
between the Renault-Nissan Alliance and
Daimler.
The Renault-Nissan Alliance will provide 3
and 4 cylinder gasoline and diesel engines
out of its portfolio to Daimler, which will then
be adapted and modified to reflect Mercedes’
characteristics. The result is a win-win
situation for both sides: Daimler will be able
to utilize Renault-Nissan Alliance engines
and capture additional sales potential for
Mercedes-Benz’ future lineup of premium
compact cars, while the Renault-Nissan
Alliance will improve its capacity utilization.
Daimler will provide gasoline and diesel
engines out of its current portfolio to Infiniti.
This includes 4 and 6 cylinder gasoline
and diesel engines. The result is a win-win
situation for both sides: Infiniti will be able
to utilize Daimler engines, while Daimler will
improve its capacity utilization.
Daimler, Renault and Nissan will also
cooperate on future gasoline and diesel
engines. Final production decisions for newly,
co-developed engines will be taken at a later
time, seeking a production network that is well
balanced, thus benefiting all sides.
The companies have also agreed on a close
cooperation in the light commercial vehicle
segment. Mercedes-Benz Vans will expand
its portfolio to offer an all-new entry-level,
intended for commercial usage, from 2012
onwards. The technical basis of this van will
come from Renault and will be produced at
the Renault plant in Maubeuge, France. Both
partners will benefit from higher unit sales,
better capacity utilization, shared investment
burden, resulting in a better overall cost basis.
This strategic cooperation is underscored
through a one-time cross-shareholding
structure which enables the three companies
to exchange, benchmark and create synergies
on the basis of a long-term mutually beneficial
relationship. The overall construction of the
deal is based on the principle of a 3.1/3.1/3.1
percentage cross-holding between Renault,
Nissan and Daimler; it will be transacted
through an exchange of shares:
• Daimler will get 3.1% of Renault’s newly
issued shares;
• Daimler will get from Renault 3.1% of
Nissan existing shares;
• Renault will get 3.1% of Daimler
shares
• Renault has independently agreed to
exchange 1.55% of Daimler with Nissan
for 2% of Nissan shares;
• Renault and Nissan will each hold 1.55
% of Daimler treasury shares.

Special Offer On GMC Terrain At Moosa
Abdul Rahman Hassan
F or a limited time only, Moosa Abdul
Rahman Hassan & Co. is offering a special
promotion on all GMC Terrain compact SUVs
in its showrooms across Oman. The Terrain is
now available for only OMR 7,999 .
Taking up no more space than a mid-size
passenger car, the (3.2 liter V6) GMC Terrain
provides generous interior space with a trunk
capacity of 370 litres, an 865 litre cargo
capacity with the rear bench seat folded down
and up to 1420 litres when loaded to the roof.
Terrain also offers numerous smart features,
for an outsize impression as a practical,
everyday vehicle.
The Terrain is a technologically sophisticated
SUV that conveys a casual, easy-going
ZUBAIR AUTOMOTIVE HOSTS ‘JEEP JAMBOREE’ EVENT
T he Zubair Automotive Group that
distributes Jeep 4x4s in Oman invited loyal
Jeep customers and their families to enjoy an
exciting 4x4 weekend event hosted at Sama
Al Wasil at Wahiba Sands.
Organized by the Jeep team, a convoy of
20 Jeep owners accompanied by their families
departed the Jeep showroom to Wahiba Sands
to enjoy a fun weekend with the Jeep team in
the Shariqya desert. With an experienced Jeep
guide they were able to push the boundaries
in true Jeep style having the best adventure
in the desert.
This is the first Jeep Jamboree that was
successfully hosted by the Zubair Automotive
Group and the company looks forward to
more in the future. Commenting on the Jeep
Jamboree event, General Manager of Jeep
Oman Mark Tomlinson said: “It’s fantastic
lifestyle with its numerous compartments, as
well as many smart comfort elements such as
electronic climate control and cruise control
with a trip computer to keep track of the
distance covered. Audio controls are mounted
on the steering wheel, and a chilled glove box
keeps drinks cool, while automatic headlamps
and wipers switch on whenever the need
arises. Electro-chromatic dimming rear-view
mirrors – wing as well as center – shut out
the glare from following vehicles. Then there
is the tyre pressure monitoring system and
ultrasonic park assist (front and rear) with
rearview LED light bar and audible warning -
standard on SLT and available on the SLE.
hosting these events for our customers so they
can fully experience the high performance
driving dynamics of their Jeep on the
challenging desert dunes. It encourages them
to fully enjoy their 4x4 with the guidance of
an experienced Jeep guide to see where they
can push the boundaries off road.”
{news}
Cadillac DTS Named
Most Dependable Large
Premium Car
C adillac DTS has been named the most
dependable large premium car, part of
the results of the 2010 Vehicle Dependability
Study from J.D. Power and Associates in the
United States. The study found that DTS has
the fewest problems in the industry, with just
76 problems per 100 vehicles.
DTS offers advanced technologies such
as Magnetic Ride Control, Side Blind Zone
Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive
Cruise Control. All Cadillac models feature
4-years/100,000-Kilometers free service and
maintenance.
Other Cadillac vehicles mentioned in the
study include the STS (Midsize Premium Car),
CTS (Entry Premium Vehicle) sedans and
Escalade EXT (Large Premium Multi-Activity
Vehicle), all of which reached the top-three of
their respective segments.
BMW 7 Series Adaptive
Headlights
B MW’s flagship 7 Series offers a host
of industry-first driver assistance
technologies that bring unmatched driver
engagement, handling and safety features to
the luxury performance segment. Amongst
these – Adaptive Headlights with variable
light distribution.
On a winding road at night, Adaptive
Headlights move in harmony with the bend
ahead: the beams of the 7 Series’ headlights
stay on the road and the light beam is adapted
according to the vehicle’s speed.
9
{news}
Al Hashar and TATA –
Creating customers for
life
A l Hashar Group, alongwith TATA Motors
India, organized an Exclusive TATA Care
Meet at the Al Hashar Head Quarters in
Muscat. All key customers of TATA vehicles
and representatives of Companies partnering
Oman’s Industrial growth graced the occasion.
Participants had a glimpse of the range of
TATA’s offerings the world over and the
focus it has established in Oman through its
association with the Al Hashar Group over the
last 3 decades.
The TATA Motors, India delegation was
headed by Mr. Murari Trived, Regional Head-
Sales. He was accompanied by Mr.Sandeep
Bhathija Area Manager-Sales, Mr.Ganesh
Shetty,Regional Manager-Customer Care and
Mr. Bagul, area Manager-customer care.
The meet also kicked off the TATA Care
Week, where an exclusive Service Camp for
all TATA-India vehicles was held across all
locations of Al Hashar Service in Oman.
Al Hashar Group pioneered the TATA
sojourn into Oman and today offers to Oman
a complete range of Trucking and Commercial
Transportation Solutions from TATA.
The Senior representatives of TATA
showcased TATA’s footprint from the world
over to the gathering, including the journey
of creating Nano – Tata’s creation of the
cheapest car, to the world. All attending had
the opportunity to touch and feel the product
range from TATA right at the venue.
Al Hashar also showcased the All New
Xenon pickup from TATA.
The Xenon is available in Oman in 4x2, 4x4,
single cabin and double cabin. The Xenon has
also been introduced with interesting add-on
features. The details of which are available at
all Al Hashar showrooms across Oman.
10
TRUCKOMAN GOES TRACKING
I n order to further improve logistics support
service for PDO, Truckoman has just
installed IVMS (In Vehicle Monitoring System)
Commenting on the occasion, Chris Fidler,
Group General Manager of Truckoman, added
that “Truckoman strives to be Oman’s best
to cover fleet operations in South Oman. logistics company and moves more land rigs
IVMS provides real time tracking of vehicles than anyone else in the Sultanate. We are
via satellite or the GSM network. Apart always looking for opportunities to improve our
from simply confirming the precise location services to customers and IVMS is our latest
of all vehicles this data can also be used to initiative. We have partnered with Bahwan
monitor driver performance and measure Cybertek to provide the high quality “Geo
improvements following training. With IVMS,
transport operators can improve their safety
and operational efficiency.
Manish Doshi, General Manager of
Truckoman, stated that “Truckoman has been
moving PDO’s oil rigs for many years and IVMS
will further enhance quality and efficiency
of our services”. Amongst Truckoman’s
customers; Said Naaby, PDO Head of Logistics
South, stated that “IVMS is the way forward
in the oil industry where fool-proof recording
of the driver and truck behavior is readily
available. Such vital information helps to
identify any shortfalls and prompt the taking
of corrective actions”. Jim Grant, of PDO’s
4PL logistics contractor Bahwan DHL, stated
that “Apart from the HSE benefits IVMS will Services” IVMS hardware and software. This
be immensely useful in rig move planning unique system uses the latest PDO mapping
and this will not only improve efficiency but and will enhance our Journey Management
also reduce HSE exposure due to reduced safety process. This will have a major impact
traveling”. on Truckoman’s HSE performance”.
Mazda launches Zoom-Zoom Club
I t was a weekend to remember for all
Mazda patrons at the Civil Aviation Club
in Athaiba, as leading automobile distributor
that the Zoom-Zoom Club will enable members
to interact with each other through a series of
entertaining activities and events organized
Towell Auto Centre (TAC) launched their all specially for them. Exceptional Mazda rewards
exclusive and fun Mazda Zoom-Zoom Club. in the form of discounts, incentives and special
The launch of the Club was a high octane promotions will be in the offing for Club
event, with dancers and entertainers making members too with the partnership of premium
their performances an exhibition of the ‘Zoom- retail, dining and leisure brands in Oman.
Zoom’ phenomenon. The event was also
a special treat for all Mazda car owners as
they got to show off their prized Mazda’s and
discuss them at length amidst lively festivities.
Amongst all the fun, the key highlight of the
evening was the presentation of the first few
club cards to the members of the immediate
family with the highest number of Mazda cars,
which were 6 cars.
The Zoom-Zoom Club is a multi-pronged
customer engagement initiative and has been
specially conceptualized to increase brand
loyalty and serve as a fun-filled customer
interface for Mazda patrons. What’s more is

In other news
Audi celebrates 30
years of quattro
Exactly 30 years ago a
car that was destined to
revolutionize automotive
technology arrived on
the scene: The first Audi
quattro grabbed the
public’s attention at the
Geneva Motor Show on
March 3, 1980. This born
winner with the four rings
marked the start of a
success story that is still
continuing at Wattayah
Motors in Oman.
The birth of the first
quattro is the story of
driving trials in the snow
and a trailblazing idea
– a hollow shaft in the
transmission that transmits
engine power to both the
front and rear wheels.
With the added touch of
a center differential, the
first Audi quattro went on
sale at the end of 1980.
The angular coupé became
an instant sales hit. With
its permanent all-wheel
drive and the 200 hp five
cylinder turbo engine it
opened up a dimension of
dynamism and driving fun
that had previously been
unavailable.
Autoparts ranks
among Brazil’s top
three exports to
GCC in 2009
Automobile parts ranked
third behind housing and
construction products and
food and beverage among
Brazil’s leading exports
to the Gulf in 2009. The
South American country
sold USD 5.93 million
worth of automotive
goods to GCC countries
last year and will pursue
additional opportunities
in high-growth markets
such as the UAE during
the upcoming Brasil Trade
Middle East 2010, a multi-
industry exposition running
from May 9 to 11, 2010 at
the Intercontinental Hotel
in Dubai Festival City.
Brazil, the largest
national economy in Latin
America and the world’s
10th largest in terms of
market exchange rates, is
sustaining an export boom
driven by products such as
aircraft, textiles, footwear,
food and beverages,
electrical equipment,
and automobiles and
automotive parts. It
is looking to grow its
autoparts exports in the
GCC, one of the most
important and developing
automobile economies in
the world and home to
almost 4 million passenger
vehicles.
ZUBAIR AUTOMOTIVE
INTRODUCES LIMITED
EDITION YAMAHA YZF-
R1 LE– A REPLICA
The Zubair Automotive
Group, exclusive distributor
of Yamaha in Oman, has
brought a limited edition
replica of the Yamaha YZF
– R1 LE motorcycle to the
Sultanate.
Recently launched at
the Oman Bike Event,
this powerful machine
is a replica of that used
by motorcycle superstar
Valentino Rossi who
has been World MotoGP
champion an amazing nine
times.
The arrival of the
new motorbike means
enthusiasts will now
have the opportunity
to experience the best
championship technology
available in Oman with
the model that includes a
replica of Valentino Rossi’s
signature on the fuel tank.
Great Offer on
Grand Vitara
Grand Vitara from Japan
is now available at Moosa
Abdul Rahman Hassan &
Co.LLC at very special price
starting from RO 5799.
The sporty and bold Vitara
4X4 comes with 1600 cc
engine. Supplemented by
high torque and large 16”
alloy wheels, it not only
makes off-road driving
an experience but also
guarantees a superior on
road driving experience
with extra power under the
pedal.
It is specifically tuned
to deliver plentiful torque
and its smooth shifting
transmissions make for
relaxed driving on crowded
city streets as well as
motorway cruising. The
fully loaded Grand Vitara
is all about taking on any
landscape in total comfort.
The 2-door version does
not compromise on space
and accommodates five
passengers in a luxurious
manner. The interior also
packs features such MP3
car audio system with SSVC
(Speed Sensing Volume
Control). The vehicle is
equipped with advanced
safety features like Hill
Descent Control, ABS (Anti-
lock Braking System) with
EBD (Electronic Brake-
force Distribution), dual
front airbags with seatbelt
pretensioners and force
limiters.
EARLY SUCCESS FOR
NEW SM5 IN KOREA
Renault Samsung Motors,
which is an 80.1 per
cent-owned subsidiary
of Renault, has been
marketing New SM5
in Korea since January
2010. This status-
enhancing, three-volume
family saloon, which was
designed in Seoul and
is manufactured at the
firm’s Busan plant in South
Korea, carries over the
same acclaimed values
{news}
that sere championed by
its predecessor for more
than 10 years, namely
product and service
quality, elegant, refined
styling, and a particularly
attractive performance and
equipment package.
Some 40,000 cars
have been sold since the
beginning of this year,
which easily surpasses
the original objective. The
average daily rate is 700
sales, and a record 2,012
orders were taken during
one particular single day.
New SM5 has already
reached 66 per cent of
the volumes achieved by
its predecessor for all of
2009, which itself was an
historically successful year
for the brand.
A Picture Tells
a Thousand
Horsepower
Hennessey Performance
revealed the first official
images of its Venom GT
supercar. Based upon the
Lotus Elise, the Venom
GT combines a high-tech,
lightweight British chassis
with a powerful American
V8.
This is not the first time
that Britain and America
have joined forces to
produce a weapon of mass
propulsion, said company
founder and president,
John Hennessey.
11
{Cover Story}

Super league of
instant Karma
Take two parts luxury car and add in two parts
supersports, then take away one part of weight – you are
left with the awesome Lamborghini LP570-4 Superleggera
| Author: Raj Warrior |

12

F
or all purposes, Lamborghini is an Italian company, notwithstanding
the German ownership and origins of the companies that own it.
However, there are more than a few character traits that have
rubbed off from the German owners and one of these is the clockwork
regularity with which the brand moves ahead with model introductions
and the process of beefing up its range. A year ago we were out with
Lamborghini in Tenerife welcoming the LP560-4 Convertible. Now a
year on and the next variant, the LP570-4 Superleggera has not just
been unveiled at the Geneva show, it was also laid out for Journalists
to take test drives on in Spain.
The trait that we really like about the brand, which we think springs
from its fiery latin temperament, is the passion they communicate
for everything they do. Whether it is in the raw bloodedness of their
cars, the strikingly beautiful support staff that grace these occasions
or indeed in the selection of exotic venues to hold these drives,
Lamborghini comes across as a brand that means passion. So it’s
hardly surprising that the chosen venue for the test event was the
Monteblanco track a few kilometres outside the historic city of Sevilla
in Spain’s south.
To those of us coming there from Arabia, there is a distinct
connection as you walk around the city. It isn’t just the tokenism of
driving past the home stadiums of teams that compete in the Spanish
premier league. What gets to the iterant traveller and history buff are
the names of places, like the river that flows close to the city centre,
called Al Wadi Al Kabir or Guadalquivir as the Spanish say it.
{Cover Story}
However, with journalists and visitors arriving from across the world,
the Arabic connection is soon lost. We were guests of the brand in
the town in the week leading up to Easter and take that with the
highly religious and demonstrative Spanish populace and you have
the festivities of holy week which sees a series of daily processions
from churches across the countryside to the big one in Seville, which
as our luck would have it was around 300 metres down the road
from our hotel. Literally in the centre of the activity, we could see
the huge social customs of the young, old and families gathering to
participate, imbibe some of the flavour of the event and then stop by
the hotel gates to ogle at and get themselves photographed with the
Superleggera on display.
The right time, the right place and the best of cars makes for
instant love.
For Lamborghini enthusiasts, you may ask what’s the big
difference between the Gallardo in its iteration as the 560-4 and the
Gallardo 570-4 as we were in Sevilla to test. The call out change is
defined by the Superleggera tag, meaning Superlight in Italian. When
Lamborghini set out to make this variant, they were bringing to the
table the experiences they have had with the previous generation of
the Superleggera and the few years of experience that they had gained
in the interim with racing in the form of the Super Trofeo and the
one make series that they run. All for the better as the Superleggera
stands witness to, since the car isn’t just about more power as is
communicated by the 570 in the label. The difference as Lamborghini
13
{Cover Story}
would like to highlight is the two-pronged approach they have taken.
Firstly, they have dropped the weight of the already lean Gallardo.
The car that normally weighs in at a little over 1400 kilograms has
had 70 kilograms knocked off to render a dry weight of only 1340
kilograms. The Gallardo’s bodyshell is made from aluminium, with
moulded node elements and extruded parts forming an extremely
stiff framework into which the aluminium panels are integrated. The
spaceframe structure is impact-resistant and forms the basis for the
super sportscar’s precise handling. Against this background, the task
of reducing the weight by a further 70 kilograms presented a huge
challenge to Lamborghini engineers – the target figure, a weight-to-
power ratio of 2.35 kilograms per hp, sets a new best among the
competition. Lamborghini engineers handled the task as they usually
do – with hi-tech competence and aesthetic flair.
The rear windshield and side windows are made from robust and
resistant polycarbonate. The engine cover also includes a polycarbonate
14
window, beneath which the V10 engine is displayed like a technical
work of art. The long cover section runs from the roof to the rear of
the vehicle and is made from carbon-fibre. Engineers also selected
carbon-fibre for the rear spoiler, sills, diffuser, parts of the underbody
paneling and the fine exterior mirror casings.
Taken in context, that is the difference between having a passenger
on board or not.
With its minimal weight and extremely high rigidity, carbon-fibre
is the ideal material for a super sportscar. As far back as the 1980s,
Lamborghini was already gathering experience in this field with the
Countach. Today, some parts of the Murciélago’s structure are made
from carbon-fibre. In order to secure this leading position even
further, the brand from Sant’Agata Bolognese established a center of
excellence for carbon-fibre materials, where specialists are developing
components and working on efficient manufacturing technologies.
Altogether the material counts for 40 kilograms of the 70 kilograms
 {Cover Story}

The V10 engine under the clear

plastic canopy has been remapeed
to produce 10 horsepower more
than on the LP560-4.

Carbon-fibre and Alcantara signal

the move to a light weight regime in
the interiors too.

<< The right time, the right place and

the best of cars makes for instant
love >>

15
{Cover Story}

saved. In the interior, too, engineers aimed to reduce weight as
much as possible. The center tunnel cover, the door panels and the
surround of the e-gear automated manual transmission lever are
made from carbon-fibre. The high-end material is also used for the
sports seats’ shells. They make a significant contribution to the overall
weight reduction.
Just like the rest of the cockpit, the sports seats are clad in
lightweight Alcantara instead of leather.
In the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera, LP stands for “longitudinale
posteriore” and refers to the orientation of the V10 engine – which is
mounted longitudinally behind the driver, just like every Lamborghini
engine. The number 570 refers to the maximum power output in
hp, which equates to 419 kW and is available at 8,000 rpm. Equally
impressive is the pulling power – the torque curve peaks at 540 Nm
at 6,500 rpm. The increase of 10 hp is the result of the new dedicated
engine management strategy.
The V10 has a displacement of 5204 cu.cm and achieves a specific
output of 109.6 hp per litre. Special features on this long-stroke
engine with an aluminium crankcase include dry sump lubrication and
a cylinder angle of 90 degrees. Both solutions reduce the center of
gravity, thus improving the handling dynamics. To ensure an ideal
combustion chamber fill, the engine has an adjustable intake manifold
and continuous control of the chain-driven camshafts.
The crankshaft is conceived as a dual-plane crank – the connecting
rods of opposing pistons share one bearing. This configuration delivers
alternating ignition intervals of 54 and 90 degrees; a unique sequence
that is the reason for the compelling, racing car-like sound of the V10.
As the revs rise, resounding bass notes are overlaid with razor sharp
harmonics.
The powerful V10, combined with the model’s weight reduction,
gives the Gallardo Superleggera LP 570-4 breathtaking performance.
The car accelerates zero to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, 0 to 200
km/h in 10.2 seconds – then continues relentlessly to its top speed
of 325 km/h.
The Gallardo Superleggera is also considerably more efficient –
compared with its predecessor, its fuel consumption in the EU driving
cycle is reduced by 3,5 litres per 100 kilometer, or 20.5 percent, to
13,5 litres/100 km. This improvement is partly due to the “Iniezione

<< In all this the car seems to sit

with you as a participant rather
than a piece of machinery that
you guide blindly >>

16

Diretta Stratificata” gasoline direct injection, which injects fuel into
the combustion chambers at pressures of up to 100 bar. The tumbling
mix cools the combustion chambers, which enables a very high
compression ratio of 12.5:1 which, in turn, increases efficiency.
The Superleggera comes with the e-gear transmission operated
via steering wheel paddles, as standard. The automated system with
electronic management shifts through its six gears extremely smoothly
and far more quickly than could be achieved by human reflexes.
The e-gear control unit has three operating modes, two of which
available in automatic. The “Thrust mode” delivers maximum off-
the-line performance and is programmed to manage starting revs of
around 5000 rpm with minimal wheel slip.
Every single kilometer in the new Superleggera is utterly thrilling
– not least because of the relentless traction in practically every
situation. This is largely attributable to the four driven wheels, as
indicated by the number 4 in the model name.
The permanent all-wheel drive integrates a central viscous coupling
and a 45 percent limited-slip differential on the rear axle. In normal
circumstances, the power delivered by the V10 is channeled with a
{Cover Story}
ratio of 30:70 to the front and rear axles. The weight distribution of
the superlight Gallardo is 43/57 percent front/rear.
In 1993, the Diablo VT was the first Italian super sportscar with an
all-wheel drive set-up, and Lamborghini has been steadily consolidating
its leadership ever since. In fact, thanks to the car’s superior traction,
Lamborghini drivers can accelerate earlier out of a bend than drivers
of rear-wheel drive cars.
The suspension is aluminium double wishbones. The precise rack
and pinion steering keeps the driver very closely connected with the
road. The shock absorbers are extremely firm, and the anti-roll bars
and suspension mounts have been further reinforced: these features
enable the running gear to reach its full dynamic potential. No other
model in the Gallardo range is as close to a race car as this one.
The development of the Superleggera was heavily influenced by
experiences gained from the world’s fastest single-brand race series,
the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo.
Another special feature of the Gallardo Superleggera is the wheels.
The 19-inch units are aluminium forged and are therefore extremely
lightweight – saving 13 kilograms. The wheel bolts are made from
17
{Cover Story}
titanium and are also incredibly light and rigid. The tyres are 235/35
ZR19 at the front and 295/30 ZR19 at the rear and come from the
Pirelli P Zero Corsa series. Developed specifically for the new top
model in the Gallardo range, they are closely related to pure race
rubber. Behind the huge wheels are brakes that serve to deliver
uncompromising stopping power and are managed by the standard-
fit ESP stability control system. The front wheels are served by
aluminium eight-piston calipers, with four-piston units at the rear. The
ventilated brake discs have a diameter of 365 and 356 millimeters
respectively. As an optional extra, Lamborghini can fit extremely fade-
resistant and lightweight discs made from carbon-fibre ceramic with
six pistons at the front. The front ceramic discs have a diameter of
380 millimeters.
After going through these technical elements of the car, you get
a better idea of everything that the Superleggera represents. It is
designed as single car that you must have if you love taking your
car to the track and then driving it back to a fancy hotel like the one
where we were staying in the centre of Sevilla. It is in equal parts the
dressage mare and the race horse.
<< designed as single car that you
must have if you love taking your
car to the track and then driving
it back to a fancy hotel >>
18
While Lamborghini draws an inferred connection with Spain and
its bull-fighting centres like Sevilla, due to the names and the very
logo of the brand, in this case the better connection was with the
race track situated in the rolling land around the city. The track of
Monteblanco has become something of a norm with many European
manufacturers. Lamborghini had laid out the track for us and we had
at our disposal left and right-hand drive cersions of the Superleggera
(because of the international nature of the event).
From its throaty roar, to the ease with which you can decide not just
the pattern of gear shifting that you would like, but the way in which
the chassis firms up, the car is very much one for the well-heeled
enthusiast. You don’t have to be either a perfectionist or perfect to
enjoy the thrill of driving the car. It is set up for the novice, yet allows
the expert to push it to limits that many other cars would baulk at.
As you follow the lead car out onto the nicely laid track you get a
sense of the inevitable. The tempo builds up, you floor the accelerator,
shift the paddle, go for the accelerator again and before you know it it
is time to do a quick double tap downwards on the paddles and then
hit the brake hard before you apex a corner. In all this the car seems
 {Cover Story}

to sit with you as a participant rather than a piece of machinery that

you guide blindly.
A major plus point of the Superleggera’s approach to the racetrack
is guided by its all-wheel drive nature. Balance is the at the heart of
its entire approach to corners, cambers and the straights as well. Yes,
it does do the wailing banshee bit as you quickly downshift and hit
the pedal for the home straight and it shows that every one of the
kilograms it has shed goes well with the speed with which the speedo
needle shoots back over the 200 km/h mark. But you still have the
time to note that the wind noise is muted, the air-conditioning is just
right and the carbon-fibre panelling seems just so appropriate in the
interiors.
As you take round after round on the track, the car becomes a
little bit more of a sweetheart with every lap. You learn to let go your
inhibitions and to trust the brute nature of the beauty. Your reaction
time keens up, you start braking just that shade later and you even
let the car twitch a bit as you look forward to the slide around the
corner. And all the correction and guidance you need to give to the
wayward wheels is available at the tap of the accelerator or brake.

The president and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.

is Stephan Winkelmann.

Stephan Winkelmann was born in Berlin in 1964 and

grew up in Rome, where he studied political science.
Following various posts at Mercedes-Benz and within
the Fiat group, Mr Winkelmann was appointed chairman
of the board of Fiat Auto Austria and Fiat Auto Svizzera.
In 2004 he moved to Germany to become chairman of
the board of Fiat Automobil AG. Stephan Winkelmann
has headed Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. since 1st
January 2005.

19
{Cover Story}
The steering-wheel, every hand-stitched inch of it, seems to wait for
the curves to assert itself, again in a very balanced, poised manner.
True to the nature of the event, it seemed like the elements were
in accordance. After a lunch time spell of rain, the wet and glistening
track was opened out again for a second spell of driving, uniquely in
the wet.
The Superleggera thus managed to bring us over thousands of
miles to make the most of the tens of miles we got to push it through
the track.
The Superleggera is targeted at a special breed of Lamborghini
customer, many of whom can be found in the region and even in
Muscat, who want to stand out from the regular “have money, can
buy” signal that the super sportscar communicates. This car is moved
back to its roots in many ways, with a rawness of edge, attention to
performance and just that bit of attitude that makes it stand apart
even from the Gallardo as we know it. And you don’t even need to
be following one, with a view of its fixed carbon-fibre tail fin and rear
lower dam to realise you are in the presence of genius.
The car will accelerate away from you and as it goes it will tell
you one thing – you’ve got to be in some serious hardware to play
catch’em!
20
Frame & Body
Frame Structural aluminium spaceframe, based on
aluminium extruded parts welded to aluminium
cast joint elements
Body Aluminium with thermoplastic “hang on” parts
and carbon fibre elements
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2560 mm
Overall length 4386 mm
Overall width 1900 mm
Overall height 1165 mm
Dry weight 1340kg
Weight distribution (front-rear) 43% - 57%
Engine
Type 10 cylinders V90°, DOHC 40 valves, direct
injection (Iniezione Diretta Stratificata)
Displacement 5204 cc
Compression ratio 12.5 : 1
Bore/stroke ø 84.5mm x 92.8mm
Air intake system Variable geometry
Maximum power 419 kW (570 HP*) at 8000 rpm
Maximum torque 540 Nm at 6500 rpm
Drivetrain
Type of trasmission Permanent 4-wheel drive with viscous traction
system
Gearbox 6 Speed + reverse, an optional, robotized
sequential e-gear system with actuation
by paddles on steering column
Clutch Double plate ø 215 mm (ø 8,46 in)
Rear differential 45% limited slip
Front differential Limited slip by ABD function
Tyres and wheels
Tyres (Front/rear) Pirelli P Zero Corsa
235/35 ZR19 front – 295/30 ZR19 rear
Wheels (front-rear) Aluminium alloy, 8.5’’ x ø 19’’- 11’’ x ø 19’’
Steering Power- assisted rack and pinion
Kerb-to-kerb turning circle 11.5 m - (37,7 ft)
Brakes
Steel brakes Ventilated discs (front-rear)
ø 365 x 34 mm front – ø 356 x 32 mm rear
Power vacuum, aluminium alloy callipers :
8 cylinder front callipers and 4 cylinder rear
callipers
Saud Bahwan Automotive LLC (Lexus Division)
(ISO 9001 Certified)
Tel: Muscat: 24578913, Fax: 24561631, 24566870
Al Mawaleh 24550070, Barka 26882150, Buraimi: 25660271,
Sohar: 26847154, Ibri 25688568, Nizwa 25413153, Salalah: 23217380.
{accessorise}
This column brings the latest, the trendiest and the must-have accessories, gadgets and toys that we
think our readers should have. This month it’s an alternative camera special

Mamiya Introduces New DM40

Large-Sensor DSLR

M
amiya announced in March, the addition of the new Mamiya
DM40 to its lineup of professional large-sensor DSLRs.
Featuring a resolution of 40 megapixels with a peak capture
rate of .8 seconds per frame and a sustained capture rate of 60 frames
per minute, the Mamiya DM40 is the industry’s fastest large-sensor
DSLR.
The heart of the DM40 system is the new “DF” camera-core
technology, developed by Mamiya, featuring two user-selectable
shutter systems: leaf or focal plane. In demanding daylight situations,
photographers can use predictable high speed flash synchronization to
fill-in or overpower even the brightest ambient light on one of three
new leaf-shuttered lenses designed by Schneider-Kreuznach and
manufactured by Mamiya. The lenses - available in focal lengths of
55mm, 80mm, and 110mm - deliver an effective maximum flash sync
speed of up to 1/1600th of a second. For more conventional situations,
photographers can choose any one of 15 other world-class Mamiya
optics, from 28mm to 300mm APO, designed for use with the cameras’
LEICA M9
focal plane shutter system.
Digital photography enters a whole new dimension.
Also newly announced, the Mamiya DM40 Digital Back will be Specifications Highlights
available for those customers who wish to obtain the latest in high- CCD: 44 x 33mm, 40 Megapixel
speed and resolution digital capture for their existing Mamiya or large Largest file size: 240 MB 16 bit TIFF
format camera. Supported cameras include: Mamiya 645AFD series, ISO: 80-800
645DF, Mamiya RZ series (via optional adapter), Mamiya RB series (via Capture rate: 0.8 sec/frame
optional adapter), and 4x5 view cameras (via optional adapter). Digital imaging user interface: 6x7cm LCD touchscreen

And Leica brings full frame to its legendary line-up 4 9 3

T
he Leica M9 is the world’s first digital system camera of its size
to be built with a full-frame sensor - a CCD sensor developed
specifically for the M9 - that is capable of perfectly capturing the
full 35-mm format (24 × 36 mm) in ultra-high resolution. The new M9
- in the familiar, classic, and timeless M design, represents the essence
of its predecessors based on the consummate technology of our time.
The combination of an extremely high-resolution sensor, high
performance M lenses and careful processing of the digital picture data
8

provides the best picture results under all conditions. The proprietry
CCD sensor in the LEICA M9 with18 Million Pixels, allows the utilisation
of the full 35 mm format. The sensor of the M9 uses a newly developed
cover glass to eliminate infrared light contamination and allows the use
of existing Leica M lenses without loss of image quality.
The use of external UV/IR filters is not required. and programmable user profiles. The user profiles can be programmed
Full-size view; available in steel-grey paint or black paint finish. 7

The simple handling and menus of the LEICA M9 allow the with any combination of camera and shooting settings, stored under an
photographer to concentrate on taking pictures, not the controls. The assigned name, and accessed quickly whenever required for a particular
key control element of the M9 is an intuitive four-way switch and dial situation.
combination used in conjunction with the 2.5-inch LCD monitor on the It is hardly unusual that a Leica, once owned, becomes a lifelong
back. To set the ISO sensitivity, simply maintain light pressure on the companion. This also applies to the digital M9: In spite of the larger sensor
ISO button while simultaneously turning the dial to select the required size, the compact housing of the M8 and M8.2 design was retained. With
setting. All other functions important for everyday situations are quickly exterior dimensions of 139 x 37 x 80 mm (5.5 x 1.5 x 3.1 in) it maintains
and easily accessible by pressing the set button: white balance, image- the ideal shape of the M camera and becomes the smallest full frame
data compression, resolution, exposure correction, exposure bracketing, Thesystem
history ofcamera in the world.
35-mm photography began almost 100 years ago with the legendary Ur-Leica. Today, it is the Leica
M9, a landmark camera that carries the proud heritage of Leica M cameras into the digital age. The Leica M9 is
the world’s first digital system camera of its size to be built with a full-frame sensor – a CCD sensor developed
specifically for the M9 – that is capable of perfectly capturing the full 35-mm format (24 × 36 mm) in ultra-high
22 resolution. The new M9 – in the familiar, classic, and timeless M design, represents the quintessence of its pre-
decessors based on the consummate technological level of our time. It is the perfect contemporary tool for those
who set the highest standards in image quality and are committed to creating images of enduring value.
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 {accessorise}
Bringing Medium-format DSLR Advantages to High-end
35mm Photographers
T
his February, Hasselblad CEO Larry Hansen announced the H4D-
40, heralding the company’s plan to deliver the advantages of
medium-format DSLRs to a new generation of high-end 35mm
photographers.
Built on the H3D-II model series, the H4D-40 features faster capture
rates, higher ISO ratings, up to 4-minute exposure times, and True
Focus technology, for accurate near-field composing that’s greatly
simplified. With a 33x44mm CCD sensor and 40 million pixels, the new
camera provides almost twice the capture area of the largest 35mm
DSLR sensors.
“Most high-end photographers understand the advantages that
a medium-format system has over smaller formats,” explains CEO
Hansen. “But many younger photographers have never been exposed
to larger-format photography. They are not aware that medium-format
DSLRs have evolved dramatically, maintaining - and, in some cases,
increasing - the quality gap that has existed between small-format and
larger-format systems.”
Hansen further explains, “The fact that our large sensors have millions
of pixels more than 35mm sensors is well-known, but the superior
image quality that results, in terms of color, detail, and clarity, is not
as well understood. Likewise, many photographers don’t realize that
the larger-format H System cameras provide a considerably shallower
STILL MATTERS:
depth OF
NICAL HIGHLIGHTS of THE
fieldH4D-40
range, making it much easier to use selective focus for
True Focus auto-focus system with
Absolute Position Lock and new camera controls.
3” 24bit color TFT display with wide viewing angle.
Highest image resolution from 40Mpixel sensor.
Option of processing raw images in Hasselblad’s
Phocus imaging toolbox, or directly in Apple or
Adobe imaging environments.
24
creative effect. Combined with True Focus, this opens up enormous
creative possibilities and makes for greater technical accuracy. Add the
modularity of the H4D-40, with its choice of bright image viewfinders
and an extensive accessories program, and you have a feature set that
makes a Hasselblad system an even more valuable component of a
professional photographer’s toolbox.”
The new low-noise colour filters of the H4D-40’s sensor and the
high-performance HC/HCD lens line, provide greater clarity and depth
of field. The Hasselblad Natural Color Solution delivers consistent
colour reproduction with a single colour profile, while digital lens
correction perfects each image by removing any distortion, vignetting,
or chromatic aberrations.
The camera comes bundled with Hasselblad’s new Phocus 2.0
imaging software. Designed for a dramatically reduced learning curve,
Phocus now enables the average photographer to be up to speed in
less than 30 minutes.
“In the coming months, we will do our best to see that as many
35mm photographers as possible have the opportunity to try these
amazing products for themselves,” concludes Hansen.
The H4D-40 starts at 13995 Euro, 19995 USD, and 12995 GBP
for the camera body, viewfinder, and 80mm lens. It is available for
immediate shipping. Hasselblad will present worldwide H4D-40 dealer
demonstrations and events in the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
Freedom to choose between eye-level
and waist-level viewfinders.
AF Assist lights for working in dark environments.
Choice of combining point-and-shoot and tilt/shift
to solve creative commercial challenges.
Extended exposure time – up to 4 min (256 sec).
Fast and accurate in-lens Auto Focus with manual
focus override.
Up to 80 MB/sec read-write performance
supporting fastest CF cards in the market.
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{Road Test}

When a brand
goes upmarket
The KIA brand is car is carving out a space for itself among
the contendors from the principally Japanese driven family car
segment. The latest offering is the Cadenza. Automan looks at the
car’s potential in an entrenched segment
| Author: Raj Warrior | Photography: Bassem Al Muharbi |

26
 {Road Test}
These days you can’t help but side with the
guys at KIA Oman. They are celebrating for
quite a few reasons and all of them are valid.
They have a new major showroom facility
in the heart of Wattayah, they have done
extremely well in the dogfight that the year
2009 turned out to be and to top it all they
have a slew of new products that are reaching
the showroom now while other brands are still
in the process of selling off 2009 and even
2008 model year cars.
What could be better for boosting these
smiles than the fact that their new entry in
the most important segment of all is such a
blast. We had been to the Dubai motorshow
in the end of 2009 to have a sneak preview
of the KIA Cadenza. By all means, the car
is a revelation. It replaces the Opirus which
went through a series of ups and downs in its
career as the flagship of the brand. It wasn’t
as if there was anything fundamentally wrong

27
{Road Test}
with the car. If you had read the Automan
issue of 6 years ago, you would have come
across terms such as ‘excellent’ and ‘high
quality’ used to describe the car. However, the
one element that kept the car firmly grounded
was the KIA badge. KIA and luxury or even
overgrown comfort were terms that the brand
was not quite ready for a generation back.
The times, how they have changed! For now
the claim to a decent level of luxury seems to
sit well with the brand. And the Cadenza is
witness to that.
The Cadenza is closely associated with KIA
design chief Peter Schreyer. The VG as it was
coded internally (the large sedan) was steered
towards a new look altogether, eschewing the
conservatism behind the Opirus in favour of
a modern look. Some of the highlights of the
Cadenza styling are a flowing windscreen at
64.7 degrees and the retention of simple,
flowing lines to define an elegant profile.
28
In order to increase the aerodynamic
effciency of the car’s shape there has been
extensive use of deflectors below the floor,
resulting in a figure of 0.29 Cd.
In terms of the family look that is
evolving over current KIAs the grille brings
a solid connection as do the rather marked
characteristics of the headlight and taillight
assemblies.
The profile of the car takes on interesting
angles. The greenhouse manages to project a
sweeping coupe like effect thanks in part to the
raked windshield and the clever way in which
the entire rear windshield interfaces with a
rear deck that almost looks like a notchback.
Very stylishly, the outside rear view mirrors
have the ability to fold away at an angle. As
for the roof, the new level of de rigeur is in
with the possibility to order your car with a
panoramic sunroof. This effectively makes this
D/E segment car take on the likes of the luxury
brands in appeal to the customers who are
looking at ‘no. 1’ distinction. This panoramic
roof comes in three pieces though it looks like
a single pane from outside when closed. The
front section acts as a deflector, the second
section can be tilted or slid back and the rear
part is fixed.
In terms of proportions, while the Cadenza
is shorter than the Opirus by 35mm it has
a longer wheelbase at 2845mm. This has
resulted in shorter overhangs. The cabin is a
lot roomier due to the larger wheelbase and
the extra 10mm of width.
Inside the car too, the Cadenza continues
to communicate elegance. The ‘floating’
design of the dash extends across the entire
width of the cabin. Ambient lighting is added
in to offer a high-class mood effect. The LED
source allows lighting of the door handles
and across the strip dividing the dashboard.
This goes well with the lighting of the console

instruments in the binnacle. As for the luxury
aspect of the driver, leather interior trims,
powered front seats with 8-way for driver and
4-way for passenger and at the top-of-the-
line, memory settings for the driver’s seat lend
class. The company even says that ventilated
seats are an option.
The source of the Cadenza’s power is
the upgraded 3.5-litre V6 Lambda II engine
offering 290PS output at 6600rpm and a peak
torque of 338Nm at 5000rpm. Immediately
you know that the engine is unusually revvy
for a mainstream V6, allowing you to play
with the six-speed automatic transmission,
while offering so much torque at take-off that
you do feel the force of torque steer on the
front wheels.
This engine is has an aluminium block,
head and sump and features maintenance-
free timing chains, single ancillaries belt,
lightweight crankshaft, DLC coated mechanical
{Road Test}
lash adjusters and redesigned exhaust ports
and a vibration damping balancer shaft.
The head features CVVT for both intake
and exhaust and a three stage variable intake
system.
Acceleration is just 7.2 seconds from 0 to
100 km/h and the top speed of the automatic
transmission car is 230 km/h.
The new six-speed transmission calls for a
closer look. It is lighter and more compact than
any other six-speed transmission currently
available and is claimed to be a ‘filled for
life’ maintenance free unit. It has 62 fewer
parts than a 5-speed unit, is 41mm shorter Body & Chassis
and weighs 12 kilos less and offers better Four-door, five-seater sedan with all-steel unitary
fuel economy, partly through Neutral control construction bodyshell
which automatically shifts the gear from D Transversely mounted V6 petrol engine driving
to N when the car is stopped for more than front-wheels via six-speed automatic gearbox
a few seconds. The unit is a regular ‘torque
Dimensions
convertor’ unit but incorporates a unique ‘flat’ Wheelbase 2845 mm
convertor and three planetary gear sets and Overall length 4965 mm
Overall width 1850 mm
Overall height 1475 mm
Dry weight 1575 kg
Engine
Type Quad-OHC, V6, Lambda II
with dual CVVT
Displacement 3470 cc
Compression ratio 10.6 : 1
Bore/stroke ø 92.0mm x 87.0mm
Air intake system Variable geometry
Maximum power 213 kW (290 HP) at 6600
rpm
Maximum torque 338 Nm at 5000 rpm
Drivetrain
Type of trasmission Front-wheel drive, with ABS,
EBD and optional ESP
Gearbox 6 Speed + reverse A6LF2
Tyres and wheels
Tyres (Std/Optional) 215/65 R16 or 225/55 R17
Wheels (Std/Optional) Aluminium alloy, 6.5J x ø 16”
or 7.0J x ø 17”
Steering Power- assisted rack and
pinion
Turning circle 11.08 m
Brakes
Steel brakes Ventilated discs (front)
Solid discs (rear)
ø 300 x 28 mm front
ø 284 x 10 mm rear
29
{Road Test}
four pinion differentials for greater durability.
With this transmission the Hyundai-KIA group
have joined a select group of just three
companies (Toyota and a GM/Ford JV) which
have designed, developed and built their own
six-speed automatic transmissions.
For all the engine’s power, you will hardly
notice the noise generated by the engine
as you take the car through city or rural
drives. Acceleration revs are muted, with
effective padding not just in the firewall, but
throughout the cabin and its underfloor. Also
there is extensive use of high-tensile steel in
resonating frames alongwith stressed areas to
reduce sound.
Altogether the car offers the best and most
luxurious drive of any KIA to date and merrily
sets out to conquer territory that till date
was the hunting ground of the established
Japanese marques like Toyota and Honda.
It gets very high marks in the offer of value
for money to its buyers. Admittedly though,
30
the brand has still a little way to go in offering
the same degree of long-term customer
involvement and the resultant retention of
value of pre-owned units.
The Cadenza may be just the vehicle
to change the status quo for the brand.
Hyoung-Keun Lee, the president of Kia Motor
Corporation says, “With the Cadenza, we
have created an all-new, large sedan that will
revitalize Kia’s fortunes thanks to its exciting
appearance, strong performance and luxurious
cabin which will guarantee its much broader
consumer appeal, attracting thousands of
new customers to our brand.”
While that fond wish may take some time in
becoming a reality, what we have seen about
the car leads us to believe that at the very
least, customers of the brand who are moving
upwards in life will stay loyal to it, opting to
buy the Cadenza over the Camrys and Accords
of the world.
{Road Test}

31
{First drive}

32

Connoisseur’s
delight
Has Aston Martin, the Gaydon, UK-based luxury sports carmaker
cracked the 2+2 slot with its V12-engined four-door all-new
Rapide? Automan discovers how a balanced combination of
elegance and aggression work in tandem in Valencia
T
he international launch and first drive of
Aston Martin’s all-new four-door 2010
Rapide, in Spanish city of Valencia was
more than just ‘Opening Doors’, the event’s
title theme. Although the Rapide is described
by Aston Martin as its first high performance
2+2 coupé of remarkable grace and poise,
it actually isn’t as aficionados of the marque
would remember that the 1941 Aston Martin
Atom had four doors and four seats, and so
did the 1976 Lagonda and the 1994 Lagonda
Virage. But that’s not the point we want to
make out here.
Let’s be clear at the very beginning of this
review because we have already tested the
Porsche Panamera in depth and don’t want
appear biased. Since a lot of journalists tend
to compare apples with oranges these days,
we would like to clear the air by saying that
the Rapide is not the British marque’s response
to Porsche’s Panamera. Nor it is a “four-
door coupé” cobbled together from existing
productions parts such as the Mercedes-
Benz CLS. Instead, Aston’s approach is more
transparent and I would not be out of place
by saying more on the lines of a Mazda RX-
8. The Mazda is a more accommodating 2+2
sports car with more doors, but, obviously,
the Aston is higher in scale with its more
luxurious and higher performance package.
On reaching Valencia, our first experience
with the Rapide actually began at the airport,
where a fleet of Rapides were deployed to ferry
us to the hotel. It seemed that word about
rear seat accommodation had been passed
around and so confident was the Gaydon
team in the four-seater car’s hospitality
capability that journalists were invited to take
the rear seat. The short ride as a passenger
turned out to be pleasant and the view wasn’t
obstructed as one sits inboard, slightly above
the driver. So, it wasn’t surprising that most
of the talk and discussions over tapas that
evening focused around the cosseting seats
and surprising amount of legroom in the back
of the car.
For us, it was a bit of a surprise because
the show car at the Dubai motor show a
few weeks earlier wasn’t that comfy and the
revised arrangement seemed more aligned
to the purpose. Part of its positioning is to
do with the extra wide central tunnel that
runs all along from front to back and I can
imagine the engineering and design team
burning midnight fuel when trying to optimize
the placement of the transmission over the
transaxle.
At first glance, the car is an Aston
Martin alright and has a strong individual
character despite being built on a modified
DB9 platform. There’s no argument that
the Rapide is breathtakingly beautiful with
its extended creases along the coachwork
giving it a long, low appearance, but rising
cheekily over the front wings. Its powerful
stance somewhat reminded me of the razor-
sharp Lagonda of early 1980s which was
the ‘in thing’ if you really wanted to make
a grand entrance, draw a crowd, and watch
jaws drop everywhere. Adding to the sense
{First drive}
of proportion, the Rapide’s low roof line is
combined with large 20in wheels. Egress and
ingress is assisted by the wide doors which
open up and out at 12 degrees. The opening
angle of the doors has been increased to allow
easy ingress and egress.
On the styling front, there’s a lot to say
and it begins with new polished alloy upper
and lower grille and a set of new front lamps
housing a single lens bi-xenons and LED fed
translucent tubes acts a sidelights. Meanwhile,
the pillarless side glass helps convey the car’s
coupe-like lines. The front and rear window
choreography has been designed to permit
the absence of a visible B-pillar to unclutter
the curve line of the doors from front to back
creating a seamless glass to glass window
frame. Contributing to Rapide’s interior
comfort, the side glass will rise up further
into the window seal when the car is driven at
speed cancelling out wind noise and the glass
is laminated to improve noise insulation. At
the rear, a practical tailgate provides access to
luggage space flanked by the signature Aston
Martin ‘C’ shaped tail lamps each housing 360
LEDs.
Despite the Rapide being 290mm longer
than DB9, platform technology employed has
been derived from the aerospace industry
where aluminium is bonded rather than
welded to create a lightweight and ultra-stiff
chassis. Obvisously, the increased length in
wheelbase would necessitate maximising
structural rigidity. According to Aston Martin,
the Rapide’s structure would require and
33
{First drive}
equivalent of 28,000Nm of force to be twisted
through one degree.
While, echoing the beauty of the exterior,
the interior is mostly handcrafted mix of soft
English leathers and bare-metal surfaces. The
cabin appears bigger despite dark colours,
thanks to much bigger rear side-windows
which allow extra light in. The arrival of an
electronic handbrake that replaces the fly-
off makes the cabin look clinically clean.
The dashboard layout and controls are very
familiar, and surprisingly the steering column
is still from the Ford stable. This mix and
match is acceptable, however, the pop-up
sat-nav display still needs improvements. The
display screen appears to be glued to the
housing and the angle of the TFT screen is
not driver-friendly. Also we feel the lack of a
rear-view camera which is essential on such
a large car and for the same reason the ECU
key.
Extra attention has been given to rear
passengers. Although the rear seats are
tight and restricted by the huge transmission
tunnel, there’s useful leg- and headroom
once you’re inside. Since, the door aperture is
smaller, it takes some time getting used to. But
there’s individual heating and air-conditioning
controls for rear occupants and the system
can also be controlled via the rotary dial
34
located between the front seats giving the
driver full control. Being familiar with the
DB9, the extra width of the all-new Recaro
seats and a general feeling of spaciousness
doesn’t go unnoticed.
Entertainment comes by the bucket loads.
The Rapide also features Bang & Olufsen’s
acclaimed audio system, and the package
includes twin DVD screens integrated into the
back of the front seats. When music is shared,
Bang & Olufsen’s signature motorised tweeters
rise from either side of the dashboard.
On the practicality front, the Rapide should
also play the role of an occasional load-
hauler, thanks to the individually folding rear
seats, which at the push of a button allows
rear luggage space to expand to up to 750
litres, The luggage compartment is accessed
through an opening tailgate and separated
from the cabin by a movable bulkhead.
Unlike Porsche which offers both normally
aspirated and forced fed powertrains for the
Panamera, Aston Martin doesn’t believe in
force feeding or supercharging. It believes
that its engineering is capable of delivering
and like the DB9, the 4,300lb Rapide gets
a hand-built 6.0-litre V12 engine producing
470bhp with peak power being delivered
at 6,000rpm. Torque of 600Nm comes
at 5,000rpm. A specifically calibrated ZF
Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic transmission
features as standard, allowing the driver to
change gear automatically or manually via
the steering column-mounted magnesium
paddles. 0-100km/h comes up in 5.1 seconds,
the acceleration curve climbing to 295km/h.
Driving impressions
Not bothering about the inclement weather in
Valencia, once inside the car and despite the
low roof line, there’s plenty of head room up
front and the Recaro designed front seats are
comfortable and don’t push your shoulders
forward. The car’s operating system
functionality is consistent with that on the
DB9, with ‘Park’, ‘Reverse’, ‘Neutral’ and ‘Drive’
modes selected via dash mounted controls.
Even the starter motor on the Rapide
sounds fast. Push the start/stop button, and
the frenetic chugging ends in a sultry whoosh
of combustion as the 6.0-litre V12 ignites. The
engine settles quickly on a breathless idle,
ready for anything from a lazy trawl down a
boulevard to a blast up to its redline, the wide
torque band pushing hard from rest.
Even though it was raining intermittently as
we headed out on the first drive in the Rapide,
the first feel is that the car instantly connects
with the driver as it felt taut and responsive,
just like the other Aston models we have driven
 {First drive}

in the recent past. I could comfortably argue

all day long that the recalibrated transmission
is brilliantly matched to Rapide’s V12 and this
is among the best automatic Aston has to
offer by far. Even Dr Bez, Aston’s charismatic
CEO agrees to that and also announced that
the Rapide’s will be raced in future.
One of the key advantages of mounting the
six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic gearbox to
the rear of the car on the transaxle is that it
gives the Rapid near perfect front:rear axle
bias which stands at: 51:49. Although the car
is long, weight management does contribute to
its outstanding dynamics. As a driver, I found
the car engaging drive on twisty mountain
roads, and a refined, relaxed and effortless
drive on motorways and main roads. Also
helping the car remaining connected were the There’s a howling paroxysm in the back, then Driving the car on Valencia’s narrow twisting
20in rims clad with asymmetric Bridgestone a slight chirp as the rear tyres receive their roads proved to be quite rewarding. Besides a
Potenza S001 (front: 245/40 R20, rear: torque, then the scenery begins to blur. responsive and direct steering which basically
295/35 R20) tyres. Bridgestone reworked the Ignoring the mood of the weather gods, says point and shoot, all the electronic aids,
tyres specifically for Rapide with a taller side we headed for the hills and some brilliant especially the engaging chassis modes and
walls to help dial out vibration and contribute driving roads, and it begins to snow. In these superb stability make this large car feel so
to a quieter cabin. conditions, there is little chance to crack on nimble. Sharp corners accompanied with
On highways, for the fastest exit, one at any pace, even though we were confident mellifluous quality to the exhaust note past
can switch off the traction control, selecting that the car is quite capable to shrink straights 3,800rpm [when exhaust valves open], the
first gear and the sport-shift mode for and fire out of tight turns with a surge of Rapide signals that it is into business.
quicker changes, and stomping the pedal. V12 torque before the engine hits its sweet We liked being up front in the driver seat
The computer quickly lets the engine wind spot at 4,500rpm for a thundering run to the much better as the Rapide behaves more like
to about 2,500 rpm then dumps the clutch. redline. a sports car than a 4,299-pound four-door

<< The engine noise is muted, as you would expect

in a luxury four-seater, but still sounds satisfyingly
sporty when your foot is planted. Aston quotes
zero to 96km/h in 5.1 seconds and that
feels about right >>

35
{First drive}
Where the Panamera beats
the Rapide
While, the Porsche takes over design elements
from the 911 range, it offers a choice of three front-
mounted engines, though set back to the centre of
the car as much as possible. The entry-level unit
comes from VW, which is 3.5-litre six-cylinder unit
developing 300 bhp, while Porsche’s own drivetrain
offered include two direct-injection 5.0-litre V8,
one is naturally-aspirated and the other forced fed
twin-turbo and 7-speed PDK transmission.
Where the Rapide beats the
Panamera
Let’s say, in the department of exclusivity. Porsche
plans to build 20,000 Panameras every year. The
Rapide production should be a tenth of that.
Although the Rapide is almost as large as the
Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin was willing to
sacrifice outright practicality in the pursuit of style.
The results speak for itself and doesn’t require a
rocket scientist to discover its spectacular body
lines.
36
on a wheelbase of 117.7 inches. Thanks to
responsive steering that gives excellent
feedback, the Rapide drives as if it’s much
smaller than it is. What is amusing, for a
V12, the Rapide is extremely comfortable and
quiet, obviously helped by double-glazed side
glass. The wet and dry road surfaces also
assisted us in checking the limits of some of
the newer technologies used in the brakes.
Instead of using ceramics, for the first time
on an Aston Martin, Rapide features unique
bi-metal cast brakes. The discs are made
from cast iron and aluminium and this new
technology offers reduced unsprung mass.
These brake systems are 15-20 per cent
lighter than a standard cast iron equivalent.
Using both cast iron and aluminium takes
advantage of the heat resistance provided
by cast iron and the weight saving properties
of aluminium. What’s more, the car’s brake
system features a new braking module
delivering more discreet interventions and
provides improved functionality for existing
features as well as the new Hydraulic Brake
Assist (HBA), which provides assistance in
emergency braking situations.
The Hydraulic Brake Assist function proved
to be handy in substantially reducing stopping
distances as it identified when the driver
could require maximum braking performance,
from the speed at which the brake pedal is
depressed. Actually, it automatically boosts
the brake pressure up to the ABS control
threshold for as long as the driver keeps the
brake pedal pressed down.
There’s something about state-of-the art
engineering or electronics in modern fast
cars – they can act pretty fast but they can’t
read the mind of a drivers. In full-auto mode,
the transmission is always one step behind,
downshifting only after you’ve stepped
on it, upshifting just as you spot the hole
through traffic. Smooth, jerk-free operation
only happens when the driver takes control
of the paddles. Although, Porsche’s stellar
seven-speed, dual-clutch automated manual
 {First drive}

contrary to what many people in the business

in the Panamera should be a benchmark for
transmission makers, you don’t really feel the
need of it in the six-speed Aston. The clutch
fully engages, and the car lurches forward
with each brush of the throttle.
The car’s active chassis was also a delight to
operate. Since the chassis is extremely rigid,
the Rapide doesn’t feel like a go-kart as it
also gets support from the Adaptive Damping
System (ADS) which first appeared on the
DBS and allows shock absorbers to be set
at five different positions. And depending on
the mode chosen, there’s instant gratification
as it quietly adjusts the car’s ride and helps
dial-in handling characteristics. The ADS
automatically alters the suspension settings
to ensure the driver has high levels of control
at all times. At times, you tend to forget this
is a 2+2 sports car. It is impossible to say
much about the ultimate handling, but the
car sits flat at all speeds and responds — if
anything — a little more enthusiastically to
the wheel than the shorter DB9.
Verdict
We went to Valencia with an open mind add
think, the Rapide is not Aston’s direct answer
to Porsche’s Panamera. While the German
machine is a true four-seater, the Panamera is
more of a generous 2+2 with extra doors. The
key difference is Porsche had to compromise
with design-to-packaging elements, especially
when carving out interior room in the Panamera
which eventually dampened the mood in the
elegance department. Aston did exactly the
reverse and hence is much better off and
has also ensured that the Rapide will never
fall into the category of a massed produced
Aston, unlike the Porsche. The Rapide is all
about space, access and usability. The Rapide
is serious about the business of driving, a
chassis that is equally at home amongst
winding back roads, mountain passes or
high-speed motorways. It has the expertise
to devour distances while leaving the driver
feeling fresh and alert, however far or fast. It’s
a car that balances quite well the appetite of
spirited and touring drivers.

<< The Rapide is also the first Aston Martin to be

built outside England, since production at Gaydon,
England, has reached its peak. The Rapides will be
assembled by contract specialist Magna Steyr in
Graz, Austria >>

37
{Interview}
{Designer Perspective}
Q: As a designer, what’s your take on
the Rapide?
A: It’s like a race horse standing still, You can
see its power and elegance, the shape of the
car’s rear haunches are muscular conveying
the power that lies beneath while its low
stance produces a powerful look.
Q: You referred the car as a long distance
runner. What did you mean by it?
A: The ‘beautiful harmony’ of the line that
runs through the Rapide’s bodywork, gives
the car the appearance of motion even while
stationary, an athlete in flight, rather than
crouched and coiled upon the starting blocks.
It’s not a typical wedge but it’s graceful and
flowing. During the design we decided to let
38
the lines flow right through the body to the
tail, which ends very beautifully. In silhouette,
the Rapide shares the same sinuous line as its
two-door siblings, although when compared
with the poised stance of the Vantage with
its sprinter-like forward thrust, the Rapide is a
long distance runner.
Q: There’s a lot of talk about proportions.
How did you achieve that, especially
when you are using VH architecture,
which also happens to be the backbone of
the current generation of Aston Martins,
such as DB9 Coupé, DB9 Volante and
the Vantage?
A: There is a real sense of proportion with this
car, akin to a tailored suit; the new double
grill gives more presence on the road while

Automan meets Director of Design, Marek Reichman
Reichman led the in-house design team which penned the Aston
Martin Rapide
the iconic signature side strake has been
lengthened through to the rear doors to
enhance its lateral proportions in a subtle, yet
elegant way. The car’s purity makes it look
right from every angle. With the VH platform,
it has been developed to offer exceptional
manufacturing flexibility. This high-strength,
low-mass architecture forms the base of
the Rapide and helped us in bringing a new
benchmark of luxury and refinement to both
driver and passenger.
Q: Has the VH architecture limited or
extended your creativity?
A: I believe that technology like the VH
architecture has allowed us to keep the form
language and soul of the product.
Q: What’s the deal for the rear
passenger?
A: As a rear passenger you’re seated inboard,
slightly above the driver, looking through the
centre of the car. So you can see forward
and experience the driver’s view of the road
ahead. As a result, even rear passengers feel
that they’re in a sports car.
Q: Can you describe the engineering
behind the opening and closing of the
side windows?
A: We incorporated a glass-to-glass interface
between the front and rear doors on the
original Rapide concept and it was decided
that the feature should make production,
despite having never been done before. The
{Interview}
result is that when you move to open the front
door, not only does the front window drop
by a few mm, but so does the rear; and the
tiny triangle of glass at the front also moves
independently on a cam. The reason for all
this was to ensure maximum insulation when
the windows are raised, an attribute that is
enhanced when, at 64km/h, the windows rise
further up into the seal automatically.
Q: In a nutshell, how would you describe
the Rapide?
A: I’d say the Rapide is the ‘long distance
runner’, a car that continues Aston Martin’s
tradition of building high performance sporting
grand tourers and distinct from the sprinter-
like poise of the V8 Vantage or the muscular
stance of the DBS.
39
{Road Test}

40

Lexus for the
jetset to go
The Lexus GX460 is in Oman and seeks to grab a chunk of
an all important niche in the luxury segment. Does it have
what it takes? Automan explores
| Author: Charles Aitchison | Photography: Bassem Al Muharbi |
I
s this a car for all seasons, a car for all
reasons? Perhaps so, as it ticks so many
of most people’s boxes when they’re
considering what they want of a car, at least
in the Middle East. Maybe it’s not a car but
an SUV; as well as behaving like a luxury limo
when that’s what you want, it’s also family
carry-all plus, of course, a superb off-roader.
And, whilst it’s certainly not a sports car, for
a vehicle of this size - and there’s no getting
away from it, it is big - it’s surprisingly able
in the twists & turns. The GX 460 is Lexus’
mid-range luxury SUV, between the flagship
LX 570 and the RX series. This is a significant
upgrade, with enhancements to comfort,
versatility, safety and economy over the old
GX, which never quite made it to our shores.
Whilst the heated steering wheel and
seats are unlikely to be of much interest to
buyers in Oman (except possibly for someone
who finds themselves setting off from Jebel
al Akhdar on a chilly winter morning), many
of the improvements make good sense.
Enhancements to engine performance,
comfort, noise suppression and technical
specification relating to both on and off-road
performance make for a very compelling
package.
The GX is quite complex technologically,
with systems for controlling, monitoring and
limiting many of the functions and dynamic
abilities. The challenge for Lexus has been
{Road Test}
to raise their game from an already very
high level while providing levels of comfort,
sophistication and safety that customers old
and new might expect.
Before getting into more detail about
the vehicle, some background about Lexus
generally. The Lexus story is an interesting
one. When, in1983, the board of Toyota
decided to create a stand-alone marque of the
highest quality to challenge the established
market leaders Mercedes BMW and Jaguar,
they were seen by some as being upstarts who
were unlikely to make the grade. Due to their
uncompromising commitment to the quality of
the product and to customer satisfaction, it’s
fair to say that Lexus have achieved their aim,
and are now seen by many as the marque
to be challenged, not the challenger. This is
perhaps even more the case in the Middle East
than in Europe, where established ideas and
understandable national loyalties are more of
an influence.
On-road the Lexus is both quiet and
composed. It somehow communicates an air
of imperturbability and even invincibility. It
quietly and, if required, very quickly gets on
with the job – whatever it’s being asked to do.
Get-away from traffic lights is, for such a big
and heavy vehicle, surprisingly rapid. It’s all
quite un-dramatic, and it delivers. There are
three dynamic settings – Comfort, Normal and
Sport. On Muscat’s generally smooth roads the
41
{Road Test}

42

Sport setting is perhaps
best, as there is little
compromise comfort-
wise, and if there’s a
need for a rapid change
of direction, it can be
done more quickly
and safely. Body roll
is very well controlled,
and is much less than
might be expected for
such a large and heavy
vehicle. Also, the
height can be adjusted.
For all ordinary on-road
purposes, the lowest
setting is best. The six
speed auto box works
well and enables better
performance for both
speed and economy.
One minor niggle is
that, in tiptronic mode,
up changes require
a pushing away of
the gear-lever, rather
than the pull back to
upshift pattern that one is
used to. Maybe someone at Lexus has been
looking at how Porsche now (mistakenly, in
this reviewer’s opinion) do it. Of course this is
down to personal preference – perchance you
prefer it the Lexus way.
The Pre-Collision System (PCS) is a
notable and, in Muscat’s cut-and-thrust
traffic, potentially very useful safety aid. The
system monitors both the road ahead and
the driver’s face to determine if the driver is
paying attention. If PCS thinks it necessary,
it will apply the brakes, sound a warning beep
and set a light flashing to warn the driver,
tighten the seat belts and raise the steering
ratio, so that the car turns more for a given
input. Another system, LDA, alerts the driver
of unintentional lane departure – it’s up to the
driver to take action.
The multi-terrain function, whilst not fully
tested as part of this report, is very clever. It
adjusts the suspension, gearbox and limited-
slip diff settings according to the terrain. This
is an exception in the luxury SUV class, as it
is genuinely able to handle serious off-road
terrain. As well as the ability to increase
ground clearance at the flick of a switch,
such facilities as Crawl Control and Downhill
{Road Test}
Assist Control help with the more technical
and testing situations that some owners
might encounter. Computer-controlled Active
Traction Control brings the benefits of locking
front and rear differentials (there’s a Torsen
mechanical centre diff lock) without the
weight penalty.
Cameras and beepers aid both parking and
serious off-road work – very useful with such
a large vehicle. In multi-terrain mode the
cameras monitor all round, otherwise to front,
rear and the right side, displaying the images
on the large, clear monitor in the centre of the
dashboard.
The Radar Cruise Control is a rather special
feature. Having set the cruise control on –
the control is immediately to hand behind the
steering wheel – by pressing a button on the
steering wheel you can set the radar distance
control which keeps the car a choice of three
distances away from the vehicle in front. It
works well, braking automatically according to
the actions of the driver in the other vehicle.
It will not exceed the speed you have selected
and below 40km/hr it switches off, with a
“beep” to let you know it’s done so. This is
an impressive safety feature and works well
in Muscat traffic. The only drawback, which
is no fault of the system, is that because it is
so common for cars to push into the smallest
gap, you can find the system applying the
brakes quite suddenly as another car pulls
across in front of you. Every owner will find
out for themselves how they get on with this
feature – there’s no compulsion to use it, but
in many conditions it should be a useful aid to
increased safety and driver relaxation.
The audio system is truly superb. It’s a 17
speaker Mark Levinson system, and it really
doesn’t come much better than that. The
radio does all one would expect, as does the 6
DVD changer. There are USB and Aux sockets
for MP3 player, iPod, etc, and these work well.
43
{Road Test}

T he Lexus showroom and workshop at

Wattayah demonstrates this commitment
to excellence in a very powerful way. From
so many owners of older cars choose to have
their cars serviced by Lexus, rather than, as is
the case with most, an independent workshop.
the sculptural glass bridge that you cross This is connected with the fact that Lexus
before entering the showroom, to the vast cars tend to hold their value much better than
and yet very attractive and well-designed others. The reputation for quality of build
showroom, with its massive columns covered and reliability is second to none. The six-year
in beautiful maple veneers and the marble unlimited mileage guarantee is, according to
and glass floor, the place shouts quality. A Lexus, unique in the region.
visit to the workshops is quite a eye-opener. In the basement are many cars for
It’s more like a hospital than a car workshop customers to see, so when decisions are being
or service centre. Like the showroom, it made as to model, specification and colour,
is vast. The overriding impression is of most of the various options can be seen in the
calm professionalism. There’s no banging, flesh rather than just in a brochure.
shouting, even the machine tools are quiet –
perhaps they’re made by Lexus ? There are
comfortable waiting rooms, one for owners,
another for drivers. Uniquely, so far as the
writer is aware, Lexus offer full access to the
workshop to customers. Yes, you can stand
beside your vehicle while it’s serviced.
As well as the usual four-point lifts, there is
a lift for the cars like a lift for people, except
bigger. There are Lexus of all ages there. This
is impressive in itself, as it is relatively unusual
for the owners of older cars that have passed
the guarantee limit point to continue to have
their cars serviced by the main dealer. It is
to the credit of Lexus, and says volumes, that

44

Also on the audio side, it’s easy to connect
a phone with Bluetooth into the system – a
good safety feature, and very convenient. On
the model tested there were video screens in
the backs of the front seats – these are an
optional extra - useful for reducing those “are
we there yet?” questions from the back seats
which, as parents of young children know all
too well, tend to start almost as soon as one
has set off.
The GPS navigation system works very well.
In fact, all of the systems that are operated
with the aid of the screen in the dash are easy
to control, as the menus are well set out.
In conclusion, if the requirement is for
{Road Test}
a thoroughly competent, spacious, safe,
supremely comfortable all-rounder of style
and high status, then the Lexus must surely
be on anyone’s shortlist, and for most I expect
it will be at the top. Potential purchasers
wondering if it might be better to go for the
LX570 would do well to drive the GX460 first
– if it’s a question of performance, few will be
disappointed. It’s slightly smaller, of course,
with seven seats, but if you don’t need the
extra space , it’s maybe a better choice. There
is the question of positioning – when judged
purely on headline cost against competitors.
Only the buyer can answer that.
45
{Road Test}

longbridge scion
from Nanjing
It has been sometime since we heard the roar of the MG
brand. Now with a turbo-charged 1.8 engine the 550
seeks to re-establish the brand in Oman.
| Author: Charles Aitchison | Photography: Bassem Al Muharbi |

46
 {Road Test}

T
his is an interesting car – designed and developed in Britain,
made in China. In 2005 Nanjing Automobile Group bought the
plant and tooling from the receiver of the old MG Rover business,
did a deal with SAIC Motor (sic) to manufacture the vehicles, who took
it all to China, installed it in a purpose-built factory and set about
building the car on test here.
First impressions are of a good-looking car, well made, judging by
the quite close and consistent shut lines. Nice wheels, too. Throughout
the test the car attracted attention.
One of the stand-out characteristics of this car is the number of
features and level of equipment for the class. There are driver’s
and passenger’s airbags, gear shift paddles, cruise control, and a
sophisticated audio system to name a few.
At the wheel: The leather-covered steering wheel adjusts for rake
and reach and the seats move in all of the usual ways, so it should be
easy for anyone to find a good position.
Whilst the seats look OK, and one can overlook the somewhat “iffy”
quality of the fabric, their quality in terms of comfort is disappointing.
The side bolsters of the front seats are set too close to each other
for any but the narrowest of posteriors. Snug is an understatement
here. Also, the seat back is flat, and therefore uncomfortable. I
asked my passenger, built more slightly that me (I’m tall and slim) to
comment on the seats. He agreed that they were not comfortable
and concurred with my comments. Potential purchasers would do
well to pay attention to this. A test drive would be advisable, for this
reason and for other points made below, rather than just a quick sit in
the car in the showroom. The rear seats were even less comfortable;
the base was short and not angled enough, resulting, for adults at
least, in all weight being on the backside rather than distributed along
the thighs as well. Maybe the Chinese idea of a comfortable seat is
different. All I can do is comment on my experience. Everyone will
have their own experience with the seats, but it would be advisable to
try them before deciding to buy.
There is a plethora of information available via the electronic systems.
Computer read-out of information including fuel consumption, average
speed and estimated range are in the main instrument binnacle, which
is dominated by the large, centrally placed rev counter. This is in line
with the projected image of sportiness. Whilst the rev counter is
analogue, the speedometer is digital – a strange arrangement, but

47
{Road Test}

48
 {Road Test}

T ypically, in most cars in tiptronic

mode, one can make the down
changes smooth with a well-timed
dab of the throttle pedal. On this
car that is surprisingly difficult,
because of the slowness of initial
response. A better arrangement
for the paddles would be for
both of them to control both up
and down-changes, with a pull
or push. This is partly because,
if you are using the paddles and
you have a significant amount
of lock applied, - say, on a
roundabout - it can be hard to
know which paddle is which. The
result can be that you either stay
in a gear that you might not want
to be in, or you risk pulling the
wrong paddle and changing in the
wrong direction. Also, if MG were
to build into the programming a
facility to match engine speed
to a lower gear when selected,
that would transform the driving
experience.

it works alright, although inevitably a digital speedometer has to be
read, so the information is not as easily available as with an analogue
dial. The read-outs for engine temperature and fuel levels are in the
form of digital symbols, and are quite neat. The general appearance
of the instruments is somewhat flashy for your reporter’s taste, but
might appeal to the younger driver.
In the centre of the dashboard is the control for the audio system.
A clear digital read-out shows a wide choice of radio frequencies
and there’s a single CD player. In later models there might be a USB
connection and Bluetooth for mobile phone integration. The audio
controls on the steering wheel are conveniently placed and work
well.
Although the rather neat cup-holder by the central armrest, and the
sunglasses holder above the driver’s door are nice touches, generally
the quality of materials and fittings in the cabin is disappointing. It
remains to be seen how the plastic trim stands up to the fierce sun in
this part of the world.
On setting off, the first impression is of a surprisingly slow pick-up.
However, this is only for the first second or two, as then the power
comes in. The 1.8 litre turbo produces 160bhp, so when the power
does come in there’s plenty of it. In fact, in some circumstances, such
as initial take-off, say at a roundabout, you can find that the initial
shove is less that you want or expect, so you press on the accelerator
pedal some more, and then all of a sudden you’ve got too much and
have to brake so as not to hit the car in front. I know this sounds
like bad driving, and I’ve no doubt it could look like it on the road,
but it is a characteristic of the car, and needs to be watched. Time
and practice make it all smoother, but for the less experienced driver
it could cause problems.
Whilst the engine is certainly powerful for 1.8 litres, it is also
noisy when pushed. Although the MG is naturally presented as a
performance car, it is the way it delivers its performance that leaves
a lot to be desired. As well as lots of noise, there is also significant
vibration, both of the engine itself and consequently of some fixtures
in the cabin. There’s no excuse for this, it suggests a lack of attention
to the development of the car on the part of the manufacturer.
The car is described in the brochure as having “F1 paddle shift”.
Well, it has paddles, yes….. the right paddle does up changes, the left
down. They are rather cheap-looking and feeling bits of thin plastic,
and slightly too small.
After a few minutes playing with the paddles (and the stick, which
can also be used in tiptronic mode) your reporter became tired of the
unrewarding nature of the experience and left the gearshift in auto for
the remainder of the test. The gear lever is obstructive and awkward.
Whilst it does the job of selecting, the way it does it leaves a lot to
be desired. You find yourself having to check visually that you have
found the position you want.
The cruise control works well. Once selected, it’s controlled from
buttons and a knurled wheel on the steering wheel. You push the
little wheel up or down to increase or decrease the desired speed.
The MG rides and handles well. The ride is quite firm, as it should
be in a car with sporting pretensions. Grip is excellent; the steering
is OK, although there is very little in the way of “feel” and the brakes
work well, with the ABS keeping the wheels at the point of lock-up
in very heavy braking. As a sporty family car, it has five seats and a
generous size trunk. The air-conditioning is effective.
The little handbook says quite a lot about the car and the general
quality of the lesser features (the main ones, body, suspension, engine,
are mostly fine), in that it is written in Chinese and Arabic only! Given
that the car is packed with electronic gadgetry, this is something of
an oversight. Maybe one including English will be available at some
point.
It’s interesting that the brochure so accurately reflects the qualities
of the car. It is stylish, printed on good quality paper, with attractive
artwork, and yet the words have clearly been written by someone
with only a rudimentary understanding of English. So it’s a pretty
face with questionable substance inside. Something has been lost
in translation. In similar vein, the car, whilst superficially attractive,
dynamically competent and with many features, is challenged by the
quality of some of the controls, fittings and furnishings and, in some
respects, by the way in which it goes about its business. However,
there is no doubt that, at RO 7,000, it offers extraordinary value and as
such, for someone who is willing to overlook the drawbacks and enjoy
the many features without paying undue attention to their quality, it
could be a very good choice.

49
{Bikes}

Motorcycle festival
The Oman Classic Bike Club organized a festival for all kinds of
motorcycles at Capital Commercial Center parking in March, under
the slogan “Together To Reduce Accidents”.
| Photography & Report: Bassem Al Muharbi |

50
 {Bikes}

T
he festival, the first of its kind in
Oman in co-operation with the Omani
Society For Automobiles, witnessed the
participation of many owners of sports, classic
and other bikes. The event was full of various
sport and leisure & entertainment activities,
and included all segments of society. There
were separate competitions between bikers, as
well as competitions for children and women,
and there was participation by Dar Al Aytam &
Dar Al Tawahed. The proceeds raised through
the event and during the competitions was
collected and donated to charity.
At the end of the festival, the patron of the
ceremony, Brigadier Salim bin Ali bin Khalifa of the ceremony launched and supervised Group Holding, Al Zubair Automotive Group
Al Maskery, General Manager of The Oman the unveiling of the new name of the Oman (Department of Yamaha & Sjoi Bikes), Air
Automobile Society handed over the awards to Classic Bikes Club to “Oman Riders” and in Arabia, Oman Marketing and Services (Honda
the winners of competitions and competitors the welcome speech he invited owners of all and Panasonic), Al Shanfari Motors Co. (Harley
as well as a number of children of Dar Al types of motorcycles to join the umbrella of Davidson), Windows Computers and Sha’a
Aytam and Dar Al Tawhed were honoured as the club as it would provide the necessary Travel for the support given to the Festival of
were the founders the club. organisation for promoting motorcycling motorcycles, as well as thanked the Dar Al
On the other hand and based on the desire in the Sultanate and to enable members Aytam, Dar Tawhid and British school for their
of many bike-owners other than classic, to to participate in specialised events and participation in the festival and gave special
join the club and keep up with the recent international activities in this sport. thanks to the Royal Oman Police for regulating
developments, the club has opened its In the end, The Oman Riders appreciated & traffic around the venue and to all members
doors to the owners of all kinds of bikes to thanked the Omani Society for Automobiles, of the club and all those who contributed to
join the club, and on this occasion the patron and the Ministry of Tourism, Al Sulaimi the success of the club.

51
{Road Test}
Back on the
Bull run
The black year for American motoring is over and Ford
is on a charge in many ways. In the Middle East it is the
launch of the new Taurus that excites the brand
| Author: Charles Aitchison | Photography: Bassem Al Muharbi |
F
ord’s flagship Taurus is a full-size sedan
– bigger than the Mondeo, and as such
it is Ford’s attempt to break into the
very competitive luxury sedan sector of the
market. This is an important car for Ford in
GCC, and is a step up in size-class from their
well-established and better known Focus and
Mondeo models.
The question is, can the Taurus live up to
the very high standards set by its stable-mates
the Mondeo and Focus? The latter two are
built in Europe, and are very strong in terms of
build quality, comfort and dynamics. So does
the fact that the Taurus is made in America
make any difference? The short answer
is - yes and no. In terms of ride, handling,
comfort and noise suppression it does not.
In terms of build quality it does. That’s not
to say it’s shoddily built, just that it’s not up
to the same quality standard as some others
with the same badge. Panel fit and shut-lines
can’t match the standard as projected by
Japanese and European standards, whilst the
quality of the interior fittings and furnishings
is reasonable rather than commendable.
Whilst not wishing to start on a critical
note, the fact is that, on driving away from
the showroom, a glaring (pun intended) fault
became apparent. Driving towards a high sun
- it was about 11am - the reflection in the
windscreen from the top of the instrument
binnacle was surprisingly strong. Whilst it
might be going too far to suggest that this
could affect good driving and therefore safety,
it’s certainly an irritation. The reflection is
52
due to the fact that the surface of the top of
the instrument binnacle, and the dashboard
generally, is quite shiny. If I were to drive
this car regularly, I would want to somehow
dull the surface, or perhaps fit alcantara to
the dashboard.
Looks: Of course, this is totally subjective.
To your reporter’s eye it’s inoffensive and
quite well proportioned, even handsome from
some angles, with some family resemblance
to the Mondeo, although not as good-looking.
Certainly it’s likely to be acceptable for most
people from an aesthetic viewpoint.
The people at Ford make great claims for
the quality and quietness of the ride. The
Taurus is indeed very quiet – driven steadily
it wafts along serenely, in a very relaxed
fashion. The laminated windscreen has been
specially developed to cut noise down to
minimal levels, and it does seem to work. Of
course, there is much more to noise reduction
than just clever windscreen construction, but
that’s an indication of the trouble Ford have
gone to. Tyre noise is low. Press the pedal to
the metal and, whilst there is certainly engine
noise, it is quite subdued. Generally the cabin
is very well insulated from the outside world.
Whilst the view to the front and sides is fine,
the view via the mirrors is rather limited. The
rear window is quite shallow, added to which
the rear headrests block the view somewhat.
Also, probably in an effort to reduce wind
resistance, the door mirrors are on the small
side of average, so attention should be paid to
this aspect of the car before buying.
{Road Test}

53
{Road Test}

54

In Oman the Taurus is available in two
grades, the SE and the Limited. It was the latter
on test. Amongst the additional features the
Limited has paddle shift for manual changes,
driver’s memory seat and 19” wheels. One
of the most impressive characteristics of
the Taurus is the way the 6-speed gearbox
operates. In full auto mode it works very well,
the shifts are smooth, often seamless. This is
to be expected. Where the car excels is when
manual gear change mode is selected. This
is done by pulling the stick right back, having
pressed the release button on the side. The
driver now has control of the timing of shifts,
although the system does change down at
low speeds. An indicator in the instrument
panel shows the driver which mode and gear
are selected. The balance between manual
and auto control while in Manual mode is
very well thought-through, giving the system
an “intelligence” that supports rather than
confuses or irritates. Manual changes are
initiated via two paddles mounted on the
steering wheel. They are well positioned, and
both do both up and down changes – push
away for down, pull back for up, just as it
should be. Whilst there’s an argument for
having paddles fixed rather than turning with
the steering wheel, this really comes down
to personal preference. This reviewer found
them to work well as they are. Up-changes
are smooth with a delay of half a second or so.
Where the system really comes into its own is
with down-changes. This is because the “brain”
{Road Test}
blips the throttle to match engine speed to the
new lower gear. Changes are very smooth
over the whole range of possibilities, which is
impressive, as this is much more difficult for
engineers to achieve with down changes than
with up ones. As well as being fun – if you
wish you can play racing-driver, pulling lurch-
free down-changes on approaching a corner
or roundabout – there’s also a strong safety
aspect. By enabling the driver to select a
lower gear totally smoothly, the engine can
be used to assist braking, for instance when
coming down a steep hill, in such a way that
the brakes will be less stressed, and therefore
operate more securely. It also gives the driver
extra confidence in knowing that additional
braking is easily and safely available at the
flick of a paddle.
There is a possibility that, in future, the
innovative BLIS (blind-spot warning system)
and RED ALERT (collision warning system)
might be available as options, as well as a
navigation system. These are useful features,
especially in Muscat, given the often chaotic
and aggressive driving. Well worth enquiring
of the dealer.
It would be natural to expect a powerful
(263 bhp) front wheel drive car to suffer
from torque-steer. That’s the pulling from
side-to side under hard acceleration that is
quite common. The Taurus shows hardly any
of that; the little it did show during the test
was on a section of road that had been badly
creased by heavy vehicles. On smooth roads
55
{Road Test}

56

this is not a characteristic of the car. Drivers
wanting more performance might soon be
able to order the Taurus SHO, which has an
additional 102 BHP and 4WD.
Handling and road-holding have been
a Ford strong-point for many years. They
continue to give this area a high priority. The
Taurus certainly delivers – the ride / handling
compromise is well balanced; it’s comfortable,
soaking up large and small bumps in a
competent, well-damped way while allowing
what is, for quite a large car, class-leading
dynamics in the front wheel drive category.
It’s different from large rear-drive cars such
as BMW and Mercedes, but is well up with
them. Tyres are generously proportioned, and
grip during spirited cornering and braking is
excellent. Roads were dry throughout the test.
Body movements are very well controlled,
staying secure and controllable during rapid
changes of direction.
With the well-shaped multi-way adjustable
seat, together with the tilt and reach adjustable
steering wheel, any driver should be able to
find a comfortable combination. Passenger
accommodation is generous, so whilst a fifth
adult will not have the most comfortable seat
in the middle of the back seat, it’s good for
four people and the occasional fifth.
The MyKey feature – standard on the SE
and Limited - is particularly useful for parents
of younger drivers who wish to set certain
limits such as top speed, audio volume and
prohibiting switching off of safety features such
as electronic stability control. Other features
{Road Test}
include audio muting until all occupants are
buckled up – no belts, no music - and chiming
earlier for low fuel. The keyless entry system
is useful – the car can be left running to keep
cool, locked via the keypad on the B pillar.
The SYNC facility allows connection of a
Bluetooth mobile, and also connection of an
MP3 player. These are good safety features.
The wood-effect plastic trip to the
dashboard looks quite convincing. However,
it slopes steeply, so is vulnerable to the sun.
Time will tell whether it can stand up to the
fierce temperatures of the Middle East. Some
models have aluminium trim as an option, and
this might be a more sensible choice.
One rather surprising factor was that the
chrome on the test car on the plastic rear light
cluster trims was peeling – and this on a car
that had done less than 1500km. Looking at a
similar spec, un-driven car in the showroom, it
was clear that this was not a one-off fault, as
exactly the same was happening to that car.
What a pity, because it is – in most respects -
a very good car.
On the financial side, the offer of free
three year / 60,000km parts, service and
maintenance warranty, including consumables,
is very attractive. Certainly, at the offer price
of circa RO 9,500 for the SE and RO 11,800
for the Limited, the Taurus is exceptionally
good value, and seen as a package of
price, equipment, safety features, style and
dynamic abilities, we have no hesitation in
recommending it for serious consideration.
57
{Motorsports - F1}

Vettel leads Red Bull

one-two at Sepang
Nico Rosberg achieved the first podium finish for the MERCEDES
GP PETRONAS team at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia,
capping a strong weekend at the home Grand Prix of the team’s title
partner, PETRONAS

58

R ed Bull desperately needed a victory to
get back into the world championship
chase, and Sebastian Vettel delivered it in
fine style in a dry Malaysian Grand Prix held
recently. And to make things even better,
Mark Webber brought the sister car home
second.
Vettel snatched the lead at the start from
his Australian team mate, and apart from
a time when McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton ran
second for a while before his tyre stop, they
were never seriously challenged.
Polesitter Webber stayed close to Vettel
until the stops, but lost two and a half
seconds in his tyre stop because of a wheel-
gun problem, and finally finished 4.8s behind.
Nico Rosberg was Mercedes GP’s sole
finisher in third, after Michael Schumacher
retired early on, and he headed home Robert
Kubica who scored yet again for Renault. The
Pole pushed the German hard, but was never
able to challenge seriously.
The race up front wasn’t a repeat of
Melbourne’s excitement, but the McLaren
and Ferrari drivers provided plenty of thrills
as they recovered from their lowly grid
positions. Hamilton was 12th by the end of
the first lap after starting 20th, but having
run second, after staying out on hard rubber
until the 30th lap, he was unable to pull an
overtaking move on Adrian Sutil once he had
switched to soft Bridgestones.
The German kept his head and drove a
superb race for Force India to take fifth.
Hamilton pushed him very hard, but had to
be content with another sixth place ahead of
Felipe Massa who was Ferrari’s sole finisher
after a feisty battle from the back of the grid.
McLaren’s Jenson Button took eighth, after
making an early stop to switch from his
{Motorsports - F1}
soft tyres and having
to make the hard
replacements last a long
time. He was overtaken
briefly on the 55th
lap by a challenging
Fernando Alonso,
but as the Ferrari
slid wide in Turn One
after braking too late
Button repassed, and
then immediately the
Spaniard’s engine broke,
dropping him back to a
13th-place finish.
Jaime Alguersuari
again drove an excellent race for Toro Rosso
and was rewarded with two points for ninth,
with Nico Hulkenberg taking the final one for
Williams thanks to Alonso’s misfortune.
Toro Rosso’s Sebastien Buemi was 11th
from Rubens Barrichello, whose Williams
bogged down so badly at the start that
Alonso had to make a phenomenal
avoidance.
Despite a wing-damaging brush with
Heikki Kovalainen’s Lotus, Lucas di Grassi
brought his Virgin home 14th and best of
the newcomers after a strong drive, while
Karun Chandhok also beat the Lotuses on
their home ground to bring his HRT home
15th ahead of team mate Bruno Senna. Jarno
Trulli was 17th as Lotus’s better finisher, with
Kovalainen taking 18th after a long pit stop
for mechanical attention.
Vitaly Petrov ran well initially, earning
Hamilton a stewards’ warning after the Briton
weaved too much keeping him at bay down
the pit straight, but retired his Renault with
mechanical trouble. Vitantonio Liuzzi also ran
well, ahead of the Russian, before his Force
€ndia retired. He was classified 20th ahead of
Schumacher and Kamui Kobayashi, who also
suffered engine trouble in his BMW Sauber.
Virgin’s Timo Glock also failed to finish after
a spin which put him into Trulli, spinning the
Lotus. And Pedro de la Rosa did not take the
start after his BMW Sauber stopped out on
the circuit on the grid formation lap.
The result dramatically closes the
championship points battle. Massa now leads
with 39 from Alonso and Vettel on 37, Button
on 35, Hamilton on 31 and Kubica on 30. In
the constructors’ stakes Ferrari still lead with
76, but McLaren now have 66, Red Bull 61,
Mercedes 44 and Renault 30.
59
{Motorsports - F1}

Button wins Melbourne

thriller for McLaren
Felipe Massa on the podium in third place and Scuderia Ferrari
Marlboro team-mate, Fernando Alonso, right behind him in fourth, to
ensure that the team and its drivers continue to lead

60

J enson Button moved within six points
of the world championship lead with a
superbly judged victory for McLaren in a
dramatic Australian Grand Prix that firmly
gave the lie to suggestions that Formula One
racing is boring.
A rain shower just before the start saw
the field start on intermediate Bridgestone
tyres, and after a brush between Button,
Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso and Mercedes’
Michael Schumacher, then a heavy crash
involving BMW Sauber’s Kamui Kobayashi,
Toro Rosso’s Sebastien Buemi and Williams’
Nico Hulkenberg in Turn Six, the safety car
was deployed.
When racing resumed on Lap Five drivers
then had to judge the best time to switch to
slick tyres as the track began to dry out in
places. Button made the decision first, but it
seemed premature as he momentarily slid off
the road as he rejoined from his pit stop on
Lap Six.
By Lap Eight, however there were
wholesale pit stops as the road dried out,
by which time the Englishman had climbed
back up the order. When the final stops
had been completed by Lap 11 Red Bull’s
Sebastian Vettel had a one-second lead over
Button, with hard-tyred Robert Kubica third
for Renault ahead of a mighty scrap between
Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg, fast-starting Felipe
Massa for Ferrari, Red Bull’s Mark Webber
and McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton as, further
back, Alonso recovered having been spun to
the back of the pack at the start.
Soon Vettel and Button had left Kubica
to his own devices, and the Red Bull driver
seemed to have things under control. But on
the 20th lap the German speared off into the
gravel in Turn 13, handing Button the lead he
held comfortably until the end. It is possible
that the Red Bull suffered a wheel-related
failure.
Behind Button, Kubica drove a brilliant race
to hold off Hamilton, who had fought up to
third after passing Webber and Massa. But a
second tyre stop dropped the 2008 champion
back and obliged him to fight again to catch
Massa and Alonso who moved to third and
fourth places. Hamilton and Webber had a
fabulous fight as they drew closer and closer
to the red cars, with Rosberg pulling up to
join them and make the fight for second a
six-car affair in the closing stages.
On Lap 56 Hamilton got alongside and
fractionally ahead of Alonso, but the Spaniard
braked super late, locked up and just
maintained the position, and as Hamilton
{Motorsports - F1}
was obliged to back off a fraction Webber
charged into the back of him, spinning them
both off. The Australian was subsequently
reprimanded for causing the collision.
Thus Kubica brought the Renault home
a brilliant second from Massa, with Alonso
fourth from Rosberg and the recovered
Hamilton, who had put in the drive of the
race.
Behind them, Vitantonio Liuzzi drove
another unobtrusive but beautifully-controlled
race for Force India, dealing with Pedro de la
Rosa’s BMW Sauber and holding eighth until
the Webber/Hamilton incident elevated him
to seventh. Rubens Barrichello again brought
the Williams home in the points, this time
eighth, ahead of the recovered Webber.
The final point went to Schumacher, who
had a bruising afternoon after his first-corner
altercation. He spent most of it getting a
driving lesson from young Toro Rosso’s Jaime
Alguersuari, but at one stage he was also
repassed by Timo Glock’s Virgin and Heikki
Kovalainen’s Lotus as he fought back up the
field. In the end he got past Alguersuari,
and then jumped De la Rosa, but this was
undoubtedly a tough afternoon for the
multiple champ.
Alguersuari finished 11th on a day when
he truly earned his F1 spurs, ahead of De la
Rosa, while Lotus again earned top new team
honours courtesy of Kovalainen’s 13th place.
Behind him, Karun Chandhok scored his and
the HRT team’s first-ever finish, at the second
attempt.
The first-lap contretemps saw Kobayashi
damage his BMW Sauber’s front wing, and
when it folded back under the car he was a
passenger as it went out of control in Turn
Six and he smashed into Buemi’s Toro Rosso
and Hulkenberg’s Williams. All three cars
were eliminated immediately, while Jarno
Trulli counted as the first official retirement
when his Lotus was wheeled off the grid and
was unable to restart from the pits.
HRT’s Bruno Senna retired early with yet
more hydraulic problems, while Renault’s
Vitaly Petrov retired when he spun. Force
India’s Adrian Sutil fell prey to mechanical
problems, while both Virgins also failed to go
the distance.
After a gripping race Alonso still leads the
world championship with 37 points to Massa’s
33, Button’s 31, Hamilton’s 23 and Rosberg’s
20. In the constructors’ stakes, Ferrari still
lead with 70 from McLaren on 54, Mercedes
on 29 and Renault and Red Bull on 18.
61
{Motorsports}

YAS Marina Circuit to host first-ever

GT1 sports car series
Aston Martin, Corvette, Ford,
Lamborghini, Maserati and
Nissan will take part in the
opening round of the GT1 series,
driven by 48 of the world’s
leading sportscar drivers. The
championship will take place on
10 of the world’s most evocative
racing circuits on four continents,
finishing at the San Luis circuit in
Argentina in December.
The new world championship
will sit alongside Formula 1TM,
the World Rally Championship
and the World Touring Car
Championship as the FIA’s
private teams without any factory
involvement, which is aimed at
keeping costs under control.
The GT1 series introduces
several features designed to
create the closest possible
racing. First, every car must
have two drivers. Secondly, there
is a mandatory pit stop in the
middle of each one-hour race
for a change of driver and tyres.
Thirdly, all cars are subjected to
the FIA Balance of Performance
test to equalise the performance
of the different brands as
much as possible. Finally, extra

S ix of the world’s most

iconic sportscar marques
will compete in the first round
Championship series at Yas
Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on
16-17 April.
fourth fully accredited world
championship. The series
will be the FIA’s only world
weight or “success ballast” is
added or removed from the cars
depending on their performance
of the new FIA GT1 World Twenty-four cars from championship aimed solely at in the qualifying race.

New road to f1 for the gulf’s

young racing drivers Fauzy can race
throughout the 2010/11 this year
race season at the Dubai
Autodrome and the Yas
Marina Circuit.
The single-seater racing
F airuz Fauzy has revealed that he could be
making his Formula 1 debut for Lotus this
year, having taken part in the first free practice
car has been designed and session at Sepang held recently.
built by legendary racing car Lotus became the second team to place its
builder Ralph Firman Racing. test driver in the cockpit as Fauzy replaced
The car meets all relevant Heikki
FIA safety requirements, will Kovalainen
equip young drivers with on his way
the foundation driving skills to 22nd
required for International place with
competition, i.e. a high- a best lap

T alented young racing

drivers given the
opportunity to start on the
long road to Formula 1 via
the UAE’s new Formula
Gulf 1000 single-seater
championship
For the first time in the
region, young aspiring
drivers will have a structured
route to F1, building their
experience and preparing
them for the challenges of
the Europe and Asia racing
championships.
The series will provide an
affordable, professionally
run race series in the UAE
with the champion being
awarded a scholarship to
race in Europe. Competitors
ranging in age from 15 to 25
will work with professional
driver coaches from Europe
downforce single seater
with front and rear wings,
3-pedals, flat-shift, 6-speed
sequential gearbox, high-
performance four-cylinder
engine, slick racing tyres,
data logger and in-car
camera. Lap times are
expected to be between
Formula BMW and Formula
Renault.
time of
1:40.721,
1.3 seconds
down on team-mate Jarno Trulli.
Fauzy also mentioned that Lotus F1 Team
Principal Tony Fernandes may place him in
the car for a Grand Prix this season. “Tony
mentioned that I might be driving in one of
the races this year so we’ll see how it goes - I
think it would be great,” 27-year-old Fairuz
added.

62
 PLAY
Watch all the best car videos

http://automanweb.com/automan-tv
{Chicane}
Raj Warrior is editor of Automan and has
been in the thick of the Automotive journalism
field from the past 15 years.
Want to comment or have your say? Email
at raj@alroya.net. Identify yourself or your
message will be trashed and your id blocked
64
Reviving the fine art of
staying alive
A decade after the first close call of the
afterlife our editor gets a second glimpse...
I
t may not count as much but I have been
saying this loud and often. Most modern
cars are made by geniuses. It has taken
more than a hundred years of development
and many billions and trillions of dollars of R
& D money, but now you can safely say that
if you took the statistical mean of everyone’s
driving ability, (perhaps after first deciding
how one reached a figure to quantify such
a vacuous term) and rated it against the
same so-called mean of the modern car’s
driveability, you would see that the average
driver is no match for the average car.
With due apologies to the Michael
Schumachers, various Finnish champs and a
whole host of car journalists – while drivers
think otherwise, most cars are able to perform
far better than their driver’s can dish out
and handle. I don’t count myself in the elite
league I have just mentioned. Perhaps it is my
approaching dotage or innate love of life that
keeps me firmly at the 90% level of ‘checking
out’ the limits of a car.
A member of my fraternity practically
initiated me in the dark side of pushing a
car to the limits, by saying “don’t worry, the
manufacturer can afford to lose the car”. Over
the years I have studiously steered clear
of travelling with said journo and various
manufacturers have had to grin and bear the
write-off of their press cars at his eager hands.
But the luck of the devil rides with him, he is
always back for more.
A close shave with another journo, this
time one who was a newbie compared to
the years I had put in this business, made
me coin survival rule number 27 in my mental
black book. Ergo, when partnering a newbie
or unknown driver in the usual two journalists
to one car format that most car manufacturers
thrust on you as you drive on their outings, let
said quantity of Y do his or her driving before
said rule maker takes the wheel. That way
around said rule maker can then enjoy the
slightly more demanding limits of more than
a decade of testing cars for a living without Y
wanting to multiply the experience. Confusing
rule? Trust me – it was born of the experience
of seeing death at close quarters beckon over
a cliff face as X tried to outdo my session.
But then rules are made to be broken or
forgotten at the very least. And by forgetting
rule number 27, I put myself back in the
hotseat. This time it was at the slalom run
that was set up to show off the new BMW
5-series’ capability. As luck would have it, this
time around I was riding with an X who loved
the experience of being shot through the
slalom. Two runs at top speed, no cones down
and the blood, it was aracing. So X takes the
wheel and 27 is thrown out of the window
as we close it for the run. Wrong angle of
approach, too much accelerator and hands all
over the place. Then panic sets in and instead
of the brake, X hits the gas pedal and we
surge towards a sandy embankment.
This time, either my reflexes were slower
or age had made me more fatalistic. Or
maybe I didn’t have the time to panic. All I
was thinking was, “I am in a BMW, I’ll survive
this...” as we hit the embankment.
Other than some suspension damage which
put the car out of action, there was nothing
hurt other than the ego. Not X’s, for it was the
car to blame. The hurt ego was mine, for I
had allowed myself to fall into the trap of not
following a basic survival rule.
Of course, this incident has already buzzed
itself around the fraternity in Muscat, through
the joys of twitter and facebook and so the
next time I get in the car with anyone in town,
I am sure they will be waiting for me to hand
over the driving at the outset. Whover my co-
driver maybe may please note that my grin
will not be an indication of your driving skills,
it will be the result of my remembering to
apply rule no 27.
SEPARATES
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