No 123

NOVEMBER 2011

Omans Best Automotive Resource

OMR 0.500 AED 5.00 QR 5.00

EVOQUE NEWEST ADDITION TO LUXURY CROSSOVERS

YOUVE WAITED ALL THESE YEARS AND ITS FINALLY HERE!

Details inside

SPOTLIGHT ASTAR V6 JEEPS NEW PENT AIL TR ROCKS RUBICON RT SPECIAL REPO NCE

ANGER WER R PO

FIRST DRIVE

ERFORMA AMG MERCEDES P BI TOUR IN ABU DHA HYUNDAI EON, GEN II M-B CLS

REG

ES R OU TUR LL FEA A ING H LAR

INC LUD

NDW RA

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Visit us online at www.automanweb.com

! ING NC OU T THAT ANN VEN GE E E CHAN LUE TH LL A WI YOU V R A OW UR C H YO

YOUR CARS SEAL OF EXCELLENCE!

MORE THAN 250 MODELS, 40 BRANDS, 15 CATEGORIES AND ONLY ONE WINNER IN EACH CATEGORY!
announces the thrills and prestige of its own Car of the Year awards. With enough packed in to take you through the year and a unique format of selection, Automans COTY awards will reward the best models on offer in Oman in 2011 Look out in every issue of Automan till August 2011. When we test drive cars, we will not only judge each car for how good it is for you as a buyer, we will also possibly select it as our editorial nominee in one of 13 categories:

13 Categories for Reader Voting

If the car deserves the tag, we will tag it as Editorial Nominee for the category it best suits. Look out for this logo on each story: EDITORIAL NOMINEE NAME OF THE CAR CATEGORY We will keep a running tally of all the editorial choices till August, after which, we will allow you, the reader to select further nominees through SMS and online at our website, all the way through till our October issue. And thats when things get really exciting! The nominees in each category will go through a selection procedure that will result in one clear winner in each category. Additionally, our editors will also give two unique awards :

01 Small Car of the Year 02 Mid-size Car of the Year 03 Large Car of the Year 04 Premium Car of the Year 05 Luxury Car of the Year 06 Hot Hatch of the Year 07 Sports Car of the Year 08 Performance Car of the Year 09 Small SUV of the Year 10 Mid-size SUV of the Year 11 Large SUV of the Year 12 Premium SUV of the Year 13 Performance SUV of the Year

14 Best debut Model in Oman 15 Editors choice

At a glittering, year-end ceremony, the winners of each category will be awarded the Automan Car of Year Award in its class.
www.automanweb.com

editor-in-chief
Mohammad Al taie

Is it only us or does anyone else out there feel that there has been a significant rise in car prices? We know it is a sensitive topic among manufacturers and dealers, however
AL roYA PreSS & PUBLiShinG Po Box: 343, Postal code 118 Al harthy complex Sultanate of oman email: automan@alroya.net Website: www.automanweb.com editorial office: tel: +968 24479888 extn 300, fax: +968 24479889 circulation office: tel: +968 2456 2360, fax: +968 2456 2194 PUBLiSher hatim Al taie editor & GM raj Warrior

the broad spectrum of middle class buyers are having to bear the brunt of an insidious rise in the acquisition cost of their cars. If we step back in time three years, I.e to the height of the boom time, car prices were going through the roof. It was all being blamed on the insatiable demand for raw materials and major inputs from China and the other burgeoning economies. Then of course came the huge crash of end 2008, making 2009 the worst year in recent history for most car manufacturers (we wont even get into how it decimated the financial, real estate and service sectors). Now there was a glut of cars lying in dealer stockyards around the world with many more in factory yards and continuing to roll off the assembly lines. In many ways the 2009 model year will be remembered in notoriety. It tied up capital, filled up stockyards and had to be sold with incentives, at loss or pushed in pariah markets. In the two years from that, customers have had to face a market that has swung back at an alarming pace. In 2009, the buyer with money (or even a job) would walk in to the showroom and demand a discount. He knew that if he showed interest and waited, most sellers would eventually cave-in. Can you imagine trying that this year? The year started with the tsunami and nuclear crisis in North-East Japan and this managed to cripple the production lines of auto units not just in the country but in other places like North America which depended on the ancillary units in Japan. End result? The supply side of the demand equation got affected for most of the Japanese majors and whatever supply gap was there was hurriedly being filled up by the car makers who could still make cars. What happened as part of this process is that the Japanese cars that were available overnight started selling at a premium everywhere in the world. And other car makers who till then had to discount their cars against the Japanese saw the opportunity to raise prices. Now most of the Japanese supply is back on stream and we are again faced with a situation where supply is generally ahead of demand. But the strong Yen has made cars from Japan costlier (along with electronic goods) and this has meant that Korean brands can continue to price their cars higher. We have pegged cars across the three years and seen a price rise of up to 15 to 20% in some mainstream models. Is it warranted? The affluent buyer doesnt get fazed by paying more, but in the middle class any premium paid up front is as good as paying twice the interest rate through the life of the car. And the question that remains unanswered is what happens when another financial crisis hits us courtesy of Europe?

hatim@alroya.net

raj@alroya.net

execUtive editor chandan B Mallik chandan@alroya.net deSiGn Sawsan Al Muharbi

sawsan@alroya.info

heAd of MArketinG Maged Aziz maged@alroya.net circULAtion books@alroya.net finAnce & AdMin Abraham daniel daniel@alroya.net Sumy Mol sumy@alroya.net WeBSite & it Mohammed f draz

mohammed.draz@alroya.net

Printer ruwi Modern Printers LLc tel: +968 2479 4167, 2479 8157 fax: +968 2470 0545

2011 All editorial content of Automan in the magazine and its website is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the management of AL roYA PreSS & PUBLiShinG Automan accepts unsolicited exclusive editorial material, but reserves the right to publish any such material. once published, the copyright for any such material will vest with AL roYA PreSS & PUBLiShinG

in this issue
FACE TO FACE
What is the potential for small cars and what are GMs expectations in the segment? The small car segments are among the fastest growing in the world. It is growing in importance because of the pressure brought about by the need for better fuel efciency with the United States getting more and more important with the prediction for sales being quite high - though I will not discuss numbers - but it is similar to what we will sell in China and in Europe. That makes for three markets with almost similar volumes. Also in South America small cars are important and volumes are growing too. Automan: Would you agree that the demands from a small car are in many ways more intense than larger cars? US: The smaller the car the more difcult it is to get a decent balance of features, performance and safety in it. Meanwhile everybody expects a car from the segment to be as good as a big car in performance and safety and in features like the latest electronic ttings and comfort. As you can imagine to package all these into a small car is far more difcult to do than in a big car. So I would say that it is one of the more challenging tasks in front of engineers and industry to make a small car as interesting as a big one. Would you agree that the demands from a small car are in many ways more intense than larger cars? The smaller the car the more difcult it is to get a decent balance of features, performance and safety in it. Meanwhile everybody expects a car from the segment to be as good as a big car in performance and safety and in features like the latest electronic ttings and comfort. As you can imagine to package all these into a small car is far more difcult to do than in a big car. So I would say that it is one of the more challenging tasks in front of engineers and industry to make a small car as interesting as a big one. How does the Sonic t that bill? As I highlighted in my presentation it is the safest car in its segment. These are not just predictions. In the US and Europe it is measured to be ve-star (in the Euro-NCAP) and you will nd that it is the best car measured as a small car. In the US also, when the ofcial gures nally come out we expect to be in the best or the best in the segment. When you look at the cost and features we have, we think we have found a very good balance. We also have a very modular approach in this car so that we can specialise it for specic markets - so it is not as if we have one solution available, we have unique setups that meet the requirements in different markets. For example the automatic transmission setup is not the same for Europe, Korea and the Middle East. We have rst looked at whats required in these markets and have met these requirements. Does the Sonic target a younger market than the Aveo? That was the idea - to target younger people. Thats why we did the motorcycle cluster in the interior and also the lensless headlamps and Chevrolet is a car that has to be a little bit more tough and sporty but also very functional. So that balance you have today is that in normal use in a day to day usage it feels natural to put knowledge base that we have in Korea. What is the launch schedule of the Sonic? We have already launched the car in Korea itself, then China and the US. The car is also launched in the European market and like the Middle East will be served from Korea. What is the break-up you foresee for hatchback versus sedan? In Europe it is more the hatchback, while in the US the sedan is much more important. In China it is a little bit better balanced but also tending a little bit more towards the fourdoor. Korea and here too it will be the sedan. So except Europe, demand should be for the sedan. Initial volume is expected to be 500,000 units a year. What future models can we expect on the same platform? As I said before, I cannot talk about future models, but the architecture is setup in such a modular way that you can do all kinds of variants - you can do different wheelbases, you can do high-seating, high-cowl, You can have the cowl a little more forward or back. The architecture is done in such a way that without touching the architecture we can make cars that are different in core values. In terms of competition you must have targeted specic models and makes? Absolutely. In different markets we have different main competitors. For example in Europe we have the Hyundai Accent or the Kia equivalent but also in some really developed markets we are targeting the Fiesta and also the Polo. Whats the Korea advantage? i would say that we have set up a team in Korea that is very international. So all the knowledge is there. I have been there now for six years. I have done the architectures in Germany and we have a colleague from Brazil who brings all the knowledge from the Brazilian market. We have brought in everyone into the team to consider the best of the best. I would say that the quality and technical parameters of this car is absolutely comparable to European designed cars. We have had a focus on ride and handling and this comes across when compared to Europes best like the Fiesta or a Polo for example. This car can easily compete with those. Then when you see practicality, storage items and the like, I think we might be the best. I think the Sonic is an international car and when you drive it you feel like it is a European-designed car.

{ROAD TEST}

A
Author, Photography Raj Warrior

day

News

Schmalohr, Vice President Executive for General Motors based in Korea. He was in Dubai to host the regional launch of the Sonic, International Operations and Global Vehicle Line

Automan met Ulrich

The new Fortuner beefs up the mid-range of SUVs from Toyota, moving ever so gradually towards being a black tie off-roader.

Chevrolet Sonic launch in UAE4 Lamborghini Aventor in Oman 6 Maserati Trofeo Series in ME12

Chevrolets new small car.

things in, its easy to get in the car, its easy to maneouvre the seats, that we have a good view from the car, that we have space for everything like sunglasses, telephones - so the practicality in the car besides its sportiness that was the aim we had. Sometimes a sporty car is not always practical. Its easy to make sporty cars but then you dont have enough space in the rear seat. In our car, the car is sporty and you have the best rear room in its segment. How signicant are the operations in Korea in the GM scheme? US: Korea was always a very important part of GM. We export to many countries from Korea. Our products go to the most diverse destinations in the world. Other plants have large volumes but dont have to serve many markets. So we have 140 markets, which means that we have to understand what is important to that market and what can I tradeoff when I dene the car. So this is a unique

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ON THE SMALL CAR FRONT

See the interview in video by visiting:

http://automanweb.com/video/viewvideo/57/people-a-interviews/ulrich-schmalohr

OR use the QR code provided alongside

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ough, rugged, utilitarian. You could describe most of Toyotas four-wheel drive vehicles with these adjectives. If we leave out the RAV4 which was way ahead of its time in being a more urban-centric crossover, the rest of the breed t the bill. Right from the land Cruiser, the smaller but not a bit less capable Prado right to the LandCruiser II series of vehicles - Toyota makes a range that sets standards for toughness and reliability. That made the job all that more difcult when the brand chose to manufacture a common platform based series from its Thailand plant. The HiLux pickup, Innova MPV and the Fortuner SUV are all based on a rearwheel drive frame and body arrangement that has proven extremely popular not just in Thailand but in many countries that are looking for value imperatives. These models are sold in countries are far apart in their market dynamics as South Africa, India, Australia and even here in the GCC. So what is it that makes the Fortuner stand out in the bunch. Now that the refreshed and reskinned new Fortuner is in town, we can step back and take a look at its potential. The Fortuner is a relatively compact package for all its abilities.

With a length of 4705mm and height of 1850mm it seems imposing from the prole. It sits on a wheelbase of 2750mm. For all that the overhangs dont seem excessive because the car sits high above the ground. Ground clearance is substantial enough to give a high rider effect and you can see that the presence of the frame is very evident. Of course every attempt has been made to visually tone the car into a more urbane vehicle. Body panels are rounded and come low down, the moulded bumpers have character and bleed into aggressive overfenders and the hood has now taken on a more macho stance with a musclecar bulge streaking back from the redesigned grille. The headlights are a combination of large main beams and projector lamps for the low beams and in the top variant which we were driving for the test the headlights get washers too. The Fortuner comes with two engine variants. Base grades get the 2.7-litre 4-cylinder engine with DOHC, VVTi and an output of 158HP at 5200rpm and torque of 241Nm at 3800rpm. With this engine a 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission are available. The larger engine continues to be Toyotas venerated 4.0-litre

Q&A
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11

SPECIAL FEATURE

SPECIAL FEATURE

Ulrich Schmalohr, Vice President and Global Vehicle Line Executive for General Motors International 10 Operations

as promised by this year and ed to the region SLS headed an mance Tour return ght affair. This year too the The AMG Perfor CLS63. a day-ni , C63 and the e East it was the C63 Coupe Daimler Middl that included impressive line-upy Jorge Ferrari
Author Raj Warrior Photograph

BACK ON

ON THE

THE TOUR

RUBICON TR

AIL

he dust rising from the trail ahead of us was enough to obscure the view except to the sides. Through the pines we could see the way in which the precarious trail we were traversing seemed to hang on for dear life to the side of the steep hill, with the land rising up to the right and dropping away steeply to the left, covered by its army of rs and pine that hadnt been touched for hundreds of years. You could be forgiven for thinking that you were part of a pioneering wagon train as it brought settlers across the high Sierras as they streamed to the promised western lands from the holding areas east of the Mississipi. After all we were

brANdwAtch Previews

Kias new brand strategy

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he Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi is host to one of the night race events on the F1 calendar. And you can see why when you look around the circuit at night, from the pulsating and ever changing colour on the whale like silhouette of the Yas hotel to the almost perfect lighting you get as you speed around the corners. This year, the AMG Performance Tour returned to the Yas circuit as a day-night event and considering the heat of the day time drives last year - we were grateful for the change. The tour is designed to allow potential and current AMG owners the opportunity to truly get to know their cars in a controlled environment and with access to expert instructors. Of course we car journalists make the best of the opportunity provided - driving the cars before anyone else get their hands on the wheel. And the Performance Tour lives up to its name with at least 10,000 horsepower of cars on offer - between the numbers of SLS, C63 and CLS63 and the lone SLS GT3. Like previous AMG events, this year too the event was split up into multiple items including hot laps with C63 and CLS63, hot laps in the SLS, a handling course with the C63 and a performance parcour with the C63 and CLS63. In the bargain we were also offered the opportunity to have taxi rides in the SLS GT3. The performance parcour event was built around a

ler and tar equipped Wrang h the of their new Pentas drive the vehicle throug media ed the capabilities Chrysler unveil select automotive the event. ited by letting from Wrangler Unlim trail. Raj Warrior reports n hallowed Rubico

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2011 Dubai Motor Show 16 2011 SEMA 17 2012 Ferrari 458 Spyder 28
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First drive

SPECIAL FEATURE

{ROAD TEST}
ver hear a pin drop? The phrase that has given birth to this misquote can be applied to the Rolls-Royce range of cars. And it has been from almost the beginning of the RollsRoyce story. Every one of us has become used to a certain level of background noise, which we dont even know exists. What we take for utter silence is often the result of our brains having tuned out white noise. The hum of airconditioners, the muted throbbing of an engine, even the wind noise as we are driving at speed are all things that we take for granted and hence dont hear. In a Rolls the difference is that you dont hear most of that too, so when you are seated in a Rolls that doesnt have the throb of the engine or the air-conditioners running and you start moving, any sound you hear could be a phantasm.We were enjoying these thrills as we drove the 102EX around Dubais autodrome. For the unintiated the 102EX is a technology test bed developed by Rolls-Royce that seeks to serve as a magnet for owner feedback and expert opinion to explore future directions for the brand. Company representatives are quick to point out that the 102EX (or the Phantom Experimental Electric as the company also refers to the car) is not slated to go into production at any stage. The car is on a world tour during the better part of 2011, having already visited the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, China, some European countries and was in the UAE with stops in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Some idea of the importance that Rolls-Royce attaches to the project can gathered from the statement by CEO Torsten Mllertvs, Today, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars begins an exploration into alternative drive-trains, seeking clarity on which technology may be suitable to drive Rolls-Royce motor cars of the future. The alternative drive-train we choose must deliver an authentic Rolls-Royce experience. It must be a

SILENT NIGHT, ! HOLY PHANTOM

Author Raj Warrior Photography Jorge

of its Dubai as part 102EX was in one of The Rolls-Royce tour and Raj Warrior was share experiential world drive the car and few who got to nys engineers the fortunate it with the compa his opinion on Ferrari

super

&

2011 Audi A5 Sportback 2011 M-B CLS 2011 Hyundai Eon

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sPeciAl rePort
The all-new second generation 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is more than just a successor to the outgoing model which originally went on sale in 2004. Automan rediscovers that the pioneering idea of a

Rolls-Royce Phantom102EX32 AMG Performance Tour 44

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modern four-door coupe with long low roof and flowing lines can still be improved without losing its core values
Author Chandan B Mallik Photography Raj Warrior and author 23

Also driveN

2011 Toyota Fortuner

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{COVER

STORY}

cover story
The newest addition from the Land Rover is in the region, making a dbut to a select audience in the hills of Jordan. Raj Warrior reports from the drive.

A COMPLETELY NEW RANGE BECKONS

2012 Range Rover Evoque 56 2012 Jeep Rubicon Trail 36

MotorsPorts chicANe

Formula One, WRC, MotoGP A tale of two parking lots

ber Novem

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EDITORIAL

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cover story 56

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121 | Sep 0 s GS35 Roadster Lexu 2013 SLS 63 AMG tember 2011

123| Nov

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regional news}
UpgRADED 2012 CADILLAC SRX TO ARRIVE SHOwROOMS THIS MONTH
adillac has extensively refreshed the SRX crossover and the new package includes a new 3.6-litre V6 that now replaces the 3.0-litre as the solo powertrain option. The incoming engine is known by its LFX engine code delivers 308hp [16per cent more horsepower than the previous V6] and provides greater low-rpm torque when paired with the Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission, which features a driver-selectable Eco feature that alters the shift points and throttle progression to help optimize fuel economy. Cadillac SRX also brings enhanced features for 2012, as well as updates that make it quieter and more refined - including new sound-absorbing material placed strategically throughout the vehicle. The Base and Sport suspension systems have been revised to improve the ride quality. Other upgrades and changes in the SRX for 2012 include standard Bluetooth on all models, an optional heated steering wheel, a xenon Blue Metallic exterior paint option that will be available in fall 2011, an all-ebony interior option with contrasting stitching, and a new 20in wheel finish option. SRX also features an advanced All Wheel Drive system with electronic limited slip rear differential that distributes power front-to-rear, and also can move power across the rear axle based on driving conditions and traction. The chassis includes Adaptive Real-Time damping technology for excellent ride control. Rainsense automatic windshield wipers connect to the braking system, enabling the brakes to conduct slight periodic caliper applications, keeping rotors dry for optimal stopping power in wet conditions. SRX includes HID headlamps with Adaptive Forward Lighting, Bose 5.1 surround sound with navigation, a fullcolor LCD Driver Info Center, and a rear-view camera system. The SRX is Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 2011 Top Safety Pick with industry-leading active and passive safety.

AVENTADOR LAUNCHED IN OMAN

ts no secret that with the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, Italian supercar maker Automobili Lamborghini is redefining the very pinnacle of the world super sports car market. Brutal power, outstanding lightweight engineering and phenomenal handling precision are combined with peerless design and the very finest equipment to deliver an unparalleled driving experience in new cars like the Aventador. And with the Aventador, Lamborghini is taking a big step into the future - and building on the glorious history of the brand with the next automotive legend. The first customers, including Middle East will take delivery of the new Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 in late summer as promised by the carmaker. Lamborghinis much talked about and awaited flagship supersports car was

launched in Oman on the 2nd of October. At a boutique ceremony in the Lamborghini showroom in Muscat, Ahmad Al Naimi, sales manager for the brand and Sachin Chengappa, brand manager hosted the event and unveiled the car.Al Naimi said about the car, The Lamborghini LP 700-4 Aventador embodies the purest Lamborghini values: Italian, extreme, sensuous, aggressive, exclusive and uncompromising. The figures speak for themselves: 2.9 seconds for the 0 to 100 km/h sprint and a maximum speed of 350km/h. The car embodies the latest technology, with a V12 aluminium engine encased in a carbonfibre body. The Aventador is Lamborghinis newest car and its newest flagship model. It is powered by a 6.5-litre V12 that generates 700 hp and has traction at all wheels.

pORSCHE CAjUN pRODUCTION pLANS

s part of a US$683mn investment into their Leipzig plant, Porsche has confirmed the Cajun will go into production in late 2013. Described as light and handy, the entry-level crossover will be based on the Audi Q5 and compete with the BMW X3, Mercedes GLK and Range Rover Evoque. While engine options remain unconfirmed, but some previous reports have indicated there

could be a 2.0-litre TFSI with 220hp as well as a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 with outputs of 300hp and 350hp respectively. On the diesel side, there are rumours of a 2.0-litre TDI with 200hp as well as a 3.0-litre V6 TDI with 250hp and 310hp. A hybrid is also expected and it will likely feature a 208hp2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine and a 44hp electric motor.

regional news}

The Sonic geTS a youThful kick-off

Chevrolets latest small car came to the region with a media-only event based around the Atlantis Palm Hotel in Dubai. Automan was present at the event.

he current trend of manufacturers to give us bigger and better cars does not mean that they can afford to ignore the entry level. It is the best place to generate volumes and Chevrolet has made this segment its hunting ground with cars like the new Spark (also sold as the Beat in some countries), the Aveo and the Optra. This segment has its own dynamics and one of the key features is that it tends to be price sensitive and one cant afford to upgrade a model without having a replacement in place for existing customers. The Sonic is meant to address just that issue for Chevrolet. Coming from General Motors international operations in Korea, the new Sonic should have ideally been the Aveo replacement, but the Aveo continues to have a market and will be a mainstream model in the region for some time to come. Chevrolet is taking a two-pronged

strategy with the Sonic-Aveo team. While the Aveo will continue to address the fleet segment and price sensitive customers, the Sonic with its youthful guise and upmarket feature pack will be placed as a premium offering in the same part of the market. Early indications out of Dubai were that the Sonic range should start at the RO 4500 level, however it is evident that the local prices are tending to be significantly more premium than that. As for the car itself, it is being offered in two body styles, i.e. hatchback and sedan, both equipped with a new generation 1.6-litre engine and a new six-speed automatic gearbox. The sedan is 36cms longer than the hatchback and offers generous luggage volume and a more sedate styling. The hatchback is smaller and tighter in design terms as well reflecting a very youth oriented theme

including rimmed headlights without visible lenses and a motorcycle inspired instrument cluster. This carries over the treatment on the new Spark. In both the body styles the large Chevy Bow-tie sitting on the cross strip on the grille is a highlight. We were part of the media that drove the car in Dubai, though the event around the cars launch entailed very little driving. Various events staged in the parking lot of the Atlantis saw media participate in tasks like stacking the car with cartons, driving it with filled water glasses on the roof, driving it in reverse through a slalom, painting the car with graffiti, driving in a parking situation practically blind with the help of a friend on the bluetooth and a small treasure hunt. While the day was packed with activity and was designed as a fun event, we werent able test the car.

Look forward to a test next month.

10

Face to Face

on The Small car fronT

see the interview in video by visiting:
http://automanweb.com/video/viewvideo/57/people-a-interviews/ulrich-schmalohr

or use the Qr code provided alongside

12

What is the potential for small cars and what are GMs expectations in the segment? The small car segments are among the fastest growing in the world. It is growing in importance because of the pressure brought about by the need for better fuel efficiency with the United States getting more and more important with the prediction for sales being quite high - though I will not discuss numbers - but it is similar to what we will sell in China and in Europe. That makes for three markets with almost similar volumes. Also in South America small cars are important and volumes are growing too. Automan: Would you agree that the demands from a small car are in many ways more intense than larger cars? US: The smaller the car the more difficult it is to get a decent balance of features, performance and safety in it. Meanwhile everybody expects a car from the segment to be as good as a big car in performance and safety and in features like the latest electronic fittings and comfort. As you can imagine to package all these into a small car is far more difficult to do than in a big car. So I would say that it is one of the more challenging tasks in front of engineers and industry to make a small car as interesting as a big one. Would you agree that the demands from a small car are in many ways more intense than larger cars? The smaller the car the more difficult it is to get a decent balance of features, performance and safety in it. Meanwhile everybody expects a car from the segment to be as good as a big car in performance and safety and in features like the latest electronic fittings and comfort. As you can imagine to package all these into a small car is far more difficult to do than in a big car. So I would say that it is one of the more challenging tasks in front of engineers and industry to make a small car as interesting as a big one. How does the Sonic fit that bill? As I highlighted in my presentation it is the safest car in its segment. These are not just predictions. In the US and Europe it is measured to be five-star (in the Euro-NCAP) and you will find that it is the best car measured as a small car. In the US also, when the official figures finally come out we expect to be in the best or the best in the segment. When you look at the cost and features we have, we think we have found a very good balance. We also have a very modular approach in this car so that we can specialise it for specific markets - so it is not as if we have one solution available, we have

unique setups that meet the requirements in different markets. For example the automatic transmission setup is not the same for Europe, Korea and the Middle East. We have first looked at whats required in these markets and have met these requirements. Does the Sonic target a younger market than the Aveo? That was the idea - to target younger people. Thats why we did the motorcycle cluster in the interior and also the lensless headlamps and Chevrolet is a car that has to be a little bit more tough and sporty but also very functional. So that balance you have today is that in normal use in a day to day usage it feels natural to put

knowledge base that we have in Korea. What is the launch schedule of the Sonic? We have already launched the car in Korea itself, then China and the US. The car is also launched in the European market and like the Middle East will be served from Korea. What is the break-up you foresee for hatchback versus sedan? In Europe it is more the hatchback, while in the US the sedan is much more important. In China it is a little bit better balanced but also tending a little bit more towards the fourdoor. Korea and here too it will be the sedan. So except Europe, demand should be for the sedan. Initial volume is expected to be 500,000 units a year. What future models can we expect on the same platform? As I said before, I cannot talk about future models, but the architecture is setup in such a modular way that you can do all kinds of variants - you can do different wheelbases, you can do high-seating, high-cowl, You can have the cowl a little more forward or back. The architecture is done in such a way that without touching the architecture we can make cars that are different in core values. In terms of competition you must have targeted specific models and makes? Absolutely. In different markets we have different main competitors. For example in Europe we have the Hyundai Accent or the Kia equivalent but also in some really developed markets we are targeting the Fiesta and also the Polo. Whats the Korea advantage? i would say that we have set up a team in Korea that is very international. So all the knowledge is there. I have been there now for six years. I have done the architectures in Germany and we have a colleague from Brazil who brings all the knowledge from the Brazilian market. We have brought in everyone into the team to consider the best of the best. I would say that the quality and technical parameters of this car is absolutely comparable to European designed cars. We have had a focus on ride and handling and this comes across when compared to Europes best like the Fiesta or a Polo for example. This car can easily compete with those. Then when you see practicality, storage items and the like, I think we might be the best. I think the Sonic is an international car and when you drive it you feel like it is a European-designed car.

Schmalohr, Vice President Executive for General Motors based in Korea. He was in Dubai to host the regional launch of the Sonic, International Operations and Global Vehicle Line

Automan met Ulrich

Chevrolets new small car.

things in, its easy to get in the car, its easy to maneouvre the seats, that we have a good view from the car, that we have space for everything like sunglasses, telephones - so the practicality in the car besides its sportiness that was the aim we had. Sometimes a sporty car is not always practical. Its easy to make sporty cars but then you dont have enough space in the rear seat. In our car, the car is sporty and you have the best rear room in its segment. How significant are the operations in Korea in the GM scheme? US: Korea was always a very important part of GM. We export to many countries from Korea. Our products go to the most diverse destinations in the world. Other plants have large volumes but dont have to serve many markets. So we have 140 markets, which means that we have to understand what is important to that market and what can I tradeoff when I define the car. So this is a unique

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world news}
UNIqUE pRODUCT pLACEMENT fOR ALL-NEw RANgE ROVER EVOqUE IN ONLINE fLICk

CHEVROLET SONIC NOw IN OMAN

he much awaited replacement of Chevrolets Aveo has finally arrived in the Sultanate. General Motors and Oman Trading Establishment Group unveiled Chevrolets new compact car market competitor, the Sonic, last month and the launch was part of a global event in 140 countries and simultaneous unveiling across Middle East Chevrolet dealerships, coming just before the marque celebrates its centenary. The Sonic will be offered in two bodystyles -as a five-door hatchback and four door sedan. The car is aimed at the youth market segment and will be offered in several trims a base model, the LS and the LT. While the base model offers the bare minimum

Classified, a drama was commissioned by Land Rover to celebrate the launch of the new Range Rover Evoque in the Middle East region. In a bold move away from traditional product placement, Land Rover worked with Range Rover Evoque brand ambassador and City of Life director Ali F. Mostafa to create a thrilling and exciting online film series in which the Range Rover Evoque is featured as a main character with an integral role in the overall storyline.

(central-locking and an airbag), the LS and the LT offer much more. A carefully tuned set of sensors is wired to four airbags that are standard on the LT, along with a fourchannel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist that is available on LS and standard on LT. The Sonic will be the first Chevrolet small car to sport a six-speed automatic transmission in the LS and LT variants - coupled with a 1.6-litre engine, producing 115hp. The Sonic hatchback has received a top fivestar safety rating from the European New Car Assessment Program (EuroNCAP), which released its latest results in August 2011.

MASERATI TROfEO SERIES ON ITS wAy TO MIDDLE EAST

AUDI SALES HIT ALL-TIME HIgH IN MIDDLE EAST

Audi reports a record of 5,602 vehicles sold in the Middle East in the period from January to September 2011 24 percent more than during the same period last year. Exceeding even the previous September year-to-date sales record of 2008 (5,504 units), the brand with the four rings remains strongly on track for a new all-time record year in 2011. The largest markets for the German premium manufacturer in the region remain the United Arab Emirates with 2,245 vehicles delivered to customers in the first nine months of 2011 and Saudi Arabia with 1,043 vehicles sold in the same period a growth of 37 percent in both markets.

REfRESHED 2012 fORTUNER NOw AVAILAbLE IN OMAN

Saud Bahwan Group, the exclusive Toyota dealer in Oman, has informed the availability of the all-new 2012 Toyota Fortuner in the Sultanate. The new four-wheel drive SUV is available in three grades: 2.7-litre Premium, 4.0-litre Exclusive, and 4.0-litre Grand.

alongside other cars on xcitement in the a Middle East circuit. The region is building for THE SERIES IS A STANDALONE PROGRAMME Maserati GranTurismo MC the arrival of the Maserati SPECIFIC TO THE MIDDLE EAST AND WILL Trofeo is developed from Trofeo JBF RAK series. BE RUN ALONG THE SERIES THAT HAS BEEN RUNNING IN EUROPE OVER THE PAST the successful GranTurismo A full grid of Maserati TWO YEARS. DRIVERS FROM EUROPE CAN S road car. Its design and GranTurismo MC Trofeo REGISTER TO COMPETE IN THE MIDDLE setup is tuned for the track race cars is currently EAST SERIES, BUT THERE IS NO CARRYand has proved to be a being packed up from the OVER OF POINTS ETC FROM THE EUROPEAN TROFEO. formidable racer in the Maserati Corse factory in Middle East and Europe. Italy and about to embark on its journey to the Middle East. After a successful Drivers from across the Middle East will race against and action-packed series of racing, the Trofeo Maserati each other over a full series of rounds, which take is making its debut outside of Europe with the launch place at the regions most prestigious circuits. In addition to the pre-season test and races at the Dubai of the Maserati Trofeo JBF RAK this November. All cars have been given a clean bill of health by Autodrome, the series will visit Losail Circuit in Qatar the expert mechanics and technicians in Italy before and the Formula One tracks of Bahrain International being loaded for transport to the region. Once the Circuit and Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE. cars land in the Middle East, they will be transferred Umberto Cini, Managing Director for Maserati Middle to the Maserati Trofeo JBF RAK technical partners East & Africa, cannot wait for the series to begin. We base in the UAE. There, they will be given another full began the journey to bring the Maserati Trofeo to the check prior to the pre-season test, which takes place Middle East over a year ago and I am looking forward to seeing the cars in action here. We hope to see some at the Dubai Autodrome on November 19. This will be the first time the field of Gentlemen exciting battles out on track over the course of the 12 Drivers get the chance to experience the sensation races and bring a sense of glamour to motorsport in of driving the Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo the region that only Maserati can deliver.

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AzERA LAUNCHED IN UAE

zURICH INSURANCE LAUNCHES NEw MOTOR INSURANCE pRODUCTS

Zgroups, today announcedproducts tailored the launch of a range of new motor insurance

urich, one of the worlds leading insurance

ollowing the introduction of Veloster and Azera in Oman by OTE, Juma Al Majid Est. - the sole distributor of Hyundai Motors in the UAE - officially launched the all-new Azera in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The premium large sedan with technology-rich features for enhanced comfort, convenience and safety is sharper looking and more graceful than ever. Outside the Azeras fluidic sculpture accentuates the premium wing frontal image and eagle eye, high-intensity discharge xenon headlights in

a wider vehicle with a longer wheelbase. The new car boasts a wide panorama sunroof, top quality Nappa leather seats, front seat cooler and ventilated seats, high-quality suede interior, smart key and an electronic parking brake. Inside, the new Azera comes with a six-cylinder, 3.0litre engine built on an all-aluminum body, which minimizes weight and utilizes a roller chain drive system that significantly reduces engine noise levels. The Azera rides on MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link suspension in the rear.

to the unique requirements of drivers in the UAE. The three covers Essential, Extra and Elite are available with a number of new-tomarket features, including roadside assistance people cover, GCC roadside assistance and a 12-month hire car no-claims holiday. Zurichs roadside assistance people cover means if a customer is stranded over 200 kilometres from home, the insurer will provide up to AED 500 towards either a hotel stay or return transport. For customers who travel outside the UAE, whether for work or holidays, Zurich has also made roadside assistance available anywhere within the GCC. The companys 12month hire car no-claims holiday rewards customers who have not made a claim during the previous year with up to AED 1,000 with which to hire a car in the UAE for instance, if they have family or friends visiting or in their home country. The launch of Zurichs motor insurance proposition marks the companys entry into the retail insurance market and is the first of many product launches scheduled for this year and 2012. In the coming months, Zurich will continue to increase its retail presence in a number of regional markets, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman and the UAE.

zUbAIR AUTOMOTIVE SpONSORS ANNUAL TRAffIC SAfETy EXpO 2011

he Zubair Automotive Group once again acted as platinum sponsors for the Annual Traffic Safety Expo 2011 which ran from 18th to 20th October at the exhibition centre, Seeb. Since 1973 The Zubair Automotive Group has been a pioneer in the automotive business in Oman. It has always been committed to offering the safest vehicles and safety products to keep customers and their families, safe while driving. Throughout the exhibition the company actively engaged with the public and invited them to pledge their intention to commit to safer driving habits by not using their mobile phoneswhen driving, to use child safety seats for their family, always wear a seat belt, have their car regularly checked and serviced, keep to the speed limit etc. To reinforce the importance of these pledges

kTM OpENS DEALERSHIp IN AL AIN

there was an opportunity for visitors to put their driving skills to the test on a custom built miniature car track, in order to showcase the perils of what can happen if they dont concentrate while behind the wheel. Zubair Automotive Group General Manager Serdar Toktamis said: The level of casualties on our roads every year is significant, especially for a small nation such as ours, and it is our intention to do all that we can to reverse this trend. The practical demonstrations of what can happen if a motorist loses concentration whilst driving really reinforces the message. Our aim is to educate and inform all drivers about safe driving practices and there by encourage everyone in kind of vehicle to make sure they enjoy A Safer Journey when they set out to their destination.

onster Bikes UAE, a multi-brand highperformance motorcycle, ATV and UTV facility based in Al Ain, has now opened its doors to KTM customers. Jalmood Shamsi, an avid offroader and motorcycle enthusiast who owns the set-up, decided that it was time to take his business up a notch and now carries the Austrian motorcycle brand, KTM. Their new facility opened to the public on last month.

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brandwatch

KiA Motors lAuNches New globAl brANd cAMPAigN

outh Korean Kia Motors has launched its new global brand campaign called Inspired by What You Like. Kia, the Power to Surprise. The all-new campaign aims to increase awareness and understanding of Kias core brand beliefs Challenger, Human-driven and Spirited through a series of high profile TV commercials and digital media in key sales markets. In addition to large-scale traditional media exposure, Kia plans to provide an engaging digital experience to create a more intimate bond with consumers. To achieve this objective, the digital campaign will be focused on social media platforms where users can participate and share their experience with peers, which is in line with the core message of the TV commercials. The first campaign teaser TV commercial was aired on October 27 featured Kias global brand ambassador, tennis sensation Rafael Nadal, showing the audience what he likes. In the main follow-up campaign commercial, Kias brand beliefs will be communicated by showing which customer likes are valued by Kia as a brand. Leveraging Kias partnership with Facebook, the worlds largest social media platform, the digital campaign will be

rolled out in three phases on Kias worldwide Facebook page and will include a social media quiz, a CSR program and a state-of-the-art semantic interactive social movie. To bring the brand closer to consumers worldwide, the campaign is being launched in seven different languages and seeks to harness the power of social networks to communicate the campaign theme, Inspired by What You Like. Kia, the Power to Surprise. Facebook at the centre of digital campaign Focusing on the Facebook Like button, one of the most recognizable icons on the Internet today, the campaigns elements are designed to engage consumers directly to find out what they enjoy and appreciate in life. Phase One: Guess What Nadal Likes At the time of launch, Kias Facebook fans will be able to play a simple, social media quiz called Guess What Nadal Likes. Kia will select two winners among those who submit the most correct answers and award them with a trip for two to the 2012 Australian Open tennis tournament. The correct answers along with the winners will be revealed on 10 December. Phase Two: Kia Likes Caring During phase two, the company will team up with a globally renowned environmental advocacy organization to drive awareness

and to support the brands commitment to sustainability by sharing its values with Facebook fans. Driven by the theme Inspired by What You Like, Kia will ask fans to place a badge on their profile pictures representing their support for the environment. In response to the level of support generated on Facebook, Kia will donate vehicles to the organization for use in their daily efforts aimed at assisting developing countries in implementing environmentally sound policies and practices. The Kia Likes Caring CSR program starts on 8 November and is expected to conclude on 31 January next year. Phase Three: Like Lab Set to launch on November 18, Kia will introduce the Like Lab as the third phase of its digital brand campaign. Like Lab is a state-of-the-art semantic social movie that will allow users to control the content of the story to reflect what they like. The story unfolds with a scene inside Kias secret agency called Like Lab where agents and researchers study various likes from users to create the best designs and quality for their cars. The digital campaign on Kias worldwide Facebook page will run from today until 31 January, 2012, with content available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic.

Automans take

Through its new global brand campaign, Kia wants to pay tribute to our fans around the world for the strong interest and loyal support they have shown in the brand and its products. In a bid to get even closer to its growing consumer base as a source of inspiration, Kia seeks to use these tools to challenge the norm and drive innovation in its future products which it hopes will help form the key foundation is the way it conducts its business.

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hyuNdAi Motor NAMed the FAstest growiNg AutoMotive brANd For secoNd strAight yeAr
yundai Motor Company rose four spots to No. 61 in Interbrands 2011 Best 100 Global Brands ranking, thereby attaining the status of Fastest growing Brand. Interbrand calculated Hyundais brand value at $6bn, a 19.3 per cent increase over 2010, tops among automakers. Hyundai stood out among automotive industrys strong performance that came during a period of relative weakness for most of the 100 Best Global Brands. The average growth rate of the 11 automotive brands included in the top 100 was 8.1 per cent, while the average growth rate of all 100 Best Global Brands was only 2.6 per cent compared to 2010.

The growth of Hyundais brand value outstripped that of key competitors, such as Volkswagen (which grew 14 per cent) and Audi (13 per cent). Hyundai has more than doubled the growth rate of its brand value; prior to 2010, Hyundais brand value grew at a rate of 9.3 per cent. The Interbrand rankings are calculated using companies financial balance sheets combined with marketing activities, while also reflecting each brands potential profit. Hyundai has worked to increase its brand value since Chairman Mong-Ku Chung established the companys brand management philosophy in 2005. Hyundai stepped up its game at the 2011 Detroit motor show, when

Vice Chairman Eui-Sun Chung launched the companys new brand concept, announcing Hyundais commitment to producing Modern Premium vehicles. Interbrand noted: Hyundai displayed the most memorable performance continuing from the previous year despite a growth slowdown of global brands. Hyundais product competitiveness has been acknowledged by such leading global quality rating agencies such as Consumer Reports and J.D. Power, adding, in particular, the launching of the Veloster offered consumers a new idea about cars and showed Hyundais unique creativity which has been a key element for the brands growth.

Volkswagen providing fleet solutions for ME

olkswagen aspires to be the number one car manufacturer in the world by 2018, and as part of this strategy there is a strong focus on fleet business. Volkswagen Middle East and its partner Saad Buzwair Automotive Qatar have announced the first of its fleet taxis in Qatar. In collaboration with Mowasalat the Qatar Transport Company, Volkswagen Middle East has supplied 300 allnew Jetta Taxis to Karwa Taxi Services in Qatar. The initial handover of 300 vehicles is only the first installment to be received by Karwa, with a total number of Volkswagen fleet Taxis in Qatar reaching 500 by the first quarter of 2012. Volkswagen has great experience in this field throughout the world, and were confident that the all-new Jetta fleet will be well received. Marcus Butros, sales director of Volkswagen Middle East said: This partnership with Karwa Taxi Services symbolizes the first venture into fleet business for Volkswagen Middle East in Qatar. The Qatar deal is further evidence that Volkswagen has the right range of cars available to attract more and more fleet customers.

Ten million Audi A4 milestone

Any way you look at it, ten million is an awfully big number. All the more so when youre talking about luxury sedans, not budget hatchbacks. But thats how many mid-size cars Audi has built to date. The total stretches back to 1972, through four generations of the Audi 80 and four more of its successor nameplate, the A4. The landmark was reached earlier this month when the 10,000,000th midsize Audi - a red S4 with two-tone interior - rolled off the assembly line at Ingolstadt. The announcement comes hot on the heels of the freshly facelifted A4 family, including the new A4 sedan, Avant wagon, Allroad Quattro soft-roader and S4 sports sedan.

rolls-royce hAs No PlANs to Move dowN MArKet

an market conditions dictate a prestigious brand? The answer is yes and no. While British marquee Bentley is edging slightly down market, Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Mller-tvs has recently revealed the brand doesnt have any plans to follow suit. Speaking with Automotive News Europe, the executive said Bentley largely occupies another price segment and our customers dont see our cars as competition [to Bentley]. They buy models of both brands. Despite this, Rolls-Royce has plans to grow by adding new variants of the Ghost. Noting the recent unveiling of the extend-wheelbase model, Mller-tvs said the company could add a coupe, a convertible or something else entirely. As for alternative powertrains, the CEO commented a diesel could never deliver a true Rolls-Royce experience and there is no demand for a production version of the 102EX concept.
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newsmakers}

2011 dubAi Motor show

he 11th edition of the Dubai International Motor Show kicksoff this month and Automan has some interesting information to share with automotive aficionados. And since this mega event is considered as the years grand finale for the Middle East markets, most participating automakers are all set to generate a huge buzz with their respective offerings. And it goes without saying that being the hub of attraction, this years edition, is by far the most ambitious as it has attracted the attention of several of the worlds most famous motor brands such as De Macross, Lotus, McLaren, MG and Spyker. Porsche is set to reveal the car many said could never be bettered the 911 Carrera, which has been re-designed after 48 years. Along with the completely re-designed icon, the automaker is also giving UAE visitors the first opportunity to see its breathtaking 918 RSR concept car. BMW Group Middle East will use the venue to host new models that will demonstrate the luxury motor manufacturers leadership in innovation, performance and individuality. Together with local importer AGMC, BMW Group will showcase 16 models at the show. The highlight of the stand will be the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive - on display for the first time in the Middle East - it a demonstration of BMWs development of innovative driver assistance systems and mobility services. Models showcasing the BMW Individual programme will include BMW 7 Series Steinway & Sons Edition, a BMW 7 Series UAE Edition which celebrates 40 years of the UAE and a BMW 5 Series Individual. The brand-new fifth generation BMW M5 will also be unveiled and BMW will also premiere the X6M fitted with the Special M-Performance Kit as well as the BMW 1 Series M Coupe and X5 M. Meanwhile, MINI will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of its relaunch into the Middle East and will have two stars -- the all-new MINI Coupe and the MINI Paceman Concept the first Sports Activity Coupe in the premium small car segment. Following the surprise reveal in Frankfurt recently, Jaguar and Land Rover will offer an interesting glimpse into future of its new line-up across the brands. Highlights will include the Middle Eastern reveal of the Land Rover DC-100 concept and the spectacular Jaguar C-X75 concept. The two concept vehicles will be showcased alongside the latest 12MY line-up of vehicles for Jaguar, Land Rover and Range Rover including: the Jaguar XF and XJ, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, LR4 and LR2. In addition, the stand will also showcase the eye-catching XKR-S, Jaguars fastest production vehicle to date and the long anticipated Ranger Rover Evoque, designed to bring the exclusivity of Range Rover to a brand new audience. McLaren Automotive has just begun customer deliveries of its first production highperformance sports car - MP4-12C and this scissor door version is expected to have its first official outing with Middle East audience at Dubai.

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SEMA or Specialty Equipment Manufacturers US is all about giving an average car the kind worlds most famous adult playground

Associations annual gig in Las Vegas, Nevada, of look-at-me dazzle thats perfect for the

vegAs show-tiMe!
espite the economic stagnation worldwide, this years SEMA show is expected to continue with the time honoured tradition of high-voltage drama, outrageous concepts and exciting renditions of cars and trucks from both manufacturers and specialty equipment suppliers. Chevrolet is coming to this years SEMA show with a total of six concept Camaro and Corvette models, and theyre all designed to show off exactly what owners can do with their vehicles with a little time, money and imagination. While there will be a number of concepts wearing special visual upgrades, including the Camaro Convertible Red Zone Concept and the Camaro Synergy Series Concept, were most excited about the Camaro 1LE Concept. Diehard Bowtie fans will likely recognize the 1LE package code as a road-racing designation. Toyota is giving its iQ micro-car an array of full-blooded customised versions that take the style-setting urban car into a new world of pumped bodywork and pimped interiors. Toyota will showcase three iQ variants for the shows Tuner Challenge, with a fourth custom

special displaying a radical chop-top look. They are joined at SEMA by further Americanmarket models that have been given ultimate makeovers, plus some of Toyotas latest Stateside racing machinery. Michael Chang, Jon Sibal and Tatsu are the famous tuners who have worked their magic on the iQ variants. SEMA also marks the public debut of the first race car to be developed from the new, third generation Yaris. The Yaris B-Spec Club Racer will be competing in SCCA championship racing in the USA next year, driven by American BMX star Jamie Bestwick. Mazdas MX-5 Miata Spyder concept takes a fresh look at topless motoring in an understated manner. Mazdas Turbo2 is, according to Mazda, uses its most powerful turbocharged engine in its lightest platform. Hyundai will unveil a range of custom models, including the Genesis Coupe-based Hurricane SC and two Velosters tuned by ARK Performance and PM Lifestyle.A range of 2012 Ford Focus and 2011 Ford Fiesta have been customized by several tuning companies including Steeda and Rousch. Watch this space for more SEMA news next month.

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{road test}

20

Audi breathed life into the Middle east luxury coupe market when it introduced the A5 sportback in 2009. Now, the german automaker has made a list of impressive updates aimed at staying ahead in the increasingly competitive segment
Author Chandan B Mallik Photography Raj Warrior

21

{road test}

udi has been paying attention to market trends and is current busy refreshing its current model series. While several members of the A5 family have been upgraded, the Sportback is one model that has a special place in the line-up. From the market point of view this car represents Audis brilliance in packaging technology and design using bulletproof and proven mechanicals. The A5 Sportbacks basic footprint is actually closer to A4 in dimensions, but its key measurements are significantly different than the A5 Coupes. Just to give an idea, the Sportbacks wheelbase is more than two inches longer than the A5 Coupe but less than one-tenth of an inch off the A4. But the lower, broader Sportbacks style genes are heavily influenced from other members of the A5 family. Audis exterior designers have ensured that the car is visually connected with other family

members, yet remains clean, restrained and nicely proportioned and classy in some of its detailing, such as the bright trim around the frameless side glass which evokes memories of the famous 100 Coupe of the late 1960s and the elegance of the discreet spoiler at the rear. In flesh, the extra set of doors and longer, higher stance means that the Sportback does lose some of the coupes sporty profile, although the sharp rear-sloping roofline helps it counterbalance this niggle and helps makes the coupe look so great. In its construction, the car uses a lot of aluminium for optimizing weight management. While its clear that marketing is at the heart of the A5 Sportback, so how does Audi expect to command a premium on a car that can hardly claim to be all-new? Audi believes the all-new A5 Sportback has no direct rivals, but we think the answer lies elsewhere in

its highly efficient configuration which also includes exceptional high levels of luxury and standard equipment in a four-cylinder car. Inside the car, theres a lot to expect from Audi and thankfully all is in order out here. A number of extra features round out the standard equipment kit and include an electromechanical parking brake, six airbags, belt tensioners and force limiters, Isofix child seat preparation, the recuperation system for the recovery of braking energy, fog lights, heated and power-adjustable exterior mirrors, four power windows and an intelligent ignition key that automatically stores service-relevant data. To an expert, theres an extensive list of small changes from the steering column stalks to the automatic transmission gear selector, to the Audi drive select button and even a new ignition key fob, but its the amount of extra space Audi has managed to find in the

22

rear, we would point out as the Sportbacks biggest design achievement. As a result, head and legroom is now on a par with the A4, and boot space is equally impressive, offering 480litre [same as the A4 Avant]. Whats more, the Sportback matches the A4 with the rear seats folded flat. Plus, thanks to the new clever hatchback boot, it is very easy to load too. In general, comfort offered by the front seats is quite good for long road trips, but the seats lack the type of lateral support that a spirited driver desires. Sadly, theres no fix for the rear seats, as the lack of head- and legroom makes them suitable for smaller passengers only. Its no secret that Audi shines with its powertrain offerings and the A5 Sportback is also no exception. Although offered as a solo offering, the 2.0-litre TFSI quattro mated to dual clutch seven speed transmission also showcases the marques technological excellence and theres more evidence of efficiency in the package. The car also features the servotronic steering, which automatically adapts steering boost to the driving speed, and xenon plus with LEDs for the daytime running lights and the tail lights, a light and

rain sensor as well as the Audi parking system for the rear. Driving impressions In some respects, the 1,615kg A5 Sportback feels like the A4 on road. First, its noise, vibration and harshness levels are commendably low and the seven-speed gearbox helps keeps engine ticking around 2,000rpm at 110km/h. The sweet spot of the drive is the 350Nm of torque delivery over a wide range between 1,500 and 4,200 rpm. The flip side is that at this speed band, fuel consumption is less than 6.0-litre/100km and the idea of having a 211hp four-cylinder as the only engine in this car begins to make sense. Power delivery from the forced fed engine is virtually seamless and the A5 gives up little in terms of acceleration when compared to a V6. Overall handling is superb, thanks to the benefits of the all-wheel drive which allows extremely high levels of grip from the 225/50 R17 tyres. However, we noted an occasional understeer. Ride quality has been a priority area for Audi and the both the latest A4 (and by default the A5) are supple and comfortable while the dual clutch

seven-speed S tronic transmission imparts sportiness. Audis drive select dynamic control system was one of our favourites in this car that allows us to access all of the technical components relevant to driving dynamics and vary their function by switching between three modes comfort, auto and dynamic. And since our car had the MMI navigation system is on board, a fourth mode individual was also available. This mode allows the driver to fine tune own custom settings from a large number of available parameters. Verdict Creating a style-based variant using the mechanicals of an existing model and then charging a premium can actually confuse a punter. But Audi has used all the tricks to ensure that the A5 Sportback stands out from the pack. Although we dont buy Audis pitch that here is something new under the sun in totality, but we do appreciate that Audis technological brilliance has definitely added value to an exceptionally well packaged car which we can argue is better than any comparably priced BMW or Mercedes-Benz.

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First drive

super

&

the all-new second generation 2011 Mercedes-benz cls is more than just a successor to the outgoing model which originally went on sale in 2004. Automan rediscovers that the pioneering idea of a
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EDITORIAL

NOMINEE AyMAN R R

pORSCHE C

LUXURy CA

modern four-door coupe with long low roof and flowing lines can still be improved without losing its core values
Author Chandan B Mallik Photography Raj Warrior and author 25

First drive

Mercedes-benz has worked long and hard to improve the second generation cls dynamically, technologically, and ergonomically

t was in 2004, when the worlds automotive landscape was caught unawares when Mercedes-Benz introduced the remarkably simple, yet highly stunning E-Class based CLS concept in production form. It was the marques first four-door model that looked like a sports coupe from its elegant long nose to its flowing tail. Commercially, for Mercedes-Benz, the CLS has been a runaway success with over 170,000 units sold since launch. Encouraged by numbers and market potential, M-Bs arch rivals such as Audi and BMW have also entered this unique slot with their respective interpretations. While the first generation CLS set the pace for the model series, the second generation CLS launched in Paris last year aims to set a new benchmark in engineering and bespoke features. The job of doing this was entrusted to Korean Hubert Lee, who now has a senior role at M-Bs Southern California based Advanced Design studio. Lee has been keenly aware of
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the awesome responsibility he inherited from the moment his proposal was picked as the basis for the second-gen CLS in late 2006. Lees scalpel has kept the original profile of the CLS intact, but he has added some athletic creaselines to give it a powerful and aggressive stance. The 2012 version has added a touch of aggression and muscularity to the soft, feminine curves of the old car, while still being a sleeker and more curvaceous take on a typical sedan styling. In fact, the refreshed design does a splendid job in reconciling Mercedes current mission to blend a long nose with a chiseled rear end which seems to be inspired in part by the swoopy pre-war Mercedes-Benz 540 K Autobahnkurier, much better than the E-Class manages. While, the prominent character line running downward from the top of the front wheel arches to the rear, takes inspiration from historic Mercedes sports cars, the two styling directions visually balance each other and at the same time help

the CLS get its standalone identity in the M-B line-up. Overall, the new sporty corporate look is signed off with a cluster of 71 LEDs in the headlamps [these LEDs serve a variety of functions such as main beams, turn indicators and address what is seemingly every conceivable night driving situation] and the minimalist-style grille, similar to that on the current SLS AMG. From the side there are prominent wheel arches, a high coupe-style waist line and narrow side windows. The roof tapers gently from a high point near the centre of the passenger cabin to well past the rear wheels. And despite its sporty lines, the rear doors actually extend much further back over the rear wheels than those on the current model. While, the incoming car uses broadly the same architecture and has an identical wheelbase to the current E-Class, there are some fundamental differences under the sheet

metal where some dimensional changes have taken place. The starting point for this extra space was the vehicle body, which is 29mm longer, 13mm higher and 8mm wider than its predecessor. The wheelbase has increased too, by 20mm to 2,874mm. As with the efficiency trend including flab reduction these days, the broad frameless doors are now constructed in aluminium which according to M-B saves 24kg when compared to its steel equivalent. Thats not all -- aluminium and resin composites have been used in the bonnet, front wings, boot lid and parcel shelf. Various support profiles and key parts of the suspension and engine are all made of aluminium. The front end of the car uses a hybrid construction of aluminium panels and plastic strengthened with fibre-glass. All these help the model to become lightest of the CLSs besides being very slippery with a drag co-efficient of Cd0.26. Inside the car, there are enhanced levels

of craftsmanship evident all around in the sumptuous four-seat cabin layout, with individual seats for rear seat passengers. The cabin is clothed in top-class trim materials and soft-touch surfaces. While the cockpit is a bit on the snug side, Mercedes says head and shoulder room has improved for all four passengers. However, the car is not without its compromises -- the rear bucket seats are still tight on headroom. The updated digital instrument panel features a hi-resolution colour display that relays information from cars multitude of safety kit which according to the spec sheet indicate that there are no less than 14 separate systems that come as either standard or optional equipment and other systems. The car also benefits from the latestgeneration of Mercedes COMAND, with its dial located in the centre tunnel to access the 7in TFT display, is by now familiar Benz fare that works relatively well controlling vehicle features. Even as a luxury car, practicality

hasnt been overlooked as the two rear seats fold down for added utility if needed. The boot is quite deep and offers 15.31 c-ft worth of space. And of course, the CLS comes with the usual assortment of standard and optional entertainment features. Compared to the previous model series, the Mercedes engineers have further enlarged the deformation zones substantially in the front and rear sections of the new CLS, as well as improving the energy flows. The CLS is loaded with safety equipment, starting with 11 airbags, a driver fatigue warning system, blind-spot warning system and Pre-Safe system that primes the brakes and safety systems in the event of imminent collision. An automated parallel parking is also standard new feature in the CLS. Under the bonnet, the CLS350 uses the third generation of direct petrol injection in its normally aspirated V6, a first time application in the new CLS. As part of the BlueEFFICIENCY
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First drive
drive, the software has been programmed to help in optimizing fuel efficiency by as much as 20 per cent. The CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY package offers 306hp and 370Nm. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.8 litres per 100 km. Performance of the CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY from 0 to 100 km/h takes about 6.1 seconds, and the car achieves a top limited speed of 250km/h via the seven-speed automatic transmission. While, all CLS models [including the AMG versions] get a seven-speed automatic transmission, but gear selection in the AMG version is via a console-mounted E-shift and steering-wheel paddles, while the CLS350 has a simple stalk selector on the steering wheel. Suspension-wise, the CLS is fitted with new generation E-Class componentry. Smoothing it all out is the automakers Airmatic air suspension system that automatically adjusts damping force depending upon road or driving conditions, with a three-link axle with McPherson struts at the front, and a multilink rear. Ample stopping power comes via the 14.2in discs at the front and 12.6in at the rear. CLS350 features 17in wheels fitted with 245/45 tyres as standard. The new electric steering system has also enabled implementation of the Active Park Assist automatic parking function. Driving impressions Although, we are aware that the CLS is mechanically based on the E-Class, on road it feels distinctively different. The car feels sportier than a typical executive drive and one of the reasons for this is its weight advantage. It is exactly where you want it and while one might have initially wondered about the effects of a long nose front-heavy car, but the stiffened and lowered E-class suspension provides such fine natural balance, it is actually a rather enjoyable thing to fling around. We also liked the cars accomplished chassis so much that we arent really worried about a heavier powertrain trying to blunt its handling or behaviour! Handling character is predictable and stable, those wide rear tyres keeping the tail

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planted. The set-up also encourages the driver to push the car, and when really pushing it to car promptly responds with manageable mild understeer. As expected, the stability control intervenes only at high driver aggression levels, lightly applying the brakes at individual wheels. While sporty enough, we dont expect the CLS350 to offer the composure of its AMG equivalent. The V6 offers a lot of grunt and seems well paired with the new transmission be we did observe some hesitation, especially during downshifting. The hydraulic steering which was once a serious drawback for a sporting Mercedes is now history. The new electric option provided is direct and quite communicative and we

can empathise why it was chosen. One of the key reasons is that it only uses energy ondemand, which helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions can also feel a bit over-assisted at times. While we have mostly encountered electric steering set-ups which are synthetic at best, but this one works well enough. Verdict Cool, desirable, sporty and efficient, the allnew 2012 CLS-Class that heavily improves upon its predecessor and also competes strongly against the new cars it inspired. While competition heats up, but like the rest of the recently redesigned Mercedes-Benz models, the revised CLS should hold its position well.

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Preview

458 SPIDER GOES SOF T

The new Spider variant joins the 458 Italia, widening the range of Ferraris mid-rear engined V8s and offering the uncompromising technological solutions, handling and performance in a refined open-top configuration
Author Chandan B Mallik

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illed as the worlds first mid-engined supercar with a folding hard-top and unveiled officially at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month, the 458 Spider majestically expands the Italia range. The Prancing Horse brand released several images of the car with its top down prior to the show along

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Preview
with some basic details of its hottest family addition. The 458 Spider is powered by Ferraris new naturally-aspirated, award winning direct injection 4.5-litre V8. This directinjection engine was new with the 458 when it was introduced last year, gaining the Italian sportscar-maker the best performance engine gong in the recently announced International Engine of the Year awards. The Spider also carries over the seven-speed dual-clutch F1 paddle-shift automated gearbox, through the sophisticated E-Diff, itself integrated with the F1-Trac traction control and high-performance ABS for maximum handling dynamics. Ferrari claims a 3.4sec acceleration time from zero to 100km/h the same as the coupe version, despite a 50kg weight gain (in dry weight format), to 1,430kg. Top speed is 320km/h. In line with Maranellos exclusive spider tradition, specific features such as the throttle mapping and the damping of the multilink suspension have been calibrated to guarantee maximum sportiness and absolute driving pleasure even with the top down. Whats more, the engine soundtrack has been honed to ensure that the cars occupants are completely captivated by the drop-top driving experience. But the piece of technology that has aroused a lot of interest in the motoring community is the 25kg aluminium retractable hard top that neatly tucks away and out of sight between the

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engine and the two-seat cockpit. The design of the drop tops mechanism is so unique that Ferrari has got it exclusively patented. With a deployment time of just 14secs, it is fully integrated into the styling of the car. The hard-top was engineered to fit neatly ahead of the engine bay without compromising aerodynamics or the performance of the car. The small space needed to house the roof enables the designers to include a generous rear bench for luggage behind the seats.

Ferrari says the 458 Spiders chassis has new technical solutions that guarantee identical levels of structural rigidity with the roof up or down, although there was no comparison between the coupe and Spider in this regard. The rear end of the car is characterised by innovative forms with the buttresses designed to optimise the flow of air to the engine intakes and the clutch and gearbox oil radiators. For maximum comfort whilst driving top down the Ferrari 458 Spider features a generously-sized

adjustable electric wind stop. The design was perfected to slow and diffuse the air in the cockpit, enabling normal conversation to be held even at speeds over 200 km/h. New technical solutions adopted for the chassis guarantee identical levels of structural rigidity with the roof up or down. The result is a car that is truly exciting to drive, blending extreme performance with the responsiveness that has always characterised Ferraris opentop berlinettas.

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sPecial Feature

night, Silent

ntom! holy Pha

ar Author Raj W raphy Jorg rior Photog e Ferrari

part of its s in Dubai as f yce 102EX wa ior was one o The Rolls-Ro and Raj Warr orld tour nd share experiential w drive the car a few who got to ngineers the fortunate e companys e n it with th his opinion o

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ver hear a pin drop? The phrase that has given birth to this misquote can be applied to the Rolls-Royce range of cars. And it has been from almost the beginning of the RollsRoyce story. Every one of us has become used to a certain level of background noise, which we dont even know exists. What we take for utter silence is often the result of our brains having tuned out white noise. The hum of airconditioners, the muted throbbing of an engine, even the wind noise as we are driving at speed are all things that we take for granted and hence dont hear. In a Rolls the difference is that you dont hear most of that too, so when you are seated in a Rolls that doesnt have the throb of the engine or the air-conditioners running and you start moving, any sound you hear could be a phantasm.We were enjoying these thrills as we drove the 102EX around Dubais autodrome. For the unintiated the 102EX is a technology test bed developed by Rolls-Royce that seeks to serve as a magnet for owner feedback and expert opinion to explore future directions for the brand. Company representatives are quick to point out that the 102EX (or the Phantom Experimental Electric as the company also refers to the car) is not slated to go into production at any stage. The car is on a world tour during the better part of 2011, having already visited the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, China, some European countries and was in the UAE with stops in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Some idea of the importance that Rolls-Royce attaches to the project can gathered from the statement by CEO Torsten Mllertvs, Today, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars begins an exploration into alternative drive-trains, seeking clarity on which technology may be suitable to drive Rolls-Royce motor cars of the future. The alternative drive-train we choose must deliver an authentic Rolls-Royce experience. It must be a

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sPecial Feature

technology that is right for our customers, our brand and which sets us on a sound footing for a sustainable future. That is why this project is so important. Whats so special about the 102EX? The car is based on the traditional Phantom, but has major changes. For a beginning the whole engine and gearbox have been uprooted and in their place is a huge battery pack. At 670kgs, this lithium polymer assembly is supposed to be the largest in any car. And you would need such a large pack since it has to store enough juice to power the two 145kW motors placed at the rear wheels and provide a range of above 200 miles in ideal conditions. At the outset of our briefing session, we were told that the idea was to have an alternative form of propulsion that stayed true to the RR ideals in terms of performance and ownership experience. How did they intend to do that, taking into consideration

that everything remotely green in motoring was a compromise, a word they didnt want to hear? The simplest form of compromise would be weight reduction why move three tonnes when you can move two or one? But the end product has to remain a Rolls. Secondly, why batteries? Even with the latest technology in electricity storage the batteries are inefficient, need substantial recharge time, have relatively low energy density and a limited life. We also need to remember that there are problems associated with the sourcing of raw material to make them as well as in their clean disposal at the end-of-life stage. It is hard to think of an electric car as anything but a compromise but we are ready to accept the RR premise that they are exploring it as an extreme to see what else can develop from there. There have been some structural changes that have come about due to the change in drivetrain. The transmission

tunnel has been done away with in favour of a cable housing. Also the lack of a petrol tank now means that the cars charging point sits where you would expect the fuel filler cap to be. Apparently the cars charging circuit can handle the variety of electric sources from around the world, needing the wall plug to be changed. The car can be charged from a normal wall socket or can handle three-phase supply too. We have been told that it takes 8 hours to recharge and no, putting solar panels on the roof wouldnt make a dent on the recharge rate. Instead the car uses an induction plate to recharge without physical contact. We are familiar with induction on electric cooking ranges. The intense field that is set up can excite the molecules in a flat-bottomed iron vessel to heat food to boiling point and more. And it is safe. When you substitute the vessel with another take-up coil, the field

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is used to move electrons in the secondary circuit thus charging the battery. Of course no electric car is complete nowadays without some sort of brake regeneration. In Formula One cars KERS is the equivalent. In the 102EX, engineers have tuned in a multi-stage regeneration that allows the car to feel like a) the driver having taken the foot off the gas pedal to b) the gearbox dropping down a couple of gears too. The drive was a once in a lifetime event too. Under floodlights and with the autodrome club circuit at our sole disposal, we took the car in turns around the track. You would expect take off torque to be tremendous given the electric drive and the 800Nm of torque available. But engineers have done their best to tune in a slightly softer torque delivery, effectively giving us a curve instead of the flatline of a typical motor. In order to stay true to the characteristics of the Phantom, torque phases

in and power delivery to the rear wheels is more than adequate to give you the feeling of a large car shooting off. The occupants hear almost nothing until the air-conditioners are switched on. To bystanders, the tyre noise seems that much louder than normal. But thats it you wouldnt register the tyre noise at all against normal background sounds. At night the other aspects of the 102EX that keep it distinct stand out. The glowing Spirit of Ecstasy is a superb idea as are the new dials that show the electric nature of the experience. We wondered whether all the consumption by the air-conditioners, audio and entertainment systems and cabin lights would impact the range, but were told that the load added up to only two percent. What really impacts range is trying to drive flat out, which is something we were doing quite a bit off. Weight transfer stays true to the mould

and braking is smooth a linear. So, does the 102EX have a future in some future form? The questions that we still havent got an answer to seem numerous is there any real demand for alternate propulsion from RR customers (considering that fuel costs are only a marginal part of their experience)? Will a 200 mile range be enough? Can recharge times be reduced? And who wants to replace 700 kgs of batteries every five years or so? In the interim, while the car itself is no compromise, the drivetrain will continue to be. It will be interesting to see what the boffins take away from the experience. For todays small steps will dictate the future at the home of the worlds top car marque. A hundred years on from today will a Rolls-Royce still stand out from the beeping runarounds of the day? Or will all cars be made in one giant electronics factory in China? Till then, enjoy the small distinctions.

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sPecial Feature

on the

tRail ubicon R

Wrangler and star equipped eir new Penta le through the rive the vehic abilities of th iled the cap otive media d Chrysler unve g select autom in om the event. limited by lett rrior reports fr Wrangler Un trail. Raj Wa owed Rubicon hall

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he dust rising from the trail ahead of us was enough to obscure the view except to the sides. Through the pines we could see the way in which the precarious trail we were traversing seemed to hang on for dear life to the side of the steep hill, with the land rising up to the right and dropping away steeply to the left, covered by its army of firs and pine that hadnt been touched for hundreds of years. You could be forgiven for thinking that you were part of a pioneering wagon train as it brought settlers across the high Sierras as they streamed to the promised western lands from the holding areas east of the Mississipi. After all we were

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sPecial Feature

in Sierra ranges of Northern California, driving along the hallowed Rubicon trail. Some things served to differentiate us from the travellers of yore. We didnt need to put a foot down anywhere along the trail - after all we were driving the latest generation of Jeeps Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited along the path. And yes, we were in the eponymous Rubicon variants of the vehicles. The main reason that every media member of the convoy had flown thousands of kilometres to participate in this drive was the new 2012 edition of the Jeep workhorses - with the main change being to the drivetrain. Modernity has finally caught up with tradition in a sense. The Pentastar V6 3.6-litre engine, the new star powerhouse across the CJD portfolio has finally seen application in

the car that calls for the toughest of duty. For those unfamiliar with the engine - it delivers 285 horsepower and a torque of 353Nm, which represent an increase of 40% and 10% respectively over the outgoing 6-cylinder inline unit. In addition the car gets a brand new 5-speed auto transmission that is shared with the Grand Cherokee. But thats not all. Wrangler afficionados love the fact that the workhorse stays true to the Jeep as it was with the American army during WWII. There have been huge improvements, but it remains one of the vehicles that looks so much like the ancestor that even a newbie knows the provenance. So it is a challenege for the designer and engineer to seek to reinvent the car. Do you acknowledge that it has a winning formula and hold back from

fixing imaginary problems? Or do you reinvent the car? We are glad that circumstance and utility have ensured that the balance has been left at ironing out niggles and weaknesses rather than trying to reinvent the wheel. In a discussion we had at the resort before starting out on the drive, engineers chose to highlight that they managed to make the new 5-speed unique. Firstly they have used the extra gear available to provide for a steeper ratio on the first gear, providing a lower crawl ratio. Then depending on the variant of the Wrangler drivetrain ordered that ratio itself could be varied from 3.21, 3.73 or 4.21, representing huge differences in the pulling power available. Then there have been significant adaptations to the underbody. The Wrangler

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offers what the company assures us is best in class approach and departure angles at 44.6 and 40.6 with an aggressive breakover angle of 25.5 degrees. The more urban versions of the Wrangler, if you choose to call them that - the Sport and Sahara are equipped with a Dana 30 front axle and a Dana 44 rear axle. Its two-speed transfer case is a Command-Trac NV241 that offers a 2.72:1 ratio on the low range. This can be mated with an optional Trac-Lok limited slip rear differential. Meanwhile the Rubicon really takes aggressiveness to a new level. It gets the heavier duty Dana 44 variants on both front and rear axles and a Rock-Trac NV241 step down box that offers a huge 4.0:1 ratio on the low gears. These then get the added versatlity

of electrically operated front and rear locking differentials, the ability to electrically uncouple the anti-sway bar through a splined shaft arrangement and large 32-inch tyres to offer good fordability and the ease of stepping over rocks. Now we understood why we had shifted to the Rubicon variant in the first place. The Rubicon trail is considered 10/10 in terms of toughness for offroad vehicles to cross. It is located on the western side of Lake Tahoe, which lies on the border between Nevada and California. You have to fly into Nevadas second city of sin Reno in order to access the lovely ski resorts that dot the California side of the lake. On the morning of our leg out, we had got into a convoy of Sports and Saharas and driven down the road bordering the enormous lake that sits almost

2000 feet above sea level. After getting a chance to judge the added civility that has been tuned into the suspension, the new interiors with a better sound system, latest navigation and better quality touch and feel elements, we went offroad to the base of the trail. Here the team switched over to the Rubicons and set off up the trail. The initial part of the drive is quite tame, with gravel and some small undulations serving to set the tone. As we gained altitude the terrain began to get more challenging as tree roots intruded into the path and we had to start moving sideways to avoid banging into them. You have to admire the way in which the American populace has consciously decided to leave their forest trails in a virgin state. The rocks a few metres off from the trail look like

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sPecial Feature

uPgrAded iNteriors
It looks like Jeep decided to match competitors with a cabin that reflects its Wrangler owners level of wealth rather than sticking to utility. A new navigation system, audio and phone interface and lots of speakers push the cabin upmarket

RUBICON indicates that the car is Trail Ready for this 10/10 trail

The indicators on the fenders keep the Wrangler road legal

trAil grAde
While the lower profile road tyres do duty on the Sport. However once you go off-road the Mud Terrain tyres with their large knobby treads make all the difference in performance.

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trAditioN rules
With the Wrangler, you cant fiddle with its heritage while engine and geartrain are overhauled, the exterior remains true to the breed we already love.

PeNtAstAr wAy
The Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 engine has become the mainstay across the range of CJD. However, in the Wrangler and the Unlimited it outshines the older 6-cylinder and offers optimum performance.

We didnt need the tie-downs provided on the bonnet

You dont fiddle with tradition. We love the look!

coMPAct
The engine bay accommodates the Pentastar and looks like it could take a larger V8. In terms of adaptability the brand is looking at world markets and has to make engine variants available.

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{road test}

they havent been disturbed for millions of years. As for the trail itself, our trail guides stopped us and walked us through the tough parts, aligning us to the best attack angles and throwing in a helpful rock on the path once in a while. The convoy was gaining altitude not just by going up a path but in some places by actually climbing up naturally formed stairs in the path. After a nice interlude for lunch on a scenic knoll called Observation point, we started off on the really tough part. This was far more dramatic in the size of the boulders we had on the path and it was here that we found the longer wheelbase of the Unlimited facing some challenges as large rocks banged against the rocker panels and rear guards. But it didnt look as if any of our hosts or guides were bothered, smiling as they shepherded us through to the camp where we were to stay overnight. This camp is based on the shores of Lake Loon, a waterbody that seems to have been the result of a gigantic beaver dam. While we had been warned of the mosquitoes around the lake, generous quantities of spray-on repellant were available. A huge bonfire and

a cook out rounded off a thoroughly western theme of a day. Of course, Jeep believe in being thorough, so we drove the Wranglers back the way we had come the next day. The toughest part - named Cadillac hill apparently because years ago they found a Pontiac way up on the trail (with no one knowing how it managed to get there in the first place) - now had to be crossed uphill. We guess it is at this point that you realise that the Wrangler is really unique in its ability to handle the challenges of the outdoors. The trail is rather tight, the sort of trail where at best you would be able to walk two abreast. The problem is that when we tried to walk up the trail, we would tire out in a few hundred meters. As for the Wrangler, all we needed to do was slot it in 1st low and literally let it walk over the rocks at 1000 rpm. All the time we had the airconditioning switched on - since the sun managed to make it just a little uncomfortable when compared to the cold night weather that saw us bundled up in sleeping bags. If you ask us whether the company has scored with the upgraded Wrangler - yes, they have. Importantly, the car stays true to the

virtues every user expects of it. It is rugged and a mans car in every way. Solid axles on front and rear, no fancy variable height suspension and stuff and no electronic attempts to add in terrain response or the like. You have to know what you are doing in the Wrangler - when to use low, when to lock differentials and when to free the sway bar. Great. Overall, the new Chrysler Corporation is doing a remarkable job of reinventing itself. Cars like the new Grand Cherokee and Durango are obviously completely new. The new Charger is a reskin, but what a reskin it is! And the 300 manages to distance the look from its Pseudo Bentley look to something that is unique yet completely butch. The Wrangler stays the faithful linchpin in the scheme of things, looking almost the same, yet coming across as a refreshingly new ride as we gathered by being the only media to avail ourselves of a 2011 Wrangler kept at the hotel. If you have driven the Wrangler you will want to drive the new one to see all your wish list items ticked off. If you havent ever - it is about time you got into one. It will surprise you.

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sPecial Feature

promised by is year and as the region th eaded an our returned to too the SLS h rformance T air. This year The AMG Pe e CLS63. a day-night aff e, C63 and th le East it was the C63 Coup Daimler Midd that included e-up impressive lin
Author Raj W ography arrior Phot Jorge Ferrari

back on e touR th
he Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi is host to one of the night race events on the F1 calendar. And you can see why when you look around the circuit at night, from the pulsating and ever changing colour on the whale like silhouette of the Yas hotel to the almost perfect lighting you get as you speed around the corners. This year, the AMG Performance Tour returned to the Yas circuit as a day-night event and considering the heat of the day time drives last year - we were grateful for the change. The tour is designed to allow potential and current AMG owners the opportunity to truly get to know their cars in a controlled environment and with access to expert instructors. Of course we car journalists make the best of the opportunity provided - driving the cars before anyone else get their hands on the wheel. And the Performance Tour lives up to its name with at least 10,000 horsepower of cars on offer - between the numbers of SLS, C63 and CLS63 and the lone SLS GT3. Like previous AMG events, this year too the event was split up into multiple items including hot laps with C63 and CLS63, hot laps in the SLS, a handling course with the C63 and a performance parcour with the C63 and CLS63. In the bargain we were also offered the opportunity to have taxi rides in the SLS GT3. The performance parcour event was built around a

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sPecial Feature

Whether with the 457hp regular engine or the performance package equipped 487hp unit, the C63 offers blistering track credentials with quick sprints, superlative braking and the ability to oversteer at will.

quarter mile long drag strip where we started out racing head to head between similar cars, ergo C63 against C63 and were given opportunities to switch cars. But the more interesting races became those that featured the C63 against the CLS63. Hardly fair you

would say, considering the difference in the performance parameters of the two cars, but one that served to highlight the differences in a positive manner. We looped back on the small circuit with a few tight corners to take more time on the drag strip.

The handling event was based outside the actual track area and was centred on a skid pad with a kick plate on the entry point. You got into your C63 Coupe, powered in flat out on the accelerator and allowed the kick plate to throw your rear out to either the left or right and random. The tricky bit of controlling the car came into play there. The car is moving along the base vector across the skid plate while the car itself is spinning around its central axis. Here we learned after a couple of complete spins to lift off and counter steer to provide some dramatic footage for the video cameras. The skid pad is kept so slippery by jets of water sprayed onto the coated surface of the pad. Once the car exited the pad we then had to steer our way through a tight handling course marked out with cones that brought us back to the start. The drives around the track later in the SLS

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The C63 AMG is a far more balanced car, yet can be quite vicious when pushed to the extreme. Its biturbo assisted 5.5 litre unit also offers a regular and a performance package, with the latter producing 557hp.

and the C63 and CLS63 were entertaining in their own right. Even with part of the track marked off for the parcours event and the outer loop not being used, we get more than 2 kilometres on the loop. One part of the drive that will remain with us is the dramatic exit from the pit lane as you dip down and under the course to join it on the contra side. The walls of the tunnel seem to close in on you and the twist as you flick left into the tunnel while sitting way back in the seat of the SLS is best handled at a moderate speed. Once through that we can freely speed up and whether you are in the SLS or one of the muscle sedans or coupes the thrills are available for the picking. The two cars that really stood out this time were the C63 in both its body variants and the CLS63. The C63 is a lot lighter and comes equipped with the 6208cc, 457hp engine with 600Nm of torque. The engine is partnered with

the 7-speed AMG Speedshift transmission with MCT with 4 drive modes, double-declutching and a Race Start function. The drive modes vary between the C comfort setting to the S and S+ sport settings and the M manual mode. The car can hit 100 from a standing start in 4.5secs. However, for the event we had the C63 with the Performance Package and that adds more fun. Now the car has 487hp on tap and does 100 in 4.4secs. The performance package has been inspired by the SLS with the engine getter lighter parts. The CLS63 on the other hand gets a smaller engine in terms of displacement. This too is a V8 like the C63 has but it is only 5461cc yet a lot more powerful due to the bi-turbo boost to deliver 525hp and 700Nm of torque. With the performance package the car gets a 557hp engine with 800Nm of torque. We had the performance package available on the track. This car too has the 7-speed MCT

transmission with double-declutching and the 4 drive modes and offers ride control settings in addition to Race Start. In terms of straight line performance, the C63 takes off faster with more wheel spin but the CLS catches it up in the first 100 metres and from there it is almost neck and neck. The trick is to judge the braking distance down to perfection, since the C brakes just a little bit harder than the CLS does. In handling around the bends the C begs you to throw it about as you can get effortless oversteer under acceleration. The CLS is more balanced and corrects itself a lot faster too even in the S+ mode. It is hard to pick a particular high point of the evenings drive both the C and CLS feature at the top of the list. Or just perhaps the day was stolen by the SLS soft-top that was premiered to us at the start of the evening. Yes, we had fun at Yas Island with the AMGs.

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A
Author, Photography Raj Warrior

day

the new Fortuner beefs up the mid-range of suvs from toyota, moving ever so gradually towards being a black tie off-roader.

ough, rugged, utilitarian. You could describe most of Toyotas four-wheel drive vehicles with these adjectives. If we leave out the RAV4 which was way ahead of its time in being a more urban-centric crossover, the rest of the breed fit the bill. Right from the land Cruiser, the smaller but not a bit less capable Prado right to the LandCruiser II series of vehicles - Toyota makes a range that sets standards for toughness and reliability. That made the job all that more difficult when the brand chose to manufacture a common platform based series from its Thailand plant. The HiLux pickup, Innova MPV and the Fortuner SUV are all based on a rearwheel drive frame and body arrangement that has proven extremely popular not just in Thailand but in many countries that are looking for value imperatives. These models are sold in countries are far apart in their market dynamics as South Africa, India, Australia and even here in the GCC. So what is it that makes the Fortuner stand out in the bunch. Now that the refreshed and reskinned new Fortuner is in town, we can step back and take a look at its potential. The Fortuner is a relatively compact package for all its abilities.

With a length of 4705mm and height of 1850mm it seems imposing from the profile. It sits on a wheelbase of 2750mm. For all that the overhangs dont seem excessive because the car sits high above the ground. Ground clearance is substantial enough to give a high rider effect and you can see that the presence of the frame is very evident. Of course every attempt has been made to visually tone the car into a more urbane vehicle. Body panels are rounded and come low down, the moulded bumpers have character and bleed into aggressive overfenders and the hood has now taken on a more macho stance with a musclecar bulge streaking back from the redesigned grille. The headlights are a combination of large main beams and projector lamps for the low beams and in the top variant which we were driving for the test the headlights get washers too. The Fortuner comes with two engine variants. Base grades get the 2.7-litre 4-cylinder engine with DOHC, VVTi and an output of 158HP at 5200rpm and torque of 241Nm at 3800rpm. With this engine a 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission are available. The larger engine continues to be Toyotas venerated 4.0-litre

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{road test}
body panels are rounded and come low down, the moulded bumpers have character and bleed into aggressive overfenders and the hood has now taken on a more macho stance with a musclecar bulge streaking back from the redesigned grille

The Fortuners V6 engine generates a healthy 235hp and a peak torque of 375Nm
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Also the Fortuner behaves better when it is loaded up in the rear - obviously the springs are designed to carry a load
V6 VVTi unit with DOHC and the ability to churn out 235HP at 5200rpm while offering peak torque of 375Nm. In this grade of the car a 5-speed automatic is offered as standard. Both the versions have a full-time fourwheel drive arrangement with a transfer case arrangement that can be accessed from the centre console mounted lever. You get three modes from that - 4H, 4H with rear diff locked and 4L with rear diff locked. The smaller engine manages that with a Limited Slip Differential but in the 4.0-litre the locking diff is a boon. The interiors of the line topper are a far cry from the utilitarian. Soft beige interiors, soft feel plastics and a combination of optitron lighting on the IP and a 6.1 inch colour display screen take it upmarket. Yes, the display also shows the view from the rearview camera as well as audio information. The steering wheel also projects the upmarket feel, lined with buttons to take care of the audio functions, cruise control and a factory installed bluetooth connection. The audio system comes with a high grade factory fitted CD-player and USB and aux-inputs. In the fashion of the Land Cruiser, the Fortunes third row of seats also fold down and flip up and stow on the sides. This is required by the presence of the underfloor spare tyre and the large fuel tank. But if you choose to deploy the seats, seating room is sufficient and the second row and third row benefit from dedicated air-conditioning too. In terms of performance, the low revving engine is a delight. It offers substantial grunt at the start itself, spooling up the gears without seeming to hog the rev band at all. You can still cause the tyres to screech at the traffic signals despite the full-time 4WD arrangement. And once you get off-road the tight springing, large travel and higher seating position become distinct advantages. On road the ride is still choppy and becomes even more so under hard manouevering and braking. Somehow, getting some soft sand under your wheels tends to soften the harshness out while allowing the Fortuner to show how it dictates on bad terrain. The engine can be revved a lot higher but you never seem to need the revs available. Low gear, 4L and terrain like rocks and sand seem to glide under your wheels. Turns can be a bit tricky once the rear diff is locked and you are glad for the presence of sand or dusty gravel to help slide the vehicle around. Also the Fortuner behaves better when it is loaded up in the rear - obviously the springs are designed to carry a load and lack of that adds to the choppiness. The suspension is a combination of rigid axles with double wishbones at the front and a 4link coil spring arrangement at the rear. The Fortuner sits in a strategic segment for Toyota. As the land Cruiser and Prado have

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moved upmarket in features with their new platforms and the constantly strengthening Yen has added to the woes of selling Japan made products, the Fortuner makes for a sensible offering at the price point. Oddly enough most of the mainstream utility SUVs seem to have vacated the 10 to 15,000 Rial bracket and thats where the Fortuner sits comfortably. And its customer base is the sort who look for exceptional value and utility in a challenging economic environment. Thats why the previous Fortuner has been so popular with fleet buyers, utility companies and tour operators. And the retail customer continues to follow suit.

Third row splits and stacks up on the sides for useable storage volume.
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A completely new RAnge beckons

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the newest addition from the land rover is in the region, making a dbut to a select audience in the hills of Jordan. raj warrior reports from the drive.

EDITORIAL

NOMINEE ER EVOqUE UV

RANgE ROV

pREMIUM S

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storY}

hen you look at the new Range Rover Evoque, the first reaction would be either Wow or Huh? It isnt as if there is anything wrong with the car. In simple terms it is amongst the best looking cars of the day. The profile is by any means the most striking feature. Like the Sport before it, the proportions are becoming almost classic. The height at the Evoques A-pillar is more than at the sloping D-pillar regions, the bonnet and front fascia are so typically Range Rover, while the headlight clusters and the wraparound bumpers evoke an image of other upmarket brands. So why the dichotomy in responses? It is because of the sense of disbelief that the car engenders. I have owned a few cars from the Land Rover stable myself. A couple of Discovery gen ones and a 2002 Range Rover brought along one significant change in my outlook on the brand and the models it makes. My first Discovery brought out sniggers from friends have you brought a trailer to carry the spares? being a remark that stays fresh. There was essentially nothing wrong with

either of the Discovery or the Range Rover. Every single one of them was a great drive both off-road and on the road. But they had their niggles and were quite hands-on in terms of needing TLC from the owner. In these days of the Japanese inspired fill-it, forget-it vehicles, the English brand was headed for a precipice that even its loyal clientle couldnt stop it from going over. But some things happened along the way to change prospects including certain ownership changes which have brought about new models like the new generation of Range Rovers including the Range Rover Sport. Performance, luxury and yes, dependability now started coming together in a winning combination. But in todays world that isnt enough especially when being at the top of the heap means having only 4-litre plus engines and natural progression making every product top the US$ 70,000 price point. The current scenario of the luxury market has to include a significant and growing customer base in the new car markets of China, India, Russia, South America and

thats where the new market is luxury compact crossovers or light duty suvs with loads of features, good performance and the connect to the luxury badge

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secondary Asian economies. The size of the market in the United States, Europe and Japan is under pressure from many sides and fuel costs are becoming deal breakers for large engines in many markets. Thats the rationale for the Evoque just like the Q3 and Q5, X1, GLK, SRX and the announced Cajun project from Porsche. Thats where the new market is luxury compact cross-overs or light duty SUVs with loads of features, good performance and the connect to the luxury badge that gives it guaranteed appeal to a whole new breed of owner. The Range Rover Evoque is thus the new thrust into the growing me-too segment. It is me-too from both sides of the equation the car makers and the buyers as well. Lets come back to the initial situation outlined would you say Wow or Huh to a car that dares to take the brand into virgin territory? In the Evoques defence the wows far outweigh any doubts. It stays true to the LRX concept that came out in 2008 in form. And in its threedoor form the car is so evocative of the LRX that the companys claim that it has basically

not varied can be accepted. The Evoque still manages to look like two different cars in its three and five-door version and this is only the beginning of the variants. The Evoque has five trim levels and comes with a choice in drive train controllers and features. But one feature remains constant the Evoques 2.0-litre Si4 engine that generates an impressive 240PS of power from its turbocharged, dual variable valve headers and direct injection. In other market an equally impressive 2.2-litre diesel engine is available from launch. But in our market the Si4 is set to redefine the way in which we see Range Rovers. Imagine the next larger engine is all of 4.4-litres in size, so the 2.0-litre has a huge performance-gap to fill in terms of perception. It helps that the Evoque is a relatively lightweight platform. Built on the underpinnings of the LR2 the car has dimensions of 4355mm length as a coup that increases only by 10mm as a 5-door. The wheelbase is exactly the same at 2660mm. Height changes only by

30mm with the lower slung coup at 1605mm. When you remember that the maximum height is at the top of the A-pillars, it means that there is just a little difference built in over the rearward slope and the size and shape of the doors. In the case of the three-door the rear half of the profile is dominated by the blacked out surrounds of the fixed rear pane. Visually the front doors could have been wider to give the coup a more car like profile. However the car is already wide enough at 2125mm (with mirrors) and the doors need to be gauged to avoid causing parking lot issues. A core feature of the Evoque, that keeps it a Range Rover in identity is the aggressive profile it has as a crossover. An approach angle of 25 degrees and departure angle of 33 degrees makes it more than able to handle some of worst terrain. Combined with a generous ground clearance of 215mm the car can get over stones and troughs. We were able to test the Evoque in both its on-road capabilities as well as off-road. Onroad the car benefits a lot from the optional Dynamic mode, marked by a winding highway

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clAssy cAbiN
The Evoque stays firmly with the family in terms of its upmarket interiors. Rotary gear selector, dual-view screens and an all too familar steering wheel and driving position make the new car look like a baby Sport

Projector lamps, LED eye rims and sleek styling make for catchy headlights.

desigNer wheels
The car has a choice of wheel sizes and styles that go with various trim levels. For the performance bits off-road, we were offered two cars with the smaller 18 alloys.

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FeAture rich
Whether its the key-free entry, the Start- Stop button for the engine or the optional 17-speaker system with an amplifier in 15 of them, the Evoque targets an upmarket clientele.

geAred out
The Sport mode in the gearing is quite aggressive, holding the selected gear all the way to 5000 rpm before upshifting. It makes for a rather noisy drive with the small turbo engine.

sPorty seAts
Depending on the variant you can get seats that range from sporty and supportive to the really aggressive

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sign on the centre console partnered with the other four buttons of a new generation terrain response system. First the cars equipped with the Dynamic mode get a third generation magnetic ride response system on the suspension. This takes its feedback from the rate and intensity of bounce on the wheel points to seamlessly tighten up rebound and offer a lower ride height and centre of gravity. The engine and gearbox combination is superb. The Si4 unit is linked to a version of the 6-speed automatic transmission on the range. In S mode the gearbox holds the cog at least up to 5000 rpm before upshifting. However manual mode is where you want to be. Onroad the best combination is to have the car with Dynamic ride control, auto gearbox and paddle shift in manual mode. Gearshifts are remarkably smooth with the engine providing a little blip as required. Downshift and the gearbox jumps down two gears to oblige the transition between auto and manual mode. After that it moves like a hot knife through butter. When you have a small engine, even with a good turbo tagged on, you have to let it rev and use the gears freely. Acceleration is said to be 7.6 seconds on the 0-100 sprint and the car really communicates every bit of the way. Variants are also available without the Dynamic Ride control. The more off-road biased variants have 18-inch tyres compared to the 20 inch on the on-road biased unit. This makes for a better ride over rough terrain. You can use the terrain-response and the low gear ration of first gear to crawl over rocks and to get some travel out of the suspension as well as demonstrate articulation like we saw in the hills around Madhaba near the Dead Sea. The drive in Jordan also brought about another facet of the car. In Oman, UAE and the likes the Evoque will be overshadowed by its bigger sibling. We are all so familiar with the large Ranges that we will see it as a poor cousin. But it isnt and that is visible when the car is driven in places like Jordan where its amazingly fresh looks and Range Rover tag count for a lot. This will similarly be the case in the new markets. The Evoque is definitely among the top of its class of compact luxury crossovers and will be central in the move towards volume production at Land Rover.

storY}

si4 2.0l Petrol Auto 4wd

height MM (iN) width MM (iN) leNgth MM (iN) wheelbAse MM (iN) turNiNg circle M (Ft) MiN weight FroM Kg (lb) FroNt susPeNsioN reAr susPeNsioN brAKes steeriNg Four wheel-drive systeM eNgiNe tyPe disPlAceMeNt cc bore/stroKe MM (iN) coMPressioN rAtio MAx Power Ps (Kw) MAx Power us bhP MAx torQue NM (lb Ft) coMbiNed Fuel coNsuMPtioN l/100KM (MPg) eMissioNs co2 g/KM trANsMissioN Fuel tANK cAPAcity litres/iMP gAls rANge - Miles (KM) 0-60 MPh 0-100 KPh toP sPeed MPh (KPh) 1605 (63.2) 1965 (77.4) 4355 (171.5) / 4365 (171.9) dyNAMic derivAtive 2660 (104.8) 11.3 (37.1) 1640 (3615) MAcPhersoN strut with lower coNtrol ArM ANd ANti-roll bAr strut AsseMbly with lAterAl ANd loNgitudiNAl liNKs ANd ANtiroll bAr veNtilAted disc FroNt / solid disc reAr electric Power Assisted rAcK ANd PiNioN Full tiMe 4 wheel drive with hAldex reAr Axle diFFereNtiAl trANsverse, iN-liNe 4-cyliNder, vAriAble vAlve tiMiNg, direct iNJectioN gAsoliNe turbo 1999 87.5 / 83.1 (3.45 / 3.27) 10 240 (177) 240 340 (251) 8.7 (32.5)

eu5 199 6 sPeed Auto 70 500 (805) 7.1 7.6 135 (217)

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First drive

Small
Author Chandan B Mallik Photography Anish Basu Mallik

the eon is hyundais first compact hatchback developed specifically for india and is aimed at the bulging middle of the countrys car market. Automan checked out this new mini car recently

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First drive

ime flies in the automotive world and especially in fiercely competitive emerging markets like India. A little over two years ago, the then managing director of Hyundai Motor India, H S Lheem in an interview very casually remarked that the Korean carmaker was looking to go below its entry level Santro and make a car smaller and cheaper than it. At the time, many experts thought that Lheem was being over ambitious as it meant challenging Maruti Suzukis global top seller Alto model, which had been ruling the cost conscious segment for over a decade. Last month, Hyundai shot into the Indian spotlight when it formally launched the Eon as its entry level candidate directly pitted against the current volume seller Alto. In the process, Hyundai has also stirred up a hornets nest in the segment. The Eon is 3,495mm long [same as the Alto], but is marginally wider and longer as it is built on a new platform also shared with the new Kia Picanto [with some minor dimensional changes]. Like a supermini, its wheels have been pushed to the corners allowing for a 2,380mm wheelbase and extra space in the cabin. The car sports Hyundais fluidic sculpture language and according to YH Song who spearheaded the Eon project, said that the Eons sporty design was a result of some inputs from Indias National Institute of Design. The front-wheel drive Eon is powered by transversely-mounted normally-aspirated three-cylinder 814cc engine mated to a fivespeed manual gearbox. The engine produces 56ps at 5,500rpm and torque of 76Nm comes at 4,000rpm and both these figures outclass the current Alto. Despite the fact the car has been built with a specific price band in mind, Hyundai have ensured that fit, finish and trims used are of global standards. Inside the cabin, theres no compromise and theres generous head and legroom from front occupants besides comfortable space for five adults and luggage. Although, dashboard and instrumentation are basic, most controls are

logically placed. For the Indian markers, the Eon is offered in six variants: D-lite, D-lite (O), Era, Magna, Magna (O) and Sportz. Depending on trim level chosen, features available include key-less entry, driver air bags, front power windows, fog lamps, central locking and two tone interiors. Driving impressions Usually, one doesnt expect a lot in handling or performance from an under 1.0-litre compact car running on 145/80 R12 rubber. However, the first feel is that the Eon actually feels bigger than it actually is. Part in thanks to its power steering and modern suspension set-up which include McPherson strut with coil spring and anti-roll bar up front, and torsion beam axle with spring coil at the rear and also the asymmetric track [front is wider than rear]. Our test drive with the car took us on several B-roads and the suspension in general is quite adapt in absorbing road imperfections before it reaches the driver. Despite its dimunative size, the Eon is quite stable and NVH management is quite good. While, the cab forward architecture car allows the driver a great front view, but the wide C-pillar doesnt help in blind spot management which can be tricky in tight spots. Since the cars powertrain is designed to offer exceptional fuel efficiency, hence when moving from standstill in first gear, the engine may appear hesitating a bit, but when it reaches operational speeds, gear shifting from the short throw shifter is a delight and so are the brakes. Steering is slightly on the heavier side but offers good feedback to the driver, but the car does feel front heavy at times depending on road surface. Compared to the Alto, the Eon is a step up in several departments and despite labeled as a budget car, it is much better than the no-frills Tata Nano. Verdict Its after a long time that the Indian market sees some aggressive movement in the breadand-butter segment.

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the two faces of motorsports

Motorsports is such a competitive field with money poured into product development to a level where we almost forget that it is mainly about the people.
he roar of engines and the wafer thin margins of victory blind us to one of motorsports core values. From the earliest days of the sport it has been about the people behind it. Whether they are the engineers who slog away in pit-lane or in the factory, the designers who make the super fast machines in contest or the drivers and riders who put their lives on the line motorsports has always been about its people. And this year has been particularly rich in terms of bringing the people to the fore. For instance take this years champion of the Formula One circuit. A second time winner, this year Sebastian Vettel proved emphatically that the win was not so much about his car being the best. Skill and consistency ensured that his season win happened well before the end phase. At 24 years of age this German race driver has the world at his feet. He has even been compared to the other legendary German driver Michael Schumacher. Driving for Red Bull since 2009 after a career started in 1997 as a child driving karts, Formula BMW victories and a stint with BMW Sauber, he managed to overcome a lacklustre start to his first year to be in the title contention leaving it to the season penultimate Brazilian GP where he needed at least a second place to get the title, instead finishing in fourth to let Jenson Button take the championship. It must have rankled because the 2010 season saw a far better performance from him. However the year looked like it was going to team mate mark Webber at the beginning and went on to demonstrate a rather rocky relationship including an instance when Vettel crashed in Webbers car in an overtaking manoeuvre in the Turkish GP. He also won the Japanese GP to become the youngest driver to win two consecutive times at the same course. However his fortunes came down to the last two races of the year with Brazil playing an important part with Vettels lead in a onetwo finish for the team giving Redbull the
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Constructors championship. Season ending Abu Dhabi again became the venue for a start to finish lead in the race to become the youngest F1 champion. This year too didnt start on the best note the bahrain GP was postponed and then abandoned. But he regularly managed to get the pole positions, even if he had to face incidents like a bungled pit stop in Monaco that delayed him and saw him on the wrong tyres only to be saved by a crash involving Vitaly Petrov that allowed him to switch tyres and win the race. He had a charmed run this year, with 14 consecutive front row starts and eleven successive top two finishes by the time he entered his home race, where he finished in fourth palce after a third place start. By Belgium he had accumulated a 92 point lead and in Monza he got his 10th pole position of the season joining Ayrton Senna as the only drivers to have taken 10 pole positions in two years. He entered the Japan GP needing only one point to clinch the championship. This meant he had to finish tenth or better. He started on pole but had to be content with a third spot on the podium, winning the championship. By this he became the youngest ever back-to-back champion. In Korea his first place ensured Redbull its Constructors championship. The other winner we look at is from the world of Motorcycles. Casey Stoner, a 26-year old Australian rider began his international biking career in 2002 and is now a two time winner of the MotoGP series. His career has seen him move up the ranks in the classes from 125cc to 250cc in 2005 until it took a major leap upwards when he got on the factory Ducati team on one of their 800cc Desmosedici GP7 partnering Loris Capirossi. In that year he had 10 wins from 6 pole starts and he took the championship by 125 points over Dani Pedrosa. However 2008 was not as kind to him, seeing a winning start at Qatar followed by a dry spell and then a second place and three victories. At one stage he was within

motor sPorts
three abreast formation salute. In his career he has won the 2005 Indianapolis 500 and the 24 hours of Daytona. He was almost a Formula One driver having been offered a chance with BMW Sauber in 2007 only to decline it as he was guaranteed regular race drives. The other loss to motorsports is Marco Simoncelli. who at 24 years of age was involved in a horrific crash at the Malaysian GP. He was in fourth position on the second lap of the MotoGP race when his bike slipped and he was catapulted by the flipping bike into the path of Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi. Simoncellis helmet had come off and his face had been drageed on the tarmac and he was still. Both Edwards and Rossi too suffered injuries, with edwards having a dislocated shoulder. Despite 45 minutes of CPR, Simoncelli died at the tracks medical centre. Simoncelli too had worked up the ranks, riding 125cc bikes with Aprilia since 2002 to graduate to 250cc Gileras and finally hitting the big time with MotoGP on the Honda RC212V. In his GP career he has had 14 wins from 148 races. Of course the world is asking whether motorsports are too dangerous. Over the years a lot has been done to make the sports safer and more predictable. But there is no overcoming the laws of physics or the excitement of speed. As long as we have an audience that adulates the champion, we also risk mortality. That is perhaps what sets aside motor racing as a sport, not a game.

sight of the lead in the championship only to have successive crashes wipe out the chance. He finished the year as runner up to Rossi. In 2009 Nicky Hayden joined Stoner at Ducati. A strong start to the season saw him battling for the lead with Yamahas Rossi and Lorenzo before he was struck down by an anaemia and a stomach disorder that affected his performance. He missed a few rounds but even though he showed a strong rebound

he wasnt in contention this year. 2010 was similarly a year with sporadic performance including a crash in Qatar and another in Le Mans. The high point for him was his decision to switch from Ducati to the Repsol Honda team. Here he started of the 2011 season with a victory in Qatar and went on to post three of the first five with wins in le Mans and Catalunya. It was at the home race in Australia that Stoner picked up his second world championship. However motorsports is not only about its winners. This year saw two horrific crashes that ended in tragedy and they were only a week apart. In the first event Dan Wheldon, an IRL Indycar driver from England was involved in a multi-car smash that took out 15 cars during the 11th lap of the race. He was extricated and airlifted to hospital where he arrived with unsurvivable injuries, where he died. The race was abandoned and the drivers unanimously voted to give him a five lap,

r.i.P. dan wheldon

22 JuNe 1978 16 october 2011

Marco simoncelli
20 JANuAry 1987 23 october 2011

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Vettel VIctoRy gIVes ReDbUll constRUctoRs cRown AgAIn

he mathematics for Red Bull Racing in Korea were very simple: 130 points ahead of McLaren and with a maximum of 129 available from the last three rounds of the championship, they simply needed to stop McLaren beating them in Yeongyam. For much of a season where they had already taken nine wins and fourteen other podium finishes, that would not have seemed like a tall order but McLaren were the form team in Japan, and looked even better in Korea. When Lewis Hamilton kept Red Bull off pole for the first time this year, and with Jenson Button lining up behind him on the clean side of the track, it looked like Red Bull might have to wait until India to pick up their title. Team principal Christian Horner, however, revealed he expected his drivers to perform better in the race than in qualifying. With Friday practice all-but washed out, Red Bull opted to spend much of their one dry hour of practice running on Saturday concentrating on longrun race pace, rather than one-lap qualifying speed. I thought it was going to be a very, very hard race with the McLarens today, said Horner after the chequered flag. But I think our preparation yesterday morning was crucial. We put quite a bit of focus into the race and perhaps sacrificing something in qualifying but it paid dividends today. You know the other teams chose to focus on their qualifying preparation [but what Red Bull chose] was the definitely the right call and stood us in good stead for today. Red Bull were aided by their best start of the season which is simpler than it sounds given qualifying second (Sebastian Vettel) and fourth (Mark Webber) was their worst Saturday performance. While the first corner went by the numbers, both drivers were able to claim a place on the first lap and, effectively stay in those places until the end of the race. Vettel led comfortably to the chequered flag, and while Webber could not find a way past McLarens Lewis Hamilton (though not for want of trying) his third position, ahead of McLarens Jenson Button in fourth was more than enough margin to secure the title. After the 12 second gap between winner and the first of the pack, three and a half seconds covered Webber, Button and Alonso at the flag, with Hamilton less than half a second ahead of Webber largely due to his ability to close the gate on Webber and recovering

having secured the drivers title in suzuka, red bull racing made it two-out-of-two by taking the constructors championship in Korea.

every time Webber came up level in some exciting racing. The one-three result was sufficient to clinch the constructors title for Red Bull, to add to the drivers title that Vettel took in Japan. Ferraris Felipe Massa had run ahead of

Alonso until the final pit stops - which were much less frequent than expected as everyone bar Sauber team mates Kamui Kobayashi and Sergio Perez and HRTs Tonio Liuzzi only made two apiece - but the Spaniard ran longer and came out ahead of him before launching his

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motor sPorts -F1 PETROV PENALISED AFTER COLLISION

enaults Vitaly Petrov has been handed a five-place grid penalty for the Indian Grand Prix after he was adjudged to have caused the lap 16 collision with Michael Schumacher that caused the both drivers to retire from todays Korean GP. Schumacher was rounding turn three when Petrov flew through the apex, slamming into the rear of the Germans Mercedes and tearing off Schumachers rear wing. Both were forced to retire from the race. I didnt see Vitaly coming, said Schumacher. I was just suddenly spun into a direction I had not intended to go, and then I saw my rear wing hanging off. It was unfortunate but these things happen when you fight hard thats racing. Its another unfortunate end to a race which could have been encouraging today, he added. Its a big pity as the car was again very good in race trim and I had already gained some positions. It would have been interesting to see what was possible, and I think we could certainly have taken some points. I apologise to Michael, it was absolutely my fault. Once my wheels were locked there was nothing I could do. - Vitaly Petrov,Renault Petrov will now have to start the Indian GP five places lower than whatever grid slot he achieves in qualifying but tool full blame for the incident in Korea and apologised to Schumacher. I tried to defend my position from Fernando [Alonso] but I was in the braking zone on the dirty side of the track, which meant I locked my wheels and hit Michael, said the Russian. I apologise to Michael, it was not his fault, it was absolutely my fault. Once my wheels were locked there was nothing I could do about it.

blistering charge after Button. Massa was thus sixth, well ahead of Jaime Alguersuari who drove a super race for Toro Rosso to catch and pass Nico Rosbergs Mercedes on the last lap after an earlier attempt had been thwarted. Behind them, Sebastien Buemi in the second Toro Rosso likewise drove strongly to catch and pass Paul di Resta, the Scot bringing his Force India home 10th for the final point ahead of team mate Adrian Sutil. Rubens Barrichello was the final unlapped runner in 12th for Williams. Bruno Senna was Renaults only finisher, a lap down in 13th, after Vitaly Petrov took Mercedes Michael Schumacher out in a collision on the 17th lap which brought out the safety car. After the race the Yeongam stewards handed Petrov a reprimand and a five-place grid penalty for the next round in India.

The Petrov shunt almost taking to the air in his Lotus Constructors crown to Redbull

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HAmIlton HAppy AFteR webbeR bAttle

hamilton professed himself pleased with second place at the Korean grand Prix after fending off sustained pressure from red bull racings Mark webber for most of the race.
so I am happy, he added. For Webber the race was frustrating at times, as Hamilton made his car as wide as possible through the racing line, but no moment was as pivotal, the Australian said, than the second pit stop, which saw the rivals enter pitlane line astern. I think at the second stop we did the worst thing, Webber said. We didnt stop before or stop after [Hamilton], we stopped on the same lap. That was disappointing as clearly we had some good pace to pull away from Lewis, but in the end it was a good battle all the way through. I think that the McLaren was very strong off the corners, it had very good bottom end and midrange and this made it a little bit more difficult to pull the move off, he added. In the end, I tried to mix it up a little bit by passing him into turn one and then tried to get a bit more of a tow on the straight and then create some more pressure later in the lap. But I think the second pit stop was really what snookered us, I suppose. I was informing the team that my tyres were still good, but we still pitted. Yeah, that was a bit disappointing to do the same thing as Lewis because we should have done something different. In the end, I think it was a good battle for both of us, thats what Formula One racing should be about, it was on the edge, and well, it wasnt on the edge really but it was just a good race and we pushed each other hard so that was it. For Hamilton it will be a boost after enduring some tough races recently, and after his driving style came in for some criticism following a series of collisions with Ferraris Felipe Massa. The McLaren driver dismissed any suggestion that it would restore battered confidence, however. Well, I would never question my belief in myself, so thats not really something that needs doing, he said. I have got the trust and the confidence from the team so it is really just about trying to stay out of trouble, stay out of the stewards office and just keep my head down and hope for better results.

amilton started from pole but ceded the lead to champion Sebastian Vettel in turn four after the start, and while the German driver raced away to his 10th win of the year, Hamilton quickly became embroiled in an enthralling race-long battle for second with Webber. The Red Bull man was quicker than expected on his soft compound tyres in the second stint, and Hamilton, who had taken on a second set of supersofts, found himself unable to pull away. The tussle was eventually won by Hamilton, who grimly held on to second and later admitted that it had been a serious contest. Mark was pushing we were both pushing massively quick, as hard as we could, he said. For some reason the car got worse and worse, in terms of the front end of the car. The rear of the car was fine but I was having more and more lock throughout the race and I had all the front wing I could possibly have on the car, which is unusual. Nonetheless, we managed to stay ahead of him, but it was a serious battle. I have got the trust and the confidence from the team so it is really just about trying to stay out of trouble. - Lewis Hamilton, McLaren I had pretty much full lock on everywhere and was struggling with a lot of understeer but, nonetheless, it is a good weekend for me compared to what I have had in the past

HAMILTON PROFESSES INNOCENCE FOR SUZUKA INCIDENT

cLarens Lewis Hamilton professed his innocence after his race was marred by another collision with Ferraris Felipe Massa at the Japanese Grand Prix. After a tempestuous Singapore Grand Prix, which witnessed a near-collision, a real collision and a vitriolic post-race squabble, Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton may have wished to see rather less of each other in Japan but Formula One is rarely so obliging. The pair collided on lap 22, Massa attempting
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to pass Hamilton for third on the road, coming into the final chicane. The Brazilian got a good run out of the 130R corner and went to the outside. Hamilton also moved outside and, with Massa having nowhere else to go, the pair traded bodywork. They would go on to finish fifth and seventh respectively. Hamilton, whose race had already been compromised by a slow puncture that dropped him from second place into the midfield, later issued a half-apology, blaming

juddering mirrors for not being able to see the Ferrari behind him. I dont really know what happened with Felipe, said Lewis. The cars mirrors vibrate at high-speed, so I couldnt see him pulling alongside me. I want to apologise for our cars touching, but fortunately nothing happened to either of us. There was no bad intention towards Felipe; Ive got the utmost respect for him, hes a fantastic driver and he was extremely quick today.

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bUtton AnD Alonso tAke top two plAces, yet sUZUkA Is All Vettels At tHRee

he season hasnt quite come to a close, with some interesting circuits left to be raced - including Abu Dhabi and the first race on the new Indian circuit. But the F1 drivers championship is a close-out with Vettel getting more than the single point he needed at Suzuka. In the process Vettel becomes the youngest ever two-time champ with back-toback titles. Vettel drove a measured and riskfree race to third position in Suzuka, the 15 points he scored at being 14 more than he needed to confirm his status as the youngest double-world champion in Formula One history. With four races of the season remaining his margin of victory was some way removed from his last day heroics of 2010. In that context the German drivers very obvious delight was tinged with relief rather than surprise when he spoke in the official FIA post-race press conference. To win the championship here is pretty special and a bit funny at the same time, because its as confusing as the first one, he said. All of a sudden youre supposed to [clicks his fingers] yep, thats the moment, now enjoy. I think it will surely take a little bit of time to sink in. Vettels record in the first 15 races of this season is impressive: he took nine victories, four second places as well as todays third place. Fourth at his home race in Germany was the only time this year he did not been taste champagne at the end of a grand prix. He has also registered 12 pole positions so far and still has a reasonable chance of beating Nigel Mansells 1992 record of 14 in a season. Given his enviable run it is

perhaps surprising that Vettel said he believes this years car doesnt have the performance advantage Red Bull had last season. Instead the champion suggested the RB7s better record was the result of human endeavour, rather than mechanical prowess. The season has been fantastic, he said. I think, with a less dominant car than last year, we were able to do a very, very good job. We are very strong as a team. We made very few mistakes, especially at those times when it was critical. I think everyone working for Red Bull Racing can be very proud today [and] Renault has done a fantastic job. Vettels season began with wins in Australia and Malaysia. He followed that with further victories in Spain, Turkey Monaco and Valencia, home of the European Grand Prix. After the summer break he reeled off three further wins in Belgium, Italy and at Singapores night race. Suzukas third place is his second-worse result of the season, but it will probably be the most memorable.

As for the race itself, initially it looked as though Buttons race had been compromised when, after a good start, he was forced wide and onto the grass by ultra-defensive pole winner Sebastian Vettel, and then dropped behind Lewis Hamilton as the Red Bull driver powered away. Button protested over his radio that Vettel must be punished for that but when the race stewards ruled in the Germans favour Button had no choice but to fight back on pace. And when Hamilton slowed with severe tyre degradation Button re-took second and set off after Vettel, who was also having problems on Pirelliss soft compound tyres. With the gap down to 1.6 seconds ahead of the second round of pit stops, Button stayed out a lap longer than Vettel and used a good in-lap and a textbook stop to sneak out ahead of the champion elect. After that, the McLaren man controlled proceedings, and, even when forced to throttle back to save fuel in the closing stages, he was able to maintain a gap to second-placed Fernando Alonso to take his third win of the season. The 2009 champion paid tribute to Vettel whose third place made him the youngest double champion in F1 history. It should be Seb that we talk about, as this guy has done a great job this year, he said. However hard we have tried we havent been able to touch him in a lot of races so congratulations.

red bull racings sebastian vettel secured the 2011 F1 drivers championship with third place at the Japanese grand Prix, becoming the youngest ever double world champion.
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MASSA TAKES HAMILTON TO TASK AFTER SINGAPORE INCIDENT

collision during the Singapore Grand Prix that damaged cars and race strategies reignited bad feeling between the pair. Recent history has had a habit of throwing Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton together, with the Ferrari and McLaren drivers frequently scrapping over the same piece of tarmac this year. Yesterday it happened in qualifying, with Massa saying I think he didnt use his mind again after Hamilton had attempted a risky pass on their out lap. Today the pair went one worse, with Hamilton running into the back of Massa on lap 12 of the race. Massa limped back to the pits with a shredded right rear tyre, Hamilton got there slightly sooner through lack of a front wing. The McLaren man would also visit the pits again, to serve the drive-through penalty he was handed by the stewards for causing the incident. After falling to the tail of the field Hamilton would recover to finish fifth while Massa had to settle for ninth. Hamilton did not comment on the incident immediately after the race, but the incandescent Massa made his feelings plain. Theres no point in me hiding the disappointment and anger I feel at the end of a race that could have delivered a very different result, said the Brazilian. The damage following contact with Hamilton penalised me a lot because I lost so much time in the early stages when the traffic was still very heavy. After the race, I tried to talk to him to clear the air but he walked away without even answering: so I told him what I thought when we found ourselves in the interview area. I would really like to have a trouble-free race at some point, something that I have not experienced recently, if you look at Monza for example. Today, a top-six finish was definitely within reach. Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali sympathised with his driver: Felipe could also have been up there with [fourth-placed Fernando Alonso] , but his race was ruined by the puncture caused by Hamilton: our Brazilian is definitely having an unlucky time of it at the moment and yet again, as in Monza, he had to fight his way back up the order through no fault of his own.
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ns In poRe el wIsIngA Vett

Grid girls on the Singapore track.

his Septembers Singapore F1 race saw a result that made Redbull happy, while McLarens Hamilton and Mercedes Schumacher ended up with penalties. Unfortunately, the two hour race was not as exciting as so many of this years contests, with Redbull taking 1st and 3rd with Button enjoying a 2nd for McLaren. Fernando Alonso fought bravely to finish fourth, having been a podium contender for much of the evening. Felipes run of bad luck continued, as his race was ruined by an impulsive move from Hamilton punished with a drive-through penalty which meant the Brazilian had to make an extra stop with a puncture and then fought his way up from the back of the field to ninth at the flag. Sebastian Vettel, continued his dominating ways to take his ninth win of the year. Joining him on the podium in second place was Jenson Button for McLaren, with Mark Webber taking third in the other Red Bull. At the start, Vettel led from pole, but a bad getaway from Webber saw Button go second and Fernando third, while Felipe made up one place to fifth, followed by Rosberg, and Schumacher who both got past Hamilton who dropped from fourth to eighth. On lap 4 Hamilton passed Schumacher for seventh, and set out to chase down Rosberg in the other Mercedes, while

Fernando was 0.6 behind Button, 5 seconds behind the leader. Massa was 7.6 off the lead Red Bull. Lap 5 and Hamilton passed Rosberg to take sixth place. On lap 6, Webber was the Red Bull meat in a Ferrari sandwich as the Australian tried to close on Fernando, with Felipe pushing hard to get near enough to try and use the DRS system to pass. On lap 9, Webber was only 0.5 behind Fernando, and Felipe had dropped off Webbers rear wing but now had to contend with Hamiltons McLaren filling his mirrors. Rosberg was the first to change tyres, pitting on this lap. Lap 10 and after a couple of corners running wheel to wheel, Webber finally passed Fernando who dived into the pits for fresh rubber, followed down pit lane by Schumacher. Felipe and Hamilton came in together on lap 11 and left the pits in the same order. The Englishman tried a rash passing move on the Brazilian, removing part of the McLaren wing and puncturing the Ferraris right rear tyre which meant another pit stop dropped him way down the order, while Hamilton continued with part of the front wing missing until he limped in the pits on lap 13. He was given a drive-through penalty for causing an avoidable accident no consolation for Felipe who had plummeted to 20th place.

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FRomonsHIp poInt AmpI cH - one

SCHUMACHER PAYS WITH PENALTY FOR ACCIDENT

ichael Schumacher received a post-race reprimand from the FIA stewards at the Singapore Grand Prix after the Mercedes driver crashed out of the race following a collision with Saubers Sergio Prez. Schumacher was chasing down the Mexican driver on lap 30 when he misjudged his rivals pace and clipped the back of the Sauber. The seven-time champion was pitched into the air and crashed heavily, the accident ending his race. It was a very unfortunate ending to my race in Singapore tonight and obviously I am a bit disappointed, Schumacher said upon returning to the paddock immediately after the incident. What happened was what I would call a misunderstanding between Sergio Prez and myself. He was about to go inside and lifted, and I was not expecting him to do that so early, and therefore hit him. The stewards saw the accident differently, however, and blamed the German for the accident that ended his race and forced Prez to pit for repairs. The Mexican was able to continue however and finished the race in 10th position to claim his ninth point of the season. I think tenth was the best we could manage today, said Prez. I was on a two-stop strategy, starting on the supersoft tyres and changing after 15 laps to the soft compound. For my second stop I had to pit earlier because I had a puncture after the accident with Michael (Schumacher), and then I had to do a very long last stint - actually just a bit over half the race distance - with the second set of soft tyres. I think Michael was too optimistic with what he tried, he added. It is a shame to have lost a place to Felipe [Massa] in the end, but the tyres were finished and I couldnt defend anymore. The FIA stewards also handed out a 10,000 fine to Team Lotus after it was judged to unsafely released Heikki Kovalainen into the path of Sebastian Vettel during the Finns final pit stop.

At the front, it was Vettel, Button, Di Resta, Perez all yet to stop with Alonso fifth. Then on 14, Vettel and Button both came in and one lap later Fernando passed Perez. Vettel was way out in front of Button, with Di Resta, the only man not to have pitted in third in front of Fernando, slowing the Spaniard considerably,until he got past on lap 19 to go third, 15 seconds behind Button. Further back, Felipe was trying to regain places, passing Buemi on lap 21 to go up to twelfth. In fourth place, Webber had upped his pace, lapping a second faster than the Spanish Ferrari driver so the gap between them came down to one second on lap 21. Two laps later and the gap was only 0.6. Lap 25 and Schumacher was the first of the front runners to make a second scheduled stop from fifth place, followed down pit lane by Fernando, who had enough of an advantage over the Force India battle for fifth between Sutil and Di Resta to maintain fourth place. On lap 30, the Safety Car came out as Schumacher rammed the back of Perez as he tried to pass the Sauber, launching the Mercedes into the barriers. Webber pitted immediately, followed soon after by Di Resta, Sutil, Rosberg, Perez, Hamilton. Vettel came in from the lead with Button following him down pit lane. As the cars followed the Safety

Car, Vettel still led Button, with Fernando third, although several back markers were in the mix, with Felipe just outside the points in eleventh. The SC came in at the end of lap 33 and Fernando had no slower cars behind to protect him from Webber, the Australian getting past as the two men ran into traffic. The Safety Car had definitely not helped the Ferrari cause today. Behind Alonso came a fantastic battle for fifth with Di Resta, Rosberg, Sutil and Hamilton all within a second, as Felipe finally hoisted himself back into the points zone in tenth. Hamilton was now on a charge, the McLaren man dispensing with Rosberg and harrying Di Resta for fifth on lap 39, getting past and setting off in pursuit of Fernando. Felipe made his fourth visit to pit lane on lap 42, which dropped him back to 13th. Lap 47 and Webber was the first of the leaders to three stop, rejoining fifth behind Hamilton and with the advantage of new tyres, he soon got past the McLaren, as Button made his last tyre stop on lap 48,with Hamilton also coming in. Lap 49 saw Vettel come in from the lead, followed by Fernando, but the activity in the pits had no effect on the order of the top four. And so they carried onto the flag, with no change in the order, even if Button ate into Vettels lead.

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HIRVONEN PRAISES LATVALAS SACRIFICE

irvonen had struggled to make an impact on the Strasbourg event following his off-road moment on stage three. He started the final day trailing Latvala [pictured above] by almost 1m25s in fifth place but moved into fourth when Latvala deliberately picked up a two-minute time penalty to fall behind Hirvonen. The 12 points Hirvonen scored means he is three points behind Sebastien Loeb with two rounds remaining. I owe Jari-Matti a big thank you, said Hirvonen. Again he proved what a superb team player he is. Theres no more room for error over the final two rounds and it should be a great end to the championship. Latvala was fastest on five of Sundays six stages and set the pace on the rally-closing Power Stage for the first time to six three bonus points in his Abu Dhabi-backed Ford Fiesta WRC RS. It was my best performance on asphalt, said Latvala. I made some mistakes and I wasnt consistent enough, so I still I need to sustain pace and consistency for the whole rally, but its just about fine-tuning.

ogIeR wIns

rench ace Sebastien Ogier, in a factory Citroen DS3 WRC, made the most of team-mate and championship leader Sebastien Loebs Friday exit to claim his first victory on home soil. In doing so the 27-year-old slashed Loebs title advantage to three points, courtesy of the 25 points he secured for winning the rally and the solitary point he landed for going third quickest on the event-closing Power Stage through Loebs hometown of Haguenau. Mikko Hirvonen, who finished fourth for the works Ford team, is equal on points with Ogier to make it a three-way battle for championship honours. In the meantime, Petter Solberg managed to lose his hard won podium spot because the stewards judged his car to be underweight. The result would see a shift in the points as the rally series enters its final round. Its a very good feeling, said Ogier. It was difficult at the end because there was a lot of pressure after the problem for Seb [Loeb]. Its very important for the championship but now I must do two good rallies.

While Ogier shone on his way to his fifth win of 2011, Dani Sordo also starred by finishing second in his MINI John Cooper Works WRC alongside co-driver Carlos del Barrio to make it two podiums from four appearances for the emerging manufacturer. The Spaniard spent much of Sunday morning trimming Ogiers outright lead thanks to his decision to use soft compound tyres in the colder conditions. However, when ambient temperatures rose, Ogiers hard compound rubber had the edge and Sordo settled for a hugely impressive second place. Two rallies on Tarmac and two podiums is amazing and feels like a victory, said Sordo. Its an incredible result, very nice and in the end I am very happy. Petter Solberg survived a dramatic spin on Sundays second test to secure his second consecutive podium finish for his eponymous team. The Norwegian felt he had the pace to challenge for victory in his privateer Citroen but lost out thanks to a costly puncture on Saturday morning. He was devastated to lose out due to the post-race ruling.

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Home RAce In FRAnce

SOLBERG EXCLUDED FROM RALLY FRANCE

vent Stewards, including former World Champion co-driver Robert Reid, made the decision this evening after considering a report from the FIA technical delegate following a weight check carried out after the event closing Haguenau Power Stage. Petters car, run by Citroens semi-works PH Sport outfit, was weighed three times and on each occasion registered 1196kg, four kilogrammes under the regulation minimum 1200kg. Representatives of the Petter Solberg team were given the opportunity to explain the discrepancy but after deliberation the Stewards decided to exclude the car from the results. Solbergs team elected not to appeal the decision, which means all the drivers that finished behind Petter in the classification move up one place. The most significant beneficiary is Ford team leader Mikko Hirvonen, who collects three extra drivers championship points and pulls level at the top of the table with his championship rival Sebastien Loeb.

Hirvonen began the final day trailing Ford team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala by almost 1m25s following a lacklustre showing. Although Latvala was fastest on four stages today, he slipped behind Hirvonen in the final classification after receiving a twominute time penalty for an early entry into the regroup ahead of the rally-closing Power Stage in order to boost Hirvonens total score. Latvalas efforts were rewarded when he went quickest on the televised stage to bag three bonus points. Dennis Kuipers claimed the best finish by a Dutch driver on a WRC event in sixth overall. The highlight for the FERM Power Tools World Rally Team Fiesta driver was undoubtedly the second fastest time he set through Sundays first stage. Armindo Araujo started the final day in seventh overall but failed to complete stage 18 after breaking the front-left suspension on his Motorsport Italia MINI striking a wall early in the run. The Portuguese drivers exit promoted Henning Solberg into

seventh with M-Sport Stobart Ford teammate Mads Ostberg surviving a puncture on the Power Stage to take eighth. Monster World Rally Teams Ken Block overcame a seven-second deficit at the start of day three to move ahead of Pierre Campanas Equipe de France FFSA MINI. In doing so the American scored his first drivers championship points of the season. Tenth for Corsican Campana marked the first time he had scored a WRC point. Behind Matthew Wilson in 11th, Khalid Al Qassimi was 13th on his first appearance on asphalt in his Team Abu Dhabi Fiesta. Russian Evgeny Novikov restarted under SupeRally regulations following his crash on Saturday but he failed to break into the top 20.

Ogier at the press Conference.

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motor sPorts -

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he Repsol Honda Team rider, Dani Pedrosa, added today to his track record a new victory in the premiere category, the 400th of Spanish Motorcycling history and his third win of the season. It was a chaotic race, where his team mates Stoner and Dovizioso were out of the fight for victory when they were leading the race, the first due to a problem with the brakes and the second due to a ride through penalty after taking the start a bit early. Despite that, Stoner finished on the podium third and Dovizioso was fifth. Dani Pedrosas relationship with Japan is undoubtedly very special. He has won races here both in 125c.c. and 250c.c., and in this very same track he suffered last year the injure that ended his chances to fight for the MotoGP title. Today, three days after turning 26, he received a present in the form of the victory in the premiere category, after a good start from fourth position, that placed him second in the first corner, at Casey Stoners wheel and in front of Andrea Dovizioso. The Australian soon took some advantage, setting a very fast pace from the second lap, the same lap where Dovizioso overtook Pedrosa. Nevertheless, the situation changed dramatically when in the fourth lap, a strong jolt on the front of Casey Stoners Honda left him temporarily without brakes, forcing him to have an off. In the manoeuvre to go back on track he fell to the seventh place, leaving Dovizioso in front. A lead that only lasted one lap, because in the next he had to do the ride-through penalty for getting ahead of the start. From that moment on, Pedrosa found free track to achieve a new victory, the first of a Honda rider in his own circuit since 2004. The Spaniard of the Repsol Honda Team stood the initial pressure from Jorge Lorenzo to increase the pace a bit later, set the fastest lap of the race in the eleventh lap and secured the win with more than seven seconds over Lorenzo and 18 over Stoner. The Championship leader improved four positions to get again on the podium and add another 16 points very valuable for the overall standings, which he leads with an advantage of 40 points.

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e comfortable the Finish lin sitions with a e Grand Prix e first two po this result, th in th he Aragon the rest. With very special vantage over e significant e scene of a ad s th was th am, Team reache psol Honda Te Motorcycling Repsol Honda day for the Re y thanks ctories in the 100th victor r of 100 vi its numbe Casey as it gathered onship. er to ion shown by World Champi s Casey Ston e clear domin sign to th ring the de at also allow all standings round. Wea A feat th e over Stoner on this David Delfn ad on top of th anish designer onship, which increase his le created by Sp World Champi n took the e Australia Motorcycling renzo. Dani on, th of the over Jorge Lo for this occasi panied by nce w of 44 points podium accom e is no 15 his differe first step of th a, who was th, reduces to e Dani Pedros ill for Andrea Pedrosa, four is st his team mat the race did sition, which drea Dovizioso to the third po second. For An hed in the as kends hard le lap, as he cr Dovizioso. not last a who made the wee on Jorge Lorenzo . s first ever Arag second corner y at the Repsol day, taking hi ace. Having to be a big part work count to ird pl The day was decorated for dium with th in the early Grand Prix po box, specially th on the grid king place Honda Team d from four e season ta on gradually droppe d of th World Champi the third roun overalls of s , the reigning e bikes and th laps well under hi in Spain. With pace, running so showing a in the front a and Dovizio picked up the reel Stoner, Pedros fin, the Repsol e to gradually qualifying tim sign by Davidel ught both his ith Pedrosa spectacular de 10 he had ca e first row w ers. By lap runn from th co Simoncelli, riders started aking point Spies and Mar am mate Ben in the first br te ad third which he taking the le both to take ies overtaking passing them ho also saw Sp lts mean the . from Stoner, w line. The resu second corner s held to the reaching the er Stoner ha sed him ship lead him before races stralian surpas to Champion gap the Au with four e second Nevertheless, d again to 44 ter and took th now increase few corners la drosa, on. just a Dani Pe the seas Spies remaining of way to catch y Racing rider st lap. place on his Yamaha Factor e end of the fir Fellow of the season m before th le overtaking hi his best start so was not ab tride both had probably Andrea Dovizio . f the line to ou A first lap that second corner far, shooting of ashed in the so cr r the lead into r to finish, as he ani Pedrosa fo place and, afte Stoner and D ted from fifth d to third the ar ated, The Italian st ing then droppe ways complic , turn one. Hav er, which is al gap to fourth ning a e second the first corn n was maintai him to take th ce on Texa forced of the ra er on the Nicky Hayden ird fastest lap Taking the corn drop scoring the th on the outside. 93. A dramatic blocked corner a 149.5 ring was lap four with track, the stee en affected e th the sixth lap dirty part of th the crash. From off in grip on able to avoid team mate d he was not as passed by more troubles an pace. He w e were no his dropping to on, ther en Simoncelli, Dani Pedrosa, that moment y Stoner and Lorenzo and th Spies retain r r Case e result sees in the race fo r way to anothe fifth place. Th standings, steadily on thei ed Honda Championship who progress for the Repsol fifth in the e osa in fourth of the season ntag behind Pedr 1-2, the fifth sed his adva now 24 points week. Stoner increa iard to Motegi next Team riders. and the Span ter tenth as they head crossed drosa tenth af over Pe s, until they over their rival did the same

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{ChiCane}

A tAle oF two pARkIng lots

llow me to share with you a tale of two parking lots. Now, as you can well expect, with the job I have been doing over the better part of my working life, I have seen many parking lots. From the huge arenas where car manufacturers park their wares after rolling them out from their busy production lines, to the acres of real estate that dealers and importers have to invest in to keep their three, six or 24 month stocks (depending largely on the state of the supply chain as well as to a not insignificant degree on demand). Then there have been other parking lots, some dark and somber and in foreign lands, with the undertones of menace lurking in their dark corners and yet others that are remarkably high-tech, stacking your valuable car a few floors off the norm as if it were just a pawn in the global scheme of car stacking. However the parking lots I speak about are a lot closer to home - one literally being at the end of the row of houses where I live and its counterpart serving as the temporary home of the car I happen to be driving that as I sit in the office. Whats so special about these two lots you may well ask? To understand the significance, perhaps you need to live in my colony. The other day I stood there with more than a hundred other men, women and children in a memorial to one of our erstwhile neighbours who had passed away way too early in life - a victim of cancer. I cant think of any other place in Muscat where every resident of the houses leading up to the parking lot becomes a member of an extended family. Even when some leave, getting company accomodation that they cant refuse or perhaps moving to a much larger house, they remain part of the family, if they choose. And the parking lot is the centre of this universe, playing host to birthday parties, festivals, welcomes to new arrivals and farewells to those moving out. And, as I learned, serving to exclaim to the world that our bonds are so strong that they seek to overcome the mortal sphere. This parking lot is as much a tale of diversity as it is of oneness. You can look around and see cars from diverse makes, price bands and tastes. Each of them tell their own story about the owners dreams, the compromises he makes and degree he stretches his Rial. Yet the cars make way, being parked out on the road or around the corner to accommodate the families as they come together to remind us that life is a people business. The other parking lot is almost as familiar, but scales the other end of the spectrum. The cars that park around our office are more diverse in their provenance. Belonging to company owner, manager and staff alike, they resemble nothing as much as metal carapaces as they bake under the noonday sun or seem to seek out the motley shade provided by the lonely tree struggling for life. Sometimes the driver gets lucky and finds shade in the leeward of the building, yet time and the sun wait for no one as the mornings shade becomes the noonday bake. Yet the cars make way, being parked out on the road or around the corner to accommodate the families as they come together to remind us that life is a people business. What keeps it distinct is the utter impersonality of the lot. Where every car has a tale at home - here they hide in anonymity. Perhaps you can see a colleagues car, perhaps a unique specimen of the car makers art or you just notice the couple trying to get some us time as they chat away. But the story cant start because there are too many loose ends. Perhaps as many as the sheer randomness with which visitors to our building ignore the lot markings and make their own resting places. Often enough the acrid tang of an overflowing sewer adds its negativity to the equation - urging you to take your car and drive it as far away as possible. Is there a lesson in this? Other than the age old one of the importance of a point of view? I dont think so. But I welcome the welcoming darkness of our parking lot at home, interspersed with the light of a hundred festive bulbs, sparklers and birthday balloons or even the closeness of a hundred candles held in memoriam when measured against the chaotic inhumanity of the one at work.

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

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AMAZING PERFORMANCE

IS250

The Pursuit of Perfection

2.5L V6, Dual VVT-i, 205 HP 6 Speed Transmission Paddle Shifters Navigation System V.D.I.M Advanced Safety Features Also available in IS 300