Double victory for Audi in “Best Cars 2017”

26 Monday Jun 2017

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Audi has driven home two overall wins in the “Best Cars 2017” competition. The Audi A1 triumphed in the “Small Car” category in the reader survey conducted by “auto motor und sport” magazine, and the Audi A3 won the “Compact Car” class.

But that was not the only award the company with the four rings could celebrate recently. The Audi Q2 has won Gold in the German Design Award. At the award ceremony the compact SUV secured the highest award for “Excellent Production Design – Transportation.”

The “auto motor und sport” award ceremony was held for the 41st time this year. Readers of the renowned trade journal selected their favorites from 378 models in eleven categories. The publication selected an overall winner and a top import in each category. In the “Small Car” category, 20.7 percent of the readers selected the Audi A1, and 17.1 percent chose the Audi A3 as the top of the “Compact Car” class.

The Audi Q7 took second place in the “Large SUV/Offroad Vehicle” category with 10.4 percent of the vote. Third place finishes went to the Audi A4 in the “Midsize” category, to the Audi A6 in the “Upper Midsize” class, to the Audi R8 Spyder in the “Convertibles” class and to the Audi Q2 in the “Compact SUV/Offroad Vehicle” category.

“The Audi Q2 surprises with a design that is fully independent and not just a scaled-down version of its big brother,” the jury of the German Design Award competition said in their decision. The new SUV presents itself as an automobile with balanced proportions, which offers plenty of space for its class and is at least as much fun. “This elegant car has the potential to be a trendsetter,” according to the jury’s summary.

The polygonal design of the Audi Q2 brings new facets to the brand’s formal idiom. At the front, a strong image is created by the Singleframe grille in octagonal design that is positioned up high as well as by the large air inlets. On its flanks the Q2 plays with polygon forms. Below the windows, the sharply drawn shoulder line divides into two contours, one above the other. They frame a concave surface with six corners.

The concave shape of the flanks emphasizes the wheels and with them the quattro character of the Audi Q2. The interior takes up the taut and angular form language of the exterior. Despite the coupé-like roof line and compact outer dimensions, adults enjoy ample head and leg room in the rear. One highlight in the interior is the LED lighting package with backlit decorative trim. These shine with a homogeneous light that can be selected from ten colors using the control system.

The German Design Award is presented by the German Design Council and is one of the most prestigious competitions in the design industry. With the prize, the international jury panel recognizes innovative products and projects that break new ground in the German and international design world.

Presenting a new jewelry collection: Audi Sport by C6

22 Thursday Jun 2017

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A custom-made collection of jewelry and accessories, composed of carbon fibre and diamonds is the result of a brand cooperation between Audi and C6. To celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the exclusive Audi Sport collection is now available to purchase in the Middle East.

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C6 is an awarded Danish jewelry concept developed by designer Anne Cohen. It builds on the idea of combining different forms of the carbon element – C6 – through using graphite and diamonds. No other materials are added – the stones are instead placed directly into the graphite using advanced craftsmanship techniques.

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Audi Sport and the red rhombus stand for ultimate performance, progressiveness and passion in motor sports. Carbon fibre is one of the most effective materials employed in the production of high-performance cars. C6 was selected by Audi to design a collection that innovatively combines carbon fibre and diamonds in uniquely captivating pieces. The design lines of some items are inspired by the interior of the new Audi R8.

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Audi Sport by C6 contains six different items including rings, bracelets, pendants, cufflinks and key chains. The collection can be seen and purchased online at www.C6.dk.

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Kia to transport players and officials at FIFA Confederations Cup 2017

20 Tuesday Jun 2017

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  • Kia hands over 83 vehicles for FIFA Confederations Cup 2017
  • International football tournament to take place in Russia from the 17th of June
  • Kia Motors is the official automotive partner of FIFA

Kia Motors has supplied 83 vehicles to ensure smooth running of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017. The vehicle handover ceremony took place on June 8 at the Spartak Moscow stadium in the Russian capital.

The FIFA Confederations Cup will start on the 17th of June, with eight teams vying for a place in the final, to be held in Saint Petersburg on July 2. The tournament is contested by the holders of each of the six regional championships (Australia, Cameroon, Chile, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal), along with the FIFA World Cup holder (Germany) and the 2018 host nation (Russia).

Official automotive partner to FIFA, Kia Motors has supplied the 83-strong fleet of vehicles including Mohave, Sorento, Sportage and cee’d to transport national football teams, referees, officials and delegates during the international tournament. Kia will also provide 24-hour roadside support throughout the tournament.

More than 80 delegates from Kia Motors, FIFA, and media attended the official vehicle handover ceremony at the 45,360-capacity stadium, home to the newly-crowned Russian Premier League champions, Spartak Moscow, and the Russian international football team.

Attending the handover ceremony, Jay Neuhaus, FIFA Head of Rights Delivery & Hospitality, said: “Kia Motors has been our official partner since 2007 and we are grateful for its support in supplying tournament vehicles for this year’s FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia. The fleet of vehicles will ensure the smooth operation of the event, enabling us to transport players, media and officials throughout the tournament. Both FIFA and Kia share a passion for football, and these cars will be used behind the scenes to deliver the excitement of ‘the beautiful game’ to fans around the globe.”

Alexander Moynov, Managing Director of Kia Motors Russia, commented: “As a prelude to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup is one of the most important international football tournaments this year, and is followed by millions of fans worldwide. We are excited to be involved in making the Confederations Cup a success, and we look forward to bringing people closer to the Kia brand through this major event.”

In the build-up to 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, Kia will bring back its globally popular five-a-side amateur football tournament, ‘Kia Champ into the Arena’. Kia will host its very own ‘World Final’ in Russia on the 28th of June, with five-a-side teams selected from national contests taking place in eight countries around the world. 10 winning teams will travel to Sochi to play the World Final. The finalists will also be invited to watch one of the semi-finals of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Kia’s involvement in the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 also includes the company’s search for official match ball carriers. Sixteen children from all over the world will take part in the pre-match ceremony – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young football fans to hand over the match ball to the referee. Kia is also holding a ‘Lucky Drive’ competition, selecting two customers from 18 countries around the world to attend the opening match of the tournament, Russia vs. New Zealand on the 17th of June in Saint Petersburg.

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Volvo Buses puts safety as top priority for drivers this summer

18 Sunday Jun 2017

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Image 1 Volvo Buses B8 model

  • Bus passenger safety set to improve with roll-out of driver safety training
  • Safety courses seek to reduce fleet CO2 emissions and boost vehicle uptime with 8% improved fuel efficiency
  • Initiative forms part of manufacturer’s vision to achieve zero accidents with Volvo Group Products

Swedish manufacturer of buses and coaches, Volvo Buses, together with its partners from the transport industry, public transport authorities and private bus operators, are embarking on an initiative to significantly improve driver skills. Volvo is helping authorities and operators to initiate a series of safety training courses for drivers and their trainers with the vision to reduce road accidents, improve fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impact for businesses across the Middle East and Africa.

Volvo Buses is working closely with operators and authorities across Egypt, UAE, Tunisia and Morocco, helping them to launch a series of refresher driver training programs in local languages for drivers in the region. The company aims to develop local capabilities both in terms of local expertise and creating the course content to deliver training programs in each market.

The course covers topics about the importance of good behaviour, product knowledge, safety on the road and efficient driving skills. It also provides hands-on know-how about how to use the bus features correctly, daily checks, preventive maintenance, safety, fuel efficient driving operations and do’s & don’ts. These practical Refresher Driver training courses will ultimately help drivers improve their behaviour and contribute to achieving Volvo’s goal of zero accidents with Volvo Group products.

By training drivers to take a more cautious approach on the roads, it is expected not only that safety and passenger comfort will be improved but so too will fuel efficiency and emissions. After a recent training course conducted for a Volvo Bus customer in Tunisia, drivers increased their fuel efficiency by 8%, thereby lowering costs for the operator and also contributing to improving local air quality and lowering carbon dioxide emissions.

With rising temperatures in the Middle East region and the potential physical effects that fasting and the hot weather brings, bus drivers need to be vigilant of the passengers within their own vehicles and mindful of pedestrians on the streets. Added to this, bus drivers are also responsible for checking key elements of the vehicle before a journey, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers on-board as well as monitoring other road users. Hence, bus drivers play a crucial role in maintaining safety, and Volvo, having recognised their importance, has embarked on initiating programs for training drivers.

Commenting on this initiative of driver training, Steve Hedouin, Vice President, MEAC (Middle East-Africa-CIS) Volvo Bus Corporation, said: “The human factor plays a decisive role in nine out of ten road accidents. It is therefore paramount that drivers know the risks on the roads. We, at Volvo Buses, intend to partner with key stakeholders and focus on our drivers to improve their driving and behavioural skills, and help them make the right decisions, with the right attitude, to prevent accidents from occurring. Our driver safety courses can also impact businesses financially as skilled drivers improve fuel efficiency and vehicle uptime.”

Steve Hedouin continued, “Every day, millions of people across the region rely on our buses, and our job is to bring them safely to their destination. Safety always comes first at Volvo Buses, it is a core value and part of our soul, so our vision is clear: zero accidents with Volvo Group products. In 1927, Volvo’s founders stated that ’Safety is and must be the basic principle in all design work’. Today, almost 90 years later, we’re still leading the way with a range of pioneering safety innovations that are making their way throughout the vehicle industry”.

Since its inception in 1927, Volvo has introduced a series of inventive safety features within their products. One definitive prevention aid in the safety of bus, truck and car drivers is the seat belt. In ‎‎1958, Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin invented the three-point safety belt, which is used ‎globally in trucks, cars and buses today. Volvo’s visionary three-point safety belt has saved millions of lives all over the world. ‎

Now with nine decades as a standard bearer on safety issues, Volvo Buses has looked to achieve safety improvements in multiple ways. The Volvo B8 range, the latest model launched globally by Volvo Buses, is equipped with features such as Electronic Braking Systems, Electronic Stability program, and I-Coaching. I-Coaching monitors driving patterns and provides drivers with instant feedback on vital parameters, including over-speeding and harsh braking, which in turn prevents accidents from occurring. Thus, it encourages safer driving practices, improves fuel-efficiency and, subsequently, benefits the environment – all key areas that Volvo constantly strives to promote.

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Increased power and luxury: limited edition 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series

13 Tuesday Jun 2017

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The new Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series is the most powerful and distinctive 911 Turbo S to date. The coupé provides 607 hp (446 kW) and is strictly limited to 500 units worldwide. In addition to a power increase of 27 hp, the exclusive model is distinguished from the standard 911 Turbo S thanks to its unique design features and luxurious details. The sports car is being intricately finished by hand in the new “Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur” at the brand’s headquarters in Zuffenhausen, Germany. Previously known as “Porsche Exclusive”, the in-house workshop specialises in customisation as well as limited-edition series. For the first time ever, Porsche customers can have the matching chronograph watch from Porsche Design configured in the same design as their sports car.

Increased power and performance
The 3.8-litre, six-cylinder biturbo flat engine with an exclusive power kit has a maximum torque of 750 Nm, delivering between 2,250 and 4,000 rpm. This means that the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, and takes 9.6 seconds to cross the 200 km/h threshold. The sports car can reach a top speed of 330 km/h. The new model comes with black-painted 20-inch wheels with central locking as standard; their design lines are carefully finished in Golden Yellow Metallic using a new laser technology. For the first time, the brake callipers for the PCCB ceramic brake system are available directly from the factory in a black-painted version with the Porsche logo in Golden Yellow Metallic. The active sports chassis, equipped with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and Sport Chrono Package, is included in the standard equipment, as is the rear-axle steering and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) improving handling and stability.

Exceptional design
Some of the most distinguishing features of this sports car include the exclusive Golden Yellow Metallic paint finish and various carbon components, such as the bonnet, roof and side skirts. The two carbon-weave strips that contour the roof and bonnet accentuate the sporty look of the car. The rear view is characterised by the rear wing of the Turbo Aerokit, the new rear apron, the ram-air scoop in carbon and the exhaust system with two twin tailpipes made from stainless steel in black. In addition to Golden Yellow Metallic, the vehicle is offered in a range of other special exterior colours.

Master craftsmanship in the interior
The model’s interior is both elegant and unique. The 18-way adjustable sports seats are covered in two layers of perforated leather, with the inside layer featuring two stripes in Golden Yellow, guaranteeing a distinctive effect. The seams and the Turbo S lettering stitched on the headrests are also in contrasting Golden Yellow, meanwhile the roof lining is finished in Alcantara, with a Golden Yellow double stripe. Fine copper thread is integrated into the trim strips of the carbon interior package. A plaque featuring the limited-edition number on the passenger’s side underlines the car’s exclusivity. Finished in carbon, the door entry guards come with illuminated Exclusive Series lettering.

Truly hand-crafted
For more than 30 years, Porsche customers have been able to own customised vehicles. With the introduction of this new limited model, the sports car manufacturer is beginning a new chapter: Porsche Exclusive has now been re-branded into “Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur”. Specialising in bespoke Porsche modifications, this in-house workshop offers a range of services, including advising customers, developing special equipment options for each model range and producing limited model series.

Exclusive Chronograph from Porsche Design to match the vehicle
The optional Porsche Design Chronograph 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series represents the first time that Porsche Design has released a watch exclusively available to customers buying this limited model series. The made-to-order chronograph combines the characteristic features of Porsche Design watches with the character of the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series. Just like the vehicle, it is limited to 500 units. Its housing is made of lightweight titanium, and its black titanium carbide coating emphasises its sporty design. The carbon dial is taken from the striking carbon weave stripes on the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series and finished in the same exterior colour as the customer’s vehicle. The rotor design is modelled on the rims of the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series and painted in the original colour. The winding mechanism features a typical Porsche central lock with the Porsche crest on the movement.

High-quality accessories
With the launch of the new 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series Porsche customers can also enjoy an optional Exclusive Series luggage set made from leather. The visual details as well as the dimensions of the four-piece collection, consisting of two travel pieces as well as a day bag and a suit bag, are perfectly fitted for the luggage space available in the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series.

Prices and sales launch
The basic retail price for the new 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series starts at AED 880,900 in the UAE. It will be available to order from June 8, 2017. Price information for the optional accessories will be available at the nearest Porsche Centre.
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Audi customer teams successful in Europe

12 Monday Jun 2017

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Audi R8 LMS, 24h Nürburgring 2017.jpg

  • Audi one-two-three result in Blancpain GT Series Sprint Cup
  • Four podium positions for Audi RS 3 LMS in TCR Italy and TCR Benelux
  • Nürburgring winning Audi R8 LMS on display at Audi Forum Ingolstadt

At Zolder, Belgium and Misano, Italy, Audi customer teams won seven trophies in total last weekend.

Audi R8 LMS (GT3)

Three Audi cars in front: On the third race weekend of the Blancpain GT Series Sprint Cup, Audi customer teams decided the top three positions among themselves. In the main race at Circuit Zolder, Markus Winkelhock and Will Stevens in the Audi R8 LMS of Belgian Audi Club Team WRT were the first to cross the finish line. For Winkelhock, this marked the next success in the R8 LMS just one week following his victory in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The former Formula 1 campaigner Stevens clinched his first ever victory in the Audi R8 LMS. Clemens Schmid and Filip Salaquarda (ISR), Stuart Leonard and Robin Frijns (WRT) perfected the success of the Audi brand in Belgium.

Eye-catcher in Ingolstadt: Audi Forum Ingolstadt visitors are able to catch a whiff of racing air these days. The Audi R8 LMS which Audi celebrated its fourth victory in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring on May 28, including the trophy awarded for its win, is on display in the foyer. The GT3 race car is being showcased in its original condition, all signs of wear and dirt from 4,009 kilometers of racing having been fully preserved.

Audi RS 3 LMS (TCR)

Podium successes: Two drivers of an Audi RS 3 LMS – Plamen Kralev (Kraf Racing) and Massimiliano Mugelli (Pit Lane Competizioni) – made it into the top three at the second event of the 2017 TCR Italy at Misano. In race one, Kralev took second place and in race two, he trailed his brand colleague Mugelli in third place.

Vervisch on podium: Belgian Frédéric Vervisch in an Audi RS 3 LMS of ComToYou Racing achieved position three in the third of four TCR Benelux sprint races in front of a home crowd at Zolder.

Coming up next week

09–11/06 Australian GT Trophy Series, Round 2, Winton (AUS)

09–10/06 DMV GTC, rounds 7 and 8, Nürburgring (D)

10-11/06 Audi R8 LMS Cup, rounds 3 and 4, Suzuka (J)

10–11/06 TCR Portugal, rounds 3 and 4, Portimão (P)

10–11/06 TCR Spain-Ibérico, rounds 3 and 4, Portimão (P)

09–11/06 ADAC GT Masters, rounds 5 and 6, Red Bull Ring (A)

09–11/06 ADAC TCR Germany , rounds 3 and 4, Red Bull Ring (A)

09–11/06 TCR International Series, round 5, Salzburgring (A)

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Raptor’s All-New Terrain Management System Enabled by Cutting-Edge AWD/4WD Transfer Case

10 Saturday Jun 2017

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All-New 2017 F-150 Raptor.jpg

  • All-new 2017 F-150 Raptor features a cutting-edge transfer case that merges all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive capabilities for handling virtually any situation – including sport, weather, four-high desert and four-low locked off-road driving
  • Controlled automatically via all-new Terrain Management System™, or manually by the 4×4 switch, innovative transfer case offers an electronically controlled clutch-based, on-demand system that delivers outstanding performance – for confidence whether on-road or off
  • Specially designed transfer case employs an electronic shift-on-the-fly system featuring mechanical locks to tackle all types of terrain for serious off-road performance – including over 4,000 km of off-road competition testing

When the all-new F-150 Raptor first hit showrooms, few could foresee the extent of the innovations beyond its high-output engine and new skin. Along with all the power and agility gains comes the most advanced drive mode system in its class* – a cutting-edge Terrain Management System™. It is enabled by an all-new dual-mode transfer case that incorporates both all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive systems and electronic lockers to deliver the ultimate multi-terrain experience.

To give Raptor drivers more performance and capability both on-road and off, Ford Performance engineers developed this all-new transfer case to manage the distribution of power between front and rear wheels. Key to that is clutch-based, on-demand all-wheel drive capability for everyday driving, including all-weather mode, while also providing a mechanically locked, durable four-wheel drive system for confidence in severe off-road driving environments.

When combined with the non-sequential 10-speed transmission and high-output EcoBoost® engine, Raptor can deliver its 421 PS** and 678 Nm** of torque more efficiently for the ultimate driving experience – whether you’re on the road or way, way off.

“Raptor’s transfer case provides the best of both worlds, with the natural benefits from all-wheel drive, such as increased traction in rain and snow, as well as extreme off-road capability that comes with a mechanically locked system,” says Tony Greco, Ford F-150 Raptor programme manager.
Typically, four-wheel drive options for trucks come in two transfer case varieties – on-demand systems that employ a clutch to transfer torque to the front driveline, similar to how all-wheel drive setups work, or electronic shift-on-the-fly systems that use mechanical locks to couple the front and rear driveshafts.

Ford engineers sought to enhance the daily driving experience of Raptor while preserving its ultimate off-road performance. With the clutch-based feature of the transfer case, drivers can travel on-road using the 4×4 auto setting, which delivers the benefit of four-wheel drive without the repercussions of component damage or driveline binding – something that can occur when drivers try to use mechanically locked systems on high-traction surfaces like pavement.
Ford fine-tuned the calibration of 4×4 auto depending on road surface conditions, so the transfer case can vary the clutch torque to suit the environment. For example, when the driver selects weather mode via the Terrain Management System, it’s tuned for slippery surfaces, while sport mode is tuned to feature more of a rear bias that can provide a fun driving experience, including better acceleration and on-road performance.

When Raptor is operating off-road, its electronic shift-on-the-fly system is still available in the form of 4×4 high and 4×4 low – enabling drivers to navigate harsh terrain with confidence and added robustness. In mud/sand mode and Baja mode, the transfer case shifts into 4×4 high, making it optimal for tackling trails and loose or soft ground – as well as engaging in high-speed desert runs. In rock crawl mode, the transfer case employs 4×4 low, enabling intense off-road driving and rock climbing at low speeds, while using an additional gear reduction ratio to provide enhanced capability with improved powertrain response.

In all cases that involve severe environments or conditions, the transfer case delivers flexibility for elite performance. While the Terrain Management System is designed with default 4×4 settings, drivers can manually override the settings to further fine-tune the

system for a different experience.

The system was performance-tested in approximately 4,000 kilometres of competition testing in the 2016 Best in the Desert series, completing the 1,368-km SCORE Baja 1000 to conclude the season. In the end, Greg Foutz Motorsports team members drove the truck another almost 650 km back to their headquarters in Arizona.

*Class is full-size pickups under 3,855 kilogrammes. GVWR based on Ford segmentation

** Per Gulf Standardisation Organisation (GSO) ratings.

Performance, luxury and efficiency: The new Porsche Panamera

09 Friday Jun 2017

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As a Porsche owner, I always felt a pull towards the Panamera and have referred the car to many of my local Emirati friends who currently enjoy the model. Many have asked why I have not made the switch from the Cayenne Turbo to the Panamera but I get to drive the new luxury saloon so much with friends with the new Porsche Panamera, that I now consider myself a passive owner.

Redeveloped from the ground up, my current favourite of course is the Panamera 4S, a sports car and luxury saloon in one. Its engines and transmission were re-engineered, the chassis perfected, the display and operating concept interpreted for the future with multitouch controls, and its design embodies core brand values.

I first drove the Panamera on a racetrack in Abu Dhabi and the best description is that it combines the performance of a high-performance ambitious sports car with the comfort of a luxury saloon. It is essentially developed for sports car drivers who appreciate four doors and four seats. And for saloon drivers who prefer sporty handling.

The second generation Panamera is the performance icon of the luxury class with technical highlights such as rear axle steering, electromechanical roll stabilisation and a three-chamber air suspension.

Digitalisation of the automobile is changing mobility more intensively and faster than ever. The advanced cockpit offers state-of-the-art connectivity and interactive displays combining intuitive operation of smartphones with the practical aspects of controlling an automobile.

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The Panamera is equipped with many standard and optional assistance systems, which make life while driving more convenient and safer. The key new systems include Night Vision Assist.

A hi-fi system with ten loudspeakers and 150 watts of music power delivers optimal sound 
as standard aboard the Panamera 4S models. Two additional USB charging ports ensure that smartphones and tablets in the Panamera are always optimally supplied with electricity.

A Porsche has always impressed with more than just power; its efficiency is equally important. All Panamera models have new engines, permanent all-wheel drive and a new eight-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK) on board.

The V8 petrol engines of the Panamera exhibit exceptional agility right up into high rev and power regions. At the same time, the eight-cylinder engines already produce their maximum torque at very low revs. This type of sports car dynamic is largely attributable to the central turbo layout, which is a feature of twin-turbo charging that has been implemented in all models.

The second generation Panamera is the first model from Porsche to feature a dual-clutch transmission with eight instead of seven speeds. The eight-speed transmission generally enables an even better gear ratio spread and with top comfort and agility, a further reduction in fuel consumption, because the seventh and eighth gears are designed as engine speed-reducing overdrive gears. All Panamera models reach their top speed in sixth gear.

The new Porsche Panamera is one of the safest cars in the world. Along with a crash-optimised body, it is the alliance of additional passive safety systems that assures maximum protection of vehicle occupants. The Porsche Side Impact Protection System offers lateral protection.

Encountering two Panamera cars that are configured identicallyis low as the Panamera, Porsche offers personalisation with a very large range of combinations of twelve body colours, ten interior colour and leather schemes, a wide variety of wheels and optional equipment.

The second generation of the Gran Turismo is available in three all-wheel drive versions: Panamera 4S, Panamera Turbo and Panamera 4S Diesel.

 

Designed and engineered to perform

09 Friday Jun 2017

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A tryst with the all-new Q60 Red Sport 400 Coupe

Q60 2017 I.JPGLast week I had a date with a bright red new Q60 Red Sport 400 Coupe that lasted nearly five days after I picked the car up at the showroom of Arabian Automobiles Company, exclusive dealers for INFINITI in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates.

The highly anticipated and all-new Q60 Red Sport 400 Coupe combines a completely all-new design reinforced by an advanced all-new 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine available with 400hp that has increased power and torque while maintaining high levels of efficiency.

I drove the top of the line 3.0T Q60 which has the world’s first digitally adaptive handling system so the drive was pure pleasure. If you are looking for a milder version of the car, the 2.0T Q60 variant offers a four-cylinder gasoline engine that is turbocharged to produce 208 HP, again offering a great drive.

While many may buy the car for the looks and expressive design, both variants possess powerful dynamics that redefine the sports coupe, including technological innovations such as Intelligent Cruise Control that automatically adjusts speed to respond to traffic, and Direct Adaptive Steering that constantly fine-tunes steering performance with up to 1,000 adjustments a second.

While driving, I was constantly notified of the hazards around the car. If you test the car, check out the Forward Emergency Braking system with Pedestrians Detection as it helps to reduce the potential for collisions and provides warnings of approaching vehicles or large stationary objects and applies the brakes.

The Adaptive Lighting Systems heightens the driver’s awareness by allowing them to not just see ahead, but all around the vehicle. In addition to these safety technologies, the Q60 includes other driver-assistive features such as the Adaptive Front Lighting System and Active Lane Control.

The Q60 features newly-designed 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels as standard. The ‘Red Sport 400’ models or more performance-oriented versions of the car have wider wheels and tires at the rear, contributing to a more aggressive stance while also improving handling and grip with a higher capacity for lateral G-forces.

Also worth checking out is the second-generation of INFINITI’s world-first Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS), which is an advanced ‘steer-by-wire’ system that has undergone significant re-tuning. The Q60 driver can choose from seven personalized modes to customize steering performance according to their preferred driving style.

With innovative features combined with Dynamic Digital Suspension, the Q60’s powerful stance promises a compelling ride that puts drivers at one with the road and delivers a confidence-inspiring

THE SPORTING SIDE OF LUXURY: BENTLEY FLYING SPUR V8 S

09 Friday Jun 2017

Posted by in All About Wheels - Automotive (Cars, All About Wheels - Automotive (Cars, Car Clubs, SUV's, RV's etc), Car Clubs, Lifestyle features, SUV's

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Bentley Flying Spur 1 V8 S.jpg

The latest head turner I drove on the Dubai roads this month is the Flying Spur V8 S. 
Taking its place between the Flying Spur V8 and family flagship W12, the new V8 S is tuned in for power and performance, with increased engine output and revised suspension and offered a smooth driving experience.

After driving the Mulsanne a few days before the Flying Spur V8 S, I was ready for a Bentley with more sporting capabilities and the V8 S gave me the spirited drive and adrenaline rush I needed.

A black radiator grille and rear diffuser along with a unique grille insert give the new model a dramatic and purposeful appearance to match its enhanced performance.

My first impression after driving the previous Bentley models was the feeling of more power, sharper handling and increased comfort.

For those wishing to display an even more extreme look, the Flying Spur V8 S can be specified with an array of aggressive, dark styling elements. Dark-tint, black gloss exterior mirror covers and a unique Mulliner Driving Specification 21” black and bright machined six-spoke wheel can all be specified to menacing effect.

With its unrivalled blend of effortless driveability, exquisite craftsmanship and onboard technology, the Flying Spur rightly lays claim to being the world’s finest luxury sedan.

The Flying Spur comes complete with a suite of onboard technology to make it an ideal place for work or relaxation on the move.

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An innovative Touch Screen Remote, deployed from the veneered rear centre console at the touch of a button, allows control of the car’s climate and infotainment systems from the comfort of the rear seat, while the optional Multimedia Specification brings an extensive Rear Seat Entertainment system.

Tuned for power, the Flying Spur V8 S takes us 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds (0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds), shaving 0.3 seconds from the V8’s already athletic sprint time. Top speed is 306 km/h (190 mph).

The combination of power, performance and economy is the result of an array of advanced technologies employed in the design of the Bentley V8 engine.

With the performance-focussed chassis revisions, the Flying Spur V8 S retains its power combined with the luxurious, limousine-smooth ride and legendary ability to transport passengers in unrivalled comfort.