Author Archives: Shereen Shabnam

Redesigned and Reengineered – All-New 2017 CR-V

09 Wednesday Aug 2017

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04 Honda CR-V (1).jpg

Driving the last two models of the Honda CRV for a couple of years in Sharjah helped create a lot of memories for me and my family but it has been a while since we checked the new SUV models by Honda.

Hence driving the completely redesigned and reengineered 2017 CR-V with bold new styling, a more premium interior and numerous new features and technologies certainly brought back some beautiful memories and made us wish we still had our old models to trade in for the new one.

The key difference we noted was the improvement in steering precision, the increased ride comfort and body control. The interior is completely redesigned, spacious and the cockpit is studded with innovative features.

The rear seat legroom impressed my very fastidious teenager used to critiquing the rear interior experience in cars in general. With the new Easy Fold Down and 60/40 split rear seat design, the CR-V interior is incredibly versatile with room for five people and substantial space for shopping, camping or golfing storage.

The CR-V offers the latest in vehicle connectivity and audio performance with a new generation of advanced technologies. The DX and LX grades have a 5-inch Color Screen Audio and the EX and Touring grades have a 7-inch touch screen Display Audio interface with Android operating systemTM that now features a physical volume knob as well as an available Navigation system.

The 7-inch touch screen Display Audio is compatible with Apple CarPlayTM and AndroidAutoTM platforms, giving customers seamless integration of key smartphone features and functions, including smartphone powered GPS navigation and voice controlled search capabilities.

The dashboard is laid out in clearly with advanced driving technology and other essential information directly in the line of sight, such as average fuel consumption, AWD torque identification, turn-by-turn navigation and Driver Attention Monitor. The Driver Attention Monitor is designed to detect driver fatigue and alert the driver when exhibiting diminished attention to the road with a series of visual and audio alerts.

Other features include the Honda LANEWATCHTM using a camera located in the passenger door mirror to display a clear image of the lanes and any vehicles that are on the lane on the 7-inch Display Audio screen. The Multi Angle Rearview Camera with dynamic guidelines ensures you park safely and quickly.

The convenience factor extends to having an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Brake Hold function, front USB ports, rear USB charging ports and front passenger seat with 4-way power adjustment and driver’s seat with 8-way power adjustment and 4-way power lumbar support.

The New CR-V comes in four grades namely, DX and LX in 2 Wheel Drive (2WD) and EX and Touring in All Wheel Drive (AWD). The 2.4-liter engine generates 184-horsepower @ 6400rpm and a torque of 244NM @ 3900rpm.

The bold exterior styling is another plus point for the new model. The 2017 CR-V has a crisper and sharper front-end design and aggressively styled headlights. Wide, muscular fenders with athletic wheel arches, longer wheelbase and short rear overhang give the 2017 CR-V a more sophisticated and athletic presence.

For safety, the all-new 2017 CR-V targets the highest available collision safety ratings, including an NCAP 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) plus it utilizes Electronic Brake Booster (EBB), which also monitors the vehicle speed.

With the All New Honda CR-V, Honda has certainly come a long way from the models I used in the past for my school runs and this time, it ticks all the usual boxes with additional new technology and attractive styling to complete the ideal SUV purchase most buyers are looking for today.

 

Performance and Prestige – Rebirth of the Acura NSX

03 Thursday Aug 2017

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The long-awaited second-generation Acura NSX, acclaimed for its reliability as well as its performance capabilities is back in the market. The new hybrid-electric sports car, powered by a mid-mounted twin-turbo V-6 engine and three electric motors, produces “north of 550 hp,” according to Acura. 

The next generation NSX is made of aluminum and carbon fiber and is lightweight, equipped with a twin-clutch, 9-speed transmission and permanent all-wheel drive. It showcases the production styling, design and specifications of Acura’s mid-engine sports hybrid supercar.

Specifically created to bring a “new sports experience” to the supercar segment, the NSX challenges conventional beliefs about supercars, much as the first generation did a quarter century ago. The approach is realized through an all-new power unit, a twin-turbo charged 75-degree DOHC V6 engine with a 9-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) and three-electric motor Sport Hybrid system, integrated with an ultra-rigid and lightweight multi-material body with world’s-first material applications and manufacturing processes.

Developed under the concept of a “human-centered supercar,” a car that puts the driver first in every aspect of its design, the next-generation NSX will leverage its state-of-the-art hybrid supercar power unit, body and chassis to deliver exceptionally intuitive and immediate response to driver inputs.

As the pinnacle representation of Acura performance and prestige, the NSX was introduced at the auto show under the theme of “Precision Crafted Performance.” The theme was the original tagline for the Acura brand, a guiding force behind the development of the original NSX and a critical component of its launch.

The development of next-generation NSX, driven by precision crafted performance, has resulted in a clean-sheet design, which involved nearly three years of intensive development effort by a global design and engineering team led by engineers at the company’s development center in Raymond, Ohio.

The NSX body features classic low and wide proportions married to modern and alluring surfacing, an aggressive front design, and tail lights that pays homage to the original NSX. The signature side intake and floating C-pillar collects air to feed the mid-mounted engine and directs airflow over the rear deck to increase down force.

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Every element of the exterior body design has been carefully fashioned for total airflow management for both stability-enhancing down force and vehicle systems cooling. The NSX has undergone extensive testing at the company’s state-of-the-art wind tunnel in Raymond, Ohio, leading to a number of significant changes from concept to final body design, including modified hood vents, new front fender vents, modified side air intakes, and an optimized deck spoiler.

The NSX’s instrument cluster features a dynamic TFT display that responds to changes in the driver-selectable Integrated Dynamics System with pertinent graphics and information. The center console holds the Power button that readies the sport hybrid powertrain, nested in the center of the new Integrated Dynamics System dial control.

In keeping with the foundational philosophy of the original NSX, the next-generation NSX is designed to provide a new sports car experience that maximizes the capabilities of the driver, delivering exceptionally intuitive and confidence-inspiring response “at the will of the driver.”

The Acura engineers leveraged the company’s expertise both with high-performance engine and hybrid electric-drive technologies, as well as its two decades of experience with industry-leading dynamic torque-vectoring technologies, including Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), to create the most sophisticated, technologically advanced and intelligent powertrain in the supercar universe.

The innovative techniques certainly deliver next-generation craftsmanship and world-class quality in the realm of specialized, supercar vehicle production.

 

Aerodynamic Performance – Aventador S

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With the hills of Tuscany as the backdrop and in the company of fellow supercar motoring enthusiasts from around the globe over a few days, I recently tested the new Lamborghini Aventador S which has a new aerodynamic design, redeveloped suspension, increased power and new driving dynamics.

The ‘S’ is the suffix of previous enhanced Lamborghini models and defines a new benchmark for the V12 Lamborghini and indicates the new Aventador generation, redesigned to achieve maximum aerodynamic efficiency while accenting the Aventador’s complex, muscular dynamism.

According to Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali, the Aventador S has a visionary design, cutting-edge technology with driving dynamics that elevates the concept of super sports cars to a new level.

A more aggressive nose and longer front splitter redirect airflow for better aerodynamic efficiency, improved engine cooling and increased cooling to the radiators. Two air ducts in the side of the front bumper reduce aerodynamic interference from the front tires and optimize wake flow to the rear radiator.

The rear of the Aventador S is dominated by a black diffuser, available on request in carbon fiber, characterized by a number of vertical fins that amplify the airflow effects, reduce drag through pressure recovery and generate downforce. Three single exhaust outlets exit through the rear bumper.

During the drive, we learnt how the rear wing, movable in three positions depending on speed and drive select mode, optimizes the car’s improved overall balance, working with vortex generators created in the front and rear of the chassis’ underside that maximize air flow as well as assist in brake cooling.

With the Aventador S design, the front downforce has been improved by more than 130% over the previous Aventador coupé. When the wing is in its optimum position the overall efficiency at high downforce is improved by over 50%, and in low drag by more than 400% compared to the previous model.

The Aventador S is redeveloped around a ‘total control concept’ to provide a superior drive, ride and performance; every aspect of the car’s suspension and electronic control systems has been advanced, with the goal of particularly enhanced control and driving emotion.

Also interesting is the smart Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Attiva (LDVA) control unit that manage these systems in the car. LDVA is the new brain of the car, which receives real time and precise information on body motion via input from all sensors of the car and defines the best set-up of all active systems that guarantee the best vehicle dynamics in each situation.

The Aventador S is more agile with a reduced turning radius, ensuring higher performance in curves and making it easy to maneuver in town and at low speeds. On the tracks, I tried all four different driving modes: STRADA, SPORT, CORSA and the new EGO mode, which influence the behavior of the traction (engine, gearbox, 4WD), steering (LRS, LDS, Servotronic) and suspension (LMS).

STRADA stands for maximum comfort and daily use. SPORT provides a sporty, rear-wheel drive feel and CORSA is suitable for maximum track performance.

EGO is the new driving mode option. This provides several additional and individual set-up profiles, customizable by the driver’s preferred criteria for traction, steering and suspension within the STRADA, SPORT and CORSA settings.

In STRADA, the progressive damping is smoothed for better comfort and stability on rough roads. Torque is split 40/60 to the front and rear as standard: safe and stable with maximum adhesion, the car is easily driven and controlled.

In SPORT mode, the stabilizing effect of the Lamborghini Rear-wheel Steering allows up to 90% torque to the rear wheels for maximum sportiness and driving fun on curving roads. Driving precision and driver feedback is improved, while maintaining safety and without compromising on comfort.

While I drove mainly in SPORT mode, I tried the CORSA as well experiencing less intrusive dynamic and traction control intervention while maintaining driving precision and traction. In this mode, high levels of damping force maximize driver feeling and feedback from driver inputs including steering, braking and throttle.

Counter-phase steering is enhanced in high-performance situations and torque is balanced to both axles, with a maximum 20/80 split to front and rear for more neutral behavior and to maximize track-oriented performance.

The Lamborghini Aventador’s naturally aspirated twelve cylinder, 6.5 liter engine outputs an additional 40 hp over its predecessor, to a maximum 740 hp, with a 690 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is reached in 2.9 seconds, with a top speed of 350 km/h. Transmission is provided by Lamborghini’s lightweight Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) 7-speed shifting system, providing robotized gear shifts in up to 50 milliseconds.

The Aventador S comes with new, specially developed set of Pirelli P Zero tires. Designed to optimize steering, traction, lane changes and braking efficiency, the tires are specifically designed to respond to the dynamic behavior induced by the Lamborghini Rear-wheel Steering, ensuring handling consistency and driver feedback.

With improved force generation from both front and rear tires, the Pirelli P Zero tires provide a higher lateral acceleration and reduce understeer characteristics. Carbon ceramic brakes are standard equipment for the Aventador S.

The training at the Mugello Circuit with the Aventador S enthralled the most seasoned supercar drivers and owners and the thrills on the tracks proved once again the brand’s superior road power that exudes only from a Lamborghini.

Audi is researching the use of time in the robot car

29 Saturday Jul 2017

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25th Hour project_driving simulator (3).jpg

  • Cooperation with Fraunhofer Institute experts on human-machine interaction
  • Laboratory experiment in a futuristic driving simulator
  • “25th Hour”: an Audi project to define the premium mobility of the future

What is a premium experience like in a self-driving car? Audi is researching this in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO. In the futuristic driving simulator, the experts on human-machine interaction investigated, for example, how the car interior can become a perfect workplace. The findings help the car maker to provide every user with a personally optimized automobile interior in the future. This research cooperation is part of the Audi project “25th Hour.”

“When cars no longer have a steering wheel, premium mobility can be newly defined. In future, people traveling from A to B will be able to surf the Internet at leisure, play with their children – or do concentrated work,” says Melanie Goldmann, head of Culture and Trends Communication at Audi. “Together with the experts from the Fraunhofer Institute, we want to find out what is important for making optimal use of time in a self-driving car.”

For the laboratory experiment at the Fraunhofer Institute in Stuttgart, Audi has specially built a driving simulator that reproduces the situation of automated driving: with a variable interior and without a steering wheel. Large-scale projections convey the impression of a city drive by night. Via displays, the researchers can introduce digital distractions, the windows can be dimmed, and the colour of the lighting and noise background change.

The focus was on young test persons, so-called millennials, who were born after 1980 and are regarded as receptive to self-driving cars. In the experiment, the 30 test persons carried out various tasks requiring concentration – comparable with a work situation in a self-driving car.

As they did this, their brain activity was measured (EEG), as well as reaction times and error quotas, and subjective impressions were noted. The results of the EEG were unambiguous: in an environment without disturbances, the human brain is more relaxed. The windows were dimmed, the light settings optimized, and digital messages were suppressed. Tasks were then solved better and more quickly. The test persons also stated that they were less distracted.

By contrast, a driving situation that was “close to reality” in the robot car made greater demands on the brain: in this case, the participants saw some advertising, received information from social networks, and did not benefit from pleasant lighting settings or dimmed windows.

“The results show that the task is to find the right balance. In a digital future, there are no limits to what can be imagined. We could offer everything in the car – really overwhelm the user with information,” says Goldmann. “But we want to put people at the centre of attention. The car should become a smart membrane. The right information should reach the user at the right time.”

The “25th Hour” project
Today drivers spend an average of about 50 minutes per day at the wheel. In the 25th Hour project, Audi is investigating how this time could be used better in a self-driving automobile. The project is based on the assumption that an intelligent human-machine interface will learn the user’s individual preferences and adapt flexibly. In this way, Audi customers will gain full control of their time – they will be masterful time managers.

In a first step, the project team looked at people in Hamburg, San Francisco, and Tokyo, focusing on two aspects. How is infotainment used in the car today? And what would people like to do with their free time in the car of the future? The results were then discussed with a variety of experts, including psychologists, anthropologists, and urban and mobility planners.

In a second step, the Audi team defined three time modes that are conceivable in a self-driving car: quality time, productive time, and time for regeneration. In so-called quality time, people spend their time, for example, in activities with their children or telephoning family and friends. In productive time, they usually work. In down time they relax by reading, surfing the Internet, or watching a film.

To research these time modes further, Audi recruited the help of scientists from the Fraunhofer Institute. In the current research series, the team is principally concentrating on productive time.

Breathtaking Performance & Elegance – McLAREN 570GT

25 Tuesday Jul 2017

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McLaren 570S Mantis Green

The McLaren 570GT is the most luxurious and refined of any McLaren to date with a light, airy cabin upholstered and specified with the highest quality materials throughout. Practical enough for everyday use, the two-seat, mid-enginedsports car 570GT is designed for practicality and comfort, while remaining a true McLaren.

Very few people have the opportunity to possess a McLaren and this alone makes owners’ part of an exclusive club with a wide range of vehicle customisation options and lifestyle experiences.

The McLaren 570GT joins the 570S Coupé and 540C Coupé as the third model in the recently announced Sports Series family. The clean lines of the revised glasshouse give the 570GT a sleek and refined silhouette, and mark out the second of three bodystyles, which will eventually complete the Sports Series.

The standard fixed glass Panoramic Roof provides a bright, open cabin running through to the large rear glass hatch creating the most luxurious and relaxing McLaren driving environment. Craftsmanship throughout the interior of the 570GT are of the highest level, upholstered and specified with quality materials and the latest technologies throughout.

The 570GT is the most practical model ever launched by McLaren Automotive, targeted towards longer journeys  and weekends away. Within the spacious and ergonomically-optimised cabin, a pair of eight-way electrically adjustable sports seats are upholstered in leather as standard. The control interfaces for the air conditioning, telephony, navigation and audio systems are managed through the centrally mounted touchscreen.

The panoramic roof adds more light and a sense of space to the interior. The roof glass is treated with 18 percent transmission tint and also features SSF (Sound & Solar Film) to absorb solar radiation while providing additional noise insulation. With the increased glass area of the 570GT, cabin temperatures are regulated and maintained by an enhanced dual-zone air conditioning system, allowing fully automatic and independent settings for passenger and driver.

The front luggage area remains unchanged from the Coupé, providing 150 litres of stowage, while a further 220 litres of space is available behind the seats on the leather-lined Touring Deck. This additional space is accessed via the side opening Glass Hatch offering more storage space.

Refinement and day-to-day usability are further enhanced through the latest tyre technology from McLaren Automotive technical partner, Pirelli. The 570GT features specially developed Pirelli P Zero™ tyres, whichreduce in-cabin road noise by up to three decibels.

McLaren 570S

As with all models in the Sports Series, the 570GT is extensively equipped throughout with the latest technologies and the highest quality materials. As standard, the new model features extended leather upholstery, electrically adjustable heated seats with memory function, front and rear parking sensors, an electric steering column with easy entry and exit function.

Under the skin, the 570GT has been developed with a unique dynamic setup to reflect its positioning, while retaining the supercar levels of engagement experienced on the 570S Coupé. Pure McLaren design and engineering combine to produce a car with breath-taking performance yet increased levels of luxury and refinement.

First introduced on the iconic McLaren F1, and now signature to each of the models in the McLaren Automotive range, the 570GT features distinctive dihedral doors, which open upwards and outwards. A signature McLaren feature, the dihedral doors makes entering and leaving the car as effortless as possible.

Power and torque remain at 570PS (562bhp) and 600 Nm (443lb ft) and power is delivered to the rear wheels via a seven-speed seamless-shift transmission with adjustment through Normal, Sport and Track settings to produce one of the most rewarding and engaging driving experiences in the sports car class.

The 570GT is hence a thorough bred sports car designed for the driver who wants a high performance car with elements of luxury and comfort for longer drives.

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Masters of Luxury- First Bentayga to join Bentley’s famous Heritage Collection

19 Wednesday Jul 2017

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In constant pursuit of the exquisite, the powerful and the exclusive, Bentley Motors first production of the extraordinary Bentley Bentayga is now a reality. As the catalyst for one of the biggest investment programmes in the company’s history, Bentley’s SUV takes the class to a new level.

Discerning Middle East clients will be delighted to note the vast range of options and opportunities they can personalisein Bentayga while enjoying ground-breaking technology that opens up new experiences in a SUV.

With innovation at its heart, the Bentayga displays unprecedented power, speed and efficiency, setting new standards in the SUV sector. The first production Bentayga, finished in paint colour, Anthracite, was handcrafted across 130 hours.

During the assembly process, the car passed through a new bodystore, a new paint shop and a new assembly line, all part of this substantial investment.

According to Robin Peel, Head of Marketing for MEAI & Asia Pacific, Bentley ‎Motors, the Bentley Bentayga will be the benchmark against which all other SUVs are measured, defining a new segment – the luxury SUV. Robin also mentions that the Bentayga combines unparalleled luxury with effortless ‎performance and everyday ‎usability.‎

Visually, Bentayga is every inch a Bentley. From the distinctive matrix grille and four familiar round headlights to the luxurious materials and attention to detail in the handcrafted cabin interior. Innovative production techniques add to a look that is at once familiar yet sets it apart from other SUVs.

The subtle reinterpretation of the marque’s signature design traits is evident, from the super-formed, ultra sharp powerline to the handcrafted interior. It is the perfect balance between sporting prowess and everything else one would want in a SUV.

Bentley’s Innovative technology completes the experience, connecting the driver and passengers with Bentley’s most advanced, intuitive infotainment and driver assistance technologies. Bentayga clearly leads the way in technological advances at Bentley.

Keeping design in mind, technology in Bentayga has been seamlessly integrated into the vehicle to offer intelligent functionality. The subtle application of this extraordinary technology means you hardly notice it until you need it and the functionality makes every journey more comfortable and satisfying, whether you’re in the driving seat or relaxing as a passenger.

The designers’ vision was to extend the Bentley design values of exquisite materials, exclusivity and individuality, and transport authentic luxury to new landscapes.

The all-new W12 engine is breathtakingly powerful with a top speed of 187 mph (301 km/h). But performance is not just about unadulterated speed. Bentayga can tow up to 3,500kg with consummate ease and takes all kinds of off-road conditions in its stride.

Bentayga is clearly the fastest, most ‎powerful, most ‎luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world.

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Audi and Johannes Kepler University of Linz to establish center for artificial intelligence

17 Monday Jul 2017

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Audi and Johannes Kepler University of Linz to establish center for artificial intelligence.jpg

  • Cooperation with Prof. Sepp Hochreiter’s Institute of Bioinformatics
  • The “Audi.JKU deep learning center” will focus on self-learning functions in connection with cars
  • Michael Schmid, Head of the Audi Academy: “We are ensuring the knowledge transfer from research into practice”

Audi and the Johannes Kepler University of Linz (JKU) are to conduct joint research into the intelligent car of the future. For this purpose, the university and the brand with the Four Rings will now establish the “Audi.JKU deep learning center” in Linz. Through cooperation with the Institute for Bioinformatics headed by Prof. Sepp Hochreiter, Audi plans to promote the use of artificial intelligence in automobiles.

Prof. Sepp Hochreiter is one of Europe’s leading experts in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). He has made major contributions with fundamental research into deep‑learning technologies – a methodology that is based on the learning processes of the human brain. The long short‑term memory (LSTM) that he developed is used for speech‑recognition software in all smartphones all over the world. Hochreiter’s Institute for Bioinformatics at the Johannes Kepler University of Linz (JKU) has long been held in high regard by AI experts. Exchanges of opinions and experience with Audi on the subject of autonomous driving have been taking place for several years, and the two partners successfully concluded their first joint project in 2016. “The application of AI has enormous potential for self‑driving cars, not just for speech recognition, but even for predicting passengers’ intentions and needs, and reacting to them,” stated Prof. Sepp Hochreiter. “Thanks to LSTM networks, drivers in the future will feel safer in their cars than in their own living rooms.”

“With the establishment of the ‘Audi.JKU deep learning center,’ we are placing our cooperation on solid foundations,” said Michael Schmid, Head of the Audi Academy. “We are thus creating a win‑win situation for both sides. Audi is supporting the essential basic research in the field of artificial intelligence. At the same time, we are ensuring rapid knowledge transfer into practice and making contacts with talented young people.” As part of the cooperation, Audi will also support selected young scientists at JKU Linz.

The “Audi.JKU deep learning center” starts work with five projects. Research will be conducted for example into how cars driving in piloted mode in complex traffic situations can be exactly aware of and interpret their environment. Potential dangers must be recognized at an early stage and reaction times must be optimized. Another project deals with the use of artificial intelligence in vehicle sensors. “The latest findings are vital for us to make our cars more intelligent step by step,” explained Dr. Peter Steiner, Chief Executive of Audi Electronics Venture GmbH. Audi’s software company functions as a specialized interface and contact point for JKU Linz. “We have been developing our global network in the field of artificial intelligence for many years, and are delighted that we have been able to gain Prof. Hochreiter and his institute as an additional competent partner,” said Steiner.

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A REGAL RIDE: ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST SERIES II

02 Sunday Jul 2017

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Rolls-Royce Ghost has proven to be no ordinary power. It has propelled Rolls-Royce Motor Cars to new heights with a less formal, more contemporary and dynamic expression of Rolls-Royce luxury. It has attracted a new generation of clients to Rolls-Royce –the Captains of Industry, entrepreneurs and successful business men and women who are a unique, exclusive group of exceptional achievers who drive success in today’s world. I had the pleasure to drive the car for a few days and it certainly made me feel like Head of State. According to Torsten Muller-Otvos, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, the Rolls-Royce Ghost is for leaders who know what they want and they go outto achieve it. And then, having accomplished their objectives, they reward themselves with the ultimate symbol of success, a Rolls-Royce Ghost.

The brand has answered clients’ demands for the best in effortless dynamism, modern luxury and industry-leading technology. Clothed in a discreetly updated design that protects the iconic character of a Rolls-Royce, the brand proudly introduces Ghost Series II as an oasis of calm in a frenetic business world.

The Ghost Series II offers the latest technological advances to the growing base of highly successful customers. Since its launch, Ghost has become the ultimate symbol of success for leading entrepreneurs across the globe. Winning critical media and customer acclaim and driving the company to four consecutive historic sales records, Ghost has led a new, younger generation of highly successful men and women to Rolls-Royce ownership; a key pillar in the marque’s highly successful sustainable growth strategy.

In essence, Ghost is a Rolls-Royce that meets its owner’s every need. It is an exquisitely appointed business tool for the business week and an engaging and effortless driving experience for leisure at the weekend. Having driven the car for both reasons, it was a delightfully smooth ride and commanded attention not just on the roads but when parked at hotels and business centres while I attended meetings and press events.

The bold new generation of Rolls-Royce customer seeks a car with a silent assurance – a cosseting, super-premium environment in which to conduct business and augment their leisure time. In Ghost Series II, tradition blends perfectly with this bold, contemporary direction.

An uncompromising approach to materials and craftsmanship remains and traditional visual tenets were re-imagined to express the car’s modernity and dynamism. For example the stately presence of Phantom’s grille made way for a softer, less formal design – its subtle curvature more akin to a jet air-intake than traditional pantheon facia. Flowing ‘yacht lines’ and powerful flanks hint at the car’s inherent dynamism, whilst traditional Rolls-Royce DNA is expressed in the elevated prow, large uninterrupted surfaces, long bonnet and short overhang.

Ghost Series II is the ultimate contemporary combination of luxury, technology and connectivity available to the successful entrepreneur on the move today. It is an oasis of calm in a busy connected world where he or she can do business in peace. It presents the driver and occupants with a comprehensive example of effortless Rolls-Royce connectivity, a network where communication between car, environment and driver helps lower the pulse, ease the journey and delight the occupants.

Key to this is the discreet placement of the car’s technological functions. Accessed through a one-touch call button or the Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller, on-board Wi-Fi facilitates email, file sharing, telephony and video-conferencing. The user is also able to watch televised business news in order to remain ahead of the game. Navigation assistance is by the same one-touch call button for wherever the owner wishes to go, with directions that anticipate and avoid unnecessary delays are offered.Information from the significantly updated Multimedia Interface and Navigation system is displayed beautifully on a new 10.25” high definition screen.

In 2014, the famous Spirit of Ecstasy figurine celebrates her 103rd birthday. More than any other symbol of luxury, the flying lady stands as a genuine icon, one whose beautiful image continues to adorn the grille, but is now also reproduced within Ghost Series II’s cabin depicted below the crystal glass surface of the new rotary controller.

This Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller presents a touch pad with the ability to write characters by finger, as well as the ability to scroll through function menus by turning the chrome dial and pressing down to select its functions.

The Rotary Controller’s touch pad also allows ‘pull and pinch’ features, replicating intuitive smart phone functionality. These help the user pinpoint chosen areas on the screen or help to make them larger. For example, different areas of a map can be found by moving a finger across the touch pad, whilst street resolution can be made larger or smaller by pinching or pulling.

Rolls-Royce employs experts for all aspects of high-end craftsmanship, from hand-painted coach lines to finely tuned audio systems. Finely tuned by expert Rolls-Royce audio engineers and naturally incorporating the finest hardware and latest advances in connectivity, Bespoke Audio is the most exhaustively designed automotive hi-fi system ever developed.

Ensuring perfect acoustic balance and performance was central to the design process of the car. Rolls-Royce’s in-house audio engineers were consulted throughout the design process of the car on the effect proposed changes in the wider design of the car may have on the performance of the system – a practice unparalleled in the automotive world.

Eighteen individually-tuned speakers, with both theatre and studio settings, deliver a pure ‘larger than live’ sensation. Two bass speakers located in the boot complement seven speakers meticulously placed throughout the cabin. Two ‘exciter’ speakers in the roof-lining bring the sound to occupants’ ear level creating a completely unique listening sensation.

iPod and iPad connections allow the importation of music, but also podcast and audio book downloads. Bluetooth audio streaming is an option too, from one of two phones that can be paired with equal functionality.

A number of music searches can be made via the Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller, including a “play more like this” function while online Gracenote® access for CDs with hit selection make navigating music collections an effortless experience. But it is the sound quality itself that places Ghost Series II at the pinnacle of in-car audio.

Interior comfort and style are enhanced with re-designed seats. Electronically adjustable thigh supports for front seat passengers complement a new seat structure, enhancing Ghost’s unchallenged interior comfort levels.

A revised rear seat design ensures absolute comfort for those wishing to conduct business or simply relax. In ‘Lounge seat’ configuration, the seats are gently angled towards each other to create a more intimate setting, allowing passengers to communicate more easily.

The most recent developments in LED lighting technology have also been applied to Ghost Series II. The way this light is managed is significantly enhanced by adaptive technology. Electronically controlled reflectors move in the direction of travel in response to steering-wheel turns to give a greater depth of vision when cornering and a whiter, brighter light ensures effortless and safe driving on dark roads whilst helping reduce driver tiredness.

Ghost Series II’s effortless dynamism is augmented with the addition of Satellite Aided Transmission, a technology that utilises GPS data to allow the car to see beyond what the driver sees, anticipating their next move based on location and driving style.

Ghost presents the perfect blend of driving dynamics and hallmark Rolls-Royce comfort. Ghost Series II customers can specify a Dynamic Driving Package that offers a more involving driving experience with no compromise to ride quality.

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Double victory for Audi in “Best Cars 2017”

26 Monday Jun 2017

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

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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

Posted by in All About Wheels - Automotive (Cars, Car Clubs, SUV's, RV's etc), Car Clubs, Gadgets, Jewellery, Fashion, Fragrance & Beauty, Lifestyle features, Press releases

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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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