Tag Archives: Shereen Shabnam

Emotion instead of emission: Audi heading for the motorsport future in electric power

01 Sunday Oct 2017

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Daniel Abt_Lucas di Grassi

  • Formula E Champion Lucas di Grassi in Audi e-tron FE04
  • Progressive livery and new powertrain with only one gear
  • Daniel Abt becomes Audi factory driver, Allan McNish team principal

Audi presented the Group’s first all-electric race car in Neuburg on Wednesday night. The Audi e-tron FE04 mirrors the company’s transformation from a classic automobile manufacturer to a forward-thinking mobility provider on the race track.

“After nearly 40 years of being successfully active in motorsport on the highest level, Audi now becomes the first German automobile manufacturer to compete in Formula E in order to test and advance the development of new technologies for production,” says Peter Mertens, Member of the Board of Management, Technical Development, AUDI AG. “Following quattro, TFSI, TDI, hybrid drive and many other innovations, our first single-seater race car is a portent of our product offensive in the field of electric mobility that we are ringing in with the Audi e-tron in 2018.” At the IAA, Audi announced having more than 20 electrified models in its range even before 2025 including Plug-in-hybrids and fully electric cars.

DTM Test Vallelunga

In Formula E, the teams and manufacturers are allowed to develop the powertrain consisting of the motor, transmission, parts of the suspension and the respective software. The combination of the motor and transmission is the centrepiece of the Audi e-tron FE04. The engineers primarily focus on designing the motor-generator unit for ever greater efficiency. To transmit the power to the wheels, Team Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler will be using a high-efficiency transmission with only one gear in the 2017/2018 season.

“Together with our technology partner Schaeffler, we have developed a completely new powertrain,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass. “You can immediately tell this by looking at the new carbon housing of the powertrain. The car also sounds different because we’re pursuing new avenues in technology.”

A progressive new livery featuring white, metallic green and black as the basic colours visually distinguishes the Audi e-tron FE04 at first glance clearly from the car in which Lucas di Grassi won the Formula E championship title in July. For the first time in his career, the 33-year-old Brazilian is entering a new season in car number “1” of the title defender and on the occasion of the world premiere in Neuburg he did not let the opportunity pass by of driving the softly whirring new electric race car onto the stage.

Volkswagen Abu Dhabi introduces the Child Seats campaign in passenger cars.

01 Sunday Oct 2017

Posted by in All About Wheels - Automotive (Cars, Car Clubs, SUV's, RV's etc), Car Clubs, Lifestyle features, Press releases, Retail Therapy, RV's etc), SUV's, Travel - Destination, Hospitality & Airline features, Uncategorized

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  • Exclusive offers valid for a limited time only.
  • Children need two things above else: “Love and safety”.
  • The campaign will run until November 30, 2017.

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Ali & Sons Motors Co. LLC, the official distributor of Volkswagen in Abu Dhabi has introduced its most exclusive Child Seats offers valid for a limited time only. Child safety seat is now mandatory for children due to the new UAE regulation, parents who allow children to sit in car’s rear seat without child seat will be fined 400AED. Volkswagen Child Seat campaign offers customers a special discount on the Volkswagen Genuine Child Seats available now in all Volkswagen Ali and Sons showrooms.

The Volkswagen Genuine GO plus ISOFIX provie a high protection and comfort for new-born babies and babies up to 13 Kg or 15 months old. In addition the ISOFIX fastening system ensures that the child seat with its base frame is securely fastened to the vehicle body. The child is securely held in the seat by a heght adjystable, 5-point full belt safety harness. Further featured includes an adjustable handle , an easy removable, washable fabric covering, a heigh- adjustable seat insert and a sun shade. All Volkswagen Genuine child seats exceed the requirements of the ECE-R44/04 standard.

“Children need two things above all else :Love and safety. When developing the Genuine Child Seats,Volkswagen focused completely on safety and confort without any compromise so you can concentrate on everything else.” Ammar Johmani, ‎General Manager Volkswagen, Ali & Sons Motors Co. LLC.

Ali & Sons Motors Co. LLC. will provide a special disount on the Volkswagen Genuine Child seats till end of November 2017.

For more information, visit your nearest Volkswagen showroom in Abu Dhabi, Mussafah and Al Ain or visit www.volkswagen-abu-dhabi.com.

The new Aventador S Roadster: Breathtaking performance with open-air driving sophistication

25 Monday Sep 2017

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  • Super sports car technologies and dynamics of Aventador S coupé, coupled with open-air driving pleasure
  • Naturally-aspirated V12 producing 740 hp, accelerating 0-100 km/h in 3.0 seconds with top speed 350 km/h (217 mph)
  • Aerodynamic design and development optimising the open-air experience for driver and passenger
  • Dedicated Ad Personam color and trim options, extensive use carbon fiber
 The Aventador S Roadster is presented by Automobili Lamborghini at the IAA in Frankfurt, combining the technologies and driving dynamics of the Aventador S with an emotive open air driving experience.
“The new Aventador S Roadster sets new benchmarks in technology and performance on both road and track, with the roadster version adding a new dimension in driving enjoyment,” says Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Stefano Domenicali. “The Aventador S Roadster offers the thrill of open air driving without compromising on driving dynamics or the occupants’ comfort, and adds a further luxurious dimension through the personalization options available.”
The Aventador S Roadster is the only mid-rear engine V12 super sports roadster. Alongside class-leading performance figures, the roadster’s unique status is enhanced by multiple color and trim options, including new materials and extensive use of carbon fiber as well as virtually limitless potential through Lamborghini’s Ad Personam personalization program.
Air and space – the aerodynamic roadster design
The roadster maintains the unmistakable design of the Aventador S along with unique features reflecting its roadster persona: a combination of distinctive Lamborghini design DNA and the result of extensive aerodynamic testing.
The car’s rear sports distinctively different lines to the coupé, giving the roadster its own aerodynamic character. An engine bridge runs from the back window to the rear in a mix of body color and matt black painted carbon fiber engine bonnet blades: a transparent option is also available to show off the V12 engine within.
Sleek, removable, hardtop roof panels, weighing less than six kg, are convexly molded to ensure maximum cabin space for the occupants. Finished in matt black carbon fiber, optional specifications including high gloss black, shiny visible carbon fiber, and further Ad Personam possibilities. An easy fastening system allows the roof panels to be quickly removed and stored in the front trunk.
The rear window is electrically operated at the push of a button for drivers wanting to hear the beat of the V12 powerplant: while closed during roofless driving, the window minimizes cabin noise and airflow.
Color and trim, inside and out
Complementing external colors, five interior configurations are offered, featuring leather and Alcantara in single and bi-color combinations and various stitching and trim choices. Further external and internal packages such as ‘branding’ and ‘carbon fiber’ are offered, with the Ad Personam program for clients wanting to customize their Aventador S Roadster even further.
Clients can also select the internal specification of the roof panels: covered in black Alcantara framed by matt black carbon as standard, an optional Carbon Skin package (Lamborghini’s high tech fabric that is even lighter than Alcantara) can cover the interior roof panels as well as around the cockpit and parts of the cabin.
The Aventador S Roadster is launched in the Ad Personam Color Blu Aegir, inspired by the peaceful turquoise ocean hiding an indomitable force beneath: sophisticated yet powerful, with extensive use of carbon fiber.
The wing mirrors and windscreen frame are finished in high gloss carbon fiber while the lower part of the car including front and rear bumper, side skirts, air intakes and outlets are in visible carbon fiber.
The configuration internally demonstrates the potential of the Ad Personam program, using Blu Delphinus leather contrasted with Bianco Polar, with Blu Delphinus S-trim stripes on seats, doors and dashboard and even the floor mats in blue and white.
Aventador S Roadster – design and technologies
The Aventador Roadster’s ‘S’ suffix denotes the design and technology advancements of the new model. The Roadster adopts the four-wheel drive, new active suspension, new four-wheel steering system, and the new EGO driving mode introduced on the Aventador S coupé, and with the redevelopment of every aspect of suspension and electronic control systems, its ‘total control concept’ assures superior drive, ride and performance.
Enhanced lateral control from the new four-wheel steering provides improved agility at low speed and more stability at high speed, combined with Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS) for responsive feedback and sharper turn-in. Improved vertical control comes from updated pushrod suspension, new rear springs and Lamborghini Magneto-rheological Suspension (LMS) with revised kinematics adapted to the new four-wheel steering. A new real-time variable damping system optimizes wheel and body control and balance and ground stiffness is maximized.
A optimized ESC system improves longitudinal control for faster and more precise management of traction control and vehicle dynamics depending on driving mode selected, maximizing grip in all conditions and enhancing handling. The permanent four-wheel drive’s calibration allows for the stabilizing effect of the new rear-wheel steering, allowing more torque to the rear axle: when powering off, less torque is shifted to the front axle to allow a sporty but safe drive.
The active rear wing optimizes the car’s aerodynamic balance depending on speed and the selected drive mode, and its significantly enhanced overall aerodynamic design improves front downforce by more than 130% over the previous Aventador. With the wing in optimum position the roadster achieves over 50% overall efficiency at high downforce and in low drag more than 400%.
The Aventador S Roadster’s four driving modes allows selection of STRADA, SPORT and CORSA and the new EGO mode, each influencing every aspect of the car’s behavior through management of traction, steering and suspension. EGO allows the driver to set up his preferred criteria in each mode to suit his driving style.
Accelerating 0-100km/h in just 3.0 seconds, with a top speed equal to the Aventador S coupé of 350 km/h, the Aventador S Roadster weighs just 50 kg more than the coupé. Its 6.5 liter V12 engine outputs the same 740 hp as the coupé, with 690 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. The seven-speed lightweight Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) transmission provides robotized gearshifts in up to 50 milliseconds, with carbon ceramic brakes as standard. Dione 20”/21” rims are fitted with Pirelli P Zero tires especially developed for the Aventador S. Inside, the TFT digital dashboard can be customized to the driver’s preferences and Apple CarPlay™ is standard.

Audi Aicon concept car – autonomous on course for the future

24 Sunday Sep 2017

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  • Audi vision for Level 5 operation
  • Revolutionary styling
  • All-electric with up to 800 kilometer range

With the four-door design vision Audi Aicon, the brand with the four rings is presenting an autonomous Audi of the future – with no steering wheel or pedals. As a design concept, the four-door 2+2 boldly leaps ahead to show the exterior and interior design of the next decades. The technology demonstrator combines innovations relating to the drivetrain, suspension, digitalization and sustainability in a visionary manner. The Aicon, too, is designed for purely electric operation and should be able to cover distances between 700 and 800 kilometres on a single charge.

Design study, technology demonstrator, mobility concept: The Audi Aicon exploits every possibility offered by an autonomous luxury sedan of the future with unprecedented consistency. As a design study, the four-door 2+2 boldly leaps ahead to show the exterior and interior design of the next decade. The technology demonstrator combines innovations relating to the drivetrain, suspension, digitalization and sustainability in a visionary manner.

And as a mobility concept, the Audi Aicon shows the world of tomorrow, in which the advantages of door-to-door individual transportation are combined with the luxurious ambiance of a first-class airline cabin. A cabin with no steering wheel or pedals that can thus offer all the comforts of modern communications electronics and perfect ergonomics.

Audi Aicon_Interior

Pure presence – the exterior
The Audi Aicon looks spectacular from any angle. The strongly flared wheel wells emphasize Audi’s quattro DNA while simultaneously building a bridge to the latest production creations from the Audi designers.

Emotion and information – the LED lighting technology
Conventional headlights and lighting units are absent from both the front and rear of this car. Instead there are fully digital display surfaces comprising hundreds of pixel segments.

The Audi Aicon supports its surroundings intelligently and uses animations on its display surfaces to warn pedestrians or cyclists of dangerous situations. Driving modes such as platooning, urban driving or driving at a walking pace can be visualized. Horizontal stripes of light move from the bottom up when the car accelerates and in the opposite direction during braking. Their speed increases or decreases in sync with that of the car.

Future cars will expand their sphere of communication to the surroundings. The Audi Aicon uses projector modules to illuminate the road and surroundings in high resolution and project signals onto the ground. This enables it to communicate warnings and vehicle information to passers-by with no direct line of sight to the car.

Accommodating – operation and communication
The oft-cited paradigm change in the automotive world – is really shown in the Audi Aicon. One glance is all it takes to realize that all of the controls and displays are missing. Steering wheel, pedals, groups of buttons and instruments – all disappear. Instead just wide, uninterrupted surfaces.

The interior quickly comes to life once passengers enter. Illuminated lines of LEDs set colourful accents in the area of the doors. The front display lights up with a welcome message. PIA, the empathetic electronic vehicle assistant, recognizes the passenger by his phone and activates all of his personal settings.

New are the variable control interfaces in the encircling door rail. Depending on the position of the seats, which can be shifted by up to 50 centimetres, ergonomically perfectly positioned touch and display elements are available in the digitized wrap-around. Your hand instinctively finds its way to the touch-sensitive control panels. Passengers can set the most important settings by tapping with their fingers without having to sit up in their seats or leaning forward. Operation is also interactive. The PIA system is often one step ahead of the passenger and offers services before they actively chose them.

The Audi Aicon opens up a new world of mobility to its passengers. Freed from the tasks of driving, they can choose how to spend their time in the car. Working, communicating or simply just relaxing and even napping: Anything is possible while the car autonomously and safely finds its way.

Audi Aicon_1.jpg

Optimized for the long haul – drivetrain and suspension
The very shape of the Audi Aicon reveals that it is a car from another world, an automobile of the future. The technology used in the concept vehicle has also been systematically designed for this world. It presumes a transportation infrastructure in which autonomously driving automobiles are a given on every street. Road users are connected to one another and their surroundings.

This also means that traffic will be less hectic and flow more smoothly in the future than is imaginable today. Even at moderate speed limits, long distances can be covered at a high constant speed of around 130 km/h. Accidents will also be a thing of the past thanks to the highly advanced sensor systems and networking.

A total of four electric motors are located in the area of the front and rear axles, which together produce a total of 260 kW and 550 Newton meters. Each drives one wheel, enabling electronically controlled, variable quattro all-wheel drive. Maximum acceleration played a less important role in the specification than maximum efficiency and thus also range. This operating strategy is also pursued by the powertrain and electric brake units, which use recuperation to recover energy. Targeted lightweight construction and optimized aerodynamics also help the Audi Aicon to achieve ranges between 700 and 800 kilometres on a single charge.

Even charging has been reduced to a minimum. Thanks to a high-voltage system with 800 volts, the Aicon’s battery unit can be charged to 80 percent of capacity in less than 30 minutes. It brakes primarily by way of recuperation and in so doing recharges the batteries The car is also equipped with a unit of inductive, i.e. wireless, charging. The Aicon manages both without a driver. In an AI Zone, it can pull up to a charging station on its own and charge its battery without any human assistance.

As a true quattro, the Audi Aicon offers ample performance and always reaches its destination safely regardless of the weather or road surface. Pneumatic spring and damper units smooth out any road surface irregularities. As a fully active suspension system, it also optimizes the qualities of the adaptive air suspension and glides over even large potholes.

The Audi Aicon is an all-rounder well prepared for its primary task: to offer a maximum of comfort, communications technology and freedom for its occupants during a long journey. It combines the scopes for autonomous driving in an urban environment and on the highway with an unprecedented range for an electric drive. The Aicon will be followed by further multitalented Audi models, each with their own specialized discipline, ensuring that the vehicle range of the brand with the four rings remains as diverse as it is fascinating.

Defining luxury grand touring: Bentley at the IAA 2017

14 Thursday Sep 2017

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  • All-new Bentley Continental GT makes global debut in Frankfurt
  • The definitive luxury Grand Tourer: designed, engineered and handcrafted in Britain
  • 0-litre W12 TSI engine delivers 635 PS (626 bhp) and 900 Nm (664 lb.ft.)
  • 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds (0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds); top speed
    of 333 km/h (207 mph)
  • New limited edition Mulsanne Design Series by Mulliner also debuts, showcasing brand-new Tessellated coloured carbon fibre
  • Special Mulliner-created Flying Spur V8 S model exhibited
  • The world’s fastest SUV – the Bentayga W12 – is also on display
  • Immersive Tech Lab on stand showcases Bentley’s technology

The all-new Continental GT has made its global debut at the IAA 2017 in Frankfurt.

The third generation of the legendary Bentley Continental GT is designed, engineered and handcrafted in Great Britain, ensuring the highest levels of attention to detail, artistry and cutting-edge technology are blended together to create the finest Grand Tourer ever produced.

The new Continental GT features an all-new, enhanced version of Bentley’s celebrated 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 TSI engine which, for the first time, is available with a dual-clutch eight-speed transmission.

The sprint to 100 km/h takes 3.7 seconds (0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds) with top speed reached at 333 km/h (207 mph). The New Continental GT also has a Grand Touring range of 740 km (460 miles).

A new, technically advanced, adaptive chassis uses Bentley’s intelligent 48-volt Dynamic Ride System to ensure a responsive ride and exceptional handling and refinement in all road conditions. The new system controls ride comfort and lateral roll, cushioning passengers from excessive movement as well as making the car feel effortlessly precise.

The more sculptural and sharply defined muscular exterior design is complemented by a luxurious interior packed with exquisite details that showcases major evolutions in Bentley’s unique application of technology, including an advanced, fully digital, driver-focused instrument panel and revolutionary Bentley Rotating Display.

The limited edition Mulsanne Design Series by Mulliner also debuts at Frankfurt. Inspired by the latest trends in high-end interior design and fashion, the new model – debuting in striking King Fisher Blue – pushes the boundaries of what is possible with carbon fibre.

It features an all-new tessellated coloured carbon fibre, inspired by high-tech sportswear, and available in a choice of three signature Mulliner colours, including King Fisher, Metallic Silver and Metallic Bronze. This accent colour continues through the interior cabin and is featured in the Hidden Delights areas of the car.

On the exterior, a gloss black vertical vane grille, side vents, window surrounds, dark tint ‘Flying B’ mascot and 21” Speed wheels with a bespoke finish give the car a purposeful stance.

The Mulliner bespoke coachbuilding team has also created a special one-off Flying Spur V8 S for the Frankfurt expo. Delivering a standard of exclusivity that is unmistakably Mulliner, this unique model features a three-tone interior lined with Portland, Porpoise and white hides inspired by the classic coachbuilding era. White accents are featured throughout the interior with a special white bezel on the centre console clock and white diamond quilted stitching on the seats. Outside, Mulliner has created a Duo-Tone Light Windsor Blue over Dark Windsor Blue with a white fine-line.

Completing the Bentley line-up on the stand is the world’s only true-luxury SUV – the Bentayga – which combines unparalleled luxury with sporting ability, off-road performance and everyday usability. With its 6.0-litre, twin-turbo W12 powerplant, the Bentayga can accelerate from standing to 60mph in just 4.0 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.1 secs) before hitting a top speed of 187mph (301 km/h).

In addition to displaying an array of the world’s most luxurious and desirable cars, the British manufacturer is hosting a new tech lab – an interactive area dedicated to showcasing Bentley’s breadth of technological and engineering excellence.

The tech lab will take visitors on a journey of discovery through various engineering gateways in the process of building the highest quality performance cars in the world.

The Audi A6 – Powerful. Versatile. Expressive.

22 Tuesday Aug 2017

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_OR_6577

The new Audi A6 sedan is designed to exude progress and sportiness all over. I drove the car after a few days with the Audi A7 so I did not expect the model to impress me as much but it was a perfect drive with the right amount of power and turn head factor for the Dubai streets during cruise hours.

Externally, the new model has a wider and sportier appearance while the interior is generously designed to offer a family of four ample room and comfort. There are enough storage spaces and practical stowing options to make the journey a relaxing pleasure.

For a discerning premium audience, buying an Audi is a pleasure with all the bespoke options such as the colored leather and the custom paint from the large range of Audi exclusive color makes buyers get a unique vehicle according to personal preferences.

Drive time in new terrains is a breeze in the new A6, which handles better, accelerates faster and comes equipped with MMI Navigation plus, and MMI touch as a standard, offering the latest generation of Audi infotainment.

Having a large 8-inch TFT color display with a wide range of functions integrated in a user-friendly manner is a definite plus. I enjoy cruising the streets with a mix of Fijian, English and Arabic music, which sounded amazing with the impressive sound quality of the Bose surround sound system in the A6.

For die-hard music fans, imagine having your favorite beats played on 14 loudspeakers with a total output of more than 600 watts, evenly distributed in the vehicle with subwoofers and a powerful bass reproduction. My teenager was in heaven during the school runs.

The exterior design is as much fun to design as the interior starting with color choices. Buyers can have the golden hue of a sunset, the red of a fine wine, the green of an emerald ring or any other color imaginable that can be custom ordered.

Just like shoes can change the entire look of a person, I believe the wheels of the car can do the same. For the A6, there are the optional 20-inch forged aluminum wheels in 5-arm star design that gives an impression of power to the look and feel of the sedan.

Finding the perfect sedan with an impressive sense of space combined with a comfort-oriented interior design can be a challenge with all there is in the market today but the A6 is a natural leader with its integrated technologies and sharp design. It is indeed a perfect blend of luxury, technology with responsive and excellent driving dynamics.

For the Middle East audience for whom a car is more than just a drive from A to B, the A6 is a luxury sedan that offers the right amount of power on a daily basis for work with an executive feel and it fits in as a fun car to cruise around in on Beach Road on the weekends.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON ISSUES GLOBAL CALL TO EMBRACE THE FREEDOM OF THE OPEN ROAD

21 Monday Aug 2017

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“All For Freedom. Freedom For All.” Celebrates Individuality of Riders and Non-Riders Alike

Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has built motorcycles for one reason: to fulfill dreams of personal freedom. The Motor Company’s recently launched new brand platform – “All for Freedom, Freedom for All” – celebrates Harley-Davidson’s enduring legacy and the pursuit of freedom that unites all. With a focus on the universal pursuit of independence, authenticity and the feeling of the open road, the new work is an open invitation to riders and non-riders across the globe to embrace their individuality.

The new platform comes to life via 30 and 90-second videos containing user-generated and filmed content and is set to pique the interest of motorcycle enthusiasts across the Middle East. In the creative, Harley-Davidson shares moments captured on the open road by riders past and present from all walks of life: https://www.facebook.com/HarleyDavidsonMENA/videos/1749632801743354/

“‘All For Freedom. Freedom For All’” is part of our 10-year global strategy to build the next generation of Harley-Davidson riders,” said Sean Cummings, Harley-Davidson senior vice president of global demand. “As one of the leaders in our industry, we are on a mission to grow the sport of motorcycling globally. To reach that ambitious goal, we need to increase our brand’s relevance and inspire new riders to experience the same freedom that all H-D riders feel in the saddle. This new work does that by celebrating the passion, freedom and emotional pull of the open road.”

Elsa Abi Nader, Regional Marketing Manager at Harley-Davidson Motor Company – Middle East and North Africa added: “The launch of the new platform highlights our ongoing commitment to sharing the sheer enthusiasm we hold, not just for motorcycling, but for the lifestyle that accompanies it. Our aim in the region is for the new creative to draw out all of our Middle East fans who are yet to learn to ride.”

To ignite a conversation about the thrill of riding, Harley-Davidson is enlisting its network of riders, influencers, dealers and employees on social media to post images and stories of why they chose to accept the invitation of the open road using #FindYourFreedom.

For more information, Harley enthusiasts can visit www.h-d.com or follow along at #FindYourFreedom.

Experience the freedom that comes from riding a Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson will help get riders out and building their skills on two wheels in no time at all. The Harley-Davidson Guide to Ride provides all the basic information needed to get a license and be ready to ride in just a few classes.

All of the correct information and documentation can be found at http://www.harley-davidson.com/content/dam/h-d/documents/learn-to-ride/en_ZZ/License_FAQ.pdf and enquiries submitted at www.facebook.com/HarleyDavidsonMENA.

Al-Futtaim Motors reiterates its environmental commitment with zero-emission Fuel Cell Vehicles

18 Friday Aug 2017

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Toyota Mirai Test Drive.JPG

Sharjah Municipality and Emirates Transport test electric hydrogen-running Toyota Mirai

In its continuous effort to support the UAE Vision 2021’s environmental objectives, Al-Futtaim Motors, leader in sustainable mobility and exclusive distributor of Toyota in the UAE, introduced the zero-emission hydrogen-running Toyota Mirai to Sharjah Municipality and Emirates Transport, as part of its Government outreach program, aiming at building awareness about the benefits fuel cell technology and the positive environmental potentials of a hydrogen-based society.

The four-door Toyota Mirai is the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle, that generates electricity through an onboard Fuel Cell stack, using oxygen from the air with hydrogen stored in the tank to power the car rather than using a battery. The Toyota Mirai which releases water instead of CO2 as byproduct is the only zero emissions vehicle on the market that is capable of exceeding 500 km on a full tank with performance that competes with traditional internal combustion engines.

Both Sharjah Municipality and Emirates Transport delegations test-drove the car and were impressed by the vehicle’s performance and environmental credentials, especially when experiencing the clear drinking water that came out of the vehicle, at the push of a button.

“This marks yet another successful achievement in our efforts to raise awareness about poor air quality and our practical solutions to curb the issue. Our responsibility towards the environment is translated through a large-scale deployment of hybrid cars and the introduction of the zero-emission hydrogen technology,” said Bertrand Thiebaut, Senior Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Motors and Vice President of Al-Futtaim Automotive Group.

“The fuel cell technology is the cleanest and most practical sustainable mobility solution, as it requires no electrical charging, can run up to 500 kms on a full tank of hydrogen which can be filled in the car in less than 5 minutes, imposing absolutely no changes on the driver’s behavior” he continued.

Al-Futtaim Motors recently registered strong first-half hybrid sales results for Toyota and Lexus and currently offers a host of hybrid vehicles across Toyota, Lexus and most recently Hino.

How Ford Knows Which Car Colours Will Be Trending Years in Advance

17 Thursday Aug 2017

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Mustang

When creating a new car colour, Ford’s designers have to look at a diverse range of societies and predict how changing moods will affect colour preferences. The designers then combine that with knowledge of how trends in design disciplines are changing to create colours that look on-trend, nearly half a decade after they were developed.

The design process starts four years ahead of a vehicle going on sale, with Ford’s designers researching trends across the major design disciplines. “Our designers regularly get together and we look at what’s happening in architecture, products and interiors,” said Emily Lai, Design Manager, Colour and Materials Design for Ford.

Once the design team has a feel for where design trends are heading, they must become social scientists. “Colour choice doesn’t just reflect your personality, it also acts as a reflection of the circumstances around you,” explained Lai. “If you’re amongst a lot of pressure and stress for example, it will affect your choices and moods.”

A clear example of this came after the 2008 financial crisis, when economic concerns drove people to worry more about the resale value of cars. As a result, conservative colours dominated vehicle sales, as buyers tended to prioritise appeal to future owners over self-expression.

The Global Financial Crisis also drove ‘safe’ colours choices as a reflection of the mood of the time. Austentacious colours would be confronting, even disrespectful to your fellow citizens

In the Middle East and Africa, the hotter climates make lighter colours more appealing. A study conducted by Berkeley Lab Environmental Energy Technologies Division and published in Applied Energy journal, proved that lighter coloured cars reflected much more heat than darker coloured cars and kept the interior as much as 11% cooler than an identical model in black. White cars also tend to hold their value better on the used car market, while blue cars tend to lose the most.

Colour choice is key. PPG Auto Coatings – one of the three major global suppliers to the automotive trade – carried out a study which showed that 60% of people said colour was a major factor in their buying decision. More than half of them said that if the colour they wanted wasn’t available in the showroom, they’d wait until it was.

“Ford’s vehicle lineup in the Middle East is very diverse, and a colour that performs well on one vehicle in one market won’t necessarily perform as well in a different country,” said Crystal Worthem, Marketing Director, Ford Middle East and Africa. “It’s a challenge that keeps us on our toes.”

Across most vehicle types, there are staple colours that don’t often change. These include whites, blacks and solid colours like reds. These colours perform consistently so aren’t often updated. But periodically, advances in paint technology make changing the colour worthwhile. Changes in car design also have an impact. “The shapes of cars and ways of using materials change, and different paints respond differently to that,” said Emily Lai. This means as car shapes become more dynamic and sporty, expressive colours will be popular for their ability to complement the exciting vehicle forms.

Sports cars lend themselves particularly well to colourful extremes. The Ford Mustang is available in a choice of bright and vibrant colours that not only tap into the car’s excitement and emotion, but also reflect its proud heritage. Grabber Blue, a colour first made available on the 1969 Shelby Mustang, is available across the Mustang line-up – as is Lightning Blue, a darker metallic hue that echoes the shades of Liquid Blue used on the Ford GT, Mustang GT350R and Raptor show cars. Both colours are new for 2017.

 

3 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Car Colours

Colour blindness is much more prevalent in men.

An estimated 1 in 12 men globally are colour blind, while the ratio for women is only 1 in 200. Ford’s designers are regularly tested for colour acuity as their job requires being able to spot small tonal differences in colours.

Colours have meanings

Black means prestige and luxury, which is why it is common on vehicles used for business. Earthy tones like bronzes denote heritage and nature, and are increasing in popularity because of trends in jewelry and fashion. White is pure, inviting, and fresh – great for young families.

A lot of thought goes into a colour’s name

A colour’s name should reflect the design team’s thought processes. Once the colour has been produced, the team involved looks at what the effect of the colour is and how it reacts to different light sources, before choosing a suitably evocative name.

Redesigned and Reengineered – All-New 2017 CR-V

09 Wednesday Aug 2017

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

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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.