COVERstory |

2015 Ferrari 488 GTB

We spend quality time with this hot car

in and around Maranello and on track

30

56

2015 Ford F-150

Refined further with aluminium intensive

construction

46

38

cover story

30-37 2015 Ferrari 488 GTB

NEXT ISSUE

Oman and regional news

6-17 New cars launched in region: 2015 Infiniti

Q70 sedan, Honda Odyssey J, 2015 Rolls-Royce
Phantom Limelight Collection , 2015 Dodge Driving
Experience held in UAE, Ramadan offers from
Ahlibank and Al Hilal Islamic Banking services,
Bank Nizwa, BMW & MINI, Mitsubishi Pajero, Audi,
McLaren Sport Series ME prices announced, new
car arrivals in the region Bentley GT3-R, Nissan
Patrol Black Edition, Volkswagen Touareg R-Line,
new appointments: Luay Al Shurafa [GM], Marco
Tronchi [FCA], Service-lane superstars at Dhofar
Automotive receive technical awards!

2015 Audi Q7

event

18-19 dodge driving experience in UAE

brandwatch

68

20-27 VW Group to split brands post Piech,

Volkswagen unveils new more contemporary
corporate font, Koreans outclass Japanese in
JD Power initial quality ratings, PSA inks deal
for Morocco production, Honda looking at
S2000 replacement? Kia and Hyundai beginning
to feel the pinch, Cadillac XT5 confirmed for
2016, 2016 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible leaked,
Refreshed Lexus LX images surface in Japan,
Ferrari to create new Dino sub brand? FCA stalls
Ferrari IPO, Cylinder deactivation also possible
in 1.0-litre engines, says Ford, New BMW X1 will be
front wheel drive, BMW tops 2015 international
engine awards, Luc Donckerwolke to replace
Peter Schreyer, Kirk Kerkorian passes, Toyota
maintains lead among most valuable car brands,
Aston Martin considering hybrids? Shell engine
lubes approved by BMW for various applications,
New Mitsubishi Pajero being prepared, SsangYong
to make Wrangler rival, Hyundais smallest new
SUV gets a name, Subaru searches for name for
its forthcoming 7-seater SUV, BMW Motorrad
presents new concept called Path 22, Ducati
thriving in India

International news

28-29 classics and hot rods

first drives

70

38-45 2015 Jaguar XE & XE S

46-49 2015 Dodge Charger SRT8 Hellcat
50-55 2015 audi a6
56-61 2015 Ford F-150 pick-up
62-67 2015 Volkswagen Scirocco R

Previews

68-69 Tlexus rcf gt

70 bentley flying spur beluga edition
71 Aston Martin DB9 GT

automan coty
76-79 nominees

MOTORSPORTS

76-79 F1, Moto GP, snippets

Chicane

88 A collectors world

editor-in-chief
Mohammad Al Taie

AL ROYA PRESS & PUBLISHING

PO Box: 343, Postal Code 118
Al Harthy Complex
Sultanate of Oman
Email: automan@alroya.net
Website: www.automan.me
Editorial office:
Tel: +968 24652400/1/2/3/4/5 Extn 300,
Fax: +968 24652444
Distribution:
Tel: +968 24652400/1/2/3/4/5 Extn 555,
Subscription:
Tel: +968 24652400/1/2/3/4/5 Extn 650
publisher
Hatim Al Taie

hatim@alroya.net

EDITOR & GM
Raj Warrior

raj@alroya.net

executive EDITOR
Chandan B Mallik chandan@alroya.net
contributing EDITOR
Anne Kurian
annekurian@alroya.net
HEAD OF Design
Antony Karlo
photography
Elvis John Ferrao
marketing
Sayantani Ghosh sayantani@alroya.net
circulation
books@alroya.net
FINANCE & ADMIN
Sumy Mol

sumy@alroya.net

Website & IT
Mohammed F Draz mohammed.draz@alroya.net
Printer
Al Anan Printing Press LLC
Road No. 4A, Rusail Ind. Est., P.O. Box 10,
Postal Code 124, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.
Tel: +968 24446163 | Fax: +968 24446287
alananprinting.com | alananprinting@gmail.com
2015
All editorial content of Automan in the magazine
and its website is copyrighted and may not
be reproduced in any form without the written
consent of the management of AL ROYA PRESS &
PUBLISHING
Automan accepts unsolicited exclusive editorial
material, but reserves the right to publish any such
material. Once published, the copyright for any
such material will vest with AL ROYA PRESS &
PUBLISHING

We have reached the mid-point of a rather interesting year. For starters, after four years of
continuous improvements to our Automan Car of the Year we managed to get the whole
of the industry in Oman in one room to collect the awards, which were handed out in the
month of February itself.
The institution of the Car of the Year is growing in importance and our edition of the
program has evolved into one that the participants and readers have learnt to respect. That
is because at the very beginning we laid down a few ground rules that were inviolable. We
understood that the parameters of measurement have to be standardised and the best
judges were our experienced test editors, both of whom have a couple of decades of test
experience. Then we set out that only cars that weve driven in that year, released in the
market that year would be judged. And all cars we drove would be eligible, completely
unconnected to the brands ability to spend in the magazine.
This model has stood the test of time and confidence. We dont add cars from a personal
wish list and we are happy working within our self given limits.
This means that even at the regional level, our Car of the Year program is respected and
anticipated.
This year has seen one addition in that we have initiated two categories for motorcycles
the Cruiser/Road bike category and the Sports/Supersports bike category covering bikes
above 400cc that are closest to either one. This indicates that the motorcycle market is
growing despite the restrictions facing it and that we are testing motorcycles at a far more
regular basis.
Funnily enough we came face to face with Omans penchant for giving out meaningless
awards this month, when a car brand invited media to witness a car launch only to have
two of the tribe awarded for their support of the brand. What is the value of a media
that can be bought by trinkets and awards? Surprisingly, we were the only media to take
offence at the concept, choosing to walk out. Have the rest of the media really gone so
venal and corrupted that they dont see the inherent corruption in this? We hope that this
doesnt signify the death of an independent media in Oman.
On our part we can assure you that we will continue to travel the higher path, one where
we choose to be unbiased and independent and treating all the cars, brands, people and
companies we interact with on an even keel. Thats the only way we know to be true to
our readers.

Now, Automan is available in bookshops in

the United Arab Emirates too! Get your copy
or let us know which outlets you would like
to see us in

ME appointments

Ahlibank and Al Hilal

Islamic Banking
services

news

Oman & region

Ramadan offers galore

Ahlibank and Al Hilal Islamic Banking

services, Islamic financing arm of ahlibank
have together announced their respective
Ramadan Festive Auto Financing
promotion programme. The Ramadan
Festive Auto Financing Promotion will be
valid during the whole month of Ramadan,
till Eid and maybe extended to support the
promotional campaigns of branded auto
retailers.
Under the promotion, customers opting
for new car financing from the bank will be
entitled to discounted rates of just 3.99per
cent for a 12 month loan, and 4.49 per
cent for loans beyond 12 months and up to
seven years without the need of any salary
assignment! The interest for longer loans
is calculated on reducing principal basis.
The USP of the promotion is fast
transaction [usually, within an hour
approvals] for qualified customers if the
application and relevant paperwork is
submitted before midnight. In addition
to competitive rates and flexible terms,
Ahlibank and Al Hilal Islamic Banking
Services Auto Financing have centralized
the whole operation at their HQ in
Muscat. Services of sales representatives
will also be available at car dealerships
participation in the promotion
The maximum loan amount available
is OMR 50,000 and minimum salary
requirement for Omani nationals is
OMR300.00 and expats OMR 750.00
per month. The upper age limit to finish
the loan payment is 60 for expats.
Repayments can be done via salary
transfer or postdated cheques and
customers need not be account holders of
Al Ahli to avail this facility. Early repayment
options are also available and the bank
has set terms and conditions for this.
Meanwhile, financing is also available
for up to 2-year-old pre-approved cars,
however different rates of profit [interest]
will apply.
6

JUL 2015

Luay Al Shurafa, as managing director to

lead General Motors operations and strategy
management in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Al Shurafa has worked with
GM in the Middle East for 17 years and for
the past four years, he has served as director
of Customer Care and Aftersales for GM
Middle East Operations. He has also held
several positions within the finance, sales and
marketing in the organization.

53-year-old Marco Tronchi is the new CEO

and Managing Director of the Fiat Chrysler
Automobiles (FCA) Middle East Regional Office.
Tronchi took the reins of the organization from
Jack Rodencal in February 2015. Rodencal, who
after serving the region for four years has now
moved back to the USA where he will take on
a new role within FCA. Tronchis joined Fiat
Automobiles in 1997 and was appointed as
President and Managing Director of FCA Morocco
in 2011 prior to his new appointment.

Volkswagen Touareg
R-Line

It seems as if the black and white theme

is catching up fast within the SUV
community in the region. Al Nabooda
Automobiles in UAE is offering 10 bespoke
limited-edition models of Touareg R-Line
models called Carbon Edition. Available
in two exterior colours, Pure White or
Black, the bespoke models feature a
luxurious interior with carbon fibre trim,
black nappa leather climate seats with
red piping and black alcantara headlining.
The SUVs ride on 21in alloys with red
brake callipers and come with the R-Line
body kit which includes a front and rear
bumper with a black diffuser. Al Nabooda
Automobiles is the only distributor in the
region to sell the Carbon Edition Touareg;
the 10 SUVs are available starting from
AED262,059 for the duration of the Holy
month of Ramadan.

Bank Nizwa
offers

Bank Nizwa launched a special campaign called CARnival, offering customers on-thespot approval for auto finance throughout the Holy month of Ramadan. Offering a fixed
profit rate of 4.59per cent, the Banks Auto Finance product is based on the Sharia
concept of Murabaha and is available with value-added benefits. During Ramadan, the
Banks hours have been extended well into the evenings from 9.00pm to 11.00pm at
most of the branches with special car display opportunities at Al Ghubra and Nizwa
branches conveniently located next to major car dealerships. Available to Omanis and
residents alike, Bank Nizwas Auto Finance solutions provides transparent pricing with no
hidden charges or processing fees. Applicants are not required to transfer their salaries
and can avail financing of up to OMR 75,000 and a payment period reaching seven years
for new vehicles. In addition, the product offers two months deferment on instalments
and a free Takaful life insurance, while catering for self-employed customers as well.

Special deals in Oman

Mitsubishi Pajero
General Automotive Company, the official
distributors of Mitsubishi vehicles in Oman, is
offering super offer on all 2015MY Mitsubishi
models including the Pajero SUV. Facelifted just
under a year ago, the 2015 Pajero offer a fresh
modernised look together with class-leading on
and off-road performance. The attractive offer
includes free insurance, service, registration
and cash gifts until the offer ends on July 30. In
its latest iteration, the 2015 Mitsubishi Pajero
gets a revised front grille, redesigned bumper
with integrated LED daytime running lamps
and is available with 3.5-litre or 3.8-litre MIVEC
engines.

Nissan Patrol Black Edition

Audi

Under the slogan, You deserve extra,

Wattayah Motors campaign gives
customers purchasing an Audi before
the 24 July 2015 extra features, luxury,
and peace of mind with a 6-year service
and maintenance plan, 6-year extended
warranty and free registration.

Arabian Automobiles, the flagship

company of AW Rostamani Group and
exclusive dealer for Nissan in Dubai and
the Northern Emirates, revealed the all
new Nissan Patrol Black Edition for the
first time last month at the Al Majilis in
Mina ASalam in UAE. The flagship SUV will
come in two versions, with one powered
by a 320hp or high output 400hp engine.
Customers can choose between a black
or white exterior while all models in the
Black Edition range.

BMW & MINI

Al Jenaibi International Automobiles, the BMW Group importer in Oman, has announced
its annual summer seasonal offer for BMW and MINI vehicles. The scheme went into
effect on June 1 and will run through to July 31, 2015. The programme is designed for
hassle-free ownership with a variety of exclusive offers and benefits on every BMW
model purchased, including the 4 Series, 5 Series and X Series. all BMW models will
be available with the BMW Service Inclusive Plus (BSI) package covering all major
servicing costs for the first five years or 100,000kms (whichever comes first). In addition,
registration costs in the first year will be covered by the importer. Additional benefits
include a 5-year manufacturers warranty or 150,000kms (whichever comes first), a
1-year complimentary insurance with cash payments or regular finance options, one year
vehicle registration and gift.
Likewise, MINI customers will receive a complimentary MINI Service Inclusive XL Package
covering major servicing for the first three years or 50,000kms (whichever comes first).
In addition, registration costs in the first year will be covered by the importer, ensuring a
convenient and hassle-free start to the customers MINI ownership. Additional benefits
include: 3-year unlimited mileage manufacturers warranty, a-1 year complimentary
insurance with cash payments or regular finance options and gift.

McLaren Sport Series

ME prices announced
McLaren Automotive has announced
pricing for its new Sports Series
models across the GCC.The McLaren
570S Coup, which first shown at the
New York International Auto Show
in April, is on sale in the UAE, Saudi
Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar,
with a base retail price starting from
US$201,026. In addition, the 540C
Coup will debut in the GCC at a base
retail price of $176,960.

JUL 2015

Bentley GT3-R

Bentleys most performance-focused

interpretation of luxury, the GT3-R, is
now available in limited supply at Bentley
dealerships across the Middle East. Only 42
units of the limited production run of 300
will be available for the Middle East.
Inspired by the Continental GT3 race car,
the GT3-R blends in proven track and road
credentials. Customers can now experience
first-hand the Bentley marques return to its
racing roots, through a high performance
retuned version of the Bentley 4.0-litre twinturbo V8. Developing an astounding 572bhp
and 700Nm of torque, together with a 100kg
weight reduction and shorter gearing, the
GT3-R is the fastest-accelerating Bentley
ever. Capable of reaching 96km/h from a
standstill in just 3.6secs, the GT3-R is a Grand
Tourer with performance that truly echoes
Bentleys impressive racing pedigree.
Thats not all. Each buyer of a GT3-R will
receive an exclusive gift. The one off
package includes a one of kind, limited edition
Breitling watch, specifically produced for the
GT3-R as well as a limited edition canvas signed
by Nigel Ratcliffe, Exterior Designer at Bentley.
To witness first hand Bentleys affinity with the
race track, owners will also receive a special
VIP hospitality package at up to two Bentley
Motorsport races.

10

JUL 2015

2015 Infiniti Q70

regional launch

Infiniti Middle East invited over 400 guests

for the dramatic Middle East introduction
of its new 2016 Q70 sedan in a film
studio located on the outskirts of Dubai.
Formerly, known as the Infiniti M in the
brands line-up, the new arrival under the
new naming nomenclature assumes the
Q70 badging. On its shoulders, it carries
on the responsibility of representing the
brand in the midsize luxury performance
sedan segment and is being offered in
several trims with a choice of V6 or V8
powertrains.
The new arrival sports the familiar organic
profile of the outgoing model as the
platform has been carried forward but it
does feature a new design language at
both ends. According to Infiniti, the core
focus has been to improved the cars
ride comfort for the occupants and also
introduce various cutting edge intelligent
safety technologies.
We pride ourselves in being able to
offer our discerning customers premium
vehicles that feature the best in design,
performance, safety and technology. The
new Infiniti Q70 is a sedan that delivers
just that, said Juergen Schmitz, Managing
Director, Infiniti Middle East, at the
launch. The new Q70 further raises the
bar in the segment with a host of new
improvements that is sure to offer a drive
that is both exhilarating and rewarding
every time.
Infiniti also produces a long wheel version
of the Q70 in China and just to clarify, it is
not exported to any market and hence it
will not be available in the region. There is
also a hybrid version and this too, will not
be available in our markets.
For the GCC region, the car will be offered
in three trims. The entry level will be
represented by the Excellence and moving
upwards are the Luxury and Sport grades.
Infiniti has packaged the cars extremely
well with kit and differentiating features
both for the exterior and interiors. For
example, the Sport variant features a
specially designed front bumper that
gives an even lower and wider stance.
The trapezoidal bumper intake and apron
shape inspired from race car splitters give
an athletic presence and bold impression.
Black painted turn and fog finishers as well
as the rear bumper finished in high-gloss
black paint. To differentiate between the
luxury and sport grade is the S badging in
the latter.

JUL 2015

11

12

JUL 2015

The cabin wraps its occupants in luxury

amenities, including a long list of standard
items that usually are offered as extras
by many competitors. Common to both
high end models are usage of highquality materials in the cabin such as
handcrafted wood accents and custom
leather appointments and meticulous
craftsmanship. Important controls and
switches are so intuitively located that
the driver does not have to change
driving posture to access them. The
cars instrument panel consists of Fine
Vision gauges and a 7in full colour vehicle
information display, while the driver
and front passengers seats are leather
and feature 10-way power adjustment,
including 2-way lumbar support.
Two powertrains are available and the
base is the normally-aspirated 3.7-litre
V6 engine which offers 329hp at 7,000
rpm and 363Nm of torque and mated
to 7-speed automatic transmission with
Tiptronic function via paddle shifters
behind the steering wheel. The second
option is the 5.6-litre V8 engine that
delivers 402 hp at 6,000rpm and 550Nm of
torque.
According to Infiniti, the new Q70 offers
a segment first with Predictive Forward
Collision Warning system that anticipates
the speed and distance of two vehicles
in front to ensure that in the event of an
emergency, the vehicle comes to a safe
stop. The car also is offered with Around
View Monitor system which shows a
birds-eye view of the vehicle in relation
to parking lines, creating a 360 surround
view. This system also includes Moving
Object Detection and Backup Collision
Intervention which alerts the driver to
moving objects around the vehicle when
pulling out of a parking space or backing
up.
Infiniti also offered a brief ride for media
after the launch. As luxury flagships go,
the rear wheel drive Q70 appears stylish
and quite voluptuous but since it uses
carryover powertrains, it misses out on
the sharpness and refined characteristics
of European premium models from say
Audi or BMW. Overall, the brief driving
impression from the Sports packaged
car with V6 engine suggests that the Q70
is cable of standing out with its unique
combination of style, performance
and technology that makes for a truly
enjoyable driving machine.

JUL 2015

13

14

JUL 2015

2015 Honda
Odyssey J Launched
For the first time in the GCC, Honda Middle East
is offering two variants of the Odyssey MPV.
Hondas minivan has been around since 1994
and is marketed worldwide. It is now in its fourth
and fifth generation in North America and Japan,
respectively. Last month, Honda Middle East
introduced the Asian version. Honda executives
say the Odyssey J has been introduced keeping
in mind the customer preferences of Middle East
region.
While both MPVs look similar in profile, there
are subtle changes. The exterior design of the
Japanese version is based on Solid Streamline
theme. Interestingly, previous editions of the
Japan market version were offered with hinged
doors and the new version is the first ever
Odyssey to feature dual sliding doors for that
market. The Odyssey J will be available in two
trims entry level EX, which comes with eight
seats, and the top-of-the-range EX-V, which
forgoes a middle seat for a more comfortfocused set of captains chairs, reducing capacity
to seven people. The Odyssey J is slightly
smaller than its V6-powered US counterpart.
At 4,840mm in length it is 313.6mm shorter,
at 1,800mm wide, it is 211.6mm shorter and
at1,695mm it is 42mm lower than the V6 variant.
Most of the contemporary features are available
depending on trim chosen. LED headlamps
are offered in EX-V trim while, LED daytime
running lights are common to both. Mod cons
include touchscreen infotainment and third
row air-conditioning. Its also now bigger than
its predecessors and for seven-seater models,
premium cradle seats are offered on the second
row.
The Odyssey J is powered by a 2.4-litre, DOHC
i-VTEC 4-cylinder normally-aspirated engine
mated to a Continuous Variable Transmission.
The engine offers torque of 225Nm at 4,000rpm
and output of 173hp at 6,200 rpm.
On the safety front, the model has received
5-star rating from the ASEAN NCAP as well
as Australian for superior Adult Occupation
Protection and safety performance. Active
safety features include Vehicle Stability Assist
(VSA), Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS), Electronic
Brake Distributor (EBD) and Hill Start Assist
(HSA). Meanwhile, if you were wondering what
the J is, it does not stand for Japan, but rather
Joy as it represents joy for utility according
to Honda. The entry pricing for this MPV is much
lower than the US-built V6 Odyssey. This version
of the Odyssey should help Honda better tackle
the segments perennial best seller, Kias Grand
Carnival and Toyota Innova. Honda also arranged
a drive of this new model addition from Dubai to
Ras-Al-Khaimah during the regional launch. The
car has also been introduced in Oman.
JUL 2015

15

Oman preview
of 2015
Rolls-Royce
Phantom
Limelight
Collection

16

JUL 2015

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has used its

bespoke talents to create a highly
individualized and limited to 25 units
worldwide Phantom-based Limelight
Collection. Mechanically, it is a stock
version that boasts of one-off bespoke
paintwork outside and detailed intricate
craftsmanship inside. The very special car
was showcased to media and prospects
for pre-orders at Al Jenaibi Automobiles
showroom last month in Muscat. The
Limelight Collection will be available in
both short and longwheel editions and
to maintain the cars exclusivity, each
handcrafted car is uniquely numbered.
Rolls-Royce has created a special paint

called Gala Blue which it says has been

inspired by night and day. The depth of
its colour effects has been achieved by the
application of multiple individual layers of
pigments and clear coats that have been
polished to offer that premium mirror
finish.
Special embroidery with 3D graphics
is unique to this creation and so it the
diamond shaped twin hand painted and
lacquered coach lines. New enhanced rear
seating with adjustable head, calf and
foot rests has been introduced for the
very first time in the Phantom Limelight
Collection. However, the piece-deresistance is in the features that adorn

the door pads. The extended his and hers

Bespoke rear door panniers offer a range
of spaces to keep most personal items
such as watches and jewellery items. In
normal use, these spaces appear hidden
and can be easily accessed by the user.
For ladies, an illuminated compartment
houses three bespoke fragrance bottles,
individually hand-crafted at the home
of luxury glassmaking, the Bresle Valley
of Upper Normandy, France. They have
differentiated stoppers for ease of
selection, and integral filters to decant
preferred fragrance. Meanwhile, for
gentlemen, theres an exquisitely milled
in aluminium and hand-covered in the

finest leather, a bespoke carbon-fibre

Z-box which offers a concealed storage
space along with room for accessories
such as collar stiffeners, cufflinks and tie
pins.
As expected, theres application of veneer
in the trim which has also been given
a specialized treatment and finish for
this cars application. The two-veneer
finish of the interior is also first for the
Phantom. Piano Seashell has been applied
to the door cappings, creating an added
dimension of harmony with the interior
leather schemes.
The effect is to draw the eye to the
extended rear door panniers and central

console where, in another first, Smoked

Chestnut completes the veneer set-up.
The cars leather scheme is exclusively
available in two colour palates: Seashell
with Navy Blue contrast leather and
Seashell tone-on-tone stitching; and Navy
Blue with Seashell contrast leather and
Navy tone-on-tone stitching. Both are
perfectly complemented by Navy Blue
lambswool floor mats. Rolls-Royce have
also said that it will even cater to optional
personalisation requests for the
Stainless steel tread plates if its the last
word in individuality for patrons of this
car! Price is expected to be onwards of
OMR300,000.00.

JUL 2015

17

18

JUL 2015

2015 Dodge
Driving
Experience
held in UAE

This years Dodge Driving Experience, a

three-day event was staged at the Yas
Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. The event
was specially designed to expose the GCC
media, VIP customers and Dodge loyalists
including members of the UAE Mopar Club
and UAE Dodge Club to the all-new 2016
Dodge Charger and Challenger models.
Automan also attended the event.
Besides demonstrating the performance
and state-of-the-art advanced
technologies that are packed into the
new arrivals, attendees were exposed
to the highly qualified drive team who
were responsible for arranging the driving
elements on Yass North Circuit and VDA
(vehicle dynamic area). In this section, the
attendees were encouraged to improve
their driving skills even further.
The line-up of cars available included
all variants of the new Charger -3.6-litre Pentastar V6, 5.7-litre V8 HEMI,
6.4-litre 392 SRT8 and the 6.2-litre V8
Supercharged Hellcat, plus the 5.7-litre V8
HEMI powered Challenger R/T. As a bonus,
the 8.4-litre V10 Viper was thrown in for
aficionados to try out on track.
An extra attraction for the second and
third days was an original 1968 Charger,
loaned for the occasion by Thamer
Mohammed Al-Naimi, Director of the
UAE Mopar Club. And it wasnt ust any
1971 Challenger - it was the authentic 01
General Lee that appeared in the Dukes
Of Hazard movie!
Kicking off the event, Marco Tronchi, CEO/
MD Dodge Middle East, outlined the new
direction for the Dodge brand, saying By
consolidating with SRT, Dodge is getting
back to its performance roots with every
single model it offers.
The consolidated Dodge and SRT
brands will offer a complete line-up of
performance vehicles that stand out
within their own segments. Dodge will be
the mainstream performance brand, while
SRT will be positioned as the ultimate
performance halo of the Dodge brand,
and together they create a complete and
balanced performance brand with one
vision and one voice.

JUL 2015

19

Post Piech: VW Group to split brands

Following the controversial
exit of Volkswagen Group
chairman Ferdinand Piech
a few weeks ago, it was a
matter of time when his ideas
and style of management
was to be questioned and
acted upon. And finally, it has
happened.
As part of a major
restructuring exercise
within the organization,
Volkswagen Group is
planning to decentralize its
operations by splitting its 12
brands into four different

holding companies. While

the official explanation
about the move is believed
to be based on the logical
consideration of sharing of
parts, platforms, and engines
between the various brands,
VW observers see this move
is part of an internal VAG
effort to move away from
the structure established
by Piech. During his tenure,
Piech favoured a compact,
but highly centralized style
of management structure
to oversee the independent

actions of the companys

brands. However, criticism
of Piechs arrangement
stemmed from the companys
slow responses to changes in
the market.
As a result of the new
direction, Volkswagen, Seat
and Skoda which make up a
passenger vehicle division
will be led by former BMW
executive Herbert Diess.
Audi, which is tightly
intertwined with Lamborghini
and Ducati Motorcycles will
be managed by current Audi

executive Rupert Stadler.

Porsche and Bentley, which
are already quite close, will
be joined by Bugatti and run
by Matthias Mueller. Finally, a
commercial vehicles division
will include Volkswagen
Commercial, Scania, and Man.
Former Daimler executive
Andreas Renschler will take
care of the big vehicles.
According to VW, the new
structure should make for a
more efficient, streamlined
company thats better able to
make crucial decisions.

Andreas Renschler

Herbert Diess

Rupert Stadler

Matthias Mueller

Volkswagen Commercial,
Scania, and Man

Volkswagen,
Seat and Skoda

Audi, Lamborghini and

Ducati Motorcycles

Porsche, Bugatti
and Bentley

Automans Take

Besides getting the product portfolio right, VW also has to look at its human resources side too. In the past few weeks, theres been a
flight of top designers from the organization. High-profile designers like Thomas Ingenlath, Achim Badstbner and Luc Donckerwolke
are leaving their long careers within VW Group to join rival manufacturers. There must be serious questions being asked within
Wolfsburg about the apparent inability to retain key designers. Meanwhile, Audi has reportedly lost its powertrain development chief,
Stefan Knirsch. Knirsch is credited with leading development of Audis latest powertrain innovations, including various E-tron hybrids
and electrically-driven forced induction.

Volkswagen unveils new more contemporary corporate font

Volkswagen has unveiled a new font that will be used in corporate branding,
websites, brochures and also on its cars. The new typeface is said to be inspired
by its distinctive vehicle design, and that its more contemporary, less
geometric, and features more dynamic contrast than the outgoing font, which
is a customized version of the Bauhaus-inspired Futura.
The new typeface is actually two new fonts: Volkswagen Text replaces VW
Utopia in the brands familiar Das Auto tagline. VW Headline, created in
1997 when each VW Group brand was given its own font instead of using VAG
Rounded a common typeface thats usually found on computer keyboards
now becomes VW Head.

20

JUL 2015

news

brandwatch

Kia and Hyundai

beginning to feel the
pinch

Koreans outclass Japanese in JD Power initial

quality ratings
According to the latest J.D. Power, the automotive research firm, South Korean
automotive brands now lead the industry when measured by the initial quality of
their cars sold in the US. The rise of Hyundai and Kia marks a historic shift in the
automotive world, said J.D. Power, which conducts an annual survey asking new car
buyers about their vehicles after 90 days of ownership. In all, the survey reviewed
data from 33 automotive brands.
As a group, Japans automakers were also surpassed by European brands, while
domestic nameplates matched the Japanese for only the second time in the 29
years J.D. Power has published its U.S. initial quality study. But both the Japanese
and U.S. automakers were below the industry average. This is a clear shift in the
quality landscape, said Renee Stephens, vice president of U.S. automotive quality
at J.D. Power. For so long, Japanese brands have been viewed by many as the gold
standard in vehicle quality.
Although the Japanese automakers continue to make quality improvements as
measured by the number of problems owners report per 100 new vehicles other
brands are improving at a faster pace. South Korean brands averaged 90 reported
problems per 100 vehicles. The Europeans logged 113 and the Japanese and American
brands tied at 114. The industry average was 112.
Among individual brands, Porsche ranked the highest for a third consecutive year,
posting a score of 80 problems per 100 vehicles. It was followed by Kia with 86,
Jaguar with 93, Hyundai with 95 and Infiniti with 97. Rounding out the top 10 were
BMW with 99; Chevrolet, 101; Lincoln, 103; and Lexus and Toyota, both 104. Fiat
scored the worst with 161 problems per 100 vehicles. Rounding out the bottom five
were Smart, 154; Chrysler, 143; Subaru, 142; and Jeep, 141.

Automans Take
One key aspect automakers have to realize is that if you start out poorly in the
initial quality study you usually do poorly in the vehicle dependability study several
years later. One major US carmaker that has failed to figure out either study is Fiat
Chrysler Automobiles. Jeep, Chrysler and Fiat scored among the worst five out of
the 33 brands surveyed.

Hyundai and Kia experienced bumper

sales in the US this year, underscored by
Kias best sales month ever in May. But
globally the situation for the South Korean
siblings hasnt been nearly so encouraging.
Recently, the duo reported their fourth
consecutive quarter of decreasing
operating profits worldwide. As part of
the forward business strategy, both are
looking at efforts to cut costs. However,
the companies arent detailing where
they would make the cuts or how much
they want to save. The amount could be
significant, though. An unnamed Hyundai
senior executive reportedly told a South
Korean newspaper that the business
might be aiming for up to 30percent in
reductions.

Automans Take
Both Hyundai and Kia are facing
falling total sales worldwide with the
exceptions in some markets like India
for Hyundai. Making the situation
worse is that the strong Korean won
versus the weaker Japanese yen
gives competitors an advantage. The
automakers also angered investors
enough last year to prompt a stock
buyback after paying $10bn for the land
for a future headquarters.

Honda looking at S2000 replacement?

Even since Honda pulled the plug on the S2000 roadster in 2009, rumours of its spiritual successor has
been a hot topic amongst aficionados and observers. A new set of patent illustrations suggest that a
new S2000 is on the cards. The images suggest a compact mid-engined sports car. The overall styling of
the mystery model is similar to that of the Acura NSX, but there are enough changes to suggest this is
a different vehicle altogether and not something like an NSX convertible.
The cars apparent mid-engine layout also supports previous report that Hondas S2000 successor
will be mid-engined like the bigger NSX. No technical details were attached to the sketches, but
a version of Hondas 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder is tipped for duty in the next-generation
S2000. Its also believed that Honda is working on a hybrid version that could bump power north
of 350hp. Hondas take on a modern S2000 isnt expected to hit dealer showrooms until 2017 at
the earliest.
JUL 2015

21

New BMW X1 will be

front wheel drive

Cadillac XT5 confirmed for 2016

The next-gen SRX crossover will appear as early as next year with a new nomenclature.
To be sold as the XT5, it will debut early in the 2016 calendar year. When we
transition into all new product lines, we will evolve the naming convention to suit the
new classification we have announced. So SRX becomes XT5 next year, company
spokesman David Caldwell said. Earlier spy shots and rumors suggest the XT5 might be
offered with a turbocharged four-cylinder and naturally aspirated six-cylinder engines,
plus a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Meanwhile, Cadillacs entire line-up of 2016 models will get a major infotainment
upgrade with improvements to CUE and integration with Apple CarPlay and Android
Auto. Using either of them requires a connection via USB, and they add a new
projection icon on the CUE screen. Once activated, both systems integrate with
drivers phone and incorporate features like navigation, music, and contacts. They can
also accept voice commands. Even for those that dont want to hook up a smartphone,
CUE should work better thanks to a more powerful processor. Start-up times for the
infotainment system are expected to be faster, and Cadillac claims that its also more
responsive for voice recognition, navigation searches, and media. The navigation
interface is simplified, as well. The Escalade, CTS, and XTS can now be ordered with a
360-degree camera system to display on the screen. The outgoing SRX will not benefit
from these upgrades.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro

Convertible leaked
Chevrolet has accidently leaked the
images of the forthcoming 2016 Camaro
Convertible, following a teaser. While
the images were quickly removed from
the companys website, a member of
the Camaro6 forums managed to grab
a handful of pictures before they were
taken down. As a result, we can see the
model will follow in the footsteps of the
coupe but adopt a retractable soft top and
a repositioned antenna. Engine options
will carryover from the coupe. The sixth
generation Camaro was revealed in midMay and now the company is preparing for
a world premiere of its convertible version
on June 24. The producer says the most
innovative Camaro Convertible ever will
soon reveal all its secrets, referring to the
cars debut.
22

JUL 2015

Refreshed Lexus LX
images surface in Japan

Images of a facelifted Lexus LX 570

have leaked ahead of the SUVs
official August debut. The initial
image of a golden LX was published
in Japans automotive tabloid Best
Car Magazine, depicting just the
front three-quarters view. Most
noticeably, a massive spindle grille
replaces the quasi-spindle grille and
bisecting bumper bar, bringing the
top-of-the-lineup SUV in sync with
the rest of the offerings in the luxury
marques portfolio.
Furthermore, formerly wide foglamp
coves are now replaced with angular
slivers. Headlights, too, are slimmer
but a row of LED driving lights remain
along the bottom edge in a fishhook
shape.

BMW has ripped the covers off its

new-generation X1 crossover that
becomes the second model in the
German car-makers line-up to drive
the front wheels.
On sale in Europe in October, the
new X1 will hit BMW showrooms
in the fourth quarter, with local
specifications to be confirmed closer
to the launch date. The new X1 is built
on BMW Groups UKL platform that
underpins the latest MINI and the
BMW brands first front-wheel drive
model, the 2 Series Active Tourer.
BMW says the second-gen X1 ushers
in a new all-wheel drive system,
new-generation petrol and diesel
engines and transmissions, fuel
efficiency gains of up to 17 per cent,
a redesigned cabin offering more
space, and additional connectivity
and other tech features. The new
X1 is shorter, wider and taller than
the model it replaces, which BMW
says has ensured extra space in the
interior, despite the wheelbase being
90mm shorter. The exterior design is
faithful to the original, but the extra
height evident in the press images
should help differentiate it from the
mechanically related 2 Series Active
Tourer.

Automans Take
This represents a change of
configuration from the outgoing X1 with
its rear- and four-wheel drive platform
shared with the larger X3 that in turn
was based on the underpinnings of the
E90 3 Series.

Ferrari to create new

sub brand?
Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has
all but confirmed that the storied Dino
nameplate will be resurrected in the nottoo-distant future. Its a when, not an
if. We know that [Dino] is an under-used
resource, but thats why we need to get it
right, said Marchionne.
Which no official mechanical details have
been released, Marchionne did suggest it could be powered by a twin-turbocharged
evolution of the V6 engine that is currently being designed to power a long list of
upcoming Maserati and Alfa Romeo models. Interestingly, Marchionne has also insisted
that the Dino sub brand will not be represented as a budget Ferrari, and he has further
stressed that the Prancing Horse will compromise and chase volume like some rivals. If
the report turns out to be true, the modern day Dino is at least three or four years away
from landing in showrooms.

Automans Take

It looks like Dino will live again soon, the heritage-laced nameplate could once again be
turned into standalone brand in order to avoid diluting Ferraris brand image. While,
its too early to tell precisely what form the 21st century Dino will take, but The Dino
will be configured as a mid-engined model regardless of whats bolted in the engine
bay. It is expected to be noticeably smaller and lighter than the Ferrari 488 GTB.

FCA stalls Ferrari IPO

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has stalled

the planned initial public offering of its
Ferrari division. The company is waiting
until mid-October or later before initiating
the selloff, FCA chief executive Sergio
Marchionne told The Wall Street Journal,
citing technical reasons associated with
the finalization of the Fiat-Chrysler merger.
The executive claims to have been advised
by attorneys that a full year must separate
the merger, which officially occurred
on October 12, 2014, and the Ferrari
divestment. Marchionne also dismissed
speculation suggesting the company
might be delaying the Ferrari plans as
it looks to find a partner for a broader
merger. Recent reports suggest the
merger push may have been associated
with product-development delays that
are said to affect several models. FCA
will sell 10 percent of Ferrari in the IPO,
while the other 80-percent stake will be
distributed to shareholders. It is unclear if
the company is planning to time the IPO
for October of this year, or if the sale will
be further delayed.

BMW
tops 2015
international
engine
awards
The International Engine of
the Year Awards for 2015 were
announced last month and
this year, the winning designs
blend high-end performance
with advanced technologies
that reduce emissions and
substantially improve fuel
economy. Forced induction
motors came first place in
several categories, although one
naturally aspirated unit collected
two awards. Judges also
favoured powertrains that made
inroads into weight reduction.
Continuing a five-year trend,

engines with small displacements

(and fewer cylinders especially
the triples!) again proved to be
very popular, further highlighting
the IC downsizing phenomenon
sweeping the industry.
Reflecting the rise of powertrain
electrification globally, there
were more all-electric and plug-in
hybrid products for judges to
assess than ever before, with key
innovations coming from BMW,
Tesla, Kia, VW, Audi, MercedesBenz and BYD.
One of the most crucial
categories is the New Engine

award, representing the greatest

development of the past 12
months and the three winning
creations went head to head: the
progressive PHEV powertrain in
BMW i8; the screaming 4.0-litre
biturbo in Mercedes-AMG
GT and the heart-thumping
turbocharged V8 powerplant in
Ferrari California T.
As in previous years, The 2015
International Engine of the Year
Awards jury was made up of the
worlds most respected motoring
journalists. In total, there were 65
jury members from 31 countries,

bringing with them a wealth of

experience and knowledge of
todays advanced passenger car
engines.
The International Engine of the
Year Awards are presented by
Engine Technology International
magazine, published by UKIP
Media & Events Ltd. The
Awards involve the voluntary
participation of 65 motoring
journalists from 31 countries.
UKIP Media & Events Ltd
receives no advertising or
financial support from any car
manufacturer or distributor.

Automans Take
Since 1999 these awards have grown in stature, with car makers from around the globe competing fiercely to win an accolade.
Over the past few years, the International Engine of the Year Awards have become an important marketing tool for the winning
OEMs, with the Awards logo featuring in media campaigns from the likes of Ford, Fiat, Ferrari, Volkswagen, BMW, Audi and PSA
Peugeot Citron.

JUL 2015

23

Shell engine lubes approved by

BMW for various applications

Cylinder deactivation also possible

in 1.0-litre engines, says Ford
It seems that no engine displacement is too small to benefit
from cylinder deactivation for fuel savings. Ford has revealed
last month that it has been working on experimental engine
management system that it says can shave six per cent from the
fuel consumption of its pint-sized 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost
engine by cutting cylinders at certain road speeds. The system
tested in real-world conditions in a Focus can either cut one
cylinder or switch to rolling deactivation that effectively halves
the engine firing rate. Apart from a revised engine management
system to control the firing order, a dual-mass flywheel,
pendulum absorber and tuned clutch disc were added to enable
cylinder deactivation at a wider range of engine loads and
speeds while counteracting any increase in noise, vibration and
harshness (NVH).
The Ford experiment at its Aachen research and development
centre in Germany was revealed at the Vienna Engine Symposium
by Ford global powertrain, research and advanced engineering
director Andreas Schamel. Even for an aggressively downsized
engine such as the 1.0-litre EcoBoost, a significant improvement
in vehicle fuel economy could be found by exploiting cylinder
deactivation, Schamel said. The direct-injected, turbocharged
1.0-litre is only available in Fiesta in Australia where it is credited
with a combined fuel economy rating of 4.9 litres per 100km in
five-speed manual form and 5.3L/100km with the six-speed auto.

Shell has announced that it has been chosen by BMW AG as its

only recommended global supplier for aftermarket engine oils
for the following BMW brands: BMW, BMW i, BMW M, MINI
and BMW Motorrad.
From this year, premium engine oils manufactured by Shell will
be available to customers at BMW Groups network of more
than 3,500 dealers, in more than 140 countries, including China,
Germany, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, the UK and the USA.
Shell says that its products will meet the latest BMW engine
specifications and are underpinned by Shells PurePlus
Technology. Shell PurePlus Technology is a breakthrough in
how engine oils are formulated. It is a patented gas-to-liquid
(GTL) process, developed over 40 years of research, which
converts natural gas into a crystal clear base oil.
Base oil, usually made from crude oil, is the main component
of finished oils and plays a vital role in the quality of the finished
engine oil. The base oil is produced at the Pearl GTL plant in Qatar,
a partnership between Shell and Qatar Petroleum. From 2015,
BMW service customers benefit from the integration of Shells
global lubricants supply chain with its gas value chain in Qatar.
Mark Gainsborough, Executive Vice President for Shell
Lubricants, said: We are honoured to become the BMW
Groups recommended supplier of aftermarket engine oil. We
look forward to jointly supplying, distributing and marketing
these oils, as of start. This is recognition of the benefits of
Shells engine oil expertise and cutting-edge technology by one
of the worlds leading premium manufacturer of automobiles
and motorcycles.

Aston Martin considering hybrids?

Chief executive Andy Palmer has recently argued that the British
automaker can deliver its Power, Beauty and Soul promise without
depending only on petrol engines. It just needs to be really powerful,
really beautiful and set your heart on fire, the executive said. Id argue
that 1,000bhp on the ground would probably do that for you. Imagine
something like a 4x4, 1,000bhp silent Rapide. I see in our future
obviously V12s, V8s and probably battery-electric cars. And as time evolves,
theres probably an inevitability to offer hybridized solutions, simply
because, car by car, you can only downsize so much. Id rather put a hybrid
in there than an in-line four-cylinder.
Interestingly, Palmers predecessor, Ulrich Bez, did not share the same
vision for the company. He rejected the idea of combining a hybrid system
with internal-combustion engines, arguing that such configurations
make vehicles heavier and electronic components are less reliable than
mechanical systems.
However, theres common ground as both Bez and Palmer agree that
Aston Martins iconic V12 engines will remain going forward, alongwith
with downsized displacement or more V8 variants. Palmer claims there are
no immediate plans to offer a hybrid, suggesting a battery-powered Aston
is unlikely to arrive before the end of the decade.
24

JUL 2015

Luc Donckerwolke
Last month we reported the news about Luc Donckerwolke,
head of Bentley design, had left the VW Group. Donckerwolke
had publicly shamed the Lincoln Continental concept as a blatant
Bentley Flying Spur knock off. Now, there are rumours that
Donckerwolke could be joining Hyundai-Kia as part of a twoyear transition period to replace Peter Schreyer, who is due to
retire in 2017. Donckerwolke and Schreyer worked together on
the Audi A2 amongst others as their careers in the wider VW
empire overlapped considerably. Presumably Schreyer has been
instrumental in securing Donckerwolkes services as his own
contract comes to an end in 2017.

Automans Take
Such a move will be a real coup for the Korean brands which
seem to be benefiting tremendously from their design-led
growth strategy.

Kirk Kerkorian

Ranked by Forbes as the worlds 41st richest man in 2008 with a net worth
of $16bn, Kerkorian was among the most talked-about investors in the
American automotive industry. The media-shy investor who became one
of the richest Americans by betting his money on ventures like casinos and
film studios passed away at the ripe age of 98 in Los Angeles last month.
The billionaire ran the investment company Tracinda Corporation and was
the largest shareholder in MGM Resorts International.
Kerkorian attempted to use his power as a well-financed investor influence
in the auto industry. In 2006, he used his nearly 10per cent stake in General
Motors to push a merger with the Renault-Nissan Alliance. The deal made it
as far as discussions, but eventually fell through. Kerkorian also attempted
to purchase Chrysler twice. The first effort came in 1995 with a $22.8bn
offer for the automaker, and soon after it failed as the company merged
with Daimler. Then in 2007, Kerkorian was back with a bid for $4.5bn.
Not contended, the billionaire ended up buying up $1bn in Ford stock
in 2008 to make Kerkorian the single largest investor in the company.
However, the situation didnt last long, and by the end of that year, he had
unloaded the shares.
A a polarizing figure whose was born poor, Kerkorian in early life had
several careers as an amateur boxer, a daredevil pilot and a high-stakes
poker player before figuring out safer ways to amass his fortune. He
pursued strategies that baffled business rivals and Wall Street analysts
and that left him sometimes on the verge of bankruptcy. Other times, his
moves brought him windfalls.

PSA inks
deal for
Morocco
production

Toyota maintains lead among most

valuable car brands
Toyota has maintained its lead among the most valuable
automotive brands for the third straight year, according to
the annual BrandZ study released by Millward Brown. The
Japanese automaker has an estimated brand value of nearly
$29bn, down slightly from 2014 but still ahead of BMWs $26bn
valuation. Mercedes-Benz again holds the third spot. The top of
the rankings remain mostly unchanged for 2015, but there are a
few shakeups below the Ford and Nissan, which hold the fifth
and sixth positions, respectively. Audi achieved the biggest gains
in terms of dollar value, rising 43percent to $10bn and stealing
the seventh position from sibling brand Volkswagen. Chevrolet
and Hyundai are no longer found in the top 10, displaced by Land
Rover and Lexus respectively.

Africa and the Middle East are among the PSAs historic
markets, particularly for Peugeot and PSA Groups regional
strategy is now focusing on gradually expanding vehicle
production capacity in the heart of the region to serve
the interests of the Africa-Middle East markets. Potential
production volume is estimated to reach eight million vehicles
by 2025.
Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Managing Board of PSA
Peugeot Citron and Moulay Hafid Elalamy, the Kingdom
of Moroccos Minister for Industry, Trade, Investment
and the Digital Economy signed an agreement to build a
manufacturing plant in the country. Once ready, the plant
will begin producing B- and C-segment engines and vehicles
as from 2019. Starting out with an initial production capacity
of 90,000 engines and vehicles, the plant will ultimately raise
output to 200,000 units in line with future market demand.
Automans take
This agreement rounds out the existing manufacturing
facilities in Nigeria and those being negotiated in Iran, and allows
PSA to lay the foundations today for its ambition of selling one
million vehicles in the Africa-Middle East region by 2025.
JUL 2015

25

New Mitsubishi Pajero being

prepared
Apparently, the next Mitsubishi Pajero (aka Montero in North
America, Shogun in the UK) will continue to revel in its true
body-on-frame construction as the company positions itself
as a company with SUVs as one of its core businesses. This
information comes from Lance Bradley, head of Mitsubishi
Motors UK.
Mitsubishi strongly believes that true body-on-frame SUVs are a
dying breed and that there is an opening for the company which
has won the backbreaking Dakar Rally 12 times with previous
iterations of the Pajero. In fact, the company intends to position
the new Pajero as an affordable but equally capable alternative to
the Land Rover Discovery.
Bradley also fired a shot across the bows of other automakers
-- most of whom have shifted from SUVs to car-based crossovers
while keeping the formers rugged names -- saying, A lot of the
rivals are more beautiful or more refined but the Shogun needs to
be an authentic off-roader: not fancy, not a school-run car but for
people who tow horse boxes or actually go off-road.
Furthermore, Mitsubishi believes that the Pajero will have
another edge with its plug-in hybrid technology, as previewed
by the GC-PHEV Concept shown in Tokyo and Chicago. With the
next Evo said to be taking the form an SUV, it appears Mitsubishi
is gunning for the electric and off-roading segments. The new
Pajero is due out in 2017.

Subaru searches for name for its

forthcoming 7-seater SUV
A recent Subaru owners survey revealed that the company
is considering a 7-seater crossover for the US market. In the
survey, Subaru asks, In thinking about the Subaru brand and
the possibility of a seven passenger vehicle being offered in the
future, please rate how well you like these names for the new
vehicle?
The survey further invites a rating from 1-10 from a list of
potential names: Centauri, Cypress, Ascent, Meridian, Sojourn,
and Columbia.
The car in question is likely a version of the recently launched
Japan-market Crossover 7, based on a concept from the 2013
Tokyo Motor Show. That vehicle itself was based on a three-row
Exiga wagon thats been on sale since 2008.
The Crossover 7 is powered by Subarus 2.5-liter boxer four
mated with a continuously variable transmission. The company
has hinted as early as 2013 that thered be a three-row crossover
launching as a 2016 model.
Subaru has not had a three-row, 7-seat vehicle in its lineup since
the B9 Tribeca ended production in January 2014.

SsangYong to make Wrangler rival

South Koreas Ssangyong Motors isnt shy about admitting it has
been eyeing an entry into the lucrative North American market
for several years. An early feasibility study is currently under
way, and a spokesperson recently confirmed the company could
develop a Jeep Wrangler-fighting SUV to spearhead its foray
into the United States. The yet-unnamed off-roader will ride on
the same unibody platform as the Tivoli that was introduced
last March at the Geneva Motor Show but the two will not look
anything alike. Ssangyong is expected to put a big emphasis on
design and give the SUV a rugged look with a few retro-inspired
styling cues such as round headlamps. In Europe and in Korea,
buyers will get to choose between a gasoline normally-aspirated
and forced-fed 1.6-litre four-cylinder engines. Diesels will also
be offered. If all goes as planned, the new SUV will arrive in
showrooms in 2017 or 2018.

Automans Take

SsangYongs proposed SUV will live up to the Herculean task of taking on Jeeps most iconic and capable model thanks to a purpose-designed
four-wheel drive system and high departure and approach angles. It may be recalled that Ssangyong in the past had SUV called Korando in
mid-1990s which was relatively popular, especially considering it was sold well before SUVs and crossovers became hot sellers in Europe.
26

JUL 2015

New Concept from BMW Motorrad

BMW Motorrad has introduced a new concept called Path
22. Named after one of Europes best-hidden surf spots, the
Path 22 is BMW Motorrads first-ever scrambler, a type of bike
designed to go off the beaten path. The Path 22 is based on the
R nineT, a highly-customizable roadster. It features a protective
grille on the front light, a long-travel suspension, studded tires
wrapped around machined alloy wheels and raised exhaust
pipes. Scramblers have always stood out as function-oriented,
minimalist bikes, and the Path 22 reflects that with turn signals
neatly integrated into the handles.
Since the Path 22 was designed to go surfing, BMW has installed
a custom-designed surfboard holder on the right side of the bike.
Crafted out of machined aluminium and leather, it can adapted to
hold two surfboards regardless of whether theyre short- or longboards. Artwork by Ornamental Conifer adds a finishing touch to
the concept.
BMW has not released technical details, but its safe to assume
the Path 22 packs a R nineT-sourced 1.2-litre air-cooled flattwin engine rated at 110 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 88 lbft. of torque at 6,000 rpm. The twin is bolted to a six-speed
transmission.

Ducati Thriving in India

Ducati India held its first official event in New Delhi at the
largest Ducati Store in the world last month. The iconic Italian
motorcycle brand announced the arrival of two new variants of
the Scrambler. Ducati India Pvt. Ltd is the youngest of 11 official
subsidiaries owned worldwide by Ducati and since opening
its first dealerships in Delhi NCR and Mumbai, has received a
tremendous response from the motorcycling community. Their
wide range of motorcycles appeal to many different types of
enthusiast, such as the latest edition to the Monster family: the
Monster 821, alongside the Monster S2R and 795. Ducati India
also presented the Hypermotard and Hyperstrada, all models of
the Diavel family and the 899, 1299, 1299 S and Panigale R besides
the new scrambler variants.
Pierfrancesco Scalzo, General Manager of Ducati Asia spoke
about the brands history, its Italian heritage and current
range, while Ducati India Pvt. Ltd Managing Director Ravi
Avalur presented plans for Indias network. A new dealership in
Bangalore will also be opened in October 2015 followed by outlets
in Pune and Hyderabad.

Hyundais smallest new

SUV gets a name
Hyundai Motor India has announced the
name of its new SUV: CRETA. The global
roll-out of this new model will start in
the second half of 2015 in India, followed
soon after with sales in world markets.The
compact model will rival Renault Duster,
Nissan Terrano, Mahindra Scorpio and others
in the league, the Hyundai Creta will share
its engines with the Verna. Although, there
is no official confirmation about the engine
options either, considering what is offered in
the segment, it could be offered with 1.4- and
1.6-litre petrol and diesel powertrains from
the current Accent/Verna. The Creta will be
based on the i20s platform and will benefit
in its design inspiration from the Fluidic 2.0
design philosophy.
JUL 2015

27

Spotlight
news

Classic beauties
and hotrods

his is a place where classic beauties,

hotrods and extreme machines
mingle together in the midst of
pageantry and themed with typical
Victorian splendor. Despite a cloudy start,
the sun came out for the 2015 Hot Rod
and Custom Drive-In Day at Beaulieu, held
on Fathers Day in southern UK. Over 450
custom, hot rod and classic American cars
and bikes cruised into the grounds of the
National Motor Museum to take part in
the colourful and diverse display, which
was enjoyed by 6,500 visitors.
With live music, dancing and stands selling
vintage wares, all capturing the spirit
of the custom world, it proved to be a
vibrant event. Variety brought plenty of
spice to the show, held in association with
28

JUL 2015

Beaulieu is an award winning attraction set in the heart of the New Forest National
Park in Great Britian. We visit this idyllic venue which promises something for everyone
including automotive fans. We bring this feature as an Automan special
Words: Chandan B Mallik
American car club Solent Renegades, as
stripped-down hot rods parked alongside
slammed American classics and pristine
custom cars.
Visitors were engrossed with immaculate
custom paint finishes, highly polished
engine bays and even the distressed rat
rod look, there were plenty of unique cars
on show this year. Bike fans were spoilt
by a multitude of two-wheeled machines,
ranging from beautifully crafted custom
bicycles, courtesy of club Crank Jesters, all
the way up to custom trikes powered by
V8 engines.
Visitors were kept rocking and rolling
to live music throughout the day. On
the Entertainment Stage, the Dotty Duo
performed vintage songs from the 1940s

and 50s, while Carmen Ghia and the Hot

Rods revved up the crowds with classic
rock and roll. Touring the show ground
was Mexican band Mariachi El Mexicano,
serenading visitors with lively Latin tunes.
No-one could miss the awesome display
put on by Russ Carpenter and his famous
Glacier Grenade dragster. Carpenter
started up the Daimler V8 engine of this
brutal quarter-mile monster, astonishing
visitors with its roar and cackle, while
Brian Taylor talked visitors through
the fascinating Allard dragster, which
normally resides in the National Motor
Museum.
Solent Renegades put on an excellent
display of club members cars, ranging
from ever-popular Chevy Day Vans and

Ford Mustangs, to rarities such as a 1967

Plymouth Satellite Sport Wagon with its
eye catching wood effect trim. Elsewhere
in the show, the lowered bare metal
bodywork and race-tuned V8 engine of a
1931 Ford Model A drew a sizeable crowd.
Contrasting nicely with this was a pristine
mint green and cream 1930 Model A hot
rod, powered by a 354 Hemi V8.
Other highlights from the rows of
remarkable machines was a weatherworn Chevrolet 3100 truck, which oozed
original patina, and a 1957 Plymouth
Sports Suburban estate which is the only
two-door example in the UK. The classic
American woodie was represented by a
timber-bodied 1925 Ford Model T Beach
Wagon, while a 1946 Ford Long Door
Super Coupe Deluxe street rod hid its
powerful V8 engine beneath stock-looking
bodywork.
Among the American cars on show were
numerous modified British classics,

including a Ford 100E Popular body

mounted onto an air-cooled Volkswagen
chassis, and a 1960 Vauxhall Victor F-Type
equipped with a tuned 3.5-litre Rover V8
engine. New for 2015, non-custom classics
and VWs were invited to park in their own
paddocks within the showground.
A real crowd-pleaser was a futuristic
Jetsons-style roadster based on BMW
Z3 underpinnings. Named Cosmotron
and equipped with unique fibreglass
bodywork and an aircraft style dome for
the roof and windows, its owner had
spent two years building this unique
machine.
Throughout the day, visitors voted for
their favourite machines on show in the
Peoples Choice Award. Tony Bevans 1936
Buick Straight Eight, Paul Privetts 1971
Cadillac Coupe de Ville and Tim Days 1986
Chevrolet Camaro 228 were all runners up,
with Mick Wakeford winning the Peoples
Choice Award with his pristine 1932 Ford

roadster. This was the first outing that

Mick had taken the car on, following two
years building it from scratch.
Further awards were given for other
stars of the show. The Best Hot Rod went
to Chris Andrews for his Ford Model
T Bucket, with Dave Day taking Best
Custom for his subtle yet impressive 1952
Chevrolet pick-up, while Best American
was awarded to Terry Jeeves for his 1957
Cadillac Eldorado Series 62.
One of the heroes of the show was Best
Bike award winner Nick Wallwork, with
his astonishing Bourgets Bike Works
custom motorcycle. Nick had bought this
American machine, equipped with a 2-litre
engine and a huge rear wheel, only the
day before the show. The coveted Best
In Show award went to Neil Jewell for
his Ford Popular, which is powered by a
tuned Rover V8 engine. The Hot Rod and
Custom Drive-In Day is set to return for
next years Fathers Day, on June 19, 2016.
JUL 2015

29

2015 Ferrari 488GTB

Stallion
on
Steroids

The successor to the 458 Italia takes everything that

weve come to love in the breed and makes it more
intense. Ferraris V8 is now way ahead of the pack.
Automan reports from Maranello.
Author: Raj Warrior

30

JUL 2015

Photographs: Supplied

JUL 2015

31

32

JUL 2015

fter last years introduction of the turbo in the California

T, it was only a matter of time before the sands of time
and the need to improve efficiency reached the bad boy
of the breed. The Italia typified the V8-powered gentlemans
sports car that could be cruised down a boulevard and then
jump straight onto the track for a healthy few laps around it.
Never as raw as the competition from Lamborghini, the Italia
was in many ways an almost perfect package, which is why its
replacement has to tick so many boxes.
We were among select media flown into Maranello in a
world first for the brand. We were to test the new car on
the highway and on the track BEFORE it was released to
customers. This, in itself, is a good indication of the changes
that are being wrought at the prancing horse brand with the
advent of Marchionnes style of functioning. That and the sure
knowledge that we are going to see more models and greater
volumes coming out of Maranello.
The first introduction to the car was through a technical
briefing by teams from the design, dynamics, engine,
aerodynamics and product teams. Thoroughly focussed on the
technical details of the new development, the session served
to highlight some salient features.
For instance, aerodynamics dwelt on the underbody features
like the large rear assembly with adjustable dampers that are
linked to the chassis dynamics. It allows the car to maximise
down force in hard handling situations and minimise drag in
other circumstances. The same sort of aim drives the styling
of the unique front split assembly as well as rear spoiler. Both
of these come from specific track focussed Ferrari models
like the Speciale. Of course a large amount of the body styling
is dictated by the need to make the car look as aggressive
as possible, complete with the cockpit form of the cabin.
But even here, airflow has been maximised, with the two
large engine air intakes dictating the shape of the sides. An
additional gem of information was that the door handles had
been formed in their particular form to improve air intake by
8%.
The single biggest change is of course in the engine itself. The
output has gone up to 670 HP while the engine now shares
the V8 block from the California T. Of course a lot of change in
the finer aspects means that this is one fascinating package.
It gets a power boost of 100HP over the outgoing V8, while
delivering a completely different and boosted torque curve.
The provision of two twin scroll turbochargers now means
that maximum torque is delivered on a rather flat torque band
at 3,000 rpm. Measure this against a backdrop of the Ferrari
high revving nature of the engine that peaks out at 8,000rpm.
This is what the engineers have to contend with as they tell
us about the controlled torque delivery that is linked to the
gear position, allowing the largest spread of torque coming
in for the seventh gear. This feature has a secondary benefit
of keeping the car in seventh gear in normal highway driving,
including giving torque for casual overtaking without having to
drop gears.
No discussion of the engine can be complete without being
repeatedly informed of the benefits of the equal length intake
pipes and exhaust pipes, both in terms of engine efficiency as
well as the ability to sound like a naturally aspirated engine.
This has necessitated a new process of casting and welding the
pipe assembly to generate these pathways.
The turbochargers have also been upgraded from the
Californias. The impellers are made from a new titanium
aluminium alloy that reduces the inertia of spooling up. The
turbo geometry also uses twin scroll layout. This means that
turbo lag is reduced while splitting air delivery uniformly
JUL 2015

33

between the intake head. Direct

injection is at 200 bar pressure and the
engine displays the usual Ferrari flat
plane crank and 90 degree layout. In
engineers terms nothing could be
sweeter!
Even the profile of the engine has
changed despite the angle staying 90
degree. The new layout is squatter
and slightly wider than before with
larger radiators and the presence of
the intercoolers. More air is channelled
onto the radiators and the large
intakes on the sides are needed for the
intercoolers.
Of course the torque is the biggest
talking point of the engine. A
comparison of response times shows
that the relative response is almost on
par with the 458 while after that point
power delivery betters it all through.
Thats how it manages a 0-100kph sprint
of 3.0 seconds flat while hitting 200kph
in 8.3 seconds.
New materials have also been used on
the brakes. This has reduced the size
and weight of the brakes needed for the
improved performance of the 488.
In terms of dynamics the biggest
improvement has been in the
introduction of a new generation of side
slip control (SSC2) along with better
performance envelope in each mode of
the manetinno.
The next day we took the cars out for
a longish drive around the general area
of Modena. The drive included a lot of
small country lanes, twisting hill roads
and open highway. The routes were
34

JUL 2015

set out on the navigation and we had a

free hand to choose the paths to take,
although it took a bit of fiddling and a
shout out for help to get the system
over to English from Italian.
For the part of the ownership
experience that most customers will use
almost exclusively, the car is beautifully
set up for the day to day drive. Leave it
in Sport mode (the default in the 488)
and you get all the healthy response
of the twin turbo engine with a nicely
forgiving suspension. It soaks up
the rumble strip characteristics of a

The all-new 2015

488 GTB is a nice
combination of
blindingly fast and
utterly benign
sports car
secondary road while being reasonably
stiff around the corners. As you floor the
accelerator and let the car rip you get
oodles of push in the small of your back,
with a throaty roar that you love to hear.
Of course driving a Ferrari also means
getting used to the preponderance
of the rev meter at the centre of the
dial, turn indicators at your thumbs
and a completely driver centric view
of things. It takes a couple of seconds
to acclimatise oneself but after that
you begin to wonder why every car

wasnt so logically laid out? In the 488 a

small panel has been added on for the
passenger to read, although we have no
idea why they bothered.
As for leather seats, perfectly designed
steering wheel, and a 16-channel,
12-speaker, JBL audio system, with high
resolution navigation screen, we wont
dwell on that. By now, we dont expect
any less from the hallowed Maranello
marque. What we do like is that the
seats are just firm enough and you can
choose the information shown to you on
the IP. This changes too depending on
the manetinno setting you choose.
Verdict
We simply love what Ferrari has
done with its newest addition to the
V8 family. There does seem to be a
significant amount of incremental
technology in the car, making it more
evolution than revolution, but then
you dont really need a revolution
in the car. As it is, the engineers did
spend a lot of time telling us about
how close to naturally aspirated the
car was, but you still can feel the turbo
in the powerpack. But thats not a
negative at all. We feel that Ferrari
has finally made the huge leap into
accepting the boosted output engine
and the result is outstanding. In terms
of refinement the car has leaped to the
head of the pack, actually bettering
both Lamborghini and McLaren in their
offerings. It will take some doing to
better this.

JUL 2015

35

36

JUL 2015

The biggest thrill of the entire visit, combining as it did a factory

visit with visits to their classic car department, their XX and
old F1 car garages and a visit to the museum was definitely the
opportunity to drive the 488GTB on the Fiorano track. This track
is acknowledged as the brands homeground, used through
generations of F1 cars for development and testing.
Each journalist was taken out by an expert instructor to
familiarise themselves with the track layout, though one must
admit that we focussed on getting a video interview as we took
the laps. That meant that when we went out, a few surprises
were in store. Interestingly, a team from Med-Ex HPL were on
hand with some fascinating equipment. They are the medical
partners of Ferrari and provided us with a sensor that measured
various parameters including heart rate, respiration, G-forces
and posture. From these data points the company is able to
extrapolate through software the emotional state that a driver
is in at various points of the course. We had forgotten about the
strap on the chest by the time we went out but it was to reveal a lot.
As we took the first lap, the car in Race mode asked to be let
loose. It is in the nature of the beast that every added Nm of
torque that spools in asks you to press down further. And the
harmonics are so beautifully judged. Its like the car a Valkyrie
singing out while you are along for the ride. The first right turn
is followed by a couple of quick left-rights and then you take a
sharp left to start climbing the bridge. Of course as we hadnt
paid attention we took the opportunity to start accelerating
hard, not noticing the 100m and 50m brake markers that sit next
to the railings. So we took the bridge in full acceleration mode,
getting well above the recommended speed for the section. As
we crested the truth slapped us in the face a sharp right turn
just after the bridge, with a rolling embankment ahead! You have
two options at that stage panic or PANIC! We dont know which
button we hit as we flipped the paddles down , braking hard and
steering sharply into the turn. Were sure that the doctors will
find some interesting tell tale signs about our emotional situation
from the read outs, while were also glad that they couldnt see
the reactions!
If there was ever need of the SSC2 to perform this was it and it
passed with flying colours. Rookie mistake turned into jubilant
test driver mode, with perfectly tailored skid, spinning wheels,
throaty engine roar and the most easy holding of race line that
weve ever encountered in a sports car. Alright, so you want
to have some fun do you? Game on. The 488 could have been
telling us that as we now increased our aggression. We had been
intimated that the 600 metre home straight would allow us to
go all the way to 7th and hit 260kph. Well, it does! The tyres
are noisy, the brakes squeal at times but there is absolutely
nothing that takes away from the performance. Steering feel
could have been just a wee bit harder, but the road feel is spot
on. You can feel the track through the column, perfectly judge a
corner and even handle the sharply tightening ones without ever
taking you hands off the wheel. And weight transfer is handled
so nicely, between the magnetic suspension controllers and
selective braking. CT Off allows you to really enjoy the SSC2 to the
maximum though from past experiences we didnt take it into
ESC Off mode.
Even now, a few weeks after the experience, we still dream of the
corners on the Fiorano track. Its the perfect accompaniment to
the dreams of a 488GTB.

JUL 2015

37

2015 Jaguar XE

Sporting

ambitions
After its elaborate global unveil in September last year,
Jaguars 2015 XE sedan is ready for action. Automan
attended the first drive global event in picturesque
Navarra in Spain last month and returned with more
than a reason to be impressed
Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: David Shepherd and Author

38

JUL 2015

JUL 2015

39

ts no secret that under Ford ownership

the X-Type Jaguar was created as the
entry level model to challenge the
Germans brands, especially BMW 3 Series
when it was introduced in 2002. The then
X-Type was built on an existing Ford CD132
platform which also supported the frontwheel drive Mondeo. The cars interiors
were benchmarked against the VW Passat
and on the mechanical side all-wheel drive
and V6 petrol/diesel engines were also
offered. The price point was what made
it attractive for buyers looking to make
an entry with the brand, but to Jaguar
purists it was a sort of no-no. After all, it
was conceived with aging Ford bin parts
and came at a time when Audi presented
a similar concept called the A4. The Audi
was packaged superbly and presented
with Quattro handling as its key USP. In a
way, this approach by Audi overshadowed
the Ford-Jaguar effort and the X-Type
could never reach the boundaries of the
rear-wheel drive machines like the BMW
3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class. A lot
of lessons were there for Jaguar to learn
from.
The X-Type was retired in 2009 shortly
after Jaguar Land Rovers [JLR] ownership
was transferred to India-based Tata
Motors from Fords Premier Automobile
Group [PAG] umbrella. Under the tutelage
40

JUL 2015

of Tata Motors, JLR is flourishing and one

of the reasons is that it can take decisions
of its own without interference from its
parent company and move forward with
its business plans [unlike its association
with Ford, where the Blue Oval had a say
in everything of what JLR did]. In the new
scenario with Tata Motors, a slew of new
global products have been introduced
and accordingJaguars global brand
director Adrian Hallmark who reiterated
the companys motivation at the London
launch of the XE: Jaguar Land Rovers
aspiration is to be the fourth premium
car company in the world. To do that,
Jaguar needs to pull its weight in the
right areas. We need to multiply volumes
over the next few years. This means
right products at the right time with
appropriate content and packaging. And
this also means bigger investments in all
directions to make that happen.
Weve witnessed the resurging British
brand with its new offerings like the XJ,
F-Type and soon-to-arrive Gen II XF. To
begin the new innings with the XE, Jaguar
has invested a great deal of its efforts for a
100 per cent ground up [codename X760]
project. No more borrowed chassis, no
more sharing of sheetmetal components,
but a clear cut transition into modern
standalone territory with using state-of-

the-art aluminium intensivemonocoque

as the underpinnings and loaded with
contemporary technologies. Meanwhile,
Jaguars involvement with aluminium in
cars can be traced to the 2003 XJ.
During the London unveil, Ian Callum who
designed the XEs exterior said that more
than 70 per cent of the car uses aluminium
with the exception of the cargo bay floor
and suspension subframes which are
made of steel. These steel elements are
bonded in place with special adhesives
that help prevent catastrophic electrolytic
corrosion.
In fact, the new XE is the first built to
be on Jaguar Land Rovers iQ modular
platform. The same platform will also be
used for the second generation XF, the
F-Pace SUV and the forthcoming new
yet unnamed Range Rover which will be
positioned between the Evoque and the
Sport. The product variants suggest the
engineering flexibility and complexities.
In profile, even as an entry level model,
Callum has given the car hints of family
design DNA. As a result, it feels part of
the family and also gets a standalone
personality and in some ways appears very
close to the next model up in the lineup, the XF. And theres some interesting
functional attributes too. The XEs drag coefficient of Cd0.26 is a favourable number

in the class and for this car. Even the base

models feature additional drag reduction
measures, such as air vents which open
and close when needed to further reduce
drag.
The cars interior reflects some bin
parts usage -- parts of the dashboard
and steering wheel from the F-type are
familiar kit and in its design, a wraparound
approach has been adopted. This means,
despite being a spacious car, it can appear
a bit claustrophobic and adding to that
sense is the sloping roofline which means
rear head room is compromised for tall
occupants. While theres no shortage
of leg room up front or at the rear, the
car can take five people, but we think
for four it will be more comfortable.
Modern highlights in the cabin include
the multimedia and infotainment system,
where most functions are operated the
new eight-inch touchscreen that offers
clear graphics. The ability to control phone
apps is among key usable highlights
besides driver aids such as self parking,
standard automatic city braking and
the ability to communicate cross traffic
hazards.
For the driver theres a low seating
position behind a chunky three-spoke
wheel with two deeply recessed major
dials on the dashboard and air vents

mounted low down on either side. Drive

is selected by Jaguars now-familiar
retractable circular dial on the centre
console.
Having the key structure of the car in
aluminium offers several distinctive
advantages. First an array of powertrains
can be shoehorned ranging fromfourcylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol to

The XE is the first of

a new generation of
Jaguar motorcars
to use an advanced
aluminium chassis
system in which
Jaguar Land Rover has
invested 1.5bn and
which was pioneered
in the prototype C-X17
concept car at the
Frankfurt Auto Show
in 2013

3.0-litre turbo V6 besides diesels. The car

will be initially offered with the XE petrol
engines that still have some Ford legacy
and will serve the line-up till Jaguars
all-new in-house developed Ingenium
engines replace them in 2016. Depending
on markets both either rear-wheel drive
or all-wheel drive configurations and
manual and ZF 8HP eight-speed automatic
transmissions will be offered.Six-speed
ZF manual gearbox is available on diesel
models.
A couple of advanced technologies that
feature in the XE like the traction control
system [Jaguar calls it All Surface Progress
Control] has been developed from Land
Rovers highly capable Terrain Response
system. Jaguar thinks their system is
superior as it allows for better traction
in snow and ice, conditions traditionally
regarded as challenging for rear-wheel
drive cars.
To give the car its sporty handling
characteristics, the suspension package
uses a tried and tested technically
advanced multi-link independent rear
and wishbone front suspension from
the F-Type. Jaguar says this system is a
more costly combination to manufacture
but allows for greater tuning to provide
a good balance between handling and
ride quality. And taking the weight
JUL 2015

41

optimisation programme further, the car

is endowed with single-piston brakes with
swinging arm calipers on all variants.
Driving impressions
Our first acquaintance with the production
model took place immediately after we
landed Vittori airport in Spain. The twoday drive event in the country was divided
between the variants base and top-ofthe-line and choice of petrol or diesel. This
meant we had the opportunity to test an XE
with Wolverhampton, UK-built 2.0-litre diesel
delivering 161bhp or 177bhp, a Valencia,
Spain-built, Ford-sourced 2.0-litre turbo
petrol delivering 197bhp or 236bhp, and a
Bridgend, UK-built 3.0-litre supercharged V6
petrol with 325bhp on tap. The V6 was made
available only for the track exercises.
Since our markets will be fed with the
2.0-litre petrol and V6 engines, hence we
decided to spend most of the drive with
these two variants. We drove right from
the terminal in an XE with a 25t badge,
which meant it had the 237hp/339Nm of
torque and rear-wheel-drive. In theory,
its the same motor found in the Range
Rover Evoque, except that it feels more
potent in the smaller XE, evident in the first
few kilometers of the drive. As a trained
and seasoned player, performance of this
powertrain appears smooth and discreetly
powerful.
Theres great initial torque available at low
speeds, followed by a gradual increase in
power. The car has enough grunt available
for quick overtaking at highway speeds. And
despite it being small, it feels like it just the
engine this car ever needs. The ZF-sourced
eight speed transmission has its role well
cut out here. It offers extremely smooth
42

JUL 2015

shifts but at times we felt the software

makes it hesitate a little too long to select a
lower gear when demanded by the throttle,
and then may choose a lower ratio than
expected with a resultant increase in noise
from high engine revs.
The cars electric steering weighs nice and
the feedback is quite fast and direct. In the
cars we were able to drive, we noted the
variety of suspension settings available.
Depending on trim, theres a selection of
conventional damping systems to a firmer
sport set-up, and theres also the option of
adaptive damping in higher spec models.
What we experienced irrespective of the
variant driven was that even in the standard
set-up, the suspension works extremely
well. In most cases and on the roads we
drove in Navarra the ride was supple and
comfortably absorbed most road surface
imperfection without becoming unsettled.

Overall, the ride appeared refined and the

bonus was the huge amount of front end
grip. In terms of handling, that meant we
could take tight corners easily without the
fear of any understeer. Compared to some
of the sports sedans from Europe, we think
the only giveaway this isnt the sportier set
up is a faint softness in the rear making it a
little reluctant to follow the front in relatively
sharp directional changes. But the flip side is
that this is also a comfortable and easy car to
drive most of the time and most of the time
the handling is neutral and hence not taxing
or boring. The brakes are great, with strong
and linear stopping power, but the pedal
feel is lighter than youd expect for a sports
sedan.
And after two days of cavorting around Spains
twistiest mountain roads as well as a racetrack,
we think Jaguar has nailed it for the XE.
Verdict
For the Indian-owned independently-run
British company, by far, the all-new Jaguar
XE is a massive move forward. However,
the perennial question is: how does it
stack up against the German premium
opposition, the BMW 3 Series in particular?
The Navarra, Spain experience did give
us some hints about the cars capabilities
as an economy model and as capable
performance variant. Well, is it better than
the 3-Series? Unless we do a comparative,
we dont know if the all-new 2016 Jaguar
XE is better, but going by what we have
been exposed to it is certainly matches
some of BMWs often mentioned
benchmarks. From the disastrous X-Type
experience to the modern all-new XE, a
confident Jaguar Land Rover has definitely
moved up a long way.

Jaguar is going
up against the
engineering and
marketing might of
Mercedes-Benz or
BMW. Theres every
indication the new
XE is just the type
of merchandise the
British brand had been
lacking all these years

JUL 2015

43

44

JUL 2015

The range topping model of the XE

line-up is the XE S and this car gets the
3.0-litre supercharged V6 from the
F-Type which delivers a healthy 340hp
and 332lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is
used in quite a few models in the Jaguar
line-up. As a tried and tested hardware
it is put to good use in the XE where
we found it delivering performance in
spades. Its power delivery is lag free and
almost instantaneous. Torque is available
all the way and hits the engines
7,000rpm redline faster than you think.
The ZF eight-speed automatic which is
also used by BMW and Audi is also well
suited for the job. On track, we went full
throttle and noted that the supercharger

is barely audible, reminding us once

again of the NVH management which
effectively takes care of unpleasant
vibrations etc. Over all, the V6 engine
from the F-Type is able to add spice to
the otherwise XEs calm and composed
nature.
One thing we did note. Despite
borrowing the engine and front
suspension from the F-Type, ride
quality is equally impressive thanks
in part to the adaptive suspension.
The car performs quite well even on
standard 19in wheel. Jaguar says the
software that involved in monitoring
the dampers, do it 500 times per
second so the cars set-up is constantly

adjusted to keep it in tandem with

most driving surfaces. Meanwhile,
the sense of agility and composure is
amplified by the direct and responsive
steering, with sudden changes in
direction rarely feeling unsettled.
Interestingly, the sound track from the
exhaust tip does lack the theatrics of
the F-Type.
Verdict
While Jaguars core business model for
the new XE revolves around savings in
running costs, the British brand has also
created a nice option for those wanted
more fun. The range-topping XE S should
tick the necessary boxes.

JUL 2015

45

2015 Dodge Charger SRT8 Hellcat

n
o
T
A
C
L
HEL
!
wl
o
the pr

46

JUL 2015

In recent times, Dodge has focused on design

and styling besides upgrading engineering
hardware in models like the Charger. Automan
was invited to check out the 2016 Charger SRT8
Hellcat, the models most potent model at Abu
Dhabi located Yas Marina F1 Circuit last month
Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Author and Supplied

hen we, the automotive

fraternity talk about muscle
cars, we like to talk numbers
first. This adage is appropriate for the
Made in USA machines in particular and
in the case of Dodge it wouldnt be out
of place to find a reference, trivia and a
timeline in context of the specific car that
we will be describing a little later.
Dodge has been building muscle cars
since the sixties. It began with the Polara
[19601973], followed by the Dart 426
Hemi [19621965] and Coronet 426 Hemi
[19651970]. The first Charger arrived in
1966 and continued production till 1974.
Around the Charger came the Coronet
Super Bee [19681971] and Dart GT and
variants like the GTS, Swinger and Demon
[19681976]. In 1969, Dodge introduced
the Charger Daytona and in 1970 the
Challenger. The current Charger entered
2011 as an entirely new vehicle, free of
German influence and parts sharing.
The sleeker and more evocative Charger
shined with styling cues dating to the cars
Dukes of Hazard years [1968-70].
In the Middle East, Dodge has positioned
the Charger as North Americas fourdoor muscle car. The current model was
extensively revised for 2015 and is offered
in several flavours ranging from stock and
variants with SRT badging. The Charger
SRT Hellcat which made its official Middle
East debut recently represents the sedans
blue-blooded aspirations in the class it
represents.
In the current line-up available in the
region, the last high-performance Charger
that Automan tested was the 2012 SRT8
model that came with a 470hp 6.4-litre V8
Hemi engine and five-speed automatic.
Despite the potent engine, suspension
with adaptive damping and interesting
performance figures of 4.3-4.4sec 0-96km/
h times, our niggle with that car was its
aging transmission and build quality -- the
hard, cheap-looking plastic used all over
interiors in the car were an eyesore and
the transmission felt hopelessly outdated
and surprisingly, the steering also lacked
sporty feedback.

All is not written off as engineers at Dodge

have been able to extract every ounce of
life for the Charger SRT8-based Hellcat. In
fact, Dodge has ensured that the Hellcat
is the most powerful production sedan on
earth!
At the Dodge Driving event last month,
we were also given the opportunity to
check out the two-door Challenger also.
Driving both two- and four-door models
back to back also gave us an idea not only
about the packaging, but also the key
elements that differentiate the two cars,
especially when it comes to handling and
performance.
In terms of styling, from the exterior,
the Hellcat retains the current Chargers
profile along with the benefits from the
recent facelift. This means theres no
more of the gun-sight grille with seven
air-inlet and outlet ports. The Hellcat
also gets its own tailoring and signature
cues like a power dome on the bonnet
with air vents [they cover the forced fed
apparatus underneath] and its own lower
valance. Other details include a Hellcat
badge on the side of the front mudguard.
Rest of the car is similar to its SRT8
Charger sibling and all the scoops, ducts,
vents and spoilers on these SRT-badged
performance models are fully functional.
In terms of dimensions, the Charger is
longer than the Challenger. The Charger
Hellcat drag coefficient stands at Cd 0.35
which is 12 per cent lower than that of the
Challenger. At 2,072kg, the Charger Hellcat
is approximately 45kg heavier than the
Challenger Hellcat version.
Inside the car, we are invited into a cosy
and restyled driver-focused interior with
improvised touch points. Most of the
trim is now made of soft touch materials,
tightened panel gaps an in general, the
build quality has gone up a few notches.
The dashboard design is familiar and the
instrumentation is from the old school,
but the standout modern feature is the
latest generation 8.4in TFT touchscreen
Uconnect media centre. Dodge
specification sheet suggests that it has
been programmed for total connectivity
JUL 2015

47

and making life a little easier is the

customizable SRT Performance Pages. In
fact, we found downloadable apps are
quite easy to get on with. Among the
kit for the driver to play includes things
like track, sport, custom, and default
modes which engage software to sort of
customise engine tune, output, damper
effectiveness and transmission activity.
In Race Options, one can configure
launch control and the Valet mode
allows restricted access to the car. In
Performance Pages on the screen, one can
get live information like power, torque,
and boost, or conduct a full road test by
recording acceleration times, braking
distances, and peak Gs. So, theres a lot of
kit to explore and have fun with.
In terms of comfort and appointments,
the front bucket seats are trimmed with
suede and are supportive. But after
experiencing the car, we think they could
use stiffer side bolsters to resist this
cars cornering feedback on the front
occupants in particular.
And heres a brilliant idea, not usually
found in muscles cars. The car comes with
two key fobs red and black. The red key
unlocks the full potential of the 707hp V8
engine while the black key restricts engine
outputs. The key fob differentiation is
a brilliant idea and as expected at Yas
Marina circuit, we chose the red key.
In terms of hardware under the bonnet,
there are some fundamental engineering
differences between the stock, SRT8 and
SRT8 Hellcat models. The stock model
is available with 3.6-litre V6 Pentastar
and 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine mated to ZF
8-speed transmission. The SRT8 Hellcat
48

JUL 2015

was designed in Michigan, assembled

in Canada uses a Mexico-built 6.2-litre
Hemi V8 engine mated to ZF 8-speed
transmission with modified and wider gear
ratios.

Most of the time spent

with this car was on
track and befittingly
we took full advantage
of what was on offer.
At the Dodge Driving
event, we were also
given the opportunity
to check out the twodoor Challenger also.
Driving both two- and
four-door models back
to back also gave us
an idea not only about
the packaging, but also
the key elements that
differentiate the two
cars, especially when it
comes to handling and
performance.

The engineering team responsible for

the engine began their job by upgrading
practically all the major components
of the Hemi V8 engine. The cast-iron,
deep-skirt block has been thickened and
cooling passages enlarged. The forged
steel crankshaft is induction-hardened,
while forged steel rods have cracked
bearing caps for extra-secure clamping.
Each forged aluminium piston is designed
to withstand more than 10 tons of
combustion force, while the wrist pins
have a diamond-like coating to minimize
friction. While the heat-treated aluminium
heads lack true hemispherical combustion
chambers, they use twin spark plugs and
larger valves. Theres one 2.14in intake
valve and one 1.65in exhaust valve per
cylinder, the latter with sodium-filled
stems to dispense heat.
The Lysholm-type twin-screw
supercharger, capable of blowing more
than 1000 cubic feet of air per minute has
been supplied by IHI Turbo. Its maximum
boost is 11.6 psi, and an electric pump
circulates coolant through the intercoolers
and two front-mounted heat exchangers
every minute.
The modification was done to ensure that
the car can cope with extra torque and
output. As with all 2015 Chargers which
get a new differential, the Hellcat gets a
different set of propeller shaft and half
shafts. The suspension is fundamentally
the same as one in the regular SRT
Charger, with Hellcat-specific adjustments
to the springs and valves. For stopping
power, the 15.4in 6-piston Brembos
up front in the Hellcat are the biggest
brakes ever fitted to a Dodge. In terms

of performance, the numbers tell an

impressive story with the quarter mile in
11.0 secs, 0-160-0 km/h in under 13secs, and
a top speed of 326km/h.
Driving impressions
Like the stock Charger, the Hellcat version
will carry four adults comfortably. You belt
up as in a normal Charger, get your line of
sight, steering position and power seats
[lumber is done manually] adjusted and
fire the car. We set the cars transmission
to track mode, placed the dampers in
sport mode, squeezed the throttle pedal
with due deliberation and drove off.
Once we have cleared the pit lane exit,
we joined the main track for a few laps
and tried to unleash the cars potential.
Even in stock form, its no secret that the
stock SRT8 Chargers dynamics have been
much improved on road with respective
performance on track especially in
straight line. At the driving experience
event at Yas Marina circuit we also tested
a stock Charger and Challenger along
with the Hellcat. While a stock Charger
can catch a driver by surprise if he doesnt
plan his manouevre in time, especially on
track, the SRT8 appears more composed.
One has to remember that the Charger is
a big car and in the past [Gen I] we have
experienced that the torsional rigidity of
the body was not enough to cope with
the extreme demands of the driver, which
thankfully has been factored in the Gen
II models. The current SRT8 models are
now capable of taking faster corners
with composure and the overall response
and attitude befits a performance sedan.
The SRT8 Chargers steering is also very

precise, lacking only the tiniest bit of

resistance when you reach your intended
input. So for the experienced driver, its
literally childs play when it comes to
performing power slides.
Having become familiar with the SRT8
Charger and how performance was
delivered, its time to take the SRT8
Hellcat onto the track. As always, theres a
minder in the passenger seat who among
other duties has been assigned to ensure
we stay on track and specifically do not
disengage traction control or perform
power slides. On track, the Hellcat is a
beast with its supercharger whine and
exhaust howl reminding the driver of
whats underneath the sheetmetal. During
the cool down laps, it behaves like as if it is
in cruise mode, with the V8 engine barely
offering an audible bass note. The exhaust
tips are actually restricted by computer-

The 2015 Dodge

Charger SRT Hellcat
has made it abundantly
clear of Dodges brand
values of power and
visual appeal
controlled butterfly-type baffle plates.
Our hosts had prepared the track for us
to explore the finer handling points of
the car, especially cornering, braking and
straight line acceleration. The first thing
that strikes is the cars power delivery. The
torque delivery in the car is exceptionally
refined for a muscle car. The 8-speed ZF

transmission with modded and taller ratios

does its job very well. The suspension feels
planted and set on the firm side. Steering
is well-weighted and spot on. However,
we did note that that Hellcats 275/40ZR
20in Pirelli P Zero tyres were feeling the
heat at times while attempting to put
down more than 8,000 lb-ft of torque
[650lb-ft at 4,800rpm from the engine
multiplied by 12.34 through the driveline in
first gear]. At the tightest corners, this car
can post an average 0.34G of acceleration
when driven by experienced drivers.
A chicane was incorporated after the left
hander on the longest straight stretch
of the track which effectively acted as a
break. This set-up in the section did allow
us to power drive car into the chicane
with simultaneous braking and at the apex
lifted the foot from the brake and stabbed
the accelerator and took a left turn to
rejoin the main track. Here we observed,
unlike previous Chargers in a similar situation
would have run wide with the tail shifting,
the Hellcat does the same job as if it was
built for it. The car feels much planted
and hence gives the driver much more
confidence in pushing it further, especially
when exiting. What we felt with the car
is that it likes to be pushed and team SRT
have ensured its a fun car too as there is no
artificial speed limiter to spoil the fun.
Verdict
The incoming 2015 Charger SRT8 Hellcat
goes a step further in muscle cars and
takes advantage of what Dodge has to
offer: ranging from design upgrades,
technology applications, improved build
quality and performance.
JUL 2015

49

2015 Audi A6

Six in the
city
In what can be seen as a platform refresh, the
Audi A6 brings in styling upgrades and new
power packs to up its game.
Author: Raj Warrior

50

JUL 2015

Photographs: Supplied

JUL 2015

51

he executive sedan segment remains one of the most

hotly contested of all, with the fortunes of the big three
German manufacturers linked directly to how their luxo
barges are received on the global scene. Thats why we see the
advent of new technological features, engine technologies and
manufacturing methods in this category on such a frequent
basis. And there is an almost head-on measurement between
the offerings. In this particular case the Audi A6 has to stack up
against the E-class from Mercedes-Benz as well as the 5 series
from BMW.
These are its direct competitors. That does not mean that the
cars try to either mimic each other or borrow characteristics.
In practically every respect other than the amount of leather
they use on the interiors, the models inhabit their own micro
environments and it is only in incremental phases that the brands
are able to wean customers from within this competition pool.
However the biggest gains over the past few years have to
attributed to the four circle brand of Audi. To begin with, they
have had to divest themselves of an image of being a brand of
various sizes of a similar car essentially a S, M L, XL tag that
went with the A4 to A8. Over the past five to six years, this has
been done with aplomb. The new A8 had defined the upper
standard, while the C7 version of the A6 (fourth generation,
internally labelled the Typ 4G) borrowed heavily from the
technology that went into the A8 without trying to look like a
smaller car. It also helped that the A7 and A5 had also entered
into the mainstream, thereby giving a spread of models across
the spectrum, with increasing differentiation.
Four years later the time for the mid-life upgrades is upon us.
So the question arises did they do enough to keep the car
competitive?
Structurally the platform continues to be a hybrid construction of
high tensile steel and aluminium and is dimensionally unchanged
from before, albeit a little lighter due to optimisation of materials.
The styling has become just a bit more edgy with the fascia
treatment guaranteeing that the car looks squatter than before.
There has also been some healthy work done on the tail to carry
the effect around.
The biggest new change in engines is the almost wholesale move
to the highly efficient TFSI engines for the petrol variants while
the newer, cleaner TDI engines power the diesel ones. For our
region we continue to get the 2.8 V6 FSI engine as the preferred
engine by certain segments like the fleet buyers. The engine
that hadnt made the fleet by the time of our test rides was
the new generation 2.0 four-cylinder TFSI that may at a future
date also replace the 2.8 (though that is contested by the Audi
spokesperson).
During the course of our media interaction with the new A6 we
covered the basic A6 as well as the S6 and RS6 variants of the
car. Brilliantly done, the car displays a different character in each
variant.
52

JUL 2015

JUL 2015

53

The A6 offers more as standard

With an improved MMI interface, a
new generation of high resolution
screen powered by a Tegra processor
and a customisable interface, the
main difference a driver gets is in the
environment he is presented with in
the new A6. Nothing too dramatic. The
choice of colours and textures adds to
the cosseting cockpit like feel and the
central panel between the speedometer
and tachometer serves to present critical
information for all aspects of driver
control.
The Nvidia Tegra processor also powers
the pop-up centre screen. The audio
systems vary from the basic to the top of
the line from the outgoing model and Audi
also continues its association with B & O.
Engine variants available begin from the
1.8-litre TFSI Ultra, the 2.0-litre TFSI, the
2.8-litre V6 FSI and the 3.0-litre V6 TFSI
that powers the quattro version. In terms
of power ratings the engines stack up as
190HP and 320Nm torque on the 1.8-litre,
which earns it the ultra badge, to 252HP
and 370Nm on the new 2.0-litre TFSI to the
range topping 3.0-litre V6 TFSI with 333HP
and 440Nm of torque. As mentioned
before the older Euro V 2.8-litre V6 FSI
engine remains in the pool with 187HP.
First drive of the A6 does not really
54

JUL 2015

communicate much change in terms of

ride and pick-up except in how you feel
ensconced in the cabin. NVH levels have
obviously improved as has the quality and
feel of the interface. Control surfaces have
been cleaned up and the new 7-speed
multitronic is way ahead of the old one.
The S6 and RS6
In keeping with the tradition of the
S variants, the new S6 too builds on
the new look. Largely differenced by
wheels and styling tokens, the engine
is also larger and more powerful. The
4.0 TFSI, a biturbo V8 producing 331
kW (450 hp), accelerates the sedan
from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. The
interiors are upgraded and the car gets
air suspension as standard, allowing the
car to ride 20mm lower than the A6.
Also quattro is standard, while the rear
sports suspension layout is optional. The
V8s get paired with the new eight-speed
tiptronic gearbox, which is more than
able to handle the immense torque from
the biturbos.
Blistering take off and rather tight
response from the steering make for a
nice road package. You can throw the
car around corners, or just step on the
accelerator and feel the V8 kick straight
in with just the briefest pause.

The RS6 was available as an Avant

bodystyle. This is the big daddy of the
line-up with the biturbo V8 set up with
better tuning and larger turbos. The high
performance sports car for everyday
driving and recreation accelerates to 100
km/h in 3.9 seconds and reaches a top
speed of 305 km/h. Its 4.0 TFSI engine
produces 412 kW (560 hp) and 700Nm of
torque. This engine has an economy mode
that allows four-cylinders to idle when
saving fuel.
Since we had the RS6 for the longest leg
of the drive, we really felt best about it.
We managed to get it into the high 200s
on regular highways and the braking is
matched. The eight-speed gearbox can
handle all the torque and the steering
rides the stiffened chassis just so well
through the curves. Its the car to buy if
you have the money.
Verdict
So, the big question to answer is whether
the new upgrades have done enough to
take the C7 ahead into the competitive
territory of the executive sedan. That
should be in the affirmative. Its the
packaging as usual that sets the car apart
at each price level and once you get
into the territory of the S6 and RS6, the
difference is starker still.

JUL 2015

55

2016 Ford F-150

56

JUL 2015

From the heaviest to the lightest in the segment,

thanks to new lightweight build technologies
and contemporary styling are among the new
signature features in the all-new Gen XIII Ford
F-150 pick-up truck. Automan checks the new
arrival in Oman
Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Elvis John Ferrao

JUL 2015

57

ord has been selling its F-Series truck

for nearly four decades and has
always promoted them under the
built Ford tough tagline and the most
popular variant of the F-Series has been
the F-150 which besides being a best seller
in the brands domestic market is also
quite popular in some overseas markets,
especially in the Middle East. The latest
iteration which represents the models
13thgeneration is more than an evolution.
Ford it seems will never abandon the
F-Series pick-up line as it brings them good
moolah and hence Blue Oval is keen to
ensure that the future F-150s does have
a lasting career. But as with large vehicles
these days, the matter of succession now
involves much more than just a simple
makeover or improved feature pack. In
that respect and also keeping in mind the
market trends and changes especially with
large vehicles in its domestic and overseas
markets, Ford had been toying with the
successive F-150 idea since 2013. In fact,
the 2013 Ford Atlas concept vehicle was
presented to give an idea of what could be
done with the F-Series in terms of styling
and aluminium cab construction besides
the ability to be flexible enough to allow a
host of efficiency-oriented technologies.
While, the idea of all-aluminium
58

JUL 2015

construction has been wholeheartedly

accepted by several premium carmakers
like Audi, Jaguar Land Rover or Bentley
among others, the achieve desired
results, these companies have invested
heavily in plant and technologies. Till
now, aluminium bodied pick-up trucks
were unheard of and hence Ford also had
the challenge of ensuring its acceptance
within the hardcore trucking community
and therefore put disguised prototypes
on endurance trails like in the 883-mile
Baja rally to ensure it met the durability
requirements. As of now, the new F-150
has metamorphosed from the heaviest to
the lightest in its class.
Since the F-150 weighs less than
competitors unloaded, the engines
have been downsized. Engineering
changes have been made accommodate
powertrains ranging from 2.7-litre right
up to the 5.0-litre V8. According to Ford,
the amount of high-strength steel in the
chassis is now 77percent [up from 23
percent] which makes it roughly three
times stiffer than before. The production
of the chassis has been outsourced by
Ford to specialists Metalsa in Kentucky.
Metalsa is the company which purchased
Danas structural products business some
years ago.

With this new F-150s specification list,

Ford gives us the impression that it had
increase fuel economy on the top of its
development agenda. As a result, the 2015
model [depending on trim/variant etc
reduces its curb weight by up to 750lbs.
While, extensive use of aluminium in the
body structure and high strength steel in
the frame are among key highlights, the
only major component of sheet metal not
made from aluminium is the laminated
steel firewall.
Depending on markets, the F-150 is sold
with three cab styles -- regular, super and
crew -- with 4x2/4x4 drivetrain set-ups and
three pick-up box lengths. Several trims
are offered depending on the cab style
and are identified by their badging like XL,
XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum. Ford
goes one step forward by offering factory
develop sport appearance packages for
the XL, XLT and Lariat versions. Obviously,
Ford is keen to ensure a high level of
flexibility when selling these trucks.
While the transition from steel body
to aluminium in the trucks cab is
commendable, Fords build quality is still a
few notches behind the metals premium
users. This is evident in the fit, finish and
panel gap tolerances. However, we are
confident as Ford moves on further in this

territory things will improve as it gains

experience. In its sheet metal design,
the character lines of the outgoing F-150
have given way to softer organic surface
treatment. As a result, most of the sheet
metal appears slab-sided. The face of
the vehicle is new and actually appears
quite refined for a lifestyle-cum-utilitarian
machine. Running boards are fixed and
not concealed.
Inside the cabin, Ford has decided to
pamper its occupants. Lifestyle elements
include massaging seats, single-and dualpanel moon roofs, an oversized eightinch TFT screen embedded between the
speedometer and tachometer. Compare to
other competitive models in the segment,
by far, F-150 offers the most advanced
and easiest to read instrumentation. The
occupants sit high and theres command
view all around. Driver aids that matter are
also impressive in this package and include
hardware like a new 360 camera system
that eases everything from hitching up a
trailer to crawling over obstacles at low
speed. Our tester also had Tiptronic
and, yes, you have guessed it right the
button resides on the side of the Mustangderived gearshift knob. While we can
agree to some extent with the technology
package as being the most fully realized

and perhaps the best available in the

segment, the common niggle is that Fords
Sync entertainment system is still isnt as
intuitive or as smart as wed like to be, but
its getting better at its job. Meanwhile,
Fords choice of plastics also indicated that
it is behind its European brethren.
Besides the size and trims, what goes
under the bonnet also represents a
generous spread when it comes to

The aluminium-bodied
2015 Ford F-150
brings huge weight
savings for North
Americas bestselling
pick-up
powertrain applications. Again depending
on markets, three of the available engines
carry over from the previous model and
theres one new engine. Meanwhile,
the previous top-of-the-line 6.2-litre V8
has been dropped altogether. The entry
level gets, a 283hp 3.5-litre flex-fuel V6,
a 325hp 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6, a 365-hp
3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 and a 385-hp 5.0-litre

flex-fuel V8. The new 2.7-litre engine

includes stop/start technology and
active grill shutters are available with
all engine choices to further improve
fuel economy. All engines are mated to
a six-speed automatic transmission. Our
tester came with the V8.
Despite the availability of coil suspension
set ups, Ford has chosen to continue
with the leaf spring architecture for the
rear suspension. There are no indication
of adaptive damping measures either.
Safety features on all F-150 models
includes dual front airbags, front side
airbags, front and rear side curtain
airbags, electronic stability/trailer sway
control, hill start assist, hill descent
control, ABS and SOS post-crash alert.
Available on some trims or optional
are reverse parking sensors, rearview
camera, MyKey, 360-degree camera,
adaptive cruise control with forward
collision warning and braking, blindspot warning with cross-path detection,
inflatable rear seatbelts, and self-parking
assist.
Driving impressions
In the previous editions of the F-150, its
no secret that Ford had some catching
up to do especially in the departments
JUL 2015

59

of ride quality. Part of this was due to

the low rigidity and flexing tendencies
of the frame. Our initial impression
with this vehicle was quite pleasant. On
road, we felt the F-150 feels much more
composed and in some respects even
quicker than its performance numbers
suggest due to several things. First,
theres lot of torque to play with, the
benefits of an aluminium cab translated
in top insulation and containment of the
wind noise in the vehicle and the solid
planted feel which is a direct benefit
from the stiffened chassis/frame that
appears highly resistant to flexing even
when driven hard. Occasionally, some
tyre related rumble may be heard, which
usually depends on the road surface
it is being driven. Since the truck still
employs leaf springs at the rear in its
suspension set-up, theres quite a bit of
handling difference noted in different
driving scenarios, that is, when the truck
is run loaded or when it is not loaded.
While, competitive trucks in the segment
like Dodge Ram and Chevrolet Silverado
have adopted coil spring architecture,
theres are subtle differences noted and
expected in handling characteristics. So,
when the F-150 is run without any load
in the cargo bay, in terms of handling
60

JUL 2015

theres a bit of a compromise as it can

appear skittish. What we can say is that
having at some point of time driven
all three, with rear leaf springs set-up,
outright the F-150 cant match the Ram
for ride quality, and it isnt as athletic as
the Silverado, but its ride-and-handling
balance may be the best of the three,
especially when it has sufficient payload
to help keep the rear planted.
For Oman roads in particular, the
steering feedback is one of the strong
points as its response is accurate and
the driver is never left wondering what
exactly the front wheels are doing.
The light steering is a bit dull on centre
which is typical of these systems that
will compensate for crosswinds and
road crown to minimize fatigue, but we
did not it returns to centre well after a
corner manouevre and hence not tiring
the driver.
While in most asphalt drives, the
F-150 rides comfortably, but its ride
is forgiving over rough trails or dirt
tracks, yet the truck still feels planted
when cornering more aggressively. The
only niggle we felt comes from the brake
pedal which appears touchy and is short
of feedback. We think it needs further
improvement.

Our tester came with tow/haul mode

and it works as it should. In economy
programming you can also use Sport
mode for undulating roads to keep gearchanging to a minimum. In most the top
gears, it can be manually locked out in
D using the thumb switch, and in M the
selected gear is held even at full throttle
unless the truck slows below idle speed
or stops. Wed still prefer paddle shifters
on the steering as it ensures the driver
has both hands on the wheel and better
control of the large vehicle.
While, axle ratios vary by engine and trim,
but funnily they dont reach the 4.10:1
which is offered in current Navigator.
The most performance oriented ratios
are offered only on heavy load or towing
packages. Its a technical challenge and no
automaker has been able to combine an
off-road package with shorter axle ratios
handy in four-wheel drive!
Verdict
The 2016 F-150 pick-up truck has set itself
apart from the competition by rethinking
the entire segment. Previously among the
heaviest in the half-ton class, the F-150 is
now among the lightest. And it shows in
the way it drives, at least without a full
load.

JUL 2015

61

2015 Volkswagen Scirocco R

Hot Hot

Metal
Volkswagen created the Scirocco as a true
2-door hot hatch in the mould of the Golf GTI.
Now, comes the R version for a slightly different
audience. Automan checks out the car in UAE
Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Nabeel Ferzan

fter a gap of several years between

two generations of Sciroccos
[1974 and 1992], Volkswagen reintroduced the Gen III Scirocco, its hot
hatch coupe in 2008, followed by the R
version a year later. The current Scirocco
and its variants are based on the older
Gen V/VI Golfs PQ35 platform. It may be
recalled that Gen VII Golf has been built on
VWs new MQB platform. For the current
model year, the entire Scirocco line-up
gets mild refresh and when we mention
mild, we really mean it.
The Scirocco R is a production variant
based on the GT24 and when you see
the refreshed by Walter de Silva creation
that comes out from VWs Palmela,
Portugal plant. For the facelift, the
car has been left largely unchanged
which means it continues as a compact
hatchback than sports car, although the
wide grille, bulging rear wheel arches
and windows that narrow towards the
rear give it a distinctive look. The key
changes evident are mostly in detailing
items like the head and tail lamps that
have been updated. However, there
are some visual differences between
the stock and R variants of this car.
The R has received its unique stylecum-functional features like large air
62

JUL 2015

intake openings in the front bumper,

an integrated front spoiler, bi-xenons,
larger rear roof edge spoiler, black
diffuser, dual exhaust with chrome
tailpipes and Talladega 18in alloy wheels.
The rear and now swivelling VW logo
doubles up as a lever for opening
the boot lid. Meanwhile, the narrow
aerodynamic elements called blades
seem to be inspired by the new Golf
GTI and are located in the side of the
bumper join together to form a new
front section look. And similar to the XL1
and the Beetle, the Scirocco is the only
model in the Volkswagen line-up where
the corporate logo is on the bonnet.
As a R model, the Scirocco also gets some
preferential surface treatment from its
designers and the outcome of this effort
is evident on the side of the car. The door
mirror housings are finished in matt
chrome, the side sill extensions with R
styling and the brake calipers are painted
black with R logo. The standard 18in
wheel trim for the Volkswagen Scirocco R
named Cadiz has also been redesigned
and can also be ordered as a 19in version
too. Although the car has two less doors
than the Golf, the long doors push the
B-pillar far back to allow quite good side
visibility.

JUL 2015

63

The Scirocco and its variants might be

Golf-based, but they are quite different
inside as they have been revisited by the
experts from Volkswagen R GmbH. The
arcing roof and upsweep of the window
creates a darker cabin ambience. The
stainless steel pedals and flat-bottomed
steering wheel add to the sporty feel. The
instruments gauges have been redone
along with dashboard mounted ancillary
gauges which consist of a chronometer,
a boost pressure gauge and an oil
temperature gauge. For a hatch, we would
agree that these are neat touches in the
cabin with an overdose of branding cues.
While, build quality and touch points are
good, but the cars Eos coupe-cabrios oldfashioned carried over dashboard gives
the cabin its aged looks and one cant
also ignore traces of the old-generation
switchgear too.
Golf GTI drivers will have no problem in
identifying the origins of the steering
wheel in this car. Individualised features
include the Race seat covers with the
R logo and fancy stitching in crystal
grey. The car gets a black roofliner,
decorative Carbon Race inlays and
applications in glossy Piano Black (radio
64

JUL 2015

faceplate, multifunction leather sport

steering wheel and door handles) and
stainless steel pedals. The specific R
instrument needles are traditionally blue
and the aluminium door sill plates are
complemented by an R logo. We liked
the well-bolstered half-alcantara adorned
bucket sports seats. Meanwhile, the rear
seats complement the front buckets with
fixed headrests that mimic roll hoops and
have considerable bolstering.
Prior to the refresh, one of the niggles
was related to the rear view which was

The Scirocco R uses

the older underpinning
of the Golf GTI, but
sacrifices two doors,
weight and some
interior space. But
the buyer gains a hot
coupe-hatch with headturning good looks

obscured by a small rear windscreen

and the large rear seat headrests. This
refreshed version now has a reversing
camera tucked away in the boot badge
like its Golf brother. Likewise, practical
features over some of the coup
alternatives in this car we would say are
the four usable seats and a decent boot
which can be accessed through a small
aperture from inside the car also. The
coupes rear seats also fold to increase
the deep boots capacity to a healthy
maximum of 1,006 litres.
The powertrain package in this car is
designed to deliver. Its 2.0-litre fourcylinder direct injection turbocharged
FSI engine has been improved to offer
higher output and lower by 19 per cent
fuel consumption and improved CO2
emissions. Theres a 15bhp hike in power
output, meaning the engine now puts out
255bhp at 6,000rpm and 330Nm-350Nm at
2,500 rpm. Our tester came with six-speed
DSG. The electronic mapping of the engine
is designed to offer flexibility more than
outright drama.
Driving impressions
We wouldnt be surprised if a lot of people

JUL 2015

65

would be skeptical about performance

from an older generation chassis. A drive
in the car will dispel any myths within a
few kilometers and we think Volkswagen
engineers have done an extraordinary
job with the front-drive chassis. One
of the things that frighten people in
these kind of set-ups is the tendency of
the car to torque steer [remember the
unpredictable and notorious behaviour
of the front-wheel drive Ford Focus
ST?] We are happy to report that
despite using most of the 330Nm on less
than perfect surfaces, the car showed
pretty good resistance to torque steer
tendencies. Now, the big question is how
was that made possible? Actually, theres
a bag of tricks that VW has employed and
one of them is largely attributed to its
new XDL differential which sends power
to the outside wheel if the inside wheel
starts to spin. As a result, the nippy
coupe rewards the driver with lots of
steering feedback and sharp responses,
besides encouraging aggressive entry to
corners and early application of power
without fear of plough-on front-drive
traits. Also aiding in the good on-road
66

JUL 2015

performance is the cars low ride height.

In fact, the car is able to communicate a
good sense of speed when cruising on
faster roads.
The standard adaptive dampers ensure
the ride isnt overly firm if you stick to
the comfort setting, but the fact of
matter is that the latest-generation Golf
VII handles and rides much better and
in a polished manner which also makes
the coupe feel a bit dated. Selecting
the Sport setting stiffens the dampers,
and sharpens throttle and steering
responses. The extra weight added to
the steering might become tiresome
however, so theres a handy Individual
mode where you can mix and match
your favourite settings, and theres
also the provision to save the chosen
configuration.
Brisk acceleration from a standstill
is definitely a strong character of
this car and it is accompanied with a
pleasing turbo whistle. But the initial
natural engine note is drowned out
by a synthetic sound piped through
the cabins speakers. We dont know
why companies like VW resort to such

unwarranted measures when rest of the

package is reasonably OK? On a positive
note, we found the engine tremendously
flexible if lacking in drama and revs of
the R32 and the steering is never felt too
heavy and is geared just quickly enough
to handle hairpins without hands actually
having to leave the wheel which means
it has a fantastic change of direction and
a huge amount of grip. In UAE, its not
so difficult to find tight S bends and we
were pleasantly surprised with the cars
quite astonishing confidence-inspiring tyre
grip, tightened suspension with adaptive
dampers and performance brakes.
Verdict
In the absence of real competition in the
segment in the region, the refreshed for
2015 Scirocco R appears competent and
in general once again proves that keeping
size and weight down is the recipe to
driving pleasure. And knowing VW over
the years, we are genuinely pleased that
the carmaker resisted any attempt to give
its coupe the extra power and four-wheel
drive [from the Golf R]. In the UAE, the
Scirocco R retails for AED 141,646.00.

JUL 2015

67

Lexus RC F GT
Last month Lexus announced that it was set to
compete in the Time Attack class of the annual Pikes
Peak International Hill Climb. The car for the job has
been specially created and is an experimental version of
the RC F coupe.
Using the classic power-to-weight optimization
formula, the concept sheds about 800lbs than its
stock counterpart. This has been made possible by the
extensive use of lightweight composite materials inside
and out. The windows are made out of lightweight
and shatter resistant polycarbonate. The cars bonnet,
roof panel, boot lid, mudguards and the rear spoiler
are crafted out of carbon fibre. All these weight-saving
measures lower the RC Fs weight to 3,130lbs.
The lightweight treatment continues inside, where the
dashboard, the center console and the door panels
have been replaced by custom-designed carbon fibre
components. The steering is commanded through a
three-spoke wheel, and the coupe gains a pair of Recaro
bucket seats fitted with Takata harnesses and a full roll
cage.
Lexus has not made any mechanical changes, meaning
the GT concept is powered by a stock RC F-sourced
467hp 5.0-litre V8. Power is sent to the rear wheels via
an eight-speed automatic transmission controlled by
shift paddles. Final performance figures have not been
release as the coupe was still being fine-tuned when we
went to press. The regular-production RC F can reach
60 mph from a stop in just 4.4 seconds, so expect the
concept to be a lot faster. At the evetn, the car will be
piloted by Briton Justin Bell.
68

JUL 2015

JUL 2015

69

Bentley Flying Spur Beluga

Specification

entley is offering a new trim level

called the Beluga Specification
for the V8-powered Flying Spur.
The trim idea takes inspiration from
either an Arctic Ocean-dwelling cetacean
or a supersized Airbus, the Beluga
Specification stands out from the regular
Flying Spur thanks to 20in Black and
Bright machined alloy wheels, gloss black
trim on the grille and a body-colored
lower grille bar.
70

JUL 2015

The updates continue inside, where the

Beluga Specification brings piano black
veneer on the dashboard and the door
panels, knurled shift paddles, contrast
stitching on the seats and the steering
wheel as well as deep pile floor mats with
contrasting leather binding. Pictures of
the cockpit have not been published yet.
Bentley has not made any changes under
the hood, and the Beluga Specification
packs a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8

engine that makes 500 horsepower at

6,000 rpm and 487 lb-ft. of torque at
just 1,700 rpm. Linked to an eight-speed
automatic transmission that sends power
to all four wheels, the V8 allows the
5,329-pound sedan to reach 60 mph from
a stop in 4.9 seconds and go on to a top
speed of 183 mph. Intentionally discreet,
the updates are designed to give the
Flying Spur a sportier look and is on sale
now globally.

Aston Martin DB9 GT

ston Martin revealed the first details

of its DB9 GT -- the brands most
compelling production DB to date.
Designed to offer the best of what DB9
can be, the new car delivers world-class
grand touring and hand-built excellence.
Aside from the subtle GT badges, this
new DB9 variant is identified by black
painted splitter and diffuser, revised head
and tail lamp treatments and new tenspoke 20inalloy wheels. Black anodised

brake calipers and a GT engraving on the

aluminium fuel filler cap further distinguish
the features. Personalisation options like
carbon fibre tail lamp inserts, side strakes,
front splitter and rear diffuser; graphite,
diamond-turned ten-spoke alloy wheels
and alternative brake caliper colours
are also offered. Inside, the 2+2 seating
configuration remains, however the seats
now boast GT embroidery on the unique
fluted leather. An iridium trim pack and

Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel (Coupe

only) further distinguish the new car. A
broad array of options inside the DB9 GT
include various centre console finishes
such as Ice Mocha and Copper Cuprum,
while other interior options include
Duotone leather seats, door inserts and
head linings; and a One-77-inspired steering
wheel design. The car is powered by an
uprated 6.0-litre V12 engine which now
boasts 547 PS.
JUL 2015

71

72

JUL 2015

Automan is the first automotive magazine in the Sultanate of Oman which introduced Car Of The Year [COTY].
This year, it is in its fourth iteration. As before, the selection criterion and the nomination categories remain
unchanged. This means all of the contenders are new vehicles available now or before years end in the Middle
East markets. Only cars and motorcycles which have been tested by Automans jury/editors are eligible for
nomination and the nomination process goes through two stages. In the first stage Automan will produce a list of
nominees in their respective segments and will be announced in June and December of the current year. The second
round will find the single winner of the respective categories that will be made announced in January 2016.
For this year, we also note the importance of design driving new cars and hence we have decided to include a
special award for design under Editors Choice.
Heres a list of the nominated cars and their respective categories till June 2015

Kia Sorento

Infiniti QX80

Mid-size SUV

Large SUV

Ssangyong Korando

Lincoln MKC

Small SUV

Small SUV

BMW X6

Lincoln MKS

Premium SUV

Large Car

JUL 2015

73

74

JUL 2015

Triumph Rocket III

Lexus RC F Coupe

Cruiser/Road Bike

Performance Car

Nissan Juke

Volkswagen Touareg

Small SUV

Large SUV

Audi TT Roadster

Lincoln Navigator

Sports Car

Large SUV

Volvo XC90

Ferrari California T

Premium SUV

Sports Car

Ford Expedition

suzu MUX

Large SUV

Mid-size SUV

MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800

Harley-Davidson Fat Bob

Sports/Supersports bike

Cruiser/Road bike

Bentley Flying Spur V8

KTM RC200

Luxury Car

Sports/Supersports bike

Hyundai Veloster Turbo

Mazda CX5

Hatchback

Mid-size SUV

Renault Captur

Ford Mustang

Small SUV

Performance car

BMW X4

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Premium SUV

Mid-size SUV

JUL 2015

75

Rosberg snatches victory in Austria

ewis Hamilton started

Sundays Spielberg race
from pole position, but it
was Mercedes team mate Nico
Rosberg who led into Turn 1.
From there on the German
never looked back, securing
his third win of the season
to reduce Hamiltons title
advantage to just 10 points.
The world champion, also
handicapped by a 5sec time
penalty for crossing the white
line on the pit exit, took the
flag 3.8sec behind Rosberg,
while Felipe Massa scored
his first and Williams second
podium of the season in third.
With Hamilton slow off the
line, Rosberg snatched an
76

JUL 2015

advantage he only surrendered

briefly during the single pit
stops, and he controlled
the race with ease despite
late worries about a serious
front tyre vibration. Hamilton
pushed hard, but even his
penalty made no difference to
the outcome; this was a day on
which nobody could live with
Rosberg.
Nor could anyone hold a
candle to the Mercedes.
Sebastian Vettel tried his best,
but lost third place when
Ferraris pit stop was delayed
as the right rear wheel took
longer to change. That was
sufficient to drop him behind
Massas Williams, and his chase

after the Brazilian was one of

the races highlights. Over the
final laps he was within striking
distance, but Massa held on
for his first podium since Abu
Dhabi last year.
Ferrari lost their other car
in a violent accident on the
opening lap, which brought
out the safety car until lap
seven. As Kimi Raikkonen got
wheelspin exiting Turn 2, the
Ferrari came into contact with
Fernando Alonsos McLaren.
Both hit the outer wall and the
McLaren mounted the Ferrari
and was dragged along atop
its cockpit - only inches from
Raikkonens head - until their
momentum was sapped. It

looked bad, but neither driver

was harmed.
McLaren then retired their
second car soon afterwards,
when Jenson Button lost
power after two pit stops,
one to serve his 10s stopand-go penalty for power
unit changes, the other to
investigate the incurable
problem.
After a gritty fight with Nico
Hulkenbergs Force India,
Valtteri Bottas finally got his
Williams home fifth, while
seventh developed into a
tooth-and-nail fight between
Lotuss Pastor Maldonado and
Toro Rossos Max Verstappen.
Maldonado had started on

the soft Pirellis and the Venezuelan

was attacking on the supersofts just
as Verstappen was struggling as his
softs began to lose their edge. After
being rebuffed several times and
having a couple of wild moments, the
Lotus driver finally made it stick with
two laps to go. Verstappen never
gave up, however, and the Toro
Rosso was still less than a second
behind by the flag.
Despite serious vibrations from a
flat-spotted front tyre, Sergio Perez
hung on to take ninth for Force India,
as Daniel Ricciardo made use of a
very late pit stop on lap 50 and then
a set of supersofts to climb back into
the points for Red Bull. He was three
seconds adrift at the finish.
Felipe Nasr couldnt keep 10th place
for Sauber under the Australians
onslaught and thus finished 11th, well

ahead of Daniil Kvyats Red Bull which

lost time with an opening lap stop for
a new nose and then struggled with
other bodywork damage. Marcus
Ericsson made the flag despite a
drive-through penalty for a jump start
and his Sauber twice cutting out and
needing him to reset its electronics,
and Roberto Merhi was the final
finisher for Marussia.
Besides Raikkonen and the McLarens,
Will Stevens Marussia retired with an
oil leak, Carlos Sainz went out after
losing time with a rear wheel problem
in the pits, and Romain Grosjeans
Lotus lost gears.
Hamilton still leads the drivers
championship with 169 points to
Rosbergs 159 and Vettels 120, while
in the constructors stakes Mercedes
have 328 points to Ferraris 192 and
Williams 129.

Standings
Pos. Driver

Team

Time

Points

Nico Rosberg

Mercedes

1:30:16.930

25

Lewis Hamilton

Mercedes

+8.800s

18

Felipe Massa

Williams

+17.573s

15

Sebastian Vettel

Ferrari

+18.181s

12

Valtteri Bottas

Williams

+53.604s

10

Nico Hulkenberg

Force India

+64.075s

Pastor Maldonado

Lotus

+1 lap

Max Verstappen

Toro Rosso

+1 lap

Sergio Perez

Force India

+1 lap

10

Daniel Ricciardo

Red Bull

+1 lap

Dramatic win for Rossi at Assen

An epic duel with Marquez and lots of dram till the last lap, Rossi
showed the opposition who reigns
An estimated 97,000 fans
basking in the sunshine at the
legendary TT Circuit Assen
were treated to one of the
greatest MotoGP battles ever
witnessed as the nine-time
World Champion Valentino
Rossi managed to hold off
Marc Marquez in a dramatic
end to the race to take his
111th GP victory and extend his
championship lead.
Marquez made a move on
Rossi as the duo entered the
final chicane on the very last
lap and made contact with
the Italian, forcing Rossi to
run straight on through the
gravel. Rossi managed to stay
upright though and went on to
take the chequered flag 1.242s
ahead of Marquez, claiming
his third win of the season and
first from pole position since
Misano in 2009.
Movistar Yamahas Rossi,
starting from pole for the first
time since Valencia last season,
led into the first corner and it
didnt take Marquez long to
join him after starting from
third on the grid, overtaking
78

JUL 2015

Aleix Espargaro on the first lap

to move into second.
Marquez was happy to sit
behind Rossi for most of the
race, before making his move
and taking the lead into turn 1
on lap 20. Rossi bided his time,
and then responded with 3
laps to go to retake the lead
at turn 10. The Italian then put
in his fastest lap of the race
in an effort to pull away, but
Marquez responded on the
final lap to get within striking
distance once again as the duo
approached the final chicane.
Rossis teammate Jorge
Lorenzo enjoyed a brilliant
start from eighth on the
grid, and found himself in
third after the first lap. Any
hopes the Spaniard had
of making it five wins in a
row disappeared shortly
afterwards though, as Rossi
and Marquez pulled away at
the front and disappeared off
into the distance. The double
MotoGP World Champion
eventually crossing the line
14.576s behind his teammate in
a lonely third position.

Ducati Teams Andrea Iannone

[+19.109s] was another four
seconds back as he also
circulated for most of the race
on his own, finishing just over
four and a half seconds back
from Lorenzo.
Monster Yamaha Tech 3s Pol
Espargaro won an incredible
battle for 5th that saw four
riders all within 0.4s of each
other. The Spaniard also
finished as the leading Satellite
rider 0.105s ahead of CWM
LCR Hondas Cal Crutchlow in
sixth. Espargaros teammate
Bradley Smith crossed the
line in seventh in front of
Repsol Hondas Dani Pedrosa
[+24.656s], who had fought
back valiantly after a crash in
Warm Up, and a disastrous
start that saw him down in 12th
after the first lap.
The Team Suzuki Ecstar
duo of Aleix Espargaro and
Maverick Viales were next
across the line in ninth and
tenth respectively, ahead of
Octo Pramac Racings Danilo
Petrucci [11th] and the second
Factory Ducati of Andrea

Dovizioso in twelfth.
EG 0,0 Marc VDSs Scott
Redding finished 46.663s back
from Rossi in 13th, while Loris
Baz [Athina Forward Racing]
took the Open class victory,
and the final championship
point that was up for grabs
in 15th, just ahead of Aspar
MotoGP Teams Nicky Hayden
who crossed the line in 16th.
Hector Barbera and Jack
Miller were involved in a
crash on the very first lap
that resulted in the former
having to go to the medical
centre for checks on his right
leg, although he was later
declared fit. Alex De Angelis,
Eugene Laverty and Stefan
Bradl also crashed out; with
the latter finding out he had
fractured the scaphoid in his
right wrist after an X-ray at
the Medical Centre.
Rossis [163pts] victory, his
85th in the premier class,
means he has extended his
lead in the championship
standings over Lorenzo
[153pts] to 10 points with ten
races to go.

New Yamaha chassis for Rossi and Lorenzo

MotoGP title leaders Valentino Rossi and
Jorge Lorenzo will try a new Yamaha
chassis during Thursday practice at Assen.
The chassis performed well in a recent
private test at Aragon, specifically helping
corner entry. Movistar Yamaha confirmed
that Rossi and Lorenzo were riding the
new design at the Dutch TT race last
month.
Rossi confirmed the move by saying:
We tried a new frame at Aragon. The
plan was to try the new frame at two
different tracks - Barcelona and Aragon
- and Barcelona would have been really
important to compare back-to-back with
the race on Sunday. Unfortunately the
weather was very bad in Barcelona on
Monday, so we tried the frame only at
Aragon. But the feeling is good and we
will try also tomorrow. During practice we
have to understand if in reality it is better
or not. Rossi currently leads Lorenzo
by just one-point after the Spaniard won
the past four races in a row. Meanwhile,
reigning MotoGP champion Marc Marquez
is also due to try last years Honda chassis
at Assen, as he seeks to improve the rear
grip characteristics of his RCV. Marquez
has struggled with unpredictable rearend slides from the latest RCV, hurting his
previous corner-entry strength and forcing
him to place ever more faith in the front
tyre.
After falling for the second time in as
many races, Marquez stepped back to the
2014 chassis [fitted with the 2015 engine,
exhaust and swingarm] for the post-race
Catalunya test.
The Repsol Honda star reported the
feeling was good, although a rain storm
wrecked his chances of a full evaluation
and he only completed a handful of laps
on the chassis.
But with non-scores in three of the seven
races dropping Marquez 69-points behind
title leader Valentino Rossi, and 68 from
Jorge Lorenzo, Marquez has little to lose
by taking risks with his machinery.
We know the weather can be unstable
here but I tried [the 2014 chassis] in
Montmelo. It was good and I will use
here, said Marquez, confirming what
Honda had told Crash.net earlier in the

day. The feeling [with the 2014 chassis]

was more-or-less what I had last year. I
was able to do more mistakes and less
risk.
With this years [2015 chassis] we are able
to be really fast over one lap, but during
the race it is so difficult to be consistent
and just one small mistake and you crash.
I think we are getting closer to the
solution - to the confidence and the feeling
of what I had last year. But it is not a case
of finding one solution to put on or off and
everything will work.
I think we need to continue in this
way because every race I feel better. In
Mugello and Montmelo we worked hard
and now we have a base, but still we need
to work because both Yamaha riders are
strong. It is not only their bike - they have
good confidence and are pushing a lot.
We know it will be difficult to beat them
here, but we will try to be closer and even
closer again in Germany.
Due to the MotoGP development freeze,
which currently applies only to Honda and
Yamaha, engine design cannot be changed
during the racing season.
Meanwhile, at the first practice session
in Assen, Valentino Rossi set the pace.
The Yamaha rider was quiet for much of
the 45-minute session as Hondas Dani
Pedrosa led the way with a time set inside
the first quarter of an hour. Marc Marquez
began the session by crashing on his
outlap on cold tyres, but he was able to
get back on his Honda and return to the
pits.
He later displaced team-mate Pedrosa
at the top of the times inside the final
five minutes, but was forced to settle for
second after three consecutive fastest
laps from Rossi, who ended up nearly
two tenths of a second clear. Pedrosa
improved his time late on but he remained
third ahead of Jorge Lorenzo. Pol
Espargaro beat Tech 3 team-mate Bradley
Smith to fifth place, with the Suzuki duo
of Maverick Vinales and Aleix Espargaro
behind that. Andrea Dovizioso was the
best of the Ducati entries in ninth ahead
of Pramac rider Danilo Petrucci. Andrea
Iannone was 13th behind LCRs Jack Miller
and Cal Crutchlow.

Nissan impresses at
Blancpain Endurance
Series race with
stunning victory

Nissans Alex Buncombe (GB), Katsumasa

Chiyo (JAP) and Wolfgang Reip (BEL)
took a commanding victory in Saturdays
1000km Blancpain Endurance Series race,
which ran into the night at Paul Ricard
in France, last month. This was the first
overall Blancpain Endurance Series win
for Nissan and the best possible warm up
for next months Spa 24 Hours for Nissan
GT Academy Team RJN. The #23 Nissan
GT-R NISMO GT3 started from seventh
on the 60+ car grid after receiving a fiveplace penalty for a pit lane infringement.
Katsumasa Chiyo made a great start and
immediately showed off the GT-Rs brakes
to their full effect when a Ferrari, Bentley
and McLaren crashed right in front of
him at Turn Five. The Safety Car was
dispatched while the track was cleared but
once the race resumed Chiyo was soon
up to second place, hunting down the
Lamborghini that was in the lead.
Meanwhile, Bentleys challenge for
the 2015 Blancpain Endurance Series
championship intensified with a hardfought podium finish. The #7 Continental
GT3 of British trio Guy Smith, Andy Meyrick
and Steven Kane finished P2 after an
exciting six hours of racing, culminating
in Steven closing to within 1.6 seconds
of the leader in the final stages. Overall
points from the race mean that Bentley
Team M-Sport now sits atop the Teams
Championships for the first time this year,
with the drivers of car #7 now second in
the Drivers Championship by one point.
The second Bentley Continental GT3,
the #8 car of Andy Soucek, Maxi Buhk
and Maxime Soulet endured a more
challenging race, after contact for Maxime
in the opening lap put him to the back of
field. The team recovered well after the
incident, only for progress to be disrupted
by a pair of stop-and-go penalties later
in the race. However, strong pace and a
determined attitude saw the #8 car finish
P12 overall and P8 in class, which was
rewarded with championship points.
JUL 2015

79

A collectors world
You cant spend years in close association with automotive memorabilia without realising
that the genre has an allure and appeal that can suck in the very hard hearted among us.
After all, even a keychain with the flying Bentley wings, a cup with a Porsche logo and a
baseball cap with some racing logos counts for memorabilia.
But then, one mans collectible is another mans stock in trade. It is all a matter of relative
value. And being a member of the automotive press puts one in a unique position. If I
remember rightly, when my career began I would get excited in increasing degrees by
the value I attached to the logos on the handouts we received. That meant a BMW was
always more interesting than a Tata Motors. But after a couple of decades I realise that
Ive become inured to the concept.
Now, a keychain is just that, as is a cup or T-shirt. Now the value is attached firmly to
the quality of the underlying item. If its something I would like to wear or use, I keep it.
Anything else is immediately passed on to someone who isnt afflicted with my lack of
logo envy.
But thats not how it is always. I know there are some brands that I still value above and
beyond. Ive paid good money to buy branded merchandise from Ferrari, Lamborghini
and Lotus. Ive also bought a couple of motorcycle brand related items. But then I am
also trapped by my identity as an auto journalist.
I cannot wear a T-shirt or cap with an automotive brand sewn on it without the automatic
assumption being voiced that it is a handout. Nor can I gift anyone I know an automotive
tagged goodie without earning the sobriquet of a cheapo gifter. Ive been trapped out
early on in my career, having wasted good money. No more. Now I go the extra mile to
ensure that there are no logos besmirching the gift.
Raj Warrior is editor of Automan and has been in the thick
of the Automotive journalism field from the past 15 years.
Want to comment or have your say?
Email at raj@alroya.net.
Identify yourself or your message will be trashed and
your id blocked

Yet the appeal of the car logo is quite strong elsewhere in the world. Branded merchandise
makes up a significant part of a manufacturers halo. Take a brand like Ferrari for
instance. The Ferrari store is definitely mainstream. You can find one right outside their
factory gate in Maranello, in the Ferrari World at Abu Dhabi as well as in shopping malls
around the world. People are more than ready to pay a premium for the presence of the
prancing horse on the cup or cap.
Another brand that seems to be more connected with its merchandise than its core
products is Harley-Davidson. The undercurrent of a bad boy image is central to the draw
of the brand, although there is nothing overtly bad boy about the bikes itself. What is a
Harley-Davidson badge without a skull lurking somewhere in the background? It seems
like there a lot of middle-aged wannabe Hells Angels out there.
But the true collectors of the automotive world are the gentlemen and ladies who are
ready to put their big money where their mouths are. They buy the one-off editions, the
collectible supercars and power the extremely large business in classic and vintage cars
and bikes. Its for these big spenders and committed collectors that brands make unique
cars. Ive had the good fortune to see a whole bunch of FXX cars sitting in Ferraris
garage, kept for the collector who knows that he is onto an appreciating asset. The next
shed had retired Formula One cars owned by the same breed.
Of course the very best of the breed also spend on the paraphernalia of collecting. Pour
in a few millions into a climate controlled garage, hire a specialist to help you source
and maintain the inhabitants of this palace and once in a while take out a particularly
appealing model to drive around town. Of course you have to have the money in the first
place but you also need the desire and commitment. That is something that cant be
bought. Whether you are in the market for a supercar or just a coffee cup with the logo
on it, you have to be a collector at heart to make it work.

80

JUL 2015