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now, the regions Best Automotive Resource

DEC 2015 Issue no 172

Photo courtesy Mercedes-benz Trucks

COVERstory |

2016 Nissan Patrol

Desert Edition
Purely for ME enthusiasts

48

Dubai Motor Show

A show of regional confidence

8
60

54

cover story

NEXT ISSUE

2016 Volvo XC90

48-53 2016 Nissan Patrol Desert

Edition: Factory approved for ME
off-roading enthusiasts

Oman and regional news

6-7 Regional 2016 Honda Pilot

launch and first drive in UAE, New
appointment at Cadillac Middle
East, oman-based Al zawawi
launches mercedes-Benz new GLE,
GLE Coupe and GLS SUVs in a lifestyle
setting

regional news spotlight

8-31 Dubai International Motor

Show: full report from the floor.
From dazzling debuts to future
concepts
32-33 the rise and rise of chinese
brands in the middle east

Brandwatch

34-36 Genesis is the official

luxury sub brand from Hyundai,
motors, Kia motors moves forward
with green programme, Subaru
exploring new design language for
future sedan models, Return of the
Fiat 124 Spider, First edition Bentley
Bentagya ready to roll, Fisker to
use BMW components, German
boutique brand Wiesmann to be
sold to UK-based Indian investors,
Mahindra Pininfarina design house
acquisition deal could close soon

66
38

International news
spotlight

38-42 Car Crazy Central: SEMA 2015

proves that a trade show can also
be a crowd puller

First drives

54-59 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser

60-65 2016 Ssangyong Tivoli
66-71 2016 Kia Optima

automan coty 2015

72-75 full list of cars tested by

automan in 2015 locally, regionally
and internationally with segment
details.

Motorsports

76-79 F1 Season Finale in Abu Dhabi,

WEC race report from Bahrain

Chicane

80 The business of balance sheets

editor-in-chief
Mohammad Al Taie

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As we come into the last month of the year, the frenetic pace of activity that marked this
years automotive scene sees no let up. The just concluded Dubai motorshow is one such
indicator. While the only global launch of any importance was that of the Cadillac XT5,
there was a clutch of regional debuts as well as the usual offering of special edition cars
designed for the regions wealthy buyers.
However, all the excitement of the media day speeches and activity could not hide the
underlying worry on executives faces. The direct result of low petroleum revenues is
being felt on the ground around the region. Some companies have enjoyed growth over
2015, but this has been at the cost of others. The feel good phrase that is being bandied
around is weve exceeded our targets. But what are these targets?
But is it all doom and gloom? We dont think so. The catch is that 2016 will be the year that
Iran opens up to a greater degree of trade and commerce, not just with the wider world but
also with UAE and Oman on its doorsteps. That single move will make a huge difference to
the export trade in both these countries. And on the other hand, the question of whether
Saudi Arabia will be able to afford its decision to keep oversupply in a depressed market
will be answered sometime next year.
In the meantime, a lot will happen on the ground. You have to remember that a GCC region
that is under these sorts of pressures is still a far better market for global majors than
many other parts of the world. A young, educated population is coming of age, entering
the workforce and will bring with it a demand for the better things in life, including cars.
Industry may find it harder to get customers and may have to offer better deals, but the
customers will be there. Thats the confidence that powers the smiles after the speeches.
However, none of that brainstorming is required of the two vehicles on our cover this
month. Both the Land Cruiser and the Patrol have an almost cult following. Both of them
have been upgraded to reflect the latest technology on offer. With the LC, the interiors
and infomatics are now contemporary, while the Patrol gets two new special editions a
Nismo version for on-road use and a Desert patrol version for better off-road use. If you
still want to spend good money on brilliant cars you need no further excuse.

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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
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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

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Honda introduces completely

redesigned Gen III Pilot for 2016

or the third generation of the

Pilot, Honda has reengineered
from the ground up, virtually every
aspect of the incoming Pilot. The SUV
has been thoroughly redesigned to
better accommodate the needs of all
its occupants by delivering more familyfriendly utility, more advanced technology,
and more premium attributes and
amenities than ever before. The 2016 Pilot
also has aspirations to be considered as
a model that offers premium refinement.
This has been achieved with major
upgrades to interior quality and more
standard comfort and convenience
features on all trims.
The new arrival has abandoned the
predecessors boxy looks in favour of a
more chiseled appearance which brings it
closer in profile with its key sibling thats
6

DEC 2015

sold here the CR-V. As before, the Pilot

is manufactured exclusively by Honda in
Alabama, North America. The new Pilot is
longer (+80 mm), lower (-65 mm) and a
touch wider (+2 mm). The track is slightly
narrower now. Gen III Pilots career starts
with chassis and body revisions that have
increased torsional rigidity by 25 per cent
while reducing curb weight by 135kg.
For the interior, Honda designers have
focused much of its attention to the
layout, convenience features and trim
materials. The layout now appears more
modern, more refined and easy to read
instrumentation. The Pilot has traditionally
offered a decent mix of space and
versatililty, and in the new arrival, theres
extra leg- and headroom in the third row.
There are also more bins and cupholders.
Up front, a new 8in touchscreen interface

brings the Pilot up to date in terms of

technology features and controls. Other
premium features that are now offered
include large 20in wheels and tyres,
ventilated front seats, heated second-row
seats, a heated steering wheel, a first-ever
panoramic glass roof and many other
luxury features.
The big news is in the hardware that
appears for the first time in this model
which ensures that the SUV can serve as
both a lifestyle as well as a genuine offroader machine. Driver selectable Terrain
management has been introduced in the
Pilot which enables its genuine off-road
capabalities.
The new arrival continues with a carryover
3.5-litre normally-aspirated direct-injected
i-VTEC V6 engine which produces 280hp
and 262lb-ft of torque. This new Earth

Mercedes trio of new

SUVs arrives in Oman
Three of Mercedes-Benzs new SUV range the 2016 GLC,
the refreshed for 2016 GLE and all-new 2016 GLE Coupe
were introduced to a select audience at Al Mouj Golf Club in
Muscat last month. The event was branded as Mercedes-Benz
G:Volution which not only served as the launch pad of the new/
refreshed arrivals but also served as an introduction of the
new naming programme and to some extent a hint of their
mechanical origins.
Under the new naming scheme of things, the GLC replaces
the compact GLK and new car is based on the C-Class
underpinnings. Formerly, known as the M-Class, this model
gets a new lease on luxury-crossover life as the refreshed
for 2016 GLE. Meanwhile, theres more on the GLE which
will be available in two body styles a classic SUV and in an
all-new Coupe inspired format. The latter is the latest and
newest model to be added to the SUV/SAV line-up. With the
introduction of the GLE Coupe, the GLE-Class is now more
closely aligned in-line with the BMW X5/X6 format.

Dreams V6 features Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) that

will shut off half the cylinders under light cruising conditions,
benefiting fuel efficiency along with an ECON setting and Idle
Stop technology. While a 9-speed transmission is offered in
some variants in the US, the Middle East editions a new 6-speed
automatic transmission. Honda claims that this transmission
contributes to improved acceleration and fuel efficiency.
Standard safety features of the 2016 Honda Pilot include antilock
brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags, side
curtain airbags and a rearview camera.
Honda Middle East arranged a test drive for selected media in
UAE as part of the launch. The car was driven on highways and
also in the famous Red Dunes near Fujairah. The ride and handling
are also improved thanks to a stiffer structure made with more
high-strength steel and a weight reduction. The ride is worthy of
a luxury car, and although handling still isnt sporty, however, It
appears controlled and the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system
provides impressive traction around corners as well as in sand. In
the hands of experienced drivers, the new Pilot can be taken into
desert and it will perform well.

New Middle
East
Managing
Director for
Cadillac
Felix Weller has been appointed Managing Director, Cadillac
Middle East as part of its strategy to grow its global presence.
Prior to joining Cadillac in 2014, Weller worked extensively with
Audi, including a three-year stint as sales director for the Middle
East. Weller started his career with Mercedes Benz in Germany.
Over the last year we have seen the Cadillac brand transform
and grow in the Middle East under Felixs stewardship. For
instance, we have recently posted the highest October sales
in our history, which also adds to our 21per cent year to date
growth, said Mario A. Spangenberg, President and Managing
Director of GM Africa & Middle East.
Weller previously held the role of Vehicle Sales and Service
Management Director for Cadillac Middle East. In the role
of Managing Director, he will be responsible for all aspects
of the business in the Middle East including sales, network
development, fleet, and management of Cadillacs certified
pre-owned vehicle program. He will also oversee the regions
marketing activities that relate to retail advertising, digital and
social media, as well as product marketing.
DEC 2015

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his years biennial Dubai

International Motor Show hosted
16 concept cars, 18 world premieres
and 139 regional debuts. In all, there were
600 cars on display in various halls and
for the first time, a new dimension for
visitors and petrol heads to the show was
added. Dubbed as the Motoring Nostalgia

Museum for exotic classics from the 1950s

to the 80s, the cars were courtesy of HH
Sheikh Hasher Bin Juma Al Maktoum, Dr
Mohammed Ben Sulayem [President of
the UAEs governing body of motoring,
the Automobile and Touring Club], Tomini
Classics, Select Nano, the Sharjah Classic
Cars Museum, Sharjah Classic Car Club

and the Al Ain Classics collections, as

well as from a number of owners from
the Dubai Grand Parade. The show was
officially opened on by Sheikh Hamdan bin
Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, the
show occupies more than 85,000 square
metres of floor space, and is the largest to
date.

Heres a round-up of the key presentations from the show.

DEC 2015

The DB10 that was created for the 24th

James Bond film Spectre was not the only
car on the Aston Martin stand. It shared
space with the Vulcan, which is a limited
edition 800bhp supercar, Lagonda sedan
and Rapide. Only 10 working DB10s were
made and 8 used in the film. There are no
production plans but some of these cars
will be sold at auctions. The functional
DB10 is powered by a 4.7-litre V8 engine
with a manual gearbox and goes from
0-100km/h is around 4.7 seconds with
a top speed of 305km/h and its design
does offer a hint at what future Astons,
including the new DB11, might look like.
The DB11 will be the first Aston to come off
the production line to have an input from
Mercedes AMG and is part of a 700m
investment plan for the future of Aston.

Aston Martin

Audi

Audi Middle East focus was on highlighting

the brand philosophy Vorsprung durch
Technik. Three new cars -- the all-new
R8, all-new Audi A4 and the Audi RS 3
Sportback had their regional premieres.
Enrico Atanasio, brand director of Audi
Middle East said during the media
presentation: We are also proud to
present the all-new Audi Q7 and the TT
Roadster, which have recently arrived at
our dealerships.
10

DEC 2015

Bentley

The Bentayga SUV, the brands first SUV was among the
key introductions at the show. The ultra-luxury, go-anywhere
machine will be introduced as First Edition with a limited
production of 608 units for customers worldwide.

David Brown
David Brown has been associated with
Aston Martin as most of us know, but
now theres another entrepreneur from
Yorkshire, UK bearing the same initials
whose name is beginning to appear in the
world of exotic motoring. While, theres
no connection to the Gaydon-based sports
car maker, the man behind the superexclusive Speedback GT, which uses the
contemporary underpinnings from one
of Jaguars finest cars in a profile that
refers to the most iconic features of the
Aston Martin DB5, are all captured nicely
in a modern engineered package. The
Speedback uses a Jaguar XKR chassis,
engine and all its other significant
mechanical components. The cars styling
was entrusted to well-known ex-Land
Rover designer Alan Mobberley.
DEC 2015

11

BMW
BMW presented an impressive range of 17 models underlining
its leadership positioning and bringing its vision of sustainable
mobility in focus. Karim Habib, Head of BMW Design
introduced the all-new BMW 7 Series which had its world
premiere at this years Frankfurt Motor Show. Also on display
were current models from the line-up including the i8, X6 M,
X5 M. Exclusive presentations included a bespoke 7 Series
version called Solitaire and the all-new BMW X1.

12

DEC 2015

Cadillac
The most significant product launch for
the brand outside of the US was the
successor to the SRX crossover SUV, the
XT5. It is also the first in a series of four
crossovers bearing the XT name and
is a cornerstone product for Cadillacs
ambitious growth plans to double its sales
by 2020. This is one of Cadillacs most
important upcoming products. It will
be a key aspect of Cadillacs expansion
globally, starting in early 2016. It has been
our great pleasure to introduce the new
Cadillac XT5 to the world from Dubai, a city
that is rife with entrepreneurial promise
and dynamism, said Uwe Ellinghaus,
Cadillac chief marketing officer. The
reason Cadillac chose Dubai for the global
reveal of their first-ever XT5 crossover,
and the regional debut of the CT6 sedan
is to reiterate its intent as a global brand
with global ambitions. The 2016 edition of
CTS features significant enhancements in
performance, efficiency and connectivity.
Interestingly, the 2.0-litre turbo-charged
engine returns in the CTS for 2016, adding
the fuel-saving Stop/Start feature, and is
matched with the new 8L45 eight-speed
automatic transmission.
DEC 2015

13

Chevrolet
Chevrolets key message for the region
was related to the 2016 model line-up
which is was represented by freshened
models. Models paraded included the
2016 Chevrolet Camaro, 2016 Chevrolet
Malibu, 2016 Chevrolet Spark and 2016
Chevrolet Silverado. The sixth-generation
Chevrolet Camaro offers higher levels of
performance, technology and refinement

14

DEC 2015

and is designed to maintain the sporty

car segment leadership earned over the
past years. This has been enabled by an
all-new, lighter architecture and a broader
powertrain range. The all-new 2016
Malibu comes as a completely restyled
midsize sedan engineered to offer more
efficiency, connectivity and advanced
safety features than ever. The car is also

longer and lighter, with more interior

space and improved fuel efficiency.
The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
brings in muscular designs, new lighting
technologies and engineering solutions
like the introduction of new 8-speed
transmission.

FCA [Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep & Fiat]

The combined Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM stand had the
brands most recognisable vehicles in the region - Chrysler 300
[and its derivatives], Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Renegade, Dodge
Charger and Ram Trucks. FCAs Italian brand presence was
highlighted by the Alfa Romeo 4C and soon-to-arrive Guilia sedan.
The big news from this multibrand organisation came from Fiat.
Fiat presented its all-new compact sedan, the Tipo, which has
been designed in Italy at the Centro Stile Fiat and scheduled to be
produced in Turkey. The Tipo will be sold in over 40 countries of
the EMEA region. However, the star of the Fiat stand was the new
500, with which Fiat is preparing to face future market challenges
while remaining true to its own deep roots. Also created by the
Centro Stile Fiat, the car has a refreshed exterior and interior
design that is unmistakably 500 and even more attractive. It has
not grown in size but it is packed with more technology, engine
versions and customisation options. The 500X, a new crossover
built in Italy comes in as a completely new dimension of the
500 brand, where style, substance and made in Italy define this
comfortable, high performing car that is always connected with
the world. Fiats newest medium duty pick-up truck, the 2016
Fullback, was also unveiled. The Fullback is heavily based on
the Mitsubishi L200 pick-up and to differentiate itself, it gets a
new horizontal Fiat grille, revised bumper and new alloy wheels.
Most of its other parts are from its Mitsubishi counterpart. Also
notable presentations included some very serious Moparised
and modified Jeep models. Three modified off-roaders were
presented at the show. One of the models is inspired by the
Cherokee, while the other two are based on the Wrangler.
DEC 2015

15

Ford
The metallic red all-new GT supercar with
white stripes was arguably the star car
for Ford this year. The GT is one of more
than 12 new Ford Performance vehicles
coming by 2020 and it joins with existing
models like the Focus RS, F-150 Raptor,
Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R which
represent the growing Ford Performance
line-up. As a technology showcase, the GT
is a ultra-high-performance supercar that
serves as a technology showcase for top
EcoBoost performance, aerodynamics
and lightweight carbon fiber construction.
The GT will go into production in late 2016
and is expected to hit the road in select
global markets to coincide with the 50th
anniversary celebration of Ford GT race
cars which were placing 1-2-3 at the 1966
24 Hours of Le Mans. Besides the current
model line-up that is sold in the region
Ford also had Gymkhana sensation, Ken
Block and regional drift champion Roger
Feghali on the stands.

16

DEC 2015

Ferrari
Following its recent global debut in
September at the Frankfurt Motor Show,
Ferrari unveiled the Ferrari 488 Spider for
the region. The car is the latest chapter
in Maranellos ongoing history of opentop V8 sports cars and is Ferraris most
powerful ever mid-rear-engined V8 car
to feature the patented retractable
hard top, along with the highest level
of technological innovation and with
innovative design. Also on display were
the 488GTB, F12berlinetta and California T.

DEC 2015

17

GMC

GMC premiered three enhanced models

the 2016 Sierra, Terrain, and Yukon.
These three introductions now get the
Denali nameplate and help reinforce
GMCs 112-year legacy of rugged capability,
practical refinement and incredible power
in luxurious confines. Also on display was
a bespoke version to commemorate the
45th anniversay of UAEs National Day.

18

DEC 2015

Hyundai
Hyundai Motors was among the most
vibrant at the show and the South Korean
brand had a lot of interesting things to
talk about besides introducing cars. The
globally unveil of the all-new Elantra and
regional debut of the Creta, a totally new
compact SUV were among the key new
product messages. The all-new Elantra
follows in the footsteps of its predecessor
by setting new standards and offering
the worlds best technology packaged
in the body of a world-class compactsize sedan, said Jin (James) Kim, vice
president and head of operations for
Hyundai Africa and Middle East. Equally,

the new Creta SUV offers striking looks,

competitive performance and a robust
build at an affordable price, further
strengthening Hyundais impressive SUV
offering in the region.
The announcement of Genesis as the new
luxury sub brand was also confirmed by
Kim and for the first time a dedicated
section was created for N performance
brand. The sub-brand N builds on
Hyundai Motors successful motorsport
experiences and technology capability to
drive future performance-oriented and
race-track-capable models forward and
bring the most thrilling winding road

fun to customers who truly love cars,

according to Hyundai. Based on the
passion of engineers and strategies from
High Performance Vehicle Development
Centre, Hyundai N cars will feature new
powertrains and lightweight materials
derived from Hyundai Motors World
Rally Championship (WRC) participation,
as well as performance-focused handling
and aerodynamics. By providing carefully
balanced levels of power and agility,
Hyundai N cars promise performance and
will deliver optimum thrills to patrons who
appreciate focused and engaging driving
dynamics.

DEC 2015

19

Jaguar Land Rover

The Tata Motors-owned British brand had
quite an agenda both inside and outside
the venue. A night before the media day
proceedings, JLR had a special media
preview of its bespoke division and the
soon-to-be-auctioned two-millionth Land
Rover Defender. John Edwards, Managing
Director, Special Vehicle Operations
(SVO), Jaguar Land Rover presented a
uniquely prepared a two-tone concept
which is also the most powerful and
luxurious Range Rover ever Range
Rover SVAutobiography. This special
creation now adds even more luxury,
design sophistication and performance
to an enhanced line-up. Engineered by
Land Rovers Special Vehicle Operations
Technical Centre in the UK and handfinished at SVOs Oxford Road facility, the
Range Rover SV Autobiography brings
a new level of design sophistication to
the Range Rover line-up. It comes with a
550PS supercharged V8 engine.
Celebrating its rich 80-year heritage,
Jaguar is also sho wcasing its enhanced
2016 Jaguar XJR and All-New 2016 Jaguar
XF-S, as well as the award-winning new
Jaguar XE-S. The highly anticipated all-new
Jaguar F-PACE performance crossover
made its debut.
The Jaguar Bloodhound SSC Experience
offered thrill-seekers the chance to
experience driving at an exhilarating
speed of 1,609km/h. The digital simulator
challenged participants to get behind the
wheel of the Bloodhound SSC and try to
set a new virtual Land Speed Record.
20

DEC 2015

As the production of current Defender

enters its final phase, this vehicle has been
built to commemorate the UK production
of the two-millionth Series Land Rover
and Defender. With a bespoke design
and an all-star cast of special guests who
helped complete the momentus build, the
Defender 2,000,000 has been created to
celebrate 67 years of iconic Land Rover
production. The Land Rover Defender
has been an all-time favourite for longer
than I can remember. From agricultural
workhorse to a worldwide design icon,
the Defender has a rich history spanning
almost seven decades and this milestone
Defender is giving avid fans the chance to
own a piece of this heritage. says John
Edwards, Managing Director, Special
Vehicle Operations (SVO), Jaguar Land
Rover.
Jaguar Land Rovers stand also proudly
featured vehicles that have appeared in
the latest Bond adventure, SPECTRE. Cars
included the Jaguar C-X75, Range Rover
Sport SVR and specially prepared Land
Rover Defender.
Land Rovers Mobile Experience team
who were visiting the Middle East for the
very first time offered driving enthusiasts
the opportunity to experience the unique
all-terrain ability of Land Rover vehicles at
the show.
DEC 2015

21

Infiniti

Infiniti is focusing on design and hence

this years presentation at the show
focused on this aspect with two concept
creations. One of the concept highlights
was the Q80 Inspiration which is
expected to serve the brand as its halo
model representing Infinitis design
language in future. The impressive, wellproportioned and stylish Q80 Inspiration
does set the tone and direction for
existing and future Infiniti models. It
will be a significant step forward for the
brand which is now looking at making
its presence felt in the upper echelons
of the premium sedan category. From

22

DEC 2015

the convention-breaking proportions

and arresting body styling, the fullsize Infiniti Q80 Inspiration four-door
fastback will also benefit from smart
powertrain technology. The second
concept was the Q60 sports coupe
which was first premiered at the 2015
North American International Auto
Show. The two-door concept hints at
Infinitis next sports coupe offering.
Also on display for the first time was
the QX30 crossover. The QX30 had
its simultaneous global debut at the
2015 Los Angeles and Guangzhou
international motor shows and is one

of the new models that signals the next

phase of the companys global growth
strategy.
Design was a big focus for us at the
Motor Show this year, said Juergen
Schmitz, managing director, Infiniti
Middle East. What we have seen so
far is that both media as well as the
public have been fascinated by the Q80
Inspiration as well as the Q60 Concept.
From our perspective this couldnt be
more ideal as it demonstrates that our
design language really resonates with
our customers in the region.

KIA
Al Majid Motors Company, the sole
distributor for Kia cars in the UAE,
launched the all-new Gen IV Kia Optima
sedan. The new car had its premiere
earlier at the 2015 New York International
Auto Show and is a pivotal model of the
brand. The outgoing version of the car
has also helped changed the image of
Kia in brand conscious markets like the
Middle East, thanks largely to the styling
of design director and now president
Peter Schreyer. Generation IV Optima has
further evolved and features a modern
new exterior, a bold interior design and is
offered with an array of new technologies
and a wide choice of efficient powertrains.
Kia says it is confident that its newgeneration Optima sedan can take a bite
out of its competitors in the segment by
pitching the model as a more premium
offering than its predecessor.

Lincoln
A few weeks ago Fords luxury brand Lincoln had announced that the production
version of its soon-to-arrive Continental all-new full-size sedan and flagship model
would be presented at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2016. The Dubai show
saw the brand present the car in near production guise. With a sleek silhouette and
a newly minted chrome grille, the Continental Concept signals the arrival of a new
face for Lincoln. Kumar Galhotra, Ford Motor Company vice president and president
of Lincoln presented the car on press day. Galhotra reports to Ford President and
CEO Mark Fields and is the most senior executive overseeing all Lincoln operations
globally, including product development, marketing, sales and service. Some brands
talk about the machine, said Galhotra. Lincoln is different. For us, it is about more
than the machine. It is about what our vehicles do for our clients.

DEC 2015

23

Lexus
Visitors of Lexus stand were treated
to a completely revamped line-up,
as seven out of the 11 cars on display
have been introduced this year alone.
The all-new 2016 RX crossover SUV
was also introduced. The new arrival
offers advanced redesigned petrol
and hybrid powertrains, sophisticated
safety technologies including the new
Lexus Safety System+, driver aids, new
convenience and technology features that
make it the best Lexus sport-utility vehicle
ever offered to date.
Also on display was the new Lexus GS-F,
the latest performance car from the F
range with a race inspired 467hp 5.0-litre
V8, and the Lexus IS 2.0-litre turbo
charged version, which is the model car
after the NX to feature this engine.
Lexus is currently at full speed,
introducing some exciting cars that
represent the latest design attitude,
expressiveness, and performance and
I am pleased to announce that we are
forecasting a new record year for Lexus
in the UAE, said Chris Buxton, general
manager of Lexus Sales at Al-Futtaim
Motors.

24

DEC 2015

Maserati
Maseratis stand offered a future glimpse of its
design DNA via a concept car called Alfieri. The
Alfieri concept is a sleek, Italian style 2+2 and takes
inspiration from one of the most fascinating cars
of all time, the Maserati A6 GCS-53 designed by
Pininfarina in 1954. The well-travelled concept car
was first presented at the Geneva Motor Show
in 2013 and is characterised by a long, low nose
along with aggressive headlamps as well as the
signature triple air ducts on the wheel arches.
But more than a future concept, Maseratis overall
focus was on how the brand was moving forward
in terms of customization and sartorial excellence.
For the first time in the Middle East the new
Ermenegildo Zegna Interiors, exclusively for
Maserati was presented.
Managing Director for Middle East, India & Africa,
Umberto Cini, said: In the midst of progress,
we must remember our heritage. Maserati is
quintessentially Italian, exclusive and sporty with a
strong focus on tailor-making. Owning a Maserati
must be like wearing a tailor-made suit in a world
of uniforms. With Zegna we have taken this adage
to the ultimate level, by bringing the suit into the
car and making a fabric, that is normally worn
as luxury clothing, last the lifetime of a car. It is
something no one else can offer. On display,
in addition to the 2016 Maserati Quattroporte
and Ghibli with Ermenegildo Zegna Interiors, the
GranTurismo and GranCabrio were also on stage.
DEC 2015

25

Mazda
Many carmakers have a guiding philosophy and for Hiroshima, Japan-based Mazda its
Jinba Ittai, the rider-and-horse-as-one-body doctrine that has defined the relationship
between drivers and their sports cars. In fact, Mazda has spent a quarter of a century
with everything that can be used to define lightweight sports. All the Jinba Ittai
inspiration gained over three model generations has gone into the all-new Gen IV
2016 Mazda MX-5 which was one of the key attractions for the brand. The second
car that was revealed was the brands smallest crossover the all-new CX-3. The
aggressively styled CX-3 also benefits from Mazdas Kodo design language DNA.
As with most current Mazdas available, the CX-3s body, chassis, transmission, and
engine employ the brands Skyactiv engineering philosophy, which is intended to
harmonize all elements of the vehicle to operate with maximum efficiency.

26

DEC 2015

Mercedes-Benz
The year 2015 is significant for best-known
Pullman sedan based the Mercedes-Benz
600 as the marque celebrated its 50th
birthday. Following a special debut at
the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, the new
Pullman is now Mercedes-Maybachs
second model that gets the top-of-therange position. The 600 Pullman was
presented with vis--vis seating in the
passenger compartment and high-end
automotive luxury features that has been
traditionally associated with Maybach. The
car had its regional unveil at the show.
The second car worth mentioning was the
humongous G500 44. This project comes
from the developers of the MercedesBenz G 63 AMG 66. The G 500 44s basic
recipe is simple: take the all-wheel-drive
powertrain including portal axles from the
66, take away one axle and blend it all
with a newly-developed variable chassis
and the series-production G-Class body
and use a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine to
propel it.
The third significant model to be revealed
was the AMG S63 Cabriolet. This is
because for the first time in its 48-year
history, Mercedes Benzs sports car and
high-performance brand is offering a fourseater Cabriolet in the S-Class segment.
DEC 2015

27

Nissan
The World Premiere of the Nissan Patrol
Desert Edition took place. This new
variant has been made even more capable
off-road and has been conceptualized
and developed in collaboration with the
Middle Easts most famous and influential
motorsports personality, Dr Mohammed
Ben Sulayem, specifically for this region.
This variant is identifiable with special
Desert Edition and MBS badges, this
new model is based on the Nissan Patrol
LE, powered by Nissans powerful 5.6-litre
V8 engine that generates 400hp and
560Nm of torque. It is mated to a 7-speed
automatic transmission that incorporates

28

DEC 2015

manual mode and synchronised rev

control. Meanwhile, the recently revealed
Nissan Patrol NISMO variant will be
available before the end of its fiscal year
according to Samir Chelfan, managing
director of Nissan Middle East. The Patrol
NISMO will be priced from $100,470 USD
in the UAE and prices for each market will
vary from region to region.
With a continued focus on Innovation
that Excites, Nissan also used the event
to announce its partnership with Etisalat.
Headed by Nissan, and powered by
Etisalats network and M2M Control
Center Platform, the Nissan SmartCar

application enables customers to control

key features of their car using their phone,
a first for the region. Owners of the Nissan
Patrol MY16 and all-new Nissan Maxima
2016 will be able to turn on the AC, lock
and unlock their cars remotely and track
them, among other capabilities.
In addition to both the NISMO range
and the Nissan Patrol Desert Edition, the
all-new Nissan Maxima also took taking
center stage. The complete Nissan range
includes the MY2016 versions of the Nissan
Patrol, 370Z, Altima, Juke, Pathfinder,
Pathfinder Hybrid, Sentra, Sunny and
X-Trail.

Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars presentation
focused on the brands bespoke
programme and representing the deed
was a one-off special commission called
the Tiger Phantom Coup. Conceptualized
AGMC, the sole dealers of Rolls-Royce
Motor Cars in Dubai, Sharjah and the
Northern Emirates of the UAE, and
developed over a two year period by
craftspeople at the Home of Rolls-Royce
in Goodwood, England, the Rolls-Royce
Tiger Phantom Coup draws its design
inspiration both visually and spiritually
from its animal namesake, conveying its
power, grace and ferociousness in an
iconic automotive form. The brand also
presented several bespoke creations, but
it was the new Dawn [Automan Cover,
September 2015] that stole the show.
DEC 2015

29

Toyota
Sustainability was the key theme
for this years show and quite a few
manufacturers actually showcased
innovative solutions. So it was not
surprising to see cars like the hydrogenpowered Mirai hogging the limelight with
conventional models. Toyota is among the
world leaders in automotive hybridization
and the brand also showcased its Gen
IV Prius hybrid. The new Prius is the first
global vehicle to implement Toyotas New
Global Architecture (TNGA), an innovative,
integrated development program for
powertrain components and vehicle
platforms.
The Toyota stand also featured the current
line-up of Toyota vehicles, while a special
Toyota Racing Development [TRD] zone
showcase some of the products likes the
Toyota 86 TRD Cup car, the Toyota 86
Emirates Drifting Team TRD car and the
Yaris TRD variant.
30

DEC 2015

Opel

Porsche

GMs European brand Opel has little presence in the Middle

East, but its UAE-based official importer-retailer Liberty
Automobiles has stayed loyal to the brand and its confidence
is to be commended. The brand was represented by the latest
models for the regions markets and included six models like the
all-new Astra hatchback, the GTC, the all-new Mokka compact
crossover SUV, the new Corsa OPC, the Corsa Color Edition and
the Insignia Sports Tourer. The UAE is a dynamic, fast-moving
car market that continues to evolve, presenting a tremendous
opportunity for established European manufacturers such as
Opel to demonstrate value and appeal to local consumers. Our
2016 models will add another layer of refinement and showcase
European quality and excellence in performance, said Shady
Bakry, Opel Brand Manager at Liberty Automobiles Co.

The new Porsche 911 Carrera and the Porsche 919 Hybrid were
the key highlights for the German sports car brand. The 919
Hybrid represented the latest of the brands latest E-Performance
innovations which include lightweight design to pioneering
efficiency-oriented technologies. Both Carrera and Carrera S
versions are offered with increased power output, more torque,
faster acceleration and higher top speed. In addition, both cars
have achieved a significant reduction in consumption of about
twelve per cent compared to the previous generation.

Volkswagen
Volkswagen presented a diverse model
line-up, including the Golf GTI Clubsport
concept car and Beetle Cabriolet. This
concept marks the 40th anniversary of
the Golf GTI which takes place in 2016.
The GTI Clubsport is the most powerful
production GTI ever, and features
a more powerful engine, with an
extensive exterior and interior redesign.

DEC 2015

31

rise of Chinese brands in Middle East

At last months Dubai Motor Show, at least seven Chinese
brands were present. Heres a quick look.

SAIC has global ambitions for MG

Chinas largest automaker, SAIC Motor
Corporation, has recently opened its
corporate office in UAE from where it
will spearhead its aggressive sales and
marketing for the region as part of its
global ambitions. SAIC international
business executive director Yang
Xiaodong, told us during last months
motor show in Dubai that the expansion
was now beyond Chinas borders and
will also involve investments in new
manufacturing plants in Thailand that

will contribute in building a full range of

passenger and commercial vehicles.
SAIC now owns British marque MG and
produces several models which are also
sold in Oman and some other countries in
the region. In some markets in March this
year, SAIC relaunched its two core models
the mid-sized MG6 and compact MG3
hatch. The MG GS mid-sized crossover SUV
that the company launched at the Dubai
show will follow suit and join the line-up as
a global model.

Automans take
Formerly Shanghai Automotive Industry
Corporation, SAIC is owned by the
Shanghai provincial government. SAIC
has partnered with General Motors and
Volkswagen in China for many years
where it produces more than five million
vehicles annually. SAIC is the ninth largest
automotive company in the world which
now owns British brands like MG and LDV/
Maxus.

GAC Motor
Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Companys current
portfolio of vehicles has 10 models sold domestically under the
Trumpchi and GoNow brands. At the Dubai show, in the presence
of Chinese Ambassador to UAE Chang Hua, Consul General of
China in Dubai Li Lingbing, CEO of Gargash Enterprises Samir
Gargash joined general manager of GAC Motor Wu Song, GAC
Motor introduced its second generation models including the
GS4, GS5 Super, GA6, and also the all-new 1.5-litre turbocharged
engine. GAC Motors second generation products not only abide
by the highest quality and safety standards, but also achieved
technological breakthroughs that can represent GAC Motors
research and development capabilities while demonstrating
confidence in the global market, said Wu Song.
In J.D. Power Asia Pacifics 2015 China Initial Quality Study (IQS),
GAC Motor has the highest ranking of all Chinese brands for the
third consecutive year at the eighth place side by side with GAC
Toyota among the 270 brands being surveyed.
32

DEC 2015

First time for Kenbo @ Dubai

Dongfeng Motor

Kenbo, is a new name for this region and it was their first
appearance at the regions show. Kenbo was created by a jointventure company controlled by the giant Beijing-based BAIC
(Beijing Automobile Industry Holding Company) and used Saab
technology. Kenbo vehicles are made the huge industry city of
Chongqing in south-west China. At Dubai, Kenbo introduced its
SUV and MPVs.

Dongfeng Motor (DFM), the second largest motor company in

China, has brought its full range of motorcade to the show this
time including Fengshen series such as AX7, A30, H30 CROSS,
Dongfeng Joyear S50, S500, XV, high-mobility special off-road
vehicle Warrior, DFSK C35, and Flagship RICH pick-up.

Luxgen from Taiwan means business in luxury segment

Taiwan-based automaker which also has some Middle East
presence presented their latest vehicle line-up including SUVs,
hatchbacks and MPVs. A refreshed version of the Luxgen U6 SUV
was unveiled-at the show.

Automans take
GAC and Kenbo were among seven Chinese car-makers
displaying their products at the Dubai motor show last month
for the first time. These new player came well prepared and are
looking at potential distributors for GCC markets.

DEC 2015

33

Genesis is the
official luxury
sub brand from
Hyundai
Last month, Hyundai Motor announced
that it was creating an all-new luxury
global brand. The name has been finalized
and the cars that it will produce and sell
will adorn the Genesis badging. Hyundai
says that Genesis branded cars will deliver
human-centered luxury through a range
of new models that feature the highest
standards of performance, design and
innovation.
From the marketing perspective, Genesis
will be a standalone brand and its portfolio
will see six new models by 2020. Genesis
cars compete with the worlds most
renowned luxury car brands.
Genesis models will embody four key
aspects: Human-focused innovation,
refined and balanced performance,
athletic elegance in design and hassle-free
customer experience. We have created

this new Genesis brand with a complete

focus on our customers who want smart
ownership experiences that save time
and effort, with practical innovations that
enhance satisfaction. The Genesis brand
will fulfill these expectations, becoming
a market leader through our humancentered brand strategy, said Euisun
Chung, vice chairman of Hyundai Motor
Company.
To differentiate the Genesis brand from
Hyundai, the automaker has created a
Prestige Design Division. Hyundai has
recently hired Luc Donckerwolke, who
was previously responsible for the design
of Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, SEAT and
Skoda models at the Volkswagen Group
to lead this new division alongside his
role as Head of the Hyundai Motor Design
Center. The work of the new Prestige

Design Division will be overseen by Peter

Schreyer, as part of his group-wide design
responsibilities as President and Chief
Design Officer (CDO) of Hyundai Motor
Group.
The Genesis brand will also adopt a new
alphanumeric naming structure and will
launch at least four models in the coming
years. We will add G80 and G70 sedans
alongside sport utility vehicles and sports
coupes to our line-ups to complete the
world of our new luxury brand Genesis,
Hyundai Motor vice chairman Yang
Woong-Chul has announced.
Peter Schreyer commented, In creating
the design signature of Genesis brand
cars, we set out to display confidence
and originality, creating highly desirable
products that present new charm through
innovative styling and proportions.

Genesis G90 revealed in South Korea

The top-of-the-range G90 luxury sedan
will be named EQ900 in Korea. The new
car will debut this month in Korea and
will give indications on the technology
and design direction for Hyundais
new Genesis brand, announced at the
recent Tokyo Show, and for which
the carmaker is planning to launch
six models by 2020. The focus of the
car will be around human-centered
technology and driving dynamics, while
the styling will be based around the
theme Athletic Elegance, interpreted
by the newly-formed Prestige Design
Division.
As expected, the engine range will
consists of three petrol units - a 3.8-litre
V6 GDI with 334hp, a range-topping
5.0-litre V8 with 425hp and a new
3.3-litre V6 biturbo motor with 370hp.
These will be mated to an 8-speed
automatic transmission and optional
all-wheel drive system.
Other technical highlights of the
5,200mm long sedan include Hyundais
Variable Control Suspension system

34

DEC 2015

and the Highway Driving Assist system that provides semi-autonomous driving
features. Jang Rag, executive vice president who supervised the G90 project, added
that through our telematics program, Blue Link, we will also provide emergency
rescue systems including air bag activation.
The interior of the luxury sedan is equipped with first class VIP seats that can be
adjusted to three different positions relaxing, reading and video-watching, at the
touch of a button on the armrest.

Kia Motors moves forward with

green programme

Mahindra and design house

Pininfarina deal could close soon

Kia Motors has announced its mid- to long-term plans for the
development of a greatly increased range of environmentally
friendly vehicles. The brands green car roadmap sets out Kias
ambition to become a leader in the low emissions car market by
2020. It is anticipated that the five-year development plan will see
Kia further increase its investment in research and development
(R&D) into fuel-efficient technologies and new products, with
a range of all-new models and highly advanced powertrains for
global markets. The new investment by Hyundai Motor Group,
Kias parent company, totals US$10.2bn for the development of
a range of new eco-friendly models and building the facilities
required for the brands efforts to further reduce its CO2 output.

Pininfarina has announced they expect to finalize the deal with

Indias Mahindra & Mahindra in the next few weeks. The deal has
been sot of on and off in the last few months, but now seems that
both parties are moving forward. In the past few months, it was
the creditors who were not pleased with the deal as it stipulated
erasing half of the 87 million debt. Now, everything seems to
be in order and the deal is expected to go official in the coming
weeks. Pininfarina has been hemorrhaging money for 10 of the
past 11 years and in the first half of 2015 they posted a net debt
of 52.7 million. The last car to wear Pininfarinas signature is the
South East Motor (SEM) DX7, an SUV that made its debut earlier
this year at Auto Shanghai.

Return of the Fiat 124 Spider

Almost 50 years since the original was introduced, the Fiat 124
Spider is back! True to its celebrated nameplate, the all-new Fiat
124 Spider brings classic Italian styling and pure driving pleasure
to a new generation, with its powerful turbo-charged petrol
engine, sophisticated suspension and traditional rear-wheel
drive layout. Designed at Centro Stile in Turin, Italy on a Mazda
platform, the new FIAT 124 Spider takes its inspiration from the
1966 original, not only in terms of its proportions and stance but
also in terms of its detailing. A horizontal line emerges from the
front wing, kicking up over the rear haunch and flowing toward
the tail lamp, aping the distinctive bodywork of the original
car, while the style and position of the LED headlamps, and the
hexagonal upper grille, both draw heavily from the details of
the classic roadster. Fiat will add its 160hp 1.4-litre turbocharged
engine mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic
transmission.

Automans take

The Mazda Miata-based roaster has been planned since 2012 by Fiat when the next-generation MX-5 Miata was first announced.
The partnership called for a new roadster for the Mazda and Alfa Romeo marques based on Mazdas next-generation MX-5 rearwheel-drive architecture with differentiated, distinctly styled, iconic and brand-specific designs and powertrains.

Subaru exploring new design

language for future sedans
The Impreza Sedan Concept showcased at Los Angeles last
month is a design concept car previewing the next-generation
Impreza which is to be the first one of Subarus next-generation
strategic vehicles envisioned in FHIs Mid-Term Management
Vision Prominence 2020 announced in May 2014. While
positioned as an entry model in the Subaru lineup, its compact
body features a blend of bold expressions of Subarus Dynamic
and Solid design elements and a quality feel beyond its class hinting at the design direction not only of the new Impreza but of
Subarus future models as a whole.
DEC 2015

35

First edition Bentley Bentagya ready to roll

The Bentayga First Edition was revealed at a private event in Los Angeles last month
to prospective customers. The first batch of 608 production units will be sold as the
Bentayga First Edition and the special-edition package is distinguished by Union Jack

badging, illuminated tread plates and

22in black painted and polished wheels.
The SUVs interior has been outfitted
with Bentleys luxurious Diamond within
Diamond quilting, customized ambient
lighting, and unique contrast stitching on
the embroidered seats. The batch limit
matches the Bentaygas metric power
output of 608PS. Its 6.0-litre W12 engine
also delivers 663 lb-ft of torque, launching
the SUV to 96km/h in four seconds flat.
Bentley claims it is the worlds most
powerful and fastest SUV. Buyers will
also receive a unique Breitling watch
to complement their new SUV. Choices
include the Emergency, which features a
personal locator beacon, along with the
Cockpit B50 and the Chronomat 38, sized
for women. Each features an all-black
case, black mother-of-pearl dial, bronzetone hands and a rubber strap matching
certain interior design elements.

German boutique brand Wiesmann

to be sold to UK-based Indian
investors
British-based Indian investors Roheen and Sahir Berry have
bought the rights to the Wiesmann sports car business, including
the company name and gecko logo. Wiesmann was liquidated
in May 2014 and the new owners plan to restart production at
Wiesmanns home in Dlmen, Germany, as early as 2016. The
sale will be confirmed subject to approval from creditors and a
crucial meeting between the creditors and their administrator
overseeing the bankruptcy takes place this month. Preliminary
reports suggest the new owner is looking to widen the market
reach of Wiesmanns existing line-up, with the production of
right-hand-drive versions also.

Fisker to use BMW

components
Karma is the new name of Fisker after
the company was taken over by Chinese
company called Wanxiang. This, of
course, is the same name Fisker used for
its extended-range electric sedan, which
Karma plans to start selling in updated
form sometime next year. The latest
update from the set-up is that Karma has
confirmed it signed an agreement with
BMW to source powertrain components.
Few specifics have been revealed but
some of the components will include
BMWs high-voltage battery charging
systems as well as a wide range of
hybrid and electric car systems. Future
products from Karma, which the company
is already working on, will utilize even
more of BMWs powertrain technology.
One of the new products is likely to be
a production version of the Atlantic
small sedan concept Fisker first showed
in 2012. The Wanxiang Group is giving
36

DEC 2015

Karma Automotive the opportunity to bring a stunning car back to the market, and the
partnership with BMW and their outstanding track record is a great fit for the future,
Karma CEO Tom Corcoran said in a statement. We will continue to develop cars with the
latest cutting edge hybrid and EV technology.
Production of Karmas products will take place at a new plant located in Moreno Valley,
California. Fisker had outsourced its production to Finlands Valmet. Interestingly, one of
the key people working at Karma is none other than Bernhard Koehler, who co-founded
Fisker together with Henrik Fisker and previously served as the companys COO.

Author: Chandan B Mallik

his is an annual automotive event

in the US that touts itself as a
trade event, but over the years
enthusiastic participation by car majors
and their tuner-performance partners [inhouse and independent] have elevated it
to a must see, must visit calendar event
for petrol heads and enthusiasts. The

38

DEC 2015

annual SEMA show in Las Vegas is now

famous for its no-holds-barred display
of tuning and customization offerings.
On display, there will mind-boggling
presentations ranging from lifted trucks,
slammed imports, and engine-swapped
muscle cars. Yet theres far more to
the show than thatthe parties, the

celebrities, the high-octane demos, the

excess of it all. Funny thing about SEMA
is that general public dont have access,
but we at Automan have ensured that our
readers can experience what its like to
attend the craziest show on planet earth!
Heres our report. Read on

DEC 2015

39

Chevrolet
Chevrolet teamed up with Kid Rock to
create a customized 2016 Silverado 3500
HD that celebrates freedom and honours
American workers. The imposing one-off
truck featured customized features like
a chrome grille embedded with Born
Free lettering and enlarged Chevrolet
bowtie emblems. The truck also came
with patriotic graphics package, oversized
chrome exhaust tips and 22in chrome
wheels. Since the truck was dedicated to
freedom and enjoyment, it was connected
to a trailer. Power is provided by a 6.6-litre
Duramax turbodiesel
In the second presentation, Chevrolet
teamed up with Realtree and The Bone
Collector star Michael Waddell to create
a customized Silverado 1500. Dubbed
the Realtree Bone Collector concept, the
modified Silverado 1500 High Country crew
cab featured black exterior paintwork
with Realtree Bone Collector graphics and
camo-inspired accents. The truck also
has an LED light bar, a cooler and unique

40

DEC 2015

drawer system in the bed that allows for

the safe and secure storage of outdoor
equipment and gear. On the performance
side, the concept was outfitted with
Chevrolet Accessories off-road package
- which includes a front push bar, side
steps and a sport bar - and 22in black alloy
wheels with off-road tyres. Inside, leather
seats came with contrast stitching and
camouflage trim. Power is provided by a
stock 420bhp 6.2-litre V8 engine
Chevrolet also unveiled the 2016 COPO
Camaro, which has been designed for
drag racing. Co-developed with Funny Car
driver Courtney Force, the red car featured
a carbon fibre bonnet, red grille inserts
and special graphics. A choice of engines
will be available including a supercharged
5.7-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8 and a 7.0-litre V8.
Complementing its job description, the
car has been equipped with an adjustable
front suspension, adjustable coil overs
and a solid rear axle with an aluminium
central section featuring a spool-type

differential and 40-spline gun-drilled axle

shafts. The car also features a race-spec
chassis, special brakes and a fuel cell
with an integrated high-pressure fuel
pump. The model also has wheelie bars,
a parachute and lightweight Weld wheels
with Goodyear racing tyres. Chevrolet will
build 69 COPO Camaros for 2016 and the
SEMA show car will be auctioned off at a
Barrett-Jackson sale next year with the
proceeds going to the United Way. This
turn-key race car is eligible to compete
in both NHRA Stock and Super Stock
Eliminator classes.
Its not just concept vehicles that the bowtie brand showcased at SEMA. Chevrolet
revealed the new Corvette Z06 C7.R
Edition. The special edition of the flagship
performance model is based on the Z06 in
3LZ trim and comes equipped with the Z07
Performance Package, including Brembo
carbon-ceramic brakes, Michelin Pilot
Sport Cup 2 tyres and a series of special
touches and upgrades.

FCA
Prior to the event, Fiat Chrysler
Automobiles had announced plans to
show 20 Mopar-ized models from the
Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and FIAT
brands. Following the recent introduction
of Chrysler 300 S, the one-off matte
blue finished 300 Super S concept
presented has been designed to blend
sophistication and style with attitude and
performance. The car was presented with
tinted headlamps, a lowered kit and a
matte black grille with miniature Mopar
M letters that are painted Dark Hyper
Black. Inside, the rotary shifter has been
replaced by a new T-handle shifter. The car
is powered by a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine
that has been equipped with the Mopar
Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 Upgrade Kits
that include CNC-ported high-flow cylinder
heads, new exhaust manifolds, highperformance catalysts and an assortment
of other upgrades. This enables the
engine to produce up to an additional
75bhp and 59Nm of torque.
Dodge officially unveiled the Challenger GT
AWD concept, as a one-off model is being
described as a year-round muscle car that
lets you have your cake and eat it too.

Featuring special paint and equipped with

a wide body kit, a front splitter and rear
spoiler, other highlights include a Satin
Black fuel filler door, a four-tailpipe sports
exhaust system and custom 20in fivespoke alloy wheels. Power comes from a
5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine with the Scat Pack
3 Performance Kit which includes CNCported cylinder heads, hi-flow manifolds,
hi-flow catalysts and new exhaust
manifolds among other things.
On the pick-up brand side, you had Ram
Rebel X in Dark Copper exterior with
Matte Black and Mopar Blue accents. The
truck also had a sport performance
hood, extended fender flares and 17-inch
cast-aluminum beadlock wheels with 35in
Toyo tyres. The trucks 5.7-litre HEMI V8
engine has been outfitted with a cold-air
intake and a cat-back exhaust system.
The Jeep Red Rock Concept is based on
Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Hard Rock
Edition and pays tribute to the Red Rock
4-Wheelers off-road club that hosts the
annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah.
To ensure the model can tackle the tough
terrain of Moab, the concept has been
equipped with a Rock-Trac transfer case,

Tru-Lok electronic locking differentials and

next-generation Dana 44 solid front and
rear axles. The Wrangler also featured a
2in lift kit and a 73.1:1 crawl ratio.
On the Fiat side of things, the 500X
Chicane and Mobe concepts were
unveiled. The Chicane was described
as a street-tuner vehicle that features
a Competition Blue exterior with side
stripes and a gloss black roof. The model
also has a sportier front face, lowered
ride height and 20in wheels. Katzkin
leather seats with blue piping and X
embroidery, embossed floor mats and a
cargo management system were part of
the kit. On the other hand, the 500X Mobe
was named after a kite-surfing trick and
the car featured an Ivory Pearl exterior
with Matte Bronze accents and blue side
stripes. The model also has a roof rack
and two-tone 18in alloys with Mopar
blue accents. The well-equipped interior
came with two-tone leather seats, white
trim and a blue kite surfer decal on the
dashboard. Both vehicles are powered by
a 2.4-litre Tigershark MultiAir2 engine with
a cat-back exhaust system.

DEC 2015

41

Ford
Ford and Rally Innovations presented
a concept based on the new Focus ST.
Promoted as the future of rallying, the
one-off featured an aggressive body
kit with a three-piece aluminium front
splitter, revised side skirts and a large
rear wing. The model also has extended
wheel arches, a ventilated bonnet and 19in
Rays 57 Xtreme wheels shod with Nitto
NT555 tyres. The car also has a four-point
roll cage and the rear seat also has been
removed to help reduce weight. To help
optimise performance, the car gets Greddy
Airinx intake system, a sports exhaust
system and a intercooler. The car also
comes with a COBB Tuning Accessport
V3 tuning system which will enable the
2.0-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine to
produce more than the standard 252bhp.
Two modded Fiesta models were also
presented. The lifestyle-oriented green
Cinemotive Media Fiesta ST came with a

42

DEC 2015

carbon fibre front lip spoiler, side skirts

and rear wing. The car rides on 17in ADV.1
ADV5 Track Spec wheels with Falken RT615K tyres. The cabin is largely untouched
but Ford says there are Recaro seats, a
new shift knob and an SS Tuning steering
wheel. The 1.6-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder
engine gets a cold air intake, a new
intercooler and a sports exhaust system.
The model also has a new downpipe and a
Stage 3 power package from COBB tuning.
The second model is the DSPORT Fiesta ST
and it is being billed as a track-ready model
that could produce more than 400bhp.
Ford lived up to its promise of introducing
eight modified Mustangs at SEMA.
the most eye-catching example is the
DRAGG Mustang which is being billed
as the sexiest police vehicle you will
see outside of Dubai. It featured a
black and white exterior, a carbon
fibre body kit and 20in Velgen VMB7

wheels shod with performance Nitto

Invo tyres. The model also has a custom
push bar, a police lighting package and
a police communications system. On the
performance front, the model has been
equipped with a Vortech Engineering
intercooler, an AIRAID intake and
Wilwood brakes. Theres also an Air Lift
performance suspension and BAMA
tuning by American Muscle. The Bisimoto
EcoBoost Mustang came with a custom
body kit, a coilover suspension and 19in
Fifteen52 Tarmac rims shod with Toyo
R888 tyres. The latters 2.3-litre EcoBoost
four-cylinder engine gets a Turbonetics
BTX7668 turbocharger, forged billet pistons,
a new camshaft, custom exhaust, upgraded
fuel injectors, new fuel rails and a MagnaFuel
750 fuel pump. Other highlights include a
Spearco intercooler and an Infinity 6 ECU.
Thanks to all these modifications, the engine
is tuned to produce 900bhp!

BMW
BMW presented a selection of distinctively sports-oriented
BMW M Performance Parts and the displayed included a
BMW M Performance modified BMW M4 Coup as well as
the first BMW M Performance Parts for the new BMW M2
Coup.

Hennessey
The 00-200km/h Bugatti Veyron beating Hennessey Venom
GT was already one of the fastest cars in the world when
introduced in 2011. Its powered by a GM-sourced 6.2-litre
bored out to 7.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine producing
1,200bhp and 1,155 lb-ft of torque. The producer of the nearly
8sec quicker than the Veyron announced at SEMA that the
GT has been upgraded to produce a whopping 1,451bhp.
Hennessey says the performance increase is a result of being
able to run E85 Flexfuel. This enables the boost pressure of
the engine to be increased from 19 psi to 26 psi.
Thanks to the extra power, Hennessey says the car should
be able to accelerate from 0-96km/h in 2.4secs, 0-160km/h
in 4.4secs and 0-320km/h in 12.8 secs. The company also
estimates the car will run the quarter mile in 9.4secs at
268km/h and have a top speed in excess of 450km/h.

Honda
Honda used SEMA this year to celebrate
their return to off-road racing by unveiling
the new Ridgeline Baja Race Truck. The
truck will compete in the tube-frame
unlimited Baja 1000 class. Honda says it
provides an early glimpse at the styling
direction for the all-new 2017 Honda
Ridgeline that will go on sale in the first
half of next year. Power is provided by a
twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine developed
by Honda Performance Development. It
uses the same block, cylinder heads and
crankshaft as the engine that will power
the 2017 Ridgeline but in this application it
develops more than 550bhp.
Honda also showcased some tuning ideas
for their new HR-V with help from tuners
like Bisimoto Engineering, MAD Industries,
Tjin Edition and Fox Marketing. The 2016
Pilot Elite Concept Black Edition was
presented with production and concept
components from Honda Genuine
Accessories.

DEC 2015

43

Hyundai
Hyundai rolled in to SEMA this year with
three custom creations based on the
Tucson crossover, two on the Genesis
Coupe and one on the Veloster. The
Tucson SUVs were treated by names like
Bisimoto, John Pangilinan and Rockstar
Performance Garage. The Bisimoto flex
fuel Tuscon got a high-boost turbocharger
helping it cross to the north of 700hp. The
Pangilinan JP Edition Tuscon was more
practical as an off-road adventure machine
with a pop-up tent and a lifted suspension.
And Rockstar went with a Baja-style offroad competition approach with a massive
6in lift kit and 32in tyres.
The Genesis Coupes were treated by
ARK Performance and another by TJIN.
The Solus edition by ARK focused on
performance and luxury with a wide body
kit, carbon-fibre trim and a supercharged
V6 with over 500hp. The TJIN edition
was also supercharged to produce more
than 500hp. It also came with a freeflowing exhaust, intercooler, blow-off
valve besides KW coilover suspension
and custom body kit. The Veloster Turbo
R-Spec was prepared by Blood Type
Racing with a boosted 500hp plus engine,
custom paint job and carbon-fibre widehpbody kit.

Nissan
Nissan and Cummins are keen to push a
5.0-litre V8 diesel-powered Titan XD for a
land-speed record. Project Triple Nickel
is a working collaboration between
Cummins and Nissan North America.
Modification began on the 2016 TITAN XD
a few weeks ago, and thus far it features
a special lowered suspension, salt-flat
style disc wheel covers, Mickey Thompson
tires, an Ultra Shield seat, a Stroud Safety
parachute, a custom-fabricated front
air dam and bed covers and a custom,
brushed nickel-colored wrap. Additional
modifications including a roll cage,
additional safety equipment and more
will be added within the next few months
as the truck is developed with an eye
toward setting new class speed records.
Nissan also showcased some of its
Nismo concepts. The GT-R NISMO N
Attack came with a host of aerodynamic
add-ons including a huge rear wing and
comprehensively redesigned suspension
system. The N Attack package is installed
directly at the NISMO Omori Factory in
Japan.

44

DEC 2015

Kia

Kia began its SEMA campaign well ahead

of the show with several teasers. On the
ground, the South Korean brand came
with six concepts. The Kia Optima A1A
concept is just one in a series of regional
specials that the Korean automaker
showcased as a four-door open-air bodystyled convertible. The car was outfitted
with suicide rear doors and 20in on a
lowered suspension set-up. The car uses
a turbo charged 245hp four-cylinder
stock engine, but is fitted with a highperformance exhaust.
The Cerato/Forte Koup Mud Bogger
concept has been designed to represent

the adventurous American South and

the inexplicable joy of getting dirty on
four wheels. The one-off model came
with a 4in lift as well and matching the
changes were 28in off-road tyres, revised
side skirts, flared wheel arches, a rugged
front bumper and LED auxiliary lights. Kia
said the model had a stripped out cabin
with two Sparco Evo II Red race seats and
roll cage. The carpeting has also been
removed and replaced by a special Line-X
protective coating.
The one-off bright green Kia PacWest
Adventure Sorento concept was inspired
by the lush forests of the region. The

crossover came with a rugged front

bumper, skid plates and a custom off-road
suspension kit. Other notable changes
include auxiliary LED bars, a snorkel, a
black mesh grille and a roof rack.
Minivans usually arent given much
thought by the tuners, but Kia attempted
to change that perception by introducing
the Photo Safari Sedona concept created
by LGE-CTS Motorsports which drew
inspiration from lush green foliage
found in the north eastern parts of US.
The uniquely styled minivan has been
transformed into a two-passenger imagecapturing machine.

DEC 2015

45

Lexus
For this years presentation, Lexus teamed up with
Gordon Ting and Beyond Marketing to create two
customized models. The Burnt Orange coloured
GS F came with an aerodynamic carbon fibre body
kit that included a front splitter, extended side
skirts and rear spoiler. The model also sported
Advan Racing GT wheels with Falken Azenis FK453
tyres. On the performance front, theres Brembo
brake package and an Advanced Flow Engineering
Takeda retain intake. The model also has a Tein
street advance damper kit and a GReddy Supreme
SP exhaust system.
The RC F also in a similar coloured wrap went in a
slightly different direction. It featured a widebody
kit, a front splitter and a rear wing. The car also
had Brembo brakes, a KW coilover suspension
and 20in Rays Engineering Volk Racing TE-37
wheels shod with Bridgestone Potenza tyres.
Sparco racing seats, a six-point roll cage, a GReddy
Supreme SP exhaust system and an Advanced
Flow Engineering Takeda retain intake wrapped up
the rest of the packaging.
Rounding out the Lexus stand were turbo-fourcylinder versions of the RC coupe and the IS sedan.
The RC200t, in Cosmic Blue, was customized with
Stance 20in wheels, a lowered suspension, and
an aftermarket exhaust. The IS200t came with
a carbon fibre aero kit, 20in Vossen wheels and
a lowered suspension. Lexus also showed off its
competition RC F GT3 racer.

Mazda
Mazda presented two design concepts
based on its all-new MX-5 -- a Spyder and
a Speedster. Designers took inspiration
from vintage roadsters and both concepts
take the MX-5s lightweight fun-to-drive
roadster factor a step further. This has
been done by reducing even more weight.
The Spyder featured a bikini top, carbon
fibre aero kit, grille intake, lightweight
17inYokohama ADVAN Racing RS II wheels
and natural full-grain leather interior.
The Speedster pared the roadster back
to the bare essentials. The windscreen is
replaced by a deflector. Mazda took its
weight-cutting passion to extremes with
for example carbon fibre doors and seats
as well as custom 16in ultra-light wheels.
The Speedster tips the scales at only
943kg, and is also 30mm lower than the
production MX-5.

46

DEC 2015

Toyota

Toyotas portfolio was quite interesting

with 14 new vehicles at this years event.
Each one of them was unique and had an
interesting story to tell. Some bona fide
racing machinery was also visible at their
stand and included the Camry that driver
Carl Edwards participates in the NASCAR
Sprint Cup and Ryan Millens Rally America
RAV4 SUV.
However, the Ultimate Utility Vehicle
[UUV] was by far one of the coolest
vehicles of the 2015 SEMA Show. Toyota
built the UUV on a stock Sienna chassis
and while keeping the looks intact,
reengineered the rest with a specific job
description in mind. It was designed for
Toyotas Ever-Better Expedition which
was part of the brands Five Continents
Driving Project which sent engineers
on grueling road trips to push Toyota
vehicles to the limits and engage with
customers along the way. The UUVs
role is to provide a place for engineers
to monitor vehicle data from all nine
vehicles on the expedition, record video of
vehicle performance during both day and
night stretches, and communicate with

Toyota HQ via Skype. The captains chairs

in back provide access to a high-tech
logistics system that goes way beyond the
typical in-vehicle telematics hardware. It
includes a 60-in Sony LED TV, TracVision
mobile satellite television receiver, mobile
Internet, laptop trays, Wi-Fi, 17-in monitor,
USB ports, 2,500-watt JBL audio system,
and Flir M-324xp night vision camera
system with HD recording.
The Tundrasine concept with side steps
and eight different doors was described as
a stretch limo that stretches the limits of
what a full-size pick-up can become. The
concept was based on the Tundra 1794
Edition CrewMax model and features a
stretched by 90in wheelbase. The cabin
used inspiration from private jets and
featured leather seats, wood trim and
contrast stitching. The concept also had
individual rear seats.
Toyota also introduced TRD versions of
its Camry and Corolla. The TRD kit for
the Corolla included a sporty body kit
comprised of a front lip spoiler, revised
side skirts and a rear diffuser. Other
highlights included a cat-back exhaust

system, lowering springs and 19in wheels.

Meanwhile, the Camry featured a body kit
that included a front lip spoiler, extended
side skirts and a new rear diffuser. The
model also had TRD lowering springs
which reduced the ride height by 1in up
front and 1.5 inches out back. Rounding
out the exterior changes are 21-in alloy
wheels.
Other collaborative efforts included a
concept by Toyota and the Funrise Toy
Corporation. The two partners teamed
up to create the Tonka 4Runner concept.
Designed to be the ultimate plaything,
the heavily modified model has a matte
black and yellow exterior with Tonka
badging. The concept also featured
rugged bumpers, side steps, a ladder and a
custom roof rack which can accommodate
a tent. The truck was outfitted with 20in
Ultra Motorsports Type 250 Colossus
wheels with Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ
3815.50R20LT off-road tyres. The concept
can ride high, thanks to its ten inch lift kit
and new suspension components.

DEC 2015

47

2016 Nissan Patrol Desert Edition

48

DEC 2015

Nissan Middle East takes its Gen VI Patrol full-sized

SUV into a new benchmark territory with the specially
created Desert Edition. Automan was invited to explore
its enhanced capabilities in UAEs famous off-roading Liwa
region
Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Charles Varghese and author

DEC 2015

49

he current Nissan Patrol [Y62]

doing the rounds in the Middle
East was introduced as an all-new
Gen VI model in the first quarter of 2010.
The large SUV is offered in four different
levels of trim in the Middle East: XE, SE,
LE, and City Package. Common to all is
the VK56VD Series 5.6-litre V8 that offers
400hp and 560Nm of torque when mated
to a seven-speed automatic transmission.
The engine is pretty modern and comes
with VVEL Variable Valve Event and
Lift and direct injection. As a capable
off-roader its variable 44 mode package
allows switching between four drive
modes: sand, on-road, rock and snow,
with the flick of a switch. And upper
trims feature Hydraulic Body Motion
Control System system which Nissan
invented and implemented as a handling
enhancer. It uses two hydraulic systems
connected by cross-link hydraulic pipes
to the 4-wheel independent suspensions
hydraulic cylinders absorb road bumps and
help reduce body lean when cornering.
This helps minimize fluctuation of view
of those on board and provides a more
comfortable ride. Unlike other similar
systems, this does not need a power
source, so there is no trade-off with
50

DEC 2015

fuel economy. Besides these features

and the regular trim models, Nissan has
been keeping the Patrol newsworthy.
In 2014, the Patrol received a significant
facelift with revised tail lamps and built-in
LED head lamps. A new tan interior was
added and new sets of wheels. A year
later Nissan also introduced a limited-run
Patrol Black Special Edition which had a
limited production run of 200 units. These
versions were offered with two outputs
[320hp and 400hpV8 engine] several
enhancements such as red seats, chrome
detailing and a black matte exterior paint
scheme. Also available are an electroniclocking rear differential, hill start and hill
descent control, as well as lane-departure
warning, automatic braking and stability
control.
This year Nissan also gave a further
indication of what it could do with the
Patrol by rolling out two new variants with
specific job descriptions. The first one to
be showed was the Nismo edition which
receives a performance enhancement
treatment from this specialist agency.
Till now, the Nismo full-on treatment has
been mostly reserved for top end cars
like the GT-R or 370Z and also available
for smaller cars, but never on a SUV. As a

result, the Patrol becomes a standalone

model to benefit from Nismo and instead
of taking an off-road or luxury approach,
the Patrol Nismo version is focused for out
and out on-road performance. As a result,
the 5.6-litre V8 engine has been tuned by
Nissans Takumi craftsmen up from 400hp
to 428hp and its suspension has been
firmed up with Bilstein shocks. This version
rides on 22in alloys from Rays. The power
steering system has tuned by Nismo for
sportier handling. The bodywork has been
upgraded for an aggressive look and zero
aerodynamic lift. And the interior has
been refitted to make it a more suitable
environment from which to command the
added performance capabilities.
So, this is good for those who would like
to stay on-road, but what about the other
half who are keen to go off-roading in their
Patrols? Two answer this specific need,
Nissan has taken an interesting route.
They invited Dr Mohamed Ben Sulayem
to work out a desert capability edition for
enthusiasts who could not only get a stock
version kitted officially without the hassles
of going to aftermarket suppliers where
warranties become an issue if something
goes wrong. After rigorous field testing
of over 4,200km in the sands in the

region, the production version was world

premiered at the Dubai motor show last
month. The Desert Edition as it is badged
officially is based on the stock Patrol LE
variant which was specifically chosson as
the donor model since it comes with the
hydraulic motoion sensor set-up. It comes
with an unchanged 400hp and 560Nm of
torque producing 5.6-litre V8 when mated
to a 7-speed automatic transmission with
a manual mode and low-range gearing.
The key changes are in its suspension
and related kit relevant to off-roading
duties without compromising the onroad comfort usually associated with this
trim. The suspension receives a new set
of springs to help lift the vehicle about
an inch and high performance Germanbuilt nitrogen shock absorbers are used
instead of the stock ones. To protect the
under belly, special skid plates have been
provided both front and back. Special
wheel arch kit has been added. The most
important change is in the wheel set-up
where the conventional rims [which are
prone to having tyres coming off when
driven in low pressure] are now equipped
with bead-lock type of rims. Convenience
featurs include an on-board tyre inflator/
compressor snugly fitted in the rear of

D-pillar which is powerful enough to

handle the requirements of two wheels
simultaneously. Off-road accessories
include roof rails, sand ramps, laser shades
and a kinetic rope. A flag is also available
and the car can also be identified its
special Desert Edition and MBS badges.
Also standard are cloth upholstery, a
navigation system, and forward-facing and
reversing cameras. Interestingly, theres
a modest increase of just 30kg due to the
additional kit and most of this is attributed
to the bead lock rims.
Driving impressions
To demonstrate the cars core off-road
competencies, Automan was invited to
take the car out to the desert in Liwa
region of UAE. With tyres deflated to
around 18PSI, we took rounds in doing so.
On the sand flats, the car can be driven
normally in D mode. Theres plenty of
torque always available. When the dune
drive became technically tough, all we
had to do was to dial in the sand mode
and keep the car in 4High settings. For
most of the drive we kept the all-wheeldrive system set at Auto. The Patrols
all-mode 4WD system has Auto, 4H and
4L modes and in Auto, up to 50 percent
of the engine torque goes to the front

wheels when needed for traction. The

torque delivery and largely muted roar of
the V8 are recognizably Nissan. Although,
the drive was more about the cars offroad capabilities, we cannot help also
appreciating the powertrain hardware
and the way it has been set-up. The VVEL
system combines hydraulic-controlled
variable valve timing and electronicallycontrolled variable valve lift on the
intake side, to help improve performance
and response. Throttle response is
enhanced by directly controlling the
intake valve. VVEL also offers improved
emissions and fuel efficiency by reducing
intake resistance. The direct-injection
system provides better wide-open
throttle performance and improved
fuel economy/emissions, by improving
combustion stability and offering more
precise injection control. As a result of
all these, the car is very smooth and one
can virtually glide over the dunes even in
third gear! For the serious dune bashers,
we also recalled our experiences with
the recently tested [also in this issue]
facelifted Toyota Land Cruiser. The torque
delivery in the Patrol is far superior than
that of the Toyota which ensures the
Patrol not only remains stress-free, but is
DEC 2015

51

52

DEC 2015

also capable of handling bigger off-road

jobs with ease. We are also aware that
the Patrol has a rigid frame with thick side
rails and independent suspension. The ride
quality of the Desert edition is firm but
always comfortable despite the absence
of the Hydraulic Body Motion Control
system. Even on road, the Desert Edition
is as easy and pleasant to drive as a car, as
long as you pay attention to the corners
that are way out there. Despite its size, it
feels confident than many sedans. Despite

the modest height and weight increase,

the handling is secure and stable.
Verdict
A new dimension for stock Patrol users
await in the Desert edition which has
been conceived and produced locally
using high tech and precision hardware
sourced from Germany. Nissan claims
that such a kit in the aftermarket would
cost around AED50,000 without warranty
and aftermarket kits can also void the

manufacturers warranty on the car. The

best part is that Nissan is also offering
warranty on the keenly priced kit/package
and the standard manufacturers warranty
that comes with the car also remains
unaffected. The retail price of he Nissan
Patrol Desert LE Edition in the UAE is
around AED255,000. As of now there
are no formal plans to offer this kit to LE
owners and it cannot be used with Patrols
fitted with the Hydraulic Body Motion
Control System.

DEC 2015

53

2016 Toyota Land Cruiser

ts no secret that Toyotas Land

Cruiser is among its top selling
models in the region and the current
model is known as the J200. The model
also resides in what has become a very
active segment where rivals off late
have been creating interesting variants
dedicated specifically to on- or off-road
performance by either involving in-house
tuner-cum-performance set-ups or using
approved aftermarket components.
In this respect, Toyotas approach
has been somewhat different, rather
54

DEC 2015

conservative. However, this is not to

suggest that Toyota hasnt tried this
approach before. An extreme version of
the Land Cruiser was created a few years
ago, but the exercise meant that the car
became a niche model. But, to ensure
that the volumes were met and that the
Land Cruiser still remained within reach
of its customers, Toyota did what it is
best at: repackage the content and make
it more contemporary and mainstream.
And this ploy has worked quite well for
the brand.

For the 2013 model year, as part of

the content enrichment process,
Toyota ensured that all previously
optional safety and luxury options
were incorporated as standard kit. The
exercise saw quite few changes and
upgrades like pushbutton start, HID
headlamps with beam level adjustment,
a power moonroof, automatic rain
sensing windshield wipers, heated and
ventilated(perforated leather) front
and only heated rear seats, a rear-seat
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rearview camera with parking sensors,

navigation system among others.
The most important piece of hardware
was the introduction of a driver
selectable Multi-terrain system which
helps control wheelspin and brake
lockup giving the selectable choices of:
Rock, Rock & Dirt, Mogul, Loose Rock,
and Mud & Sand. Along with the Multiterrain Select system also came the
adaptive Anti-lock Braking system which
uses sensors to help the car adapt to the
condition of the road like mud or sand

phy: Elvis

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and efficiently uses the ABS to reduce

braking distance on any type of terrain.
By now it became obvious that such
an upgrade also touched on the Land
Cruisers styling in the same year. As
a result, there were some revisions
made to the imposing grille, headlamps,
taillamps, exterior moldings and mirrors.
Toyota designers ensured that the
stylistic changes and detailing were
relatively subtle.
There were no further changes for 2014,
but for MY2016, Toyota decided to up its

game with this model. The Land Cruiser

use body-on-frame type of architecture
and its sheet metal has been redesigned
from the A-pillar forward and this gives
it a whole new look. Its body structure
makes extensive use of high-strength
steel, especially in the A-, B-, C- and
D-pillars and rocker area. Also the
bumper, grille, projector-beam LED low
and high beam headlamps, headlight
cleaners are detailed with integrated
Land Cruiser logos. These now
contribute to the new design signature.
DEC 2015

55

The cars bonnet is highlighted with

distinctive power bulges.
The makeover also continues to the rear
as well where it shows a new signature
styling and detailing involving features
like newly designed taillamps with lighttube design and LED brake lights. A new
full-width chrome molding and a new
bumper is also part of the kit and once
again, theres branding on chrome body
side molding now embossed with the
Land Cruiser logo. The 18in alloys are
also new.
In terms of accommodation, theres no
change which means that it will continue
to serve as a fully equipped car with
proper seating for eight adults. For 2016,
new semi-aniline perforated leather is
offered in black or new Terra (brown).
The black interior and Terra interiors
are accented by real wood trim. The
high-quality trim materials complement
a central console, which has also been
redesigned to accommodate a tablet
styled multimedia touchscreen system. It
blends nicely with the intuitive controls.
Since it is a genuine eight seater, the
comfort requirements are also befitting
with four-zone automatic climate control
system controlled by 7-level blower
56

DEC 2015

In day-to-day driving,
the Land Cruiser feels
and behaves just
like any other wellappointed full-size SUV.
Its premium ride quality
is achieved by use of
coil-over spring-andshock combinations in
the front, and a fourlink/coil spring setup in
the rear. There is a fair
amount of travel at the
rear, which translates
into decent ride quality
for passengers closer
to the rear axle

control that circulates heated or cooled

air via 28 air vents located throughout
the cabin!
Driver gets familiar Optitron gauges, a
digital information centre between the
speedo and tachometers. The centre
console, which was redesigned for
2016, integrates a cooler box, USB port
and cup holders. The Multi-Information
Display also monitors parking assist,
steering wheel angle, Multi-Terrain
Select including Crawl Control, Dynamic
Cruise Control adjustment information,
TSS P pre-collision warning alarm
adjustment, Lane Departure Alert and
even sway warning when towing.
Space management is top class in this
car. The seats split 40:20:20 and also
have recline feature. A one-touch tumble
mechanism makes it easy for passengers
to enter and exit the third row. To
maximize room for either passengers
or cargo, the middle row seats also
slide forward and aft 4.1in. The third
row splits 50:50 and with the middle
and third rows folded, the Land Cruiser
provides generous 81.7 cubic feet of
cargo space.
The powertrain set-up uses a carried
forward 381hp normally-aspirated

5.7-litre V8. New to the equation is

the brands first 8-speed automatic
transmission with ratios calibrated to
help enhance acceleration. The DOHC
engine features Variable Valve Timing
with intelligence (VVT-i) and produces
401 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm. The
engine produces 90per cent of peak
torque at just 2,200 rpm. Meanwhile,
the transmission also offers the driver
manual control via Tiptronic.
Although, the Land Cruiser is a large
vehicle, its suspension has been
specifically designed to optimize both
on and off-road performance. Key to
the suspension design and particularly
when it comes to off-road competence
is suspension articulation and its
management. The cars long wheel
travel is facilitated by some high-tech
hydraulic help. Hardcore off-road drivers
like to disconnect the suspension
stabilizer bars in order to increase wheel
articulation. In the Land Cruiser, such
work is taken care of by the cars Kinetic
Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS).
It uses hydraulics to adjust the lean
resistance provided by the stabilizer
bars, reducing it for off-road driving to
help minimize any tendency for wheel

lift. On road driving where stabilizer bar

function is beneficial for agility and safe
control, KDSS enables the bars work
conventionally to help reduce body lean
by as much as 50per cent. The system
operates without the need for complex
electronics. Meanwhile, a decent
ride height coupled with favourable
approach and departure angles of 30
and 20 respectively helps driver to be
confident during off-road sojourns.
The Land Cruisers full-time 4WD system
uses a TORSEN limited-slip locking
centre differential to distribute torque
40:60 front-to-rear. Should wheel
slippage occur, the differential can direct
more torque to the wheels with the best
grip. Active Traction control (A-TRAC)
employs both brake and throttle
intervention to help control wheel spin.
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), with a
cut-off switch, helps maintain directional
control during cornering.
On the safety front, the 2016 Toyota
Land Cruiser is the first in the models
history equipped with technology
designed to help prevent or mitigate
collisions and, under certain
circumstances, help protect pedestrians
in a collision. The new Toyota Safety

Sense-P system includes Frontal Collision

Avoidance, at speeds below 24 mph
(including pedestrian protection);
Frontal Collision Mitigation (also for
speeds below 24 mph); Lane Departure
Alert; Auto High Beams and Dynamic
Radar Cruise Control. Also included are
features like a new blind spot monitor
and rear cross traffic alert system. All
the new driver-assist systems come
standard and a reverse camera is also
now standard. Depending on trim, the
car features 10 airbags: driver and front
passenger Advanced Airbag System;
driver and front passenger knee airbags;
driver and front passenger seat-mounted
side airbags, second-row outboard seatmounted side airbags and three-row
roll-sensing side curtain airbags.
Driving impressions
Once inside the car, theres actually
little to complain about. It is no doubt
a brilliantly executed machine when it
comes to comfort or performance or
both. All occupants sit high, the front
occupants get commanding view and
besides these elements the strongest
point of this car is that it features
genuine all-terrain capability. With a
DEC 2015

57

brilliantly designed suspension that

enhances performance on irregular
terrain yet does not compromise
cornering or braking on paved roads,
one can enjoy an exceptionally secure,
comfortable SUV that can make extreme
use seem normal, thanks to the body-onframe construction which provides the
basis for rugged durability during hard
use off-road.
The cars rack-and-pinion steering setup,
feels light at low speeds, which aids in
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DEC 2015

maneuvering and parking. Because it is a

variable-ratio system, at higher speeds it
feels solid and progressive, not twitchy
in any sense, with a nice return-to-centre
tendency.
We are fully aware of the requirements
of a four-wheel drive vehicle and that
not all 4WD systems offered in the
market are equal. As off-road drivers
we know that a 2-speed transfer case
with low-range is a must for tackling
steep inclines and particularly difficult

trails. The Land Cruisers set-up does not

work alone as its Multi-terrain Select
system allows the driver to match wheel
slip control to the surface and driving
conditions. Multi-terrain Select allows
more-than-normal wheel slip in loose
terrain, such as mud and sand, to help
the Land Cruiser keep moving without
digging itself in.
The V8 is smooth and seems well paired
to the new transmission. Power delivery
is also smooth and not aggressive like

some of the cars rivals. Theres always

an air of pleasantness in the drive both
on and off-road. Land Cruiser also
features an enhanced Multi-Terrain
Monitor with selectable front, side or
rear views with near 360 visibility. Why
a Land Cruiser excels in rough terrain is
more fundamental. It is proportioned
with a wide track and very little body
overhang, so it can climb slopes up to 45,
sidehill up to 43 without rolling over, and
drive in and out of a 30 ditch with ease.

We also discovered two more interesting

systems that help us out on off-road
trails. The cars Downhill Assist Control
(DAC) can augment the low-range
ratios low-speed descending ability by
helping to hold the vehicle to a target
speed with minimal driver intervention.
And then you also have Hill-start Assist
Control (HAC) that helps prevent rollback when stopping and then starting
again on a steep incline or low traction
surfaces.

Verdict
Over the decades, the Land Cruiser has
evolved from a utilitarian go-anywhere
vehicle to a luxurious full-capability
SUV. Land Cruiser customers are among
the most loyal who are accustomed
to ultimate capability and luxury in a
thoroughly thought out package that
comes with Toyotas core values and
understated character. The new arrival
continues in that vein and adds more
substance.
DEC 2015

59

2016 Ssangyong Tivoli

An act to
follow
South Korean automaker Ssangyong has an interesting allnew recipe to tackle the ever-growing B-segment crossover
market which is named after an Italian town called the
Tivoli. Automan checks out the new arrival in Oman.
Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Elvis John Ferrao

60

DEC 2015

DEC 2015

61

sangyong is South Koreas oldest

carmaker but unlike the success
of domestic counterparts Hyundai
and Kia, it has remained much of its life
in shadows and mostly dependent on
bought out technologies. SsangYong has
been building cars since 1954, focusing on
heavy duty 4x4s and large people carriers
that while cheap and durable fell a long
way short of European standards in most
other areas. But all that is changing for
the brand as a global player, Ssangyong
does have aspirations and wants the break
out from its status as a minnow in the
business.
As of now, Ssangyong embarks on a new
chapter as a result of its new ownership.
India-based conglomerate Mahindra
owns the controlling rights of Ssangyong
since 2011 and very much like the fruitful
relationship between Tata Motors and
Jaguar Land Rover, Mahindra has given
the brand not only a new lease of life but
also the necessary encouragement for it to
move forward confidently.
The first all-new product that comes from
this association is the Tivoli crossover
which is Ssangyongs official candidate
that represents the brand in a fiercely
competitive and popular compact
B-segment crossover market. The idea
for a compact SUV from Ssanyong was
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DEC 2015

first indicated at Paris a few years ago

where the automaker showcased its XIV
Adventure and XIV Air concepts. The core
idea behind these two concepts was that
they combined the compactness and
agility of a supermini, with the high driving
position and fashionable rugged style of

The Tivoli is a small

SUV that competes
with crossover cars
like the Nissan Juke,
Peugeot 2008 and
Renault Captur. In
this class, the main
selling points are fuel
economy, ease of
driving and trendy SUV
styling
an SUV.
The Tivoli has been created specifically for
the European market and that is evidenced
in its name. The automaker have name
this new car after the Italian town Tivoli,

but its also i lov it spelled backwards.

In a way, the incoming Tivoli represents
a subtle shift in focus for SsangYong and
is also expected to shoulder a lot of the
burden as the brand moves forward. As
a result of this business objective, the
Tivoli starts life on an all-new in-house
developed platform and when compared
to, say, the MINI Countryman, it is a little
longer at 4,195mm versus 4,097mm),
wider at 1,795mm versus 1,789mm and
taller at 1,590mm versus 1561mm).
On the styling front, considering there
are quirky and weird looking models
infiltrating the segment, and not to forget
Ssangyongs past design language in
models like the Actyon, the new design
is contemporary and stays away from
controversy. By segment standards the
Tivoli is by no stretch of the imagination
an odd looking car nor does it exhibit a
striking standalone design. Actually, the
new car evolves the traditional Europeaninspired design language in an interesting
way with some neat detailing. Details that
immediately catch the eye include the
floating effect roof and the satin roof rails
in particular.
From three-quarter view, the Tivoli offers
a wide, purposeful stance. The A- and Bpillars are blacked-out to achieve that in
vogue floating roof effect and the C-pillar

is wide. Most of the cars sheet metal

blends flat surfaces with deep creases
that accentuate the haunches and bonnet.
At the front, a dark stripe connects the
LED headlamps and a slim grille below
produces a friendly appearance. At the
rear, the lines pinch together to form a
central plain and the light clusters curve
up into the rear wings. Panel gaps and fit
finish are at par with premium models and
while technically the Tivoli is the smallest
SangYong yet, its also intended to be the
first one discerning customers might buy
for emotional reasons as well as practical
ones.
The interior of the car is designed to

appear spacious, practical and cosy.

Meanwhile, the elevated hip points that
usually define the crossover class helps
make entry and exit a pretty effortless
affair. Theres a wide range of seat and
wheel adjustment, so getting comfortable
is easy. The combination of a high
waistline and a low-slung driving position
makes the Tivoli feel like a hatchback
from behind the wheel, rather than a
high-riding crossover.While, the front
seats are supportive, but the steering
wheel doesnt adjust for reach, meaning
some will struggle to find a comfortable
driving position and most of the time the
instruments are actually placed lower in

line of sight.
Driver gets instrumentation comprising
of analog speedometer and tachometer
and digital information centre. The various
information modes can be accessed
by the driver using the controls on the
multifunctional steering wheel.
Even as a supermini-sized car, a tall
six-footer can sit relatively comfortably
behind another adult of similar height. We
think, this one of the best cars in the class
for buyers intending to regularly use their
rear seats.
In terms of practicality, theres a 423l
boot space available that compares
favorably with the Nissan Juke at 354l or

DEC 2015

63

the Peugeot 2008 at 350l, but less so with

the Renault Captur at 455l. We liked the
simplicity in design and the ergonomics.
A special mention does go to the highresolution 7in multimedia touchscreen setup located in the dashboard and controls
which are sensibly laid out with big, easy
to prod buttons and a large dial for the
air-conditioning system. The only bit which
looks dated in the smaller orange backlit
LCD panel.
The six-speaker multimedia system
unusually features an HDMI socket so
that videos from a handheld device can
be played on the screen. Our tester came
with a sunroof and convenience feature
like cruise control.
We also noted that the cars cockpit is not
without unusual bits. The manual override
function for the transmission is there, but
these shifts are not executed through
tapping paddles or flicking a lever. Instead,
gear changes are executed through a
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DEC 2015

button on the gear shifter similar to that

found in certain Ford models these days.
The Tivolis engines [petrol and diesel]
have been specially developed by
SsangYongs parent company Mahindra
and are all new The Tivoli for our markets
is powered by a normally-aspirated
1.6-litre petrol unit which delivers 128bhp
at 6,000rpm and 160Nm of torque
at 4,600rpm. This engine is mated to
a 6-speed Aisin-supplied automatic
transmission which is also found in MINI.
With this set-up, the 0-100km/h for this
front wheel drive car comes up in 12.3secs.
This is because unlike rivals equipped
with smaller turbo charged units where
the mid-range boost plays a key role, the
Tivoli with its set-up has to live with a bit
of handicap when it comes to mid-range
performance.
Our test car wasnt equipped with
SsangYongs Smart Steer electronic power
steering system which offers Normal,

Comfort and Sport settings.

The Tivolis suspension features
McPherson strut up front and a Torsen
beam set-up at the rear. In some markets
where the AWD version is sold, the set-up
replaces the rear suspension with a more
advanced multi-link system.
In terms of safety, theres a lot of kit in this
car. Safety features include seven airbags,
ESP and a tyre pressure monitoring
system. Features like adaptive cruise
control or lane departure warning are not
available in this model.
Driving impressions
The drivers view upfront is clear, but the
rear can be constricted if you have adult
passengers at the rear due to the wide
C-pillar. However, this is not a deterrent
as one gets a nice overall view, thanks to
the enhanced ride height. It would be
unfair to expect a high-riding crossover to
deliver driving thrills of a typical sports-

focused SUV, but the Tivoli in that respect

is surprisingly engaging from behind
the wheel. Despite its size, it feels agile
and responds much more eagerly to the
steering than many of its rivals. Pace of
initial acceleration appears a bit sluggish
and we suspect the engine management is
programmed like that in view of emissions
and fuel consumption. Interestingly,
while the same automatic transmission
is also found in the MINI, in the Tivoli it
appears slow in upshifts, but when it does
it shifts very smoothly and this can be
considered a good option in urban driving
conditions. Once the engine revs over
2,500rpm, it seems to find its comfort
zone and from there onwards everything
appears as it should be. However, with
this set-up the Tivoli can feel a bit strained
or underpowered when driving up steep
inclines like the ones we encountered in
Amerat. The front end of the car appears a
bit heavy than others.

That the car has sound build quality comes

from the fact that we noted no rattles
or unwanted squeaks from the bolted
components in the cabin. As expected,
theres a bit more body roll noticed
than with a standard family hatchback.
The feel is no worse than what we have
experienced in the past with the Nissan
Juke and definitely it is less pronounced
than say the previous generation Kia
Sportage or Hyundai Tucson.
Overall, the car handles competently
with a flat cornering stance and decent
traction out of the bends, although grip
soon runs out at higher speeds. Low speed
maneuverability in urban runs is good,
with one of the tightest turning circles in
the class. And while the steering is a little
light, it delivers decent feedback. The best
part is that the Tivolis nimble handling
doesnt come at the expense of comfort.
Supple suspension means the crossover
soaks up bumps effectively, while the

interior in general is well insulated from

exterior wind and road noise. However,
the slightly stiff suspension setup can
cause the car to bounce a bit on rough
patches and the only performance related
niggle we would say is a slight waywardness
on the highways, which requires small
corrections with the steering wheel, but this
aspect can be expected in small cars when
travelling through high velocity crosswinds.
Meanwhile, braking performance appears
adequate, but the pads can appear grippy at
times.
Verdict
Consciously moving away from its more
utilitarian roots with the older generation
of SUVs, the smarter Tivoli attempts
to become a member of the trendy,
fashionable, high-riding family cars. The
Tivoli brings a versatile cabin, decent
driving qualities and generous kit for its
class.

DEC 2015

65

Optimising
the
Optima
Moderately evolved in terms of styling, Kia has focused more
in refining the new 2016 Optima sedan as it enters the market
worldwide as generation IV. Automan attended the regional ride and
drive event that was held in Oman last month.
Author: Chandan B Mallik

66

DEC 2015

DEC 2015

67

ime flies and in the motoring

industry it seems to move even
faster when it comes to new model
introductions. Just five years ago Kia
Motors debuted the re-designed Optima
at the New York International Auto
Show and confidently introduced what
it considered a game-changing midsize
sedan product. Yes, we are referring to the
Gen III all-new Optima sedan that was one
of the key models that has help catalyzed
the brands design-led transformation
under the tutelage of Peter Schreyer.
With a benchmark set for the model,
the Gen III Optima has done extremely
well on at least two accounts. First it has
brought in a whiff of fresh air in a metoo and not so ambitious when it comes
to styling segment and secondly, it has
given the brand a great image boost and
talking point. In fact, brand engagement
is a big consideration when it comes to
selling a car, and the Optima seemed well
cut for the job. And the job of preparing
a successor also therefore becomes both
easy and tough!
Easy, because a certain benchmark and
acceptance has been created. Tough
because, there are two routes two be
considered revolutionise the product or
evolve it to the next level. In this respect,
Kia has played it safe by not going in
for a radical transformation, but rather

68

DEC 2015

a smooth transition to a newer profile

that stays very much connected to the
outgoing edition. However, this is not to
suggest that Kia went into a cost-cutting
mode and kept a minimalist approach like
many others.
Once again, the incoming Gen IV Optima
has been conceived under the watchful
eye of Kias president and chief design
officer, Peter Schreyer. Schreyers
design team has attempted to keep the
car modern and fresh. And to do this,
designers have blended nicely sweeping
contemporary surfaces and hints from
modern architecture inspired the design

Interior space has also

grown in every area
from headroom to
legroom and shoulderroom and the cargo
space has lifted by five
litres to 510 litres with
the rear backrests in
place, matching the
capacity of the Sonata.

of the all-new Optima, revealing a

sophisticated standalone personality,
stance and profile. From a marketing
perspective, this is extremely significant
considering the segment also has
seasoned rivals like the Nissan Altima,
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion
and the Chevrolet Malibu.
While it is clear that at first glance that the
cars design and styling has evolved and
the outgoing models pleasant coupeinspired profile has largely been retained.
Front and rear styling touches are modest
and are aimed to give the car an upmarket
look and feel.
However, there is a comprehensive suite
of engineering changes under the sheet
metal. The car now rides on a chassis
that is longer, wider and has been made
stiffer in its constructing by using various
grades of steel which not only increase the
structural stiffness but also contribute in
enhancing the cars performance. How is
that possible? According to Kia, 50percent
of the body is now made up of Advanced
High Strength Steel (AHSS) which
representing an increase of 150percent
increase over that of the previous car
where only 20percent was used. Theres
also 450percent increase in the amount of
structural adhesive used. The result is that
torsional rigidity has been improved by
50percent over the model that it replaces,

while the body shell is also 8.6 kg lighter.

The higher-strength steel alloys have been
applied to reinforce the A and B-pillars,
side sills, roof, floor, front wheel arches
and rear bulkhead, boosting the all-round
structural integrity of the body.
In a matter of other significant changes,
the Gen IV Optima is 10mm longer, 25mm
wider, 10mm higher and offers a 10mmlonger wheelbase than its predecessor,
but maintains the same front and rear
overhang.
Quite a few of the styling cues comes
from models that sit above, notably the
Cadenza and K900. The grille is inspired
by the K900 luxury sedan. The new GT
variant gets its own styling kit and key
differentiating features include a bolder,
more aggressive front bumper design;
black high gloss side sills; a subtle rear air
diffuser with integrated dual tailpipes and
special GT badging. The car rides on alloy
wheels ranging from 16 to 18in with three
new unique 18in wheel designs, depending
on trim level.
Compared to the work done for the
exterior if felt to be modest, then
theres relief and bundles of evidence
of more attention been paid out here.
The front seat designs have improved
due to optimise use of space. With the
10 mm growth in the wheelbase of the
all-new Optima, and reshaped seats,

With products like the

all-new 2016 Optima,
Kia has communicated
very clearly of where
the brand is heading
and its aspirations are
supported through
continuous refinement
and obsessive
attention to detail.
rear passengers now enjoy 25mm more
legroom than before. The wider body
now offers more shoulder room for all
passengers [20 mm and 17 mm extra
in front and rear], while the longer,
higher roof results in greater headroom
throughout the cabin [+5 mm and +15 mm
front and rear].
Seating comfort is quite nice, courtesy
of a new seat design with longer lower
cushions and greater side support.
The door pads are flatter and help give
appearance of more cabin space. Compare
to the comfort levels up front, the rear
seats arent as luxurious or pampering,

but for the segment, are comfortable.

Due to the sloping roof line, theres been
an attempt to reengineer the kit in terms
of occupant usage in mind and one does
notice that the base cushions are shorter,
flatter and set low.
We also noted that trim materials,
buttons, and switchgear are markedly
improved and appear to be less
segmented than before and the front end
of the dashboard layout is lesser oriented
towards the driver than before for better
ergonomics and access to controls. The
Optima is now among the first models to
offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and
theres a wireless charging pad for mobile
phones. The GT models get bespoke kit
like unique-to-GT sports seats wrapped
in black leather with red stitching, or red
leather with dark gray stitching, and the
GT logo stitched into the seat backs.
Depending on markets, Kia offers the
incoming Optima with a choice of several
engines ranging from a new 1.6- and two
2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and
normally-aspirated 2.4-litre four-cylinder.
The largest displacement engine produces
185hp and 178 pound-feet of torque. The
2.0-litre turbo is sporty and produces
245hp and 260 pound-feet. A 6-speed
automatic transmission is standard and
a powertrain switch offers choice of Eco,
Normal, and Sport settings. The 2.0-litre

DEC 2015

69

turbo charged version is marketed as the

GT edition.
To improve the ride quality of the car,
besides a slightly longer wheelbase,
the suspension has been retuned as
the mounts in the front section of the
suspension have been moved forward.
Suspension up front is based on H-type
sub-frame for better isolation while at
the rear it is a multi-link set-up with a dual
lower arm.
On the safety front, while official
ratings for the new car are available,
Kia executives, during the product
presentation mentioned that their
engineers have targeted the highest
possible global safety ratings throughout
the Optimas development programme,
including five-star Euro NCAP and US
NHTSA safety ratings, as well as Top Safety
Pick Plus status from the USAs IIHS.
Meanwhile, Kias Vehicle Stability
Management (VSM) is fitted as standard,
ensuring stability under braking and
cornering by controlling the cars
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and
electric motor-driven power steering if it
detects a loss of traction. Safety features
on all models include seat-mounted
airbags, drivers knee airbag, rear view
camera. Rear parking sensors, blind-spot
detection and rear cross-traffic alert are
70

DEC 2015

optional depending on market. Higher

spec models can be had with features like
autonomous emergency braking, front
collision and lane departure warnings, and
surround-view monitor.

Both engines are

mated to a sixspeed automatic
transmission with
Sportmatic shifting
while the SX and SXL
trims add paddle
shifters. Both engines
have been retuned
for fuel economy and
better performance
and drivability with
maximum torque now
available at a lower
RPM.

Driving impressions
As the regional drive was organized in
Muscat and the driving exercise began
from the Bar Al Jissah resort, within a few
kilometers of driving, what the car wants
to communicate to its occupants and
driver becomes clearer. As a progressive
and forward thinking automaker, Kia
strongly believes in taking big leaps with
each new-generation model. The tangible
improvements between the outgoing and
incoming model is clearer and also how it
fares when compared to key rivals. In this
respect, when compared to rival sedans in
general, the incoming Optima now feels
much more responsive and nimble at the
same time.
Acceleration pace is good and torque and
power delivery is smooth. The six-speed
automatic transmission is a paired well and
offers faultless gear changes at any speed
while up or down shifting and holding
them for as long as they are required.
The cars ride quality has improved
considerably as a result of relocating the
suspension mounting points outward. Gen
IIIs too-soft suspension compromised
control, the car had lots of body roll
tendencies, it would wallow dynamically
over bumps, and a somewhat felt floaty
at highway speed. All that is gone now,
thanks to the changes in suspension

set-up, its state of tune and the benefits

associated with a stiffer body. The car is
also much quieter, thanks in part to the
NVH management and also improvements
in drag coefficient. With drag reduced
from 0.358 Cd to 0.353 Cd, this Gen IV
is the most aerodynamic Optima to be
produced till date.
In terms of ride quality, it feels more
compliant over mild bumps, as well as less
bouncy over potholes or rough patches.
While the overall performance will not
be considered out and out like a sports

car, it can confidently claim to offer an

appealing ride without compromising on
handling too much. And when compared
to European models like the Volkswagen
Passat for instance, the Optima sits pretty
flat through corners and even performs
much better than the German when
tackling some of the sharper corners we
went through. Steering feel is neutral but
connected with decent feedback.
Verdict
With the new arrival, Kia seems to have

its agenda quite clear. The carmaker has

smoothened out most of the former
niggle areas for this fourth-gen model,
including ride and handling, NVH levels
and, most importantly, its dynamic ability.
We are sure the new Gen III Optima will
become an instant hit with consumers
looking for a fresh alternative to an
otherwise staid segment. The Gen II
Optima has been KMAs top-selling vehicle
for three consecutive years, and the
all-new model has all that is needed to
continue that success.

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DEC 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

Nissan Patrol Desert Edition

Toyota Land Cruiser

Large SUV

Large SUV

Ssangyong Tivoli

MINI Cooper 5-Door

Hot Hatch

Hot Hatch

Kia Optima
Mid-size

DEC 2015

73

74

DEC 2015

Ferrari 488 GTB

Jaguar XE/XE-S

Sports Car

Premium Car

Chrysler 300 S

Audi A8L

Large Car

Luxury Car

Ford Explorer

Volkswagen Scirocco R

Mid-size SUV

Performance Car

Audi Q7

Jeep Renegade

Premium SUV

Small SUV

Lexus NX 200t

Hyundai Creta

Premium SUV

Small SUV

Audi RS7

Infiniti Q50 t

Performance Car

Premium Car

Subaru Legacy

Toyota Camry

Mid-size Car

Large Car

Suzuki S-Cross

Nissan Maxima

Small Car

Large Car

Lexus IS t

Honda Pilot

Premium Car

Mid-size SUV

Mitsubishi Outlander
Mid-size SUV

DEC 2015

75

F1

2016 Abu Dhabi race report

Hat trick
for Rosberg

Nico Rosberg won a third consecutive Grand Prix for the first time in his career in
Abu Dhabi his sixth victory of 2015 to end his season in style to defeat his World
Champion teammate Lewis Hamilton once again.

t wasnt what Lewis

Hamilton would have
wanted for his year ending
race. Hamilton was crowned
2015 Formula 1 Champion for a
third time in the pit lane at Yas
Marina Circuit and was hoping
to make today his 44th win in
his number 44 Mercedes just
before the UAE celebrated its
44th National Day. But despite
best working conditions and
perfect weather, Hamilton was
out paced by team mate Nico
Rosberg who kept increasing
the lead in each lap for 55 laps.
Hamilton had to settle with
second place on the podium,
with Kimi Raikonnen placed
third.
Rosberg led from the start,
and controlled the race from
the front. Hamiltons main
challenge came when he
extended his second stint,
but he was unable to find the
requisite pace on his final set
of soft tyres the team having
76

DEC 2015

decided against him gambling

on supersofts. Rosberg won by
8.2s. Ferraris Kimi Raikkonen
charged up from 15th on the
grid, and used superior pace on
the supersoft in his final stint to
seal his position.
From the final grid of the
season, poleman Rosberg
made a great getaway so
Hamilton had to defend from
Raikkonen and a quick-starting
Sergio Perez (Force India).
The second Force India of Nico
Hulkenberg got up to fifth from
Daniel Ricciardos Red Bull and
then a huge battle behind in
which Daniil Kvyat (Red Bull)
and Carlos Sainz (Toro Rosso)
touched exiting Turn 6.
Vettel clipped Max Verstappens
STR at high speed on the
opening lap, after Verstappen
had brushed wheels with Kvyat
just a few corners earlier. Vettel
ended the first lap in 12th,
already 10s off the lead. Massa
passed Sainz for seventh at Turn

8 for seventh on lap three, while

Kvyat and Bottas swapped
ninth through the DRS zones.
Ricciardo passed Hulkenberg
for fifth on lap six, with a neat
outbraking move before they
both pitted to switch to softs.
Hulkenberg only just rejoined
ahead of Massa, but well behind
Ricciardo. Massa was ninth,
ahead of Kvyat. Rosberg set
fastest lap on the seventh tour
after reporting Im pushing
the tyres a bit more now and
pulled 4.7s clear of Hamilton
before he pitted at the end
of lap nine, the same tour as
Raikkonen.
Vettel, who was running a long
first stint on the soft tyre from
his lowly grid position, was
briefly promoted to second
when Hamilton pitted on lap 10.
Hamilton retook second from
Vettel with a routine pass with
DRS on lap 14. By this stage
was 7s behind Rosberg, which
Hamilton reduced to under 5s

by lap 22, then halved it again

over the next three laps.
Hamiltons engineer suggested
that Rosberg was suffering from
right-front graining, the gap
closing to 1.3s before Rosberg
stopped again at the end of
lap 31. Hamilton responded
with a fastest first sector, as
he attempted to overcut his
teammate by staying out for
longer. Were going to try and
extend this stint, his engineer
confirmed.
Rosbergs engineer asked
him to pick the pace up and
close up to Lewis, to be in
a better position to defend
if Hamilton switched to the
faster supersofts for his final
stint. Rosberg slashed into the
18s post-pitstop gap, getting it
down to under 10s with 15 laps
to go. Hamilton then considered
taking his softs until the end
of the race, but the idea was
rubbished on his pitwall, and
Hamilton pitted for another

set of new softs. He rejoined 12s in

arrears, and needed to find a second a
lap to win the race.
Rosbergs lead continued to dwindle
as the laps unwound, with Hamilton
lapping up to 1.7s per lap faster. He was
told flat out until the end but couldnt
quite produce the times he needed, and
finished over 8s in arrears.
On far fresher softs, Raikkonen
caught Vettel, who let him through
following a team order on lap 16.
Vettel pitted for his first stop on
lap 24, dropping to sixth. Grosjean
pitted on the same lap as Vettel, and
rejoined in a fight with McLarens
Jenson Button for 11th.
Ricciardo attempted to undercut
Perez at the second pitstops, but
Perez stayed a second clear in their
battle for fifth and then set the fastest
lap of the race overall to pull well clear
and keep in the hunt for fourth against
the three-stopping Vettel.
Raikkonen suffered a slow second
stop, as the team couldnt get the
right-front wheelgun to work, putting
him behind Vettel again who had one
more stop to make. Vettel pitted for
the final time, switching to supersofts
with 15 laps to go. He rejoined right

behind Ricciardo in fifth, and took

a lap to get ahead of him to take
fifth. Vettel then chased down Perez,
passing him for fourth with 10 laps to
go, and seemed to have no problem in
nursing his supersofts to the finish.
After that, the closest battle on track
was for seventh, with Hulkenberg
fending off Kvyat and Massa. Sainz
had suffered a horrendously slow first
pitstop which dropped him out of the
top 10 after his feisty start. Romain
Grosjean used his three-stop strategy
to surge into the points in the closing
stages, passing Sainz and Kvyat to
finish ninth right behind Massa.
Verstappen finished 12th, but will
be investigated after the race for
ignoring blue flags. Among incidents,
Bottas hit the McLaren of Button in
the pits as he was rejoining and the
McLaren was coming in. Bottas lost
the left half of his front wing, and
had to pit again, dropping him down
to 16th. There was also a first-corner
crash: Pastor Maldonado and Alonso
collided, with the Lotus of Maldonado
out on the spot with broken suspension
and Alonsos McLaren requiring a new
nose. Alonso was penalized for causing
an avoidable collision.

A capacity, sell-out crowd of 60,000 fans

watched Nico Rosberg hold off current World
Champion Lewis Hamilton, as he took advantage
of his sixth straight pole to snatch victory from
his Mercedes teammate at a thrilling close to
the 2015 Formula1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi
Grand Prix
Pos Driver
1
Nico Rosberg
2
Lewis Hamilton
3
Kimi Raikkonen
4
Sebastian Vettel
5
Sergio Perez
6
Daniel Ricciardo
7
Nico Hulkenberg
8
Felipe Massa
9
Romain Grosjean
10 Daniil Kvyat
11
Carlos Sainz Jr.
12
Max Verstappen
13
Jenson Button
14
Valtteri Bottas
15
Marcus Ericsson
16 Felipe Nasr
17
Fernando Alonso
18 Will Stevens
19 Roberto Merhi
R
Pastor Maldonado

Team
Mercedes
Mercedes
Ferrari
Ferrari
Force India
Red Bull Racing
Force India
Williams
Lotus F1 Team
Red Bull Racing
Toro Rosso
Toro Rosso
McLaren
Williams
Sauber
Sauber
McLaren
Manor
Manor
Lotus F1 Team

Time
1:38:30.175
+8.200

+1 lap
+1 lap
+1 lap
+1 lap
+1 lap
+2 laps
+2 laps
+3 laps
Collision

2016 Formula 1
calendar confirmed,
US GP uncertain

Engine deals
confirmed so far
Renault and Red Bull

Team Red Bull will stay with Renault supplied power units for the 2016 season,
but the branding will now sport TAG Heuer. Tag Heuer, which has been a McLaren
sponsor for 30 years, will take naming rights for the Red Bull Racing-TAG Heuer RB12.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner said: TAG Heuer and Red Bull are two transcendent
brands which have both a passion for racing and a drive to do things differently, and
this unique collaboration is further evidence of that.We are also pleased to see
Renault confirm its long-term commitment to F1 and would like to thank them for
their contribution to the team since 2007.

Ferrari and Torro Rosso

The Toro Rosso team has confirmed that it will use year-old Ferrari engines during
the 2016 Formula 1 season. The deal was expected for some time, but it was only
after the FIA approved a rule change that allows the Italian squad to return to Ferrari
power units. Manufacturers were unable to run two types of engines before the FIA
rule change this week. Faenza-based Toro Rosso used Ferrari power from 2007 to
2013, before switching to Renault units for the past two seasons.

78

DEC 2015

Formula 1s biggest ever calendar has

been signed off by the FIA, with the 21race schedule having been approved by
the FIAs World Motor Sport Council on
Wednesday.
However, there remains some uncertainty
about the future of the Austin event, with
its October 23 date being pencilled in as
subject to confirmation.
The event needs to finalise a contract
with the national sporting authority, plus
Bernie Ecclestone against the backdrop
of funding issues.
The uncertainty about the event may have
prompted the only tweak to the schedule
agreed several months ago, with Mexicos
date having been shifted from November
6 to October 30.
This means it will be a back-to-back with
Austin again, rather than with Brazil.
The June 19 date for the Baku Grand Prix
has also been set in stone, meaning that
it will clash with Le Mans as had been
originally feared.
Although the early start time for the race
will ensure it will not clash with the finish
of the endurance classic, it means Le Mans
winner Nico Hulkenberg will be unable to
defend his title.

2016 F1 calendar:
Date Venue
20 March

Melbourne

3 April

Bahrain

17 April

Shanghai

1 May

Sochi

15 May

Barcelona

29 May

Monte Carlo

12 June

Montreal

19 June

Baku

3 July

Red Bull Ring

10 July

Silverstone

24 July

Hungaroring

31 July

Hockenheim

28 August

Spa-Francorchamps

4 September

Monza

18 September

Singapore

2 October

Sepang

9 October

Suzuka

23 October

Austin

30 October

Mexico City

13 November

Interlagos

27 November

Abu Dhabi

WEC

Porsche win Bapco 6 Hours of Bahrain and seal

WEC drivers crown at BIC

orsche Team were in

a jubilant mood after
winning the hotly
contested Bapco 6 Hours
of Bahrain and securing the
drivers world title in the
2015 FIA World Endurance
Championship (WEC). The WEC
season came to a dramatic
close under the bright lights
of Bahrain International Circuit
(BIC) in Sakhir.
Taking the Bapco 6 Hours of
Bahrain victory were the trio
of Neel Jani, Marc Lieb and
Romain Dumas driving the no.
18 Porsche 919 Hybrid; while
teammates Mark Webber,
Brendon Hartley and Timo
Bernhard in the no. 17 car were
crowned FIA World Endurance
Drivers Champions despite
being classified only fifth.
Jani was in the cockpit as the
chequered flag came down on
the race. His team completed
a total of 199 laps to claim first
place overall while also lead
the pack of Le Mans Prototype

1 (LMP1) teams.
Finishing one minute 25.310
seconds behind were the Audi
Sport Team Joest trio of Andre
Lotterer, Marcel Fassler and
Benoit Treluyer. They were the
runners-up in their no. 7 Audi
R-18 e-tron quattro.
Taking the final podium
spot was the Toyota Gazoo
Racing team of Mike Conway,
Stephane Sarrazin and
Alexander Wurz with 196 laps.
They finished 1.177secs ahead
of their Toyota teammates
Kazuki Nakajima, Sebastien
Buemi and Anthony Davidson
in the other TS040-Hybid in
fourth place.
After experiencing technical
problems that saw them lose
plenty of time in the pits,
newly crowned champions
Webber, Hartley and Bernhard
could only manage fifth
place with 190 laps, but it
was enough to seal this
years drivers title with 166
points. Their tally gave them

a sensational double to end

the WEC season, having also
won the FIA World Endurance
Manufacturers Championship
prior to heading to Bahrain.
Ending the year just five points
behind were the Audi trio of
Lotterer, Fassler and Treluyer.
In the Le Mans Prototype
2 (LMP2) class, the G-Drive
Racing trio of Sam Bird, Roman
Rusinov and Julien Canal also
had plenty of reason to be
overjoyed.
Driving their no. 26 Ligier JS
P2-Nissan, they managed a late
push that helped them claim
first place in their category
with 183 laps.
Matthew Howson, Richard
Bradley and Nick Tandy of
KCMG were second in their
no. 47 Oreca 05-Nissan; while
Gustavo Yacaman, Luis Felipe
Derani and Ricardo Gonzalez
completed the podium in third
place in their no. 28 G-Drive
Ligier. In the Le Mans Grand
Touring Endurance Pro (LMGTE

Pro) class, the Porsche Team

Manthey duo of Patrick Pilet and
Frederic Makowiecki triumphed
with a total of 173 laps in their
Porsche 911 RSR. In second place
were AF Corses Gianmaria Bruni
and Toni Vilander in a Ferrari
F458 Italia; while Aston Martin
Racings Darren Turner and
Jonathan Adam in a Vantage V8
were third.
Claiming first place in the
Le Mans Grand Touring
Endurance Amateur (LMGTE
Am) class was Paul Dalla Lana,
Pedro Lamy and Mathias Lauda
of Aston Martin Racing. They
drove their Vantage V8 to a
total of 170 laps.
Abu Dhabi-Proton Racings
Marco Mapelli, Khaled Al
Qubaisi and Klaus Bachler
in a Porsche 911 RSR were
second; while DempseyProton Racings Christian
Ried, Patrick Long and Marco
Seefried, also in a Porsche 911
RSR, completed the podium
finishers.
DEC 2015

79

The business of
balance sheets
Many years ago, I had the dubious pleasure of learning just what it was that a balance
sheet did. Oh yes, it wasnt in isolation by any means. The learning was all about
business, so we covered everything, from profit and loss statements to double entry
bookkeeping, to depreciation. But it was the whole concept of a balance sheet that really
got to me.
Somehow, tradition, the latent accountant gene in all of us or indeed the distaste for
disorder has made the balance sheet take on a life of its own. You have two sides that
must tally. What you owe and what you are owed sit among your assets and liabilities.
The stark reality of the figures tell you and anyone who is interested to be part of your
business, what your worth is with various type of capital thrown in for good measure.
From the multitude of annual reports that land up in the mail should you be but a passing
investor in a company, you get the equivalent of a snapshot of the health of a company,
sometimes with the convenience of seeing last years figures alongside the current one.
But somehow, its the bits the balance sheet doesnt tell you that make all the difference.
For instance, how do you value entrepreneurial acumen? Do you just go on inflating
goodwill to show a growth? Do you otherwise assign some value to capital? After all, the
ability to find a growth industry and deliver products or service that propel the company
skywards isnt something that you can judge until after the fact. A Bill Gates or a Steve
Jobs should come with a balance sheet entry that says future billions at the very least.

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

Another bit that really needs to reflect on the balance sheet is a value for marketshare.
You see the term bandied around at will. The bigger the company, the more emphasis
is laid on building marketshare, usually with aggressive measures to make it happen.
Indian shopping portal Flipkart is in the news recently for the lengths they are ready to go
to for building marketshare. At last count they seem to be on target to reach a turnover
of US$ 10 billion. But it is going to be at the cost of discounts and incentives that is
contributing to a loss of $2 billion to achieve that. Yes, the loss shows up on the P&L
statement and from there to the balance sheet. But can you just put in a clarifying entry
to say that the asset you built up was marketshare?
The issue with a balance sheet is that it offers as much to understand a company as
your passport photograph does for an individual. Anyone who has seen my mug shots on
the series of passports Ive held usually comments on my obvious ageing coupled with
my misadventures with developing a fashionable facial presentation. My use of large
spectacle frames predated the fashion trend by two decades, while my current relatively
hairless patch in between my nose and lips should have been my norm twenty years
back. What it does is tell the viewer that Ive been hopelessly out of sync with fashion.
For an industry observer, thats what a balance sheet does. Or a series of them.
Fortunately, as individuals we dont need our own versions of a balance sheet. Weve
no issue with not knowing how our lives or our finances balance out. You just stick to
the real important stuff like can I afford the new iPhone? Or if I cant, can I get it on
instalments? As long as I spend less than I earn next month all is well. But is it really?
Or is that lack of a focus on a personal financial balance sheet the real reason why mega
corporations are profiting from the worlds consumers? Do we really need another new
car, new iPhone or television? Could we, instead, shore up our personal balance sheets
by prudence and saving, while battling to include the intangibles like a charitable mien,
personal happiness and a green footprint? Itll take some learning, but then thats a
balance sheet Ill be happy to study.

80

DEC 2015