Automan July 2011

8/6/2019 Automan July 2011

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editor-in-chiefMamma Al ta

AL roYA PreSS & PUBLiShinG

Po B: 343, Psal c 118

Al hay cmpl

Sulaa oma

emal: auma@alya.

Wbs: www.aumawb.m

eal :

tl: +968 24479888 e 300, fa: +968 24479889

cula :

tl: +968 2456 2360, fa: +968 2456 2194

PUBLiSher

ham Al ta am@alya.

editor & GM

raj Wa aj@alya.

execUtive editor

caa B Mall aa@alya.

deSiGn

Sawsa Al Muab sawsa@alya.

heAd of MArketinG

Mag Azz mag@alya.

circULAtion

bs@alya.

finAnce & AdMin

Abaam dal al@alya.

Printer

ruw M Ps LLc

tl: +968 2479 4167, 2479 8157

fa: +968 2470 0545

2011

All al Auma magaz a

s wbs s pyg a may b pu

ay m wu w s

maagm AL roYA PreSS & PUBLiShinG

Auma aps usl lus al

maal, bu ss g publs ay su

maal. o publs, pyg ay

su maal wll s w AL roYA PreSS &

PUBLiShinG

Fix it before it breaks

This month Automan takes an in-depth look at 12 cars that share one particular strength.

All the cars in the dozen highlighted under the Automan Select banner are stalwarts that

have either lasted for many decades or have come into the scene a few years back and

are points in their evolution that are quite disparate.

The point that Automan Select tries to make is also distinct from our approach in the Car

of the Year. Our Car of the Year is based on comparing the best cars nominated under

a range of segments ranging from entry level all the way up to the best luxury or

performance vehicles. Under the Automan Select banner, we arent distinguishing models

into any categories or segments. What we are looking for in this edition of Automan

Select is improvement brought about in the models that have replaced their forebears in

the past year.

In some of these cases, the model in question has undergone a complete platform

revolution like Fords Explorer, shirking the ladder frame and body conguration to

become a softer crossover. Or the Jaguar XJ which has eschewed the tradition that kept it

from evolving for years to a car that is so ultra-modern that you are surprised that it isnt

from one of the German manufacturers.

These dozen cars all share one characteristic they tell you that the manufacturers of

these models are listening to the customer and the customers demands. What does the

modern car buyer want that is substantially different from car buyers through the years?

Nothing. What is changing is the readiness of manufacturers to listen. The very concept of

a model year change of trim, lights or features was brought about by manufacturers who

thought that customers were happy with the frills. Today the buyer is communicating with

his wallet he wants style, latest technology, safety and most of all the assurance that he

is buying a car that is far more than a device that only gets him from A to B.

The message that other manufacturers need to get is that you have to listen to your

buyer - stop thinking that they will buy the same old car packed as a new offering.

In addition this month we also look at the new A6 and new Durango both of which

qualify for the tag of most improved model as well as carry an interview with Peter

Schreyer, KIAs head of design. It isnt often that we meet such people in Oman usually

this is associated with a major product launch. In this case we butted in on a personal

visit but the pleasant results are presented in our pages this month.


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in this issue

Brutefo

rce

TESTED

40 41

Toyota

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erable

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gene

ration

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carry

overm

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-litreV8

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adde

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packa

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2011

.

Autom

anch

ecks

outt

hismo

del

Autho

r Chan

danB

Mallik

Photo

graphy

RajWa

rrior

As anoutsider broughtin todevelop a

clear identityfor the KIA brand,how

muchofresistance have youfacedfrom

withinthe organisationtoimbibingnew

ideas like a global identityas opposedto

the differentmodel for differentmarket

approach?

I haven tfaced any resistancefrom the

organisation. Ithinkthis iswhattheyexpected

when theybroughtmein. Theyhavesupported

methroughout. Theonlything isthatwestilldo

differentmodelsfor differentmarkets. But

theya l l look l ik e

KIA sso there is

onelanguage, the

sty le isthesame

only sometimes

in different

markets there isa requirementfor

dif ferentty pes of

cars forex ample

theUSmarketis one

forsedansand SUVsand the European

market is onefor5-door. In a market l ik e

Koreaor even hereyou couldntsella5-door.

In Europetheywant5-doors and wagons. So

thiswayweneed to makeakind ofadifference

in regions, butagain, notfrom astylepoint of

view. A BMWlookslike aBMW everywherein

theworld and whynot. ThisiswhatItry to

build up astrong identity. Onceyou havea

strong identityand astrongerimageyou can

experiment, butyou can getastronger image

onlybyhaving onerecognisableidentity.

Youa lsome ntione dtha tyou ha dto

create the new lookandidentity pretty

rapidly.Wouldthatmake owners ofolder

look KIAs feel like theyhadlost outby

notwaitingfor the newer model?

Iwould hopetheybuynew KIAs. (laughs)

How muchimportance doexterior and

interior designgetseparatelyunder your

watch?Do tastes ofdifferent regions

impactdifferentinteriors?

F irstofa l l , theex teriorand the interiora re

ofequa l importance . When you seea car

on thestreetorthepark ing y ou note that it

isattractive and thatmaybring you to the

dea ler sshowroom to seewhatit is about?

When you open thedoorand sit insideyou

dontwant to bedisappointed, you wantto

fee lthatthisagreat interiortoo. I a lways

lookatacarasahol ist icproduct, notasthe

exteriorand interior. Everything isdesigned as

awholeand should bedone in such away

tha tex teriorand interiorfittogetherasone

car. A sforthetastesofdif fe rentregions it

isn tso much thesty leasit isthemateria ls.

Anotheraspectis thepricing. In someregions

theydontwantto paya premium selling the

carsa tacheaperprice . In thatcasewecant

useleather orsoft touch materials. In other

regionsthesamemode lsareposit ioned for

moreaffluentbuyers. In thosecasestheywant

soft-touch materials, navigation and thebest

you can getin leatherand everything. In those

caseswecan chargea l i t tlemoremoneyand

thebuyersare willing

to payit. In Europe

buyerswantaharder

suspension, whilein

theUStheywanta

sof ter suspension

and cup-holders.

You are

c o n s t a n t l y

l oo ki ng a t

popular culture for inputs incar

design.Butatsome levels youmustfind

yourselfconstrainedby the technology

thatis available.What are the new

boundaries youare facinginterms of

possibilities incar design?

I t h i n k o f t h e n e w b o u nd a ri e s a s n e w

possibilities. Oneof thenew possibilitiescan

befound in alternativedrivetrains, likeusing

e lectricmotors and hybrids. Thisshould

changethe sceneryquitea bit. Theway

theoi lpricesaremov ing, in countriesthat

don thavetheoi l , way sneed to be found

howto makethe electricity. Itwill taketime

butthesearecha l lenges. Justasaresa fe ty

rules. Asyou mentioned thereare newways

to uselighting using which wecan make

a lotof improvements. Oneway isbyusing

LEDand l ight guidetechnologiesyou can

makean identity. When you seea carin

thenight you can instantlyrecognise it. The

Audiswere verywell defined likethat. Using

l ighty ou can makethecarhaveafacewith

the l ightsplay ing theroleof theeyes. A lso,

you can useadaptive headlighttechnologies

to improvesafety, having thelightswivel as

you go round corners. Wealreadyhave the

abilityto program acarto automaticallydip

itslights on sensing an oncoming car. There

area lot ofpossibi l it ies. Ibe l iev ethat it is

thenewtechnologies and thenewchallenges

thatbring design forward. Design doesnot

advanceon itsown justby changing aline or

somecolour. You need morethan that anew

technologyto somehowprogressdesign.

FACETOFACE

16 17

DESIGNS OF

A MASTER

When you read themansbiographyyou realisehowmuch theGerman

des ign ethosareparto ftheman.Afterstudying industrial designfrom theMunich UniversityofApplied Sciences, hewon an Audischolarship to theRoyal Collegeof Artin London. Afterthat hejoinedAudi and rosethrough thecompanyto becomethe chiefdesigner.Post2002 till 2005 hewaswith Volkswagen in thesame capacityand then Head ofAdvanced Designforthe VWgroup. Two carshewasresponsibleforare theoriginal AudiTT and there-birthed VWBeetle.

Hemoved to KIA in 2006 and hehasbeen adriving forceofthe newlookoft hebrand sincethen. Heisaw innero ftheRed Do tAward . Theperfectperson to partnerwith KIAsthruston design, SchreyeroverseesoperationsatKIAs design centresin Frankfurt, LosAngeles, Tokyoand Namyang in Korea.

Schreyeradmitsto afascinationwith studying peopleas theyusecars, especiallybrandshe isassociated with. Helooksin carswhileattraffic lightsand sees theperson driving itand whatemotionsheprojects.

KIAsdesign chiefPeter

Schreyerwasin Oman

recently. RajWarrior met

him and gotan opportunity

to grill him on hisdesign

direction.

NewsFrom Oman and theregion

6

NewsFrom around theworld

10

72MotorsportsFormula One, WRC,

MotoGP

12

braNdwatchHyundai not interestedin Opel

16iNterviewPeter Schreyer, Kia

Motors Design Boss

4450

56

62

tested2011 Toyota LandCruiser 5.72011 Dodge DurangoCitadel2011 Kia Sportage2011 Ford Fusion

32 33

{COVER STORY}

Audi has completely redesigned the A6 for the 2012 model year

with an emphasis on technology and performance. Automan finds

the package interesting after a date with the car on track and

asphaltAuthor ChandanBMallik Photographs authorand JorgeFerrari

Focus on

class and

efficiency

Amongst the three premium German automotive brands,

Audi continues with its aggressive portfolio expansion.The latest to arrive is the totally revamped midsize A6 sedan

which was lavishly unveiled to the world at the 2011 Detroit AutoShow. In the line-up, the premium C-segment A6 has been closeto Audis heart and has been groomed to be a winner. In fact, theoutgoing edition received a host of useful upgrades including efficientsix- or eight-cylinder engines with innovative technologies cutting fuelconsumption by about 15 per cent across the whole model range,suspension tweaks and new high-tech assistance and improvised newMMI with touchpad systems enabling the driver even greater controlover the car.

And this evidence of the high regard Audi technologies is enjoyingworldwide also leads to the perennial question: how much more canyou offer on a replacement model, where the outgoing model hasalready been improved so much?

Audi is very much aware of what it has to do in view of the currentglobal economic scenario which has severely affected the fortunesof many carmakers and hence some of the packaging in the new A6shouldnt surprise many. Techno-savvy Audi has focused on efficiencyand craftsmanship for the incoming model inside out. It has built a

lighter, more efficient sedan and began the exercise by thankfully notincreasing the length of the model [which was already one of thelargest vehicles in the class] but by using the A7s underpinnings as itsstarting point. As a result, the wheelbase is now increased and the caris lowered at the same time. As part of the efficiency drive, Audi has

employed greater use of aluminium in its construction to lighten

the whole package by 80kg. This also means that almost 20per cent of the car is made of aluminium now.Despite some mechanical similarities with the A7, none of the

external panels are the same. The incoming A6 is a clean-sheetdesign and has deeper character lines and mature surface treatmenton its sheetmetal. At 194in long, it is marginally shorter than the

A7 [both have the same 115in wheelbase] and the A6 actually is afraction shorter than the outgoing car, but has a remarkably similarprofile and design character. Actually, re-engineering the frontdifferential enabled the front axle to move way forward, reducingthe front overhang to achieve better design aesthetics. Meanwhile,

Audis excellence in lighting technology application continues withgorgeous LED clusters front and rear.

The cars interior is where a lot of attention has been paid andhas changed more than the exterior. But its still wonderfully familiarand it goes without saying that the overall ambience is richer,thanks in part to trim elements used on the doors, dashboard andcentre console. Audi says that the car is being offered with a varietyof interior trim options, including this bespoke leather, stitching andwood. We found the trim piece surrounding the front door handle

was quite striking as a design element.

EDITORIALNOMIN

EE

AUDIA62011

MID-SIZESEDAN

cover story 32

16 44

80chicaNeControl freaks

2322

AUTOMANSELECT

Automans take Near the topinmanydepartments includingpricingandvariants thatSUV punters are lookingatthese days.

Alsorevealedat

the November 2010 LA AutoShow, the refreshedfor

2011 Charger enters evolutionary

territorywithan all-new sheetmetal,

qualityandimprovedinteriors.

Italsoopens a new chapter in

unadulterated2+2 muscle

cars.

The original

Durangowas a fuelthirstybody-on-frame truck

thathad worse handlingand

fuel economythanth e larger Chevy

Suburbanwithless space inside thanthe

Tahoe. The new 2011 Durangolaunched

a few weeks agochanges all. for better

gas mileage whencruisingon the

highway. Mercedesride andHemi

power?Thats a tough-to-

beatcombination.

DodgeDurango

DodgeCharger

StylingRevealed attheat the2010 LA Auto Show,thecompletely redesigned newarrival looksl ik earea l Dodgeunmistakably tough andmuscular.EngineeringThenew caris bui l ton anew crossoverSUV unibody chassis[ a lso shared w iththeMercedes-Benz M-C lass and R -C lass]

PowertrainoptionsEntry lev e l mode lsgetthe company sa l l-new 3.6-l itrePentastarV 6 engine. Thelatestversion ofthe reworked Hemi V8, with

seamlesscylinder deactivation foroptimizingfuel economyisalso offered. Full timeAWDisavailablein theV6, whilelowrange can belocked in theV8s [also with limited slip difflocks].Interiors &featuresDodgesPresident and CEORalph Gilles teamhastransformed thisbareuti l i ty v ehicle intoaluxurious fashion statement. Thetop spec

C itadel mode l sportsa pleasanttwo-toneleatherbound cabin thatcombinessomeof thefeaturesand flexibilityof aminivan with alessupright seating and ahostof convenience

features.Handling&performanceByclass benchmark sthe Durango hasarefined rideand balanced performanceandbyprev iousDurango standardsit sbeyondcomparison.Keycompetitors

VWTouareg, Mercedes-BenzM-Class, BMWX5,Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Hyundai

Veracruz, KiaSorento, Subaru Tribeca, Mazda

CX-9, and HondaPilot, GMC Acadia, Infiniti FXand LexusRX330.

StylingTherawand aggressivefacehas nowbecomerefined and businesslikewithout losing thehallmarkand signaturecrosshairgrill. Therear

end with itsfull-width LEDtaillamp connectsto the70s styling.EngineeringThenew carsfoundation isan a l l-newchassis and suspension packagemated toefficientpowertra ins. Thenewchassisusesadvanced steels, nylon composites with

Chryslerssecond-generation rear-wheel-driveE-segmentarchitecture, to achievevery highstructural stiffness and torsional strength,which contributesto tighterhandling and

safety.PowertrainoptionsTheregula rrange includesthe 3.6-l itreV 6Pentastarand largerV8 Hemi engineswithEco drivemodes. PerformanceR/T versionsarealso offered.Interiors &features

M o re l u xu r io u s n o w w i th m a ny n e wcomfortand conveniencefeatures. Bespokeprogrammealso availablefor trimsincludingleatherand wood.

Handling&performance Asapure and modern ponycar, itsdifficulttofaulttheon road prowessand handling ofthiscareven with theV6.KeycompetitorsFord Mustang and ChevroletCamaro.

Whats in? whats out?


Bodytype:Bodytype: SUV sedan

Styling Styling

Powertrain options Powertrain options

Handling & performance Handling & performance

Engineering Engineering

Interiors & features Interiors & features

Score card Score cardRatings Ratings

Automans take a stylishandhighlyenterta iningCharger withundilutedperformance anda wide range toappeal the appetite ofmuscle cars.

2011:MOSTIMPROVED CARSFIRSTDRIVE

68 69

Anidea

l

Fusion

Fordhas manageda

resurgence onthe back

of product revamp.The

n ew F us io n i s o ne o f

thesemodelstaking on

established competition

intheC-Dsegment.AuthorRajWarriorPhotographsRajWarrior

62 63

PREVIEW

Asalways, theVillaDEsteconcoursin Italywasthe

placeto belastmonth ifyourea diehard classic

caraficionado. Thisyear, besidestheusual array

ofexhibited and paraded beauties, wasacelebration of

sortsfor Gaydon, UK-based Aston Martin. Aston Martin

unve iled itsstunning newenduranceracerconcept

which ithasco-designed with Milan-based design house

Zagato, on theshoresof LakeComo astributeto the

badgewhich iscelebrating the50th anniversaryyearof

theiconic DB4GT Zagato in 2011.

A s t o n

M a r t i n s

relationship with

Zagato goes back to 1961

when theduo worked on thefirstDB4GT

Zagato. Between 1986 and 2003, several

othermodels based on V8 Vantage, and

DB7 wereproduced [seeboxbelow].

For2011, thecollaboration hasbeen

renewed onceagain and thefruitof the

ef fort isready to raceenduranceracer

based on themechanicals ofthe current

V12 Vantage. However, Aston hasits

own in-housedesign set-up and rationale

behind the j o intv enturehasmoreto do

with intensitythan anything else. Fifty

yearsago, Italian design houseswere

widelyseen asleading thewaywith new

designsbut nowand supported byour

independency, Aston Martin hasitsown

in-housedesign abi l i ty so this new

venturewith Zagato ismorecollaborative

than itperhapswould have been in the

past,said DrUlrich Bez, CEOof Aston

Martin.

Considering thetimeperiod from sketch

to actual conceptualization, ithastaken

Aston Martin hasteamed up

with Italian design houseZagato

oneagain to help celebratethe

50th anniversary of the DB4

GT Zagato with an interesting

V12 Vantage-based concept

enduranceracerAuthorChandanBMallik

Zagato is back!

FIRSTDRIVE

56 57

SPORTING

NATURE

INCLUDED

KIAsmajoroverhaulofthe Sportage

forMY 2011 broughtus a product

thatwillberememberedas beingat

acrossroadsoftimeandspacethe

rightplaceat therighttime. Nowwith

the2012line-upavailable,we lookat

thecarsappeal again.

AuthorRajWarriorPhotographsRajWarrior

You haveseen thesleeklinespassyou on theroad.

In themonthssincetheSportagehittheground

running with anew lookand somephenomenal

packaging, KIA hashad ahard time in fulfilling the

demand forthe crossoverthat is and buyersare

lapping up thenew direction putin placein termsof

product design,build quality, feature packaging and

performance. TheSportageisnowin itsthird generation

and almostasa completesurprise the2012 MYversion

ofthec arisin town to replacethe2011.

Wepick ed up abaseversion of thecarto testwhat

makesitsuch anappealing buyformanyerstwhilesedan

owners. Ataround thesametimewe had thehonourof

meeting KIAshead ofdesign PeterSchreyerwho wasin

Oman on aprivatevisit.

ThecurrentSportagemovesthemode l upwardsin

itspositioning in the crossoversegment, helped in a

greatmeasure bythe design improvements, notjust

overthe previousgeneration butalso when compared

to competitors. Thebasis ofthis movewasbecause of

asubstantial shift in model preferencesfrom buyers

around theworld. Morethan 50% ofall SUV category

salesin marketslikeEuropeand Chinaareofcrossovers,

whilehardcoreSUVs arelargelyfavoured still in USA and

theMiddleEast.

Theideaof taking acar-based platform and extending

itasacrossoverisnotnew. Howevertheprev iousgen

Sportageproved theconceptfor KIA and thenew one

hasputthesea l ofex ce l lenceonhowto do agood j ob

ofit. At4.44 metresin length thecar beliesits growth.

Visuallythe overhangshavegot shortened, adding the

whee ls-in-the-cornera tt i tudethat Schreyersdesign

bringswith it . Yesthesportscarl ik eprofi ledoesa lot

forittoo.

The interiorsare the nex tbestthing to happen to

thecar. From aneatlyframed gearshiftlever (encircled

in acircularboss) and aforward biased centreconsole

comple tewith cl imatecontro l, MP3 CDplayerand

prov ision of USBinputslotsforthe iPod genera t ion

thehigh qualityplastics seem liketheyare amatch for

62

66 56

22

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MoTu

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23

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8

910

1112

1314

15

1617

1819

2021

22

2324

2526

27

July

Mercede

sBenzNE

WSLK

poster

autoMaNselect12 most improved carsfor 2011

19

cover story2012 Audi A6 32

previewZagato conceptMINI Coupe 70

66

First drive2011 Volkswagen Jetta 40


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NNOU

NCING!

HEEVE

NTTHA

T

WILLCH

ANGE

HOWY

OUVA

LUE

YOUR

CAR

YOUR CARS SEAL OF

EXCELLENCE!


7/83

MORE THAN 250 MODELS, 40 BRANDS

15 CATEGORIES AND ONLY ONE

WINNER IN EACH CATEGORY!announces the thrills and prestige of its own Car of the Year awards. Withenough packed in to take you through the year and a unique format of selection,Automans COTY awards will reward the best models on offer in Oman in 2011

Look out in every issue of Automan till August 2011.When we test drive cars, we will not only judge eachcar for how good it is for you as a buyer, we will alsopossibly select it as our editorial nominee in one of 13categories:

13 Categories for Reader Voting

If the car deserves the tag, we will tag it as EditorialNominee for the category it best suits. Look out forthis logo on each story:

We will keep a running tally of all the editorial choicestill August, after which, we will allow you, the reader toselect further nominees through SMS and online at ourwebsite, all the way through till our October issue.

And thats when things get really exciting!

The nominees in each category will go through a

selection procedure that will result in one clear winnerin each category.

Additionally, our editors will also give two uniqueawards :

01 Small Car of the Year02 Mid-size Car of the Year03 Large Car of the Year04 Premium Car of the Year05 Luxury Car of the Year06 Hot Hatch of the Year07 Sports Car of the Year08 Performance Car of the Year09 Small SUV of the Year10 Mid-size SUV of the Year11 Large SUV of the Year

12 Premium SUV of the Year13 Performance SUV of the Year

14 Best debut Model in Oman15 Editors choice

EDITORIAL NOMINEE

NAME OF THE CAR

CATEGORY

At a glittering, year-end ceremony, the winners of each category will be awarded theAutoman Car of Year Award in its class.

www.automanweb.com


8/83

regional news}

MINI By Goodwood

BMw BeGINs retaIl

operatIoNs IN Iraq

No, its not the name of a book, but the name of

the most high-end MINI ever built. And in keeping

with its air of exclusivity and lifestyle aspirations,

this special one-off design edition of the three-

door MINI was unveiled at the recent Shanghai

Motor Show 2011. The project was developed in

close collaboration with the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

design team and overseen by Rolls-Royce interior

design chief Alan Sheppard. The cars theme

transfers the unmistakable style of the British luxury

car manufacturer to the equally unique MINI. The

exterior and interior features specially developed for

the MINI embody the inimitable style of Rolls-Royce

Design and generates an interior ambience dened

by stylistic harmony, masterful workmanship and

classic British elegance. The British origins of the

two brands, their shared belief in meeting the

individual needs and desires of their customers, and

the creative pooling of ideas between the various

brands at BMW Group Design, provided the fuel for

the collaboration between Rolls-Royce and MINI

to provide the second model from the exclusive

MINI Yours product line with a fascinating charisma

and an incomparably high-quality ambience. This

bespoke model is being showcased in the regionand is available for order at the brandd authorised

retail outlets.

BMW Group Middle East launched its retail operations

in Iraq last month. Al Uroush Automotive Trading is

the ofcial importer-retailer and the all-new after

sales centre and new car showroom is located in

Erbil. The Iraqi people have an appreciation for

luxury brands and the market shows strong growth

potential. We have already experienced signicant

demand for our cars, with sales of 56 vehicle since

we announced our entry into the market in January

this year, said Reiner Braun, director of sales and

Marketing for BMW Group Middle East.

In a city famed for its glamorous nightlifelled with millionaires, models, socialites andcelebrities, it was the Mercedes-Benz sparkling

three pointed star that stole the show in Beirut

last night, as the luxury automotive companylaunched its all new C-Class Coup, and third

generation of its most successful sports car

ever - the SLK Roadster - in spectacular style.

Held at SkyBar, one of the Middle Easts

most fashionable nightspots, the stunning

Middle East launch of the innovative and

sporty new Mercedes-Benz models drew gasps

from the rooftop guest list of 800 VIPs, which

included Mercedes-Benz General Distributors,

customers, and media from across the

region.

The C-Class Coup enters a new market

segment for Mercedes-Benz, offering a sportycompact coup with classic proportions and

a forward-looking, expressive style, and

technology that includes a new generation

of telematics with internet access. From the

side, the new coup beguiled revellers with its

at silhouette, powerful shoulders and narrow

C-pillar in a classic three-box design.

Also wowing the crowd were the C-Class

Coups trim parts available in a porcelain

piano-lacquer look - a rst in automotive

engineering - complementing the cars

exclusive interior feel.

The C-Class Coup will be available in the

Middle East as C 250 BlueEFFICIENCY, andC 350 BlueEFFICIENCY engine versions. A

457hp 6.3-litre C 63 AMG Coup V8 engine

version is also offered, with the option to be

boosted to 487 hp with the AMG Performance

package. An additional C 180 engine version

will be available in the Levant.

The launch of the new SLK Roadster marks

the third generation of one of the most exciting

and successful sports cars ever built,

d e s i g n e d to take driving

pleasure and open-air enjoyment to a new

level. It blends light-footed sportiness with

stylish comfort, a striking sports-car design

with total suitability for everyday use, and top

performance with exemplary ecology.Fittingly launched beneath the twinkling

night-sky, the SLK proudly introduced the

Middle East to its world-rst panoramic

vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL, which

switches to light or dark at the touch of a

button. Three new direct injection engine

powered SLK models will be available in the

region. Four-cylinder engines include the

184 hp SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY and 204 hp

SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY, and the 306 hp V6

engine in the SLK 350.

Speaking at the event, a delighted Frank

Bernthaler, Director, Sales and Marketing,Mercedes-Benz Cars, Middle East & Levant

enthused: 2011 is a momentous year for

Mercedes-Benz. 125 years since the invention

of the automobile by our founding fathers Karl

Benz and Gottlieb Daimler, we are still creating

cutting edge luxury vehicles with ground-

breaking designs. But this year is different.

With these new models, this is the year that

Mercedes-Benz stops being the car your Dad

drove, and becomes the car that you drive.

Addressing the glittering audience from

giant LED screens as the evening crescendoed

towards the unveiling of the C-Class Coup and

SLK Roadster, Mike Belk, President and CEO,Daimler Middle East & Levant, said: Mercedes-

Benz cars, and especially our coups, have

become like the stars of the Middle Easts social

scene. Theyre condent, beautiful, desirable,

fashionable, ambitious, young and successful,

whilst always remembering our core values

of safety, quality, reliability, comfort and

efciency. Theres denitely no missing the

glint of the three pointed star either.

8


9/83

10-Jul-2011

11-Jul-2011

12-Jul-2011

13-Jul-2011

14-Jul-2011

Muscat(AlMasaMall)

Muscat(AlMasaMall)

Muscat(AlMasaMall)

AlmeratSouq

AlmeratSouq

SalalahSouq

SalalahSouq

SalalahSouq

SalalahSouq

SalalahSouq

AlKhoud

Souq

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10/83

10

regional news}

Dhofar AutomotiveDhofar Automotive, the ofcial distributor of

Jeep in Oman, is giving motorists the perfect

opportunity to escape the heat of the summerevery day from only RO 8,990 with the re-designed and sleeker looking Jeep Cherokee.Jeep has managed to take everything intoaccount when designing the Cherokee andcustomers can expect to nd a perfect blendof styling, convenience, storage, multimediaand high performance with a strong focus onsafety and security.

Fast Rent A Car

Fast Rent A Car is offering great half-pricedeals on all bookings in the UAE this summer.While also making international bookings forresidents travelling overseas easy courtesyof a special tie-up with the worlds largestcar rental broker, Holiday Autos. This specialpromotion runs up to August 29. The dealoffers car hirers either two days for the

price of one, or half a day rental for a fullday. A Toyota Yaris or Mitsubishi Lancer canbe driven away for as little as Dh90 per day

under this offer.

Mitsubishi Oman A brand new multimedia campaign has

been launched for some Mitsubishi Lancermodels by Mitsubishi Oman. The campaignis dedicated in promoting the GLX 2.0, GLS2.0 and GT 2.0 models and is built around

show your personality theme. Ambitious,Bold, Calm, Mysterious and Practical are thevirtues which are being used to describethe car and participating audience membersare encouraged to match their personalitieswith these. A special Face Book page[lancer.ex.oman] has been creatred which

allows individuals to log in access and shareinformation. Meanwhile, an audience call-inradio campaign also encourages participationthrough a quiz and interaction to work out

just what kind of Lancer EX personality theyare throughfun andlight heartedquestions.

10

ECOPIA may sound a bit odd for a tyresub brand, but Bridgestone Middle East& Africa FZE are proud to launch this eco-

friendly product in the region. ECOPIA is

a next-generation tyre that maintains grip

even though rolling resistance is reduced.

Its advanced technology delivers a highsafety performance and braking is not

compromised at all. ECOPIAs compound is

a combination of silica with a coupling agent

that compared to conventional ones reduces

heat generation and energy loss; its

innovative tyre shape controls stress

and deformation during driving;

the rib-linked blocks uniformground contact when braking

and deliver an enhanced

stopping performance, even in

wet conditions.

We are proud of this

new kind of tyre that allows

drivers to give respect to

the environment, said

Shoichi Sakuma, president of

Bridgestone Middle East & Africa

during the launch. Comparative

tests showed that ECOPIA

improves fuel efciency by 3.1percent when compared to a Bridgestone

standard tyre. ECOPIA EP100A will be available

in the Middle East & Africa markets in the third

quarter of this year.

BrIdGestoNe rolls out eco-frIeNdly ecopIa

reGIoNal suMMer specIals

Breaking

news

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JordaN hosts GMc BraNd

eveNt

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proGraM

Now on sale, the new sedan model from Audi is

making its debut in the Middle East with two V6

engines. In the Sultanate, the prices for the A6

will start from OMR19,960 for the 2.8-litre FSI

quattro model and will go up to OMR24,590 for

the top end 3.0-litre TFSI Quattro variant. Both

models come with ve year service and three year

warranty as a standard. Both models feature the

new S tronic transmission and latest generation

of quattro four-wheel drive. With its light body,

sporty chassis and a wide array of new assistance

and multimedia systems, the executive sedan

features groundbreaking solutions in every area of

technology.

GMC hosted regional brand event for media across

a number of world-renowned locations in Jordan

last month. The GMC Trail Jordan was put together

to enable participants test GMC vehicles.

Zawawi Trading Co. LLC., the authorized general

distributor of Mercedes-Benz in the Sultanate of

Oman, has launched a new website dedicated to

its Daimler AG approved pre-owned car program

ProvenExclusivity. The new site www.oman.

mb-usedcars.com showcases the pre-owned

Mercedes Benz vehicles available through Zawawi

Trading Company. The user-friendly website gives

comprehensive details such as vehicle information

and specications, accurate mileage and prices.

Details of each vehicle available for sale is

accompanied by a studio photograph.

(l-r) Bridgestone Middle East and Africa FZE ofcialsAkihiro Ichikawa, Technical Service Manager, TakumiKakara, Marketing Director and Kentaro Hara,General Manager of Consumer Tyre Marketing withthe new ECOPIA tyre during the Ecopia launch.


11/83

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12

world news}

Last month, the usually quiet town of Cernobbio on the banks of LakeComo in Italy was virtually converted in to a regatta for automotiveacionados. Besides a stunning array of cars representing classic, period

or modern, enthusiasm for the group was further lifted for the rst time

with motorcycles also jostling for attention. As always, the ConcorsodEleganza Villa dEste brought together a selection of classic models and

new concept cars to the acclaim of the assembled audience.

Included in the categories, motorcycles also competed for class and

overall victory in a competition of their own, as fans of two-wheeled

classics headed to the Villa Erba for Saturdays motorcycle concours.

Another new feature of the Concorso was the sale held by RM Auctions

with a line-up of 32 extraordinary cars on the block. Our aim was to

take this long-established event into new territory while preserving its

character, said Karl Baumer, President of the Concorso dEleganza Villa

dEste and Director of BMW Group Classic, outlining the reasons behind

the changes. The main initiative we introduced to give people extra

opportunity to visit the Concorso was the addition of a second public

day.

The jury awarded the Trofeo BMW Group, and with it best of show

honours, to a 1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, while the time-honoured

Coppa dOro prize decided by public referendum went to an Alfa Romeo

6C 2500 SS from 1942. The Concept Cars and Prototypes category,

meanwhile, was topped by the Aston Martin Zagato celebrating its world

premiere at the Concorso dEleganza Villa dEste. Another model making

its debut at the event was the BMW 328 Hommage, unveiled by the

Bavarian company to mark the 75th birthday of its iconic BMW 328

sports car from the 1930s.

The Trofeo BMW Group in the rst Concorso dEleganza Villa dEste

for motorcycles was won by an American Pierce Four from 1910. After

presenting the award, General Director of BMW Motorrad Hendrik von


13/83

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13

Kuenheim shifted the spotlight to plans for

the years ahead: We are looking to develop

this concours into a meeting point for all

enthusiasts of motorcycle design. That ts in

with both the tradition of the BMW motorcycle

brand and the passion for bikes here in Italy.


14/83

1414

Russian investor Vladimir Antonov sayshe is no longer part of a plan to buyand then lease back property to Saab and

stalled Saab isnt giving up that easily as

it tries its luck once again with another

possible Chinese rescuer. Youngman, better

known for building re-badged Proton and

Lotus cars, MAN trucks and Neoplan buses

for the Chinese market is the latest would-

be saviour for Saab Automobile. Youngman

Automobile [full name Zhejiang Youngman

Lotus Automobile Co Ltd] is reported to

have signed a three-way deal with Saab

owner Spyker Cars NV and its new Chinese

distributor Pang Da Automobile for joint

ventures. The agreement suggests not only

make and distribute Saab cars in China but

also create a sub brand tentatively dubbed

Child.

Should all go well, Youngman will buy a 29.9

per cent slice of Spyker to become the Chinese

manufacturing partner for the strategic alliance

and Pang Da will be responsible for distribution

through its huge dealership network of more

than 1100 outlets.

Although, the deal is worth 245mn, the

catch is that it still needs to be approved

by Chinese and Swedish authorities and

third parties such as General Motors and

the European Investment Bank. It may be

recalled that in Saabs previous attempt with

Hawtai Motor, the stumbling block came from

the aforementioned organisations. The latest

attempt to shore up the ailing Swedish brand

comes as Saab tries to wrap up the sale of its

Trollhattan facilities and lease them back to

ease its cash crunch.

Is Chinas Youngman going to save Saab nally?

A team from Pang Da on a visit to the SaabMuseum

Speculation is ripe on the heels of leakednews out of Europe that GeneralMotors CEO Dan Akerson had

personally contacted

Opel CEO Karl-

F r i e d r i c h

Stracke. It is suggestedthat both Volkswagen and various

Chinese parties are seriously considering

a bid for the beleaguered GM unit. Although,

top-level talks between Opels chief rival VW

and the government of Germany have taken

place, German Chancellor Angela Merkel is

said to prefer that Opel be taken over by VW

rather than a Chinese entity.

A well know automotive magazine says that VW

would be interested in acquiring Opel in part

to help preserve its supplier and engineering

base in Germany. VW, like Germany, is cautious

about Chinese investment that could see Opel

depart German soil almost entirely. Unlike Volvo, which was acquired by Chinas Geely

last year,

Opel is

a much

la rge r

a n d

l e s s

premium brand

that could benet

more from low assembly and

engineering costs in China. VWs case is

strong as it has about $20bn in reserves that

could easily be tapped to acquire Opel.

GM has not been able to turn a prot on Opel

in years and instead has invested heavily in itsKorean new car development centre, which is

largely responsible for the automakers small

car renaissance. Analysts think that Opel is

deeply entrenched in GMs global product

development and engineering, which makes it

exceedingly difcult [and costly] to separate

the brand.

Hyundai not interested inGMs Opel

Hyundai has an ambitious growth planfor Europe, but the carmakers says thatits European growth strategy wont include

acquisition of another brand such as Opel.General Motors has neither conrmed nor

denied plans to divest itself of its money-losing

Opel unit, although analysts have suggested

that the Detroit automaker looks like it is in a

selling mood.

GM put Opel up for sale about two years

ago when it was going through its structuredbankruptcy. We are not interested in Opel, a

Hyundai spokesperson told Reuters in Seoul.

Instead, the Korean automaker will work

toward its goal of selling 500,000 cars in

Europe by 2013 on its own.

Hyundai hasnt seen the same level of

growth in Europe as it has in the United States,

although it is optimistic that it can achieve

a 5 per cent share of the market by 2015.

Although it looked like Opel might nd a new

owner in a Canadian-Russian consortium, GM

abruptly changed its mind and decided to hold

onto the Germany unit it has fully owned since

1931 even though it has put more engineering

emphasis on its GM-Daewoo division in Korea

lately.

brandwatch


15/83

Its no secret that Lincoln is planning tolaunch seven refreshed or completely newmodels between now and 2014, but achieving

such a feat is no easy task if the kitty isnt

enough. Ford is reportedly putting its money

where its mouth is, by injecting $1bn in its

ailing luxury brand and has formed a tactical

team of 85 experts to sort out Lincolns woes.

The rst new model to roll out will be the

new MKZ, a compact model based on the

C-platform underpinning the Ford Focus,

followed by a compact and a mid-sizecrossover. These cars are expected to be

among the seven new or refreshed models

Lincoln has planned.

Honda announced last month that itexpects its full-year operating prot todrop 65 per cent in the wake of Japans March

11 9.0 magnitude earthquake. Despite this

forecast, Honda says its global production isnearing normalcy. Parts shortages as a resul

of Japans massive earthquake have forced

most Honda plants to run at just a fraction

of their normal capacity, greatly limiting the

automakers ability to get vehicles to the

market place. Honda says that fact combined

with rising raw material costs and an estimated

$500mn repair bill to x its earthquake

damaged facilities will drag down this years

operating prot by 65 per cent. For the sca

year ending March 31, 2012, Honda expects

to tally an operating prot of $2.49bn.

However, Honda is quite optimistic and

expects its Japanese production to be nearly

normalized by the end of June, with overseas

production returning to normal no later than

September. Honda is still hopeful it can sel

3.3mn vehicles this year, marking a drop o

just 6 percent from the year earlier. Were

expecting sales of nearly one million vehicles

in both the third and fourth quarters, out of the

total 3.3mn this year, Honda CEO Fumihiko

Ike said. Honda plans to boost production by

20 per cent, particularly at its US plants, to

meet its sales goals.

1515

2012 Nissan Maxima to berefreshed inside out

VW targeting bumper sales in China this year

A billion dollars for Lincoln brand boost

While Nissan has yet to physically show the changes,the automaker has revealed that the 2012 Maxima wil lbe sporting a new front fascia, new rear combination lights

and new 18- and 19in designer wheels. Stepping inside the

Maxima will reveal a bevy of changes, including a change

to white for the meter cluster illumination colour, new Dark

Piano-hairline trim, a new Atlantic Cherry wood tone trimcolour and an all-new Beige interior colour. No mechanical

upgrades have been suggested so far.

With its sights rmly set on the rapidly-growing Chinese market, Volkswagensays that it is on track to sell more than

2.2mn new cars this year. We want to

maintain our market share of 20 per cent,

CEO Martin Winterkorn told Auto Motor und

Sport, a German car magazine recently.

To do so, VW will launch another new car

brand with its two domestic-market joint

ventures.We have agreed with both

our joint ventures, FAW and

Shanghai Volkswagen, to

develop a new brand,

Winterkorn said,

although he didnt reveal additional details.

A low-range brand would best suit Chinese

consumers, who are among the worlds most

price-sensitive.

VWs sales are up 15.3 per cent through

the rst ve months of 2011 even as sales

have generally tapered off in response to

government vehicle registration caps aimed

at reducing congestion and pollution in the

countrys biggest cities. So far, VW has

sold 714,000 new cars in China in

2011, rmly cementing the

markets position as

VWs largest.

Hondas gloomy forecastfor 2011

Automans take: New Lincoln models will

be based on regular Ford platforms, though

they will be differentiated more by their styling

as well as technology and powertrains.


16/83

1616

Earlier this year at the Chicago AutoShow, Chevrolet unveiled its range-topping ZL1 Camaro. Details were vague

at the time and some cool details of the

Shelby rival were inadvertently slipped in

by Al Oppenheiser, director of concept and

vehicle integration for GMs Performance

Division, at an event at the Camaros

Oshawa, Ontario production plant, last

month. The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will arrivepacking at least 500hp and a six-speed

manual transmission, but, Oppenheiser

also conrmed that the ZL1 will be offered

with an automatic transmission.

Given the ZL1s bigger brother the

Corvette ZR1 is offered exclusively with

a manual gearbox, it was thought that the

Camaro might follow the same path.

However, looking to appeal to a wider

audience, the six-speed auto box is

being offered. On the performance

front, Oppenheiser conrmed that the

Camaro ZL1 will available with the same

Performance Traction Management system

used in the ZR1. The Performance Traction

Management system recently helped the

Corvette ZR1 to a 7:19.63 Nurburgringlap time. Finally, Oppenheiser indicated

that the ZL1 would hit showrooms with a

horsepower rating trumping the Cadillac

CTS-V. Chevrolet has so far only stated that

the ZL1 will have at least 550hp. Knowing

GM, we would look north of the CTS-Vs

current 556hp.

Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler isclose to a decision on what to do about

its other luxury brand, Maybach, and one of

the options being weighed is making Maybach

a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz.

Last week we reported that Daimler was

considering a partnership with Aston Martin in

order to keep the Maybach brand alive. In that

report, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche candidly

admitted that Maybach has been a dismal

failure for the company.

According to a new report by Automotive

News Europe, Daimler has three options on

the table. One is to demote the division to a

sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz, the second is totry to forge an alliance with Aston Martin while

the third is to discontinue the brand altogether.

Reducing Maybach into a junior division ofMercedes-Benz would work much like the AMG

brand identies high-performance variants of

models in the Benz lineup. Maybach badged

variants of the S-, GL- and CL-Class vehicles

would be luxurious high-end variants of those

models.

Daimler has postponed a deadline for adecision on Maybach from July 1st to the

end of July, when the next meeting of the

companys supervisory board is scheduled.

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 tooutclass CTS-V?

Maybach to get demoted?

brandwatch

Last month, Volvo recalled 7,558 S60 sedansin the US for faulty fuel delivery systemsoftware, but now the Swedish automaker is

announcing another fuel-related recall.

Although, much limited in its scope this

time, only 448 S60s in the US have been

affected. The more severe in its nature as the

problem stems from a leaky fuel line that can

lead to a vehicle re. The National Highway

Trafc Safety Administration explains that

the fuel-line quick connector can potentially

detach, which could cause the engine to stall.

It is also possible that the line could develop

a slow leak, which may or may not create a

strong enough odour of gasoline/petrol to

become noticeable to the driver.

Volvos in recall


17/83

Lotus CEO Dany Bahar hasrecently proclaimed that hiscompanys upcoming Esprit model

will offer more authentic driving

experience than the Ferrari 458 Italia

and McLaren MP4-12C.The replacement Esprit is still

about two years from its production

launch, but Bahar guarantees that

the car will have the character

and emotion that he claims the

McLaren MP4-12C lacks. Bahar

says the Esprit is adhering to its

development scheduled, with the

rst prototypes slated to hit the

track this November. As expected, Lotus will nd

tune the new Esprit on Germanys

famed Nurburgring as well as the

Indiada circuit in Spain. Lotus is

also putting the nishing touches on a new

test track at its Hethel headquarters.

When it launches in the spring of 2013, the

Esprit will be the rst car to use Lotus new in-

house designed V8. Lotus originally planned to

source the Esprits V8 from Toyota, but Baharsays the new engine will be 80kg lighter and 40

per cent smaller than the Toyota unit. Despite

its small size, the Esprits V8 is expected to

produce 570hp.

Like several automakers in Japan, Toyota isstill recovering from the devastating March11 earthquake. However, the automaker hasannounced that its recovery is progressing

faster than rst estimated. Toyota expects

inventory levels of most North American

vehicles to return to normal by July, far

outpacing its original November timeline.

Although several of Toyotas Japanes

suppliers are still reeling from the countrys

massive earthquake, the automaker has

managed to source needed parts from North

American manufacturers. Toyota plans t

switch back to its original suppliers once the

situation returns to normal, but the move has

ensured full production of models like the

Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, MatrixSequoia, Sienna and Venza.

While Toyotas North American made

vehicles will return to normal supply levels

next month, the automaker is still facing

inventory shortages for its Japanese-built

cars. Toyota builds its Yaris, 4Runner and FJ

Cruiser models in Japan.

1717

Cash rich German sports carmaker Porschehas scheduled an extraordinary generalmeeting for its shareholders in December to

vote on a merger with Volkswagen. This is

one of the nal steps needed to complete the

tie-up formalities. Our clear, common goal is,

and remains, the merger, said Volkswagen

CEO Martin Winterkorn at Porsches annual

meeting in Stuttgart.

Both automakers, which are run by the same

management team now, are condent that the

merger will go through, although VW will have

the option to acquire Porsche by other means

if necessary should their efforts fail.

A handful of complex tax issues stand in the

way of the mergers completion, but Porsches

CFO says he is working directly with German

authorities to clear things up. Porsche is being

investigated both in Germany and in the

United States for market manipulations, which

could force the merger to fail.

Porsche has sliced its debt by about $2.15bn

ahead of the merger. Although Porsches

nancial standing was solid a few years ago, it

incurred substantial debt when it tried to buy

Volkswagen. When its efforts failed thanks to

a worsening nancial market, Porsches took

on rapidly-growing debt.

In late 2009, Volkswagen found that it had to

acquire 49.9 percent of Porsche. It holds the

option to acquire the remaining 50.1 percent

between late 2012 and early 2015, which is

still an option should the merger fall through.

Esprit to challenge Ferrari and McLaren

Porsche moves forward with VW merger Toyota post-earthquakerecovery progressing well

Automans take: It may be recalled that the proposed Porsche and VWs merger has been quite

curious eversince Porsche unsuccessfully tried to take over much larger VW, only to be swallowed up by

its intended purchase.


18/83

Face to Face

18

Designs of

a MasterKIAs design chief Peter

Schreyer was in Oman

recently. Raj Warrior met

him and got an opportunity

to grill him on his design

direction.


19/83

As an outsider brought in to develop a

clear identity for the KIA brand, how

much of resistance have you faced from

within the organisation to imbibing new

ideas like a global identity as opposed to

the different model for different market

approach?

I havent faced any resistance from the

organisation. I think this is what they expectedwhen they brought me in. They have supported

me throughout. The only thing is that we still do

different models for different markets. But

they all look like

KIAs so there is

one language, the

style is the same

only sometimes

in different

markets there is

a requirement for

different types of

cars for examplethe US market is one

for sedans and SUVs and the European

market is one for 5-door. In a market like

Korea or even here you couldnt sell a 5-door.

In Europe they want 5-doors and wagons. So

this way we need to make a kind of a difference

in regions, but again, not from a style point of

view. A BMW looks like a BMW everywhere in

the world and why not. This is what I try to

build up a strong identity. Once you have a

strong identity and a stronger image you can

experiment, but you can get a stronger image

only by having one recognisable identity.

You also mentioned that you had to

create the new look and identity pretty

rapidly. Would that make owners of older

look KIAs feel like they had lost out by

not waiting for the newer model?

I would hope they buy new KIAs. (laughs)

How much importance do exterior and

interior design get separately under your

watch? Do tastes of different regions

impact different interiors?

First of all, the exterior and the interior are

of equal importance. When you see a car

on the street or the parking you note that it

is attractive and that may bring you to the

dealers showroom to see what it is about?

When you open the door and sit inside you

dont want to be disappointed, you want to

feel that this a great interior too. I always

look at a car as a holistic product, not as the

exterior and interior. Everything is designed as

a whole and should be done in such a way

that exterior and interior t together as one

car. As for the tastes of different regions i

isnt so much the style as it is the materials

Another aspect is the pricing. In some regions

they dont want to pay a premium selling the

cars at a cheaper price. In that case we can

use leather or soft touch materials. In other

regions the same models are positioned for

more afuent buyers. In those cases they wan

soft-touch materials, navigation and the besyou can get in leather and everything. In those

cases we can charge a little more money and

the buyers are willing

to pay it. In Europe

buyers want a harde

suspension, while in

the US they want a

softer suspension

and cup-holders.

You are

c o n s t a n t l y

looking atpopular culture for inputs in car

design. But at some levels you must nd

yourself constrained by the technology

that is available. What are the new

boundaries you are facing in terms of

possibilities in car design?

I think of the new boundaries as new

possibilities. One of the new possibilities can

be found in alternative drivetrains, like using

electric motors and hybrids. This should

change the scenery quite a bit. The way

the oil prices are moving, in countries that

dont have the oil, ways need to be found

how to make the electricity. It will take timebut these are challenges. Just as are safety

rules. As you mentioned there are new ways

to use lighting using which we can make

a lot of improvements. One way is by using

LED and light guide technologies you can

make an identity. When you see a car in

the night you can instantly recognise it. The

Audis were very well dened like that. Using

light you can make the car have a face with

the lights playing the role of the eyes. Also,

you can use adaptive headlight technologies

to improve safety, having the light swivel as

you go round corners. We already have the

ability to program a car to automatically dip

its lights on sensing an oncoming car. There

are a lot of possibilities. I believe that it is

the new technologies and the new challenges

that bring design forward. Design does no

advance on its own just by changing a line or

some colour. You need more than that a new

technology to somehow progress design.

19

When you read the mansbiography you realisehow much the German

design ethos are part of the man.After studying industrial designfrom the Munich University of

Applied Sciences, he won an Audi

scholarship to the Royal College ofArt in London. After that he joinedAudi and rose through the companyto become the chief designer.Post 2002 till 2005 he was with

Volkswagen in the same capacityand then Head of Advanced Designfor the VW group. Two cars he wasresponsible for are the original AudiTT and the re-birthed VW Beetle.

He moved to KIA in 2006 and hehas been a driving force of the newlook of the brand since then. He is

a winner of the Red Dot Award. Theperfect person to partner with KIAsthrust on design, Schreyer overseesoperations at KIAs design centresin Frankfurt, Los Angeles, Tokyoand Namyang in Korea.

Schreyer admits to a fascinationwith studying people as theyuse cars, especially brands he isassociated with. He looks in carswhile at trafc lights and sees theperson driving it and what emotionshe projects.


20/83

VisitaProton

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21/83

automan select 2011: most improved cars

21

Buying a new car is now mostly seenas a medium to long term investmentthese days. Essential information

about any purchase decision, especially carscan overwhelm anyone and this is true fortransportation solutions also. In this region,consumers are exposed to almost 50 car

brands which offer a staggering choice ofover 300 model or trim combinations. Andeach year, as part of the business cycle, everyautomotive player has an extensive programmefor its line-up be it mid-cycle upgrades,model replacements or all-new segmentintroductions. Compared to the past few years,the rst six months of 2011 have actually beenquite active despite the economic slowdownand current automotive crisis [short suppliesas a result of the earthquake and Tsunamithat has hit Japans industry]. Meanwhile, theglobal automotive market has made signicant

strides in ensuring that products get extendedshelf life and are noticed by consumers. Toachieve these, industry has invested in makingproducts more appealing and competitiveby addressing issues that can signicantlyhelp move sales such as upgrading features/trims, engineering and performance related

improvements [to cope with new legislation],refreshing styling and even replacing themodels that have reached the end of theirrespective careers or lifecycles.

Actually, these days buying or a new car islike investing in a sports franchise. Like anyseasoned sports outt for sale, you have torun a meticulous background check on thevarious components [players, performance,nances, stats etc] and rank them ideally.When it comes to choosing the ideal car youvealso got consider your favourites [like veteranplayers whom you can depend on as always].

While in form, any punter would expect investment to be great, but also needs factor in the ground reality that could also bcouple of players who have gotten complaceas competition has overtaken them and aresult they have gone into decline but hascope to improve with some inducements.

the same time, there are some team membwho have been around for a while but havereally been noticed despite reasonaperformance. And then there are some ware beginning to earn their stripes by reagetting their act in place and returning iform.

Automan has been monitoring the Ommarket closely for over a decade and have compiled a researched selection of cthat we think currently represent the bimproved in their respective categories.Read on

Whether you are looking for a fuel-efcient small car, a sporty convertible,a SUV or a family minivan, Automan explains why for consumers, it is agood time to invest in a new car.

Author Chandan B Mallik


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automan select

Automans takeStylish, nely nished interior; all-wheel drive; strong supercharged V6 engines

Launched with great

fanfare in the region last

month, the all-new XXX generation

is understated and yet luxurious. It

certainly deserves consideration

alongside its capable European

and Japanese rivals.

Audi A6

StylingRevealed at the North American International

Auto Show at Detroit in January, the the 2012model has been completely redesigned withsporty, upscale styling.Engineering

Audi has focused on weight reduction andhence extensive usage of aluminium in chassisand body parts. With the exception of thewheelbase which has been extended by 2.7in,most dimensions remain unaltered.Powertrain options

V8 engines have been droped in favour oftwo V6 engines displacing 2.8- and 3.0-litre

respectively. The supercharged 3.0-litre withmultitronic transmission and Quattro all-wheeldrive.Interiors & featuresMore luxurious now with many newcomfort and convenience features. Bespokeprogramme also available for trims includingleather and wood.Handling & performance

Although the car rides on the A7 platform,

it feels quite different. The new normallyaspirated and tweaked supercharged V6

make good for absence of an V8. Chassisand suspension management are well-suitedfor AWD. The interior now represents a needbenchmark in style, quality and bespokeoptions.Key competitorsMercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series andto a lesser extent, with the Inniti M, JaguarXF and Lexus GS.


Body type: sedan

Styling

Powertrain options

Handling & performance

Engineering

Interiors & features

Score card Ratings


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Automans takeAs a package, the new Explorer will be really hard to beat. In the US, it is already on sale, sales of the Ford Explorer soared by almost138 per cent in April. It ranks 14th in the overall most in demand cars of 2011.

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Ford also moves

into crossover SUV

territory with is all-new unibody

Explorer, one of its bedrock SUV

badges. Till now the Explorer was based

on body-on-frame architecture and

with the all-new Explorer, Ford has set

several unique benchmarks for the

segment in terms of construction,

engineering and features.

FordExplorer

StylingThis three-row reinvention is longer andwider. Its smooth and sharp styling hides itschunkiness. With delightful proportions, shortoverhangs and uid lines, the car is more

aerodynamic than before.EngineeringBased on the new Taurus architecture,Ford claims 10 segment exclusives in thiscar including some in safety, with optionalinatable rear seatbelts and standard curvecontrol, which applies braking to individualwheels as needed to correct corner trajectory.Powertrain optionsThe new Explorer will offer quite a range

of options. It can be equipped [for the rsttime] with front-wheel drive or intelligentfour-wheel drive. The largest engine is a 3.5-litre V6 engine [same as Edge] that promisesto offer the best in class fuel economy with

a impressive towing capability. For somemarkets Ford will also offer EcoBoost 2.0-litreI-4 engine. The car is offered with a uniquesix-speed transmission and a SelectShift

Automatic transmission on top trim levels.The V6 actually offers more horsepower andis up to 25 per cent better on fuel mileage.Interiors & featuresThe interior look expensive and narrows thegap between itself and premium offerings.

Fords interactive MMI technology applicationis one of the bestHandling & performanceWith its rigid chassis and careful tuning ofthe independent suspension, smooth car-like

manners are expected on-road. But the carsnew four mode Terrain Management systemthat calculates engine and throttle calibrationstransmission shift patterns, stability andtraction-control systems is eerily similar tothat in Land Rovers and should help give thecar its performance edge over rivals.Key competitorsJeep Grand Cherokee, GMC Acadia, HondaPilot and Dodge Durango


Body type: SUV

Styling

Powertrain options


Engineering


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2011: most improved cars


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automan select

Automans takeNear the top in many departments including pricing and variants that SUV punters are looking at these days.

The original

Durango was a fuel

thirsty body-on-frame truck

that had worse handling and

fuel economy than the larger Chevy

Suburban with less space inside than the

Tahoe. The new 2011 Durango launched

a few weeks ago changes all. for better

gas mileage when cruising on thehighway. Mercedes ride and Hemi

power? Thats a tough-to-

beat combination.

DodgeDurango

StylingRevealed at the at the 2010 LA Auto Show,

the completely redesigned new arrival looks

like a real Dodge unmistakably tough andmuscular.EngineeringThe new car is built on a new crossoverSUV unibody chassis [also shared withthe Mercedes-Benz M-Class and R-Class]Powertrain optionsEntry level models get the companys all-new 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine. Thelatest version of the reworked Hemi V8, with

seamless cylinder deactivation for optimizingfuel economy is also offered. Full time AWDis available in the V6, while low range can be

locked in the V8s [also with limited slip difflocks].Interiors & featuresDodges President and CEO Ralph Gilles teamhas transformed this bare utility vehicle intoa luxurious fashion statement. The top specCitadel model sports a pleasant two-toneleather bound cabin that combines some ofthe features and exibility of a minivan with aless upright seating and a host of convenience

features.Handling & performanceBy class benchmarks the Durango has a

rened ride and balanced performance andby previous Durango standards its beyondcomparison.Key competitors

VW Touareg, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, BMW X5,Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Hyundai

Veracruz, Kia Sorento, Subaru Tribeca, MazdaCX-9, and Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Inniti FXand Lexus RX330.


Body type: SUV

Styling

Powertrain options


Engineering


Score card Ratings


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Also revealed at

the November 2010 LA

Auto Show, the refreshed for

2011 Charger enters evolutionary

territory with an all-new sheetmetal,

quality and improved interiors.

It also opens a new chapter in

unadulterated 2+2 muscle

cars.

DodgeCharger

StylingThe raw and aggressive face has now become

rened and businesslike without losing thehallmark and signature crosshair grill. The rearend with its full-width LED taillamp connectsto the 70s styling.EngineeringThe new cars foundation is an all-newchassis and suspension package mated toefcient powertrains. The new chassis usesadvanced steels, nylon composites with

Chryslers second-generation rear-wheel-driveE-segment architecture, to achieve very high

structural stiffness and torsional strength,which contributes to tighter handling andsafety.Powertrain optionsThe regular range includes the 3.6-litre V6Pentastar and larger V8 Hemi engines withEco drive modes. Performance R/T versionsare also offered.Interiors & features

More luxurious now with many newcomfort and convenience features. Bespoke

programme also available for trims includingleather and wood.Handling & performanceAs a pure and modern pony car, its difcult tofault the on road prowess and handling of thiscar even with the V6.Key competitorsFord Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.


Body type: sedan

Styling

Powertrain options


Engineering


Score card Ratings

Automans takea stylish and highly entertaining Charger with undiluted performance and a wide range to appeal the appetite of muscle cars.



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automan select

Automans takeAlthough Bentley would want everyone to consider its 2011 Continental GT as an all-new car, like an aging Hollywood star, the2011 Bentley Continental GT just needed a little work to be done.

A few years ago,

UK-based Bentley Motors

boasted that its new luxury gran

turismo coupe would open up a whole new

market segment. In an era where predictions

in the motoring business have been sort of a

roller coaster ride for many, at least Bentley were

spot on with that prediction. The seminal and highly

successful Bentley Continental GT introduced in 2003

not only represented the rst step in Bentleysrenaissance but also dened a whole new

market segment. It was a luxury GT offering

excellent usability that remained true to

the Bentley grand touring spirit.

BentleyCGT

StylingFor Crewes design team, the new CGT coupewas an opportunity to set a bold and excitingdirection for one of Bentleys most reveredbadge once again. The cars existing prolehas been sharpened with stronger character

lines and a modded face.EngineeringBentley has carried forward the existingchassis but has focused on weight reductionelsewhere. Aluminium Super Formingtechnology has been employed to create thefront mudguards and boot lid.Powertrain optionsWhile displacement downsizing is a globaltrend, theres no downsizing the proven

6.0-litre, 12-cylinder, twin-turbochargedpowertrain. Actually output is up to 567bhpand torque stands at 700Nm. New technologiesinclude a new Quickshift transmission whichenables double downshifts. Thanks toadvanced FlexFuel technology it can also run

on both standard unleaded petrol (gasoline)and sustainable bioethanol (up to E85) or anymix of the two. Meanwhile, a new high-output4.0-litre V8 engine option will be introducedin late 2011.Interiors & featuresThe interior combines form, practicality andinnovation. More luxurious now with many newcomfort and convenience features, perhapsthe most stylish new storage device in the car

is the exquisitely designed, folding, removablecase designed to hold items such as keys andpens and which can also be slipped into apocket or bag.Handling & performanceThe car now offers more dynamic handling,

improved comfort, and benets from up-to-date electronics.Key competitorsTrue competition at this lofty level is rare.

The Aston Martin DB9 provides more drivingexcitement at a similar price and the lesserpriced Maserati GranTurismo is arguably oneof the more attractive cars. Mercedes-Benzalso has a CL600 and its AMG derivatives.


Body type: coupe

Styling

Powertrain options


Engineering


Score card Ratings


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Value for money has

become a permanent USP for

Hyundai-built motor cars which is in

contrast to its image a few years ago. While

the global motoring industry bears the brunt of

the economic meltdown, Hyundai is perhaps the

only volume carmaker [along with Kia] which

actually gained robust sales worldwide. Now,

Hyundai is on a design, engineering andquality drive.

HyundaiElantra

Body type: sedan

Styling

Powertrain options


Engineering


Score card Ratings

Stylingheres quite a bit of design inuence fromthe larger new Sonata which itself boastsof Hyundais uidic sculpture language.

As a result, the new coupe-styled Elantrais crisp, clean, downright sporty in what isgenerally considered an economy segment.EngineeringThe new platform design allows the car to belarger and yet lighter without sacricing onsafety or comfort.Powertrain optionsHyundais astonishing improvements inpowertrain engineering are among reasonswhy the new Elantra is so much better. Its new

145hp 1.8-litre engine mated with a standardsix-speed transmission (either manual orautomatic) also produce an impressive fueleconomy of up to 40 mpg in highway driving.Interiors & featuresOffered in two trim levels, an array offeatures complement a good dose of stylewith upmarket t and nish. The top trim ismore luxurious with many new comfort andconvenience features. The cabin has addedenough volume to be classed by EPA a mid-size car and by key dimensions like head andlegroom.Handling & performanceThe cars 1.8-litre engine actually produces

power and torque almost equivalent to manyof its 2.0-litre rivals, yet it seems a little lazyin highlighting its capabilities. Hyundai hascalibrated the throttle for signicant responseand hence it has to be pushed. While its fairlyhappy doing so, peak power comes at 6,500rpm before a soft rev limiter chips in for engineprotection. The new chassis and independentsuspension assist the car to ride rmly andalso ensure that the cheap feel of budget carsis not felt at all.Key competitorsFord Focus, Kia Rio, Honda Civic, Nissan Tiida/Sunny, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, ChevroletCruz


Automans takea stylish and highly entertaining Charger with undiluted performance and a wide range to appeal the appetite of muscle cars.



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automan select

Automans takeThe Optima D-segment saloon has been transformed from a nobody to a game changing designer statement with engineeringand performance to match. If Kia ofcials have always maintained that the new Optima represented a paradigm shift for the company, we have to agree

that it truly is. Single-handedly, it has virtually shaken and stirred the segment. Aimed at the fast-growing mid-size family sedan segment, this is a car of

remarkable nesse for its sticker price and will surely not be overlooked for years.

Premiered at the 2010

New York International Auto

Show, the Optima is one of Kia

Motors rst all-new replacement

models to be penned by ex-Audi

chief design director Peter

Schreyer.

KiaOptima

StylingThe Optima isnt quite as sultry as itsmechanical sibling, the Hyundai Sonata, but isin a class of its own. Designed at Kias studiosin Frankfurt, Germany and Irvine, California,

the cars design focus is no longer Korean oreven Asian for that matter but comes acrossas is a true world car. Wider and lower thanthe model it replaces, it is based on an all-newmidsize platform that allows for distinctivedimensions and proportions. The sweepingchrome arc that ows from the A- to the

C-pillars is a distinctive design motif in thiscoupe-like prole car.Powertrain optionsA four-cylinder 200hp 2.4-litre or 2.0-litre

engine is available with six speed transmissions

depending on market.Interiors & featuresThe sedans chic cabin complements the sharpand stylish exterior. Materials used give aluxurious feel and the cabin is endowed withmany new comfort and convenience features.Premium features include push-button start

with smart key and dual-zone automaticclimate control.Handling & performanceThe bigger four cylinder pot is able to offerthrifty acceleration and is quite smooth under

most operating conditions. A bit noisy whenpushed, otherwise poised and relaxed. Chassisand suspension are more European biased infeedback and response.Key competitorsHonda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima,Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion, VW Passat.


Body type: sedan

Styling

Powertrain options


Engineering


Score card Ratings


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Chevrolet

was the creator of the

rst sports utility vehicle back

in the 1930s with the Suburban. The

rst generation Captiva hit the market

back at the end of 2006 marked a turning

point for the brand and now, the bow-tie

brands compact SUV has been given a major

makeover for 2011. Revealed as a major

facelifted model at the 2010 Paris MotorShow, the car has been extensively been

re-engineered to offer upscale styling

comfort and handling.

ChevroletCaptiva

StylingA new face and some detailing on an existingprole doesnt tamper with the cars three rowtheatre seating or seven occupant capacity.EngineeringA lot of engineering work has been carried outin the area of noise, vibration and harshness

(NVH) to improve overall renement. The AWD system has improved mount isolationwhich enables lower engine speeds to beused without unsettling vibration; the enginehas a new hydraulic mounting which reducesvibration at idle; the engine sound intensityinside the cabin has been reduced and isnow more than 3db lower than the outgoing

model. For the rst time on Chevrolet Captiva,Hill Start Assist (HSA) has been included.Powertrain optionsThe 2011 Captiva offers efcient new enginesdisplacing 2.4- and 3.0-litres respectively.The underperforming 3.2-litre V6 has beendropped. The new engines which employ

variable valve timing (VVT) are mated to anew six-speed transmission.Interiors & features

An array of nishes and textures including allnew seat fabrics and interior trims gives thecar a more up-market feel and look. Designershave also included trendy features such as asice-blue back lighting, auxillary inputs, USB-

port connectivity and Bluetooth connectivityHandling & performanceCustomers will retain the option of choosingbetween two and four-wheel drives, the fruitsof the improvements in chassis hardwaremake the Captiva feel an even safer, morecomposed and enjoyable drive on the road

One of the great advantages of the newcompact automatic transmission is that it hasallowed the engineers to enhance crumplezones, increase interior space and lower thebonnet line.Key competitorsHonda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Kia SportageHyundai Tucson and Ford Escape.


Body type: SUV

Styling

Powertrain options


Engineering


Score card Ratings

Automans takeThe refreshed model with stylish and nely nished interior is very much a car of the times and is more than just being lifestyleoriented. Specically, designed for families and their everyday requirements, it offers some usable off-road capabilities. It certainly deserves consideration

alongside its capable European and Japanese lifestyle-oriented SUV rivals.



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automan select

Automans takeNear the top in many departments including pricing and variants that SUV punters are looking at these days.

As a model, the Jeep

Grand Cherokee in the past

suffered from several shortsighted

policies initiated during the previous

ownership. Yes, we specically are referring

to the years when the Jeep brand was controlled

by then-DaimlerChrysler [DC]. DC was notorious for

introducing several cost cutting measures in the brand

and the once-luxurious cabin of premium materials in

the capable old Grand Cherokee became a thing of thepast. But all that is past history now after Chrysler

split from the Daimler and aligned itself with

Fiat. The results of the new alliance are

beginning to be noticed at all

levels.

Jeep GrandCherokee

StylingRevealed at the at the 2010 LA Auto Show,

the completely redesigned new arrival lookslike a real Dodge unmistakably tough andmuscular.EngineeringThe new car is built on a new crossoverSUV unibody chassis [also shared withthe Mercedes-Benz M-Class and R-Class]Powertrain optionsEntry level models get the companys all-new 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine. Thelatest version of the reworked Hemi V8, with

seamless cylinder deactivation for optimizingfuel economy is also offered. Full time AWDis available in the V6, while low range can belocked in the V8s [also with limited slip difflocks].Interiors & featuresDodges President and CEO Ralph Gilles teamhas transformed this bare utility vehicle intoa luxurious fashion statement. The top specCitadel model sports a pleasant two-toneleather bound cabin that combines some ofthe features and exibility of a minivan with aless upright seating and a host of convenience

features.Handling & performanceBy class benchmarks the Durango has arened ride and balanced performance andby previous Durango standards its beyondcomparison.Key competitors

VW Touareg, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, BMW X5,Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Hyundai

Veracruz, Kia Sorento, Subaru Tribeca, MazdaCX-9, and Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Inniti FXand Lexus RX330.

Body type: SUV

Styling

Powertrain options


Engineering


Score card Ratings

Whats in? Whats out?


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The 2011

Jaguar XJ

Automan July 2011

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Transcript of Automan July 2011