156

AUG 2014 Issue no 156

now, the regions Best Automotive Resource

Automan AUG 2014

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Ferrari California T | Bentley Continental GT3 | Jaguar F-Type Project 7 | Aston Martin Rapide S | Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG | Nissan Vision 2020 concept | Motorsports

12

COVERstory |

cover story

2014 Ferrari
California T

Taste of Maranellos first

forced-fed motor car in
25 years

12-17 2014 Ferrari California T

Oman and regional news

NEXT ISSUE

6-7 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II arrives in

Middle East, refreshed Nissan launched in
UAE, key appointments at Volkswagen Middle
East office, new managing director for
Infiniti Middle East. Sayarti Auto Care new
outlet launched in Oman, bigger parts outlet
for Mitsubishi motor cars and trucks in
Oman, Bank Sohar launches fast track auto
financing

2015 lexus nx

brandwatch

34

8-11 Peugeot RCZ/Hyundai Veloster successor

dilemma, fourth generation Mazda Miata
confirmed, Dodge unveils most powerful V8
Challenger, Citroens newly created luxury
brand DS doing very well, 2015 Peugeot 508
revealed with upscale styling, Jaguar F-TYPE
Project 7 dynamic debut, BMW confirms Mexico
production, Mitsubishi Motors to bail out
Chrysler in Mexico, Volkswagen introduces
Euro-spec 2015 Passat, Core models of Audi to
go hybrid, Beetle Dune Concept green lighted
for production, Daimler-Infiniti engine project
goes on line, Maseratis grand business plan

Goodwood Festival of
Speed

First drives

20-24 2014 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

26-30 2014 Aston Martin Rapide S

An annual event not to be missed

by petrol heads

exclusive First drive

32-33 2014 Nissan Sunny

International news feature

34-57 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed

previews

New 0-100km
/h sub 3.9sec
club members

20

26

64

60

58-59 Chevrolet Corvette ZO6

60-62 aguar F-Type Project 7
63 BMW X6
64-66 Bentley Continental GT3
67 Nissan Vision 2020
68-69 2015 Ford Edge

one-off specials

70-71 Lamborghini 5-95 Zagato concept

72 Mini Superleggera

spotlight

74-75 Hyundai Veloster midship concept

MOTORSPORTS

76-79 s014 F1 British GP race report, Sebastien

Buemi sets the pace in first Formula E race,
Hyundai Rallye Deutschland drivers are ready,
Successful debut of Pirellis new race tyre,
Fernandes sells Caterham Formula 1, Vettel
not so sure, moto gp rider Marquez targets
nine out of nine

Chicane

80 Going on a train boon or bane?

editor-in-chief
Mohammad Al Taie

AL ROYA PRESS & PUBLISHING

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Hatim Al Taie

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EDITOR & GM
Raj Warrior

raj@alroya.net

executive EDITOR
Chandan B Mallik chandan@alroya.net
contributing EDITOR
Anne Kurian
annekurian@alroya.net
HEAD OF Design
Antony Karlo
photography
Elvis John Ferrao
marketing
Sayantani Ghosh sayantani@alroya.net

But then, there also exists the child in all of us here who, after salivating over the
unattainable, wants to let the world know what a great car that was.
And when, in the span of three months you have two great cars like the new Lamborghini
Huracan and the Ferrari California T, you have to admit that things happen for a reason in
this case, to make us happy.
The California T brings turbocharging back into Ferraris consumer lexicon. It almost
seems a mistaken path. Both the Italian brands have eschewed boost in the past, largely
because their naturally aspirated engines were peerless. In a discussion we had with
Rafaello Porro, Lamborghinis director for development, he had flatly refused to consider
turbocharging. But that was five years ago. In our latest conversation he clarified saying
that the regulatory environment had changed, the need for efficiency had changed and so
too had the market. So never is now a maybe.
It was a bit of surprise to see that Ferrari was the more adventurous of the two brands, but
then Maserati uses turbocharged engines. But it wasnt a given, considering the rigorous
parameters that Ferrari sets itself.
Read our cover story to find out exactly how brilliant the car is now complete with
redesigned body, new systems and electronics and much faster responses.

circulation
books@alroya.net
FINANCE & ADMIN
Sumy Mol

We may have pointed this out before this year is turning out to be a year of new sports,
performance and luxury cars. If you track from the years outset, weve featured one
stunning vehicle after another as our main cover story. We are usually more balanced in
our approach after all, Automan is a mainstream automotive magazine with the onus of
helping you decide on the next car you will buy. And we know that not all of us can afford
some of these mouth-watering sports cars.

sumy@alroya.net

Website & IT
Mohammed F Draz mohammed.draz@alroya.net
Printer
Ruwi Modern Printers LLC, Muscat
Tel: +968 2479 4167, 2479 8157
Fax: +968 2470 0545
2014
All editorial content of Automan in the magazine
and its website is copyrighted and may not
be reproduced in any form without the written
consent of the management of AL ROYA PRESS &
PUBLISHING
Automan accepts unsolicited exclusive editorial
material, but reserves the right to publish any such
material. Once published, the copyright for any
such material will vest with AL ROYA PRESS &
PUBLISHING

On the other hand for the regular Joe we bring an first drive of the new Nissan Sunny
from our contributors from India, where the car is built. No one in the region has driven it
at the time of going to press, so thats an exclusive of sorts.
Another exclusive is our editors visit to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which serves not
to just showcase new cars, but connects with the history and spirit of brands, especially
those that have a strong connect with the United Kingdom. Again, its not just exclusive,
it is the most comprehensive reort you will read in the region. So stay tuned for another
great month of our brand of motoring at Automan.

Now, Automan is available in bookshops in

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

Oman & region

news

Rolls-Royce introduces 2014 Ghost Series II

Abu Dhabi Motors, the sole dealer of RollsRoyce Motor Cars in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
are the first retailers to introduce the 2014
Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II in the region.
The subtle re-design of the popular Ghost
family sees understated exterior changes
coupled with the latest in industry-leading
connectivity technology. Ghost Series
II is the latest iteration of the celebrated
Rolls-Royce Ghost Collection, said
Arno Husselmann, General Manager of
Abu Dhabi Motors. The Ghost Series II
promises uncompromising control of the
road thanks to precise and innovative
engineering - driving it is an effortless
experience. Every detail has been
designed to create a dynamic feel and we
are honoured to be the first dealer in the
Middle East to share this masterpiece of
modern engineering with our esteemed
clients,
Changes to the Ghost Series II begin in the
front, where re-sculpted LED headlights
encircled by daytime running lights lend
the vehicle a more striking aesthetic. A
tapered wake channel on the bonnet,

Continental to
sponsor Asian
Cup 2015

German tyre brand

Continental has signed
an agreement with the Asian Football
Confederation to become the exclusive tyre
partner and official sponsor of the Asian Cup
2015. The tournament will be held in Australia
in January next year and will see Saudi Arabia,
Kuwait, the UAE and other top teams from
around the continent, compete to become
champions of Asia. Dirk Rockendorf, Head of
Marketing, Continental Middle East& North
Africa, said: Football is the worlds largest
participation sport and especially fast-growing
in the Middle East, and the Asian Cup 2015
offers the perfect platform for football talent
from the Middle East to showcase their skills.

emanating from the Spirit of Ecstasy,

evokes the sight of a jets vapour trail or
wake of a fast luxury yacht and hints at
the cars dynamism. Subtle re-sculpting of
Ghosts bumpers creates a stronger stance
and a sense of extra width and height,
whilst the contemporary design is further
enhanced with the addition of chrome
inserts to the front air intakes, which
now feed more air cooling to the front
brakes. In addition, the famous waft line
has been re-designed on Ghost Series II to
lean further forwards. While powertrain
remains unchanged, the handling section
of the car sees some revisions. Customers
can specify a Dynamic Driving Package
for the Ghost Series II that offers a more
involving driving experience with no
compromise to ride quality. It uses redesigned front and rear struts married to
new steering gear and adjusted dampers
significantly increase Ghost Series
IIs cornering ability, whilst enhanced
feedback levels are expected to be felt
through a thicker steering wheel.

Heritage welcomes refreshed for 2015

Nissan Sunny

The original Sunny was launched in the Middle East under Datsun
brand in 1966 and is part of the Nissan and the Regional Automotive
Heritage across its ten generations. Sunny is one of the top selling
models in the region. The 2015 Sunny builds on this solid foundation
and strengthens Nissans presence in the increasingly popular
B-sedan segment. The Middle East is a key market for Nissan and the
Sunny in particular is one of our top selling models in the region and
contributes to around 15 per cent of our total sales. We expect this
model to make a notable impact on our growth, doubling its sales
volumes by FY16, said Samir Cherfan, Managing Director at Nissan
Middle East, during the launch event in Dubai.
The incoming Sunny will be offered with a 1.5-litre petrol engine and
includes four spec variants with prices starting at $ 12,380 and will be
available from all Nissan dealerships across the region from August
01. [Eds note: see first ME drive report on page 32]

Infiniti ME appointment

Infiniti has moved forward with its

implementation of an ambitious global
plan which began in 2012. And to
strengthen the regional operations,
Juergen Schmitz has been appointed
as Infiniti Middle Easts first Managing
Director. Schmitz is expected to give
Infiniti a sharper structural focus on the
premium segment of the business and
enhance the brands distinct identity in
the Middle East. Schmitz will assume
his new responsibilities with immediate
effect, and report to Franois Goupil de
Bouill, Vice President, Infiniti Europe,
Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Said
Schmitz on his new role: Infiniti is
entering a new era and Im fortunate
to be leading the brand in the Middle
East. Globally, Infiniti has its third largest

market share here, which we and our

partners plan to substantially increase
in the coming years. I am committed to
realising those ambitions while continuing
to deliver our premium brand promise to
our highly-valued customers. Schmitz
has served Infiniti in the Middle East as
General Manager in 2011 and was previously
Regional Director, Infiniti Central Europe.

The new Sunny

was also
launched in
Oman also

whats hot, whats not

On June 26th 2014, Infiniti began assembly

at the Infiniti Decherd Powertrain Plant, a
collaboration between the Renault-Nissan
Alliance and Daimler AG. The first engine
to be assembled at the all-new facility is a
2.0-litre turbocharged gasoline 4-cylinder
developed by Daimler. The engines will
initially be used in European versions
of the Infiniti Q50 sports sedan and the
Mercedes-Benz C-Class assembled in
Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Automans take

Dodge unveils most powerful V8 Challenger

Automans
take

fter China-based Dongfeng and the French government

each injected $1.16bn into PSA Peugeot-Citroen, the group
had announced a new strategic plan called Back in the
Race. According to this plan, PSA has to reduce the number of
models it offers from 45 at the present time to 26 by 2022. As a
result of this directive, the fate of low volume models like the
RCZ was not so clear. Peugeot introduced its 308-based RCZ in
2011 and it was positioned as an upscale sports car with unique
design that boasts immaculate styling and features. In its career
till now, the RCZ has also seen some new derivatives being
added to this car line-up. The good news now is that the halo
model will not be discontinued. Peugeot CEO Maxime Picat has
confirmed the company has made plans for a second generation
of the Peugeot RCZ coupe. Picat told reporters in Holland that
the company would develop a new RCZ because the sporting
coupe was important for the brands image.
Hyundai Motors is debating whether to continue with the
controversial Veloster three-door coupe/hatchback for its second
generation. The Veloster was launched in 2012 and a facelifted
model is expected to hit markets sometime within the next year
or so. While Middle East is one of the more popular destinations
for the distinctive small car, sales have not lived up to
expectations in key overseas markets including South Korea, the
US and Europe. Only about 60,000 units were sold worldwide
last year its second full year of availability with fewer than
3,000 units finding buyers in the domestic market.

There had been some doubt about the future of the RCZ
after the parent company, PSA Peugeot-Citroen, was
rescued by Chinese automaker Dongfeng and the French
government earlier this year.

The all-new 2015 Dodge Challenger

SRT, with its supercharged 6.2-liter
HEMI Hellcat engine, produces an
unprecedented 707hp and 650lb.-ft. of
torque, making it the most powerful
Challenger ever, Dodges most powerful
V8 ever and the most powerful muscle
car ever. The Challengers new 6.2-liter
Supercharged Hellcat engine is also the
first factory supercharged HEMI, as well
as Dodge and SRTs first application of
V8 supercharger technology. For the
first time in Chrysler Group history, the
all-new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT with
a Hellcat engine comes standard with

two key fobs -- red and black. The red

key fob is the only key that can unlock
the full 707hp and torque potential of
the Challenger SRT Hellcat engine; while
the black key fob limits the driver to a
reduced engine output of 500hp.
Dodge says that the Challenger SRT
Hellcat has been redesigned and totally
re-engineered to be the most true-toform muscle coupe on the market with
performance-enhancing technologies
inside and out. The car gets a new
TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic
transmission and an all-new interior
inspired by the classic 1971 Challenger.

Unlike the French volume brand Peugeot, Hyundai seems

to be caught in the crossroads. On one hand it is trying to
remain a volume seller and also go upmarket with its more
value for money proposition, Hyundai has to remember
that its premium brand aspirations cannot be met if it
decides to discontinue low volume halo models.

Presiding over the opening celebration were Tennessee

Governor Bill Haslam, Infiniti Motor Company
President Johan de Nysschen, Infiniti Americas Vice
President Michael Bartsch, Infiniti Decherd Powertrain
Operations and Battery Plant Vice President Gary
Edwards and Erhard Schletterer, Director Engine
Production Mercedes-Benz.

Maseratis
grand plan

Fourth generation Mazda

Miata confirmed
Officially confirmed as a 2016 model, the
all-new MX-5 coyly made an initial debut
at this years New York International Auto
Show in the form of an exposed SKYACTIVchassis. As the fourth chapter of the nextgeneration roadster has been confirmed,
it will be unveiled simultaneously in Japan,
Spain and the United States on September
3. Were excited to make this official,
to announce that the newest member
of the MX-5 Miata family will be arriving
soon, said Jim OSullivan, president and
CEO, Mazda North American Operations
(MNAO). Along with our colleagues
around the world, we continue to
celebrate the MX-5s 25th anniversary and
look forward to sharing even more news
in the near future.

2015 Peugeot 508 revealed with upscale styling

The outgoing Miata

Looking more upscale than its

predecessor, the facelifted model
follows in the footsteps of the 108
and 308. As a result, the car has been
equipped with a smaller grille, restyled
LED headlights and a flatter hood. Out
back, the changes are less noticeable
but include a new rear bumper and
restyled taillights. The cabin is instantly
recognizable but it features higher
quality materials and a new centerconsole storage box. Theres also a
7-inch touchscreen display with access
to Peugeot Connect Apps which can
provide everything from weather
forecasts to information about nearby

parking spaces. Other notable highlights

include a four-zone climate control
system, a JBL audio system and a headsup display. There are also two new
options including a rearview camera and
a blind spot monitoring system.
Under the bonnet, depending on market,
two new engines will be available. On
the petrol side, theres a 1.6-liter THP
165 with start / stop technology. Those
looking for something more fuel efficient
can opt for the new 2.0-liter BlueHDi 180.
The 2015 Peugeot 508 will be launched
in Europe on September 10th. The model
will also be offered in China and sales are
slated to begin in January 2015.

The decision
to aggressively
expand the
Maserati brand
worldwide was
announced in May as part of Fiat-Chryslers
five-year plan. Between now and 2019
Maserati will roll out seven new models.
Following the redesigned Quattroporte
and the all-new Ghibli, Levant and Alfieri
will be a new GranTurismo four-seater
coupe in 2017, a cabriolet version of the
Alfieri in 2018 and a new GranCabrio fourseater convertible in 2019.

BMW confirms Mexico

production

The BMW Group officially confirmed it will

build a new plant in Mexico near the city
of San Luis Potosi with an investment of
$1bn. Production is planned to start in 2019
and the carmaker will announce which
BMW models will be built at the new
location at a later date. BMW has been
building cars in its US plant in Spartanburg
for the past 20 years.

brandwatch

Daimler-Infiniti engine
project goes on line

news

Successor dilemma

Volkswagen introduces Euro-spec 2015 Passat

Volkswagen has published a full set of
details about the European-spec 2015
Passat that is scheduled to debut at the
Paris Motor Show this coming October.
As expected, the eighth-generation
Passat gets a more dynamic-looking
design that borrows styling cues such
a narrow three-slat radiator grille, a
rippled hood and angular headlights
from recent Volkswagen concepts like
the T-Roc and the NMC. The next Passat
is lighter than the current model thanks
to the use of lightweight materials such
as aluminum and high-strength steel.
Although it is slightly smaller than the
current model in all directions, clever
packaging and a longer wheelbase allow
it to offer a more spacious cockpit and

Jaguar F-TYPE Project 7

dynamic debut

Following the static unveil at the

Goodwood Festival of Speed last
month, Jaguar chose a perfect occasion
and venue for the dynamic outing of
the F-TYPE Project 7. In celebration of
the Jaguar D-types 60th anniversary
a car which won at Le Mans three
times and which inspired Project 7s
genesis F-TYPE Project 7 completed its
demonstration laps throughout the Le
Mans Classic weekend at the alongside
the very first D-type ever built, and with
several examples of the all-new F-TYPE R
Coup.

Audi is reportedly aiming to introduce

plug-in hybrid versions of all core models
within five years. The companys researchand-development head, Ulrich Hackenberg,
suggests upcoming plug-in hybrid models
built upon the MQB platform will integrate
an electric motor between the 1.4-litre TFSI
engine and the gearbox. The approach
will essentially follow the path being led by
the A3 Sportback E-tron, which gets half
of its 201hpr rating from an electric motor.
Hackenberg argues that plug-in hybrid
powertrains meet all of our customers
expectations and will be given top priority
for future development. Engineers are
also working on a hybrid all-wheel-drive
system for the MQB platform, relocating
the electric motor to help directly drive
the rear axle. The larger MLB-Evo platform
is also expected to be outfitted with a
similar system, though the company is
still considering a plug-in hybrid with a
mechanically driven rear axle.

Automans take

Chrysler has had a long history of selling

rebadged Mitsubishi products in North
America, starting with the Dodge Colt
series (actually RWD Mitsubishi Galants) in
the US market in 1970.

Citroens newly created luxury brand DS doing very well

Beetle Dune Concept green lighted for production
Volkswagen has confirmed the Beetle Dune Concept that bowed earlier this
year at the Detroit Motor Show. A recent video published by the Wolfsburgbased automaker revealed the Beetle Dune is planned for showroom launch
in 2016 at the earliest. This means, the Dune treatment will be offered on
both the standard Beetle and the Beetle Convertible.

DS has just celebrated two years in China

the worlds biggest car market with
a special event at DS World in Shanghai
for customers, distributors, journalists,
partners and brand representatives. The
DS brand was launched in Beijing on
28 June 2012 with a range consisting of

Automans take

Core models of Audi to go

hybrid

a bigger trunk. Inside, the Passat moves

up a notch on the market thanks to
noticeably improved materials and more
high-tech equipment.
Tech-conscious buyers will be able
to order the Passat with a wide array
of electronic driving aids including
Side Assist with Rear Traffic Assist,
Trailer Assist, Front Assist System with
Emergency Braking as well as Traffic Jam
Assist. Finally, the Passat can park itself
when ordered with an optional new
function called Park Assist. Buyers will be
asked to choose between ten gasolineand diesel-burning engines whose
outputs range from 118 to 276hp via DSG
transmission. All engines come standard
with a start/stop system.

imported DS 5 and DS 4 models. This was

followed by the introduction of DS 3 in
September 2012.
The event saw the delivery of a DS
5LS to the 10,000th DS customer, the
launch of a new DS Club and the reveal
of the DS 6WRs interior. DS 6WR is the
brands first premium SUV, which
will be launched in September
2014. DS now markets a range
of four models including two
cars that are produced locally
at the Shenzhen plant. The two
locally manufactured cars are DS
5, launched in September 2013,
and DS 5LS, introduced in March
2014. With the launch of the
DS 6WR in the autumn, it now
markets three locally-produced
models a feat achieved in just
one year.

Citron previewed the DS 6WR at last Aprils Beijing Motor Show. It has
been designed to boost the firms presence in China, is boldly aimed at the
Audi Q3 and the BMW X1. The DS 6WR will be built in Shenzhen, China, and
sold exclusively on the local market where DS-badged cars are distributed in
standalone showrooms. No details on international launch have been made.

More awards for Range

Rover Evoque

The Range Rover Evoque has become

unstoppable at least when it comes to
bagging awards. The stylish CUV has won
three more awards, taking its global haul
of accolades to a total of 161 in just over
three years. Already widely acclaimed by
journalists, critics and owners, the most
recent successes have come from the
readers of key global titles. In one recent
survey the Evoque scored a near-perfect
94 per cent when participants were asked
to rate their cars audio and entertainment
systems as well as other technology,
such as phone connectivity and the userfriendliness of on-board computers.

brandwatch

Chrysler de Mexico has said that it

will start selling cars in the lucrative B
segment. Mexicos B segment sales
comprised nearly one quarter of all the
countrys new car transactions in 2013.
Since its current portfolio lacks a suitable
model, the group has approached
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation for its
Mitsubishi Mirage G4 model. In the US,
Mitsubishi is concentrating on plug-in
hybrids and has said that it will not sell the
Mirage in Mexico under its brand name.
Mitsubishi has said it would not sell the
Mirage G4 in the US, but it will be offered
in Canada. In Canada, the Mirage will be
sold with the same 1.2-litre, 74hp threecylinder that powers the US-spec Mirage
hatchback. It has also been reported that
in China the Chrysler version would be
slightly altered for a more upscale feel,
its not known if that would be the case in
Mexico. Sales of the new Chrysler badge
Mitsubishi sedan will begin as early as
November 2014.

news

Mitsubishi Motors to bail

out Chrysler in Mexico

2014 Ferrari Califorinia T

Automotive
Pure

The next generation of Ferraris smaller GT offering the California T

ticks a new set of boxes, while setting your nerves on fire. Automan
tested the car in the sylvan surroundings of Tuscany.
Author: Raj Warrior

he last time we were in a Ferrari

California was on the then newly
built highway running between
some points in Sharjah over to Kalba.
Multi-lane with no speed cameras in
place. And the reins of a really fast car at
hand. Can we describe the joy of pushing
a Ferrari in a drag race with a German
car that just had to try to get ahead? If it
wasnt for that fact that we eventually hit
civilisation we may have even tried the
top speed of the car. But the lesson learnt
during that test was that the California
was really different.
It is a tough act to follow, even for
manufacturer Ferrari. It was the first time
that a V8 engine was being offered in a
mid-front configuration, complete with
fold-down rigid roof and the by-now
standard 7-speed double clutch gearbox.
While clothed as a GT car, the California
shares a platform with the almost vicious
performance of the 458. And it too does
the zero to whatever in almost nothing
bit. So why then did we go out of our way
to say that the California wasnt a girls
car? It was because the California brought
Ferrari into a new market segment and the
combination of everyday practicality, good
city manners, a problem-free retracting
roof and the Ferrari badge made it a car
for a new breed of customer.
Nothings changed over the years since
the new breed of customer continues
to look for the combination and the
California has been an outstanding success
for the brand. So when they came up with
the new model it had to build on all the
virtues while laying out a new equation in
terms of desirability. Have they done it? To
find out, we flew out to Tuscany as guests
of Ferrari, to check out the car and meet
the people behind the brand.
The new California does not seem
remarkably different. Not at first glance.
It still is an all-aluminium platform. Do
a double take and you realise that a lot
has changed. The outer skin is all-new,
there are convex surfaces where you saw
concave before, the headlight assembly is
now very FF and F12ish and even the grille
has been reshaped. The taillights, similarly
have gone a touch more aggressive along
with the use of LEDs. The switch between
yesterday and today has been managed
beautifully so much so that the California
no longer seems an upstart, blending
in nicely with Ferraris model range and
history, with touches of the 250 Testa
Rossa about its flanks.
But this is only the icing on the cake that
you are served by the new engine. For
those who would still ask the T stands
for turbo and that itself seems highly
evolutionary for Ferrari. However, thats

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE
Type
Bore and stroke
Unit displacement
Total displacement
Compression ratio
Maximum power *
Maximum torque *

direct-injection 90 V8
86,5 x 82 mm (3.41 in x 3.23 in)
482 cm3 (29.4 cu in)
3,855 cm3 (235.25 cu in)
9,4:1
412 kW (560 cv) at 7500 rpm
755 Nm (77 kgm / 557 lbft) at 4750 rpm in
VII gear

DIMENSIONS ANDWEIGHT
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Front track
Rear track
Dry weight**
Peso in ordine di marcia**
Weight distribution
Fuel tank capacity
Boot\Trunk capacity

4570 mm (179.9 in)

1910 mm (75.2 in)
1322 mm (52.0 in)
2670 mm (105.1 in)
1630 mm (64.2 in)
1605 mm (63.2 in)
1625 kg (3582 lb)
1730 kg (3813 lb)
47% front - 53% rear
78 l (20.6 US gal / 17.3 UK gal)
340 l, 240 l (12 cu ft, 8.5 cu ft)

PERFORMANCE
Top speed
0-100 km/h
0-200 Km/h
Weight/power ratio

316 km/h (196 mph)

3.6 s
11,2 s
2,9 kg/cv (8.69 lb/kw)

TYRES
Front
Rear
Front (opt)
Rear (opt)

245/40 ZR19
285/40 ZR19
245/35 ZR20
285/35 ZR20

CCM3 BRAKES
Front
Rear

390 x 34 mm (15.4 x 1.34 in)

360 x 32 mm (14.2 x 1.26 in)

ELECTRONICS
ESC with F1-Trac system (Control for Stability and Traction)

GEARBOX
F1, dual clutch 7 gears + Reverse

SUSPENSIONS
Front: double wishbone
Rear: Multilink

not really the case, for the brand has

broad exposure to the use of turbos in
F1 racing. It has been some time since
they placed a turbo in a regular car and
the intervening years have brought with
them a huge change in turbo reliability
and efficiency, especially with the ability to
fine-tune the boost to match the required
output.
That single feature is what has made the
presence of a turbo both desirable and
tolerated at once. The 4.3-litre V8 engine
of the outgoing car has been downsized
to 3.9-litres, with some of the engine
production processes being shared with
the new 3.6-litre V8 that is appearing in
the Maserati line-up. Ferrari has gone to
great lengths to keep the two engines
different, although it makes both. In
the case of the Ferrari engine, the most
important difference is in its ability to
rev and its focus on delivering power as
opposed to the push on the mid-range in
the sister engine.
Of course, the downsizing itself has been
brought about by the need for better fuel

efficiency. The gearbox and its ratios that

offer rather tall spacings from the 4th gear
upwards, with a huge jump up from 6th to
7th mirror that ideology. Put the gearbox
in full auto, in comfort mode and you
would think that the car has gone all green
and tree hugging by the alacrity with
which it jumps up to 7th gear. But thats
only if you let it.
Remember its a Ferrari and you dont go
and do things like shaving weight off the
flat-plane crankshafts, offering equallength exhaust pipes, using twin-scroll
turbos and adding in a variable torque
delivery system unless you mean to stay
on top of the performance graph.
The excellence of this engine comes from
the way in which it uses turbocharging
while behaving like a naturally aspirated
engine. Well, almost! The equal length
exhaust piping is to keep the purity of
the engine sound, with a rather elaborate
branch down into the turbo. The entire
assembly is cast in three sections, welded
together and then finished. In the bargain
the engine now sits lower than before,

offering a better CG on the whole as well

as maintaining the ideal 47:53 front-rear
weight split.
With 560PS on offer and a turbo-assisted
jump in torque to 755Nm, the end result
is an engine that is as much at home on
a track car as it is in the shell of this GT.
But the cold, hard numbers dont quite
say the story of what else the engine
offers. Variable torque delivery means that
maximum torque is on tap only when the
car is in the seventh gear. What this does
is compensate for the gears tallness, in
a larger but similar measure to what it
does in the 5th and 6th gear. If you then
averaged the torque curve on the gear
tipping points you get a curve closer to
what you would get in a much larger
naturally aspirated engine. The sound of
the engine has also been kept close to the
pure ideal by carefully mapping the equallength pipes as well.
We spent an evening talking to one of
the development drivers, who talked us
through the months of fine-tuning that
saw him repeatedly put the test mules in

harms way on the tight confines of a twolane Italian arterial road, pushing out in
front of oncoming trucks just to see how
the turbo responded to the pedal. Power
had to be available instantly, without the
typical turbo lag and when you actually
drive the car you realise that the engineers
have won.
Take the car out on the twisty roads
of Tuscany and you really need all the
responsiveness of the new engine. The
chassis engineering is perfect use the
cars manettino and put it in sport mode
and the new generation of magnahelic
ride control stiffens up the suspension to
just the right degree. Pop the paddles to
take the car out of auto and you have a
beast that is chafing to run. Third gear has
a range to it that seem like you wouldnt
need to shift out of it, until you hit a
hairpin on a climbing road and then just
love jumping into second. You can safely
floor the accelerator, move between
second, third and fourth and never have to
stray into the higher efficiency gearing.
The engine revs seamlessly all throughout,
you have to really be hunting for the
turbos bark to notice it at all and the
wheels stay firmly glued to the lane you
are in while you can induce tail sliding
whenever you want.

And the sweet sound of a high-revving

Ferrari engine is your partner all the way
along the drive. You barely notice the wind
noise of the open-roof experience as the
throaty growl rises and fades in tandem
with your foots pressure downwards.
The 200 mark rushes by in a blur with a
top speed of 316 km/h that bit happens
rather frequently. And even the narrow
roads cant slow you down on more
than one occasion we did the overtake
manoeuvre that the Ferrari driver told us
about, sprinting out into the opposite lane
and quickly getting back ahead before
the oncoming traffic hit us. Among all the
headlight flashing and honks we are sure
there were some just to say wow, thats a
great car you are driving! Anyway, thats
our take on it.
The Calfornia really is a great car now
not just because of its engine. Redesigned
interiors, a new interface, larger display
screens, better seats and a new steering
wheel all go towards pushing the
California to the top of the heap. What
keeps it there are all the Ferrari touches
like the no compromise handling, keenly
tuned response, amazing gearbox and the
presence of launch control just in case!
Now if only, we could win the California
millions lottery, or even just the Muscat
version to pay for the car.

2014 Mercedes Benz A45 AMG

Genuine performance
in compact packaging
Make no mistake out here: the 2014 Mercedes
Benz A45 AMG isnt just a hatchback with a smart
appearance package. Automan discovered it true
performance colours in UAE
Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Nabeel Ferzan

he hatchback market in the

region is beginning to show some
signs of maturity and innovative
carmakers are now confident enough
in introducing hot versions. AMG, the
performance arm of Mercedes-Benz has
given us an incredibly array of V8/V12powered sedans, SUVs and sports cars to
enjoy, this is the first time an entry level
hatchback gets the fabled badging. While
AMG has a lot of experience in doing
bigger vehicles, it took over two years
to perfect the A-Class based derivative
which was first presented to the world
officially at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show
as the A45 AMG. In terms of marketing
and positioning, the A45 AMG allows
access to a new genre of customer
[younger mostly] who have hitherto
been denied access to the high-priced,
usually V8-powered cars till now.
The difference between the A45 AMG
and a standard A-Class is not just
limited to cosmetics otherwise it would
have been an A-Class with an AMG
Appearance Package. At first glance as
expected when compared to the stock
A-Class, the A45 is more muscular and

the front end is signed off by the AMG

twin blade radiator grille and the cross
strut in the AMG front apron which are
painted in matt titanium grey. Better
engine cooling is ensured by large air
intakes placed on the cars side, while
the side sills are also painted matte
titanium grey. For the rear, Mercedes
installed a rear apron with highlighted
air outlet openings on the sides, a matte
grey diffuser and, of course, the AMG
sports exhaust system with two square,
chrome-plated tailpipes. Our test car
came with rear aerofoil, additional
flics in front apron and larger front
splitter which comes as part of the AMG
Aerodynamics package.
Inside the cabin, theres a mix of the
A-Class and AMG features. Our test car
came with form-fitting seats sports
seats in DINAMICA microfiber with
red contrasting top-stitching [ARTICO
manmade leather also offered]. There
multifunctional steering wheel comes
with shift paddles, and the dashboard s
generously trimmed in carbon fibre with
five contrasting air vents in black/red and
an AMG instrument cluster. A tablet type

LCD screen is fixed in the upper dash.

The base of the central console is where
you get to see the AMG hardware by
which we are referring to the AMG Drive
Unit switch. While, the flat bottomed
steering wheel is carried over from the
regular A-Class, the most noticeable
change is that the gear selector now
migrates from its steering column stalk
to the base of the central console.
Put together, sophisticated materials,
ambient mood lighting and contrast
stitching blend well into an already high
level of build quality.
Under the bonnet, well, for starters, let
the numbers not fool you. The A45 may
sound suggestive of something bigger
in terms of displacement or cylinders,
but the truth is that its not. It is a trendy
example of exemplary engineering
where downsized lightweight hardware
these days outclass the older, heavier
ones without sacrificing on performance
or efficiency. Thus, this car gets a highperformance 2.0-litre turbocharged fourcylinder engine that delivers a total of
360hp and a peak torque of 331lbs-ft. This
amount of power is enough to sprint the

car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6secs and

up to a top speed of 250km/h. Mercedes
also claims theres Eco software built in
helping deliver fuel economy of 34mpg.
Technically, the A45
AMG gets the most
powerful series
production 2.0-litre
engine hand-built
according to the
traditional AMG
philosophy of one
man, one engine.
With its specific power
output of 181hp/litre it
outclasses the Porsche
911 GT2 RSs 172.2hp/
litre and its interesting
to learn some of the
secrets that have helped AMG reach these
levels of power density. For starters, it
uses a twin-scroll turbocharger, maximum
derestriction of the exhaust system,
multiple sparks, innovative multiple fuel
injection strategy besides a highly effective
cooling system inspired by the SLS AMG
and special bearings and specially forged
pistons capable of handling high internal
pressures akin to those found in a diesel
engine. This cooling system includes a
large section at the front level and is
combined with an additional cooler in the
wheel arch. A high-performance electric
pump takes care of the fluid movement. In
addition, the SLK 55 AMG sports exhaust
system used out here features large
pipe cross-sections and an automatically
controlled exhaust flap.

The engine is mated to an AMG

SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports
transmission that helps send the
engines power to the all four wheels via
Mercedess 4MATIC
all-wheel drive system.
Depending on mode
and demands it can
shift torque between
front and rear wheels
up to 50 per cent.
The chassis in this car
has been endowed
with a good amount
of flexibility befitting
any AMG product.
Up front, the A45
retains the A-classs
MacPherson strut
suspension set-up but is fitted with
stiffer steering knuckles and changes to
bushings, springs and dampers. At the
rear, the multi-link suspension is more
heavily revised including becoming
rigidly attached to the body via subframe
to provide greater precision and stiffness.
Connecting the car to the asphalt are as
standard with twin-spoke AMG light-alloy
wheels, painted in titanium grey with a
high-sheen finish, fitted with 235/40 R 18
tyres. Braking is by ventilated and crossdrilled disc brakes all round. Theres no
ceramic option and the tested had calipers
painted in red matching the other trim of
the car.

The A45 AMG is the

most powerful series
production car powered
by a 2.0-litre engine. Its
specific power output
is roughly 181hp/litre,
which outclasses the
Porsche 911 GT2 RSs
172.2hp/ litre

Driving impressions
One of the nice things about this car

is that it connects immediately with

the driver and is willing to perform on
demand. The more you drive this car and
spend time with it, the more it becomes
clear of its connection with AMG. Initially,
when you take out the car on a typical city
drive, you can feel the commonality with
other four-cylinder Mercedes siblings. The
exhaust note is quite normal, but when
you leave the restricted city speeds and
dig deeper into the throttle, the 2.0-litre
engine begins to rev higher and along with
its superb chassis and suspension set-up
signals the driver that it has come alive.
You can thump out the car in a turn and
it will willingly oblige by pulling strongly
and surprisingly, without any of the torque
steer one expects from small and powerful
front- wheel drive cars. This is where AMG
engineering comes in. We agree with the
idea to adopt an AWD configuration for
the A45 otherwise this car would have
behaved like the superb, yet unpredictable
Ford Focus ST! The ST has so much torque
steer that it can be difficult and dangerous
to control, especially by novice drivers. On
the A45, power distribution between the
two axles is handled by an electronically
activated multiplate clutch and the way
power is distributed on the fly shows the
level of flexibility provided in the car. In
normal driving, the car uses is essentially
a front-wheel drive [in the interests of
optimum efficiency]. When performance
is demanded, the all-wheel drive can
split the torque between front and rear
axles up to a ratio of 50:50. Thats not
all, along the variables influencing the

The ECO start/stop

function is also
active in C mode

power distribution ratio are vehicle speed,

lateral and longitudinal acceleration,
steering angle, speed difference between
the individual wheels, selected gear and
accelerator position.
While the A45AMG is a hatch, there are
several similarities with the SLS AMG. First
one that is noted
is its seven-speed
AMG Speedshift
MCT dual-clutch
gearbox. No
wonder, this
hardware is used
to cope with the
enormous power
and torque of the
A45 AMG engine.
And then as per
AMG fashion, the
A45 comes with
the AMG Drive
Unit. This software driven set-up allows
the driver to choose from different driving
modes. In Normal mode, gear changes
are smooth and seamless. In Sport, the
programme noticeably quickens the
swaps. But its in the Sport Plus mode,
which should give enthusiastic drivers
maximum satisfaction as it delivers
competition-grade downshifts and

simultaneously performs matched-rev

throttle blips to keep the car composed
during serious driving. Aside from the
stability benefits, the blip-throttle sounds
are thoroughly entertaining.
Also entertaining is the non-fussy feature
called Momentary M mode. Actually,
what it does is in C and S
mode allows the driver
to activate manual mode
(M) without having
to remove a hand from
the steering wheel, by
simply pressing the up
or down shift paddle
once. This means in this
temporarily override
mode the driver is able
to shift gear manually
[despite being in any of
the automatic driving
programmes] with
automatic up- and down-shifting into the
bargain. We also note that the gear shift
times in manual mode M and in Sport
mode S are very closed to those of the
SLS AMG GT. Interestingly, the ECO start/
stop function is also active in C mode.
The chassis set-up in this car is extremely
fine tuned. You can toss this compact
hatch through tight corners, take

The MercedesBenz A45 AMG is

representative of the
AMG Performance
50 strategy for the
future, which is to run
up to the 50th birthday
of Mercedes-AMG
GmbH in 2017

advantage of its super sharp and

responsive steering, crisp throttle
response, and neutral balance even
at very high cornering speeds. Hard
braking, turning the car into the corner,
and downshifting all at the same time do
nothing to upset the car.
Verdict
For the first time in the companys history
extending back over more than 45 years,
Mercedes-Benzs performance brand
is offering a genuine high-performance
vehicle in the compact class. Touted as the
most affordable AMG on sale in the region,
the A45 AMG aims to not only compete
with similar models from compatriots
BMW and Audi, but to completely
annihilate them with its superior
performance capabilities.

2014 Aston Martin Rapide S

stylish
Corporate
bruiser
A

The new 2014 Aston Martin Rapide S makes its debut

with yet more luxury and power in its quintessentially
elegant four-door coupe silhouette. Automan checks
out the car in UAE
Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Author and Nabeel Ferzan

nother concept to reality

accomplished successfully by UK
Gaydon-based Aston Martin. First
seen as a concept back in 2006, many in
the business thought that a production
Rapide would never see the day. Well it
did and the good news is that it is ready
for its second career innings.
In terms of product positioning, the
incoming Rapide S replaces the outgoing
Rapide in markets worldwide. It may
be remembered that Aston Martin
conceived the Rapide and presented it
around the same time when Porsche
was looking at the Panamera. This was in
the year 2010 and till then the four-door
sports sedan segment was uncharted
territory for both sports car makers.
However, common to both brands was
the desire to set off a trend of coupestyled four-door sedans. In that respect,
the Aston Martins Rapide overtook
the Porsche in terms of design purity as
the latter was trying to create a booted

version of a 911.
However, if one looks at the career graph
and subsequent developments of these
coupe-styled sedans in their generation
one avatars, then the winner of this
Britain vs Germany game is arguably
Porsche which has been able to dig in
the deep pockets of its parent group
and come up with hybrid, diesel and
performance Panamera variants. While
Porsche has taken a diverse engineering
approach in its sedan offerings,
Astons approach has been somewhat
conservative. But being conservative
doesnt necessarily mean losing out in
the game as it banks on heritage.
The simplest way of describing the
Rapide S is that it is essentially a DB9
with more distance between the wheel
axles. As of now Aston Martin hasnt
invested in any direct replacement
architecture for its aging VH platform but
says that several modifications have been
made to qualify it as Gen IV and still be

useful. The current VH platform on which

the Rapide is built utilizes an extrudedaluminum bonded to an aluminium and
composite skin so its not completely
outdated and also means that the Rapide
S has similar construction as in Astons
other sports cars. In profile, the incoming
car is similar to its predecessor, but a
new face, in particular a new grille design
announces its arrival. The cars revised
front end design is matched at the rear
by a striking new rear end profile which
includes a more pronounced boot lid
flip.
As before, the front doors open at
about a 15-degree upward angle and the
brutally raked windscreen has ensured
the front doors are smaller and one has
to be extra careful while getting in or
out of the car. And for those who are
familiar with Aston Martin cabins, the
interior execution of this car will evoke
mixed feelings. This is because of this mix
n match approach of doing things. On

one hand, one salutes the craftsmanship

of this car, especially when it comes to
expertise of saddlers which is obvious
from detailing of things like the hide
strap with a weapon-like metal knuckle
which hangs against the B-pillar to the
carryover dashboard
with its dismal and
unpractical layout and
equipment. The least
we were expecting
Astons designers to
look at the cluttered
central console, solve
the awkward positioning
of the display screen and
at least put the switches
in some order by
grouping functions and
introduce contemporary
solutions like a single
point controller. The
central console is so
cluttered that there was
no space for the petrol
cap release which has
been unusually and
inconveniently placed
under the dash on the A-pillar.
Apart from the ergonomic niggles,
its difficult to find a surface inside the
car thats not covered in velvety-soft,
impeccably stitched leather, while exotic
natural materials like genuine wood
veneer are used to fill in the blanks. The
metal finish gauges are now standard
and some may find it amusing to see
the dial indicators for the speedometer
and tachometer rotating in opposite
directions. Meanwhile, paddle shifters are

fixed to the steering column.

The drivers seat is sculpted and
comfortable. While theres ample legroom
and headroom for taller drivers up front,
however, the low-slung seating position
and coupe like greenhouse feel ensure
that it feels more
like a sports car than
a traditional sedan.
Outward vision is
terrible, especially for
shorter drivers. The
rear seat certainly
offers more space
than the DB9, but the
Porsche Panamera
in this respect would
feel like a stretched
limousine. Another
design hurdle which
Aston hasnt been
able to overcome:
creating more hip
room by narrowing
the transaxles wide
tunnel.
In terms of
practicality, luggage
space starts out at 317 litres but grows to
886 litres when the back seats are folded
down. And unlike traditional sedans
with rear bulkheads, the way the folded
seatbacks are finished and how they
release and gently fall into place is unique
and interesting.
Under the cars long bonnet, for the
Rapide S, Aston Martin has uprated the
AM11 naturally-aspirated 6.0-litre V12
powerplant to deliver unprecedented
power and improved in-gear acceleration.

First seen as a
concept back in
2006, the Rapide is
an uncompromised
sculpture. Its a
dramatic car, with a.
You sit so much inside
that its impossible for
shorter drivers to see
some overhead traffic
lights from the drivers
seat

Power is up by 17 per cent to 550hp

and peak torque increases, too, up
from 600Nm to 620Nm at 5,000 rpm.
Meanwhile an even more marked
improvement in torque occurs lower down
the rev range, as pulling power rises by
more than 40Nm between idle and 4,000
rpm with an additional 50Nm available
at 2,500 rpm. The car also benefits from
the new ZF 8-speed transmission. Dual
variable camshaft timing, knock sensing,
even the fully catalysed stainless steel
exhaust system are developments derived
directly from Aston Martin Racings
WEC GT campaign to help maximise
performance and efficiency. Meanwhile,
the engine has been lowered by 19mm
versus the position of the powerplant in
the previous car, with a corresponding
reduction in the sports cars centre of
gravity.
For handling flexibility, theres adaptive
damping which can be dialed by the driver.
Three modes Sport, Sport Plus and
Track are offered. The brake set-up uses
dual-cast discs, 398mm diameter with sixpiston monobloc calipers up front, while
the rear is the same set up with 360mm
diameter discs and four-piston monobloc
calipers.
On the safety front, theres threemode traction control, anti-lock brakes,
brakeforce distribution, electronic braking
assist, and parking sensors besides dual
stage driver and passenger front airbags,
front-seat side airbags, head protection
airbags for both rows, plus pretensioning
seatbelts.

Driving Impressions
Due to the low slug seating, it takes a bit
of juggle to get inside the car or close the
door when inside. The Rapide S is an easy
car to live with if you dont mind its low
ground clearance. And if you are buckled
up, its near impossible to reach out and
shut the door which swings upwards when
opened. An electric push button closing
system would have been a thoughtful
addition.
Fire the engine using the key fob and the
V12 engine roars into life and settles into
idle quickly. In the world of modern GT
cars where performance numbers have
reached supercar territory, the Rapide S
is at least a second slow in its 0-100km/h
sprint, but that aspect doesnt disqualify
the car. While reprogramming the engine
software has resulted in better torque
delivery, it feels much better and relaxed
than the outgoing Rapide as it builds its
speed in a linear fashion with appropriate
driver input. Featuring double-layered
glass, the Rapide S is pretty quiet,
especially when driven sedately, however,
some road noise from the 20in wheels can
filter in but they dont disturb the serenity
inside the cabin. And as before, the V12
engines exhaust note is compelling and
as we experienced the car more with the
miles, we realized that it can confidently
take a corner and like a sports car. .
Where the Rapide S clearly outshines its
competitors is in the steering department
where the feedback and response is
pure and unadulterated, thanks to the
hydraulically assisted set up. Meanwhile,
the variable suspension shock absorbers
do an outstanding job in providing a

smooth and controlled ride befitting a

luxury sedan. And despite improvements
in build quality and detailing, the NVH
department still has work to do. We
also noticed, at least with our test car,
a disappointing number of squeaks and
rattles emerging from unidentified areas
as the car went over rough patches. The
8-speed ZF automatic transmission is
ultra-smooth, even in manual-shift mode
where the shifts are markedly quicker
and the edginess of the older robotized
transmissions is a thing of the past.
The adaptive suspension button alters
between Normal, Sport and Track modes.
We noted that they are from the ones
used in the Vanquish, but in its functioning
it is somewhat different. We think it has
been deliberately re-programmed for a
sedan and hence Normal and Sport are
most useful. Normal brings a fabulous
ride, even on these huge wheels, and
Sport sharpens up the handling enough to
hustle it along a deserted road. However,
unlike sports cars, the chassis changes
do not involve things like gear shifting
or steering feel. Having a Track mode in
a sports sedan is rarely heard of and we
wonder how many Rapide S owners would
actually take the car for a track day if there
are opportunities to do so?
And a short note on living with the car.
In terms of operating day-to-day things,
while many modern sports sedans have
migrated to modern features like a
centralized knob-based infotainment
controllers, the lack of such a device
means that you have to master the
manually operated switches and depend
on the labeled buttons. This disorderly

The curse of the navi!

The Rapides navigation is definitely a

letdown compared to the price tag that
it demands. For someone who is ready
to pay through their noses - close to a
whopping AED one million, this is small
change and would hardly ever matter.
The small pop-up screen at the top of
the centre console feels like it was an
afterthought by the carmaker and the
screen is barely visible in the blaring
Middle Eastern midday sun.
The Garmin derived navigation is one of
the least intuitive of navis that I have
come across in a long time and seems
like its a good decade behind in terms
its functionality. The menus need to be
accessed through a push-to-select round
switch located down the centre console.
To someone who is uninitiated to the
Aston way of doing things, the menu
control switch can be quite intimidating.
For this ultra-luxury and super-expensive
four-door sports saloon, an adjustable
touch-screen with a voice activated
location search would have been
something that I would have really liked perhaps a little Bond touch!
Nabeel Ferzan

While the actual legroom has increased

slightly from the previous Rapide, the
same-sized door makes the in-and-out
process just as difficult as the last car

The 2014 Aston

Martin Rapide is now
called the Rapide S. The
incoming gets several
styling upgrades and an
updated V12 engine
placement of the functional switches can
be irritating, especially, when you are in
a hurry. The cars standard navigation
system is a Garmin unit and the test car
was supplied with an older map version.
Also navigation in this system isnt the
easiest to operate compared to whats
available in the market these days.

There are plenty of genuine design

elements inside the cabin, but the effort
is somewhat subdued due to Astons lack
of attention in improving ergonomics and
upgrading hardware.

Verdict
The overall impression is that Aston Martin
has created the Rapide S in a hurry and
perhaps on a shoe-string budget. It has
created a car that looks good but key
touch point areas have been neglected.
Aston Martin has set its image in stone as
a carmaker devoted to crafting alluring
and expensive cars and such an exercise
could be counter-productive. While
Aston Martin doesnt have access to
deep pockets of a rich parent company,
so its understandable how the strategy
of offerings has to be limited when
compared to Porsche. It may sound
absurd, but considering the Rapide Ss
engineering, design, pedigree and handcrafted execution, its really very attractive
sticker price and gorgeous looks makes
it a standout contender for this market.
Despite some of its flaws, the Rapide S is
an exotic sedan that owners will probably
find themselves driving every day.

2014 Nissan Sunny [facelift]

Sunny day

Nissan Middle had planned a factory visit and test

drive of the refreshed 2014 Sunny which is built
in India. To our surprise, we were told that there
were not enough takers for this media trip from ME.
As always Automan is first to get the story for its
readers from this event
Author: Faisal Khan

n Asian markets like India,

competition in the C-segment sedan
market is as intense as ever. While
models sold in this class were enjoying
a small chunk of the large pie, Honda
came and simply monopolised the
segment with their path breaking new
City. Now, Nissan has upped its game
for the Indian market in this segment
by refreshing the Sunny, a model that
also enjoys healthy sales in the Middle
East.
Its no secret that the Sunny has never
been a style icon. Its more of a car
with neutral styling. The refresh sees
several changes to the exterior which
make it look fresh amongst a sea of
sedans now vying for buyers attention
in the C-segment. Up front, the new
headlamps are angular and seem to
have taken some inspiration from the
Altima or 370Z. The grille is new and
bigger with thicker chrome surrounds.
The redesigned front bumper gets a
chrome lip and other cosmetic touches
include new mirrors shrouds with side
indicators. No changes have been made
to the sheet metal.
The cars cabin has received significant
attention, more on the lines of the
updated Micra. Nissan has tried
to transform the interiors of the
car drastically with changes to the
dashboard, trim, instrument cluster,
new multifunction steering wheel and
most of all the beige and grey interior
has been replaced by an all black
interior which makes the cabin lookand
feel so much better than before.
For propulsion, Nissan continues to

offer 1.5-litre petrol and diesel mills

to power the Sunny. The HR15 Series
petrol engine now offers 99PS and
134 Nm of torque in the manual
transmission set-up (and marginally
more in the CVT).
In terms of performance, the Sunny
will continue to be positioned towards
back benchers and thus this car isnt
about handling. Still, the vehicle is
light on its feet, handles decently well
and has decent grip on offer, as long
as you dont push it. The steering
isnt feedback rich but is light and
that makes the Nissan Sunny easy to
manoeuvre at all times. It does weigh
up better than some of the cars in the
segment and high speed stability left
us nothing to complain about. The NVH
levels could have been better though as
road noise is apparent inside the cabin
at high speeds. Braking performance is
good and the ABS has been calibrated
well.
Where the Nissan Sunny totally excels
is in the ride quality department. Its a
sweet riding car, absorbing most of the
bumps in its stride with relative ease.
The suspension set-up is on the softer
side, yet it feels mature and more than
up for the job. The mature calibration
of the suspension prevents bounciness
over bad roads while also ensuring
the car remains stable and tackles bad
roads in its stride without much vertical
movement. Lots of interior room
along with a good ride quality makes
the Sunny a very comfortable car for
occupants.

Author: Chandan B Mallik Photography: author

he timing and
setting was perfect.
Traditionally, Lord March
organises the annual UK Essexbased Goodwood Festival
of Speed which features an
eclectic mix of past, present
and futuristic motorcars and
motorcycles. It also seemed
that weather gods also had
a soft spot for this location
this year. A few miles away in
Wimbledon, some of the days
matches were totally washed
out, but Goodwood enjoyed
a perfect British summer with
clouds and the sun playing
hide and seek intermittently.
Yes, I did mention timing in my
opening statement. One of
Lord Marchs rules for deciding
the date for the Festival of
Speed each year is that the
event does not clash with
either the Le Mans 24-hour
race or any F1 GP, meaning
the paddocks are usually full
of racing royalty. The long list
of stars this year included the
likes of modern gladiators such as Mark
Webber, Kimi Raikkonen, Jenson Button,
Lewis Hamilton and Sebastians Vettel and
Loeb while yesterdays heroes ranged
from champions such as Wayne Gardner,
John Surtees, Emmerson Fittipaldi, Didier
Auriol, Hannu Mikkola and Dario Franchitti.
This year, the featured marque was
Mercedes-Benz who erected the
impressive main sculpture dedicated to
the event. Incidently, Mercedes-Benz,
also celebrate 120 years of motorsport in
2014. Equally steeped in racing pedigree
is Italian marque Maserati, who almost
exclusively built competition cars before
the War and celebrates their centenary
this year. Was it therefore a coincidence
that there was friendly competition
between Mercedes and Maserati cars
trying to outwit each other in timings on
the hill climb?

The mood and environment over the

two days we spent at Goodwood was
electrifying. In carnival spirit, spectators
occupied the lush green grass in front of
Goodwood House, watched over from
the balcony of the historic mansion by
shepherds of speed and automotive
aristocrats. While the ground was
reverberating to the cacophony of
exhaust notes of machines, soaring
gracefully among white clouds was
supersonic display of ariel prowess by
Red Arrows and RAF. Two days of neverending parade of fast and noisy vehicles,
some spitting flames or coughing as
they race against the clock while
others stop to entertain the crowd
by simply disappearing or some
drivers entertaining crowds by
performing tyre burnouts/
doughnuts with their cars
or blips/wheelies by bikers.

The Festival of Speed is now - as its name

suggests - a genuine celebration of all
things motoring, motorsport and even to
some extent aviation. In addition to these,
the Festival of Speed also marked the
50th anniversary of John Surtees winning
the F1 World Championship. . While the
hill climb remains the main event of the
Festival of Speed, there are many more
side numbers, which include the Moving
Motor Show, the de facto British Motor
Show, the Cartier Style et Luxe Concours
dElegance and the annual Bonhams
Festival of Speed sale.
What particularly impressed us was
the crowd management, logistics and
organisation at this venue where over
150,000 spectators got a clear view
of whats happening up close. The
hay-baled lined hillclimb was safe
and allowed spectators to get
up close to the action and see
all these famous machines
in action and then theres
also the chance to rub
shoulders with the
stars, some of whom
have driven these
cars during their
illustrious
careers.
Here are
the key
highlights.
Read
on

Spotlight

of Motorsport was the theme for the 22nd edition

of this years edition of Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Automan witnessed this car crazy frenzy in all its
glory over two days.

news

Addicted to Winning - The Unbeatable Champions

Aston Martin

Following a pre-festival teaser on the

web, Aston Martin gave a glimpse into
the future with real-life models of the
latest virtual supercars available in the
Sony Playstation Gran Turismo 6 driving
simulator. The car in question is the DP-100
Vision Gran Turismo which is expected
to make its virtual debut in Gran Turismo
6 in July. The DP-100 is envisioned as a
mid-engined supercar equipped with a
V12 twin-turbo engine delivering 800bhp
to the 20in alloy wheels wrapped around
in Michelin tyres. Its creators say the
virtual concept manages to offer an
exceptional level of detail with a fully
functioning suspension system and stateof-the-art electronics along with active
aerodynamics which supports the cars
function within the game.
Design Prototype or DP 100 virtual offering
for the game was developed in-house
over the course of six months. Some
have criticized AM for not making any
significant changes to its designs but they
cant say the same thing about the DP-100
which represents a considerable departure
from the familiar look. Astons midengined concept was the final piece in the
companys centenary celebrations.

Audi

Audi used the venue to introduce the third

generation all-new TT. Besides the new TT,
Audi also showcased this years Le Mans
winner, an example of the R18 e-tron
quattro smeared and battle-scarred from
the 24-hour race, at which Audi took its
13th win in 16 years.

Ariel

On static display at the brands stand were

the Ariel Atom 3.5R and two examples of
the ACE motorcycle concepts along with
the original Ariel Square Four. According
to Ariel, the brand will be creating low
volume handmade bespoke products.
That aspect was quite clear at the stands.
While both exotic naked machines had
their the exoskeleton frames inspired by
the Atom four-wheeler, the suspension
system up front offered is either girder
or inverted catridge. The rear suspension
uses single-sided cast alloy swing
arm with mono shock absorber. The
prototypes are production ready as most
of the powertrain hardware comes from
Hondas 1,237cc water-cooled V4 motor
cranking out 173PS and 129Nm of torque
from the VTR. Ariel will offer throttle-bywire technology combined with its own
fuel mapping software to ensure peak
power is always on tap across the entire
rev bandwidth. Ariel claims the bike is
capable of hitting a top speed of 265km/h
with ease. The Ace will be offered in
two versions -- manual and dual clutch
transmission [DCT] with the idea to cater
to both track day and day-to-day riders.
The Ace also completed its maiden hill
climb here.

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeos stall was impressive with

its latest merchandise rubbing shoulders
with some of its peers, but in the dynamic
section, the order of the day was
dampened by an accident. Alfa Romeos
grand plans for an impressive hill climb
with 4C didnt go as exactly planned
on the first day of the festival. Instead
of completing the run, it hit the safety
straw bales. The new Alfa Romeo Mito
and Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde models
had their UK debuts on the hill and Alfa
Romeo also commemorated the 60th
anniversary of the Giulietta by showcasing
some of its heritage cars, including the
1955 750 Competizione and the Giulietta
SZ Coda Tronca from 1960.

Honda

Honda used the event to showcase the

NSX and new Civic Type R hatchback preproduction concepts. Alongside the cars
on display, a selection of Honda racing
classics from the Honda Collection Hall in
Japan participated in the hill climb. These
included Sennas McLaren Honda MP4/4,
driven over the weekend by Japanese
racer Takuya Izawa, and the 1965 RA272
F1 racer piloted by touring car stalwart
and current Castrol Honda WTCC driver,
Gabriele Tarquini.

Jaguar

Visitors to Jaguars stand at Goodwood

were welcomed by a static display of the
confirmed for production F-Type Project
7. And a week later the car made its
dynamic debut in front of packed crowds
during the Le Mans Classic race meeting
over the weekend of 4-6 July, 2014.
Meanwhile, among the other Jaguars
cars, we spotted several interesting ones
ranging from Jaguars D-Types to the Silk
Cut XJR-9.

Land Rover

Land Rover offered a first glimpse of a new high

performance prototype -- the thinly disguised Range Rover
Sport SVR. The Range Rover Sport SVR has been created
by Jaguar Land Rovers Special Vehicle Operations team
and all future SVR models will need to meet stringent
key performance criteria in order to wear the SVR badge.
The camouflaged prototype Range Rover Sport SVR is
currently undergoing development prior to going on sale
in 2015. Details of the vehicles 550hp V8 powertrain are
still under wraps, but crowds got their moneys worth in
form of a thrilling soundtrack to match its impressive pace.
Performance data for the SVR will extend the Range Rover
Sports established capabilities as the fastest, most agile
and most responsive Land Rover ever built.

McLaren

McLaren took the wraps off the orange

and white coloured 650S GT3 following a
teaser announcement a week before. The
GT3, wearing McLarens historic number
59 livery is mechanically based on the
road-going 650S Coupe. Technically, the
track-only GT3 derivative is a follow-up to
the 12C GT3 but with a more aggressive
body kit made mostly from carbon fibre
and including larger air intakes providing
optimized cooling. McLaren Special
Operations (MSO) has also confirmed
limited production editions for its 650S
model. The livery also suggests McLarens
possible racing ambitions in future as
the #59 number was once worn by the
McLaren F1 GTR at the 24 hours of Le
Mans in 1995 where it won on its debut, a
feat that still remains unique to this day.
McLaren says the new 650S racer was
designed to meet the GT3 regulations
used in second-tier sportscar racing series
around the world, like the Blancpain
Endurance Series and the Pirelli World
Challenge.

Ford

Classic Fords were quite abundant in

numbers at Goodwood and there were
some fine examples of models that
dominated the British series in the 1960s
like the Galaxies and Escorts. And from
across the Atlantic were Ford Nascars
from the 1960s right through to today.
Fords list of cars also includes several
examples of modern World Touring Car
contenders, high-tech DTM machines and
even a Peter Brock Ford Sierra and a Ford
Falcon V8 Supercar stickered to look like
Craig Lowndes famous 00 Motorsport
green-eyed monster!
From the new car launch side, Ford used
the event to introduce and even surprise
many with its refreshed for 2015 Focus
ST. The world debut also saw the formal
introduction of a new diesel-powered
version, as well. To prove that the Focus
ST is still as potent as ever, Ford set up
a one-on-one race up the Goodwood
Hill. But instead of putting the two cars
side-by-side, former Stig from Top Gear
UK, Ben Collins, piloted the real model up
the course, and his rival drove the virtual
version in Gran Turismo 6. The two hot
hatches set off at the same time and the
finish was actually extremely close.

Nissan

Besides track action and stand presence,

Nissan also gave a glimpse into the
future with models of their latest
virtual supercars which are used in
the Sony Playstation Gran Turismo 6
driving simulator. Nissans Vision 2020
showcased a radical design direction that
is likely to inspire the next-generation
GT-R. According to Nissan Design Europe
Design Director Taisuke Nakamura:
People are quite enthusiastic to race a
car in a virtual environment. Its a new
styling challenge without any constraints,
boundaries, so it was a purely design
challenge from our side to see how much
we can go further to achieve an attractive
design. Its like a virtual motor show to
me.
The car draws inspiration from the
GT-R and has a futuristic design that is
extremely slippery and aerodynamic.
Starting up front, theres a V-motion

front fascia with slender LED headlights

and a front splitter. We can also see a
ventilated hood, side exiting exhausts
and a double bubble roof. The concept
also has an aggressive rear diffuser and a
prominent rear wing.
For dynamic expressions, Nissan brought
to the table a road-legal version Nismo
GT-Rs to Goodwood and the prototype
which set the record lap on the
Nurburgring. Very much like Alfa Romeo,
Nissan also faced some embarrassing
moments with one of its GT-Rs after
six-time Olympic gold medal winner Sir
Chris Hoy, who was piloting a Nissan
GT-R GT3 ended up in an expensive shunt
with a hay bale. But that didnt deter
Nissan putting up an impressive show
with its concept loaded stand where the
Japanese brand had both the ID concept
models, GT-R Nismo and Time Attack,
Juke Nismo and 370Z Nismo.

Infiniti

At the hill climb, Infiniti let loose its satin red

Q50 Eau Rouge prototype which is powered
by the twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 of the
Nissan GT-R. Other hardware in this car like the
sophisticated all-wheel-drive system comes from
the GT-R. What doesnt come from the GT-R in
the Infiniti is the throaty exhaust note, which
sounded deliberately muted. Red Bull Racing
team principal Christian Horner and test driver
Sbastien Buemi took turns to drive the Q50 Eau
Rouge prototype. Meanwhile, at the Moving
Motor Show, all new Infiniti Q50 models were on
display along with the ultra-exclusive Infiniti FX
Vettel Edition SUV.

Lexus

While the Lexus LFA took part in the

supercar runs up the hill and entertained
the spectators, the RC-F coup also had
its dynamic UK debut. This new model
was first unveiled at the Detroit motor
show in January is powered by a V8 engine
producing in excess of 450bhp and
incorporating technology derived from
the Lexus LFA supercar.

Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce celebrated a successful

weekend with the Wraith, the British
brands ultimate gentlemens gran
turismo. Also making its first UK public
appearance was the Ghost Series II.
Meanwhile, the Course Directors car this
year was a Rolls-Royce Phantom Coup,
resplendent with race lights and official
Goodwood decals.

Toyota

Toyotas focus at the festival was more

towards highlighting its rally heritage.
Proof of the pudding came in form of an
impressive display of Celicas and Corollas
from the 1980s and 1990s.

Elemental

New players like UKs Elemental used the venue to launch

its new road-legal, track-orientated two-seater called the
RP-1. The RP-1 is powered by a 276bhp 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost
engine and has a claimed kerb weight of 450kg. Elemental
says the car incorporates a carbonfibre tub, motorsportderived aerodynamics and owner-tuneable suspension.

Hyundai

South Korean automajor Hyundai made its presence felt

at Goodwood with its latest i20 WRC rally machine. In fact,
Hyundai Motorsport i20 World Rally Championship driver,
Dani Sordo clinched the fastest recorded laps around the 1.16mile Forest Rally Stage achieving a best aggregate time of 7m
49 secs in total over three runs.

Bentley

Bentley came exceptionally well

prepared for the Festival of Speed with
an impressive line-up of its current cars
as well as rare examples spanning the
brands rich 95 year heritage. Arguably,
the Bentleyline-up on display at
Goodwood showcased the best in British
luxury and performance.
During the three day adrenalin pumped
activity, the Bentley stand also witnessed
the global debut of the new Continental
GT3-R which is touted as the most
dynamic and fastest-accelerating Bentley
ever produced [See preview elsewhere
in this issue]. The limited to 300 unit
production car takes its inspiration from
Bentleys race-winning Continental GT3
racer.
On the hill climb, came fresh from its
recent victory at the second round
of the Blancpain Endurance Series at
Silverstone, the GT3 piloted by modernday Bentley Boy David Brabham.
Brabham also drove a Bentley Speed 8 to
second place at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in
2003, completing the famous Bentley 1-2.
Tracing the roots of the brands racing
heritage, three historic Bentleys were
reunited for the first time in over a
decade to complete Goodwoods
famous Hillclimb. The Speed Six Bentley,
affectionately known as Old Number 1,
won Le Mans in 1929 and 1930 with Woolf
Barnato partnering Henry Tim Birkin
(1929) and Glen Kidston (1930) as well as
winning at Brooklands. This unique and
celebrated racing car was accompanied
by two more classic Bentleys. Old
Number 2 and Old Number 3 are both
in their original form and raced alongside
Old Number 1 at Le Mans in 1930.
At the Bentley stand, the full line-up of
Bentleys road cars were displayed with
one of the latest additions to the range
the Continental GT V8 S also driven
up the hill by five-time Le Mans winner
and Bentley Boy, Derek Bell. For the first
time, Bentley also displayed a range of
pre-owned models, on a separate stand
in the Exhibitors Area.

Maserati

Sir Sterling Moss with

the Alferi concept

Maserati showcased its largest ever collection of cars at Goodwood as

part of the Italian brands 100 year worldwide celebrations. Maserati took
over the Stable Yard at the Goodwood estate for the duration of this
years event with its past and present cars including some of the rarest
models from its 100 year history and its entire current range. Pre-War cars
included the ex-Tazio Nuvolari Belgian Grand Prix winning 8CM, one of just
four V8-engined V8RIs produced in 1935 and the 8CTF driven to victory in
the Indy 500 in 1939 and 1940. Among the post-War Maseratis, the most
outstanding car was Lukas Hunis 250F, which was driven by Juan Manuel
Fangio to score his final and greatest Grand Prix victory [his fifth World
Championship] at the Nurburgring in 1957.
The Maserati Alfieri Concept headlined the festivities after it made its UK
public debut alongside the GranCabrio MC Centennial Edition. In Sundays
shoot-out former GT1 World Champion and ex-grand prix driver Michael
Bartels won the modern endurance racers-post 1980 class with his specially
liveried Maserati MC12 Goodwood Cent 100 and came a close second
behind Sebastien Loeb for the overall top spot, with a time of 45.82, just
1.22s behind the winner. The car is decorated with artistic paintings of
Maseratis motorsport glories: Stirling Moss in a 250F, the MC12 FIA GT cars
and even an outline of the Goodwood hillclimb route feature.
At the Cathedral Paddock, over twenty Maseratis ranging from the oldest
Maserati at the event, a Tipo 26M, to Fangios F1 championship-winning
250F as well as several examples of the MC12 were up on display. In the
timed shoot out, the Maserati 4CS in the Grand Touring Cars (pre-1945) and
the Maserati 300S and Maserati A6GCS came first and second respectively
in the Road Racers of 1945-1964. Modern Maseratis like the GranTurismo
MC Stradale and GranCabrio MC entertained spectators as they participated
in the Michelin Supercar Run over the weekend.

Porsche

Porsche was in top form with an

exciting array of new models and
some legendary icons from its
museum were also shipped over for
the event. Porsche Le Mans works
drivers Mark Webber, Brendon
Hartley and Marc Lieb attended the
event on selected days over the
weekend and dutifully put the cars
through their paces on the hill climb.
Car s that we saw at the festival
included the 1998 911 GT1 [actual Le
Man winner], 1987 962, 2008 open
cockpit RS Spyder. Static displays
included the 1983 Gruppe

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz was the featured marque

at this years Festival of Speed The tristar
brand celebrated 120 years in motorsport
with an impressive array of cars with many
coming from collectors or privateers. Cars
on show ranged from early 1900s and
several pre-war Grand Prix cars, famous
Silver Arrows models like the W196,
the Sauber C9 Le Mans-type sports car
right up to last years Mercedes F1 racer
driven by Lewis Hamilton. Mercedes also
debuted the revised CLS for the first time
at Goodwood 2014.
Track action on the hill saw both old and

new car were being driven hard up the

1.16-mile route. One couldnt miss the
race-winning 1928 Mercedes SSK through
to the mighty W 165 R Silver Arrow, the SL
500 rally car and the flame-spitting SauberMercedes C 9 endurance racer.
Among the cars on display was the actual
winner of the last race held before the
Great War, brought from the United
States by collector George Wingard.
These cars starred in the Pioneering
Greats class alongside a slightly earlier
1908 Mercedes Grand Prix car, while
other notable competition cars from the
German company were found in many
more classes. Among them was the 1939

B Studie and 1969 917-16 cylinder. In

the dynamic section, the plug-in hybrid
918 Spyder, 911 Turbo S Cabriolet did
the rounds and in the First Glance
category, the Macan Turbo, 911 Targa
and Cayman GTS will make their
first public appearance. The Porsche
Experience Centre exhibited the
current model range including the
Boxster GTS, Macan S Diesel, 911 Targa
4S, Panamera S E-Hybrid, 911 Turbo
S Coup, the Exclusive 911 Carrera
Martini Racing Edition, Cayman GTS,
Cayenne GTS and Panamera GTS each
in distinctive Carmine Red.

Tripoli Grand Prix winning W165, driven

by Sir Jackie Stewart and the 1954 W196,
reunited with original driver Sir Stirling Moss.
The action extended to production cars
including the most potent AMG road car
-- the SLS AMG Black Series. Also making
an appearance on the Hill was the car that
drove from Africa to the UK on a single tank
of fuel, an E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid. Behind
the wheel of some of the Mercs were some
of the greatest drivers from recent times
including Dario Franchitti, Jochen Mass,
Klaus Ludwig and Sir Stirling Moss. Lewis
Hamilton, the 2008 F1 World Champion
drove his regular Mercedes AMG Petronas
Formula One team car on Sunday.

Ferrari

Ferraris participation with 90 cars in the third

edition of the Ferrari Cavalcade was an impressive
sight with the one-off F12 TRS, making its public
debut on non Sicilian soil. The F12 TRS is based
on the F12berlinetta as was commissioned
exclusively by a Ferrari aficionado which is
rumoured to be inspired by a 1957 250 Testa
Rossa. To us, the F12 TRS is Flavio Manzoni and
the Ferrari Style Centre teams homage to its
inspiration.
Grammy Award-winning English musician, best
known as the lead singer of the British funk/acid
jazz band Jamiroquai, Jay Kay, brought his brand
new LaFerrari painted in Kermit Green. One of
the 499 units to be produced, Jay Kays LaFerrari
made an appearance in the Michelin Supercar
Paddock at Goodwood where it was parked
alongside a red LaFerrari and the one-off F12 TRS.

Renault

Renaults presence was quite strong and

it display arsenal was represented by
various production and concept models
cutting across motor sport and road
cars. The all-new Renault Twingo was
on display for the first time in the UK
ahead of its official launch in September,
along with the production version of
the Captur crossover and the latest Clio.

Four interesting concepts from the Life

Cycle series of design studies which
has been initiated by Renaults design
director Laurens van den Acker were on
display. These thematic expressions were
represented in the DeZir, Captur Concept,
R-Space and TwinRun. Thats not all.
Three groundbreaking electric cars -- the
all-electric Zoe supermini, Twizy and the
Spark-Renault SRT-01E, the electric single-

seater which will compete in the Formula

E series later this year were also on show.
In the dynamic section, cars from
Renaults 115-year participation in motor
sport were on display and in action on
the hill and rally stage. Models included
the Type K that brought Renault its first
international racing victory in the Paris
to Vienna race in 1902 and the rally-bred
Renault R5 Maxi Turbo.

Citroen

Citroen unveiled its new Cactus hatchback

and latest C1 city car. It was the first official
outing for both models. Citroen also
celebrated the 80th anniversary of Traction
Avant, the model that helped to popularise
front-wheel drive when it was introduced
way back in 1934.

Peugeot

Following a teaser a week before its

unveil in Goodwood, Peugeot fully
revealed the packaging for the 208
GTi 30th Anniversary special edition.
The 30th Anniversary version was
showcased in the Supercar & First
Glimpse class of the event. The car
comes with several enhancements like
a new Euro 6-compliant 1.6-litre high
pressure turbo four-cylinder gasoline
engine delivering 205hp and 300Nm.
This makes it 8hp and 25Nm more
powerful than in the previous iteration.
Peugeot also gave a glimpse of its
striking 2008 DKR rally machine, which
also marks the brands official return to
the Dakar Rally in January 2015.

Bikes galore

Big bike brands and their charismatic riders were doing the rounds
in the paddocks and hill climbs. It was really good to see old
timers from now defunct BSA and Norton kicking alive alongside
modern Japanese heavyweights and sports bikes. Hondas famed
duo Freddie Spencer and Stuart Graham were cool entertainers.
Graham a successful racer on two and four wheels rode the RC164
[a 250cc four-cylinder racer upon which Jim Redman won the 1963
World Championship] and Spencer, who burst onto the motorcycle
world championship scene in dominant fashion in the early 1980s
showed his skills on his NSR500 racer up the hill. Bradley Smith, the
current MotoGP rider for the Tech 3 Yamaha team rode the YZR500
OW48 [the famous 500cc world championship patronized by
Kenny Roberts in 1980]. Isle of Man frontrunner John McGuinness
was also seen in action on a Honda Racing CBR1000RR, while the
current Pata Honda World Superbike pair of Leon Haslam and
Jonathan Rea charged the Pata Honda CBR1000RR Fireblades up
the hill. Other bike stars include Giacomo Agostini, Wayne Gardner,
Chaz Davies and Dougie Lampkin with their respective machine.
Meanwhile, the bike paddocks revealed some interesting and rare
machines from Norton, Ducati, Suzuki among others.

2015 Chevrolet
Corvette Z06

he all-new 2015 Chrevrolet

Corvette Z06 goes on sale in the
fourth quarter of 2014 in the US
is being prepared as the most powerful
production car ever from General
Motors and one of a few production
cars available in the United States that
comfortably crosses the 600hp mark. As
of now, according to GM, the Z06s LT4
supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine is SAEcertified at 650hp at 6,400 rpm and 88Nm
of torque at 3,600 rpm.
The LT4 Small Block sets a new
benchmark for power and torque at GM,
said Steve Kiefer, vice president, GM
Powertrain Engineering. The engine also
puts the new Corvette Z06 on par with
the most powerful supercars offered in
America, while delivering performance
with impeccable manners that make it
suitable for daily driving.
Compared with other supercar engines,
the LT4 is a veritable fountain of low-end
torque, producing 619Nm just off idle
and 847Nm by only 2,800 rpm. These
figures compare favourably, say with the
V12-powered Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, which
produces about 28 per cent less torque
than the Z06, despite offering about 12
per cent more horsepower and its peak
torque comes at 6,000 rpm. The LT4
maintains 90 per cent of its peak torque
of 802Nm from 2,500 to 5,400rpm. The
new LT4 engine performance also eclipses

Soon to arrive new

Chevy Corvette
ZO6 will land
with incredible
performance
credentials
the Porsche 911 Turbo S engines peak
power levels by 90hp and 182 Nm.
Torque is the pulling power of an engine
and the LT4s abundance of it at every
rpm in the engines speed range helps
the 2015 Corvette Z06 accelerate quicker
and respond nearly instantaneously,
said Jordan Lee, chief engineer for Small
Block engines. Its the very definition
of power on demand. Compared to the

previous-generations 7.0-litre LS7 engine,

the new Z06 engine produces 40 per cent
more peak torque [244Nm] and 7.5per
cent more than the supercharged 2013
Corvette ZR1s [819 Nm]. At 3,200 rpm,
the new LT4 surpasses the LS7 by 208 lb-ft
of torque [252Nm]. On the horsepower
side of the graph, the LT4s 650hp rating
is 29 per cent greater than the LS7s
505hp and 12 horses more than the ZR1s
LS9 engine.
The new LT4 engine builds on the design
strengths of our previous supercharged
engine and leverages the technologies
introduced on the Corvette Stingray like
direct injection, cylinder deactivation
and continuously variable valve timing.
Interestingly, the LT4s supercar
performance numbers are achieved with
an engine that is nearly the same size as
the very compact LT1 engine introduced in
the 2014 Corvette Stingray.

The all-new V8 6.2-litre LT4

supercharged engine comes with
a 1.7-litre Eaton supercharger and
an intercooler and develops an
impressive 650bhp at 6,400rpm
and 880Nm at 3,600rpm. This
makes it the most powerful
production car ever made by
General Motors

In the past, the Z06 has enjoyed a degree of visual separation from the standard
Corvette. The incoming car seems that it was hotwired with concentrated dose of
pure aerodynamic profiling. GM says there are no fewer than three aerodynamic
packages available

he new LT4 engine is based on the

same Gen 5 small block foundation
as the Corvette Stingrays LT1
6.2-litre naturally aspirated engine. It
now incorporates several unique features
designed to support its higher output and
other characteristics. In its construction,

it uses Rotocast aluminium cylinder heads

that are stronger and handle heat better
than conventional aluminum heads,
lightweight titanium intake valves, uses
high 10.0:1 compression ratio, forged
aluminium pistons, stainless steel exhaust
manifolds and an aluminium balancer that

are lighter than their LT1 counterparts and

standard dry-sump oiling system with a
dual-pressure-control oil pump.
The new supercharger spins at up to
20,000rpm which means it is 5,000rpm
more than the supercharger on the
Corvette ZR1s engine. The rotors are
smaller in diameter, which contributes to
their higher-rpm capability and enables
them to produce power-enhancing boost
earlier in the rpm band. That boost is
achieved more efficiently via a more
direct discharge port that creates less
turbulence, reducing heat and speeding
airflow into the engine. The LT4 is
assembled at the new Performance
Build Center at GMs Bowling Green
Assembly Plant and at GMs Tonawanda
engine plant in New York. It is matched
with a standard seven-speed manual
transmission or an all-new, paddle-shift
eight-speed automatic transmission built
in Toledo, Ohio.
Designed to deliver shift responses on
par with the worlds best dual-clutch
transmissions, it is the first automatic
offered in a Z06. It also makes the Z06
one of the few cars this powerful to offer
the choice of a conventional manual
transmission or an eight-speed automatic.

Jaguar F-Type Project 7

Now confirmed for production as limited edition, the F-Type Project 7 features
performance-focused engineering by Jaguars Special Vehicle Operations, which
is the engineering and vehicle division of Special Operations.

rom concept to reality another

chapter opens in Jaguars line-up.
Its design has been kept true to the
head-turning lines of the original Project 7
concept, which was unveiled last summer.
Technically, the F-Type Project 7 is the
most powerful and fastest production
Jaguar to date. The Project 7 name is a
reference to the seven outright Le Mans
wins scored by Jaguar and the production
version pays tribute to the legendary
D-Type. This limited to 250 unit production
model is mechanically based on the
F-Type and features a chopped off roof
and 50s influenced lowered windscreen,
removable roof, carbon fibre trim and sill
plates with the Project 7 lettering.
The Jaguar F-Type Project 7 is not only
the most focused derivative of the F-Type
range, but is also the fastest and most
powerful production Jaguar ever built.
And to achieve these credentials, the car
is constructed in all-aluminium to reduce

Author: Chandan B Mallik

weight to 1,585kg [80kg less than the
F-Type V8 S Convertible] and is powered
by Jaguars 5.0-litre supercharged V8
engine with power and torque enhanced
to 575PS/680Nm [an increase of 25PS
over the F-Type R Coup]. The car also
gets an active sport exhaust system
while inside the cabin there are aluminum
gearshift paddlesPower is sent to the
rear wheels through Jaguars eight-speed
Quickshift transmission and second
generation Electronic Active Differential
(EAD). Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM)
brakes which are available as an option
on the F-Type R Coup come standard on
F-Type Project 7. Jaguar says that they
will offering powerful, consistent, fadefree braking performance even after hard
usage. Another feature is the inclusion
of Torque Vectoring by Braking (TVbB)
as a standard feature and in this car it
will work in conjunction with the EAD, to
help precise handling. Braking duties are

taken care of by 398mm front and 380mm

rear ceramic discs allied to six- and fourpiston monobloc calipers respectively,
which come as standard. The car rides on
20in Storm alloy wheels finished in gloss
black which customers can opt to have
fitted with high-performance Continental
ForceContact tyres.
Extensive aerodynamic modifications on
F-Type Project 7 include a front splitter
with a lower section made of moulded
plastic and an upper section in carbonfibre. Side skirts, rear diffuser and an
adjustable rear spoiler are all made of
carbon-fibre. These components together
mean the F-Type Project 7 generates 177
per cent more downforce than the regular
F-Type Convertible. The windscreen length
is reduced by 114mm, reducing overall
height by 30.5mm, with new side windows
to match the profile. A Bimini roof has
been specially designed for F-Type Project
7 which clips on to the convertible header

2014 BMW X6

The all-new second generation BMW X6 SAV hits the markets with an
interesting array of combinations
Author: Chandan B Mallik

Under Jaguar Director

of Design, Ian Callum,
the sketch of a singleseater sports car with
a swooping profile,
muscular stance and cutdown windscreen went
from paper to digital
model to the Goodwood
hillclimb in the space
of just a few months,
and has now become a
production ca

rail, and can be conveniently folded and,

when not in use, stowed in the boot area which offers 196-litres of load space.
The car also benefits from bespoke,
Special Vehicle Operations-engineered
front suspension knuckles which give
increased negative camber, revised top
mounts and new front/rear anti-roll bars.
The front and rear spring and damper units
are height adjustable, and both spring
rates and damper internals have been
tailored specifically to this car. Meanwhile,
the Adaptive Dynamics controlling
software has been re-calibrated to
suit F-Type Project 7, thus enabling the
Dynamic Stability Control system also
having a unique state of tune. As part of
the handling package, Jaguars Adaptive
Dynamics system actively controls vertical

body movement, roll and pitch rates by

continuously monitoring driver inputs
and the attitude of the car on the road,
adjusting damper rates accordingly up to
500 times a second to optimise stability.
The fully road-legal car offers performance
figures identical to Bentleys track-focused
limited to 300 units Continental GT3 [also
launched at Goodwood]. This means that
the F-Type Project 7 joins the sub 3.9-sec
0-100km/h super car performance club.
Top speed is electronically-limited to
300km/h.
The F-Type Project 7 will be hand-built to
exacting standards by Special Operations
and each car will sport a specially
numbered plaque, located between the
two seats duly signed by Ian Callum.

MW has released the details of

its new X5-based X6 SUV which
will be launched later in the year.
Sporting the same wheelbase
of the X5 at 2,933mm, overall length has
gone up by 32mm to 4,909mm while
height and width is almost the same as the
outgoing model.
The second-generation X6 has kept the
same coupe-meets-SUV profile which
still seems connected with the polarising
design of Gen I. However, some restyling
has given it sharper, more defined lines to
create a more muscular and angular body.
Thats not all, the biggest news for this

model is that it will also be offered with

rear-wheel-drive model. While the first-gen
X6 was offered as the all-wheel-drive X6
xDrive35i and X6 xDrive50i, the new model
brings the X6 sDrive35i to the table. It will
also serve as the base model.
As per current naming convention
practiced, trim level designations still
denote engine size. BMW will offer three
variants from its European launch the
petrol xDrive 50i and two diesels in
the form of the xDrive 30d and M50d
although BMW will add the 225kW xDrive
35i six-cylinder petrol and the xDrive 40d
with a 230kW six-cylinder diesel later in
2015.

The entry level model will get the 300hp

3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six with
an eight-speed automatic transmission,
the xDrive50i will use a carry forward a
uprated twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 offering
445 hp. BMW claims overall performance
has been improved with both engines as
the six-cylinder X6 can now accelerate
from 0-96km/h in 6.0secs, while the V8
models perform the same stint in 4.8sec.
Two trim levels, xLine and M Sport will be
offered and 19in wheels are standard and
20in wheels will be offered as an option.
The cars interior is very similar to that of
its donor, the X5.

2014 Bentley
Continental GT3-R

With the arrival of the new 2014 Continental GT3-R, Bentley Motors
has effectively announced its most dynamic member of the Continental
family of Grand Tourers
Author: Chandan B Mallik

t takes inspiration from its motorsports

heritage and cutting edge engineering
sees that its a car that can perfectly
blend track and road credentials in one
package. The road legal model, which will
have limited to 300 units production was
inspired by the new Continental GT3 race
car that stormed to victory at the second
round of the Blancpain Endurance Series
at Silverstone, the first UK race for Bentley
for 84 years.
Bentley engineers have taken the
stock Continental GT as the donor car
and have extensively reworked on it
to ensure optimized power-to-weight
ratios, track-oriented performance and
handling. The engineering programme
included cognitive measures to ensure
flab reduction by 100kg [helped partly
by removal of rear seats] and shaving
of some of the suspension components
besides removal of non-essentials and
usage of lightweight titanium exhaust.
Cosmetic-cum-aero profiled components
include a new carbon fibre front splitter,
a new fixed rear wing fitted. The bonnet
also has two functional vents to improve
airflow and help enhance the cooling
capacity of the powertrain system.
However, despite it being stripped, the

interior of the car is handsomely crafted in

unique to the model combination of green
and black colours and trims materials.
The two-seat configuration includes a
pair of new bespoke sporting seats with
additional side support through deeper
bolsters, including newly designed foam
layers for comfort and finished in Beluga
black leather with diamond-quilted
Alcantara. This material is also handtrimmed to the steering wheel and gear
shifter, while the centre console and fascia
panels are handcrafted in carbon fibre.
To power the car, Bentley engineers
have developed a retuned version of the
race-proven, high performance 4.0-litre
twin-turbo V8 for this new two-seater
GT. For this car, it is programmed to
developing 572bhp and 700 Nm of torque
which comes at 6,000 rpm and 1,700 rpm
respectively. Complementing the revised
powertrain is a further development of
the all-wheel drive system, which now
features torque vectoring for the first
time. Together with modified Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) and a chassis tune
optimised for outright cornering ability.
With revised and shorter gearing in the
eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, the
GT3-R becomes the fastest-accelerating

Bentley ever capable of reaching 96km/h

from a standstill in just 3.6secs or 0-100
km/h in 3.8secs. Recalibrated control
software means that Drive and Sport
modes are moved further apart, each with
different characteristics and with Sport
mode designed for more spirited driving.
Maximum driver control is provided by
completely recalibrated paddle shift
functionality. Meanwhile, air springs and
shock absorber use a development of the
sports-tuned setup from the Continental
V8 S, and lightweight forged 21in rims are
shod with high-grip Pirelli tyres. Sure shot
braking duties have been commissioned to
the Carbon Silicon Carbide (CSiC) braking
system which uses large 420mm discs up
front and 356 mm discs are fitted to the
rear axle.
With these enhancements and
performance figures, this also means
the Continental GT3-R now touches the
supercar territory. All 300 units of this
variant will be hand-built in Crewe and
finished in Bentleys Motorsport division.
Purchase of the car also includes free
standard servicing for four years (at the
10,000, 20,000 and 30,000 mile marks). Order
books for the Continental GT3-R are open now,
with deliveries to start late in 2014.

Nissan 2020 Vision

Grand Tourismo Concept

Conceptualised as a virtual race car, the radical-looking Nissan 2020 Vision

Gran Turismo Concept could revolutionise the design profile of the nextgeneration production GT-R
Author: Chandan B Mallik

Proven track credentials

After scoring an historic victory at Silverstone last month, the
#7 M-Sport Bentley Continental GT3 of Guy Smith, Andy Meyrick
and Steven Kane finished first in the third round of the Blancpain
Endurance Series at the Paul Ricard circuit in southern France, for
the teams second victory in a row. With the victory, Smith, Meyrick
and Kane move in to the lead in the overall drivers championship
standings ahead of the Series headline event at the 24 Hours of Spa
at the end of July. In the dusk light of the track at Le Castellet, Steven
Kane powered his way to victory with a narrow lead of just 1.1secs
after three hours of racing, in a race that demanded the very best
from both the Continental GT3 and its trio of drivers. The fight for the
win dominated the third and final hour-long stint of the race, with the
gap between the #7 car and the ART McLaren of Parente, Demoustier
and Lapierre varying between six seconds and less than one second.

Nissan has lifted the virtual covers off the

Nissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo,
a vision of what a high performance
Nissan could look like in the future. It was
created through close collaboration with
the creators of Gran Turismo, Polyphony
Digital Inc., the legendary PlayStation
driving franchise.
Nissan Concept 2020Vision Gran Turismo
began life as dream project for Nissan
designers who were given free rein to
create their dream supercar for their own
Gran Turismo fantasy garage. Created by a
team of young designers at Nissan Design
Europe, in London, England, the model
was considered to have so much potential
that it has benefited from input from an
advanced engineering team based at
Nissan Technical Centre in Atsugi, Japan.
As a result, Nissan Concept 2020 Vision
Gran Turismo gives hints as to how a
supercar of the future might look.
The concept vehicles design seems to be

suggesting it moving into the hypercar

realm, with a stance and proportions not
dissimilar to cars in this segment like the
McLaren P1 and even Peugeots striking
Onyx supercar concept from the 2012 Paris
motor show.
The clear family resemblance could
suggest the design of the next GT-R would
be revolutionary and not evolutionary
as takes on a more traditional supercar
profile instead of the two-door sedan/
coupe-based look of the existing model.
It should also not come as a surprise that
the Nissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran
Turismo sports some elements of a Le
Mans prototype. Nissan has said that the
development of its upcoming LMP1 racer
and next-generation GT-R is closely linked,
so its likely there will be some styling
elements shared between the two.
This month, automotive enthusiasts will
be able to discover that performance
first-hand when it becomes available to

download in Gran Turismo6, just as they

did with the Nissan GT-R and Skylines from
earlier episodes of the historic franchise.

The clear family resemblance could

suggest the design of the next GT-R
would be revolutionary and not
evolutionary as takes on a more
traditional supercar profile instead of the
two-door sedan/ coupe-based look of the
existing model.

2015 Ford Edge

At some point, Ford has promised to

incorporate the next-generation, nonMicrosoft Sync interface.
As the unibody is stiffer now, it has helped
engineers carry out some modifications
in the suspension to be carried out.
The front-wheel-drive Edge retains a
MacPherson-type front suspension, but
features an entirely new, sophisticated
integral-link independent rear with coil
springs and a 23mm antiroll bar. Central
to the improved driving dynamics is
an entirely new body structure and
redesigned suspension - front and rear
- developed specifically to better isolate
road imperfection and absorb noise

Ford has officially unveiled the all-new, second-generation

Edge CUV which will also be the first Ford-badged product to
come standard with EcoBoost turbocharged power
Author: Chandan B Mallik

he all-new mid-sized 2015 Edge CUV

has been designed from the ground
up to be visually athletic and to meet
high expectations for quality in Europe
and around the world The first generation
Edge was launched in North America in
2007 and its success helped reshape the
industrys definition of a traditional SUV,
establishing Ford as a strong name the
crossover SUV segment. In Europe, the
new Edge will share shelf space with the
new Kuga medium-sized SUV [not sold
in Middle East] and the lifestyle-oriented
recently introduced all-new EcoSport
compact CUV.
Among the key briefs for the incoming
Edge has been to give it a premium feel
and hence attention has been paid in
almost every single detail beginning with
design, engineering and detailing. To begin

with, Ford has chosen a good foundation

on which to reengineer the Edge.
As a result the new Edge is mechanically
based on the CD4 architecture [global
midsize vehicle platform] that also
underpins other models from the group
like the Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ.
While the profile is similar to the outgoing
model, there are changes in dimensions
due to the new platform migration.
Theres growth in almost every direction.
The wheelbase is up an inch (to 112.2), with
length and height increasing by 3.9in and
1.6in respectively. Only width is decreased,
and by only a tenth of an inch. Overall
interior volume is up by a considerable
5.5 cubic feet, and cargo space behind
the second-row seats is up by a full seven
cubes. Thanks to the use of more highstrength steel, bending stiffness is up by

26per cent and torsional rigidity rises by

16per cent.
For a SUV, the Edge had a trendy design
and for the 2015 edition the headlamps
have been narrowed and the grille no
longer encompasses the entirety of the
front end with polygonal LED daytime
running lamps signing off the front end.
Regardless of trim sold occupants will
have access to more space -- legroom in
the first and second rows has increased
by 1.9in and 1.0in respectively, while
headroom increases by 1.0in in the rear.
Theres more shoulder room all around, as
well.
The new Edges interior breaks little
ground in terms of design and aesthetics,
but Ford says that materials have taken
a big step up in quality, and ergonomic
refinements along with feature pack.

without compromising handling. The car

also gets Fords new adaptive steering.
In North America, the all-new Edge will
feature three engine options, two of
which are new powerplants - a standard
twin-scroll 2.0-litre EcoBoost fourcylinder and a 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6. A
normally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine will
also be offered in markets like Middle
East. All will be equipped with dual
output exhaust and a six-speed automatic
transmission. The Europe-specced cars
will be powered by turbocharged diesel
engines.
A raft of advanced safety features usually
found on luxury cars like cameras and

radar that give a 360-degree view and

help warn drivers of impending collisions
and even help avoid them by applying the
brakes, if necessary will find its way in the
incoming Edge. However, the big news on
the safety front is the standard fitment of
Fords new active glove-box knee bag
that will debut on the 2015 Mustang which
is a bladder between the inner and outer
glove-box door panels that is designed
to inflate during a crash to cushion the
passengers lower body. Meanwhile,
Fords clever inflatable rear seat belts will
also be made available on the Edge for the
first time.

Lamborghini 5-95 Zagato Concept

Very few production cars can be called

unique these days. However, there are
one-off creations which not only present
think out-of-the-box, but in some
instances touch upon rich heritage of
the past
Author: Chandan B Mallik

ts a domain thats usually

patronized by premium or
ultra luxury car brands and
involves wealthy patrons,
connoisseurs, independent
design houses, coach builders and
sometimes carmakers themselves
under the garb of individual
or bespoke services. It may
appear as a handcrafted concept

or privately commissioned
project. It is generally believed
that many of these flights of
automotive fantasy made real
are built by design houses and
coach builders, just to see what
they can do. And hence you can
spot them at special events like
Concorso dEleganza Villa dEste
[annual elegance competition

for classic and vintage cars since

1929 and takes place during the
last weekend of April in Villa
dEste on the shores of Lake
Como, Italy or at Pebble Beach
Concours dElegance which
happens each year, on the third
Sunday in August. Here are two
newly conceived cars that are top
newsmakers.

The names of Italian coachbuilder Zagato

and Lamborghini Automobil are revered
names in the automotive business the
former as a design house and the latter
well the name is enough. Add a F1 drivers
name to that list and you are guaranteed
an exotic cocktail. Heres what happened
in 1965. Zagato formed a partnership with
Lamborghini as it developed a pair of 350
GTZs, based on the production 350 GT, for
former F1 driver Marquis Gerino Gerini.
This event made Gerini the promoter of
the first Zagato-bodied Lamborghini, the
3500 GTZ
Nearly half a century later Albert Spiess,
one of the most significant Lamborghini
worldwide collectors, gave Zagato the
chance to dress the most successful model

of all time in the Bulls company history, in

order to create a modern collectible car:
the Lamborghini 5-95. The carmakers are
at it again, bringing us a concept which is
mechanically based on the Gallardo with
some incredible design language.
With the surfaces of a Zagato body, true
to the rule that a car is as much efficient
as it is compact. Zagato designers and
engineers aimed to press the rear towards
the engine and to increase the proportion
of the front. Here, form meets function
and thus two strong themes define
the design in its whole. The bulbous front
mudguard that bites into the bonnet while
integrating the functions of the lights and
the secondary air intakes and the rear end
starting from the centre of the car. Up

front, a floating spoiler takes inspiration

from the Lamborghini Raptor Zagato,
coming to a firewall in carbon fiber that
conceals the front air intakes.
Continuous glass surfaces is a technical
and stylistic theme launched by Zagato
in the 40s on the then panoramic-styled
bodies and the concept was reintroduced
in the 80s. The idea is to surround the
pillar-less body similarly to aircraft
cockpits. The side intakes have been
visually reduced to the minimum thanks
to an air scoop on the roof as well as
additional apertures concealed in the
glass surfaces. The air scoop is functionally
integrated with the double bubble roof, a
signature of Zagato design, directing the
cooling to the intake manifold.

MINI Superleggera Vision

The MINI Superleggera Vision is a result
of a collaborative effort between MINI
and Milan-based coach builders Touring
Superleggera. This 60s-influenced drop
top features hand-crafted metal sheeting
on the exterior and aninterior boasting
materials like leather, aluminum, and black
chrome and an electric drivetrain. MINI
showed this concept at the 2014 Concours
dElegance at Villa dEste.
Key design highlights of the Superleggera

includes a traditional roadster layout with

a long bonnet and a shorter rear end. The
front end boasts a pair of traditionally
styled MINI headlamps, which sit above
a modified version of the new Coopers
grille. The cars profile is brightened by a
pair of character lines, the most noticeable
of which runs from ahead and over the
front wheel wells toward the back of the
diminutive droptop. The fin at the rear
actually signs off the design of the car.

The cabin is trimmed in aluminium and

leather trim and follows a minimalist
design trend. The overall theme blends
more classic roadster characteristics
with traditional MINI touches, and is
most notable when looking at the large,
thin-rimmed, three-spoke steering wheel
harkens back to old British roadsters.
A centrally mounted speedometer and
the column-mounted tachometer in this
concept are both classic features.

Hyundai Veloster Midship concept

hen you think of hyper hot
hatchbacks then names like
the Renaultsport Clio V6 or
the Volkswagen GTI W12-650
concept does feature prominently on the
list. But to expect something as radical
from a carmaker that began building
bread-and-butter models and off-lately
successfully elevated its status from
budget to aspirational, till now would have
been unexpected, given the conservative
approach of the brand.
The recently concluded Busan Auto Show
in Korea may not be as big as the American
or European car shows, but at this years
edition there was a surprise element.
Hyundai was able to do the unpredictable
create shock waves with its Veloster

What is Hyundai Motor Company up to these days besides trying to make and sell
feature loaded luxury cars with bold Hyundai badging? It seems the South Korean
automaker is in experimental mode with innovative ideas like a mid-engined Veloster
Midship hot hatch concept which was shown at the Busan motor show recently
Author: Chandan B Mallik

Could a car like the Veloster Midship take

the brand to a higher new level as a halo
model and act as a catalyst for a new
brand or will it serve its purpose as an
experimental engineering mule?

For sure, it is clear that Hyundai

is capable of innovating
engineering possibilities and a
tangible product would surely
improve perception about the
brands capabilities in that
respect. However, as a brand
it needs to think carefully how
to promote such an idea and
not fall into the trap of creating
a brilliantly designed and
engineered cars that no one
wants to buy due to the image of
the badge

the engine from front to rear which also

means the car has two less seats! The flip
side is that the engines position ensures
the cars weight distribution has been

Midship concept hatchback.

With the Midship concept, the official
stance is that it was created only to
explore possibilities for the cars chassis
and that no immediate production
was planned. This means there are
two messages for us. One, theres an
engineering side which Hyundai is willing
to explore and perhaps look at the next
level of racing products like the current i20
WRC. Incidently, the WRC is the first highperformance car created by Hyundais
newly created N sub-brand.
The second thought is a bit far-fetched
for the moment given the resistance
from Hyundais think-tank to consider an
independent brand for select products.

sporty lightweight, aluminum suspension.

And since the engine is at the rear, we
would assume the car is now a rear-wheel
drive with all-wheel-drive possibility.
Visually, the Veloster Midship
is a lot more aggressive to
look at. It comes kitted with an
aerodynamically profile kit that
includes optimized bumpers
and flared mudguards. The
concept also gets a pair of rear
intakes that are supposed to
send huge amounts of air to the
mid-mounted engine. Around
back, a large diffuser and a
huge wing are in place to provide more
downforce for better handling. 0-100km/h
performance is expected to be round
7secs.

Developed by Hyundai Motor

Companys High Performance Team,
this 2-seater one-off is fully drivable
and packed with the latest in
Hyundai performance technologies

This is because, as a brand

Hyundai might not have that
advantage yet of be among the
select automakers that punters
would consider buying a highperformance vehicle. Whatever
the scenario, has packaged the
concept quite nicely. The 1.6-litre
four-cylinder found in the stock
production car been replaced by a larger,
2.0-litre Theta GDI unit which has been
tweaked to offer 295hp. But the most
significant change is the placement of

greatly improved, drastically change the

handling and balance. Of course, the
chassis has been reworked to make it
more rigid and is supported with an agile

Motorsports F1 | 2014 British GP

Successful debut for Pirellis new tyre

The World Championship fight is back on. Lewis Hamilton has won the British GP
to close within four points of the summit after World Championship leader Nico
Rosberg retired from the lead of the race
Round nine of the 2014
Formula One World
Championship brings us to
Silverstone for the British
Grand Prix, held at the
Silverstone Circuit where
Briton Lewis Hamilton took
his fifth victory of the season
ahead of Williams Valtteri
Bottas. Championship leader
Nico Rosberg was forced to
retiffffvvvre from the lead of
the race with gearbox trouble
on lap 29 at the British Grand
Prix. It was a race which
started, and then stopped,
in the most dramatic and
heart-stopping fashion as Kimi
Raikkonen slam-dunked his
Ferrari into a guardrail after
just four corners and Felipe

Massa spun his Williams in a

desperate bid to avoid the
stricken F14 T. The accident
that led to a one-hour delay as
a guardrail was repaired.
During the red flag period the
team opted to swap Daniel and
Sebs starting medium tyres
for hard compound Pirellis, a
choice the pit wall believed
would offer more strategic
options as the race unfolded.
When the race started again,
Daniel struggled to find pace
and was passed by both
Valtteri Bottas and Fernando
Alonso. He pitted on lap 15
and the plan was to make
another pit stop, but following
discussions between team and
driver the decision was taken

to stay out and attempt to

make the tyres last until the
checkered flag. Rising through
the field thanks to good
overtaking moves and latepitting one-stop cars, Daniel
rose to third place. With 15
laps to go, the Australian had
a 10-second cushion to Jenson
Button, but the McLaren
drivers tyres were newer
by 13 laps. Button made up
ground quickly and by the final
lap he was just 1.8 seconds
behind Ricciardo. Daniel held
on bravely, however, to claim
what he called the best third
place Ive ever got.
Daniel Ricciardo took a
deserved fourth podium finish
of the season at the British

Grand Prix after switching to

a one-stop strategy that saw
him fend off pressure from
rivals behind and hold together
his final set of tyres for 37 laps
until the checkered flag.
It was Rosbergs first
retyrement of the year - his
team-mate has already had
two - and left Hamilton able to
cruise to the chequered flag
half a minute clear of Valtteri
Bottas after the Williams driver
produced the drive of the day
to claim a career-best second
place after starting out from
a lowly 14th. Sebastian Vettel,
meanwhile, finished fifth, the
champion winning an epic
battle with Ferraris Fernando
Alonso that defined the last
third of the race.

Pirellis new 18in concept

tyres were the centre of
attention at Silverstone last
month where Lotus reserve
driver Charles Pic gave the
new design its official debut.
Pic headed out shortly after
9.00am in the E22 equipped
with the new 18in tyres and
successfully completed
14 laps. With the concept
tyre designed principally to
showcase aesthetics rather
than performance, and a
general-purpose compound,
lap times were not the focus.
Instead, the objective was to
gauge reaction to the very
different new design from
most observers.
The new tyres were designed
and built in Milan. The key

technical advantage of these

tyres is a stiffer sidewall that
helps maintain the structural
rigidity of the tyre and also
makes it easier for the tyre to
maintain a constant pressure
- as there is less actual air
inside the tyre. The new tyre
is physically bigger, which
makes it much more relevant
to the Ultra High Performance
tyres that are seen on the
road, leading to greater
technology transfer. The new
tyres have the same width as
the current 13in tyres (245mm
at the front and 325mm at the
rear) but a diameter that is
bigger by 30mm. The weight is
approximately the same as the
13in tyre, because although
the diameter is bigger, there is
a smaller sidewall.

Vettel not so sure now

Fernandes sells Caterham Formula 1

Its not after spending more
than 250m in a Formula
1 team and achieving zero
results in four years that one
can be motivated to invest
more in a business shrouded
with so much uncertainty. This
is exactly the scenario that
Tony Fernandes faced with
his Caterham Formula 1 team
and reports suggest that a
disappointed Fernandes has
sold Caterham to a consortium
of Swiss and Middle Eastern
investors. Under the terms
of the sale, the team will
continue to race as Caterham
F1 Team and will operate
from their Oxfordshire base
in Leafield. Advising the team
is 46-year-old Romanian Colin
Kolles, who has previously

World champion Sebastian

Vettel is not sure Red Bull
can catch up with Mercedes
by 2015. Red Bull boss
Dr Helmut Marko said at
Silverstone last weekend
that, In 2015, we want to
be on par with Mercedes.
After taking part in the post-

been associated with Midland,

Spyker, Force India F1 teams
and most recently was team
principal of HRT before their
closure after three years.
Kolles has been linked with
Forza Rossa, a team from his
home country that was recently
granted an entry to take their
place on the grid in 2015 or 2016.
The former Dutch Formula One
driver Christijan Albers, assisted
by a colleague of Kolles from
their time together at HRT,
Manfredi Ravetto, are to take
over the day-to-day running
of the team. Meanwhile, Cyril
Abiteboul, who had been
working as team principal, has
left the team to pursue new
challenges, according to an
official Caterham statement.

British grand prix test, Vettel

said: The gap to Mercedes
is very big. Until the
beginning of next season
we will try to catch up and
I hope that we are able to
improve and get closer.
Vettel added: While we
have made significant

progress since the winter,

the opponents also are
not sleeping. We expect
to make further steps over
the coming months, and
towards the end of the year
we should be in a better
position to judge where we
stand for 2015.

Hyundai Rallye Deutschland drivers are ready

SEBASTIEN BUEMI SETS THE PACE IN FIRST FORMULA E TEST

E.dams-Renaults Sebastien
Buemi set the fastest time
during the maiden official test
for the new FIA Formula E
Championship at Donington
Park last month. Fans got
their first glimpse of the new
all-electric series. The first of
five public tests took place
at the Leicestershire circuit
in dry, bright conditions and
saw all 10 teams and drivers
use the full Donington Park GP
circuit, modified to include an
additional chicane at the exit
to the Old Hairpin.
Being the first outing for
many of the drivers, the
day focused on getting to
grips with the Spark-Renault
SRT_01E cars with German
driver Daniel Abt, driving for
Audi Sport Abt, laying down
the early benchmark for the
morning session. The German,
who ended the day eighth

overall after missing the

afternoon session due to other
commitments, lapped in the
low 1:37s, closely followed by
Buemi and Andrettis Franck
Montagny.
Times began to tumble in
the afternoon session with
Buemi once again on the pace,
posting a 1:35.475s with under
an hour to go and holding on
to the top spot until the end of
the day. Abts Lucas di Grassi
finished over a half a second
shy of the Swiss despite only
running during the afternoon
session with Virgin Racings
Sam Bird a further threetenths back in third. Mahindra
Racings Bruno Senna ran well
all day to finish fourth with
Venturis new signing and
ex-Le Mans driver Stephane
Sarrazin rounding out the topfive during his first outing in a
fully-electric single-seater.

Nicolas Prost (e.damsRenault), son of four-time

Formula One World Champion
Alain, finished sixth to edge
out Jarno Trulli with Virgin
Racings Jaime Alguersuari
and Mahindra Racings Karun
Chandhok completing the
top-10.
The day also saw outings for
several of the championships
new signings including Amlin
Aguri duo Katherine Legge
and Antonio Felix da Costa,
Venturis Nick Heidfeld, Trullis
Michela Cerruti and Dragon
Racings Mike Conway.
Former F1 racer Jerome
dAmbrosio and Spains
Antonio Garcia tested for
China Racing with Scott Speed
making his test debut for
Andretti sharing the car with
IndyCar legend and Formula E
ambassador Gil de Ferran.
Sebastien Buemi said: Im

more than happy to be honest.

I didnt have any problems
with the car at all and that
meant we were able to learn
quite a lot about it. Its always
nice to be P1 so lets hope it
continues tomorrow.
Alejandro Agag, CEO of
Formula E, added: Todays
first test has been a special
occasion for everyone
involved with the FIA Formula
E Championship. This project
has been a long time coming
but to see all the cars and
drivers taking part is a very
proud moment and my thanks
goes to all our investors,
partners, teams and Formula E
personnel for transforming the
FIAs dream into a reality.
Day two of testing gets
underway tomorrow at 9am
with free access to fans,
including a pitlane walk.

FIA Formula E Championship Day 1, Donington Park Test results (Combined times):
1. Sebastien Buemi, e.dams-Renault, 1:35.475
2. Lucas di Grassi, Audi Sport ABT, +0.537
3. Sam Bird, Virgin Racing, +0.895
4. Bruno Senna, Mahindra Racing, +0.910
5. Stephane Sarrazin, Venturi, +1.223
6. Nicolas Prost, e.dams-Renault, +1.232
7. Jarno Trulli, Trulli, +1.494

8. Daniel Abt, Audi Sport ABT, +1.737

9. Jaime Alguersuari, Virgin Racing, +1.970
10. Karun Chandhok, Mahindra Racing, +2.057
11. Franck Montagny, Andretti Autosport, +2.587
12. Antonio Felix da Costa, Amlin Aguri, +2.604
13. Jerome dAmbrosio, China Racing, +2.611
14. Antonio Garcia, China Racing, +2.729

15. Nick Heidfeld, Venturi, +5.269

16. Mike Conway, Dragon Racing, +5.693
17. Gil de Ferran, Andretti Autosport, +9.497
18. Scott Speed, Andretti Autosport, +10.434
19. Katherine Legge, Amlin Aguri, +12.821
20. Michela Cerruti, Trulli, [No official time set]

The Hyundai Shell World Rally

Team has today announced
that Dani Sordo and Bryan
Bouffier will join its lead driver
Thierry Neuville as part of
the teams line-up for Rallye
Deutschland at the end of
August.
Neuville will once again
spearhead the teams entry in
the #7 Hyundai i20 WRC car,
co-driven by Nicolas Gilsoul.

Spaniard Dani Sordo will return

to the #8 Hyundai i20 WRC
alongside his co-driver Marc
Mart for his fourth FIA World
Rally Championship (WRC)
event of 2014 at the asphalt
event which he won last
season.
Bouffier will join Hyundai Shell
World Rally Team for his first
WRC event in the Hyundai i20
WRC alongside his co-driver

Mot

oGP

Xavier Panseri. The Frenchman,

who has been test driver for
the team so far this season, will
drive the #20 car in Germany
and will compete under the
Hyundai Motorsport N banner.
He recently claimed the first
rally win for the Hyundai i20
WRC, taking victory in Rallye
Antibes with the team.
The line-up of Neuville, Sordo
and Bouffier will maintain

the Hyundai Shell World Rally

Teams three car approach for
the third consecutive event
as the team continues to
develop its car in its maiden
season in WRC. The Kiwi crew
of Hayden Paddon and John
Kennard, who are contesting
Rally Finland, will skip Rallye
Deutschland but will return to
the #20 Hyundai i20 WRC at
Rally Australia in September.

Marquez targets nine out of nine

Runaway MotoGP world championship
leader Marc Marquez targets a ninth
win from as many races at the German
Grand Prix with the flying Spaniard on
course to have the title wrapped up
in record time.The Honda rider has a
72-point lead in the championship with
teammate Dani Pedrosa and Yamahas
Valentino Rossi, both of whom have just
signed new deals with their respective
teams, locked in second spot. Marquez,
21, already has a successful track record
at the Sachsenring having won on
his las four visits -- in the 125 class in
2010, in Moto2 in 2011 and 2012 and in
his first MotoGP last year. Victory will
mean he would have won every race
across the opening half of the season.
In a stunning season, the defending
champion has already become the 13th
most successful rider of all-time in terms
of wins, having celebrated his 40th
victory at Assen two weeks ago. He
now targets a 25th podium in the elite
class having become the first rider to
claim eight straight wins since the top
category was introduced at the start
of 2002. Only six other riders in history

having won eight or more MotoGP races

in a single season -- Mike Hailwood,
Giacomo Agostini, Mick Doohan, Rossi,
Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo.
Rossi, the 35-year-old nine-time world
champion across all classes, heads to
Germany having extended his contract
with Yamaha until 2016. Its great
because this was my target, I wanted
to continue, I am feeling good and Im
motivated to keep giving my best,
said the Italian. Rossi who first won the
125cc world title in 1997 before moving
up to claim global honours in the 250cc
category two years later, has since
added seven world titles at the highest
level. If he finishes on the podium at
the weekend, he will become the first
rider ever to rack up 4000 career points.
Pedrosa has also signed an extension
to his Honda deal which will keep him
on board until 2016. Im very happy to
be able to announce my renewal with
the Repsol Honda Team, and grateful
to Honda for the trust they have shown
in me for a further two years, said the
Spaniard.

Going on a train boon or bane?

The railroad is coming to Oman sometime soon and I hope that the advent of the
iron road somehow intersects with ones existence here. It promises a lot for the
country including economic growth in hitherto under-developed regions as well
as the honeypot of generating employment. It couldnt come too soon for ones
liking. Having spent my growing years as a wannabe steam train driver (well before
I figured that being a pilot was more my game) the train and rail travel have been
desirable.
But then the train still remains the principal means of transport in many countries,
moving millions of people, country loads of cargo and connecting distant cities
with one another. The high-speed and ultra high-speed trains that are part of the
landscape of Japan, China, France and Germany serve as the perfect foil to air
travel and all the noxious high-altitude spewing of deadly hydrocarbons. You get
into a train in a conveniently located city-centre station and get off in a couple of
hours at your destination, often a short walk from it. There is none of the pre and
post travel time lag that frequents going to a modern airport and usually the trip is
far cheaper. Thats the sort of travel that one hopes to see in the region.
On the other hand, a recent holiday in the United States has also shown me what
can happen in a country that doesnt prioritise rail travel for passenger movement.
The premise remains the same point-to-point convenience with an affordable price
tag. However, it is the only country where I have seen express trains being sidelined
so that a freight train could pass. It somehow runs contrary to the much-vaunted
American stereotype of valuing a person above anything else. If you partner it with
their armed forces motto of No man will be left behind, the railways will say,
Unless a freight train needs to pass. It isnt as if the continental United States
cannot do with more tracks, more trains and faster ones at that. Even a conversation
with the trains conductor brought out frank admiration from him about the train
systems of the Europeans and Japanese.

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

But then, what do you do in a country where the automobile is an extension of ones
nether regions. You dont feel at ease unless you have car keys jangling in your
pocket. Even New Yorks Manhattan borough, which is connected by bus systems,
subway, light rail and Amtrak is buzzing with taxis and private vehicles despite
sky high parking fees, toll charges for using both modes of entry and exit into it
tunnels and bridges and even charges for valet parking everywhere. Now why on
earth wouldnt you use the train?
However, the train system is limited in its reach beyond the immediate metropolitan
area. And unless you are a hard-core New Yorker, you hate to walk anywhere. Yes,
you will jog in the full blaze of the midday sun for the exercise, but walk? No way.
Often, it is that last mile connectivity that prevents one from taking the train. Just as
it is the last twenty mile connectivity that makes the train better than the aircraft on
occasion. There are important lessons to be learnt by planners and decision makers
before making huge investments in the railway system. How do people get there?
Will they need to pay through their noses to park their cars? And are we also putting
in monorail, subways and buses to get the last connect in? If we benchmark Dubais
metro system, it has certainly outperformed initial expectations by becoming a mass
transit system of sorts. What remains to be seen is how many car drivers choose the
metro over their cars for the daily commute?
Some time soon we should be able to travel to Dubai by train. As I said at the outset,
I may even join the journey. That said, Ill hang on to my car keys if you dont mind.

80 | www.automanweb.com |

JUNE 2014