Category: All About Wheels – Automotive (Cars, Car Clubs, SUV’s, RV’s etc)

Comfort, luxury and power – BMW 7 Series

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How Gorgeous is the new 7 series…loved every minute exploring the cool features of this baby!


 Walking to the BMW showroom is always an awesome experience especially after a rough day at work when the massage chair and the warm people of BMW totally hit the spot. My last visit was particularly out of this world as I checked out the new and refined 7 Series model, which is set to strengthen its leading position as the most dynamic and innovative luxury sedan in the premium automotive segment. Thanks to Kevin and his team, I got thoroughly enlightened on all the cool features of the 7 series.

BMW Middle East currently ranks as the third biggest worldwide for BMW 7 Series sales and the flagship model is consistently amongst BMW’s best-sellers across the GCC markets. The new refined 7 Series therefore, which offers new levels of luxury, comfort and power are expected to further amplify BMW’s 7 Series success story.

At first, I thought there will be just some subtle additions but in fact the design and technology modifications made give the car a stronger presence on the road and provide an even more luxurious and powerful driving experience – even as a passenger in the back seat, I felt like royalty.

The exterior design modifications enhance the car’s sophisticated and elegant appearance. The most eye-catching exterior feature is the new Adaptive LED headlights featuring hallmark BMW corona rings and a smart accent strip followed by the enhanced new front and rear bumper, new kidney grille and indicators integrated into the lower section of the exterior mirrors.

Quality workmanship, premium materials and outstanding practicality enhance the levels of comfort in the interior of the new 7 Series. The newly designed leather seats offer optimum lateral support and unbeatable long-distance comfort and can be adapted to passengers’ needs. An optional Rear Seat Entertainment package comes with a new 9.2-inch flat screen monitor while the new 1,200-watt Bang & Olufsen High End Surround Sound System delivers unrivalled sound quality, meeting my diva level requirements.

A class-leader in advanced technology, BMW’s ConnectedDrive features that give the driver and passengers information and services makes their driving experience safer and more comfortable giving the 7 Series an innovative edge over its rivals.  Tailored to the Middle East market the on board iDrive control system has an Arabic interface and navigation system.

In the cockpit, the all-new multifunctional instrument display behind the steering wheel meets all of the driver’s needs. Using extended black-panel technology, BMW opens up a whole new range of display options through the 10.25-inch screen, including instruments that use different colours and graphics depending on the driving mode selected, and provides situation-specific information such as status and function displays.

Alongside the flagship BMW 760Li with its 12-cylinder engine and the entry-level BMW 730i engine, Middle East customers can also choose from the new six-cylinder in-line engine powering the BMW 740Li and the new V8 engine in the 750Li.

It is rare to find a brand that can offer you the chance to personalize such a high-end product – the BMW Individual programme ensures that your BMW vehicle reflects your own personal taste and unique sense of individuality. The program is a specialised service offered whereby the client may specify features of the car, in order to create one’s own, unique model. The Bespoke team is dedicated to finding new paints, materials and engineering solutions in order to find new ways to develop truly exceptional cars.

A BMW Individual vehicle comes fully loaded with features and options permitting the driver to convey even further their fondness for superb quality and unique styling. And to make the BMW Individual even more special it provides the customers with the opportunity to choose their favourite seams in the leather from some patterns proposed by the programme, from the stitching to the vehicle trim. The BMW customers have come to expect only the finest and most exclusive ownership experience available in the premium segment.

Apart from exclusive upholstery, BMW Individual also offers interesting highlights in entertainment and information electronics for the tech-savvy clientele, including the ability to use various DVD, TV, navigation and on-board computer functions complete with access to the Internet.

Naturally I like anything that’s exclusive so it is delightful to know that one can have personalized or limited edition cars from BMW.  For instance, to mark the 40th Anniversary of the unification of the United Arab Emirates, BMW Group launched the BMW 7 Series UAE 40th Anniversary Limited Edition limited to just 40 cars.

The BMW 7 Series UAE 40th Anniversary Limited Edition features an exclusive Marakesh Brown exterior colour, coupled with a Merino Platinum leather interior, which features the UAE emblem on the headrest, iDrive button and other areas of the interior trim. An elegant ‘UAE 40 years’ designation features on the chrome trim at the rear of the 7 Series. Similar special features can be customized for the discerning BMW customers of the region. I can’t wait to get better acquainted with this new love wheels 🙂

Porsche Drivers Selection :)

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Stylish!

I am clearly car crazy these days….my energy has to go into something and since most people, events and things around me bore me to death, being in cars gives me that extra oomph that not much else does….at least cars are easy to control and they are functional fun machines. I like machines…all sorts and shapes!

Anyway, being a car fanatic means my fascination extends to accessories for cars or anything remotely related to cars…I go a step further and get clothes, accessories etc related to car brands….the Porsche and Ferrari retail department can vouch for this. But my current muse is the Porsche Drivers selection.

Porsche has recently launched the new Porsche Driver’s selection which features sporty fashion items and exclusive accessories which bring the Porsche feeling to every aspect of your lifestyle even when not on the roads.

The collection ranges across various categories and includes, clothes, fashion accessories, luggage, sunglasses, watches, etc.

Get a sneak peek from the pictures below….drive fashionably!

Porsche Race track

Can have a bit of Porsche on your desk too…me like!

Porsche Sport

Big day for Audi in Bahrain today

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The two R18 cars 🙂

I wish I was in Bahrain today but had to leave Thursday night to spend the weekend with NJD. In the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the two Audi driver line-ups are fighting a thrilling battle for the title. As of the sixth of the season’s eight rounds in Bahrain today, a new strategy will guarantee absolute equality of opportunity. Audi will start to compete with two hybrid vehicles to set the agenda for the future.

Audi entered the 2012 endurance racing season with two different vehicle concepts. The Audi R18 ultra makes full use of the potential of a conventionally powered LMP sports car with a TDI engine whereas the R18 e-tron quattro as the brand’s first hybrid race car rang in a new era. That both concepts have their particular fortes was obvious on several occasions.

While the R18 e-tron quattro made history by achieving the first victory of a hybrid vehicle at the Le Mans 24 Hours and subsequently won the 6-hour race at Silverstone, the R18 ultra managed to score a debut victory at Spa. With the better grid position and fastest race lap by Lucas di Grassi at the fifth round in Brazil, the conventionally powered TDI sports car proved its potential through to the most recent event.

Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer, after scoring two victories this season in the number “1” R18 e-tron quattro, are leading the WEC drivers’ standings. With 78 points yet to be awarded, Tom Kristensen/Allan McNish trail by only 7.5 points. The Danish-Scottish driver duo of car number “2” is returning to hybrid drive in Bahrain after having run twice before in the R18 e-tron quattro, at Spa and Le Mans.

For Audi Sport Team Joest, this involves a challenging task, which thanks to Audi’s uncompromising commitment to the shared components principle is made considerably easier. For the Audi factory drivers and Audi Sport Team Joest, the track in the island state is new territory.

The sixth race of the season is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. local time and will thus take place mostly during hours of darkness.

Like at all WEC rounds, Audi is offering comprehensive coverage to the spectators at home: http://www.audi-liveracing.com will broadcast the race for six hours on the internet and also offer cockpit camera perspectives and summary reports of the race. The Audi Sport iPhone and Android apps provide WEC coverage on smartphones with live tickers, news, pictures and results. In addition, Audi’s racing fan community is kept up to speed on Facebook and Twitter.

I’m in love again -With Phantom Venus

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How beautiful is this :):):)


 Its awesome to always fall in love…that exhilarating feeling one gets and the best things one can fall in love with are of the non-breathing ilk ….no clutter, no heartbreak, no expectations…man, I could go on.

So when I called Alaa to tell him I am in love again, he naturally sighed with an OMG until I told him it was related to his latest note to us about the Rolls-Royce team’s new surprise, Phantom Venus – a one-of-a-kind motor car inspired by the legend of the Queen of Sheba.

Revered without parallel in Middle Eastern cultures, the story of Balqis, Queen of Sheba has been celebrated in a car that embodies the beauty and grace, intrinsic to the Queen’s legacy. Conceived, designed and crafted by the Bespoke team at the Home of Rolls-Royce in England, Phantom Series II Venus is adorned in ethereal White Pearl exterior, completed by Oak Burr veneer and Forest Fall leather – creating a luxurious interior ambiance without peer.

Hand-painted twin-coachline, finished with gold crown emblem, exclusive to Phantom Venus, elegantly illustrates a story that has been weaved through dynasties and mythology alike.

Geoff from Rolls Royce is naturally delighted tobe able to present a car here that so elegantly celebrates an incredible part of Middle Eastern folklore.

Perfectly complimenting the theme of the motor car, luxury goods house Asprey has created an exquisitely crafted handbag stitched in Seashell, finished in Forest Fall and White Pearl and embellished with the crown emblem. This exclusive piece perfectly encapsulates the story of a woman who ruled as both king and queen with authority and poise.

I’m actually not sure if I love the car more or the bag…. Not too bothered as they both give equal amounts of visual and mental pleasure to this diva!

McLaren Automotive shines as always

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McLaren Lights 🙂

 

I’m going through a McLaren phase. yes….After a tryst last weekend with my gorgeous Maximilian and his ‘Designed by Maximilian’ Audi, I am back to my roots this week as i follow preparations by global super car brands for the Paris Motor Show.

 

 

McLaren has revealed a dramatic light film which provides further insight ahead of global reveal – great news is you can view and embed the full Paris Motor Show video at the official McLaren Automotive YouTube channel – www.YouTube.com/McLarenAutomotiveTV

I would urge you to watch the story continue to unfold as McLaren Automotive unveils the next chapter on Thursday 27 September. A full video, previewing the next chapter for McLaren Automotive, has now been launched ahead of the British sportscar manufacturer’s appearance at the motor show in Paris….enjoy 🙂

 

The World’s most elegant convertible

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Bentley Mulsanne Convertible…delightful!


Its been a while since I checked out a Bentley…i reckon the last time I really went into Bentley’s new developments was at the Dubai Motor Show when NJD and I spent an entire weekend salivating looking at cars and loving the Ferrari lounge guarded by tall fierce looking security personnel who thought NJD was my sister :).

Since its debut in 2009 (long time ago), the Mulsanne saloon still remains a pure example of the Grand Touring Bentley, combining coach-built elegance and hand-crafted luxury with immense power and sportiness – its a mixture of a car that I would love to use when I want a nice evening out but also be seen near a race track just to prove a hoity toity point. (I should stay away from Brits and their expressions like hoity toity)

So… What got me writing on the Mulsanne Convertible Concept is because Bentley’s designers are providing a glimpse into the potential future of the marque’s flagship family. Appealing to automotive connoisseurs seeking the ultimate in contemporary design, prestige and exclusivity, the Mulsanne Convertible Concept will be the world’s most elegant and sophisticated convertible, providing a supremely powerful and refined luxury grand touring experience for four adults….how will they do this?

Perhaps they are banking on the graceful form of the Mulsanne Convertible Concept which is a fusion of sportiness and coach-built elegance with its sculpted lines and muscular haunches conveying a sense of power and movement.

The spacious yet intimate cabin design is inspired by luxurious, high-performance power boats. With its unrivalled combination of chic, contemporary design, sumptuous materials, painstaking attention to detail and supreme refinement, the Mulsanne Convertible Concept reinforces Bentley’s position as the undisputed benchmark in handcrafted automotive luxury….

I can’t help it but every time I hear handcrafted in the context of cars, I have the image of this amazing artist used by Rolls Royce who I met in Abu Dhabi during one of their celebrations… It was fascinating watching the artist carefully working away on a car with me thinking how I can ever achieve that much patience for anything.

I have a sketch of how the Mulsanne Convertible will look like (see above)….. Since Bentley has created an array of glamorous and desirable convertibles in the past, I can just visualise how cool this one will be.

Ferrari Red Power

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The masculine packaging that totally suits the fragrance

There is a new scent in town….this one combines my love for cars and passion for fragrances into one: The Ferrari Red Power perfume.

The complex scent imbues the soul of the Prancing Horse, appealing to confident connoisseurs with timeless taste…. I love the clean masculine edges of the bottle. Must learn to study the male species the way I was studying the bottle a little earlier 😉

Ferrari, the famous purveyor of Italian supercar heritage, has in fact launched Red Power – it is a new masculine fragrance encompassing the Prancing Horse’s affiliation with performance, excellence, and sheer adrenaline. It kind of reminded me of someone who has similar qualities.

The cost (125 ml) was 270 AED which is not much for a Ferrari fragrance…I recall paying more for the last one I got so its good value for money….enjoy!

Compact hatchback gets me nippy

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This green zesty Micra was my ride for a few days in Ramadan

I had fun this Ramadan…in terms of wheels. Normally you will see me checking out some SUV or top of the range sedan, driving down SZR with club music, windows down and smiling ear to ear. Well….i was in the same mode this Ramadan (minus the music) except that for the first time in years, I was doing this in a Nissan. Not just any big bold Nissan but the cute Micra, which is the car of choice of none other than Nancy Ajram, a fellow diva and an awesome musician from Lebanon.

The all-new Nissan Micra is undoubtedly the zippy and smart compact hatchback in tune with today’s urban lifestyle. With stand-out looks, class-leading driving dynamics and an interior design offering both comfort and convenience, the Nissan Micra goes beyond the regular compact hatchback offering… I can vouch for that. Man I love the front passenger seat as it has this cool feature that makes sure my bag stays intact as I rummage through it for my phone or make up at traffic lights.

While driving it, I looked onto fellow drivers and I reckon the Micra will strike a powerful chord with the young and trendy youth of the Middle East….most the younger drivers were looking – not sure whether it was the car itself or the bright green colour. I could find the car easily in Mirdiff City centre car park as well as in Dubai Mall which can sometimes be a task.

I also love how efficient it was – largest-in-class 1.5-liter engine, I did not even use half the tank in 4 days. My Fortuner just guzzles petrol and I can easily finish an entire tank in 2 days. The car had dual airbags and an Intelligent key & Push button ignition + power folding door mirrors. This was particularly good in my garage when I had to park 2 cars in one port allocated to Villa 7.

With Micra, this was easy!

Micra’s visual appeal is further enhanced by the broad range of fashionable colors available – ten in total including three character colors: Spring Green, Night Veil Purple and Sunlight Orange. I drove the Spring green 🙂

Inside Micra was a unique ‘twin bubble’ shaped cockpit that gives a secure feeling for both driver and passengers with convenient stowage compartments and generous headroom. The arched lines and warm curved surfaces on either side of the instrumental panel create a distinctive bubble-shaped interior space that enhances driving pleasure.

There was no shortage of places to safely store my music player and both phones with pockets and cup holders conveniently placed throughout the interior. User-friendly storage spaces include an instrument panel under box and glove box and despite the size, Micra had two front cup holders….one for my FIJI water and one for my Hagen Daz coffee…and the boot had 15 pairs of shoes, gym bag and beach bag space. Should I be driving something smaller from now?

Ten months of double digit growth for Mercedes-Benz

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Yum! The M-Class exudes strength and class

Just heard from the awesome performers at Mercedes Benz – it seems the Olympics was not the only event for record-breaking performances in July. Mercedes-Benz Middle East & Levant have clearly taken the gold in a flurry of best ever sales results. New records include a marathon 10 consecutive months of double digit regional growth, with year to date (YTD) sales up 16% on 2011. Regional distributors in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar also celebrated from the top of the podium with best ever July country sales as well.

I agree that I have not yet tested the bigger cars in the Mercedes Benz line up but the new records are testament to the success of Mercedes-Benz Middle East and Levant’s ‘Year of the SUV and AMG’ 2012 sales strategy, building on the success last year. SUV sales increased 25% over July 2011, led by 50% month on month (MOM) growth from the newly launched M-Class – pairing performance with sophistication….cool aye! I’m told the evergreen G-Class continued to assert its dominance in the segment, with 19% more customers lured by the resilient icon’s rugged charm.

That’s not just it though – The fires of Affalterbach were given a high octane sales boost, with July sales for the precision Mercedes-AMG performance division turbo charged by 178% over the same month last year. Feeding the flames of Affalterbach’s success was an astronomical increase in demand for the bi-turbo AMG version of the fashionable CLS 63 AMG four door coupé… I need to make time to check this one out!

The beast in a business suit (E 63 AMG executive saloon) increased 20% YTD, with five times more people buying the newly launched 0-100km/h in 4.7sec ML 63 AMG. Still refusing to rest on its laurels, the relentless success of the G 55 AMG grew sales 65% MOM, together with its newly launched G 63 AMG and G 65 AMG variants. I can just see the Merc team looking at Frank Bernthaler, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Middle East & Levant for a night out as reward.

Now I wonder if I can get some tips and pointers from the Mercedes Benz team in reaching the right premium audience for our products and exhibitions.

Spinning the Volkswagen Touareg

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Absolutely loved my time with the Touareg…my shoe rack stayed intact all through the week

After my short tryst with the Phaeton 2 weeks ago, I magically landed the new technically innovative Volkswagen Touareg at my disposal for a week to spin around on Dubai streets and found to my delight that it is longer, lighter, sleeker, safer, and roomier than its predecessor.

The completely redeveloped flagship petrol engine of this Volkswagen sport utility vehicle offers comfortable dimensions of a luxury sedan and the dynamic attributes of a sports car….diva likes 🙂

I also loved the sexy bi-xenon headlights ( This camera-based continuous main beam headlight actually “sees” oncoming traffic and automatically adjusts the main beam to eliminate unwanted glare….how cool is that?)

Also awesome was the Dynamic Light Assist, and the standard 8-speed automatic transmission, not forgetting the multi camera operated Area View safety system, Lane and Side Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) plus Front Assist, automatic tailgate, and proactive occupant protection….hey, I am a woman – I get distracted so these features really help!

To the uninitiated, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) autonomously controls the safe distance to traffic ahead of the vehicle – a cruise control that not only accelerates but also brakes to a stop in an emergency. The space in front of the vehicle is monitored by two radar sensors. I absolutely loved this feature , especially on Al Khail road where you come across at least one erratic driver per journey.

The Front Assist helps to avoid collision accidents. It initiates appropriate protective measures well in advance of a critical situation. It builds up sufficient pressure in the brake system and preconditions the hydraulic brake assist. In case of acute danger, the driver is then made aware that action needs to be taken to defuse the situation by visual and acoustic warnings and a brief pulse of the brake pedal…i didn’t try this but am told its super effective.

If the driver brakes expected at this moment, the Touareg automatically generates as much brake pressure as is necessary to avoid a collision. Under optimal constraints (activation time, driving situation, road grip) it is possible to avoid a front-end collision. If the driver decides to avoid the obstacle by steering, the vehicle’s dynamics are improved by stiffer damper tuning (on vehicles with air suspension).

The entertainment system was awesome too…I cruised diva like on a Friday morning down SZR and it was a pleasure.  What was more awesome was that the car accommodated my shoe rack with 45 pairs of shoes for the week plus my gym bag and my beach bag as well as my stash of magazines….i didn’t miss my Fortuner once throughout the week!

I also like the elegant appearance of the Touareg – timeless, sporty and in beautiful form. Diva was content for a week – I’m hard to please when it comes to cars but the Touareg was faultless!