So the world’s first Ferrari theme park in now officially in business on Yas Island of Abu Dhabi, UAE. There’s a famous saying that Enzo Ferrari made road cars just to make money for his racing projects, so he must be proud of what Loca is doing these days, filling Ferrari bank accounts with Arab money! Here’s a video of the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi lavish grand opening ceremony in presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, which shows how important such projects are for UAE tourism, economy and international image.

Press Release – PRnewswire:

HH Sheikh Mohammed paid tribute to the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, “who is keen on turning the UAE into a global magnet of sports and recreational tourism through a diverse portfolio of projects that will have substantial impact on the national economy and social development.”

“The ambitious development projects in progress in Abu Dhabi will help position the Emirate prominently on the global map as a sought after tourist destination. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a quality addition to our tourism industry which is one of the pillars of our national economy,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

Hosted by Aldar Properties and Ferrari SpA, 2000 VIP guests were present for the opening ceremony and private viewing of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

In the presence of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, guests including Mr Franco Frattini, Italian Foreign Minister; Giorgio Starace, Italian Ambassador to the UAE; Mr Luca di Montezemolo, Chairman of Ferrari; and Ferrari Formula 1 team drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa were treated to a spectacular show to celebrate the achievement of Aldar and Ferrari in delivering the world’s largest indoor theme park, home to Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster.

The show – titled Power meets Elegance – blended the stories of Abu Dhabi and Ferrari through an incredible mix of live action, acrobatics, advanced film projection techniques and original music.

Ahmed Al Sayegh, Chairman of Aldar Properties:

“Aldar’s work with Ferrari was a meeting of minds with a clear vision to create an experience that is unique, fun and inspirational. We are extremely proud at Aldar to be able to contribute to this vision.”

Luca di Montezemolo, Chairman of Ferrari:

“I would like to thank all those who made this dream a reality, and in particular our partners and the leadership of Abu Dhabi. We are very proud of our partners Aldar who share with Ferrari the same passion, the same vision, the same will to go beyond.”

This awesome Ferrari F430 GT roller Coaster you see here is designed for Ferrari theme park in Abu Dhabi, UAE which will be opened in a couple of months. There are two lines on the same path so the riders on each side can actually race with each other! This is just one of amusements you’ll find in Ferrari theme park, there are also shops, restaurants, museums and more importantly, a race track.

If you live in the UAE and you own a supercar of any kind and also have 25,000 Dirhams (about $6000) to pay the entrance fee (you probably have that money, because you have a supercar!) Royal Drive has a great offer for you! In a three day event starting from March 18, you’ll get to see 59 other wealthy folks with their supercars and together you’ll go for a long drive. If it was in Italy or France, you’d be driving along the Riviera, but it’s UAE so instead you’ll get to see lots of hotels!

The trip starts form YAS hotel in Yas Island where the country’s Formula1 circuit is located, then you visit Ferrari theme park, and then through Abu Dhabi Corniche Road (and the less glamorous Airport Road!) you’ll get to Dubai to check in the Intercontinental Hotel. There, you’ll be treated with VIP access to the ‘Elements’ music festival, which will take place in Dubai Festival Arena between 3pm and 3am on March 19. Other great things they offer include:

• A luxury gala dinner at Yas Hotel, Abu Dhabi.
• Over night stay at Yas Hotel, Abu Dhabi.
• 1 days driving at Yas Marina Race Circuit
• Red carpet reception and lunch at Yas Marina.
• 2 exclusive VIP tickets to Elements Music Concert.
• Over night stay at the Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City.
• Private access to The Walk at JBR, Dubai.
• Dinner and Entertainment at a private beach-side marquee.

But if you don’t leave in the UAE, or you are poor and don’t have a supercar, you can’t do any of those things! Sorry we wasted your time but you can still go there with a pack of popcorn and watch an amazing collection of hyper cars. How does that sound?!

Royal-Drive.com

As one of the very first 4×4 cars by Nissan, the new generation of the Patrol can count on its reputation to sell, f course in the certain parts of the world that it’s recognized! And the region that it’s best recognized in, is middle east and more precisely UAE, that’s why they decided to unveil the car in Abu Dhabi. It is actually designed with an Arab’s needs in mind, so before everything, it has 7 full size seats!

The 2010 Nissan Patrol clearly guns for the best-selling full size SUV of that market which is indeed Toyota Land Cruiser. It even gets a very identical V8 engine which at 5.6-liter develops 400hp and 550Nm of torque and is mated to a new 7-speed automatic transmission optimized for off-roading and backed by a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system.

The Patrol’s 4×4 system comes with Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control. The suspenison is also designed to boost the car’s off-road capabilities so it’s equipped with  Hydraulic Body Motion Control System (HBMC), which keeps the car flatter with less body roll during lane-changing and cornering, while delivering a comfortable ride in city driving and superb stability on rugged and sandy tracks.

It also comes with a new Tyre Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), hydraulic brake booster and a 4-piston opposed front caliper setup with larger 358mm front discs.

There os also no shortage of luxuriousness in the new Patrol! You get a new multi-screen DVD entertainment system with two rear-facing TVs, one 7-inch monitor embedded into each front seat headrest, six airbags, a new climate control system with the curtain vent which has many tiny vents in the ceiling above each side window to blow a strong current of cool air down forming a curtain of air, and a cool box!

At the 10^th International Middle East Motor Show in Dubai, UAE on December 15 2009, Volker Mornhinweg, the chairman of AMG will reveal a special edition of the Mercedes SLS AMG for the Middle East market, called the ‘Gold Gullwing’. “I was privileged to reveal our new C 63 AMG in Dubai two years ago and am even more delighted that we can show off the first AMG that we have produced from a blank sheet of paper,” said Mr. Mornhinweg. “Where better than the City of Gold to reveal our ‘Gold Gullwing’ to a growing group of Middle East enthusiasts.”

Mercedes Benz will also present a Middle East-only version of the G55 AMG with unique features like special mango allanite grey paintwork, 19 inch titanium finish alloy wheels and a unique interior. [via: zawya]

United Arab Emirates is one of the biggest markets for Ferrari cars, and the people there are passionate for the Prancing Horse. That’s why they got to have the world’s first Ferrari Park in the capital. And now they are getting the world’s largest Ferrari store as well in the magical city of Dubai. Kimi Raikkonen and Giancarlo Fisichella were present at the opening ceremony along with Aldar Properties officials as the main investors. There is also a Ferrari parade planned  for today starting from Dubai going through Abu Dhabi to the YAS Marina Circuit.

Follow the jump for more details, pictures and a video of the event…

Press Release:

Dubai, October 28th 2009 – Ferrari will be again protagonist in the Emirates in the run-up to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix week-end, and the last race of the F1 season. The world’s largest Ferrari Store was officially inaugurated today in Dubai, with more than 1,000 square metres of single-storey floor space entirely devoted to the Prancing Horse. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was hosted by Ferrari drivers, Kimi Raikkonen and Giancarlo Fisichella, together with Shafqat Malik, CFO Aldar Properties and Chairman of Fadar Retail, and Edwin Fenech, General Manager Ferrari Middle East & Africa. The Ferrari drivers also performed the now-traditional signing of the store counter. A Ferrari California showcased in the front windows, and right outside the new Ferrari Store, a selection of both new and classic cars was displayed.

On Friday there will be an impressive parade of Ferrari cars that will start from Dubai, go to Abu Dhabi through Corniche and end at the Yas Marina F1 circuit. The parade will include nearly 100 historic Prancing Horse models and will be opened by a number of new Ferrari Californias.

This event has been organised in collaboration with Al Tayer, the official Ferrari dealer in UAE and the local Ferrari Owners’ Club.

Located in the prestigious Dubai Festival City Centre, the new Ferrari Store was developed entirely by the Studio Iosa Ghini and is as much a homage to the history and spirit of Ferrari’s twin souls of racing and luxury as a straightforward retail outlet. Each area of the Store has thus been carefully designed as a special, once-off space in which shoppers can truly embrace the Ferrari experience.

The Dubai Store will stock a wide selection from the entire range of Prancing Horse products for enthusiasts and fans of the GT cars and Formula 1 tifosi alike. In addition to the display areas, there will also be a lounge, meeting rooms, video projection room and a Photo Gallery with a specially designed lighting system that can host photographic exhibitions. There will also be a fan interaction area, in which tifosi can test their skills on virtual versions of several different F1 circuits. A replica of the F1 car and a Ferrari California will also be showcased. Photographs of the new Store are available at www.ferrari.com.

Dubai is the 29th Ferrari Store and joins others in prestigious locations such as Rome and Milan (Italy), London (UK), Barcelona (Spain), San Francisco and Miami (USA), and Macao (China), as well, of course, as Abu Dhabi, where we opened in 2007. The Ferrari Store development programme includes plans for the next openings in Jeddah and Bahrain, and bringing the number of retail locations to 50 over the next two years in Europe, America, and the Middle and Far East. The official opening of the world’s largest Ferrari Store also marks the start of a rich calendar of events planned for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, closing the F1 season.

Modified car and motorsports enthusiasts from across the UAE and the Gulf are to be captivated by Barbican Turbo, the region’s premier tuning, custom car and motorsports festival organized by United Business Media.

Press Release

ABU DHABI, UAE, July 26 – Following on from last years success when over 19,000 enthusiasts from across the Middle East descended on the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Barbican Turbo 2009, to be held from 8th to 10th October, promises visitors an even more exciting and interactive experience, packed with features and stunning vehicles from international and regional tuners.

Features of the show include the ‘Top 100′, the 2nd UAE National Sound Off, the 1st National Dyno Shoot Out’ competition and for the very first time in the Middle East visitors will be treated to extreme driving displays courtesy of world-class drivers from the European Drifting Championships.

Matt Tarrant, Show Manager Barbican Turbo, commented on why Barbican Turbo is such a popular event in the region; “Barbican Turbo is the only event of its kind in the region, we are a dedicated custom, modified, tuning and motorsports show dedicated specifically to fans of this sub-culture.”

He added “This is why our show was so successful last year and why it will be bigger and better this year – there is more activity planned, with new show content, companies, zones and features including among others the Paddock area which is a dedicated spot for local car clubs to hang out and show off their rides to visitors.”

Entries are already being received for the Top 100 competition which will award titles such as ‘Car of the Festival’, ‘Best Engine’, and ‘Best Airbrush’. The winner of the Top 100 Amateur Car of the Festival trophy will also win a fantastic prize from Swiss International Airlines, Swiss Tourism and Zermatt Tourism. This includes 2 business class flights to Zermatt, three nights in a 5 star hotel, a gorge adventure, summer skiing, helicopter ride around the Matterhorn and a downhill ride with a monster scooter. Entrants to the competition are also entitled to a 20% discount on Konig Wheels from selected outlets in the U.A.E. to place on their cars for the competition and will receive their voucher from United Business Media once their entry is received.

The 2nd UAE National Sound Off competition will see titles awarded for ‘Best Installation’ and ‘Loudest Stereo’ and there will also be the 1st ever UAE National Dyno Shoot Out competition to determine the car with the greatest horsepower.

Running alongside Barbican Turbo is Adrenaline Sports Live, presented by Rani, the Middle East’s only action packed adrenaline sports festival where visitors will be able to try out sports from indoor skydiving to skiing. Tickets purchased for either event will provide entry into both festivals.

For all the information about the festival and to enter the Top 100 please visit: http://www.barbicanturbo.com, follow Barbican Turbo on Twitter and Facebook and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.boxofficeme.com and selected retail outlets.

Ben Yas Island in Abu Dhabi is pretty busy these days. Thousands of workers and engineers are working tirelessly there to get things ready in time. We’ve already shown you the progress of Ferrari theme park, that is doing pretty well. But the most important feature of this unique island is indeed the Yas Marina Formula1 circuit which is going to host this year’s season finale.

Hit the jump to get a better idea of how the circuit would look like when the cars roll in…

This amazing animation showcases the finished product, as a sort of teaser for the upcoming event. Designed by Hermann Tilke, Yas circuit is one of the most advanced F1 facilities in the world. As you see in this virtual Grand Prix in the start/stop section spectators are really close to the action! It’s gonna be huge fun!

via: Cranckandpiston

Apparently the new generation of Mercedes CLS is under hot-weather testing as it’s been scooped in Dubai at this time of year when the weather is really really hot there! The car has been caught by a member of Gulf4cars forums at Jebel Ali Free Zone. It’s due to arrive in 2011 and is doing well in terms of technical developments, but as you notice from the typical Mercedes camouflage, the design is not finished yet.

2011 CLS is one of the most anticipated cars to be launched and given the success of the current model, expectations are pretty high!

source: Gulf4cars

British Sportscar maker McLaren announced more details on its middle east branch which is going to play a central role in the firm’s global expansion plan. As we’ve already told you they are seeking retailers in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE because they gonna sell 12 percent of their production in 2010 in the ME. They also want to open a service center in Lebanon, since the place is a vacation spot for rich Arabs and they usually tend to bring their cars along wherever they go!

Press Release

McLaren Automotive, the high performance sports car manufacturer based at the home of McLaren’s world-famous Formula 1 racing team, has announced further details on its Middle East plans. The company has confirmed that it is seeking retailers in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE in the countdown to the 2011 launch of the first in its range of next-generation road cars.

McLaren Automotive is also looking at the possibility of establishing a service centre in Lebanon to provide support for owners who might want to ship their cars to the country for the summer months.

The Middle East is on track to host McLaren Automotive’s first regional retail network, bringing to the market what is expected to be one of the world’s most desirable cars. The new range of high-performance sports cars will share the same headquarters that today hosts over 50 years of McLaren motorsport and performance sports car heritage, from Bruce McLaren’s 1954 Austin 7, to the record-breaking and legendary McLaren F1 road car of the ’90s, and the most successful supercar ever in its price bracket, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.

McLaren is the leading name in the world of motorsport. Since its foundation in 1963, it has won all major motor races, including Le Mans and the Indy 500. Most notably, it has become one of the most successful teams in Formula 1 history, winning 12 drivers’ championships and eight constructors’ titles, counting such greats as James Hunt, Ayrton Senna, Mika Häkkinen and Lewis Hamilton among its drivers–world champions all.

McLaren Automotive also has a rich and seamless heritage in producing premium sports cars for the road. The McLaren F1 road car, which was launched in 1992, set the world land speed record for a production car, and is regarded as one of the best examples of supercar exotica. A recent example sold for £2.5 million pounds at auction.

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, one of the fastest cars on the streets today, is also the most successful, with over 2,000 cars sold since its 2003 launch. The SLR signs off this year with the Stirling Moss model, the most extreme version of the hand-built supercar and, with a run of just 75 models (all pre-sold to existing SLR owners), one of the rarest cars on the planet.

Taking the best from McLaren’s pedigree–its success in Formula 1, the ground-breaking McLaren F1 road car, and the unprecedented popularity and quality of the SLR–McLaren Automotive believes the launch of its new range of high-performance sports cars is a natural next step. The company has been actively developing these new models since 2007 with the aim of creating cars that will challenge all performance parameters.

Ian Gorsuch, who has been named McLaren Automotive’s regional director for the Middle East and Africa, has already begun the process of setting up the regional office and is appointing a retail network across the Middle East to market its range of relatively low-volume, lightweight, technologically advanced sports cars.

Gorsuch said he was excited about the challenges ahead. “This is a terrific opportunity to launch a new range of high-performance sports cars in a territory that will be a major market for McLaren Automotive,” he said. “There is huge appreciation among the region’s car aficionados for these types of models, linked to a huge interest in motorsport.

“Our aim for the network is quality over quantity. We recognise that there has been a tendency for dealer service to have been lacking in this region. We want to offer every one of our customers the level of service that matches the performance of our cars. McLaren Automotive plan to stand out from its competitors in all aspects of its business,” Gorsuch added.

It was announced on April 16 that Ron Dennis was to become Executive Chairman of McLaren Automotive. Richard Lapthorne will join the company as Non-executive Director. Mark Harrison has been appointed Head of PR for McLaren Automotive.

-by: performancepr.com
Email: ian@performancepr.com

Colleagues at Gulf4Cars scooped this 2010 Nissan Patrol prototype  in the UAE , which is relevant since this country will be one of the biggest markets for this car. Nissan Patrol has a great history in this region and the market will embrace a new model pretty well. And Dubai is the hub for exporting this car to another  potential markets such as Iran where previous models of Patrol were hugely popular.

The car, which according to the source is the 5.6 VVEL model, is camouflaged of course but it’s obvious that Nissan does not want it to be very similar to the rest of its SUV range like Aramada for example. Patrol has its unique character. Actually the car has been caught before undisguised during a presentation, but as it’s usually the case it’ll come in different types with many extras.

source: Gulf4cars

2010 Nissan Patrol:

The new season of the world’s most watched motoring show is back on TV again and by the looks of things it seems to be the best series they’ve ever done. But for us it’s a bit more special because for the first time the whole crew come to UAE to play around with a convoy of highly exotic materials!

They lock out Corniche Road in Abu Dhabi for a battle of the giants! Lamborghini Murcielago SV, Mercedes SLR 722, Bugatti Veyron and a Mclaren F1 are the contenders. And they just couldn’t leave UAE without having an ultimate safari trip in a desert bashing off-roader such as Bowler Nemesis. Of course, there might be even more…!

Apparently next week’s show is when the Top Gear UAE special will be aired, and to get a taste of what to expect, AllCarZone has some scans of Top Gear’s magazine. We can’t post them here (we don’t fancy messing with Top Gear for copyright issues ) but you can check them out on their website by clicking here.

Following the E-class Sedan, the Mercedes Benz E-coupe 2010 model is now available to customers in UAE. The new E-Coupe which replaced the CLK brand comes in E350 model which has a 272 hp V6 and E500 with a 388hp V8. Later on two diesel variants will be added to the range. Mercedes won’t offer any AMG engine upgrade for the car, but you can order AMG Sports package.

Press Release:

Nassim Mourani, General Manager, Emirates Motor Company in Al Ain at the launch event, said:

‘With its classic coupé side aspect, our new two-door is a particularly sporty interpretation of the E-Class’s dynamic design. At the same time, this coupe achieves a new world’s best drag coefficient of just 0.24 Cd, making it the world’s most aerodynamically efficient series-production car.’

The Coupé makes no secret of its close relationship to the recently launched new E-Class Saloon. It is immediately obvious from the twin-headlamp face which features a similar rhomboid design for the lights but with a somewhat sportier, sharper treatment which creates a more dynamic and incisive look.

In addition, the new Coupé offers all the technical innovations of the new E-Class that one might expect to find in a sports-oriented luxury coupé. These include selective damper control, drowsiness detection and preventive occupant protection. As a feature specific to the Coupé, the Dynamic Driving package allows different suspension setups at the touch of a button. Adaptive Main Beam Assist, and an automatic emergency braking system are other features with which the new series sets standards in this vehicle segment.

The new E-Class Coupe will initially be available in two versions, the E 350 with a V6 engine producing 272 hp and a 0-100 kmh time of 6.5 seconds and the V8 engine E 500 that pushes out 388 hp and can hit 100 kmh from zero in just 5.3 seconds.

The E-Class also takes on a pioneering role with its new direct-injection petrol engines which combine efficiency with an effortless power delivery. They will be available across the Middle East as an E 250 CGI in September and in the E 200 CGI in March of 2010.

With its sporty look and feel, the cockpit design is clearly in keeping with the agile character of the new Coupé. The instrument cluster with five tubes for the dials and a central display has a slender look while the dials themselves are clearly laid out and have high-quality chrome surrounds as well as a silver backing for the scales.

Next to the instrument cluster is the display area for the control and display system for the radio, navigation system and other functions. The system is operated by means of a rotary and push-action Controller which falls conveniently to hand in front of the asymmetrically split armrest between the front seats.

The AMG Sports package, on the other hand, clearly focusses on agility and performance potential. AMG bodystyling includes the unmistakable contours of the AMG front apron with large air intakes, AMG side skirts and the expressive AMG rear apron with a black insert.

High-sheen 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a 6 twin-spoke design with wide-base tyres in size 235/40 R 18 at the front and 255/35 R 18 at the rear provide further highlights. The AGILITY CONTROL sports suspension with a stiffer spring, shock absorber and stabiliser setup is combined with large, perforated brake discs at the front, plus brake callipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering.

via: AMEinfo

Mohammed Bin Sulayem’s relationships with the FIA has entered a new era as he is chosen as one of the three new Formula1 race stewards. The United Arab Emirates’ automobile club President and FIA vice President was on duty in Turkey last Sunday and will be present at HungaroRing next month as well.

You might remember it, Bin Sulayem’s last encounter with F1 was not very pleasant! During Renault Roadshow in Dubai, he crashed the R26 Formula1 car while racing a Ford GT in drag at Dubai Autodrome.  Of course this has nothing to so with his new role, he might be a bit old to handle race cars, but as a manager he is capable of running Formula1 on his own! The man has been involved with motorsport all his life and comes from a family of politicians. He very well can be the next FIA president!

via: autoblog

pictures via Flickr

2010 Chevrolet Camaro has made its Middle East debut in the UAE and will be on sale across the region from August. The new Camaro in the Gulf starts from AED 120,000 for the LT model with a 3.6 liter V6. There is also the top of the line  SS model which is powered by a 3.5 liter V8. Apart from the optional extras, you can order the Rally Sports package for both trims if you want your Camaro to look even more sporty!

Press Release:

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – The wait is finally over. After an eight-year hiatus the legendary Chevrolet Camaro, with its combination of great looks, incredible performance and advanced technology, is now in the region. Around 50 motoring journalists from across the region were the first people to experience the rich heritage and modern design form of the rejuvenated 2010 Camaro along a scenic and engaging route between Dubai and Fujairah.

Available in two trims, LT with 3.6L, V-6 engine and the SS model with a powerful 6.2L V-8 engine , the Chevrolet Camaro will hit Al Ghandi Auto, Bin Hamoodah Auto and Liberty Automobiles Co. showrooms this August starting at approximately AED 120,000 for the 3.6L, V-6 powered LT model. Opting for extra modifications and an exciting array of appearance details and performance packages can lead to a variation in price. Such extra features include 21-inch wheels and Hurst short-throw gear shifters. A state of the art fully independent suspension system gives both Camaro models a very light and nimble feel with sharp and responsive handling.

The special Rally Sports (RS) appearance package is also available on both models. It includes High Intensity Discharged (HID) headlamps with integrated halo rings, specific taillamps and 20-inch wheels with a Midnight Silver finish, body-colour roof ditch moulding, rear spoiler, RS badging and racing and / or hockey stripes.

Set to take the Middle East by storm, the 2010 Camaro honours its heritage, is designed to compete with the best in the world and fully delivers on customer expectations as a sports coupe for the 21^st century.

About three months ago we brought to you official pictures of the ‘SLR Desire’, Fab design’s idea of the perfect McLaren Mercedes SLR, and to be honest nobody liked the way it is styled! It actually seems to be designed by a six year old boy! Anyway, at that time we mentioned that it will come to UAE and guess what! Good fellas over at Alain Class got the first production unit out of total 15. So we thought we should have a better look at it via these live pictures, maybe it makes a bit of sense!

The thing is, it might look ugly and we might not like it because it ruins the reputation of the original SLR as a fantastic looking machine, but if you look at it from normal people point of view, not a car nut’s view (which you probably are, becuz you’re reading a car blog!) then it makes perfect sense. I mean the whole point of a hyper car is that people look at it and go WOW! and with the SLR Desire, this mission is accomplished. It’s the perfect car for showing off!

Apart from the body which is not that desirable frankly, There are some good points in this car.The V8 supercharged engine is heavily tuned to 750 hp and 1080 Nm of torque, and the interior is a work of art. A two-tone black and white leather trimming with carbon fiber parts everywhere, creates a pleasant place to be in.

Of course the ‘Desire’ costs a helluva lot of money but for that you get the most important quality of them all, exclusivity! well it might not matter to you because you can’t afford it and if you could you wouldn’t waste all the money on something like this, but we are talking UAE, where the number of SLRs are greater than cabs! Sure you don’t want your SLR to look exactly as your neighbour’s!

After all, this car deserves a bit of attention, doesn’t it?!

[View with PicLens]

Alain Class Motors

Shipments of the all new 2010 BMW Z4 with its new folding metal roof and new range of engines is arriving at dealers in the Middle East and throughout the globe. The new Z4 is hitting the market in a very good time, because its main rival Mercedes SLK is pretty old now and its new version is still some years away, so this bimmer can have the sport convertibles market all to itself!

Press Release:

Reinforcing BMW Group’s position as the world’s leading premium automotive manufacturer, the BMW Z4 offers all the driving pleasure of a BMW Roadster with a seating position moved close to the rear axle, rear-wheel drive and an automatically retractable hardtop.

With a mere 20 seconds separating the thrill of open-air driving with the roof down and the comfort of a sporting coupé with the hard top closed, the BMW Z4 offers the ultimate in diversity and sheer driving pleasure in this premium motoring segment.

Commenting on the latest BMW model to arrive in Dubai, Stathis I. Stathis, General Manager of AGMC said: ‘The BMW Z4 is an authentic roadster: sporty, stylish and like any BMW, a pleasure to drive. We are delighted to be able to offer our customers an even more exciting and exclusive motoring experience.’

Stathis continued: ‘The design elements of the new BMW Z4 Roadster have already been recognized internationally, having won a prestigious red dot award, the largest and most renowned design competition in the world. We are confident that our clientele in Dubai will also recognize and appreciate the inherent beauty and performance of this exceptional car.’

In addition to the authentic proportions and flowing design language of the car, the design of the new BMW Z4 is demonstrated through classic details interpreted in contemporary style. The aluminum shells of the two-piece lightweight hardtop come to rest in the roof compartment, retracting in just 20 seconds and saving maximum space in the process. Even with the roof closed, the new BMW Z4 retains all the proportions so typical of a genuine roadster.

The driving comfort and the feeling of space in the new BMW Z4 achieve a standard unique in this segment. Head and elbow room as well as the degree of comfort in entering the car have been significantly enhanced, while the low seating position near the rear axle guarantees a driving experience typical of a BMW Roadster.

High-quality materials, first-class finish and driver-oriented design of both the instrument panel and the centre console guarantee an emotional driving experience in a particularly refined ambiance.

The most sporting and dynamic version of the new BMW Z4 comes with the world’s first straight-six power unit to feature Twin Turbo technology, High Precision Injection with direct injection of fuel. The top model is also available with sports automatic featuring seven gears and double-clutch transmission.

To ensure passionate driving pleasure at all times, the new BMW Z4 comes with a range of three straight-six power units: 306 hp in the BMW Z4 sDrive35i, 258 hp in the BMW Z4 sDrive30i, and 204 hp in the BMW Z4 sDrive23i ensure truly outstanding performance and dynamic acceleration at all times. The sport roadster’s top speed is 250 km/h (155 mph).

Comprehensive use of BMW Efficient Dynamics technologies ensure an unparalleled balance of driving pleasure and fuel economy. Efficient Dynamics is BMW Group’s robust strategy encompassing many technology innovations to offer outstanding performance and a reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The BMW Z4 boasts Dynamic Drive Control as standard, acting on various parameters and influencing the overall set-up of the car, as well as the gearshift characteristics in sports automatic. In the SPORT and SPORT+ modes, this ensures significantly more powerful acceleration with an even faster gearshift, gears being shifted by closing the clutch even faster than before, with sporting feedback going straight to the driver. The BMW Z4 allows the driver to select a mode of driving from comfort to sportier settings.

BMW’s revolutionary iDrive system is now available for the first time as an option on the BMW Roadster, coming together with the optional Professional navigation system. In the new BMW Z4 the iDrive control system, enhanced to an even higher level of technology, serves to activate and mastermind all entertainment, information, navigation and telecommunication functions.

The system itself is made up of a Controller on the centre console and a folding, high-resolution Control Display on the instrument panel, allowing the driver to intuitively and safely mastermind all available functions through standardized movements of the Controller.

The new BMW Z4 Roadster meets the highest safety standards, including a comprehensive safety concept with extremely stiff body structures, defined load paths, specific use of high-strength steel and special deformation elements.

Head and thorax airbags are integrated at the front and sides, and in the seat backrests, while three-point inertia-reel seat belts come equipped with new belt tightening technology, and reinforced A-pillars and roll bars behind the headrests ensure uncompromising standards of safety.

The new BMW Z4 is now available from AGMC, the exclusive importer of BMW in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates.

via:AMEinfo

]]> http://www.motorward.com/2009/05/2010-bmw-z4-now-available-in-uae/feed/ 0 http://www.motorward.com/2009/05/mclaren-opens-middle-east-regional-office/ http://www.motorward.com/2009/05/mclaren-opens-middle-east-regional-office/#comments Fri, 15 May 2009 11:14:45 +0000 Arman Barari http://www.motorward.com/2009/05/mclaren-opens-middle-east-regional-office/

Mclaren is pursuing its expansion plan really fast, they have two Ferrari-rivaling GT models in the pipeline and there are also rumors about a replacement for the legendary McLaren F1 supercar. So they have to look for new markets to sell their cars and where better to start than the rich,stable and promising market of the middle east!

Given the success of other British brands, Rolls Royce and Bentley, here it makes perfect sense for McLaren to invest heavily in the region and open a new headquarter ,along with the world famous Woking center, exclusively for this market. The new McLaren center will almost certainly be located in the UAE and control operations for middle east and Africa. It’ll also make it easier for McLaren to have a taste of Chinese market.

There are some speculations about upcoming McLaren models, the P11 mid-engine sports car has been already scooped and will rival Ferrari 450 and Porsche 911, there is also a baby McLaren, another model for reasonably priced sportscar segment like Audi R8, and the ultimate Mc which is the revival of the great F1 supercar.

via: Motorauthority

World’s sickest hotel, the Burj Al Arab of Dubai has just received another four Bespoke 2009 Rolls Royce Phantoms pushing their fleet of Rollers to ten. The cars feature Grecian key marquetry applied to the wood veneer and engraved Burj Al Arab logos onto the headrests, and they are all in Arab’s favourite color pearl white!

Press Release:

Dubai, 12 May 2009: Burj Al Arab, the World’s Most Luxurious Hotel and recognised as the symbol of Dubai, has today received four new bespoke model Phantom Rolls-Royce’s into its already extensive luxury vehicle range.

The Rolls-Royce chauffeur service allows guests of the hotel to arrive in truly unique style and has proven to be incredibly popular. As a result of the increasing demand for this service, the iconic hotel has enlarged the fleet of Phantoms to ten – all of which have custom-made features specifically crafted to reflect the unique opulence of the hotel.

The chauffeur driven models were borne out of the Bespoke Programme by Rolls-Royce, a method that allows customers to create their perfect car, designed and built to their exact specification.

Inspiration for the new models was derived from the character and culture of Burj Al Arab itself, capturing the precise individual detailing reflective of the hotel’s spirit and status. The resulting interior boasts Grecian key marquetry applied to the wood veneer, with the distinctive Burj al Arab logo embroidered into the leather headrests. The colour scheme and the marquetry combine to represent the magnificence and tranquillity of the hotel.

“We are extremely excited by the arrival of the new Phantoms, as we expect our guests will be. Our guests have long since enjoyed the chauffeur service as an essential part of their Burj Al Arab luxury experience and these additions will further enhance their experience.” Commented Heinrich Morio, General Manager of Burj Al Arab; in respect to the bespoke detailing he continued; “Unique detailing is a defining feature of Burj Al Arab and in line with Jumeirah Group’s philosophy that luxury is a personalised, individual quality”.

The handover of the Phantoms was attended by Peter Schoppmann, Regional Director of Rolls-Royce for the Middle East, and Stathis I. Stathis, representing AGMC, the sole dealer of the brand in Dubai and Sharjah. Schoppmann said “The Burj al Arab stands for the ultimate in luxury and has become a globally recognised landmark. As such we are delighted to have strengthened our relationship with this iconic destination.”

The Rolls-Royce chauffeur service is one of the many luxurious touches that complement a guest’s stay at the all-suite Burj Al Arab.  Discreet in-suite check in, a private reception desk on every floor and a brigade of highly trained butlers providing around-the-clock attention, assure an unsurpassed personalised service at all times.

via: Zawya

Top Gear, world’s best TV show ever has finally noticed the great potential of the United Arab Emirates in terms of supercars and fabulous driving roads and landed in the desert to record some of their sickest films yet! Just check out  some of the cars they’ve been spotted driving in Abu Dhabi and Alain: New Lamborghini Murcielago SV, McLaren Mercedes SLR 722, Bugatti Veyron and McLaren F1!

Apparently this one is going to be one of the most outrageous films they’ve ever  done since they had the Corniche road , 3 kilometers of it, closed for them and also the Stig was present at the scene, what that means to you?! Sounds like race in the town! It’s amazing they are at this time of year when the weather is not what you call pleasant! and to test these supercars, Top Gear style, in high temperatures is also something never done before. Of course there is much more to it, Hammond for example was spotted with a Bowler wild cat in the desert and some other pictures are taken with some highly exotic materials in them like the Mercedes SL65 Black Series. After all, there is no shortage of super cars in the UAE and they can get as many as they want! Even three Special edition Veyrons

Damn I can’t wait for Top Gear to come back on telly! Needless to say the series 13 will be twice as brilliant as the previous seasons.

Video by TopRPM

Pictures: MBclub uk

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