Tuesday, November 10 - 2009

November 14th, 2007

Porsche to launch 911 GT2 in February

Wednesday, November 14th, 2007

porsche-911-gt2.jpgPorsche Middle East and Africa is showcasing its latest series during the Middle East International Show that was opened today is Dubai. The all new 9100 GT2 and Cane GTS are among the new cars along with some other models such as Boxster, Camen S, 911 Turbo, Carrera S, and Cayenne Turbo.

The GT2 is the fastest Porsche road car yet produced. Sixty-five 911 GT2s were allocated to this region and all have already been sold. Porsche said that those wanting to order the caar now are likely to have to wait a year before taking delivery. It will $176,000, and be available from February.

Video report: Porsche mulls Cayenne rally release

Renault to launch F1 brands and ‘citizen’ SUV

Wednesday, November 14th, 2007

renault-clio.jpgRenault is working on its image in the Middle East over the coming year, in the run up to some major car launches it has planned for 2008.

Although present in the region, its brand is not as popular as others in the market, and the company wants to improve its visibility and raise its profile. It will release 10 new cars over the coming two years, it said.

renault-megan1.jpgAt the car Show is unveiled new Megans and Clios, both badged as Formula 1, and in the yellow used by the team. The Renault Clio F1 Team R27 is aimed at those that want performance, fashion and driving pleasure, the company said. Released in the first half of 2008, it comes with a two litre, 200bhp engine. The Megan F1 Team R26 is a two litre, 230bhp turbo, starting from around Dhs85,000. Both will sport an F1 plaque on their body.

Also coming out next year is its concept SUV, the Koleos is a 2.5litre Nissan engined car which includes a panoramic glass sunroof. Nicolas Guiochet, the general manager market at Renault, said the prototype was 90 per cent of the final version. It will be made in Korean and ship in the GCC countries in November next year.

renault-koleos.jpgThe LED lighting on the concept version will not appear in the final version, because of the cost, said Guiochet. ‘We want to make citizen SUVs, not hardcore SUVs. So it’s about having fun onboard.’

Other Renault’s due out next year are the Logan and Logan MCV, which target the cheap end of the market.

Mansory’s Conquistador customised Rolls Royce

Wednesday, November 14th, 2007

mansory-rolls-royce.jpgThe Conquistador is Mansory’s customised Rolls Royce Phantom. Changes include LED daytime lights, new side skirts with aluminium flanks and wing mirrors with integrated flasher lights.

The company customises a range of sports and super cars. Others on display included a Bentley Continental GTC. Le Mansory Convertible is a limited edition widebody customisation. Again, it includes LED daylights, integrated into the spoiler, plus has air intakes and side skirts.

There was no word on price, but then as they say, if you have to ask, you can’t afford it.

Bugatti to build 300 Veyron 16.4 supercars

Wednesday, November 14th, 2007

bugatti.jpgBugatti’s Veyron 16.4 is yet another supercar at the show. With 1,001bhp, it has a top speed of 407km/h and can go 0-100km/h in just 2.5 seconds.

It recently launched an individualisation programme which, has been extended into the Middle East. The Veyron 16.4 is hand assembled by a team in France and the company says only 300 units will be built.

412km/h Shelby Ultimate Aero in Middle East for first time

Wednesday, November 14th, 2007

shelby-ultimate-aero.jpgIf money really is no object, and you feel the need for super speed, then this may just be the car for you.

The Shelby-built Ultimate Aero recently found its way into the Guiness Book of Records, after its 412km/h record breaking road run. The company said if the drive had been on a specially made track, rather than an ordinary (and closed at the time) road in the US, then it could have added another 10km/h.

The car has 1,183bhp and goes from zero to 100km/h in 2.78 seconds. It will cost $644,000.

On show for the first time in the Middle East, just five will be built in this design, and the company owner has nabbed one of those for himself. Another 45 will be built in varying colours, but none in the white and black design that recently entered the record books.


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