2002
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Audi's new sporty A4 model
German car giant Audi has announced that its sporty top edition of the A4, the S4 will arrive in the Middle East early next year. The S4 has a 344 hp V8 engine, and moves from 0-100 kph in 5.6 seconds. Both saloon and sporty body types will be available.
Bufori plans a global debut
Malaysian handmade sports car manufacturer Bufori plans a worldwide launch next year. It presently builds 300 high-tech cars a year and has two models, the Bufori MkI and Bufori MkII. In 2003 the Bufori III will be introduced, with 100 cars already pre-sold.
Two new Dubai road projects
The Dubai authorities have approved two new major road projects costing USD50m. The biggest is a relocation of the Airport Road into a series of tunnels as part of the Dubai International Airport extension project. There is also to be a fourth lane added to the Trade Centre roundabout. Traffic congestion in Dubai is an increasing problem.
Chrysler, Jeep, bilingual websites
Chrysler and Jeep have launched new bilingual websites for the Middle East, www.mideast.chrysler.com and www.mideast.jeep.com. Sales and marketing director Bruce D. Ohms said the sites also offered information about the nearest distributor as well as specific information on the model range. The new sites join the successful Mercedes-Benz bilingual website which has 29,000 page views a month.
Nissan, new 2004 4x4
The Detroit website www.thecarconnection.com has published sneak photographs of Nissan's upcoming new top 4x4 vehicle styled after the Alpha T concept. It is expected to start rolling off the Canton, Missouri production line in late summer and to debut at the Chicago or New York motor show next autumn. The website says a 5.2-litre, V8 engine is expected.
Annual Gulf News Fun Drive
The popular UAE annual Gulf News Fun Drive will take place on December 13 and early registration is advised to avoid disappointment. The drive is open to all 4x4 owners and starts with breakfast at 5.30am at Nad Al Sheba in Dubai, and takes around seven hours to reach the Al Ain Inter-Continental Hotel. Entry costs Dhs140 per head.
250 Audi A8s for Dubai 2003
Dubai 2003 has formally signed a contract for 250 luxury A8 saloons for the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank next September in Dubai. Audi also supplied cars for the chauffer service at last September's meetings in Washington.
S-Class upgrades 320 to 350
Mercedes-Benz distributors in the UAE have announced the arrival of the new S-Class 350, an exciting upgrade on the 320 model. The new Mercedes reaches 0-100 kph one second quicker than its predecessor, and has a new safety system. Pre-safe sensors anticipate a loss of stability and initiate preventative safety measures. For details visit, www.mideast.mercedes-benz.com.
Win a Ford Mondeo online
Visit the Ford Mondeo website, www.forgetwhatyouknow.com, to book a test drive and you will also be entered into a free raffle to win a 2003 Ford Mondeo Ambiente. Ford dealers across the Middle East and North Africa region have teamed-up for this competition.
Saudi motorists queue for insurance
Saudi motorists have reacted angrily to the imposition of compulsory motor insurance this month, reported Gulf News. They demanded to know why only a single company was authorised to issue motor insurance policies. Across the kingdom there have been huge queues this week as motorists complied with the new regulations.
Cayenne, key to Porsche future
The debut Cayenne 4x4 from Porsche holds the key to the future of Germany's most famous micro-brand, claims www.thecarconnection.com. The Detroit website reports that the new model is needed to update its range and to bring in a new cash flow to finance future car development. Porsche sales have started to fall in the wake of the mounting global economic crisis. But last year's 829m euro profit on sales of 4.9bn euros was still a record.
Lincoln LS, luxury from USD32,400
Ford premium automobiles' division Lincoln is offering its spacious Lincoln LS from USD32,400 at Abu Dhabi distributor Omeir bin Youssef. This luxurious US saloon has a 3.9-litre V8 engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual air conditioning, 283 hp, ABS and a full leather interior. For music lovers there is a six-CD, 12-speaker sound system.
Porsche Cayenne, Spanish debut
Porsche has decided to launch its first 4x4, the Cayenne, in Jerez de la Frontera in Spain. The two models, the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo, will not be available in the GCC until the first quarter of next year. Porsche intends to manufacture 25,000 Cayennes a year with the Middle East a key market for this 0-100 kph in 5.6 seconds sports vehicle.
Vote for the Saudi Car of the Year
Sports Auto has announced that it has arranged for online voting for the Saudi Car of the Year contest on Naseej.com. Anybody voting over the Internet will also have the opportunity to win prizes in a free competition.
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