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International news
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66-67 2015 KTM rc 200
Concept car Previews
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Chicane
88 Colour my response
editor-in-chief
Mohammad Al Taie
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EDITOR & GM
Raj Warrior
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executive EDITOR
Chandan B Mallik chandan@alroya.net
contributing EDITOR
Anne Kurian
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HEAD OF Design
Antony Karlo
photography
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marketing
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We pointed out at the beginning of the year itself that the longish cool weather of winter
may just as likely be a portent of a blistering summer and the month of May has lived up
to that promise. With temperatures in the high forties (once in a while leaping over fifty
on our car dashboards) the condition of our car maintenance and air-conditioner efficiency
makes all the difference.
We hope that many of you have taken the message we passed out last month about the
condition of our tyres. While tyres always function at a higher than ambient temperature,
having bad tyres, high speeds and these scorching roads is a bad recipe. Do watch out
and if necessary, get your tyres changed while getting your air-conditioner topped up and
cleaned.
This issue is choc-a-bloc with testdrives of turbo-powered cars. Long time readers will know
that we have been early proponents of boosted aspiration in regular sedans. Gone are
the days when having turbos was indicative of a sporty identity. The use of turbocharging
in engines has one mainstream with manufacturers across the spectrum opting for the
extra huff and puff that it provides on smaller displacements and the resultant extra fuel
efficiency ratings that help corporate figures.
The six turbo-boosted vehicles that we test cover a rather wide range of choices, from a
small crossover to a car that actually is better known as a muscle car, although that is one
tag that may have to be inferred rather than experienced. In trying to reach the Mustang
out to global markets, Ford have to find smaller displacement engines that can provide at
least some of the excitement.
Speaking of a global footprint, the Shanghai motorshow served to debut quite a few
models on to the Chinese carscape as well as providing some that will see the light of
day even in the Middle East. Outside the models itself, what is even more interesting is
the new technology that debuted, with new standards being drawn up entertainment
systems, drivetrains and cabin environments. We have an extensive report.
One technology that we hope to see in cars in the region is something that will keep the
car interiors cool while parked. Itll make a lot of difference to customers here and perhaps
help save the lives of sundry pets and infants left locked in cars.
Automans take
Audi chassis engineer Jrg Bensinger in the early 80s applied his pioneering allwheel drive technology to the original Audi Quattro. This application helped the car
win four World Rally Championships. Since then it has become as hallmark feature
and Audi continues to pioneer the development and refinement of all-wheel drive.
As a result of many years of development, todays quattro provides benefits across
the driving spectrum: from safety and ride quality, to high-performance and allterrain capability.
6
JUN 2015
Suhail Bahwan Automobiles [SBA] introduced the facelifted and upgraded 2015
Renault Megane hatchback. It will be offered with a 115hp 1.6-litre engine. However,
the biggest news in terms of powertrain is that the old automatic gearbox has
been replaced with a CVT automatic. The front-wheel-drive Megane suspension
comes with independent front and live-axle rear suspension. Standard features
in the hatchback include cloth upholstery, split-folding rear seat, fog lamps, rear
wiper, manual a/c, power windows and mirrors, keyless entry, 4-speaker CD/
MP3 stereo with AUX port and Bluetooth and 15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps.
Available features on higher models include optional leather upholstery, cruise
control, optional HID headlights, automatic a/c, intelligent keyless entry and start,
rain-sensing wipers, sunroof, Arkamys stereo with USB port, and 16in or 17in alloy
wheels. Standard safety features include ABS and dual front airbags, with side and
curtain airbags available on higher models.
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sports seats in
Dinamica/fabric with
integrated headrests, entry
sills, steering wheel with
multifunction buttons and
shift paddles in conjunction
with 6-speed Steptronic
sports transmission, gear
lever or selector lever;
cockpit displays, central
instrument display and car
key in model specific design
and more.
11
Automans take
Automans take
The new Rolls-Royce Dawn will revive another famous and rare Rolls-Royce name first used in 1949, but only ever applied to 28 very
special drophead bodies between 1950 and 1954. A new beginning for Rolls-Royce at the time, the original Silver Dawn was the first
Rolls-Royce to be offered with a factory-built body. The drophead Rolls-Royces that carried the name Dawn continued to be coach-built
for individual customers, ensuring their uniqueness and rarity.
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JUN 2015
features the same more generous, higherstatus, brighter logo that adorns the front
of the brands latest models.
The brand block has changed, as well.
Although it draws its DNA from Renaults
past, it stands out as more modern and
more assertive. It also features a new,
specially developed typeface designed
to add a distinctive touch to the brands
communication. The Renault yellow, which
has been made brighter and warmer, is
visible as a vertical strip to the logos right.
The Groupe Renaults new corporate
identity, which will cover the Renault,
Dacia and Renault Samsung Motors
brands was revealed at the Groupe
Renaults general meeting last month.
Renault revitalisng
brand power with key
messaging
Automans take
Some motorcycles encapsulate perfectly what an adventure motorcycle is all about
and the all-new CRF1000L Africa Twin is set to redefine expectations of just what
a large-capacity adventure motorcycle can and should be capable of, both on and
off-road, and it opens an entirely new chapter in Hondas illustrious history of dualpurpose motorcycles made for true adventure.
JUN 2015
13
brandwatch
news
Lamborghini SUV
project greenlighted
Lamborghini has confirmed the
launch of a sports utility vehicle and
also announced where it would be
built. Volkswagen Group-owned
Lamborghini said that the new
third line product would be built in
Italy. This means the Italy beat a bid
from Slovakia to build the car there.
Top executives from Lamborghini
joined the Italian Prime Minister
Matteo Renzi at a signing ceremony
in Rome last month. The Urus SUV
was unveiled as a concept car in
2012 and is expected to go on sale
in 2018, with a planned production
level of 3,000 cars a year. Reports
say the sports car maker received
$98m worth of tax breaks and other
incentives from the government
to produce the car in Italy.
Lamborghinis new model will share
as next-generation versions
of the Porsche Cayenne and
VW Touareg. To extract the
performance one would
expect of a Lamborghini
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JUN 2015
Automans take
The move by Royal Enfield is being seen as a strategic one because the company is currently working on a variety of new
platforms. Having experts from Harris Performance working exclusively for them shall ensure better product designing aspects
as well as engineering benefits. Other upcoming products like the Himalayan adventure model would also benefit from this
association. In the past, Harris Performance has designed, developed and manufactured race bikes for Grand Prix and World
Superbike for Suzuki and Yamaha and remains the only manufacturer from the UK to have been officially involved for the same.
Volkswagen
considering more
crossovers?
A new report from UK suggests that
Volkswagen will launch no less than
five new crossovers before the end
of the decade. The crossovers are
largely being designed to give the
automakers North American arm a
much-needed boost.
Scheduled to land next year, the
first crossover will be a seven-seater
model that will stretch nearly 200
inches long. It will essentially be a
toned-down version of the CrossBlue
concept that was presented to the
public at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show.
The yet-unnamed soft-roader will be
bigger than the Touareg but it will be
a lot less expensive and it will feature
smaller four- and six-cylinder engines
and possible hybrids.
A five-seater version of the CrossBlue
will follow shortly after. Inspired
by the CrossBlue coupe that was
presented in Shanghai two years ago.
It will be built on Volkswagens MQB
platform, and it will share the bulk
of its engines with its seven-seater
counterpart.
Meanwhile, the next-gen Tiguan will
JUN 2015
15
Automans take
Honda is taking the NSX project quite seriously and it seems it has set a goal to create something altogether new and exciting,
something that advances the concept of a next generation supercar in the spirit of the original NSX. As a result, it is also prepared to
push, experiment with, refine and then realize several genuine new technology options or applications.
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JUN 2015
Automans take
Automans take
Automans take
Downsizing displacement and boosting
output using electric motors as a hybrid
set-up could be the key to the success of
this new model.
JUN 2015
17
First unveiled at the 1975 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, the BMW 3 Series has since developed into
both the brands most successful model range and an international bestseller.
Gen I [1975-1982]
The BMW E21 was the original BMW 3-Series
automobile, produced from 1975 to 1983. It
replaced the BMW 2002 and was succeeded
by the BMW E30. Worldwide sales of the E21
topped 1.36 million, although the car was not
particularly popular in the lucrative United
States market. For the driving enthusiast the
pick of the crop was most certainly the 323i,
a car widely credited with being the first
executive-sporting car.
Gen II [1982-1991]
The E30 platform was the basis for the 1982
through 1991 BMW 3 Series entry-level luxury car
/ compact executive car. It was the successor of
the BMW E21 in 1982 and was replaced by the
BMW E36 in 1992. BMW continued to produce
the cabriolet (convertible) E30 well into 1993.
The M3 cabriolet was never officially offered for
sale in North America; it was offered only for the
European market. This was also the first platform
that BMW introduced their famous Motorsports
division 3-series, the BMW M3. A widened version
of the E30 front suspension and the drivetain
from the E30 325i were used in the BMW Z1
roadster.
JUN 2015
Gen V [2005-2011]
The fifth generation 3 Series debuted
as a sedan (E90) and touring (E91) in
March 2005, while the coup (E92)
and a retractable hard-top convertible
(E93) went on sale in August 2006 as
2007 models. The coup/cabriolet body
was now its own design and no longer
derived from the sedan/touring unlike its
predecessors. The retractable hard-top
convertible, meanwhile, was a first for the
3 Series. The E90 was available with fourcylinder and six-cylinder engines, and the
E92 M3 used a V8 engine.
Gen VI [2012-]
The F30 debuted on 14 October 2011 in
Munich and went on sale in February 2012.
The first model to be produced was the
sedan (F30), which was followed by the
Touring (F31) in May 2012 and Gran Turismo
(F34) in June 2013, a smaller variant of the 5
Series GT hatchback. The 3 Series convertible
and coup models were no longer available,
as they have been included in the 4 Series
lineup.
Gen II (1988)
Unlike the first Generation model, which
was rear-drive, the second generation opted
for a front-wheel drive system for enhanced
interior packaging efficiency. As Koreas first
independently-designed model, it departed
from angular design language and adopted
Gen VI (2009)
The sixth generation sedan was one
of the first Hyundai models to employ
the companys Fluidic Sculpture design
philosophy. Its bold and compelling
design, powerful, efficient engine and solid
performance created a new sensation in
mid-size sedan markets throughout the
world with record sales, solidifying Sonata
in the minds of consumers as one of the
Hyundais most recognizable models. In
addition, the Sonata Hybrid model was
introduced globally on the Sonata platform
in 2010.
Gen VII (2014)
The current generation model has further
refined and balanced the conventionshattering version of Hyundais Fluidic
Sculpture design philosophy, raising the
bar for the mid-size sedan segment in both
design and performance. Further, the
all-new Sonata expanded its powertrain
offerings with two additional eco-friendly
models, including the Sonata Hybrid
unveiled in 2014, and the first Sonata PlugIn Hybrid model, introduced at the North
American International Auto Show in Detroit
in 2015.
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Spotlight
news
owadays, most
international auto
shows try to reflect
the mood of the market
with movers and shakers.
But, when it comes to China,
which is currently the worlds
second largest market, theres
much more than just cars
production or concepts
from international and local
players. Despite the economic
slowdown, global car makers
are taking on a growing
presence in China with more
investments.
China has the worlds most
competitive car market, with
twice as many brands and
three times as many models on
the market than in the United
States. But it is also a market
so large and lucrative that no
domestic players can afford an
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JUN 2015
Audi
Audis star car was the hybridised Prologue Allroad high-riding
estate concept. The car sported a 724bhp petrol-electric
hybrid powertrain. The car was presented as Prologue Avant
concept at the Geneva Motor Show earlier. The core idea from
Audi appeared to communicate what to expect from large
production models in the next decade besides engineering.
This includes an adaptation of the trademark trapezoidal grille
design, swept back headlamps and sleeker, less angular sheet
metal profiling.
BMW
The German brand presented the production version of its
plug-in hybrid variant of the X5 SUV. Called xDrive40e, it
was shown as the Concept X5 eDrive previously. The show
car featured a four-cylinder 242bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre
petrol engine mated to a 111bhp electric motor helping
it to offer a combined output of 309bhp with 350Nm of
torque. Power is transferred via eight-speed automatic
transmission.
Beijing Auto
Beijing Auto introduced
its new Senova X55
compact SUV that will be
launched on the Chinese
car market in the second
half of 2015, and it will
be positioned under the
Senova X65.
Buick
Brilliance
Brilliance-BMW presented the Zinoro Concept Next. Zinoro is a
sub-brand of the Brilliance-BMW joint venture focused on building
electric cars. The Concept Next previews a possible electric SUV
in future. If greenlighted, the production version will be based
on the BMW X3. The Zinoro brand currently has only one car: the
BMW X1-based Zinoro 1E EV.The BMW-Brilliance alliances brand
focuses on building electric cars, with the Concept Next also
featuring an all-electric powertrain.
General Motors Buick brand used the auto show to reveal its
all-new Verano compact sedan. The car has been designed
specifically for the Chinese market, where it will be sold as Wei
Lang. A US-version is also planned where it will differ slightly in
detailing, but its basic styling and proportions will be carried over.
The car features styling inspired by the Riviera concept of 2013
as well as the more recent Avenir. Up front is Buicks signature
waterfall grille, which is complemented by Avenir-style wingshaped headlamps with incorporated LED DRLs. The car is built
on an updated version of GMs Delta II compact car platform. This
is the first time the Verano is being offered in the Chinese market
and is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine.
JUN 2015
23
Changan
Chery
Chevrolet
The biggest attraction at GMs Chevrolet stand was the vision of
the future of motoring with the FNR Concept.The FNR imagines
what a fully autonomous, electric vehicle might look like many
years from now and is meant to appeal to young, Chinese
consumers. The concepts design from the minds at GMs Pan
Asia Technical Automotive Center and in its design uses a mass of
glass and curving lines that make it looks very sci-fi. The dragonfly
doors open upwards to reveal some knife-edged angles in the
styling, as well. As a cutting-edge concept, this capsule is also
packed with futuristic tech. Power comes from magnetic hub
less electric motors in each wheel, and it could charge wirelessly.
Crystal lasers generate the headlamps and taillamps, and radar in
the roof would allow scanning the surroundings for autonomous
driving.
The second car that made its debut was the eighth generation
Malibu sedan for China market. It will be offered with a choice of
a 2.4-litre Ecotec SIDI engine or a 2.0-litre DVVT engine, as well as
a new-generation six-speed automatic transmission.
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JUN 2015
Citroen
Citroen shook up the crossover class with the C4 Cactus last year
and the brand is now looking to replicate its success in the SUV
market with the all-new Aircross concept at the Shanghai Motor
Show.
Beneath the Cactus-inspired exterior, the Aircross is powered
by a 218bhp 1.6-litre THP petrol engine, paired to a 95bhp rearmounted electric motor. This enables 31 miles of all-electric
driving. The Aircross also promises a 4.5-second 0-62mph time,
plus 166mpg economy and CO2 emissions of just 39g/km.
Dongfeng
Honda
Geely Automobile
Ford
As part of the seven model introductions for the Asia Pacific
market at the Shanghai, Ford introduced the China market
version of the Taurus sedan.
Geely Automobile which now owns Volvo, is keen to shake off its
budget car image. It does not mean that we have given up on
budget cars, said Zhao Fuquan, Geely vice president. But the
luxury models at the show do indicate the direction of our future
development.
At the show, Geely revealed a concept version of its flagship GC9
sedan. While, the replacement for Geelys Emgrand branded
sedan is still a couple of years away, but the Europe-inspired
concept shown in Shanghai introduces some of the themes that
can be expected on the production model in future.
Great Wall
Great Wall launched a sport utility vehicle [SUV] that was used
previously by the Chinese rally drivers in the Dakar Rally.
Haval
Haval released two visions of its SUV for the future, the Concept
B and Concept R. The Concept R is a full-sized SUV that brings
styling inspired by Porsches Macan and Cayenne, along with a
sporting intent capped by oversized wheels and tyres.
Guangzhou Auto
From the China market perspective, the Trumpchi GA8, arguably,
was the most beautiful Chinese sedan to debut.
JUN 2015
25
Infiniti
Lexus
Landwind
For a foreign visitor, Landwind would appear to be the most
controversial car maker when it comes to blatantly violating
copyright and copying designs from existing car makers. There is
no reason to do so considering that fact that it is jointly owned
by Jiangling Motors and Changan Auto. Interestingly, both thes
brands are joint venture partners of Ford, ad do business as
Jiangling-Ford and Changan-Ford respectively.
The Landwind X7 CUV might have raised eyebrows with its
Range Rover Evoque clone design, but the car gets genuine
engineering inputs from the Melbourne-based Premcar, an
independent automotive engineering consultancy that evolved
out of Prodrives Ford Performance Vehicles [FPV] operation.
The X7 is powered by a Mitsubishi-sourced 2.0-litre turbocharged
four-cylinder petrol engine with 190hp and 250Nm, mated to a
six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. The X7 is based
on a shortened variant of the platform that also underpins the
Landwind X8.
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JUN 2015
Lifan
Lifan had the X70 SUV prototypes launch in mind for some time
now and took advantage of the Auto Shanghai 2015 to showcase
the car that fills the gap between the Lifan X60 and the Lifan X80.
The car will use a 1.8-litre four-cylinder unit delivering around
150hp. Other details about the SUVs specifications were not
released. Lifan is also looking to invest into the development of
electric cars and expand the already massive network comprising
80 fully-owned flagship stores, 300 dealers selling only the Lifan
brand and 1,000 dealers that sell the Lifan products as well as
other models coming from various carmakers.
McLaren
Nissan
Nissan used the venue to unveil the China-only Lannia midsize sedan, which it says has been specially created for the
rising young Chinese generation. The Lannia is the production
version of the Friend-Me concept showcased two years ago in
Shanghai and the Lannia concept unveiled in Beijing last year.
Designed and developed locally by Nissan Design China and the
styling bears many hallmarks of the Japanese automakers latest
design language, particularly up front with its V-shaped grille
treatment and sharply shaped headlamps. The C-pillar gets the
Nissan signature treatment as well. Alongside the Lannia sedan,
Nissans second world debut at Shanghai Auto Show was the
Murano Hybrid. This car is powered by the new supercharged
QR25DER 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine assisted by a 20hp
electric motor paired with a compact Lithium-ion [Li-ion] battery.
The engine produces 250hp and 243lb-ft [combined 329lb-ft] of
torque.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes is looking to take over BMWs dominance of the
premium SUV market with two new midsize models in China.
Development on the GLC is well underway, and now a swoopy
new GLC Coupe has been shown in Shanghai. The production car
is set to appear in 2016 and go head-to-head with the BMW X4.
Peugeot
MG
Not to be confused with the Lexus GS sedan, the China-owned
British brand announced its formal entry into the SUV market
with the GS. Roughly the size of Nissans Qashqai or Juke, this car
also has Europe in its sights.
27
Qoros
Shanghai-based Qoros turned up at the show with a concept for
a new Nissan Juke-sized SUV called Qoros 2. The 2 SUV will sit
underneath the 3 City SUV when it appears in China towards the
end of 2015.
Shenbao
Venucia
Venucia, a local brand by Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle
Company is a passenger vehicle business unit of Nissans joint
venture in China. The brand unveiled the VOW Concept, which is
a sporty-looking crossover designed to appeal to young Chinese
buyers. The design is said to have been inspired by the Salar de
Uyuni plateau in the Bolivian Andes, but in real time reminds
one of the Lamborghini Urus and Mitsubishi XR-PHEV concepts!
Technical details are few and far between, but the name VOW
apparently stands for Venucia Over Wonder, that brand name
itself having been derived from the Roman diety Venus. Beyond
that we couldnt tell you anymore.
Volvo
Volkswagen
VW sprang a surprise at the 2015 Shanghai Motor Show with the
C Coupe GTE concept - large four-door Coupe that will inspire a
production model in 2016. Unfortunately though, unless sales of
large saloons picks up significantly in Europe its destined to be a
China-only model.
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ography: Elvi
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Author: Chand
Phot
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2015 BMW X4
X factor
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BMWs recently
introduced X4 is a
sportier compact SUV
designed to compete
with the new breed
of crossovers like
the Porsche Macan,
Audi Q5, Range Rover
Evoque
wheelbase, relatively long bonnet, short
over-hangs and a set-back greenhouse.
Like the X6, the inside of the X4 cabin
has a familiar feel to that of the X3. On a
closer look, there is little differentiation
between the X3 and X4. Compared with
the X3, the front passengers sit lower by
0.8in and the rear passengers by 1.1in. That
marginal difference means the command
seating position is still available for front
occupants. While, rear headroom is
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Ford says that the all-new Gen VI 2015 Mustang is the logical
evolution of a classic with notable improvements in power,
handling and convenience features. With the Ecoboost fourcylinder under the bonnet, Automan thinks Ford has created a
new entry point for global markets with this package
Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Nabeel Ferzan
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French automaker
Renault creates a
funky lifestyle CUV
using the Clio as its
base. In fact, its arrival
in Omans showrooms
a few weeks ago
refreshes this virtually
uncharted segment
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Verdict
The KTM RC 200 has been much
overshadowed by its bigger
sibling, so much that no one
really talks much about KTMs
entry-level faired bike. Sure the
RC 200 isnt as fast as the RC 390,
but out in the real world, its a
more practical bike, with better
engine refinement, more usable
power, no heating issues and most
importantly a lower sticker price.
The KTM RC 200 is for those who
want to have fun yet dont care
about being the fastest around.
It offers similar handling as the
RC 390 at lesser money, yet it
will make you grin wide at every
corner.
2015 KTM RC 200 Specifications
[Rear]
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JUN 2015
GMs engineering,
design and
electrification
teams drew on their
past experience
developing electric
concept vehicles.
Their aim was to
create a unique,
intelligent vehicle
for tomorrows
younger consumers
by utilizing innovative
car networking
technology.
in science fiction movies. The car has
newly developed crystal laser head and
tail lamps, sensors and roof-mounted
radar that can map out the environment
to enable driverless operation. Its
It seems General
Motors is looking
at the possibility of
delivering a stylish
look at a fully electric
and autonomous
automotive future
called Chevy Intelligent Assistant and
iris recognition start. The Chevrolet FNR
can also serve as a personal assistant
to map out the best route to the drivers
preferred destination. The switchover
from manual to autonomous operation
is accomplished using gesture controls
and in self-driving mode, the vehicles
front seats can swivel 180 degrees to face
the rear seats, creating a more intimate
setting. The driver can switch to manual
mode through the gesture control
feature.
The cars powertrain is just as sci-fi as
the styling. Chevy says the FNR uses a
magnetic hub less in-wheel type electric
motors and an automated wireless
charging system. No performance figures
were made available.
JUN 2015
69
Making its debut at the 2015 Shanghai Show, the Audi Prologue
allroad concept tries to establish the brands future design DNA
that will be applied in future all-terrain models including hybrids
Author: Chandan B Mallik
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Although, Citron
plans to sell the
Aircross SUV
globally, as part
of an aggressive
marketing strategy,
the automaker will
push this new SUV into
strong SUV markets in
Asia also
design cues of the brand are the two-tier
light structure and chevron design up
front, while the floating roof bars have
been borrowed from the C4 Cactus.
Citroen has also developed a fresh
take on the unique honeycomb-style
Airbump design from the Cactus for a
more rugged SUV application. Here the
Cactus Airbumps have morphed into
something called Alloy Bumps, which are
essentially honeycomb aluminum castings
surrounded by durable rubber. The car
also wears Air Signs chrome window
surrounds, more or less and Air
73
JUN 2015
75
JUN 2015
77
2015 MotoGP
ovistar Yamahas
Jorge Lorenzo is
in great form and
this makes him believe it
could be his year to clinch
his third MotoGP crown.
This confidence comes after
Lorenzo made a hattrick with
his latest dominant victory at
Mugello.
Lorenzo has closed the deficit
to team-mate Valentino
Rossi at the summit of the
championship to six points
after the first six rounds and
is now heading into his home
race at Catalunya in two
weeks time.
The two-time premier class
champion is back to his
brilliant best on the factory
M1 and currently looks
unstoppable after completing
a faultless treble to pocket a
maximum 75 points from the
last three races to boost his
confidence of winning the
world title in 2015.
I thought on Saturday that
this can be our year but
it is still very soon to say
that we are going to win or
keep this level, because the
championship is very long
still, said Lorenzo.
78
JUN 2015
Aprilia debuts
seamless gearbox
79
Colour my response
The other day I was glancing through some pages when I realised that my mind was
sending me warnings. Theres something not quite right on the page and no amount of
reading under, over or between the lines seemed to bring out the problem. It was then
that I realised that the issue was with the photographs. All beautifully taken as is usual
with us. But the car was in white. And the car was a Veloster. The combination was
something that my mind wasnt ready to accept as a valid proposition.
Between Omans traditional love affair with white cars and the safety found by dealers
in keeping their test cars white so as to allow them an assured clientele for resale, you
dont have to look far for the raison dtre of a white Veloster.
Colour has come to define so many aspects of our lives that very often the message is
more implied and subliminal that really overt. To the automotive maven some colours
have natural connotations Red is to Ferrari as Blue is to BMW and Yellow is to Porsche
and Green is to Jaguar or Bentley. Oh yes, Silver is to Mercedes-Benz. But then what
happens to a Lamborghini that also champions yellow? The shades start evolving in
cadence with the growth of brands and very often to match with the launch of new
models.
The strong association of a colour to a marque or a model is becoming a fine art. We
were at a Lamborghini event where the car being promoted was projected in a particular
cerulean blue. Why blue, you may well ask? As we did and the answer sat bang in the
middle of it really looks good in the colour to we have assigned this shade as the
signature colour of the model.
But our connection with colour harks back into antiquity and has become so pervasive
that we dont think twice about it. We have learnt to divide colour into masculine, feminine
and neutral shades. We have strong shades that express emotions as well as gentler
pastels that seemingly play out their roles in wall paints and sundry linen. We also
tend to treat Black and White as colours rather than a complete lack of colours and an
overdose as they rightly are. For the really adventurous among us, or the artistic minded
there is a rainbow of colours even in Fifty Shades of Grey.
There are some ready combinations that we even associate with specific roles. Black and
White seem to hog the limelight of weddings and funerals, red is thrown in liberally in the
dcor and signage of fast food eateries. And there is more than a passing association of
purple and gold with royalty.
In the colour wheel that is building up, car companies have also grabbed onto blue and
green with a vengeance. Although quite confusing to the mind blue is greener than
most because blue is the colour of the Earth as seen from space. So hybrid technologies
usually get blue hued. Green is connected with plant life so we understand that going
green is good for the environment. Add a bit of green on the lettering at the end of the
mail and you have done your bit to save the earth especially if you have convinced your
recipient not to print out that mail.
In this kaleidoscope of colours we often have the weird and quirky ones on the sidelines.
After all we have all heard of mauve, puce and tangerine, but have you ever heard of
razzmatazz? The very name connects us with showmanship, so it is a given that the
colour with its bright pinkish hues itself will be an extrovert.
While tangerine, orange and peach are also fruit we eat, one should look out for atomic
tangerine and caput mortuum both of which sound far deadlier than they are. And why
wouldnt one love the creamy, nutty essence of caf au lait?
So what does ones choice of colours really say about you? I hope it really doesnt say
much, for between the wife and me we have a grey SUV and a greyish car in the house.
While the lack of colour may say something about our outlook, the advantage is that we
have two shades of grey in between us. Now we need to find the remaining forty eight.
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JUN 2015