Motors - Gulf Insider

3 years ago

McLaren Launches the All-New 750S

McLaren recently launched perhaps its lightest most powerful series production yet – the new V8-engined, rear-wheel drive 750S. Available in coupe and convertible forms, the new 750S combines advances in weight-saving, powertrain performance, and aerodynamics. Around 30 per cent of 750S components are either new or changed in order to deliver these improvements and with them an even greater emotional connection to the car. The 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine with a torque of 800Nm provides ferocious performance, with the 750S capable of 0-100km/h in 2.8 seconds and 0-200km/h in 7.2 seconds. In-gear acceleration is amplified by optimised transmission gearing and a revised kick-down control strategy. The suspension springs are soft at the front and stiff at the rear, which together with the reconfiguration of both the passive and active elements benefits ride comfort, roll control, steering feedback and cornering balance. Additionally, the new spring and damper design reduces weight by 2kg. The 750S is also more agile than the 720S, with better front-end grip and McLaren’s electro-hydraulic steering. “When you have a car recognised by so many drivers as a benchmark, to do something even better you have to examine every detail and really push hard for improvements that raise […]

3 years ago

Dubai: Sheikh Mohammed Announces New Law for Self-Driving Cars

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has issued a new law in Dubai for self-driving or autonomous vehicles operating in the emirate. Law No. (9) of 2023, outlines the regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles operating in the city, and aims to accelerate Dubai’s smart mobility transformation and attract investments in the sector, as per a statement by the office of Sheikh Mohammed. Under the new law, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will be responsible to develop strategic plans and policies to improve the operations of autonomous vehicles in the emirate. The law mandates that a license issued by the Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA is mandatory for conducting any activity related to autonomous vehicles. Click Here to Read More.

3 years ago

The Unstoppable Evolution of Porsche

In 2003 Porsche shocked the motoring world with its move from being purely focused on manufacturing high-performance two-door sports supercars with the introduction of the Cayenne, the company’s 4-door high-performance SUV – that went on to become a huge commercial success. Much later came the Panamera, a luxury four-door high-performance sedan, and more recently Porsche announced the launch of the brand’s first-ever fully electric car – the Taycan. Taycan, a word I’d never heard of before until this car was first announced in 2019, is a Turkish-derived name which apparently roughly translates to ‘spirited young horse’ and is pronounced (as it is spelt) tay-can. Fast forward to 2023 and Porsche is here with the Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo, quite a mouthful compared to other models of the brand such as the ‘911’ or ‘Macan’. This latest model is the long-roof station wagon alternative to the Taycan sedan. During one of my regular business trips to Dubai, this was the car Porsche Middle East kindly provided me with to scoot around the Emirate in. I had it for 3 nights and enjoyed every minute. I’ve driven numerous EVs from different brands, so you could say I’ve adjusted to them and […]

3 years ago

Saudi: Bentley Motors Launches Second Edition of Extraordinary Women Initiative

Bentley Motors has launched the second edition of its Extraordinary Women initiative, a global mentoring programme aimed at inspiring and nurturing the next generation of female leaders. The programme is specifically designed for female students pursuing careers in engineering, design, technology, and business. In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the programme is expanding to Saudi Arabia for the first time, with the aim of encouraging women to consider careers in STEM and the automotive industry. Ahead of International Women’s Day, Bentley Motors hosted a virtual launch event on 6th March, hosted by Karen Lange, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Human Resources, in order to formally open the application process to students from the partner universities in the UK and in KSA, and provide them with more information about the initiative and how to apply. Bentley will now work with Dar Al-Hekma University to identify the students who will be selected to take part in the programme. Successful applicants will enjoy one-to-one mentoring with experienced Bentley staff and the extraordinary Pioneers, ahead of attending a one-week programme at Bentley headquarters in Crewe this June, where they will work with Bentley teams on live projects to put the learnings from their […]

3 years ago

Elegant, Stylish and Luxurious: Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition

Twenty-five years ago, when Porsche announced it would launch its first SUV, the world thought the luxury car brand was going crazy: ‘Was Porsche still a sports car company?’ However, when Porsche first launched the Cayenne in 2003, it was the fastest and most powerful SUV in the market along with its off-roading capabilities. Enter 2022, the story gets better and better as we’re introduced to the Cayenne Platinum Edition. This special edition is characterised by exclusive design elements in a satin Platinum paint finish and by extra standard equipment. The result is a stylish appearance coupled with an attractive price. We got to take this beauty out for a spin on the breezy Zallaq roads and we were not disappointed. Here’s a quick look at some of the exterior design elements that have changed: Side note: the big, bold Platinum Edition logo on the side sill adds great value to the SUV’s look. I find myself very comfortable behind the wheel of a Porsche Cayenne – everything just feels like it’s in the right place. On the inside of the Platinum Edition, we’ve got this nice door inlay, a beautiful platinum-looking metal. It would usually be a high-gloss black […]

3 years ago

BMW XM Launched in the Middle East

BMW Group Middle East launched the BMW XM for the first time ever in the region, in partnership with its official importers across the Middle East. Revealed at an electrifying event in Dubai, the XM represents a fresh interpretation of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) created out of the ground-breaking fusion of the high-performance BMW M and progressive plug-in hybrid technology. The first BMW M original since the BMW M1, the all-new BMW XM is the automotive group’s latest offering in celebration of BMW M’s 50th anniversary, featuring the newly developed M HYBRID drive system, an extravagant design and progressive luxury ambience. Ideally suited for the terrain and the driving conditions in the Gulf and the Middle East, the BMW XM comes with 4WD Sand mode, conceived specifically for navigating terrain on and off the road. The M HYBRID drive system in the BMW XM delivers an overall output 653 hp and is underpinned by a high-revving V8 engine with cutting-edge M TwinPower Turbo technology. The 4.4-litre engine is assisted by an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, delivering a maximum overall torque of 800 Nm. The BMW XM sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 […]

3 years ago

Never Judge a Buyer

With over two decades in the automotive industry, including nearly 10 years at Porsche Bahrain, Colin Sattar was recently appointed General Manager of the Bentley and Lamborghini dealerships in Bahrain. In his last stint, Porsche Bahrain was recognised as the top dealership in the GCC for its customer service. Gulf Insider caught up with the automotive veteran to talk about his experiences, his plans for the dealerships and some of his favourite cars. As the new GM, what are the top priorities on your “to-do list” for Bentley and Lamborghini in Bahrain? I’m aiming for Bentley and Lamborghini to exceed customers’ expectations. Over the last 10 years that I’ve been in Bahrain, I learned that if one customer isn’t looked after, none are. Word travels fast when someone’s bought a car and soon the next person comes in looking for the same. I believe it’s important to offer great service and not just a great price. A month into my new role, we’ve put together a roadmap for both dealerships – Bentley and Lamborghini. We’ve got some exciting events coming up so I would urge the readers to stay tuned and come along to engage with the two brands. You’ve […]

3 years ago

Bahrain: Euro Motors Launches BMW X1

Euro Motors, the official importer of BMW Group vehicles for Bahrain, has announced the launch of the all-new BMW X1 for the first time in the Kingdom, boasting the German automotive giant’s hallmark design, superior spaciousness, advanced digitalisation – and, for the first time, an all-electric drive system. With its robust appearance and functional versatility, the third generation of BMW X1 embodies an authentic experience, sophisticated ambience, and a broader selection of standard equipment and features such as two-zone automatic climate control, sport leather steering wheel and BMW Maps, compared to earlier models. The all-new BMW Operating System 8 and BMW Curved Display also redefine the forward-looking character of this Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) for the premium compact segment. The all-new BMW X1 comes with a choice of two petrol engines, paired with a seven-speed Steptronic transmission with the double clutch as standard. Featuring BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology, the new BMW X1 also treats its occupants to the latest-generation BMW iDrive multi-sensory vehicle experience in the form of the standard-fit BMW Live Cockpit Plus. The all-electric BMW iX1 xDrive30 meanwhile comes with a combined power consumption of 18.1 – 16.8 kWh/100 km in the WLTP cycle, and marks an enticing […]

3 years ago

Mercedes-Benz Hikes Car Prices by 43%

Mercedes-Benz might be returning to the days when corporate executives and only the affluent could afford to roll down the street in German luxury. That’s because a new Benz reached the average price of €72,900 ($76,590) in 2022, a 43% increase over 2019, Bloomberg Opinion Chris Bryant pointed out in a tweet. “That chimes with the carmaker’s push even further upmarket by focusing on top-end models like the S-Class sedan to bolster profits. The company has been working through pent-up demand after chip shortages curbed production last year,” Bloomberg said. The German automaker appears to be taking a different path versus the last decade of providing entry-level models for the average person. Bloomberg also pointed out: Mercedes isn’t alone. Around the world, manufacturers are reaping the benefits of selling fewer but more expensive cars. In the US, average monthly payments for a new car nearly doubled from late 2019. And as battery-powered vehicles tend to cost more than the average combustion-engine car, the shift to EVs may make the affordability crisis even worse.

3 years ago

Ford announces return to F1 in 2026 Red Bull Racing’s technical partner

Over two decades since its departure from Formula 1 racing, Ford has officially announced its return to the motorsport. The American automaker and Red Bull Powertrains are entering into a long-term strategic technical partnership for the next-gen hybrid power unit to be used from the 2026 Formula 1 season onwards. Red Bull Ford Powertrains, will provide the power units for both the Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri teams from 2026 to at least 2030. “This is the start of a thrilling new chapter in Ford’s motorsports story that began when my great-grandfather won a race that helped launch our company,” said Bill Ford, executive chair. “Ford, alongside world champions, Oracle Red Bull Racing, is returning to the pinnacle of the sport, bringing Ford’s long tradition of innovation, sustainability and electrification to one of the world’s most visible stages.” Ford and Red Bull Powertrains will begin work on the power unit in 2023. The unit will be part of the new technical regulations, including a 350kW electric motor and a new combustion engine able to accept fully sustainable fuels, ready for the 2026 season. “Ford’s return to Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing is all about where we are […]

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Search Here

McLaren Launches the All-New 750S

Dubai: Sheikh Mohammed Announces New Law for Self-Driving Cars

The Unstoppable Evolution of Porsche

Saudi: Bentley Motors Launches Second Edition of Extraordinary Women Initiative

Elegant, Stylish and Luxurious: Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition

BMW XM Launched in the Middle East

Never Judge a Buyer

Bahrain: Euro Motors Launches BMW X1

Mercedes-Benz Hikes Car Prices by 43%

Ford announces return to F1 in 2026 Red Bull Racing’s technical partner

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