California dreaming

THIS WEEK IN Dubai, Chevrolet hosted a three-day ride event featuring its new global midsize sedan, the Chevrolet Malibu, which goes on sale across the Middle East this May.

Starting from Festival City, the three-hour drive wound through the Hajar Mountains before heading to the Dubai International Marine Club.

GM engineers reportedly tested, tuned and calibrated the new Malibu on rural roads, highways and freeways, and at GM’s validation facilities worldwide, including the UAE. This was to ensure that the car will meet customers’ expectations in this region.

The eighth generation Malibu was first revealed during the 2011 Dubai International Motor Show in November. The exterior carries DNA from its sister vehicles, the Camaro and Corvette, to bring a sporty sensibility to the family sedan segment.

A wide stance, broad shoulders enabled by best-in-class width and an integrated rear spoiler give the new Malibu an athletic posture. Other exterior design cues include Chevrolet’s dual-port grille, projector HID headlamps, larger Chevrolet bow-tie badges and new Camaro-inspired dual-element taillamps. The look is complemented by a range of large 16, 17 and 18-inch wheels.

Inside it offers nearly 113 litres of additional interior volume, along with more shoulder and hip room than previous models and a more usable boot. It offers the quietest ride in its segment through the use of components that prevent tyre, wind and road noise from entering the cabin. Components such as noise-reducing outside rearview mirrors, acoustic laminated front glass and noise-absorption pads enhance the cabin’s quiet environment.

The Malibu features a lineup of fuel-efficient and powerful four and six cylinder engines that complements its European-inspired driving characteristics.

The Ecotec 2.4-litre dual overhead cam, four-cylinder engine with direct injection uses continuously variable valve timing to optimise performance, efficiency, and emissions. It produces 170hp allowing it to reach 0-100 km/h in 10.2 seconds.

The 2.4-litre is mated to a Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic with features designed to enhance powertrain efficiency.

The three-litre engine uses spark ignition direct injection and continuously variable valve timing to optimise performance, efficiency and emissions. It produces 260 hp and can do 0-100 km/h in 8.1 seconds.

The car’s solid body structure allows for precise tuning and dynamic vehicle control. Other systems contributing to its ride performance are a premium steering gear for smooth, precise responsiveness and on-centre feel, and a MacPherson strut front and four-link rear suspension.

Chassis control technologies include four-corner electronic stability control that incorporates full-function traction control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, and corner brake control.

When it comes to safety features, the Malibu is one of the best-equipped vehicles in the midsize segment. it comes with an array of standard active and passive safety features.

A total of six air bags – dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, driver and front side-impact air bags and roof rail air bags come standard. Rear park assist and a rearview camera are also available.

So look out for this car in May. It can be yours from Dhs73,000.

HOT WHEELS

40 Range Rovers as they made their way to Meydan Racecourse last week in preparation for the Dubai World Cup 2012, the world’s richest horse race. The fleet will be used to transport VIPs, jockeys, trainers and vets to and from the venue for the duration of the event.

The Dubai World Cup takes place at Meydan Racecourse, Nad Al Sheba today.

Saudi Arabia’s Bandar Alesayi wants a double podium finish to the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East at Bahrain International Circuit this weekend to round off a season, which started with so much promise but has ultimately left him frustrated.

Alesayi said at the start of the 2011-12 season that he felt confident of mounting a serious title bid, and he looked to be well on course when he won Round 3 at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit after a third and second place in Dubai.

But in seven races since then he has managed just three podium places, and his challenge finally disintegrated at Qatar’s Losail International Circuit last month where he had a non-finish in Round 10 after a disappointing fifth place 24 hours earlier.

The Porsche GT3 Cup series is returning to Bahrain International Circuit after a gap of 15 months.

When the Volkswagen CC made its debut four years ago, it was the first four-door coupé of its kind in the mid-range sedan category. From this niche, a new segment quickly developed – to date, nearly 320,000 people around the globe have chosen the sedan with the stylish lines of a sports car. They are car drivers who love the charm of a coupé but also value space.

Commenting on the new Volkswagen CC, Stefan Mecha, managing director Volkswagen Middle East said, “The new Volkswagen CC is a technically and visually updated version of the popular business vehicle. It’s a model that combines German engineering and style, and is our most successful four-door coupé. The CC will be available throughout the Middle East this month.”

The CC is powered by a 160hp (1.8- litre) / 210hp (2-litre) and 300hp (3.6-litre V6) power output, with a dual clutch gearbox (DSG). The six-cylinder version is delivered with 4MOTION all wheel drive as standard equipment.

Audi’s refreshed A5 model series has now arrived in showrooms across the Middle East. The Sportback, the Coupé and the Cabriolet models now feature cutting-edge technologies which make them even more efficient, sporty and powerful.

Audi has expanded the engine portfolio for the A5 range in the Middle East and now offers a new entry-level 1.8 TFSI multitronic, a 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic and a 3.0 TFSI quattro S tronic for all body variants. The 3.0 TFSI generates 272hp and represents the first time Audi offers a supercharged V6 in the A5 Sportback and Cabriolet. The 2.0 TFSI A5 Cabriolet now features quattro four-wheel drive as a standard.

All the engines are turbocharged direct-injection units which provide plenty of torque; even the entry-level engine delivers 320 Nm of torque. The start-stop system and the recuperation system are standard in every version. Their CO2 emissions have been reduced by up to 18 percent. The A5 Coupé sips a mere 5.8-litres/100 km – which equates to 134 grams of CO2 per km – the best of any vehicle in its class.

The revised design gives clear visual expression to their revitalised character. On the outside the new Audi A5 features a new high-gloss, black single-frame grille and bumper, sleek fog lights as well as xenon plus headlights, LED daytime running lights and rear lights.

The Audi A5 Sportback 1.8 TFSI has a base price of $44,899 in the GCC.

The BMW Group recently unveiled its new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé – its first four-door coupé– to global audiences at the 82^nd Geneva International Motor Show.

Expected to go on sale in the Middle East during the middle of this year, the third model in the BMW 6 Series range attracted crowds to the BMW stand. Following in the tracks of the BMW 6 Series Convertible and Coupé that was launched last year, the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé will be a welcome addition when it arrives in the summer.

AUTO STAR

The ‘ever-Reddy’ Sameera may fly under the radar in terms of gossip, but she made our day when we found out she’s a fan of the Mercedes A-Class. Pictured in one during the launch of the latest model, the Race star looked the business in the elegant surroundings.