Captive breeding Aussie engineering inspires Chevy’s first compact SUV
Dropdead Drophead Rolls Royce unwraps latest Phantom Coupe
Citroen’s environmental point shows in the C-Cactus
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volume 4 \\ issue 07 \\ oct 08
Publisher Kalimat Group International FZ - LLC
Motormouth
So, how do you go eco-driving? Easy. Drive smart. As organizers of the 2008 ALD Automotive /TOTAL Excellium MPG Marathon held in Britain early this month put it, the challenge is to make it a habit to measure your car’s miles per gallon consumption by checking its on-board indicator or the manufacturer’s manual. Once you get this off your plate, you’re on to the next step, and that is improving on it by having more miles to the gallon. Easing your speed will help as driving fast eats up more fuel. As well, always avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking. Using air conditioning sparingly should be a must because air cons increase fuel consumption. Likewise, it helps to switch off the engine whenever safe to do so. Checking tire pressures regularly; removing unnecessary weight from your car—like that bulk in your trunk; and removing aerodynamic hindrances like roof racks, when not in use, should also contribute to maintaining a low mpg. It would perhaps behoove you to note that smart motoring has its benefits as highlighted during the mentioned marathon in Britain. The event proved that skillful eco-driving dramatically reduces the cost of motoring and drastically cut CO2 emissions. This means that if you develop the habit, you not only save on gas—which, by itself, is a must with all thinks considered—but do your part as well in keeping the world environmentally sound by lessening carbon footprints which contribute to global warming. According to reports, 80 drivers and navigators took part in the ALD Automotive /TOTAL Excellium MPG Marathon, a round trip between ALD Automotive’s headquarters in Fishponds, Bristol and Shrigley Hall, Macclesfield, to know whether eco-driving can squeeze more MPGs out of their vehicles than conventional motoring. The objective was to save money and the planet as the drivers put the manufacturer’s own estimates of fuel consumption to the test—and won. At the end of the day, eight of the participants secured more than 80 mpg, a record, the reports stated, for the event, which was in its sixth year. The event highlighted the increased significance of eco-driving and how it will importantly deliver business value for money and play a leading role in reducing CO2 as climate change leads to behaviour change, organizers said. As Ross Durkin, one of the organizers, so aptly said, “It’s not what you drive, but how you drive that makes the difference….” So, ready for some eco-driving, yet? Jojo Dass Editor
Car Xpress Head Office Office G4, Building No.1, Phase One, P.O. Box 502408 Dubai Media City, UAE Tel: +971 4 391 0410/1/2/3 Fax: +971 4 391 6619 e-mail carxpress@kalimatgroup.com General Manager Hekmat el Zein Editor Jojo Dass Senior Designer Altaf Hussein df Asst Designers Christopher Pilapil Allan Castro Contributors Gordon Torbet Matt Carroll Alistair Weaver Marketing Account Manager Shaza el Zein Photographer Maher el Zein Car Xpress Lebanon Office Riad el solh 11072070 P.O.Box 11-1197 Beirut, Lebanon Tel: +961 3 208 528 Fax: +961 1 924 440 Car Xpress Disclaimer The material used in this publication is intended for informational purposes only. A sincere effort has been made to report details accurately, however, as specifications and models vary over time and upgrades are constantly appearing on the market, readers are advised to seek specialist assistance before acting on information offered in this publication. All text and layout remains the copyright of Kalimat Group International FZ LLC, unless stated otherwise. Car Xpress is fully independent, and its views are not those of any company mentioned herein. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. © 2008 Kalimat Group International
4 October 2008 Car Xpress
news contents
news
08
performance spice
18
life style
24
dropdead drophead
30
new kia reaction
40
jaguar profile
48
british aero spice
58
rodeo drive
68
A time for everything Rolls royce unwraps its latest Phantom Coupe Optima is Kia’s weapon in the midsize sedan market From humble beginnings
How super is this Brtish built supercar CX rides the feisty Mustang GT
www.car-xpress.com
6 October 2008 Car Xpress
news
Kaleidoscope eyes A unique MINI featuring a visually stunning exterior designed by legendary artist, illustrator and graphic designer Alan Aldridge, went on show at the Design Museum in Shad Thames, London. Among celebrities who went to the event were music icon, Sting, and Princess Marie Chantal of Greece. “It was a fabulous party turnout,” Ashley Woodfield, Design Museum press manager, told Car Xpress. “Guests,” she added, “included Sting, Princess Marie Chantal of Greece, Dylan Jones, Pia Getty, Jasmine Guinness, and Jade Parfitt.” The MINI Aldridge Special is an exhibit in a retrospective display of Aldridge’s work, entitled “The Man with Kaleidoscope Eyes.” Aldridge is known primarily for his creative work throughout the 1960s and
70s. Dubbed “The Graphic Entertainer,” Aldridge illustrated lyric books for the Beatles and album covers for The Rolling Stones, The Who and Elton John; was art director for Penguin Books; and illustrated much-loved children’s books such as “The Butterfly Ball.” Now working in Los Angeles, Aldridge was keen to mark the opening of his exhibition by recreating an iconic cover of the Sunday Times Magazine, which in 1965 featured a classic MINI painted in his own, inimitable style. The updated interpretation of this image, using a new MINI One as the canvas for Aldridge’s design, featured in the 12 October 2008 edition of the publication, again, warranting front cover status. The MINI Aldridge Special is adorned with an
array of images, shapes and patterns, each reflecting either a male or female theme, just as the 1965 car did. The design theme is split between each side of the car, the driver side being largely set on a blue background and masculine in appearance, with passenger near side artistry backed on pink. MINI UK General Manager Andy Hearn said: “The work of Alan Aldridge is synonymous with some of the most important names in the history of British culture, so MINI is delighted to support this exhibition by offering Alan a car to work on. “MINI will be celebrating its 50th birthday in 2009, so this is the perfect way to begin celebrating 50 years of the car in the UK.” The exhibit which opened on Oct. 13, 08, will run until Jan. 25, 09.
Vertu toughens up! Vertu is launching the next generation of Ascent handsets, the Vertu Ascent Ti collection. Precision engineered for strength and balance with a distinctly masculine edge, the Vertu Ascent Ti apparently takes its design and material cues from high performance sports cars. According to Vertu, the striking silhouette emulates the clean, sculpted curves of a powerful car, while the onscreen chronograph and offset illumination of the keypad echo precision dashboard instruments. ‘Ti’ is the chemical symbol for Titanium, the non-corrosive element with the highest strength-to-weight ratio of
8 October 2008 Car Xpress
any metal and with an ability to withstand extreme temperatures. Usually found in sports car engines, Titanium forms the chassis of the Ascent Ti handset. Frank Nuovo, Vertu Principal Designer, comments: “From the start the Vertu Ascent has been heavily influenced by the power, energy, and sheer precision of a beautiful car. With the Vertu Ascent Ti, this vision has been developed using the high grade materials, design detail, technical superiority and unsurpassed performance associated with the luxury sports car industry.” The Vertu Ascent Ti range will be available for the mere sum of around AED26,500.
news
Zooming
As new car sales in the UK tumble, down 21.2 percent in September from the same month a year ago and down 7.6 per cent in the first nine months of the year, Mazda UK reports a strong increase in its market share. The Zoom-Zoom company has taken its share of the retail market from 2.3 percent in September 2007 to 3.1 percent in September 2008. The September performance which saw Mazda selling 9,506 cars wasn’t a blip. “We’ve been growing our retail share this year and for the first nine months, that share is 2.8 percent which is .7 percentage points up on the same time last year,” says managing director Jeremy Thomson. “Our passenger car
retail sales for the year are 24,226 which is 3,138 up on last year and given current conditions a great performance.” The overall industry sales were down 7.6 percent – or 147,543 units – in the same period. Having the right car at the right time with Mazda2 has obviously helped, said Mr Thomson. Mazda2 overtook Mazda3 in September to become the company’s best seller. In September, Mazda sold 5,325 passenger cars to private buyers and 4,181 to fleet and business customers. “To support our dealer network, we have put increased emphasis on the retail channel and sales to local fleets. It’s the right balance for the business, especially now,” said Thomson.
Jazzier and tougher Suzuki Motor Corp. has announced the launch of the 2009 model Grand Vitara to enhance the SUV’s overall performance, looks and comfort. The move is expected to further boost sales of the Grand Vitara, which has created a niche for itself in global markets with its excellent on-road handling; uniquely sporty, tough-looking exterior design; and outstanding off-road performance. One of the significant changes to the Grand Vitara will be the newly-designed petrol engines; the latest version of the SUV will be powered by a choice of 2.4-litre four-cylinder and 3.2-litre V6 petrol engines to enhance performance. Further, driving will be made quieter by a redesigned powertrain and new acoustic materials; off-road performance will be improved by hill hold control and hill descent control (applicable to the fivedoor vehicles with the 3.2-litre petrol engine only); and braking performance will be improved with the adoption of 10 October 2008 Car Xpress
rear disc brakes. The new Grand Vitara will also get a jazzier and tougher look with new designs for the front grille and bumper, accentuating the sportier exterior. In addition, sporty, on-road-oriented 17inch and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, outside door mirrors with built-in turn signal lamps, and new body colors add to the SUV’s overall appeal. “Ever since its launch, the Grand Vitara has maintained an impressive performance in markets around the world. The vehicle’s overall performance both on and off road, elegant styling and superior comfort have been key factors that have attracted customers, and these are the very areas that we have focused on for the latest version. We are certain that customers in the Middle East market will appreciate the modifications incorporated in the new Grand Vitara, as Suzuki reaffirms its strategy of constantly enhancing the
quality and performance of its vehicles in line with customer expectations,” said Takeo Fukuda, Group Leader, Middle East & Africa, Marketing Group (Automobile), Suzuki Motor Corporation. Other changes to the Grand Vitara, incorporated to maximize comfort and convenience, include, an information display integrated into the meter cluster to provide the driver with accurate vehicle information; a revised design for the air-conditioner control panel to improve operability; illumination added to the steering-wheel switches to improve visibility; an extension function for the sun visors and a slide function for the center console armrest added to reduce driver and front-passenger fatigue; chrome-plated inside door openers and black wood-grain interior garnishes adopted for a stronger sense of sportiness in the cabin; and beige fabric seats and beige cabin trim, for five-door vehicles.
news
Subtly redesigned Volkswagen’s BlueMotion range of vehicles has added the Touran and Sharan people carriers – which are among the most efficient seven-seater vehicles on the market. BlueMotion represents the most efficient model in each of Volkswagen’s passenger car ranges and combines a series of small changes to the vehicle’s body, drivetrain, engine and the tires to reduce strain on the engine and, in turn, reduce emissions and increase economy. Both vehicles feature subtly redesigned grille elements with the air ducts redirected to allow the usual airdams to be blankedoff and allow for smoother airflow over
the front of the vehicle. The ride height is also lowered to reduce drag. Other visual and practical changes include the adoption of hard compound tires to decrease rolling resistance and the addition of small BlueMotion badges on the grille and tailgate. A revised gearbox with lengthened ratios in third, fourth and fifth gears is linked to a highly efficient 1.9-litre, four-cylinder 105 PS engine fitted with a new variable turbocharger to further increase efficiency in the Touran and a 2.0-litre 140 PS TDI in the Sharan. An oxidation catalyst and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) are also added to reduce oxides of nitrogen and carbon
particles to almost zero. The result is a combined fuel economy figure of 52.3 mpg for the Touran BlueMotion and 47.1 mpg for the Sharan BlueMotion. Carbon dioxide emissions are reduced to 144 g/km for the Touran and 159 g/km for the Sharan. As with the conventional Touran or Sharan the BlueMotion vehicles feature seven individual seats, the rearmost of which on the Touran can be folded flat into the boot floor. Despite the keen focus on economy both vehicles retain a comprehensive list of standard equipment, including six airbags, ABS, a CD stereo and air conditioning.
Zooming in on the future The all-new, the Mazda Taiki concept car, equipped with a next-generation rotary engine, the new Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid is being revealed by at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show this month. Mazda’s theme for the show is “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom— Mazda’s showroom today and in the future” under which Zoom-Zoom products and future-oriented technologies will reflect the long-term research and development plans to support the “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom” program.
12 October 2008 Car Xpress
Mazda Taiki continues the evolution of the Nagare design theme, following in the footsteps of the Ryuga and Hakaze concept vehicles. As the fourth in the series, the Taiki further advances and refines the theme through a fusion of the Nagare (flow) design concept and real-world technologies, such as a nextgeneration rotary engine and enhanced aerodynamic performance. The Taiki sets
a new ideal for the front-engine, rear-drive sports car of the future. In the decade following 2010, Mazda will, in the near future, revise its entire powertrain series, with the aim of reaching “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom” with the emphasis on enhanced fuel and emissions performance, combined with superior driving performance. These nextgeneration powertrains are on display at the Tokyo Motor Show, along with the many safety technologies currently under development to realize sustainable transportation systems.
news
Volvo’s cognitive cars Volvo is showcasing a new generation of groundbreaking protective safety systems to help improve safety on our roads: Collision Warning with Auto Brake for pedestrians, Collision Avoidance by Auto Steering and Vehicle to Vehicle Communication. Jonas Ekmark, Manager for Preventive Safety at Volvo Cars Safety Centre says, “Today we need to focus on technologies that predict and prevent accidents from even occurring. It is important to understand that collisions are not inevitable. Preventive Safety is all about helping and supporting the driver to avoid accidents.” The Volvo that sees people Developing Volvo’s newly-introduced Collision Warning with Auto Brake (for detecting vehicle to vehicle collisions) further, this future system will assist the human eye and help the driver to ‘see’ people. It uses radar technology with a wideangle search area to detect objects in front of and around the car. If the car approaches a pedestrian, a red warning light will come on first on the windscreen’s head-up display and a warning signal will sound. This helps the driver to
14 October 2008 Car Xpress
react and, in most cases, an accident can be avoided. If the risk of a collision increases further, assisted panic braking is activated to provide more pressure when the brakes are applied and if the driver still doesn’t brake, and the collision is imminent, the car’s brakes are activated automatically. The automatic braking has the capacity to reduce the car’s speed by approximately 15mph. Steer away from danger Collision Avoidance by Auto Steering is a further development of Lane Departure Warning, which emits a warning when a driver moves over the lane markings without indicating. Collision Avoidance by Auto Steering is significantly more advanced. The system is designed to help prevent a frontal collision caused by temporary distraction by using both a camera and radar to monitor the position of the car itself and the oncoming traffic. If the car is about to move into the wrong lane and the system detects that an oncoming vehicle is on a collision course, the car is automatically steered back to a safe
position in the original lane. The high demands for reliability mean that Volvo experts are still assessing which degrees of steering wheel intervention are relevant and the exact speed range the system can operate within. Talk to each other Volvo has a number of test vehicles that can communicate with each other. For example, a driver in one car can receive information that another car further ahead on the same road, or around a blind corner, has come across an obstacle and has slammed on the brakes – and this makes it possible to brake in good time. However, for communication to work, it is necessary to have a standard “language” so that all vehicles can talk to each other irrespective of make or model. “With communication between vehicles, and between vehicles and the traffic environment, a large number of today’s accidents could be avoided. The major challenges are to find a standard “language” and the particular applications that are most urgent and effective,” says Jonas Ekmark.
news
Norway’s new sensation Norway may soon have a new sensation. Mazda Motor Corp. has announced that is has introduced the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE (Rotary Engine) vehicle to Norway’s public roads in collaboration with the Hydrogen Road of Norway, (HyNor) project. Initially, the RX-8 Hydrogen RE’s driving performance on Norwegian roads will be validated with a single vehicle, which will also be shown at various events. This marks the first time that a Mazda hydrogen rotary vehicle has been put into regular use on public roads outside Japan. Mazda signed a memorandum of understanding with HyNor to participate in the project in November 2007. HyNor is a national project in the Kingdom of Norway that aims to establish a clean energy transport system based on hydrogen fuel. Beginning in fiscal year 2009, Mazda will provide approximately 30 RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicles for the HyNor project under commercial lease contracts.
The RX-8 Hydrogen RE validation vehicle is being delivered in advance so that Mazda and HyNor can jointly assess its driving performance in Norway. It will also be exhibited at environmental and other events for potential customers who are interested in leasing a hydrogen vehicle. “Up to now, real world use of Mazda’s hydrogen rotary vehicles has been limited to Japan. Participation in the HyNor project marks our advancement to the next stage,” says Akihiro Kashiwagi, Mazda program manager in charge of hydrogen RE development. “After we validate the first vehicle on Norwegian roads, we intend to deliver 30 more units under commercial lease contracts. We are pleased to be a part of the establishment of a society based on hydrogen energy in Norway. Mazda plans to use the wealth of data and experience that will result from this project for the further development of hydrogen vehicles.”
Eccentric headturner
16 October 2008 Car Xpress
HyNor is a unique Norwegian initiative to demonstrate the implementation of a hydrogen energy infrastructure along a 580 km route from Oslo to Stavanger in Norway. Hydrogen filling stations are being established along this transport corridor to enable refueling of hydrogen vehicles. The project aims to revolutionize transportation in Norway by encompassing buses, taxis and private cars, and varying types of transport systems, including urban, inter-city, regional and even long-distance transport. In August 2006, Mazda attended the ceremony to commemorate the opening of Norway’s first hydrogen filling station constructed by HyNor. This was also where the first onroad demonstration of a RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicle outside of Japan took place. Since April 2006, Mazda has delivered eight RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicles to government bodies and enterprises in Japan under commercial lease contracts.
Škoda has just released an eccentric special, limited edition Fabia BlueLine, which has looks that’s guaranteed to turn heads in the street and bring a smile to drivers. Based on the Fabia 2, this little blue wonder comes with unique Pacific Blue paint, white roof, 15 “ ‘Line’ alloy wheels and lowered suspension, all of which add to the BlueLine’s smart look. Interior features of the Fabia 2 include ‘Magic’ upholstery, climate control air conditioning, glasses storage compartment and storage boxes under front seats, making the little Fabia both funky and functional. With a price tag within reach, Škoda’s Fabia BlueLine is small on price and CO2 emissions but big on economy and value. Warren Richards, product marketing manager at Škoda, comments on the latest addition to the Fabia family: “The BlueLine is a great looking car at an incredibly good price which offers a touch of individuality in the crowded super-mini market. “The Fabia BlueLine will only be available for a short period and limited to just 500 cars, so anyone on a hunt for a stunning supermini should contact a Škoda retailer now.”
Car Xpress October 2008 17
concept car
Citroen’s environmental point shows in the C-Cactus
18 October 2008 Car Xpress
Car Xpress October 2008 19
concept car
C-Cactus has a unique personality and style, yet the focus is very much on simplicity
20 October 2008 Car Xpress
Citroën has taken the wraps off the C-Cactus - a radically different concept, as well as the C4 BioFlex, to complement the exciting new C5 Airscape concept car. Together, these three models will help to underline the company’s credentials as a producer of stylish and innovative environmentally conscious vehicles. Having made its world debut at Frankfurt, the C-Cactus is an imaginative and ingenious eco-friendly concept car brimming with clever thinking and dramatic styling, which demonstrates how an environmentally-sensitive design is feasible for a similar price to a conventional car.
Low on consumption, like the cactus plant, the diesel hybrid model returns over 2.9 litres per 100km helped by an innovative approach to reducing weight and impact on the environment by drastically cutting the number of components used – including even doing away with a conventional dashboard and bonnet. Citroen has gone back to the drawing board and taken a bold new approach to eco-friendly design with the C-Cactus concept car. It is built on the Citroën C4 platform, yet uses only around half the components of a conventional car and incorporates many recycled components.
CO2 emissions of just 78g/km and even a ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode, whilst the C-Cactus is deliberately limited to a maximum speed of 150kph. Fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter System, this ultra-efficient hybrid HDi drivetrain combines a 70bhp HDi diesel engine with an electric motor that provides an additional 30bhp of power. For urban driving, the ZEV mode provides a completely silent, all-electric operation, and for journeys requiring successive acceleration and deceleration, the hybrid system limits fuel consumption by using both types of energy.
Car Xpress October 2008 21
concept car
Citroën engineers focused on an original approach that sets the C-Cactus apart from its peers. To do this, they streamlined the number of parts and mechanisms required, incorporated several functions into a single part and removed all features that are non-essential to the running of the car or to the comfort and safety of the occupants. This is clearly illustrated by the cabin, which consists of just over 200 parts only around half that of a similarly-sized conventional car. One of the first moves involved the removal of the dashboard, so the original functions and loudspeakers,
22 October 2008 Car Xpress
gearbox controls and navigation system are now grouped on the central console and Citroën’s signature fixed centre control steering wheel. The ignition key is also an MP3 player. C-Cactus has a unique personality and style yet the focus is very much on simplicity. The front bumper section, which includes the headlamps and trademark Citroën chevrons, also makes up the lower part of the rear tailgate. The design of the car’s front end consists of just two parts: the fixed bonnet comprising the front wings and a flap giving access to the vehicle maintenance functions.
The door panels are made of just two parts, compared to 12 in a conventional car, and because the automatic air conditioning system virtually makes it unnecessary to open the windows, Citroën’s engineers have removed the opening mechanisms and replaced them with simple sliding panes. The spacious and light cabin, with its panoramic glass sunroof and large windscreen, is optimized by the simplicity and effectiveness of the interior design. The front seats comprise just two parts: a comfortable, moulded, integral-skin foam part for the seat and a solid monoblock frame to hold the foam in place and fix it to the floor rails.
Maximizing the car’s green credentials, the C-Cactus uses a significant number of recycled or recyclable materials. The windscreen, windows and tyres are all recyclable, as are the steel door panels, which are unpainted but which have been treated for corrosion. The interior materials also reflect the innovative ecological direction of the C-Cactus’ design. Environmentally-friendly cork and felt are used for many parts and the patterned floor uses recycled leather taken from off-cuts. The stylish decor that is featured throughout the cabin, symbolizing nature and the environment, has often been created by
removing material. For example, the patterns cut out from the door panels show the felt inserted between the panel and the metal. Another ingenious design feature is a clip-on bag replacing the passenger side glovebox, saving space in the cabin. The C-Cactus also boasts impressive levels of equipment. The touch screen on the central console includes the navigation system and onboard computer, while two high-quality loudspeakers are built into the central console, minimizing wiring and installation costs. With similar dimensions to those of a family car, at 4.2m long and 1.8m wide,
Citroën’s C-Cactus has a generoussized boot, offering up to 1,000 litres of load space. The rear seats can slide up against the front seats while the floor pan, which is integral to the rear bench, slides forward to reveal a sub-floor that provides an almost flat surface for loading bulky objects. The 21-inch wheels are another standout feature of the C-Cactus design, adding to the contemporary look of the car. Developed in conjunction with Michelin, the large-diameter and low-profile tyres help to reduce ground friction area, boost fuel efficiency and keep production costs down.
Car Xpress October 2008 23
lifestyle
24 October 2008 Car Xpress
As yet, there is no such thing as a watch for every occasion – it’s difficult to be both rugged and elegant, a calendar and a chronograph, classic and trendy, all at the same time. But like the cars we drive, or aspire to drive, our timepiece says as much about who we are when we wear it, as the fob attached to our ignition key.
lifestyle
26 October 2008 Car Xpress
Car Xpress October 2008 27
lifestyle
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm • Mechanical automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 912, crafted, assembled and decorated by hand • 28,800 vibrations per hour • 45-hour power reserve • 315 parts • 28 jewels • 7.8mm thick • Heavy metal oscillating weight • hour, minute, seconds, date • world time: city disc combined with a 24-hour flange • alarm with double hour and minute display • black dial • alarm indication and date: grey, white transferred numerals • luminescent numerals and hour-markers • 24-hour ring: two-tone red/grey • 46.5mm in diameter (also in 43mm) • Water-resistance up to 300 meters The new Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 912 features two additional functions that globetrotters had hitherto dreamed of in vain: world time, in order to get their bearings instantly amid the maze of time zones; and an alarm mechanism endowed with unusual properties and that drew upon the full force of expertise within the Manufacture.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Amvox 2 Chronograph DBS • Self-winding mechanical movement, Calibre Jaeger-LeCoultre 751E, crafted, assembled and decorated by hand • 28,800 vibrations per hour • 65-hour power reserve • 280 parts • 41 jewels • 5.65mm thick • hours, minutes, date • chronograph: hour and minute dials, centre seconds • Black with openings revealing the mechanism. • Central arc with circular satin-finish, luminescent numerals. • White luminescent chronograph counters. The partnership between Jaeger-LeCoultre and Aston Martin was headlined by a watchmaking revolution unveiled in 2006: the Jaeger-LeCoultre patented vertical-trigger chronograph. This ingenious mechanism makes it possible to start, stop and reset the chronograph simply by pressing on the sapphire crystal of the watch case. The ultimate driver’s watch now boasts two new limited editions, one in pink gold and the other in titanium, featuring high-tech aesthetics and top-flight performances inspired by the superb Aston Martin DBS. 28 October 2008 Car Xpress
Zenith Defy Classic Open • El Primero 4021 SC, Automatic chronograph movement with harmonic plate • 36,000 vibrations per hour • 50-hour + power reserve • 248 components • 39 jewels • Balance bridge in shock-absorbing Zenithium Z+ • Case in Rose Gold and brushed high-density steel • Strap in Rubber • 46.5mm in diameter (also in 43mm) • Water-resistance up to 300 meters
The Zenith Defy Classic Open features a 46.5mm stainless steel and 18k rose gold case and Zenith’s El Primero Caliber 4021 SC automatic chronograph movement including an open dial with a nice view of the escapement. The SC version of the 4021 movement has a balance bridge crafted of the alloy Zenithium for extra shock resistance. Partially skeletonized, it is well finished throughout. The watch also features a power reserve indicator on the center axis as well as a unidirectional timing bezel, silver guilloche dial, non-glare sapphire crystal, sapphire caseback and stainless steel and rose gold bracelet.
Zenith Defy Classic Chronograph Aero • El Primero 4000 SC, Automatic chronograph movement • 36,000 vibrations per hour • 50-hours + power reserve • 278 components • 31 jewels • Balance bridge in shock-absorbing Zenithium Z+ • Case in brushed high-density steel • Strap in Rubber • 46.5mm in diameter (also in 43mm) • Water-resistance up to 300 meters.
The Zenith Defy Classic Aero features a 46.5mm stainless steel and 18k case and Zenith’s El Primero Caliber 4000 automatic chronograph movement. The caliber 4000 movement has a balance bridge crafted of the alloy Zenithium for extra shock resistance. Partially skeletonized, it is well finished throughout. The watch also features a unidirectional timing bezel, black guilloche dial, non-glare sapphire crystal, sapphire caseback and stainless steel bracelet. Car Xpress October 2008 29
luxury car
30 October 2008 Car Xpress
ROLLS ROYCE UNWRAPS ITS LATEST PHANTOM COUPE For many individuals who own a Rolls Royce, the sky’s pretty much the limit. It represents their lifestyle, their goals, their tastes and their aspirations. Now comes along a Rolls Royce which takes that phrase quite literally... The new Phantom Drophead Coupe.
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luxury car
The two-door, four-seat convertible is a less formal interpretation of classic Rolls-Royce design. Its exterior lines echo the timeless styling of the great Rolls-Royce cars: a long bonnet, large diameter wheels, short front and long rear overhangs and the quintessential dynamic line descending along its flanks. However, using the lightweight rigidity of an all-aluminium spaceframe, it marries modern technology to a sleek, streamlined convertible body. Inside, the design emphasizes the airy openness of top-down motoring, embracing
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the elements and creating a stunning, social environment. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Designer, Ian Cameron, says, “This car gave us the chance to think about the very nature of convertible motoring and in particular what it means to Rolls-Royce. Above all we were determined to make this car a joy to live with.” A number of features first seen on 100EX, the experimental convertible shown by Rolls-Royce in 2004, have been engineered into the new Phantom Drophead Coupe.
Two of the most visually striking of these are the brushed steel bonnet and A-pillar, and the teak decking for the rear hood cover. The brushed steel is machind to give a uniform grain before extensive hand polishing achieves a perfect sheen. At the rear, the teak decking is treated with a carefully blended mix of oils to preserve a natural finish and a long lasting lustre that is as beautiful as it is hardy. Front opening coach doors (Rolls-Royce shy away from the term ‘suicide door’) have been homologated for the new car and add
considerably to the overall aesthetics, as well as to the ease of access to the rear seat. Unique to Rolls-Royce, the doors dramatically transform the Phantom Drophead Coupe’s looks, giving a side profile reminiscent of classic sports cars of the ’60s. Crucially, they also aid the overall stiffness of the body as the rear hinged doors allow for an uninterrupted A-pillar. Luggage is housed within a capacious picnic boot with a split tail compartment that opens in two parts giving easy access to the 315 litres of space and allowing the
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luxury car
lower tailgate to provide a comfortable seating platform for two adults. Careful engineering of the folding soft-top roof means that it stows in a relatively small space resulting in a luggage compartment that remains unaffected regardless of whether the roof is up or down. The cashmere-lined fabric hood is the largest of any modern convertible car and its acoustic insulation is exemplary. Five layers of material ensure that the cabin remains a serene space, even at speed. At the core of the Phantom Drophead Coupe is an advanced aluminium chassis, perhaps the single most significant component in delivering the marque’s
34 October 2008 Car Xpress
legendary refinement. Each lightweight handmade chassis is exceptionally strong and requires over 140m of welding, but it impacts positively on ride comfort, handling and safety. Power is supplied by the same 6.75 litre naturally aspirated V12 engine found in the Phantom saloon, giving brisk performance and a 0-100kph time of 5.8 seconds. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chairman and Chief Executive, Ian Robertson, says of this sublime beauty, “The Phantom Drophead Coupe marks the next chapter in our history. While the saloon continues as the brand flagship, the Drophead leads us in a more informal direction, attracting new buyers to the marque. In the coming
years other new models will strengthen the company still further.” The Phantom Drophead Coupé has been carefully crafted to be aesthetically pleasing, yet practical too, utilising over 1,300 new parts not found in its sister, the Phantom. Wood, leather, chrome and brushed steel have been used where most appropriate. Form and function have equal billing. The simplicity of the design belies a car built to provide years of effortless service. It will offer owners an unparalleled convertible experience, combining compelling driveability with exceptional engineering, technology and design – all handcrafted from the finest materials to an exceptional level of quality.
The 2007 Rolls-Royce Motor Cars product range: Phantom
US$333,350
AED1,224,675
Launched Jan 03
Phantom Extended Wheelbase
US$395,000
AED1,451,167
Launched Mar 05
Phantom Drophead Coupe
US$407,000
AED1,495,253
Launched Jan 07
Prices are based on standard models excluding optional extras. All prices are net of local taxes and delivery charges.
Car Xpress October 2008 35
luxury car
The Drophead leads us in a more informal direction
36 October 2008 Car Xpress
Car Xpress October 2008 37
Specifications Engine Max power Max torque Transmission Acceleration Top speed
6.75 litre naturally aspirated 48 valve V12 453bhp at 5,350rpm 531lb-ft at 3,500rpm 6-speed ZF automatic shift-by-wire gearbox 0 to 100kph in 5.9secs 240km/h (electronically limited)
38 October 2008 Car Xpress
city & town car
Optima is Kia’s weapon in the midsize sedan market
How do you get the feeling that you’re driving a luxury sedan without having to re-mortgage your home? You pop along to your Kia showroom and set your backside in the new Kia Optima, that’s how.
40 October 2008 Car Xpress
Car Xpress October 2008 41
city & town car
42 October 2008 Car Xpress
Forget all those nasty rumours you heard ten years ago about Kia’s poor build quality and dodgy design, because the new Optima – as with all of the current Kia range – is light years away from where the company were in the early ‘90s. But the one thing they have held onto is the budget price tag. From the moment you settle yourself in the driving seat
and turn the key of either the 2.0-litre or the 2.7-litre V6, you get that nice warm feeling of quality and comfort. Kia have really gone to town on the interior of the new Optima, especially in the EX models which feature leather front seats with lumbar support and 8-way electronic adjustment, and leather rear seats with a convenient 60/40 split for extra storage.
Car Xpress October 2008 43
city & town car
The ride height and the width of the wide opening doors make getting in and out a comfortable manoeuvre for anyone except maybe Pavarotti. But even he would appreciate the sophistication of the layout and appearance of the Optima’s dash that has been previously absent – he’d just have to do it from outside the car. OK, it’s nowhere near the standard of a Jaguar, but if you ignore the badge in the centre of the steering wheel, you could easily be fooled into thinking you’re in a C-segment car. 21st century styling The new hi-tech-looking ‘Super Vision’ instrument cluster is clear and stylish with
44 October 2008 Car Xpress
what Kia call a ‘white-blue’ illumination, and it is visible in most positions of the telescopic steering wheel. One very useful feature on the dash is the kilometre countdown which tells you how far you have got left in your tank before the engine starts gasping. All knobs and buttons for air con, radio/ CD player and front seat heating, are in easy reach, and ergonomically angled towards the driver for both improved functionality and ease of use. The duplicated controls on the steering wheel for the radio/CD player and cruise controls ensure that you limit the time that your eyes are taken off the road. With that in mind, the driving position is spot on, with good all-round visibility and
pedals ideally positioned for in-town and highway driving styles. Overall, the interior has a simple unity and a level of style which sets it above its cousin, the Hyundai Sonata. In the 2.7-litre EX we tested, the colour scheme was a pleasing combination of light tan, chocolate brown, and light grey with aluminium and chrome accents on the doors, with a veneered steering wheel and centre console. Both the front and rear seat compartments are as spacious as any other car in this segment with high levels of comfort all-round, and plenty of storage nooks and crannies. The damped glove-box door and assist handles also add to the air of sophistication and
personality. Although the finishing quality on the inside of the rear armrest gave away the economising on the production line. However, it has to be said, that this was the only example we found throughout the car. Our major surprise was the fact that the new Optima only has a driver and passenger front airbag as standard in the 2.7-litre EX model. The coming 2007 model range will have driver airbags as standard (by regulation), and front passenger airbags will be available as an optional extra. Marks for presentation... On the outside, the Optima certainly doesn’t embarrass itself. The body styling
and build quality in general suggests a higher class than one might expect from a car bearing the Kia badge. There is consistency and fit to all the body panels, and the short overhang at the front, steeply raked windscreen, sweeping C-pillar and short trunk add a touch of class and a hint of performance potential. Not such a strong point is the bonnet which lacks any characteristic contours and is quite dull in comparison with the rest of the exterior. But how does it drive? With two engines available in the Middle East – the 4-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol and the 2.7-litre V6 petrol – there isn’t a lot of
choice, but in terms of transmission you can choose either 5-speed manual or 4and 5-speed automatic (with Sport Mode), depending on what best suits your needs. All variants are front wheel drive. We drove the 2.7-litre V6 ‘Mu’ CVVT and were pleasantly surprised at its 0-100kph time (around 9 seconds) using the Sport Mode sequential shift. The engine also has a rather sporty rasp to it under acceleration, while the all-round disc brakes (ventilated front) with ABS bring the car to a standstill with no fuss and bother (100-0kph in 45.4 metres according to Kia).
Car Xpress October 2008 45
city & town car
Ride and response With a new wider track, longer wheelbase and increased torsional stiffness, the Optima generally feels very stable and predictable, even on twisty-turny mountain passes. A lot of work has gone into the suspension system, and it shows. The geometry of the McPherson struts up front and the ‘in-wheel multi-link’ coils and gas shocks at the rear has been engineered to prevent excess body roll and offer greater stability under all driving conditions. So even though the Optima weighs over 1400kg, it is still pretty responsive in the turns. The speed sensitive rack and pinion steering is both positive and offers enough feedback to feel
46 October 2008 Car Xpress
that you’re genuinely in control. The Optima is designed to be an executive sedan at the top of its segment, and that it does very well. Generally the ride is very smooth and thanks to close attention to aerodynamics, panel precision and triple-sealed doors, the Optima produces minimal wind noise and has a drag coefficient of just cD0.32 (compared with cD0.34 of the previous model). Personal preferences Depending on your budget, economy aspirations and driving ability, we would suggest either the 2.0-litre EX with a manual gearbox
for a lower fuel usage, or the 2.7-litre V6 auto with Sports Mode for that little bit of extra ‘poke’ and fun. But don’t expect significant differences in performance – the 2.0-litre does 0-100kph in just 1.1 seconds slower than the V6, and top speeds are only 2kph apart. While the 2.0-litre will return 1.5 litres per 100km better fuel economy. Although the LX models are cheaper, the cloth interior doesn’t quite fulfil the executive midsize sedan image for us, but it is still tidy and comfortable, and at least you have the choice. And talking of choice, there are bucketfuls of options available for all models including:
reverse parking sensor, silver metallic interior door handles, keyless entry and anti-theft alarm, reach adjustable steering wheel, chrome body-side mouldings, front fog lamps, powered tilt ‘n’ slide sunroof, 17-inch alloys, Electronic Stability Program, and the leather pack (sounds kinky) which includes leather seats, door trims, centre console, steering wheel and gear selector. All in all, the Optima is a reassuring new departure for Kia at an extremely competitive price. And if this heralds what is to come, then there are many other manufacturers who should start rethinking strategies if they want to keep Kia in their rearview mirror.
Specifications Model
2.0 litre EX
2.7 litre EX
Engine
2.0 litre petrol 4-cylinder CVVT
2.7 litre V6 CVVT petrol
Transmission
5-speed manual or 4-speed auto
5-speed auto with Sport Mode
Max power
143bhp at 6000rpm
185bhp at 6000rpm
Max torque
139lb-ft at 4250rpm
182lb-ft at 4000rpm
Acceleration 0-100kph
10.2secs
9.1secs
Top speed
208kph (manual)/195kph (auto)
210kph
Economy lt/100km (combined)
7.7 (manual)/8.1 (auto)
9.2
Car Xpress October 2008 47
company profile
48 October 2008 Car Xpress
From humble beginnings, Jaguar has grown to be one of the sexiest cars in the world
Car Xpress October 2008 49
company profile
William Heynes, Jaguar’s first chief engineer
The first Jaguars In 1934 Harry Weslake, regarded as one of the industry’s top engine experts, joined the company and his new cylinder head with OHV valve arrangement became quite a reliable unit. The name ‘Jaguar’ was used for the first time in 1935. Weslake thought Jaguar suggested feline grace, power and agility, and was a good name for his cars. Also in 1935, William Heynes joined the company as chief engineer. The firm’s production included limousines, convertibles, and sports cars fitted with 1.5-litre, 2.5-litre, and 3.5-litre engines. The most notable vehicle of the period was the 3.5-litre SS 100 model. This was the fastest and most famous pre-war Jaguar, with speeds of 160kph and acceleration 50 October 2008 Car Xpress
from rest to 100kph in about 10.5 seconds. Racing successes in the Marne Grand Prix of Reims, the Villa Real International event, the Alpine Rally, the Monte Carlo Rally, and the RAC Rally made this one of the most famous Jaguar cars. During WWII production shifted to the war effort. After the war the company’s name was changed to Jaguar Cars Ltd. and production resumed and models were produced with the option of left-hand drive! Jaguar XK In 1946, in addition to updating the older models, Lyons developed a new sports car, the XK 120, which was inspired by the BMW 328 model, and fitted with a 6-cylinder DOHC engine with a capacity of 3442cc. In 1948 at the Earls Court Motor Show,
Jaguar introduced the fastest car to date, the XK 120 Roadster, with an alleged top speed of 192kph, superb road holding and styling, as well as a smooth ride. In 1951 the XK 120 Fixed Head Coupe was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show. This touring car was better trimmed with a veneer dashboard and wind-up windows. In 1953 the XK 120 Drop Head Coupe was introduced with a fully-trimmed convertible hood. The XK 120 proved to be a super competition car. In 1954 the XK 140 included rack and pinion steering, larger bumpers, extra chrome, a cast grille, and 190bhp. The XK 140 also had room for very small children behind the seat. In 1957, the Jaguar XK 150 came in with a low roar because the XK design was looking
On 4 September, 1922 in Blackpool, England, two young motorcycle enthusiasts, William Lyons and William Walmsley, set up the Swallow Sidecar Company to produce sidecars for motorcycles, and which continued to make sidecars until the advent of World War II. In 1926 the company built the small Austin Seven, a ‘people’s car’ of rather Spartan design. At this point the company changed its name to the Swallow Sidecar and Coach Building Co., and moved to a larger manufacturing space. There it made custom bodies for such cars as Morris, Fiat, Wolseley, Swift, and Standard. The company’s first car, the SS1, was based on a Standard 6-cylinder engine and a modified Standard chassis. It was introduced to the public at a London exhibition in 1931. The smaller SS2 had a 4-cylinder engine. In appearance the larger SS1 was a long, low vehicle with a short passenger compartment, wire wheels, and a luggage boot with a spare tyre at the rear. Its expensive looks belied its excellent monetary value. In 1933 the name of the company was changed to SS Cars Ltd. with Lyons becoming managing director. He bought his partner out in 1936.
1935 SS Airline Sedan
Jaguar XJ6 Series 1
1965 XJ 13 V12 Prototype
slightly outdated. However, this excellent car was only produced until 1961. Jaguar MK In the mid-fifties Jaguar had reached a point in its history of selling only luxury and sports vehicles. The company also sold a great deal of its production in foreign markets. This put Jaguar in a precarious position because a recession could crush the market for luxury and sports vehicles and any foreign government could close its market to Jaguar for no real reason. Jaguar needed to cement a stronger position by producing a car that could be sold at home and to a larger market. Thus, the Jaguar MK I was introduced at the 1955 Motor Show. The 1958 MK1 was designed to fill their product gap and to appeal to the home
market. This Jaguar was of monocoque (one body) construction, which in itself was new for the company. The Jaguar MK II launched in 1959 was an instant success with a much larger glass area and a redesigned dash. Leather seats were fitted as standard until 1967 when leather became optional to keep the base cost down. Another Jaguar classic, its fog/ spot lights, also became optional at this time. Several other Jaguar variations were produced to fill a market gap between the 3.8S and the large MK X Jaguar. Jaguar XKE The Jaguar E-Type is one of the most exciting cars ever made. For its time it was extremely fast, it offered impeccable styling, it featured advanced technology, it held its
own with high dollar exotics, and yet the price was very reasonable. Many say that no car before or since can equal the E-Type, and in automobile enthusiast circles, the Jaguar E-Type rules. The most special ‘Coventry cat’ possessed a flair, speed, charisma and soul that epitomised the era of its birth and that we may never see again. The Jaguar E-Type did not instantly achieve its place in automotive history. Its roots are directly related to racing. In 1953 the C Type (‘C’ for competition) took first place at Le Mans with Duncan Hamilton and Tony Rolt driving. Pressure from other teams forced Jaguar to build a more competitive model, and the D-Type was born. Rather than a tube frame chassis, the D-Type consisted of a stressed monocoque behind the engine Car Xpress October 2008 51
company profile with a space frame in the engine area (the E-type would feature the same configuration). Another major improvement to the D-Type was in the brakes, with drums being replaced by discs at all four corners – another tradition that the E-type would benefit from. In 1966 Sir William Lyons stepped down as Managing Director of the Jaguar Group, but he remained Chairman and Chief Executive. On 11 July 1966, Jaguar Cars Ltd. and the British Motor Corporation Ltd. announced they would merge.
of the XJ saloons, while all other saloon models were deleted with the exception of the 420G. Jaguar offered a choice of the familiar 4.2-litre XK engine, or a new 2.8-litre variation. The XJ range eventually sustained the company for nearly two decades. In 1969 William Heynes retired from the company, having been in overall charge of engineering since 1934.
During the ‘60s he designed the 4-cam racing engine that powered the XJ13 and, following the retirement of Heynes and Claude Baily, Wally Hassan and Harry Mundy researched single camshaft engines before building their single cam aluminium 5.3-litre V12. To give the E-type a
Jaguar XJ The XJ6 arrived in 1968 and it met with instant praise. In an era when cars were starting to lose their character, the Jaguar strongly retained its identity. With the advent SS 100
XK150 Roadster
1 Coupe Series I 20 hp SS
1960 3.8 Mark II
XK140 Drophead Coupe
J6 Series III X XJS Coupe First XJ6
52 October 2008 Car Xpress
C-Type Racing XK 120 er 1935 SS1 Tour
3.8 E-Type Roadster
Mark X Sedan
1960 3.8 Mark II
t XK concep cept XK 180 Con JAGUAR 1902232P
R3
boost, the new V12 unit was offered in the Series III, the appearance of which now featured a larger mouth air intake covered by a grille, and flared wheel arches allowed for the increased track and wider tyres. In 1972 the XJ12 was triumphantly launched. Performance, not surprisingly, was superb and Jaguar could now claim that the XJ12 was the fastest production 4-seater in
the world with a maximum speed just short of 225kph. In the same year, aged 71, Sir William Lyons retired, handing over the Jaguar reins to Lofty England. 1973 saw the immensely popular XJ receive a facelift for Frankfurt: the XJ Coupe. Sadly after a relatively small number of the beautiful Coupes had been built, Jaguar decided in November 1977 to discontinue
manufacture of the short wheelbase shell and concentrate on production of the long wheelbase saloons. The 1975 XJ-S was a close relation. The fuel-injected V12 gave the car superb performance: 0-100kph in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 240kph. Levels of refinement and quietness were raised to saloon car standards with air conditioning as a standard feature. Car Xpress October 2008 53
company profile
Jaguar and BL In 1980 a new era began at Jaguar with the appointment of John Egan as Chairman and Managing Director. The company developed a new engine called the AJ6 which represented an investment of over £21 million. It had a capacity of 3580cc and produced 225bhp, and was first seen in the 6-cylinder XJ-S. Back in 1966 Sir William Lyons had merged Jaguar with the British Motor Corporation (later to become British Leyland) in the belief that he was safeguarding the future of the company. However, the reality was that the company suffered a severe loss of identity and image. In August 1984, Jaguar shares were floated on the London Stock Exchange for the first time – and the share offer was oversubscribed eight times. The 1984 season was a good one for Tom Walkinshaw Racing as well, dominating the European Championship with a string of wins in his racing XJ-S and ending the season as the European Champion, just months before Sir William Lyons passed away in February 1985. Following their emphatic success, TWR were given the task of designing a sports racing car to take on the world and win Le Mans for Jaguar for a 6th time. In July 1985 the XJ-S Cabriolet became
54 October 2008 Car Xpress
available with the V12 engine. The XJ6 was still selling well which meant that Jaguar could ensure the new car would be perfect. The company consulted several distinguished Italian styling houses but eventually it was Bob Knight who created the initial shape of the XJ40, as the project was entitled. Launched in Europe in late 1986 and in the States in early 1987, the new XJ6 met with widespread approval. The automatic model had a novel gear selector, the brainchild of Jim Randle. The ‘J’ gate allowed the easy and rapid selection of gears for more lively motoring. Though the company had a fine range of products, the management realised that to meet the challenge of the ‘90s and beyond, it would need the backing of one of the automotive giants. Ford enter the frame The Jaguar Story now entered a totally new era. Since its flotation in 1984 Jaguar had grown and developed its business. The demand for its cars had increased significantly and so had output. Substantial improvements to manufacturing and engineering facilities were made, as well as the establishment of a new £52 million product engineering centre. On 16 October 1989 Ford advised the
Jaguar Board that, with their support, it was prepared to make a full bid for the company. And despite the worldwide economic decline during 1990 which resulted in tougher market conditions, Jaguar established record sales in Germany, Italy and Japan. In 1991 the E-type celebrated its 30th anniversary and the Jaguar marque clubs joined forces to hold a massive festival at the Donington Park race circuit, bringing together over 1,000 E-types from around the world. November 1992 saw the end of the Series III line, the longest chapter in Jaguar history – a production run that spanned 24 years and over 400,000 cars, which began with the XJ6 back in 1968. The following year Jaguars went on sale in Russia and many of the new Eastern Block countries. And in October, an agreement was signed with Inchcape Pacific as Jaguar’s distributor for the whole of China. 1995 saw the last XJS roll off the production line to be superseded by the critically acclaimed new XK8 coupe and convertible models. At the heart of the XK8 was an all-new 290bhp 4.0-litre 32-valve quad cam AJ-V8 engine. Jaguar engineers created a completely new body design and a new interior incorporating major feature and functional improvements.
The cat gets the cream The company won the Manufacturing Industry Achievement Awards ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ in 1996, and the ‘Manufacturing Excellence Awards’ in 1997. It also celebrated the 75th anniversary of its founding in 1997. The last V12-engined saloon was completed in April and the final in-line 6-cylinder saloon in June. At the Paris Motor Show in October 1998 Jaguar unveiled a new vision of the classic roadster. Fifty years after the company first launched the XK engine and the XK120 sports car, the XK180 concept showcased the skills of Jaguar designers, craftsmen and engineers. Also in October of the same year Jaguar’s most eagerly awaited new model for decades, the 3-litre V6 or a 4.0-litre V8 S-TYPE sports sedan, made its world debut at the Birmingham International Motor Show. In March 1999 Jaguar announced that it was to sponsor a unique conservation project at Chester Zoo in the North West of England. The project touched very close to home as it was to build a state-of-the-art rainforest exhibit and breeding environment for the rare and endangered Jaguar cat. And in October of the same year Jaguar announced its intention to enter Formula One.
Jaguar gains speed In January 2000 Jaguar’s F-TYPE concept roadster was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Inspired by the XK180, Jaguar designers set out to create the ideal, compact Jaguar roadster, evoking the spirit of the legendary E-type. In mid 2000 the company opened a new
advanced styling studio, named in honour of Geoff Lawson, the director of design. The purpose of the Lawson studio, located at the Whitley engineering centre is to look beyond the immediate future and to explore new design concepts and market niches that could be realities for Jaguar’s future. Early the following year the X-TYPE was unveiled at the Geneva International Motor
Show. The eagerly-awaited ‘small Jaguar’ would be a 4-door sedan, powered by 2.5 and 3.0-litre V6 engines driving all four wheels. The Paris Motor Show held in September the following year marked the introduction of a completely new and technically advanced saloon range that replaced the existing XJ8. The new 3.0-litre V6, 3.5-litre and 4.2-litre V8 XJ was seen as a major step forward, not only for Jaguar but also for the automobile industry; the first series production car to use aluminium for the majority of its body components. A different roar In June 2003 a joint announcement between Ford and France’s PSA Peugeot Citroen released details of two new diesel engines that would provide Jaguar with its first-ever diesel-powered cars. The two new engines were a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder unit, to be offered as an alternative to the 2.0-litre petrol engine in the X-TYPE, and a 2.7-litre turbocharged V6 that would be introduced into the S-TYPE range in 2004. Bibiana ‘Bibie’ Boerio rejoined Jaguar as Managing Director for Jaguar Cars in July 2004 after serving a year as Director of Strategy and Finance for Ford Motor Co. International Operations.
Car Xpress October 2008 55
company profile
Most important models >>> Sports cars 8 SS100 (1935-1941) 8 XK120 (1948-1954) 8 XK140 (1954-1957) 8 XK150 (1957-1960) 8 XKE (E-Type) (1961-1975) 8 XJ-S/XJS (1975-1996) 8 XK8 (1996-present) Large Saloons 8 Mark IV (1945-1949) 8 Mark V (1949-1951) 8 Mark VII(M) (1951-1957) 8 Mark VIII (1957-1959) 8 Mark IX (1958-1961) 8 Mark X (1961-1966)
56 October 2008 Car Xpress
Small Saloons Mark 1 (1955-1959) 8 Mark 2 (1959-1966) Jaguar has designed in-house four generations of engines. 8
8
Historical engines: Jaguar XK6 engine - in-line 6 Jaguar V12 engine - V12 Jaguar AJ6 engine - in-line 6
8
Current engines: Jaguar AJ-V8 engine - V8 Jaguar AJ-V6 engine - V6
Current models The current Jaguar line-up includes the following models: 8 X-Type - mid-size saloon 8 S-Type - luxury saloon 8 XJ6/XJ8/XJR - full-size saloon 8 XK8/XKR - sports car/convertible Sports car racing The company has had major success in sports car racing, particularly in the Le Mans 24 Hours. Victories came in 1951 and 1953 with the C-Type, then in 1955, 1956 and 1957 with the D-Type. The famous race was then left for many years, until
in the mid-1980s Tom Walkinshaw’s TWR team started designing and preparing Jaguar V12-engined sports prototypes for European sports car races. The team started winning regularly from 1987, and with increased factory backing the team won Le Mans in 1988 and 1990. Jaguar Sport Jaguar C-Type (1951-1953) 8 Jaguar D-Type (1954-1957) 8 Jaguar Lightweight E-Type 8 XJ220 (1988) 8 XJR-15 (1990) 8
Jaguars in fiction and the media British Prime-Minister Tony Blair is driven in a bottle-green Jaguar XJ8. 8 The character, Arthur Daley, in the British television series ‘Minder’ was generally to be seen driving a Jaguar XJ6. 8 Inspector Morse, in the British television series of that name, drove a Jaguar Mark 2. 8 Austin Powers drove a Jaguar E-Type, calling it a ‘Shaguar’. 8 John Voight also drove an E-Type in the ‘Odessa File’ from 1972. 8 The made-for-cable 1989 film ‘The Heist’ (shown on HBO) featured two dark green Jaguar XJS coupes. 8
8 Mark
2 Jags featured as the ‘wheels’ of choice in 1971’s ‘Get Carter’ starring Michael Caine and Britt Ekland, and in ‘Mona Lisa’ from 1986 with Bob Hoskins. 8 Ian Ogilvy’s Saint character in ‘The Return of the Saint’ from 1978-9 squealed around in an XJ-S, while in the 1985-89 CBS-TV series “The Equalizer”, Robert McCall (Edward Woodward) drove a 1985 black XJ6 Jaguar sedan with license plate 5809-AUG. 8 Possibly the most modified Jaguar to hit the big screen in the past decade is the XKR of arch-villain Zao which appeared chasing James Bond’s Aston Martin across frozen lakes in “Die Another Day” in 2002.
Mark X Sedan Car Xpress October 2008 57
sports car
58 October 2008 Car Xpress
By Alistair Weaver
One of the features of the early 21st century has been the growth in the number of independent supercar makers. Pagani and Koenigsegg have proven that with the right talent and the right resources, it’s possible to challenge the might of Ferrari and Lamborghini. Both produce outlandish supercars. But there is another British-based company that’s seeking to make subtlety a virtue. Ascari’s latest supercar, the carbon fibre KZ1, is being built in a limited run of 50 cars, guaranteeing unrivalled exclusivity in return for $370k (plus local taxes). We were given the keys to chassis no. 1. It’s not hard to work out why the Ascari costs such an outrageous sum. Both the monocoque and the body panels are made of carbon fibre and built by Lola, the company responsible for a high proportion of the world’s racing cars. The carbon helps reduce the mass to 1330kg, which is 227kg less than the new Porsche 911 Turbo.
Understated power The styling is self-consciously understated. It’s inoffensive and by no means unappealing, but it’s bereft of visual drama – no-one we met in the UK could quite believe that it costs almost $465k all in. The interior of the KZ1 is equally modest. The simple, functional fascia boasts some neat touches, such as the aluminium pedal set and chassis identification plaque, but it still lacks a sense of occasion. Some sportscar manufacturers – notably TVR – have dabbled with building their own engines but Ascari decided, sensibly, to shop at BMW. The KZ1 uses the 4,941cc, 32-valve V8 designed for the
previous generation M5, but a series of revisions, including new pistons and a sports exhaust, has raised the power output from 400 to 520bhp at 7,000rpm. This produces 368lb-ft of torque at 4,500rpm. Rollercoaster ride This extensive retune has fundamentally altered the character of the BMW V8. To tune the suspension – unequal length wishbones at the front and double unequal length wishbones at the rear – Ascari turned to Lotus’ Gavin Kershaw, who can claim the Elise and Aston Martin Vanquish among his credits. Kershaw is one of the unsung heroes of the motoring world and he’s done a terrific job.
Car Xpress October 2008 59
sports car
Whereas once it was all about effortless torque and creamy delivery, it now begs to be revved and emits a much angrier bark. The transformation works Ascari claims a 0-100kph dash of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of a smidgeon over 320kph, which places the car in the upper echelons of the supercar league. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox that’s shared with the Pagani Zonda. It can handle as much horsepower as you can throw at it, but it’s notchy when cold. The brakes also warrant criticism. There is nothing wrong with their stopping power but the ABS intervenes much too easily on both road and track possibly a calibration problem. 60 October 2008 Car Xpress
Car Xpress October 2008 61
sports car
Time and again on tight, undulating backroads we expected to feel the uncomfortable crunch of the KZ1’s bumpstops as the suspension reached its limitations, only for the damping to work its magic and the car to go serenely on its way. The steering has just enough feel and the turn-in is crisp and sharp, but not to the extent that this car feels nervous or skittish. The diminutive proportions also help its agility, and the grip is prodigious. For something that’s built in such tiny numbers, this car feels astonishingly well sorted. Limited edition Ascari’s Sales Manager, Chris Burton, describes the KZ1 as a grand tourer and there’s no doubting that it’s refined 62 October 2008 Car Xpress
enough to be driven long distances. He also reckons that most of the 13 people who’ve ordered a KZ1 already own a Ferrari, a Lamborghini and possibly a plane. For such customers, an Ascari is another accessory to an already opulent lifestyle. Over the next few months, Ascari will launch a new version of the KZ1 called the A10, which will be based on Ascari’s GT racecar and will have 630bhp and the option of a sequential paddle-shift gearbox. That car will be the road racer to the KZ1’s GT. The KZ1 will continue to be built alongside the A10 until Ascari has built 50, at which point production will cease. Each car takes a team of four people 1216 weeks to assemble, and customers will be supplied a technician’s mobile phone
number which they can call 24/7 if they have a problem. Home delivery Ascari is willing to deliver a car anywhere in the world and when it needs to be serviced – every 5,000 miles – they’ll send a technician to your door. Such personalized service matters in a sector of the market where customers are used to the finest things in life. In many ways, the KZ1 is an outstanding achievement. It’s quick, exclusive, beautifully made and blessed with a terrific chassis. But for all its undoubted quality, it doesn’t feel special enough to justify its lofty pricetag. For this price, supercars need to be a little more “super”.
Specifications Engine Max power Max torque Transmission Acceleration Top speed Economy
BMW-derived 5.0 litre V8 500bhp at 7,000rpm 368lb-ft at 4,500rpm 6-speed manual 0-100kph in 3.7secs 322kph 14lt/100km
Car Xpress October 2008 63
sports car ascari
64 October 2008 Car Xpress
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sports car
The diminutive proportions also help its agility, and the grip is prodigious
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It’s quick, exclusive, beautifully made and blessed with a terrific chassis
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CX rides the feisty Mustang GT
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Let’s get one thing out of the way first. You don’t buy a 4.6-litre V8 Mustang GT as a town commuter, or to do the school run, or to tow a caravan, or for desert excursions, or as a high performance sports car. You buy a Mustang because you’ve always wanted to...
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So, who cares if the economy sucks? Who cares if it only seats two? (Even though there are some very nicely appointed leather rear seats.) Who cares if you can only get a weekend case in the trunk? – It’s a Mustang GT! That’s 4.6 litres (actually, when you’re talking Mustangs, it should really be in cubic inches, so 281cu.in.) of unadulterated iceberg-melting power. Ford still like to think of the Mustang as being a sports car. I see their point of view, especially in a country where tractorpulling is also a ‘sport’. But you can’t honestly call it a sports car.
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The Mustang is a ‘muscle car’ and it should be proud to wear the badge, even though it falls 1.2 litres short of its 5.8-litre big brother, the GT-350. Today’s ‘Stang carries on the tradition started way back with the ’66 GT-style fastback, and thankfully still continues to echo the original taut stance as well as giving you an exciting drive. And it is still quirky like the models of the past – by quirky I mean there is still stuff that isn’t right, but you can live with it, like the handbrake lever being large and idiosyncratically S-shaped, but completely un-ergonomic.
Back in the saddle From the front, there is no other car that you could mistake for the Mustang. The five-sided arched hood is a welcome return to the imposing, predatory front-end of the 1st and 2nd generation cars whose meaty, gaping mouth was mislaid in various Ford design studios for around 30 years! But the Mustang is back – albeit, with a slightly smaller engine and the compromises that modern mass production processes bring. The character of the cabin has very little in common with the early muscle car apart
from the shape of the dashboard coving, the circular instrument windows and numbers, the metal spokes of the steering wheel and the Mustang badge in its centre. But at first glance, it does have character – more angular and cosseting with a higher centre tunnel than the originals. Groomed interior The instrument cluster has a very retro appearance with modern touches, such as the ice white illumination in reduced lighting which changes to a fiery, soulful red when you turn the lights on. You also
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have analogue fuel, temperature, battery and oil level gauges, although in bright sunlight they can blend a little too easily into the black surround. Fortunately, the green digital trip readout (which seems a little out of style with the rest of the cluster) also gives you a warning and a kilometre countdown when the fuel is low – which it will be on a very regular basis. Although the steering wheel is only rake adjustable (up and down), it does have good grippy leather, and the only buttons on the spokes are for cruise control. Sadly, the indicator and wiper stems are a plastic and ‘headache capsule’ shaped for no discernable
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design reason. They would have worked better had they been metal stems echoing the spokes of the steering wheel and the early models. Much of the upholstery doesn’t feel like there has been too much compromise, with ribbed perforated leather seats front and rear (a theme carried over onto the door panels) which are both comfortable on longer journeys and supportive thanks to electrically adjustable settings and lumber support, except that they could do with a little more bolstering for those hefty cornering moments. It also becomes rather irritating that every time you ‘pop’
the seat forward to allow rear access, the seat back doesn’t automatically return to its previous position when you push it back upright. So each time you have to readjust it to find your seating position. Also, where today’s car falls short is on the amount of plastic up front. It’s made to look like chrome or aluminium, but it’s plastic. For the extra cost of making proper chrome surrounds to the instrument cluster or an aluminium gear shift, the car would have benefited a whole lot and gained that little extra thing that the originals had in abundance called ‘class’.
At the gallop If you compare the ’06 Mustang to its forefathers it’s like the great grandson that everybody thought would carry on the rodeo family tradition, but ended up going into showjumping. So let’s stop comparing. So, does the ‘Stang deliver where it counts? While this Mustang seems like a compromise in terms of quality, it still has the guts to carry off the name. ‘Mustang’ is an experience, not just a car. It’s a vehicle you romance about – its engine was even built in a place called Romeo, for goodness sakes! And when you put your foot to the floor, it moves – from 0 to 100kph in
around 5 seconds – and it sounds like a powerboat getting there. For a car weighing in at 3,540lbs, the 4.6-litre 330bhp V8 can certainly get the power down to the tarmac thanks to the traction control – but who wants traction control in a Mustang? Steve McQueen, never used traction control. When bystanders see a Mustang pull away from the lights, they expect to hear the bassline of eight throbbing cylinders accompanied by the soprano of squealing rubber on 18-inch rims. It’s as much a signature of the car as the galloping horse in the grille. Having said that, 300bhp from an engine this size makes you think that something is being
wasted – there’s no supercharger, no turbo, no fuel injection – in fact nothing that could constitute either 21st century engineering or the slightest regard for the ozone layer. Based on the Jaguar S-Type platform, the GT is a solid enough car, but while the suspension is adequate at taking it smoothly over speed bumps at 30kph, it is a little to sedate to give the car anywhere near performance handling. But it has to be said, that it still lives up to the lollopy muscle car image of the old school motors. Where the Mustang is not so hot (or in this case – is too hot) is in the brakes department, where they begin to struggle after just a few minutes of ‘aggressive’ driving.
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A stable mate? With all this going against it, you really should want to dismiss the Mustang GT out of hand…but you can’t. That’s how much of an icon the car has become in our motoring psyche. It looks great, it has ‘personality’ (all the niggles), it still shifts while leaving behind it a thrumming cacophony of sound, and it is fun. Whether you are just cruising along the beach road or hammering down a quarter mile, you will enjoy driving this car, even if it scares the pants off you.
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So here are my basic guidelines for driving a Mustang: 1 Don’t pay attention to the fuel gauge – you’ll just end up driving sensibly. 2 Don’t expect the rear tyres to last, especially if you have a decent square of tarmac you can play on. 3 Switch traction control off – say no more. 4 Expect the tail to slip out and you’ll at least be ready for it when it does, and it will. 5 Don’t use the 6 CD changer/MP3/AM/FM radio – 4.6 litres should be music enough. 6 Invent a bowel disorder for those occasions when you soil yourself at the wheel.
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Horse play – The Mustang in the movies
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Mustangs have performed in more than 500 movies – more than any other automobile. Through a mixture of tyre smoke, growling V8s and stalwart Hollywood drivers, the Mustang has become inextricably entwined with American popular culture. Notable star turns for the Mustang include: • Bullitt (1968): Steve McQueen, a 1968 Mustang GT390 and the streets of San Francisco combined to create what many critics hold to be the definitive movie car chase scene. • Gone in 60 Seconds (2000): A modified 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 dubbed Eleanor was central to the exciting plot of this 2000 hit movie starring Nicholas Cage. A film that ignited the passions of legions of Shelby Mustang fans. • Hollywood Homicide (2003): A Ford Saleen S281 supercharged Mustang, Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnett star in this 2003 detective action drama. The Hollywood Homicide-edition Mustang is equipped with a 375bhp, 4.6-litre V8, and the special touches of Saleen's “air management” design – including louvred side scoops, a rear wing and blacked-out front grille treatment. • 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003): A lipstick red 2001 Ford Saleen S281 supercharged Mustang coupe starred in the high-adrenaline adventure flick. Other notable appearances have been in two James Bond movies, “Goldfinger” (1964) and “Diamonds are Forever” (1971), “Bull Durham” (1988), “Cape Fear” (1991), and “The Princess Diaries” (2001).
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Birth of a legend
1964 April 17, Mustang introduced at World’s Fair in New York. 1964 250,000th Mustang sold by the end of the year. 1965 Mustang becomes the most successful new car by selling 418,812 units in its first model year. 1966 One millionth Mustang rolls off the line at Dearborn Assembly plant in Michigan. 1967 Mustang 390 GT wins Cars magazine’s “Top Performance Car of the Year”. 1974 Mustang II wins Motor Trend’s “Car of the Year” award. 1983 The California Highway Patrol purchases 400 Mustangs to help troopers keep pace with highspeed pursuits. 1983 Mustang SVO introduced as 1984 model. 1993 1st-generation SVT Mustang Cobra introduced with a 5.0-litre V8 producing 235bhp. 1995 SVT Mustang Cobra R model produces 300bhp from its 5.8-litre V8. 2001 The Mustang Bullitt GT is introduced. Unique side scoops, 17-inch Bullitt-style aluminum wheels and a lowered suspension are specially tuned for the car. 2002 The new Mach 1 is introduced. 2003 With a 5.4-litre V8, the SVT Mustang Cobra offers 390bhp. 2004 Mustang celebrates its 40th anniversary. 2005 All-new platform and clean-sheet design make Mustang faster, safer, more agile and better-looking.
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Specifications Model Engine Max power Max torque Transmission Acceleration Top speed Economy
Ford Mustang GT 4.6 litre V8 300bhp at 5,750rpm 320lb-ft at 4,500rpm 5-speed auto with overdrive or 5-speed manual 0-100kph in 4.8sec 230kph+ 11.2lt/100km (combined)
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