As Strange As Charm should be !

Not long after a few images leaked onto the web, Land Rover has officially pulled the wraps off of its larger, lighter 2013 Range Rover. We still don't know if we love the new design – some of our staffers stating that it looks a bit Ford Flex-ish to us – but one thing's for sure, that new body sheds a whole mess of pounds compared to the current model.

How many pounds, you ask? According to the automaker's first batch of press materials, a U.S.-spec 2013 Range Rover is roughly 700 pounds lighter than a similarly equipped outgoing model. That's damn impressive, and it's all thanks to an all-aluminum unibody structure. Additionally, new aluminum chassis structures are found at both the front and rear, as well as a re-engineered four-corner air suspension. Land Rover says that this new suspension allows the Range Rover to deliver flatter, more confident cornering prowess.

Of course, this is a Range Rover, so off-road capability is still top notch. Land Rover is introducing its next-generation Terrain Response system which automatically monitors road conditions and selects the appropriate settings based on the road (or dirt, or sand, or rock, or snow) surface.

Inside, Land Rover has added 4.7 inches of rear legroom to the 2013 Range Rover – a good thing, since our one gripe with the vehicle has always been its unusually cramped rear quarters. The automaker is also offering a two-place rear seat package for "the ultimate in personalized rear-seat luxury." Up front, there's a redesigned center stack and IP, and the whole thing looks substantially more modern than the current Range Rover. Let's just hope those buggy electronic systems have been reworked, too.

Official powertrain information hasn't been released at this time, though Land Rover does confirm that a range of V8 options will be available in the U.S., likely in the same 5.0-liter naturally aspirated and supercharged forms that we're used to. All of the engines will be mated to ZF eight-speed automatic transmissions.

We'll be seeing the 2013 Range Rover in person and in KUWAIT in few hours from now 

Thanks to: http://www.autoblog.com/

Speaks Itself ... Ultimate Review @ KuwaitDrive Blog

The outgoing Ultimate Aero was very generic in its looks. The body, like the rest of the car, was designed by company owner Jerod Shelby (no relation to muscle car legend Carroll Shelby). He admits that the need for slippery aerodynamics governed the outcome of the final product and being an engineer by trade, design wasn’t his greatest strength. Enter Italian American designer Jason Castriota who, in the beginning, had reservations about taking on the project. We couldn’t really blame him after looking at his impressive resume. He has penned cars for the very best in the industry: Ferrari,Pininfarina, Rolls Royce, and Bertone to name but a few. The last thing his career needed was to design a car destined for failure for a small company with more hopes than money or brains. After a visiting the facility and getting to know the staff and more importantly, their ideals and the car, he took the plunge and created what you see before you.

The outcome is breathtaking, especially once you peel the body work away to reveal how technically challenging it was to overcome the dreaded forces of nature at 200+mph, whilst packaging the required mechanical components. It is the ultimate example of form meeting function, to create a harmonious whole. We like the black teardrop shaped canopy that sits on top of the white exterior, creating a stunning contrast of power and beauty. The shape is classic and pivotal, and has a very low drag co-efficient. The car features dihedral stabilizers or wings that have been borrowed from the realm of aviation. The term “flying buttress” might be construed as a being a bit naughty, but they are actually wings that help support the structure of the car. In this case, they are those bits on the side of the SSC Aero II, which channel air towards the engine intakes – a Castriota design signature.

The front looks intimidating and purposeful with its low slung nose and carbon fiber headlights. Looking closely, you’ll notice venting for the carbon brakes and a cohesive front splitter that generates enough downforce to keep the nose planted at speed. There is no hood or luggage space, or any kind of compromise with this car. The side profile is sleek and sexy – there are no door handles or side repeaters and the car barely stands over a meter tall. Massive lower recesses house air intakes in front of the rear wheel arches and feed the ravenous engine and cooling radiators with much-needed cold air, while doing its bit to balance the look. It checks all the hypercar boxes and then some. Elements of the first Aero are maintained, most notably the party piece doors and simple-spoked wheel design. The latter being the first ever one piece carbon fiber wheels ever fitted to a car. They are products of Australian company, Carbon Revolution, and the 19" fronts weigh just 5.8kg each.

 

The entire body and chassis, save for front and rear impact zones, are all made from carbon fiber - further emphasizing lightness as key. This is not necessarily for top speed, but more for everyday driving and handling. All mid-engined cars require apertures in the bodywork to help get rid of heat – they usually take the form of slats or louvers but since this car is anything but, it features circular cut outs in various diameters to expel heat and generate pub controversy. Moving to the other-worldly rear, dynamics take over, with aesthetics playing second fiddle. The entire under floor of the car is sealed leading up to the rear which functions as the mother of all diffusers, complete with F1-style exhaust. From this angle, it does bear slight resemblance to an R8 and by slight, we mean slight – the proportions and shapes are similar. Between the rear stabilizers is a hydraulically operated air brake – ala Bugatti Veyron and Merc SLR that comes into play at higher-than-allowed speeds. Dimension wise, the Aero II is slightly more narrow than before to comply with FIA GT regulations, should they decide to race it.

More cool reviews on the videos below

The 2012 Mini Roadster [All-New Model]

What's New for 2012 ?!

As Mini claims that the John Cooper Works Coupe will be the quickest and fastest Mini ever (zero to 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds accompanied by a top speed of 149 mph), we imagine the J.C.W. Roadster will be capable of virtually the same big numbers. Fuel economy should be similar to the Cooper hatchback trims, meaning city numbers ranging from 25-29 mpg and highway numbers ranging from 33-37 mpg.

The 2012 Mini Roadster is set to go on sale in the spring of 2012 and should be an interesting alternative to the Mini Cooper convertible and Mazda Miata.

Following the official ‘spy shots’ BMW Group has unveiled the official pictures and details of the new 2012 Mini Coupe. “The first two-seater in its line-up sees MINI not only breathe new life into its successful racing history but also provide a shot in the arm for the super-compact sports car class,” Mini said in a statement. “The selection of engines, chassis set-up, weight distribution and aerodynamic properties of the MINI Coupe are all focused on delivering optimum performance. As a result, the new car radiates the brand’s hallmark go-kart feeling with a whole new depth of intensity and achieves the best performance statistics ever recorded by a volume-produced MINI… it is the fastest-accelerating MINI ever and has the highest top speed.”

The 2012 Mini Coupe lineup is available in:

MINI John Cooper Works Coupe: Power comes from a 1.6 liter twin-scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 211-hp at 6,000 rpm and 192 lb-ft between 2,000 and 5,100 rpm. 0 to 62 mph comes in 6.4 seconds with a top speed of 149 mph.

MINI Cooper S Coupe: Power comes from  1.6 liter 4-cylinder with a twin-scrool turbocharger making 184-hp at 5,500 rpm and 192 lb-ft of torque between 1,600 – 5,000 rpm. 0 to 62 mph comes in 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 143 mph.

MINI Cooper Coupe: Power comes from a 1.6 liter 4-cylinder making 122-hp at 6,000 rpm and 118 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. 0 to 62 mph comes in 9 seconds with a top speed of 127 mph.

MINI Cooper SD Coupe: Power comes from a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel making. 143-hp at 4,000 rpm and 225 lb-ft of torque between 1,750 and 2,700 rpm. 0 to 62 mph comes in 7.9 seconds with a top speed of 134 mph.

Mini Roadster 2012 .. below

Anderson Germany's Ferrari 458 Italia Carbon Edition

\Anderson Germany has launched their carbon version of the Ferrari 458 Italia. The aero package made entirely of carbon fiber includes the sporty front lip spoiler, front bumper flaps, wider side skirts, a modest rear lip spoiler, engine air outlets, window air intake grille and front bumper ventilation grid.

The carbon fiber-coated Anderson Germany Ferrari 458 Italia also received a power increase coming out of the Anderson workshop. The car has 53 more horsepower, along with the optimized software. This increase was made possible by the exhaust system which can also be adjusted by remote control in three sound stages and features racing catalyst, heat protection, and special tailpipe. This lifts the total output of the Ferrari 458 Italia to 623hp.

Besides the windows and tail lights tinting, it is also the tire/wheel combination of this lowered Anderson Ferrari that is worth mentioning. The drop-center rims are obviously carbon-coated in body color. The front axle features 9×21 inch with 255/30-21 tires and as for the rear axle it has 12×22 inch with 335/25-22 tires. Prices for a full Ferrari 458 Italia conversion by Anderson Germany are available upon request.

Check more photos on [LINK] and check [KuwaitDrive] on Facebook.

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[3] Years Until You Drive a Mercedes MLC SUV Coupe

In a move that will cause rival BMW more than a few sleepless nights, Mercedes-Benz is being reported as moving forward with a new coupe crossover model that will bang heads squarely against the dismal-looking X6.


Tentatively known as the MLC, this model will be built upon the M-Class platform, with the vehicle’s profile taking cues from Mercedes successful CLS styling. And styling is the operative word here, as Mercedes is reportedly favoring form over function for this crossover.

Dubious looks aside though, the X6 can be a mean performer, specially in M guise so Mercedes is tasking its AMG division to develop an AMG version of the MLC, which would have around 550 horsepower torquing its all-wheel drivetrain. That doesn’t mean though that the MLC won’t be available with more fuel-efficient powerplants such as its frugal diesels.

Despite the paucity of information, the MLC could hit showrooms as a 2014 entry, with manufacturing located at its Alabama plant. Pricing would be in the region of $85,000.


Thanks to: BenzInsider

SpotOn: Khaled Al-Mudhaf, Kuwaiti Racer / License No.001

Officially receiving his racing license in January 2010 a hobby turned into a profession, started as semi-professional and now is considered a fully-fledged career. He has the first professional racing license number in Kuwait (001), Khaled fully grasps the growing expectations acquired with the title. Even though he claims it is a double-edged sword, Khaled loves a challenge. When faced with the pressure to perform well, he continues to hone his racing skills, taking his cars down to Dubai, Bahrain, Qatar and various racing circuits around the world.

His torrid and passionate love affair with racing has even led him to participate in the exciting Gumball 3000 Rally, also described by Vanity Fair magazine as ‘the most rock ‘n’ roll car rally ever staged’, where high profile personalities accompanied by impressive supercars take part in a notorious European tour. Besides the glamour and appeal of the Gumball Rally, Khaled was also invited to take part in a historical moment when asked to test drive the epic Nissan Sumo Power GT1 ‘T-car’ at the Losail Track in Qatar. Being the first of the two guest drivers to try the car, Khaled considers the event a career milestone, and is even more excited about his upcoming races taking place firstly in England at the renowned Silverstone race on the fifth of June, followed by another prominent circuit race in Navarra, Spain.

Khaled al-Mudhaf owner of team G-FORCE clinched 3rd in the UAE GT Championship in his Ginetta G50Z after qualifying 3rd a day before. Khaled has been racing in this series very recently this is only his 4th race. Getting 3rd is a very good achievement. He also got the fastest lap of the race. This is a sign of great things to come. Next time he will hopefully get the middle spot on the podium.

More on G-FORCE Team @ The [WEBSITE]
Dubai's race, 3rd on the Podium________________________________

Yusuf A. Alghanim Just Launched: Chevrolet Sonic 2012 in Kuwait !

In an exciting event attended by Yusuf A. Alghanim &Sons’ officials, representatives from General Motors, leading media personnel and distinguished customers, Yusuf A. Alghanim & Sons Automotive unveiled the highly anticipated All-New 2012 Chevrolet Sonic at the Al Rai Safat Alghanim showroom. The launch included a show to expose the Sonic and the way it integrates with the different life styles of society whether you are a student, an ambitious starter in life or a small family.

The All-New Chevrolet Sonic has taken global headlines by storm as the new addition to the Chevrolet family is designed to be a successful car in the highly competitive small car market. The All-New Sonic is a compelling choice for young-at-heart, style-conscious drivers and young families as it combines a sporty and sophisticated design as well as a stylish roomy interior and fuel efficiency.

Powered by a 1.6L, 4-cylinder engine and generating a powerful 115 HP, the All-New Sonic possesses strong acceleration characteristics and an immediate feeling of performance during low-speed driving. The Sonic sports a 6-speed automatic transmission, giving drivers a smooth, purposeful and efficient driving experience.

Apart from its sporty and smooth driving experience, the All-New Sonic sports an exterior that conveys strength, stability and modernity. A key signature element distinguishing the Sonic is its exposed, motorcycle-inspired headlamps and its pronounced wheel arch forms. The stunning appearance of the Sonic is completed with front fog lamps and standard 15” wheels. 

A high level of detail applied in the design of the Sonic’s passenger cabin has resulted in a more upscale execution that is typically seen in higher-segment vehicles. The instrument cluster further carries the motorcycle theme introduced on the exterior, incorporating a round speedometer and a digital LCD readout. The ice blue ambient backlighting adds a stylish, contemporary feel to the cabin. Advanced technology has also been integrated into the Sonic’s interior with standard steering wheels controls, Bluetooth, USB port and CD/MP3 player with AUX input.

Smartly designed storage features enhance Sonic’s attention to detail. Along with two glove boxes, various small compartments and door pockets as well as three cup-holders at the front, the Sonic provides generous storage space for items of any sizes. All electronic devices installed in the upper glove box can be operated through the steering wheel controls or radio interfaces.

The All-New Sonic has been engineered to make everyday driving in a small car a more dynamic and enjoyable experience while delivering practical hands-on solutions and value. In order to ensure responsive handling, engineers developed an all-new chassis for the Sonic that is among the most rigid in its segment.

The launch of the All-New 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is yet another testament to Yusuf A. Alghanim & Sons commitment to offering only the best and latest in the world of cars. Yusuf A. Alghanim & Sons provides customers with the ultimate ownership experience through the world’s biggest and most advanced service center, devoted to providing customers with the best after-sales experience.


Event held by Impact & Echo / BBDO made a big success and all national media gathered in Safat Alghanem Showroom.


A senior at Chevrolet claimed: over 18 cars were sold at the first 3-4 hours of the launch.


Review from the Car Maker _________________________

Odd ! How Hamilton could possibly lose for Facebook ?

This has to be one of the most bizarre things we've have seen today. Vodafone is challenging F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, to race against the speed of its improved mobile data network in The Netherlands.

Vodafone is calling for 28,800 Facebook users to join the race in a virtual car on Facebook. The time it takes for Vodafone’s network to download all of their profile pics (around 288MB) is the time Hamilton has to beat.

The actual race took place on a secret 2.7km track on 13th September last year and the race was aired live on Facebook. Hamilton will be in a Mercedes Benz MP4-23 F1 car.

Users signed themselves up to form part of the Facebook car on a special Facebook page. You can literally add your profile pic to a virtual outline of a car and can then navigate around the car seeing who else is involved.

While we completely appreciate the idea of pitting the speed of the broadband against something really fast like Lewis Hamilton in a supercar, we find it very hard to comprehend how to draw any sort of meaningful comparison from the race. So we decided to do a bit of calculation:

Vodafone claims to be able to have speeds of up to 28.8Mbps, which by my calculations (actually by Media Road’s converter’s calculations) would mean 3.6MB per second, would mean that it would take 80 seconds to download 288MB of photos.  80 seconds is almost enough for Lewis Hamilton to complete a lap of Silverstone, which is 5.9km long.

We don’t see how Hamilton could possibly lose?

Thanks to: http://www.fruktcomms.com

Featured on this video _________________________________

Lambo's Yachting Experience .. Drive Your Ocean Passion !

The Lamborghini Yacht by Mauro Lecchi begs the question– why should Lamborghini owners only have their fun on the pavement?  Mauro Lecchi has developed a new design concept for the Lamborghini brand that could take its marque to the high seas.  The Lamborghini Yacht is an angular, progressively-designed luxury cruiser with seating both fore and aft, a modern cabin with large overhead glass and strong structural shapes stretching along its sides.

In developing his Lamborghini Yacht, Lecchi studied the styling elements of past Lambo models including the famed Lamborghini Reventon.  The common elements in Lamborghini styling are featured in the exterior shape and attitude of this yacht.  The result is a stunning design concept that we could certainly see taking shape on the water today.  Should it be produced, you can bet that the Bond villains, the heiresses and the Russian industry moguls of the world will be amongst the first to get in line for one of these.

The yacht is 15m long, 4m wide and 3.8m high. to keep the boat light and fast, lecchi intends for carbon fibre or kevlar in the lamination process. Lecchi also created 3 different motor options including a dual v12 lamborghini option. the interior is also decked out, with a lounge on the foredeck, two decks on the rear plus a master bedroom and guest bedroom below.

More on LamboYacht ... In this video !

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Thanks to: http://www.thecoolist.com

Pagani Huayra by: "Leonardo Da Vinci" of the Automotive Industry

In the world of supercars, you have many different players. Ferrari is the technological wonder child, while Lamborghini is that school bully that developed a bit of common sense with age. Aston Martin is the sophisticated gentlemen spy that can charm any living thing with a single word. Then, you come to Pagani, the new boy. These cars don’t feature any sophistication or old world charm. Yet, their radical designs and outrageous performance have placed them in the top tier of the supercar tree and now, we have a new version, the C9.

In the world of follow-ups, this one is massive. Sort of like the Godfather II following the Godfather. The Zonda was the car that made Pagani into the company you see today. Automotive journalists loved it and the base version spawned many different special editions and one-offs like the Zonda F and Cinque. It was like nothing ever seen before. The Zonda’s development was evolutionary, but the C9 that will replace it will be revolutionary.

UPDATE 09/16/2011: The new Pagani Huayra has found its way into one of the most famous garages known to man: Jay Leno’s Garage. Horacio Pagani accompanied the brand’s new supercar as he explained the most amazing details about the Huayra to Leno. Hit the jump to watch the video.

The C9 will feature a carbon-titanium chassis like the Cinque, forged aluminum alloy suspension, specially developed tires from Pirelli, Bosch electronics, and emission standards that should allow the new Pagani to be sold everywhere, including the United States, marking the first time that US customers will be able to able to enjoy this Italian supercar. The C9 is expected to be made out of carbon-titanium, which will keep the weight down to around 2700 pounds.

The exterior styling of the C9 will follow in the footsteps of the Zonda and it will feature Mercedes SLS-like gullwing doors. The large rear-wing is gone and the taillights, which were horizontal, rectangular units mounted low down, have been replaced by three circular lights mounted higher up. The squared off mesh grille has been tossed aside in favor of a more elliptical opening and we can clearly see that the high-mounted barrel exhaust tips remain.

Throughout the Zonda’s life not much was changed. It used a very light and robust chassis and incredibly gorgeous aerodynamics, but every new specialty version was basically the same. The C9 that will launch in 2011 or 2012 is a brand new car in terms of weight distribution, materials, and dynamics. Overall, the new C9 has 3,770 new parts.

Powering this masterpiece is a new motor that was developed exclusively for Pagani by Mercedes-Benz AMG. The old motor, also designed by Mercedes AMG and used in Zonda, is naturally aspirated, but the new motor might not be. AutoCar is reporting that the C9’s motor will carry twin-turbochargers and put out a massive 700 horsepower and 730 pound-feet of tire smoking torque. All that power should be sent to the rear wheels via an X-trac seven-speed sequential transmission, all the while reducing carbon emissions by half, making this Pagani Euro 5 compliant.

Sold for 1.3 million USD.

More & More about the Pagani on [http://www.topspeed.com]

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