German manufacturers Mercedes-Benz and Porsche have each taken home three awards at the first Middle East Motor Awards (MEMA) today. The awards were based on points issued by 13 judges for each nominated model. I was one of the judges.
Now under Fiat ownership, Chrysler is on a brisk product improvement drive, and the latest model to benefit is the unloved Sebring midsize sedan. The Sebring is being replaced by a new model dubbed the Chrysler 200. And contrary to popular belief, it is more of an internal and external facelift with some mechanical upgrades, rather than an all-new platform.
We already spoke of the Kuwaiti launch of the 5.7-litre “special edition” 60th Anniversary Toyota Land Cruiser, but it looks like the UAE version of the Anniversary model is slightly different in its dealer-installed mods, and seemingly available for sale in both 4.7-litre and 5.7-litre forms.
If you’re eagerly awaiting the release of Transformers 3, don’t fret because it is still being filmed, and here is a glimpse of the action, even if unplanned. While filming in Washington D.C., a real Chevrolet Suburban police vehicle was responding to an emergency and cut across the set to save time. The “Bumblebee” Chevrolet Camaro collided with the Suburban, but there were no serious injuries. The Camaro was quickly covered up and moved away.
Nissan’s UAE dealer will be launching the all-new 2011 Infiniti M37 and M56 models at a press event in Dubai on October 10, and will showcase the car to the public in their stand at the 2010 Sharjah Auto Show, starting October 14 this week. A wider Middle East press launch was already held in Lebanon, from what we heard.
The Kia Cerato hatchback is joining the Korean carmaker’s range for 2011. Technically similar to the 4-door sedan and 2-door Koup models, the new Cerato 5-door has the same overall width, height and wheelbase as the sedan, but the rear overhang is reduced by 190 mm, as is the overall length.
Our 2010 Chevrolet Cruze long-termer has left the building, having served as our primary mode of transport for the past month. It was practical, efficient and easy to manoeuvre around cramped city streets, so it was the car of choice many times over our Jeep Grand Cherokee, even when the occasion required us to make a good first impression. The Cruze looks upscale enough, with its angry face, big 17-inch wheels and relative rarity.
First photos and information about the updated 2011 Dodge Charger has been released, including a police version that will debut in the next The Fast and The Furious movie.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse will get minor updates for the 2011 model year, although mechanically it will remain the same as it has been for the last few years.
The Lexus line-up is going to expand for the 2011 model year. After sitting out the GCC market for many years, two new variants of the Lexus IS compact sports sedan will join the range, namely the IS 250 and the IS-F, alongside the existing IS 300. Also new will be the Lexus LFA supercar.