Another day, another Porsche 911 variant. We’ve pretty much lost track of these “new” models since 2005, as the German firm kept churning out version after version of the same car, with minor differences between each model. The latest variant is the 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS.
Ever wonder how various magazines hand out “car of the year” awards and how sometimes the most undeserving cars win? These awards are a staple of regional rags, but the more transparent U.S. media pioneered such awards. And now, their dirty little secret has been exposed, although it has always been obvious to those who pay attention.
Renault GCC will extend its existing line-up with the introduction of four new models across the Middle East by the end of this year. The back-to-back launches are in line with the almost-French manufacturer’s plans to expand its market share within the small and mid-size passenger car segments.
BMW has launched two high-end hybrid models in the GCC, based on the X6 and the 7-Series, and both with equally long names. One is the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the other is the BMW ActiveHybrid 7. After a few false starts by Chevrolet, Toyota and Mercedes-Benz, these are likely the first true hybrid vehicles to be commercially available in the UAE. And we are assuming they are expensive.
Popular American magazine Motor Trend did what everyone else was thinking, pitting their Nissan GT-R long-term tester with the all-new Lexus LFA in a drag race. The winner isn’t really clear-cut.
This is probably common knowledge for those who troll through newspaper ads, but Chrysler’s UAE dealers have been offering the V6-powered 2010 Chrysler 300 Limited for at least the past month now.
The General’s good men sprung a surprise on me this weekend when they offered me a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS for a test-drive, after a last-minute cancellation by some other hack. The bigger surprise came when the car was home-delivered, because when I stepped in, it had three pedals. Indeed it was the manual Camaro SS with the 426 hp 6.2-litre V8. Rarely do I get overexcited about cars nowadays, but…AAWOOOGAAA!!!
General Motors has announced a U.S. recall on Hummer H3 models manufactured between 2006 and 2010. It is possible that the recall only affects American-built vehicles, as GCC-spec H3 models were built in South Africa since at least 2007.
The general media is rather cliched when it comes to reporting cars. “VW makes reliable cars.” “Audi has the best interiors.” “Chrysler has the worst interiors.” “Jeeps are unreliable.” None of those statements are true. That’s why I get pissed off anytime some car company executive refers to me as a “journalist.” I didn’t earn an electrical engineering degree, start my own business and take crap from my conservative father just to be lumped in with those corporate hacks. That said, the Jeep Cherokee is awful. But only in some respects. In many other aspects, it is rather cool.
Forgotten French automaker Citroen will be showing off a concept car at the 2010 Shanghai Auto Show later this month. Dubbed the Citroen Metropolis, it seems to be getting a lot of press for the way it looks.