One of our readers reports that the 2010 Lexus GX460 is now on sale at showrooms in Dubai, and likely in Abu Dhabi and elsewhere too. In fact, the model is so fresh that the floor salespeople are confused about what it is and giving hilarious answers to customer queries, such as how it is bigger than the 2010 Toyota Prado.
Hatchbacks are only popular in Europe. Anywhere else, sedans always outsell any other body style, and China is no different. That’s why Peugeot has launched a new sedan model specifically for the Chinese market, called the 408. Interestingly, it is not a replacement for the 407, but rather a sedan version of the 308. The real replacement of the 407, slated for next year, will be called the 508.
The Dubai Police is fitting video cameras in almost all their marked patrol cars, to keep track of accident scenes as well as their own officers. Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi Police is stepping up their campaign on tailgaters, using rental luxury cars and other vehicles.
The 2010 Kia Sorento was officially launched in the UAE at a dinner event in Dubai, although we hear it is on sale here already as well as in Oman and other GCC countries.
Shelby American, legendary tuner Carroll Shelby’s firm, has ressurected the Shelby GT350 of old, basing it on the 2011 Ford Mustang GT. The Shelby team unveiled a supercharged concept version of the 2011 Shelby GT350 at the U.S. Barrett-Jackson Auction, on the 45th anniversary of the first GT350.
The Mini started life in 1959 as a British car for the masses. Built by the company later known as Austin-Rover, the little car was so cheap that Ford dissassembled one and tried to replicate it, but couldn’t do it cost-effectively and gave up. That Mr. Bean original was in production right up till 2000, when BMW bought out the firm and redesigned the Mini as an expensive niche model. But by 2001, there were already a slew of modern affordable cars to take its place, not least of which is the Honda Jazz. Both the Mini and the Jazz are now in their second generation.
Toyota went crazy over modded cars at the recent Tokyo Auto Salon in Japan. Alongside the FT-86 tuned by Gazoo under a new “G-Sports” badge, Toyota also showcased three other G-Sports cars.
Having never personally driven a Jeep Wrangler, I was actually looking forward to picking up this one from the local dealer for two days. Imagine my surprise when they handed me the keys to a modified Unlimited, fitted with a factory-original lift kit and other accessories.
It would seem BMW is on a roll, filling oddball niches that did not need to be filled. After the X6 and the 5-Series GT, the latest shot is taken by BMW’s Mini brand, with the reveal of the Mini Countryman 4-door crossover.
The BMW 3-Series coupe and convertible models have received a mid-life facelift to complement last year’s update of the sedan, even as the German firm is readying the all-new 2012 3-Series for release next year.