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Feel the adrenaline
Rev up with Oman Today’s spotlight on
the hottest wheels this November
TOP GEAR
Next generation of E-Class launched
The new generation of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is now available in Oman. The sedan is equipped with the PRE-SAFE system that anticipates an impending collision and responds by activating protection measures. The car is also fitted with flashing brake lights that warn other road users more effectively than conventional systems to minimise crashes from behind the car.
Inside, the E-class features eye-catching colours, a new four-spoke steering wheel featuring elliptical thumb-operated buttons and a control unit for the thermatic
climate control system. The four-cylinder engine in the E 200 Kompressor delivers 184hp and a maximum torque of 250Nm. |
Roll no more
Sport utility vehicles, owing to their high centre of gravity, are usually more prone to roll than other types of cars. While incorporation of stability inducing technology in new generation SUVs has reduced the incidence of crashes, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the USA said that such equipment was not standard on most pick-up trucks – a vehicle class ranked second for rollover risk.
The technology helps sense a potential roll or slide and adjust steering and speed to bring the vehicle under control.
AUDACIOUS DEBUTANTE
Audi has unveiled a new road going version of its Le Mans winning R8. The mid-engined sports car is also the production version of the Le Mans Quattro concept car that debuted at the Paris Motor Show three years ago. The car's V8 FSI engine produces 420bhp and features permanent four-wheel drive. Audi claims that the car's space frame aluminium body lends it some outstanding driving dynamics. The R8 is expected to arrive in the Middle East by September 2007.
The Audi R8 won the Le Mans 24 Hours five times – from 2000 to 2002 and in 2004 and 2005 – and on two occasions even took the first three places.
New Chevrolet Captiva
Chevrolet has launched the 2007 Captiva in showrooms this October. It is aimed at families looking for a practical yet stylish load carrier with off-road capability and value for money. The car will be available in three trim levels – LS, LT and LTZ – and offer both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants.
While the entry-level LS features a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, the top of the line LTZ comes equipped with a 3.2-litre six-cylinder powerplant.
Sporty shifts
Aston Martin launched a new manual transmission version of the V8 Vantage at the Paris Motor Show this year. The Sportshift, as the new version is named, adds electro-hydraulic control to the car's existing six-speed gearbox and offers a shift speed that is thrice as fast as conventional shifting. Precise shifting takes place in as little as 200 milliseconds. The sportshift also features a crawl function to helps drivers park easily. The car’s 4.3-litre V8 engine produces 380bhp of power and 410Nm of torque.
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