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TOP GEAR
Rev up with Oman Today’s spotlight on the hottest wheels this February

A star is born
To meet the growing demands of customers for a mid-sized sedan with more luxury and power, Toyota has unveiled the Aurion. We threw it around the Dubai Autodrome for a few laps, and it definitely is a lot of bang for your buck.
It features responsive, smooth acceleration through a new-generation V6 3.5-litre engine and a small, lightweight 6-speed sequential automatic trans-axle, which is a first for this type of Toyota. Goodies include a dual automatic air conditioning system, a rear electric sunshade, outer mirrors with side turn signal lamps and LED rear combination lamps. In addition to incorporating vehicle control systems such as brake assist, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, vehicle stability control and traction control, the passenger protection system was enhanced with dual-stage SRS front, side and curtain airbags. Furthermore, a body structure was incorporated that alleviates impact to pedestrians should a collision occur.

Phantom sales

After Rolls-Royce Motor Cars retailed 805 cars last year – a 16-year high – the company is now celebrating its third successive annual sales increase since 2003.
The USA remains the biggest single market for Rolls-Royce with the UK in second place. China became the third largest single market in 2006, growing
by more than 60 per cent.

The top five dealers worldwide in 2006 were, respectively, Beverly Hills and Tokyo sharing the top spot, London, Dubai and New York. Rolls-Royce exported cars to more than 50 countries around the world in 2006.

Production of the new Phantom Drophead Coupé has already begun at the company's Goodwood manufacturing plant on the south coast of England. The first customer cars are expected to be delivered in the summer.

Off road star

The most powerful off-roader produced by Mercedes-Benz has been voted the best luxury SUV of the year 2006 by Autocar Middle East. The ML 63 AMG was introduced into the Middle East market in the third quarter of 2006. Under the bonnet is a new 6.3-litre V8 engine which unleashes a massive 510hp at 6800rpm and a maximum torque of 630 newton metres at 5200rpm powering the vehicle from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.0 seconds.

Classic Patrol

Got an old Nissan Patrol? The company's dealers across the region are paying tribute to the owners and cars that represent half a century in the Middle East. Part of the largest SUV line-up in the region, the Patrol has gone through six generations of evolution since its inception.

The Patrol mileage campaign will span three categories and will be held until February 15, 2007. The three categories will feature Patrol vehicles between 2-5 years old, 5-10 years old and over ten years old.

Winners of the different categories will be chosen according to the highest mileage recorded in a car per category. Participants across the sultanate can enter through
ballots available across showrooms or through www.nissanoman.com.