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Here’s a Look at Infiniti’s 1930s-Inspired Prototype 9 Concept

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Earlier in the week, Infiniti teased its Prototype 9 retro racer that is set to bow at Pebble Beach. Nissan’s luxury unit has now released more images and details, and the machine just looks “Wow!”. Underneath its front-engined Grand Prix racer skin, the 9 carries what Infiniti terms a “prototype electric motor and battery from Nissan Corporation’s Advanced Powertrain Department,” apparently based on the next-generation Leaf powertrain.

The motor makes 148 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, allowing the low-slung silver machine to hit 60 in 5.5 seconds and top out at nearly 106 mph. And while the powertrain may make it the most relevant aspect of the car to modern buyers, it’s hardly the point of the thing. Experiencing it is the point. It’s a distillation of late 1930s cues and configurations, most of which lasted into the late 1950s, until Cooper’s lightweight, mid-engined machines changed the way European racing machines in the top rank were constructed.

While some of the Axis powers dove straightaway back into motorsport once the post-conflict chaos of World War II began to clear, with Enzo Ferrari’s first cars appearing in 1947 and Mercedes reentering the fray in the early 1950s, it wasn’t until the 1960s that Japan began to compete in global motorsport, Honda’s exploratory foray at the 1959 Isle of Man TT notwithstanding.

Thus, the Prototype 9 really is a “what if” machine. What if Japan had leapt back onto its feet with the same speed as the industrialized West? What if Infiniti had existed 40 years before Nissan ginned it up to compete with Honda’s Acura and Toyota’s Lexus in the race to take on the established European luxury marques? What if history wasn’t history?The result is a blazing success. The Prototype 9 expertly covers the spread between classic and modern, its body creases the result of modern machine technology and old-fashioned panel beating.

The 9 was originally an after-hours project, based on a brief handed to Nissan senior vice president of global design Alfonso Albaisa. As more divisions of Nissan saw what was taking shape, the labor of love snowballed into an actual concept-car program. Sometimes hype can overwhelm a concept machine, and more and more often, what’s hailed as a concept is merely a thinly disguised preview of an upcoming vehicle.

In the Prototype 9, Infiniti has taken on a captivating flight of fancy. It’s a shot across the bow of complacency as well as a fine, fine piece of eye candy. We are sure many reading this can’t wait to bask in its presence!

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Sinotruk Enters UAE Market with New Brand VGV

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Chinese automotive giant Sinotruk, a pioneer in the heavy-duty truck industry, has officially entered the UAE market with its new passenger vehicle brand, VGV (Visionable Global Vanguard). Established in 1930, Sinotruk has a long innovation and technical excellence history. The company’s decision to expand into the passenger car market is a testament to its growing global ambitions.

The new VGV showroom is in Al Qouz 1, Dubai, UAE. The brand offers various vehicles, including SUVs, pickups, vans, and MPVs, powered by various energy sources such as electric, hybrid, fuel, diesel, and alternative energy.

VGV’s SUV models are designed to cater to families, offering spacious interiors and advanced safety features. The pickup models, powered by the renowned Wei Chai Engine manufactured by Sinotruk, are known for their durability and performance.

Prices for VGV vehicles start at AED 73,000, making them an attractive option for consumers seeking quality and affordability.

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Audi, Al Nabooda Automobiles Launch the Audi Q2

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Audi, Al Nabooda Automobiles have launched the Audi Q2 in the UAE. The vehicle will be on display at 25hours Hotel One Central from October 3rd to 6th, 2024. Audi customers and car enthusiasts are invited to be part of the exclusive celebration marking the arrival of the new Audi Q2 under the vibrant theme of ‘Paint the Town’.

Guests who visit on October 3rd will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a hands-on spray-painting session surrounding the new car, indulge in Q2-inspired mocktails, relish in live music from DJ Tala Samman and be among the first to explore the stylish and comfortable feature of the Audi Q2.

“The arrival of the Audi Q2 is a testament to our dedication to bringing the best in design, technology, and innovation to our customers in Dubai and the Northern Emirates,” said K. Rajaram, CEO of Al Nabooda Automobiles. “This segment serves as a gateway into the Audi family for younger buyers seeking to purchase their first vehicle or upgrade their current one. Its youthful, modern styling combined with upgraded technology makes it the perfect choice for those who demand versatility and a dynamic driving experience in every setting.”

The Audi Q2 receives a significant upgrade to its infotainment system, as well as the addition of the virtual cockpit and an 8.8-inch touchscreen as the central control unit for the MMI (Multi-Media Interface). In addition, a convenient storage compartment replaces the previous rotary/push button. Audi Q2 is now available across all Audi, Al Nabooda Automobiles showrooms, with a starting price of AED 139,900.

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Ford Launches the 2025 Explorer

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The all-new 2025 Ford Explorer is here to redefine the midsize SUV segment. With a striking new design, cutting-edge technology, and a focus on comfort and performance, the Explorer is a versatile vehicle that caters to the needs of modern families and adventure seekers alike.

The 2025 Explorer boasts a bold and athletic exterior with a redesigned front fascia, grille, and headlights. The interior has also been updated with premium materials, enhanced comfort features, and a more intuitive layout. The spacious cabin offers ample seating for up to seven passengers and plenty of cargo room for your adventures.

Under the hood, the Explorer offers a range of powerful engine options to suit different driving styles. The advanced technology package includes a large touchscreen display, a digital instrument cluster, and a suite of driver-assistance features for added safety and convenience.

Whether you’re commuting to work, embarking on a family road trip, or hitting the trails for an adventure, the 2025 Ford Explorer delivers a refined and enjoyable driving experience. With its combination of style, comfort, performance, and technology, the Explorer is a standout choice in the midsize SUV segment.

“The Explorer has been a mainstay of Ford’s lineup for 34 years and we’re really excited to bring the latest edition of one of the world’s most popular SUVs to the region,” says Andrew Gregory, Brand Marketing Manager for Explorer at Ford Middle East. “With an expansive range of three distinctive, versatile trims, we have meticulously recrafted the Explorer with upgraded technologies and features that equip drivers – and passengers – for whatever adventures life brings their way.”

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