Cars
The MotorHub Saxo Bank AutoX Championship Series Launches for UAE Motorsport Enthusiasts
Saxo Bank in partnership with The MotorHub – an organisation committed to developing and expanding a Car Club Culture in the UAE – have been confirmed as Title Sponsors for the first-ever Car Club Autocross Championship Series in the GCC.
The inaugural MotorHub Saxo Bank AutoX Championship series 2021 kicked off on Friday (Round 1), February 19th, with 30 supercar owners and motor racing enthusiasts from across the UAE testing their skills at the Jebel Ali Circuit in Dubai.
The opening event of the Race-Certified Championship series, regulated by the Emirates Motorsport Club (EMC), featured four race categories – All Wheel Drive (AWD), Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), Front Wheel Drive (FWD), and an Electric Vehicle (EV) category introduced for the first time in the UAE.
Ibrahim Abouelgheit won the opening race and also took home the coveted Saxo Bank Fastest Lap Trophy for the fastest overall lap at the conclusion of the first round.
Ibrahim, who drove a Porsche Turbo S, posted a lap two seconds faster than his nearest competitor. He said: “The race was top-notch in terms of organization, thanks to The MotorHub and Saxo Bank for a well-organised event. The competition was fierce, so winning the Saxo Bank Fastest Lap trophy gives me added satisfaction. I look forward to round two of The MotorHub Saxo Bank AutoX Championship next month.”
Round two of The MotorHub Saxo Bank AutoX Championship will take place on March 12 at the Jebel Ali Circuit. Participants will compete over four events across the 2021 season and the driver with the most points at the end of the four rounds will be declared the UAE champion.
The certified Championship is being held with strict adherence to public health and safety measures as mandated under the ‘Return to Racing Health & Safety Guidelines’ of the Emirates Motorsport Organisation (EMSO) – the UAE’s Motorsport regulatory body.
Cars
Rolls-Royce Unveils Black Badge Ghost Series II
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has today unveiled the Black Badge Ghost Series II, a daring and powerful new expression of its iconic Ghost model. This latest addition to the Black Badge family is the most agile, driver-focused, and technically advanced Rolls-Royce ever created.
Powered by an uncompromising 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine in a high-power configuration, the Black Badge Ghost Series II delivers exceptional performance. The all-wheel-drive, all-wheel-steering chassis, combined with the Black Badge Planar Suspension System, ensures a thrilling and dynamic driving experience.
The exterior design of the Black Badge Ghost Series II is equally striking, featuring a unique lower grille, darkened chrome accents, and a dramatic 22-inch wheelset. The interior is equally impressive, with luxurious materials, advanced technology, and a focus on driver comfort and control.
Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented, “Black Badge Ghost Series II responds to a very specific demand among our clients – those who wish to enjoy the potency of this motor car’s uncompromising engine and inherent agility almost exclusively from the driver’s seat.”
Juliane Blasi, Head of Exterior Design at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, added, “With Black Badge Ghost Series II, we have introduced subtle but impactful design impulses that clearly signal this motor car’s incredible agility and power.”
The Black Badge Ghost Series II is available to commission now, alongside the Ghost Series II and Ghost Extended Series II.
Cars
Sinotruk Enters UAE Market with New Brand VGV
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.
Cars
Audi, Al Nabooda Automobiles Launch the Audi Q2
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.