Sunday, November 13, 2011

Lexus F Sport package storms into the UAE


Al-Futtaim Motors, exclusive distributors of Lexus in the UAE, has introduced the sporty Lexus F Sport package to the UAE market. The package accentuates the muscular look and feel of the 2012 models of CT200h, IS250 and IS350 and is aimed at those who prefer the muscle of a top-end luxury sports car.

Saud Abbasi, General Manager Al-Futtaim Motors – Lexus, said, “We are thrilled to provide customers the option of customising their Lexus and enhancing its road presence and cabin interior. Lexus F Sport package offers the confidence of an original equipment manufacturer warranty, and the ability to take sportier look up a level”

The various F Sport accessories available in the UAE include:

F Sport Steering
A distinctive F Sport interior element, the F-badged leather perforated steering wheel with paddle switch modelled after the IS F’s sporty steering.

F Sport Grille
The upper grille is framed with a unique Smoke-coated bezel, and both the upper and lower grilles feature the distinctive mesh design found on the IS F.

F Sport Front Lip Spoiler
Extending the sculpted lines of the front facade, this lower lip spoiler gives the IS equipped with F Sport Package a lower profile and bolder appearance.

Exclusive Colours
To further enhance the aggressive design, the IS with F Sport Package is available with Mercury Gray MC, Fire agate MM and Blue ME exterior alongside and exclusive FT Sport Black interior.

F Sport Rear Spoiler
Modelled after the rear spoiler on the IS F, this colour-keyed element provides aggressive styling while also helping to improve aerodynamics.

F Sport Seats
The racing style F Sport seats come in all black and embossed with the F Sport logo and are available in leather, fabric and semi-aniline options.

F Sport Door Scuff plate
The scuff plates bear the F Sport logo in black and accentuate the interiors of the car to reflect a racing cabin while getting into it.

F Sport Pedal
The lightweight aluminum pedals for breaking and acceleration have that distinctive sporty design that will set the pulse racing.

F Sport Badge
In addition to the F Sport logos inside the car will be the iconic F placed on the fender as well.

F Sport Wheels
The F Sport forged alloy wheels, exclusively designed in a dark graphite finish, not only add an aggressive look to the exterior, but help enhance performance through increased strength and decreased weight. The F Sport wheels require the use of spline-drive lug nuts, which are included in the available Wheel Installation Kit. 

F Sport Shift Knob
Constructed from premium leather and genuine carbon fiber, F Sport shift knobs are sporty and offer a comfortable curved shape.  The manual knob is weighted to provide a sporty and more controlled feel while shifting.  Both knobs are detailed with signature blue stitching and a silver F Sport logo. 

F Sport Floor Mats 
Made from the same high-quality 18 ounce nylon carpet as the factory mats, the four-piece set is available in black with a silver embroidered “F Sport” logo.

F Sport Performance Exhaust System
This system features all stainless-steel construction with fully polished mufflers and double-wall exhaust tips.  In addition to an outstanding appearance, it delivers a powerful, sport-tuned exhaust sound while complying with established sound-level standards and does not affect emissions compliance.







H.H. SHEIKH MAKTOUM BIN MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM OPENS DUBAI INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW 2011


The 2011 Dubai International Motor Show, the largest event in the show’s 22 year history, was officially opened today by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. More than 150 of the world’s top motoring manufacturers are showcasing a record number of global and regional launches at the Motor Show along with some of the most exciting and innovative concept cars in the world.

“We are honoured to have H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum officially open the show today. The strength of this year’s show is confirmation of the importance of this region to the automotive world, and we are delighted to have received such an excellent response from our exhibitors and partners, many of whom have been part of the Dubai International Motor Show since its first edition,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre.

Visitors to this year’s show will be among the first in the world to see the latest models from high profile exhibitors including Brabus, Chevrolet, De Macross, Jaguar, Land Rover and first-time exhibitor Lifan.

Following today’s launch of two Bespoke Phantom Family models and the new Ghost Extended Wheelbase model, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “The Gulf is an important market for Rolls-Royce, with all of our models enjoying robust sales across the board.  The region currently holds the number one position in the world for Rolls-Royce Bespoke models and has done so for the past two years, reflecting the sophisticated, highly discerning customers Rolls-Royce attracts. The Dubai International Motor Show is a highly influential platform for us to showcase our models to our key target audience in the region.”

Celebrating a landmark anniversary at the show this year, Frank Bernthaler, Director of Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Daimler Middle East and Levant said: “Mercedes-Benz is delighted to celebrate its 125th Anniversary at the Dubai International Motor Show this year, where we revealed our powerful and sophisticated new M-Class SUV, the convertible version of AMG’s flagship SLS AMG Coupe, the new SLS AMG Roadster and the most powerful SLK we’ve ever built, the new SLK 55 AMG.  These brand new vehicles lined up alongside the first Mercedes-Benz, the Number 1 Patentwagen, that Carl Benz built back in 1886.”

Following the Middle East debut of the pioneering BMW Vision ConnectedDrive concept car, Dr. Joerg Breuer, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East said: "BMW Group is looking forward to celebrating and building upon the successes achieved so far this year, throughout the show. With the Middle East debut of the innovative Vision ConnectedDrive model and the highly anticipated BMW M5, as well as a few limited edition models, we have a lot to be excited about. 2011 has been a great year so far for the group and we are looking forward to ending the year and moving in to 2012, on a high."

With a line up including its latest models and regional launch of the Audi Q3, Audi’s stand has been abuzz with action. Jeff Mannering, Managing Director, Audi Middle East said: “The Middle East markets and the UAE in particular are very important for Audi. For the 2011 Dubai International Motor Show we are therefore presenting all our latest models as well as the Audi Quattro concept as a special highlight.”

The opening day of the show also saw a guest appearance from Formula One driver Mark Webber from Red Bull-Renault, who visited the show ahead of the penultimate F1 race of the season.

Adding extra flair to the show floor are a number of concept cars, including models from Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, GMC, Maserati, MINI and Toyota, while some of the pulse-racing models due to make an appearance at this year's show include the new Bugatti Grand Veyron Sport – the fastest convertible in the world, the new Porsche 911 Carrera, the Maybach 62 and the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4.

In addition to the 500 plus vehicles on display, there are also interactive features for visitors, including the Nissan Live Action Track, the Driving Dynamics Racetrack sponsored by Audi and Wheels, the MINI Test Driving Arena, and the Infiniti Fastest Tyre Change Contest on a replica F1 racing car.

Lead sponsors of this year’s Dubai International Motor Show include Victory/Polaris as Gold Sponsor, Continental Tires as Official Tyre Sponsor and ENOC / EPPCO as Strategic Partner,

Lexus 2012 models to raise benchmark on luxury offerings in the UAE


Al-Futtaim Motors, exclusive distributors of Lexus in the UAE, has announced the arrival of the much anticipated 2012 models which are expected to raise the benchmark for luxury automobile offerings in the UAE.

Focusing on engaging the senses of its customers and appealing to a young and new generation, Lexus’s new 2012 model range demonstrates the brand’s shift from its traditional attributes of luxurious refinement to a real focus on sharper style and emotional appeal.

Saud Abbasi, General Manager Al-Futtaim Motors-Lexus, said, “These are exciting times for Lexus. The arrival of the model year 2012 range is expected to garner positive responses from new as well as existing customers in the UAE. The strength of Lexus lies in the way leading edge technology and finesse have been matched together to make the driving experience as captivating as possible, and our customers appreciate that”.

He added, “We are highly optimistic about the demand these cars will generate in the coming months. In addition to presenting this exciting new line-up, we will be unveiling new much-awaited models later this year.”

The MY12 models which will be available in the UAE in October include the CT, IS, LS, RX, GX and ES.

The 2012 Lexus models are inspired by the L-finesse philosophy and certain models even get the muscular edge with the optional sports package. The IS 250 and the IS 300 models receive an optional sportier appearance package while the GX 460 transitions into 2012 with many enhanced sport front and rear appearance features.

Another big change for this year’s model line-up is the new colour palate. All IS sedan models, the hybrid models and the ES 350 will get Mercury Gray as a new exterior colour option replacing the Dark Gray. The ES 350 gets its own Starlight Black replacing the Deep Peridot while the IS exclusively gets Fire Agate replacing the Bluish Pearl as an exterior colour. The Orange/Black combination seating and interior theme is also replaced by an all-new Red and Black two-tone leather trim in the ISF.

The CT 200h features new leather seat options and Bluetooth connectivity while the new GX and ES come with new day running lamps. The GX features a new high gloss finish on the wheels
The Prestige and Platinum models of RX are equipped with panoramic roof, creating extra light and airy feel, extending styling image of RX.



AW Rostamani Trading Co. LLC launches 3 new MG models during Dubai International Motor Show – 2011


·   MG 350 – 1.5L Engine (Four door sedan)
·   MG 6 – 1.8Turbo (Saloon and Fast-back body styles)
·   MG 3 – 1.3L & 1.5L (Hatchback)




Dubai, November 10th 2011 - AW Rostamani Trading, part of the AW Rostamani Group, today added 3 new exciting models to its famous MG brand line up at the 2011 Dubai International Motor Show.

Morris Garages, better known as MG, and one of the world’s most famous car brands has been a pioneer in the British automotive industry since 1924.  Over the years MG cars, signified by excellent engineering and British quality, has been recognized through numerous accolades.  MG was re-launched in 2008 by Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), the number one automotive manufacturer by sales in China.  With 3.48 million vehicles sales in 2010, SAIC is now the 8th largest automotive manufacturer globally.  SAIC has state-of-art MG manufacturing plants and R&D centers located at Shanghai and Nanjing in China, and Birmingham in UK.

Speaking from the MG stand, Michel Ayat – CEO AWR Automotives, commented: “Today we are adding a further three models to the MG range to complete a truly exciting product line for this famous British car brand which enjoys such an incredible heritage. Truly we can say our journey with the MG brand starts today, and thanks to the excellent quality assurance from SAIC and the local sales and service guaranteed by AW Rostamani our strategy is to steadily build a loyal following for MG in the UAE.”

The MG 350 is an exquisitely elegant car with classical design, punchy performance of 1.5-litre (107hp) VCT engines powering the front wheels via a 4-speed auto transmission.   MG 350 comes with highly efficient dynamics, confident handling, a spacious interior and multiple safety options which set a benchmark for this new era of MG. AW Rostamani Trading will sell the new MG 350 in the UAE starting from AED 49,500 in November 2011.

The MG 6 is available in either a Fast-Back or Saloon body styles with standout British styling and plenty of glamour to provide an outstanding mix of performance and control, creating a whole new set of standards for medium-sized cars. The MG 6 comes with a 1.8-litre Turbo (158hp) engine and a 5-speed ‘Tiptronic’ auto transmission which includes sporty F2-style paddle shifters.   Other luxury standard features include a CD player, fog lamps and cruise control. AW Rostamani Trading will sell the new MG 6 in the UAE starting from AED 71,500 in November 2011.

Finally, the new MG 3 is a British super-mini hatchback with 80 years of history and constant innovation behind it.   The MG 3 comes with excellent maneuverability and an easy driving style. It will be available in two grade levels with a choice of either a 1.3-litre (87hp) or 1.5-litre (106hp) engine mated to a 5-speed auto transmission with Tiptronic functionality.    Standard features include USB and ‘AUX-in’ audio connectivity and driver and passenger airbags. AW Rostamani Trading will sell the new MG 3 in the UAE starting from AED 43,500 in November 2011.