“This is a fantastic car to drive and remains extremely rapid as well. We take great pride in making sure all the cars Bentley owns continue to regularly compete or run and are not museum exhibits, which is very much the Bentley way, and we are all looking forward to the unique Mille Miglia experience.”

The car is perhaps best known for its epic duel with a 7 litre ‘Kompressor’ Mercedes (also supercharged) at Le Mans in 1930 with Birkin putting his off-side wheels on the grass as he completed a typically daring pass of his Mercedes opponent Rudolf Caracciola at 120mph. The Blower immediately threw one of its rear tyre treads, but somehow Birkin carried on to set the fastest lap.

Sadly Birkin’s campaign ended after 82 laps but the immense pressure he applied to the Mercedes is wildly credited with assisting his fellow Bentley Boys Woolf Barnato and Glenn Kidston to win the race in their Bentley Speed Six.

The second Bentley Blower to take-on Mille Miglia was completed in 1930 and is fitted with a beautiful Vanden Plas Open, Sports Four Seater body. It was owned by Bentley Motors as a customer demonstrator car before passing into private ownership. An early review praised it as “a car with the strongest possible individuality and it is certain that it is immensely likeable no matter what angle one may regard it”.

Repurchased by Bentley Motors in 1997, the car continues to turn heads at Bentley customer events across the world and is still faithfully fulfilling demonstration rides well into its ninth decade.

“There are currently over 100,000 miles on this elegant Blower Bentley but we’re certain it has completed many more than this,” comments Richard Charlesworth.

“However, everyone at Bentley is confident the car will run for many, many years to come and will complete the 1,000 mile round-trip to and from Brescia.”

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The partnership between the two brands will also see a range of specially commissioned Maserati and Bowers & Wilkins P5 headphones and a new 805 Diamond loudspeaker, to become available to consumers late in 2013.

The Maserati Quattroporte features fifteen Bowers & Wilkins speaker units, built into the cabin’s internal architecture, strategically placed to offer a listening experience which is both rich and exciting. Featuring HARMAN’s QuantumLogic signal processing and Auravox equalisation, ensuring that wherever you sit, you’ll have the same listening experience.

Commenting on the tour, Howie B said: “Every musical project has its distinct challenge, whether it is working with a big recording artist like U2 or Björkor whether it is marrying an unanimated object with an animated object, in this case the engine with the music group. The resultant SEVEN NOTES tracks exceeded what I could have imagined. The SEVEN NOTES WORLD TOUR will bring this music to life in Dubai via a stunning audio-visual feast that has never been seen before.”

Visiting Dubai before heading to Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, Los Angeles, New York and London, plus a special date during the Men’s Fashion Week in Milan, the ‘SEVEN NOTES WORLD TOUR’ will encompass an exclusive live performance of the SEVEN NOTES tracks by Howie B at each location. Howie B will be supported by local DJ talent in each city, making each individual performance uniquely different. The results of all this will be available to download exclusively at www.SevenNotes.com

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• Multiple championship winner and head of prestigious Ducati Riding Experience, Dario Marchetti to race in penultimate round of 2012-2013 series.

• One-off entry set to prove 1199 Panigale R is most competitive superbike on the market

The penultimate round of this season’s UAE Sportbike Series (29 March) will feature a very special participant, as one of the world’s leading Ducati riders, Dario Marchetti flies in to make his racing debut in the Emirates. Marchetti, a multiple championship winner around the globe, will take his place on the grid at the Dubai Autodrome in the 1000cc class, riding a 1199 Panigale R.

Dario’s entry, on behalf of Ducati UAE, will see him battle it out with current 1000cc championship leader, Saudi rider Abdulaziz Bin Laden. Bin Laden has enjoyed an impressive winning streak during the championship, emerging victorious in the past four races. The weekend’s racing will now pit Marchetti and his 1199 Panigale R against Bin Laden on his Honda Fireblade – a true battle of two of the world’s greatest superbikes.

Marchetti is Chief Instructor for the Ducati Riding Experience (DRE), recently running two sessions at Yas Marina Circuit, the first time the prestigious programme was held outside Ducati’s base in Italy. The Italian has enjoyed a diverse racing career, ranging from 500 GP to Superbike races. His list of honours includes four national titles, the Italian Endurance Championship in 2001 on a Ducati 996R, the Battle of the Twins race at Daytona aboard a 748 in 2004 and the European Endurance Championship later that year riding a 998 and 999R.

Marchetti commented “Coming to the UAE is always a privilege, so it’s especially exciting to be coming to race on one of the Middle East’s great circuits. Learning the track at such short notice and adjusting to it will be a big challenge, but it’s a challenge that I’m looking forward to taking on, and I couldn’t have a better bike than the 1199 Panigale R to do it on.”

Paul Velasco, Communications Manager at the Dubai Autodrome, said “Having a rider of the quality of Dario Marchetti participate in the series demonstrates that there is increasing recognition of the importance of motorcycle racing in the UAE. It will also make for a fascinating battle for all spectators, in particular as Abdulaziz Bin Laden has been in such great form over the season.”

The 195hp 1199 Panigale R is the absolute flagship of the Ducati range. Special enhancement to the Panigale R by Ducati Corse, the Italian manufacturer’s motorcycle racing wing, make it the ideal machine for World Superbike homologation. By racing in the UAE Sportbike Series, Marchetti is aiming to demonstrate that Ducati’s flagship model is the best superbike on the market today.

Like all the 2013 1199 models, the 1199 Panigale R is equipped with the latest generation engine mapping and Ride-by-Wire calibration, further enhancing the Ducati Superbike ride experience. As well as being the lightest motorcycle in its category, the flagship R model also introduces a race-oriented, 4-point adjustable swingarm pivot, titanium con-rods and a 500rpm higher rev limit (12,000rpm) in addition to a Race Kit of performance components, including a full Termignoni race exhaust system.

Ducati UAE’s decision to enter Marchetti and the 1199 Panigale R in the race recognises the importance of the UAE to the brand. Just last year one the world’s biggest Ducati dealerships was opened in Abu Dhabi, following on from the launch of the new Dubai dealership in 2010. The 1199 Panigale also enjoyed its global launch at the Yas Marina Circuit earlier in 2012.

Founded in 1962, Ducati motorcycles are the purest expression of refined engineering, unmistakable design and, above all, passion for bikes. Over the years the Ducati brand has been extremely successful in international racing, winning one MotoGP title, 14 World Superbike titles, eight British Superbike titles and two AMA titles.

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The 2013 Bentley Boutique at the Geneva Motor Show showcases a selection of the company’s new and exciting products, created with luxury and performance in mind in collaboration with partnership brands.

‘Breitling for Bentley’ Light Body Midnight Carbon Watch

Bentley and Breitling have once again combined British chic and Swiss horological excellence to create a limited edition, ultra-sporty Bentley Light Body Midnight Carbon chronograph. Displayed in the Bentley Boutique at the Geneva Motor Show, the limited edition watch conceals a light and sturdy titanium chassis featuring a highly resistant carbon-based coating beneath its all-black exterior.

The dashboard-style dial displays exclusive Breitling technical features highlighted by red-rimmed indications. The originality and strength of the design are accentuated by the hands and hour-markers, also clad in matt black and enhanced by a luminescent coating ensuring optimal readability in the dark. The midnight black rubber strap is distinguished by its central raised motif echoing that of the knurled bezel – a refined nod to the famous radiator grilles gracing the prow of a Bentley.

The watch is limited to only 1,000 pieces worldwide, the unrivalled performance of this elegant and reliable watch is powered by a self-winding chronograph movement chronometer. Further information can be found at http://www.breitlingforbentley.com.

‘zai for Bentley’

Bentley is proud to present the new limited edition ‘zai for Bentley’ ski, poles and bag. Working with Bentley’s own styling team, Swiss ski manufacturer zai AG has created the new skis incorporating innovative, unique combinations of materials resulting in unmatched levels of performance and durability.

The new skis comprise a natural rubber surface, offering uncompromised comfort, integrated with a spring steel to mirror the Bentley matrix grille. Similarly to a Bentley, the ski is based upon a pureness of design and hand craftsmanship that will meet the technical demands of the most avid skier.

The skis are limited to 100 pairs in both white and green and are available through zai and Bentley dealers. Further information can be found at www.zaiforbentley.com.

‘Lalique for Bentley’ and ‘Bentley for Men’

The collaboration between Bentley and Art & Fragrance, owner of Lalique, creates the bespoke ‘Lalique for Bentley Crystal Edition’, an impressive crystal flacon with the legendary ‘Flying B’ Bentley mascot. The eau de parfum itself, composed by Mylène Alran, from the French perfume house Robertet, is a fitting elixir of fine woody notes and exquisite leather to complement the epicentres of excellence within Bentley’s craftsmanship.

The ‘Bentley for Men’ and the high-impact ‘Bentley for Men Intense’ fragrances are created by top French perfumer Nathalie Lorson, from the perfume house Firmenich.  She has skilfully transformed the quintessence of the luxury automotive brand Bentley into a superb and unmistakeable fragrance experience. To do so, the finest perfume raw ingredients have been used, including those must-haves for Bentley’s debut fragrance, fine wood and leather notes.

The captivating Bentley fragrances are available at carefully selected perfumeries and department stores from April 2013.

Mulsanne fitted luggage set

Bentley has created a stylish range of luggage to fit effortlessly into its flagship Mulsanne model. The luggage, hand-made by Schedoni of Italy, allows the customer to tailor the specification of the set to match the hides within their own car. The design of this range is inspired directly from the key styling elements within the inner door panelling of the Mulsanne. The full set consists of two large cases, two foldable garment bags and two small cases.

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• Aero-led design produces more downforce than any other production road car
• 916PS (903 hp) generated by 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine coupled to an electric motor gives tremendous power and instant throttle response with an electronically limited top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph)
• Active ride height, and aerodynamics work with large adjustable rear wing to give ground effect suction and optimised downforce
• IPAS (Instant Power Assist System) and DRS (Drag Reduction System) offer instant boost of power and straight-line speed
• The MonoCage is one of the lightest carbon fibre full-body structures used in any road car to date, weighing 90kg. This weight includes the roof and lower structures, roof snorkel, engine air intake cavity, battery and power electronics housing
• MonoCage chassis includes fibres more than five times the strength of the best grade titanium, and includes the use of Kevlar
• 0 to 300 km/h in less than 17 seconds – five seconds quicker than the legendary McLaren F1
• To maintain exclusivity, production will be strictly limited to 375 units

The astonishing new McLaren P1™, which debuts in production form at the Geneva Motor Show, has a clear goal – to be the best driver’s car in the world on road and track. To achieve this objective, McLaren is using all of its 50 years of racing experience and success, especially in the fields of aerodynamics and lightweight carbon fibre technology.

The result is a car that has an unprecedented amount of downforce for a road vehicle: similar levels to a GT3 racing car and yet with even greater ground effect. This downforce not only boosts cornering and braking performance. It also helps balance, stability and driveability at all speeds.

‘McLaren introduced the carbon fibre chassis to the world of Formula 1 in 1981 with the MP4/1, and we had the first carbon-bodied road car,’ says McLaren Automotive Executive Chairman Ron Dennis. ‘We have always been at the cutting edge of vehicle aerodynamics, and all of this experience has gone into the new McLaren P1™. Twenty years ago, with the McLaren F1, we raised the supercar performance bar. With the McLaren P1™, we have redefined it once more.’

The best driver’s car in the world must also have exceptional straight-line performance and instant throttle response. To deliver this, the McLaren P1™ uses an innovative IPAS petrol-electric powertrain comprising a substantially revised 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, coupled to a single electric motor, collectively known as M838TQ. Combined power output is 916 PS (903 hp). As important as absolute power is the electric motor’s ability to provide instant torque, making the powertrain superbly responsive. It is also amazingly efficient. Carbon dioxide emissions are less than 200g/km, and it can cover more than 10 km in electric-only mode.

Top speed is electronically limited to 350 km/h (217 mph), with the 0-100 km/h standing start acceleration taking less than three seconds .The McLaren P1™ will power from rest to 200 km/h in less than seven seconds, and on to 300 km/h in less than 17 seconds – a full five seconds quicker than the McLaren F1.

‘We believe the McLaren P1™ is the most exciting, capable, technologically advanced and most dynamically accomplished supercar ever made,’ says McLaren P1™ programme director, Paul Mackenzie.  ‘It may not be the fastest car in the world in absolute top speed, but that was never our goal. Rather, we believe it is the fastest ever production car on a racing circuit, a much more important technical statement, and far more relevant for on-road driving. It is a true test of a supercar’s all-round ability. Plus many owners will use the car on the circuit, at special track and test days.’

The astonishing technology developed for the McLaren P1™ includes active aerodynamics and adjustable suspension – both now banned in Formula 1, due to being seen to give a performance advantage. Airflow is optimised around the body through the use of an active wing and underbody devices. The adjustable rear wing can extend from the bodywork by 120mm on road, up to 300mm on the race track, maximising the levels of downforce. The wing is directly inspired by Formula 1 design, with the intersection of the double element rear wing and design of the endplates being the same as that on the 2008 championship winning MP4-23.

In addition, the McLaren P1™ also features adjustable ride height as part of the new hydro-pneumatic suspension. The revolutionary RaceActive Chassis Control (RCC) can lower the car by 50mm in Race mode, to produce ground effect aerodynamics. It also features adaptive spring rates, roll control, pitch control and damping, all providing a huge range of adjustment, making the McLaren P1™ perfect for either road or track. In Race mode, the spring rates stiffen by 300 per cent, allowing the McLaren P1™ to corner at more than 2g.

Formula 1-inspired technology permeates the McLaren P1™. The revolutionary new carbon fibre MonoCage monocoque forms a complete structure incorporating the vehicle’s roof and its distinctive snorkel air intake – a styling feature inspired by the McLaren F1 road car.

McLaren is an acknowledged world leader in carbon technology. The material offers lightness, strength and rigidity – improving performance, safety, handling, agility, durability, efficiency and ride comfort. The body panels of the McLaren P1™ are also made from lightweight yet strong carbon composite, with their complex shapes tuned for optimal aerodynamics.

The McLaren P1™ was designed from the outset to prioritise aerodynamic performance – just like a Formula 1 car. As with a Formula 1 car, wind tunnel testing and CFD (computational fluid dynamics) aerodynamic modelling were used to optimise the aerodynamic flow, both to provide incredible levels of downforce and to cool the powertrain. The result is 600kg of downforce at well below maximum speed (257 km/h / 161 mph) in Race mode, which is considerably higher than most other high performance supercars, and more in line with the levels of downforce generated by a GT3 racing car. This downforce improves the car’s cornering ability, especially in high speed corners. Balance, agility and controllability are all outstanding.

Other areas of Formula 1 technology evident on the McLaren P1™ include the revolutionary layered carbon ceramic brakes, developed for the road by McLaren’s Formula 1 partners Akebono. The highly efficient IPAS (Instant Power Assist System) is a development of KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) used on Formula 1 cars, while DRS (Drag Reduction System) is also used on the McLaren P1™, giving extra power and straight-line speed both at the touch of a button. Brake Steer – an outlawed Formula 1 technology – is also used on the McLaren P1™. It improves cornering behaviour and cornering speed.

‘The carryover Formula 1 technology on the McLaren P1™ is palpable,’ notes Dick Glover, Research Director. ‘From the aero work, to the carbon fibre MonoCage monocoque and body, to the active suspension [now banned in Formula 1] to the Brake Steer [now banned in Formula 1], to the turbocharging [which comes back into Formula 1 in 2014], to many other engine examples including the low crankshaft and dry sump lubrication.’

The IPAS petrol-electric powertrain also ties in with upcoming Formula 1 regulations. From next year (2014), Formula 1 cars will have hybrid power, including an electric mode for the pit lane.

The McLaren P1™ name is also inspired by Formula 1. P1 refers to ‘first place’ or ‘position one’ – particularly fitting as McLaren has 182 Grand Prix victories and 155 pole positions to-date, in its 47-year Formula 1 history. There is also heritage in that name: the McLaren F1 was initially known internally within McLaren as Project 1, or P1.

Despite the huge performance, the McLaren P1™ is also a refined and comfortable high-speed supercar. ‘It is designed to be driven to the racing circuit, with great levels of comfort and refinement,’ says McLaren P1™ programme director, Paul Mackenzie. ‘And then to be used on the racing circuit, where it will offer an experience matched only by purpose-built race cars.’

Adds Chief Design Engineer Dan Parry-Williams: ‘It’s fast on the racetrack but still fast, comfortable and refined on the road.

‘The brief was to make a refined, fuel efficient car that is faster than anything else on the racetrack but that is also as fast as anything you could use on the road while not compromising ride or comfort.’

The ownership experience with the McLaren P1™ will be as special as the car itself,  Greg Levine, McLaren Automotive Sales and Marketing Director explains: “Owners will become part of the McLaren family, if they aren’t already. To maintain exclusivity, we have closely monitored demand, and announced a production number of just 375 units – a figure that will ensure the McLaren P1™ will remain a rarity and, if spotted on the road, an unforgettable sight.”

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Dubai, United Arab Emirates: 

The Dubai International Boat Show was opened today by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, kicking off the region’s biggest and most prolific marine leisure exhibition for its 21^st edition, led by strong international demand.

Thousands of visitors streamed through the gates on the first day of the show, being held at Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) – Mina Seyahi from March 5-9, with 11 global and 20 regional launches taking place over the five days. Industry heavyweights launching boats include Al Shaali Marine, Art Marine, Chris Craft, Delma Marine, Du Boats, Fountaine Pajot, Gulf Craft, IMG Boats, Safwa Marine, Sanlorenzo, Riviera and Van Dutch among others. Among those taking centre stage this year is Gulf Craft, a leading UAE-based manufacturer, which announced the start of construction of a new Majesty 155 luxury superyacht – the largest ever to be constructed in the company’s 31-year history and is set to be completed in 2015. Other key launches include KaiserWerft’s launch of a 30m yacht, Sanlorenzo’s launch of a 40m yacht, and VanDutch’s world launch of a 55ft boat.

“We are extremely honoured and grateful to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai for his support and presence at this year’s Dubai International Boat Show. Dubai is a lucrative platform for the leisure boating community in the Middle East and globally, and the show continues to cement its role as the catalyst for increased foreign investment and business opportunities,” said H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Director General of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

More than 780 exhibiting brands and companies are participating in the show with 126 new exhibitors at the show for the first time this year. Industry stalwarts include Al Shaali Marine, ART Marine, Aquaspeed, Azimut Yachts, Delma Marine, Emirates Boats, Exalto, Elcome, Gulf Craft, Gulf Development Systems, Heinen & Hopman, IMG Boats, Japan Marine, Luxury Sea Boats, Macky Marine, MTU, Princess Yachts, Sunseeker and Al Yousuf Yamaha.

The show has seen strong international demand with more than 49 countries participating and debut appearances from Armenia, Belgium, Malaysia, Malta, Palau and the Russian Federation. The event has seen the United States and Italy increase their total exhibition space by 110% and 47% respectively, with Turkey increasing its floor space by eight times. A new Florida pavilion signifies a greater demand for American-made products and leisure crafts, with a 200% increase in products overall from the United States.

An impressive 430 boats will be on display throughout the event, featuring at least 19 luxurious superyachts. In addition, members of the newly established ‘Super Yacht Experience’, under the umbrella of the prestigious Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss), will be at the show to conduct business with affluent visitors seeking to purchase luxury boats. Super Yacht Experience members participating in the show include Amels, Benetti Yachts, CRN, Fincantieri Yachts, Fr. Lurssen Werft GmbH, Heesen Yachts, Mondomarine, Oceanco, Palmer Johnson and Trinity Yachts. According to a 2013 forecast by Superyacht.com, 60% of the top 100 superyachts are owned by Middle East residents.

The ‘Made in UAE Pavilion’, a show first, is aimed at providing a platform for small-to-medium UAE boat builders such as Al Hareb Marine, Julfar Craft, Legacy Yachts and Ocean Boats, to increase local and global market exposure for the UAE boat manufacturing industry.

The Gulf Boating Conference and Luxury Supplies and Services (LSS) and Equipment Supplies and Services (ESS) Industry Seminars provide an opportunity for experts and industry professionals to address the latest trends, technologies and regulations affecting the marine leisure sector. The Gulf Boating Conference entitled ‘The Evolving Middle East Boating Market’ takes place on March 6, 2013 and the LSS and ESS Industry Seminars take place from March 6 – 7, 2013 with topics ranging from training and development, diving in the GCC, yacht interiors and new technologies.

Dive Middle East, the region’s only dedicated diving exhibition, brings together international manufacturers and local suppliers of sub-aqua diving equipment and services, with live demonstrations and daily ‘try-a-dive’ sessions. Dive Middle East sees a 35% expansion over last year, with new international exhibitors for this segment travelling from France, Germany, Oman and the USA.

The popular Retail Village and Heritage Village return this year with spectacular live entertainment to be enjoyed throughout the show. Other exciting highlights include visitor prize draws with the chance to win amazing prizes throughout the show, including a Yamaha WaveRunner, opening passes and accommodation to the Cannes Film Festival, Champions League passes, a Yas Marina F1 race package and much more.

The exciting Supercar Promenade returns to the show for the third year and brings with it a range of limited edition models and the finest examples of engineering prowess available on four wheels. Bentley, Brabus, McLaren and Rolls Royce are some of the luxury motoring brands that will showcase their latest models.

With even easier access to this year’s Dubai International Boat Show, free Water Taxis are provided by the RTA from Skydive Dubai and Dubai Marina Mall and shuttle buses will provide transportation from Gateway Towers at the entrance of Palm Jumeirah.  These services will allow visitors to spend ample time enjoying the vast selection of yachts, boats, and the full range of marine equipment available at show.

The Dubai International Boat Show is open to trade visitors and the general public from 3pm to 9:30pm daily from tomorrow and runs from March 5 – 9, 2013. General admission is AED60 per person for all attendees, while children under 12 will be admitted free of charge (they must be accompanied by an adult at all times). Access to the Marina Display Area may be restricted at certain times.

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Dubai International Boat Show 2013

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In their first official public appearance together, Group Executive Chairman, Ron Dennis CBE, and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Sergio ‘Checo’ Perez will discuss and give further details of the groundbreaking and much anticipated production-intent McLaren P1™ at next week’s Geneva Motor Show.

The McLaren Automotive press conference will take place on Stand 1240, Hall 1 at 11.15CET (10.15GMT), Tuesday 5 March 2013 at the 83rd International Motor Show in Geneva.

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The Middle East is renowned for their automobile crazy audiences and it is a common sight to see roads in Dubai, Beirut and other parts of the gulf region adorned with the finest automobiles from around the world. Channeling this very obsession for cars, it was only a matter of time before a revolutionary hypercar emerged from the Middle East, courtesy of the world’s first Arabian Motor Company, W Motors.

July 2012 witnessed the lavish launch of W Motors at the Sursock Palace in Beirut wherein the company’s shareholders publicly vowed to deliver the world’s most exclusive hypercar to the passionate addressees. This ambitious promise and vision has now been realized with the birth of the elite and exclusive hypercar, the W Motors Lykan, which recently had its world premiere and official launchon the 28^th of January, 2013at the International Qatar Motor Show, in the presence of global media. Over 150,000 visitors attended the showand visited the W Motors stand to witness the exquisite Lykan in action.

Speaking out on the Lykan, the CEO and founder of W Motors, Mr. Ralph Debbas said, “This is history in the making, the First Arabian Hypercar, the most exceptional Hypercar the world will ever see.”

Named after the most advanced species of wolves in the mythical legends but written with a ‘K,’ the Lykan possesses a luxurious blend of power, advanced design, technology and exclusivity with only seven units of the car being manufactured. Absolutely distinctive in every way, the innovative Lykan is powered by a Flat-6 Twin Turbo, Mid-rear mounted engine producing 750 horsepower and 1000Nm of Torque with a sprint from 0 to 100Kmh in less than 2.8 seconds and a maximum speed of 395 kilometers per hour, engineered with the perfect balance between power, torque and speed, creating an exceptional driving machine for a remarkable driving experience.

The Lykan features a cutting edge holographic display with interactive motion, an ID4 motion dashboard and uniquely designed seatsfor ultimate comfort and safety.

Adding a touch of modern luxury with the integration of the most refined and luxurious materials both inside and outside, the Lykan comes with Diamond encrusted LED lights that lend the hypercar a magnificent finish and glow (220 diamonds, 15k in each light).  Additionally, the car comes with gold-wire stitched interiors, a 24/7 concierge service and a patented design Cyrus Klepcys watch, that has been dedicated to Lykan owners only. (7/7)

W Motors received dozens of interested buyers from around the world for the first Arabian Hypercar and one of the most expensive in the world, even managing to lock a record-breaking sale on the opening day of the show.

Anthony Jannarelly, the Design Director at W Motors said, “The way the design of the Lykan has been unanimously acclaimed by the public, the professionals and our new clients has no precedent in the automotive world”

Touted a “modern machine with a touch of humanity,” the limited edition Lykan is priced at 3.4 million Dollars making it one of the most exclusive and exquisite cars in the world.

Commenting on W Motors, the founding partner of the company, Sari El Khalil said, “In a bid to closely cater to our clientele in the region, W Motors have also recently set up offices in Downtown Dubai with plans to open offices, showrooms and design studios around the Gulf region.”

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• Ultimate high luxury sedan with unrivalled performance 
• New Flying Spur brings more comfort and refinement
• Fastest, most powerful four-door Bentley model ever
• Sleek and elegant new styling
• Contemporary cabin design with traditional hand-crafted luxury
• Lighter overall despite enhanced specification
• Connectivity and infotainment with own Wi-Fi hotspot
• Global debut at Geneva Motor Show 2013

Bentley establishes a new luxury performance sedan benchmark with the launch of the new Flying Spur. With its unrivalled blend of effortless driveability, exquisite luxury and craftsmanship, sculpted design and state-of-the-art technology, the new Flying Spur takes the worldwide success of its iconic predecessor further. Bentley’s most powerful four-door model ever makes its global debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show on 5^th March.

Bentley’s styling team has developed an athletic design for the new Flying Spur that combines traditional Bentley styling cues with a sporting stance and contemporary details. Sharp feature lines complement muscular rear haunches, while LED day-time running lights, dipped headlights and taillights characterise the front and rear profiles. The interior designers have created a luxurious, spacious cabin that dresses advanced acoustic and electronic technologies in exquisite hand-crafted leather hides and wood veneers.

Driver and passengers alike interface with the car and the outside world through touch-screen infotainment, mobile connectivity including Wi-Fi, a Rear Seat Entertainment suite and a new hand-held Touch Screen Remote which allows rear-cabin occupants to control an extensive range of features from the comfort of their seat. An eight-channel, eight-speaker audio system with Balanced Mode Radiators provides high quality sound clarity, with the 1100W Naim^® for Bentley premium system available as an option.

Powering the new Flying Spur is Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine, coupled to a ZF eight-speed transmission. Developing 625 PS (616 bhp) and 800 Nm of torque, the new Flying Spur features more power than any other Bentley four-door in history. A 14 per cent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio over the outgoing model delivers a breath-taking 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top-speed of 200 mph (322 km/h). In the modern Bentley tradition, power is delivered to the road via all-wheel drive with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split for a sure-footed, engaging drive in all road and weather conditions.

Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, comments: “Bentley’s new Flying Spur is the ultimate luxury performance sedan. Our engineers have worked tirelessly to ensure that the Flying Spur is the perfect combination of power, comfort, refinement and hand-crafted quality. Fitted with the very latest technology, the new Flying Spur is equipped both for business and relaxation whilst remaining a car to enjoy from behind the wheel.”

A SLEEK AND STRIKING EXTERIOR

The styling of the new Flying Spur establishes a new design character for Bentley’s performance sedan. An elegant direction is reflected by a lower, wider appearance with sharp lines and gently curvaceous surfaces. A lower roof line, deeply sculpted panels, precise feature lines and a muscular rear haunch give the Flying Spur a more aggressive stance and a powerfully dynamic profile.

The front fenders feature a striking new wing vent complete with an elegant Bentley “B” motif. From here, an additional feature line forms a sharply defined edge running from the front wheel all the way to the rear bumper, underlining the shape’s dynamic character.

At the front of the car, a more upright chrome grille sits between the pairs of jewel-like LED headlamps. Emphasising the lower, wider stance, the outer lamps are the larger of the two. Beneath the front grille, the lower intake is now full width with no vertical divisions, but instead with a chromed horizontal accent that completes the dramatic face of the new Flying Spur.

At the rear, a longer and lower boot lid lends a more swept appearance to the side profile. Horizontal single ellipse LED tail lamps combine with a new interpretation of the Bentley “Horse Shoe” feature line, now running the full width of the car and encapsulating a graceful concave section.

Beneath the elegant skin of the new Flying Spur, a wide range of materials is applied in an intelligent and efficient manner. Designed to improve overall body stiffness and refinement whilst meeting stringent crash performance targets and pedestrian protection legislation, the new body structure includes reinforcement to the B-posts, sills and front crossmembers together with deformable components in the floorpan for optimal load transfer. A deployable bonnet that includes both new reinforcement panels and deformation elements helps to improve pedestrian impact performance.

The bonnet and front fenders are constructed in aluminium, with the fenders shaped using the aerospace-industry superforming technique, employing compressed air to shape heated sheets of alloy into the required form at over 500°C. Exceptionally clean lines with sharp radii and lighter-weight components are the result, giving the new Flying Spur an unmistakeably Bentley front end with extremely taut shut lines.

The new door structures are completely redesigned with fewer individual parts for improved quality and refinement. An optimisation of the doors realised through efficient use of materials contributes to much improved door kinematics and feel. Meanwhile, further weight savings are achieved through the crafting of the bootlid in a polymer composite material that also integrates the main antennae for the car’s electronic systems.

The exterior design, manufacturing processes and carefully optimised materials selections combine to provide a bodyshell that is not only muscular and clean, with minimal shutlines, but also one that performs exceptionally well on the road. With a torsional stiffness of 36,500 Nm/degree, a 4% increase over the previous generation Flying Spur, the new bodyshell provides an extremely rigid platform for the chassis components and a stable foundation for NVH reduction. The sleek shape also has outstanding aerodynamic properties for a large sedan, with an overall drag coefficient of just 0.29 and ensuing benefits to emissions performance.

Weight savings in the body structure and throughout the car mean that the new Flying Spur is 50 kg lighter than the first generation car, despite the additional refinement measures, enhanced technology specification and stronger structure.

A CONTEMPORARY CABIN OF HAND-CRAFTED MATERIALS

The sumptuous interior of the new Flying Spur includes 600 new parts, with only the sun visors, grab handles, armrests and some of the front console and controls carried over from the previous generation. Class-leading entertainment and information technologies are married with traditional hand-crafted materials and stunning contemporary design to create the ultimate high-luxury sedan cabin.

Available in both four- and five-seat configurations, the new Flying Spur features redesigned front and rear seats trimmed in natural premium-quality leather. The new seats use a softer yet more durable hide unique to Bentley and available in twelve different colours.

Careful use of different foam specifications and densities creates seats that are both supremely comfortable and supportive, with 14-way adjustment including memory and lumbar functions. Every occupant is offered seat heating as well as seat ventilation, while additional stowage sections are incorporated to the rear of the front seats.

For the four-seat variant, the centre console sweeps from the front to the rear cabin and introduces an additional storage area together with a beautifully crafted stowage case, trimmed in veneer to match the car.

The interior designers, together with the craftsmen and women of Bentley’s renowned woodshop, have applied the finest wood veneers to finish the cabin of the new Flying Spur. Utilising almost ten square metres of sustainably sourced natural wood per car, the Flying Spur features book-matched and mirror-polished veneer to the fascia panels, consoles, waistrails and picnic tables. To enhance the “wrap-around” feel of the forward cabin, the veneer of the dashboard meets that of the doors in a perfectly aligned curve, giving the impression of an unbroken arc of wood around the interior. Crafted entirely by hand, cured for 72 hours and clear-lacquered to enhance the natural beauty of the wood, a range of seven sophisticated veneers is available (two as standard – burr walnut or dark fiddleback eucalyptus).

To complete the luxurious and opulent nature of the cabin, the roof lining and pillars are also trimmed in natural leather. Layers of supple foam are applied to all tactile surfaces beneath the hide, harmonising the touch and feel of all areas of the cabin. Electrically-operated rear side blinds, fitted as standard, permit privacy for rear-seat passengers if desired. Customers may also specify an optional glass sunroof at no additional cost. Behind the central rear armrest, a nine-litre bottle cooler can be specified to keep drinks perfectly chilled. The interior designers also focused on improving interior stowage around the cabin, whilst including new electronic technologies discretely throughout the interior.

CONNECTION TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD

Complementing the hand-crafted interior, the Flying Spur is equipped with carefully selected state-of-the-art technology, for both the driver and passengers. Central infotainment is controlled through a high resolution 8” touch-screen interface, complete with Bentley’s advanced satellite navigation system and Bluetooth connectivity, while infotainment features can be controlled by voice activation.

An eight-channel, eight-speaker audio system featuring Balanced Mode Radiator technology for optimum sound clarity and frequency range can play music from an on-board hard drive, CDs, DVDs, SD cards and via an iPod. The Naim^® for Bentley Premium Audio System, featuring redesigned separate subwoofers for improved bass extension and 1100 Watts of power, is available as an option for those wishing for the ultimate in-car audio experience.

Rear seat passengers have access to an extensive array of infotainment technology. A new Touch Screen Remote (TSR), deployed from a housing in the rear console at the touch of a button, allows passengers to control a variety of different systems. From climate controls and seat heating and ventilation through to the satellite navigation and multimedia systems, the TSR means passengers can interface with the car from the comfort of their seat.

Customers wishing to work on the move may order the new Flying Spur with the new Multi-Media Specification. Central to this is the Bentley Connectivity Unit (BCU) which allows portable devices, laptops and tablet computers to connect to the internet through the car’s own Wi-Fi hotspot with an active SIM and includes 64 GB of internal storage capacity. Two 10” LCD screens are installed to the backs of the front seats, while top-loading multimedia players sit in pockets fitted beneath, allowing the user to load and enjoy video, photo and music content from DVDs, SD cards, USB devices including iPods and iPads, and HDMI devices.

Each rear passenger can view separate content, or stream media from the BCU. A USB charging port keeps batteries fresh, and wired headphone ports complete the connections, allowing music and internet radio to be played directly through the BCU. Bentley wireless headphones complete the specification for the ultimate in rear-seat infotainment.

DESIGNED FOR EXCEPTIONAL COMFORT

Achieving class-leading comfort and refinement was a priority during the development of the new Flying Spur and the acoustic isolation of the cabin from external noise inputs was a particular focus. Bentley’s development and use of lightweight acoustic underfloor panels to minimise road noise continues, with aerodynamically optimised insulating sections applied to almost the entire underfloor of the car. Side glazing and both front and rear screens are made in acoustic glass, featuring a specially developed interlayer that reduces noise transmission. An improved sealing system around the side glazing now features two individual sealing points to reduce wind noise to a minimum regardless of road speed. The redesigned doors are also fitted with additional insulation to the outer skin, reducing noise diffusion in to the cabin. Enlarged rear mufflers reduce exhaust noise by 12 dB at 3000 rev/min for enhanced passenger comfort.

The heating and ventilation system is improved with the addition of a new Thermostatic Expansion Valve which drastically decreases the time taken to cool the cabin. An optional Climate Boost function features an enhanced blower system for improved cooling of the rear cabin.

With comfort paramount for the new Flying Spur, a new 19” tyre has been specifically developed, utilising a 12% relative increase in sidewall height combined with greater vertical compliance to improve impact isolation. During development, 12 different tyre constructions were tested and refined to find the optimum balance between refinement and handling performance.

EIGHT GEARS, SIX LITRES AND FOUR DRIVEN WHEELS

As Bentley’s most powerful engine, the 6.0-litre, twin turbocharged, 48-valve W12 is the natural choice to power the fastest ever Bentley four-door. Now delivering 625 PS (616 bhp) at 6,000 rev/min and a staggering 800 Nm (580 lb ft) of torque from only 2000 rev/min, the W12 has recently undergone a complete engine management system upgrade to the latest Bosch ME17 interface. Improved torque management, turbocharger control, driveability and emissions performance all result from the adoption and optimisation of the new system, with a resulting improvement in low speed responsiveness.

Coupled to the W12 is the very latest eight-speed, quick-shift automatic transmission from ZF. All Bentley models now feature this state-of-the-art gearbox. Delivering seamless and imperceptible shifts in under 200 milliseconds, the gearbox is not only designed to handle the mighty torque output of the W12 but also to ensure smooth and refined delivery of power to the wheels. An optimised set of gear ratios keeps the engine in its most efficient operating range under light loads and when cruising, contributing in an overall improvement in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions of more than 13 per cent over the outgoing model. The new Flying Spur delivers a combined cycle fuel economy of 19.2 mpg (14.7 litres/100 km), and CO₂ emissions of 343 g/km – impressive figures for a 12-cylinder ultra-luxury, high performance sedan.

The transmission feeds power to all four wheels via Bentley’s renowned all-wheel drive system. With a standard torque split of 60 per cent to the rear wheels and 40 per cent to the front, but the ability to vary this division up to 85 per cent to the rear axle or 65 per cent to the front depending on available traction, the Flying Spur’s drivetrain ensures optimal grip regardless of prevailing road or weather conditions. The assurance provided by such a sure-footed set-up means that the spirited driver can deploy all of the car’s available power and torque in a controlled and dependable manner, in virtually any circumstances.

A REFINED RIDE WITH DYNAMIC DELIVERY

With outstanding ride comfort of vital importance, the independent computer-controlled air suspension of the new Flying Spur is redesigned to maximise impact absorption and isolation. Compared to the outgoing model, suspension spring rates are softened front and rear by 10 per cent and 13 per cent respectively, for improved ride comfort in the normal operating region. The rate of stiffness increase during harder cornering has been increased for improved control of heave, pitch and roll. Anti-roll bars are softened by 13 per cent and 15 per cent to improve single wheel impact absorption. Suspension lever bushes all-round are softened by at least 25 per cent for reduced road surface-induced noise and vibration.

Working with the new springs, a damper hydraulic specification has been developed to maximise ride comfort. Working with a revised damper electronic control (CDC) strategy, this enables exceptional low speed ride performance while damping force increases significantly with speed, providing the optimum balance between body control and stability at all speeds. A four-position suspension control, with a widened range of settings, allows drivers to choose the level of damping to suit their preference.

The power steering system provides a comfort-orientated balance whilst maintaining optimum steering feel and precision throughout the speed range. A new specification of steering gear, together with a new calibration of the speed-sensitive system that regulates hydraulic fluid flow, provides variable assistance depending on vehicle speed. The new system delivers both high levels of isolation from surface deformations whilst ensuring driver confidence through the combination of accurate steering precision and a measured increase in steering effort when cornering.

As the new Flying Spur approaches its 200 mph (322 km/h) top speed, the ride height is automatically lowered via the air suspension system in order to compensate for aerodynamic forces. This helps not only to improve vehicle stability by optimising aerodynamic balance along the car, but also reduces drag, with benefits both to top speed and CO₂ output. The new car has a two-stage lowering strategy, firstly lowering by 5 mm at the front and 10 mm at the rear at 121 mph (195 km/h) and then by a further 8 mm and 13 mm respectively at 149 mph (240 km/h).

The multiple-mode Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is recalibrated to work in combination with the new chassis specification. The system is calibrated to ensure that the enthusiastic driver is not hindered by stability interventions and, where appropriate through the selection of the ESC Dynamic Mode, the driver can further explore the handling limits of the vehicle whilst still maintaining appropriate levels of stability control.

THE PERSONAL CHOICES

As with the entire Bentley range, the new Flying Spur is built to individual customers’ exacting specifications. A range of seventeen standard exterior paint colours includes Dark Cashmere, a sophisticated and contemporary addition to the Bentley palette. The extended paint range of over 100 colours is joined by Damson, a rich hue inspired by the extremely rare purple diamond, and one that is complemented by an optional matching hide colour.

A new 19-inch Classic wheel is fitted exclusively to the new Flying Spur, either bright-painted or with a diamond turned finish. The new design consolidates a wider range of 20-inch five-spoke, 21-inch six-spoke and 21-inch ten-spoke wheels available as cost options.

Customers wishing to extend the range of available options further can choose to include the Mulliner Driving Specification. This includes five additional hides, expanding the number of available shades to 17, and five further wood veneers. Bentley’s traditional diamond quilting is incorporated to the seats and door panels, together with an indented leather headlining and embroidered Bentley wings to the headrests. Drilled alloy foot pedals, a knurled sports gear lever, jewel filler cap and 21” two-piece five-spoke alloy wheels in painted or polished finish complete the Mulliner suite of options.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

* Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to Type Approval.

** Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to EPA certification.

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• Unique McLaren P1^TM design study heads to Dubai as part of Middle East tour
• Images released following an exclusive shoot of McLaren P1^TM at Bahrain International Circuit.
• McLaren P1^TM aims to be the best driver’s car on both road and track

Following its Middle East debut in Bahrain in January, stunning new photographs of the McLaren P1^TM, the next generation ultimate supercar from British sports car manufacturer McLaren Automotive, have been released ahead of its arrival in the United Arab Emirates this week.

Designed with one aim in mind, to simply be the best driver’s car in the world, on road and track, the McLaren P1^TM is one of the decade’s most highly anticipated cars.  Inspired by Formula 1 engineering, it will offer exceptional aerodynamics, amazing performance and bespoke design for every owner. McLaren Automotive and Al Habtoor Motors’ executives are set to welcome VIP guests to its UAE unveil at the Habtoor Grand Beach Resort and Spa.

The new images of the striking design study were taken at the Bahrain International Circuit – the home of motorsport in the Middle East.  Bahrain is the Middle East base for McLaren, and is also home of its majority shareholder, Mumtalakat.

McLaren Automotive Regional Director for the Middle East & Africa, Mark Harrison said: “After a successful launch in Bahrain, we are very excited to be bringing the McLaren P1™to the United Arab Emirates, where our retail partner, Al Habtoor Motors, has confirmed huge interest in this unique car. This year marks our 50^th year anniversary, so it is apt that we are gearing up to launch a car that we feel will redefine the parameters for performance, on both circuit and road. This is why we have released these unique and stunning images, taken at the BIC, a location absolutely fitting for this supercar. ”

The post Stunning new McLaren P1TM supercar images appeared first on Ping Dubai.