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2015
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brandwatch
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First drives
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MOTORSPORTS
Chicane
80 A matter of perception
editor-in-chief
Mohammad Al Taie
hatim@alroya.net
EDITOR & GM
Raj Warrior
raj@alroya.net
executive EDITOR
Chandan B Mallik chandan@alroya.net
contributing EDITOR
Anne Kurian
annekurian@alroya.net
HEAD OF Design
Antony Karlo
photography
Elvis John Ferrao
marketing
Sayantani Ghosh sayantani@alroya.net
circulation
books@alroya.net
FINANCE & ADMIN
Sumy Mol
sumy@alroya.net
Website & IT
Mohammed F Draz mohammed.draz@alroya.net
Printer
Ruwi Modern Printers LLC, Muscat
Tel: +968 2479 4167, 2479 8157
Fax: +968 2470 0545
2015
All editorial content of Automan in the magazine
and its website is copyrighted and may not
be reproduced in any form without the written
consent of the management of AL ROYA PRESS &
PUBLISHING
Automan accepts unsolicited exclusive editorial
material, but reserves the right to publish any such
material. Once published, the copyright for any
such material will vest with AL ROYA PRESS &
PUBLISHING
This is the first issue after we had our brilliant Car of the Year award ceremony for the
Automan COTY programme of 2014. This year, we have broken new records. In this fourth
award ceremony, we had guests from both regional offices and who flew in from head
offices too. And our usual support from the local automotive industry went through the
roof with the last holdout joining in.
Truly, if you had asked us in 2011 what our hopes were for the Car of the Year event, the
chances are that even our ever positive team would have given it only a 50:50 chance
of getting through the first couple of years. And the reasons for thinking so arent very
difficult to glean. In a market where importers rule the roost in terms of brand presence
and positioning, sensitivities are often very fragile. Most people do not like criticism,
period. In fact, no one likes criticism; its just that some people can handle it. But what
does an importer do, when the model they are selling is being assessed and criticised by
Automan? They can either go into a shell, which we have seen happen over the years,
or they can face up to the fact that any criticism is unbiased, fair and grounded in a high
degree of professional skills.
We finally have everyone on the same page and this telling endorsement of Automans
status as a mirror to the industry and its products as well as a barometer of quality and
consumer expectation is a hard earned laurel.
Perhaps what has really helped us over the years has been our unflinching belief in the
rightness of things we tell you whats good and bad about a car, what its competition is
like out there and endorse or cast aspersions on your choice. Thats our job, not always the
sort that wins friends, but we do influence people.
In this, the fifth year of the Automan COTY, we are adding in motorcycles into our
assessment programme. Two extra categories one for Sports or Supersports and one for
Bobbers or Cruisers is being added. In both cases we will only assess bikes that we ride
in that year, like we do for the cars and SUVs in the mother programme. And there is a
capacity limit of a minimum of 400cc.
We may drop a category or two in the cars and SUVs because of the increasing irrelevance
of some categories, but that hopefully will not happen this year.
In the meantime, we must thank our loyal readers, Omans automotive industry and the
regional brand offices for making the Automan COTY the single, unbiased, non-commercial
Car of the Year programme in the region.
The Winners
Small Car
Mazda 3
Midsize Car
Ford Fusion
Large Car
Hyundai Sonata
Premium Car
Mercedes C-Class
Luxury Car
Bentley CGT V8 S
Hot Hatch
Mercedes A45 AMG
Sports Car
Audi TT/TTS
Performance Car Lamborghini Huracan
Small SUV
Lincoln MKC
Midsize SUV
Kia Sorento
Large SUV
Nissan Patrol
Premium SUV
Cadillac Escalade
Performance SUV Porsche Cayenne
Best Debut
Porsche Macan
Editors Choice Ferrari California T
6
MAR 2015
Automan 2014
COTY awards
ceremony held
in Muscat
The fourth edition of the Automan Car
of the Year 2014 programme came to a
glittering close at Muscats iconic lounge
On the Rocks, with the award ceremony
being graced by the movers and shakers
of the automotive industry.
Thirteen broad categories that cover
both cars and SUVs are joined by two
special categories, the Best Debut
(for a completely new model series or
completely changed one) and the Editors
choice.
Speaking at the occasion, Sh Hatim Al Taie,
CEO of Al Roya Press & Publishing and
Publisher of Automan said, I am pleased
to see the excitement that the Automan
Car of the Year award is generating in the
industry. We have set new standards in
unbiased editorial and assessment and the
automotive industry has risen to champion
the magazine and its unique initiative. I
also congratulate all the winners, with this
years selection really epitomising the best
of the best in their segments.
Speaking about the challenges of 2015, Sh
Hatim added, While no one can predict
how the global oil price scenario will play
out, we expect Oman and its broader
economy to be able to intelligently
address any challenges during the year. As
an outcome we have the best of hopes for
the growth of the automotive sector. We
also expect some interesting challengers
for next years awards.
On the topic of the awards, Raj Warrior,
Editor & General Manager of Automan
said, This edition has become a seminal
one with the participation of every major
player in the market. There is a feeling
of intense satisfaction that Omans car
industry offers us such support. And we
have to specially thank some winners
and guests who flew in for the evening
from their respective regional and global
headquarters.
The Automan COTY is a unique initiative
by Automan, Omans Car magazine. The
programme tests close to 100 cars every
year. Every car is placed in its appropriate
category and scored by the editorial test
team and the results are published in the
February issue of the monthly magazine.
MAR 2015
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MAR 2015
Continental restructures
part of its MENA business
Continental, a German branded tyre manufacturer, has
announced that it has relocated its passenger and light truck tyre
and commercial vehicle tyre replacement business from Hanover
in Germany to Dubai, UAE as part of its 2025 business strategy.
This move demonstrates our commitment to delivering the
best possible quality and services across all the countries in this
important region,said Andreas Bertram, Managing Director
Continental Middle East. A second service base is located in
Casablanca for the North African markets.
10 MAR 2015
edition of
Qatar Motor Show
Mercedes-Benz
Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles (NBK),
the exclusive dealer of Mercedes-Benz
in Qatar, displayed the Maybach S
Class, AMG GT S, CLA 250 and GLA 45
AMG. NBK also unveiled the all-new
2015 Harley-Davidson Street 750.
At the venue, NBK Powered Sports
also announced its partnership with
Husqvarna Motorcycles. Interestingly,
the 510hp AMG GT S is the second car
to be developed by the MercedesAMG and the first to house internally
mounted turbochargers
Guangzhou Automobile
Group Company [GAC]
DOMASCO introduced Chinese GAC
brand for Qatar with the GA3, the GA5
sedan and GS5 SUV.
Lexus
For the premium luxury brand the
headlines was the regional introduction
of the all-new NX 200t SUV.
12 MAR 2015
Volkswagen
Bugatti
Officially, the worlds fastest streetlegal car, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super
Sport World Record Car (WRC) Edition
was presented. It may be recalled that
on July 3, 2010, the Guinness record
was set by Pierre-Henri Raphanel at the
VW Ehra-Lessien proving grounds near
Wolfsburg.
Ferrari
Motorcycles
Bentley
BMW
Toyota
Toyotas FT-86 Open Concept was once
again presented and people are still
wondering will it ever be green lighted
for production?
Porsche
Infiniti
Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co brought to
the show the latest enhanced version
of flagship full size SUV, 2015 QX80.
Chevrolet
Jaidah Automotive and GM top brass
including Maurice Williams & Jeroen
Barwegen, unveiled the Silverado
Reaper pick-up, Tahoe Z71 and Corvette
convertible C7.
Lamborghini
Renault
Audi
Top performers
honoured by
Nissan
Nissan Middle East has honoured its top
13
Nissan designer
honoured
More SUVs from Volkswagen planned
Volkswagen plans to have one SUV in every segment in the future and the
German automaker has started giving hints about what could be offered
beginning with the upcoming Polo SUV that will join the likes of the Touareg
and Tiguan which are already available in the line-up. In a recent statement,
Volkswagen said that the automaker plans to have a minimum of one SUV in
each segment. With the B-segment SUV space showing tremendous potential
globally, the company believes that a Polo based SUV will fit perfectly in its
line-up. The B-segment SUV is currently occupied by mostly European brand like
the Renault Captur, Nissan Juke, Opel Mokka and Ford EcoSport. New players
in the segment like Honda with its HR-V and Mazda with its CX-3 are all set to
join the growing bandwagon this year in Europe. The Polo based SUV could be
heavily influenced by the T-ROC concept, which itself based on the Golfs MQB
platform which has been the basis for the Polo based rendering pictured above.
Volkswagen is also working on two new full-sized SUVs based on the MQB
platform namely the CrossBlue and CrossBlue Coupe that will be first launched
in the US and China.
14 MAR 2015
Automans take
The Vision Gran Turismo project asks automakers to submit their ultimate expressions of racing machines for the Gran Turismo 6 video
game. Thus far, automakers including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, VW, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Aston Martin, Toyota, Infiniti, Chevrolet, Mazda,
Renault Alpine have contributed.
JLR looking at US
seriously for new
production base
North American state of Georgia has held
high-level talks with Jaguar Land Rover to
establish a new production facility within
the state. This follows reports from last year
that the British automaker was considering a
new production base in the southern United
States. According to The Atlanta JournalConstitution, Georgia Governor Nathan
Deal met with JLR executives in the UK last
month to discuss a possible development
deal. The Tata-owned automaker has a few
production bases outside of the UK, but
none in North America. The proposed plant
would have an annual production capacity of
200,000 units.
MAR 2015
15
Rolls-Royce officially
announces plans for a
crossover
In an open letter to media today, Rolls-Royce Chairman Peter
Schwarzenbauer and Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes
surprised motoring aficionados all over the world after they
confirmed the company was working on an all-new model with
exceptional presence, elegance and purpose. The top executives
avoided calling it a crossover but suggested the new model addition
will be a high-bodied car that can cross any terrain. They went
on to say the model will be extremely luxurious and worthy of
carrying the Spirit of Ecstasy into the future. No time line has been
suggested but the executive letter did mention the production
model will be based on an all-new aluminium architecture.
Automans take
16 MAR 2015
Mitsubishi-Renault
partnership on
rebadged cars?
Faulty airbags
fiasco continues
to hurt automajors
Jaguar special
operations looking at XK
SS for limited production
MAR 2015
17
Erstwhile GM
bands unlikely to
be revived
General Motors CEO Mary Barra said in
a recent media event that the company
doesnt miss the retired or sold Saturn,
SAAB, Hummer and Pontiac brands. These
brands were consciously discontinued
during GMs 2008-2009 bankruptcy and
restructuring period. This can only mean
that Saturn, Hummer and Pontiac will
not be revived in the near future, at least
not while Barra is at the helm of General
Motors.
MAR 2015
19
The 85th edition of the worlds only neutral venue promises to be an enriching
experience for everyone associated with motoring. Automan reveals details of some of
the new production and concept cars that are expected grab headlines
Ask any regular international motor show visitor, the Geneva Auto Salon packs in a punch thats rarely emulated in
other venues. The politically neutral platform attracts participants from all over the world ranging from volume players,
tuners, low volume players and makers of exotic merchandise. As confidence in the world economy grows, till now the
signals emerging from the automotive industry are healthy and this aspect is reflected in the respective presentations.
In this issue of Automan, we present some pre-show trailers.
20 MAR 2015
21
22 MAR 2015
he metamorphosis of Maranellos
forthcoming Gran Turismo Berlinetta
or GTB from normally-aspirated
machine to a forced-fed set-up may have
a result of the regulatory environment
practices, but Ferrari engineers have toiled
hard to ensure that the replacement of
the epic 458 Italia is better than the car it
replaces.
The interesting fact with the incoming 488
GTB is that this mid-engined V8 supercar
arrives four decades after the debut of the
first 308 GTB. It may be remembered that
it was the 308 GTB the launched Ferrari
into the segment officially.
MAR 2015
23
24 MAR 2015
During cornering, the rear drive unit preemptively diverts torque to the outer rear
wheel immediately based on inputs such as
steering wheel angle, lateral acceleration,
yaw and speed. This torque transfer has the
effect of driving the car into the bend,
achieving improved turn-in and stability,
and virtually eliminating understeer.
Ford claims that its AWD system has been
tuned to deliver exceptional grip [with
lateral acceleration exceeding 1G] and classleading cornering speed and acceleration
out of a bend. With neutral and adjustable
limit handling, and the ability to achieve
controlled oversteer drifts at the track.
With these, Ford says the Focus RS is
designed to deliver the ultimate fun-todrive experience.
Like its predecessor, the incoming Focus
RS gets a forced fed power plant. The
key difference is that it is 200cc and onecylinder less, but in terms of output is
more potent. The car gets equipped with
a special version of the 2.3-litre EcoBoost
engine which uses turbocharging and direct
injection and is programmed to produce
well in excess of 320PS. The all-new Focus
RS is the first ever RS model that will be
sold around the world and will be produced
for all markets at Fords Saarlouis,
Germany, manufacturing plant beginning
late this year.
The new Focus RS represents Ford at its
passionate best - delivering innovation,
unmatched driving dynamics and stunning
performance that was previously the sole
province of high-priced performance luxury
marques and exotics, said Jim Farley,
president, Ford of Europe, Middle East and
Africa. We are aware of the benchmarks
we have set ourselves with RS performance
models through the years, and rest assured
that this new car raises the game to a new
level.
Gymkhana and World Rallycross star Ken
Block was brought on as a consultant on
the all-new Focus RS and joined the Ford
Performance team at the preview event in
Cologne, Germany.
MAR 2015
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26 MAR 2015
MAR 2015
27
Hyundai
Infiniti
Mitsubishi
Mclaren
Britain-based McLaren will present two cars -- the 675LT and the
P1 GTR. The 675LT, the first McLaren in nearly two decades to
wear the LT or Longtail name, will stay true to the spirit of its
iconic predecessor with aerodynamically optimised, dramatically
enhanced styling that results in 40 percent more downforce than
the 650S which it will sit alongside in the McLaren Super Series.
A total power output of 675PS (666bhp), and torque figure of
700 Nm (516 lb ft) plus a focus on weight saving will ensure an
electrifying, engaging and visceral driving experience. The P1 GTR
which is being production tested is based on the McLaren P1 road
car. Its design concept further optimises the aerodynamically
efficient shrink-wrapped body shape in order to offer maximum
performance, superior handling characteristics and optimised
driver engagement on track and through significant weightsaving measures and track-optimisation of the petrol-electric
powertrain, the P1 GTR will boast a power-to-weight ratio
increase in excess of 10 per cent over the road-going model, to
more than 700 PS per tonne.
28 MAR 2015
Suzuki
Subaru
Koenigsegg
Kia
29
Automakers plan
important reveals
during second US
auto show
Nissan Nismo
Nismo, which till now was seen as
performance sub-brand for Nissan
exclusively for Japans domestic markets
aficionados is now expanding its footprint
globally. After introducing the sub brand
in Europe successfully, the US will be its
next port of call.
At Chicago, Nissan will formally introduce
a NISMO street concept alongside a
number of other regular NISMO models
like the 370Z NISMO, Juke NISMO, Juke
NISMO RS, GT-R NISMO and the GT-R LM
NISMO. The Sentra NISMO concept that
originally debuted at the 2013 Los Angeles
Auto Show will also be showcased.
Toyota
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi sent out teasers prior to the show and claimed
that a legend was on its way. Its save-the-date flyer
depicted an indistinguishable silhouette of a crossover sitting
on top of a sand dune as the only hint of what the Japanese
brand has in store. It seems that Mitsubishi is giving the
GC-PHEV concept its North American debut, after originally
unveiling it at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. While its purely a
concept, the vehicle is a designers rendering of what a new
Montero could look like.
Kia
Hyundai
Infiniti
Honda
Mazda
Mazda will reveal a 2016 MX-5 accessories design concept of the companys iconic
roadster, which will preview what may be in store for those looking to personalize
their cars. Also being shown for the first time will be MX-5 merchandise design
concepts from Mazdas upcoming Heritage Collection three apparel collections
inspired by key themes of Mazdas past, present and future.
31
Natural
aspirations
Luxury Japanese carmaker Lexus promises a new meaning to back to the grind, with
the all-new 2015 RC F. Automan checked out the most powerful V8 performance car
ever developed by the brand in the Sultanate last month
Lexus.
Technically, it is a high performance
version of the RC with a shoehorned
5.0-litre V8 engine, active chassis
technologies, lightweight construction
and lots of aerodynamic elements. Since
the RC F is based on the RC, its profile
in general and dimensions are quite
similar and theres evidence of shared
components like the LED headlamps, the
radiator scoops in the front valance. But
when you see the RC and RC F side by side,
the differences become much clearer.
Although, both models share the same
33
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36 MAR 2015
Despending on
which mode the car
is being driven, the
digital speedometers
background and
infographics change
The aerodynamic
package includes an
active rear spoiler, tuning
of the underbody, the
intakes in the grille and
the front fender vents
and aero stabilizing fins.
37
38 MAR 2015
Luxury on an
efficiency drive
Fords luxury brand Lincoln is in the midst of what its marketing team calls a
product-and service-led transformation. Whether, the 2015 Lincoln Navigator is a
continuation of that philosophy? That was Automans task to find out with this fullsized SUV in Oman last month
Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Elvis John Ferrao
MAR 2015
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40 MAR 2015
While there is
carryover at a
fundamental level,
there are genuine
elements of newness
to qualify differences
in the models
persona and
performance
efficiency. According to Lincoln, the
outgoing V8 offered 310hp and 365lb-ft
of torque, whereas the twin-turbo V6
offers at least 370hp and 430 lb-ft [gains
of 5hp and 10 lb-ft over what the engine
currently makes in the Ford F-150].
Power is transferred via a carryover
six-speed automatic in the all-wheel
drive test car which came with driver
selectable high/low range features [4x4,
4x2, autoselect etc].
The biggest news for this car
comes in the ride department. The
MAR 2015
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Nav operation was Ford standard. Offroad, we had the choice of engaging the
4x4 systems and theres plenty of torque
available in low range to tackle most trail
drives. Also the cars ground clearance
and modest arrival and departure angles
ensure that it can go on the beach
without damage to undercarriage or
valance.
Verdict
Going by the market sentiments, its no
secret that the Cadillac dominates the
large luxury SUV segment with other
brands/models trying to catch up. In
fact, it owes Lincoln a big thank-you for
reviving the category back in 1997 with
the Navigator. With Lincolns market
What does this technology mean and why Ford is banking on it? Ford produces EcoBoost
[turbocharged with direct injection] engines ranging from 1.0-litre 3-cylinder right up to
3.5-litre V6. Blue Oval introduced the 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 to the F-150 pick-up line for the
2011 model year. The engine uses twin, parallel mounted turbochargers, which more than
compensate for the engines relatively small displacement. This turbocharged engine
outperforms the standard 5.0-litre V- in both horsepower and torque, while providing a
significant increase in fuel economy. The engine is rated at a maximum 365hp and 420
lb-ft of torque, and maintains 90 per cent of peak torque from 1,700rpm to 5,000rpm.
Four wheel drive models can achieve up to 21 mpg on the highway, while two wheel drive
pick-ups are rated at a slightly higher 22 mpg. Direct injection, similar to that used in diesel
engines, allows for a 10:1 compression ratio and the use of regular, low octane gasoline
without the risk of detonation.
Automans take
The engines performance characteristics prove that forced induction can be a replacement for displacement - power
when you need it and fuel economy when you dont. While there was some skepticism when the engine debuted,
its popularity can be deemed a success for Ford, who has employed extensive resources in the development of the
EcoBoost engine family platform.
While few expected the EcoBoost to be the backbone of the F-150 engine line-up, but thats exactly what it is. It carries
the F-150s highest tow ratings, and is the engine Ford highly recommends for the toughest jobs. With the EcoBoost,
Ford has proven that you can indeed get more from less. The success of the 3.5-litre EcoBoost in particular has led
Ford to develop a smaller 2.7-litre version for the 2015 F-150, which aims to increase fuel economy without making
significant sacrifices in performance.
MAR 2015
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44 MAR 2015
Open
to the
Elemental
With the soft-top iteration of the new TT,
Audi shows us why it is the new contender
for the luxury crown
Author: Raj Warrior
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47
Delightfully
refreshed
Automan takes some time out and gets dirty with the refreshed for 2015 VW Touareg in Oman
Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Elvis John Ferrao and supplied
48 MAR 2015
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Fun &
practicality in
small package
The forced-fed version of Nissans Juke crossover is now available in
the region and for MY2015, there are some upgrades too. Automan
tested this car in Dubai last month
Author and photographs: Chandan B Mallik
MAR 2015
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The VW Cross
Coupe GTE is a five
passenger, plugin hybrid SUV that
previews the styling
for VWs upcoming
seven-seater and also
highlights several
innovations like
gesture control
Comfort and Eco), Offroad with Rocks,
Sludge & Sand and Gravel and dedicated
Sport and Snow set-ups. The cars set-up
[throttle, transmission and steering] and
driving characteristics are programmed
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Instead of focusing
just on exterior
styling, the Japanese
brand is trying to
make its vehicles
better qualitatively
by enhancing the
ownership experience
with better built
quality, trims and
other features.
a broader engine speed range for more
responsive performance.
Meanwhile, Subarus reputation for
safety has been growing, with five
vehicles rated as top safety picks by the
MAR 2015
75
Automans
take
76 MAR 2015
Whatever the reason behind Alonsos high speed crash which was followed with wild speculation about the cause is understandable
in view of the complexities involved in a F1 car. And it will be some time before the truth [if ever] emerges. But one thing is for sure,
irrespective of the outcome, that Alonso has survived virtually unscathed from this crash thereby indicating once again despite the risks,
safety ranks very high in F1. We hope Alonso recovers and is fit enough for the seasons opening in Melbourne.
A study commissioned by the FIA reportedly shows that costs in formula one
could be halved without hurting the show. With smaller teams like Caterham
and Marussia ailing and even better-funded midfielders struggling financially,
it emerged that New York-based McKinsey and Company, a multinational
consulting firm, recently examined the finances of nine F1 teams at the behest
of the governing body.
In its findings, McKinsey has proposed new cost-cutting measures that could
help teams like Force India, Sauber and Lotus - with budgets in the range
of $120-$200mn - to survive and thrive. Focusing on a $120m per year team,
McKinsey reportedly found that almost $30 million - a quarter - is spent on the
engine alone, but that a 25 per cent cost reduction would be feasible.
The study also found that 35 per cent of the design and production process, 15
per cent of the grand prix activities and 20 per cent of testing costs could be
slashed. If this happened, then teams like Sauber, Force India, Toro Rosso and
Williams could be funded solely from the distributions from the commercial
rights holder
Rory Byrne
returns to Ferrari
as designer guru
South African legendary Ferrari
designer Rory Byrne has returned
to Maranello to be Simone Restas
mentor. It may be recalled that
Byrne was a key member of the
Ferrari dream team of last decade,
when along with Jean Todt, Ross
Brawn and Michael Schumacher,
they utterly dominated the sport.
Coming out of retirement, the
71-year-old will once again be seen in
the corridors of Maranello. His new
role is supporting Simone Resta,
Ferraris new designer in the wake
of the personnel shakeup that saw
the likes of Nikolas Tombazis, Pat
Fry and others all depart. Simone is
from the school of Aldo Costa, who
I respect a lot, said Ferraris new team boss Maurizio Arrivabene, referring
to the former Ferrari technical boss who now designs title-winning cars for
Mercedes. Byrnes enthusiasm for F1 has been re-fired as the fabled marque
now bids to end its period of turmoil and slump.
Driver standings
1. Clemens Schmid (UAE) 190pts
2. Zaid Ashkanani (KUW) 184
3. Saeed Al Mehairi (UAE) 145
4. Charlie Frijns (NED) 137
5. Hasher Al Maktoum (UAE) 135
6. Raed Raffi (BAH) 113
7. Ahmad Al Harthy (OM) 98
8. Wolfgang Triller (GER) 97
The 5.0-ltre V8 muscle coupe appears to be mechanically unmodified, as it is apparently suitable to the task right out of the showroom.
It has, however, been enhanced with a special livery, emergency lighting and an interior likely to have been upgraded with bucket
seats, racing harnesses, a roll cage and emergency equipment. The RC F safety car will be joined by an IS 350 F Sport thatll serve as the
medical car and another GS 350 F Sport support vehicle.
MAR 2015
79
A matter of
perception
The latest Internet sensation seems to be the stuff that raises questions about what it
is that really matters to us human beings. A lady posts a picture of her dress and asks
what colour do you see? From the responses, there is a clear separation of respondents
into two main streams those who see in blue and black and the others who see white
and gold. I belong to the latter category, which I am led to understand means that I have
weaker eyesight.
Really? The mind boggles at the sheer stupidity of trying to use this to filter people into
groups. Hasnt anyone ever heard of the colour-blind? Do you think it takes an Internet
meme to tell us that human beings and their ability to perceive the world around them
differ in almost as many ways as we can devise tests.
After all perception is what really drives us. Irrespective of which colour we see or dont
see, the fact remains that a proper knowledge of optics will tell you that the colour we
actually perceive is the subtractive portion of the light bandwidth that falls on the cloth.
What reflects off is what we see. What reflects off is not the colour of the fabric that
is what is absorbed. Already, by this we know that what our eyes perceive is only part
of the story.
What then do we say about a car company that is willing to take our perceptions a
bit further? Nissan have announced plans to launch glow-in-the-dark paint? Now when
we see ghostly hues zipping by on unlit roads we will begin to associate them with
automobiles. But wont that add a further complication for exterior designers who have
only just about mastered the complications of using positive and negative surface forms
to sculpt their cars. Ambient lighting or the ever-present Sun is what has decided how
car forms are shaped. Now if the very skin of the car lights up, will we go back to flat
surfaces?
Raj Warrior is editor of Automan and has been in the thick
of the Automotive journalism field from the past 15 years.
Want to comment or have your say?
Email at raj@alroya.net.
Identify yourself or your message will be trashed and
your id blocked
What then happens to colour that changes depending on the source of the incident light?
Will the paint look different in LED lighting? Or will it sparkle differently in the Sun?
Perception is also what allows us to believe in the heads-up display. There is a huge
degree of comfort in reading a panel you know that a light-emitting diode or a bulb
behind it is communicating through language or graphics. But what do you make of a
message that floats, seemingly, in thin air? If you focus on the message it loses clarity
while looking off into the distance is what makes it legible and useful.
This ability of engineering our interfaces with the world depending on how we perceive
the world is what brought about both Google glass as well as the immersive gaming
headsets. You look at your friends in the middle distance, read their messages in the
near zone and a couple of blinks is all it takes for you to photograph them for the cloud
and posterity.
Even our acceptance of and increasing use of 3D is a lesson in the value of perception.
Until holograms become a reality (another lesson in perception there), our interpretation
of depth in a two-dimensional storyboard is governed by polarisation and deliberately
mistiming signals to fool our brains into the third dimension.
Aldous Huxley, author of Brave New World, has said, There are things known and there
are things unknown, and in between are the doors of perception.
I say that we should celebrate our differences. If you see blue when I see white, thats
good. Of course the best way to ensure that we all know what the exact colour is can
be decided by something as simple as a printers colour reference. The driver who is
colour-blind usually manages to get by knowing the position of the red bulb in the traffic
tree. There are constants that both guide us and allow us to decide on a functional truce.
80 MAR
FEB 2015