The future on the road today with the new GL 500 from Mercedes-Benz Kuwait

The newly launched 7-seater Mercedes-Benz GL 500 is not a vision of what the future of motoring can offer; it is a reality on the ground today. Bringing together the absolute best technology Mercedes-Benz can offer; the GL 500 is setting standards that are tough to beat in any car and not just the SUV range – no wonder it is amongst the globe’s most powerful SUV’s.

Looking to the future

In the second generation of its Gran Turismo, Porsche is introducing the world’s first plug-in hybrid to the luxury class – the Panamera S E-Hybrid with 416 hp of system power. Along with this premiere, two luxurious Executive versions are making their debut – the Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo with an extended wheelbase will be available in left-hand-drive markets. In addition, an entirely new three-litre V6 engine with biturbo charging is launched with the new Panamera S and 4S.

Rolls-Royce has taken the personalised experience of Rolls-Royce ownership to a whole new level by providing its customers in Kuwait with complimentary assistance in managing their day-to-day tasks through a partnership with Kuwait Concierge.

Bugatti presents rare collector’s items

Bugatti presented two rare collector’s items at this year’s Techno Classica in Essen, the classics Type 57 C Coupé and Type 57 Ventoux. The third car shown was a Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse from the current range of the French luxury brand, bridging the gap between past and present. The Techno Classica ran from 10 to 14 April 2013 at the Essen trade fair grounds.

Arabian Ultra-luxury HyperCar

Visitors to Kuwait’s Historical, Vintage and Classic Car Museum can be excused for being a little taken aback by the sight that awaited during April. Amongst the region’s finest collection of vintage motor vehicles stood one of the world’s fastest and most luxurious cars, the newly launched

with Zaid Ashkanani

His is a name you would do well to remember. In his rookie season Zaid Ashkanani saw himself become a deserved center of attention. At the age of 18 and in what is perhaps the region’s most competitive racing series, the Porsche GT3 Cup, Ashkanani ruffled many of the established driver’s

The French artist Bernar Venet was been invited by Bugatti, legendary supercar-maker, to create a work of art that combines the artist’s vision and passions with Bugatti’s celebrated Grand Sport. Through a congenial synthesis of artistic concept and technical possibilities, Venet has created an object that integrates the symbol of speed with a fascinating, painterly exterior and an interior that alludes to haute couture.

• McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the personalisation service division of McLaren Automotive, starts tour of Middle East retailers
• The latest bespoke options to debut in the Middle East, where average amount of bespoke MSO features specified per 12C is highest in the world
• One in four of all McLaren 12Cs are specified with an element of ‘non-standard’ MSO content

Luxury automotive manufacturer Jaguar has launched its first regional Twitter campaign this week challenging fans to compete for the chance to drive a Jaguar XF. 

The Ferrari board of directors met today under the chairmanship of Luca di Montezemolo to examine the company’s financial results for the first nine months of 2012.

Bentley presents a selection of desirable gifts for the gifting season including the timeless Bentley boys and girls range and the newly introduced racing inspired pieces.

Engineered to Perfection
2013 Panamera GTS

People who need to apex at max g while taking the children to school will have another option next spring when Porsche brings forth the 2013 Panamera GTS. 

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has launched a new resource called Provenance Pre-owned Stock Locator. The move takes effortlessness online, allowing would-be Rolls-Royce clients to search for exclusive Provenance cars quickly and easily using an iPad, computer or smart phone.

For 2013, the Range Rover Sport consolidates its position as the most dynamic and luxurious sports tourer in its class with fresh new colours and a greater choice of interior trim and alloy wheel designs.

Determined solely by the readers’ personal tastes, AUTO BILD crowned a Mercedes-Benz model as Germany’s most attractive car for the fourth consecutive time. After awarding the coveted title of “Germany’s most attractive car” to the E-Class, the SLS AMG Coupé and the SLK in the preceding years, in 2012 they were won over by the design of the new A-Class. 

Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive, the BMW Group importer in Kuwait has welcomed the new and refined 7 Series model to its showrooms. This model is set to strengthen its leading position as the most dynamic and innovative luxury sedan in the premium automotive segment.

A measure of efficiency

Porsche is launching its most powerful diesel model on the market as the Cayenne S Diesel. The 4.2-litre eight-cylinder engine with biturbo charging produces 382 hp (281 kW) and offers a maximum torque of 850 Newton metres. 

McLaren exhibit Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 car alongside a McLaren MP4-12C sports car and a Specialized S-Works + McLaren Venge high -performance bicycle.

Growth with performance

As part of the anniversary marking “45 years of AMG”, Mercedes-AMG is providing an exclusive glimpse of the highlights of the A 45 AMG. With the powerful new top-of-the-range A-Class model, the performance brand from Mercedes-Benz is marking the start of a new era. For the first time in the 45-year history of the company, AMG will offer an exciting high-performance vehicle in the compact class.

McLaren Automotive
with Antony Sheriff, Managing Director

If my destiny in life were to sell cars, then the cars I would wish to sell would be McLarens, writes Men’s Passion’s Simon Balsom. Why? Because the hard work has already been done for me. Whilst there are many super cars which may wish to lay claim to the title of the world’s best, Antony Sheriff and his team at McLaren Automotive can be quietly confident that

Men’s Passion Tests the New Mercedes-Benz GL 450 On & Off Road

As you walk towards the extravagant, yet roaring 7-Seater GL Grand Edition Plus you may get quite confused - you won’t be sure whether to drive out to the desert or attend a gala dinner. With the modernized bumpers and the leading radiator grille, the new GL Grand Edition Plus respectfully turns heads and cars to make way.

While looking at its behind, the tow bar has been hidden away behind the apron and can be easily swung out when needed, while the chrome tailpipes and fascinating rear lights give the vehicle pride.

Getting into the GL Grand Edition is very easy and with its aluminium-looking running board, you will be sure to feel like a king riding into a carriage. The GL Grand Edition’s interior gives a sporty, yet elegant look with a complete leather interior dashboard and two-toned leather seats that hug your body into the car. 

At the beginning of March, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, presented one world premiere and two European premieres at the Geneva Motor Show. The new generation of the Boxster made its debut in front of an international public at the Porsche press conference on 6 March. The conference was broadcast live via internet.

First four-door BMW Coupé to go on sale in the Middle East in mid 2012

BMW Group unveiled its new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé – the first four-door Coupé in the history of the brand – to global audiences at the 82nd Geneva International Motor Show.

Bentley is offered a vision of the future with a dramatic new Sport Utility Vehicle concept, EXP 9 F, at the Geneva International Salon d’Auto. The Company’s designers and engineers have created a compelling new take on the Grand Touring Bentley - a vehicle that feels equally at home at an opera gala performance, on the sand dunes and the overtaking lane of the autobahn. 

Bentley unveiled a highly distinctive and sporting interpretation of the Mulsanne at the Geneva Show. The new Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification blends a range of striking design features including unique 21-inch alloy wheels, Bentley Flying ‘B’ wing vents and Diamond Quilted leather trimmed cabin with driver-selectable, sports-tuned suspension and steering, underscoring the performance credentials of Bentley’s 6.75 litre V8 ultra-luxury sports saloon.

As the Geneva International Motor Show closed its doors after 10 days open to the public, exhibiting constructors confirmed that this 82nd edition of the Motor Show was a terrific success with the presentation of some 150 World and European premiers, and were happy that their brands enjoyed the extensive international visibility that they have come to expect from this event, which was relayed by the 11,680 journalists attending from more than 80 countries.

Mercedes-Benz Middle East and Levant has ignited its 2012 ‘Year of the SUV’ strategy with the launch of a completely redesigned and powerful new M-Class, setting a new benchmark in the premium segment. With dynamic AMG sports styling as standard, three potent engine options, unparalleled ride comfort, and cavernous, high-quality luxury interiors - the bold new M-Class confidently conveys intent to meet performance with sophistication. Men’s Passion was there at the launch.

When given the chance to experience something new and exhilarating, I most often jump for joy at the opportunity, writes Ahmed Selim. This, however, would markedly be an understatement for how I felt when invited to experience the successor to the unsurpassed McLaren F1, the McLaren MP4-12C. Known for its carbon-fibre composite chassis, as well as its seamless aerodynamics, the McLaren MP4-12C is certainly one of a kind. 

It’s a car that has set new standards and redefined what a sportscar can be. Men’s Passion was given an invitation to drive the McLaren M12C on the circuit at Sakhir, Bahrain.

Celebrating a milestone in one’s life, like turning 20 for the second time, forces one to review his life and to see things from a different perspective, writes Zeina Mokaddam. As part of my great celebration this year, I made a couple of resolutions; one: never plan and never look forward to anything but the day itself, second: never say no to any opportunity that would either enrich my life or takes me away from its routine.

If the launch of a new Lamborghini is an infrequent event then the launch of a car such as their new Aventador is surely one of such rarity that it demands our utmost attention. Amongst a very few individuals to be invited by Lamborghini to experience the Aventador hands-on (and on a race-track in Italy) was Ahmed Al-Mudhaf, a co-founder of The Gulf Run. Here’s his report, which begins with a briefing led by Stephan Winklemann, CEO of Lamborghini.

“Even before seeing the Aventador I knew that it was going to be totally different from the Murcielago. According to Lamborghini the new Aventador equates to a jump of two generations in terms of technology. Essentially this is a whole new car - new technology, new gearbox and new chassis. Even the engine is new.

While talking to Stephan it was clear that the company has also acquired new goals. According to Stephan in the past the focus was primarily on top speed,

Boxster E prototypes attract many prospective customers

The two Boxster E prototypes which Porsche showed off at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Berlin during May have proved to be a real attraction to the public. At this forum for sustainable mobility, which was staged for the eleventh time this year, representatives from politics, industry, trade and research discussed the environmentally-friendly mobility

The Lightning GT was conceived and developed in Peterborough UK with a clear intent and vision.

The Lightning was built to provide opinion leaders and the very affluent with a supercar which gives them what they want in a high end very fast car; great looks, high performance and exclusivity.

Bentley’s past, present and future; all rolled in to one

Whilst the style of today’s 2011 Bentley Mulsanne tips its hat in reverence to the Bentleys of the past, it is not a car that finds itself constrained as it pushes the ninety-year old marque confidently into the future. A unique fusion of power together with British refinement and elegance, the Mulsanne offers perhaps the world’s most exclusive driving experience.

All the right numbers

It was always going to be the drive of a lifetime. It’s one of the most talked about cars in the history of motoring, and on paper it doesn’t just own all the biggest numbers, it’s stolen them and locked them away forever. As new supercars are developed they invariably aim to break records and to set the bar higher for those followers who dare to challenge them.

What better view to get of the Gulf Run than a real insider’s view. Regular Gulf Run entrant, and Gulf Run award-winner, Ahmed Alkandari travelled to Bahrain once again, for his third event. This time, along with his Mitsubishi Evo he took a notepad and pen. Here’s his report:

Ultimate Edition

The most luxurious Range Rover ever is set to debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

Mercedes GL450 - takes on-road and off-road in its stride

Under the beautifully sculpted bodywork of the GL450 beat the hearts of 340 horses. As agile off-road as it is luxurious on-road, surely this is as close to the perfect all-round vehicle we’ve seen so far? Men’s Passion took it for a spin to see for ourselves.

In a city famed for its glamorous nightlife filled with millionaires, models, socialites and celebrities, it was the Mercedes-Benz sparkling three pointed star that stole the show in Beirut last night, as the luxury automotive 

Earlier this summer Audi hosted an exclusive event to launch their new A6 in the region. A unique driving experience was on the program which included a ‘real-world’ urban drive around Abu Dhabi, together with a slalom course (to be covered in both wet and dry conditions) and track-time on the Emirate’s Yas Marina Circuit.

There are a small number of events in a man’s life that he’s sure to remember forever. What would they be? The day he meets the woman he’s going to marry, the birth of his first child, his first business deal, and the day he got to drive every car in Porsche’s range. Thanks to the recent visit to Kuwait of the Porsche World Roadshow Men’s Passion was able finally to experience the latter.

Twenty years back, many people thought that at this millennium we would have flying cars! These might not have been produced yet, but the sensation is deeply felt while driving a Rolls Royce. We had the pleasure of test driving three models with the Regency Hotel as our start point. Even at speeds up to 180kmh the only thing you’ll hear is the vintage RR clock ticking inside the car as if you are driving on cotton streets. This year Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is celebrating one hundred years of the Spirit of Ecstasy, the famous flying lady mascot that inspires owners, enthusiasts and those

Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi

Season ends on high note for Team Abu Dhabi as Latvala claims second in WRC Drivers Championship. Best ever WRC season points score for Al Qassimi as Abu Dhabi Juniors claim second and fourth in FSTi Championship.

The Success Story

It stands out like an island in the midst of a turbulent sea, surprisingly withstanding the onslaught caused by the financial turmoil buffeting most of the world’s leading economies due to recession.

Test Drive

Whilst for some its looks took a bit of getting used to, for us there was always more than just a quirky roofline and rear hatch. From its launch it stood for us as a near perfect expression of the four-seater long distance grand tourer. 

Performance With A Clean Conscience - The Tesla Roadster

People want cars with a low carbon footprint - but they don’t want to give up the unbridled joy of driving fast on the open road. That’s why Tesla builds cars that are both energy efficient and extremely fun to drive!

Road Test

It is easier now then ever before to build a fast car, and also to buy one. But for many of us that simply isn’t enough. We want our vehicle to have a social and environmental conscience. It wasn’t long ago that this meant your car would be dull and boring. 

Most technically innovative Volkswagen ever is longer, lighter, sleeker, safer, and roomier than its predecessor 

For a venture which started out as being little more than a group of friends who decided to take their cars off Kuwait’s roads and down to Bahrain’s Sakhir Circuit, the Gulf Run has matured into an annual event that has touched more than just the motoring world and its participants.

The G37 Coupe Convertible was introduced as Infiniti’s ‘Seductress’. Marketing hype, or does it live up to the promises? We took one for a spin to find out. A new convertible from Infiniti is a rare occurrence - and when the spec-list is examined it’s clear that we’re about to take a truly extraordinary vehicle on the roads. 

The design language of the new Cayenne is clear and convincing: sportier, more dynamic and even more Porsche. The predecessor, the Cayenne second generation, is already instantly recognisable as a member of the Porsche family. 

New School will offer expert tuition for all Drivers can now learn to drive Yas Marina Circuit at racing speeds and even be driven in a two-seater Formula 1 racing car at the Yas Racing School, at Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi today.

Bentley Mulsanne - Unrivalled Craftsmanship

Crewe’s craftsmen and women have created a unique and luxurious interior for the Mulsanne, setting new standards for the Bentley marque.

When Bentley’s craftsmen and women begin this summer to create the very first production examples of the new Mulsanne’s beautiful cabin, it will represent the culmination of an extraordinary four-year journey for the Crewe-based company.

The McLaren MP4-12C is revealed as the first in a range of high -performance sports cars from McLaren Automotive, the independent car division based at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England. The 12C, and future models within the range, will challenge the world’s best sports cars, benefiting from the expertise and virtuosity of the McLaren Group. 

60 years on, and still going strong

The archetypal hunter’s vehicle, the Land Rover may have seen itself overtaken in terms of modernity and comfort - but it comes to timeless style and class there is nothing on this Earth that comes close to the splendid Land Rover. 

You don’t have to be crazy to drive the car - but it certainly helps. Recognisably based on a 2006 Mustang, there are few other similarities other than that.

The fifth edition of the Gulf Run was the event’s biggest year yet. Following the driver’s return from the Sakhir race circuit, Men’s Passion caught up with event organiser, Ahmed Al-Mudhaf, to find out exactly how much fun was had by the boys down in Bahrain.

Zakaria Dashti, President - Porsche Owners Club of Kuwait

This month sees the launch of what is possibly the most important Porsche to hit the roads for a generation. The all new Panamera. Launched at a critical time for the global car industry, this new Porsche is also the marques first four-door model, and takes them in to a new and highly competitive sector of the market - that of the luxury four-seater sportscar. How the Panamera shapes up, time will soon reveal. Men’s Passion got to see this eagerly awaited car before the launch, and who better to share a first view with than the President of the Porsche Owners Club of Kuwait - Zakaria Dashti.

Customers of Porsche Centre Kuwait , Behbehani Motors Company witnessed the first appearance of the long-awaited Porsche Panamera in Kuwait. Its unveiling has heralded the arrival of one of the most anticipated models in performance motoring history.

Back for its fifth edition in January 2010, the Gulf Run has grown from a pretty much informal group of lads venturing to Bahrain for a track -day, to a very professional set-up for which the driving experience is only one of