Aston Martin: Arguably one of the top highlights of the 2015 Dubai International Motor Show (DIMS), the British manufacturer’s key attraction will be the DB10. Yes, that’s James Bond’s latest car in Spectre. Other models on display will be the beautiful four-door Rapide S, Lagonda super saloon, the Vulcan as well as the DB9 GT.
Audi: The German manufacturer will premiere not one, two, but three cars in the region for the very first time; these are the RS 3, the all-new A4 and the iconic R8. And fans can expect the showcase of yet-to-be-revealed technology during the show. “Next to the all-new Audi A4, the Audi Q7 and the TT Roadster are also on show to fascinate the public by demonstrating our latest technological innovations,” explains Enrico Atanasio, Managing Director of Audi Middle East.
Bentley: Bentley Motors will unveil what it’s dubbing “the world’s first true luxury SUV” — the Bentayga. Showing for the very first time in the region, this model combines opulence with everyday usability. However, with an all-new W12 power train, the Bentayga is also the fastest and most powerful SUV in the world at the moment. But that’s not all; the British company also plans on showcasing the new and revised Continental GT range. The recently updated Continental family hosts design updates that will be revealed during the show. Meanwhile, Bentley’s newest flagship model, the Mulsanne Speed, will also be on display.
BMW: Bavarian car giant BMW is set to showcase the new 7 Series, a group of models that it is calling “an exclusive, luxurious driving experience”. Featuring “groundbreaking technologies in the areas of lightweight design, power trains, chassis, operating systems, intelligent connectivity and interior ambience”, there’s no doubt this series will do well in the GCC. Key features to look out for include the use of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic in the body structure, as well as a fancy plug-in hybrid system in the new 740e. Other interesting technology being showcased includes the Executive Lounge feature with massage function, as well as the Sky Lounge Panorama glass roof.
Ford: The Michigan-based manufacturer’s top vehicle on show is its Ford GT concept, an ultra-high-performance supercar that’s said to be Ford’s most extreme offering to date. Set to go into production next year, the Ford GT fuses race-proven technology along with an EcoBoost engine to provide a twin-turbocharged Ford EcoBoost V6 that produces more than 600 horsepower.
Jaguar: Celebrating 80 years in the industry, one of Britain’s largest luxury car manufacturers will unveil the F-PACE performance crossover during this year’s DIMS — a first for this region. This launch vehicle will be on display alongside a broad selection of models that includes the enhanced 2016 XJR, the all-new 2016 XF-S, XE-S as well as the F-TYPE Coupé.
KIA: Kia Motors will launch the all-new Optima, the latest model of one of the South Korean company’s leading sedans. Al Majid Motors will showcase the Optima alongside a variety of other car models — which were yet to be confirmed at the time of going to press — at the event.
Land Rover: Visitors to the Land Rover stand at this year’s DIMS will witness the regional unveiling of the Range Rover SVAutobiography (in picture, left) — the most luxurious and powerful series-production Range Rover in the series’ 45-year history. Developed by Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations division, the SVAutobiography comes with duo-tone paintwork and a 550PS V8 petrol engine. Other products showing include the Range Rover Evoque, the LR4 and the Land Rover Defender. But that’s not all; following premieres in Europe, South Africa and China, Land Rover will also showcase its special mobile equipment for the first time in the Middle East. This consists of a range of state-of-the-art, mobile man-made tracks and obstacles that will demonstrate the vehicles’ power. And visitors can try these out themselves.
Lincoln: Arriving next year is the elegant Lincoln Continental, and DIMS visitors will be the first in the Middle East to explore the latest concept by Ford. Lincoln’s all-new full-size sedan integrates a variety of technologies, including a 3.0-litre EcoBoost engine, E-Latch door handles, LED matrix headlamps with laser-assist high beams and SPD SmartGlass tinting sunroof.
Porsche: The German luxury carmaker is set to unveil its new 911 at this year’s DIMS. It’s hardly surprising that this model is making its regional debut in Dubai; not only has the 911 been the world’s bestselling sports car for decades, it is also one of the most popular models in the UAE. Here, the 911 Carrera S and 4S are well equipped to continue their reign as segment leader. Featuring innovative turbo flat engines with an increase of 20 horsepower to its predecessor, an advanced chassis designed for optimum performance, as well as a snazzy infotainment system, the model continues to set the benchmark in sports car performance. What’s more, the new 911 features an improvement on to its zero-to-100 km/h time, sprinting to the speed in just 3.8 (Carrera 4S) or 3.9 (Carrera S) seconds, making them the first 911 models to undercut the four-second mark. “The new 911 Carrera represents another milestone in Porsche’s unrivalled legacy of creating true sports cars for every day use… delivering motor sport technology in the safety and luxury of a road car,” Deesch Papke, CEO of Porsche Middle East and Africa, tells GN Focus. “The iconic model has always been popular in the Middle East.”
Toyota: At the time of going to press Toyota hadn’t finalised its line-up for this year’s DIMS; however, we can reveal that the latest Toyota 86 model will be at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Meanwhile, Toyota told GN Focus that there will be something for everyone this year, “whether they are thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies, eco-conscious motorists or fans looking for the latest cars and technology updates.” “The DIMS is a great platform for us to showcase not just new vehicles, but also new technology that we believe will change the world of motoring as we know it,” says Saud Abbasi, Managing Director of Al Futtaim Motors. “With hybrid and fuel-cell technology on show, we hope visitors will get a glimpse at how Toyota has evolved the way it builds cars.”
VW: Considering this is VW’s first full outing following the global emissions scandal, all eyes will be on the German manufacturer. Three cars are appearing this year: the Beetle Cabriolet, the Passat, and the top showcase: the Golf GTI Clubsport. This concept car — which marks the 40th anniversary of the Golf GTI — comes with more power, as well as revisions to the design, equipment and aerodynamic fine-tuning. Furthermore, stylistically based on the original GTI, the anniversary model is going back to black with the classic stripe between the front and rear wheel arches.
SAIC Motor: Known as one of China’s largest car manufacturers, SAIC Motor will make its Middle East debut at this year’s DIMS. So why is it the one to watch? Not only is China an emerging market for the global automotive industry, SAIC brought in an impressive $102.25 billion (Dh375.6 billion) in revenue last year, selling a total of 5.6 million units — up 10.1 per cent on 2013. This achievement resulted in the company climbing 25 places to reach 60th on the annual Fortune Global 500 list. And why Dubai? A representative for the brand explains that SAIC Motor is now “looking to provide local customers with more diversified and reliable products, and inject new energy into the region’s automotive industry”. Expect to see latest product offerings, including the MG (below) – a car with a long history having originally been founded in the UK in 1924 — plus the MAXUS, an international commercial vehicle, with roots stretching back as far as 1896 when it was founded also in the UK.
Need to know: The Dubai International Motor Show 2015 takes place today to Saturday at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Day 1 is from 6-10pm, with the following days 11am to 11pm. Tickets are Dh55 per person, but those purchasing their tickets online can take advantage of a 15 per cent discount. For more information, visit Dubaimotorshow.com
