Maserati has released a limited Granturismo model for the Middle East car market. The Granturismo S MC Sport Line has a matt white “Ice” paint job, optional aerodynamic kit, carbon fibre finishes, black alloy wheels and aluminium racing pedals.

The Granturismo will be limited to just 12 models, one for each of the Middle East Maserati dealerships, and another 11 will be produced for Italy with a different white tint. It’s not just a limited edition model in terms of the colour, though, featuring the MC Sport Line suspension with stiffer dampers, modified brakes and roll bars and a stability control system.

The limited edition Granturismo model should be equipped with a 4.7-litre V8 engine with 440 hp. For more details, see the press release after the jump.

Continue reading: Limited edition Maserati Granturismo S MC Sport Line

....

0 comments

We’ve had more than one example recently of the money that’s present in the Middle East, proving that it could be more than the Western World ever imagined. After Aabar Investment from Abu Dhabi bought a 9.1 percent share in Daimler AG a few weeks ago with a 1.95 billion euro investment, another possible move from the Middle East is underway.

Reports have a sheik from Qatar seeking to enter Porsche share holding, with a double figure share being sought. The money that could come from the Arab world would give Porsche some needed investment, as the company has 3.3 billion euro credit payment on the cards, and plans to increase its stake in the VW group by another 25 percent.

Only last month Porsche refinanced 10 billion euros of its debt, and is now seeking another 2.5 billion euros. Expanding its traditional sports car line to include additional (and successful) models such as the Cayenne and Panamera, has Porsche looking even more competitive. And that expansion is likely to require more funds.

Source | Autoblog.com

....

0 comments

The United Arab Emirates have released a decree that prohibits the sale of any vehicle older than ten years, and the circulation of those more than 20 years old. This is a strong position, motivated by the need to increase road safety and help the environment, with a hopeful side effect being the increased use of public transport.

A market statistic has revealed that inside two years, a third of the cars circulating on arab roads will be ten years old. In the seven nations that form the Arab Emirates, 1.85 million vehicles are on the road, with one of the highest car-population ratios in the world. While it’s only a niche market, we wonder what they’ll do with the supercars and luxury cars in time.

Source | Quattroruote

....

0 comments

Despite continued denial from General Motors, rumours surrounding the cession of the Hummer brand continue to fly.

This time around it has been Hummer Middle East to let drop an indiscretion, saying that there are two groups of investors from the Persian Gulf region who would be interested in taking on the American brand, which is currently in some difficulty such as to put its survival at stake.

Terry Johnson, in a recent interview with Reuters, has underlined how even Aston Martin and Ferrari have flirted with investors from these parts, demonstrating that the middle eastern market is a serious player.

No swan song is yet scheduled though, and if GM really does sell off its Hummer brand, the clamour from dealerships is likely to be very loud.

....

0 comments