Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Watch the McLaren MP4-12C hit the dunes of Abu Dhabi]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/watch-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-hit-the-dunes-of-abu-dhabi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/watch-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-hit-the-dunes-of-abu-dhabi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/watch-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-hit-the-dunes-of-abu-dhabi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

McLaren MP4-12C in Abu Dhabi

The Middle East is an enormously vital market for McLaren, and not just because its oil barons have the cash to buy as many MP4-12C supercars as they and every member of their family could possibly want. While the team has only won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix once and has yet to do the same at the Bahrain Grand Prix - the only two in the region (discounting Turkey), the company is part owned by Saudi businessman Mansour Ojjeh, and another part by the royal family of Bahrain.

Little wonder, then, that the upstart McLaren Automotive is setting up no fewer than six dealerships in the Middle East, the first of which has just opened its doors. To mark the occasion, McLaren took its new MP4-12C to the dunes of Abu Dhabi and around the Yas Island Marina Circuit and brought a camera crew - armed with a RED video camera and Canon's new 1DX - along for the ride. The resulting high-resolution images and footage are worth a glance, so check 'em out in the gallery below, the video below that and the press release below them both.

Continue reading Watch the McLaren MP4-12C hit the dunes of Abu Dhabi

Watch the McLaren MP4-12C hit the dunes of Abu Dhabi originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abu dhabimclarenmclaren automotivemclaren mp4-12cmp4-12cuaeunited arab emiratesvideoyas islandyas marinaThu, 24 May 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20244506/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/24/watch-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-hit-the-dunes-of-abu-dhabi/20244506/article-detail.xml 20244506 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mclaren-abu-dhabi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mclaren-abu-dhabi.jpg <![CDATA[Abu Dhabi poised to get out of Daimler]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/abu-dhabi-poised-to-get-out-of-daimler/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/abu-dhabi-poised-to-get-out-of-daimler/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/abu-dhabi-poised-to-get-out-of-daimler/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Daimler sign in the rain

Abu Dhabi's Aabar Investments spent $2.7 billion buying 9.1 percent of Daimler in 2009. At the time, Aabar said it was "excited by the commercial potential of our partnership," both companies said it was a long-term investment and spoke of joint ventures, and Mercedes-Benz committed to building a training center in the emirate. Aabar then bought a share of Daimler's stake in Tesla, and later that year said it wanted to take its Daimler stake to 15 percent.

Turns out three years counts for long term these days, because a story first reported in Germany's Manager Magazin indicates the fund wants to cash out. There are conflicting accounts as to how big a stake Aabar still has - Reuters says 9.1 percent, Automotive News says three percent, but based on "sources familiar with the situation" various watchers seem sure that the stock sale is on the way.

Aabar won't comment on the situation, Daimler has said it isn't aware of Aabar's intention to sell. Automotive News suggests increased fiscal discipline of Abu Dhabi's deal making could be behind the move, other analysts say the position isn't unusual since the stock price has doubled since Aabar bought in. Still others say that with Aabar having made $113 million from selling its Tesla stake earlier this year, walking completely away from Daimler with money still on the table could indicate broader back-room disagreements.

Abu Dhabi poised to get out of Daimler originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aabaraabar investmentsabu dhabidaimlermercedes-benzFri, 20 Apr 2012 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20219870/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/20/abu-dhabi-poised-to-get-out-of-daimler/20219870/article-detail.xml 20219870 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/daimler-sign-in-the-wet_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/daimler-sign-in-the-wet.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce Hyperion for sale at Abu Dhabi showroom]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/rolls-royce-hyperion-for-sale-at-abu-dhabi-showroom/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/rolls-royce-hyperion-for-sale-at-abu-dhabi-showroom/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/rolls-royce-hyperion-for-sale-at-abu-dhabi-showroom/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Rolls-Royce Hyperion by Pininfarina at Prestige Cars, Abu Dhabi

It's not much of a stretch to imagine plonking down the six figures it would take to drive home in a Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, assuming your pocketbook were so well endowed. After all, when it comes to boulevard cruisers, it doesn't get much more luxurious. That's what most might do, but Roland Hall is not most people. Instead of simply dropping by the local Rolls dealer and ordering his DHC, he commissioned Pininfarina to build him something more unique.

The result was the the Hyperion - a one-off Rolls-Royce convertible penned by no less regarded a talent than Jason Castriota. The car was rumored to be up for sale off and on, but has now popped up at a showroom in Abu Dhabi where it is for sale at an undisclosed price. Previous reports put its MSRP at around $6 million, and if anyone has that kind of scrap to blow on the ultimate status symbol, they probably live nearby.

Rolls-Royce Hyperion for sale at Abu Dhabi showroom originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abu dhabihyperionpininfarinapininfarina hyperionrolls-roycerolls-royce hyperionWed, 11 Apr 2012 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20211694/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/11/rolls-royce-hyperion-for-sale-at-abu-dhabi-showroom/20211694/article-detail.xml 20211694 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/pininfarina-rolls-royce-hyperion-web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/pininfarina-rolls-royce-hyperion-web.jpg <![CDATA[BMW opens 8.6-acre flagship showroom in Abu Dhabi]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/17/bmw-opens-8-6-acre-flagship-showroom-in-abu-dhabi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/17/bmw-opens-8-6-acre-flagship-showroom-in-abu-dhabi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/17/bmw-opens-8-6-acre-flagship-showroom-in-abu-dhabi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BMW Abu Dhabi

Where would you expect to find the largest BMW dealership in the world? At BMW headquarters in Munich? Somewhere in Texas, perhaps, where everything is bigger? Or maybe in California, a state that represents one of the automaker's largest markets? If you're shouting, "No! It's in Abu Dhabi!," you're (A) good at reading headlines and (B) correct.

The Persian Gulf emirate is the location of a new showroom that was just opened this week after a three-year construction project that cost 300 million dirhams - equivalent to over $80 million. All in all, the showroom measures a massive 35,000 square meters. That works out to some 377,000 square feet or 8.6 acres of space, allowing BMW to lay claim to the largest showroom in the world. That's a whole lot of elbow room for the company's 7 Series range, the company's most popular model line in the Middle East.

If you're wondering how even BMW's expansive model lineup could possibly eat up that much room, consider that the location represents the products of the entire BMW Group, including Rolls-Royce, Mini and BMW motorcycles as well as the Bavarian automaker's cars and crossovers. Follow the jump for the full press release and scope out the images in the gallery for a closer look.

Continue reading BMW opens 8.6-acre flagship showroom in Abu Dhabi

BMW opens 8.6-acre flagship showroom in Abu Dhabi originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abu dhabiabu dhabi motorsbmwbmw abu dhabibmw showroomdealershipflagshipminirolls-royceshowroomworlds largest dealershipFri, 17 Feb 2012 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20173678/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/17/bmw-opens-8-6-acre-flagship-showroom-in-abu-dhabi/20173678/article-detail.xml 20173678 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/bmw-abu-dhabi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/bmw-abu-dhabi.jpg <![CDATA[This is what riding in an F1 car is like with loose seatbelts and no HANS Device]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/this-is-what-riding-in-an-f1-car-is-like-with-loose-seatbelts-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/this-is-what-riding-in-an-f1-car-is-like-with-loose-seatbelts-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/this-is-what-riding-in-an-f1-car-is-like-with-loose-seatbelts-an/#commentsFiled under: ,

Yas Marina Formula 1 Experience

Riding shotgun in a two-seater race car at speed is a lot of fun - trust us on this - but this video is headache inducing. And scary. Seems like the pit crew on hand at Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi was so concerned with starting the camera and setting its white balance that they didn't bother checking to see whether the passenger's safety harness was tight enough. And it clearly wasn't.

You'll notice in the screenshot above that the passenger's helmet appears to be striking the bulkhead in front of her, which is definitely not supposed to happen. Indeed, she gets thrown around something fierce as the two-seater F1 car corners and brakes. So let this serve as a lesson to those of you who might embark on your first hot lap on a race track: Tighten up those belts until they are truly snug.

Click past the jump to watch the video in its entirety.

Continue reading This is what riding in an F1 car is like with loose seatbelts and no HANS Device

This is what riding in an F1 car is like with loose seatbelts and no HANS Device originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abu dhabif1formula 1formula onehans devicevideoyas marinaThu, 02 Feb 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163167/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/02/this-is-what-riding-in-an-f1-car-is-like-with-loose-seatbelts-an/20163167/article-detail.xml 20163167 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/f1-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/f1-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix sets up final dash for second place [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/13/formula-1-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-sets-up-final-dash-for-second-pla/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/13/formula-1-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-sets-up-final-dash-for-second-pla/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/13/formula-1-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-sets-up-final-dash-for-second-pla/#commentsFiled under: ,

2011 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The ongoing revolutions in the Middle East may have put the kibosh on the Bahrain Grand Prix this year, but the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was campaigned as planned against the setting Arabian sun. Follow the jump to read how the penultimate race of the 2011 Formula 1 World Championship went down at Yas Island.

Continue reading Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix sets up final dash for second place [spoilers]

Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix sets up final dash for second place [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Nov 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 abu dhabi grand prixabu dhabiabu dhabi grand prixf1formula 1formula onegrand prixuaeunited arab emiratesyasyas islandyas marinaSun, 13 Nov 2011 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20105233/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/13/formula-1-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-sets-up-final-dash-for-second-pla/20105233/article-detail.xml 20105233 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/018abudhabiweb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/018abudhabiweb.jpg <![CDATA[American driver Alexander Rossi racing his way into F1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/american-driver-alexander-rossi-racing-his-way-into-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/american-driver-alexander-rossi-racing-his-way-into-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/american-driver-alexander-rossi-racing-his-way-into-f1/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Alexander Rossi

Formula 1 may be coming to America - with two races within the next two years, no less - but it's been a long time since an American has taken on Formula One.

Scott Speed was the last standard-bearer The U.S. had in the series, but after showing early promise with Formula Renault 2000 titles in Europe, he failed to shine in his seat with Scuderia Toro Rosso, ultimately moving back Stateside to NASCAR. Mario Andretti and Phil Hill both took the trophy home for America, but those titles were decades ago. What America needs now is a new talent to waive the Stars and Stripes at the grand prix circuits of the world. And it could have just that in Alexander Rossi.

The twenty-year-old Californian has shown serious promise in the feeder series, winning the Formula BMW title and landing third in the critical Formula Renault 3.5 series where, with two wins, he emerged as this season's rookie of the year. Rossi was linked to the failed USF1 team, and in 2009 was awarded a test drive for BMW Sauber F1, making him the only American to currently hold the FIA Superlicense required to compete in Formula 1.

Now Rossi's coming back for another try at F1, participating in the young driver test at Abu Dhabi for the outfit currently known as Team Lotus (soon to be renamed Caterham). He'll already be on hand for the GP2 race the same weekend, in which he'll drive for Caterham's feeder squad, Team AirAsia. We'll keep an eye out to see how the young Yank does. Follow the jump for the press release.

Continue reading American driver Alexander Rossi racing his way into F1

American driver Alexander Rossi racing his way into F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abu dhabialexander rossif1formula 1formula onegp2rossiTue, 08 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20099756/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/08/american-driver-alexander-rossi-racing-his-way-into-f1/20099756/article-detail.xml 20099756 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/alexrossi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/alexrossi.jpg <![CDATA[BlackBerry outage coincides with reduced number of traffic accidents]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/18/blackberry-outage-coincides-with-reduced-number-of-traffic-accid/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/18/blackberry-outage-coincides-with-reduced-number-of-traffic-accid/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/18/blackberry-outage-coincides-with-reduced-number-of-traffic-accid/#commentsFiled under: , ,

angry driver

When BlackBerry servers crashed between Tuesday and Thursday last week, owners of the popular business phones were left without a tool they've come to rely on. At the same time, the server crash could have made roads in the Middle East that much safer.

The National reports that traffic accidents in Dubai dropped 20 percent compared to historical averages during the blackout. In Abu Dhabi, accidents dropped by 40 percent, and there were zero fatalities. If you're thinking that this isn't a significant enough sample to show that smart phones and distracted driving are inexorably linked, consider this: There is an accident in Dubai every three minutes.

Dubai police chief Dahi Khalfan Tamim pointed out to The National that the accidents resulting from distracted driving "range between minor and moderate ones, but at times they are deadly." Officer Al Harethi took it a step farther, adding "the roads became much safer when BlackBerry stopped working."

While the loss of BlackBerry service was no doubt a major inconvenience, these real-life statistics once again show that smart phones and driving just don't mix.

BlackBerry outage coincides with reduced number of traffic accidents originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abu dhabiblackberrydistracted drivingdubaismart phoneTue, 18 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20083827/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/18/blackberry-outage-coincides-with-reduced-number-of-traffic-accid/20083827/article-detail.xml 20083827 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/angry-driver_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/angry-driver.jpg <![CDATA[Haven't visited Ferrari World Abu Dhabi yet? Watch this]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/10/havent-visited-ferrari-world-abu-dhabi-yet-watch-this/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/10/havent-visited-ferrari-world-abu-dhabi-yet-watch-this/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/10/havent-visited-ferrari-world-abu-dhabi-yet-watch-this/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Roller coasters: fun. Driving a Ferrari: also fun. And there's only one place where the two meet. Nope, not in the parking lot at your local Six Flags. We're talking about Ferrari World.

The theme park is finally open to the public, complete with all the attractions, from F1-themed coasters to a pit crew-themed acrobatic take on Cirque du Soleil. Unfortunately you'll need to travel all the way to the Abu Dhabi to see it first hand, so if that's not in the cards any time soon, or even if it is, you can follow the jump to watch the video and see what's in store.

Continue reading Haven't visited Ferrari World Abu Dhabi yet? Watch this

Haven't visited Ferrari World Abu Dhabi yet? Watch this originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abu dhabiamusement parkferrariferrari roller coasterferrari worldferrari world abu dhabiroller coastertheme parkvideoWed, 10 Aug 2011 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20014223/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/10/havent-visited-ferrari-world-abu-dhabi-yet-watch-this/20014223/article-detail.xml 20014223 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/ferrari-world-vidcap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/ferrari-world-vidcap.jpg <![CDATA[Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Development Co emerges as another partner for F1 bidders]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/17/abu-dhabis-mubadala-development-co-emerges-as-another-partner-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/17/abu-dhabis-mubadala-development-co-emerges-as-another-partner-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/17/abu-dhabis-mubadala-development-co-emerges-as-another-partner-f/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Felipe Massa

Ferrari and its stakeholders and executives (past and present) seem hell-bent on gaining control of Formula One and all it's worth. First came the election of former Ferrari CEO Jean Todt to the head of the FIA, which governs Formula One. Then more recently came reports that Exor - the Agnelli family trust that effectively owns Ferrari - was part of the consortium led by News Corp looking to buy into the sport's commercial rights. Now further details have emerged adding the Mubadala Development Company as a member of the same consortium.

Mubadala is a company whose assets have recently been closely intertwined with those of Ferrari's. The company is owned by the government of Abu Dhabi, where the Ferrari World theme park stands. Until recently, Mubadala also owned part of Ferrari itself, its logos featuring prominently on the team's cars and uniforms (as did Abu Dhabi's national airline Etihad, also owned by the royal family). But even since the shares were reacquired, Mubadala remains (alongside the Ferrari family) a large shareholder in Piaggio Aero, the aerospace company chaired by Pierro Ferrari (Enzo's son and vice-chairman of the namesake automaker) and whose planes, incidentally, the Scuderia flies from one grand prix to the next.

Of course, once again, none of this appears to be going anywhere since the current owner CVC doesn't appear eager to sell. But if it did, hypothetically speaking, Mubadala might be a more suitable candidate, much as CVC sold to the rights to the MotoGP bike series to Bridgepoint (another investment company) before acquiring Formula One.

Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Development Co emerges as another partner for F1 bidders originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 May 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abu dhabicvcexorf1ferrariformula 1formula onemubadalaTue, 17 May 2011 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19940825/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/17/abu-dhabis-mubadala-development-co-emerges-as-another-partner-f/19940825/article-detail.xml 19940825 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/mubadala_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/mubadala.jpg <![CDATA[Report: 127-car pileup in Abu Dhabi kills one, injures 61]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/04/report-127-car-pile-up-in-abu-dhabi-kills-one-injures-61/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/04/report-127-car-pile-up-in-abu-dhabi-kills-one-injures-61/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/04/report-127-car-pile-up-in-abu-dhabi-kills-one-injures-61/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Abu Dhabi highway crash

An enormous pileup on the Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway left one man dead and 61 people injured early Saturday morning. According to police and witnesses, the pileup happened around 8am between Sahama and Ghantoot and was caused by a combination of speeding and heavy fog.

Police were reportedly on the scene with 100 units from the Abu Dhabi police department, backed up by the army, civil defense force and ambulances, all within five minutes of the crash. Despite the size of the accident, the sheer volume of police and emergency personnel on hand meant the accident was cleared and traffic flow restored in just two hours. Their job was made even more difficult by the fog, which reduced visibility to less than 150 feet and precluded the use of helicopters to evacuate people from the accident scene, which stretched for more than a mile.

[Source: Gulf News | Image: Ahmed Kutty/Gulf News]

Report: 127-car pileup in Abu Dhabi kills one, injures 61 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abu dhabicrashdubaidubai-abu dhabi highwayhighwaypile-upMon, 04 Apr 2011 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19901330/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/04/report-127-car-pile-up-in-abu-dhabi-kills-one-injures-61/19901330/article-detail.xml 19901330 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/abudhabi-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/abudhabi-crash.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce opens its largest showroom yet in Abu Dhabi]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/30/rolls-royce-opens-its-largest-showroom-yet-in-abu-dhabi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/30/rolls-royce-opens-its-largest-showroom-yet-in-abu-dhabi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/30/rolls-royce-opens-its-largest-showroom-yet-in-abu-dhabi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Rolls-Royce showroom Abu Dhabi
Rolls-Royce showroom Abu Dhabi - Click above for high-res image gallery

The news these days from the Middle East mostly focuses on warfare and revolution, but not in Abu Dhabi. The gulf emirate remains an island of tranquility, and that's where Rolls-Royce has opted to open its largest showroom ever.

The dealership includes some 900 square meters of showroom space - that's nearly 10,000 square feet - incorporating a coffee bar, a customer configuration lounge and enough floorspace to showcase five vehicles in uncluttered opulence. Which is really something, considering that the company currently offers only four variants across two model ranges. There's a service facility adjacent as well. The new Abu Dhabi location is the 82nd in an expanding chain of Rolls-Royce dealers around the world, and the eighth in the Middle East alone.


Gallery: Rolls-Royce showroom Abu Dhabi


[Source: Rolls-Royce]

Continue reading Rolls-Royce opens its largest showroom yet in Abu Dhabi

Rolls-Royce opens its largest showroom yet in Abu Dhabi originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abu dhabidealershipflagshiprolls-royceshowroomWed, 30 Mar 2011 07:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19895111/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/30/rolls-royce-opens-its-largest-showroom-yet-in-abu-dhabi/19895111/article-detail.xml 19895111 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/web630-rr2094_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/web630-rr2094.jpg <![CDATA[Formula Drift UAE Invitational in Abu Dhabi 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/13/formula-drift-uae-invitational-in-abu-dhabi-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/13/formula-drift-uae-invitational-in-abu-dhabi-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/13/formula-drift-uae-invitational-in-abu-dhabi-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Formula Drift UAE Invitational
Formula Drift in Abu Dhabi - Click above for high-res image gallery

After wrapping up the 2010 Formula Drift season (Vaughn Gittin Jr. took the podium, with Tanner Foust and Ryan Tuerck second and third overall), a handful of selected professional drifters loaded their cars into steel 40-foot containers and shipped them to the Middle East for the inaugural Formula Drift UAE Invitational in Abu Dhabi.

While the locals in that part of the world aren't strangers to wild car antics (as evident from those popular, yet crazy Middle East YouTube videos), the Invitational was formatted to introduce the locals to professional drifting - in a safe and controlled manner. The chosen venue was the new Yas Marina Circuit, designed and built for Formula One (interestingly enough, the Formula Drift guys were the first to every lay "drifting" rubber down on its fresh surface).

In addition to the main event, there was a media day (with ride-alongs), a karting competition (Tanner Foust set the all-time lap record), a visit to Ferrari World and a drag competition with locals. And, to help the local competitors, Tony Brakohiapa and Michael Essa taught drifting techniques to ten drivers from the local SSK Drift Club (four were eventually chosen to participate in demo during the main event).

The next stop for drivers Chris Forsberg, Tanner Foust, Michael Essa, Tony Brakohiapa, Fredric Aasbo, Mike Whiddett and Daijiro Yoshihara is the Qatar Racing Club in Doha, Qatar, for the inaugural Formula Drift Global Challenge on March 18, 2011.


Gallery: Formula Drift in Abu Dhabi 2011

Formula Drift in Abu Dhabi 2011Formula Drift in Abu Dhabi 2011The cars of Formula DriftFormula Drift in Abu Dhabi 2011Formula Drift in Abu Dhabi 2011

Photos copyright (C)2011 Formula Drift / Ashley Glover / Nick Richards

[Source: Formula Drift]

Formula Drift UAE Invitational in Abu Dhabi 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Mar 2011 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Abu Dhabiabu+dhabi+invitationalabudhabiinvitationalamerican+airlines+abu+dhabi+to+jfk+3/13/2011americanairlinesabudhabitojfk3/13/2011DriftingFormula DFormula DriftFormula Drift UAE Invitational in Abu Dhabi 2011formula+d+abu+dhabiformuladabudhabiGSR AutosportGSR Autosport 350RMichael EssaTanner FoustUAE InvitationalVaughn Gittin Jr.yas marinaYas Marina and Yacht ClubSun, 13 Mar 2011 11:08:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19872537/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/13/formula-drift-uae-invitational-in-abu-dhabi-2011/19872537/article-detail.xml 19872537 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/drift630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/drift630.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Abu Dhabi using color-coded road surfaces to convey speed limits]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/03/report-abu-dhabi-using-color-coded-road-surfaces-to-convey-spee/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/03/report-abu-dhabi-using-color-coded-road-surfaces-to-convey-spee/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/03/report-abu-dhabi-using-color-coded-road-surfaces-to-convey-spee/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Roadway Speed Limits

Abu Dhabi has updated the speed limits for certain roads in and around the city and to make sure everyone knows about the new limits, as well as to warn drivers that they've entered one of these changed sections, officials have come up with a unique solution - painting the speed limit on the road.

On select sections of road, bright red asphalt will serve as a warning that the speed limit has changed. The thinking: A driver might miss a sign on the side of the road but they (hopefully) won't miss the entire road.

[Source: Gulf News]

Report: Abu Dhabi using color-coded road surfaces to convey speed limits originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abu dhabimiddle eastpainted roadsspeed limitspeedingunited arab emiratesMon, 03 Jan 2011 08:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19783696/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/03/report-abu-dhabi-using-color-coded-road-surfaces-to-convey-spee/19783696/article-detail.xml 19783696 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/2211501462-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/2211501462-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat reportedly buys Ferrari stake back from Abu Dhabi]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/15/fiat-reportedly-buys-ferrari-stake-back-from-abu-dhabi/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/15/fiat-reportedly-buys-ferrari-stake-back-from-abu-dhabi/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/15/fiat-reportedly-buys-ferrari-stake-back-from-abu-dhabi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Ferrari was undoubtedly disappointed with the results from this weekend's season-ending grand prix in Abu Dhabi, but the Italian outfit may have left with a parting gift. One they had to pay for, anyway.

According to reports, parent company Fiat exercised a clause to re-acquire the five percent stake in Ferrari which the company sold five years ago to Abu Dhabi's state investment firm Mubadala.

The 122-million euro deal comes at an interesting time for a number of reasons. For one, the company just opened the Ferrari World theme park in the gulf emirate. For another, the news broke during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend itself. And finally, rumors have been circling recently that Fiat could itself be preparing to sell as much as 49% of Ferrari in the near future. Could the buy-back be a preparatory step to such a sale? Only one way to find out, so we'll have to sit tight and see what develops.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Fiat reportedly buys Ferrari stake back from Abu Dhabi originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abu dhabiferrarifiatMubadalaMubadala Development CompanyMon, 15 Nov 2010 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19716096/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/15/fiat-reportedly-buys-ferrari-stake-back-from-abu-dhabi/19716096/article-detail.xml 19716096 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/100092abu_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/100092abu.jpg <![CDATA[2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: A prince is crowned king in the Emirates [Spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/14/2010-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-a-prince-is-crowned-king-in-the-emira/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/14/2010-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-a-prince-is-crowned-king-in-the-emira/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/14/2010-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-a-prince-is-crowned-king-in-the-emira/#commentsFiled under: ,

2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery

When this season kicked off nine months ago in neighboring Bahrain, we knew it was going to be a close one. Ferrari had a two-time champion at the helm and a hungry wingman to match. McLaren had the reigning champions from the past two years in what was dubbed a "super team." Brawn GP was bought by Mercedes-Benz, which then brought the most successful driver in F1 history out of retirement. Meanwhile, Red Bull was riding the crest of a fairy-tale ascension that only narrowly failed to materialize the year before. Yes, we knew it'd be close, but not this close.

Heading in to the season finale this weekend in Abu Dhabi, the constructors' championship had just been decided, but the drivers' title was still up for grabs. And for the first time in sixty years of Formula One history, it was down to an unprecedented four drivers. Fernando Alonso looked poised to take his third title, but both Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel were still well in contention for their first, while Lewis Hamilton looked at slim - but still possible - chances at claiming his second. It was down to the line, and for all the marbles. Follow the jump to find out who was crowned champion, and how.


Gallery: 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix


[Images: Luca Bruno, Ben Curtis, Gero Breloer/AP | Clive Mason, Vladimir Rys/Getty]

Continue reading 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: A prince is crowned king in the Emirates [Spoilers]

2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: A prince is crowned king in the Emirates [Spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Nov 2010 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 abu dhabi grand prix2010 formula one world championshipabu dhabiabu dhabi grand prixbreakingf1formula 1formula oneyas islandyas island circuityas marinaSun, 14 Nov 2010 12:17:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19715927/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/14/2010-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-a-prince-is-crowned-king-in-the-emira/19715927/article-detail.xml 19715927 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/webemiratesf1gpautoracing.9ab7f92ae4ad4041979dcc234ec88460_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/webemiratesf1gpautoracing.9ab7f92ae4ad4041979dcc234ec88460.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari World: Opening day images [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/27/ferrari-world-opening-day-images/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/27/ferrari-world-opening-day-images/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/27/ferrari-world-opening-day-images/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
That's not a rendering, it's Ferrari World Abu Dhabi from above - Click above for high-res image gallery

You may never get the chance to strap yourself behind the wheel of a real live Formula One racing car festooned with all manner of Prancing Horses. We feel your pain, but perhaps the next best thing would be a trip to Ferrari World, which just opened its doors to paying guests in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

If you're thinking that no theme park could possibly give you the kinds of thrills you'd get behind the wheel of the real thing, well, you might be right. That said, no street car ever produced in Maranello is capable of accelerating to 60 miles per hour in about two seconds flat, which is exactly what the roller coaster Formula Rossa puts its passengers through on its way to a 150-mile per hour top speed. That equals 1.7 Gs of acceleration force, by the way.

The exterior of the park is modeled after the side profile of a Ferrari GT, and the roof has a total surface area of 200,000 square meters (2,200,000 sq ft) with a perimeter of 2,200 meters (7,200 ft). One-hundred-sixty feet below that roof, which is festooned with the largest Prancing Horse ever created (see above), sits 86,000 square meters (930,000 sq ft) of floor space. That makes Ferrari World the largest indoor theme park on the planet.

Naturally, there will be other attractions for those looking for slightly less thrilling kinds of fun, including a plethora of movies (some in 3D), and a ride that takes you through the inner workings of a V12 engine. You can also drive a Ferrari 250 California Spyder though an exhibit that shows you the best that Italy has to offer while you let the kiddies have their kicks learning how to drive Junior Grand Prix race cars.

Finally, what Ferrari theme park would be complete without bevy of places to buy your officially licensed gear? Not to mention a slew of fine dining locales with which to fill your gullet? The price to get in is just 225 AED, a little over $60 U.S. Check out our high-res image gallery below and hit the jump for a behind-the-scenes video.


Gallery: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Opening Day

Ferrari World Abu DhabiFerrari World Abu DhabiFerrari World Abu DhabiFerrari World Abu DhabiFerrari World Abu Dhabi

Continue reading Ferrari World: Opening day images [w/video]

Ferrari World: Opening day images [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abu dhabiAbu Dhabi Ferrari Worldabu dhabi grand prixferrariferrari roller coasterferrari rollercoasterferrari theme parkferrari worldferrari world abu dhabiferrari world theme parkformula rossaWed, 27 Oct 2010 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19691978/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/27/ferrari-world-opening-day-images/19691978/article-detail.xml 19691978 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/ferrari-world-opening_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/ferrari-world-opening.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari World opening date set, ticket prices revealed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/02/ferrari-world-opening-date-set-ticket-prices-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/02/ferrari-world-opening-date-set-ticket-prices-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/02/ferrari-world-opening-date-set-ticket-prices-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ferrari World
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Tifosi are trembling. Ferrari World has announced the opening date, as well as ticket prices, for its Abu Dhabi-based theme park. Get your plane tickets and pack your bags, because gates open October 27th, 2010 at 7PM. Standard tickets cost 225 United Arab Emirate Dirhams (about $61 USD) for visitors over five feet tall, and 165 AED (about $45 USD) for shorter folks. Premium tickets, which provide access to an exclusive lounge with refreshments as well as other as-yet unannounced benefits, cost 375 AED (about $102 USD) for the five foot and up crowd or 270 AED ($74 USD) for more diminutive Ferrari aficionados.

Both ticket levels provide unlimited access to all rides and attractions. Note that the October opening is considered a soft launch, and only exterior features will be available to visitors. A full-blown grand opening will follow this December, when the full park will open up to the public.

Gallery: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi


[Source: Ferrari World via Motor Trend]

Continue reading Ferrari World opening date set, ticket prices revealed

Ferrari World opening date set, ticket prices revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Oct 2010 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abu dhabiFerrariferrari worldferrari world abu dhabiTifosiSat, 02 Oct 2010 18:34:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19653618/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/02/ferrari-world-opening-date-set-ticket-prices-revealed/19653618/article-detail.xml 19653618 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/ferrworldad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/ferrworldad.jpg <![CDATA[Abu Dhabi police to use televised shaming as tool to deter motorist scofflaws [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/28/abu-dhabi-police-to-use-televised-shaming-as-tool-to-deter-motor/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/28/abu-dhabi-police-to-use-televised-shaming-as-tool-to-deter-motor/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/28/abu-dhabi-police-to-use-televised-shaming-as-tool-to-deter-motor/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

GNTV Traffic Violation Television Shaming
Traffic Violations aired as public shaming tool - Click above to watch video after the jump

Police in Abu Dhabi take traffic violations very seriously, and they're reportedly adding a new tool to their arsenal - public shaming. After the evening news bulletin, videos will be shown of various traffic offenses along with the fines and penalties they incur. They have already lined up 30 such video violations and plan to run the series for a month.

The goal of these spots is to increase the awareness of what happens when you commit a driving infraction. This also highlights the idea that the Abu Dhabi police force need not be on-hand to witness the crime. Traffic cameras catch the action and they monitor many city streets around the clock.

You just know that U.S. television producers will "borrow" this idea and turn it into a reality show. Obey our traffic laws by hopping the jump to view the video. Thanks for the tip, Ajay!

[Source: Gulf News]

Continue reading Abu Dhabi police to use televised shaming as tool to deter motorist scofflaws [w/video]

Abu Dhabi police to use televised shaming as tool to deter motorist scofflaws [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abu dhabiInfractionsmiddle eastpoliceshamingtraffic camtraffic cameratraffic camerasviolationsTue, 28 Sep 2010 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19650482/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/28/abu-dhabi-police-to-use-televised-shaming-as-tool-to-deter-motor/19650482/article-detail.xml 19650482 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/gntv-screen-grab_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/gntv-screen-grab.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Patrol recalled overseas but kissing-cousin Infiniti QX56 not affected <i>[*UPDATED]</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/27/nissan-patrol-recalled-overseas-but-kissing-cousin-infiniti-qx56/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/27/nissan-patrol-recalled-overseas-but-kissing-cousin-infiniti-qx56/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/27/nissan-patrol-recalled-overseas-but-kissing-cousin-infiniti-qx56/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2010 Nissan Patrol - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan has issued a recall for more than a thousand Nissan Patrol models in the Middle East, citing electrical problems that could affect the engine's fuel supply leading to engine stalls. According to Monal Zeidan, the general manager of marketing and communications for Nissan Middle East, there are problems with an integrated circuit inside the vehicle's electronic control module (ECM). Zeidan goes on to say that if the ECM fails the fuel injectors could stop working and the engine may stop. Owners of the 1,250 affected vehicles in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are being asked to visit their dealerships to have a revised ECM installed.

While the all-new 2011 Infiniti QX56 is heavily based on the Nissan Patrol, our sources at Infiniti say the two models run different ECMs. That's a bit of good news for owners of Infiniti's latest flagship SUV, as it means they won't need to worry about the recall.

*UPDATE: Nissan has issued a clarifying statement that notes while U.S. Infiniti QX56 models are unaffected by this action, Middle Eastern market QX56 are indeed being recalled alongside their Patrol cousins.


Gallery: 2010 Nissan Patrol


[Source: TheNational]

Nissan Patrol recalled overseas but kissing-cousin Infiniti QX56 not affected [*UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Nissan Patrol2010NissanPatrol2011 infiniti qx562011InfinitiQx56Abu DhabiAbuDhabiDubaiECMECUElectronic Control ModuleElectronicControlModuleFuel InjectorsFuelInjectorsinfiniti qx56 2011 medio orienteInfinitiQx562011MedioOrienteNissanNissan PatrolNissanPatrolPatrolQX-56qx56QX56 reviewQx56ReviewTue, 27 Jul 2010 17:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19570366/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/27/nissan-patrol-recalled-overseas-but-kissing-cousin-infiniti-qx56/19570366/article-detail.xml 19570366 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/patrol630lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/patrol630lead.jpg -1 2