Autoblog

Brabus Vanish: When a Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series just ain't enough

Noah Joseph — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 09:19:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Middle East

Brabus Vanish - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series doesn't leave much room for improvement. It hardly even leaves you with enough time, in fact, to say its name in full before it's already up to highway speeds from a standstill. It runs the 0-62 mph sprint in 3.8 seconds, passes 124 in 11 flat and tops out just under 200 miles per hour. Short of the SLR McLaren and the newer SLS AMG, the Black Series is the fastest roadcar Mercedes has ever made. But one customer in Dubai wasn't satisfied. So neither was Brabus.

The quintessential Benz tuner fitted the client's matte Black with bigger turbos, a new gearbox, bigger brakes and a new exhaust. The result is a 130-horsepower boost from the stock 670hp twin-turbo V12 for a total of 800. Brabus calls it the Vanish, which is probably just about right. For our part, we'll give kudos where kudos are due to the owner who went with a decidedly more understated look than the typical Dubai'd out gold-chrome Benzes we've come, however lamentably, to expect.

Gallery: Brabus Vanish

[Source: TopSpeed via eMercedes-Benz]

Brabus Vanish: When a Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series just ain't enough originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 09:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hennessey signs DiMora to sell Venom GT overseas

Noah Joseph — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:38:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, India, Middle East, MISC

Hennessey Venom GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

You might say the American automotive industry is divided into two groups: The Big Three, and the rest. That latter category might include up-and-comers like Tesla, niche manufacturers like SSC, as well as super-modifiers like Hennessey and wannabes like DiMora. Those last two are hoping to break out obscurity with high-end offerings of their own, and have teamed up along the way to make it happen.

After decades of tuning Vipers and 'Vettes, Hennessey recently debuted the new Venom GT, a of Lotus on 'roids with a supercharged Corvette LS9 V8 mounted amidship. It can be ordered, starting at around $600,00, with 725, 1,000 or even 1,200 horsepower. Sounds exactly right for the Middle East, doesn't it?

To that effect, Hennessey has signed DiMora - the effort behind the vaporware Natalia SLS super-sedan - to sell the Venom GT in the Middle East and in India, two burgeoning markets for rich toys like this one.

Gallery: Hennessey Venom GT

[Source: Inside Line]

Hennessey signs DiMora to sell Venom GT overseas originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gemballa-tuned Enzo MIG-UI waiting for The Empire to strike back again

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ferrari, Middle East, Luxury

Ferrari Enzo MIG-UI by Gemballa -- Click above for image gallery

The black and white menace you see above was created for Gemballa's Middle East distributor, the Illyas and Mustafa Galadari Group, using Mustafa's personal Enzo as the subject. The roof scoop, jet-thruster-surrounds for the exhaust, and black rims are Gemballa hallmarks, on top of which the nose has been slightly sculpted and the hood sports a central scoop.

The widebody treatment has given Gemballa room to add new elements, like the vents up front and behind the wheels, the gills on the fenders, and stolen-from-a-Subie rear wing. Other Enzo features, like the side vents, have merely been massaged. The paint scheme, a far cry from the Middle East's de rigueur gold or chrome, is nothing short of arresting -- make of that what you will. We don't mind it.

The inside is rather subdued, comparatively speaking: black and quilted red leather, trimmed in red stitching and piping. We don't know anything else about the car at the moment -- seems the proud owners are holding back until it's officially rolled out, debutante style, to a waiting Dubai public. If anyone makes it to the unveiling, please let us know if it comes with a set of Imperial armor and an E-11 blaster...

Gallery: Gemballa Ferrari Enzo MIG-UI

[Source: TeamSpeed]

Gemballa-tuned Enzo MIG-UI waiting for The Empire to strike back again originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bugatti honors Dubai with three special editions Veyrons

Chris Paukert — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Bugatti, Misc. Auto Shows, Middle East, Design/Style, Luxury

Bugatti at the 2009 Dubai Motor Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

As with any other business, in the automotive sphere, it's mission critical to recognize on which side your bread is buttered - particularly in lean times like these. Bugatti may be losing money on each Veyron it builds, but that doesn't mean that company strategists don't know how to earn a crust. Need proof? This month's Dubai Motor Show finds the supercar builder unveiling a trio of special edition models in one of its most important markets.

The Middle East triumvirate will consist of the Veyron Nocturne, which features "galvanized side windows" that add continuity to the polished aluminum body panel accents, and there are also polished wheels and a "black nanocoated magnesium dashboard" with a center console rendered in galvanized platinum. Just five examples will be built.

Bugatti will also show its Veyron "Sang d'Argent" and a topless Grand Sport "Soliel de Nuit" model for those that like a little sun and sand in their hair. The former of which employs a silver metallic finish and alloys nicked from the Grand Sport and the latter incorporates "country coded" colors that include a silver metallic lower and an impossibly deep upper blue finish and a Havanna interior with quilted seats.

If you're interested, well, have your accountant's accountant ring up Bugatti, and summon your garage keeper to ensure you've got some extra room available in the first quarter of 2010 for when you take delivery. Oh, and you'll have to liberate anywhere from 1.45 million euro ($2.1M USD) to 1.65 million euro ($2.5M) from your chaise lounge cushions for the privilege. Not up for it? Well, you can at least check out our high-res images below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Bugatti at the 2009 Dubai Motor Show

[Source: Bugatti]

Continue reading Bugatti honors Dubai with three special editions Veyrons

Bugatti honors Dubai with three special editions Veyrons originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce launches limited-edition Phantom Bespoke Collection in the Persian Gulf

Noah Joseph — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 15:34:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Rolls-Royce, Middle East, Luxury

Rolls-Royce Phantom Bespoke Collection - Click above for high-res image gallery

While Rolls-Royce prepares to roll out the new downsized Ghost model, in the Middle East demand still soars for the full-size Phantom. But with every sheikh and his cousins driving - or more likely, being driven in - the big Rolls, the automaker has announced a new Bespoke Collection exclusively for the Persian Gulf region.

Enabling wealthy clients to specify all manner of trim and color options beyond the usual range of choices, the Phantom Bespoke Collection will deliver just six special vehicles to customers in the Middle East. Following the gold-finished DHC delivered last year, the first example in the new line - pictured here - is decked out in two-tone Arizona Sun over English White paint, with Creme Light and Saddle Tan leather interior complimented by handmade silk rugs and mother of pearl inlays. So you'd better wipe off your sandals before stepping foot inside, habibi. Check it out in the gallery below.

Gallery: Rolls-Royce Phantom Bespoke Collection

[Source: Drive Arabia via Autoblog.nl]

Rolls-Royce launches limited-edition Phantom Bespoke Collection in the Persian Gulf originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Aug 2009 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Next Toyota Landcruiser Prado/Lexus GX caught in the Middle East?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Lexus, Toyota, Middle East

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado spy shots -- Click above for image gallery

A tipster in the Middle East has sent pics of what looks to be the area's next Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (known as the Lexus GX stateside). If it is the next version of the SUV, Toyota has gone for a massaging routine as opposed to brute force change. A reshaped front fascia contains swoopier headlights, a vertical-bar grille similar to that of the Australian model), and a raised lower bumper detail. The changes are minimal out back, with more pronounced taillamps and a unique U-shaped chrome taillamp garnish.

As the vehicle seen here is thought to be based on the same platform as the current model, it isn't clear if this is the same chassis that is expected to underpin America's next Toyota 4Runner/GX expected this Fall. In the Gulf region, Al Motor News figures that the predecessor's Toyota engines will carry over: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder and a 4.0-liter V6. The Gulf-market Lexus is also expected to get a 4.6-liter V8 engine option with 310 horsepower.

These shots were apparently taken at a dealer inventory lot, so it is assumed the Prado will be shown officially in the not-too-distant future. You can get a sneak preview for yourself in the gallery of photos below. Hat tip to Ebraheem!

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2010 Toyota Prado/Landcruiser

[Source: Al Motor News]

Spy Shots: Next Toyota Landcruiser Prado/Lexus GX caught in the Middle East? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet Camaro launches in the Middle East, stops to pose for photos

Chris Paukert — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM, Middle East

2010 Chevrolet Camaro in the Middle East - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite being unusually thrifty for a muscle car, we can't help but think that Chevrolet's new Camaro is secretly happy at the prospect of being released into the Middle East, land of wide-open roads and discount crude. General Motors has just announced that the Camaro will pack its bags and head to the Middle East later this summer, where it already has a wait list at some dealers.

The market will receive two models to start - the 3.6-liter V6 model (in LT trim) and the fire-breathing 6.2-liter V8 SS, the latter of which will be available with the buyer's choice of a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.

For our Autoblog Middle East friends, you can configure your new Bowtie at www.camaroarabia.com, and for the rest of us, there's a gigantic new high-res gallery of the Camaro checking out the local sights and the obligatory press release after the jump.

Let the countdown to the first sighting of a reflective gold painted Camaro SS begin!

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Camaro launches in the Middle East

Continue reading Chevrolet Camaro launches in the Middle East, stops to pose for photos

Chevrolet Camaro launches in the Middle East, stops to pose for photos originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shaken, Not Stirred: Aston parent company reportedly defaults on $100M Islamic bond

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: Aston Martin, Earnings/Financials

Investment Dar, the Kuwaiti firm that owns part of Aston Martin, has reportedly defaulted on payment for a $100 million Islamic bond that was due on April 27. In the process, Bloomberg says it has become the first Persian Gulf company to default on an Islamic bond.

In December of last year, Dar was considering selling a 20- to 30% stake in Aston Martin in order "to profit financially or technically" it said at the time. It was also trying to refinance its short-term debt, attempting to tap banks for 200 to 300 million Kuwati dinars ($691 million-$1 billion U.S.), the upper end of which being more than Dar paid for its share of Aston Martin in the first place.

According to Bloomberg, Dar remains open to selling peripheral assets to shore up its position and it is working with Credit Suisse to restructure. The investment firm has another big Islamic bond maturing in September, and even though the Kuwaiti government is working with national banks to assist them in the downturn, Dar probably doesn't want to be seen setting a pattern of stumbling. Thanks for the tip, Bo!

[Source: Bloomberg]

Shaken, Not Stirred: Aston parent company reportedly defaults on $100M Islamic bond originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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22-year-old sheik spending $10M a year to become the Yankees of drag racing?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc.

There are a number of parallels with an all-American tale of racing fan turned team owner: Man loves drag racing since boyhood, comes from a region crazy for the sport, started off in racing's little league, and races to win even in the big leagues. Yet the differences are enough to inform us that this is a Yankees tale, not an Oakland A's tale: the team owner in question is Qatari native Sheik Khalid bin Hamad Al-Thani, all of 22 years old, with a bank account that would make Croesus blush.

When Al-Thani was ready to start a top-level drag racing team after owning outfits in the lower grades, he called Alan Johnson, who had run the five-time championship-winning Army dragster team. With the aim of turning Qatar into a dragster's paradise and an estimated $10 million per year budget for a two-car team (top fuel dragster and funny car), Johnson signed up for the challenge.

A top team spends about $4 million and up for the NHRA series, which could put Al-Thani even above the U.S. Army team's expenditure. Both teams are sixth in the standings right now, with Larry Dixon (dragster) and Del Worsham (funny car) behind the wheels, but with Al-Thani committed to doing - and spending - what it takes, he might just be the Steinbrenner of drag racing before long, for better or worse.

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

22-year-old sheik spending $10M a year to become the Yankees of drag racing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Qatar pondering taking stake in Porsche?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Porsche, Earnings/Financials, Middle East

The worst secret in the universe is that there's a lot of money in the Middle East and the Gulf states are looking all over the world for places to put it. Abu Dhabi's Aabar investment spent €1.95 billion on a 9.1% stake in Daimler (around $2.5B USD), and now the state of Qatar is eying what could be a double-digit stake in Porsche. Qatar hasn't floated any potential investment sums, but said one sheikh, "we are looking into this issue."

The deal likely wouldn't be a bad one for Porsche either. The Stuttgart maker has some cash intensive plans on the horizon, including a €3.3 billion credit payment ($4.3B) and upping its stake in VW another 25% to 75%. Porsche refinanced €10 billion ($13.2B) of its debt just last month, and now wants to raise €2.5 billion ($3.3B) to keep things moving. Having gone from a couple of models to five different lines in 28 variations, it is likely that Porsche will be looking for all of the investment monies it can get.

[Source: Auto News, sub req'd]

Qatar pondering taking stake in Porsche? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Swiss-tuned McLaren SLR Red Gold Dream ends up in... yes, Dubai

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Supercars

Click above for high-res images of the Ueli Anliker-tuned McLaren SLR Red Gold Dream in Dubai

We know to expect the unexpected when it comes to aftermarket work in certain Middle Eastern enclaves. But this... this is, well, this is something that even Tim Burton would have to dismiss as just too outrageous. Part of what makes this car even more interesting is that it was the product of Swiss tuning firm Ueli Anliker Design, and as such, it is called the Anliker McLaren SLR 999 Red Gold Dream.

What was once a standard SLR (may God have mercy on its soul) now has a cow catcher up front, a Mustang wing out back, and 24 karat gold and rubies plastered throughout. We would love to say more about it, but we're having... trouble... concentrating... right now... So have a look at the high-res gallery of photos below, and please don't let Mr. Anliker near your car. Thanks for the tip, Mel

Gallery: Ueli Anliker SLR in Dubai

[Source: Supercars Dubai]

Swiss-tuned McLaren SLR Red Gold Dream ends up in... yes, Dubai originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SPOILER ALERT: Spraying the Bubbly at the 2009 Bahrain Grand Prix

Noah Joseph — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 16:23:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Middle East

2009 Bahrain Grand Prix - Click above for a high-res image gallery

If you hadn't watched a single grand prix yet this season, hadn't read any F1-related news or even glanced at a headline, and hadn't spoken to a single racing fan for the past couple of months, you'd likely be shocked to find out how this season has unfolded so far, with the back-markers going from checkered pasts to checkered flags over the course of the winter break. But even at the break-neck speeds which modern F1 cars travel, you wouldn't need an elaborate explanation to catch up with the parade. All you'd need would be to look at the expression on the face of this weekend's race winner and you'd be there. Follow the jump to catch a glimpse.

Gallery: 2009 Bahrain Grand Prix

Continue reading SPOILER ALERT: Spraying the Bubbly at the 2009 Bahrain Grand Prix

SPOILER ALERT: Spraying the Bubbly at the 2009 Bahrain Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Apr 2009 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Piquet Jr. does donuts in his Renault F1 car... at Ski Dubai

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos

Click above for the video of Nelson Piquet Jr. putting F1 on ice

Nelson Piquet Jr., Renault's other driver, recently took a Renault R28 F1 car out for a spin in the snows of Ski Dubai. We're not sure if it's the same chassis that Ben Sulayem crashed at another event in Dubai, but if it is the Renault mechanics earned their money. One thing is certain, though: Ben Sulayem is a very good driver, but the fact that he crashed the car on a dry track while Nelsinho keeps it under control doing donuts in the snow shows you just good the average F1 driver is. Follow the jump to watch the vid.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Piquet Jr. does donuts in his Renault F1 car... at Ski Dubai

VIDEO: Piquet Jr. does donuts in his Renault F1 car... at Ski Dubai originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saudi government bans "lewd" personalized license plates including: "SEX," "ASS," and... "USA"?!

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:20:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Lifestyle

Saudi Arabia recently instated a new type of license plate that is expected to be fitted to 49 million cars in the kingdom. As opposed to the old Arabic-only plates, the new plates feature Arabic and Latin letters and numbers. Drivers can even request that the three letters on the lower right form certain 3-letter English words, like "nut." But according to the BBC, authorities have published a list words that definitely cannot be placed there, and heading the list of words like "SEX" and "ASS" is this one: "USA."

Even here in America, states regularly restrict certain letter combinations on license plates. Tags like "SEXVAN" and "KSMYBT" have been given the kibosh (even though "PRNOSTR" made it through). A New York police officer who wanted a "GETOSAMA" plate was even denied. It hasn't been explained why "USA" is on the list of Saudi Arabia's banned words, but such plates and 90,000 others like it are being recalled and replaced with something more acceptable.

[Source: BBC | Photo: Saudi Jeans]

Saudi government bans "lewd" personalized license plates including: "SEX," "ASS," and... "USA"?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Midas Touch: gold-plated Bugatti Veyron delivered to Middle East

Noah Joseph — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Bugatti, Specialty, Middle East

Bare carbon fiber, chrome, French racing blue...Bugatti's done just about everything to the Veyron but plate it in gold. Oops, look like we spoke to soon, as our favorite Orwelian supercar has proven once again that all Veyrons are special, but some are more special than others.

Like the gold-plated Rolls-Royce Phantom DHC, this gilded Bugatti was ordered for delivery to the Middle East. But unlike the myriad Veyrons in the United Arab Emirates, this one has been purchased by a Kuwaiti customer just up the Persian Gulf coast, who reportedly actually drives it in between the occasional $10,000 detailing jobs and storage in a climate-controlled chamber.

Generally speaking, we're not big fans of this particular brand of wretched excess, but as far as gold-plated, seven-figure supercars go, the gold-and-tan combination is relatively tasteful.

[Source: Motor Authority]

The Midas Touch: gold-plated Bugatti Veyron delivered to Middle East originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM updates Arabian-market Chevrolet Caprice

Noah Joseph — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, Middle East

2009 Chevrolet Caprice - Click above for a high-res gallery

The Chevrolet Caprice may be long gone from the North American market, but in the Middle East the nameplate soldiers forth. Based on the Holden Statesman, the Arabian-market Caprice receives a host of updates for the new model year, including a 6L80E six-speed automatic with Active Select driving either 240-hp 3.6-liter V6 or 6.0-liter V8 putting out 360 ponies. The Caprice is available in several trim levels, incorporating new features like electronic stability control, Bluetooth connectivity and remote start, a handy feature for cooling down the interior after it was backing under the Arabian sun.

Chevy insists that "it is indisputable that the 2009 Chevrolet Caprice is indeed one of the world's best large luxury sedans". We don't know about that, but it's got to be better than the last Caprice we had on this side of the pipeline. Read more about it in the press release after the jump and check out the images in the gallery below to see for yourself.

Gallery: Arabian-market Chevrolet Caprice

[Source: GM]

Continue reading GM updates Arabian-market Chevrolet Caprice

GM updates Arabian-market Chevrolet Caprice originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Arabian Update: Mercedes W140 S-Class gets W221 transplant

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Sedan, Etc., Mercedes-Benz

Say you have a Mercedes-Benz W140 S-Class from two generations ago, but you really want is a Mercedes W221, the current generation car. Well, what else is an individualistic plutocrat to do other than give a willing tuner an unknown (and seemingly substantial) quantity of cash to make a few changes?

We can only guess at what amount of time and money was needed to fabricate and swap this new front and rear (which we'd like to think cost a lot less than a used W221 in decent shape), and we can't say we're not startled by the result. But our opinion matters not: the car lives, it's here to stay, and the owner must be happy... and maybe a little odd. Check out pics of the FrankenMerc in the gallery below. Hat tip to reader AMG!

Gallery: Mercedes W140 to W200 Conversion

[Source: Mercedes4Arab]

Arabian Update: Mercedes W140 S-Class gets W221 transplant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daimler opens office in Baghdad, Iraq

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Europe, Mercedes-Benz

As a small step that could be considered a healthy vote of confidence in Iraq's return to stability, Mercedes has established a corporate representative office in Baghdad. Daimler set up shop in Erbil, Iraq last February, opening a training center that would get mechanics ready for coming Mercedes products. By installing a corporate representative, the company will have someone on the ground to figure out how best to introduce new Mercedes products to the country. The rep will focus on examining and developing the market for trucks and buses, which Daimler should have all to itself for a while.

[Source: Daimler]

Daimler opens office in Baghdad, Iraq originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gold(finger's) Mercedes C63 spotted in... where else? Dubai

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Specialty

Click above for a high-res gallery of the gold C63

This United Arab Emirates-registered gold-mirror-finish Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG was caught at the Bling on Wheels Show, otherwise known as the valet area at the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. While we have nothing untoward to say about someone who decks out his/her ride in any manner desired, we are always intrigued when someone looks to have spent the worth of a car - on top of the price of the car itself - on "beautification."

There is some debate as to whether this is a real paint job or a wrap, but parking your gold-wrapped C63 next to a genuinely chrome SLR would be shamefully ludicrous. A C63 AMG goes for about 300,000 AED (about $82,000 USD). Unless gold paint bubbles out of the ground as well, a liquid gold paint job has to cost a good portion of that. And all for a C63? Really? We won't ask whether it looks good... we'll just guide you to the gallery of high-res images below. Hat tip to AB reader Chad.

Gallery: Mercedes C63 in Dubai Gold

[Source: MB World]

Gold(finger's) Mercedes C63 spotted in... where else? Dubai originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Corvette ZR1 lands in Middle East for Royal Bahraini Family

Chris Shunk — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Supercars, Chevrolet, GM, Middle East

Click on the image above to view a high-res gallery of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is the baddest in the two-seater's 56 year history. The ZR1's stat sheet includes jaw-dropping numbers like 638 supercharged horsepower, a 7:26 'Ring time, and straight line performance that bests supercars from Germany and Italy. So of course, the wealthiest of oil barons want the ZR1 for their trophy cases, and the Royal Bahraini Family will be first to take delivery. Fadi Ghosn, Chief Marketing Officer at General Motors Middle East, has said that there be a "limited amount" of ZR1s to arrive in the Middle East. And given the premium that is paid for high-end sports cars in that region, we're guessing GM will deliver as many supercharged Vettes as possible. Lets just hope the new ZR1s don't end up dipped in chrome or adorned with 24k gold accents.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Corvette ZR1

[Source: AME Info]

First Corvette ZR1 lands in Middle East for Royal Bahraini Family originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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