Peugeot introduced three all-new models at a pre-launch event for the UAE, held on the occasion of the 2009 Dubai Motor Show. The Peugeot 308 CC convertible, the Peugeot 2008 crossover and the Peugeot RCZ coupe will go on sale in the GCC by the end of the first quarter of 2010.
With a top speed of 322.3 kph, German tuner Brabus claims that their new modified Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class crossover has set a new speed record for street-legal SUVs on an Italian high-speed test track in October. That’s because the exclusive special model is powered by a twin-turbo V12 engine. Incidentally, it will also makes its world debut at the 2009 Dubai Motor Show.
The 2009 edition of the Dubai Motor Show will run from the 16th to the 20th of December, at the exhibition halls of the Dubai World Trade Centre. Numerous cars will be displayed for the first time in the UAE, with a handful of world premieres as well.
The all-new Bentley Mulsanne debuted in the UAE at an event held in Dubai. While we likely looked at a pre-production example, it offered us a view of the complete car as well as what goes into making a customised customer car.
The Los Angeles Auto Show is one of the smaller international motor shows, with numerous no-shows at the 2009 edition due to the recession. There are only two concept cars and maybe ten all-new models displayed. All-new cars to look out for include the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, the 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe, the 2011 Infiniti M and the 2011 Ford Mustang EcoBoost V6. The fad-of-the-day in America is fuel economy, so manufacturers are happy to oblige with the Chevy Cruze, the Ford Fiesta and the Mazda 2. Rather than new-born models, there seems to be a high concentration of limited-edition models,
The sub-compact Mazda 2, a long-running staple of the Mazda line in Europe and Japan, has been launched for the first time in the United States as a 2011 model at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. There have also been vague rumblings that the Mazda 2 is set to go worldwide, and might eventually come to the GCC.
The redesigned 2011 Hyundai Sonata has finally had its first reveal outside Korea, at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. After years of producing boring clones of existing Japanese models, the new Sonata is so far “out there” that it makes even premium brands look cheap in comparison, even if it ultimately looks bulkier than its intended “four-door coupe” styling target.
The 2010 Infiniti G37 sedan has received a moderate facelift, featuring reshaped headlights, grille, bumpers and wheels, while leaving the rest of the car unchanged. It was unveiled at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show this week.
The Association of German Car Tuners, as illegal as it may sound, has unveiled their latest concept car creation for their “TUNE IT! SAFE!” initiative, designed by BMW tuners AC Schnitzer. The 1-Series diesel coupe police car is intended to promote safe tuning, as opposed to the outright banning of modified cars, like in some countries.
A niche manufacturer claims to have created the world’s fastest street bike. Calling it the “Asphaltfighters STORMBRINGER powered by WARM UP,” it will have its world debut at the 2009 Essen Motor Show.