2015 Dubai Motor Show full coverage

All the news and stories from the Dubai Motor Show

On this page you’ll find full coverage from the 2015 Dubai Motor Show, before, during and after the show itself. All the preview and show information can be found by clicking here – read that before you go to the show!

We’ll be at the show throughout its duration, covering everything and hosting the Ignition Live Talks panels – details here. Come see us there. Meanwhile keep checking back on this page as it will be frequently updated.

2015 Dubai Motor Show

 

Video Coverage!


Volkswagen
Imthishan checks out the new Clubsport GTI – confirmed for Dubai! – and then falls alseep in the mega comfy Passat while Shahzad pops the top on the new Beetle Cabrio and then tries his hand at a bit of virtual reality….


Alfa Romeo
Shazhad is smitten by the stunning Guilia and desperately prays for it to come to our region; Imthishan gets to grips with the customised Alfa 4C Spider.


Bentley
We kick off our roundup of the Bentley stand with one of the biggest hits of the show – the sure-fire hit Bentayga SUV. Imthishan then checks out the updated Continental GT range, Shahzad puts on some old-timey googles and tries to steal some of the luscious branded goods from their store, and Imthishan finishes off with one of the fastest saloons in the world – the mighty Mulsanne Speed.


Fiat
Global news for Fiat at the show as we check out the reveal of the Fullback pickup, check out the recently-shown Tipo saloon, try our hand at the the 500X crossover and the 500Abarth!


Chrysler
It’s Torture Imthishan day at the Dubai Motor Show – first he gets left in the dark in the elegant 200c saloon, then he ends up in a even darker place in the 300C SRT8! And stay tuned all the ay to the end for a mysterious surprise….


Dodge
How do you beat the badass Viper? With the even more badass Viper ACR, a barely-tamed racecar for the roads. Shahzad reminds that Dodge has an even faster car – the most powerful muscle car in the world in fact, the 707bhp Hellcat, while Imthishan tells you about newly-released MOPAR accessories for the Charger R/T, and we finish with the hot-rod family hauler, the Durango R/T.


RAM
Imthishan lets out a rebel yell and screams “More, More, More!” as the super-cool RAM Rebel hits our shores. And there’s a new Limited trim for the 1500 pickup as well! Now if he can only get Shahzad to stop popping up in strange places….


Jeep
We clamber to the top of a pair of pimped out Jeeps from MOPAR, Shahzad gets his Rambo on with the Cherokee, Imthishan chats to the head of the Jeep brand to find out about the Renegade, and the unstopped Grand Cherokee SRT8 rounds things off.

Audi
We check out a heap of hot new Audis – the mega-cool all-new R8, the rapid 367bhp RS3 hatch, the tricky new Q7, the all-new A4 and then find time for a quick chat with MD Enrico Atanasio!

Live Show

 

Lexus GSF DMS

Lexus GSF
The performance revolution at Lexus continues with the Middle East debut of this, the hottest GS ever made. Sporting the same 467bhp 5.0-litre V8 as the RCF and the same magically rear locking differential, it promises to be a true driver’s car in a segment filled with straight line sledgehammers.

 

Cadillac XT5 DMS

Cadillac XT5
The replacement for the SRX made its global debut at our Motor Show – the global debut! A smart looking car that wears Cadillac’s new subtly rescuplted wreath well, it’s 126kg lighter than the SRX, boasts an interior that could challenge ze Germans for style and the same 310bhp 3.6-litre direct-injected V6 that we love in the ATS coupe and sedan. 

 

Volkswagen GTI Clubsport DMSc

Volkswagen GTI Clubsport
The lightweight Golf GTI fans have been clamoring VW to build for years, the Clubsporrt can make as much as 290bhp from its two-litre turbocharged engine. It’s the most powerful GTI ever made and well….why don’t you just watch our video to find out more?

 

Corvette Z06 DMS

Chevrolet Corvette Z06
What does the Ford Mustang GT350 have again? 526bhp? Pah! The insane Corvette Z06 laughs at such meagre outputs. With a supercharger atop its 6.2-litre V8 you are looking at the one of the most powerful, fastest cars in the region: 650bhp, 650lb ft of torque and you can even order it with a seven-speed manual like the regular C7.

Jaguar F Pace DMS

Jaguar F-Pace
Jag is betting heavily on this F-Pace to sell well in our luxury SUV-obsessed market. Expect the usual range of Ingenium petrol fours and supercharged V6 engines, expect it to be unexpectedly dynamically brilliant for an SUV, and be sure it’ll be largely rubbish offroad – if you care about that sort of thing.

 

Lexus Hoverboard DMS

Lexus hoverboard
No visit to the Lexus stand would be complete without checking the amazing hoverboard. Inspired by the famous flying skateboard from Back To the Future, this one is actually real and actually floating at the stand!

 

Lexus RX350 DMS

Lexus RX350
A big car for Lexus globally, the RX350 accounts for a huge chunk of the Japanese firm’s sales. It’s all new for this year with the latest version of the Lexus spindle grille, an eight speed auto driving four wheels from a heavily-revised 300bhp 3.5-litre V6 and you can expect a hybrid version to be available here as well. Interestingly, it’ll be on sale for the same price as the petrol car, a surprise considering Lexus normally charges more for the premium hybrid version, and yet another sign that Lexus is getting serious about hybrids in this market.

Maserati Alfieri DMS

Maserati Alfieri
The most beautiful car at the Dubai Motor Show? Maserati’s breathtaking Alfieri is definitely a contender with its classically Italian voluptuous flanks, sensuous lines and perfect proportions. And it’s not even a concept: the Alfieri is a dead cert for production with the Ghibli’s twin-turbo V6 under that sublime bonnet. Expect power output to range from 400-500bhp and prices to start from $100k.

 

Fenryr DMS

W Motors Fenryr Supersport
How do you follow up the bonkers Lykan Hypersport that made a starring turn in Fast 7? With the Fenryr Supersport; like the Lykan it’s a tubular chassis hidden underneath a stunning carbon fiber body. 900bhp from a RUF-tuned six and a seven-speed dual clutch means performance is not in question. In fact, the only question is whether you’ll be able to afford it: it costs $1.85 million.

Spectre Cars DMS

James Bond’s Spectre Cars
Prepare to meet some film stars! The stunt cars used in the new James Bond film Spectre are on the Jaguar-Land Rover stand: a Range Rover Sport, the astonishingly pretty C-X75 supercar concept driven by the baddie Hinx and an uber-butch Defender. These aren’t replicas – they’re the actual cars used in the movie still bearing the dust, scratches, scrapes and other rigours of filming and in the case of the Rangey, a bloody great dented bonnet!

Ford GT DMS

Ford GT
Undoubtedly one of the breakout stars of the Motor Show, the Ford GT is Dearborn’s heart-stoppingly gorgeous second take on its original Le Mans-winning GT racecar. Very few concrete details still on this amazing car – we know it’ll be made from highly-advanced materials, we know it’ll sport a 3.5-litre twin-turbo Ecoboost V6 and a seven-speed semi-automatic transmission, it’ll be so exclusive you’ll have to apply to buy one, and a handful will be sold in this region. No doubt to sit in collections and never be driven, which definitely makes us sigh.

Ford GT DMS

Ford Mustang Shelby GT350
Officially, the GT350 is ‘not here’: it’s a ‘test viewing’ that’s merely at the Dubai Motor Show to gauge public interest. We know better: the mighty 5.2-litre V8 526bhp GT350 is almost certainly coming to the region next year. Don’t expect it to be cheap, but do expect it be bloody quick in more than just a straight line. This car has been designed by Ford’s crack Special Vehicles Team, not straight-line speed-obsessed Shelby, and built to beat their already-legendary Boss 302 Laguna Seca. And even if you never track it – doesn’t it look great? A contender for best looking Mustang ever.

 

GMC Sierra 3500HD DMS

GMC Sierra 3500HD With Occulus
Ever wanted to ride the dunes but can’t do it because you don’t like sand in your shoes? GMC’s got one of the most amazing activations we’ve ever seen at the Dubai Motor Show: an Occulus experience that allows you to virtually ride the dunes with 360-degree vision. It’s a bit like walking into your favorite video and being able to look around – a truly stunning experience that may even leave you car sick!

#GMC Arabia and #Occulus at #DubaiMotorShow! #MMEDMS2015 #OurUAE

Posted by Motoring Middle East on Thursday, 12 November 2015

The car that’s hosting it is pretty cool too; a custom GMC Sierra Regular Cab 3500HD featuring a ginormous airbrushed UAE flag for the upcoming National Day celebrations that’s turning plenty of heads at the show.

Toyota Prius DMS
Toyota Prius
Big news from Toyota at the Motor Show – next year is the first time we’ll officially see the Prius in the region. Yes, the world’s most famous hybrid, beloved by Hollywood celebs and greenies alike is finally landing in the Middle East. Globally Prius is a three-car line-up with a basic C model, this midsize hatch and a V MPV/station wagon, but for now you can expect this car to be sold here (for an undisclosed price) sometime next year. Reps from distributor Al Futtaim Toyota said they won’t be pushing the green credentials too hard – which makes sense with petrol prices as low as they are right now.

Instead they’ll be focusing on the eco-friendly nature of this much-lauded vehicle, hinting that we might see legislation at a government level next year that will improve the desirability of cars like the Prius.

Mazda DMS
Mazda CX-3
Mazda’s diminutive new CX-3 crossover is hard to miss on its stand – it’s on a plinth, for goodness’ sake! – but it’s equally hard to dig any info out of the waiting reps. Based on the platform from the much-loved Mazda 2, the CX-3 features SkyActive power in the form of the familiar 2.0-litre unit (here outputting 148bhp) and the usual six-speed auto. No idea on price on availability but we expect it’ll be under 100k and as typical of new Mazdas lately, a genuinely distinctive entry in the segment.

Nissan Patrol Dubai Motor Show

Nissan Patrol Desert Edition
Competition for your next desert ride is about to get serious – Nissan’s surprise entry at the show is this Desert Edition. Designed in collaboration with local rally legend and 14-time FIA World Championship winner Dr Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the Desert Edition features a range of upgrades to make it tougher and faster in the soft stuff. Priced at AED265,000, it’s the base version of the 400bhp LE car (regular price AED 230,000) with stronger skid plates front and rear, Hutchinson beadlock wheels with 265-width offroad tyres, more rigid suspension, navigation, a front camera and to complete the visual upgrade, butch overfenders.

 

#Nissan Patrol MBS edition #DubaiMotorShow #MMEDMS2015

Posted by Motoring Middle East on Wednesday, 11 November 2015

Nissan say it’ll be available early next year.

Mazd MX5 Miata Dubai Motor Show

Mazda MX-5 Miata

A legend amongst sportscars and now it’s back! Yes, Mazda’s pint size hero will be here soon (we hear the first three cars have already been spoken for) at a price of AED125,000. As before, we’ll get the American version with a 2.0-litre SkyActiv engine good for around 155bhp/148lb ft; Middle East cars will be all six-speed autos but if you ask very nicely, we’re told you can order a manual version. It remains an ultra light car (just over 1000kg) and ultra nimble – this is the car that wrote the book on handling and proved the classic British ragtop formula could be preserved and even prosper well into the 21st century. No question the new MX-5 will be utterly brilliant to drive – take our word for it.

 

Pre-show:

Audi R8 V10 plus

Audi R8, A4, RS 3 Sportback

Three regional debuts from Audi, including the star of the stand which will, of course, be the all-new second generation R8 supercar (closely related to the Lamborghini Huracan – or should that be the other way around!). Either way, with a V10 producing up to 610bhp and giving a 0-100kph time of 3.2seconds, we can’t wait to try it ourselves.

There’s an all-new version of the Audi’s C-Class and 3-Series rival, the A4 and this will be the first opportunity to check out the car that goes on sale from early 2016 across the region.

But we’re also pretty keen for a go in the new Audi RS 3 – a top of the range sporty A3 boasting a staggering 367bhp and a 0-100kph time of 4.3seconds with Quattro all-wheel drive. Could this be the hottest hot hatch of all with a starting price of just AED211,000?

You’ll also get a chance to check out the all-new Audi Q7 full-sized luxury SUV and all it’s great new lifestyle features.

Bentley Bentayga

Bentley Bentayga

Star of the Bentley stand will be the all-new super luxury SUV. Longer, wider and lower than a Range Rover with a 600bhp uprated W12 engine up front giving it a 0-100kph time of a staggering 4.1 seconds. Say what you like, and despite whatever the colossal price tag will be, these are gonna sell here in the region! Alongside this car will be a refreshed Continental range, and the new Mulsanne Speed.

BMW 7 Series

BMW 7-Series and X1

The luxury flagship BMW 7-Series will be showcased at the Dubai Motor Show. This thing is packed with gadgets and toys, including remotely operated parking operated from its key-fob – how very James Bond.

Looking for a small luxury family SUV, then check out the much better looking BMW X1 – looks bigger than its compact dimensions would suggest. Comes with a 2.0-litre engine.

Cadillac XT5

Cadillac XT5

A genuine global debut for the Dubai Motor Show, and the first Cadillac to be launched outside of America, the SRX replacement not only gets a new name, but is a completely new car. We quite liked the old SRX towards the end of its life-cycle, so this all new version with better refinement and kit should be a tempting proposition.

Also on show will be the new ATS-V and CTS-V super saloons and coupe.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro - Camaro Six

Chevrolet Camaro, Malibu, Silverado & Spark

A host of new cars on the Chevrolet stand, although the undisputed star will be the first Middle East showing of the all-new Camaro, smaller and more compact than the outgoing version, but keeping the same style and proportion, and just as much grunt under the bonnet. Can’t wait to try these for size!

There’s also a dramatically restyled 2017 Malibu that’s so much better looking than the current car and could become a serious contender in the Camry class.

If you’re after something smaller there’ll be an all-new 2016 Spark, completely redesigned and packed with tech. Should be a fun little thing to chuck about.

And whilst it feels like the Silverado only recently joined us, it’s already getting a major facelift and enhancements for model year 16.

David Brown Speedback

David Brown Automotive Speedback GT

It looks like a classic Aston Martin but it’s not. In fact it’s brand new and based on the Jaguar XK and features a 5.0 V8 510bhp and capable of 0-100kph in 4.6secs and starts from AED2.8m. It’s a gorgeous thing and well worth a look.

Ferrari 488 Spyder

Ferrari 488 Spyder

On the Ferrari stand you’ll find a topless version of a sexy young Italian! The new 488 Spyder is the roadster edition of the just-launched 488 GTB featuring a 3.9-litre Turbo V8. It’ll sit alongside a California T and an F12 Berlinetta.

Ford GT

Ford GT, Edge, Ranger

Undisputed star of the Ford stand, and our first chance in the region to get a proper look at it, will be the stunning Ford GT. An all-new carbon-fibre supercar with an mid-mounted Ecoboost V6 producing over 600bhp and riving the rear wheels and paying tribute to the previous GT and original legendary GT40. Can’t wait to see this for real!

All-new second generation Ford Edge will debut at the 2015 Dubai Motor Show with a face more in line with the Explorer family-look. There’s an all-new 2.0-liter Ecoboost and a 3.5-litre V6. Top of the line though is a 2.7-litre twin-turbo Ecoboost V6.

Redesigned Ford Ranger truck also on show – offering more efficiency and more cool features.

GMC Sierra

GMC Sierra

These trucks still feel like they’re in a just-launched new generation, but already are getting an extensive facelift. They get a tougher look, LED lights, and loads of safety tech inside, plus the good old V8s remain.

Halcon Farcato

Halcon Farcato SuperSports

Another new sportscar, this time from German, but actually based on the Nissan 370Z, although mostly only the platform and powertrain remains. The engine is modified to produce between 420bhp-640bhp with prices starting from $190,000.

Hyundai Creta

Hyundai Creta & Elantra

Creta, also known as the IX-25 is a compact crossover with either 1.4 or 1.6-litre petrol engines. Check it out if you’re after a small family SUV.

They’re also claiming the debut of the all-new Hyundai Elantra will be at the Dubai Motor Show.

Infiniti Q80 Inspiration

Infiniti Q80 Inspiration concept, Q60 Concept, Q30

On the Infiniti stand you’ll see the swoopy Q80 Inspiration, which is basically the design template for all future Infiniti products. It’s an impressive looking luxury saloon too, and we’d urge them to build this thing.

You’ll also see the Q60 Concept which is a 2+2 concept for a new sports car from Nissan’s luxury sporting brand.

The newest production car from the car marker, the Mercedes A-Class-based Infiniti Q30 is also likely to be present – and based on how much fun the Merc is to drive, we have very high expectations for this hatchback.

Jaguar F-Space

Jaguar F-Pace, XF, XE

To a lot of people it will feel like Jaguar will be showcasing an entirely new line-up from scratch, the only familiar car being the XJ (which will be shown in MY16 guise). We absolutely loved testing the new XE saloon (a 3 series and C-Class rival) and found it exceeding our expectations.

Also at the show will be your first chance to check out the all-new XF (an E-class and 5-series rival) in XF-S guise – supercharged.

Potentially the most important car on the stand for our region will be the F-Pace SUV performance crossover which is effectively a rival to the company’s own sister brand Range Rover! Would love to know what you think of this one.

Whilst you’re on the stand, do take a moment to drool over the gorgeous F-Types and check out the Bloodhound SSC land speed record breaking simulator!

Lamborghini Huracan Spyder

Lamborghini Huracan

This will be your first chance to see the drop-top version of the Lamborghini Huracan in Spyder guise. There will also be heavily customised Aventador coupe and Roadster versions on show illustrating what can be done through the Ad Personam customisation programme.

Range Rover SV Autobiography

Land Rover Range Rover SV Autobiography

The most luxurious and powerful Range Rover ever will see its regional debut at the 2015 Dubai Motor Show. It’ll be oozing in lavish luxury, but of more interest to us is the 550bhp V8 up front. Of course it’s smaller brother the 550bhp Range Sport SVR with 0-100kph in 4.5 seconds is also likely to be  there.

Lotus Evora 400

Lotus Evora 400S

First chance to see the new facelifted Evora 400S model which comes with, as you may have guessed from the name, 400bhp from the supercharged Toyota-sourced 3.5 V6, giving it a 0-100kph time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 280kph.

Maserati Alfieri Concept

Maserati Alfieri

At the 2015 Dubai Motor Show, you’ll get a chance to drool over the gorgeous Maserati Alfieri 2+2 grand tourer, probably the replacement for the Gran Turismo.

2016 Mazda MX-5

Mazda Mx-5 Miata, CX-3, Mazda 2

At last we’ll get to see the all-new Mazda MX-5 Miata in the metal right here in the region. This gorgeous little roadster will have its first showing in the region at the 2015 Dubai Motor Show. Alongside it will be the new CX-3 SUV which is a crossover SUV that actually looks like a hot hatch. Plus the Mazda 2 which we’ve already reviewed and were very impressed with.

McLaren 570S

McLaren 570S and bespoke service

The new ‘entry-level’ Sport Series supercar from McLaren, a 911 rival dubbed the 570S Coupe will debut at the show. New styling for this latest road car offering from the people behind the fabled Formula 1 team. 570bhp and new styling.

Also on show a Special Operations 650S, one of five editions of the supercar customised specifically for the Middle East market.

MG GS

MG GS

From SAIC comes the new MG GS said to be a high performance SUV powered by a 2.0 Turbo producing 217bhp. Should be interesting if it’s priced right.

2016 Mini Clubman

Mini Clubman

Mini’s getting bigger than ever, first a five door hatchback and now this, the new Clubman. Spacious and powered by the 1.6 Turbo, but take a look and tell us if you think it still looks like a Mini.

Morgan Aero 8

Morgan Aero 8

There’s a new Morgan Aero 8 fitted with a 370bhp BMW V8 and boasting a 0-100kph time of 4.5seconds. It’s a roadster considerably improved comfort features. Looking forward to seeing this one at the show!

Nissan Maxima

Nissan Maxima and Nismo Patrol

We’ve seen the new Maxima on the road and it’s a striking looking thing. Definitely worth a close-up look at the 2015 Dubai Motor Show. It’ll have the venerable 3.5-liter V6 putting out about 300bhp for this sporty luxury saloon.

A new Nismo range will be on display, and alongside the Nismo 370Z and Nismo GT-R will be a unique-for-our-region Nismo Patrol. And talking of Patrols, Nissan will offer an outdoor activation that will allow you to be a movie star apparently!

Noble M600

Noble M600

Rare and exclusive and for the first time here in the UAE, you’ll get to see the extraordinary AED1.6m Noble M600 – handbuilt supercar with a Yamaha-Volvo V8 engine two turboed to produce up to 650bhp  giving a 0-100kph time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 362kph.

Vauxhall Astra

Opel Astra and Mokka

There’s an all-new Opel Astra to be found on the Liberty stand for the European General Motors brand. Smaller, lighter but more spacious, we’ll probably get the 1.4-litre petrol engines in a choice of 125bhp or 150bhp, but we’re really hoping to see the 1.6 Turbo with 200bhp.

And alongside existing range cars, the Mokko (the Opel version of the Chevrolet Trax) will also be presented here.

Ssangyong Tivoli

Ssangyong Tivoli

Possibly the first ever good-looking car to come out of the Korean car company, and the first all-new product since Indian Mahindra & Mahindra took over the company in 2011. So Tivoli, the name of this compact SUV, must be named after an Italian designer that penned the lines right? No. It was chosen because it reads ‘I lov it’ backwards. Right, anyway, this 1.6-litre car will be cheap and well worth a look.

2013 VW Beetle Cabriolet

Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

Volkswagen is finally bringing over the latest Beetle Cabriolet to our region. We really liked the new Beetle when we tested it, and can’t wait to give this fun and funky drop-top a try. The evocative looks do appeal!

W Motors Fenyr SuperSport

W Motors Fenyr SuperSport

We’ve all seen the Lykan Hypersport – it’s been jumping buildings in the Fast & Furious movies (and then the Abu Dhabi police decided to get one for themselves) – so now the Middle East supercar maker is introducing its second model – the Fenyr SuperSport. Another genuine global reveal at the 2015 Dubai Motor Show.

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