www.bahrainthismonth.com January 2014 89 Perhaps most notable was the Dongfeng Motor Corporation’s EQ2050, pictured here. Look familiar? Yes, we thought so too. So, we asked if the production of this vehicle had been carried out in partnership with any other vehicle manufacturer. “No.” So they hadn’t bought the production rights off of any other brand? “No.” So, this is a totally original design? “Yes, totally original.” Ok… Newsworthy mentions Drawing a huge crowd at the Mercedes stand was the AMG G Wagen 6x6, their monstrous six-wheeled version of their quintessential and much-loved (especially in the Gulf) off-road. It seems the concept was largely developed and tested on the sand dunes of Dubai, and on more than one occasion they had to politely refuse the advances of very important sheikhs who “Must have it! Right now! Name your price!” However, now the vehicle has gone into limited production, the most important of said sheikhs will be able to lay their hands on one. Also worthy of mention was a stand tucked away in a corner of one of the halls displaying what can only be described as a high-school technology class’s version of the next Batmobile. Named the Devel Sixteen, due to having sixteen cylinders, it was designed and built entirely in Dubai, and in true Dubai fashion, they’re claiming some record-breaking performance figures: 0-100km/h in two seconds, and a top speed of 560km/h, thanks to a 5,000hp engine! However, having taken a closer look at the flimsy-looking bodywork and terrible build quality, it looked like it would fly to pieces long before it hit 100km/h. However, we hate to be cynics, so let’s wait for more information on this one. The Dubai Police However, last, but certainly not least, were the Dubai Traffic Police. Not to be outdone by any of the high-end brands at the show, they were out in force, and their presence was frankly staggering. Their Lamborghini Aventador has already lit up blogs and social media across the world, but it seems that this is only the tip of the iceberg. Police forces using hot cars for promotional purposes are nothing new; the UK traffic police have employed everything from Lotuses to the mighty Ford RS2000, and the Italian police are no stranger to the odd Lamborghini or Ferrari. However, each police force generally tends to use brands made in their home country, and it’s only every once in a while. Dubai, however, has no restrictions. Having no domestic automotive industry to speak of, they simply buy whatever they fancy, and seemingly having no budget restrictions to speak of either. For the police in Dubai whatever they fancy means the following: Lamborghini Aventador; Mercedes SL55 AMG; Mercedes SLS AMG; Brabus 700 Widestar G Wagen; Audi R8 V10; BMW M6 Gran Coupe; Ferrari FF; Nissan GTR; Bentley Continental GT; and finally, a Ford Mustang GT Jack Roush Edition. And we were assured that they are all fully functioning vehicles of the Dubai Traffic Police. We can’t help but feel that it’s just a little bit over the top… E Visit www.motoringGCC.com. Mercedes AMG G Class 6x6 DongFeng Motors “Hummer” Dubai Police Brabus 700 WIDESTAR For a full review of the Dubai International Motor Show, simply use you mobile phone or tablet device to take a snap of the QR code above.
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