SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTWEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2016

CHAIRMANSheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFDr. Khalid Mubarak Al-Shafi

ACTING MANAGING EDITORMohammed Salim Mohamed

ADVERTISING MANAGERAli Wahba

SUPPLEMENT EDITORPramod Prabhakaran

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Muhammad Shammas

DESIGNAbraham Augusthy

PRODUCTIONViswanath Sarma

IMAGE PROCESSINGMohd Sajad Sahir

AFP

German carmakers BMW, Daimler, Porsche and Audi and US competitor Ford said they would cooperate on a Europe-

wide network of electric charging stations.

The move is an "important step towards facilitating mass-market bat-tery electric vehicle adoption", the manufacturers said in a joint state-ment, and comes as German carmakers rev up their offers of elec-tric cars for the coming years.

"We intend to create a network that allows our customers on long-distance trips to use a coffee break for recharging," Audi chief executive Rupert Stadler said.

The firms have signed a memo-randum of understanding on the joint venture and plan to begin construc-tion of some 400 high-speed charging stations across Europe in 2017.

Completion of the network is slated for 2020.

Hybrid and all-electric cars from

any manufacturer using the Combined Charging System (CCS) standard will be able to use the stations, in a move aimed at boosting growth of electric car use on the continent.

German carmakers have lagged behind some competitors when it comes to introducing electric models.

The technology remains little-used in Europe, hobbled by high prices, the short range of the vehicles and a lack of recharging infrastructure.

But recent months have seen a fresh commitment from the industry, a pillar of Europe's largest economy, to speed up the introduction of elec-tric cars.

Audi and Porsche parent Volkswa-gen announced this month that it aims to sell one million electric vehicles per year by 2025.

VW sees non-polluting technol-ogy as a chance to clean its tarnished reputation, after it admitted in Sep-tember 2015 to installing software designed to cheat regulatory emissions tests on 11 million diesel-powered cars

worldwide. Meanwhile, higher-end manufacturers like BMW and Daim-ler, which owns Mercedes, face a challenge from newcomers like Tesla, which has a head start in autonomous driving as well as electric power.

Daimler chief Dieter Zetsche was a surprise keynote speaker at the Ger-man Green Party conference this year, and has promised 10 new all-electric models in the next few years.

BMW has so far limited its elec-tric ambitions to its BMWi range.

This year the Munich-based man-ufacturer said it would go further, with plans to offer an all-electric version of its iconic Mini by 2019 and a BMW X3 4x4 by 2020.

Beyond Tesla, German carmak-ers fear being overtaken by new home-grown competitors in China, which remains a major market.

Chinese plans to introduce a quota system -- which would require a share of vehicles produced in the country to be all-electric -- prompted complaints from German economy minister Sig-mar Gabriel ahead of a visit to Beijing last month.

Carmakers to juice Europe with e-charging network

WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER 20162

Jamie Butters Bloomberg

For more consumers, the decision to buy a new car quickly becomes a choice to buy some kind of sport utility vehicle. As this year's

Los Angeles Auto Show demonstrates, automakers are rushing to feed that demand, especially given signs that industrywide US sales are peaking.

Alfa Romeo revealed its first-ever SUV, the sleek Stelvio, while Jaguar introduced an electric I-Pace concept.

Mini pumped up its Countryman crossover, while Ford is bringing its EcoSport to the US Mazda has a new CX-5, and Volkswagen showed the seven-seat Atlas conceived to woo American shoppers.

The onslaught of SUVs -- typically big profit generators -- should help insulate the automakers from next year's predicted decline in US vehicle sales. Light trucks, which include SUVs, pickups and vans, climbed to 59 percent of U.S. sales this year through October from 55 percent a year earlier, according to researcher Autodata Corp.

In an era of low fuel prices, much of the gain has been from new SUV models, and the shift shows no sign of ending.

"We don't know what the ceiling for SUVs is," Dietmar Exler, who runs Mercedes-Benz sales operations in North America, said Tuesday at a con-ference. "Is it 60 percent? 65? We don't know."

SUVs are the overwhelming choice when consumers switch from one class of vehicle to another, including almost a third of everybody who trades in a car, according to Edmunds.com. The trade-off suits both sides:

Consumers get more storage and a more elevated view, while automak-ers earn more profit from SUVs than sedans.

And once someone buys an SUV, they tend to buy another. This year, 72 percent of people trading in a sport utility decided to stick with that vehi-cle class -- considerably higher than car loyalty at 62 percent and very close to pickup loyalty at 74 percent, said Edmunds.com senior analyst Jeremy Acevedo.

SUVs started out as truck-based, body-on-frame vehicles from big Chevy Suburbans to classic Jeep

Wranglers to O.J. Simpson's infamous Ford Bronco. Since the emergence in the 1990s of car-based "cute utes" like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, there's been a proliferation of offer-ings across sizes, prices and powertrains.

They are making their popularity felt even in Los Angeles, as California pushes ahead with its U.S.-leading crackdown on fuel efficiency in part because of the proliferation of SUVs and pickups. Automakers already are responding with battery-powered SUVs such as Tesla's Model X, which debuted in September 2015, and Jag-uar's I-Pace, slated for production in 2018.

Broadly defined, sport utilities and crossovers have outsold all sedans since the second half of 2014, said Tom Libby, an analyst at IHS Markit.

SUVs are "taking share from every body type except pickups," Libby said. Pickups are basically holding steady because of they're more rugged and have unique capabilities that make them suitable for work.Mini's rede-signed Countryman SUV -- 8 inches (20 centimeters) longer than its pre-vious iteration -- has a navigation and entertainment system adapted from BMW's 7 Series, restyled to fit the smaller brand's image. The biggest Mini will also be available as a plug-in hybrid by mid-2017. With all-wheel drive, British styling and go-kart han-dling, it provides a unique take on the popular segment, said Ralph Mahler, the brand's vice president for product management.

The Countryman has "all-day functionality," Mahler said. "I think that's the combination of why the seg-ment is also growing and why we have so many customers going for SUVs."

Though SUVs may seem typically American, their popularity is global and they gaining share across Europe and China. By the end of this year, SUVs and crossovers will probably catch up with cars worldwide, said Finbar McFall, Jaguar Land Rover's head of product marketing. The com-pany's Jaguar I-Pace is the brand's first electric model and second SUV.

"Once you've experienced an SUV, for many people, it's a one-way valve," McFall said.

SUV craze shows no signs of slowing as more join in

Once you've experienced an SUV, for many people, it's a one-way valve

WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2016 3

National Car Company, sole agent for Mazda in Qatar, showcased the All New 2017 CX9 and CX5 in the Landmark mall during the weekend (24-26 November, 2016). The elegantly branded display of the premium SUV range attracted mall visitors who were provided with relevant information and opportunity to book test drives by the energetic Mazda sales team. During the event, National Car Company spokesperson said, “As an ongoing strategy to create more awareness on the Mazda brand and innovative techhologies, NCC will be conducting regular roadshows in premium malls and the next roadshow is planned in Villaggio mall from 1-3 December, 2016. We do hope that our prospective customers will benefit from these roadshows as they can see and gather more information about their favourite models at their convenience.”

Mazda roadshows attract enthusiastic visitors

WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER 20164

Venkatachari Jagannathan IANS

Talk of an aspirational or iconic motorbike in India and the 350cc Enfield Bullet (now Royal Enfield Bullet) chugs straight into our minds. Today, in the midst of all the midget bikes choking city roads, there is an increasing popula-tion of Bullets majestically making their way to the

rhythmic exhaust sound of thud, thud, thud, thud, much to the appre-ciative and longing looks of others.

Perhaps it is the only motorbike that has featured in several Indian movies, ridden by heroes, villains and others. The bike has also spawned new business ventures like Helmet Stories, an adventure tourism company in Mumbai.

One interesting factor that emerges while talking with Bullet owners is that they are very loyal to the brand. And, the brand loy-alty transcends generations.

And, Bullets are no more the preserve of men. "Even though peo-ple said I was like an ant on an elephant while riding a Bullet during the initial days, I loved riding it. While on Bullet my feet will not touch the ground, I only tip toe. But that is not a problem," one such intrepid rider, Sarah Kashyap, told IANS in Chennai.

Hailing from Punjab, Kashyap grew up in a state where Bullets are to be found in many houses. Her enthusiastic participation in races and rallies to Leh and other places riding the Bullet prompted the manufacturers to employ her!

For the majority of Bullet owners in India, it was a dream machine to be acquired when possible.

"My first interest was the Jawa bike. Anyone who had a Jawa in those days would naturally aspire to have a Bullet. My uncle gave me his Bullet. Later I bought my own 350cc Bullet. And now I have also bought a 500cc Bullet," said R. Balaji, a Chennai-based Bullet lover.

"It is sturdy and hardy. It helps to maintain a good right-angled

back while riding. No pressure on the mid-central/lumbar vertebrae or the cervical region. This is because of the perfect handle-bar posi-tion," business executive Erol Jorge told IANS.

For Engelbert D'Mello, a businessman in Goa, the Bullet was his dream bike and he always wanted to own one. He realised his dream in 2012. "It is a legend among bikes. It is one of the easiest bikes to kick-start. Plus the sound has its own charm. One can just cruise on the bike for ever," he said.

On the other hand, Vir Nakai, a partner in Helmet Stories adven-ture tourism company, has made a good business out of his love for the Bullet by starting his venture along with his partner Harsh Man Rai.

With a fleet of 12 Bullet bikes, Helmet Stories organises adven-ture motorcycle rides to different spots.

"I have ridden the Bullet when everything was on the wrong side -- the gear shift was on the right side," Nakai said, adding: "For adven-ture travel, the Bullet is the best. The bike enables a rider to chug along at a steady pace -- and take in the surroundings -- and not speed away, which is the case with high-powered foreign bikes."

"Many of our clients are foreigners who know about bikes. They may initially hesi-tate to ride a Bullet, but once they are up on the seat and start riding, they fall in love with it. Recently, three of our clients bought

Bullets after going back home," Nakai said. In the words of Soibam Rocky Singh, who works for an English daily in the national capital and who has twice ridden in the Himalayas: "Royal Enfield Classic 350 is my first bike. And there are a lot of reasons why I choose it over, say, KTM's Duke (I really don't care about the others). Besides its retro look, I love it for the range of things it can accomplish with-out going out of its comfort zone.

"My first need, while buying my bike, was a good, stable, com-muter bike for earning my livelihood. Secondly, I always wanted a bike which could also do a bit of sport adventure, too, like conquer-ing the Himalayas."

Today, Eicher Motors sells around 50,000 units of the various Bullet models per month, which not long ago was more than the annual production capacity.

The company is also in the process of expanding its production capacity to 900,000 units by 2018 by setting up a new plant.

Those who are tracking the company would certainly term the Royal Enfield story as a great turnaround story that happened at the right moment after it lost its way with the advent of fuel-efficient 100cc bikes in the 1980s. Like the brand, the problems faced by Bul-let buyers till two decades back were legendary -- oil leaks, maintenance costs, et al. However, the company started to address the quality issues first and began rolling out defect-free bikes by tak-ing a re-look at its manufacturing process, quality control systems and the entire production chain, identifying and resolving in the process 122 problems. As Bullets were not bought for power or fuel efficiency but for their looks, the focus was on styling and branding.

New models like Thunderbird were launched to attract the youth.Around this time, the software boom happened and people

started to look at lifestyle bikes away from the fuel-effi-cient 100cc bikes. And now, the reverberating thud,

thud, thud -- the Bullet's unique exhaust note -- is being heard in ever-increasing

numbers.

For the majority of Bullet owners in India, it was a dream machineto be acquired when possible.

"My first interest was the Jawa bike. Anyone who had a Jawa inthose days would naturally aspire to have a Bullet. My uncle gaveme his Bullet. Later I bought my own 350cc Bullet. And now I havealso bought a 500cc Bullet," said R. Balaji, a Chennai-based Bulletlover.

"It is sturdy and hardy. It helps to maintain a good right-angled

in the surroundings -- and not speed away,which is the case with high-powered foreign bikes."

"Many of our clients are foreigners whoknow about bikes. They may initially hesi-tate to ride a Bullet, but once they are up onthe seat and start riding, they fall in love with it. Recently, three of our clients bought

efficiency but for their looks, the focus was on styling and branding. New models like Thunderbird were launched to attract the youth.

Around this time, the software boom happened and peoplestarted to look at lifestyle bikes away from the fuel-effi-

cient 100cc bikes. And now, the reverberating thud, thud, thud -- the Bullet's unique exhaust note

-- is being heard in ever-increasing numbers.

Eicher Motors sells around 50,000 units of the various Bullet models per month

Iconic Bullet roars back on Indian roads

WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2016 5

Mannai Auto Group, the official Cadil-lac dealers in Qatar, announced the arrival of the all-new 2017 Cadillac XT5 in the showroom. The test drive requests have increased signifi-

cantly since the arrival of the first test vehicles.Cadillac’s first-ever 2017 XT5, a comprehen-

sively upgraded luxury crossover and the cornerstone of a new series of crossovers in the brand’s ongoing expansion. The first-ever XT5 has made its first debut in Qatar during the 2016 Qatar Motor Show.

Cadillac crossovers bearing the new “XT” des-ignation are a key aspect of the brand’s product-driven global growth plan.

“The 2017 Cadillac XT5 has been developed, designed and engineered to provide customers with more luxury, space, technology, and, most impor-tantly, more efficiency ,” says Mr. Ivor D’Cunha, General Manager Operations for Mannai Automo-tive. “XT5’s lightweight construction, remarkable driving dynamics, and advanced powertrain tech-nologies contribute to its improved efficiency.”

The XT5 is the next chapter in elevating the Cadillac brand: it is bold, distinctive, sophisticated with superb driving dynamics. This new crossover perfectly reflects Cadillac’s positioning in the lux-ury automotive marketplace.

Chassis -- Lightweight, efficient pack-age enables more space

The Cadillac XT5 is completely new, residing on a unique chassis and structure.

Cadillac’s new crossover embodies the brand’s expertise for lightweight and agile driving dynam-ics. The new XT5 is 126 kg lighter than its predecessor is.

Cadillac offers most of the improved interior space to the passengers. Rear-seat legroom is increased 8.1 cm in the XT5, compared to its pred-ecessor. The rear seat both reclines and slides fore and aft as well.

Interior Design -- New Cadillac interior design theme emphasizes space and craftsmanship

The first-ever XT5 brings a new level of sophis-tication that showcases Cadillac’s evolving design language, which recently made its debut on the CT6 Sedan. The XT5 has a strong visual presence with proportions that convey the driving experi-ence and the lightweight construction underneath the surface. There is a lean, taut, liquid quality to the surfaces with flowing, uninterrupted lines sep-arated by crisp edges.

The new XT5’s interior showcases a new design direction based on a philosophy of clean, modern elegance and craftsmanship.

Interior surfaces inside the XT5 are wider and more horizontal in orientation, emphasizing space-efficiency. Like all Cadillac models, the interior is assembled with cut-and-sewn wrapped panels, rather than a reliance on the molded surfaces that dominate mainstream vehicles.

Cadillac will offer a Platinum edition for the first time in this segment. Made popular initially on Cadillac’s Escalade, the XT5 Platinum includes unique interior and exterior trim and materials

and combines them with the highest technology features. In total, the XT5 includes five interior color and trim choices, with decorative trim options ranging from carbon fiber to two types of alumi-num and four types of genuine wood.

Powertrain -- Advanced powertrains add to efficiency and dynamics

The 2017 Cadillac XT5 is powered by the new 3.6-liter V6 engine, which also features on the CT6. This engine has been completely redesigned and features Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology, which allows the engine to seamlessly and automatically switch to a fuel- saving 4-cylinder mode under low or moderate loads.

With an estimated peak output of 310 horse-power and 366Nm of torque, the new V6 utilizes variable valve timing for strong response and smooth power delivery. Cadillac’s new Stop/Start technology automatically stop and start the engine when the vehicle is at rest in traffic stops, saving fuel and reducing emissions.

A new 8-speed automatic transmission is stand-ard for the XT5. The XT5 also debuts Electronic Precision Shift – the first electronically controlled transmission shifter for a Cadillac. Electronic Pre-cision Shift reduces noise and vibration, and it allows the cabin space to be further utilized with an innovative storage space beneath the center console.

A new advanced “twin clutch” all-wheel drive system continuously and automatically delivers excellent traction across a variety of conditions.

While engineered specifically for strong perform-ance in wet, snowy or icy conditions, it also provides enhanced stability in dry weather.

Due to the twin clutch design, the AWD system is capable of transferring up to 100 percent of avail-able torque to either the front or rear axle. Also, across the rear axle, the electronically controlled rear differential can direct up to 100 percent of available torque to either wheel laterally. This capa-bility is designed for “split-coefficient” surfaces, such as the common occurrence when water, ice or snow is more prevalent on one side of the road surface than the other.

The AWD system is driver-controlled, and includes a new “disconnect” feature that allows the driver the option to disable the rear drive unit for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

The driving experience of the all-new Cadillac XT5 benefits from the aforementioned lighter weight, longer wheelbase and wider track, improv-ing the vehicle’s stance, balance and agility. Added to that is a new chassis system featuring lightweight components designed to deliver smooth ride qual-ity with improved dynamic handling.

Technology -- Advanced technology systems add luxury, safety

The first-ever XT5 includes Cadillac’s latest pro-duction systems in the areas of connectivity and safety.

Cadillac’s patented new industry-leading Rear Camera Mirror system debuts on the CT6 and the XT5. The system enhances the driver’s rear vision

by 300 percent, using a video display applied over the conventional inside rearview mirror. A high dynamic range camera records images behind the car in a much wider, streams the image to video processing software that “removes” obstacles such as the roof, rear pillars and rear seat passengers, projecting an unobstructed view to an LCD display.

The Cadillac CUE system for connectivity and control has been upgraded for the XT5, with a faster and more powerful processor providing best-ever response and accuracy. The XT5 features an inte-grated wireless charger for mobile devices, with a slot designed into the front-center portion of the center console. Also standard are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (When available in region) – the predominant new systems for simpler in-car phone integration.

The rear liftgate of the XT5 includes hands-free operation, allowing it to open or close via gesture control underneath the rear bumper.

Cadillac’s signature LED light pipes are stand-ard inside and out, while full LED headlamps are optional. A Surround Vision feature enables a “bird’s eye” view of the perimeter around the car in park-ing situations.

Platinum models also receive A color recon-figurable Heads-Up Display as standard.

In addition, XT5 features Cadillac’s Driver Awareness and Driver Assist packages to aid vision and collision avoidance. These include automatic front and rear braking for low-speed conditions, Lane Keeping Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, full-speed range Adaptive Cruise Control and Automatic Parking Assist.

Mannai Auto brings all-new 2017 Cadillac XT5 to Qatar

WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER 20166

National Car Company, the sole agent for Mazda vehi-cles in Qatar, has introduced the new 2017 range of Mazda 3 sedans and hatchback models with additional vehicle dynamics and safety delivered by a combina-tion of Skyactiv technology and the advanced G

Vectoring Control Systems developed by Mazda. The 2017 Mazda 3 models are now on display at the state of the art showroom located in Fereej Al Nasr which is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 9 pm except on Fridays when the showroom is open during evening hours.

2017 Mazda 3: Sharper, Crisper, Trendier The well-rounded Mazda 3 sedan is ready with upgrades for

2017. This include refined exterior styling, new interior add-ons, updated active-safety features, and the addition of Mazda’s G-Vec-toring Control system for improved steering response.

The well acclaimed Mazda 3 didn’t need much improvement—in its current form as it has been in the best car list for many years now. The changes for 2017 are welcome, especially the revised exterior that nicely sharpens Mazda 3’s look. The reshaped grille and headlights present a far more aggressive face to the world, and LED headlights are newly available on higher-trim models. A new rear bumper appears crisper than before.

The tireless pursuit of Jinba-IttaiMazda aims to offer vehicles that provide driving pleasure and

enrich the lives of their owners. It has achieved this through the pursuit of Jinba-Ittai a feeling of unity between driver and vehicle. Whether turning, braking or simply cruising, the driver controls the vehicle as naturally and easily as if it were an extension of his or her own body.

Skyactiv-Vehicle Dynamics Skyactiv-Vehicle Dynamics technologies provide integrated

control of the engine, transmission, chassis and body to enhance the vehicle’s Jinba-Ittai feel—a sense of connectedness between car and driver that differentiate Mazda vehicles from others.

G-Vectoring Control Enhancing chassis performance using the engine Mazda has

always pursued smooth transitions between G-forces when brak-ing, turning and accelerating, because it considers this an essential

element of Jinba-Ittai. This results in what we refer to as a unified dynamic performance feel. In combination with consistent feed-back and response in the operation of the brakes, steering wheel

and accelerator, it enables the driver to control the vehicle easily and precisely.

The first technology in the Skyactiv-Vehicle Dynamics series, G-Vectoring Control (GVC) further advances the unified feel that has always defined the dynamic performance of Mazda vehicles. Its development was based on the revolutionary idea of using the engine to enhance chassis performance, allied to Mazda’s human-centered development philosophy that focuses not only on mechanical efficiency but posits how a vehicle should be in con-sideration of human characteristics. By adopting GVC, Mazda vehicles will exhibit even smoother transitions between G-forces in all driv-ing scenarios.

Mechanism of GVC systemGVC maximizes tire performance by focusing on the vertical

load on the tires. The moment the driver starts to turn the steering wheel, GVC controls engine drive torque to generate a decelera-tion G-force, thereby shifting load to the front wheels. This increases front-wheel tire grip, enhancing the vehicle’s turn-in responsiveness.

Thereafter, when the driver maintains a constant steering angle, GVC immediately recovers engine drive torque, which transfers load to the rear wheels, enhancing vehicle stability. Regardless of the skill of the driver, GVC demonstrates its effect consistently over a range of driving situations, from low-speed everyday driving to high-speed straight-line driving, on winding roads and during emer-gency avoidance maneuvers.

New 2017 Mazda 3 comes New 2017 Mazda 3 comes with G-Vectoring Controlwith G-Vectoring Control

WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2016 7

Hannah Elliott Bloomberg

Everyone likes a matchup. Senna vs. Prost. Pacquiao vs. Mayweather. Federer vs. Nadal. Heck, even Jay-Z vs. Kanye. (Oh boy.)

I can’t afford a Bentley. But when I test drove the 2017 Flying Spur recently in upstate New York, I found myself deliberating whether I’d rather own that or its closest equivalent competitor, the Rolls-Royce Ghost. Which all-star rides higher in the sky? (Spoiler alert: Can’t afford a Rolls, either. No one ever went to journalism school to get rich.)

Here’s why this is an interesting question, for aspirational fans and own-ers alike. First, these cars are the absolute top of the line in their category. They are astronomically expensive, sure, but not in one another’s context. So which brand is operating best at this level?

And second, some people are actu-ally making this choice. Where many who drive a McLaren will also own other superfast things from Porsche, Aston Martin, or Ferrari, when it comes to Bent-ley vs. Rolls, you’re generally one or the other. It’s similar to the way that you’re either a Ford house or a GM house, but on the other end of the spending spectrum.

I’ve driven every Rolls on the mar-ket today, plus some from decades ago. For performance and looks, the cars more than live up to their status as the most regal automotive brand in the world. On the other hand, the (less ele-gantly named) Flying Spur is a phenomenal driving sedan, plush inside like a British club room and on the out-side a little less square than the Rolls—which is either a positive or a neg-ative attribute, depending on who’s doing the looking.

All right, so how do they compare?

Engine Let’s start with the basics. These are

each the midsize four-door sedans in their respective brand’s range. (For Bent-ley, the Muslanne is the bigger sedan; for Rolls, it’s the Phantom.)

For the $244,600 Flying Spur, Bent-ley has continued its special W12 S engine line with a 626bhp machine that gets 605 pound-feet of torque. (This power is a boost from the 616hp and 590 lb.-ft. of the W12 model.) The sound of it is divine—it starts with a low rumble that fades into a disciplined British throat-clear as you move through the gears. Or you can choose the $205,000 Flying Spur V8 S edition, with 521hp and 502 pound-feet of torque and equally smooth in charac-ter. They each have a flawless eight-speed transmission—placid as a country pond at five am, unmoved as yet by wind.

Rolls doesn’t make a V8 option on its Ghost. The feeling is that it would dilute the brand and the associated prestige of having a dozen massive cylinders under-neath each hood. That may be right. But when it comes to comparing the base versions of each, for sheer engine options, capability and efficiency, Bent-ley, to my mind, manages to win the advantage.

These numbers on the W12 Bentley are impressive because the $310,650 Ghost has an excellent 12-cylinder BMW Group-made engine but reaches a lesser 563hp and 575 pound-feet of torque. The W12 S Bentley gets 12mpg in the city and 20 in the highway; the V8 S version hits 14mpg in the city and 24mpg on the high-way. The Ghost rather splits the difference, with 13mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. Again, these are small differences, but in this rarified ech-elon it’s the smallest details that separate the excellent from the astounding.

PerformanceEngine variants are most important,

of course, because they translate into how each car feels when you drive it. Where the Bentley muscles you into gear and then glides like an ocean liner, the Rolls feels higher, more like riding atop a sleigh.

The steering in Ghost is lighter, looser, and more elegant than in the Fly-ing Spur, too, which offered supreme, racing-tuned precision and surprising (for a sedan) dynamism as I drove up New York’s 9A toward Stone Ridge and the boutique hotel Hasbrouck House two hours north of Manhattan.

Bentley’s W12 hits 60mph in 4.2 sec-onds; Rolls’s V12 hits 60mph in 4.8 seconds. Top speed is 202mph (Bentley) vs. 155mph (Rolls), which is a stark con-trast indeed. Even the Bentley V8 S I mentioned earlier beats the V12 Rolls. It has a 60mph sprint time of 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 190mph.

The lesson here is that Bentley’s suc-cess at channeling its “Bentley Boy” racing dominance from decades ago is evident even in this four-door, 5,456-pound sedan. If you drive each of these cars, you’ll see it’s more about compar-ing Bentley’s power position against Rolls’ elegant refinement: This isn’t an argument about which is better—it’s more about what you want.

DimensionsIn fact, while moving in a straight line

is no problem for most hulking pieces of metal, it’s shocking that the Flying Spur can change lanes and navigate curves with this kind of finesse. It is a big car. But when you look at the numbers, it makes sense: The Bentley Flying Spur is shorter (208 inches), lighter, and wider (78.1 inches) than the Rolls Ghost (212 inches long, 5,490 pounds, 76.7 inches wide). It’s closer to the ground both in its physical stance and in its driving char-acter, gripping the asphalt in a vice. The Rolls, on the other hand, feels like you’re gliding along a monorail.

Inside, the comparison is virtually a draw. Each comes with two rear seats (or three, if you so choose—but I wouldn’t) spaced far apart enough to

accommodate such accouterments as automatic fold-down polished wooden writing tables, television screens, venti-lated reclining chairs, coolers, privacy shades, and trunks large enough to fit luggage that’ll hold you over for a week. Yes, they both offer these.

Interior CraftsmanshipBoth the Flying Spur and the Ghost

offer supreme conveniences inside—this is not new. In general, Flying Spur is slightly more minimal, while Ghost feels opulent, with more knobs on the dash and controls throughout, plus plush leather pillows with your initials embroi-dered on them. Ghost’s inch-thick floor mats are a wonder; the heavy-duty long umbrellas in the doors are a treat most consumers would love to be able to flaunt. Bentley doesn’t have them.

New this year for Flying Spur are a unique "SportPlus" steering wheel and engine-spun aluminum trim inside, knurled and carbon fiber detailing, and optional two-tone seats with a contrast-ing roof ceiling. As in the Ghost, you can also get contrast stitching and dozens of color combinations on leather hides care-fully selected from the best bovines in Europe; you can also choose to have a Wi-Fi hot spot, privacy glass, and Beluga gloss on the side windows, and even an electric sunroof with solar cells, among other things, if you want.

And that’s just for the conventional option list. Both Bentley at its Crewe fac-tory and Rolls at its Goodwood headquarters offer extensive bespoke

and one-off capabilities for customers for whom money is no object. When I visited each, I saw special cabinets made for watches, safes, carts, jewellery boxes, wooden script inserted into the dash, pic-nic baskets, and exterior paint colors (Kermit the Frog green; banana peel yel-low) only an eccentric could love. If you have unlimited funds, the only limit to what you can commission is your own imagination and daring. The designers there may tell you that you have to wait a while to get your special project pro-duced—but they will not tell you no.

LooksHere more than elsewhere, looks do

matter. Ghost is squarer at the front—emotionally and literally. The hood is longer, angled at the edges, and often (unfortunately) painted in the two-tone mode. Its single headlights are stream-lined and minimal, and the grill is tall, with long vertical slats set up underneath the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy lady sculpted above. A 24-karat gold hood ornament and 21-inch silver alloy wheels are optional. As a closet introvert who has driven both cars in some of the best neighborhoods in L.A. and New York, I can tell you that the Rolls creates much more of a scene when you drive it. You’ve got to be ready, emotionally, to handle the attention.

The Flying Spur has a more rounded countenance, with two sets of rounded dark tint bi-xenon headlights with LED beams and a softly rectangular grill struck through the middle by one bar of

bright steel. The “flying B” wings on the front lie flat and nearly flush with the hood of the car. The 21-inch, seven-twin-spoke wheels in glossy black are new on the W12S and are handsome.

In the rear, the Bentley roofline slops toward a short trunk (it looks a little slouchy, to my eye). The overriding feel is evenly muscular rather than the state-lier Ghost. The lines on the Rolls are bolder, more blunt. I like that. But as with fashion, you’ve got to be able to handle it: Wear the car. Don’t let the car wear you.

VerdictThis, then, is the determining factor:

Do you want a powerful sedan that you can drive with real purpose, even aggres-sively—one that is the perfect blend from the company that makes Her Majesty the Queen’s State Limousine and the world champion GT3 endurance racer? Choose the Flying Spur. It is more dynamic to drive and more engaging as a red-blooded sedan.

On the other hand, do you want to feel like an emperor in the backseat, with all the pomp and circumstance associ-ated therein? Do you want a light feel at the wheel and an association with the most prestigious car brand in history? Choose the Ghost. Its exquisite crafts-manship inside and regal aura will fill your fondest regent fantasies.

Whichever you choose, you’ll have a good drive (or ride, as is more often the case for all of you back-seat enthusiasts who buy these cars). And you’ll be very lucky.

Bentley Flying Spur or Rolls-Royce Ghost: Which car is for you?

WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER 20168

Dan Cooper

Car detailing isn’t something you need to do that often. You might roll up your sleeves once a year to perform a top-notch clean-ing – sweeping, scrubbing, wiping every nook

and cranny – on your car. The level of clean you need? It’s really whatever you prefer. Here’s a helpful guide to get you started.

Before you beginThe difference between an "OK" and an "incred-

ible" result is tied to the tools you use and the time you spend on the job. It helps to use specialized car detailing products for specific tasks. For instance, toothbrushes come in handy for small areas that are harder to clean, like vents and grilles. Cotton swabs are useful in these spots, too.

Also, try to use name brand products to play it safe, but be certain to read the labels. Even name brand products aren’t suitable for all paint finishes. If the product does not list that it’s safe for clear coat finishes, it’s probably not. And keep in mind that this likely won’t be a five-minute commitment; a high-quality car detailing job can take between four and eight hours.

Step 1: Getting the hard-to-reach placesWork on the interior first. Use compressed air in

a can to blow dirt out from the tiny crevices. Save exterior cleaning for later. By taking this approach, you’ll prevent all the dirt you brush out from undo-ing exterior detailing efforts.

Step 2: Working from the top downCloth headliners present a problem since they’re

glued to the roof. Removing marks and stains can be tough, but it’s important to remember that headlin-ers shouldn’t get wet. Use a microfiber cloth and an upholstery cleaner designed for use on velour or suede.

Brush the entire headliner lightly with a dry part of the cloth. Then, apply cleaner to the cloth – not

directly to the headliner – and continue to gently brush everything. For stubborn spots, wet only one corner of the cloth with cleaner, brush lightly and dry off with the rest of the cloth.

Step 3: Cleaning vinyl, plastic and win-dows

Hard interior surfaces can be cleaned with a cloth dampened with all-purpose cleaner. Use a window cleaner and paper towels on the interior glass. Pro tip: Finish the glass by rubbing with balled-up news-paper to give it a gleaming shine.

Step 4: Scrubbing the seatsSpecific products are important when you get to

the seats. Treat dirty fabric upholstery with foaming cleaners designed for the task. Always follow the man-ufacturers’ instructions. Remember, it also helps to have an upholstery brush. Use only a leather condi-tioner on real leather – never a vinyl cleaner. For tears in vinyl seats, repair kits can work wonders. Pro tip: If you have pet hair on fabric upholstery, wrap duct tape or wide masking tape around your hand with the sticky side out. Then, roll your hand over areas until the tape is full of hair. Repeat with new tape until all areas are done.

Step 5: Taking out the floor matsWhen it concerns floor mats and carpeted areas,

it’s best to create extra room by getting all of the heav-ily soiled items out of your car. Follow these tips:

Rubber and fabric floor mats should be washed outside of the car.

If these mats are worn, consider replacing them with new ones.

If you use a dressing on rubber floor mats, use one that will not make them slippery.

Use a foaming cleaner for minor carpet stains.Avoid getting carpets saturated with water or

cleaner, so mildew won’t become a problem.

Step 6: Considering the nitty gritty

This is definitely an optional step. The dashboard and steering column present some of the most time-consuming tasks. Any knobs that can be removed without damage should be taken off so that the bez-els beneath them can be more easily cleaned. After you get the air vents cleaned up, spray a light mist of aerosol rubber or vinyl dressing for a polished, "brand new" look. Pro tip: Some crevices can be cleaned with a thin cloth placed over the end of a plastic knife.

Step 7: Stopping by the car washIt’s a good idea to visit the local self-serve car

wash to use their high-pressure hoses to rinse your wheels and wheel wells. Remove any heavy buildup. While you’re there, you can also use their high-pow-ered vacuum on your upholstery, dashboard and carpeting before heading home to tackle the rest.

Step 8: Finishing touches to the exteriorDetail the doorjambs first. Any heavy grease

should be wiped off with dry paper towels. After that, a soapy water solution is fine. Finish with small brushes for the tight areas, and don’t forget to wax the doorjambs. Wash small areas at a time, and keep

finished areas wet with frequent hosings to avoid water spots. Change the rag and the water in your bucket often to avoid rubbing dirt back onto your car. Use a toothbrush to get into tight areas, such as around headlight and tail light trim, door handles and mirrors.

A stiff brush and soapy water should take care of most everything on wheels and wheel wells, but remember to keep spraying down the whole car to avoid water spots. Also, avoid acid-based cleaners on clear coat painted or polished metal surfaces of the wheels.

Wrapping upWhen you’re finished washing everything, dry

the entire car with a heavy terry cloth towel. You can use a clear coat-safe cleaner on scratches and blem-ishes in the clear coat layer of paint, but a cleaner wax will likely address most of the visible irregularities in your paint finish. Just be careful to avoid applying wax or polish to plastic or vinyl areas. So how are things looking? Even if you skipped a step or two, your car is definitely in much better shape now – inside and out.

(Source: Mobil oil)

How to detail a car