motoring news Bahrainthismonth.com February 2024 65 ALL-NEW MG WHALE SUV COUPE ARRIVES IN THE MIDDLE EAST PORSCHE 11 PERCENT REGIONAL SALES GROWTH IN 2023 British-born automotive brand, MG is expanding its comprehensive range of sedans and SUVs in the Middle East as the brand kicks off 2024 with the launch of the all-new MG Whale SUV Coupe – a sporty mid-size SUV. The SUV Coupe offers a well-laid-out, premium quality cabin that will ensure daily commutes and long journeys are quiet, hassle-free, and comfortable thanks to features like electric seat adjustments with memory seats, dual-zone air conditioning, and a power-operated panoramic sunroof. These features make this coupe an ideal addition for urban families. The sleek SUV Coupe is driven by a powerful 2.0L turbocharged engine producing 231 HP and 370 Nm torque which is coupled to a reliable 8-speed automatic gearbox. The car also rides on stylish alloy wheels which have a large 19-inch diameter. The Whale-inspired details like its signature front grille and Baleen daytime running lamps help convey the playfulness, intelligence, and grace of its namesake. Other marine-related cues include Whale-fin door mirrors and a Whale-tail spoiler and gearshift. Ford Performance has expanded its sports car factory driver lineup to nine drivers for its global GT3 race programmes. Ben Barker, Chris Mies, Dennis Olsen, Andy Priaulx and Frédéric Vervisch join previously announced drivers Joey Hand, Dirk Müller, Harry Tincknell and Mike Rockenfeller on the Ford Performance Mustang GT3 team in 2024. Mies and Vervisch drove the new race car at Daytona International Speedway, in preparation for the Rolex 24 at Daytona where they will complete the lineup for the Ford Multimatic Motorsports team, with Mies joining Tincknell and Rockenfeller in the #64 Mustang and Vervisch stepping into the #65 with Hand and Müller. Daytona will mark the official sports car racing debut for the new Ford Mustang GT3, which takes centerstage as the iconic Mustang enters its 60th anniversary year. Starting in Daytona, the Mustang will compete on six of seven continents of the world at legendary tracks such as Le Mans and Interlagos. Ford’s group of nine sports car factory drivers will bring their endurance racing experience and knowledge to the various Mustang GT3 programmes around the world. Porsche has delivered 9,135 cars in the Middle East, Africa and India region in the 2023 calendar year. This represents a growth of 11 percent growth compared to 2022, and follows a 20 percent increase the year prior. New car deliveries since 2020 have now grown 47 percent. “2023 was another year of growth for our region thanks to our exceptional Porsche product line-up, in conjunction with the efforts of our importers and staff,” says Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Manfred Bräunl. The Cayenne was again the best-selling model for Porsche in the region, in a year when a new, updated model was launched. Furthermore, it was the strongest year yet for sales of the Taycan all-electric sports saloon, which enjoyed growth of 80 per cent compared to the prior year. “It was a busy year of exciting events and new product launches, as we celebrated 75 years of Porsche sportscars,” says Dr. Bräunl, adding that the third edition of the Icons of Porsche festival in Dubai attracted over 27,000 fans in November. The event saw the first public display in the world of the new Panamera, while commemorating 75 years of Porsche sportscars and 60 years of the iconic 911 model. “There will be several major product launches in 2024, including the all-electric Macan and Taycan models, as well as many new facility openings across the region. Therefore, 2024 will be an ‘electrifying’ year in which we continue to work hard to deliver for our Porsche owners, as well as support and empower our trusted importer partners,” concludes Dr. Bräunl. INTRODUCING THE GLOBAL MUSTANG GT3 FACTORY DRIVER SQUAD
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