Petrolheads converge for annual showcase event
▶ The Bugatti Chiron can hit more than 400kph and is named after a racing legend
From armoured personnel carriers to luxury sports cars, the 2019 Dubai Motor Show is a petrolhead’s dream.
The international exhibition opened its doors yesterday at Dubai World Trade Centre with something on offer for everyone.
Dubai Police were keen to show off the latest additions to their fleet of patrol vehicles, including a V8 Bentley Bentayga with a top speed of 290 kilometres an hour.
The Shaman 8X8 amphibious vehicle by Streit is also likely to be a big draw for visitors to the five-day event.
Its 146-horsepower engine and eight wheels can cope with even the most treacherous driving conditions by inflating or deflating its tyres.
Engaging the rear propeller of the 11-seater also allows drivers to power through flooded streets or even navigate lakes and rivers.
“Self-inflating tyres and the built-in propeller can all be controlled from the dashboard,” said David Kaufman, business development manager at Streit, a US manufacturer. “All eight wheels are multidirectional, so it is very versatile and can turn in a very tight space.
“There is a UAE market for this vehicle, particularly with the heavy rains recently. It can even be taken into the sea from the beach.”
Police in Ras Al Khaimah, meanwhile, are believed to have added the monster Shaman to its fleet of patrol cars.
The Russian-built all-terrain vehicle is regarded as being ideally suited for the mountainous landscape of the Northern Emirates.
At $300,000 (Dh1.1 million) it does not come cheap, but its price tag is still some way short of the most expensive vehicle on show.
Supercar Alley is always a favourite at the annual exhibition and this year’s display of speed does not disappoint.
A 2018 McLaren Senna, named after the Brazilian Formula One driver, has a gargantuan rear spoiler, helping to deliver downforce to cope with its top speed of 340kph.
And although that may seem fast enough for most, parked up next to the Senna is an even quicker beast.
The 2018 Bugatti Chiron can hit a top speed of more than 400kph, and is also named after a previous racing great – Louis Chiron was one of the fastest drivers in pre-Formula One history.
Ulugbekhon Maksumov, chief executive of Inkas Vehicles, said his company had brought customised vehicles built to protect presidents and other VIPs.
“We are upgrading normal vehicles to weld ballistic steel on to the cars to make them bombproof,” he said.
“There are many different specifications. Security companies in the UAE will request cars that can withstand normal ammunition.
“In other parts of the world, our clients ask for vehicles that can withstand armour-piercing bullets and grenades.
“Our market is concentrated in the Middle East, but we deliver cars all over the world [including] embassies and military departments.”