Wow, apparently Salmiya has added some new parking spaces for SUVs. Now I know exactly where I should park when i’m in that area! I MEAN SERIOUSLY? How are you going to even get your car out of there!? Come on people, there is something called common sense and something called stupidity. Let’s try to have at least some common sense! Happy Parking…
Thanks to [hawkindia2000] for sharing.
I went with my friend to Jaguar car service center in Al Rai today because his car had major service and while awaiting at the reception I spotted this hot supercar parked just outside, it didn’t look like a Jaguar at all and I thought it’s a Ferrari or probably a Maserati Gran Turismo but as I got closer I noticed Jaguar logo on front bumper and rims. I asked the salesman man about it, he said this is the new Jaguar F-Type 2014; a two seat sports car based on a shortened platform of the XK convertible that was put into production in 2013.
It did look hot, especially the front. As I said the design looked like a hybrid or I better say a combination of other sport cars. I’m pretty sure people on the street will think it’s Ferrari or Aston Martin and only those with trained eyes will perceive that it’s a Jaguar. As I understood there are three models as follow;
3.0L V6 S/C 340 HP and accelerates from 0-100 Km/Hr in 5.1 secs.
3.0L V6 S/C 380 HP and accelerates from 0-100 Km/Hr in 4.8 secs.
5.0L V8 S/C 495 HP and accelerates from 0-100 Km/Hr in 4.3 secs.
I also read online that Jaguar F-Type has won the prize for the best car design in 2013. Now this is all good but what surprised me is the price tag, they said the basic V6 model costs KD26,000, V6 super-charged for KD 29,000 and the V8 for KD35,000 (I can imagine the look on your faces right now). They said they have one right now for test-drive and anyone can book a time, that’s cool because I’d like to see how this car feels on the street with regards to smoothness, performance, stability, acceleration and of course engine sound.
As a follow up to my previous post, I wanted to share with you this article I just read on Kuwait Times about how by the end of the year, 92 new traffic cameras will be monitoring the Arabian Gulf Road including video and audio! Hmmmm.. If this is true and they really do implement the new cameras then that would be a great step forward for Kuwait. Hopefully, if these cameras are implemented correctly with proper laws to be followed by everyone then Kuwait might start having fewer death rates. Stay safe Kuwait!
I can’t stress enough how many times this topic has been brought up but no proper action has been taken! Have you noticed how the number of cars on the road is increasing by the day causing more traffic and more road rage? Have you noticed that even with the new cameras and traffic laws people are still driving like crazy? Kuwait’s streets have become really unsafe due to those few people who feel that they are better than the law and everyone else on the street. According to recent studies by the Traffic Department, Kuwait is moving in to top the record in world traffic deaths. Studies show that there are 75,194 accidents taking place on Kuwaiti roads annually, which is 206 accidents per day on average, or 8.5 per hour. Fatalities have climbed to 493 per year, averaging 1.3 per day. And it was also shown that among the top 20 causes for deaths in Kuwait, traffic accidents rank at No. 8!
Using mobile phones while driving and not adhering to basic safety standards like wearing seat belts were identified as important causes for road accidents. Let’s add to the list: children sitting in your lap while driving, racing, and chasing other cars in hopes of finding a “companion.” And just recently the Chairperson of Traffic Safety Society in Kuwait has stated that Kuwait has broken the world record in the number of traffic deaths. He said 17 deaths are recorded in every 100,000 accidents, and blamed the Kuwaiti roads which can only accommodate 700,000 vehicles, while 1.6 million vehicles ply the roads. And to add to the problem, about 80,000 cars enter the roads every year.
Follow the traffic laws people, respect other drivers, and respect the streets. There is no difference between getting somewhere in 15 minutes or getting there in 5 minutes. Eventually, you will reach your destinations. Let’s just try to reach them while we’re in once piece.
Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive, the exclusive importer of BMW Group vehicles in Kuwait, revealed the all-new MINI Paceman at a unique activity at Avenues Mall, where visitors and media got the chance to interact with the brand. With all the driving excitement of a Sports Activity Coupé and the hallmark MINI go-kart fun driving experience, the seventh addition to the MINI family is set to turn heads in Kuwait. Shoppers will have the chance to interact with the brand’s newest addition and experience the new MINI Paceman for themselves via a host of fun, creative, eye-catching stunts, including pop art and interactive drawing screens,. Entitled “Design with Bite,” the activation will form part of a region-wide road show, which includes visits to six countries across the MiddleEast.
The seventh model in the MINI family has a unique character all of its own, while displaying clear ties to the inimitable style of the British brand. On the outside, the MINI Paceman offers a unique combination of sporty and extrovert design with two elongated doors, large new horizontal taillights and sloping roofline. The fresh and individual character of the MINI Paceman comes across most prominently when the car is viewed from the side. It is also highly customisable, and available in eight body finishes and a choice of seven light alloy wheels in four colours. The roof and exterior mirror caps can be painted in the chosen body colour, white or black.
Commenting on the launch of this car in Kuwait, Mr. Yousef Al Qatami, General Manager of Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive, said: “MINI has achieved phenomenal success in Kuwait over the years, helping to make it the most successful small premium car brand in the world and across the Middle East. Unique, yet typically MINI, the MINI Paceman opens up the brand to a whole new audience segment that has been looking for a MINI that combines the sportiness and space of an SUV, with the sleek design of a coupé. We are confident that this new addition will prove highly popular among MINI fans here in Kuwait and will mark a new and exciting chapter in MINI’s illustrious history.”
A friend to our blog sent us photos for 2014 Porsche Cayman and Cayman S launching event in Kuwait at Al Raya hotel yesterday, he says the event was entertaining. I find Porsche Cayman one of the great looking sport cars and the new generation looks even greater. Aesthetics aside, performance was also improved big-time, they say Porsche Cayman S 2014 has 3.4-liter engine that produces 325-horsepower and accelerates from 0-100 KM/Hr in merely 4.4 secs (with PDK), that’s fast enough in comparison with other similar sport cars. I find Cayman getting better and better over the year that it’s almost getting ahead of the 911, but of course Porsche won’t let that ever happen. Though personally there are number of things that I think Cayman supersedes the 911. Let’s see;
I guess 911 fans are pissed at me but I’m just trying to expain why I find Porsche Cayman appealing and not just the ‘Poor’s Man 911′. Anyhow, I called Posche Center to inquire about the price, they said the 2014 model starts at KD18,222 and adding the S will increase the price by around KD4,000 , so that’s KD22,000 in cash and in full.
Thanks [Basel]
I just received this link on WhatsApp about presumably new traffic law penalties here in Kuwait and I wanted to share it with all of you. Please lets try to be more careful of our driving because the accident rates have been increasing lately. Have a good day and safe driving!
Update: Ministry of Interior has officially mentioned that above penalties are false.
Our friends from Historical, Vintage & Classic Cars Museum have told us that the registration for the their 3rd version of the photography contest have started. There will be cash prizes of KD1,000 , KD750 , and KD500 for the top three places. The cars types included in the photography contest are:
I recall we covered the participating photos last year [link] and there were numerous cool shots. I think pro photographers would find this contest quite interesting. Now please be aware that in case of winning 25% of the prize shall be given to me as a token of appreciation (kidding!).
Phone: 66005261 / 24819186
I went to check Lykan Hypersport at Historical, Vintage & Classic Cars Museum before it’s removed tomorrow. I gotta admit I was awed when first laid my eyes on it. It rather looked like a beast! Certainly one of the most masculine looking cars I’ve ever seen.
As I said before this is the first Arabian-made supercar (er, hypercar) and it costs 1Million Kuwaiti Dinar roughyly (well KD959,000 to be more precise). It produces 751 horsepower and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in merely 2.8 secs and reach the astonishing top speed of 395 km/hr. So now Lykan or 500 sq. meter villa?
I can relate why schmucks in sedans and SUVs abuse safe lanes in Kuwait. However, what I can’t relate is when bikes abuse safe lanes.
My friend from Dubai has sent me photos for new Lamborghini Aventador police cars in Dubai! Let me re-phrase it; KD 140K+ Lamborghini Aventador that can speed up to 349km/h for the police in Dubai! That’s heavy, forget about economy crises I say. That would undoubtedly be world’s most expensive patrol car ever. “God” is there anyway I could work as a cop in Dubai? Anyone has any ‘Wasta’ please!
Thanks [Omran]
