As I got delegated to attend Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism's familiarization trip for automotive journalists, I couldn't hold in my excitement as Dubai is the place if you're a fan of everything automotive. The sprawling metropolis is home to cars of all kinds and make, from Lamborghinis, Ferraris and even ultra rare Bugattis and Koenigseggs to iconic heritage models, which one can see strolling around downtown at night. Seeing the exotic machines was definitely exciting, but the actual reason for my elation was the opportunity for my first real racetrack experience.
The Dubai Autodrome is an FIA Grade 1 sanctioned 5.4km track which opened in 2004, and has since then held annual motorsport events of various types including endurance racing as well as Grands Prix. When it isn't being used for events, the track is open to the public to choose from a selection of cars at the track to drive themselves or enjoy passenger hot laps with expert drivers. I got the opportunity to drive the BMW M240i at the club circuit, which is a smaller configuration measuring 4.1km.
After a mandatory safety briefing, I was escorted to the pit garage to check out the car I would be driving.
The BMW M240i xDrive uses the same powertrain as the BMW M340i sold here in India, which means that it comes with the 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol making 374bhp and 500Nm of torque which is sent to all the wheels via the xDrive AWD system.
This story is from the February 2024 edition of Auto Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2024 edition of Auto Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
VW India Future Plans Revealed
Volkswagen has unveiled new variants for the Taigun and Virtus, as well as showcase the upcoming ID.4 electric crossover at its recent Annual Brand Conference in Jaipur. Abhinav Jakhar has all the details
MG Comet
Another month has gone by with the Comet, and I’m happy to report, it continues to impress. The compact dimensions and zippy power delivery make cutting through traffic a breeze.
Hyundai Verna
As a certified petrol-head, who has been openly raving about the Hyundai Verna 1.5-litre turbo DCT, one question I keep getting asked is whether the ride and handling of the Verna measures up to the likes of the VAG competition.
Self improvement
The Pulsar N250 gets a number of feature additions and updates, along with three new colours. Will it be enough to stand atop the quarter-litre segment in India?
Xtreme ways
Does the newest member of Hero's Xtreme family have the credentials to be considered a fitting member? Can it hold its own in a segment which thrives on all-rounders that can be capable commuters with that sporty edge?
A petrolhead's vacation in Dubai
Breakfast at a car themed cafe with iconics cars and hot laps at the Dubai Autodrome weren't the only highlights from Anagh Bhaskar's visit to Dubai as he engaged in many other touristy activities
New York showstoppers
Here's Dhruv Saxena with a roundup of the best cars and new launches showcased at the 2024 New York International Auto Show
King size
BMW's radical new design aesthetic has reached its flagship X7 SUV along with new tech and features and we put the petrol variant through its paces
Potent Juice
Mercedes-Benz's update spree has now reached the GLE Coupe, more specifically the GLE 53. We tore through some corners and cruised around to see how much the update adds to the package
Top-up
Slotting under the Volvo XC40 V80 Twin-motor, the E60 comes with more aggressive pricing, a smaller battery, one less motor and about the same range, but is it more sensible?
