There's got to be something wrong. There's just gotta be. Either Norwegians are colour blind or their enthusiasm for cars is equal to my own for performance art and cottage cheese. I am driving a lime-green Mercedes-Benz SLS supercar, gull-winged no less, through rural Norway and for all the excitement I am generating I might as well be driving a rusted out 1.3L Ford Fiesta. I knew that Scandinavians were reserved, but this borders on the comatose. Even those who might be mistaken for car enthusiasts didn't blink an eye.
A gaggle of BMW drivers - including one guy in a 5 Series tricked out with lowered suspension and big rims, which, in this land of strictly enforced 80kph speed limits, passes for a supercar - barely gave the fluorescent apparition a second glance as I warp-sped by. Imagine your enthusiasm for the 25th annual rendition of your doddering grandmother's traditional Christmas jello salad and you have some idea of the ambivalence. Would it have been too much to ask for even one half-hearted head swerve?
And, as if a bright, lime-green Mercedes supercar wasn't uncommon enough, this particular SLS was rarer still, the very one and only electrically powered prototype of what AMG hopes will be an EV future. Yes, you read that right, AMG - Mercedes' in-house tuning division - is producing an electric car, their often over-the-top reputation going a long way to explaining why Mercedes chose to paint this emissions-free supercar the very same jarring hue - "lumilectric magno" in AMG-speak - that newbie motorcyclists and paranoid bicyclists don in their fluorescent "conspicuity" vests in the hopes we'll give them the wider berth normally reserved for "baby on board" bumper stickers. It truly is eye-catching and, anywhere but in Norway, it seems, would immediately command your attention.
But it's not just the prepubescent, look-at-me paint job that catches your eye. Beneath that dissonant skin, there's some wildly impressive performance statistics that do nothing to shame the SLS's already-formidable reputation. The four onboard 400-volt electric motors (one for each wheel working through individual, fixed-gear 5.5:1 transmissions), for instance, generate 533 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, an unusual combination of power and torque for an electric vehicle (most EVs, like diesels, produce lots of torque but correspondingly little in the way of horsepower).
It's all made possible by the high-revving nature - 12,000 rpm - of the Mercedes motors. They accelerate the E-Cell, claims AMG, to 100kph in a scant four seconds - just 0.2 seconds slower than the petrol-fed car - despite weighing some 300kg more than the stock SLS.
Indeed, a sense of unrelenting acceleration permeates the electrified SLS. Unlike the Tesla Roadster, which can boast nearly the same breathtaking acceleration to 100 klicks, the E-Cell doesn't "run out of breath" at higher speeds, sprinting to the 160kph (the most I was permitted in this test), relentlessly punching through the air on its way to a top speed that Mercedes says is well over 250 kilometres an hour.
That's if it is in its "Sport+" or "Manual" modes. This being a German car and German engineers loving their gadgetry, there is a knob on board that allows the four electric motors to be limited to 40, 60 or 100 per cent of their maximum output. The base "Comfort" mode's 40 per cent limitation, for instance, is the equivalent of a conventional car's consumption-reducing "eco" mode, extending the SLS's range. "Sport" allows 60 per cent of maximum throttle for extended range on the highway while both "Sport+" and "Manual" offer full warp engines. It's a well thought out system that covers parameters such as the basic amount of regenerative braking and the immediacy of the throttle response.
Where it all gets a little complicated is that the system also lets the driver alter the amount of regen braking. Unable to ignore the steering wheel paddles that the stock SLS uses for quick-shifting the double-clutch transmission, the gearheads from Affalterbach programmed four separate levels of regen accessible via those paddles. The problem is that it's nigh on useless - no one is going to alter the amount of regenerative braking for every corner - and unnecessarily complicated - certain levels of stronger regeneration aren't allowed until the battery pack has depleted a specific amount. A better solution would have been programmed specific levels of regen into the E-Cell's four basic modes and left it at that.
As for the perennial EV bugaboo, range, AMG claims the electrified SLS can travel 150 kilometres between plug-ins. However, I used about 60 percent of the battery's available energy (Mercedes generously - compared to current production EVs - allows its Li-ions to be discharged to 10 percent and charged to 95 percent of their maximum 48 kilowatt-hour capacity) in just 67 klicks indicating a maximum range of just under120 kilometres. And, yes, we had to sit around for a couple of hours while the batteries were juiced up before we could go home.
It's also worth noting that, with 48 kW-h of battery on board, it can take some time to replenish all those errant electrons. On Europe's higher-voltage 220V circuits a full charge would take eight hours (expect more than double that figure on our wimpy 110V systems) and an hour even when feeding from a high-tech (read expensive) 400V recharger.
At least AMG is realistic about the E-Cell's intent. It is, like all AMG's products, says Pietro Zollino, AMG's global communications public relations manager, "a fun car," meant to showcase the company's talents but also show that the future that "performance and responsibility" are not mutually exclusive. Not for them the delusion, common to other manufacturers, that EVs are ready for prime-time consumers. But it is, just like its gasoline-fueled mainstream counterpart, barrels of fun.
But it's not just the prepubescent, look-at-me paint job that catches your eye. Beneath that dissonant skin, there's some wildly impressive performance statistics that do nothing to shame the SLS's already-formidable reputation.
The four onboard 400-volt electric motors (one for each wheel working through individual, fixed-gear 5.5:1 transmissions), for instance, generate 533 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, an unusual combination of power and torque for an electric vehicle (most EVs, like diesels, produce lots of torque but correspondingly little in the way of horsepower).
It's all made possible by the high-revving nature - 12,000 rpm - of the Mercedes motors. They accelerate the E-Cell, claims AMG, to 100kph in a scant four seconds - just 0.2 seconds slower than the petrol-fed car - despite weighing some 300kg more than the stock SLS.
Indeed, a sense of unrelenting acceleration permeates the electrified SLS. Unlike the Tesla Roadster, which can boast nearly the same breathtaking acceleration to 100 klicks, the E-Cell doesn't "run out of breath" at higher speeds, sprinting to the 160kph (the most I was permitted in this test), relentlessly punching through the air on its way to a top speed that Mercedes says is well over 250 kilometres an hour.
That's if it is in its "Sport+" or "Manual" modes. This being a German car and German engineers loving their gadgetry, there is a knob on board that allows the four electric motors to be limited to 40, 60 or 100 per cent of their maximum output. The base "Comfort" mode's 40 per cent limitation, for instance, is the equivalent of a conventional car's consumption-reducing "eco" mode, extending the SLS's range.
"Sport" allows 60 per cent of maximum throttle for extended range on the highway while both "Sport+" and "Manual" offer full warp engines. It's a well thought out system that covers parameters such as the basic amount of regenerative braking and the immediacy of the throttle response.
Where it all gets a little complicated is that the system also lets the driver alter the amount of regenerative braking. Unable to ignore the steering wheel paddles that the stock SLS uses for quick-shifting the double-clutch transmission, the gearheads from Affalterbach programmed four separate levels of regen accessible via those paddles.
The problem is that it's nigh on useless (no one is going to alter the amount of regenerative braking for every corner) and unnecessarily complicated (certain levels of stronger regeneration aren't allowed until the battery pack has depleted a specific amount). Specific levels of regen programmed into the E-Cell's four basic modes would have been a better solution.
It's not easy building an electric car out of an existing model (just ask Tesla). Luckily, the SLS's basic framework seemed ideally suited to electrification. Of the gullwing's basic structure, only the front suspension is changed - to accommodate the front-drive axle and motors - going from a classic double wishbone to a multi-link setup with a race-car-like rocker-arm actuation and horizontally mounted dampers.
And, in a further attempt to minimise changes to the chassis, the E-Cell's 48 kW-h of Li-ion batteries have been divided up into three parts tucked in various nooks and crannies, such as the recess left by the absence of a fuel tank.
That doesn't mean the SLS's handling is unaffected by its electrification, however. After all, those large batteries push the weight up by some 300kg (the batteries' all-up weight of 450kg is somewhat offset by the loss of the stock 6.2L V8 and its seven-speed transmission). In addition, placing the four rather hefty electric motors at the front and rear axles has futzed with the gullwing's polar moment of inertia. Worse yet, the steering box is a carryover from the S400 hybrid. The result is steering that is both uncommunicative and heavy that is further "blessed" with very little on-centre feel. It's a bit like driving an Xbox console on a real road; curves are handled easily but, like a recalcitrant recidivist fresh from the "yard", the E-Cell tends to wander when on the straight and narrow.
Much will be improved as prototyping continues. AMG engineers will certainly work out the wonky steering and the suspension calibration is already spot-on. Performance - either speed or handling - will not be the SLS E-Cell's issue.
As for the perennial EV bugaboo, range, AMG claims the electrified SLS can travel 150km between plug-ins. However, I used about 60 per cent of the battery's available energy (Mercedes allows its battery to be discharged to 10 per cent and charged to 95 per cent of its maximum 48 kilowatt-hour capacity) in just 67km, indicating a maximum range of just under 120km. And, yes, we had to sit around for a couple of hours while the batteries were juiced up before going home.
In fact, it's also worth noting that, with 48kW-h of battery on board, it can take some time to replenish all those errant electrons. On Europe's 220V circuits, a full charge would take eight hours, while even when feeding from a high-tech (read expensive) 400V recharger it takes a full hour.
At least AMG is realistic about the E-Cell's intent. It is, like all AMG's products, says Pietro Zollino, AMG's global communications public relations manager, "a fun car" meant to showcase the company's talents but also shows that, in the future, "performance and responsibility" need not be mutually exclusive. Not for them the delusion, common to other manufacturers, that EVs are ready for prime-time consumers. But it is, just like its petrol-fuelled, mainstream counterpart, barrels of fun.
motoring@thenational.ae
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UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The bio
Favourite vegetable: Broccoli
Favourite food: Seafood
Favourite thing to cook: Duck l'orange
Favourite book: Give and Take by Adam Grant, one of his professors at University of Pennsylvania
Favourite place to travel: Home in Kuwait.
Favourite place in the UAE: Al Qudra lakes
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
More on Coronavirus in France
Day 4, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage appeared to have been hard done by when he had his dismissal of Sami Aslam chalked off for a no-ball. Replays suggested he had not overstepped. No matter. Two balls later, the exact same combination – Gamage the bowler and Kusal Mendis at second slip – combined again to send Aslam back.
Stat of the day Haris Sohail took three wickets for one run in the only over he bowled, to end the Sri Lanka second innings in a hurry. That was as many as he had managed in total in his 10-year, 58-match first-class career to date. It was also the first time a bowler had taken three wickets having bowled just one over in an innings in Tests.
The verdict Just 119 more and with five wickets remaining seems like a perfectly attainable target for Pakistan. Factor in the fact the pitch is worn, is turning prodigiously, and that Sri Lanka’s seam bowlers have also been finding the strip to their liking, it is apparent the task is still a tough one. Still, though, thanks to Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed, it is possible.
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
RECORD%20BREAKER
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Company%20profile
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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Some of Darwish's last words
"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.
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Zodi%20%26%20Tehu%3A%20Princes%20Of%20The%20Desert
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Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Seemar’s top six for the Dubai World Cup Carnival:
1. Reynaldothewizard
2. North America
3. Raven’s Corner
4. Hawkesbury
5. New Maharajah
6. Secret Ambition
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What is an FTO Designation?
FTO designations impose immigration restrictions on members of the organisation simply by virtue of their membership and triggers a criminal prohibition on knowingly providing material support or resources to the designated organisation as well as asset freezes.
It is a crime for a person in the United States or subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to knowingly provide “material support or resources” to or receive military-type training from or on behalf of a designated FTO.
Representatives and members of a designated FTO, if they are aliens, are inadmissible to and, in certain circumstances removable from, the United States.
Except as authorised by the Secretary of the Treasury, any US financial institution that becomes aware that it has possession of or control over funds in which an FTO or its agent has an interest must retain possession of or control over the funds and report the funds to the Treasury Department.
Source: US Department of State
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Dates for the diary
To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
- September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
- November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
- December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
- February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
- Join parent networks
- Look beyond school fees
- Keep an open mind
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
THE DETAILS
Director: Milan Jhaveri
Producer: Emmay Entertainment and T-Series
Cast: John Abraham, Manoj Bajpayee
Rating: 2/5
LA LIGA FIXTURES
Thursday (All UAE kick-off times)
Sevilla v Real Betis (midnight)
Friday
Granada v Real Betis (9.30pm)
Valencia v Levante (midnight)
Saturday
Espanyol v Alaves (4pm)
Celta Vigo v Villarreal (7pm)
Leganes v Real Valladolid (9.30pm)
Mallorca v Barcelona (midnight)
Sunday
Atletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid (4pm)
Real Madrid v Eibar (9.30pm)
Real Sociedad v Osasuna (midnight)
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
Tonight's Chat on The National
Tonight's Chat is a series of online conversations on The National. The series features a diverse range of celebrities, politicians and business leaders from around the Arab world.
Tonight’s Chat host Ricardo Karam is a renowned author and broadcaster with a decades-long career in TV. He has previously interviewed Bill Gates, Carlos Ghosn, Andre Agassi and the late Zaha Hadid, among others. Karam is also the founder of Takreem.
Intellectually curious and thought-provoking, Tonight’s Chat moves the conversation forward.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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