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More than 80,000 motoring enthusiasts from around the region flocked to the first international edition of the Qatar Motor Show, writes Charlie Holding.
During the four-day event at Doha's Exhibitions Centre the latest sports, luxury and SUV models and commercial vehicles from 36 major marques were showcased.
After launching the new XL1 hybrid model the night before, Volkswagen unveiled two new concept adaptations of the popular Touareg model - The Gold Edition, which boasts a number of 24-carat gold features on the vehicle's exterior and interior and the Race 3, a street legal version of the rally race car used by winning Dakar Rally driver Nasser Al Ahiyah.
Lamborghini presented its latest offering in the form of the sleek and seductive Gallardo LP 570-4 Bicolore. LP stands for 'Longitudinale Posteriore' and refers to the orientation of the V10 engine - which is mounted behind the driver like every Lamborghini engine and Bicolore refers to its two-tone finish ... not that you'd really notice the colour scheme as it cruises past doing 0-100km in just 3.7 seconds.
Audi also unveiled its new e-tron Spyder, which bolts from 0-100km in an equally impressive 4.4 seconds. However, that's not the only impressive part, the show car, with plug-in hybrid drive, is 4.06 metres long, 1.81 meters wide and only 1.11 metres high. The two-seater is equipped with a 300hp twin-turbo V6 TDI at the rear axle and two electric motors producing a total of 64 kW at the front axle.
The Bentley stand was packed as visitors rushed to get a look at the new Continental GT, which was showcased alongside other models including the Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed Arabia and the Bentley Mulsanne, which have also proved popular in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Porsche took full advantage of the Gulf setting, launching the special Panamera 4S Exclusive Middle East Edition model, which will only be sold in the region. Limited to just 66 vehicles, it is painted in Carrara White Metallic throughout. As a result of this, the black painted trim strips and emblems plus the Guards Red 'S' in the model designation are emphasised.
It is powered by a 4.8-litre eight-cylinder engine with 400hp and has a fuel consumption of 10.8 litres per 100. The model also boasts a seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) gearbox and the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system with active four-wheel drive. Thanks to the added traction, the Panamera 4S roars from 0-100kmph in five seconds.
