We know the Dubai International Motor Show isn’t slated to hit until mid-November. But it still isn’t too early to hope for some awesome exhibitions of vehicles this year. More fuel-efficient and energy-efficient, please. Especially from some of the top auto manufacturers.
Global warming is evidence of the damage we have caused to our environment. Earth’s atmosphere suffers from our carbon footprint. Our sustainability demands behavioral correction in light of this fact. And one of the greatest threats to the environment is in fossil fuels like gasoline. Fuel efficiency is pivotal in our attempt to assuage some fears about global warming. More of the top auto manufacturers ought to be leading the fight against this global problem.
It also puts our economic security in jeopardy. The Middle East is the richest territory for oil. It is also a hotbed of political turmoil and conflict. American reliance upon foreign oil can be dangerous. It yields power to those who may not have our best interest at heart. Of course, the irony is not lost to some of us who acknowledge that the world’s premier auto show takes place in Dubai.
Since its inauguration in 1989, the Dubai Motor Show has grown tremendously. 2017 will be its 13th show in total. Many top auto and supercar manufacturers will be unveiling their cutting-edge vehicles. This year exhibitors will include Audi, Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Fiat, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Lexus, Lincoln, Maserati, McLaren, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Toyota, and Volkswagen – to name a few. Over 150 exhibitors and 60 auto manufacturers in total are billed to appear.
The Dubai Motor Show typically focuses more on luxury and concept cars. Because what else will wealthy sheiks spend their money on? There is still hope we may see more fuel-efficient and energy-efficient vehicles exhibited at the show. Especially for the modern, average consumer. But it is still fun sometimes to keep an eye on the exciting ones. Like James Bond’s Aston Martin DB10. Or the slick Jaguar C-X75. Or the sweet Lamborghini Huracan Spider. Even the sexy W Motors Fenyr. And the impossible Devel Sixteen – something straight out of The Wraith.
The Dubai Motor Show has had uncharacteristic exhibits of electric or hybrid cars in the past. In 2013 McLaren showed off its P1 hybrid hypercar. It features a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine capable of reaching 218 mph. It also stored a 324-cell lithium-ion battery. That same year BMW brought along its i8 hybrid supercar. Going from 0-62 in 4.4 seconds, it contains a 7.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, and has a fuel efficiency of 112 mpg. Aside from concept cars, Hyundai is set to unveil its 2017 Sonata Hybrid. This is a much more marketable vehicle. It boasts a 193 horsepower engine with a 270 V lithium polymer battery and 39-45 mpg. Let’s hope they keep the trend going with their growth and also help the world grow a little bit greener.