#LiNeX

What is it? Its maker would probably tell you the B3 Touring is the only car you’re ever likely to need. In fairness, this isn’t the most outrageous claim you're ever likely to hear. The new Alpina B3 Touring represents a thorough going-over of the already impressive BMW M340i Touring, though even this description sells it somewhat short. Alpina’s aim is to create something just as quick as an M3 in the real world but with appreciably better road manners and easier drivability, not to mention far less aggravated looks. Obviously something has to give, and in the case of the B3, that something is track-day aptitude – the hard edge of control and anger that M-division wares need to have. But when was the last time you took your estate car for some hard laps? The B3 – both in Touring and saloon forms – is unashamedly set up for the road, and while Alpina does some fine-tuning work at the Nürburgring (ABS tuning etc), it mainly tests on German country routes. And of course the autobahn, where its fastest conversions now top 200mph. The modifications for the B3 include altered suspension geometry for more natural steering feel and stability at very high speeds. There’s also upgraded brakes, Alpina’s unmissable wheel-and-tyre package, some aero addenda, and specific tuning for the rear limited-slip differential and the division of drive between the front and rear axles. That’s right: the B3 now comes only with four-wheel drive, which might disappoint some, though the truth is that rear-wheel drive isn’t so po[CENSORED]r among owners of these ‘everyday supercars’, especially in Alpina’s home market. There’s also the small matter of stability and traction, not least because of what now lurks in the car’s engine bay. This is the first time the B3 has ever used an adapted version of an M-division engine instead of the ‘ordinary’ six-cylinder found in more commonplace 3 Series derivatives. The S58, which serves in the X3M and will soon appear in the M4 and M4, takes the form of a 2993cc twin-turbo unit, though Alpina fits its own turbine housings and comprehensively beefs up the cooling apparatus. The result is 456bhp and 516lb ft – the latter being the reason why the car’s eight-speed ZF gearbox and driveshafts have been reinforced. By comparison, the M3 Competition that we’ll get here in the UK makes 503bhp but only 469lb ft, and so the two cars have an identical 0-62mph time of 3.8sec. What's it like? Two things quickly become clear. The first is that, while BMW has given Alpina an unusually good base to work from, the B3 Touring is extraordinarily well-rounded. Take it as read that the 3 Series Touring now feels ideally sized for fast family-car duties. There’s plenty of space inside and you get a real sense of maturity on the move, but the car avoids the occasional awkwardness that comes with driving something as large as the 5 Series Touring – or Alpina’s V8-engined B5 Touring – through towns and along B-roads. Compared with the M340i, what the Alpina then gives the driver is, simultaneously, a more connected feeling with the road and, in the unique Comfort Plus damper setting, the ability to tread and move more fluidly over all but the roughest surfaces. It’s an extremely neat trick, even if this car’s optional 20in Alpina Classic wheels and 30-section sidewalls can still generate a slight fidget and are marginally noisier than you might expect (though these are well within acceptable levels for something of this performance potential). In short, in normal driving, the B3 covers ground in more satisfying fashion than the M340i, and indeed its esteemed rivals from Audi and Mercedes. The second thing is the mad adaptability of the car’s temperament. The previous-generation B3 and its B4 coupé sibling had a tendency to step off the mark quite abruptly and the torque delivery thereafter was, in a word, boosty. This new car seems considerably more deft when you’re just mulching around with the engine below 2500rpm, which is when the performance really starts to kick in. The powertrain is softly but muscularly responsive, the steering well geared and weighted, and the whole show just very easy and comfortable to live with. Sinking into the optionally Merino leather-clad seats for an hour or three is no chore at all, whatever the environment and conditions you’re travelling through. Knock the powertrain and chassis into Sport or Sport Plus, though, and you’ll begin to discover the other side of the B3 Touring. The car never comes over as raw as the Mercedes-AMG C63 Estate, or as fun-loving, but it really is unspeakably quick. And despite the fact Alpina has shifted the default torque-split subtly forward in comparsion to the M340i, it feels thoroughbred on the move. There is balance, poise and composure in abundance. Back to top Another realm in which this car obviously exceeds its predecessor is in body control. There’s enough roll to keep progress feeling natural and, by extension of that, confidence-inspiring, but barely an iota more. Hit an off-camber crest at what feels at least 30mph too fast and this chassis just breathes it in then almost immediately resets. Such control allows Alpina’s suspension geometry to work at its communicative and accurate best, and so while an RS4 might pull bigger lateral g-forces, average drivers will probably feel more comfortable pushing the Alpina to its limits. Equally, there’s clearly enough here to keep the connoisseurs happy: the B3 Touring flows beautifully and when you want to drive the thing very hard indeed, the chassis and powertrain respond in kind. It’s difficult to imagine the car getting flustered. There are, of course, further factors that’ll determine how well this car scores in any full road test. Fuel economy and touring range are important for an everyday machine, and we’ll assess those in due course. Should I buy one? Frankly, the real question here is ‘can I afford one?’. Because on first impressions, the B3 Touring does enough to sit at the top of an already extremely talented and tempting mid-ranking super-estate clique. It’s a more affable everyday companion than the hot-rod V8 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Estate and more engaging and sweeter to drive than the dead-pan Audi RS4. It could be quicker than either, too. We’ll soon find out. As for character and exclusivity, Alpinas rarely lack either quality, and you’re more likely to spot an Aston Martin DBS Superleggera on the road than you are another B3 Touring. The price, of course, is high for a 3 Series. But even at £68,000, the Alpina splits the Audi and the Mercedes on initial outlay, and is well-equipped. Tally up what’s included and what isn’t and you might be surprised to find that the B3 Touring is actually the least expensive of the three like for like. Given all the above, perhaps you can understand why, at least at this early stage, it’s provisionally five stars for the Alpina B3 Touring. Stay tuned for the full road test, but in short: what a wonderful machine.

Abu Dhabi city skyline: All travellers to Abu Dhabi are now required to disclose their date of entry into the UAE at the border check points as part of the COVID-19 restrictions.. Abu Dhabi: All residents and visitors entering Abu Dhabi must declare their date of entry into the country, both at ports and all designated border checkpoints while entering the emirate. This disclosure is a requirement to implement the quarantine guidelines for international travellers to Abu Dhabi, the Committee said on its social media platforms. “The Abu Dhabi Crisis, Emergency and Disasters Committee requires international travellers to Abu Dhabi to disclose the date of entry into the [UAE] at checkpoints designated for international travellers at all ports, and to adhere to approved quarantine guidelines,” the Committee announced on Monday. Abu Dhabi has had entry restrictions in place since May, with every individual having to prove negative COVID-19 status in order to gain entry. In addition, all international travellers must undergo 14 days’ quarantine once they return to Abu Dhabi. The Committee also added that “Violating these procedures will result in penalties and fines, as outlined by the Attorney General”.

Dubai: A British man and his father have been sentenced to three years in prison each and fined Dh14 million for scamming a dozen suppliers out of more than Dh8 million. A third Britisher involved in the case has been cleared by the Dubai Court of Misdemeanour. The court was told how the son had fled Dubai, leaving his father and a colleague to face justice after 13 companies reported them for financial fraud. Prosecutors said the 32-year-old Briton was the CEO of two companies in Dubai and his father was working with him. He and his father, 58, claimed to have signed billions of dirhams of contracts with Dubai Expo and then used those contracts to scam suppliers into selling them products worth millions using dud cheques. Prosecutors had also charged a fellow Briton, 35, sales executive at one of the companies, of taking part in the fraud, but he was acquitted by the court. The son and his father had opened offices, a warehouse and hired staff to carry out the scam and had even placed advertisements in local newspapers in August last year, seeking to purchase various products. Suppliers of different types of products contacted the defendants based on the advertisements before signing deals worth more than Dh8 million. After the cheques bounced, the duped companies reported the incidents to Jebil Ali Police Station last October. “I met the son and his father at their offices in Dubai Investment Park,” said a British manager of a fencing services company. The duo asked him to provide them with fencing material worth Dh536,000. “I did so, but the cheques I was handed as payment bounced,” he said. Another victim who had supplied the defendants with Dh4 million worth of carpets visited their office after the cheques they gave him bounced. “Their office was empty,” added the victim, a Turkish national. A third company was paid in dud cheques after supplying the defendants with ceramics valued at Dh1.4 million. Another victim was scammed out of Dh819,000 of plastic material. All the victims told the investigators they had visited the offices of the defendants’ two companies where they once saw an active business and employees around, but later found the premises empty. Dubai Public Prosecution has charged the defendants with fraudulently obtaining millions in cash and products. The father and the sales executive denied the charge while the son remains at large. The sales executive was additionally charged with issuing the bounced cheques. His lawyer, Awatif Mohammad Khouri, from Al Rowaad Advocates, proved that the cheques were issued, signed and handled by the British CEO. “Some of the victims, as part of their testimonies, clarified that he [the third defendant] had neither issued nor handed them the cheques,” she said. The father and son were each sentenced to three years in prison, followed by deportation.

As facelifts go, this is one of the milder ones we’ll be reporting on this year. The Mercedes-AMG 53, the half-fat AMG model with the fancy clever six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine, has been given a small makeover that applies to the saloon, wagon and cabriolet versions. We’ve been able to drive the cabriolet. You might note there’s a new grille – more reminiscent of AMG's angrier cars. With a revised bumper, too, it reduces drag (and therefore wind noise) at the front and there are flatter-looking rear lights. Throw in new wheel designs and you’ve largely got a measure of the exterior changes. Interior alterations are pretty subtle: the latest-generation infotainment software uses a familiar rotary touchpad on the centre console and touchscreen on the dashboard's centre, so what’s new is the steering wheel with double-height horizontal spokes, each with an array of haptic feedback buttons. Suspension revisions come in, too, but they’re slight. Air suspension has been retuned to ‘broaden’ the performance of the car, which I think means ‘make it a bit more comfortable’, although a Dynamic Plus pack, featuring a drift mode, and carbon-composite brakes, becomes available as an option. The engine and transmission on the ’53 remain unchanged: a 3.0-litre straight-six turbocharged and electric-supercharged unit making 423bhp and 295lb ft, with a 348V starter/alternator adding 21bhp but 184lb ft low down the rev range. It drives all four wheels (drift mode aside) through a nine-speed gearbox. Inside, the changes make not too much difference to the E53. The steering wheel is a nice size and shape, but otherwise it’s as-you-were – comfortable and large front seats, good fit and finish and, in this cabriolet version, quick hood operation but not so much space in the back or boot as a four-door. And it drives well, too. The ride is reasonable, steering anodyne but well weighted. There’s nothing engaging about the way it rides or handles in normal conditions but this is the soft-top, after all. It’s feasible a saloon or wagon, stiffer of shell as they’ll be, would give more back. If anything, in here I’d want fewer drive modes and drive options and a less overwhelming instrument cluster and info – this is only a ’53, after all, not the ’63, and a cabriolet at that – but Mercedes is seemingly on a tech- and info-overload mission. So perhaps customers like it that way. Certainly, most people will find this car has all the performance they need and the ’53 engine is one of the real highlights of modern internal-combusted tech. Because it’s a straight six, it’s uncannily smooth and is augmented really skilfully at low revs by the starter/alternator, so mingling with motorway traffic without fuss is a doddle. It also has a superbly smooth stop/start character; perhaps the best on sale. Should I buy one? I dunno. I’d want a drive in a lesser E-Class cabriolet to refresh my memory about how they ride and handle before agreeing to whatever monthly payment gets one into a £70,610 E53 cabriolet. The most ‘AMG’ thing about it is the engine and performance, rather than the way it goes down the road. It feels quite big, heavy and not particularly sporting in any way, which is absolutely fine. This is a soft-top, after all, with only a little shimmy from the body to suggest it has no roof, and very little buffeting with the top down. But if a regular E-Class cab gives you most of that experience, you could have a big outlay here just for an engine.

Dubai: Preventive measures taken by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to combat the outbreak of the COVID-19 have gained recognition from the Norwegian DNV.GL, a reputed international entity in the infection prevention and the management of associated risks. The award follows a field survey and a comprehensive assessment undertaken by the company to examine RTA’s health and preventive measures taken to protect public transport riders, service beneficiaries and employees. Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors of RTA, received the DNV.GL’s ‘Maturity Statement’ from the team of RTA’s Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector. The event took place in the presence of Helal Saeed Al Marri, director-general of Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism). Best practices RTA measures were focused on three elements: protecting the health of all employees through the provision of a safe working environment, ensuring the safety of all facilities and transit means to ensure the continuity of services, and supporting the Dubai Government efforts in tackling the outbreak of COVID-19. For instance, during the National Disinfection Programme, RTA sanitised each metro train at the terminal station and sanitised the entire fleet of 79 trains by the end of the working day. The 47 stations witnessed daily sanitisation as well. RTA managed to keep all services on the go, thanks to the migration to smart services provided through four digital channels and a website 24/7. Meanwhile, construction works continued in strategic projects as planned thanks to the implementation of a project management policy responsive to risks and challenges.” Beating the Virus Al Marri said: “Dubai has successfully survived the challenges of COVID-19. The achievement is also credited to the cooperation of various entities of the Dubai Government. Dubai has now reopened tourist and trading activities under a specific preventive measure and is moving ahead towards the full recovery”. He added: “Various public and private entities were keen to implement preventive measures against the Covid-19. This compliance boosted the confidence of travellers and the public in Dubai as a safe and favourite city for visiting. Things are moving steadily towards a normal life and full recovery.” Al Marri commended RTA’s preventive measures during the lockdown period, which merited RTA to obtain COVID-19 Preventive Measures Verification Certificate. “The achievement couldn’t have come at a better time as it coincides with World Tourism Day. It enhances the readiness of Dubai to receive tourists from all destinations to explore a memorable experience in a safe environment,” Al Marri said. Logo posters “RTA will fix posters bearing the logo of the ‘Infection Prevention of COVID-19’ certificate on all mass transit means and their stations in addition to customer happiness centres. RTA has fulfilled the ‘Infection Risk Management Maturity Assessment’ along with other health and preventive measures needed for obtaining this certificate by the end of last August,” said Nada Jasim, Director of Safety, Risk, Regulation and Planning at Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector, RTA. “This certificate will raise the security and satisfaction level of public transport riders. It will also enhance Dubai rallying to attract more visitors and tourists from all over the world shortly,” she added. The logo posters bear the confidence brand ‘My Care-Infection Prevention Trust Mark’. They also have a QR Code for downloading information about RTA’s health and prevention measures taken to protect against COVID-19.

Nickname:#LiNeX Age:20 Link with your forum profile: @#LiNeX How much time do you spend on our channel ts every day?: rarely , sadly ts3 is banned in my country so i need vpn , and it only works for 20-30min , so i can only join for important things/meetings . Where do you want to moderate? Check this topic: level 3 , level 2 ScreenShot as you have over 30 hours on CSBD TS3 Server (type ''!info'' in CSBD Guard) : - Link with your last request to join in our Team: [Journalists Request] - LiNeX Last 5 topics that you made on our section: [Auto] Kia Stinger refresh preview: New look, engine for sporty fastback [Auto] 2009 Chevrolet CSV CR8 [Youtube] Making Nividia's CEO Mad, RTX 3090 Review [Youtube] RTX 3090 8K gaming [Youtube] Can You Stop The Train in GTA V ? [Youtube] Mrbeast Gave his 40,000,000th Subscriber 40 Cars ! [Youtube] Powerful Motivational Video

Kia made quite the splash when it pulled the wraps off the Stinger a few years back. The shapely sport sedan offers coupe-like lines, a choice of turbocharged engines, and the choice of rear- or all-wheel drive—and Kia has more in store for the Stinger very soon. Kia on Thursday unveiled an updated Stinger that will go on sale before the end of this year in the U.S., and in the fall in Korea. Officials from Kia in America are mum on the car, although the 2021 Stinger has already been announced. There are subtle changes to both the exterior and interior of the updated Stinger. The internals of the lights are new at both ends and feature more LED detailing than before. For example, the taillights' integrated turn signals consist of 10 individual LEDs arranged in a grid pattern to mimic a checkered flag. For the interior, there are better quality materials, new color options, and a 10.3-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, as well as voice activation for common functions. A 7.0-inch screen is available for the instrument cluster. A frameless rearview mirror and ambient lighting package have also been added, and depending on the market, buyers can add diamond quilted nappa leather seats that give the cabin a very upmarket look and feel. A long list of electronic driver aids are also available. The big news is the addition of a new 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 good for 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Below this is the current 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 with 255 hp and 260 lb-ft, and above it is the current 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 with 365 hp and 376 lb-ft. Buyers of the V-6 can opt for a new adjustable exhaust valve that in addition to making the exhaust louder on demand, adds three horses to the power rating. The sole transmission remains an 8-speed automatic and buyers continue to have the choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. Buyers in some markets are also able to order a black pack that adds black accents on the side mirrors and fender vents, as well as a set of matte black 19-inch wheels and a trunk lid rear wing. Detailed specification for the U.S. will be announced closer to the market launch. Kia's last update for the Stinger was the introduction of the Stinger GTS for 2020. The more track-focused model featured both software and hardware upgrades to help it slice through corners better. For more on the Kia Stinger, read the in-depth reviews at The Car Connection. A previous version of this story misidentified the model year for the Kia Stinger's arrival in the U.S.

If you want big power in a car, you need big money. Right? Wrong. Yes, usually to get more than just a trickle of power under your right foot you have to splash the cash, but not always. The 2009 Chevrolet CSV CR8 is one such example. It has a huge wodge of power, but costs just AED 160,000. The CR8 is an Australian import. GM, which owns Chevrolet, also owns the Aussie mark Holden, and the CR8 started life down under as the Holden Clubsport, made by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), the marque’s super duper performance division. It’s been brought over the Middle East with a Chevrolet badge as the top-power version of the Lumina SS, and represents a chance to drive a value-for-money Australian muscle car without having to own a hat with corks on it and dodge kangaroos. The looks are based on the Holden Commodore – a chunky, square and muscular sedan with all sorts of addenda added on to make it looks more squat and menacing. It succeeds, but more thanks to the engine found under the bonnet – a 6.2-litre V8 with 420bhp and a meaty 550Nm of torque. That puts this sedan car firmly into supercar territory. It rides on 19-inch alloy wheels hiding mammoth brakes and has a quad exhaust system to make the most of the meaty V8 rumble. There’s also an F1-style diffuser for improved aerodynamics and fuel economy – although if saving fuel is your game, then you’re looking at the wrong car. The rear of the car gets LED lights and there’s also a spoiler and sideskirts. Inside, the seats are upholstered in leather and are strongly bolstered to ensure you don’t get flung about too much during spirited cornering. The steering wheel has been specially developed with extra notches for better grip, and the instruments are backed in a sporty white. The brakes are helped by electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, which ensure that the maximum braking force is applied in the event of an emergency stop, and clever electronics ensure stability of the car is maintained throughout. The car also comes with electronic stability control, which helps keep the car stable in the event of a skid, and traction control gets you off the line cleanly. Also included, safety-wise, are airbags for driver and passenger, side airbags and active head restraints that help to reduce whiplash injuries. There are plenty of reasons, performance-wise, to consider the CR8. You get stonking performance but without the financial outlay of many of its rivals. And you can’t get your kids in the back of a Ferrari. Specification Bodytype Engine(litres) Power (bhp) Torque (Nm) Transmission Sedan 6.2 420 550 6A Price Range (AED) 160,000 (43k$)