Latest news with #534
IOL News
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Fastest Bentley ever: new Continental GT Speed docks in South Africa
When it comes to the new-generation Continental GT, Bentley is bringing out the big guns first. The local importer pulled the covers off the new Continental GT Speed in Johannesburg recently, as this will be the first version of the new model series to grace local shores. The order books are now open, with Bentley South Africa announcing a starting price of R6,534,000 for the Coupe and R7,083,000 for the GTC open-top variant. The 'regular' Continental GT models are expected to make landfall towards the end of the third quarter of 2025, the importer said. So what can buyers expect from the new flagship model? A great deal of speed, as its name implies. The new Conti GT Speed is officially the fastest road-going Bentley ever created. The new hybrid system boasts 575kW of power. It features an all-new 'Ultra Performance Hybrid' drivetrain, that pairs a 4.0-litre V8 engine with an electric motor for system outputs of 575kW and 1,000Nm, meaning it has 19% more power and 11% more torque than the previous version. That, they say, is enough to get Crewe's missile from standstill to 100km/h in 3.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 335km/h. Power goes to all four wheels through an eight-speed dual clutch gearbox and electronic limited slip differential. With this being a plug-in hybrid, a 25.9 kWh battery is mounted behind the rear axle to allow an all-electric range of up to 81km. The battery's positioning helps the vehicle to achieve a practically perfect, slightly rear-biased weight distribution of 49:51. Speaking of balance and handling the Performance Active Chassis includes torque vectoring front to rear as well as across the axles, while a new Bentley Dynamic Ride active anti roll system is in place to minimise body roll. Furthermore, the vehicle is fitted with new dual valve dampers and dual chamber air springs, which enables more sophisticated tuning options. The cabin features a screen that rotates between analogue and digital. Inside, buyers can expect luxurious sculpted quilting for the seats and doors as well as 20-way adjustable seats and a choice of three audio systems, headlined by an 18-speaker, 2,200W Naim system with Active Bass Transducers built into the front seats.
Khaleej Times
26-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Ras Al Khaimah real estate transactions surge 25,000% in 7 years
The real estate market in Ras Al Khaimah has grown significantly, with transaction volumes increasing by nearly 250 times or 25,000 per cent over the past seven years, according to the latest data from the Ras Al Khaimah Statistics Centre. The total value of real estate transactions in June 2024 reached Dh2,535,067,291, up from Dh10,113,300 in June 2017. Similarly, mortgage values rose to Dh3,475,928,534 in July 2024, compared to Dh15,836,398 in July 2017, an increase of approximately 21,849 per cent. This reflects growing investor confidence and the emirate's position as a real estate hub. The transaction increase comes as Ras Al Khaimah continues to attract investment through strategic initiatives, including the expansion of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, significant hospitality and entertainment projects, and a growing focus on sustainable urban development. Christopher Cina, Director of Sales at Betterhomes, told Khaleej Times the surge in transactions is linked to increased development, improved connectivity, and growing demand for beachfront properties. 'The integrated gaming resort is expected to bring 4 million tourists a year to Ras Al Khaimah. Naturally, people prefer beachfront property as well,' he said. He also pointed to the rising number of completed projects and growing market confidence. 'Mortgage activity shows that lenders are taking the market seriously, and more importantly, it indicates that many developments are now complete. The numbers have gone up, and market sentiment has improved because, while there was limited development five years ago, today, there is a significant amount.' Andrei Charapenak, CEO of Major Developers, commented on the market growth: 'Ras Al Khaimah is no longer an emerging player it has established itself as an investment destination. The increase in real estate transactions and mortgage values reflects the emirate's economic development, driven by leadership, infrastructure projects, and demand for residential and commercial spaces.' He added: 'We are seeing a shift in investor sentiment, with luxury, sustainability, and lifestyle integration playing a major role in purchasing decisions. The real estate sector in Ras Al Khaimah is evolving to meet global standards, and new developments are catering to both local and international buyers.'
Arabian Business
26-03-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Ras Al Khaimah real estate ‘no longer an emerging player' as transactions up 25,000% since 2017
The real estate market in Ras Al Khaimah has witnessed unprecedented growth, with transaction volumes skyrocketing by nearly 25,000 per cent over the past seven years, according to the latest data from the Ras Al Khaimah Statistics Centre. The total value of real estate transactions in June 2024 reached AED2,535,067,291 ($2.535bn) an exponential leap from just AED10,113,300 ($2.8m) in June 2017. Similarly, mortgage values have soared, recording AED3,475,928,534 ($946.5m) in July 2024, compared to AED15,836,398 ($4.3m) in July 2017—an unprecedented increase of approximately 21,849 per cent. Ras Al Khaimah real estate This surge underscores the growing investor confidence and the emirate's rising prominence as a real estate powerhouse. Andrei Charapenak, CEO of Major Developers, said: 'Ras Al Khaimah is no longer an emerging player—it has cemented itself as a prime investment destination. 'The staggering increase in real estate transactions and mortgage values reflects the emirate's economic momentum, fuelled by visionary leadership, strategic infrastructure developments, and a strong appetite for premium residential and commercial spaces. 'We are seeing a paradigm shift in investor sentiment—luxury, sustainability, and lifestyle integration are driving purchasing decisions'. The surge in transactions comes at a time when Ras Al Khaimah is attracting heightened interest due to its strategic initiatives, including the expansion of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, hospitality and entertainment investments, and a strong push toward sustainable urban development.
