Live updates: Follow the latest on the 2024 Abu Dhabi F1
Germany luxury car tailor HOF (formerly Hofele) on Wednesday unveiled the world's fastest G-Class – the HOF Sir Class – on Yas Island ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Packing 1,063 horsepower, the super-SUV is the first G-Class capable of exceeding 300kph, a power output comparable to a Mercedes-Benz Formula One car. The HOF Sir Class has 1,300 Newton metres of torque – compared to a standard SUV's range of 300-600Nm – and is based on the Mercedes-AMG G 63.
Just 11 units of the vehicle are available, with a base prize of €650,000 or Dh2.5 million – on-order only for interested UAE buyers.
“Our engineers needed to constantly push the limits to reach our 300kph+ mission,” said Ferdinand Peter, owner of HOF. The car has taken two years to make, with engineers and designers collaborating to devise the powerful engine.
“This is not only about tuning an engine – the entire set-up of the car including suspension and brakes needed to be heavily modified and improved,” Peter explained.
Mercedes-Benz has been involved in Formula One as both a team owner and engine manufacturer since 1954, and the new Sir Class is inspired by this legacy. Its launch coincides with driver Lewis Hamilton's final race with Mercedes this weekend. Hamilton has won six of his seven Formula One titles with Mercedes.
“Its design pays homage to Hamilton’s iconic career, incorporating elements that echo the cutting-edge innovation of F1: carbon-fibre components inspired by Formula One technology, ceramic-coated tailpipes, and an exclusive F1-style paint finish,” said Etienne Salome, who leads HOF's design department.
The striking exterior, with a fade-effect paint finish and tiffany green accents (an official Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team colour), is complemented by sleek details inside, dominated by handcrafted nappa leather.
The new Sir Class is designed for collectors and enthusiasts of high-performance vehicles, said Peter, adding: “This car is not just a tribute to the past, but also an investment in the future. Even 20 years from now, a collector will still value this vehicle.”
The car will be showcased on the Yas Marina track from Thursday to Sunday, as part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
Bio:
Favourite Quote: Prophet Mohammad's quotes There is reward for kindness to every living thing and A good man treats women with honour
Favourite Hobby: Serving poor people
Favourite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite food: Fish and vegetables
Favourite place to visit: London
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Developer: Treyarch, Raven Software
Publisher: Activision
Console: PlayStation 4 & 5, Windows, Xbox One & Series X/S
Rating: 3.5/5
More from UAE Human Development Report:
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
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Other promotions
- Deliveroo will team up with Pineapple Express to offer customers near JLT a special treat: free banana caramel dessert with all orders on January 26
- Jones the Grocer will have their limited edition Australia Day menu available until the end of the month (January 31)
- Australian Vet in Abu Dhabi (with locations in Khalifa City A and Reem Island) will have a 15 per cent off all store items (excluding medications)
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
The five pillars of Islam
MEYDAN CARD
6.30pm Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.05pm Conditions Dh240,000 (D) 1,600m
7.40pm Handicap Dh190,000 (D) 2,000m
8.15pm Handicap Dh170,000 (D) 2,200m
8.50pm The Entisar Listed Dh265,000 (D) 2,000m
9.25pm The Garhoud Sprint Listed Dh265,000 (D) 1,200m
10pm Handicap Dh185,000 (D) 1,400m
The National selections
6.30pm Majestic Thunder
7.05pm Commanding
7.40pm Mark Of Approval
8.15pm Mulfit
8.50pm Gronkowski
9.25pm Walking Thunder
10pm Midnight Sands
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
