A city that lives in light, on the limitless horizon, and in the natural contrast between the millennia-old desert and modern civilization, composed of luxurious buildings and purely avant-garde skyscrapers. This is Doha, the capital of Qatar.
An outpost that has become famous in the motoring world, perhaps for having hosted (and continues to host) various editions of Formula 1 and MotoGP grands prix. Therefore, pistons and cylinders, gasoline and adrenaline are daily bread even in this very exotic and remote region. But now it’s time to open a new chapter. Doha opens its doors to the greatest tribute to the altar of automotive passion: The Grand Auto Show. A first edition with a very important flavor.
At the Qatar National Convention Center, where architecture and ambition are intertwined, the roar of engines becomes a universal language that wisely blends identity, culture and irrational impulses into something that manages to tug at the heartstrings. In this encouraging scenario, there is a brand that is better able to interpret the spirit of Doha: Mercedes-Benz. The Stuttgart company presents itself at the Exhibition with the ease of those who know the art of excellence, displaying a sure weapon of seduction.
Elegance, innovation and engineering flair come together in the models on display: from the AMG range, a benchmark in performance and charisma, to the latest evolution of the EQ family, a manifesto of an electric future without sacrifice. Mercedes places itself under the spotlight of Doha with the desire and intention to capture every glance, thanks to its range of top-notch vehicles. The show, active from November 20 to 22, occupies an area of 50,000 square meters: endless corridors of lights, suspended stages, reflections of bodywork that shine like precious metals. More than 300 vehicles from every era and philosophy are welcome here. It’s a kaleidoscope of international brands: from hypercars Bugatti, Koenigsegg, Pagani, Lamborghini, Ferrari and McLaren to supercars Porsche, to Japanese icons (read Nissan Skyline and Toyota Supra) and American muscle Mustang, Camaro and Dodge. The emerging realities on the global market are also endless: new BYD models, the Chery range, Jetour and the Toyota GR sports family. A mosaic of automotive cultures coexisting under one sky. Then, through the tunnel you reach the Live Action Arena, a busy area, where the smell of burning rubber is an irresistible attraction. Here the racers draw a track as precise as Giotto’s hand, while the stands vibrate at high speed. In the center of the exhibition stands a shrine to the actual scene of the event: the Car Catwalk, a hundred-meter-long walkway, a stage where cars “enter the scene” to captivate the audience. Between spotlights and music, previews, iconic models and amazing rarities parade every hour. Among them, an honorable mention was given to Mercedes’ legendary SLS AMG, a supercar that brought back the charm of gull wings in a sports car worthy of a place in four-wheeled history. The itinerary finally continues with spaces dedicated to automotive culture, useful to complete the experience: e-sports simulators, artists’ and craftsmen’s stands and thematic shops.
All this officially inaugurates an event that aims to become a staple in the international calendar. The first chapter of a story that Doha wanted to write at full speed, with his right foot on the gas pedal. And for those who really love cars, passing it up would almost be a crime.
