BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe now available in South Africa

BMW fans have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe in South Africa and it has finally arrived. Offering luxury and comfort to the extreme, the 6-Series Gran Coupe aims to please in every way possible and is the first four-door coupe to roll out of the BMW stable.

The 6-Series Gran Coupe makes use of straight-six TwinPower Turbo engines that produce a bang of power on the go. Three derivatives are available in the 640i, 640d and the 650i which will be available later in 2012.

The 640i Gran Coupe delivers 235kW of power on command at between 5 800 and 6 000rpm while the 640d delivers 230kW. Both models will dash to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 250km/h. The flagship 650i Gran Coupe, with its more efficient V8 engine will put out 330kW at 5 500rpm with a maximum torque figure of 650Nm. The 650i will clock 100km/h in 4.6 seconds while reaching a top speed of 250km/h. All the engines are fitted with an 8-speed automatic Sport transmission.

What the 6-Series Gran Coupe lacks in speed, it makes up for in style offering a seriously luxurious and comfy interior that will keep any driver and passenger happy for years. The Gran Coupe is also fitted with a wide range of safety technology that will help keep it on the road. To cut a long story short I suggest you click on the following link to read more about the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe in South Africa, and to find out how much this baby costs.

News Source: Cars.co.za 

Infiniti EX SUV launched in South Africa

June is the month that will mark Infiniti’s launch on South African soil and by the looks of it, Infiniti will be around for a long time to come. Infiniti is a Japanese luxury car brand that will provide some serious competition for the European heavyweights like BMW and Mercedes-Benz and only time will reveal how successful Infiniti will become in the South African luxury car market.

Infiniti currently offers five options in its range namely the EX compact SUV, the FX luxury SUV, the G Cabrio, the G Coupe and the M Sedan. Let’s take a quick look at the EX Compact SUV.

Infiniti offers both diesel and petrol variants for the EX. The diesel EX30d is available in three models, the EX, EX GT and the EX GT Premium and is powered by a 175kW 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel engine capable of 550Nm at 1 750rpm. 100km/h is reached in 7.9 seconds with a top speed of 221km/h.

The EX30d’s fuel consumption is rated at 8.5 litres/100km that will be reduced to 7.2 litres/100km once you hit the open road. CO2 emission is rated at 224g/km for this model.

On the petrol side of things, two variants are available namely the EX37 GT and the EX GT Premium. Both are fitted with a powerful 235kW 3.7-litre V6 that displays a maximum torque figure of 360Nm available at 5 200rpm. This model is slightly quicker than the diesel version and will do 100km/h in 6.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 240km/h. The petrol version is a bit thirstier though and will consume petrol at a rate of 11.3-litres/100km and has a CO2 emissions figure of 288g/km.

The EX compact SUV also comes fitted with a wide range of safety features which is to be expected from a luxury vehicle. The interior is well kitted out offering a comfy ride. More than this though, the EX compact SUV is also pleasant to look at which will certainly make owners that much happier to drive one.

It will be interesting to see how the South African public will respond to Infiniti’s offerings going forward, what are your thoughts on the new Infiniti EX compact SUV? For more information visit Infiniti South Africa

 

News Source: Infiniti

New 2.0-litre Kia Soul in SA

Kia fans will be pleased to know that Kia South Africa has launched the new Kia 2.0-litre Soul in South Africa, adding to the current 1.6-litre variant. The compact crossover Soul comes with some new enhancements both on the outside and on the inside.

The exterior styling features a new bonnet along with new front and rear bumpers to enhance and modernise the Soul’s look. Lighting has changed with new projector headlamps and LED Daytime Running Lights. On the rear end, LED tail-lights have also been included. The new 2.0-litre Soul will drive on 18” alloy wheels.

In the engine room, the 2.0-litre engine produces 122kW at 6 500rpm with a maximum torque figure of 4 800rpm. Transmission comes in the form of either a six-speed manual or automatic. The new 2.0-litre Soul will reach 100km/h in 9.2 seconds while going on to reach a top speed of 186km/h. Fuel consumption is rated in the region of 7 litres/100km with a CO2 emissions rating of about 165g/km.

The 2.0-litre Soul offers a spacious interior that features leather trimmed seats, climate control, cruise control, rear-view camera, electric windows, CD player with MP3, auxiliary and USB connectivity as well as Bluetooth. Foldable rear seats along with 14 storage zones offer more than enough space for luggage and other objects that may be of interest to you.

The 2.0-litre Soul is also big on safety features and these include dual front, side and curtain airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). That’s not all because the Soul also includes Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM).

All of this culminates into a pretty comprehensive offering from Kia, so if you want prices and more information click on the following link: New Kia Soul Launches in South Africa

News Source: Cars.co.za

Nissan Leaf EV to set reverse World Record

Nissan will attempt to set a Guinness World record for the quickest 1-mile (1.6km) run in reverse in a Nissan Leaf Electric Vehicle at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The attempt will be made possible due to the fact that the Nissan Leaf’s direct drive will allow it to reverse as fast as it’s able to move forward. The challenge will be made harder because it will be attempted on the Goodwood hillclimb that features many turns and obstacles.

The mad man behind the wheel is professional stunt driver Terry Grant, the same guy who drove a Nissan Juke on two wheels up the hillclimb last year. Well, good luck to him.

News Source: IOL Motoring

Mazda MX-5 GT Concept to Debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed

This year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed is taking place this weekend in the UK and is bound to be exciting, especially knowing that Mazda will be showing off the Mazda MX-5 GT Concept that will be taking part in the hillclimb in the ‘First Glance’ category.

Mazda will be looking to receive customer and public feedback regarding the concept and if all goes well, the MX-5 GT Concept could very well hit the production line. The MX-5 GT Concept is powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated Mazda petrol engine that produces 153kW of power compared to a standard MX-5’s 118kW, so it’s raunchy.  It can reach a top speed of 257km/h and clock 100km/h in only 3 seconds.

Some of the enhancements include a front carbon-fibre splitter, rear diffuser and boot spoiler for aerodynamic efficiency. A sports exhaust system is also fitted with a central dual tailpipe. The suspension system has been beefed up for better handling and can be adjusted according to varying conditions. Recaro race seats offer comfort while negotiating the road ahead.

Would you like to see this Mazda MX-5 GT go into production?

News Source: Mazda

Jaguar XF to test fuel efficiency

Jaguar South Africa will put its 2.2-litre diesel XF to the test on Sunday 1 July 2012 when it will depart from the Union Buildings in Pretoria en route to Durban and back, all on a single tank of fuel. Will the Jaguar XF be successful? Time will tell.

The total distance to be covered is 1 242 km. Economy run expert Roger Rouessart will be behind the wheel of the XF under the supervision of Richard Carstens from Motorsport South Africa. A second Jaguar XF will also be making the run with a ‘ordinary’ driver behind the wheel to demonstrate differing fuel efficient driving techniques. This ‘ordinary’ driver will be Ignition TV presenter Marius Roberts.Jaguar’s efforts will be broadcast sometime in July.

The Jaguar XF 2.2-litre diesel is capable of delivering 140kW and 450Nm of torque and can accelerate to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds and reach a top speed 225km/h. Fuel consumption for the XF is rated at 5-litres/100km which should give it a range of 1 280km on a single tank of fuel, just enough to complete the journey, or so they hope.

If you wish to follow the Jaguar XF’s progress on its journey you can check out www.facebook.com/jaguarSAor follow on Twitter @JaguarSA1.

News Source: Jaguar

Mini Clubvan, for the Movers

If you are in the business of moving things, like dogs and boxes, or anything else for that matter, you might want to take a look at this Mini Clubvan as an option to do your moving in some style.

The Mini Clubvan is considered to be the ‘world’s first compact delivery van’ that takes inspiration from the Mini Clubman. The only real difference is that the rear seats have been removed to offer a loading compartment with a capacity of 860 litres and a payload capacity of 500kg. The loading compartment is kitted out with carpeting and 12V sockets for electrical equipment. Attachment loops secure precious cargo and a mesh partition separates the driver’s cabin from the loading compartment. Access is made possible with two rear doors and a side door.

Three variants will be on offer when the Clubvan goes on sale in Europe in August, all with differing power ratings. The variants include the 72kW One Clubman, the 90kW Cooper Clubvan and the 82kW Cooper D Clubvan, all with impressive fuel consumption figures as low as 3.9-litres/100km. Read more by clicking here: Mini Clubvan – World’s First Premium Compact Delivery Van

News Source: Cars.co.za   

Alonso Wins European Grand Prix, Schumacher Scoops Third

Spanish Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso won an exciting European Grand Prix on Sunday in Valencia, Spain, fighting back from 11^thon the grid to secure the win on home soil. Alonso is the first repeat winner for the 2012 F1 Grand Prix season.

Second through the blocks was Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen. It may come as a surprise to some, and it was for Michael Schumacher, who managed to cross the line in third place in his Mercedes-Benz. For Schumacher, a place on the podium was a big deal since he was last there almost six years ago in China 2006.

Schumacher, who is now 43 became the oldest driver on the podium since Australian triple champion Jack Brabham’s second place in Britain in 1970 at the tender age of 44.  Schumacher is F1’s most successful driver in the history of the sport with 91 races wins to his name.

Fernando Alonso leads the drivers’ standings with 111 points with Mark Webber on 91 and Lewis Hamilton with 88 points.

 News Source: IOL Motoring

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Unleashed

The trembling has not subsided since Mercedes-Benz released the C 63 AMG Black Coupé Series and it seems Merc AMG is on a serious power trip. Mercedes-Benz has revealed yet another AMG powerhouse sports car and this time it’s the new SLS AMG GT and I can hear those dogs barking again.

The SLS AMG GT is yet another brutal creation and comes fitted with an AMG 6.3-litre V8 petrol engine that pumps out an awesome 435kW at 6 800rpm. It’s not short of torque either and produces 650Nm at 4 750rpm. This incredible power is transferred to the road or track via an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission. However, this power is not particularly efficient and the SLS AMG GT will guzzle fuel at a rate of 13.2 litres/100km or more and will spew CO2 into the atmosphere at a rate of 308g/km.

Regardless, the SLS AMG GT is super fast and can hit 100km/h in only 3.7 seconds. It will go on to reach 200km/h in only 11.2 seconds and will clock an electronically limited top speed of 320km/h.

The design is distinctly race inspired and the gullwing doors give the SLS AMG a bad ass finishing touch. The interior is mostly black and race fitted with AMG sports seats. Red elements such as the seatbelts, centre console and door panels are complemented with contrasting stitching on the sport seats.

If you wish to read more about the SLS AMG GT then click on the following link:

New Mercedes Benz SLS AMG GT

  

News Source: Cars.co.za

Video: David Coulthard catches golf ball in Mercedes-Benz SLS Roadster at 194km/h

Earlier this month it was reported that David Coulthard and professional golfer Jake Shepherd set the world record for the longest golf shot caught in a moving car. In this particular case the car was a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster moving at a reported speed of 194km/h when catching the golf in its cabin. Here is the video proof of the record. Enjoy.

Video Source: Youtube

Aston Martin Vanquish Unveiled

Here is something to ogle at. Aston Martin has revealed its latest sports car creation called the Vanquish. Let’s be real here, the Aston Martin Vanquish is a serious piece of British engineering.

The Vanquish is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.0 litre V12 petrol unit that produces a hefty 421kW at 6 750 rpm and displays a maximum torque figure of 620Nm available 5 500rpm, so it’s not lacking in power at all. In fact it’s fast, very fast and will accelerate to 100km/h in a mere 4.1 seconds and will go on to clock a top speed of 294km/h.   

The refreshing design of the Vanquish incorporates Aston Martin’s sports car heritage and takes inspiration from the One-77 supercar with its elegant waist, elongated side strakes and those ‘blade’ shaped rear LED lights. The Aero Duct that can be seen on the rear boot lid assists the Vanquish by reducing rear lift while it struts its stuff at high speed.

The cabin is reportedly very spacious and offers 368 litres of boot space for those long distance hauls and comes with impressive technology that includes an all-new infotainment system. The Vanquish is available either as a two-seater or 2+2 and will go on sale in Europe at the end of 2012. The Vanquish will be sold in the UK with a cheap cheap starting price of R2.45 million.

News Source: Cars.co.za

Video: Aston Martin Vanquish

Check out this video of the new Aston Martin Vanquish that will sell for a whopping R2.45 million. The Vanquish is capable of a top speed of 294km/h and will race to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds, thanks to its naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine, BOOOOM!!!

Video Source: Youtube

Video: Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Black Series

Here's a short video featuring the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Black Series that is now available in South Africa.

Video Source: Youtube

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Black Coupé Series launches in SA

My fingers tremble as I type these words. Why, you might ask? The answer lies in the fact that theMercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Black Coupé Series is now available in South Africa and it’s packed with a freakish amount of power that’s enough to make the earth shake and will keep the neighbourhood dogs barking into the night.

Here are some figures to make you tremble and bark into the night. The Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Black Coupé Series is fitted with a seriously powerful AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine that produces a mighty 380kW at 6800rpm and displays a peak torque figure of 620Nm. I mean that is just crazy. The C 63 AMG will race to 100km/h in just 4.2 seconds and fly to an electronically limited top speed of 300km/h.

 

With performance figures like this, the C 63 AMG Black Coupé Series has become the most powerful C-Class ever made. Are you surprised? I’m not. Taking these figures into consideration, it’s also no surprise that the combined-cycle fuel consumption figure sits at 12.2 litres/100km with a CO2 emission figure of 286g/km, which are most probably the least attractive attributes of this phenomenal piece of racing artwork from Mercedes-Benz AMG.

Everything about this car is simply mind blowing, from the racing inspired styling, handling and suspension, to that powerful V8 engine and of course the mind blowing price. It will cost a small fortune to drive a C 63 Black Coupé Series. To be exact, it will cost you R1 425 000. That’s just for the car. If you wish to add the optional AMG Aerodynamics Package, AMG Track Package, AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre Package and the AMG Performance Media, you can expect to pay an additional R235 000. To read more about this awesome car click here now: Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Black Coupé Series in South Africa

Imagine driving this beast…

News Source: Cars.co.za

Massive Double Loop Planned for 2012 X Games

Yes, the Top Gear Live Stunt Team certainly impressed crowds with the successful completion of a world record double loop-the-loop at this year’s Top Gear Festival that took place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. If you thought that was crazy, then you need to keep reading.

The Hot Wheels toy company is planning to take the double loop-the-loop to extreme levels at the 2012 X Games taking place in Los Angeles. This time the loops will be a massive 20 meters in diameter compared to the 8 meters in Durban and will see two drivers driving through the continuous loops at the same time. This all means that the drivers will have to drive faster to prevent them falling out of the loops and the G-forces experienced will be significantly higher. The loops weigh a total of 75 tonnes and are 8 meters wide to accommodate two drivers.

The stunt will take place on 30 June 2012 at the 2012 X Games and will be broadcast live on ABC and ESPN. Just to wet your appetite for adrenalin, check out this little teaser video to give you an idea of what’s to come.

News Source: IOL Motoring

Toyota 86 coming to South Africa

It’s been a long time coming and Toyota South Africa has announced that its Toyota 86 sports car will make its South African debut on 9 July 2012. The two higher specced models will be available later in the month. The two-seater 2+2 Toyota 86 is definitely something to be excited about, especially if you are in the market for something other than a hot hatch.

All the Toyota 86 variants will be powered by a new Subaru2.0-litre four cylinder engine that will produce 147kW on command at 7 000 rpm and peak torque sits at 205Nm between 6 400 and 6 600 rpm. The two top-end models come either in manual format or in the form of a six-speed automatic. Standard features will include Smart Start keyless entry, leather Alcantara upholstery, a fully automatic climate control system and sporty 17” alloy wheels.

Oh, and as a side note, the engine is the world’s first horizontally opposed engine incorporating Toyota’s Direct Injection 4-stroke petrol System (D-4S). In terms of pricing, the Toyota 86 is well priced with the Standard 86 only going for R298 500. The 86 High Spec manual will retail for R329 400 while the six-speed automatic version will sell for R346 500. Nice car, nice price too, hooray for Toyota.

News Source: Toyota

Peugeot 4008 SUV in South Africa

The first SUV from Peugeot has landed in South Africa and it’s called the Peugeot 4008. It seems the 4008 SUV is more than just a sugar mommies school run car and will surely be keeping South African sugar daddies happy with its all-terrain capability.

The all-new Peugeot 4008 SUV comes in two variants, the Active and Allure, and both are fitted with a 110kW 2.0-litre petrol engine that produces 197Nm of torque at 4 200rpm. The engine is mated with a Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT) and the all-wheel drive system is available in three dynamic modes for different driving conditions, depending how precariously you decide to drive the 4008.

Although not the fastest SUV out on the tarmac, the 4008 is capable of hitting 100km/h in 10.9 seconds while reaching a cruising top-speed of 188km/h. The combined-cycle fuel consumption of the 4008 is 8.1 litres/100km and displays a CO2 emission figure of 191g/km.

Let’s be honest, from the outside the 4008 takes on a wild ‘leopard stalks prey’ persona with its slanted feline-like headlights and not to mention the ‘clawed’ LED strips forming part of the wrap-around tail lights on the rear end. From the outside, the 4008 certainly looks impressive and is perfectly suited for the great outdoors.

To complement this feline design approach, the 4008 also exhibits a comfortable and elegant interior to make those outdoor adventures so much more exciting. The interior is fitted with cloth upholstery for the Active variant while the Allure variant is fitted with genuine leather. Both models are fitted with a wide range of standard equipment while the Allure variant includes a Cielo panoramic sunroof and electrically adjustable front seats that are heated too.

In terms of safety, ABS with EBD and EBA is included as well as stability and traction control. Seven airbags protect passengers and a rigid passenger cell with deformation and side impact protection zones further enhance safety of the 4008.

There is much to say about the new Peugeot 4008 and if you want to read more and find out how much it costs simply click here: Peugeot4008 SUV launched in South Africa

News Source: Cars.co.za    

Top Gear Team Set World Record at Top Gear Festival

The Top Gear Live Stunt Team wowed spectators at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban at the Top Gear Festival over the weekend. The team successfully completed the world’s first double loop-the-loop dubbed the 'Deadly 720', setting a world record for the stunt.

Two giant metal loops standing eight meters apart were used for the stunt. A modified buggy was used to complete the stunt and was required to maintain a speed of between 38km/h and 42km/h to prevent it falling out at the top of the loops. Spectators cheered when the stunt was successfully completed. Here is the video of the world’s first double loop-the-loop from the Top Gear Festival in Durban, enjoy. 

News Source: Cars.co.za

Video Source: Youtube

Video: Audi SQ5 TDI

Check out this promotional video for the new Audi SQ5 TDI SUV that was shown at the Le Mans 24 Hour endurance race over the weekend.

Video Source: Youtube

New Audi SQ5 TDI SUV Good for 230kW

Audi has revealed the all new diesel SQ5 at the Le Mans 24 Hour endurance race over the weekend. This new SQ5 SUV is not for the faint hearted displaying the first TDI-powered ‘S’ model in Audi’s history.

The new Audi SQ5 is fitted with a powerful 3.0-litre twin turbo TDI engine that is capable of an impressive 230kW and 650Nm of torque available at 1450rpm and 2800rpm. All this raw diesel power culminates into a 0-100km/h sprint in just 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h. Audi is also claiming that the QS5 will accomplish a fuel consumption figure of just 7.2 litres / 100km.

The sport suspension lowers the body by 30mm compared to the current SQ5 and rides on 20” alloys with 21” alloys as optional. The design incorporates a grey single-frame grille with aluminium finishes, revised bumpers and a roof mounted spoiler. The side mirrors are finished in gloss aluminium. Leather power sport seats and aluminium inlays are fitted as standard. The new SQ5 also offers loads of space up to 1560 litres and towing capacity is rated at 2.4 tons.

There is no doubt that this is a serious SUV from Audi and global sales will start early in 2013. So far there is no word that the new SQ5 will be available in South Africa, but there’s always a chance, even if it’s small.  

News Source: Wheels24

Video: Anthony Davidson Crash at Le Mans 2012

While we on the subject of crashes at the 2012 Le Mans 24 Hour endurance race, here is an insane crash that took place with Toyota's Anthony Davidson and a Ferrari F458 Italia. Davidson was treated for two fractured vertebrae and will take approximately 3 months to recover.

Video Source: Youtube

Video: Nissan Deltawing Crash at 24 Hour Le Mans

The Nissan Deltawing was forced to retire from the Le Mans 24 Hour endurance race over the weekend after a crash that saw the revolutionary race car unable to continue. The Deltawing completed 6 hours and 1005 km of the 2012 Le Mans 24 Hour endurance race. Check out the video to see what went wrong.

Nissan Deltawing Crashes Out at 2012 Le Mans 24 Hour

The revolutionary Nissan Deltawing was forced to retire from the Le Mans 24 Hour endurance race on Saturday when it was struck by a passing LMP1 runner after coming out of a sustained safety car period. The Nissan Deltawing crashed into a wall and sustained damage that despite the Nissan team’s efforts could not be repaired.

Driving the Deltawing at the time of the accident, Satoshi Motoyama had the following to say, "The accident occurred in a high-speed corner and the car hit a concrete wall. It was badly damaged. If I could get the car back to the pit, the team could fix the car and rejoin the race, so I tried everything I could but, since the power train damage was particularly serious, we couldn't revive the car."

The Nissan Deltawing was set complete the Le Mans 24 Hour using half the amount of fuel and tyres compared to any other car in the race. The Deltawing completed six hours and 1005 km of the Le Mans 24 Hour endurance race.

Drive To Improve Fuel Efficiency

Let’s be honest with ourselves, we have all seen bad drivers on the road. You know, that ‘cool’ guy in his sports car with hair greasier than his engine, revving way too high and burning rubber at the robot like there’s tomorrow. Not only can bad driving ruin your reputation, it can ruin your pocket too. Fuel does not come cheap these days and if you have any savvy, you should use it and try to drive your car in a way that will save hefty maintenance bills down the line and improve your car’s fuel efficiency.

Although many factors influence your car’s fuel efficiency, poor driving technique is certainly a major contributing factor to escalating fuel consumption. If you drive too fast, brake too hard and change gears like an animal, you will be paying much more for fuel. That said, driving your car into the ground won’t save you money, it will eat your money instead, no matter how 'cool' you think you look.

So how do you improve fuel efficiency? Well, there are many ways to do that. My advice to you is to read Fuel Efficient Driving Tips. There is much you can learn to become a better driver. Not only will this help you become a better driver, it will put money back into your pocket. Happy Driving. 

Video: Audi RS 4 Avant

If you want some idea of what the new Audi RS 4 Avant looks like and even better what it sounds like, take a look at this video. Click here to read more about the new Audi RS 4 Avant.  

Video Source: Youtube

Audi RS 4 Avant Unleashed

Audi has unleashed its new third generation RS 4 Avant and as much as it’s pleasing to look at, it’s also packed with increased performance and comes with a wide range of driver assistance and infotainment technologies to keep Audi fans smiling.

The RS 4 Avant is fitted with a power hungry 4.2-litre V8 FSI engine that kicks out a serious 331kW at 8250rpm. Peak torque is at 430Nm available from between 4000rpm and 6000rpm. This all culminates into a pretty nifty speed package that will see the RS 4 Avant reaching 100km/h in a mere 4.7 seconds while blistering on to a governed top speed of 250km/h. Need more speed? Well you are in luck because the top speed can be increased to 280km/h, but you have to ask Audi nicely. Fuel consumption for the Audi RS 4 is estimated at 10.7 litres/100km.

In terms of handling, the Audi RS 4 is fitted with the Audi drive select system fitted as standard. Additional suspension options include dynamic steering, sport differential and sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). Handling is also improved due to the fact that the RS 4 Avant sits 20mm lower than the outgoing model and the electromechanical steering offers excellent road feedback to the driver. 

Braking comes in the form of large internally ventilated discs and the front callipers making use of eight pistons. If that’s not enough, carbon fibre-ceramic discs are available but again you have to ask Audi nicely.

The elegant, all-black cabin with carbon inlays offers a classic yet modern interior. The multifunction leather sport steering wheel is flattened at the bottom for a more sporty appeal and the head restraints are integrated into the backs of the S sport seats. Luggage space abounds in the RS 4 Avant and can range anywhere from 490 to 1430 litres of space, depending how you choose to fold the rear seats.

As you would expect from Audi, control and display elements are of a high standard and MMI navigation is optional. Audi also offers a selection of driver assistance and infotainment modules which include a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a Bluetooth online car phone.

This is all good and well, but we will have to wait and see if the new Audi RS 4 Avant will ever witness a South African sunrise.
  

 

News Source: Cars.co.za

24 hour record for Renault ZOE

The Renault ZOE has set the record for the longest distance travelled in 24 hours by a production electric car. ZOE completed 363 laps at the Aubevoye speed ring in Normandy equating to an impressive 1 618 km, shelving the previous record of 1 280 km with an improvement of 25%.

The achievement is largely attributed to the fact that ZOE makes use of a world-first Caméléon charger that is capable of fast-charging ZOE at 43kW and restores 80% of battery capacity in under 30 minutes. The Caméléon charger is compatible with any socket and power level making it superbly versatile. In addition to the Caméléon charger, ZOE also has the best-in-class NEDC range of 210km. This translates into between 100km and 150km depending on the conditions of use. ZOE was recharged a total of 18 times over 24 hours.

Two ZOE’s set out to prove their metal on the speed ring, with the second ZOE completing 1506 km over the 24 hour period. With performance figures like this, the future of electric cars is certainly looking bright. The Renault ZOE will go on sale in Europe at the end of the year.

News Source: Cars.co.za

Nissan Juke Nismo makes Global Debut at Le Mans

You probably saw the Nissan Juke Nismo in concept form displayed at the Tokyo and Geneva International Motor Shows with the hope of seeing the Juke Nismo making it to production. Well, the Juke Nismo is no longer a concept and is going into production with sales starting in Europe in January 2013.

The Nissan Juke Nismo is currently making its debut at the Nissan stand at the Le Mans 24 Hour endurance race and will stand alongside the Nissan Juke-R and the Nissan Deltawing in racing unison.

The Juke Nismo combines the radical Juke design with a blend of coupé lines and SUV styling drawing from Nismo’s vast motor sport expertise. The Juke Nismo features lower front and rear bumpers, wider wings and sill side skirts as well as a modified grille and tailgate spoiler which control airflow. These enhancements improve aerodynamics by reducing front and rear lift without increasing drag and thereby improving the Juke Nismo’s driving performance.  18” alloy wheels with wider tyres further improve grip and enhance handling on the road.

The Juke Nismo makes use of a tuned-up version of its 1.6-litre direct injected turbocharged petrol engine, taking inspiration from the engine installed in the revolutionary Nissan Deltawing Le Mans race car. The suspension for the Juke Nismo has also been stiffened and new steering modifications offer sportier direct handling and improved traction control. The Juke Nismo will also be available with torque vectoring that will drastically improve grip and cornering ability.

On the inside, the steering wheel, pedals, gauges, gear knob and door trims have received Nismo treatment for a sportier feel while driving and special suede-trimmed Nismo sport seats with red stitching have been included for increased hold while cornering.

The Juke Nismo will be built at Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK in Sunderland. At this point in time, there is no indication whether the Nissan Juke Nismo will be available in South Africa, but we can hope until we blue in the face. 

News Source: Nissan

Thailand Builds First Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV

The first production units of the all-new ChevroletTrailblazer SUV have been made at General Motors Thailand’s production line in Rayong.

The top-of-the-range Trailblazer LTZ is fitted with a 2.8-litre Duramax turbo-diesel engine. The plant in Rayong is the first plant in the world to build the Trailblazer which will be sold in Thailand and exported to 50 markets worldwide, including South Africa.

The Chevrolet Trailblazer is a seven-seater SUV that offers premium ride comfort and superb handling for city or highway driving while being rugged enough to conquer off-road challenges.

“The Trailblazer is strong and capable. Ready for rugged off-road conditions but equally well-mannered for city and long distance road trips,” said Martin Apfel, President of GM Thailand/Southeast Asia.

Details about the Trailblazer’s arrival in South Africa will be made available later in the year.

News Source: Chevrolet