The New BMW 3-Door 1 Series

People seeking to get their hands on the new BMW 1 Series are now in luck as the new 3-door range goes on sale in South Africa. Customers will have the initial choice of three models namely the 116i, 125i and the M135i. A fourth model, the 118i will be available in November 2012.

If its performance you are after you may want to take a closer look at the top of the range M Performance model as seen in the M135i. This model, as with all the other models, features BMW TwinPower technology and is fitted with a six cylinder, 3.0 litre petrol unit that whops out 235kW and 450Nm. On the road, this will translate into a sprint time of 5.1 seconds to 100km/h in manual guise and 4.9 seconds for the automatic. It’s top speed is 250km/h. Fuel consumption for this model is 8-litres/100km for the manual and 7.5-litres/100km for the automatic. All models are fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard while the 8-speed auto transmission and the 8-speed auto sports transmission can be had as an option.

If customers are looking for individualisation, the new 1 Series is also offered as the BMW Sport Line version or the BMW Urban Line which add a range of special options and equipment. You won’t run out of space in the new 1 Series either because it has a big boot, like 360-litres big and if that’s not enough you can always fold down the rear bench which will increase the space to 1 200 litres.

To read about the other models, additional features and pricing for the new 1 Series I suggest you read New BMW 1 Series in SouthAfrica.

If you really like it, it may be time to visit your nearest BMW dealer to see this baby up close and personal.

News Source: Cars.co.za

New Audi A3 Sportback in South Africa

The new Audi A3 Sportback is available in South Africa and comes with a variety of engine options. Compared to the previous model, the A3 Sportback consumes 10% less fuel on average and is up to 90kg lighter.

Engine options include the 1.6-litre TDI which is the most efficient engine in the line-up with a fuel consumption figure 3.8-litres/100km and a CO2 emission rating of 99g/km. The 2.0-litre TDI is available in two versions with power ratings of 110kW/320Nm and 135kW/380Nm. The 1.2-litre TFSI engine develops 77kW and 175Nm of torque but will only be available later. A 1.4-litre TFSI engine offers 90kW and 200Nm of torque while the 1.8-litre TFSI option produces 132kW and 250Nm of torque.

Being longer, taller and wider, the A3 Sportback offers a more spacious interior with 380-litres of boot space. Additional space can be created by folding the rear seat down which will see storage capacity increase to 1200-litres. The new A3 Sportback is available in 13 colours including three solid finishes, eight metallic finishes and two pearl-effect finishes. For more information on the new Audi A3 Sportback follow the following link – The New Audi A3 Sportback  

What do you think of the new Audi A3 Sportback?

 News Source: Cars.co.za

Merc Concept B-Class Electric Drive to be shown in Paris

 Mercedes-Benz will be showing its latest electric vehicle, the Concept B-Class Electric Drive at the 2012 Paris Motor Show next week. The new battery powered vehicle will be one of the first models to carry the ‘Electric Drive’ name on its boot lid along with all other future battery-powered electric passenger cars from Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG and Smart.

Using a 100kW electric motor that produces 310Nm of torque, the Concept B-Class Electric Drive offers attractive driving dynamics over a range of 200km and is suitable for everyday use. To charge the battery, you can use any standard household 230V power outlet, or alternatively, with rapid charging function, you can use a 400V high voltage terminal.

The so-called Energy Space in the floor still offers the same space as with current series production models and is the safe home of the powerful lithium-ion battery.

The family-friendly electric car from Mercedes-Benz is almost ready for series production, with the market launch already planned for 2014.

News Source: Mercedes-Benz

Volvo V40 Cross Country for South Africa

Volvo Car South Africa is pulling out all the stops ahead of the official launch of the Volvo V40 in South Africa in November 2012. Volvo recently announced that the high performance V40 R-Design will be included in the South African line-up which will be available in February 2013. Now, Volvo has blown its lid and announced that that the V40 Cross Country will also be available in February 2013.

In terms of engine options, a range of petrol and diesel engines will power the new V40 Cross Country. Possible engine options include the T5 187kW/400Nm 2.5-litre petrol engine mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The V40 T4 is powered by a 1.6-litre GTDi engine that develops 132kW and 270Nm of torque and is mated with either a 6-speed Powershift automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual.

Diesel options include the 2.0-litre D4 turbodiesel that produces 130kW and 400Nm of torque. The 2.0-litre D3 produces 110kW and 350Nm of torque. Both diesel variants come with a 6-speed automatic transmission and all the models are equipped with a start/stop function and braking regeneration as standard.

The V40 Cross Country differs to the standard V40 with a higher ride height of 40mm for the driver, wheel rim sizes up to 19-inches, dark contrasting front bumper, honeycomb mesh grille, upright DRLs, sculpted contrasting sills and a contrasting rear bumper with an integrated skid plate. The exterior launch colour is 'Raw Copper'.

On the inside, customers will have the choice of five leather upholstery options. The interior features seven mood lighting options to change the ambiance as required. Probably the most notable interior feature for the V40 Cross Country is its storage versatility. The rear seat folds down in a 60/40 ratio to create more space, as well as the front passenger seat. In addition a range of storage accessories are available to optimise storage space and the interior has numerous storage compartments that offer room for all kinds of smaller items.

For more reading on the Volvo V40 Cross Country, I suggest you visit Volvo V40 Cross Country coming to South Africa. Pricing and final line-up details will be announced closer to launch.

News Source:  Cars.co.za

Nelson Mandela BMW 7-Series Donated to Charity

BMW South Africa has donated former president Nelson Mandela’s BMW 7-Series Security Vehicle to the 46664 Mandela Day School Library Project. The office of the Nelson Mandela returned the car to BMW at the end of its service life and it has been restored and is currently on display at the Franschoek Motor Museum.

The customised BMW 7-Series, fitted with a blue light grill, will be auctioned in the coming months and will undoubtedly generate interest from avid car collectors and museums worldwide.

Robert Coutts, CEO of 46664 BANGLE Initiative, said that “It is important that we balance the preservation of history surrounding the car with the commercial reality of funding the next phase of the 46664 Mandela Day School Library project. We hope that the car will find a home in a museum in South Africa so the history is preserved appropriately in our own country. Once the car has been sold for the price we anticipate, it means we would be in a position to deliver one library every 6 weeks for a year”.

“With 90% of South African schools without libraries, there is a glaringly huge gap in the resources necessary to educate young children. As BMW we are happy to make a contribution to this excellent initiative as the country seeks sustainable solutions to its education challenges,” says Bodo Donauer, BMW South Africa’s Managing Director.

The first two libraries, as agreed, will be placed at schools in the communities surrounding BMW’s Plant Rosslyn, north of Pretoria as this is where the majority of BMW’s workers come from.

News Source: BMW South Africa

Jaguar F-Type Image Leaked

The image you are looking at is presumably a leaked image of the new Jaguar F-Type which is due to make its international debut at the Paris Motor Show next week. Spy photographer Chris Doane posted the image to Facebook with the caption “something interesting just popped up in my inbox…”

My oh my, it certainly looks interesting, very beautiful in fact. Take all the time you need to let this soak in.

News Source: Autoblog.com

Mercedes-Benz launches new SL range in South Africa

Merc fans will be pleased to know that the new SL range is now available in South Africa with enticing options in the lineup in the form of the new SL 500, SL 63 AMG and the SL 65 AMG. All models feature an all-aluminium body which has resulted in notable weight loss compared to the outgoing models, adding to the performance and handling capability of the new SL range.

Let’s take a closer look at the big daddy in range, the SL 65 AMG. The new SL 65 is 170kg lighter than the previous model thanks to its all-aluminium construction and is fitted with a powerful AMG 6-litre V12 bi-turbo engine that bashes out 463kW and a staggering 1000Nm of torque on command. Certainly not for the faint hearted. Transmission comes in the form of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC and in combination with the ECO start/stop function helps improve fuel consumption which is rated at 11.6-litres/100km, some 17% more economical than the outgoing model. In terms of CO2 emissions, the SL 65 AMG expels 270g/km.

All this culminates into an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h while the 0-100km/h sprint will take only 4.0 seconds. On the outside the SL 65 AMG wears a new ‘twin blade’ radiator grille finished in high-sheen chrome. A lower cross strut across the front apron is also finished in high-sheen chrome and together with the ‘twin blade’ grille, they underline the new AMG brand face. The SL 65 AMG rides on 5-spoke, 19-inch alloys finished in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish. If that’s not down your alley, you want to opt for the AMG multi-spoke forged light-alloys in matte black with high-sheen rim flange which are available as an option.

Another highlight is the vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL that changes from light to dark, or vice versa, depending on how much light you want in the cabin, all you have to do is push a button. On the inside, the SL 65 AMG comes with two electronically adjustable AMG sports seats with the option of either single or two-tone upholstery in Nappa leather with AMG diamond pattern. Designo headlining in leather with AMG V12 diamond-design is also available as an option. Other interior features include AMG carbon-fibre trim elements, the IWC-design analogue clock, chromed door sill panels and an AMG Performance steering wheel.

If you can afford R2 621 000, the Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG is yours, to have and to hold. If you are interested, make a stop at you nearest Mercedes-Benz dealership to find out more about this amazing car, happy shopping.

 News Source: Cars.co.za

McLaren P1 Supercar on the cards

McLaren's new P1 concept supercar will be shown at the Paris Motor Show and if the McLaren MP4-12C is anything to go by, which it is, the P1 will very well be on its way to become the greatest supercar ever built when the production model becomes available at the end of 2013.

The McLaren P1 plans ‘to be the best driver’s car in the world on road and track’. Mclaren has not released performance figures but McLaren MD Anthony Sherrif said that “Our aim is not necessarily to be the fastest in absolute top speed but to be the quickest and most rewarding series production road car on a circuit. It is the true test of a supercar's all round ability and a much more important technical statement. It will be the most exciting, most capable, most technologically advanced and most dynamically accomplished supercar ever made.”

McLaren has indicated that the P1 will be placed above the 12C and 12C Spider in terms of price and performance. More details will be revealed next week at the Paris Motor Show.

News Source: IOL Motoring

Lexus LF-CC to be shown at Paris Motor Show

You can’t miss Lexus’ L-finesse design language or it’s new gaping ‘spindle grille’ as seen on the LF-CC concept that will be shown at the 2012 Paris Motor Show at the end of this month.

The full hybrid coupe concept is fitted with an efficient 2.5-litre DOHC petrol engine with D-4S direct injection technology. The engine is used in combination with Lexus’ Hybrid Drive powertrain that includes a compact, high-output, water-cooled permanent magnet electric motor, generator, high performance battery, power split device and a compact power unit. The LF-CC emits less than 100g/km of CO2 and Lexus will be introducing this efficient powertrain into its range in the near future.

For more details on the Lexus LF-CC check out Lexus LF-CCfor Paris Motor Show.

What do you think of the Lexus LF-CC?

News Source:  Cars.co.za

Smart ForStars Concept heads for Paris

You either like it or you don’t, either way you must take your hat off to the people who designed the Smart ForStars. It may be perceived as something a little over the top but it is a concept after all and there’s nothing wrong with a bit of experimentation.

This zero-emission, two-seater city dweller is electrically driven and its drive system is based on the Smart ForTwo BRABUS electric drive. Using a magneto-electric motor and a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 17.6kWh, the system develops 60kW and 135Nm of torque, not too shabby for a small car. The ForStars can also cruise at 130km/h, which means it has enough power to drive comfortably on most city roads. It gets its name partly from its glass roof which gives  its passengers a clear view of the sky above.

The bonnet is interesting as its home to an integrated video projector which can project videos onto a smooth surface using an iPhone, now that’s something I’ve never seen before.

The interior colours include ‘mother-of-pearl’ white combined with ‘Alubeam Rouge’ which is also used as the exterior colour. The seats are covered mostly in a soft fabric with graphics and red tones while also using ‘white bag leather’ trim with white piping. The steering wheel has two spokes and is open at the top.

Instead of using a conventional mirror, the ForStars uses an iPhone instead, with the help of an integrated camera. The iPhone also serves as a control unit for that video projector on the bonnet. The Smart ForStars concept will be on show at the 2012 Paris Motor Show which kicks off at the end of next week.

News Source: Cars.co.za

Hyundai i30 to Show Three-Door in Paris

The 2012 Paris Motor Show is days away and automakers are readying themselves for the big showdown come end of September. Korean automaker, Hyundai is planning on showcasing its new Hyundai i30 three-door hatch at the show, which is a good looking car to say the least.

With a choice of four engines and a 6-speed manual and automatic transmission on offer and style to boot, the i30 three-door is set to be a popular choice for customers. The 1.6-litre diesel engine is the highlight in the range producing 94kW with a CO2emissions figure of only 97g/km.

The i30 three-door displays Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design with its hexagonal grille with a new black finished grille insert and central bar. The i30 gets a revised bumper in the front and rear as well as fog lamp clusters with LED Daytime Running Lights. The rear fog lights are horizontally positioned for extra appeal. 16-inch alloy wheels provide stability on the road. It is not known when the i30 three door will make its way to South Africa, but if it does, it should do pretty well considering its priced correctly.

What do you think of the new Hyundai i30 three-door? 

News Source: Cars.co.za

GM Celebrates 200 000th Chevrolet Utility

On 14 September 2012, the production team at GM South Africa’s Struandale plant in Port Elizabeth celebrated the production milestone of 200 000 Chevrolet Utility vehicles.

“Chevrolet Utility has been a winner in all aspects since introduction into this market from quality to performance and sales. The 200 000 units produced in the last 15 years represent a significant milestone for a vehicle which is unique to the South African and South American markets. South Africans love the Chevrolet Utility and we will continue to be focused on giving our customers the best value and quality product for their money,” said Malcolm Gauld, GM South Africa Vice President of Vehicle Sales and Marketing.

The first generation Utility, known as the Corsa Utility, was first built in 1997 in Port Elizabeth and was well received by the South African public including students, business owners and fleet managers. The second generation Corsa Utility followed in 2004 and was considered a benchmark vehicle in the sub-one ton segment. The Corsa Utility was the leader for quality and took first place in the Synovate (now IPSOS) quality awards from 2005 to 2011. The second generation Corsa Utility also enjoyed leading segment sales for seven consecutive years with a 45% share in the segment.

The third generation Chevrolet Utility was introduced at the end of 2011 and is still going strong with a 55.4% market share in the first eight months of 2012. Nine models complete the Utility range which boasts a spacious car-like interior and refined ride quality. Engine options include a 55kW 1.3-litre diesel engine, a 68kW 1.4-litre petrol engine and the range-topping 77kW 1.8-litre engine.

 “The introduction of the third generation Chevrolet Utility marked the completion of the first phase of our R 1 billion investment to upgrade our production facilities at Struandale. We are proud of this significant milestone, and we thank our customers for their support in making the Chevrolet Utility the bestselling vehicle in its segment,” said Edgar Lourencon, President GMSSA and Managing Director GM South Africa.

The Chevrolet Utility is backed by GM South Africa’s 5 years/ 120 000 kilometres warranty.

News Source: Chevrolet

Peugeot RCZ gets Sweet Makeover

Peugoet’s RCZ sports coupé was never ugly, in fact it was quite the opposite, but the RCZ has a big date at the end of the month at the Paris Motor Show and has received a facelift that will turn heads around every corner.

Changes have come mostly in terms of design, particularly to the front-end which features a revised grille and the lower air intake has been stretched outwards to accommodate ‘claw shaped’ LED lights. You may be pleased to know that the engine options are same as the current RCZ but Peugeot is planning a 194kW version fitted with a 1.6-litre THP 260 engine for next year which will make it Peugeot’s most powerful production model, ever.

Another plus for customers is that the new RCZ comes with a long list of customisation options to make your RCZ unique and stand out from the rest. I suggest you read Peugeot RCZ gets Facelift to get the finer details of what looks like a bombshell of a car. Also, if you are interested in buying the new RCZ you will have to wait until next year sometime when it becomes available in South Africa.

What do you think of the new Peugeot RCZ?

News Source: Cars.co.za

Welcome the Volvo V40 R-Design

In case you don’t know yet, the highly praised Volvo V40 will go on sale in South Africa come mid November and there is plenty to look forward to in the new V40 which is also considered to be the safest car in the world.

One of the V40 models to look out for is the R-Design which will make its appearance in South Africa in February in 2013. The R-Design will be available as the D3 Geartronic and the high performance T5 petrol turbo. The D3 Geartronic produces 110kW and 350Nm of torque while the T5 offers 187kW and 350Nm of torque. Both variants feature a stiffer and lower Sports chassis as well firmer springs and shock absorbers to improve driving response and handling.

The R-Design features sporty styling which can be seen in its high gloss grille framed in silk metal. Its curvy body is further enhanced with an ironstone diffuser and twin exhaust tailpipes. The R-Design rides on 18” diamond-cut wheels with five-spoke design. For more details and pricing for the Volvo V40 R-Design click here: Volvo V40 R-Design coming to South Africa.

Do you like the Volvo V40 R-Design?

News Source: Cars.co.za

Volkswagen and NMMU power up for Solar Challenge

Volkswagen Group South Africa and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) have collaborated to produce ‘Photon’, a solar powered car that will take part in the 3^rd South African Solar Challenge on 18-29 September 2012.

Unveiled at NMMU on 3 September 2012, ‘Photon’ will be competing against various international teams including Japan and the Netherlands. “Volkswagen is excited to be involved in such a unique project with the NMMU engineering students. Renewable energy will play a significant role in the future of the automotive industry and by embarking on such a project, the students will gain valuable knowledge that they can bring into the engineering field,” said Tom Du Plessis, Director for Production at VWSA.

The team has also acquired three support vehicles from VWSA in the form of a Crafter, T5 Kombi and Caddy which will be used for the duration of the two-week race that covers 5 000km.

Clive Hands, project leader of the VWSA-NMMU Solar Car team, said: “Our team consists of both local and international students from multiple faculties studying at NMMU. They have all voluntarily participated in this exciting project since its inception in May last year.”

“The solar car has been designed to be a light as possible utilising composite technology in both the monocoque and the body shell to minimise rolling resistance. The CFD techniques have enabled the design of the body shell to be aerodynamic to ensure that drag is reduced to a minimum,” added Hands.

“All sub-systems have been designed and manufactured to reduce energy consumption as much as possible. The car will travel the width and breadth of South Africa with its 6m² solar deck producing power not more than it takes to run a hair-dryer,” concluded Hands.

The team is working tirelessly to finalise testing, preparation and tweaking which will ensure that ‘Photon’ crosses the finish line without any problems.

Matthew Fish, a BTech NMMU Mechanical Engineering student said “The team has been putting in long hours so that ‘Photon’ is ready for the challenge in the next few weeks. We are confident that all of our efforts will pay off. We want to thank Volkswagen who have generously given us advice, assistance and time in this huge and unique challenge”.

For more information check out www.solarchallenge.co.za 

News Source: Volkswagen South Africa

MINI John Cooper Works GP heads for Paris Motor Show

This is the MINI John Cooper Works GP and it’s the fastest MINI production model ever built. The MINI JCW will be shown at the 2012 Paris Motor Show at the end of this month. The bad news is that only 2000 units will be made worldwide and only a very limited number will grace South Africa, so it may be time to ready that cash and hope for the best.

If you manage to get your hands on a MINI JCW GP you will be entertained with its turbocharged 1.6-litre four cylinder engine that kicks out 160kW and 260Nm of torque. Put your foot down from standstill and you will reach 100km/h 6.3 seconds later and go on to clock 242km/h, just make sure no one is watching. The MINI JCW GP sips fuel at a rate of 7.1-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 165g/km.

17-inch alloys with sport tyres offer a much needed grip when cornering at high speeds but standard tyres are available as an option. The individually adjustable coilover suspension lowers the vehicle by as much as 20mm which further enhances handling.

Inside, two Recaro race seats await the driver and ‘co-driver’ and feature special GP stitching. There is no rear bench but there is a cargo guard to prevent cargo from sliding forward while you race your way to happiness. The thick-rimmed steering wheel offers comfort while driving and the interior is finished off in Piano black and the roof liner, rev counter and speedometer are finished in anthracite.

News Source: Cars.co.za

Nissan TeRRA SUV Concept for Paris Motor Show

 

At first glance the Nissan TeRRA SUV concept looks like something rather alien, more like a Martian cruiser or something similar. Either way you look at it, there is lots to admire in the TeRRA concept that will be making its debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

The first thing to like is that it aims to be a zero emission SUV, which in this day and age, is respectable. The TeRRA SUV concept uses the same electric propulsion system as the Nissan LEAF to power the front wheels while each rear wheel features an in-wheel electric motor based on prototypes featured in three successive PIVO concepts. Under the bonnet lies Nissan’s hydrogen fuel cell stack which boasts world-leading power density of 2.5kW/L.

 The second thing to like is the unique instrument cluster that can be removed and used separately, like a modern day tablet. The tablet is docked upon entering the car and provides navigation, communication and entertainment, as well as key performance indicators.

The TeRRA SUV concept also features a unique seating arrangement where the driver is positioned more centrally with passengers positioned over the driver’s shoulders, creating a unique passenger experience. Nissan has made it clear that it’s ready to mass produce fuel cell electric vehicles when hydrogen becomes widely available.

Read more about the TeRRA SUV concept by clicking on the following link: Nissan TeRRA SUV Concept Revealed.

Do you like the Nissan TeRRA SUV Concept?

News Source: Cars.co.za

Porsche launches beastly Cayenne S Diesel

No matter what opinion you hold of the Porsche Cayenne, the addition of the latest Cayenne S Diesel is not to be scoffed at. The proof is in the pudding when you consider that the Cayenne S Diesel is fitted with a 4.2-litre V8 that thumps out 281kW and offers a beastly 850Nm of torque.

This translates into 5.7 seconds to reach 100km/h from standstill and the Cayenne S Diesel will power on to reach a top speed of 252km/h. Its fuel consumption is rated at only 8.3-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions rating of 218g/km. Efficiency is helped along with an automatic start/stop function, a first for an SUV with a diesel V8. The PTM active all wheel drive system can also be had with the optional Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) for an more sportier driving experience.

The chances of running out of gas with the Cayenne S Diesel are slim as it features a mammoth 100-litre fuel tank with a range of up to 1 200km. Towing a caravan, boat or horse trailer is easy games for the Cayenne S Diesel with its maximum towing capacity being 3.5 metric tons.

The new Porsche Cayenne S Diesel will go on sale in Germany come January 2013 and can be expected in South Africa in the same year.

Do you like the Porsche Cayenne S Diesel?

News Source: Porsche

Nathalie du Toit gets Gold Chevrolet Captiva LTZ

South African Paralympic swimming sensation and long-time Chevrolet brand ambassador, Nathalie du Toit has received a hearty welcome home and received a spanking new gold Chevrolet Captiva LTZ from General Motors South Africa.

Du Toit won three gold medals and a silver medal at the 2012 London Paralympic Games and its only fitting that she gets to drive a gold Chevrolet Captiva LTZ. “Natalie has been a Chevrolet brand ambassador for a number of years now and we are excited to be able to continue this relationship with her as she moves on from her medal winning success in swimming competition to a new era in her career as a world class athlete,” says Chevrolet brand manager Tim Hendon. “She adds an element of excitement to an iconic automotive brand in South Africa which we trust will transport her in style as a South African and international sports celebrity.”

News Source: Chevrolet

The MINI JCW Countryman

MINI fans will be pleased to know that the John Cooper Works Countryman will be available in South Africa in the first quarter of 2013 and customers can place orders from November 2012.

The MINI JCW Countryman makes use of the ALL4 all-wheel drive system for the first time and is fitted with a powerful, turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that whops out 160kW at 6 000rpm and produces 280Nm of torque between 1 900 and 5 000rpm. Thanks to an overboost function, that torque is increased periodically to 300Nm. Transmission comes in the form of a 6-speed manual setup as standard but customers can also opt for the 6-speed automatic with Steptronic and steering wheel mounted paddles.

In terms of acceleration, the Countryman is nifty and will achieve 100km/h in seven seconds and reach a top speed of 225km/h in manual guise. The automatic will top out at 223km/h. The manual sips fuel at a rate of 7.4-litres/100km while the automatic consumes 7.9-litres/100km. CO2 emissions are rated at 172g/km for the manual and 184g/km for the automatic.

The MINI JCW Countryman rides on 18” light alloy wheels and will be available in seven exterior colours while three colours namely red, white and black will be available for the contrasting roof. To add to its sporty appeal, customers can also choose Sport Stripes which are also available in red, white and black. The interior is distinctly sporty with sports seats and a sports steering wheel. The seats are covered in Diagonal Track John Cooper Works Carbon Black cloth trim with red contrast stitching.

For information on the MINI JCW Countryman, follow the following link, The MINI JCW Countryman coming to South Africa  

 Do you like the MINI JCW Countryman?

News Source: Cars.co.za

Ford 1.0-litre EcoBoost Engine Impresses

It seems Ford’s Engine of the Year, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, has been turning heads at the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany. The engine was put through its paces in a road-going Formula Ford race car and produced impressive results that are somewhat difficult to believe considering the size of the engine.

The single-seat Formula Ford race car was driven around the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit by racing driver and course specialist Nick Tandy (28) who completed the course in a time of 7m22s, making it the 11^th fastest time ever recorded there, beating the likes of the Lamborghini Aventador, Ferrari Enzo and the Pagani Zonda.

“This little engine has people rubbing their eyes in disbelief. It’s simply astonishing that a 3-cylinder, one-litre engine can deliver that kind of performance” said Nick Tandy.

The Formula Ford race car was modified for road use by fitting it with wheel covers, front and rear lights and indicators, aerodynamically designed wing mirrors and a horn. The Formula Ford race car also made use of road-legal tyres and was fitted with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The unofficial top speed for the Formula Ford race car is 255.5km/h and can accelerate to 100km/h in under four seconds. Its average speed on the 20.832 km Nordschleife circuit was 169km/h.

The 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is not only powerful, but frugal too, consuming only 2.4-litres/100km at 56km/h and 5.0-litres/100km at 120km/h. “We wanted to prove that size doesn’t matter by showing everyone what an amazingly capable engine we have developed in the 1.0-litre EcoBoost,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president of Marketing and Sales, Ford of Europe. “What better way than by beating some of the best supercars in the world on the Nordschleife, while using a fraction of the fuel.”

The 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine will also be used in the new Ford Fiesta which will be available in South Africa in 2013.

News Source: Ford