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