ALL-NEW 2014 BMW X5 BREAKS COVER!

BMW has finally unveiled the brand new X5 for the world to see. The new model is heading to South Africa at the end of the year, and will be shown at the Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) in October. Looking like a buffed up X3, the new X5 is more evolutionary than revolutionary, while still maintaining its athleticism.

At launch there will be three engine derivatives in the form of the X5 xDrive30d, xDrive50i and M50d. All three use existing and familiar engines. The xDrive30d is a 3.0-litre straight six cylinder motor with 190kW and 560Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 – 100km/h in 6.9 seconds while returning an average of 6.2 litres per 100km, according to its maker. Then we have the xDrive50i with its 4.4-litre V8 twin turbo engine delivering 330kW and 650Nm of maximum torque. They reckon it will jump from standstill to 100km/h in 5 seconds flat and reach a top end of 250km/h.

Lastly the M50dwith its 3.0-litre triple turbodiesel engine doing 280kW and an impressive 740Nm. It’s only 0.3 seconds slower to 100km/h than the V8, but rewards with 6.7 litres per 100km in fuel average. Achievable yes, but not so easily in real life. All models run the company 8-speed automaticgearbox with Eco Pro, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus modes to suit every driving condition and mood.

In December, Europe will get the X5 xDrive40d, xDrive35i, xDrive25d and sDrive25d (with CO2 emissions of just 149 g/km) added to the range. Traditionally the last two models don’t get sold in Mzansi. Of course we can expect the X5 M over the ensuing 18 months or so.

Some really neat interior features include the choice of either a Harman Kardon or Bang & Olufsen sound systems, iDrive with a 26.6cm colour display, different woods and leather veneers, some aluminium finishes, four-zone climate control (all four passengers have their own temperatures), auto Start/Stop, head-up display as an option and others. Two lovely tablet-like screen displays can also be ordered for the rear seats. The boot can now also be opened/ closed by remote control, while luggage space has been increased up to 1870 litres.

Post Title → ALL-NEW 2014 BMW X5 BREAKS COVER!

Classic Car Auction is a Marathon

Charterhouse is well known for selling classic and vintage cars and motorcycles. Over many years, they have sold exclusive vehicles, many of which have been high end brands, but they also like to spice their auctions up with a variety of lots and their 21st July auction is no exception as two coupes are no doubt set to appeal to very different car collectors.

“In the July auction, we have two classic car coupe designs. First up there is the sleek and iconic 1970 Jaguar E Type coupe, with its powerful 4.2 litre engine and never ending bonnet.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “And then we have a 1974 Daf 66 Marathon coupe with its not so powerful 1.3 litre engine. However, to collectors, beauty is always in the eye of the beholder and with this being such a rare little survivor combined with its recorded mileage of just 21,000 miles in nearly 40 years, it will have just as many admirers as the Jaguar.”

Both this coupes are entered into the Charterhouse auction of classic and vintage cars being held in a marquee in the grounds of Sherborne Castle on Sunday 21st July. The Jaguar E Type is estimated at £20,000-25,000 and the cheeky little Daf 66 Marathon coupe £3,000-5,000.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries into the auction. To enter a vehicle into this important classic car and motorcycle sale, contact Matthew Whitney, Associate Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277, via email mw@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk or log on to www.charterhouse-auction.com

David and Goliath – the charming little Daf 66 Marathon coupe, which has previously formed part of a private museum collection, £3,000-5,000 and the Jaguar E Type coupe £20,000-25,000, both included in the Charterhouse auction on Sunday 21st July
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For further information regarding this article, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner

Post Title → Classic Car Auction is a Marathon

CHINESE BAW GOES INTO SA TAXI BUSINESS

BAW (Beijing Automotive Group) South Africa has confirmed the introduction of a new minibus taxi named Sasuka. The Sasuka – which means “we are leaving/departing” in isiZulu – will do battle with the country’s favourite minibus taxi brand, the Toyota Quantum as well as the other Chinese brands. Sasuka will be built at BAW’s new factory in Springs, Eastern Gauteng and plenty features to get excited about.

For one this vehicle will be licenced to carry 16 passengers, each with their own seatbelts for safety. Added safety items include standard ABS with electronic brake distribution (EBD), quite needed for a taxi, especially in this country.

Moreover, the Sasuka comes fitted standard with some really cool in-taxi-entertainment items not found even in some so-called premium cars. Here we are talking about the usual central locking, air conditioning, a CD/radiocombo, Bluetooth connectivity, plus a DVD player with a fold-down screen on the ceiling, satellite navigationand digital TV readiness.

BAW has furthermore promised full parts back-up to operators. “For instance, we have a large parts warehouse at our Springs facility, which will hold parts to the value of R40 million. Daily deliveries are being made to our dealers. Parts pricing targets are very clear and will be well below competitor levels based on the Kinsey basket”, according to BAW SA's Head of Sales, Marketing and After-Sales John Jessup.

The Sasuka runs a 2.7-litreengine with 110kW at 5200rpm, and 235Nm of torque at 4000rpm. There is a two-year/200000 km service plan, which also covers maintenance of the entire braking system, attached to it. Service intervals are every 10 000 km and will be undertaken via a one-hour express service concept. The warranty period is for two-years or 100 000km.

BAW Sasuka Pricing

2.7-litre (R275 900)

Post Title → CHINESE BAW GOES INTO SA TAXI BUSINESS

DAIHATSU GRAN MAX FOR THE TOUGH, LOVING JOBS

The tough Daihatsu Gran Max full one-ton pick-up has become something of a cargo legend since being introduced to the South African market in 2010. The feisty workhorse, with its flat, drop-side load bed, willing performance and impressive economy is already a firm favourite among small business owners and corporate fleets.

But this week, the Gran Max is being used for a different challenge: to transport goods being donated to charity. Motoring media from across the country converged on Gauteng to hand over donations to CHOC, as well as the Children’s Oncology Ward at the Steve Biko Hospital in Pretoria.

“The Gran Max has become an established and admired player in the one-ton utility market,” says Pedro Pereira, General Manager of Daihatsu South Africa.  “Its full one-ton loading capacity, ease of use and functionality are key features, but it’s also an eager performer, while its value-added pricing and economy also translate into low running costs.”

All of these attributes make the Daihatsu Gran Max the ideal vehicle for a challenge with a difference: to deliver vital goods and appliances to the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation.

“Daihatsu has a long-standing relationship with CHOC, and we have always admired the vital work being done by the organisation in caring for children with life-threatening diseases,” adds Pereira. “By involving the media in a charity challenge, we are not only helping a worthy cause, but also reiterating the virtues of the Gran Max pick-up,” he concluded.

Media guests will be handing over a significant cash donation to CHOC on behalf of Daihatsu SA, while the Children’s Oncology Ward at Steve Biko Hospital will also benefit from a donation for vital equipment. Discount chain Makro is also supporting the initiative with a donation of goods to CHOC.

The Gran Max is an innovative workhorse in every respect. Its cab forward design maximises the available load area, while still offering a spacious cabin with seating for up to three occupants. The load bed is 2.4 m long and 1.6 m wide, creating a flat-floored cargo area of more than 3.7 square metres.


Together with a full one-ton carrying capacity, and drop sides around the cargo area, the Gran Max offers exceptional functionality. A low load height of just 720 mm makes loading easy, while a turning circle of just 10 metres ensures exceptional manoeuvrability around town.

While functionality and utility are core focus points, the Gran Max also offers a spacious, safe and comfortable cabin. The raised cabin and generous glass areas ensure exceptional visibility, while the seating combines a two-seater bench for passengers with an independently adjustable driver seat.

The gearlever is located in the dashboard, close to the steering wheel, freeing up further legroom and ensuring that the Gran Max can accommodate three occupants with ease.

In terms of safety, the Gran Max features ABS anti-lock brakes, crumple zones in front, dual side impact bars in the doors, and a collapsible steering column for frontal impacts. A high-spec version adds dual front airbags to the safety equipment list, together with standard air-conditioning.

The Gran Max is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine featuring variable valve timing for improved tractability and response at low revs, without compromising power output at high revs. The result is a maximum power output of 71kW at 6 000 rpm, linked to a 134Nm torque peak. A full 90% of the torque maximum is already available at just 2 000 rpm.

The low running costs of the Gran Max are underscored by its combined-cycle fuel consumption of just 7.5 litres/100 km. Linked to its value-added pricing, extensive parts availability and low maintenance costs, the overall running costs of the Gran Max are highly attractive.

The Daihatsu Gran Max is offered in standard and high-spec versions, with retail pricing of R139 995 and R149 995 respectively. The price includes  a three-year/100 000 km warranty.

STORY BY DAIHATSU

Post Title → DAIHATSU GRAN MAX FOR THE TOUGH, LOVING JOBS

NISSAN LEAF FOR MZANSI

Word on the street is that Nissan South Africa has made a decision on bringing the LEAF electric vehicle into the country during the fourth quarter of 2013. The LEAF is Nissan’s (and probably the world’s) first mass-produced electric car. It will be SA’s first all-electric car.

At this point in time we have no confirmed details as to when and where, but prospectivebuyers will most probably be looking at a leasing option, rather than a complete buy of the car. We are guesstimatingat a ballpark of between R300 000and R350 000 for the LEAF, depending on the exchange rate.

The LEAF is said to have a travel range of 200km, depending on prevailing driving situations. That means it can be driven around town daily by the average urban dweller who lives in one of the three major metros of Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, from home to work and back without depleting its life. The battery pack can then be recharged (Eskom allowing) at home on a normal electric socket from empty to full in about 8 hours. Over 55 000 of these cars have been sold globally since its international launch in 2010.

Post Title → NISSAN LEAF FOR MZANSI

CHEAPER TESLA ON THE CARDS

Pretoria-born Elon Musk, who is now the founder and CEO of Tesla Motors, has told Bloombergthat an “entry-level” Tesla is on the cards. The Tesla Model S is an electricity-powered premium car that only runs on batteries. It is rated as rather expensive where it sells (in the US).

Model S starts at US$62 400 (about R607 000) and competes with cars like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The new model would come cheaper than this in the US, while trying to attract international buyers as well through its upcoming network in Europe.

The Model S has three power outputs; 225kW, 430Nm, 270kW, 440Nm, and the 310kW, 600Nmversion. All three are rear-wheel-driven and feature a 17-inch touch screen to access information. Tesla claims the “baby” in the range has a travelling range of at least 370km, which means one can drive from Durban to Johannesburgand only have to recharge the battery over the halfway mark.

Post Title → CHEAPER TESLA ON THE CARDS

LAMBORGHINI CONFIRMS URUS SUV

Lamborghini has officially confirmed that it is developing and will build the Urus concept into a fully-fledged SUV. Urus is the working name given to the concept, but may not be the product’s final market name. Urus, as is Lambo tradition, refers to some fort of cow.

Lamborghini’s first SUV came out in 1986 in the form of the LM002. It turned out to be its last as the SUV craze was still over a decade away. But since Porsche began selling the Cayenne in 2002 and it became its biggest-seller, as well as the single model that saved the company, other high-end carmakers such as Bentley and Maserati have given the SUV a second and third thought.

There are no specific dates as to its dealership arrival but speculation suggests 2015 or 2016 at the earliest. Some of the engines to be used would be shared with Audi, Lambo’s parent company.

Post Title → LAMBORGHINI CONFIRMS URUS SUV

HYUNDAI ACCENT AND SANTA FE GET UPGRADES

Hyundai South Africa has announced a couple of updates to its Accent and Santa Fe SUV. The Accent already has over a year in the market, while the Santa Fe is barely 4 months old here. The upgrades are a new 6-speed gearbox and Bluetooth connectivity for the two respectively.

The Accent gains a new 6-speedmanual gearbox in the 1.6 Motion and Fluid. Previously the cars used a 5-speed manual, which was a little old school, even for the segment. With its direct rivals sporting 6 cogs it was only appropriate. If only now it would migrate to turbo engines and complete the transformation.

As for the Santa Fe, the big boy gains a Bluetooth connection which alloys not only phone calls to be made through the car’s speaker system, but also music stored in the phone can be played and controlledvia the steering wheel. While both these “improvements” might seem minor, considering that some rivals already have them, it’s important to note how Hyundai adds all this stuff at minimal costs or none at all.

Post Title → HYUNDAI ACCENT AND SANTA FE GET UPGRADES

HONDA PREPARES FOR NEXT NSX

Honda has begun recruiting both personnel and suppliers for its NSX hybrid supercar, which will be built in the United States. The NSX is a revival of the old NSX that was co-developed from a driver’s perspective, with legendary Formula One driver Ayrton Senna.

Over 100 highly skilled workers are being recruited for the job to build Honda’s next own legend. Having recently announced its return to F1, albeit in a limitedway, Honda seems once again to be finding its racing/ motorsport mojo. The NSX could be the perfect halocar.

While we don’t yet have official information on its powertrain, we do know the car will be run through a V6 engine mounted mid-section. We also know that output will exceed 280kW, which does not sound like much if you compare it to other super hybrids like the BMW i8.

The new NSX is scheduled to go on sale in 2015 and South Africa could get itself on the list of countries that benefit from a few examples, depending on demand and right-hand-drive availability.

Post Title → HONDA PREPARES FOR NEXT NSX

NEW SA-BOUND LEXUS IS PROMISES FUN DRIVE

Before the all-new Lexus IS lands in South Africa in July, it has already accumulated over 1.6 million kilometres of testing and development - enough for two return trips to the moon. At the heart of the IS development process was the desire to ensure that all IS models maintained their outstanding dynamic capabilities while increasing overall space and comfort.

Testing of the all-new IS took place on the road, track and laboratory with the IS tested to breaking point in the ice and snow of the northern hemisphere, the heat of the southern hemisphere, along with the gruelling test bed of circuits such as the Nurburgring in Germany and Fuji Speedway in Japan.

Key to attaining the "fun to drive" characteristics of the new IS was a new development process that saw driving dynamics prioritised over all other functions, explained IS Chief Engineer Junichi Furuyama.

“The conventional approach to development would involve developing each of the individual aspects with 'Fun to Drive' as the outcome, much like a pyramid would be built by first constructing the foundation and then proceeding to build up from there,” he said. “The problem with this approach is that there is no knowing whether it will result in achieving a 'Fun to Drive' experience. In contrast, development of the new IS flipped this process on its head. It called for first establishing the pleasurable driving experience users will sense as the peak of the pyramid, and then developing the individual performance elements to support it,” Mr Furuyama said.

The process resulted in the adoption of new body strengthening techniques, including laser screw weld and body bonding (25 metres of which is contained in the new IS), and a suspension system that delivers a 20 per cent increase in roll rigidity.

The last word belongs to Calvyn Hamman, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing: “Get up close and personal with the third-generation IS and the bold new design direction, especially the brand’s signature spindle grille, is strikingly evident. The biggest surprise, though, is just how rewarding the on-the-road experience is – this is a driver’s car bar none!”

STORY BY TOYOTA

Post Title → NEW SA-BOUND LEXUS IS PROMISES FUN DRIVE

FORD RANGER ODYSSEY AFRICA SEMI-FINALISTS REVEALED

Today, Ford is revealing the 20 semi-finalists in phase 2 of the Ford Ranger Odyssey Africa 2013 competition: a Pan African 4x4 challenge that’ll seek to conquer some of Africa’s toughest terrain. Whittled down from hundreds of entries, the top 20 have been selected based on their technical experience and their communications skills.

Next week, the semi-finalists will compete in a boot camp where their skills will be put to the test in situations similar to the ones they are going to encounter during the Ranger Odyssey expedition through Africa. Based on their performance at the four-day boot camp, 10 finalists will be chosen to participate in the expedition itself, which kicks off in Kenya on 24 June.

The top 20, all city-dwellers, come from diverse backgrounds. A management consultant, restaurateur and minibus taxi driver will be vying for a coveted spot on the Ranger Odyssey expedition alongside a commercial diver, hotel manager and banker. Ranging in age, the top 20 also includes seven female contestants who promise to put the men through their paces during boot camp. 

While all contestants are 4x4 enthusiasts, some have notched up more kilometres than others. Aaron Thornton, who runs an IT support business, has spent the last 10 years travelling through
South Africa and recently joined a 4x4 community to take his passion to the next level. Andre Kearns from Cape Town, who used to work for South African National Parks, has experienced some of this country’s toughest terrain and has cultivated a serious love of conservation through his regular 4x4 adventures.

Donatella D’Aloisio, a Durban restaurateur, has been determined to prove that she is tough enough for Africa ever since a guy she was dating told her that her dream of driving through the continent in a 4x4 were ridiculous because “Africa is too tough for a girl.” Like Donatella, Mxolisi Mabaso, a minibus taxi driver from Cape Town, also has something to prove. According to him, the bad wrap that many taxi drivers receive is unfounded, and by participating in the Ford Ranger Odyssey Africa 2013 he hopes to prove just this to the other participants.

“We are thrilled with the semi-finalists and are excited to see how they perform at the boot camp,” says Ford Marketing Manager Gavin Golightly. “Every one of our top 20 has a strong personality, and it’ll be interesting to see how the team dynamics play out when the contestants are stretched to the limit. We’re confident that we will walk away from the boot camp with a group of determined, enthusiastic, skilled and tough contestants that are perfectly suited to the strengths of the Ranger.”

STORY BY FORD

Post Title → FORD RANGER ODYSSEY AFRICA SEMI-FINALISTS REVEALED

ON THE ROAD: MERCEDES-BENZ SL 65 AMG

Will this car kill the planet?

Not on its own.

Will the planet kill it then?

Possibly. With emissions laws in the European Union becoming ever tougher on cars that drink like blue whales, it’s likely we’ll see the SL 65 AMG either change drastically in terms of its firepower, or fade away completely. You may have noticed that the power figure has been quite constant for three generations now. That’s no coincidence.

The fun police are out in full force then?

Sadly yes. But for now, we do have it and it’s crazy fun. Admittedly we’ve never quite liked the hum it gives off, compared to the V8 noise by the SL 63 AMG. Nevertheless at full flight one tends to forget all about that and focuses on all the flying trees…

Does it not frighten?

It can be a bit eery, given that it will do 0 – 100km/h in nearly 4 seconds, if good traction is found. Power sliding the car is not a difficult thing, as it is constantly begging to have its loose rear end hang out. Be really careful here because 630 horses ain’t at all like riding the Durban July. That’s child’s play. On the other hand, the SL 65 AMG can be driven quite sedately on normal roads on a daily basis. If fact, we found this aspect of the car to be the most surprising. And welcome too. It goes over normal speed humps easily without too much side stepping, parks wonderfully thanks to some of the parking aids available (we had the optional reversing camera fitted), and has no issues with traffic.

It is the everyday supercar we often hear about.

Indeed it is. Comfortable AMG seats hug and kiss you as soon as you enter, and the familiar Mercedes-Benz switchgear is easily operated. There is the same kit level as found in the S-Class, so one doesn’t have to sacrifice comfort for speed. Here I include things like the COMAND centre with USB port for music, climate control, lane keep assist, massage function, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Don’t forget the sunroof.

Luckily we had Magic Sky fitted in our test unit. Magic Sky is that revolutionary electronic tinting system that dims the sunroof at the touch of a button, and “clears” it again with the driver’s permission.

But the car is still a Convertible right?

Oh yeah. Pull back a button and the whole hard top pulls backwards into the boot where it lays still until you will it up again. The whole thing takes about 20 seconds. A cool feature is the ability to open/ close it using the key fob while standing outside the vehicle. This one gets onlookers looking ever harder.

Vote?

Definitely Yay. Stonking performance from one of the industry’s best-known names. Plus it’s not so exclusive as to shut out the ordinary man who, if he cannot afford it, can at least spot one on the road once in a while. Pity it doesn’t sound like it looks.

QUICK STATS

MERCEDES-BENZ SL 65 AMG

ENGINE: 6.0-litre V12 Biturbo

POWER: 463kW between 4800rpm and 5400rpm

TORQUE: 1 000Nm between 2300rpm and 4300rpm

0 – 100KM/H: 4.3 seconds

GEARBOX: 7-speed G-Tronic

TOP SPEED: 250km/h

FUEL AVERAGE:  18.2 l/100km

PRICE STANDARD: R2 668 175

NATURAL RIVALS: Ferrari 458 Italia, Audi R8 V10 Plus

BABE-MAGNETIC FACTOR: Extremely High

Post Title → ON THE ROAD: MERCEDES-BENZ SL 65 AMG

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 4 XS RELEASED IN SA

The Land Rover Discovery 4, world-renowned as the ultimate all-purpose vehicle, is now available with coil spring suspension in the Discovery 4 XS, which has been specifically designed to cater to the adventure market.

The XS is fitted with Land Rover’s 155kW 3.0 TDV6 powerplant and is aimed at broadening the appeal of the Discovery 4 thanks to its competitive pricing.

“In response to customer demand we are pleased to introduce the Discovery 4 XS,” says Peter Biven, Marketing and Communications Director for Land Rover South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa. “The XS is essentially an expedition vehicle designed for robust, overland work.”  

While the plush luxury of the Discovery 4 makes it the perfect partner both on- and off-road, for those looking to do longer expedition journeys the Discovery’s many indulgent features are not a priority. As such the XS has been stripped of its sunroof and other features such as electronic seat adjustment.

The Discovery 4 XS features 18” alloy wheels, automatic climate control, cruise control and  cooled centre cubby among its still extensive list of features. Ready for adventure the XS is fitted with a tow bar and features Trailer Stability Assist. It is only available in five seat configuration. 

Cloth seats are standard fitment but can be upgraded to leather as an option, the only other option available on the vehicle is the addition of privacy glass if required.

“This is a tough, hardworking vehicle that delivers unbeatable utility in some of the most demanding territories,” adds Biven.

Set to take advantage of these benefits is South African explorer and humanitarian Kingsley Holgate. A fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, he has been described by Getaway Magazine as "the most travelled man in Africa" and has modeled himself on David Livingstone. Land Rover has been Kingsley Holgate’s vehicle of choice for many years.

“Land Rover epitomizes travel and adventure,” says Holgate. “We require competent, capable and dependable vehicles on an expedition and that is exactly what Land Rover has delivered.

As with other models in the range the XS features Land Rover’s acclaimed 8-speed transmission with Drive Select and rotary shifter, Hill Decent Control and Low/High range gear selection.

Driver controls include steering wheel paddles as standard enabling the driver to take control of gear shifting manually. The rotary switch selects park, reverse, neutral, drive or sport modes, the last of these optimising the gearbox response times for maximum acceleration, improved response and sharper upshifts.

“We are excited about the introduction of the new Discovery XS. It is a more affordable option in the Discovery line-up and caters to a market with very demanding requirements,” concludes Biven. 

Like all Discovery 4 models the XS comes standard with a 5yr/100 000km maintenance plan. It is priced R598 600. 

STORY BY LAND ROVER

Post Title → LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 4 XS RELEASED IN SA