BMW I3 ELECTRIC CAR OFFICIALLY DETAILED. COMING TO MZANSI

The finer details of the new BMW i3 electric car have been released at its simultaneous launch global in London, New York and Beijing. The i3 is BMW’s first electric car to go on sale in the market, and marks the first time a premium brand actually does this. BMW South Africa has promised to bring the i3 to Mzansi in the first quarter of 2014.

Thanks to a lovely concept base to work from, the i3 is quite a looker. Of course this is quite subjective, but from where we are sitting, it has a post-modernistic, futuristic design that sheds current flame surfacing philosophies for an even more complicated sheet. The two-tone launch colour scheme enshrines this as it accentuates certain aspects more than others. For instance if you look at the rear end you find integrated rear LED lights housed within the boot sheet itself. Front end is typical BMW with a kidney grille, but bonnet has been raised and takes the LED headlights along with it.

Interior features some familiar knobs. Instead of the familiar info cluster on the dashboard, a small information colour screen is fitted. Because this is an electric car, there is no gearbox tunnel separating the left and right-side occupants, which frees up space for other things. We expect the usual plethora of features, including Bluetooth connectivity, USB music playability with a built-in hard drive to store your music in, satellite navigation and climate control among others.

In terms of the powertrain, the i3 runs on an electric motorthat sits at the back underneath the boot, while its 22kWh lithium-ion battery pack is located underneath the floor in the passenger cabin. Total body weight is a lean 1 195kg. Maximum power is 125kW, with matching torque of 250Nm. BMW says it will go from 0 – 100km/h in just 7.2 seconds and reach an electronically-limited 150km/h top speed. More importantly a full-charge range (FCR) of between 130km and 160km is claimed. That basically means BMW believes the i3 can travel between Johannesburg and Pretoria three times or between Durban and Pietermaritzburg twice before it needs another full recharge. A range-extendingoption will be available, which will mean installing a small (probably turbo) petrol engine somewhere upfront.

As previously reported on IN4RIDE, we’ll see the i3 in Mzansi in 2014, followed by bigger brother the i8 sports hybrid. In the UK, i3 is priced at £25 680 (about R350 000). We think BMW SA will hit us somewhat higher than this, say maybe R430 000or so on a lease option.

Post Title → BMW I3 ELECTRIC CAR OFFICIALLY DETAILED. COMING TO MZANSI

GENERAL MOTORS TEAMS UP WITH THE AA

General Motors South Africa (GMSA) has joined forces with South Africa’s largest roadside assistance organisation; the Automobile Association (AA) to provide roadside assistance and related services for owners and drivers of Chevrolet, Opel and Isuzu vehicles.

The new GM Assist programme, which went into effect on July 1st, will see GMSA take advantage of the large fleet, wide coverage, and professionalism offered by the AA to give a free service to owners and drivers of all GM products which are still covered by the company’s new vehicle warranty of 5 years/ 120 000 km (whichever comes first).

Karen Bryden, Managing Director of the AA says, “The AA is proud to be associated with General Motors South Africa and the iconic brands in the General Motors stable.  This partnership on the provision of roadside assistance and other services brings together two well-known brands which represent quality and the highest ethics.  We look forward to assisting Opel, Isuzu and Chevrolet drivers and supporting the General Motors customer service ethos.”

Yusuf Patel, Customer Care and Support Manager at GMSA, says the partnership will serve both the AA and GMSA well. “The AA is a well-established, trusted and respected brand in South Africa with a large fleet of patrol and recovery vehicles. Their fleet, which includes our very own Isuzu flatbed tow trucks, is strategically positioned and able to assist 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. With the AA just a phone call away, it’s like having a personal assistant always ready and waiting to assist in the unlikely event of a breakdown or unfortunate flat tyre or other roadside emergency.”

The GM Assist programme includes coverage for flat tyres, flat batteries, fuel and keys being locked inside a vehicle. The programme also assists with towing assistance, safe vehicle storage, vehicle repatriation, courtesy transport and a travel service. Trained technicians at all points of contact – be it over the phone or at the side of the road – also enhance the experience, giving affected customers extra peace of mind.

“We strongly believe that the new partnership will add enormous value to our customer experience and brands with immediate effect. Furthermore, this is an exciting journey for GMSA with many new opportunities and initiatives planned for the near future, to ensure that our customers receive industry-leading value, an outstanding customer experience, and personalised immediate support when they need it most,” concludes Patel.

GM Assist can be reached toll free on 0800 422 777. 

STORY BY GENERAL MOTORS

Post Title → GENERAL MOTORS TEAMS UP WITH THE AA

BENTLEY CONFIRMS SUPER LUXURY SUV FOR 2016

EXP 9F Concept

Bentley has confirmed that it will be building an SUVof sizeable proportions, both in actual physical dimensions as well as in luxury and price. We expect the vehicle, largely based in looks to the EXP 9F Concept (pictures). The car will go on sale in Europe sometime in 2016.

Bentley, through its parent Volkswagen, has committed a tidy sum of £800 million (about R12 billion today) to develop this macho SUV. Over 1 000 new jobs are expected to be created in Crewe, United Kingdom, where the car is to be assembled.

Not surprisingly, Bentley says it will be the most luxurious SUV in the market. Moreover they say, it will be the most powerfultoo. What this means is that at least a V8 engine can be expected. A W12 is also a possibility, both of which will certainly go well over the 400kW mark.

Post Title → BENTLEY CONFIRMS SUPER LUXURY SUV FOR 2016

POWERFUL RANGE ROVER EVOQUE RS TOUTED

Normal Range Rover Evoque

Apparently, allegedly, there is a performance Range Rover Evoque coming your way soon. The Evoque appears more suited to the female buyer because its lines and design are more feminine. At the moment the most powerfulEvoque kicks out 177kW from its 2.0-litre turbo unit. We hear there is an Evoque RS on its way.

No official confirmation has come forth, but whispers in the deep suggest that the Evoque RS will pack a mean 225kW or so. While a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 already in the Jaguar Land Rover group would be nice, the likelihood is more of a 2.0-litre turbo.

The Evoque itself does not really have any direct competition, but BMW has plans afoot to rectify this situation. We know the BMW X4 is being developed for release in 2014 and that an X4 Mcould spawn from it. Maybe Audi is also then thinking about a Q4?

Post Title → POWERFUL RANGE ROVER EVOQUE RS TOUTED

JAGUAR NOW TARGETING BMW 3 SERIES AND CO.

Current Jaguar XF sedan

Some reports coming out of New Delhi suggest that Tata bosses are keen to see Jaguar leap ahead of its Land Rover sibling in terms of sales, and they want certain new models to attract new clients. Land Rover is currently about twice the size of Jaguar. Among them will be a new sedan in the mould of the BMW 3 Series/ Audi A4/ Mercedes-Benz C-Class/ Volvo S60.

Last year we reportedthat Tata, which owns Jaguar Land Rover, planned to spend up to £1.5 billion (around R22.6 billion today) a year on its two premium brands to develop new products and increase sales. To this end, the reports claim that the 3 Series rival could arrive as early as in 2015, while an SUV/ crossover would soon follow. We’ve previously questioned the wisdom of launching a Jaguar SUV in the presence of a range of Land Rovers, so to speak. But then again, we don’t have Tata’s business case on this is.

The two new models would apparently be built mostly of aluminium in order to make them as light as possible. Jaguar previouslymade forays into the 3 Series segment with the X-Type. It didn’t go so well. With sales on a continuous up and competitors reaping good profits, they seem to be confident of future success too.

Post Title → JAGUAR NOW TARGETING BMW 3 SERIES AND CO.

VOLKSWAGEN TAIGUN SMALL SUV CONFIRMED FOR 2016

Volkswagen is extending its SUV/ crossover offerings, starting in 2016. In addition to the existing Touareg and Tiguan, the German brand is now working on something called the Taigun. Taigun will be the smallest of the three and target rivals like the Ford EcoSport (launching in Mzansi this Wednesday) and Opel Mokka (not available in Mzansi).

The Taigun should more or less have similar dimensions to the Polo in terms of breath and wheelbase. So far VW says it will only be sold in front-wheel-drive (FWD), which means those dreaming of a Suzuki Jimny-type car from them will have to wait.

Right-hand-drive models, some of which are expected to come to Mzansi, will be assembled in India, while the left-hand-drive guys will be sourcing their cars from Brazil. Russia could also get some production, depending on how things go. BRICScountries gaining business benefits.

Taigun will share its engine range with the Polo and some Golfs, including 1.2 TSI and 1.4 TSI motors with anything from 77kW up to 118kW. If we are lucky a Taigun GTI will cross our paths. We’re probably not going to be that lucky though, considering that not even the Tiguan has a GTI model.

Post Title → VOLKSWAGEN TAIGUN SMALL SUV CONFIRMED FOR 2016

MERCEDES-BENZ ANNOUNCES NEW 9-SPEED AUTO GEARBOX

The gear wars don’t appear to have changed down. In fact they are doing quite the opposite, especially when it comes to the German carmakers. Why just the other day Porsche announced a 7-speed manual for the 911. Now Mercedes-Benz has introduced its new 9-speed automatic gearbox. Another world first we believe.

The new 9G-Tronic automatic features, yes, a total of 9 forward gears. It was announced that the new gearbox will replace the 7G-Tronicin the new facelift E-Class. Mercedes-Benz South Africa has not said anything about its plans for the 9G. Seeing as it’s being touted as the best car in the world, we think 9G will also appear somewhere in the S-Class that launches in Mzansi in October, as well as in other models as time goes by.

Post Title → MERCEDES-BENZ ANNOUNCES NEW 9-SPEED AUTO GEARBOX

VOLKSWAGEN SEES SUBSTANTIAL SALES INCREASE IN H1

The Volkswagen Groupis gaining momentum, as it has been over the past few years. Sales for the period January to June 2013 have increased by 5.5% globally (including Porsche), to end the 6-month period at 4.7 million units. At this rate VW AGwill sell over 10 million vehiclesby the end of the year. Their ambition is of course, to overtake Toyota to become the world’s biggest carmaker.

Back at home in South Africa, the same VW, but excluding the Porsche brand which is distributed locally by LSM Distributors, pushed out 58 140cars, up 10.4 % over the same period last year, for a total market share of 18.1%. Audi on the other hand, saw its sales for the past 6 months hit 9 737cars, an increase of 20.3% on the same period in 2012. The top-sellingmodels were A4 (3 207), A3 (1 684) and Q5 (1 045).

Post Title → VOLKSWAGEN SEES SUBSTANTIAL SALES INCREASE IN H1

MINI SHOWS VISION CONCEPT

MINI unveiled a new conceptcalled the MINI Vision concept. In most aspects it’s really the upcoming MINI that will replace the current car in 2014. As you can tell, this really is a design study, but a number of aspects will be carried into the real car when it debuts.

MINI being the boutique car that it is, is centred around individuality. Often the cars can be specced so much more than expensiveand bigger sedans in the BMW range, simply because the MINI market demands to stand out from the crowd. Some of the wizadry they’ve performed in this concept is a device that holds smart phones but can be removed with one swipe of the hand. There are elastic fabric straps on the side of the doors, adorned in Union Jackcolours that can hold cumbersome items like a 2-litre bottle or a magazine.

The inside is a myriad of lights, textures, plastics and new exotic materials, one of which is called an organo metal. According to MINI it’s an “extremely mouldable but also very strong material is produced by pressing various fibres into a composite”.

Post Title → MINI SHOWS VISION CONCEPT

MERCEDES-BENZ AMG TO SUPPLY ASTON MARTIN

Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin have entered into an agreement that will see the German company supply its British rival with engines. The agreement is specifically between Aston Martinand Mercedes-Benz AMG division. A letter of agreement has been signed and all other agreements should be finalised before 2014.

There aren’t too many details revealed but according to a statement, the two will partner in as far as supplying Aston Martin with bespoke V8 engines for their next-generation of sports cars. Whether these will remain naturally aspirated or turbochargedas Mercedes-Benz is currently doing with most of its AMGs, remains to be seen. What “bespoke” does mean however, is that we won’t see the same power figures coming out of these engines.

The agreement also covers the supply of electric powertrains, which indicates Aston Martin’s willingness to explore this frontier in the future. In addition, Mercedes-Benz will be allowed to take up a stake of up to 5% in Aston Martin. All this is pendingapproval by regulatory bodies.

“We have selected AMG specifically as the basis for this powertrain development process,” Aston Martin Product Development Director Ian Minards said. “Aston Martin sources cutting edge technology from key suppliers around the globe and the opportunity to include content from Mercedes-AMG GmbH in our next generation sports cars is, clearly, good news.”

Ola Källenius, Head of Mercedes-AMG GmbH said: “We are proud to work with Aston Martin and provide them with powertrain and e/e components for their forthcoming sports cars. This is proof of AMG’s technological and performance expertise and a real win-win situation for both sides.”

Post Title → MERCEDES-BENZ AMG TO SUPPLY ASTON MARTIN

Classic Cars at Charterhouse Makes Over £500,000

The Charterhouse classic car auction on Sunday 21st July at Sherborne Castle, was their biggest classic car auction this year when it totalled over half a million pounds.

“The classic and vintage car and motorcycle market is very strong at present, which resulted in some staggering prices at the auction.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “My favourite lot in the sale was a 1966 Mini Cooper S. In very original condition, it had been stored for over 20 years, during which the market for these iconic British cars has reached new dizzy new heights. Consigned from an owner in Leicester, this little Mini sold for a massive £30,800 despite its collapsed suspension and lack of an MOT, and in the process set a new world auction record price for a Mini Cooper S!”

Top honours in the sale went to an Aston Martin DB6, when it sold for a strong £150,000. The owner, who lives near Newbury, had driven the Aston Martin just 3,000 miles in nearly 40 years. However, the lot which travelled the furthest to the auction, was a barn stored 1920’s Ariel motorcycle combination which was delivered to Charterhouse from a client in Scotland. Estimated at £3000, it delighted its owner when it sold for £9,350.

Elsewhere in the auction, a Ferrari 355 Spyder sold for £37,400, a barn stored Bristol Zagato restoration project, only for the brave, sold for £31,900, a 1924 AC Anzani, resplendent in its polished aluminium bodywork, sold for £33,000 to a museum in Devon, a Morris Minor post production convertible £12,100, a Mercedes-Benz 500SL £12,980, a 1970 Jaguar E Type 2+2 coupe £19,800 and at the other end of the classic car market, a Land Rover Series I restoration project, pulled out from a Welsh farm, sold for £1,200.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries into their next auction of classic car and motorcycles being held at The Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, on Monday 9th September.

To enter a vehicle into this specialist auction, 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

The Aston Martin DB6 sold for £150,000
The Mini Cooper S sold for a staggering £30,800
The 1924 AC Anzani sold for £33,000
The Ferrari 355 Spyder sold for £37,400
The 1920’s Ariel combination restoration project sold for £9,350
The Bristol Zagato restoration project, only for the brave, which sold for £31,900
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Post Title → Classic Cars at Charterhouse Makes Over £500,000

BMW SHOWS OFF NEW 4 SERIES WITH M PERFORMANCE

BMW has revealed details about new M Performance parts for its new 4 Series Coupe. The 4 Series is of course based on the current 3 Series, expect it only has two doors. It will be available in Mzansi either later this year or early 2014. M Performance has given it a bit more vuma, externally and internally.

Starting with the externals. Looks are quite important to the 4 Series potential customer and therefore body kit is added at whim. Such items included are carbon fibre bits on the splitter and air ducts, side mirrors and the boot spoiler. Fitted within the tyres are 20-inch wheels, which is bigger than the standard. A sort of black chrome material is used around the front grille, windows and tailpipes.

What caught our eye inside is the three-spoke sports steering wheel with some really cool red markings at the top. From where we are sitting, these look like LED lights that light up to match the revs. Other stuff includes the usual Alcantarafinishes, with carbon fibre littered across the place as well.

BMW also gave the cars a limited slip differential (LSD) to assist with getting the thing off the line quicker, as well as improving handling. What’s underneath the engine bay? Power boosts of course. The 420dis now up to 147kW and 420Nm of torque. The 428i goes from 180kW to 200kW, and torque is also increased to 390Nm. Lastly the 435i will be good for 250kW and 450Nm of torque. 

Post Title → BMW SHOWS OFF NEW 4 SERIES WITH M PERFORMANCE

CITROEN DS3 CABRIO RACING CONCEPT PULSATES

At the 65th Frankfurt Motor Show this September, we’ll get to see this really interesting Citroën DS3 Cabrio Racing Concept. It was recently shown at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Citroën has obviously based it on the DS3 Cabrio but added a nice list of spicycondiments to make it not just stand out, but literally run out.

Firstly the best news (ranking just below an announcement to the effect that Mzansi will get copies too), is that it keeps the highly acclaimed 1.6-litre THP turbo engine we’ve come to know and love. In here it develops a very promising 150kW of power, sent to the front wheels through a short-shift 6-speed manual ‘box. Heaven!

Secondly, the car looks really good. I know I had my reservations about whether the newly-launched DS3 Cabrio really can qualify to be called a cabriolet, but in this instance I zip my big mouth. Just look at this thing. It’s got something called “moondark” matt textured grey exterior paintwork with matching black chrome inserts on the handles, boot trim and side mirrors, as well as an athletic foursome of 19-inch wheels covered in glossy black.

But that’s not all. There’s also the Carmin coloured brake callipers, wheel hubs, doors with the wide side strips, and parts of the lettering and badge. Inside passengers are welcomed by some really cool bucket seatsin DS watch strap design of three types of fabric (Napa full-grain leather, DS-embossed leather and Alcantara). Meticulous stitching puts together some of the pieces, such as the seats.

Hopefully Citroën South Africa surprises all of us by showcasing this DS3 Cabrio Racing Concept at the 2013 Johannesburg International Show in October. Fingers crossed.

Post Title → CITROEN DS3 CABRIO RACING CONCEPT PULSATES

UPCOMING 2014 HONDA JAZZ SHOWS OFF STUNNING HYBRID TECH

Honda will start selling the new Jazz in Japan in September. Meanwhile, take a look at these pictures we’ve posted, as well as some of the details being thrown about. We don’t have a definitivedate yet, but we do believe Honda SA will start selling these Jazz models sometime in 2014.

This particular model is fitted with what Honda calls Sport Hybrid system and is the first to do so in the company. It is run by a 1.5-litre petrol engine that’s mated to a 7-speed Dual Clutch Drive gearbox. Being a hybridit also sports a built-in lithium-ionbattery. Honda did not release power figures but did say it will return a stunning 2.7 litres per 100km in fuel, which is something of a record in Japan. For any car.

At the same time the Sport Hybrid has three driving modes, which are; EV Drive Mode for electric motor-only driving, the Hybrid Drive Mode for both engine and electric motor driving and the Engine Drive Mode for engine only driving.

The powertrain is part of what Honda calls “Earth Dreams Technology” which is about increasing performance while decreasing the car’s impact on the environment. As such, we will soon see some new small petrol turbo engines coming from Honda. Finally!

Post Title → UPCOMING 2014 HONDA JAZZ SHOWS OFF STUNNING HYBRID TECH

CHEVROLET CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF BOWTIE-WEARING CARS

In 1913, Chevrolet co-founder William C. Durant introduced the signature Chevy bowtie on the 1914 Chevrolet H-2 Royal Mail and the H-4 Baby Grand, centred at the front of both models.
Sixty million Chevrolets are on the roads worldwide today and the bowtie has adorned 215 million Chevrolets over the last century. 

A Chevrolet car, crossover or truck is sold every 6.39 seconds in one of 140 countries, and the brand set a sales record of 2.5 million in the first six months of the year. The bowtie’s centennial is marked by new entries, such as the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel compact sedan in the U.S. and the Trax small SUV in 40 international markets.

“The Chevrolet bowtie is recognized around the world and has become synonymous with American ingenuity,” said Chevrolet Chief Marketing Officer Tim Mahoney. “Whether you’re pulling thousands of pounds through rocky terrain in a Silverado pickup or commuting in a Spark EV, Chevrolet’s bowtie will always be at the very front of your travels.”

While the bowtie has been present for 100 years, the details surrounding its origin are still uncertain. Stories range from Durant being inspired by the wallpaper design in a Parisian hotel to a newspaper advertisement he saw while vacationing in Hot Springs, Va.  Durant’s widow and daughter have offered alternative explanations.

According to Margery Durant, in her 1929 book My Father, Durant sometimes doodled nameplate designs on pieces of paper at the dinner table. "I think it was between the soup and the fried chicken one night that he sketched out the design that is used on the Chevrolet car to this day," she wrote.

But in a 1968 interview, Durant’s widow, Catherine, said the bowtie design originated from a Hot Springs vacation in 1912. While reading a newspaper in their hotel room, Durant spotted a design and exclaimed, “I think this would be a very good emblem for the Chevrolet.” Unfortunately, Mrs Durant never clarified what the motif was or how it was used.

But that nugget of information inspired Ken Kaufmann, historian and editor of The Chevrolet Review, to search out its validity. In a Nov. 12, 1911 edition of The Constitution newspaper, published in Atlanta, an advertisement appeared from by the Southern Compressed Coal Company for “Coalettes,” a refined fuel product for fires. The Coalettes logo, as published in the ad, had a slanted bowtie form, very similar to the shape that would soon become the Chevrolet icon.

Did Durant and his wife see the same ad – or one similar – the following year a few states to the north? The date of the paper Kaufmann found was just nine days after the incorporation of the Chevrolet Motor Co. The first use of the bowtie by Chevrolet appeared in the Oct. 2, 1913 edition of The Washington Post with the words “Look for this nameplate” above the symbol.

STORY BY CHEVROLET

Post Title → CHEVROLET CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF BOWTIE-WEARING CARS