TOYOTA YARIS HYBRID-R CONCEPT SHOWCASED

Toyota is showing us another glimpse of its racing capabilities by detailing the Yaris Hybrid-R, a supermini concept that‘s more than just a flyer. Being a leader in hybrid technology, Toyota also wants to let the world know that its newly resurrected love for all things quick does not detract from its environmentalcommitments.

Nevertheless, with the Yaris Hybrid-R they can certainly have their proverbial cake and eat the damn thing. Just look at the figures. Fitted with a small 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine and two electric motors at the rear, the car can deliver up to an astonishing 309kW (same as the Audi RS 5 and BMW M3) of power and what we assume would be over 500Nm of torque (no figure from Toyota). That is stunning. This being a race-inspired torpedo, a 6-speed sequential gearbox was installed.

Part of the mechanical kit is something called a supercapacitor which can harvest and store energy for later use. It is has high power density and a fast power charge/discharge speed. The two electric motors influence the car’s handling via optimum torque distribution between the left and right rear wheels, where torque is always sent to the wheel needing it the most for grip.

The Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R will be showcased at the 2013 Frankfurt International Motor Showand if we all put our will power to it, thereafter at the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) at the Nasrec Expo Centre next to the FNB Stadium.

Post Title → TOYOTA YARIS HYBRID-R CONCEPT SHOWCASED

2014 AUDI S8 FACELIFT IN DETAIL

Gee, it seems like just the other day when Audi presented the S8 sports sedan to Mzansi. Now there’s a new version of the luxury good, an updated facelift model based on the new facelift A8. The S8 is of course the sportiest A8 in the range and this upgrade has ensured such status remains intact.

Protagonist of the whole thing is the 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 motor, currently used by the S6, RS 6 Avant, S7 Sportback, RS 7 Sportback and Bentley Continental GT V8. For the purposes of the S8 it is tuned to deliver a most satisfying 380kW at 6000rpm and 650Nm of torque between 1700rpm and 5500rpm. Some of its mates include quattroall-wheel-drive (AWD), a sport differential and an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Thanks to all of the above, plus the fact that it’s not a very heavy car, Audi reckon it will shoot off from 0 – 100km/h in just 4.2 seconds and reach a governed top speed of 250km/h. An average fuel consumption figure of 10.1 litres per 100km, corresponding with C02 emissions of 235g/km, can be expected, according to its maker.

Über S8, being a super executive ride, has to feature some serious kit for the interior to be at least acceptable. And so the usual list starts off with the MMI infotainment system featuring a touchpad for writing with your finger and Google Earth navigation among others. Your S8 can be turned into a WiFi hotspot through which other devices can connect to the internet. There’s a full leather interior with a selection of carbon twill copper inlays, Alcantara on the roof, side pillars and door inlays, and a 1400W Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System featuring those self-raising twitters on top of the dashboard.

But that’s not all, because you can also specify rear seat entertainment that includes two TV display units, a DVD player and Bluetoothwireless headphones. Something called Active Noise Cancellation (ANC – yes, we know) is apparently a technology that helps reduce cabin noise.  

Lastly the exterior is subtle, yet outstanding in its application of the “minimalistic but sporty” philosophy of design. Front grille is a multi-storeyaffair with S8 badging, LED daytime running lights and headlights to its upper flanks, and honeycomb detailing on the lower flanks. Side mirrors are cased in aluminium just above a “V8 T” badge. The rear is characterised by four chromed oval tailpipes, a chrome strip across the tailgate and an aluminium finish around the tailpipes.

We can expect to see the S8 in Mzansi at the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show in October, with sales commencing sometime before June 2014 at a price we guess will be around R1.36 million.

Post Title → 2014 AUDI S8 FACELIFT IN DETAIL

FIRST VOLVO-DEVELOPED GEELY ARRIVES IN 2015

Chinese car brand Geely bought Swedish car brand Volvoin 2010. Since then the two have been working together in developing better Geely vehicles, the first of which has now been confirmed for launch in 2015.

Exactly what kind of car this will be – sedan, hatch, SUV, crossover, sports car – has not been revealed. The only detail we have is that it “will ride on a new modular architecture that will underpin C-segment vehicles from both automakers.”

Geely, which made a R2.28 billion net profit in the first half of 2013, is hoping that Volvo’s good reputation, gathered over decades, will rub off on its own reputation, thus helping to increase sales both in China and the rest of the world where it operates. At the same time, Volvo is also counting on Geely’s China strength to increase annual sales from about 400 000 currently, to 800 000 by 2020.

Post Title → FIRST VOLVO-DEVELOPED GEELY ARRIVES IN 2015

BMW M 235i SPIED TESTING AT NÜRBURGRING’S NORDSCHLEIFE

As we know BMWhas now decided to name all its coupesusing even numbers. That means 3 Series Coupe has now been renamed 4 Series. Even the smaller 1 Series Coupe will soon be called a 2 Series Coupe (not to be confused with your two walking shoes). Our spies have recently caught this 2 Series being tested at the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife.

The model in question is the 235i, specifically the M235i. And before you get your knickers into a tight twist, this is not the M2. That car is still on its way. M235i is based on the 2 Series which will launch in Mzansi in 2014, essentially as a replacement for the 1 Series Coupe. Its engines will largely mimic those of the 1 Series hatch. The car spied here uses the company 3.0-litre turbo to irk out 235kW and 450Nm of torque. Performance will be expected to hit a claimed 4.8 secondsfor the 8-speed automatic and 5 seconds for the 6-speed manual.

As stated earlier, the 2 Series will be available at BMW dealerships in Mzansi from just before the second half of 2014. Launch models are not confirmed yet but the final range should consist of a 218i, 220i (135kW), 220d (135kW), 225i (165kW), 228i (180kW) and the normal 235i (225kW).

Post Title → BMW M 235i SPIED TESTING AT NÜRBURGRING’S NORDSCHLEIFE

HARLEY-DAVIDSON SHOWS OFF NEW BRAND AMBASSADORS

David Tlale, Angie Khumalo and DJ Fistaz Mixwell

 Angie Khumalo, David Tlale, and DJ Fistaz Mixwell

Harley-Davidson Africa has selected three of South Africa’s popular personalities to participate in the iconic brand’s ambassador program as part of its Iron Elite campaign -  a drive celebrating Black African riders as a whole. Africa’s Iron Elite showcases the rich history, inspiring stories and custom bikes of black African customers and their love for the Harley-Davidson brand. 

David Tlale, Angie Khumalo and DJ Fistaz Mixwell individually selected their Harley-Davidson bikes to complement their personalities and riding style, and will be riding the bikes for the duration of their ambassadorship.

“We selected our ambassadors based on their enthusiasm for riding and their personal connection with our brand,” says Michael Carney, Marketing Manager at Harley-Davidson Africa. In an effort to reach the main market of our brand, we selected these celebrated personalities to share their stories and experiences on their respective bikes.

Having always been a fan and holding a special love for a Harley-Davidson, being one of the ambassadors is a dream come true for David Tlale. “Riding a Harley-Davidson is a statement of power and confidence, it speaks to breaking the norms and moves beyond a statement to a lifestyle,” enthuses Tlale. David will be seen riding a Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Trike – a bike he personally chose for its sassiness, elegance, timelessness and ‘presence’ on the road. Renowned both locally and abroad for his daring fashion designs and brand defying convention, David Tlale is making yet another bold satement with his endorsement of Harley-Davidson.

Angie Khumalo, known as a popular radio DJ and her work in the broadcasting industry, describes herself as a speedfreak, adrenaline junkie and petrolhead. “Harley-Davidson is the ultimate symbol of freedom and independence. I wanted to be part of the Harley-Davidson family and represent my fellow riders as an ambassador because I wanted to be associated with a brand that not only holds a rich and proud history, but one that also symbolises everything that I believe biking resembels.” Angie will be riding a Satin Softail Slim Harley-Davidson for the duration of her ambassadorship.

Internationally known DJ and businessman, Fistaz Mixwell, is another local icon in his own right. He joined the Harley-Davidson brand as an ambassador in April 2013 and has already been seen embracing his new role by DJing at Africa Bike Week in April this year. “I associate strongly to the bold and iconic style Harley-Davidson possesses, as well as the brand’s sense of brotherhood.” For the duration of his partnership period he’ll be driving the new Breakout because of its unique styling, big tyres and riding profile.

STORY COURTESY OF GREATERTHAN

Post Title → HARLEY-DAVIDSON SHOWS OFF NEW BRAND AMBASSADORS

FORD AND MAZDA SOUTH AFRICA TO GO SEPARATE WAYS

Ford and Mazda of South Africa are going through a divorce. The two have decided to part ways as far as distribution is concerned, meaning you will no longer see Ford and Mazda cars on the same showroom floors. This will be concluded by the end of August 2014.

“Consistent with our One Ford plan to have a laser focus on the Ford brand as well as our continually expanding product portfolio in South Africa, we will move to fully dedicated Ford dealershipsafter the separation,” says Jeff Nemeth, President and CEO FMCSA. 

“Mazda and Ford have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship for many years in South Africa,” said Hiroshi Inoue, Executive Officer, in charge of New Emerging Market Operation, Mazda Motor Corporation. “Mazda will now have the opportunity to forge its own strategic direction in South Africa.”

While this divorce means a separation, Mazda will continue to benefit from Ford’s plant in Silvertonwhere the BT-50 and Ranger are jointly built. However, we expect Mazda to go off and find its own premises in the same way as Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo did when they were separated from former owners Ford. Incidentally all three brands ended up with headquarters in Irene, Centurion.

Post Title → FORD AND MAZDA SOUTH AFRICA TO GO SEPARATE WAYS

ORLANDO PIRATES PLAYER OF THE MONTH GETS NEW PEUGEOT 208 GTI

Peugeot South Africa, the Official Vehicle Partner of Orlando Pirates Football Club, will be handing over the keys of its newly launched Peugeot 208 GTI to the Player of the Month for August.

In what has been a successful month for the Buccaneers, first team players Senzo Meyiwa, Rooi Mahamutsa, Sifiso Myeni, Tlou Segolela, Daine Klate and Lennox Bacela put up their hands for this award with stellar performances on the field.

Orlando Pirates recorded four wins and only one defeat in the month of August, scoring 10 goals and conceding 4 with the above players putting in stellar performances throughout. Highlights of the month include the emphatic victories over African giants Al Ahly and Zamalek in the CAF Champions League, and the recent 1-0 victory over perennial rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN8 semi-final. 

“We are proud to be associated with the legendary Orlando Pirates. Both brands, known for being stylish yet resilient and reliable have a heritage of success, and attract a loyal supporter base", said Francis Harnie, Peugeot South Africa’s Managing Director.

The winning player will drive off in a Peugeot 208 GTI for the month of his reign as the Peugeot Player of the Month. 

The Peugeot 208 GTi is aimed at fanatics with an appetite for style, individuality and performance, but also recognises the need for efficient, economical and eco-responsible motoring.

Not only is it the most dynamic model in the 208 line-up, but also the flagship of the range, which means it offers a comprehensive array of standard features, suitable and appropriate for the winning player each month.

Priced at R259 900, its 147kW turbocharged engine, the 208 GTi promises to impress.  As is the case with all Peugeot 208 models, the 208 GTi is supported by the Peugeot Premium Plan, which includes a three-year/100 000 km warranty, and a five-year/60 000 km maintenance plan.

“Peugeot is committed to the South African market, with an expanding range of latest-generation models offering local buyers the latest in automotive design, technology and safety. This continued partnership is just one of the ways the brand is reaching out to its South African customer base thanks to prominent exposure we will have at the club’s home ground,” Harnie concluded.

STORY BY PEUGEOT

Post Title → ORLANDO PIRATES PLAYER OF THE MONTH GETS NEW PEUGEOT 208 GTI

MERCEDES-BENZ CONFIRMS S 63 AMG AND CLA-CLASS FOR MZANSI

Mercedes-Benz South Africa has confirmed that the new S 63 AMG and CLA-Class will be available for sale in Mzansi before the end of November. The S 63 AMG is based on the all-new S-Class shape, while the CLA-Class is a sportier four-door derivative of the new A-Class, a kind of baby CLS-Class.

The S-Class features a plethoraof new technologies that will make even the heads of its owners spin for months after purchase. Said to be much more comfortable, stylish and more fuel-efficient, the new S-Class is regarded by some media as the best car in the world right now. We’ll only be able to confirm/ deny at its SA media launch in November.

Meanwhile, we can remind you a little bit about what the S 63 AMG is all about. Engine power is provided by the trusted 5.5-litre biturbo V8 which in this case makes 436kWand 900Nm of torque, driven by a 7-speed AMG Speedshift MCT gearbox. Merc claims the two-tonne Cathedral on wheels can haul from 0 – 100km/h in a mere 4.4 seconds!

Regarding the CLA, we can confirm that it will be priced higher than its A-Class sibling, but not much so. Excitingly the CLA 45 AMG with 265kW and 450Nm will also go on sale here, at just over R600 000a piece.

Post Title → MERCEDES-BENZ CONFIRMS S 63 AMG AND CLA-CLASS FOR MZANSI

PEPPY PEUGEOT 308 R CONCEPT APPEARS

Peugeot will unveil its most dramatic, everyday-normal-people concept car at the 2013 Frankfurt International Motor Show next month. The 308 R Concept is based on the new-shape 308, headed for Mzansi in 2014, but seems to be something of a rather crazy French cat.

The 308 is looking very elegant and should be much more attractive to potential buyers of cars like the Golf, Focus, Auris, Astra and the like. Except it’s more, as you can probably tell from the pics. The major striking feature is probably the two-tone red and black body colour, which we think is really unnecessary and almost spoiled the whole car. Thankfully it didn’t, because the rest of the concept is absolutely super.

Double front grille is standard, with the upper one featuring Peugeot’s new family face and full LED headlamps, and the lower being black and sporty. The side mirrors are sharp, made of carbon fibre and almost intrusive, with the rear end opting for simplicity - two almost rhombular tailpipes, LED lights and that’s it. Peugeot fitted the 308 R Conceptwith 19-inch alloy wheels. We probably won’t be seeing those in the real thing.

Most interesting is the stuff laying beneath the surface, or in this case, bonnet. It’s the famous 1.6-litre4-cylinder turbo found in numerous other Peugeots, Citroens and MINIs, but with a few extra tricks to give it more than a few extra kicks. Here we mean 201kWat 6000rpm and 330Nm of torque at 1900rpm. Splendid!

Peugeot is on to something here and if they decide to build it – we strongly urge them to – it will go up against the likes of the new Volkswagen Golf R and Renault Megane RS for the first time. 

Post Title → PEPPY PEUGEOT 308 R CONCEPT APPEARS

JAGUAR XJ REFRESHED FOR 2014

The time has come for Jaguarto refresh its flagship XJ with some adjustments here and there, including inside and on the engine front. The features are quite extensive and would need their own internet to list. Therefore we’ll just highlight a few that we believe are worth mentioning. Jaguar South Africawill launch the fresh car in 2014.

We’ll start with the engines, of which there are seven at European launch. The existing ones that we know, 3.0-litre V6 diesel and petrol, are carried over. New to the list is the 2.0-litre petrol turbo also found in the Range Rover Evoque, Land Rover Freelander and Jaguar XF. It delivers a healthy 177kW of power, and 340Nm of torque, making it the entry-level XJ. Like all the others, it features an 8-speed automatic gearbox and stop/start technology to help save fuel.

The other engine worth chatting about is the 5.0-litre V8 supercharged, which features three power settings; 346kW, 375kW and for the new XJR, 405kW (680Nm). Said XJR is said to move from 0 – 100km/h in just 4.6 seconds.

This being a Jaguar XJ means there is a long list of interior comforts to be had. We’ll only list a few for the sake of space and boredom. First up is the wide choice of veneers that include Carbon Fibre, Satin Rosewood and Piano black. There is a long-wheel-base (LWB) version that’s just slightly longer than the rest of the cars, for the VVIPs out there which comes with reclining seats, alaBusiness Class style. Each seat can recline up to 11 degrees and rear occupants can even have their meals on the leather-surfaced business tables in the rear. Infotainment comes courtesy of 26cm high-res screens playing back DVDs, TV or some other media like a USB. Best of all, it includes zonal wireless headphones.

Post Title → JAGUAR XJ REFRESHED FOR 2014

RUMOUR: PEUGEOT 208 GTI RACING IN THE PIPELINE

One of the cars we really like is the new 147kW Peugeot 208 GTI. It has real guts and combines these with great interior comforts (except for the driving position), plus good pricing. Now there’s a rumour that a 208 GTI Racing is in the works.

According to a French publication called Auto-Journal, Peugeot is readying a 165kW-or so 208 GTI R that will go after the likes of MINI JCW and possible Renault Clio RS Gordini. The car would be pulled forward by its two front wheels, which would be motivated by the existing 1.6-litre turbo engine.

Should such a car really be in the works, the 2013 Frankfurt International Motor Showwould be a good place to showcase it, or at least its concept version.

Post Title → RUMOUR: PEUGEOT 208 GTI RACING IN THE PIPELINE

AUDI S3 HATCH IN MZANSI WITHIN WEEKS

Audi South Africahas confirmed that the new S3 hatchbackwill be in the country’s dealershipswithin a matter of weeks. It will then be followed by its 5-door S3 Sportbackbrother in November. Although no price was confirmed, we believe it will range between R450 000 and R500 000a pop.

To recap as to what kind of rocket we are dealing with here, the S3 is using a 2.0-litre turbo enginethat is more powerful than its predecessor’s 188kW. And as with said predecessor, South Africa will get a detuned version of this motor. So, instead of delivering 221kW as it does in Europe, we will have to make do with “only” 206kW. However, the torque figure will remain at 380Nm.

The European S3 hatch is said to sprint from 0 – 100km/h in 5.1 seconds when fitted with the S tronic gearbox, and 5.4 seconds with the 6-speed manual. Of course quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) is standard and Audi has found a way to slash some 60kg off the car’s total weight.

Post Title → AUDI S3 HATCH IN MZANSI WITHIN WEEKS

NISSAN ALMERA RETURNS TO MZANSI

Nissan has reintroduced the Almera badge to the South African market with the launch of the new India-built Almera 1.5 Acenta sedan. It’s been years since the last Almeras were sold here, and they were quite popular in both sedan and hatchback shape. Now Nissan is looking at the value seeker to put it back into the top 10 sales charts.

“The all-new Nissan Almera is an extremely important new car for Nissan in South Africa, where the B-segment is the largest and fastest-growing segment in the market,” says Janico Dannhauser, Product Manager for Passenger Vehicles at Nissan South Africa.

Powering the new Almera is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine delivering 73kW at 6000rpm and peak torque of 134Nm of torque at 4000rpm. Buyers are able to choose between a 5-speed manualor an old school 4-speed automatic. Nissan claims 6.3 litres per 100km on the manual and 7.2 litres per 100km from the auto.

Safety equipment comprises ABS with EBD and BAS, with backup in the form of two airbags, five three-point seat belts and a zoned body structure whereby the passenger compartment features high-strength construction.

Inside the Almera is equipped with air conditioning, a radio/ CD/ MP3 combo with steering wheel controls, remote central locking and a trip computer. Seat upholstery is cloth, not leather.

Nissan Almera Price

Almera 1.5 Acenta manual (R165 000)

Almera 1.5 Acenta automatic (R175 500)

Post Title → NISSAN ALMERA RETURNS TO MZANSI

AUDI A8 UPDATED WITH NEW FACELIFT

Hard to believe but it’s already facelift time for the Audi A8. Audi SA launched the car in Mzansi in August 2010 amid tougher promises of a harder push to capture BMW 7 Seriesand Mercedes-Benz S-Class customers. The car has done better than its predecessor, and this upgrade will only serve to improve things even more when it launches in South Africa during the first half of 2014 to face the all-new S-Classand updated Jaguar XJ.

The car is still instantly recognisable as an A8, with somewhat of a serious, regal look. Differences are also noticeable on the front grillewhere new lines and headlights can be seen, both housed inside a new front bumper. The bonnet is also new, and so is the rear bumper, its LED lights and exhaust tailpipes which now feature a rhomboid shape. Buyers can choose from 12 different exterior paint colours and up to 21-inch alloy wheels.

The interior is obviously not of the same class as an A3 or A4, and so to that end we see niceties like 4-zone climate control which means each of the four passengers potentially have their own air conditioning settings. Fine woods like grain poplar and ash brown can be inserted pretty much wherever the owner likes. Rear passengers can also be indulged with lovelies like DVD players and reclining seats (on the 13cm longer LWB versions) that have a heating/ cooling functionality.

MMI is of course part and parcel of the package. This MMI, which controls virtually all the comforts and infotainment systems within the car, includes a touchpad where inputs can be made in your own handwriting, including Chinese characters. The car can be turned into a WiFi hotspot where devices like smart phones, laptops and tablets can connect wirelessly to the internet. In keeping up with its peers the A8 now features head-up display (HUD) for the first time, as well as active lane assist which makes slight steering adjustments when necessary, and the park assist system with 360° display, which handles steering when parking.

Even more exciting things happen under the bonnet of the new facelift A8, starting with the A8 Hybridthat’s fitted with lithium-ion batteries, an electric motor and 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine. Said Hybrid produces a total system power output of 180kWand 480Nm of torque, and is claimed to average 6.3 litres of fuel consumption per 100km. Then there’s the 3.0-litre TFSI which punches out 228kW, followed by the 3.0-litre TDI making 190kW, a 4.0-litre TFSI with 320kWand the 368kW W12 which keeps its thirsty, and archaic but wonderfully-performing 6.3-litre W12 (two V6s welded together at a 90 degree angle).

Hopefully Audi SAwill have the new facelift A8 on display at their stand for the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show(JIMS) in Nasrec.

Post Title → AUDI A8 UPDATED WITH NEW FACELIFT

CHEVROLET SIMDRIVE PUTS STUDENTS ON THE ROAD SAFELY

SimDrive, which has been designed around international concepts and which has seen enormous success in countries like Germany and the Netherlands, uses the same technology found in aircraft simulators to teach learner drivers how to drive, from the most basic clutch and accelerator control to ‘real’ driving scenarios which include traffic and pedestrians. The mobile unit currently travels between schools in Johannesburg, with plans for expansion in the future.

Keen pilot and creator of the SimDrive initiative in South Africa, Anton Tromp says SimDrive is finding favour with more and more schools in South Africa as the concept grows in popularity. “SimDrive is a unique concept whereby driving students are placed in a realistic car environment, complete with a dashboard, seatbelt, handbrake, gear lever and peripheral controls as they would find them in a real car. The system then allows the students to ‘drive’ the virtual car with a virtual driving instructor built in – with audible warnings for mistakes such as over-revving the engine or driving too quickly. Customised for South Africa and the K53 driving test, SimDrive is the answer for budding new drivers.

“Our aim is to produce highly competent new drivers who practise safe driving techniques, which improves road safety and ultimately saves lives in South Africa,” concludes Tromp.

Chevy is the first step onto real roads
Chevrolet Brand Manager, Tim Hendon, says: “The locally-built Chevrolet Spark is the perfect car to pair with the SimDrive initiative as it is not only often the car of choice for first time drivers once they pass their licenses, but being compact and light on its feet makes the task of learning to drive in the real world that much easier.

Chevrolet recognises the value in SimDrive and with the demand from students to be able to progress from virtual driving lessons directly into a real car with an instructor, the sponsorship came naturally.”

Spark is the perfect car for new drivers
The Chevrolet Spark is built in Port Elizabeth and is available in five derivatives – from the business-oriented 1.2 Pronto panel van to the sporty Spark 1.2 LT. The Spark 1.2 Campus has been tailored specifically to suit student needs, featuring important items like ABS and EBD, two airbags, air conditioning and power steering – but at an exceptionally pocket-friendly price of R106 600.

STORY BY CHEVROLET

Post Title → CHEVROLET SIMDRIVE PUTS STUDENTS ON THE ROAD SAFELY