RGMOTORSPORT SUPERCHARGES JEEP WRANGLER

Down in the skunkworks of RGMotorsport’s Randburg HQ they’ve been working on a way to get the latest four-door version of the Jeep Wrangler to live up to the Unlimited part of its nomenclature. And it wasn’t long before they came up with a solution: they decided to supercharge it.

Not at all surprising, seeing RGM has a penchant for adding oomph with forced induction, preferring aftermarket supercharging thanks to the lag-free result a ‘blower’ provides.

Those in the know agree that the new(ish) 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 is a big improvement over the 3.8-litre lump it replaced, and the Pentastar is a modern design with features such as variable valve timing, which helps it to a useful 209kW in standard form, at a surprisingly high 6 350rpm.  Still, the Jeep is no lightweight and has the aerodynamic efficiency of a breeze block, while its gearing is also on the looooong side.

In independent testing we recorded 0 – 400 metre sprint time of 17.9 seconds with a terminal speed of 125.5 km/h – respectable, but hardly numbers to set the world alight. In the 80 – 120 km/h flexibility test we recorded an 8.3 kickdown time.

But in RGM Supercharged form, the numbers tumble, but before we present the numbers consider this: the ‘after’ figures were achieved after 200-odd kilograms of accessories had been added; including a high-ride suspension kit, a winch/bumper kit, and an aftermarket rear bumper with spare wheel carrier.

And even in such a disadvantaged state our heavy breather is capable of a 0 – 100 in 8,7 seconds, a 0 – 120 km/h sprint of 12,2 seconds (exactly 4 seconds faster than standard) and a 0 – 400 metres time of 16,5 seconds at a speed of 136 km/h. It also knocked a worthy 1,4 seconds off the 80 – 120 km/h test, suggesting that overtaking is going to much less stressful, as will towing.

The real-world numbers are impressive and so too are what we recorded on our rolling road dynamometer: we measured 215 kW at 6 500, translating into 316 kW at the flywheel – that’s 101 more than standard! There’s also an estimated 475 Nm at 4 300 rpm (where the standard car has its 347 Nm peak) and our car peaks at 517 Nm@ 5 500rpm. At 2 000 rpm we had already matched the maximum torque output of the standard engine...

The outcome is an engine far better suited to the five-speed automatic transmission, especially at Highveld altitude where the tall ratios and peaky nature of the engine conspire against it. With RGM’s reputation for quality workmanship, installation excellence and attention to detail, it adds real value and makes for Unlimited potential for the big Jeep…

The full installation comprises a Vortech supercharger and all ancillaries, Techniflow  exhaust system (designed and manufactured in-house), Unichip Q engine management piggyback computer and a serviceable free-flow air filter element and costs R105 000 including VAT, installation and six-month 20 000 km warranty.

STORY COURTESY OF ROADWORX COMMUNICATIONS

Post Title → RGMOTORSPORT SUPERCHARGES JEEP WRANGLER

NEW 2013 PEUGEOT 308 SHOWS UP

Peugeot has unveiled the all-new, brand spanking new 308 hatchback, the car that’s meant to attract buyers away from the likes of Golf, Focus and Auris. New Peugeot 308 has been designed from the ground up in order to be modern, sassy, sexy, but while being masculine at the same time.

From the look of things, Peugeot has gone for a more Germanic / Bauhaus style of design, with a minimalistic line that runs flat from the bonnet, all the way to the rear end via the sides, where it meets other sweepers.

The car is 4.25 metres long and 1.46m high. On average the new 308 is 140kg lighter than its predecessor. Without revealing any enginedetails, Peugeot claims there’s a version in the range that emits 85 g/km.

Peugeot will release full details of the new 308 shortly before and during the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. We also expect it will also be exhibited at the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show(JIMS) in October.

Post Title → NEW 2013 PEUGEOT 308 SHOWS UP

CRAZY MERCEDES-BENZ E 63 AMG S REVEALED

Mercedes-Benz South Africa is busy preparing for the launch of the facelifted E-Class next month. Among the new cars will be the new E 63 AMG with 410kW and 720Nm. But apparently that’s not enough. Now the world’s third largest premium car maker by sales has released the E 63 AMG S, which of course means super/ sport/ stunning.

Still using the same 5.5-litre biturbo V8 engine, the E 63 AMG Scan muster up to 430kW and 800Nm of torque, with Merc now claiming a 0 – 100km/h time of 4.1 secondsfor the most powerful production E-Class ever built. While these are impressive numbers, it is with a little cynicism that we point out the fact that Audi’s old RS 6 already pushed out 426kWway back in 2009. We digress…

Truth is, this will still be one hell of a ride, no doubt about it. How to differentiate it from the others? Well, it has the S label on the boot lid for one. It also comes standard with a silver-shadow splitter, side sill panels, a high-gloss black front apron and 19-inch Titanium matt grey alloy wheels. Bigger ones will be available for those with some kinda complex.

We don’t know if this German dragon-in-a-rage will come to Mzansior not. But judging from Merc’s recent appetite for appeasement, it wouldn’t surprise us.

Post Title → CRAZY MERCEDES-BENZ E 63 AMG S REVEALED

PORSCHE PROFITS SKYROCKET

Porsche AG, the parent company of the Porsche brand, celebrated remarkable financial results in the months January to March 2013. These results show that the company returned a turnover of about R39 billion, while profit for the three months was about R6.8 billion. This was due to sales picking up 21% to 37 009 units.

Gone are the days where Porsche only sold the 911 and that itself was a rare sight. Today I saw five different 911s on the streets of Jozi alone. I cannot say how many Cayennes are roaming the streets, given that this is the company’s biggest seller. A total of 19 658 Cayennes were sold globally in this period under focus, followed by the 911 range (the new 911 Turbo and Turbo S are out) at 7 230 cars, with the Panamera at 5 669, while 3 863and 589 copies of the Boxster and Cayman moved off the shelves respectively.

“The expansion of the Leipzigplant as well as the development of the sports SUV Macan and the super sports car 918 Spyder are incurring high expendituresthat will not yet be compensated by corresponding vehicle revenue. These sales will only be realised in the coming year when our new models are sold,” Chief Financial Officer Lutz Meschke explained. 

Post Title → PORSCHE PROFITS SKYROCKET