HONDA NSX CONCEPT GT CAR WILL RACE

Honda has unveiled the NSX CONCEPT-GT, a racing machine designated for entry in the GT500 class of the 2014 SUPER GT Series Round 5 “2013 AUTOBACS SUPER GT” at Suzuka Circuit.

The NSX CONCEPT-GT is a dedicated racing vehicle based on the NSX Concept, the next-generation super sports model that made its world debut in January 2012 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, USA.

This vehicle complies with the 2014 regulations on GT500 vehicles prescribed by the Japan Automobile Federation. Along with a mid-mounted 2.0-litre inline direct-injection 4-cylinder turbo engine, the vehicle is equipped with a racing hybrid system.

Prior to today’s debut of the NSX CONCEPT-GT, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. showcased the running of a prototype NSX at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on August 4, the final day of “the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio”, which serves as Round 14 of the IndyCar Series.

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Post Title → HONDA NSX CONCEPT GT CAR WILL RACE

BMW M4 CONCEPT BREAKS LOOSE

BMW has broken the noose off the new Concept M4 Coupe. The concept gives us a pretty good idea of what the new M4 itself will look like, at least we hope. Usually these BMW concepts don’t stay as close to the real thing as we’d like. In any case, the Concept M4 will be unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt International Motor Show next month.

Based on the current F30 (3 Series), the M4 will be a completely new car. That means a new turbo engine too. More on that later. For now, if we look at the concept itself we see something of a hark back to two generations ago of M3 Coupe. There is certainly more aggression than the E92, with some really lovely detailing which BMW will more certainly call “form over function”. Included here is a carbon fibre front splitter that clears the air, so to speak, between itself and the lower front grille. You then have honeycomb air inlets just below the LED headlights. The power dome on the bonnet is a nice feature we’ve seen in recent M cars.

On the side there’s an air curtain to help cool off the 20-inch wheels (the real thing is only likely to sport 19-inches standard), M4 badging and side mirrors partly covered in carbon fibre. According to BMW, the roof, made from CFRP, reduces weight and ensures a lower centre of gravity, thus facilitating an even sportier driving experience. We love the three M colours striped on the left side of the roof. Stunning.

As for the rear end, what else is there, if not the four tailpipes, now wrapped in carbon fibre, surrounding a matching air diffuser. An integrated rear boot spoiler also gives it such a muscular stance that you might see it and decide against taking it on.

Unfortunately this being an M concept car, there is a big veil of secrecy around exactly what kind of powertrain we are looking at here. But, old rumours have been suggesting going back to the 3.0-litre straight-six format where twin or even triple turbos are employed to churn out about 335kW and 550Nm of torque. We’d like to see more power than that, but if that’s what it will have, then we don’t mind still.

The new BMW M4will arrive in South Africa before June 2014 in what looks like will be a very sporting year for BMW, with the new X5 M, M2, M3 sedan and i8 also in the mix.

Post Title → BMW M4 CONCEPT BREAKS LOOSE

REFRESHED PEUGEOT RCZ FEATURES NEW TECH

The Peugeot RCZ. It’s one of my all-time favouritecars of any kind really. The whole package is pretty attractive, from its smooth looks, the double-bubble roof, to the user-friendly interior and highly engaging gearbox. RCZ anytime. Peugeot reckons it’s now improved the package and that sounds like music to my ears.

Yes, this is a facelift, but it’s a little bit more than that. We’ll start with the new face though, now redesigned to keep up with the new look of Peugeot. Central to this is the hexagonal front grille with twin, satin-chrome horizontal bars and the Peugeot lion mascot that’s now positioned close to the edge of the bonnet. There’s a little “Peugeot” nomenclature just below that. LED daytime running lights enhance the look of the reshaped grille. The retractable rear wing can raise itself at speeds of over 120km/h in order to help stabilise the car. One can also raise it manually by pushing a button.

The biggest improvement is the addition of a new infotainment system conducted by an 18cm colour screen. With its 16:9 format and 800x480 pixel resolution, Peugeot is ensuring that while it’s come late to this kinda party, there’s still time to dance. Features include Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming, so you can play the music that’s in your phone through the RCZ’s own speakers. Another exciting bit is the satellite navigation system which now features perspective views.

Things are still the same under the bonnet, which is not a bad thing at all. The same 1.6-litre turbo still delivers two power outputs, depending on its application. At entry-level stage is the 115kW (240Nm) version only comes with a 6-speed automatic gearbox and can do 0 – 100km/h in 8.4 seconds, according to its maker. In contrast, its 147kW, 275Nm big brother runs the same sprint in 7.5 seconds but changes gears manually through a really awesome 6-speed stick.

Success has come to Peugeot in as far as the RCZ is concerned, since it’s sold about 50 000 units globally since launch. Of that, about 362 have been to Mzansicustomers.

RCZ Coupe Prices

RCZ manual (R423 500)

RCZ automatic (R434 900)

Post Title → REFRESHED PEUGEOT RCZ FEATURES NEW TECH

2016 HONDA (ACURA) NSX GOES TRACK TESTING

Honda fans. No, let me rephrase. Car fans in general, should know there’s an all-new Honda NSX coming our way in 2015. Original NSX was Honda’s halo car, a sports star that frightened even the best supercars of its time. Honda is pinning its hopes on this nostalgicfact that buyers will flock into showrooms to purchase the reincarnation. In order to help it along, lots of testingis being completed.

Some of this very testing was recently done at the 2.4-mile (3.9 kilometres) Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, USA. This was prior to the running of a Honda Indy 200 race at the same place, hence the crowds you see in the pictures. Being an NSX, it’s important that it run well both on and off the race track, hence this particular test. And others. We expect to see it running around the Nurburgring for instance, during the 2014 European summer.

To recap, the new NSX will be powered by a mid-mounted V6 petrol motor coupled with a hybrid system that Honda calls the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system. It essentially consists of three electric motors; one for the V6 and rear axle, while the other two run the front axle. No performanceor power figures have been given out yet.

The 2016 Honda NSX will be produced in Ohio, USA, for the global market under both the Honda and Acurabadges. Honda South Africa is busy making its case for a few units to make their way to our shores. I sincerely hope they succeed.

Post Title → 2016 HONDA (ACURA) NSX GOES TRACK TESTING