Volkswagen Amarok Double Cab Now Available In 4×2 Version
Volkswagen South Africa has announced that its Amarok Double Cab, which now comes with a rear-wheel drive system, will now also be available in a 4×2 derivative.
New 4×2 derivative added to line-up
The eight-speed gearbox was first introduced to the local bakkie segment in early 2013, but was available exclusively with a permanent four-wheel drive system. But now with the rear-wheel drive system, according to VW, the gears make it possible to achieve a wider gear ratio spread between the 1st and 8th gears compared to a conventional automatic transmission.
The 4×2 derivative additionally uses the same 132kW 2.0-litre BiTDI unit as the all-wheel drive variant, with the difference being the combined fuel consumption, which now sits at 8.2L/100km (down from 9.1L/100km) with CO2 emissions of 216g/km.
Volkswagen Amarok Double Cab price in South Africa
The Amarok Double Cab with automatic transmission comes standard with 3-year/100 000 km manufacturer warranty, 5-year/90 000 km Automotion Service Plan and 6-year anti-corrosion warranty.
Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang rolls into 2015 Detroit Motor Show
Ford has revealed the Shelby GT350R Mustang at the 2015 Detroit Motor Show and the model has been dubbed as the ‘most race-ready road-legal Mustang ever built’. The GT350R was designed in the spirit of the 1965 GT350 Competition model developed by Ford and Carroll Shelby, which featured an advanced suspension setup while being lighter and more powerful.
The Shelby GT350R Mustang is a no-compromise car in the pursuit of maximum track capability. It’s a thoroughbred street car making use of technology and ingenuity to deliver performance few enthusiasts have ever experienced says Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development.
Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang Brings the Power
The Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang is fitted with Ford’s first-ever production V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft. With a capacity of 5.2-litres, this V8 thumps out 368 kW and more than 542 Nm of torque with the help of a 6-speed manual transmission and is the most powerful naturally aspirated production Ford engine ever.
The GT350R rides on lightweight 19-inch carbon fibre wheels making Ford the first major automaker to offer this technology as standard equipment. The carbon fibre wheels contribute to an overall weight reduction of about 23 kg, or 5.8 kg per wheel.
Less weight, better performance
Weight reduction was a key element in the design of the GT350R and Ford engineers removed a number of items to help reduce the overall weight of the car. Removed items include air-conditioning, sound system, rear seats, boot floorboard and carpet, backup camera and tyre sealer and inflator, as well as the exhaust resonators.
Overall, Ford says the GT350R is about 60 kg lighter than the Shelby GT350 Track Pack model. The GT350R has also been aerodynamically enhanced with the inclusion of a hood vent, front and rear belly pans, diffuser, vented wheel wells, fender vents, wheel air curtains and side skirts
Revisions have also been made to the front splitter to enhance downforce and a carbon fibre rear wing aids in improving downforce and lift balance which will ultimately make the GT350R perform better on-track.
Exclusive design touches include red painted brake calipers and red pin striping on the edges of the optional racing stripes and Shelby GT350R badging. The interior features red contrasting stitching and a D-shaped steering wheel with red center mark.
Unfortunately, the Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang will not be available in South Africa, but you may be happy to know that the 2015 Ford Mustang will arrive on our shores at the end of the year.
MINI JCW Hardtop makes 2015 Detroit Motor Show debut
The 2015 MINI JCW Hardtop has made its debut at the North American International Motor Show in Detroit. The model was introduced by rally legend Rauno Aaltonen and MINI also took the opportunity to announce its new motorsports partnership with LAP Motorsports to compete in the Street Tuner (ST) class of the Continental Tire SportsCar Championship.
MINI JCW Hardtop packs a punch
The 2015 MINI JCW Hardtop is the first model to be built on BMW’s shared front wheel drive global architecture and has been tuned for high performance track and road use.
Power comes in the form of a 2.0-litre TwinPower four-cylinder engine that kicks out 170 kW and 320 Nm of torque which translates into a 0-100 kph sprint time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 246 kph using a 6-speed Sportstronic transmission. This engine is the most powerful ever installed in a MINI production car, so it seems dynamite really does come in a small package.
Styling Features
The 2015 MINI JCW features a more aggressive face with its new front fascia with large air intakes and honeycomb grille. Stylish side skirts and a new rear bumper enhance the overall look along with a spoiler mounted on the tailgate and a center-mounted dual exhaust system.
The model rides on exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels and benefits from LED highlights. The interior features Dinamica fabric sports seats along with a sport steering wheel, stainless steel pedals, ‘John Cooper Works’ sill plates and piano black trim.
The MINI JCW can be expected in South Africa later in 2015.
Porsche Cayenne Turbo S Bows in at Detroit
Porsche has revealed its top-of-the-range Cayenne at the Detroit motor show. The Cayenne Turbo S is tuned for maximum driving dynamics and speed. Porsche even claim the SUV has lapped the famous Nurburgring Nordschleife in 7m59.74sec, apparently blitzing the Range Rover Sport SVRs time of 8m14sec.
Porsche Cayenne Turbo S Cranks Everything up to 11
The Cayenne Turbo S has a reworked version of the 4.8-litre biturbo V8 engine that cranks out 419 kW and 800 Nm of torque. That power output and torque combines for a 100kph sprint time of 4.1 seconds and it will go on to a top speed of 285kph. Its not all about speed though as it possesses some impressive stopping power with composite ceramic brakes. The discs measure 420mm up front and 370mm at the rear and are clamped to by 10-piston calipers at the front and four-piston callipers at the rear.
Improving the handling of the Cayenne Turbo S was key to its stunning Nurburgring lap time. Systems such as the active roll stabilization system, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) proactively reduces side tilt when driving through corners. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus increases dynamic handling and stability by making specific brake interventions at the right or left rear wheel – this improves steering into curves and steering precision. The active all-wheel drive system Porsche Traction Management (PTM) permanently drives the rear wheels while offering fully variable power distribution to the front wheels. When all the systems work together, Porsche says you can expect excellent driving dynamics and traction as well as a high level of agility at any speed.
Standard features of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S include 21-inch wheels in distinctive 911 Turbo design with black painted edges, LED headlights, full-leather interior with Porsche logo embossed on all head restraints as well as interior carbon accents. Interior styling in a black/creme colour combination is making its debut in the Cayenne Turbo S.
Creating exterior visual accents are the air inlet surround at the front of the vehicle that is painted in high-gloss black, the undersides of the door mirrors in the same colour and the roof spoiler and wheel arch mouldings in car colour. A sport exhaust system is available as an option in combination with a switchable sound symposer, which transmits the V8 sound into the cabin.
Honda NSX Wows Detroit Motor Show 2015 (Video)
After a long wait and many teaser concepts, the production version of the Honda NSX has been shown to the world via the Detroit Motor Show. Under the American Acura brand, the Honda NSX is essentially a mid-engined sports hybrid supercar, which will start going on sale later in 2015.
New Honda NSX Engine
The engine in the Honda NSX sounds mouth-wateringly exciting. It’s a twin turbocharged V6 setup, featuring a nine-speed dual-clutch gearbox and most importantly a three-electric motor hybrid system. There’s also a smart version of all-wheel drive. This, combined with an ultra rigid and lightweight body means the Honda NSX will be a very quick car. Figures aren’t available yet, but I estimate the Honda NSX will get to 100kph in about 3.5 seconds.
Honda claims the new NSX is “a car that puts the driver first in every aspect of its design, the next-generation NSX will leverage its state-of-the-art hybrid supercar power unit, body and chassis to deliver exceptionally intuitive and immediate response to driver inputs.”
Interior
The cabin of the Honda NSX has been claimed to be designed from the inside out, with an all-out focus on the driver. There’s plenty of forward visibility, easy to use controls and class-leading ergonomics. There’s a fancy seat arrangement too, which is claimed to offer comfort and easy access. These are traits not usually associated with supercars, so it’ll be exciting to see whether this is true.
Technology
There’s a lot going on under the skin of the Honda NSX. There’s a fully independent aluminium front and rear suspension. Power is transmitted to the road via ContiSportContact performance rubber, and the wheel sizes are 245/35Z R19 at the front and 295/30Z R20 at the rear. Stopping power is provided by six-piston carbon ceramics at the front, with four-piston brakes at the back.
With driving modes like Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track modes, the Honda NSX is able to adjust engine, motor, transmission and chassis response, as well as the engine sound level, based on the needs of the driver and driving environment. Quiet (or as I call it: stealth) mode enables electric-only driving at lower speeds for short durations. Dynamic vehicle responses become increasingly sharp as the driver moves from Sport to Sport+ mode and, finally, to Track mode, where the NSX goes into full attack mode.
The best part of this story is that the Honda NSX has been confirmed for SA. Honda’s PR manager has said the car will arrive in the first quarter of 2016. Honda SA will be on a performance roll by then as the anticipated Civic Type R will have been released too.
Honda NSX Reveal Video
Ford GT unleashed in Detroit
Ford has taken the wraps off its dragon-slaying GT supercar at the 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) currently underway in Detroit. The Ford GT is one of 12 new Ford performance cars to be introduced by 2020 and will be a rival to the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini and McLaren when it goes into production late in 2016.
EcoBoost Power for Ford GT
The all-new rear-wheel drive Ford GT is fitted with a mid-mounted, 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 EcoBoost engine that offers 447 kW. This power is transferred to the GT’s 20-inch wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch transaxle transmission. The V6 EcoBoost engine is the most powerful EcoBoost engines to date and offers high levels of performance and efficiency.
The Ford GT also benefits from an all-new direct fuel-injection system that enhances engine response as well as a low friction roller-finger-follower valvetrain.
Lightweight Construction
The new Ford GT is constructed using lightweight materials like carbon fibre and aluminum , which aid in improving acceleration, handling and efficiency. These weight-saving measures, according to Ford, will result in the GT having ‘one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any production car.’
The Ford GT features a carbon fibre passenger cell with front and rear aluminum sub-frames wrapped in carbon fiber body panels. Emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency is at the forefront of the GT’s design and every aspect of the car is designed to manage airflow, reduce drag and enhance downforce and stability. Serving this cause are aerodynamic components such as the active rear spoiler which adjusts its height and pitch angle according to driving conditions.
Progressive Interior
The Ford GT is accessed by upward-swinging doors and the cockpit features a driver and passenger seat integrated into the carbon fibre passenger cell, connecting the driver directly to the chassis. The pedals and steering column are adjustable according to the driver and the GT features an F1-style steering wheel with integrated gadgetry at the drivers disposal.
A host of vehicle data is made available via a digital instrument cluster, which can be configured to suit various driving environments and provides access to select driving modes. Ford’s latest connectivity system, SYNC 3, is also part of the package.
Watch this short video to get an overview of the 2017 Ford GT
Jaguar F-PACE Crossover Teased (Video)
Jaguar has announced the introduction of an all-new F-PACE performance crossover that will launch in 2016. The F-PACE is based on the Jaguar C-X17 concept car shown in 2013 at the Guangzhou Auto Show. “We received such an overwhelmingly positive response to the C-X17 concept car last year that we just had to make it a reality," says Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar.
Jaguar F-PACE combines practicality and performance
As the name implies, the Jag will blend practicality, luxury and class-leading space with performance orientated driving dynamics. The F-PACE will be a five-seater and Jaguar has referred to it as a 'Family Sports Car'. The F-PACE will be produced using Jaguar’s aluminium-intensive architecture and will feature 'instinctive all-wheel drive' and All-Surface Progress Control technology. Jaguar has not revealed any powertrain details as of yet.
The Jaguar F-PACE is expected to be one of the most innovative Jaguar's ever made and will be in manufactured in Solihull, UK. More details will be made available throughout 2015, but for now you can draw your own conclusions by watching the F-PACE teaser video.
Jaguar F-PACE Teaser Video
2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Production Version Confirmed (Update, Complete Gallery)
The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Design Preview made its world debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, previewing a new model scheduled to go into production in early 2015.
The ultra-lightweight high-performance driving machine
The 4C Spider is designed by the Alfa Romeo Style Centre and has the same design as its coupe sibling but remains an ultra-lightweight, high-performance driving machine with a canvas soft top and carbon fibre rollover bars. Given that structural reinforcement is required by safety regulations for open-top vehicles, the convertible will also weigh more than the coupe.
The same lightweight carbon fibre material was used for the spoilers and windscreen frame and as a result the additional weight of the open-top transformation has been limited to roughly 60 kg.
The low-density Sheet Moulding Compound bodywork has been rebuilt around the rear deck to replace the back, and carbon fibre is visible throughout the open cockpit.
On the inside it boasts two composite-framed sport seats covered in leather, a flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminium pedals, carbon fibre vent surrounds and a seven-inch colour digital cluster.
Additional exterior features of the open-top Alfa Romeo 4C Spider include a new dual-stage central exhaust system with titanium and carbon tailpipes provided by Akrapovic with an electrically-operated valve system improving not only the performance of the car but also enhances the exhaust note at the push of a wirelessly linked button. Other key features include the more attractive carbon fibre clamshell headlights, together with restyled alloy wheels wrapped around in bespoke Pirelli tyres.
Power comes from Alfa Romeos new four-cylinder 1750 turbocharged petrol engine sending 177 kW and 350 Nm to the rear wheels through a dual-clutch 6-speed TCT gearbox enabling the concept to hit 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds before topping out at 250 km/h.
Alfa Romeo has announced the 4C Spider is scheduled to enter production phase early next year.
World premiere of the new Alfa Romeo 4C Spider
Mercedes-Benz GLE63 AMG S Coupe Unveiled
The Mercedes-Benz GLE63 AMG S Coupe was semi previewed last week and is a rival to the BMW X6 M with its aggressive and dynamic features, as well as high standards of performance.
Sporty coupe with strengths of an SUV
Revealed alongside standard versions of the new GLE at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, the GLE63 AMG S Coupe displays visual dominance with its aggressive front fascia with a single bar grille, gloss black flicks and large air intakes.
The model also has the latest two-tone A-wing design, a twin-blade grille, standard LED headlamps, twin dome hood, and 22-inch lightweight alloy wheels with a titanium grey finish. As well as black wheel arch flares, a lip spoiler attached to the tailing edge of the tailgate and a rear bumper incorporating diffuser fins and twin chromed tailpipes.
Exclusive interior design elements
Inside the four door coupe are seats covered in Nappa leather with AMG monikers on the headrests, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, revised instrument cluster also covered in Nappa leather with faux carbon fibre dials. Other notable elements of the interior include a leather-wrapped dashboard, heated and ventilated seats for the driver and front passenger and carbon fiber or piano black trim. The model also has stainless steel pedals, AMG-branded floor mats and a Harman Kardon audio system.
GLE63 AMG S Coupe powered by a 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine
The coupe SUV is fitted with a twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 engine with stop/start delivering 430 kW and 760 Nm of torque. It is connected to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission and a rear-biased 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. This setup enables the model to complete the 0-100kph task in 4.2 seconds.
The GLE63 AMG S Coupe further features a Sports Direct-Steer steering system, and a high-performance braking system with red-painted brake callipers. AMG lettering complete the sporty appearance of the brakes.
Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG Sport Revealed
Mercedes-Benz has revealed its quite sporty C450 AMG Sport at the Detroit motor show. The C450 AMG Sport is to sit under the C63 AMG as a slightly less hardcore variant of the C-Class but still athletic enough to run with competitors from BMW, Audi, Lexus and more recently Infiniti.
C450 AMG Sport Packs Power
The C450 AMG Sport has some impressive credentials, especially if you look at the engine. Its powered by a 3-litre V6 twin-turbo thats had the turbo wound up to deliver 270 kW and 517 Nm. That power and torque translates into rapid acceleration with it hitting 100kph in 4.9 seconds and hitting the limiter at 250kph.
The C450 AMG Sport has its power distributed to the wheels via the 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a revised seven-speed automatic gearbox. The all-wheel drive system has been tuned so that most of the power goes to the rear with a 33:67 split towards the rear.
The not quite an AMG C450 AMG Sport does benefit from some of the technical and handling wizardry of the C63 AMG. It carries the same adjustable dampers, stiffer springs and front pull rods. The C450 AMG Sport also has a bit more negative camber dialled in as well as some tweaked steering parts.
The exterior undergoes a few subtle sport enhancements that include darkened tail pipes, black side mirrors, modified front grille and a boot-lid spoiler. It also rolls on 18-inch wheels.
The interior remains typically C-Class standard with a few little extras to make the driver feel special. Sports seats are fitted with red stitching, theres alloy pedals in the footwell and the steering wheel has a flat bottom.
We should see the C450 AMG Sport going into production quite soon. Mercedes now has a real competitor to the likes of the BMW 335i M Performance and Audis S4.
