The stream of cars coming out from the 2014 Paris Motor Show is thick and fast, and showing very little sign of abating.
Vanquish Carbon Black details
Aston Martin has taken the wraps off another special edition. This time its the Aston Martin Vanquish which receives the Carbon Black treatment. The Aston Martin Vanquish Carbon Black is the British sports car company’s ultimate GT and is claimed to offer ‘a powerful road presence to match its 320kph-plus performance.’
There’s a strong dark theme to the Aston Martin Vanquish Carbon Black and there’s quite a bit of carbon fibre thrown into the mix. There’s two colours available: Stratus White and the menacing black you see here. While you may be forgiven for being confused by this and the Aston Martin Carbon Edition from not so long ago, there are some subtle differences between the two. The Vanquish Carbon Black features black window surrounds and ten-spoke gloss black non diamond turned alloy wheels, while on the interior, the black theme continues with a choice of accent colours and materials that showcase a combination of standard carbon fibre features and black hardware.
If this gets too confusing, then do what we do and just admire how pretty the Vanquish Carbon Black looks. It’s certainly striking.
Lamborghini Asterion Concept Unveiled At Paris 2014
The concept is the companys first plug-in hybrid developed with the help of Volkswagen and sports a new drivetrain which links the V10 5.2-litre naturally aspirated engine with 449 kW with three electric motors delivering a combined 220 kW, and are mated to a seven-speed DSG. This setup enables the Lamborghini Asterion concept to sprint from 0-100 km/h in just three seconds and reach a top speed of 320 km/h.
Lamborghini claims the vehicle can hit 125 km/h when running solely on electric power, and can travel for up to 50 km with a combined fuel consumption of only 4.2 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions of just 98 g/km.
Exterior design
Design wise, the Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 concept boasts Elektra blue paintwork infused with flecks of glitter, 20-inch front and 21-inch rear carbon fibre shod in Pirelli tyres alloys, as well as delicate carbon-fibre wishbones and a lit tricolore flag beneath the wing mirrors.
The interior of the Asterion features a minimalistic layout with two seats positioned higher than those in Lamborghini super sports cars ensuring comfortable every day cruising rather than extreme performance and handling.
The cabin is further furnished in Bianco Celaeno (ivory) and Marrone Attis (brown) leather, including aluminium, carbon fibre and titanium materials which go on to clothe the iconic three spoke steering wheel design drawn from the Miura. The steering wheel also includes three buttons from which the driver selects his engine driving mode: Zero for zero emissions/full electric; I for ‘Ibrido’ (hybrid); and T for ‘Termico (thermal) power, while a portable tablet allows the car’s occupants to manage climate control and other functions including GPS and in-car infotainment.
The Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 name explained
“Asterion” is an inspiration from the mythical Minotaur hybrid figure from Greek mythology which tells a story of the powerful fusion between intellect and instinct, part man and part bull, creating an ever powerful archetype. As far as LP goes, it stands for ‘longitudinale posteriore’, the position of the conventional engine, I stands for ‘ibrido’, while the 910 is for the system power and 4 for the permanent 4WD system.
There are currently no plans to put the Lamborghini Asterion concept into production, but should it ever see the light of day, expect it to go head to head with the McLaren P1, Ferrari LaFerrari and Porsche 918.
Ssang Yong Finalising XIV SUV Details
During September 2014 Ssang Yong revealed a teaser of the new XIV Concepts that have been shown at recent motor shows. Nearing its completion the XIV concepts have been shown in more complete form at the Paris motor show. The two concepts are of the same B-segment crossover/SUV, but one is a convertible with a Targa-style roof, the other a more rugged looking adventure machine.
XIV Catching up with Tech
The XIV Air and Adventure is a Nissan Juke–sized compact SUV that Ssang Yong hopes will drive major sales growth in the future. The XIV will use modern tech such as a Stop/Start fuel saving system and three mode smart steering with electric power assistance, in addition to an optional all-wheel drive system.
The XIV is equipped with a newly designed audio system. A USB/AUX port enables users to use external audio devices and theres Bluetooth to connect your mobile phone to. Passengers can also use their iPod and iPhone thanks to the iPod connection, with information displayed on the high-res LCD screen. A mirroring function on the audio system allows you to share content on your smart phone with others by synching devices and then viewing on the screen. Ssang Yong has also added a rear-view camera to the XIV.
XIV-Air and XIV-Adventure are powered by either a 1.6-litre petrol or 1.6-litre diesel engine, and both meet the latest Euro 6 emission standards. Theres a choice of six-speed manual and automatic transmission, two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
New Car Sales in South Africa for September 2014
New car sales in South Africa has continued to show resilience in September 2014 despite slow economic growth and pressure on consumer disposable income. The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) reports strong increases across all sectors when compared to the same period last year.
Here is a new car sales summary for the month of September 2014.
New Car Sales Summary – August 2014
60 854 aggregate new vehicle sales up by 11.5% (6 283) compared to September 2013
30 778 export sales up by 258% (22 180) compared to September 2013
42 918 passenger cars up by 7.5% (2 997) compared to September 2013
15 179 light commercial vehicles up by 24.7% (3 009) compared to September 2013
Although September 2014 new car sales figures look promising, the trading environment for the balance of the year could be compromised by slowed economic growth, interest rate increases and inflation. The market is expected to decline by between 4-5%, in volume terms, compared to 2013. However, improvements in export numbers is expected for the duration of 2014 and into 2015.
Volkswagen and Ducati team up for XL Sport
Its been a few years since the VW group purchased Ducati for its stable and we were all beginning to wonder whether they had anything planned for the Italian bike maker. Heres the fruits of its labour as VWs efficient 1L/100km XL1 has been turned into a sportscar with a Ducati bike engine.
VW XL Sport has a Bike Engine
Ducatis motor is a two-cylinder 1.2-litre that develops around 147 kW with only 134 Nm. Teamed with the XL chassis it will accelerate from 0-100kph in 5.7 seconds and top out at 270 kph. The XL Sport is made with carbon fibre and reinforced plastic that helps keep the overall weight down to just 890kg. The twin-cylinder motor has been adapted to work with a dual-clutch, seven-speed DSG gearbox.
Having a bike motor powering the XL Sport does have a few advantages as it will rev all the way to 11 000rpm. Then theres the sound that the twin-cylinder Ducati is world renowned for. 18-inch forged aluminium wheels also replace the aerodynamically efficient versions that made the XL1 an aerodynamic benchmark. VW has promised to build 500 units of this XL Sport.
Range Rover Sport SCV6 S (2014) Review
The new Range Rover Sport aims to be the ultimate in adaptability, offering something for everyone from the off-road expeditionary to the tarmac screeching speed freak. Consider the Range Rover Sport as the multi-tool of the automotive world if you will. It now has a 450kg lighter chassis thanks to aluminium, has this helped change its game?
What is a Range Rover Sport?
The Range Rover Sport is based on the new Range Rover but features 75 percent new parts over its siblings. Its designed to be a sporty SUV for your tarmac enthusiast who likes to go off-road occasionally or likes to know that if needed, the car can go off-road. Price differentiation is also a major difference between the Sport and a regular Range Rover.
You can pick up a Sport for around R895 000, a regular Rangie will set you back R1.5 million for the base model. The best part about the Sport is that it doesnt feel like a cheaper Range Rover, it feels just as special and even more useable for everyday life.
Supercharged V6
Our test unit here is equipped with the supercharged V6 petrol; its a potent engine and good for 250 kW and 450 Nm. While its not the top of the range bad-boy we used in our drag race, it still accelerates its two-tonne plus mass to 100kph in 7.2 seconds. No slouch then and the fuel economy isnt horrendous either, Land Rover claims it will average out at 11.3L/100km and during our tenure with it, we racked up an average of 12.2L/100km.
Connected to an eight-speed automatic gearbox the Sport breezes easily through the gears, although when it comes to overtaking you get the feeling that the engine and supercharger are primed and ready to deliver the punch, theyre just waiting on the gearbox to get done with its business. Of course you can insert yourself into the event by using the paddle-shifters and speed up the whole process, but the paddles feel quite plastic and a bit brittle not something you want in a super luxurious SUV.
Lap of Luxury
If its sumptuous luxury youre after then the Range Rover has the goods, the Sport gets more supportive seats that hug a little tighter, theres a smaller, racier steering wheel and the leather throughout the cabin feels stretched to perfection. The rear is kitted to the nines, theres entertainment capability via dual screens in the headrests complete with USB and Bluetooth headsets. Space is excellent as youd expect from a large SUV.
Neat little luxuries have been crafted into the interior, the steering wheel heater for example may seem like a gimmick at first, but it gets to work so quickly that I kept using it mostly because Im cold blooded, not because the weather was cold. The seats are both heated and cooled to specific levels you can adjust and all settings are adjusted via the infotainment screen. Here lies one of my gripes with the Rangie, the system is in need of an update, it feels outdated and the touchscreen requires a solid thud from your finger to activate it.
Everything is just a little more difficult to access than it should be and playing audio via Bluetooth or USB doesnt allow you to list tracks, you can only hit next rather than selecting what you want. The satellite navigation usability could do with a redesign as well but according to what weve heard about the upcoming Jaguar XE, it could all be sorted soon. My only other problem with the Sport is that the rear seats dont fold flat, they fold down in a 60/40 split, but at an angle so loading longer items such as a bike is not as easy.
How does it drive?
It drives well, even when pushed. With its lighter yet stiffer chassis you can feel the engineers have been able to improve the ride of the Sport. It feels tight and nimble for a big car yet rides over bumps and undulations with the dignity of an aristocrat. The Sport, despite its block-like design has great insulation. Wind and road noise are nothing more than a feint whisper even when rolling on these massive 21-inch rims. Nothing commands presence like this Range Rover Sport as it feels like a king on the road, not in a grotesque or vulgar way but in a regal, very British way. Every journey becomes an event or something to look forward to doing.
Verdict
The Range Rover Sport makes for one of the greatest every situation cars ever. Its excellent on road with well-tuned handling and a supple ride, it has the ability to go off-road too but if you plan to do that, opt for the dynamic ride option as firstly it improves on road dynamics and adds a low-range gearbox to the vehicle. Secondly its actually one of the cheaper option packages with improved dynamics and low-range or you could opt for a panoramic roof? I know which one Im choosing. The interior is as luxurious a place as youll ever find in the automotive market but the infotainment system is in need of a major makeover. Other than that its a near perfect way to travel.
Second Opinion
With the 3.0-litre supercharged V6 under the hood, the Range Rover Sport has stolen my heart. It’s more sensible than the supercharged 5.0-litre V8, but offers nearly as much performance. Everything about this product screams perfection and it’s no surprise there’s a demand for these premium offroaders. My only gripe is the inferior infotainment system which is someway behind the German systems.-David Taylor
Range Rover Sport SCV6 S quick specs
Price
R875 700
Engine
3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol
Power
250 kW
Torque
450 Nm
Transmission
Eight-speed automatic
Wheels
21-inch alloys
0-100km/h
7.2 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy
11.3L/100 km (claimed)
We like:
. Improved handling and ride
. Range Rover design and road presence
. Go anywhere ability
We dislike:
. Infotainment system outdated and difficult to use
. Rear seats don’t fold flat
The all-new Jaguar XE is set to have its public debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show this week, and we have all the technical details and images of the car said to rival the BMW 3-Series and other similar models.
Officially unveiled last month at a fancy event, the 2015 XE will at launch be available in a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines.
The XE 2.0 diesel 163 is rated at 120 kW with 380 Nm of torque, while the XE 2.0 diesel 180 will deliver 132 kW and 430 Nm of torque. Both motors will be mated to a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.
The petrol engine range begins with the turbocharged, direct-injection, 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit, which made its debut in the Jaguar XF and XJ sedans. Power outputs sit at 147 kW with 280 Nm and 177 kW with 340 Nm respectively and both come with the eight-speed automatic transmission.
Topping the range is the XE S Petrol with a supercharged V6 3.0-litre engine from the F-Type producing 250 kW and 450 Nm of torque. This setup, available only with the eight-speed automatic transmission and enables the XE to reach 96 kph) from a standstill in 4.9 seconds on its way to a top speed limited to 250 kph.
The XE range
The 2015 XE range will additionally launch with five trim levels including: SE, Prestige, Portfolio, R-Sport and S.
The “SE” trim will come with 17-inch rims, cruise control, satellite navigation, DAB radio, multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel, glossy black trim and cloth seats.
Upgrading to “Prestige” will get you heated leather front seats with contrasting stitching, phosphor blue ambient lightning and brushed aluminium inserts.
The “Portfolio” trim comes with Windsor leather, two-tone instrument panel, aluminium trim, and Meridian sound system, bi-xenon headlights with LED DRLs, 10-way electric front seats and 18-inch wheels.
There will also be an “R-Sport” trim with technical mesh inserts in Taurus leather seats, etched aluminium, a boot spoiler and sports suspension. Lastly, the Jaguar XE “S” performance variant will be available with 19-inch wheels, a supercharged V6 engine, beefier body and a glossy black centre console.
The 2015 Jaguar XE will be available on order in UK at a base price of £26 995, which translates to roughly R490 000, which sits it at the same price as a BMW 3-Series 328i.
Stay tuned for more official details and South African launch dates coming soon hopefully after its 2014 Paris Motor Show debut.
Aston Martin Lagonda: First Official Images Released
Aston Martin has released a few images of its production ready Lagonda sedan, following last months teaser when the company also announced the return of the sedan after an absence of about two and a half decades.
Designed exclusively for the Middle East market
The new Aston Martin Lagonda is set to begin series production next year in limited numbers and will be offered exclusively to Middle East customers. Described as being an exceptional automotive art by its designer Marek Reichmann, the luxury sedan will further be built by the firm’s Q bespoke division.
Its said to ride on the company’s VH platform which is also used on the Rapide and other Aston products and comes with carbon fibre body panels to shave off weight.
Technical details have yet to be released, however its rumoured the new Lagonda will be equipped with a V12 6.0-litre with around 447 kW sent to the rear axle through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup will apparently allow the sedan to complete the 0-100 km/h run in approximately 4.2 seconds.
Deliveries of the exclusive Aston Martin Lagonda are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2015, with less than 100 units planned for production.
Mercedes-Benz GLB To Enter Production In 2019
British Automotive media is reporting that a Mercedes-Benz GLB is under development and will make production five years from now, in September 2019.
New mini G-Wagen in the works
The report indicates the compact G-Class-based model will be built upon Mercedess next-generation MFA2 architecture the small car platform which underpins the A- and B-class families.
The SUVs styling is said to be similar to that of the Energ-G Force SUV concept which the company showed during the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. The report further suggest the car will offer seating for up to seven people, and will additionally be ‘a charming mix of G-Class visuals, B-Class proportions and GLA-Class dynamics’.
The standard model will supposedly come with front-wheel drive while 4MATIC four-wheel drive will be available as an option. Entry level models are said to receive three-cylinder engines from Renault, while Mercedes will supply the four-cylinder powerplants.
Note: Pictured is the Energ-G Force SUV concept.
Honda Reveals More Details on 2015 CR-V
Last month (Spetember 2014) Honda released a picture of its facelifted CR-V, now it has revealed a few more details on the compact SUV. According to figures from Focus2Move the Honda CR-V was the worlds best-selling SUV for the first quarter of 2014. The facelifted CR-V will be shown at the Paris motor show happening this week 2 October 2014. The headline news is that there will be a 1.6-litre diesel in the range and a new nine-speed automatic transmission.
Honda CR-V Facelift Details
The exterior receives some styling tweaks. There are new headlamps, front grille, fog lights, skid-plate and bumper; whilst at the rear, new LED combination lamps, a refreshed tailgate design and bumper complete the enhancements.
The 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine is set to replace the 2.2-litre turbodiesel in the range and claims outputs of 118 kW and 350 Nm of torque. This engine output will only be available on the all-wheel drive models and theres the option to add the new nine-speed automatic gearbox to it that is said to increase efficiency by up to 20% over the outgoing 2.2-litre.
The new-look CR-V has been developed and engineered for European drivers. The car will be built at Hondas plant in the UK.
