Infiniti has revealed details about the QX70S Black special edition model set to be shown off at the Paris motor show. The Black features loads of dark chrome spread over the exterior and splattered around the interior.
Infiniti QX70S Black Details in SA
Dark chrome is used on the QX70S for the grille, foglight surrounds, side air scoops, side sills and rear numberplate surround. The headlights have a new smoked finish whilst wheels for the S-Black are 21-inch six-spoke alloys finished in black, to match the black roof rails and black mirrors.
The black theme continues in the cabin with black lacquer finish on the centre console and purple stitching for seats, steering, wheel, armrest and door trims. The QX70s Black sits just below the top of the QX70 50S but comes standard with all the equipment from the S-Premium model.
The Infiniti QX70S Black range is available in either the 3.7-litre V6 petrol or the 3-litre V6 turbodiesel. The Black edition goes on sale following its premiere at the Paris Motor Show. The Infiniti S-Black model will be available in South Africa from the 1st October 2014.
Pricing:
3.7 V6 Petrol – R777 630
3.0 V6 Diesel – R799 700
2015 Honda Civic Sport Readied for Paris Show
Honda has released details about an upgrade to the UK-built Civic range as well as this aggressive looking Civic Sport.
Upgrades
Firstly, there’s an all-new frontal design for the 2015 Honda Civic with new headlamps, integrated daytime running lights and an aggressive bumper The rear bumper is all-new, as is the rear spoiler and tail lamps.
The 2015 Honda Civic also features numerous upgrades to the interior with new fabric on the seats, stitching, new door trim, chrome door handles as well as a metallic black finish on the control panel. The interior still offers class-leading space too, with the Civic able to swallow 477 litres and the Civic Tourer taking on 624 litres of cargo.
Standard features for the 2015 Honda Civic remain impressive, but the new model will feature Honda Connect – a brand-new in-car audio information system. Things like Internet Radio, Internet browsing, satnav, rear-view parking camera and bluetooth connectivity will make this Android-powered system quite good I think.
2015 Honda Civic Sport
The big news however is what you see above, the 2015 Honda Civic Sport. It’s based on your normal Civic hatchback and shares the engines like the brilliant 1.6-litre diesel which I drove last year and loved. It has a colour-coded rear spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels and a front end that looks much like the hardcore Civic Type R, which we’ll see launched in 2015. Let’s keep tabs on this one and hope the facelifted versions of the Honda Civic make their way to South Africa sooner rather than later.
Fiat Doblo Revamped For 2015
The Fiat Doblo is a miniature runabout van for your small business-type people. Theres a fleet of manufacturers selling vans in this market that includes the Peugeot Partner, VW Caddy, Renault Kangoo and the Nissan NV200. Fiat has facelifted the Doblo with some exterior styling changes, a refurbished interior and EcoJet modifications to the engine range.
Fiat Doblo Enhancements
The exterior has been treated to new headlights, a new front grille and bumper and repositioned fog lights. The idea was to make the Doblo look more car-like and refined but still retain a sense of robustness.
The interior boasts a new steering wheel and dashboard design. The centre display has been moved, now enveloped within the centre dashboard rather than on top. The right-hand drive model keeps a two seat front cabin whilst left hand drive markets get a single bench seat that stretches across the cabin.
Diesel engines available are the same 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre MultiJet turbodiesels from the previous generation (66 kW and 77 kW). They do have some advanced tech on them in the form of Fiats EcoJet tech that increases efficiency. Fiat says the Doblo can be as economical as 4.4L/100km, using techniques such as low-resistance tyres and the new aerodynamic pack.
Finally theres also a new Traction+ traction control system. Fiat says it has also improved sound insulation in the cabin making for a less noisy journey.
2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta Announced
Ferrari has announced a new model for the 2014 Paris Motor Show. Meet the new limited edition Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta which celebrates the successes of the many road-going and racing versions of the 458.
There’ll be just 499 units manufactured and these will most likely going to hardcore Ferrari collectors. It’s essentially the most powerful convertible in Ferrari history and combines hardcore racing performance with the pleasure of convertible driving. Speaking of convertible, that roof is retractable and constructed from aluminium. Weighing in at 50kg, the roof takes just 14 seconds to open and close.
Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta Performance
It’s the engine in the Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta which will make the fans happy. It’s the most potent naturally-aspirated road-going V8 engine ever made by the Italians and has 445 kW and 540 Nm. This is one seriously impressive engine and has won three international Best Performance Engine titles in the V8 category. Performance of the Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta is breathtaking. The 0-100kph sprint is dispatched in just three seconds. It’s also claimed to lap the Fiorano track in 1’23″5, which is very quick.
Due to some clever aerodynamic and bodywork tweaks, the Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta is claimed to be the aerodynamically efficient Ferrari spider ever and is being shown off in the picture gallery in a bespoke triple-layer yellow livery with a Blu Nart and Bianco Avus central stripe. It has Grigio Corsa five-spoke forged wheels, while on the inside blue carbon fiber was used for the dashboard and door panels. Lastly, the seats have been wrapped around in Alcantara with 3D stitching and 3D technical fabric.
2015 Jeep Renegade: Driven
Its a good name, Renegade. Older dictionaries tend to have slightly negative definitions, but today a renegade is pretty much seen as a rebel, with a tendency to go against the flow. And all of that stuff pretty much goes with the Jeep ethos, that feeling of Jeepness and the obsession with a vehicle that had its roots in World War Two as a military vehicle that could pretty much go anywhere.
Renegade: Designed by Americans, built by Italians
This was crystallised for me when I first laid eyes on the new Renegade, a brand new Jeep designed by Americans, but engineered and built by Italians. And I was in Italy for the international launch of the new car, which is set to take the small SUV segment of the global market by storm.
This is the first Jeep built exclusively outside the United States, the engineering for off-road done in the US, but the lead engineering done in Italy, explained Chris Ellison, head of Jeep Brand in the Europe-Middle East and Africa region.
Chris was speaking to attendees of the first Camp Jeep to be held in Italy, a world-wide occurrence where owners of Jeeps gather on a mountain top or a desert anywhere off-the-beaten track and partake of Jeepness, in other words playing with their off-road toys, listening to good ol American rock music and admiring each others suspension high-rise kits, giant wheel tyre combos, bull bars, roof top tents, and in some cases, super-potent engines installed beneath the utilitarian bonnets of these all-American mobility-toys.
All-American until now, that is. Fiat bought a major shareholding in Chrysler, which owns the Jeep brand, a couple of years back and in January 2014 took full ownership of Chrysler and the Jeep brand. And by this stage, production of the Renegade, the first tangible result of the Fiat-Chrysler marriage, was nearing production sign-off. The new small SUV began rolling off the production line in Italy in July 2015 and went on sale a few days after I attended Camp Jeep in mid-September, in the hills above Parma, prior to attending the international launch an hour or so away at the Balocco Proving Grounds outside Milan.
South African arrival of 2015 Jeep Renegade
The new 2015 Jeep Renegade will go on sale in SA in April 2015, when two front-wheel-drive variants are launched. These will be in the upmarket Limited trim, and both will use six-speed manual gearboxes, powered either by the 88 kW MultiJet II diesel four-cylinder, or the 125 kW version of the Multi-Air turbo petrol engine.
Later, in September 2015, the two trail-blazing FWD versions will be joined by three new versions a base-model 1.6-litre 81 kW petrol with a five-speed gearbox and FWD, and two 4X4 versions. These will be a 125 kW Multi-Air petrol version in Limited trim and a 2.4-litre Multi-Air petrol, good for 136 kW and 232 Nm of torque and fitted to the off-road specific Trailhawk version. Both of these will have a nine-speed automatic gearbox, a first in this small SUV segment.
The 4X4 versions will feature a single-speed power transfer unit to the rear wheels, coupled to a clutch that can disconnect the rear axle when all-wheel-drive is not necessary according to wheel sensors that monitor wheel-slip. When power is needed to the rear wheels, the clutch is activated to provide whatever power is necessary to the rear wheels to maintain optimum traction.
The Trailhawk version is fitted with an extra 20mm of ride height by din of longer, stiffer springs. This takes overall ground clearance to 210mm. The suspension of all Renegades is by dint of MacPherson struts front and rear, utilising special Koni electronically-adjustable damping.
Launch drive experience
On the launch I drove the FWD version of the 2015 Jeep Renegade first and I was very impressed with the extreme rigidity of the body-shell. This is the work of the Italian engineers in Melfi, who specified the use of high-strength steel in up to 70 % of the car, as well as generous use of aluminium in the tailgate, the bonnet, and parts of the front sub-frame and cross member.
The steering is accurate, the six-speed gearshift via cable operation is one of the best Ive experienced using this system, and there is an admirable overall air of solidity.
I also tried the nine-speed automatic Trailhawk version over Baloccos off-road course and was impressed with the extreme wheel articulation, the ground clearance for off-road use, the very good approach, straddle and departure angles best in class and the serious off-road ability in Rock mode, selected on the console, which enables the very low first gear ratio to kick in. Normally the car pulls off in second gear. This also has a hill descent function which is adjustable. The Trailhawk comes with under-body skid plates, a different front valance, special badges and distinct wheels. On all models there is also the option of a conventional sun roof or a My Sky roof, which allows you to remove the roof panels entirely.
The interior of the 2015 Jeep Renegade is fully-equipped, with excellent soft-touch trimming, and includes a big touch screen in all models, varying in size according to trim.
As for the looks of the 2015 Jeep Renegade, well, to me it says Jeepness. And that, I believe is going to be all important for broadening Jeeps brand appeal amongst the hip and the chic, where it is already becoming quite the style icon. Prices are likely to start at around the R340 000 mark next April, depending on the exchange rate.
2015 Audi TT Roadster Revealed
The 2015 Audi TT Roadster has been officially revealed and from the pictures, it looks magnificent. There’s also a more performance-orientated version in the form of the TTS Roadster too, both cars will be shown off at this year’s 2014 Paris Motor Show.
The main drawcard to the 2015 Audi TT Roadster is not the looks, or even the engine, but rather the Audi virtual cockpit. It’s a completely digital instrument cluster, which gives the driver all the relevant info you’d need. Analogue speedos and rev counters are a thing of the past! The hype is massive and this virtual cockpit in the 2015 Audi TT Roadster has resulted in numerous awards.
Dimensions and roof
In terms of dimensions the 2015 Audi TT Roadster is a low-slung and sporty vehicle. Measuring 21mm shorter than the outgoing model, the two-seat sports car’s wheelbase has grown by 37mm, while the width sits at 1 831mm making it quite compact. The 2015 Audi TT Roadster tips the scales at 1 320kg. The roof is an electrically actuated fabric top unit and comes in three colours. It neatly integrates into the car’s design and is constructed out of magnesium, aluminum, steel and plastic. The top weighs just 39kg and is 3kg lighter than the predecessor.
It’s cleverly designed so it doesn’t affect the 280l luggage compartment and is able to open and close in just 10 seconds, even at at speeds of up to 50kph. The roof also has great thermal retaining qualities and noise insulation, which is ideal for those cooler climates.
2015 Audi TT Roadster performance and engines
Of course, the part you want to know about is the engines and performance. There are petrol and diesel engine choices with power ranging from 135 kW to 228 kW. The 2.0-litre TDI ultra has 135 kW and 380 Nm meaning its both sporty yet frugal. Audi is claiming it’ll consume just 4.3L/100km with 114g/CO2 coming out the back.
The 2.0-litre TFSI petrol has 169 kW and 370 Nm, while the hotter TTS has 228 kW and 380 Nm. Expect 0-100kph to come in under 5 seconds with top speed being a limited 250kph. You can have either a six-speed manual or six-speed S tronic dual clutch gearbox with your 2015 Audi TT Roadster. A redeveloped version of Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive is optionally available with the TT Roadster, while it comes standard on the TTS. The TTS also comes standard with the Audi magnetic ride system.
Specification and sales
The sales of the 2015 Audi TT Roadster will start after the 2014 Paris Auto Show in October with European pricing sitting at 37,900 (approx: R538 000 before SA duties) for the 2.0 TFSI.
Standard specification includes xenon plus headlights, air conditioning, and the MMI radio. The options list is extensive and well worth looking at. There’s an abundance of safety features like traffic sign recognition, active lane assist and automatic parking. The MMI navigation plus with MMI features Google Earth and Google Street View as well as Twitter and Facebook and even online music streaming.
Citroen C1 Urban Ride Concept Headed To Paris
The Citroen C1 Urban Ride concept has been added to Citroens lineup which will be on show at the 2014 Paris Motor Show next month.
The Citroen C1 Urban Ride Concept – a comfortable and naturally urban city car
The concept is supposedly based on the all-new C1 city car, sporting plastic body cladding, silver skid plates and a retractable cloth roof.
The company didnt reveal much about the concept but said it will feature “SUV-inspired styling” that “underlines its character and protective nature.” The concept is also said to “illustrate the potential for personalising this city car with its go-anywhere looks.”
The C1 Urban Ride concept will be shown alongside a variety of other concepts including the C4 Cactus AIRFLOW 2L and DS3/DS3 CabrioInes de la Fressange Paris concepts.
2015 Fiat 500X Teased (Video Update)
A teaser video of the forthcoming 2015 Fiat 500X has just been released ahead of the crossovers public debut at the Paris Motor Show early next month.
2015 Fiat 500X coming soon
The model is supposedly boast both SUV and hatchback styling since its based on the recent Jeep Renegade. Its wheelbase is said to sit around 4 200 mm, which will apparently make it the longest model in the Fiat 500 family.
The teaser video itself doesnt reveal much about the car. But by the looks of things, the model will in addition to almost looking like the Renegade, have a lot of the 500 features but with a slightly more rugged body, an increased ride height, plastic cladding and beefier wheels. It will reportedly also share its vehicle platform with the 500L and Punto.
Engine options have yet to be confirmed but its rumoured the crossover will be equipped with a range of four-cylinder MultiAir and MultiJet II units which are said to include two manuals, a dual-clutch DDCT and a 9-speed automatic transmission.
The Fiat 500X is expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2015. Look forward to more details about the car from the 2014 Paris Motor Show.
The new 500X teased
Five Power Cars in South Africa for 2014
Power is a funny thing, in a car that is. For the average person, a car with up to 150 kW of power is more than enough for just about any driving you will ever do.
With more power comes more thrill and if it’s thrills you’re after, the more power you have the better. To soothe your power lust, we have put together a list of power cars that rule the power roost and offer enough thrills to last a lifetime. Here are the most powerful new cars in South Africa for 2014. Bring on the power!
The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta tops our list of power cars in SA with a mammoth 545 kW on tap. With its powerful 6.3-litre V12 engine, the F12 Berlinetta is a power king and 690 Nm of torque is thrown into the mix as an added bonus. Accelerating to 100kph in only 3.1 seconds and reaching a top speed of 340kph, the F12 Berlinetta is one of the five fastest cars available in South Africa, second to be exact. But there are no cheap thrills here because you can expect to pay about R5.7-million to own the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta.
Second on our power cars scale is the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 with a brutal 515 kW on offer to keep you entertained all day long. All that power is met with 690 Nm of torque generated from its 6.5-litre V12 engine that results in a thrilling sprint to 100kph in 2.9 seconds before clocking out at 350kph, making it the fastest car available in SA. This hunk of powerful thrill will set you back about R7.2-million.
The Ferrari FF is the second prancing horse to step into the ring of power cars and comes third on our list with 486 kW. Fitted with a 6.3-litre V12 engine that also offers 683 Nm of torque, there’s no denying the FF’s ability to please its driver. It also features incredible technology like a Kinetic Energy Recovery System and electric motor assist. Sprinting to 100kph in only 3 seconds and reaching a top speed of 335kph, the FF is bursting with thrill and it’s all yours for about R4.8-million. Start counting your pennies!
The new McLaren 650S is one of SA’s top power cars with 478 kW ready to be served. Fitted with the same 3.8-litre V8 twin-turbo engine used in the MP4-12C, the 650S puts 680 Nm of torque onto the tarmac. Thrill factor is through the roof as the McLaren 650S puts all that power to good use and achieves a 0-100kph sprint time in just 3 seconds before topping out at 333kph. About R4.5-million is enough to have this power car parked in your garage.
Last on our list of power cars is none other than the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever built, the Wraith. With its power of 465 kW generated from its 6.6-litre twin-turbocharged engine, the Wraith offers all the power you need, with outstanding class and prestige. Its 800 Nm of torque is just the cherry on top. The Wraith will take you to 100kph in 4.6 seconds before clocking a limited top speed of 250kph. The Rolls-Royce Wraith will require about R3.4-million before duties in exchange for all that power, and class.
Volkswagen Tristar Concept Premieres in Hanover
The Volkswagen Tristar concept has been revealed at the 2014 IAA commercial vehicle show in Hanover.
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the first T3 Syncro concept – the original name for Volkswagens all-wheel-drive tech, the Tristar is an extended cab pickup that is based on the Transporter and showcases new off-road styling.
Additionally built on the platform underpinning the current T Series, the Volkswagen Tristar concept features an updated look with an aggressive exterior that includes plastic body cladding, a 30mm increased ride height, and 17-inch alloy wheels with off-road tyres.
The spare wheel is strapped behind the rear window, while a dust-proof, watertight drawer is fitted under the flatbed section. The off-road concept is further equipped with a new bumper and wraparound LED headlights and a winch.
Inside, the concept is equipped with metallic trim, premium leather seats, and an espresso machine. A 20-inch tablet table boasting “state-of-the-art video conferencing and sound systems, extends between the seats which can slide and swivel to access the espresso machine behind.
Performance details
Power for the Volkswagen Tristar Concept is said to come from a two-litre TDI engine that delivers 150 kW and 450 Nm of torque and is matched with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission, helping the Tristar concept reach 100kph in 10 seconds before hitting a top speed of 185 kph.
Speaking at the concepts debut, Volkswagen commercial vehicles chairman of the board Eckhard Scholz said the Tristar embodies the Transporters past with a focus on the future.
“The Tristar shows an unprecedented combination of all the good features of the T model series. It demonstrates its potential and proves it is still the ultimate benchmark,” he said.
Hence the Volkswagen Tristar Concept combines yesterday and tomorrow: On the occasion of the anniversary of the first Syncro concept car, its strikingly shows the company’s all-wheel drive expertise and demonstrates its future viability.
