The track-only limited run Aston Martin Vulcan has been confirmed for a Geneva Motor Show debut.
‘Aston Martin Vulcan – coming soon’
No additional official details of the Vulcan are available at this stage, and the video gives nothing away other than the sound of the car, and the YouTube channel calling it something very special.
However, its rumoured that the Vulcan will be a track-only hypercar model to rival the likes of the McLaren P1 GTR and LaFerrari FXX K.
More details on the Aston Martin Vulcan expected to emerge closer to the 2015 Geneva Motor Show happening on March 3rd.
Audi Prologue Avant Concept Teased
A few sketches of the Audi Prologue Avant have been revealed ahead of the concept’s unveiling scheduled for next month at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.
Sleek Audi Prologue Avant previewed
Following as a shooting brake version of the prologue coupe that debuted last November at the Los Angeles Motor Show, the Avant is said to preview design cues for future Audi estate models. This includes the A6, A7 and A8 line-ups, as well as point towards a future range-topping A9 variant.
The elongated stylish concept features Audi’s large hexagonal front grille, signature LED lighting designs and large front air intakes. It also comes with a roof mounted spoiler, five-spoke alloy wheels and big hexagonal exhaust pipes incorporated into the rear bumper.
Just as the coupe, the Prologue Avant is fitted with a simple yet futuristic cockpit with a fully digital instrument cluster and a large, full-width OLED display which does away with virtually all control buttons.
Full details about the Audi prologue Avant concept will be revealed at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in March.
Mazda2 Specs and Pricing Announced
The highly-anticipated Mazda2 will be launched in South Africa in the next few weeks and we’ll be in attendance. The pricing of the Japanese hatchback has been revealed ahead of its launch as it hopes to compete with the likes of the VW Polo, Renault Clio, Ford Fiesta and Honda Jazz.
The latest Mazda2 has proved to be quite impressive having walked away with the Japanese Car of the Year in 2014. Mazda South Africa is currently going through a rebuilding process as they look to make a name for themselves away from the Ford/Mazda amalgamation of before. For details on the Mazda2, take a look at the international launch here.
Mazda2 Specs and Price
Mazda2 Active Manual 1.5L from R188 000
1.5 litre in-line 4-cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (SKYACTIV-G)
Maximum power: 82 kW@6 000 rpm
Maximum torque: 145 Nm@4 000 rpm
Fuel consumption: 5.5L/100km
15-inch steel wheels
Headlamps (Halogen)
Power windows
Air-conditioning
Mazda2 Dynamic Manual R199 900 Auto 1.5L R211 300
15-inch alloy wheels
Front fog lamps
7-inch full colour touch screen display (MZD Connect)
Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio capability
Internet radio integration (Pandora, Sticher and Aha)
Multi-function commander control
Audio system with: 6 speakers
Seat colour: Black/Blue (unique pattern for Dynamic)
Centre console side panels: High-gloss black
Front decoration panel: High-gloss black
Front door armrest panels: High-gloss black
Power fold mirrors
Leather-wrapped: Gear shift knob, handbrake handle and steering wheel
Mazda2 Individual Manual 1.5L R211 400 Auto 1.5L R222 800
16-inch alloy wheels
Exhaust extension (chrome)
Front upper grille decoration (body coloured)
Headlamps auto on/off function
Seat colour: Black/RedCentre console side panels
Front decoration panel: Soft-touch black with red stitch
Front door armrest: Soft-touch black with red stitch
Mazda2 Hazumi Auto 1.5L DE R259 900
1.5-litre in-line 4-cylinder turbodiesel (SKYACTIV-D)
Maximum power: 77 kW@4 000 rpm
Maximum torque: 250 Nm@1 500-2 500rpm
Fuel consumption (combined): 4.4L/100km
Air-conditioning (climate control)
Half leather seat trim
Satellite navigation
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Rolls-Royce Phantom Serenity Headed To Geneva
The one-off Rolls-Royce Phantom Serenity set to celebrate the “historical role played by silk as a symbol of regal and imperial power,” will be fully revealed at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.
2015 Rolls-Royce Phantom Serenity
The company further revealed that the car will set a new benchmark for luxury individualisation in the motor industry, and reaffirm that Bespoke is Rolls-Royce.
The Bespoke model is headlined by silk-blossom in pistachio green and is paired with mother-of-pearl marquetry woodworking. There also seems to be smoked cherry wood trim and unique floor mats with silk accents. The teaser image doesnt give much away but confirms the model might be a four door sedan.
The luxury brand added that it will use “interpretations of European furniture combined with Japanese Royal Kimono designs to deliver a truly innovative, modern and tranquil Rolls-Royce interior”.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom Serenity will be unveiled on 3rd March 2015, more details will be revealed then.
MINI Coupe and Roadster Production Ends
MINI has announced that production of its Coupe and Roadster models is about to come to an end at its Oxford plant in the United Kingdom, confirming the announcement made last November by MINI USA Product Planning Manager Patrick McKenna.
Changeover at MINI Plant Oxford
This comes after numerous rumours in the past year, suggesting that both the models were not doing as well as expected in sales, and termination of their production will come with no replacements.
However, the British premium car manufacturer continues to conquer the small car segment with the recent introduction of the new MINI five door and three door both produced at the UK plant in seven engine variants.
It was also reported last year that MINI plans on expanding its line-up to ten models. The line-up is said to include some new models based on BMWs UKL front-wheel-drive architecture. The current line-up now sits at five models, considering the end of the Coupe and Roadster. These include the Hardtop, Clubman, Convertible, Countryman and Paceman.
The brand is also said to continue to offer the Mini Convertible in three petrol and two diesel engine variants globally, in addition to the John Cooper Works Convertible.
BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car Announced
BMW is a regularly sponsor of the MotoGP racing series and supplies vehicles in the form of safety cars for the season. 2015 is no different, and as the new season is about to start, BMW has revealed its M4 MotoGP Safety Car.
I think the M4 MotoGP Safety Car looks menacing and there’s no doubting its capability as a track performer. As BMW states: the six-cylinder inline engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, a high-rev concept and distinct racing genes contributes significantly to the high-performance character of the overall concept. What this means is that this 317 kW and 500 Nm coupe has more than enough performance for its role as a safety car in the 2015 Moto GP World Championship.
M4 MotoGP Safety Car Details
While there’s not much mechanically different to the road-going BMW M4, this safety car gains a revolutionary water injection system which is claimed to increase performance. According to BMW, water injection means it’s now possible to up the performance limits and bypass normal heat restrictions. This system is also claimed to reduce consumption and emissions. The tank for the water injection system is located in the boot, and is about five litres in capacity.
For those who are technically minded, the official description from BMW says: “Water is injected into the intake module’s collector as a fine spray, thus significantly cooling the exhaust air during vaporisation. This lowers the discharge temperature in the combustion chamber and thus reduces the tendency for knocking. The turbo engine can thus be operated with a higher charging pressure and an earlier ignition point.”
Driving hard on a race track means there’s a lot of demand on the M4 MotoGP Safety Car’s cooling systems, and BMW has fitted additional radiators as well as an extra electric water pump to help keep the electronics, gearbox and turbocharger cool.
The BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car also gains a number of visual upgrades including a DTM-style wing, M performance aerodynamic kit, titanium exhaust system, Recaro racing seats with Schroth harnesses as well the usual flashing lights associated with an emergency vehicle. Remove the BMW branding, change the emergency lights from red to blue and you could potentially have the most badass-looking police car in the world…
Mitsubishi Reveals its Face of the Future
Mitsubishi has dragged an old 2013 concept from a dark storage room and presented it to the crowds at the 2015 Chicago Motor Show. The Mitsubishi GC-PHEV Concept is and Grand Cruiser plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that will lead the way forward for Mitsubishi in terms of styling and technology.
Mitsubishi GC-PHEV Futuristic Styling
The front end styling is particularly aggressive and angular with narrow headlights perched atop daytime running lamps, positioned as high as possible for maximum effectiveness and visibility. It looks as though Mitsubishi has also adopted the square front end matched with a sloping coupe roofline similar to that found on a Range Rover Evoque.
Under the bonnet it features a supercharged V6 engine paired with a high-output electric motor/high-capacity lithium-ion battery, an 8-speed automatic transmission and full-time Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive for more treacherous terrain and road conditions. This eco-friendly PHEV drivetrain offers high performance 250 kW and should provide good fuel economy because of its electric mode capabilities.
We brought the Concept GC-PHEV to Chicago because it showcases into our future technology and design themes,” said USA Executive Vice President, Don Swearingen. “The Concept showcases aggressive styling and a level of refinement that will be coming to Mitsubishi vehicles. All of our 2016 model year vehicles will be refreshed with our new brand identity, starting with the 2016 Outlander, which will make its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show in April. The Concept GC-PHEV continues to tell the story we started telling at the LA Auto Show, and we think you’re going to like what is to come.”
Tech Features
Additional technological features of the Mitsubishi GC-PHEV include advanced safety systems such as Connected Car Technology a system that connects the car to the internet. Information received includes traffic within the area, the status of the traffic signal ahead (currently red, yellow or green), and other information to help the driver operate their car more economically and efficiently. Theres also an Augmented Reality Windshield, Pedestrian Collision Mitigating Auto-braking, Rearward Blind Spot Vehicle Warning, Unintentional Vehicle Move Off Control, Driver Monitor and more.
Top Safety Rating For The 2015 Ford Mustang
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has awarded the 2015 Ford Mustang with top safety marks.
The supercar received an overall five-star rating after running through the NHTSAs New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). In all the categories, including side and front crash tests along with rollover testing, the Mustang earned five stars.
Safety features on the Mustang include inflatable airbag restraints, crash sensors all around and adaptive cruise control. The model is additionally equipped with double the amount of airbags as the previous car, a robust package of peripheral crash sensors and enhanced exterior lighting.
The second generation BMW X6 has been launched onto the South African market, and we attended its local launch in Mpumalanga.
The BMW X6 is something of an oddity in the motoring world. Despite its quirky looks, the vehicle has been popular with around 250 000 units sold globally since 2008. The new model is now here, and is being targeted at the Chinese, US and European markets mainly.
What’s New?
Visually the new BMW X6 is differentiated by sportier lines, a more aggressive front and re-designed tail lights being the stand out features. There’s no shortage of sportiness as the standard wheel size is 19″, with optional 20″ units certainly looking the part.
In terms of engineering and technology, the new BMW X6 features revised aerodynamics, an automatic tailgate as well as an embedded SIM card for BMW-related communication like servicing and roadside assist. This forms part of the innovative BMW ConnectedDrive package. The new BMW X6 also benefits from all the latest technology seen on BMW models, such as Driving Assist Plus, Surround View and so on. The xDrive50i’s engine receives some tweaks which claimed to improve economy by as much as 22%.
The interior gains a number of improvements, such as the increased list of standard features as well as an all-new rear seat setup. Things like leather trim, bi-xenon headlights, automatic tailgate, 8-speed Steptronic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddles, two-zone climate control and BMW ConnectedDrive are fitted as standard equipment.
The Range
There are four models to choose from. The new BMW X6 range starts with the xDrive35i, with the tried-and-tested six-cylinder turbo petrol engine. That engine’s good for 225 kW and 400 Nm. Then there’s first of the diesels – the xDrive40d which has 230 kW and 630 Nm. Having sampled this engine in the BMW X5 40d, I can say this is probably the pick of the range, if you’re a sensible person that is.
The BMW X6 is not about sensible though. The owner of the X6 is an extrovert and wants to show off, and there are two engines for that. How does a 4.4-litre twin turbocharged V8 petrol grab you? With 330 kW and 650 Nm, the xDrive50i is a monster which is capable of 0-100kph in under 5 seconds. That’s properly fast. The next engine is the flagship diesel M50d. It has three turbochargers and despite its capacity of just 3.0-litres, it’s still able to perform admirably well. There’s 280 kW and 740 Nm to play with, making it a spirited performer, but not at the expense of economy.
The Launch
The launch of the BMW X6 took us into the heart of Mpumalanga. We arrived in Nelspruit and set off in the direction of Graskop/Hazyview and Hoedspruit. The open roads with the typical fast, sweeping curves were in fairly good nick and the two X6 models on offer handled surprisingly well. The two models available to sample were the xDrive50i and the M50d, and I opted for the petrol model first. The 50i makes overtaking a simple affair, and if you’re up for it, provides a very entertaining drive. It’s difficult to imagine a two-ton sports SUV being driven aggressively, but the X6 is deceptively agile. The M50d is no less entertaining and all that torque turns overtaking and in-gear acceleration into a grin-inducing event.
Our launch route also included some thickish sand and gravel, and while some two-wheel drive vehicles would have battled, the X6 with its xDrive all-wheel drive system acquitted itself well. xDrive is clever and the system sends power to the axle which has the most grip meaning offroad excursions in the X6 are possible.
BMW X6 Price in South Africa
The BMW X6 range consists of four models. These are base prices and the X6, like all BMW products, can be customised to suit your needs.
Ford South Africa has expanded the smart technologies offered in the Ranger bakkie line-up with the addition of its award-winning Sync with Bluetooth and voice control.
Ford Ranger now even smarter with addition of SYNC
Using the innovative hands-free technology of SYNC, customers are able to connect almost any mobile phone or digital media player to the vehicle’s multimedia system via Bluetooth or USB connection.
Simply using voice commands or the controls mounted on the steering wheel, drivers are able to manage the systems wide range of features, from selecting phone contacts and making calls to choosing an artist or track and even listening to text messages.
Further, SYNC responds to and recognises up to 150 different voice commands, can store up to 12 phones and hold up to 1 000 contacts per paired phone – all of which can be dialled by voice once the phonebook is downloaded to the system, without the need to record voice tags for each contact as is the case with the current system.
“By introducing SYNC to the Ranger XLS, XLT and Wildtrak models at no additional cost to the customer, we are making the technology more accessible and ensuring that the Ranger stands out even further from the competition,” says Tracey Delate, Ford Marketing Manager.
“The system also makes an important contribution to driving safety by allowing the driver to focus on the road while using voice commands for a vast range of functions.”
