All-new Subaru WRX S4 sports sedan introduced in Japan
Set to be sold exclusively in Japan, the all-new sports sedan is according to the company, a JDM version of the 2015 WRX, and looks virtually identical as the international version. However it comes with new 18-inch alloy wheels, a more rigid suspension system with LED daytime running light bars, as well as a more prominent front spoiler lip.
Interior highlights include carbon fibre-like finishes on the dashboard, as well as red stitching, piano black finishes and metallic accents throughout the cabin. The car is also fitted with a flat-bottomed steering wheel, sporty bucket seats, leather trim on the gear lever, and a new boost gauge in the main multi-function display.
The WRX S4 packs a 2.0-litre turbocharged flat-four engine that delivers 221 kW at 5600 rpm and 400 Nm between 2 000 rpm and 4 800 rpm, which is more than the US-spec 2015MY WRX which offers 200 kW and 349 Nm.
Power is sent to all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel drive system. Performance statistics were not published, but rumours have suggested the S4 can complete the 0-100 km/h task in 5.4 seconds.
The JDM-spec 2015 Subaru WRX S4 is already available on order at Subaru’s dealerships in Japan.
Volvo Three-Cylinder Engine Range Confirmed For 2016
Its been confirmed the Volvo three-cylinder engine range will enter production before the end of the decade.
Volvo three-cylinder engine range to be a key component of hybrid drivetrains
According to the report on Autocar, the plans will take place after all four-cylinder versions of the Drive-E family have been rolled out by 2016. Speaking to the magazine, Volvos global powertrain boss, Derek Crabb, confirmed the roll-out and purpose of the three-cylinder Drive-E, with a petrol variant expected first as early as 2016. He said the 1.5-litre turbocharged engines will be introduced for the S60 and V60 family as well as in the mid-size SUVs.
Crabb however declined to say how many variants would be built but was clear that the line-up wont be as comprehensive as that of the 2.0-litre engines, of which there will be four variants of each, plus powered-up Polestar versions.
I see it being possible in S60, but not higher, Crabb said. Its not planned for the higher XC cars at the moment. Its not the power. Its more to do with the torque.
The units are also expected to become a key part of future hybrid drivetrains and will supposedly become mainstream in the early years of the next decade.
Mass-electrification of Volvo vehicles to be avoided for another decade.
Crabb also revealed that the engines will play a key role in the electrification of the Volvo powertrain line-up as it pushes to hit a 75g/km CO2 corporate average emissions target by the mid-2020s.
Our average now is ?120g/km in Europe. By 2020, we have to get down to 95g/km but in Australia we have to get down to 75g/km in the same timeframe, he said. If you really get your engineering right, you can get through ?95g/km without electrification.
Hopefully, by 2025, electrification will be more commercially sensible and then you will have higher-power electrics, but youll need three-cylinder engines. So introducing a three-cylinder engine is creating building blocks through to 2025.
In addition Crabb also confirmed that power upgrades were planned for each engine in the new Drive-E family every two years. Volvo has also designed hybrid ability into its new corporate drivetrain, with the capacity to fit a motor generator onto the front axle or an e-motor on the rear axle as per the T8 petrol-electric drivetrain that will be used ?by the XC90.
More details on the new Volvo three-cylinder engine range are yet to be released, so check back again for any new developments leading to the 2016 reveal.
Alfa Romeo 6C a Possibility
In the wake of the Alfa Romeo 4C, parent company Fiat has decided to throw a bit of cash at Alfa Romeos future plans. In the pipeline is an Alfa Guilia for mid-2015, an SUV for the following year and now we hear an Alfa Romeo 6C could be slated for 2017.
Alfa Romeo 6C potential engine
An Alfa Romeo 6C would compete with the Porsche 911 and Jaguar F-type for a spot in the sports car hall of fame. The 6C would likely ride on a slightly shorter base of the Maserati Alfieri and also use a 3-litre twin-turbo V6 from the Maserati Ghibli. That very V6 twin-turbo is touted to be capable of pushing out between 357 kW and 387 kW. That puts it right up there with F-type R and the very top of the 911 range.
Like the 4C it will probably be produced in small numbers as a special edition. The Alfa Romeo 6C comes as a surprise after Fiat stole the badging to the upcoming Mazda MX-5 due to hit showrooms in 2015.
*Alfa Romeo Gloria Concept shown
Land Rover Defender Africa Edition in SA Specs and Prices
Land Rover has introduced the Defender Africa Edition, a limited edition model which builds on the legendary defender and comes with an array of unique features.
An Africa Defender with distinctive features
According to Land Rover, 50 units are available, of which 30 are 110 station-wagons, with the balance built on the 90-inch platform. All models will feature Santorini Black paintwork with colour-coded wheel arches and a distinctive Firenze Red roof. Theres also black ‘Sawtooth’ alloy wheels shod with 235/85/16 Goodyear Wrangler MTR dual-purpose tyres. Each model will also bear a distinguishing “Defender Africa” logo on the sides and rear.
Interior highlights include a set of Melvill and Moon seat-covers in bespoke black canvas with red leather piping, red contrast stitching and an “Africa” map tag. There’s also an audio system (CD/MP3/radio) with an auxiliary port and Bluetooth functionality.
Power comes from a 2.2-litre turbodiesel which delivers 90 kW and 360 Nm of torque.
Land Rover Defender Africa Edition price in South Africa
Land Rover Defender Africa Edition 90 R523 000
Land Rover Defender Africa Edition 110 R562 000
Production Volkswagen New Midsize Coupe Leaked
A leaked image of what looks like a prototype version of the Volkswagen New Midsize Coupe concept suggests the vehicle is already on its way to production.
Volkswagen New Midsize Coupe
Reports further suggest the model will be built on Volkswagens MQB platform with styling cues coming from the New Midsize Coupe Concept that was presented at the Beijing Motor Show in April this year.
The china-only model is also said to ride on a new set of five spoke alloy wheels and be equipped with a panoramic sunroof. Power will apparently come from 4-cylinder 1.4 TSI and 2.0 TSI engines connected to a 7-speed DSG transmission.
The official debut of the Volkswagen New Midsize Coupe is expected to take place in December at the 2014 Guangzhou Auto Show.
BMW M4 Coupe Drifts Around 52 Other M Models (Video)
A new promotional video from BMW shows their first ever M4 Coupe drifting around an epic course created entirely out of current and classic BMW M vehicles sourced from enthusiasts, including an ultra-rare BMW 1 Series M coupe.
The video shows Formula Drift Champion Chris Forsberg racing through five generations of M Cars with a combined output of 8625 kW parked in the shape of a BMW M Series logo.
The M4 used in the video is powered by the same 3.0-litre inline-6 cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology found in its M3 sibling. The model additionally features increased performance levels that distinguish it from previous generations of the M3 family, delivering 317 kW.
Click here for a more detailed report on the M4 Coupe including South African specs and prices.
Thrilling BMW M4 Coupe drift video
Honda CR-Z Supercharger Kit
The Honda CR-Z may have lacked the thrills a sporty looking hatch/coupe can offer initially. Now things are a changing as Honda Performance Development (HPD) has added a bolt-on style supercharger specifically for the Honda CR-Z.
CR-Z Power Boost
For the moment the kit is only available for America but as we know, that hasnt stopped Honda SA from looking to the states for answers to local problems. The supercharger kit will boost power on the CR-Z from 101kW to 147kW, right up there with the Renault Clio RS.
The kit also comes with an air-to-air intercooler, high-flow fuel injectors, an ECU calibrated to run perfectly on 91 octane fuel and the HPD air filter system.
Expense Kit
The kit costs around R60 000 but leaves the balance of the cars warranty intact and the crew at HPD also offer a few other track-bred upgrades including a limited slip differential and a sports clutch. Then finally they go the whole way and throw in sport dampers, coil springs with reduced ride height, 300mm diameter disc brakes and 18-inch wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. The CR-Z is completed by a graphics package including front lip and tail spoilers, rear diffuser and HPD badge.
Whilst Honda SA were unable to confirm the HPD performance pack would be available in SA soon, they didn’t rule out the possibility of looking into it in the future.
Honda Accord 3.5 V6 (2014) Review
The Honda Accord has been a go to nameplate for buyers seeking value for money and peace of mind driving in an infallible and luxurious product.
Now Honda South Africa has swapped the Euro and Japanese spec Accord for the larger, American-built Accord. Is this a crude move to persuade buyers seeking something larger to buy into the American dream?
Deep Space
If it was space that Honda wanted to attract buyers with then it went the right route as the American Accord is 160 mm longer, 10 mm wider, 25 mm taller and has a 70 mm longer wheelbase. You feel that space immediately as you step inside.
Everything about this Accord feels a little larger and roomier, rear occupants can just about have a party in the back or at least practice their hula-hooping skills to pass the time. The only thing negative about the space is the narrow aperture once the rear seats are dropped bicycle enthusiasts can breathe a sigh of a relief as I can confirm that the gap is (just) wide enough to get a wheel though.
Spread Out
Where the previous Accord was tightly packaged and the interior well thought out in terms of making enough space for occupants, you feel this one has everything spread out and takes a few liberties with the extra space. The buttons around the radio unit are quite large and will definitely suit those with larger digits. The touchscreen can be a bit lazy for those familiar with fast reacting products from Android and Apple.
Thats not to say you arent lacking for great tech though. Safety systems such as a braking alert and seatbelt pre-tensioner is activated when you get within touching distance of a car in front. If a collision is detected the Honda Accord will even apply the brakes to avoid it.
A small camera located in the passenger wing mirror displays an image on the top screen display of whats happening in your blind spot (when indicating left or pressing the button on the left stalk). It may seem like a gimmick but once you get used to it, it becomes an indispensable tool.
American Gas
In another first, the new Honda Accord comes with a big 3.5-litre V6 mill up front. It turns the Accord into a mile chomper. The V6 doesnt have to work hard to overtake on the freeway and feels unfazed by a turn of speed. Its happiest when sitting around 120kph soaking up endless miles of asphalt.
If you want to give it some beans though itll provide a few thrills, the clean revving nature of the V6 is accompanied by a crowd pleasing howl of the engine. Its reasonably quick too; it gets from 0-100kph in 7.2 seconds and claims 9.2l/100km. Over our test cycle we averaged around 10l/100km which, we were quite happy with considering the type of driving we did and the large capacity of the engine.
Can it Manage a Corner?
Yes it can, quite well actually. The Accord has an all-new front suspension setup and the ride has benefitted from it. Its a calm and sedate drive, its got a bit of body roll if you really throw it around, but I dont see a need to ever do that in a car this big. It still feels planted in the bends, nothing needs frantic adjustment and it rides bumps supremely well.
The comfort of this new Accord is quite something, the suspension does a great job of masking undulations in the road and relaying them as minor imperfections. Whilst it may not feel as exciting to drive as its BMW or Audi counterparts, its establishing itself as more of a soft cruiser for the long road.
Final Word
The Honda Accord may now have an American flavour to its taste, its bigger, the ride is softer and the interior doesnt seem to have the same Japanese fastidious approach to design and ergonomics, but it still feels like Honda quality. The value for money proposition still lingers as you can jump into an entry level 2-litre Accord for R389 000.
This V6 derivative is a bit dearer at R549 000. Compared to the German competitors price-wise, the Accord tends to come in just under its equivalent. The Problem with the Accord however is the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which isnt a big leap in terms of price, but does the same things just better.
Second Opinion
It’s big, bold and American. Gone is the four cylinder VTEC and in its place is a potent and pleasant V6 engine. The Honda Accord ain’t bad, but as Ashley points out the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a tough act to follow. I’d also look at the Lexus ES. That said, the interior space of the Accord is simply superb and if space and comfort is what you’re after, don’t ignore it. -David Taylor
Honda Accord 3.5 V6 Exclusive quick specs
Price
R549 000
Engine
3.5-litre V6 Petrol
Power
207 kW
Torque
339 Nm
Transmission
Six-speed Automatic
Wheels
18-inch alloys
0-100km/h
7.2 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy
9.2 l/100 km (claimed)
We like:
. Space for a rugby team
. Long distance mile muncher
. Useful safety systems
We dislike:
. Could do with a more up to date infotainment system
. Interior not as well built as Euro/Japanese version
BMW i8 FIA Formula E Championship Safety Car Unveiled (Video)
BMW has unveiled the i8 FIA Formula E Championship Safety Car for the first time at an event at Donington Park, UK.
The car will apparently be fitted with Qualcomm Halo wireless charging technology that allows the car to be recharged without the use of cables. The technology uses resonant magnetic induction to transfer energy between a ground-based pad and a charging pad fitted to the underside of the vehicle. The cars can then simply park over the base pad for charging to start automatically.
Exact specs of the car are yet to be released, but its said the car will be used in the FIA Formula E Championship, although a formal announcement is still pending as the FIA complete their evaluation and approval process.
In addition, the i8 FIA Formula E Championship Safety Car will officially be known as the Qualcomm Safety Car and will be driven by experienced driver Bruno Correia.
BMW i8 FIA Formula E Championship Safety Car shown in the UK
Lamborghini Huracan SA Price Revealed
The Lamborghini Huracan has landed on our shores and along with its incredible looks carries a hefty price tag.
Lamborghini Huracan price in South Africa
According to Lamborghini SA’s Facebook page, the model will be on their floors in the next two weeks and will be available from R4 750 000 excluding any extras. The Huracan is the Lamborghini rival to the McLaren Mp4-12C and Ferrari 458 Italia.
The model rides on 20-inch alloy wheels and comes standard with carbon ceramic brakes and a large 12.3-inch TFT display inside the cabin which provides all the necessary info, from tachometer to the infotainment system.
Power comes from an upgraded V10 5.2-litre engine with 448 kW and 560 Nm of torque and is mated to a dual-clutch 7-speed gearbox and an AWD system. According to Lamborghini, the Gallardo replacement can complete the 0-100 km/h task in 3.2 seconds before hitting a top speed of 325 km/h.
