While we’ve seen some great car commercials this year, I think this is quite easily the best due to its interactivity. You get to see two sides of the story, just as there are two sides to the Honda Civic range.
This is the teaser video, you’ll have to head over to Honda’s Youtube channel here as it can’t be embedded. During the video, just push the letter R on your keyboard for some extra magic…
Honda advert teaser
Porsche Panamera Exclusive Series Announced
Porschehas just unveiled its limited run Panamera Exclusive Series edition ahead of its scheduled 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show debut.
Luxuriously equipped limited edition Panamera Exclusive Series
Based on the Panamera Turbo S,the limited-edition model features for the first time a unique two-colour paintwork combining deep black metallic with chestnut brown metallic manually painted by hand. The deep black metallic colour adorns the 20-inch Sport Class wheels in the Sport Classic design and the front air inlet grilles.
The interior features wall-to-wall Poltroon Frau Brown leather upholstery with chestnut contrast stitching, burl walnut wood trim up front and piano black trim out back. In order to enable seat ventilation, the seats’ centre panels are perforated exclusively for this limited edition in the form of the Porsche crest.
The car additionally comes with a new rear seat entertainment system that includes two high-resolution 10.1-inch touchscreen displays with built-in camera, an integrated DVD player, and a high-end Burmese surround system.
No modifications feature under the hood, since the Panamera Exclusive Series is powered by the same Turbo S-sourced V8 4.8-litre engine delivering 419 kW at 6000rpm and 750 Nm (800 Nm with overboost) between 2250 and 5000rpm. Working with a PDK transmission, the vehicle can travel from 0 to 100kph in 3.9 seconds reaching a top speed of 310kph.
As an optional extra, Porsche is offering a matching, five-piece luggage set, which is likewise made of high-quality Poltroon Frau Leather and features both perforations in the shape of the Porsche crest and Exclusive Series embossing.
Only 100 units of the Porsche Panamera Exclusive Series will be available worldwide. South African availability is yet to be confirmed.
All-Electric Range Rover on the Cards
It is believed that Range Rover is developing an all-electric version of its high end luxury SUV. The idea comes as Range Rover believes there is a gap in the market for high end luxurious electric cars that has not been garnered yet.
Electric Range Rover to have its own look
It is rumoured that the Electric Range Rover will have a slightly different look as pointed out by design Chief Gerry McGovern, who mentioned that a new range of incredibly luxurious, low-slung Range Rover models could make it to production.
Range anxiety is a major problem with electric cars and thats often why those seeking to improve their green image often opt for hybrid cars that still run on fuel but give off the right impression. Currently Teslas all-electric Model S is the best of the bunch with a claimed range of around 420km. The electric Range Rover would do well to aim for the same sort of range as a target.
The South Korean automaker has officially unveiled the Hyundai HB20 R-Spec concept during the 2014 Sao Paulo Motor Show in Brazil, hinting at its future styling language.
HB20 R-Spec Concept hints at new styling language
Created especially for the motor show by South Korean designers, the HB20 R-Spec concept features a matte-blue exterior paint with an aero kit that includes redesigned bumpers with new air intakes at the front and R-Spec badge on the radiator grille.
The vehicle further benefits from new headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, a carbon fibre roof spoiler, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The cabin has been spiffed up with sports leather seats and dashboard with gloss black trimmings, a flat bottom steering wheel and gearshift knob with new design and finish.
The Hyundai HB20 R-Spec concept is apparently not intended for production, but will provide future models (such as the rumoured global compact sports car model said to be positioned below the Veloster) with its funky and sporty styling.
BMW X5 M and X6 M Pack 423 kW
The BMW X5 M and X6 M were teased in a video last week that poked fun at spy photographers but have now been officially revealed along with power details. The pair of beastly M models have also been caked with aggressive body parts and a lower, more purposeful stance. The pair are set to be launched at the LA motor show next month (November 2014).
X5 M and X6 M Details
Exterior design modifications to the X models include large air intakes at the front end, side gills with a model badge and air breathers, signature M exterior mirrors in twin-stalk style, a typically M four-tailpipe exhaust system and a rear spoiler (for the BMW X6 M) give them a standalone look M fans will immediately recognize. Those wheels are 21-inches of lightweight M specific design as well.
Performance meets Luxury inside
The M instrument cluster, M leather steering wheel with aluminium gearshift paddles, an M drivers footrest and the optional head-up display are all unique touches to the beasties. In addition to the standard information on the head-up display, it also includes an M-specific display with gear indicator, rev counter and gear shift lights.
Big Numbers
We were expecting power to be around 412 kW but BMW exceeded our expectations by delivering the X5 M and X6 M with 423 kW and a whopping 750 Nm of torque from the 4.4-Litre twin-turbo V8. That shunts the pair of X fighters to 100kph in a miraculous 4.2 seconds before they top out at a limited 250kph. The gearbox has also been changed from the previous models and now features BMWs eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. The gear shifts are more rapid and the extra two gears in the box improve fuel economy.
Handling remains a key focus of the crew at BMW M and the X5 M and X6 M have a special version of the X Drive all-wheel drive system. The system can send 100 percent of the drive to either the front wheels or rear wheels depending on the situation. This ensures the best possible traction at all times and on all surfaces. In regular driving situation the X5 M and X6 M have a rear drive bias however.
Coming to SA soon
We got word this morning from BMW SAs communication manager Edward Makwana that the X5 M and X6 M are to be available in SA from April 2015.
The Dacia Duster Oroch Concept has been officially presented to the public, in a world premiere, during the 2014 Sao Paulo Motor Show in Brazil.
Dacia Duster Oroch Concept a possible double cab Duster bakkie
According to Renault, the Duster Oroch concept is a styling exercise for a five-seat recreational pick-up truck featuring the robust looks of a true SUV. The vehicle is adorned in a satin white exterior with orange accents and plastic body cladding. The concept is also fitted with skid plates, a panoramic glass sunroof and rides on 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the concept offers a dark charcoal interior which is livened up by fluorescent orange upholstery, which looks similar to the material used on neoprene wetsuits.
The five-seat interior based on the standard model is additionally equipped with two rear-mounted cameras which can be operated from a rotary knob on the centre console.
Performance details on the Dacia Duster Oroch concept are yet to be announced. Certain Dacia products are sold as Renaults in South Africa (Sandero and Duster) and according to the rumour mill, we can expect the company to launch a double cab bakkie version of the concept sometime in the near future.
Dacia Duster Oroch Concept video
Citroen AirCross Lunar Concept Makes Its Debut In Brazil
Citroen has lifted the covers off its AirCross Lunar concept at the Salon de Sao Paulo in Brazil.
The AirCross Lunar concept illustrating Citroen creativity
The company didnt reveal much about the car but based slightly on the C3, the AirCross Lunar concept features a rugged exterior with plastic body cladding like on the C4 Cactus which has been confirmed for South African release, side ‘air bumps’ and small alloy wheels with off-road tyres.
The model comes complete with tinted glass, light blue chevron accents and revised lighting units, as well as a rear-mounted luggage case in place of the spare wheel.
Speaking at the Sao Paulo show, Linda Jackson, Managing Director of Citroen, said: “Our stand Salon de Sao Paulo alone reflects what is at stake for us in Latin America: a priority area in the heart of our internationalization strategy. We make here the new positioning of Citroën meeting concrete and optimistic expectations of Brazilian clients today. The latest creations from our local centre Style or specific technologies that we present are perfect illustrations. “
Fiat FCC4 Concept Boggles the Mind
Possibly the strangest concept seen this year will be revealed at the Sao Paulo motor show next Month. The Fiat FCC4 Concept is a mash up of almost every vehicle we can think of as the Italian brand seems to have combined a bakkie, coupe, an SUV and an American Rallyfighter.
Fiat FCC4 Concept Mash Up
Fiat claims the FCC4 is a design exercise developed by the Fiat Design Centre and, more than adopting a specific typology for a car, it treads hybrid paths, has generous dimensions and raised floor height, immediately placing it in a new world. The adventure DNA of the brand is combined with the luxury and internal space of a large sedan.
Brazil is a particularly large market for the Fiat brand so its no surprise they have chosen the Sao Paulo motor show as the location for the reveal. Interestingly the boot seems to have its own set of asymmetrical doors which, possibly indicates to two rear storage bays. The advantages of this arent really clear but Fiat seems to be thinking outside of the box with this
Whilst its just a concept right now, if Fiat goes ahead with this four-door coupe/bakkie it would be interesting to see how they tone it down for production – it has potential.
Volkswagen Street Up! Revealed
Volkswagen has expanded its model offering with its smallest car yet – the special edition Volkswagen Street Up!
Volkswagens super compact four-seater
Distinguished by sporty features, the Street Up! has a distinctive exterior with a sporty foil on the hood, roof, doors and side panels. The car also has special graphics on the doors as well as contrasting mirror caps, a sport-tuned suspension, chrome fog light surrounds and 16-inch alloy wheels.
The sporty theme is continued inside where you will find special upholstery with yellow contrast stitching. The car is additionally packed with air conditioning, an independent steering wheel trim and door sills with Up! lettering, an RCD 215 radio and a unique gear knob.
The engine range for the Volkswagen Street Up! include 44 kW to 55 kW units with BlueMotion Technology available.
Audi R8 Competition is most powerful Audi
Audi will fully reveal its most powerful production car ever the Audi R8 Competition during Novembers LA Auto Show. The new R8 is said to be the closest thing it can build to its all-conquering R8 LMS car.
R8 Competition Packs 425 kW
The 5.2-Litre V10 has been tuned to deliver 425 kW via the seven-speed S-Tronic gearbox, that makes it the most powerful production Audi it has ever made. Audi says the R8 has an improved 0-100kph sprint time that now takes just 3.2 seconds. Top speed is 320kph and falls just one-mph short of the magical 200mph mark.
The limited-edition Audi R8 competition is the closest road car to our R8 LMS ultra race car that has won virtually every race around the world, said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. It is designed for the driving enthusiast and were excited to bring 60 units as a limited-edition to the U.S.
Differentiating the Audi R8 competitions design are matte carbon exterior elements consisting of a fixed rear spoiler, engine bay, mirror housings, side blades, front spoiler and rear diffuser. The combination of the carbon elements lower the weight of the R8 competition and also provide greater downforce.
Gloss black wheels and ceramic brakes with anodized red brake callipers provide contrast to the matte carbon fibre elements. Inside, drivers will find yet more matte carbon fibre treatment surrounding the centre console and illuminated R8 competition door sill inlays. The R8 competition is an Audi exclusive line vehicle, which allows the driver to pair a variety of interior and exterior colours and choose from a selection of wheel finishes for a unique look.
