Bentley Continental GT Speed W12 Review

At R4.6 million, the Bentley Continental GT Speed W12 is the most expensive vehicle that I’ve ever driven. It’ll be the most expensive car ever featured on Cars.co.za too. Let’s see if the product’s abilities and features justify it’s eye-watering price tag.

Bentley’s products are a hit in Europe, thanks mainly to footballers. I can see the appeal, when you’re earning £150 000 a week playing for a top side, you’ll want to show off your successes. Lamborghinis are too hair raising to drive in urban areas, and the same applies to Ferraris and Porsches.

Range Rovers are a dime a dozen and the German trio of BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz just don’t have enough prestige. The answer then is the Bentley Continental GT. It’s a gracefully attractive coupe and thanks to all-wheel drive and a powerful motor, isn’t a slouch either.

Power and performance

That motor is a fantastic work of engineering. While most engines are of an inline or V configuration, the Bentley Continental GT Speed has a W layout. It has 460 kW and 800 Nm, which are big numbers. However, that performance is affected by the sheer weight of the Bentley Continental GT Speed. Clocking in at over 2 300kg, the Bentley is a big car and if you’re a performance fan, weight is the killer. Lotus owners know all about this!

Despite the weight, the Bentley Continental GT Speed is NOT a slow car. Bentley claims 4.1 seconds for the 0-100 kph sprint and while I wasn’t brave enough to do a standing start, I was more interested in seeing and feeling what 800 Nm is capable of. Let’s put it this way, getting from 60 to 120 kph is effortless. The car quietly drops down a few gears on the brilliant ZF gearbox, both turbochargers power up and you’re thrown back in your seat. It’s astonishingly powerful and very comfortable too.

There’s no drama, just an aeroplane-like deep roar and the speedometer climbs rapidly. You pay for this privilege though as the fuel consumption is high. In peak hour traffic, I won’t be surprised to see 25 l /100 km. During the few hours I had it, the Bentley Continental GT Speed sat at 20 l /100 km. Look, if you can afford to buy the beast, you should be able to feed her…

Inside, the Bentley Continental GT Speed is magnificent. This is properly premium and there’s a great feeling of quality. From hand-stitched leather paneling to the proper carbon fibre dashboard, the Bentley really is a luxury product. Seeing as Bentley falls under Volkswagen Group (Audi, Lamborghini, Volkswagen, Bugatti) there’s some familiar bits like the Audi-sourced satnav/infotainment screen. No Bentley leaves the factory without its trademark Breitling dashboard clock either…

Conclusion

A few hours behind the wheel of the Bentley Continental GT left me in two minds. Logic would suggest buying something like an Audi RS7 and then using the change for a business-class trip to Europe or another house, but let’s be honest, this is a Bentley and nothing quite says you’re wealthy and want to show off like a beautiful Bentley Continental GT Speed W12. Given the many customisation options available, chances are your Bentley will be the only one of its kind. For the record, I’ll take mine in Silverlake Blue.

Bentley Continental GT Price in South Africa

As mentioned earlier, this Bentley Continental GT Speed W12 sells for R4.6-million, but there is some good news. There’s a V8-powered version which’ll offer 80% of the performance, while consuming much less fuel. That goes for R3.4-million.

2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed W12 quick specs

Engine	6-litre 12-cylinder twin turbo
Power	460 kW
Torque	800 Nm
Transmission	Eight-speed Automatic
Wheels	21-inch alloys
0-100km/h	4.1 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy	14.5 l/100 km (claimed)

We like:
. Opulence and sheer wow factor
. Incredible power and overtaking ability
. Quality workmanship in the interior

We dislike:
. Loud ceramic brakes
. Price
. Rear seats are suited to shorter people

Also consider:
. Audi RS7
. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
. BMW M6 Gran Coupe
.Aston Martin Rapide

Entry-Level Mazda CX-3 Crossover Confirmed

Mazda Australia Managing Director Martin Benders has confirmed that an entry-level Mazda CX-3 crossover is on the way.

Mazda CX-3 Crossover ‘not far away’

Speaking with The Motor Report, Benders said that SUVs are a compelling segment for the company. Theres opportunity there (in the compact SUV segment), absolutely. Weve made it clear that its an area wed like to be represented in.

Although Benders didnt give a specific time when this model will come, other reports have pointed to the model coming out in 2015 or 2016, together with five other new models from the company.

Official details are yet to be released, but its believed the model will come with a range of new high-compression 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol and turbo-diesel engines in six-speed manual and automatic transmission guise. It might also share its platform with the new Mazda2, and its styling cues are likely be taken from the Kodo styling language now common across the Mazda range.

We will keep you updated on any new developments regarding the launch of the model.

*Pictured is the 2013 Mazda CX-5.

2014 Renault Megane arrives in SA

We were invited to the launch of the 2014 Renault Megane, so look out for the driving impression in the next few hours.

The Renault Megane range has received a much-needed facelift and the vehicle line-up looks to continue the success for the French brand in South Africa.

Since 1995, the Renault Megane has been the top of the range vehicle in the French carmaker’s arsenal and now the latest incarnation has reached South African shores. The Renault Megane Model Year 2014, to give it its full name, now features the same brand identity from designer Laurens Van den Acker, the man responsible for the pretty Renault Clio 4.

2014 Renault Megane model range

There’s two new models too, which makes things quite interesting. The 2014 Renault Megane GT-Line offers impressive on-paper performance from an all-new 1.2-litre engine. This engine premieres in South Africa and combines 97 kW with fuel economy of 5.4 l /100km.

The other new model is the 2014 Renault Megane GT Turbo with 162 kW. With engineering from the Renault Sport team, this performer offers best in class technologies such as Live navigation and keyless unlocking/locking. Think of this as a bargain RenaultSport Megane, offering 90% of the thrills for less money.

For those who are stretched by budget, there’s also now an 81 kW Dynamique version occupying the base level. The Dynamique, GT-Line and GT Turbo are all available in three-door coupe or five-door hatchback versions.

Renault are safety fanatics and the latest 2014 Renault Megane range comes standard with six airbags, ABS coupled with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), cruise control plus speed limiter and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with electronic anti-slip regulation (ASR) as well as 3-point ISOFIX seat anchorage on side rear seats.

Standard specification is quite generous too and the vehicles all come standard with dual-zone climate control, fingertip controls behind the steering wheel, integrated navigation system including Live services, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, auto locking / unlocking system and rear park assist.

2014 Renault Megane Price in South Africa

The price includes Renault’s industry-leading five-year/ 150 000km Warranty complemented by a standard five-year/ 90 000 km Service Plan. It’s interesting to note that Renault South Africa is committed to parts availability. The company has a stock in excess of 17 000 spare parts in its warehouse located in Rosslyn outside Pretoria with 95% of parts ordered, picked and delivered to every Renault dealer countrywide in under 24 hours.

Mégane MY2014 Dynamique 81 kW                  Hatch or Coupé           R249 900
Mégane MY2014 GT-Line Turbo 97 kW              Hatch or Coupé           R279 900
Mégane MY2014 GT Turbo 162 kW Hatch or Coupé           R329 900

OPTIONS AVAILABLE	RETAIL PRICE
17″ Alloy wheels (Dynamique)	R 3 000
Sunroof (Coupé fixed)	R 8 000
Sunroof (Hatch electric)	R10 000
Leather pack	R12 000
Rear Camera (GT Coupé)	R 5 000
Metallic Paint	R 2 500

Renault Clio RS vs Peugeot 208 GTi (Video)

Head to Head: Renault Clio RS vs Peugeot 208 GTi

Every head to head comparison requires us car writers to come up with some sort of overly dramatic war analogy. Its a rule. So lets call this one the French Civil War!

The fairly new Renault Clio RS takes on the Peugeot 208 GTi which has been with us for a little while now. The cars are very similar; both have 1.6 litre turbo engines. Both have 147 kW and both have a price tag of around R300 000, depending on the options you choose.

However they differ quite fundamentally in their approach to transferring that power to the front wheels. The Renault has a new double clutch, flappy paddle gearbox, while the 208 employs a good ol fashioned six-speed manual.

Dave got hold of the Renault and he reckons its the future of small hot hatches. You can read his review of the Renault Clio 200 RS here. While I cant argue that the Clio RS is a very accomplished little racer, I think its a bit too hardcore to live with on a daily basis. The Peugeot is more comfortable, both in terms of ride comfort and interior comfort, and the joy of using a proper stick shift in this age of computerised everything cant be overstated.

That said, when it comes down to a simple, straightline drag race, I was a bit jealous that I didnt have launch control. Its a challenge to get the Peugeot off the line as quickly as the Clio, and youll have to watch the video to see who took the honours in our little street brawl.

However, on an epic, twisty road such as Cape Towns De Waal drive, the location for the start of our video, both cars were huge fun.

Comparison Specs: Renault Clio RS vs Peugeot 208 GTi

See a full comparison between the Renault Clio RS vs Peugeot 208 GTI here.

	Renault Clio RS Cup	Peugeot 208 GTi
Price	R319 900	R301 600
Engine	1.6 litre turbo petrol	1.6 litre turbo petrol
Power	147 kW	147 kW
Torque	240 Nm	275 Nm
Acceleration	0-100km/h in 6.7s	0-100km/h in 6.8s
Top Speed	230km/h	230km/h
Fuel consumption	6.3 litres/100km	5.9 litres/100km

Next-Generation BMW 7-Series Headed to Frankfurt

BMW is currently testing the next generation of its 7-series model scheduled to be unveiled in September 2015 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

New lightweight next-generation BMW 7-series in development

A report on Autocar states that the next-generation BMW 7-series will ride on an all-new 35up lightweight scalable platform that is made of aluminium, magnesium, carbon fibre-reinforced plastic and high-strength steel. This combination is said to make the new model lighter than the current model, shedding up to 200 kg.

The vehicle expected to be offered in an extra-long wheelbase variant and will additionally feature styling cues from the Vision Future Luxury concept that appeared at this years Beijing Motor Show. It will benefit from double wishbones up front and a multi-link rear set-up at the rear together with a new generation of air springs and road-scanning technology.

The new model will further be offered with a range of turbocharged four, six, eight and 12-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, with the V8 and V12 to be all-new designs that use a 500cc individual cylinder capacity as their basis. It will also come with a standard nine-speed automatic transmission and the option of rear or four-wheel drive.

Production of the next-generation BMW 7-series is expected to commence in the latter half of 2015, following its September 2015 introduction at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Sales are said to commence at the beginning of 2016.

*BMW Vision Future Luxury concept pictured.

Aston Martin Vanquish and Rapide S Enhanced For Better Performance

The Aston Martin Vanquish and Rapide S have been given some minor refreshments for the 2015 model year, including a new state-of-the-art eight-speed Touchtronic III automatic gearbox.

Enhanced performance

Both models have now been enhanced with a Touchtronic III eight-speed automatic transmission, combined with the latest generation of Bosch engine management system.

The new ZF-developed on the other hand debuts in a transaxle layout and helps the Vanquish cut 0.5 seconds from the 0-96 km/h) sprint which now takes 3.6 seconds, while the Rapide S is also half a second quicker and does the run in 4.2 seconds. The revised ratio for the final drive has resulted in both cars being able to reach a top speed of more than 322 km/h.

According to the manufacturer, the adoption of the new gearbox has also helped improve fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 11 per cent, resulting in a fuel consumption of 12.8-litres/100km and an emissions figure of 298 g/km on the Vanquish and 300 g/km on the Rapide S.

Further performance improvements come courtesy of reduced back pressure in the exhaust, adding 2 kW to the output which is now 424 kW in the Vanquish and by 1 kW to 412 kW in the Rapide S. Both the Aston Martin Vanquish and Rapide S further benefit from an extra 10 Nm, bringing the torque figure to 630 Nm at 5500 rpm.

New engine management system

Aston Martin engineers have additionally altered the torque tube to reduce the transfer of noise from the transmission to the cabin, and stability control has been recalibrated to make allowance for the new drivetrain setup.

The steering system’s ECU has been tuned for improved response and feel and the Vanquish rides on revised dampers that are 15% stiffer in the front end, 35% stiffer in the rear. Both cars are equipped with 20% stiff rear suspension bushes and an enhanced brake booster, and the Rapide S earns itself larger front brakes.

Cosmetic changes include new ten-spoke forged alloy wheel designs, available in a variety of finishes, new paint options and interior cabin leather trim and headlining colours.

Deliveries of the 2015 Aston Martin Vanquish and Rapide S will commence in the third quarter of the year. South African availability is yet to be confirmed.

Lexus Crafted Line Announced for 2014 Pebble Beach Concours dElegance

Lexus has announced its special Crafted Line will make its official debut at the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance, offering customers striking style with substance for the 2015 model year.

Striking style with substance

The new Lexus Crafted Line edition will be available on the LS 460 F Sport, GS 350 F Sport, IS 250 F Sport, RX 350 All Wheel Drive F Sport and ES 350. All models will be distinguished with an Ultra White and Obsidian exterior matched to a two-tone black and red interior. All Crafted Line models will feature a mesh grille, front and rear lower valences along with an Ultra White exterior contrasted by black door handles, side mirrors and grille.

The interior additionally comes with GPS navigation and a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The models will also come with a two-piece TUMI duffel bag set with the Lexus logo exclusively designed for the Crafted Line editions along with a Meguiars New Car Care Kit.

The Lexus Crafted Line is expected to be launched in November 2014. Full details for the entire range to be released closer to launch.

Five Safest Cars in South Africa for 2014

True or false? A bigger, heavier car is safer than a smaller, lighter car. Most would probably say true, but the numbers tell a different story entirely. We had a look at cars tested by Euro NCAP from 2012 to 2014, to determine the five safest cars available in South Africa and the result was somewhat surprising. Numbers don’t lie and it just so happens that the five safest cars in South Africa are all hatchbacks. Surprised?

The main reason why SUVs and 4×4 don’t get a very safe rating is due to their height. Being higher off the ground and offering great ground clearance means the vehicles are more likely to roll in the event of an accident.

Safest Cars in South Africa for 2014

Here is a list of the five safest cars in South Africa. We worked out the highest average percentage score for each vehicle across adult occupant safety, child occupant safety, pedestrian safety and safety assist tests conducted by Euro NCAP. You can read more details about the Euro NCAP rating here.

1. Volvo V40 – 90%

Volvo is synonymous with high levels of safety and the V40 comes out on top in this regard, but be reminded that some safety features are optional. Starting from R299 900, the funky Swedish V40 hatch is available with numerous engine options and trim levels.

2. Renault Clio – 86%

The Renault Clio 4 comes in second as South Africa’s safest car alongside the Audi A3. The French hatch is offered with a choice of two engines including a 900cc Energy Turbo and a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated unit while the sportier Renault Clio RS is powered a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine. Prices for the Renault Clio start at R159 900 for the 1.2 version.

3. Audi A3 – 86%

The Audi A3 is a safe bet if you place value on safety. Engine options include a 1.4-litre TFSI and a 1.8-litre TFSI while a 1.6-litre TDI engine is also available. Prices for the Audi A3 start from R307 500.

4. Hyundai i30 – 83%

The Hyundai i30 scores big in terms of safety and comes with good standard specification. Engine options include a 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre unit with pricing starting from R264 900 for the 1.6 Premium manual.

5. Honda Civic – 83%

The Honda Civic is one of the safest cars money can buy with prices starting from R277 300. The Civic hatch is powered by a 1.8-litre SOHC i-VTEC petrol engine or a 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine.

Bespoke McLaren MSO 650S to Debut at Pebble Beach

McLaren Special Operations launched at Pebble Beach Concours dElegance back in 2011, and they are returning later this month to show off two special editions, a one-off MSO 650S Spider and bespoke P1.

The Special McLaren P1

Commissioned by a North American customer, the special McLaren P1 comes in a Stirling Grey paint with glossy carbon fibre accents and McLaren Orange accents. The bright orange paint can also be seen on the brake callipers located behind the body-coloured wheels, as well as on the signal lights, emblems, and spoiler risers. The rear of the car is further enhanced by the fitment of 24 carat gold heatshields around the engine bay and inconel exhaust.

The interior cabin is tailored with extensive use of carbon fibre and Alcantara, with the upholstery used on the bespoke MSO steering wheel, and on the shell racing seats which come with a four-point harness. The upholstery additionally benefits from Stone Grey binding and stitching, while the McLaren Orange appears once again on the centre console, whilst Satin-Nickel can be found on the airvents to echo the exhaust design.

The Bespoke McLaren MSO 650S

The limited-edition McLaren MSO 650S Spider was unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this year and has been designed in collaboration with McLaren Newport Beach and McLaren Automotive’s design director Frank Stephenson.

It features a Cerulean Blue exterior paint scheme which includes a heavy metallic flake and offers a deep gloss shine. The exterior design also features satin carbon fibre detailing on the front bumper, side air intakes and the rear bumper’s central area and diffuser. This unique model also benefits from bright silver, ten-spoke lightweight alloy wheels and chrome trim around the exhaust outlets.

The cabin is upholstered with carbon black leather with a contrasting blue stitch throughout, and is also fitted with MSO-branded carbon fibre sill panels along with satin lacquered carbon fibre inserts. There’s also a dedication plaque signed by Frank Stephenson and a MSO leather bag with dark chrome metal inserts.

Both cars will be showcased at the end of next week during the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in Carmel, California. In addition to those models, McLaren will unveil the P1 GTR design concept.

MINI Line-Up To Expand To 10 Models

A new report by Automotive News suggests that MINI could have between eight and ten variants in the future.

MINIs future product plans

Currently, the Mini line-up consists of seven models: the Hardtop, Clubman, Convertible, Countryman, Coupe, Roadster and Paceman. Now the line-up is said to include some new models based on BMWs UKL front-wheel-drive architecture.

The report says buyers can expect the new Cooper hatchback sometime this year. Next year a convertible and an EV or a hybrid versions will be launched, while a five-door, five-passenger hatchback will be on sale in January 2015, and will all use the new architecture.

The Hardtop four-door, a five-door, five-passenger hatchback, goes on sale in January, and the Countryman is said to receive a makeover in the summer of 2017, while its two-door version the Paceman, will be redesigned a year later. The two-seat Roadster is also said to receive a major facelift in 2017.

There will then be the Clubman, which is expected to go on sale next year and compete with the likes of the Fiat 500L. This model was previewed by the Clubman concept at this years Geneva Motor Show.