2015 Ford Mustang in SA – A first look

Ford took over the Sandton Convention Centre last week as 1 000 gathered dignitaries and industry stakeholders elbowed each other out the way with their iPads and smartphones, poised to record the first glimpse of the 2015 Ford Mustang as it eased very quietly from behind an electronically-controlled curtain into full view.

Other items shown off include the facelifted Ford Focus and thanks to lax Brazilian customs officials, the Ford Figo concept wasn’t able to make an appearance.

2015 Ford Mustang

The car that took the stage as the undoubted highlight of Fords Go Further conference was a peachy red colour, and one of the first things you noticed about it was that it has modern, multi-faceted headlight lenses countersunk into the corners of the nose, rather than the retro-round lights of its predecessor. Yet, although the three-pillar tail lights remain a styling cue that’s from the very first Stang, the 2015 Mustang is not about to trade too heavily on its 50-year history as one of the worlds most-loved cars.

Right-hand drive versions

With the announcement that the Mustang is for the first time to be available in right-hand-drive, this is one may say, the global debut of Mustang, as opposed to it being an American-market product that just happened to be exported in limited numbers to the UK and Europe and, even in small numbers, to South Africa.

European tech with American heart

That global focus on the 2015 Mustang means that it has an all new, independent rear suspension design and an up-rated front-strut layout to give it the kind of handling that Europeans are accustomed to. Mustangs design team had to think autobahn rather than interstate, when giving it a chassis and suspension system that could cope with speeds of 250 km/h in Germany.

This means all the latest safety features will be part of the package when it goes on sale for in left-hand drive form in America and in Europe in around September 2014, and when it arrives here in right-hand-drive form in the first quarter of 2015.

At one point in the welcoming party for the Mustang, attended by media from all parts of the country on the Thursday evening, a Ford spokesperson alluded to the fact that this was a welcome-back party for the Mustang. Thats a moot point.

When the original 1965 Mustang was launched in America, Ford South Africa brought in about 80 left-hand-drive examples on a special import scheme. And in the ensuing years (before Left-hand drive imports were banned in the late 90s) it was possible to bring in a Mustang at quite considerable cost due to the 100% import duties imposed on cars not built in SA in that era. But essentially, the most iconic Ford has never been available here on a walk-into-a dealership basis.

Available on showroom floors in 2015

Now youll be able to do that, and enjoy all the spares back-up etc that youd expect from a car listed by a manufacturer here. To place your order for the 2015 pony car, you will be able to specify either a 2.3 litre EcoBoost twin-scroll turbo four-cylinder engine, good for around 230 kW, or a five-litre naturally aspirated V8, punching out over 320 kW.

I suspect that initially at least, the bulk of sales are going to go the way of the V8, because although Mustangs since the beginning have been available with lesser engines (sixes in the mid-60s and even a wheezing four-cylinder in the fuel crises 70s) we have always associated Mustangs with V8 grunt.

Pricing will be aggessive

I mean, can you image Mustang Sally riding around with a four-cylinder exhaust note? Me neither. Prices are not yet specified, but when it was announced late last year, SAs Ford CEO Jeff Nemeth told the writer that you can rest assured that our pricing will be aggressive. Which, I hope, means cheap. Okay, cheap-ish.

Porsche Cayenne Facelift for 2015

Porsche has shown its next update to the Cayenne range that saw the company entirely lifted from the doldrums and return as a profitable manufacturer. The changes to the new Cayenne are very subtle from the outside with a few minor tweaks to add visual appeal and increase aerodynamic efficiency. The interior has been updated to become more driver focussed, while the engines have been given more torque and power, and an entirely new V6 turbo has been built for the Cayenne S.

Big Grille

The front grille of the facelifted Cayenne has been enlarged and the design of the front body, the front fenders and the bonnet are entirely new. Another new feature are the airblades, which are air fins located on the right and left of the front end used to guide air to the intercoolers for cooling.

The diesel, S, and S E-Hybrid models are all equipped with bi-xenon headlights and hovering four-point daytime running lights. The Cayenne Turbo gets the Porsche Dynamic Lighting System. Towards the rear, the tail lights have been updated as has the tailgate and the exhaust tailpipes are now integrated into the rear bumper.

All About Engines

The major upgrade to the Porsche Cayenne facelift is the updated engine specs as well as the new V6 doing work in the Cayenne S. First off though the Cayenne S E-Hybrid has had its electric motor power doubled so it alone now produces 70kW and can reach a top speed of 125kph. Combine that with a 3-litre supercharged V6 and the hybrid has a combined power of 306kW and 590Nm of torque. Itll dish up a 0-100kph sprint in 5.9 seconds and go on to 243kph.

The Cayenne diesel just gets a minor power upgrade taking it to 177kW and 550Nm. The all-new Porsche developed 3.6-litre bi-turbo sits in the front of the Cayenne S and produces 309kW and 550Nm. This new engine replaces the big V8 petrol in the range but puts out more power and torque in comparison whilst being more economical. The Cayenne Turbo retains the 4.2-litre V8 with twin-turbochargers and puts out a huge 382kW and 750Nm getting it to 100kph in 4.1 seconds with the Sport Chrono package.

Porsche Cayenne Facelift for US First

Chassis tuning of the new Cayenne was optimized for greater comfort, without compromising its dynamism Porsche says. The facelifted Cayenne goes on sale first in the US during November this year (2014).

2015 Honda NSX Spied in Germany

The much anticipated 2015 Honda NSX has been spotted undergoing final testing at the Nurburgring circuit in Germany.

2015 Honda NSX

The all-new NSX was revealed as a concept about a year ago, and a full reveal is expected to happen before the end of the year. According to the company production is set to begin in 2015 at a newly established Performance Manufacturing Centre in Ohio.

Looking almost the same as the original design, the 2015 NSX comes with a few noticeable changes to its front fascia and has new hood vents over the front wheel arches.

It will supposedly be powered by a three-motor high-performance hybrid system incorporating two electric motors driving the front wheels along with a third motor built into an all-new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission while a mid-mounted twin-turbo V6 engine will power the rear axle.

Honda will also make use of its Sport Hybrid Super Handling All Wheel Drive system (SH-AWD) which it says will be able to provide the NSX reboot with “instant delivery of negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering to achieve a new level of driving performance unparalleled by current AWD systems.”

An official debut for the standard car is expected early next year, possibly at the Detroit Auto Show.

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C SA Pricing Announced

Alfa Romeo has revealed SA pricing for the 2014 4C.

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C price in South Africa

Built in a Maserati factory in Modena, Italy, the 2014 4C retails for R870 000 in South Africa and comes standard with a three year/100 000 km warranty and maintenance plan.

The annual production of the 4C Alfa Romeo on the major world markets is limited to only 3 500 units.

Power will come from a turbocharged 1.75-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 177 kW and 350 Nm of torque. It is connected to a twin-clutch transmission which enables the coupe to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 258 km/h.

The Launch Editions

The 4C Launch Editions are said to be the first models to arrive in South Africa and will be available exclusively in Alfa Red, Rosso Competizione or Madreperla White.

The models will additionally be equipped with bi-xenon headlights, carbon fibre mirror caps, a carbon fibre rear spoiler and an aluminium diffuser. Other notable features include a race-tuned suspension, a sports exhaust system, red brake callipers and 18- / 19-inch Dark Grey alloy wheels. The cabin will feature black microfiber sport seats and Red or White accent stitching.

Rare Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale up for Auction

This extremely rare prototype Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale is to be auctioned off on August 16 2014. It could well become the most expensive Ferrari ever to be sold at auction. The 1965 model is one of three that were ever made and wears chassis number 06701.

Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale potential auction price

If estimates are correct it could well sell for 25 million Euros (R350 million) breaking the previous record of 20 million Euros (R280 million) set in 2013 by the Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Spider. The Speciale edition Ferrari was built specifically to race at Le Mans against the likes of the Ford GT40 and the Carrol Shelby’s Daytona Cobras. This particular model never saw track action but was sold off as a road car and has found its way around Europe participating in historic car events. The 275 GTB/C Speciale still holds the record for the best ever finish at Le Mans for a front engine car. In the 1965 Le Mans the Speciale finished third overall behind two Ferrari 250LMs. All three 275 GTB/C Speciales were fitted with super-lightweight aluminum bodywork, a chassis constructed of smaller and lighter tubes, and a dry-sump engine topped with six Weber carburettors. The 3.3-litre V12 engine was specifically developed with big valves and cylinder heads and most of the auxiliary casings made from magnesium. 50 additional kilowatts (total of 235kW) powered a chassis that was lighter in all respects to the standard 275 GTB road car.

Audi Multitronic CVT To Be Phased Out

Despite the German brand being one of the first to use this type of automatic gearbox more than a decade ago, Audi has revealed its plans to axe its Multitronic continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Audi Multitronic CVT replaced by seven-speed dual-clutch transmission

The company said the transmission won’t be offered on next-gen models, in favour of using a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. According to a report by Motoring, Audi’s senior driving behaviour engineer Ralph Riegger, said that the Multitronic offered a major benefit, you were able to keep the engine speed at very low revs thanks to the transmission ratio, but were now able to use a stepped transmission and the efficiency there is better that is better.

The Audi Multitronic CVT was involved in a class action lawsuit during the course of its use, which said the transmissions are prone to premature failure in roughly 64 000 A4 and A6 sedans built between 2002 and 2006. Besides these two models, Audi is also offering the continuously variable transmission in the A5 and A7 but their successors won’t get it.

The new seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) is believed to make its debut in the all-new A4 (B9) set to go on sale in the first half of 2015.

Top 10 Fastest Accelerating Cars under R550k in SA

R550 000 might sound like a strange number to define the top 10 fastest accelerating cars, but we think it hits the spot just right. It incorporates just the right amount of bang for buck without diluting it with a whole bunch of mainstream German machinery.

We tried to get the best bang for buck ratio here, and the list proves quite interesting reading with a mix of all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and front-wheel drive methodologies being employed. There’s also hatchbacks, sedans and coupes represented.

Still the Germans reign supreme at the pull-off competition, claiming seven spots on the top 10.

We have news and content on all of these top 10 fastest accelerating cars, click their titles for more.

Top 10 Fastest Accelerating Cars

1. Audi S3 Quattro

Whilst there are multiple versions of the S3 (3-door hatch, Sportback and Sedan) this three-door version accelerates to 100kph the fastest – 4.9 seconds. It ties up with the M135i for sprint time but delivers its power through all four wheels instead of the beemer’s rear-wheel drive. R495 000

1. BMW 135i

Technically the same as the M235i except for the reduction of 5kW and being a couple centimetres shorter than the 2-series. The M135i hits 100kph in 4.9 seconds and if you happen to have people that want a go in the back this is the fastest accelerating car on the list with back doors – if you choose the 5-door version obviously. R539 743

3. BMW M235i Manual

Carrying 5kW more than it’s M135i sibling it’s able to reach 100kph in 5 seconds with a manual transmission. The dual clutch version is faster but creeps outside of our budget cap – just. Whilst we may have to settle for the slightly slower manual, we think it’s better looking than the five-door hatch. R537 579

4. Volkswagen Golf R

Volkswagen claim the 206kW Golf R will hit 100kph in five seconds dead. Local tests have put it more around the 5.3 seconds range but that would still keep it in fourth spot on the list. Not bad for a four-wheel drive Golf if you ask us. R498 000

5. Volkswagen CC 3.6 V6

This one caught us a little bit by surprise as it’s one of the lesser-loved cars in the VW range. Nevertheless it’s pretty good value for a V6 and does have 220kW to boot. Add that to the slick shifting DSG gearbox and you can see why it takes just 5.5 seconds to get to 100kph. R524 800

6. Volvo S60 T6 AWD

The second medium sized sedan on the list, this time with the traditional three-box shape. Three-litres and a turbocharger give the S60 T6 a kick up to 242kW and a sprint to 100kph of 5.7 seconds. The S60 cracks two models inside our price range and under 6 seconds to 100kph with the 2-litre turbo S60 T6 Elite managing a 5.9 second sprint. R547 200

7. Volkswagen Scirocco R

Still making do with an older version 188kW VW engine the Scirocco has a low centre of gravity with good traction that helps it launch off the line. 5.8 Seconds is all it takes the Scirocco R to get to 100kph. R483 300

8. BMW 328i

A relative bargain as far as BMWs go. You get all the space of a 4-door BMW sedan with an efficient and powerful 2-litre turbo that’s good for 180kW and 350Nm. Apparently it will sip just 6.1-litres of fuel per 100km whilst galloping to 100kph in 5.9 seconds. Its 428i cousin is nearly R100k more and thus doesn’t make the list. R481 875

8. Lexus IS 350

The lone Japanese figure in a Euro dominated list. The IS 350 proves the resurgence of Lexus’ promise to deliver more power in its luxurious machines. The Lexus ties the 328i on the 100kph sprint time but uses a 3.5-litre V6 with 228kW and 375Nm to get the job done. R478 200

10. Renault Megane RS

The French super hatch is mostly about track lap times but is still rampant out of the blocks. It clocks 6-seconds dead to 100kph thanks to it clever front differential and 195kW 2-litre turbocharged engine. It’s also the cheapest car on the list. R359 900

2014 Hyundai Elantra SA Pricing and Specs

The Hyundai Elantra has been refreshed and facelifted for 2014. The redesigned car receives a few visual elements as well as some interior tweaks which will ensure it carries on the success story from the previous car, which went on to win the 2012 South African Car of the Year title.

2012 SA Car of the year winner

“The Hyundai Elantra was the first Korean car to win the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists Car of the Year Award, and deservedly so. It is a car with qualities and standard features that makes it a very competent competitor in its segment. The excellent ergonomics of its interior design, outstanding exterior looks and the roomy cabin and luggage area makes it a perfect compact family sedan. It is also a very rewarding and pleasing car to drive,” says Stanley Anderson, marketing director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

Exterior changes

The 2014 Hyundai Elantra some styling upgrades in the form of a redesigned front bumper, radiator grille, fog lamps as well as new headlights and tail lamps. These lights now feature LED technology. Some attractive 17-inch alloy wheels replace the 16-inch units and some chrome lines add to the premium look of the vehicle.

Interior changes

The 2014 Hyundai Elantra has also grown very slightly. The overall length is rated at 4 550 mm which is 20 mm longer than the outgoing model. Interior-wise, changes come in the form of repositioned air vents, arm rest being raised, a new audio setup with Bluetooth, new climate control interface, redesigned automatic gearbox layout and perhaps most importantly, reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

Essentially, the interior of the 2014 Hyundai Elantra has been changed based on customer feedback and the cabin has been designed for better ergonomics.

Engine and safety

The engine line up for the 2014 sees the 1.8-litre motor fall away. The 1.6-litre four cylinder is available in both six-speed manual and six-speed automatic versions and Hyundai SA says this motor was the popular choice in the outgoing model. Power wise, it puts out 96 kW and 157 Nm, and fuel consumption is rated at 6.4l/100 km for the manual. The automatic version has a claimed economy figure of 6.0l/100 km.

Safety features of the 2014 Hyundai Elantra include airbags for the driver and front passenger, Advanced Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

2014 Hyundai Elantra Pricing in South Africa

Each 2014 Hyundai Elantra comes with a 5 year/150 000 km warranty, with 5 year/150 000Km roadside assistance. A 5 year/90 000 km service plan is also part of the standard package, with service intervals are 15 000 km.

2014 Hyundai Elantra 1.6 Premium (manual) R247 900
2014 Hyundai Elantra 1.6 Premium (automatic) R262 900

2014 Hyundai Elantra Drive

I attended the Hyundai Elantra launch, which was held north of Cape Town in the quaint seaside town of Melkbosstrand. The mandatory brand briefing detailing how well Hyundai is doing both in terms of sales and motorsport then followed. Our launch route took us out to Riebeek-Kasteel and included some open road driving.

This is where the Hyundai Elantra owner will really appreciate the ride comfort and refinement of the vehicle. The outgoing model was exceptional in this regard, and this new version is even better. Both driver and passenger were comfortable for a considerable amount of time without some sort of numbness setting in the buttock region.

While its competitors make do with smaller capacity turbocharged engines, I feel the 1.6-litre Hyundai engine is not inadequate in any way. It’s smooth and delivers great power. Let’s see if this quality translates into sales.

Tata and Jaguar Land Rover to Share Technologies and Platforms

Indian automaker Tata has announced its collaboration with Jaguar Land Rover stating that the two groups will work together on a number of future models and technologies.

Sharing of technologies and platforms

The first collaboration is said to be of the Tata Nexon crossover which might share its platform with the next-gen Range Rover Evoque and is slated to be launched around 2017.

In an interview with Australian motoring publication Drive, the managing director of Tatas Australian distributor Fusion Automotive revealed that the companies are collaborating with a number of models, but there won’t be any badge engineering between vehicles from Jaguar, Land Rover and Tata.

He further added that, “Youre going to see in the future a lot of sharing of technologies and platforms over time, but you wont see a JLR with a Tata badge on it or a Tata with a Jaguar badge on it or a Land Rover badge on it.

Bowler gave the example of the Tata Nexon compact crossover concept unveiled back at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo.

Nexon was the development of a new platform that has been developed to be shared amongst the group to be utilised for different products and different brands, explained Bowler explained.

Although he didnt reveal much, Bowler said the platform could be used as an Evoque, it could be used as a Tata, or it could be used as a Jaguar.

A production version of the Nexon is due around 2017. A second-generation Evoque based on the platform could be launched before the end of the decade.

Mitsubishi Pajero Facelift

Mitsubishi has quietly released the facelifted Pajero in Japan. There isnt much to tell about the update as its a small cosmetic change to the interior and exterior with the engine units remaining the same.

The front grille is the major modification and brings it in line with the SUV concept show at the Tokyo motor show in 2013. They have also added LED daytime running lights and redesigned the spare tyre cover.

The interior receives an update with more materials featuring a piano black finish. The outlines have also been improved with a silver plating metallic touch and most of the materials used inside have been improved. Most importantly the soundproofing has been improved around the doors making for a quieter ride.

Engine options remain the same with a 3-litre V6 petrol and a 3.2-litre turbodiesel. The Pajero was launched to the Japanese public on 17 July 2014. Hopefully the Mitsubishi Pajero facelift comes to SA before the end of the year.