Toyota Mirai – The Production ready hydrogen car

Earlier this we read about Honda revealing its successor to the Hydrogen powered FCX Clarity – the FCV. Honda plans to put the FCV into production by March 2016. Toyota has recently invested heavily in Hydrogen technology and has revealed the Toyota Mirai. The Mirai will go on sale next year (2015) in California but will also stretch to other American states such as Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.

How does the Mirai work?

The Toyota Mirai’s Hydrogen fuel system works by combining Hydrogen gas with Oxygen to create electricity that powers an electric motor that drives the wheels. Power is claimed to be 113 kW whilst the range of a full tank will reach close to 500km.

The word Mirai means future in Japanese and whilst it’s all good and well having a car of the future, the infrastructure to fuel it needs to be set in place. That’s why Toyota North America CEO Jim Lentz announced a new commitment to drive the development of a hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in five north-eastern U.S. states.

Building a national infrastructure

“Toyota’s vision of a hydrogen society is not just about building a great car, but ensuring accessible, reliable and convenient refuelling for our customers,” said Jim Lentz. “I am happy to announce that this vision will expand beyond the borders of California and give customers the opportunity to join the fuel cell movement.”

A fuel cell car can be filled up in about the same time as a regular petrol or diesel car and returns similar mileage but it emits nothing but water vapour from its tailpipe. One of the issues with hydrogen cars however is cost and the new Mirai is said to set an owner back around R600 000. However the US may incentivise Hydrogen cars, bringing down the cost to around R450 000 and throwing in three years’ worth of free Hydrogen fuel.

It’s certainly worth watching how this plays out over the next few years as Hydrogen still seems like the most viable solution to our fossil fuel problems.

Honda HR-V Debuts in LA (Video)

Honda is set to add another SUV to its range in the form of the new Honda HR-V that is being shown at the LA motor show. The HR-V will fit in under the larger CR-V and compete against other compact SUVs and Crossovers like the Opel Mokka, newly released Mazda CX-3 and even the likes of the Nissan Qashqai.

Honda HR-V spacious with good spec level

From the previous unveiling we know that the new platform the HR-V will ride on features a centre mounted fuel tank and ‘magic seating’. The rear seats can be reconfigured to suit and that allows for a rather large rear section. The boot itself holds 688-Litres and once the rear seats are folded down that expands to 1665-Litres.

Honda has revealed that the HR-V will be powered by a 1.8-Litre four-cylinder engine with iVtec. Power output is claimed to be 103 kW with torque at 172 Nm. It seems there will also be a choice of either a six-speed manual gearbox or a CVT gearbox. The CVT model is also available with all-wheel drive.

Standard safety and driver-assistive features include: ABS with Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist; Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control; an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror; a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera; driver and front passenger airbags and side-curtain airbags; Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

Standard equipment on all HR-V models is impressive so to name just a few you’ll find: power windows, electronic parking brake, rearview camera, aluminum-alloy wheels, tilt and telescoping steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, Bluetooth phone interface and Pandora radio.

Higher trim models can be equipped with premium features including Honda’s 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio telematics interface, LaneWatch, Push-Button Start, paddle shifters, HD Radio and Honda Digital Traffic, heated front seats, sunroof, navigation and leather trim.

Honda HR-V Video

Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Concept (Video)

Chevrolet has taken its US-only bakkie, the Colorado, and given it a bit more of a rugged, off-road look. The concept also showcases the new 2.8-litre Duramax diesel engine. We think the Colorado would make an awesome addition to the Chev off-roader lienup as the Chev Utility‘s big boet.

Colorado ZR2 Concept Details

The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2’s stance is four inches wider than a production Colorado Z71, with features including new front and rear fascias designed to increase approach and departure angles whilst off-roading. Ground clearance and rough terrain are handled with a two-inch lift and integral skid plates, while the wider track helps enhance stability in potentially unstable situations.

Special mono-tube coil-over shock absorbers are designed for greater suspension travel and feature remote-mounted fluid reservoirs that add to the Colorado ZR2 concept’s capability. An electronically controlled differential is built in to improve off-road traction by distributing torque to the wheels that require it.

Custom wheel flares cover the larger off-road tyres and increased track width. Additional exterior elements include an all-new grille and headlamp housings with blacked-out accents. The power dome-style hood is unique and echoes the design cues of Chevrolet’s Duramax-powered Silverado heavy-duty trucks.

The Colorado ZR2 concept’s new 2.8L Duramax diesel is part of the new range of Chev turbodiesel engines and delivers the go to this bakkie. An estimated 135 kW at 3,400 rpm and 500 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm – is available to tackle the toughest trails. The new engine features a variable-geometry turbocharger for better power and efficiency across the rpm band and a balance shaft for greater smoothness.

Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Concept Comic Book Video

Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Unveiled (Video)


The ultra luxurious Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has been revealed at both Auto Guangzhou, China and at the LA Auto Show. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has been dubbed the ‘world’s quietest production sedan car’ thanks to special seals and sound deadening material, which optimise noise insulation.

Mercedes-Maybach is a sub-brand that brings exclusive appointments to Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Mercedes-Maybach vehicles are distinguished from standard production models by providing extra spaciousness and lavishly designed interiors for discerning customers.

Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Models

Models in the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class range include the range-topping S 600 which, is powered by a 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 engine that offers 390 kW of power and 830 Nm of torque. The S 600 makes use of a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission.

There will also be a S 500 model on offer, powered by a 4.7-litre bi-turbo V8 engine with 335 kW and 700 Nm on tap. This model is fitted with a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission.

Exclusive Features

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is 5 453 mm long with a wheel base of 3 365 mm, which is 20 cm longer in both dimensions compared to the standard S-Class long wheelbase version. Compared to the standard S-Class, the rear door has been shortened by 66mm and the triangular window in the door has moved to the C-pillar. Chrome surrounds the windows and the B-pillar while the Maybach Manufaktur logo can be found on both sides of the C-pillar.

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class rides on exclusive 20-inch forged light-alloy wheels with large surfaces instead of spokes. Up front, three double chrome louvres differentiate the model from the standard S-Class along with vertical chrome trim. The same theme is carried over to the rear.

The luxury continues inside with a mix of wood, leather and chrome trim with the armrests featuring nappa leather with embossed Maybach crests. The dashboard features a special analogue clock with IWC design with the numbers and indicators crafted from fine metal. Hand-stitched door trim in nappa leather further adds to the car’s interior appeal.

Sound in the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is provided by sound specialists Burmester with two options available including the Burmester surround sound system and the high-end 3-D surround sound system connected to ten loudspeakers and Frontbass system.

The  Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is due for launch in February 2015. Watch the video to see luxury in motion.

Chevrolet Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo

As part of the Vision Gran Turismo (VGT) project, a design project that looks at the future of the automotive industry, Chevrolet has unveiled the Chaparral 2X VGT. Keen motorsport enthusiasts will remember the Chaparral and Chev partnered to make some rather interesting race cars, notably the rather large-winged 2F run in the late 60s CanAm series.

Chaparral 2X Details

This new Chaparral 2X is a completely different take on a racing car, “It was created in a no-rules atmosphere to challenge designers and test engineers to deliver the most exhilarating sensations. This is a fantasy car by design,” said Frank Saucedo, who oversaw the team that worked on the concept. “Like the original Chaparral race cars decades ago, the Chaparral 2X VGT weaves advanced aerospace technologies into the design to help achieve its performance goals.”

The Chaparral 2X VGT’s concept propulsion system is inspired by technology derived from advanced work targeted at space travel and future aircraft design. It features a mid-mounted laser beamed-energy propulsion system, which pulses beams of light that focus in a shroud, creating shock waves that generate tremendous thrust.

With a 671 kW laser, powered by a pack of lithium-ion batteries, and an air-powered generator to provide 671 kW worth of thrust, the Chaparral 2X VGT will be capable of a 386kph top speed in the video game with 0-100kph taking just 1.5 seconds. The car will be made available to Playstation 3 Gran Turismo 6 players.

The driver of the Chaparral 2X lies face-down with arms and legs splayed out, “Think of it as adapting a wing suit to a racing car, where the driver’s movements control certain aspects of the aero package,” said Saucedo. “In many ways, the Chaparral 2X VGT is like racing wing suit, with a protective fuselage for ‘flying’ very low to the ground.”

Mazda CX-3 Ushers in new Era

Mazda has revealed its all-new model, the CX-3 in Los Angeles. The CX-3 fills a gap in the compact SUV segment just below the current CX-5.

Mazda CX-3 Details

According to Mazda the brand is seeing good growth globally and its reintroduction to SA saw it separate from Ford with its own offices and a launch of the Mazda 3, 6 and CX-5. Mazda sees this as an ideal opportunity to pounce on the ever-growing small SUV segment with its new CX-3.

Powering the new CX-3 is a 1.5-Litre diesel whilst America will get a 2-Litre petrol derivative Power outputs are yet to be decided and will be revealed closer to the launch date. Power will be transferred to either the front wheels, or through Mazda’s new-generation all-wheel-drive system. CX-3 also will be equipped with Mazda’s unique SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission.

CX-3 will offer a wide range of Mazda’s active, passive and in-car-infotainment technologies, including the Mazda Connect infotainment system and i-ACTIVSENSE advanced safety features.

Mazda is hoping to start hitting the streets with the new CX-3 by mid-year 2015.

UPDATE: Mazda South Africa is set to bring the CX-3 to our shores before the end of 2015.

Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang Unleashed (Video)

The all-new Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang has been unleashed and described as the “most balanced, nimble and exhilarating production Mustang yet”.

Powerful Performance for Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang

The Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang is fitted with a high-revving, naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V8 engine with a flat-plane crankshaft, which is a first on a Ford V8. This unit offers up no less than 373 kW of power while maximum torque exceeds 542 Nm, making it the most powerful naturally aspirated Ford production engine ever. A six-speed manual gearbox will put that power to the ground.

The Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang rides on 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The car takes on a ‘functional-driven’ design to improve overall performance. Features such as a new aluminum hood, re-sculpted fascia and rear diffuser all add to improved aerodynamics.

Interior Styling

The interior is optimized for driving and comes fitted with Recaro sport seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The car features upgraded gauges to reflect the performance of the car and chrome detailing has been reduced or removed to avoid reflections and driver distraction.

The all-new intergrated driver control system allows the driver to select between five modes which control the ABS, stability control, traction control, steering effort, throttle mapping, MagneRide tuning and exhaust settings according to the drivers preference.

“When we started working on this car, we wanted to build the best possible Mustang for the places we most love to drive – challenging back roads with a variety of corners and elevation changes – and the track on weekends,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development.

Audi Prologue Concept Revealed in LA

Audi has taken the wrapping paper off its new Prologue concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Audi Prologue concept is said to be a preview the upcoming A8 luxury sedan.

Audi Prologue Design

The exterior of the Audi Prologue features a massive front grille incorporating the four rings of Audi in the centre. The whole design is very smooth a fuss-free with the front end sitting very low as the bonnet dips down to meet the grille. The headlights feature Matrix Laser technology that Audi says will allow for new innovation in lighting. Audi has made sure there are some neat links back to its motorsport heritage like the frontal air intakes that look like dive planes from its race cars. The rear wheel arch is flared outwards and looks characteristically Quattro.

Feast of Tech

The interior looks very clean and clinical, distinctly Audi traits but is steeped with loads of awesome tech. The entire front dash becomes three separate touchscreens. The driver-oriented display to the left of the steering wheel is used to control functions for lighting and assistance systems. The unit to the right contains media controls. The front passenger faces a widescreen display that is integrated into the full surface of the instrument panel; it is used to individually and conveniently control entertainment features.

The new type of front passenger display enables digital interaction between the driver and front passenger for the first time. A wiping movement by the passenger will send pre-configured routes to the driver’s display and input them into the Audi virtual cockpit future.

Mild Hybrid System

The Audi Prologue Concept is powered by biturbo 4.0 TFSI motor, it produces 445 kW and 700 Nm of torque; in overboost mode, which the driver can call up for around 15 seconds, a boosted torque of 750 Nm is available. The biturbo V8 accelerates the Audi Prologue from 0 to 100kph in 3.7 seconds.

Audi reckons the Prologue will consume just 8.6L/100 kilometres. One contributor to this high fuel consumption is a new 48-volt electrical system – this is technology that will soon be introduced to production cars at Audi. The 48-volt system is supplied by a powerful belt starter generator, which turns the powertrain into a mild hybrid and has an energy recovery output of up to 12 kW during braking. An eight-speed tiptronic directs engine power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive, which works closely with torque vectoring.

New VW Golf R Variant Revealed

The the new VW Golf R Variant has been revealed at the LA Auto Show. This is the first time in the history of the Golf R that a station wagon version will be produced.

Sporty Practicality and Performance Merge

The VW Golf R variant is able to seat five passengers and offer lots of space thanks to a large boot and flat-folding rear seats, making it suitable for families and people with active lifestyles.

In terms of performance, the VW Golf Variant features the same 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine which offers up 221 kW (206 kW in SA) of power and 380 Nm of torque. A six-speed DSG dual clutch automatic transmission and 4Motion all-wheel drive system results in a limited top speed of 250kph and a 0-100 kph sprint time of 5.1 seconds while only consuming 7L/100 km.

VW Golf R Variant – Exterior Styling

The VW Golf R Variant features a lowered sports suspension, 0.8 inches lower than the standard Golf R hatchback. Exterior features include a new R-design bumper, high-gloss black diffuser, four chrome exhaust tips ‘aero flaps’ on the D pillars, cherry-red tail-lights and LED lighting for the number plate.

Up front, the VW Golf Variant features an R-specific  bumper with large air intakes, grille with R logo and Bi-Xenon headlights with integrated Daytime Running Lights (DRLs).

The VW Golf R Variant rides on 18-inch Cadiz aluminum-alloy wheels with black brake calipers with 19-inch Cadiz and Pretoria aluminium-alloy wheels being option.

Interior Styling

Sports seats with a mix of fabric and Alcantara can be found inside with stitching in crystal grey and with the “R” logo on the backrests.  Other features include blue ambient lighting, automatic air conditioning and a Composition Touch infotainment system while a Nappa Carbon leather package is available as an option. The “R” design three-spoke sport steering wheel is wrapped in leather and features a “R” logo in the lower cross bar with contrasting stitching in crystal grey.

The VW Golf Variant will go on sale in Europe in 2015.

Mercedes-Benz AMG Performance Drive

Some days this job has it perks, though if I’m honest sitting here at Red Star Raceway in Mpumalanga, listening to the sound of four-cylinder AMGs whizzing around the circuit, today is one of the better ones. We got a chance to see what the CLA, GLA and A45 AMG are all about in an environment that tests their very limits.

AMG with a Difference

This range of AMG cars is the start of a new era for the performance arm of Mercedes-Benz. To start with the engine is the first AMG to feature a four-cylinder layout and is simultaneously the most powerful 2-Litre series production engine in the world. It puts out 265 kW combined with 450 Nm and in pure AMG style carries the one-man, one-engine philosophy. That means if an engine builder is sick for a few days then that engine is not touched while he/she is away.

There is a lot to like about these 4-Matic (all-wheel drive) AMGs, the exhausts have been designed to bark angrily, especially on up and downshifts. It’s something we’ve come to love about AMG products and the typical exhaust sound definitely sets it apart. With AMG targeting younger people, the CLA, GLA and A45 AMG have adapted the design strategy a bit, offering ways to uniquely style or individualise your car. The Edition One is just one way of doing that, and adds some serious bite to the visual appeal both inside and out. You can add a rear wing, bumpers, bits of exterior trim, red brake callipers and 20-inch rims. The interior gains some serious race seats and a different level of trim with red stitching everywhere.

Track Driving

At track pace the AMG feels more alive, it’s able to reach speeds it was born to go and with the dual clutch gearbox in manual mode you can start to wring its neck. You can feel the all-wheel drive system shifting power to the rear when trying to accelerate out of a corner, where a regular front wheel drive car would understeer wide here, the 4Matic system helps it hold a tighter line on exit. Under braking, despite the firm suspension setup, it tends to dive on the front end and the brakes don’t give much back in the way of feel. If you’re off the power mid corner, it can feel like a regular front wheel drive hatchback and you find yourself having to test the throttle to see if the front end is ready to deal with the extra workload.

As far as track cars go, the CLA, GLA and A45 AMG offer up loads of fun until you start to push the car’s limits, don’t expect to blow everyone away though as they aren’t as agile as you’d expect. Out on the road where these cars will spend almost all their existence though, and where they garner oodles of attention from onlookers (especially the Edition 1 models) you’re in for an experience and a half.

Pricing:

GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC  ‘Edition 1’  R740 100

A 45 AMG:                                           R 629 900

CLA 45 AMG:                                      R708 600