2015 Mitsubishi Triton Unveiled In Thailand

The all-new 2015 Mitsubishi Triton developed to be the “Ultimate Sport Utility Truck” has been officially unveiled in Thailand.

All about the 2015 Mitsubishi Triton

The fifth-generation model slated for release in South Africa hopefully sometime next year, was previewed by the GR-HEV concept from the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Featuring a few styling bits of the concept, the refreshed Triton comes with a new front fascia with a prominent grille flanked by LED-infused headlights, a uniquely shaped bed and a curvaceous body work, as well as distinctive taillights.

The cars is also larger than before, with the double cab sitting at 5280mm in length (up 70mm), 1815 in width (up 15mm) and is 1780mm tall. Ground clearance is rated at 205mm across all variants.

Inside, the Triton features leather upholstery, gloss black trim and metallic accents. Mitsubishi says generous interior space has been achieved across all the three available body styles – single cab, double cab and club cab body, while the strategic placement of sound insulation, absorption and vibration damping materials delivering significantly improved cabin quietness.

In addition, the cabin is fitted with a three-spoke steering, a rotary four-wheel drive controller and an infotainment system with a seven-inch display. Mitsubishi also promised the vehicle will be equipped with more comfortable seats that have longer and wider cushions.

Engine line-up

The all-new 2015 Mitsubishi Triton is available with a four-engine line-up, which includes:

A 2.4-litre petrol with 94 kW and 194 Nm of torque

A 2.4-litre turbodiesel with 133 kW and 430 Nm of torque

A 2.5-litre turbodiesel with 94 kW and 240 Nm of torque

A 2.5-litre turbodiesel with 131 kW and 400 Nm of torque

These engines can be connected to a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission.

The 2015 Mitsubishi Triton is currently on sale in Thailand, but according to the company it will eventually be sold in approximately 150 other countries including Africa (most likely including South Africa too).

Bentley Grand Convertible Unveiled Ahead Of LA Debut

The covers have been pulled off early on the Bentley Grand Convertible concept, which is said to redefine the luxury of open-air driving.

Bentley Grand Convertible redefines the luxury of open-air driving

The concept is scheduled to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show alongside the new Mulsanne Speed sedan. Dubbed as the “ultimate expression of British automotive luxury”, the “sophisticated open-top car” features an extravagant Sequin Blue exterior finish complimented by a silver “liquid metal” finish on the hood and windscreen frame.

The classy styling continues in the cabin sized for four adults, with 14 naturally tanned leather hides merged together with progressive-diamond quilting, with the shape of the pattern changing over the seats and doors.

To further highlight the luxurious cabin, Sequin Blue thread cross-stitched by hand can be found on the leather along with bright blue highlights throughout. The convertible also boasts a mirror-finished, dark-stained Burr Walnut cover and is the “largest piece of wood veneer ever applied to a Bentley.”

Power

Power comes from the same 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine fitted in the Mulsanne and Mulsanne Speed that develops 395 kW and 1100 Nm of torque. The company declined to release detailed specifications, however, it was mentioned that the convertible will have “effortless performance to match its unparalleled style.”

“This concept demonstrates Bentley’s ability to create a pinnacle convertible Grand Tourer, while embodying elegance beyond compare. With this car we combine the opulent Mulsanne experience with the full sensory indulgence of open-air touring, continuing to unite luxury and performance in new ways,” said Bentley CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer in a statement.

“We are eagerly awaiting the response of our customers to this car. We will ensure that this car – if it reaches the roads – will be a highly exclusive, extremely limited collector’s piece.”

Mercedes-Benz Autonomous Driving Concept Previewed

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the first sketches of the interior of its upcoming autonomous concept car developed at its research and development centre in California and will be unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Mercedes-Benz autonomous driving to revolutionise interior design

Mercedes-Benz has provided a virtual preview of what the future holds with an innovative interior concept for an autonomous luxury vehicle. The concept is said to be a mobile living room fitted with four rotating comfort-oriented “lounge” chairs that allow a face-to-face seat configuration. This enables the front passengers to turn around and talk directly to the other passengers while on the move.

The concept is further equipped with a central table, a huge dashboard with a full-length infotainment system, an extended steering wheel, a glass roof, wood floors and premium leather upholstery.

Mercedes-Benz has already impressively demonstrated its vision of autonomous driving with the S-Class, the S 500 Intelligent Drive, and the autonomous Future Truck 2025, based on the Actros 1845.

“We are convinced that autonomous driving will be a central factor on the way to comfortable, accident-free driving,” said Daimler’s Head of Corporate Research and Sustainability and Chief Environmental Officer, Professor Doctor Herbert Kohler.

“Autonomous driving relieves pressure and stress in driving situations usually regarded as tedious, for example in tailbacks, in inner-city areas or on long journeys.

“At the same time, autonomous driving opens up new ways in which people can make the best use of their time on the road.”

 

GWM Introduces ‘Price Busting’ H6 City In SA

GWM has added an entry-level “price-busting” H6 City to its H6 SUV line-up.

Spacious luxurious H6 City SUV

Following the recently launched full-size SUV H5 City, the upmarket GWM H6 City also boasts 17-inch alloy wheels, comprehensive colour coding, daylight running lamps and rear privacy glass as standard. The model additionally comes with a unibody platform and front-wheel drive, and measures 4640 mm in length and rides on a 2680 mm wheelbase.

“The H6’s key dimensions actually allow it to offer rear legroom and boot space similar to vehicles that are significantly bigger (and more expensive) than its perceived rivals,” explains brand manager Hannes Oosthuizen.

Furthermore, the SUV is equipped with power-assisted-steering, power windows all-round, and side mirrors, rear parking radar, two air bags, anti-lock brakes with electronic pressure distribution and IsoFix child-seat anchors. There’s also air con and a radio/CD/USB/aux audio system.

Power

Under the hood, the H5 City is fitted with the company’s recently introduced GW4G15B unit delivering 105 kW at 5600 rpm and 210 Nm of torque from 2200 rpm to 4500 rpm, and is connected to a six-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 8.5-litres/100 km.

GWM H6 City price in South Africa

GWM H6 1.5T City – R259 900

The H6 City is backed by a comprehensive five-year/100 000 km warranty and comes standard with two-year/24-hour AA roadside assistance and a five-year/60 000 km service plan.

Ken Block Gymkhana Seven

Ken Block is back with the latest sequel in his YouTube sensation series of Gymkhana films.

No longer in a rally inspired Subaru Impreza or Ford Fiesta rally car, he is now terrorising the streets in a 630 kW all-wheel drive Mustang. According to the video, it’s the first ever performance Mustang that drives all four wheels. It’s called the Hoonigan and it’s built for smoke, theatre and bad-ass drifts.

Unlike Gymkhana 6 where they used a closed course to create the ultimate Gymkhana track, Block has returned to laying rubber on the streets, this time of Los Angeles. Keen spotters may notice a recreation of the Gone in 60 Seconds car chase scene.

Without harping on too much, here’s the video of Gymkhana Seven

Ken Block Gymkhana Seven

Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series Updated Pricing for 2015

Toyota has introduced a number of 2015 updates to its Land Cruiser 70 Series range.

Spec upgrade for 2015

The revised Land Cruiser 79 Double Cab now comes with rear over fenders and 16-inch alloy wheels. All the models also get a Lights-On reminder warning sound, while 79 Single Cabs, 79 Double Cabs and 76 Station Wagons with V8 diesels now have auto-locking free-wheel hubs, which means that you no longer have to get out of the vehicle to lock the hubs.

Furthermore, the Land Cruiser 76 V8 diesel station wagon now comes standard with a spare-wheel cover, while all 79 V8 diesel single and double cabs are now fitted with a spare -wheel lock.

Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series price in South Africa

Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Single Cab

4.0 V6 petrol – R459 600

4.2 diesel – R489 000

4.5 V8 diesel – R559 400

Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Double Cab

4.0 V6 petrol – R519 700

4.2 diesel – R545 100

4.5 V8 diesel – R612 100

Toyota Land Cruiser 78 Wagon

4.2 diesel – R532 500

Toyota Land Cruiser 76 Station Wagon

4.2 diesel – R557 500

4.5 V8 diesel – R626 000

Honda FCV Concept Debuts In Japan

The Honda FCV Concept has been introduced in Japan ahead of the arrival of the production version scheduled to go on sale in Japan by the end of March 2016.

A concept car for an all-new fuel-cell vehicle (FCV)

Honda unveiled a similar fuel cell concept vehicle at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. The FCV concept is a successor of the FCX Clarity but with a 33 percent smaller fuel-cell stack and an output of more than 100 kW. According to Honda the overall performance has increased by around 60 percent compared to the previous version of the fuel-cell stack.

The Honda FCV concept is also equipped with a 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen storage tank that provides a cruising range of more than 700 km. The tank can be refilled in approximately three minutes, which is just about the same as a regular petrol/diesel refill.

In addition, the concept features an external power feeding function which can be combined with an external power feeding device transforming the Honda FCV concept into a mobile power plant, generating and providing electricity to the community in times of disaster or other events.

Striving to make a contribution to the “hydrogen energy society” like its Japanese competitor Toyota, Honda says it will continue taking on new challenges in the area of hydrogen technologies including the Smart Hydrogen Station, FCVs and external power feeding devices.

Infiniti SYPNATIQ Concept Unveiled

The Infiniti SYPNATIQ Concept has been unveiled in preparation for the Los Angeles Auto Show Design Challenge.

A vision into the future with the Infiniti SYPNATIQ Concept

This year’s theme focussed on how technology will transform the human-to-machine interface (HMI). The Infiniti Design San Diego team created a futuristic SYPNATIQ concept which is dubbed as “The Future Vision of Infiniti HMI.”

The company presented a proposal where it’s the year 2029 and its “universal fuselage pod” is part of its sponsored extreme A.R.C (Air, Rally, Circuit) triathlon.

According to the company, the Infiniti SYPNATIQ Concept will integrate into three different types of vehicles for each stage of the race, the first stretch of the race being a Formula-1 grand prix course from L.A. to Las Vegas. The second portion is a desert race which, requires an off-road buggy to the Grand Canyon. The final leg of the race is a radical gymkhana style jet race through virtual pylons back to Los Angeles.”

The A.R.C. triathlon race will also be the debut of Infiniti’s new futuristic HMI called SYNAPTIQ, and is described as a holistic system, which takes our current understanding of augmented reality, 3D hologram and wearable technology to the next level. The SYPNATIQ interface will make the driver and machine become one by connecting the SYNAPTIQ S.U.I.T. (Symbiotic User Interface Technology) through spinal lock attachment. Infiniti says this connection “both enhances and gives tactile resistance to the driver to simulate a physical interaction with the machine.”

The SYPNATIQ system also uses an Infiniti User Interface (IUI), a floating holographic projection that adapts to the situation and driver’s needs, allowing the driver to move between the different vehicles without having to deal with different instrumentation.

More details on the Infiniti SYPNATIQ Concept will be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week.

Redesigned Audi A1 Unveiled With New Three-Cylinder Engines

Audi has finally taken the wraps off its redesigned A1 and A1 Sportback models which, come with the latest technology, tweaked chassis, as well as new three-cylinder engines.

Audi A1 extensively redesigned

Visual changes include new front grille and headlights graphics and new paint combos. The changes also result in both models’ dimensions growing by two centimetres, while the “roof arch” can be ordered in a contrasting colour to the body’s paintwork.

The interior benefits from the latest MMI infotainment control system and a Wi-Fi hotspot functionality.

The Audi A1 can be further customised by choosing either the design or sport line. Other options include the design selection and the S line sport package as well as many other customization options – from coloured air vents to decorative decals for the body.

Advanced engines

Major changes can be seen under the hood where six new and upgraded engines are offered, including the 1.0-litre petrol engine delivering 70 kW which, will be offered for the base variants. There is also a 1.4-litre diesel engine with 66 kW and an average fuel consumption of 3.4-L/100 km.

Up next is a 1.4-litre direct injection petrol engine which can produce either 92 kW or 110 kW; the more powerful unit features a cylinder deactivation system. Lastly, there’s an 85 kW 1.6 litre TDI four-cylinder and a range-topping 141 kW 1.8 litre TFSI four-cylinder in the list.

All engines can be ordered with the seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission.

Audi also stated that the chassis makes both compact models sporty and agile, with the new electromechanical steering guaranteeing that the driver has optimal assistance in all driving situations.

Adaptive damping is also offered on both A1 and A1 Sportback, along with Audi drive select (auto, efficiency, dynamic modes) that influences the steering, gearbox, throttle and damping.

 

Revised Toyota Hilux SRX Xtra Cab Introduced

Toyota has introduced its revised Hilux SRX Xtra Cab, which now features a raised body and a few other changes.

New Raised Body Xtra Cab SRX

The new Raised Body version Toyota Hilux 2.5 D-4D SRX Xtra Cab replaces the previous low body version with an increased ride height and ground clearance up from 181mm to 212mm, as well as improved approach and departure angles which are up from 21 to 30 degrees and 18 to 23 degrees respectively. The model also boasts heavy duty 16-inch steel wheels which, replace the 17-inch wheels of the outgoing model.

In addition, the specification of the Raised Body version has been aligned to other SRX models, meaning the newcomer is de-chromed’ and gets practical black cladding for the door handles and outer mirrors whilst indoors, the SRX gets hard-wearing rough-weave fabric upholstery. Additional key specs include air-con, audio system (with USB and Bluetooth), electric windows, power steering, alarm, dual front airbags and ABS.

Under the hood is a 2.5 D-4D 4-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC diesel engine mated to a five-speed manual box, and delivers 75 kW and 260 Nm.

Revised Toyota Hilux SRX Xtra Cab price in South Africa

Toyota Hilux 2.5 D-4D Xtra Cab – R298 700

Included in the price is a three-year or 100 000km warranty and five-year or 90 000km service plan (intervals of 10 000km).