Kimi Raikkonen Drifts Ferrari F12 Berlinetta (video)
Ferrari Formula 1 driver Kimi Raikkonen has been shuttling certain Ferrari guests around the Fiorano test circuit in Italy.
In a bid to give the guests the most exciting ride of their life the 2008 world champion gets the F12 Berlinetta as sideways as possible on the damp circuit. Whilst usually stone-faced, Raikkonen seems to be enjoying the terror he is inflicting on the passengers.
The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is equipped with a 6.2-Litre V12 engine that develops 544 kW and 690 Nm of torque. There’s a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox which, as you can see from the video is shifted by paddles behind the steering wheel. The F12 Berlinetta will sprint to 100kph in just 3.1 seconds and go on to a top speed of 340kph.
Kimi Raikkonen Hot Laps the F12 Berlinetta
Jeep Cherokee (2014) Review
We like:
Excellent specification
Build quality
Ride and handling
Gadgets galore
Can go offroad
9-speed gearbox works well
We dislike:
Radical styling
Engine is quite thirsty
The latest Jeep Cherokee is visually quite far removed from anything in the Jeep family, but beauty is only skin deep. This Jeep Cherokee goes straight into a pretty competitive segment so it just has to deliver the goods, but does it?
When I first saw images of the newly-launched Jeep Cherokee on the Internet, my jaw dropped. That front end is so unlike anything the brand has done before and I found it repulsive. Fast forward a few months and I’m standing face to face with the new Jeep Cherokee. In the flesh, its not bad, but its still controversial. Controversy does work, the Nissan Juke is proof of that. Overall, its not a bad looking car, and while that face is going to raise a few eyebrows its the rear which more than makes up for it. The rear three-quarter angle is very pretty indeed.
Generous Specification
I was little worried when I first saw the pricing for the new Jeep Cherokee. This particular model is the 3.2-litre all-wheel drive Limited which retails for R563 990 with the range starting from R479 990. Your money does get you an awful lot of car though, and I was mightily impressed with the levels of standard specification on this Jeep Cherokee. There’s a brilliant infotainment touchscreen unit which encompasses an intuitive satellite navigation system. There’s two USB slots, SD card slot, Bluetooth, automatic dual zone climate control and there’s even the option to fit a wireless charging pad for mobile devices.
The list doesn’t stop there. How about heated seats, automatic tail gate, tyre pressure monitoring system as well as a full parking camera system? It also has the cool feature of being able to be started remotely by using the key. What this means is you can set the car to switch on its heated seats and heater first thing on a winter’s morning before you get in, which is handy. Or, blow some cold air through the car before you climb in on a hot summer’s day.
Engine and Performance
The new Jeep Cherokee offers commendable performance with 200 kW and 315 Nm from its 3.2-litre Pentastar V6. Mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox, the vehicle proved to be smooth in operation, with very little hesitation from the gearbox. Fuel consumption is rated at 10L/100km and I was able to record 11L/100km during its week-long stay. This all-wheel drive version does exactly that and can hit the offroad stuff well. There’s a tougher Trailhawk version which is even more capable, but that commands a premium of R 607 990. Despite lacking a locking diff and low-range gearbox, the Jeep Cherokee was still able to make light work of some sand dunes.
Comfort and Practicality
The Jeep Cherokee was comfortable and spacious, and during its week with Cars.co.za it was used to ferry visiting staff members from Johannesburg who happen to be surfers. The Jeep Cherokee easily swallowed boards and bags, but if you’re going to be carrying large amount of kit, you’ll find the boot space a little on the small size. No sweat, simply fold the back seats down and your storage space increases nicely. You can even fold the driver’s seat completely flat to allow the transportation of longer items such as curtain rails.
One of my favourite things of the Jeep Cherokee has to be the practicality bins dotted around the cabin. There’s one of these bins built into the passenger seat, meaning you can put your phone and house keys out of sight. There’s also a nice big bin located on the top of the dashboard.
Verdict
Jeep needs this model to work. As great as the Grand Cherokee is, its price puts it out of reach of many fans of the brand, which is a shame. These fans would then turn to the next product in the line up, which is the Cherokee and it’s an impressive product. The styling may not be to everyone’s taste, but you cannot deny the quality and practicality aspects of this SUV. It was a pleasant surprise driving the Jeep Cherokee and it gets a good rating from me, despite it having a slow puncture which required a tyre change towards the end of the week.
Second Opinion
I really liked the space inside, and I definitely thought it superior to the cheaper SUVs I have driven such as the Subaru XV and Mitsubishi Outlander. It’s also very comfortable to drive. However, I didn’t like the infotainment system. The Jeep Cherokee also makes for a fine surfer’s car as the key can be disassembled, meaning you can take the metal key into the water and not have to worry about damaging the electronics.-Ross McIlroy
I, on the other hand, enjoyed the entertainment interface and I thought it was really easy to use the Bluetooth and maps. I initially couldn’t find the button to open and close the boot, but once I did it worked nicely. The remote starting ability from the key is a bit silly and I didn’t really see the point.-Alastair MacMurray
Mercedes-Benz has offered a preview of its next generation LED headlights, which feature more than three times the resolution of the recently unveiled CLS.
Mercedes-Benz next gen LED headlights with 84 LEDs
To further take on its rivals Audi and BMW, which have already moved on to laser headlights, the Stuttgart based company says its extending its role in the automotive lighting sector with the introduction of the next generation LED headlights that feature 84 LEDs.
The company points out that instead of the 24 LEDs of the gridded high beam module in the CLS headlamp, the 84 LEDs per headlamp will provide even better light quality and even greater safety at night. This additional high beam works with state-of-the-art high-performance Light Emitting Diodes to provide high beam ranges of over 600 meters in driving situations without any oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead.
Although Mercedes didnt say that its system is better than the Laser headlight system, they did say that in contrast to the current “laser headlamps”, LED technology achieves this performance at markedly lower costs and with a manageable degree of complexity. The company additionally confirmed plans to incorporate High Range LED high beams in LED headlamps of upcoming models in near future.
New Mercedes-Benz Nomenclature Introduced
Mercedes-Benz has announced plans to introduce a new nomenclature structure that will come into effect from next year.
New Mercedes-Benz nomenclature to provide customers with better orientation
Mercedes-Benz will launch more than 30 models worldwide, among them at least eleven do not have predecessors in the current product portfolio.
According to the Stuttgart based brand, the system behind the new Mercedes-Benz nomenclature is simple, clear and transparent. The system centres on the five core model series, A, B, C, E and S which will remain unchanged, while model designations for the SUVs will go through major changes.
In a tribute to the legendary G-Class, all SUV models will in the future have the first two letters “GL” in their name, and the third letter will indicate the relationship to the relevant core model series. This means the current GLK, ML and GL models will be called GLC, GLE and GLS respectively. The company also said that its SUV GLE Coupe will now be known as GLE-Class Coupe.
The same naming structure will also be applied to the SLK roadster which will get the SLC designation while the G, SL will retain its names in recognition of its iconic status.
In a development paralleling that of the model series designations, the different types of engines will also be given new designations using a lowercase letter to point out the type of engine used.
To denote the compressed natural gas the letter c will be used, likewise d for diesel e for electric, f for fuel cell and h for hybrid, while there be will be no suffix for the petrol models. The defining and established designation 4MATIC all-wheel-drive vehicles will also remain unchanged.
2015 Ford Everest Revealed (Video)
The latest Ford Everest that was teased in the video we posted last week has been officially revealed. It will be based on the current Ford Ranger but features a more upmarket interior as well as seven seats.
Modern Exterior
The outside of the new Everest has been entirely revamped but still runs on a ladder frame chassis like the previous model. The new model uses the latest Ranger base as its platform and builds the more stylish exterior around it. Theres now LED daytime running lights and the new Ford grille in the front, the body has been designed to be as aerodynamically efficient as a bakkie-based SUV can be. Ground clearance is good at 225mm whilst it has a capable wading depth of around 800mm.
New Systems
The new Everest benefits from some high end advanced features, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Sync 2 – that lets you control the entertainment system by voice, Curve Control, lane keeping assist and blind spot detection with cross traffic alert. This is some quite advanced stuff for the bakkie-based SUV segment so we will have to wait and see which features make it to our shores.
Also inside the Everest are two USB ports, two 12V sockets and one 240V socket. The usual safety essential like ABS and ESP are standard and theres hill-start assist that makes pulling off on inclines easier. The rear two rows of seats can be folded down to provide over 2000-Litres of load space whilst it can be loaded up with up to 750kg of things.
Everest Off Road Talents
The Everest also aims to dominate the off road terrain as well. It has a specially tuned suspension to handle the rough elements thrown its way but is also supple on the tarmac. The Everest is equipped with a terrain management system that adapts to the surface underneath you as well as having selectable modes to adjust, such as: Normal, Snow/Gravel/Grass, Sand and Rock. Drivers can also lock the transfer case in low-range four-wheel drive mode for increased control in difficult terrains.
Engines
Engine wise the Everest can be specced with a 2-litre ecoboost petrol or a 2.2-litre turbodiesel or finally the 3.2-litre turbodiesel. Theres also the choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Were hoping to see the Ford Everest hit our shores midway through next year.
Ford Everest In Depth Video
Volkswagen Beetle Updated With New Engines and Technology
Of the five new engines that will be introduced, three petrol engines will be available for the Volkswagen Beetle with outputs ranging from 77 kW, 110 kW and 162 kW. The two diesel engines will have power ranging from 81 kW and 110 kW. All engines are said to be more fuel-efficient (reduced by approximately 13 per cent) and comply with Euro 6 emissions standards.
Volkswagen Beetle boasts new technology
In addition to the updated engines, Volkswagen is offering further assistance systems and mobile online services for the Beetle. The model now benefits from an optional “Discover Media” navigation system, a rearview camera, a Rear Traffic Alert system, a Blind Spot monitor and a DSG gearbox with a coasting function which automatically senses when there is no acceleration and automatically shifts to neutral.
Further individualisation options are available for the interior. With the new colour packages “Tornado Red”, “Pure White” and “Reflex Silver Metallic” the interior can be combined with various exterior colours.
The updated Volkswagen Beetle will go on sale later in 2014.
Subaru Viziv GT Vision Gran Turismo Teased (Video)
Subaru has teased its upcoming Viziv GT Vision Gran Turismo ahead of an official release.
A teaser video and a few images of the Subaru Viziv GT Vision have been released, showing the vehicle has a bulging grille flanked by slender LED headlights, a ventilated hood, and a stylish windscreen. Other notable features include a floating roof and LED taillights.
No specifications details have been released but the video does suggest the Viziv will be a plug-in hybrid model.
Subaru Viziv GT Vision Gran Turismo: Teaser Movie
Driven: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate
The latest version of Mercedes-Benz’s C-Class Estate made its South African debut this week and we were there to try it out.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has shown what the Germans are really capable of and this luxurious sedan just oozes charm, luxury and class. While the station wagon / estate market is not the biggest in South Africa, Mercedes-Benz feels there’s a niche market here and hopes to sell some units here. Mind you, we’re not talking large volumes here. At best, we’d see 500 C-Class Estates leave showroom floors.
There are three versions available. There’s two turbocharged petrol derivatives, while the flagship model is a potent, yet efficient diesel. So that’s a C180, a C200 and the mighty C250 BlueTec Estate to choose from. Like all German premium products, standard specification is average, but the options list offers very cool gadgets and tech.
Space and Practicality
This new C-Class Estate is in fact longer both in terms of wheel base and in overall length than its predecessor. It’s also marginally wider, meaning there’s more room and space. Mercedes-Benz SA also claims there’s more headroom in the new models, something that taller folk will appreciate. Luggage space is now up to 1 510 litres and the rear seats can fold down electronically. One of the coolest touches has to be the hands-free method to open the boot. All you need to do is wave your foot under the rear bumper and the sensor will pick up the movement, and the automatic door will open.
C250 BlueTec
The launch was held in Johannesburg and the route would to take us to Clarens, on the border of Lesotho. I knew this meant open-road cruising and a C250 BlueTec diesel was the perfect choice. With 150 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque, this diesel-powered C-Class Estate was a performer and a half. It’s able to get to 100kph reasonably quickly, but its real strength lies in overtaking, while still returning low fuel consumption figures of around 4.5L/100km.
C200 C-Class Estate
After a quick lunch stop in Frankfort, we switched to a well-equipped C200 C-Class Estate. This model boasted numerous optional extras thrown in and I think it offers the best bang for buck in the C-Class Estate range. Sure, you can opt for the brilliant diesel, but that commands a R90 000 premium. Be warned though, as some of the cool optional gadgets can easily add R100k onto the list price. The petrol engine in the C200 C-Class Estate has a turbocharged 2.0-litre with 135 kW and 300 Nm , which feels more than enough. It’s claimed to be light on fuel too, with a figure of 5.5L/100km claimed on the combined cycle.
The route took us off the national highway and into the Golden Gate National Park. It’s such a pity the weather didn’t play along as the scenery and driving roads are simply spectacular. Despite not being extremely sporty, the C-Class Estates acquitted themselves well and didn’t object to being driven in an excited fashion.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate Price in South Africa
Like every Mercedes-Benz passenger car, the new C-Class Estate comes standard with a 6-year/100 000 km PremiumDrive maintenance plan.
C 180 Estate – R447 600 C 200 Estate – R468 300 C 250 BlueTEC Estate – R558 400
Volkswagen Golf R400 To Enter Production In 2015
Reports are coming in that Volkswagen has approved production of the Golf R400 and will be launched next year.
Volkswagen Golf R400 said to become a reality
Although not yet officially confirmed by VW, Car Magazine UK is reporting that the production Golf R400 will enter full series production in 2015 and will follow closely in the footsteps of the concept.
The vehicle will supposedly be the first in the VW line-up to premiere the high-output 2.0-litre turbo engine. With an all-wheel drive feature and a high-performance braking system, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine is expected to have an output of about 309 kW and 450 Nm of torque. The vehicle is also said to feature a number of aerodynamic styling tweaks along with a restrained body kit.
Rumours are the Volkswagen Golf R400 will debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show and go on sale late next year.
Lexus LF-C2 Concept To Debut In LA
The Lexus LF-C2 concept has just been teased ahead of its scheduled world premiere said to happen next week at the Los Angeles Auto Show
Lexus LF-C2 Concept teased
The concept is said to preview a new convertible which Lexus is likely to put into production in the future. Rumours are that the concept could also preview the upcoming RC/RC F Convertible.
Not much has been revealed about the concept itself, but its being described as an exciting new open-air concept. The teaser image although a bit on the blurry side, does show a bit of the cars body with the stylish windscreen and protruding rear bumper, as well as an integrated trunk spoiler.
Check back for more details next week when the model makes its debut.
