The Porsche CayenneGTS has been revealed ahead of its scheduled Los Angeles Auto Show debut.
High mix of sporty features
Set to go on sale later this year, the facelifted Cayenne GTS displays sporting exuberance with its extended wheel arches and revised side skirts that come from the Sport Design package. The package further adds 20-inch alloy wheels in RS Spyder design, tinted LED rear lights, and a 24mm reduced ride height (20mm on the optional air suspension).
Other notable features include a Porsche Active Suspension Management system, a sports exhaust system, high-performance brakes, and added body-colour accents.
The interior includes special sport seats upholstered in leather and Alcantara with GTS letters stitched into the headrests.
Performance-oriented Cayenne GTS
Major changes come from under the bonnet, where the old 4.8-litre naturallyaspirated V8 engine is replaced by a smaller twin-turbo 3.6-litre V6 engine that produces 323 kW and 600 Nm of torque – an increase of 14 kW and 85Nm.
The extra power helps the vehicle accelerate from 0-100kph in 5.2 seconds – or 5.1 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono package – before reaching a top speed of 262kph.
Porsche is also set to introduce an entry level Cayenne which will be powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 220 kW. Connection to the new eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission enables the model to complete the 0-100kph sprint in 7.7 seconds before hitting a top speed of 230kph.
Volvo V60 Cross Country Takes Shape
The Volvo V60 is in for a Cross Country model as soon as next month. This model will add to the Cross Country range thats currently consists of a V40 Cross Country. The V60 Cross Country will join the XC70 in the raised station wagon department at Volvo.
V60 Cross Country Details
The V60 Cross Country will be shown at this months (November 2014) LA motor show for the first time. It comes after Volvo has noticed increased growth in the sales of its XC70, which in some countries sells as well as its V70 station wagon base.
Its the usual sort of modifications youd expect as the V60 turns into a Cross Country. The ride height is raised by 65mm and theres a bunch of plastic bumper pieces fitted to the wheel arches and side skirts. The V60 Cross Countrys will be mostly front-wheel driven with the top spec models being offered in all-wheel drive.
Volvo has hand-picked its Drive-e, super-efficient engines for the V60 Cross Country. Four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines will power the front-wheel drive models whilst the five-cylinder D4 engine will take care of the all-wheel drive model. Outside of Drive-e variants the 186 kW five-cylinder motor is also available.
The V60 Cross Country will go on sale in the US and Canada next month with Europe having to wait until next year. We could expect the Volvo V60 Cross Country to hit our shores by August 2015.
New Car Sales in South Africa for October 2014
New Car Sales in South Africa for October 2014
New car sales in South Africa have remained strong throughout October 2014 despite slow economic growth and pressure on consumer disposable income. The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) reports strong gains in major sectors when compared to the same period last year.
Here is a new car sales summary for the month of October 2014.
New Car Sales Summary – October 2014
59 262 aggregate new vehicle sales up by 4.7% (2 654) compared to October 2013
32 165 export sales up by 33% (7 973) compared to October 2013
40 666 passenger cars up by 1.6% (646) compared to October 2013
15 827 light commercial vehicles up by 14% (1 941) compared to October 2013
Top Selling Car Brands in South Africa for October 2014
Brand
Total Sales
Market Penetration %
Toyota
12 049
20.4%
Volkswagen
9 057
15.3%
Ford Motor Company
6 674
11.3%
GMSA
5 238
8.9%
Nissan
5 047
8.5%
Top Selling New Cars in South Africa for October 2014
NAAMSA advises a cautious outlook for the remainder of 2014 going into 2015. Slow economic growth, past interest rate hikes and above inflationary new car price increases would create a tough trading environment. NAAMSA predicts similar new car sales in 2014 to that experienced in 2013. Export numbers are expected to improve for the remainder of the year and into 2015.
Mercedes-Benz GLA Instagram Car Configurator (Video)
Mercedes-Benz has once again teamed up with Instagram to promote their new GLA model among the millennial crowd.
Build your own Mercedes-Benz GLA on Instagram
Online car configurators have become quite the thing in the motoring industry as it gives potential customers the perfect way to spec and learn more about vehicles. You can choose finishes, optional extras, colours and so on and most manufacturers allow cars to be ordered this way too. Usually these online car configurators are web-based, but Mercedes-Benz has come up with a configurator using social image sharing platform Instagram.
With help from agency Razorfish, Mercedes-Benz has introduced @Build_Your_Own_GLA, which lets users create their own custom versions of the GLA. Working just like a car configurator, users are given an opportunity to choose their preferences using the tagging feature to cross link from different accounts which host the different options from paint colour, wheel size, roof and grille. At the end you are taken to your end product which you can like and share as you wish.
Instagram has been a very important platform for Mercedes-Benz and continues to grow in popularity among the younger millennial consumer that we are trying to introduce the brand to, says Mark Aikman, department manager of digital marketing and CRM at Mercedes-Benz USA.
Build Your Own GLA allows us to talk to them where they are and provide them with an interactive experience within Instagram.
Already at 2000+ followers, this campaign according to Aikman, adds to the automakers success of the Take the Wheel campaign which generated 87 million Instagram impressions, while the successive #GLAPacked campaign led to approximately 25 000 more followers on the Mercedes-Benz USA handle and a 540 percent increase in brand interest measured by the increase in site traffic to Mercedes site.
Watch how you can customise your own GLA on Instagram
Volvo XC60 D4 (2014) Review
The Volvo XC60 went through its mid-life makeover in late 2013, the facelift tweaked the styling and updated the interior gadgets in line with the rest of the range. The XC60 has been a major seller for the Swedish brand and has defied its age by increasing sales year on year globally. We spent a week behind the wheel of this medium to large-sized SUV, complete with Sport Pack.
We like:
. Good looking SUV
. Excellent diesel engine with linear acceleration
. Loads of space and interior finish
We dislike:
. Couldn’t get near claimed fuel consumption
. Multimedia system not intuitive
For 2014 the XC60 had some of its exterior modernised. The entire body is now colour coded so the plastic side sills are gone and that alone upgrades the look of the XC60. The front grille and headlights have also been updated, but the main changes take place inside the Volvo. The new digital instrument cluster has been installed along with the choice three different themes.
This digital display by Volvo is easily one of the best as its crystal clear to read, and they havent tried to squeeze so much info onto the display that it becomes distracting. The entertainment and audio system has been updated to the same spec as was first introduced on the V40 with a seven-inch screen. With the added Sport Package our model here has, it comes with an added power tailgate, special leather wrapped three-spoke steering wheel and an aluminium sill protector.
Top Notch Diesel
Volvo has placed its latest Drive-e diesel engine into this XC60. Drive-e just means the engines are super-efficient yet still powerful. This 2-Litre turbodiesel produces 133 kW combined with 400 Nm of torque. The claimed fuel consumption on this XC60 is an astonishing 4.7L/100km however, we didnt get close to that figure.
Even cruising along on the freeway at 120kph the instantaneous fuel consumption readout showed around 6L/100km. Our final figure at the end of the week read 7.7L/100km which while being quite a way off claimed, is not bad at all from a 1.7 ton SUV. That aside, the engine is beautiful to live with, the torque delivery is linear and theres enough grunt to get overtaking done with ease. The eight-speed gearbox is perfectly suited to the XC60 as it works away in the background, quietly and unnoticed. You can just sit back and enjoy the lap of luxury Volvo has supplied.
Living it Up
Volvo interiors always feel well built and this XC60 is no exception. In recent years Volvo has worked hard at adding stylish touches to its cars and the cabin of this XC60 is well thought out. Theres lots of leather and soft touch surfaces as well as brushed aluminium along the door sills, although they seem to attract fingerprints and anyone with OCD will lose their mind trying to constantly keep it free of prints.
Volvos multimedia system could definitely be a bit more user friendly as first time users will struggle to navigate the menus and figure out which buttons do what on the centre dash. There is Bluetooth and USB to keep most of the techies happy whilst dual-zone climate control takes care of the temperature. The amount of space you get in the XC60 is awesome, loads of room everywhere, including the rear seats where leg room is massive. The rear seats can be folded flat and the boot has a really nice and wide loading area meaning you can get larger width objects into the rear easier.
Handling and Ride
The XC60 in this diesel spec is just about right, I wouldnt pick the thirstier and more powerful petrol models as this model defines what the XC60 is about. I wouldnt call it a sporty SUV, its a spacious, well designed and comfortable riding cruiser. The suspension is on the firm side, but thats so it doesnt fall over to one side in the bends.
The steering feel is adequate but when it comes to trying to race it through a set of bends it lacks feedback. Youll probably never race the XC60 through a set of corners though so for what the XC60 does best comfortable cruising , it manages just fine.
Verdict
Ill admit to having a soft spot for this Volvo XC60 D4, the engine won me over first, with its smooth power delivery and plentiful torque. Then the space came in handy when I was transporting my bikes all around the Cape to races and trails. Its a really easy car to live with, the automatic tailgate is great as is the keyless entry and it all comes together in a rather stylish package inside and out.
It does come at a price however, R545 800 for a standard D4 Elite model. The Sport Package adds an extra R10 700 to the price, but the only worthwhile part of that is the power tailgate. It might sound like a hefty sum to pay until you start to weigh up the competitors. Compared to the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 it undercuts them by between R10k to R20k. All considered the XC60 is one of the best mid-large sized SUVs on the market.
Second Opinion
Volvo’s XC60 in D4 guise is perhaps one of the finest vehicles in its class. The efficient engine delivers adequate power and there’s plenty of space in the cabin and boot. It does lack all-wheel drive, but to be fair, how much offroad driving do you really want to do? In summary, this Volvo scores highly. – David Taylor
Volvo XC60 D4 Elite quick specs
Price
R545 800
Engine
2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel
Power
133 kW
Torque
400 Nm
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Wheels
17-inch alloys
0-100km/h
8.5 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy
4.7L/100 km (claimed)
2015 Chevrolet Colorado Performance Concept Unveiled at SEMA
Chevrolet has teamed up with Motorcross rider Ricky Carmichael to bring out the Colorado Performance Concept which will debut at this years SEMA show.
Chevrolet Colorado Performance Concept designed for active lifestyles
The concept is said to illustrate the lifestyle-supporting capability of Chevrolet’s new midsize pickup truck, while also showcasing some of the accessories that may become available in the near future.
With a number of its styling cues coming from the 2015 Colorado, the model additionally features a bespoke matte grey paint complimented by high-gloss silver and yellow graphics, and 17-inch alloy wheels with yellow accents wrapped in rugged Goodyear Duratec tyres. Theres also a matching Super Air Nautique 210 boat and trailer.
The interior features yellow accents and Carmichaels racing number four embroidered on the front headrests. It also features innovative technology such as Chevy MyLink with a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Alert.
The vehicle also features the companys patent pending GearOn accessory system, which can hold large items such as bikes, boards and kayaks above the bed and allow smaller items such as tents and sleeping bags in the bed. It can even accommodate 4-by 8 sheets of plywood above the wheelhouses, and use the boxs four permanent and 13 moveable tie-down provisions to allow for a variety of secure and convenient cargo stowage options.
Under the hood of the Colorado Performance Concept is the 3.6-litre V6 engine that delivers 227 kW and returns 9L/100 km on the highway for 2WD models, while also boasting 3175 kg of maximum trailering capability.
“You cant own a lifestyle product like the Super Air Nautique without the assurance of a strong, confidence-inspiring truck to haul it to your favourite lake,” said Chevrolet trucks senior marketing manager John Fitzpatrick.
He added, “The Colorado rewrites the book for midsize trucks, delivering unprecedented performance and capability for people who need the versatility of a truck in a smaller package than a full-size pickup.
Ford Teases Next Gen SVT Mustang GT350 (Video)
Ford has been teasing the public with a mystery 2015 Mustang GT350, and it has just confirmed this with a new teaser video which suggests the car will be a serious performer.
The highly-anticipated Mustang GT350 finally a reality?
The teaser video shows Ford performance heritage in various racing series around the world. Theres no mention of the car itself, however, it features short interview segments with Ford executives talking about how important performance is to the company and its future.
The video also shows close up images of what appears to be an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, alloy pedals and a high-performance engine. Theres also hints of a mesh grille and unique alloy wheels.
“Ford Performance and pushing the envelope with our technologies, with our capabilities, demonstrating that on the track or even off-road has been an important part of our DNA,” says Ford Executive Vice President Joe Hinrichs.
Ford CEO Mark Fields added: “It’s very important for us to have the street creed to be able to back up what you see in your vehicles, in terms of performance, with actual results in how we do with racing around the world. We can compete with anybody and win.”
The next generation SVT Mustang GT350 is scheduled to be unveiled just before the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 17th.
Ford performance heritage video
*Pictured is the 2015 Ford Mustang GT
Mercedes-Benz G-Code Concept
Mercedes-Benz has got the jump on the LA motor show and revealed its G-Code Concept that sees a distant look into the German brands future. The G-Code Concept is a small compact SUV that will sit below the GLA as far a pricing goes.
G-Code Design Details
The curtain was lifted on the G-Code at the opening of its new R&D centre in Beijing on the 3 November 2014. The styling of the G-Code has been co-developed by designers in both China and Germany in order to make it is accessible as possible to the young, modern buyer.
The letter G is easily spotted in the G-Codes LED lights and points to its name. Other interesting style points include the reverse opening rear door coach doors and 21-inch wheels fitted for a bit of extra street cred. The A-pillars have been designed so the G-Code looks as though it has a floating roof and the glass wraps right the way around from the rear window.
The grille has three different choices of backlights to choose from so you can spray blue, purple or red light from behind the grille. You may have also noticed the lack of rear mirrors, this is because they have been replaced with cameras that display inside the cabin.
Hydrogen Powered
No engine specifics have been detailed, however it did say that it would likely use state-of-the-art turbocharged combustion engine that runs on hydrogen along with an electric motor that drives the rear axle. That would make the G-Code an all-wheel drive compact SUV with specific modes to choose from as to whether you want to drive in two-wheel or four-wheel drive. Or it could possibly have a third mode where it is powered entirely by the electric motor.
The roof of the G-Code uses specially designed Multi-voltaic paint which, acts as a solar panel and regenerates electrostatic energy as wind is drawn over the surface. The new concept also employs power-on-the-move suspension in which, the rebound movement of the springs and dampers is used to drive a generator via hydraulic means to create electricity.
Whilst purely a concept and a design study, the G-Code takes a look into Mercs expanding range of SUVs and what its next step in the segment may be.
Citroen Launches New C1 in SA
The tiny hatchback from French manufacturer Citroen was quietly launched over the first weekend in November 2014. The new Citroen C1 hopes to build on the good worldwide sales of 780 000 units that the first version achieved.
New C1 Design
The face of the new C1 has been updated to mirror that of the rest of the Citroen range. That means a two-part headlight system with the top section being reserved for the daytime running lights. The rear lights have some new treatment and feature square tail lamps that update its visual appeal. The C1 is initially available in Feel spec and Airscape (folding roof). An entry-level model will be added the range in early 2015.
Engine
The C1 upgrades from its previous 1-litre, three-pot motor to a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol. Outputs are claimed to be 61 kW with 116 Nm of torque. The engine improves the performance of the C1 as it now takes 11 seconds to get to 100kph and has a top speed of 170kph. Citroen claim it will return 4.3L/100km on the combined cycle. Size wise, the new C1 is slightly longer than the previous version by 29mm, the rest of the vehicle is fractionally smaller with the kerb weight being nearly identical.
Inside
The C1 is a great city car, fitting through small gaps and making parking and tight turns a synch. The interior has had a spruce-up as the seats are more comfortable and supportive. There are steering mounted controls as well as USB, Bluetooth and MP3 compatibility. If you buy the Airscape version you also get a seven-inch touch screen with the Mirror Screen application that lets you use certain apps on your phone. The boot has been enlarged substantially as it is up to 196-Litres now from the puny 139-Litres before.
Citroen C1 Pricing:
Citroen C1 1.2 Feel R168 990
Citroen C1 1.2 Airscape R194 900
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe SA Pricing Announced
The South African prices for the ultra luxurious and striking Mercedes-Benz S-Class coupe have been announced.
There will be three models launched. Starting off the range is the S500 Coupe with its 4.7-litre twin turbocharged V8 engine. This engine pushes out 335 kW and 700 Nm, with the 0-100kph sprint dispatched in just 4.6 seconds. The first of the AMG coupes is next and the S63 AMG Coupe promises some fireworks to go with that breathtaking body. How does a 5.5-litre twin turbocharged V8 with 430 kW and 900 Nm grab you? The 0-100kph dash is claimed to be completed in just 4.2 seconds.
Finally, there’s the mighty S65 AMG Coupe with the biggest engine in the Mercedes-Benz arsenal. A monstrous 463 kW and 1000 Nm is created by the twin turbocharged 6.0-litre V12. While its 0-100kph time of 4.1 seconds doesnt seem that much better than the S63’s, all that torque will come into play and I think the S65 AMG Coupe will be simply ballastic when it comes to in-gear acceleration.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe Price in South Africa
S500 Coupe R1 921 619 S63 Coupe R2 511 105 S65 Coupe R3 087 014
