Ford announced the first 500 registrations of its new 2015 Mustang were reserved just 30 seconds into the match where Real Madrid CF beat Club Atletico de Madrid 4-1 after extra time.
We knew there was huge excitement building for the new Ford Mustang coming to Europe, but the response during the UEFA Champions League Final was overwhelming, said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe. It was a truly special way to kick off the Ford Mustang era in Europe.
Ford additionally confirmed that more than 9 300 people registered online for a chance to reserve one of the first 500 new Ford Mustang models. In the next few weeks, the company will contact the customers from each of the 20 allocated countries who were quickest to place their reservation to let them know they have been successful. Each customer will then be invited to complete their order at a dealership later this year.
The 2015 Mustang, scheduled as one of the 15 new vehicles that Ford plans to launch in South Africa by 2017 features the iconic signature shark-bite front fascia with a prominent grille that is flanked by three-dimensional tri-bar taillamps. It is further equipped with a front splitter, aerodynamic side skits and a bulging hood.
The launch of this model will additionally mark 50 years of the iconic pony cars heritage which according to Ford has evolved to attract a wider array of customers and expand global market availability. Since its first launch in 1964, 9 million units have been sold.
Audi RS5 TDI Concept Revealed In Leipzig
Audi has revealed the RS5 TDI concept at AMI Leipzig, in honour of its 25th anniversary of the TDI engine.
Instead of the 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine found in the production Audi RS5, the Audi RS5 TDI concept uses a 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo diesel engine with an electric supercharger that promises to eliminate turbo lag.
The engine delivers 283 kW of power and 750 Nm of torque and is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission which sends power to a quattro all-wheel drive. Audi claims the RS5 TDI Concept will hit 100 km/h in just around 4 seconds and a top speed above 280 km/h. Fuel consumption is rated to be less than 5-litres/100km. This interesting engine is rumoured to power the forthcoming Audi A4, which will make its international debut later in 2014.
Could this be the first sign that a diesel-powered Audi RS model is on its way?
Audi RS5 TDI Concept gallery
Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Teased (Video)
Mercedes-Benz has released a teaser video depicting the engine sound of its upcoming AMG GT sports car expected to debut at the Paris Motor Show later this year.
The company is yet to confirm the spec details of the model, however its believed it will be equipped with a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine delivering around 447 kW of power and will be connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. According to some reports, Mercedes-Benz will also offer a more affordable version with 358 kW along with a Black Series-like derivative delivering as much as 432 kW.
The new Mercedes-AMG GT proves that we will be positioning AMG as a dynamic sports car brand even more strongly and aggressively than before, said Mercedes-AMG CEO Tobias Moers. The AMG GT is also the second vehicle in the line-up, after the SLS, to be developed fully by Mercedes-AMG.
Earlier in the year, the company released some details about the models interior, saying it will benefit from a two-tone red and black theme, leather-wrapped seats, dashboard and centre console. There will also be a flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel with aluminium inserts, along with a carbon fibre trim and an Alcantara roofliner. A full introduction is scheduled for October at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.
Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Engine Revs
Honda Ballade (2014) Launched in SA
The next-generation Honda Ballade has arrived on South African shores and we attended its local launch in Cape Town.
The Ballade has not had it easy. Due to the tsunami which smashed Japan thereby hitting the automotive component suppliers, and a massive flood in the Honda Thailand factory, Ballade stock has been severely hampered. That’s all in the past though, and there’ll be plenty units to go around.
This car is vastly different to the outgoing model both in terms of looks and features, and initial impressions are good. For detailed specifications and pricing about the new Honda Ballade, click here. The 1.5-litre four-cylinder motor with a few minor tweaks is fitted and it comes with a choice of either a five-speed manual ‘box or a CVT clutchless transmission. There are two trim levels available, Trend and the kitted-out Elegance.
The car rides on the same platform as the Honda Jazz, which isn’t a bad thing considering how good the little Jazz is. The new Ballade looks refreshingly modern and is bigger. It’s a little longer, boasts a longer wheelbase and is a little taller. The boot capacity has grown, but so has the opening – meaning it’s easier to load cargo.
Honda Ballade driving impression
We left the airport vicinity and headed out towards the Winelands. I opted for the CVT-equipped vehicle first and when driven slowly, the car is refined and quiet. It’s only when you’re in a hurry that the CVT noise becomes a little intrusive and the car feels hindered. That said, the benefits of fuel economy outweigh any minor gripe about CVT gearboxes. Honda claims the CVT-equipped Ballade will consume just 5.9l/100km.
Honda manual gearboxes have always been a pleasure to drive, and the 2014 Honda Ballade is no exception. It’s smooth, precise and a joy to use. After a quick vehicle swop into the manual Ballade, we tackled the mountain passes into Stellenbosch and the car had a small sporty edge – something the younger market will appreciate.
I like the new look of the Honda Ballade interior. It’s modern and simple to use, and the Elegance model features some very fancy technology. There’s a multi angle reverse camera, cruise control, two USB ports, HDMI port as well as a touchscreen interface which resembles a tablet.
Touchscreen infotainment
This full-colour 18-inch touchscreen links to your Apple or Android smartphone through the HDMI port and diagnostic port. You can download apps such as satellite navigation, internet radio and you can even diagnose problems and see car settings by using DashCommand. For a performance person, seeing car temperatures and parameters is fascinating and I hope this system makes its way into something a bit more sportier than a Honda Ballade. Honda Civic Type R please!
Honda Ballade summary
The Honda Ballade is rather pleasant to drive and the current Honda clientbase will no doubt consider the vehicle when it comes to upgrade. It goes up against the Toyota Corolla Quest, Nissan Almera and Hyundai Accent, and given its features and practicality, would make for a great buy. Pricing starts from R195 900 and this includes a three-year or 100 000 km warranty, a four-year or 60 000 km service plan and a year’s worth of free roadside assistance.
Subaru BRZ Series Blue Limited Edition Unveiled
Subaru has announced a new special-edition Subaru BRZ Series Blue for the 2015 model year, which will be limited to 1 000 units.
The BRZ Series Blue comes exclusively with a combination of STI-branded functional aerodynamic body design, black-painted STI-branded 17-inch wheels and unique interior trim that creates a striking look. It additionally comes with red brake calipers which can be seen behind the spokes of the STI- branded black alloy wheels.
Power comes from a 2.0-litre boxer four-cylinder engine which makes 149 kW, while the car’s aerodynamic performance is further boosted with black STI front, side, and side-rear under spoilers. These features contribute to additional front downforce, and underbody panels that reduce the drag coefficient from 0.28 to 0.27.
The interior of the Series Blue edition is based on the BRZ Limited trim, and benefits from leather and Alcantara upholstery along with a blue and black leather-wrapped steering wheel as well as blue leather seat bolsters and head restraints. Blue stitching is continued throughout the entire interior, while silver BRZ logos are embroidered into the seats and floor mats.
The Subaru BRZ Series Blue will be offered in 500 painted WR Blue Pearl and the other 500 units will be in Crystal White Pearl.
Impressive appearance upgrades
Delta Wing Technologies Reveals Four-Passenger Car
Delta Wing Technologies has released an illustration of a road-going, four-passenger car, intended as a solution for manufacturers facing more stringent fuel economy and emissions standards.
The company wont be producing the car itself but hopes OEM partners that share its vision will want to license the Delta Wing architecture “that is 35 percent lighter, requires 35 percent less horsepower and consumes 35 percent less fuel than a conventional vehicle.”
A Delta Wing model equipped with a small four-cylinder petrol engine producing between 63-82 kW and is expected to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in approximately six seconds, reaching a top speed of 209 km/h, while achieving fuel consumption of about 3.3-litres/100km.
The car, although still in virtual concept form, is said to be made with lightweight steel, aluminium and advanced composite materials to keep the weight down. It additionally keeps a narrow-track front wheelbase and rear-mounted engine which results in significantly less weight on the front axle, reducing rolling resistance.
While we certainly have the capabilities and decades of auto manufacturing experience through our affiliates Panoz LLC and Élan Motorsports Technologies, the Delta Wing deserves the higher volume that an OEM can provide to truly have a beneficial impact on the future and the environment, said Al Speyer, Delta Wing Technologies president and COO.
If the model becomes a reality, it will be direct competition for the Nissan BladeGlider concept which according to Nissan, is crafted on a unique architecture to give the driver and passengers “sustainable exhilaration” – a fresh electric vehicle driving experience based on peerless technology and exotic styling.
Seat Ibiza Cupster Shown At Worthersee
Seat has presented the one-off Ibiza Cupster concept at the 2014 Worthersee show, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Ibiza.
Dynamic design features
“The Ibiza has always been the heart of SEAT – a young, dynamic car with an emotional design, a good head for the practical things in life and excellent value for money,” says Jurgen Stackmann, President of SEAT S.A.
“At Worthersee, we are celebrating the anniversary of our most successful model with the unique Ibiza Cupster, not to mention the exceptionally well-equipped 30 Years edition – and, of course, with a great programme.”
The two seat roadster features a low, wrap-around windscreen and a unique rear end. The driver and co-driver are protected from the airflows thanks to the seating position, which is 80 millimetres lower than in the series-production car.
Metallic roll hoops complete the roadster look, while the body shell is largely the same as that of the series-production model up to the shoulder line everything above has been specifically redesigned. The model is also equipped with New Orange paint and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The interior is fitted with black Alcantara racing seats and a “pure aniline leather” steering wheel that is “coloured all the way through, without a layer of pigment, making it open-pored, very supple and pleasant to the touch.”
Power comes from a 1.4-litre TSI four-cylinder engine that produces 132 kW and 250 Nm of torque, and is connected to a seven-speed DSG transmission.
Google Self Driving Prototype Revealed
After years of testing the idea of autonomous vehicle technology, Google has unveiled its own self-driving prototype aimed not only at saving lives, but also at eliminating traffic jams and improve road safety.
The Toyota Prius and Audi TT were some of the test cars they used to test the technology. The video below shows their very own self-driving two-seater car which does not have a steering wheel, accelerator or brakes.
The prototype uses a software system which includes Google Maps and built-in radar sensors and lasers to do the driving. It runs with an electric engine (limited to 40 km/h for safety reasons) and is made from off the shelf car parts including the use of foam. The software can additionally recognise objects, people, cars, road marking, signs and traffic lights, obeying the rules of the road and allowing for multiple unpredictable hazards, including cyclists.
Google says a 100 early versions of the vehicles will be used for testing later in the year, but will come with manual controls in case any problems arise.
Google Self Driving Car in action
Renault Sandero Stepway (2014) Video
The Renault Sandero Stepway is the rougher, tougher cousin of the Sandero well, at least in the looks department. Mechanically, the cars are identical. They run the same 900cc (yes, 0.9litre) 66 kW turbo, three-cylinder motor.
They offer the same interior features and dashboard, but the Stepway gets very cool-looking ruggedised seats. They even have the same wheels and tyres, but the Stepway rides 4o mm higher; very handy for gravel roads. However the aesthetics not only make the car look tougher, they might just save you money too.
The black plastics around the wheel arches are meant to be cheaper to replace, and more scratch resistant, so the odd parking lot ding doesnt become an insurance nightmare.
Renault Sandero Stepway specification
What I like about the Renault Sandero Stepway is the Frenchies have not skimped on features both in terms of safety and tech. The car comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity for telephone and audio playback, theres a USB port and Aux jack, and there are clever controls situated behind the steering wheel which allow you to interact with the audio system without taking your hands off the wheel.
Safety features
The car comes standard with four airbags and has 5 stars slapped on the back by EuroNCAP a strict regulatory body of vehicle crash safety. ABS, EBD and Anti Skid Control are all standard, as well as ISOFIX child seat restraints. There are very few cars at this price point that boast that level of spec.
Engine and economy
The drive is a bit dull, but that engine never lets you down, with 66 kW and 135 Nm on tap, the car never feels slow. Unless you drive it in ECO mode, in which case its like driving through porridge. But it does bring consumption down, even if I never saw the claimed figure of 5.4 litres/100km, my average of 7.5litres/100km is admirable, given my driving style (in a hurry if thats a style).
Conclusion and summary
At R141 900 for the standard Sandero, the Stepway is about R18 000 more at R159 900, and offers a unique body kit, roof racks, new seats and park distance control, which I always find useful. I cant honestly say the extra options are actually worth R18 000 more, but the overall package feels and looks a lot more premium. So twist your dealers arm into selling you the Stepway for a price that looks more like the Sanderos.
Details and images of Volkswagens latest Amarok Power Concept have emerged on the web ahead of the vehicles debut at the annual Worthersee show in Austria.
Sporty aggressive features
Painted in deep grey metallic paint with high-gloss and matte surfaces, the Volkswagen Amarok Power concept looks similar to the R-Style Amarok that debut last year. However, it boasts an aggressive body kit with a GTI-inspired front bumper and massive 22-inch alloy wheels, as well as bi-xenon headlight with chrome inserts, black and orange body stripes, a dual exhaust system and a roll over bar.
As for the interior, the sporty styling continues with bucket seats covered in orange and black leather, and carbon fibre trim on the dashboard. Theres also a flat-bottomed three-spoke sport steering wheel trimmed in Alcantara and a stylish centre console.
Power is said to come from a TDI V6 engine delivering 200 kW of and 600 Nm of torque. Connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the concept will be able to accelerate from 0 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds.
