Nissan has released the first teaser video of their newest crossover – the 2015 Murano which will make its debut at the New York Auto Show next month.
The redesigned 2015 Murano Crossover
Official details about the car is still unannounced but the company said that as the halo vehicle for Nissan’s expanding range of bold crossovers and SUVs, the Murano previews a new Nissan design language for future Nissan production vehicles. The video reveals the redesigned crossover with boomerang-shaped headlights, LED daytime running lights and chrome accents.
Nissan further hinted that the 2015 Murano will have spacious, premium interior and advanced, purposeful safety and connective technology. Additionally, a number of spy shot images reveal the model will be heavily influenced by the Resonance Concept which debuted at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year.
As a result it is rumoured then that the 2015 Murano might have also have a hybrid model and is expected to be equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine that produces 193 kW and 325 Nm of torque. It will likely be mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and an optional all-wheel drive system.
More details are said to follow leading to the models debut at the motor show.
2015 Nissan Murano teaser video
*please note that pictured is the Nissan Resonance Concept of which the 2015 Murano is heavily influenced.
Revised 2014 Nissan GT R Launched In SA
A year after the introduction of the 2013 model, Nissan has released the updated version of the revered GT-R supercar adding a host of improvements for the 2014 model year with the same engine specs as the previous model.
Exterior and Interior upgrades
For 2014, the Nissan GT-R benefits from new multi LED headlights which adjust the angle of the lighting beam according to speed and are available as standard. The four LED units have intensive LED high-beam and three different low-beam settings, including long distance and wide illumination; at higher speeds, actuators in the headlight cluster adjust the angle of the LED projectors to throw the light further. At the back, the four-ring tail-light clusters form coherent circles of light which are dramatically illuminated at the start-up procedure.
On the inside, a new red interior colour scheme is available, while the semi-aniline leather seats are now embellished with stitched accents which impart the ambience of a genuine GT designed for first-class cross-continental travel. The infotainment and satellite navigation unit has also been upgraded with the latest in-car entertainment and GPS technology.
New level of sophistication
In addition, the GT-R’s suspension is now symmetrical to reduce load fluctuation between the four wheels for improved stability and more consistent grip. Optimised electronic control of the shock absorber valves and modified front stabiliser spring rates ensure more consistent tyre contact with the road, while enhanced use of suspension stroke improves road holding for a poised and confident ride, continued outstanding traction and a reduction in NVH (noise, vibration and harshness), as well as better straight-line stability.
The Nissan GT-R further comes standard with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT 255/40 ZRF20 front and 285/35 ZRF20 rear tyres with stiffer sidewalls which reduce deformation and improve steering response under hard cornering. Braking calibration has been re-tuned for a firmer and more linear response at everyday speeds, allowing for smoother braking to be more intuitive, especially in the wet.
Steering has been revised to reduce the effort needed for in-town manoeuvring while maintaining exceptional feedback during high-speed driving. Also new for 2014 is an optional carbon-fibre boot lid and rear wing which replaces the standard boot lid, in order to reduce weight, and increase rear down-force.
2014 Nissan GT R price in South Africa
2014 Nissan GT R Range
Price
Nissan GT R Premium
R1 475 000
Nissan GT R Premium (red interior)
R1 526 000
Nissan GT R Black Edition
R1 527 000
Complementing the standard 3-year/ 100 000 km warranty, the 2014 Nissan GT R is available in South Africa exclusively with an optional 2-year extension to 5-years/ 100 000 km. A 3-year/ 50 000 km service plan is also included as standard.
2014 Nissan GT R gallery
New Mazda MX 5 to Debut in New York
The next-generation Mazda MX 5 is currently scheduled to debut at the 2014 New York Motor Show to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original MX 5 Miata which was launched in 1989.
The two-seater roadster will apparently launch with a new lightweight SKYACTIV chassis that will weigh a lot less than the previous model and will feature the brands Kodo design language.
The sports car is expected to weigh around 1100 kg and will additionally be built to support either a folding metal top or conventional soft top.
Engine option details are yet to be confirmed, however rumours have suggested that the 2015 Mazda MX 5 will be powered by variants of the Japanese automakers SKYACTIV engines.
That includes a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder that develops more than 74 kW and 150 Nm of torque, as well as a 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G engine.
Alongside the display of new chassis will be iconic MX-5 models from the past, 15 in total, many of which are from Mazdas facility in Irvine, California. Since the MX-5 Miata debuted at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, over 900,000 units have been built and sold.
The New York Auto Show takes place on April 16th, more details will emerge then.
Stylish New Lexus CT 200h debuts In South Africa
Lexus has introduced its new-look CT 200h facelift featuring new styling, improved body structure, revised suspension and new specification.
Improved driving dynamics
The Lexus CT 200h facelift combines increased body rigidity, suspension revisions and enhanced aerodynamics with comprehensive NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) measures to offer a more refined, comfortable driving experience and an even quieter cabin environment.
Under the bonnet is the same 1.8-litre 4-cylinder Atkinson Cycle petrol engine that works together with an electric motor to provide a combined output of 100 kW and 207 Nm of torque.
Lexus says the car can return 4.1-litres/100km on a combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 95 g/km and can complete the 0-100 km/h task in 10.3 seconds reaching a governed top speed of 180 km/h.
New exterior design features
The most significant design change can be seen at the front fascia where Lexus has fitted its corporate spindle grille, separate mouldings for the front bumper creating a clear distinction between the lower grille and upper grille to lend a three-dimensional effect.
Theres also a new rear bumper with pronounced reflector housing recesses and mock diffuser, aero stabilising fins which have been added onto the rear combination lamps and door frames as well as the engine and rear floor undercovers
The new CT 200h is further distinguished by a fresh set of newly developed 16-inch alloy wheels available with a ten-spoke design, along with a new shark fin-style roof antenna and distinctive L-shaped reflector housings and a black lower centre section to emphasise the vehicle’s low centre of gravity and broad rear stance.
Refined interior design and upgraded equipment
Inside the cabin Lexus has installed a new steering wheel with an enlarged L emblem in the centre, matching that of the IS model range, re-designed shift lever which now changes to Lexus silver and features a leather-upholstered boot, and metallic-plated ornamentation for the audio switches an accessory connector socket cover has also been added.
The interior further benefits from upholstered armrest, ticket holder for the passengers sun visor, improved window switch illumination, rear seatbelt indicator, new-design Hybrid ECO indicator, and new Topaz (toffee brown) leather upholstery option.
Lexus CT 200h price in South Africa
Lexus CT 200h R388 800
The new CT 200h is covered by a four-year/100 000 km warranty and service plan.
New Lexus CT 200h gallery
New Hyundai ix35 Launched In SA
Hyundai has launched an upgraded version of its ix35 with a range of technological and styling enhancements as well as an improved new 2.0-litre petrol engine and a new six-speed manual gearbox.
New exterior features
The upgraded model retains Hyundais fluidic sculpture form language, introduced on production Hyundai cars in Europe by the original ix35, which was launched at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
No major exterior styling changes have been made with the exception of new projector headlights with LED accents, LED taillights, new body-coloured front grille, roof side rails with panoramic sunroof, and new 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheel designs.
Interior enhancements
Inside, the cabin has received some material upgrades and additional detail enhancements to the trim. These include two-stage latch-type reclining 60/40 split rear seats, standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel, standard steering-wheel mounted audio controls, and cruise control buttons for the Executive and Elite derivatives.
Additional features include bigger cup holders with blue light illumination, as well as smart key with push-button start for the Elite derivatives, a new audio system (radio+CD+MP3) with Bluetooth, a standard Bluetooth hands-free phone system with controls on the steering wheel, and a TFT 4.3-inch colour LCD touchscreen audio system with a rearview camera display in the Executive and Elite derivatives.
Improved engine specifications
The engine line-up has also gained some tweaks. Starting with the Nu 2.0-liter GDI which offers more power and increased fuel economy than the Theta-II 2.0-liter engine it replaces. The new engine produces 116 kW of power at 6200 rpm and 192 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm.
The new Hyundai ix35 model range in South Africa additionally consists of 6 derivatives the 2.0 NU Premium with the two-litre petrol engine linked to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission; the intermediate ix35 2.0 NU Executive with the two-litre petrol engine and six-speed manual transmission; and topped by the Elite derivatives, of which one is powered by the two-litre petrol engine and the other two by the two-litre turbodiesel.
The range-topping R2.0 Elite is equipped with the two-litre turbodiesel, a six-speed automatic transmission and All-Wheel Drive, whereas all other derivatives are driven through the front wheels only.
The new ix35 further receives Hyundais three-mode FLEX STEER driving system where Normal, Comfort and Sport modes can be selected.
Advanced standard safety technologies
An extensive list of safety features can be added to the specifications of the ix35 including height and reach adjustable head restraints, four-wheel disc brakes, an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), a steel unibody with integrated crumple zones, and a high-tensile front sub-frame, internal guard beams on all four doors.
The list also includes centre pillars that serve as the anchors of a ring structure, a body shell made stiffer and lighter due to extensive use of ultra-high tensile strength steel, which comprises 68.9 % of the shell, Tailor Welded Blanks (TWB) on key structural members, three-point safety belts at all five seating positions, front seatbelt pretensions and load limiters, child-seat anchors, and dual advanced frontal airbags.
New Hyundai ix35 price in South Africa
Hyundai ix35 2.0 NU Premium 6MT2 – R319 900
Hyundai ix35 2.0 NU Premium 6AT2 – R334 900
Hyundai ix35 2.0 NU Executive 6MT2 – R349 900
Hyundai ix35 2.0 NU Elite 6AT2 – R369 900
Hyundai ix35 R2.0 Elite 6MT2 – R389 900
Hyundai ix35 R2.0 Elite 6AT4 – R449 900
Part of the new Hyundai ix35 package is a 5 year/ 150 000 km warranty, a 5 year/90 000 km Service Plan, and 5 year/150 000 km Roadside Assistance.
New Hyundai ix35 gallery
2014 Porsche Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS Unleashed With More Power
Porsche has taken the wraps off two of its most powerful and fastest mid-engine sports models for the 2014 model year – the Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS feature uprated engines as well as minor improvements to the exterior.
Two new top models with higher performance
The six-cylinder boxer engines fitted in the new top models are based on the 3.4-litre engines from the Boxster S and Cayman S. However they deliver an additional 11 kW so the Boxster GTS is rated at 243 kW while the Cayman GTS packs a 250 kW punch.
In addition, the torque figure has also increased by 10 Nm to 370 Nm in the Boxster GTS and 380 Nm in the Cayman GTS, while the Sport Chrono package comes as standard on both models.
Fitted with the optional double clutch transmission (PDK) and the active Sport Plus button, the 2014 Porsche Boxster GTS sprints to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, while the Cayman GTS is 0.1 seconds faster. The Boxster GTS equipped with the manual six-speed transmission and can hit a top speed of 281 km/h whereas its coupe sibling can do 285 km/h.
The new top models are the first mid-engine two-seaters from Porsche to be certified according to the Euro 6 standard, and with this measuring method they achieve an overall fuel consumption with PDK of 8.2 l/100 km (9.0 l/100 km with manual transmission).
Both cars come standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), 20-inch alloy wheels borrowed from the 911 Carrera S and wrapped around with 235/35 front and 265/35 rear tyres, as well as blackened bi-xenon headlights along with updated front and rear bumpers. Inside, the models both feature sports seats and leather upholstery with Alcantara trim.
The new 2014 Porsche Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS models are available in South Africa for order as of now, with first units being delivered in May 2014. Basic retail prices will be announced soon.
2014 Porsche Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS gallery
Ferrari 458 Driven
Ferrari is regarded as one of the ultimate car brands and when Viglietti Motors offers you a chance to sample some of Maranello’s finest at short notice on a race track, you don’t hesitate and immediately say yes to the invitation.
This was my exact situation last week and thanks to some careful planning, I found myself at Kyalami race circuit on a Monday morning. Awaiting my attention were two Ferraris – the 458 Italia and its convertible sister, the 458 Spider. Both machines were in the traditional Rosso Corsa red and glistened in the morning sunshine.
The 458 is my third Ferrari. I had a luscious blue Ferrari California in 2010, and drove a short distance in a privately-owned 360 Modena in 2006. I’ve been fortunate enough to sample Ferrari’s rivals over the past few years.
The sublime McLaren Mp4-12C in 2013 comes to mind, as does the manic Mercedes-Benz SLS and the screaming Audi R8 V10 Spider in 2010/2011. I had a brief stint in a Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera in 2008 too. I’d heard much about the 458 and finally I can put a tick next to its name on my must-drive list.
Ferrari 458 specs
The Ferrari 458 is arguably the most popular product from the Prancing Horse and accounts for the majority of sales in South Africa. With its race-tuned 4.5-litre V8 engine pushing out 425 kW and 540 Nm, performance is very quick. The car will hit 100 km/h in around 3.5 seconds, hit 200km/h in around 10 seconds and go onto 320 km/h. It boasts some fascinating technology such as the F1-style paddle shift gearbox and smart electronic differential which makes the average driver look rather talented.
You can change settings via a switch on the steering wheel and play with modes like Sport, Race and if you’re brave, you can have all the electronic aids off. Given the value of the two cars, Ferrari would only allow us to drive in Race mode and we’d have a Ferrari representative in the car.
Ferrari-supplied race instructor
This isn’t a bad thing as the Ferrari representative was a gentleman by the name of Lorenzo Granai. He’s one of the top instructors and works for the Corsa Pilota, a Ferrari subsidiary tasked with turning Ferrari owners and motoring hacks into drivers capable of handling such machinery.
A brief session staring at Powerpoint slides which showed you the correct lines through corners and it was time to strap on helmets. I’ve driven Kyalami before in anger, but that was in a Volkswagen Golf GTI and a Ford Focus RS – bicycles in comparison to the 458.
Interior
After a quick sighting lap with the instructor behind the wheel, it was time to take the wheel. The Ferrari experience is a special one and I took a few minutes taking in the cabin before setting off. For starters, the rev counter stares right at you. There’s a secondary LED rev counter mounted on top of the steering wheel. The rest of the instrument cluster is digital and completely customisable. Interestingly, the indicators are buttons mounted on the steering wheel as is the start engine button.
Time to drive
Fire up the V8 engine, wait for it to settle and the fluids to warm up, then select race mode. Pull the right paddle to engage first gear, release the park brake and off you go. I exited the pits with the engine ticking over and barely breaking a sweat. Gear changes in race mode are a lot harder than I expected and there’s a lovely mechanical ‘thud’ as the next gear is selected. After one lap and half a lap later I was getting the hang of the Ferrari 458 and trying to remember things like apex and braking points. Once the instructor was happy I wasn’t going to put the car into the wall, it was time to up the speed.
Coming onto the main straight at Kyalami behind the wheel of a Ferrari 458 is a special experience. For the first time I put my foot flat on the accelerator and fired the car up. As the rev needle wound its way round, the LED rev counter came to life… one light, then a second, then a third… Pull the right paddle and ‘Wham’ you’re slammed into your seat as the next gear is engaged. Once the engine reaches 3 000rpm a valve opens in the exhausts and suddenly there’s a deeper, more purposeful noise. As the revs climb, the engine’s note intensifies and it really underlines the raw emotion which this car is capable of inducing.
Ferrari 458 handling
I can’t really comment on the handling prowess of the Ferrari 458 as I was probably exploring about 50% of the car’s abilities. I would have had to have gone a lot faster to be able to comment on whether the car felt stable and composed. That said, I came out of a corner with my foot hard on the gas and the car didn’t feel out of shape at all. That’s the beauty of the e-diff and F1-trac traction control – I was made to feel like a racing driver when in fact, I’m just a passionate car nerd who can barely string five consistent laps together.
Summary
That Ferrari 458 is a formidable machine and I would have liked to have sampled the topless 458 Spider sibling, had it not been for a torrential downpour which washed out the rest of the track session. All in all it was a great re-introduction for me to the Ferrari brand. Viglietti Motors has realised there’s no time to rest on its laurels and is well aware of the competition, and will be doing many more of these media drives in order to promote its products. We look forward to the next one…
Ferrari 458 track gallery
2015 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coupe Officially Unveiled
Following the introduction of its sedan counterpart last year, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the fastest and most exclusive version of its new flagship the S 63 AMG Coupe ahead of its official debut at the New York Auto Show next month.
AMG lightweight performance
Under the hood of the new S63 AMG Coupe is a twin-turbo V8 5.5-litre engine delivering 430 kW and 900 Nm of torque to all four wheels which makes it 30 kW and 100 Nm more powerful than the outgoing CL 63 AMG.
The two-door coupe accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and reaches an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h. All this power is managed by the companys seven-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission with three modes: “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport) and “M” (Manual).
The power also runs to the ground through an AMG-tuned 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, with a standard 33/67-percent split torque. Stop/start is also standard. The 4MATIC variant can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.
Curve titling function a world first
There is also a world first for series-produced cars in the shape of the curve tilting function. This function allows the S 63 AMG Coupe to lean into bends in a manner similar to a motorcyclist or skier.
The lateral acceleration acting upon occupants is reduced in a way akin to when driving in a steep curve, and passengers sit more firmly. The curve tilting function can be selected as one of three drive modes using the ABC switch; it is active in the speed range from 30 to 180 km/h.
Additionally, the S63 Coupe features the full air-suspension system AIRMATIC with the adaptive damping system ADS PLUS. Specific front axle kinematics including higher camber, a larger anti-roll bar and a stiffer subframe carrier on the rear axle have been developed exclusively for the S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe.
Sporty looks and design features
The Coupe can further be configured with ceramic composite brakes as well as 20-inch ten-spoke AMG Performance Studio wheels, while on the inside there are AMG sport seats, Nappa leather upholstery and a flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel.
Another feature displaying the hallmark AMG look is the high-resolution TFT colour AMG instrument cluster with two animated round dials, as well as the new, innovative touchpad, included as standard equipment, which makes it easier to operate the radio, telephone and navigation system.
The safety and assistance systems are the same as those for the S550 4MATIC Coupe.
The Edition 1 variant
There will also be an “Edition 1” version available which will come with Swarovski crystals in the LED headlights, AMG sport seats upholstered in designo Exclusive Nappa leather, bespoke floor mats, illuminated AMG lettering on the door sill panels, Night View Assist Plus, a high-gloss black wood trim and other goodies.
The 2015 S63 AMG Coupe will celebrate its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show in April 2014.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coupe gallery
Bentley SUV Teased On Official Website
The Internet has been abuzz with news of a Bentley SUV for quite some time and finally, the British car maker has confirmed what we all knew and had hoped for.
The Bentley SUV currently remains nameless and will be the fourth model in the company’s line up. It will go on sale in 2016 and will join the Continental GT, Flying Spur and Mulsanne models.
Bentley SUV creates jobs
There’s some nice industry news going on in the background as Bentley (a division of Volkswagen Group) will be investing over £800 million and creating around 1 000 new jobs in the United Kingdom. Bentley has its headquarters in Crewe, England and the factory exports four out of every five cars assembled. The new Bentley SUV will be just like any other Bentley.
There’s a special focus on performance, class, build quality and craftsmanship. Bentley claims its luxury SUV will be the most luxurious and powerful SUV. That’s fighting talk and I think the BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes-Benz ML and Range Rover Autobiography will have to be on their guard.
Engine power could come from the iconic W12 engine, or the new twin-turbocharged V8. Let’s hope for both options…
New TDI Clean Diesel Engine Confirmed For 2015 Volkswagen Models
Volkswagen has just confirmed it will be offering its next-generation turbocharged diesel four-cylinder engine in the 2015 Beetle, Golf, Passat and Jetta models.
The new TDI Clean Diesel engine
Set to arrive in the second half of 2014, the fuel efficient EA288 engine will replace all the 2.0-litre TDI Clean Diesel engines currently fitted in Audi and Volkswagen TDI Clean Diesel models.
Highlights for the new engine include an output rating of 111 kW and 320 Nm of torque, and according to Volkswagen, this unit shares only the bore spacing with the previous diesel engine that had the same designation.
A number of other changes have been made to help reduce emissions, including use of a complex exhaust gas recirculation system, integration of the intercooler with the intake manifold, which also improves throttle response, and packaging the exhaust after-treatment components close to the engine.
Other efficiency-enhancing changes include low-friction bearings for the camshaft and balancer shafts and piston rings with less pre-tension.
With the introduction of the new EA288 engine, we are excited that our family of TDI Clean Diesel vehicles is continuing to improve and will be even cleaner and more fuel efficient and powerful. Were excited to see the increasing numbers of customers able to enjoy the reliability, durability, fuel-efficiency and power of Clean Diesel engines, said Douglas Skorupski, Volkswagen of America Manager of Technical Strategy.
The new, more fuel-efficient EA288 engine will debut in second half of 2014 and will be available in displacement from 1.6 to 2.0-litres. Fingers crossed these new engines make their way to South Africa.
