It was thought that the highly anticipated Lamborghini Gallardo replacement will adopt the name Cabrera, but a new report suggests that the car will be called the Huracan.
Auto Express has reported that the new Lamborghini will adopt the name Huracan, taken from the Spanish word hurricane and is also Mayan for the god of fire, wind and storms. Has there every been a case where a Lamborghini has been called something soft and gentle? Not on your life.
Lamborghini is said to have trademarked the name in April 2012. Supposedly under the hood of the supercar will be a 5.0-litre V10 engine tuned to produce approximately 447 kW and will likely be connected to a seven speed dual-clutch transmission which could will enable the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in about 3.2 seconds.
The magazine goes on to say that the Lamborghini Huracan will be built on a new aluminium spaceframe and its design will be inspired by the Sesto Elemento (pictured above) which was shown off in 2010, and the current Aventador.
Details are still vague at the moment, but are expected to surface when the Lamborghini Huracan is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March next year.
In the meantime, let’s savour some Lamborghini goodness with this video.
Lamborghini 50 years celebration video
BMW Z4 Pure Fusion Design Revealed For Detroit
German manufacturer BMW has revealed the Pure Fusion Design package for their Z4 model – due to officially debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January next year.
The two-seater features an electric retractable hardtop and the Pure Fusion Design package which “refines the interior of the BMW Z4 to intensify the premium character of the car even more.”
The design package further includes perforated leather sport seats, an Ivory White / Saddle Brown Nappa leather dashboard and contrasting brown stitching. Extended by Fineline wood trim and black leather accents on the sun visors and instrument cluster scoop. The unique stitching can also be found on the armrests, door panels, and the passenger pull handle.
Also for the first time, the BMW Z4 can be ordered with the Sparkling Brown metallic paint finish and can also be combined with the M Sport package.
No pricing on the package was announced, but the BMW Z4 can be ordered with the Pure Fusion Design equipment package from March 2014.
BMW Z4 with Design Pure Fusion gallery
Rinspeed XchangE Concept Previews The Future Of Self-Driving Cars
Switzerland-based Rinspeed will be showcasing a glimpse of the future of autonomous driving at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show with the XchangE concept which envisions the cabin of a self-driving vehicle.
Redefined travelling with the XchangE concept vehicle
At present, robotic cars exist mainly as prototypes (the Mercedes-Benz S Class 200 km by itself , see video below) that drove and demonstration systems, but are likely to become more widespread in the near future.
Research further shows that some qausi-autonomous demonstration systems date back to the 1920s and the 1930s, and since then, significant advances have been made in both technology and legislation relevant to autonomous cars.
Which is where the Swiss company comes in, providing the answer with a fully electric touring XchangE concept sedan – focussed on redefined travelling and advanced infotainment.
“So far hardly anyone has taken this to its logical conclusion from the perspective of the driver. After all, travelling in a driverless car will no longer require me to stare at the road, but will let me spend my time in a more meaningful way” says Rinspeed boss Frank M. Rinderknecht.
The concept has been formed with a new type of display offering great functionality not only to those who want to relax inside the cabin but also for those who want to do some work while commuting. It’s equipped with steer-by-wire technology which allows the steering wheel to be parked in the middle of the dashboard for a more convenient cabin layout.
The XchangE concept is also said to feature all-new seats providing comfort you would normally find in the business class of an air plane, and completely new operating and display concept with a host of innovative entertainment.
The future of self-driving vehicles
As of now major automotive manufacturers, including General Motors, Ford, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Audi, Nissan, Toyota, BMW, and Volvo, are testing driverless car systems.
Mercedes-Benz made waves when it introduced its intelligent driverless S 500 at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. In August, the vehicle drove autonomously through a 100-kilometre-long route from Mannheim to Pforzheim in Germany. It was equipped with production-based sensors for the project, and was able to deal with some difficult situations involving traffic lights, roundabouts, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Fully autonomous vehicles are not yet available to the public, however many contemporary car models have features offering limited autonomous functionality.
These include: adaptive cruise control – a system that monitors distances to adjacent vehicles in the same lane, adjusting the speed with the flow of traffic; lane assist – which monitors the vehicle’s position in the lane, and either warns the driver when the vehicle is leaving its lane, or, less commonly, takes corrective actions; and parking assist – which assists the driver in the task of parallel parking.
What do you think will be the future of autonomous driving in South Africa, does it have a place in the market or not? Let us know what you think on our facebook page.
Self-driving Mercedes-Benz S 500 Intelligent Drive video
Rinspeed Xchange Concept gallery
The New BMW M3 / M4 – All You Need To Know
The next generation version of the legendary BMW M3 has been unveiled, and this time there’s been a slight shuffle. The new M3 has become a sedan, while the M4 carries on the legacy of the two-door performance sportscar.
BMW M division boss explains the M3 and M4
The M badge has been synonymous with high-performance motoring and over 40 000 models of the previous generation M3 were assembled. Four generations of the BMW M3 have blended motor sport genes and uncompromised everyday usability within an emotionally rich overall concept, explains Dr Friedrich Nitschke, President of BMW M GmbH. The BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe represent an ongoing commitment to this philosophy. The engine is the heart of every M model, and the new turbocharged six-cylinder unit fitted in the two new cars combines the virtues of a high-revving naturally aspirated unit with the strengths of turbocharger technology.”
“A committed lightweight design concept produces a weight saving of around 80 kilograms over the outgoing M3. The BMW M3 and BMW M4 take motor sport technology from the track to the road, and thousands of laps of the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife the worlds most exacting race track have readied the new models for that transition. Meticulous and passion-fuelled development work has underpinned the creation of two high-performance sports cars that set new standards in terms of overall concept, precision and agility, added Dr Nitschke.
New engine for the BMW M3/M4
Those are some interesting points raised by Dr Nitschke. Gone is the old V8 engine and in its place is a modified version of the same motor seen in the BMW 135i. Power has been increased dramatically and the outputs of 317 kW and 550 Nm means the new M3 sedan and M4 coupe hit 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds if the vehicles are equipped with the seven-speed M DCT box. Manual examples will be slightly slower, but not by much.
The M3 was always regarded as a dynamic benchmark, a vehicle which handled flawlessly and encouraged enthusiastic drivers. The next generation M3/M4 will carry on that tradition due extensive use of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic as well as aluminium components. A personal favourite touch of mine was the carbon roof. How do we know the new M3 and M4 will be track-orientated toys? Well, the BMW engineers worked closely together with the Motorsport division and used the DTM duo of Timo Glock and Bruno Spengler to assist in the testing of the new BMW M3 on the infamous Nurburgring.
BMW M3/M4 coming to South Africa
The new BMW M3 sedan and new M4 coupe will arrive on South African shores in the second half of 2014, which is around July. Pricing and the exact specification for the BMW M3 sedan and M4 coupe remains unconfirmed at this time.
2014 Porsche Macan To Receive Four-Cylinder Engine Option
Porsche has announced they will be selling their recently revealed 2014 Macan compact crossover with a base four-cylinder engine which will be available by the end of 2014.
Apparently the last time Porsche offered the four-cylinder engine was in 1995 when the 968 model went out of production.
Speaking to an international publication, Dr Thomas Casper, manager of transmission and drivetrain development , said that the compact crossover will gain the four-cylinder engine sometime in 2014, perhaps at the end.
Although he declined to go into specifics, he said the model will be a proper Porsche and having a sporty exhaust note is top priority.
There’s been no mention of specifics however reports have indicated that the entry-level model will be fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine delivering approximately 164 kW of power.
The new four-cylinder engine is also expected to make its way into the Boxster and Cayman models, offering a new budget option from the brand.
The Cars.co.za November Motoring Report Infographic
The Cars.co.za November infographic has launched and features all the important information you need in the South African motor industry.
Most popular used cars – based on views on Cars.co.za
*The new car statistics included in the infographic were sourced from the Naamsa new car sales report.
**The used car statistics used in the infographic are sourced directly from Cars.co.za
Refreshed Renault Kangoo Express Van Launched In SA Specs and Prices
Renault has launched the facelifted Kangoo Express Van in South Africa sporting two new major updates including a new powerful 16V petrol engine.
Fresh design features
The first Renault Kangoo Express Van derivative debuted in South Africa in 2011 and has now received a facelift which comes with a new front end from Renault’s new design identity featuring a bold logo contrasted against a black grille and more expressive tapered headlights.
The wheelbase measures 2.70 metres while the front and rear track dimensions come to 1.52 and 1.53 metres respectively. The vehicle’s payload capacity is 800kg and its overall length (4.28 metres) allowing 3m3 of load space.
The rear swing doors designed for heavy duty use can be opened up to 90 degrees with the internal latch in place, and through 180 degrees with the latch released. The sliding side door allows additional access giving an aperture of 635 mm.
The interior gets an advanced panoramic MPV-style windscreen, a new steering wheel, high quality seats, a dashboard-mounted gearshift, and ample storage space.
Air-conditioning comes standard, along with remote central locking, a trip computer and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. A radio with MP3-compatible CD and Bluetooth connectivity is available as an aftermarket dealer fitment., while a full-size spare wheel with 15-inch rims is part of the standard package, as is a driver’s airbag with an anti-submarining hump in the seat cushion.
Engine capability
It will be offered with a 1.6-litre 16V multipoint injection petrol engine that is mated to a five-speed manual transmission and produces peak power output of 77 kW at 5750 rpm and 148 Nm of torque at 3750 rpm.
The New Renault Kangoo Express further achieves a combined cycle fuel consumption of 7.7 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions of 180g/km.
New Renault Kangoo Express Van price in South Africa
New Renault Kangoo Express Van 1.6 16V 105 – R184 900
The Kangoo Express Van comes with Renaults industry-leading 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty, 6-year anti-corrosion warranty and 3-year/60 000km service plan. Service intervals are at 15 000km.
New Kangoo Express Van gallery
2014 Kia Soul Red Zone Special Edition Revealed
Kia has introduced a special edition of the 2014 Soul called “Red Zone” inspired by the 2012 Wild Track’ster Concept.
“Red Zone” unique features
Inspired by the ultra-popular Track’ster concept previously unveiled at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, the 2014 Kia Soul Red Zone Special Edition is the first special-edition based on the all-new second-generation Soul and is scheduled to go on sale during the first quarter of 2014.
The first special edition of the all-new Soul is further based on the Soul Plus and can be distinguished by its white exterior paint scheme complemented by red accents on the front grille, side skirts and both fascias. The aggressive body kit also includes 18-inch alloy wheels which are exclusive to this model.
Under the hood of the 2014 Kia Soul Red Zone Special Edition is a 2.0-litre petrol direct-injected (GDI) four-cylinder engine which puts 122 kW and 205 Nm to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission.
On the inside there are black cloth seats with red stitching, black leather dash hood, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. There are also sport pedals and black carpeted floor mats with red piping, while the shift knob, air vent ring, dash speakers and console tray have all been dipped in red paint, continuing the “Red Zone” theme.
Limited production of 2000 units
According to Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA, “the Soul has always appealed to those who choose to express their individuality through their vehicle, and special editions have been a part of the lineup since the first-generation Soul went on sale in 2009. “The Red Zone Soul underscores that independent spirit and brings to life many styling features from our wild Track’ster concept.”
Production of the 2014 Kia Soul Red Zone will be limited to 2,000 units and deliveries are programmed to start in the first quarter of 2014.
It is not clear whether we will get these models in SA, however South African customers can in the meantime look forward to the local launch of the 2014 Kia Soul which will be in the first quarter of 2014.
2014 Kia Soul Red Zone Special Edition gallery
Lexus RC-F Coupe Teased Ahead Of Detroit Debut
Lexus has released a teaser image that could possibly be the new flagship RC-F coupe model which is expected to debut next month at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show.
The high performance model that is said to be a rival for the BMW M4 might also serve as a replacement for the Lexus IS-F.
Although the teaser image doesn’t reveal much, the model is rumoured to feature an aggressive front fascia with a prominent spindle grille flanked by large air intakes, and a new alloy wheel design and bulging wheel arch.
Lexus confirmed however that the RC-F Coupe was “engineered from scratch, one performance layer at a time.” The company also said the “newest F model promises a bold, gritty, experience synonymous with the famed Lexus F heritage.”
The model might also be fitted with a 5.0-litre V8 engine that can be found in current IS-F sedans, however more powerful, and develops approximately 339 kW and 543 Nm of torque.
There is no official word on pricing and availability. More details on the RC-F Coupe will be available when the model makes its official debut at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show.
At the moment you can look forward to the arrival of the RC Coupe in South Africa in the second half of 2014.
LaFerrari hypercar sold out
Ferrari’s ultra rare and exclusive LaFerrari hypercar has been sold out.
All 499 LaFerraris are sold
According to Ferrari’s North America CEO Marco Mattiacci, every one of the 499 units (including the 120 destined for the United States) have all been sold. The $1.4-million price tag of the LaFerrari makes it the most expensive Ferrari ever manufactured.
LaFerrari expected to increase in value
Like most Ferraris, you can expect the prices for the LaFerrari to increase dramatically as time goes on. Special Ferraris aren’t usually purchased by enthusiasts as many are highly-sought after as collector’s items. There’s a growing trend which suggests the older the Ferrari, the more money it’s worth. Enzos are now fetching three times the original price, a classic 250 LM went for $14-million at an auction and most recently, a 250 GTO went for $52-million.
Suddenly the new arrival from Maranello looks like quite the bargain…
It’s highly unlikely we’ll ever see a LaFerrari on South African roads, but you can get some idea of how special this Ferrari is in the below video.
