Daihatsu Kopen Concept Shown In Tokyo

Playing within the “compete and shape a new future” theme of the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show, Daihatsu showcased their wide range of future vehicles at the show, which included the *kei-car roadster Kopen concept.

Bringing back excitement to the kei-car segment

Since production of the Daihatsu Copen was discontinued last year, the automaker says the sharp-looking Kopen concept serves as a preview for an all-new kei-class sized two-seater roadster destined for Japan.

The Kopen Concept comes in two styling options. The first being the RMZ version featuring unique “stylish and emotional” styling, while the XMZ model adds some chunky extensions to the body making it look ‘tough and aggressive’ and giving it an off-roader presence.

Both models measure 395mm in length, 1475mm in width and 1275mm height, and are fitted with a three-cylinder 660cc engine mated to a CVT featuring steering-wheel mounted paddles. They also ride on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped around in 165/50 tyres and come with a folding metal roof.

In addition, the two-seater roadster features outer body panel designs made from resin that can be removed and replaced like a cover, offering drivers a new way of enjoying their car.

More than just a whimsical concept, the Kopen looks convincingly close to production with seatbelt mounting points and actual crash structures built into the doors. We wouldn’t be surprised if a production version of the Kopen would appear in Japan sometime next year.

The production model of the Kopen Concept can be expected sometime next year or in 2015.

*Kei-car is a Japanese category of small vehicles including passenger cars, vans, and pickup trucks.

Daihatsu Kopen Concept gallery

2015 Subaru WRX Revealed In LA

Looking very different from the concept version that debut at the Frankfurt Show earlier this year, Subaru has officially unveiled the production model of the 2015 WRX in LA.

Impressive powertrain features

The 2015 Subaru WRX is fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine that develops 200kW at 5600 rpm and 349Nm of torque between 2000 and 5200 rpm.

The WRX also debuts the model’s first six-speed manual transmission. And a new optional performance automatic transmission that has a Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) system with three different modes: Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp.

When equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission, the 2015 Subaru WRX uses the brand’s Continuous AWD version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. A viscous coupling locking centre differential nominally distributes torque 50:50 front to rear, and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) provides stability and traction control.

However when equipped with the new Sport Lineartronic CVT teamed exclusively with the Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The 2015 Subaru WRX has a 45:55 rear-bias (as opposed to the traditional 50:50 split) but “continually optimises torque distribution in response to driving conditions and input from steering wheel angle, yaw and lateral g-force sensors.”

Stylish design features

Design wise, the 2015 Subaru WRX model looks a tad bit like the Impreza. However Subaru says the new model features unique bumpers, hood, front fenders, rear doors, headlights and taillight clusters. It also comes with 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT tyres.

The Impreza influence also comes across in the interior except in the 2015 WRX there are fabric sport seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and soft-touch materials. You will also find a new instrument cluster, a 4.3-inch multi-information display and automatic climate control.

Optional features include leather seats, heated front seats, GPS navigation, a 440-watt 9-speaker harman/kardon audio system and navigation with Aha smartphone integration.

2015 Subaru WRX gallery

2014 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec Unveiled In LA

Hyundai unveiled their hottest hatch to date at the Los Angeles Auto Show which is an updated 2014 Veloster with an R-Spec variant.

Ultimate performance features

The Veloster Turbo R-Spec is the fourth R-Spec model in Hyundai’s line-up to recieve this treatment which has already been applied to three Genesis Coupe models.

In addition to that spec treatment, the Veloster Turbo R-Spec also receives a revised suspension and steering, as well as a six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox that comes with a redesigned shift knob.

Under the hood is the same direct-injected 1.6-litre turbo engine producing 150kW of power and 264Nm of torque as in the regular Turbo variant.

Some highlights of the Veloster Turbo R-Spec set to distinguish it from the other variants include red exterior accents on front splitter and side blades, a short-throw B&M Racing Sport Shifter, red leatherette bolsters with red/black cloth insert sport seats and various “R-Spec” badging which can also be found on the floor mats.

Interior features

Inside the cabin there’s also an Active Sound Design which provides richer in-cabin powertrain resonance for an even more involving driving experience, especially during spirited driving.

Standard equipment will include proximity-key entry with push-button start, premium gauge cluster, side-repeater mirrors, driver’s auto-up window, high-gloss interior cues and full-faced heated leather seats.

Production will commence next month and the first deliveries will be made in early February 2014. Pricing will be announced closer to the car’s market release.

It’s not clear whether we will get this variant in SA but we will keep you updated on any developments.

Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec gallery

The McLaren P1 Lands In South Africa

In celebration of their decade in the industry, the Daytona Group in partnership with Standard Bank have joined forces to bring you five new state-of-the-art models which will be revealed at an exclusive super car launch this Thursday 28 November 2013.

The supercar launch hosted by Daytona Group and Standard Bank

These celebrations also mark the centenary birthday of Aston Martin and the 50th birthday of Formula 1 competitor McLaren.

“We are extremely excited to reveal five of our latest models to the South African market on our 10th birthday. The most exciting one is of course the McLaren P1, which has been described internationally as the car of the decade and recently sold out overseas with all 375 models worth R30 million each accounted for, so this is truly something special,” says CEO of Daytona Group, Justin Divaris.

The dashing Volcano Yellow McLaren P1 which arrived on Friday last week is the first ever P1 to land in South Africa. Unveiled earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show, the McLaren P1 is equipped with a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and an electric motor that together produce 674kW and 900Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than 3 seconds.

Other models to be revealed on the night include the Rolls-Royce Wraith and three new models from Aston Martin: the Rapide S, Vanquish Volante and the V12 Vantage S.

“Standard Bank Private Banking’s philosophy is to provide exacting, bespoke and innovative solutions with uncompromising service. So we are proud to be partnering with Daytona Group on this exciting launch and to be hosting our top clientele at such an erudite event,” adds Donal van Hoogstraten, Head of Customer Financial Solutions at Standard Bank.

High-tech technology provided by Antfarm and LaserNet will be utilised for live streaming for those who will not be at the launch so they don’t miss out on all five spectacular reveals.

Look out for more images from the launch on Friday.

Supercar launch gallery

2014 Maserati Ghibli Revealed In LA

Following its world premiere earlier this year at the 2013 Shanghai Motor, the Maserati Ghibli has finally made its debut in North America at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The Ghibli shares its platform with Maserati’s flagship sedan, the Quattroporte and will be available with two turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engines, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. One option has 243kW and 500Nm of torque while the more powerful Ghibli S variant is available with 301kW and 550Nm of torque.

Like the Quattroporte, the Maserati Ghibli comes with a more aggressive and lower front fascia, and the back and sides of the car maintain the same lines as the bigger sibling. The Ghibli also maintains Maserati’s distinctive C-pillar, which delivers much of the car’s coupe-like stance and carries the classic trident logo, carrying on a tradition dating back to 1963. The interior features adjustable pedals, backup camera, Poltrona Frau Leather trims and a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkes audio system.

2014 Maserati Ghibli video

2014 Maserati Ghibli gallery

2014 Hyundai Elantra Unveiled With New Sport Trim

Hyundai has unveiled the 2014 Elantra Sport at the Los Angeles Auto Show with extensive design upgrades and a more powerful GDI engine in the new Sport trim.

A more powerful engine

Power comes from a 2.0-litre GDI four-cylinder engine that produces 129kW and 208Nm of torque. When connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, it enables the model to return an EPA estimated 9.8-litres/100 km city and 6.72-litres/100 km highway.

For a more fun drive, the 2014 Hyundai Elantra is equipped with a sport-tuned steering and suspension calibrations that includes stiffer springs and dampers as well as a larger front stabilizer bar, helping sharpen turn-in and handling on winding roads.

Sophisticated design features

The 2014 Hyundai Elantra receives all-new front and rear exterior designs, along with interior styling upgrades. A performance-Oriented Elantra Sport has been added to the line-up and it features a black chrome grille, LED-infused headlights, a body-colour rear spoiler, chrome trim and two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels.

Sporty styling is carried over to the interior with leather seats, alloy pedals, aluminium sill plates, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a six-speaker audio system and a 4.3-inch touchscreen display.

New standard features on the Coupe model include a rear spoiler, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, 17-inch wheels and a unique blackout grille with chrome surrounds. There’s also an optional Technology Package which adds Blue Link and Hyundai Assurance Connected Care, project headlights with LED accents, LED tail lights and next-generation navigation and audio technology with Pandora internet radio.

The five-door GT model features a driver knee airbag which is an Elantra first, a hidden rear camera, 10-way power driver’s seat including power lumbar support, Dual Automatic Temperature Control with Clean Air Ionizer, leather seating surfaces, automatic headlights, and side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators. There is also a standard steering-wheel-mounted audio with cruise controls, and standard Bluetooth hands-free system with voice recognition.

Hyundai says the Elantra GT has more passenger and cargo volume than the Ford Focus, Mazda3 and Volkswagen Golf and is more aerodynamic than the Subaru Impreza or VW Golf.

2014 Hyundai Elantra gallery

 

BMW 4 Series Convertible Officially Revealed In LA

About a month ago we brought you some ‘official brochure images’ of the BMW 4 Series Convertible which has now had its public debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Refined engine options

According BMW, the U.S.-spec model will be available in a 428i variant equipped with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo engine which produces 179kW of power and 345Nm of torque. The 435i model is fitted with a beefier 3.0-litre inline-six engine delivering 224kW and 406Nm of torque.

The multi-award winning six-cylinder engine allows the new BMW 435i Convertible to accelerate from 0-60 in about five-and-a-half seconds, on the way to an electronically limited 250 km/h (155 mph) top speed, when equipped with performance tires.

Both engines will feature a standard 8-speed sport automatic transmission. The 428i Convertible will be offered with a choice of rear-wheel drive or with optional xDrive, BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system, while the 435i Convertible will be available at launch with rear-wheel drive.

For other countries such as Europe, BMW will also offer a 4-cylinder 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit delivering 135kW, and accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds.

Improved design and functionality

The BMW 4 Series Convertible is visibly larger in width and wheelbase than the outgoing 3 Series Convertible. It also features a three-piece retractable hardtop which needs 20 seconds to open and close, and has been further enhanced with advanced soundproofing and noise-absorbing headliner. The sound-absorbing headliner also reduces wind noise by up to 2 dB in comparison to its predecessor.

In addition, the convertible still boasts some of the traditional styling like the BMW-typical short overhangs, long hood, a set-back passenger compartment with flowing roofline, and the rear wheel arches which give the car a more aggressive stance. New elements include the Air Breathers positioned rearwards of the front wheel arches to reduce drag.

The cargo area has increased by 20 litres to 370 litres when the top is up and when folded down the capacity drops to 220 litres which should suffice for short journeys.

The interior of the BMW Series 4 Convertible presents a stylish fusion of sporty allure, elegance and exclusivity. It features new adjustable seats with integrated seatbelts,  a two-tone effect for the door and side panels, a sports steering wheel, crystal-clear circular instruments in black panel look and the freestanding, flat screen iDrive monitor, the iDrive Touch Controller, and a retractable hardtop cover to create an exclusive “boat deck” look.

As with the Coupe, standard kit in the BMW 4 Series Convertible will include xenon headlights (with full LED lights available as an option), heated electric front seats and front and rear parking sensors on all models.

The BMW 4 Series Convertible is also divided into the same trim lines as its siblings. The Sport Line models will feature 18- or 19-inch alloy wheel designs and sportier appearance tweaks. The Luxury Line trim will also include unique wheel design, matte black and high gloss touches inside and out, while the M Sport version adds the M Aerodynamic package (front bumper, rear bumper, diffuser, and side skirts) plus a unique set of wheels and M-branded details inside and out.

The BMW 4 Series Convertible models 428i and 435i are expected to arrive in showrooms in 2014.

BMW 4 Series Convertible gallery

Infiniti Q30 Concept Shows Up In LA

Originally making its debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, Infiniti has unveiled at the 2013 LA Motor Show the Q30 concept which gives a first glimpse at the company’s upcoming compact model.

Evolving Infiniti design language

Aimed at a younger crowd, Infiniti says the Q30 Concept is neither a coupe, hatchback or a crossover, but a combination of the three. It fuses the looks of a coupe with the spaciousness of a hatchback and the higher stance of a crossover.

Design-wise the Q30 Concept blends various design cues from previous Infiniti concepts and the recently redesigned Q50 which made its appearance last month at the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show. The concept rides on 20-inch alloys and features real carbon fibre in the front grille and lower sill on the sides.

The “dissymmetrical” interior combines matte surfaces with glossy finishes while the upper front seatbacks feature built-in sculpted ceramic housing the audio system’s speakers.

Infiniti has announced the production version is programmed to go on sale sometime in 2015 and will be built at Nissan’s factory in Sunderland, UK. We will keep you updated on any developments regarding this.

Infiniti Q30 Concept gallery

Lexus RC Coupe On Its Way To SA

Lexus South Africa has confirmed the arrival of the RC coupe in South Africa to be in the latter half of 2014. The model was unveiled this week at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.

Striking concept-to-reality coupe

The Lexus RC Coupe certainly is an eye catching vehicle. Built on the GS platform, the two-door sedan follows up on the new Lexus design language that was first seen on the new Lexus IS Sedan. The interior carries the same theme and looks quite similar to what’s in the IS.

According to the automaker, the Coupe it occupies a unique position in the Lexus range, measuring 30mm wider, 35mm lower and 70mm shorter in the wheelbase than the IS sedan, giving it a classic coupe stance.

The two models that were on display at the Tokyo show, the RC 300h hybrid featured a hybrid setup using a 131kW 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, while the RC 350 featured a 234kW 3.5-litre V6 engine found in other Lexus vehicle. The vehicle will be connected to the 8-speed automatic transmission.

The Lexus RC Coupe will debut in South Africa during the latter half of 2014. Models and specifications will be confirmed closer to the launch, however for more design details on the model click here.

Lexus RC Coupe gallery

The Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG Concept Unveiled In LA

Mercedes-Benz has presented at the 2013 Los Angeles Motor Show its compact, high-performance SUV – the GLA 45 AMG Concept featuring an excitingly bold distinctive design and a muscular four-cylinder engine.

The world’s most powerful four-cylinder engine

Powered by the same engine found in the CLA 45 AMG, the GLA 45 AMG Concept has a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 265kW and 450Nm of torque giving it impressive performance without compromising fuel efficiency.

Just like the CLA45 AMG, the GLA 45 AMG Concept features the automaker’s 4Matic all-wheel drive system and is connected to a seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT transmission which makes the concept a unique proposition. This further enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than five seconds.

Bold distinctive design

The GLA 45 AMG Concept rides on massive 21-inch wheels forged alloy wheels. The wheels are finished in a matte black with a red rim flange and are complemented by the AMG wheel hub covers with centre lock-look, plus an AMG high-performance braking system with red brake callipers.

To differentiate itself from the standard GLA model, the GLA 45 AMG Concept boasts an AMG front bumper with large front splitters finished in high-gloss black. The black air deflectors also go together with the large cooling air intakes which serve to underline the long tradition of motorsport at Mercedes-AMG.

Other design elements of the GLA 45 AMG Concept include the “twin-blade” radiator grille in silver chrome, side skirts with gloss black inserts, a “TURBO AMG” badge on the front wings, high-gloss black roof rails, the number 45 on the door, and a large rear spoiler.

According to AMG Chairman Tobias Moers, with the Concept GLA 45 AMG, they are setting a stake firmly in the ground of the strongly growing market segment of compact SUVs. “Our customers – a young target group who set great store by styling, dynamism and independence – can now start looking forward to a dynamic high-performance car.”

Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG Concept gallery