New Automated Driving Technologies In The Ford Edge Concept

The Ford Edge Concept was revealed today at 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, which according to the manufacturer serves as a preview for a large SUV that will define the company’s next global utility vehicles.

Convenient intuitive technology systems

Key attributes of the Ford Edge Concept include a sleek sporty appearance and advanced technology systems that assists the driver. The most important being the fully assisted parking system which uses ultrasonic sensors to detect a perpendicular parking space and further enable the owner to park the car simply by pressing a button or even by remote control. Similar sensors are used for an automated vehicle control technology for an advanced obstacle avoidance system.

The Ford Edge concept also comes with adaptive cruise control, active park assist and a lane-keeping system, while the blind spot information system makes use of sensors mounted in the rear corners to monitor the spaces available next and behind the vehicle. There’s also an adaptive steering system that can dramatically adjust the reaction of the front wheels to the steering wheel, allowing for only small steering adjustments, such as in a parking lot rather than big hand-over-hand manoeuvres.

Stylish design features

The concept features a stylish new package and a Copper Flame exterior paint as well as LED technology on both the headlamps and taillamps. Inside it features a 10-inch touch screen centre display with MyFord Touch, leather wrapped hand-stitched instrument panel, and a Dynamic centre stack with premium mechanical switchgear.

There’s also a bespoke steering wheel and gear shifter, together with a floating binnacle top and bright work on the air registers, door-release bezel and armrest as well as a scuff plate with bright silver finish, matte black paint and LED-lit “Edge”.

Ford hasn’t released any info about new powertrains, but it’s most likely to use an EcoBoost engine. A production model is expected to come out in a couple of years and will be sold globally.

Ford Edge Concept gallery

Near-Production Subaru Levorg Revealed

Following the announcement made in October, Subaru has at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show officially unveiled their Levorg concept set to arrive in Japan next year.

According to the Japanese automaker, the Levorg is the “embodiment of Subaru’s long-time achievements and symbolizes the latest Subaru standards” and offers “practical touring abilities which ensure a stress-free drive even in long distances.”

Two types of engines

The all-wheel-drive wagon will come with two engine choices: A 1.6-litre DIT direct-injection turbo engine delivering 125kW and 250Nm of torque, and also a larger a larger 2.0-litre DIT engine producing 221kW and 400Nm of torque.

Both these engines send power to a symmetrical AWD system via a Lineartronic (for 1.6) or Sport Lineartronic (for 2.0) transmission.

The innovative sports tourer

Covered in either Metallic Blue Grey Steel or Pearl Crystal White paint that has never been seen on a production Subaru before, the Levorg features sleek styling befitting a sports tourer while also realising abundant load capacity.

The concept is 4690mm long, 1780mm wide and 1485mm tall, with a 2650mm wheelbase and a curb weight of 1504 kg.

The dynamic front design with a three-dimensional features the standard Subaru design motif of the hexagon grille, and hawk eye like headlights which emphasise the Levorg’s energetic aura.

The Subaru LEVORG prototype comes with a strut front suspension and a rear double wishbone arrangement. The 1.6-powered model is fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels shod in 215/50 R17 tyres while the 2.0 model is fitted with 18-inch wheels wrapped around in 225/45 R18 tyres.

Inside, the Levorg concept features a number of piano black finishes, metallic accents, a flat bottom steering wheel, as well as dual 3.5-inch full-colour LEDs. There’s also a wide range of safety technologies such as pre-collision braking control, lane keeping assist, pre-collision reverse throttle management and active lane keep system.

Subaru has announced pre-orders for the production version will start on January 4, with sales commencing in the spring. It is not yet clear whether this model will make it to South Africa however we will keep you updated of any new developments.

Subaru Levorg Video

Subaru Levorg gallery

 

Porsche Finally Reveals The Sporty 2014 Macan

We’ve been waiting a while for the 2014 Macan to be revealed, and after the many spy shots and tentative details, the first  sports car in the compact SUV segment has had its debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Motor Show.

Design details taken from Porsche sports cars

According Porsche, the all-new 2014 Macan “signifies pioneering steps into the compact SUV segment and is poised to set new standards in the field of driving dynamics and enjoyment, both on and off road.”

The Macan is 70mm longer, 24mm wider and 30mm lower to the Audi Q5 of which it is based on. It features a double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear arrangement with variable damping control and an electro-mechanical steering system, while optionally available is an air suspension. The wrap-around bonnet and gently sloping roof line accentuate the overall impression of sporty elegance and powerful dynamics.

The Macan is further fitted with an extensive range of equipment including the all-wheel drive system, PDK, multi-function sport steering wheel with shift paddles, large wheels, high-performance audio system and an electrically operated tailgate.

In addition the list of optional special equipment includes the air suspension system, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus system (PTV Plus), and the much sought-after dynamic high beam forming part of the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus), which continuously adjusts the headlight level in keeping with the traffic ahead and any oncoming traffic.

Interior features

The interior boasts striking new features such as the new multi-function sports steering wheel, a centrally positioned tachometer, a high-resolution 4.8-inch colour display, a forward sloping centre console with a high-set gear selector.

Standard for the 2014 Macan S is a Piano Black interior package and sporty seats with Alcantara centre inserts, while the Macan Turbo is fitted with 18-way adaptive sport seats as standard, including 18-way power seats with memory package in leather and brushed aluminium interior trim. In addition, all models are available with the Dark Walnut and Carbon Fibre trim as an option.

We’ve already reported on the three impressive powertrains of the 2014 Macan of which you can read about here.

The all-new 2014 Macan range is available for order as of now with first units being delivered in the second quarter of next year. The basic retail price will be announced soon.

2014 Porsche Macan official gallery

The New Jaguar F-Type Coupe Headlined By Range Topping R Model – Complete Gallery

Official images and details of the long awaited new Jaguar F-Type coupe resembling the C-X16 concept have been revealed.

Powerful supercharged engines

As predicted the F-Type coupe comes with a range topping R variant that is equipped with a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine that gets to 0-100 km/h in 4 seconds achieving an electronically limited top speed of 300 km/h.

The two other variants have the same power outputs and acceleration as the convertible, with the entry level F-Type’s packing a supercharged 3-litre engine delivering 250kW and accelerating from 0-100 km/h in a time of 5.3 seconds. While the mid-spec ‘S’ model is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 280kW and 460Nm of torque and sprints from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

The supercharged Jaguar F-Type R Coupe also comes with a number of technologies that help it deliver not only exhilarating performance but also tremendous efficiency. These include the spray-guided direct injection (SGDI) and dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT), as well as an Adaptive Dynamics system3 that actively controls vertical body movement, roll and pitch rates.

In addition an eight-speed ‘Quickshift’ sequential auto transmission with paddles delivers drive to the rear wheels, for which the R and S coupes  can option a carbon-ceramic matrix brake package with 398mm discs on the front and 380mm on the rear. An electronic active differential works in concert with a new torque vectoring system to optimise handling.

Premium design features

The base F-Type coupe is available with either aluminium or panoramic glass roof panels which are bonded to the body structure and features a hidden rear spoiler that sits within the tapered shut-line of the tailgate, as well as full LED lamps that wrap all around the way around the quarters and almost to the edge of the rear wheel arches.

The F-Type R coupe on the other hand features aerodynamic bodywork with gloss black front vanes beneath the shark gills and matte side sill extensions as well as window finishes highlighted in bright anodized aluminium.

There’s also carbon fibre finishes on the front air splitter, side vents, door mirror covers, hood vents and engine cover, and an optional Black Pack trim. 20-inch ‘Gyrodyne’ style wheels in silver finish are standard on the F-TYPE R Coupe, while a dark grey and diamond-turned version is optional.

The driver focussed interior of the F-Type R is loaded with premium materials and trim options. It comes equipped with inflatable performance seats in leather finish embossed with the R logo on the headrest, a Jet black interior trim offered with three options of contrast stitching, a leather instrument panel and a top-spec MeridianTM 770W Surround Sound audio system.

Here’s a complete gallery from its debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Motor Show.

Jaguar F-Type Coupe gallery

 

Nissan GT-R Nismo Details Revealed Ahead Of Tokyo Debut

With two of the most anticipated motor shows starting tomorrow (2013 Los Angeles/Tokyo Motor Show), a number of new vehicles (most are concepts) have already made their ‘unofficial’ debuts on the internet.

One of them is the Nissan GT-R Nismo which will be fully revealed tomorrow at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.

Exclusive styling with improved aerodynamics

The Nissan GT-R Nismo is said to feature an uprated twin-turbo V6 3.8-litre engine that delivers about 441kW of power and 652Nm of torque – a significant increase over the normal GT-R.

The power increase come thanks to a larger turbocharger along with a larger intake and exhaust system derived from the GT3-spec model. In addition, engineers optimised the ignition timing control for each of the six cylinders and upgraded the fuel pump combustion.

The Nissan GT-R Nismo also gets 20-inch alloy wheels using exclusive Dunlop tyres measuring 255/40 ZRF20 front and 285/35 ZRF20 rear and benefits from a hollow rear anti-roll bar. The black 6-spoke wheels are inspired by Nissan’s legendary GT500 race car.

The Nissan GT-R Nismo also comes with specially-developed links fitted to the front double wishbone suspension and has received large high-rigidity bolts used to increase stiffness of the wheel-hub attachment area.

Motorsports-inspired technologies

The vehicle is further offered with an aerodynamic exterior kit which includes a carbon fibre rear spoiler, a wider front bumper and an elongated yet tapered rear bumper design to keep the drag to Cd 0.26, same with that of 2014 Nissan GT-R.

The GT-R Nismo will be available in five body paint colours: Brilliant White Pearl, Meteor Flake Pearl Black, Ultimate Metallic Silver and Vibrant Red which will be matched to six-spoke black alloy wheels derived from the firm’s GT500 race car.

The interior features red stitching on the centre console, seats and door trim, along with an Alcantara-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel. There are also new ergonomically-sculpted Recaro seats with carbon fibre backing and the combi meter has carbon-like finish while the tachometer features a red design and the meter hood is dressed with Alcantara trim.

The Nissan GT-R Nismo is also according to Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, “the fastest Nissan GT-R ever” as it was capable of lapping the Nurburgring in 7:08.69 at the end of September when it was driven by Michael Krumm, an ex FIA GT1 champion (see video).

The Nissan GT-R Nismo goes on sale in Japan in February and will emerge into other markets later in 2014.

The Honda CR-Z CVT Automatic Sports Hybrid Offers ‘A More Relaxed Drive’

Following the reveal of its updated version earlier this year, Honda has introduced a Continuously Variable Transmission variant of the CR-Z sports hybrid coupe.

The new Honda CR-Z CVT model complements the existing manual version which is still the only hybrid vehicle in the world to feature a manual gearbox.

Same sportiness with a more relaxing drive

The new CR-Z CVT is equipped with a 1.5-litre i-VETC petrol engine delivering 88kW and 145Nm and when aided by the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system power is increased to 101kW with 190Nm torque. The 0-100 km/h task can be completed in just 9.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 198 km/h.

Average fuel economy drops to 4.9-litres/100 km on the combined average.

The electronically-controlled CVT allows for smooth and relaxing driving dynamics and features a conical pulley system with drive provided by an adjustable belt. The CVT is further operable in full automatic mode or a manual shift mode – which allows the driver to shift manually between virtual gears.

As with the manual version, the new Honda CR-Z CVT features a sport mode and offers up to ten seconds of increased power when using the IMA system via the S+ button on the steering wheel.

The drive mode selector button is also carried over from the manual CR-Z, with three driving modes (Normal, ECON or Sport) allowing the driver to choose how the car responds.

The design of the Honda CR-Z CVT is the same as of the existing manual model. However changes to specification include the introduction of a new paint colour – Premium Gold Purple Pearl, which replaces the existing Premium Northern Lights Violet Pearl.

For more details on the design and specification of the Honda CR-Z click here.

Honda CR-Z CVT price in South Africa

Honda 1.5 i-VTEC IMA Manual – R342 800

Honda 1.5 i-VTEC IMA CVT – R355 800

All-new 2014 MINI Officially Revealed

Following several leaks and teases,  the all-new 2014 MINI has been officially unveiled ahead of it’s debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show.

MINI says the new model is “completely new from the ground up” and “strikes the perfect balance between MINI heritage, future-defining forms and innovations.”

Classily accentuated exterior details

Looking at it from a distance you might think that nothing has changed, however, the new model is 98mm longer, 44mm wider and 7mm taller than the outgoing generation, while its wheelbase has been stretched by 42mm to 2495mm. These increased dimensions allow the MINI to offer more interior space as well as 211 litres of load capacity.

Among the features designed to enhance the car’s dynamic looks is the improved flow of its lines, short overhangs, the hallmark stance on the wheels, and a smooth one-piece chrome frame on the hexagonal radiator grille.

Other dynamic new features include revised headlights and larger trapezoidal rear lights which have chrome ring surrounds and extend into the boot lid. The new model is also the first car in its segment to be available with optional LED headlights.

Interior features

Although much from the outside remains unchanged, the interior of the all-new 2014 MINI is fitted with a new instrument cluster positioned ahead of the driver on the steering column, while a new interface and interactive LED display ring (with an 8.8-inch digital display screen) create an “emotionally invigorating overall experience.”

A MINI controller dial is mounted next to the gear stick – providing drivers with the ability to control much of the infotainment system, and the chrome window toggle switches are now integrated into the armrests, making them comfortable to use.

In addition, the all-new 2014 MINI is available with Head-Up Display and optional extras like camera-based active cruise control, high beam assist, a rear-view camera as well as collision and pedestrian warning.

Engine capability

Upon launch the all-new 2014 MINI will be available with a choice of three turbocharged Euro 6 compliant engines featuring stop/start technology.

Powering the base Cooper model is a 3-cylinder 1.5-litre engine producing 100kW of power and 220Nm of torque (230Nm with overboost). In this make-up the new MINI returns 4.4 litres/100 km with 105 g/km of CO2 emissions.

The Cooper D will be fitted with a 1.5-litre diesel unit delivering 85kW of power and 269Nm of torque which will return 3.5 litres/100 km with CO2 emissions of 92 g/km.

The Cooper S will be equipped with a 4-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine rated outputting 141kW and 280Nm of torque (300Nm with overboost). In this arrangement, the new MINI will return 5.6 litrse/100 km with CO2 emissions of 133 g/km.

These engines will be mated to a standard six-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed automatic. While past models came with an optional sport mode, all new models will get the MINI Driving Modes (MID) system that will adjust throttle and steering response as well as the engine sound.

On Cooper S models the MINI Driving Modes will also include the dynamic suspension system and automatic transmission shift points. Three settings will be available, with an eco GREEN mode, a standard MID mode and an engaging GREEN mode.

The all-new 2014 MINI Cooper and Cooper S hardtop will go on sale this coming March and pricing for the two models can be found here.

All-new 2014 MINI gallery

Porsche 918 Spyder Performance Updated

Porsche has announced they have revised the performance figures of the 918 Spyder ahead of delivery of the first vehicles due early next year.

Final tuning boosts Porsche hybrid super sportscar

The Porsche super sportscar now betters its already outstanding sprint capabilities thanks to the weight-optimised Weissach package. Previously, the production variant of the 918 Spyder was said to only need 2.7 seconds to accelerate from 0-96 km/h, but now with lightweight option, the vehicle can sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 2.6 seconds.

When equipped with the Weissach package, the 0-200 km/h run can be done in 7.2 seconds, making it 0.5 seconds quicker than previously mentioned and passes the 300 km/h mark after an astonishing 19.9 seconds.

The enhancements also bring benefits in terms of the electrical performance delivered by the hybrid super sportscar. The two electric motors on the front and rear axle allow the 918 Spyder to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds without producing any emissions – representing a 0.7 seconds decrease compared to the original performance figures provided previously.

In addition, the time is reduced to 6.1 second when the 918 Spyder is fitted with the optional Weissach kit. With the Weissach package fitted, the vehicle’s total NEDC fuel consumption amounts to 3.0 l/100 km (3.1 l/100 km without the Weissach package). That equates to CO2 emissions of 70 g/km (72 g/km without the Weissach package).

The Porsche 918 Spyder is set for release next year, click here to read more about it.

Porsche 918 Spyder gallery

Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo Revealed

Mercedes-Benz has fully revealed the AMG Vision Gran Turismo virtual concept that will be making its official debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Motor Show.

The super sports car with its hallmark Mercedes gullwing doors is intended to go on sale for the latest instalment of the new PlayStation3 Gran Turismo6 race game in December.

Authentic racing car sound

Exceptional power comes from an AMG V8 engine producing 430kW and 799Nm of torque. Wrapped with an aluminium space-frame body and components in carbon fibre, the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo weighs just about 1384 kg.

First rate deceleration comes from AMG’s high-performance ceramic composite braking system. While the AMG sports exhaust system with eight tailpipes integrated into the rear end provides a powerful accompaniment whenever the car accelerates. It also ensures an unrivalled motor sports sound experience.

Dynamic sports car proportions

The thrilling front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Mercedes supercar features classic Gran Turismo proportions with modern details.  Such as the long flowing hood, the LED radiator grille with different light patterns and aggressive body that looks stretched over the bulging fenders. Touching on its sporty nature are the angled headlights and red-glowing contour lines as well as the pronounced bulge to the wheel arches.

Interior Features

Interior images were not provided but it’s said that the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo comes with an F1-inspired cockpit with red integral sport seats blending into the black flooring of the footwell to form a protective shell.

The dashboard has been designed in the form of two gullwing doors which are positioned on each side of the steering column, and as a result the actual doors appear to be an extension of the instrument panel. The centre display floats above the racing steering wheel providing all the necessary data while operation is handled via the rocker switches placed in the dashboard’s centre as well as in an overhead console.

The central display optimally floats above the racing steering wheel providing all the necessary information while operation is handled by rocker switches in the centre of the dashboard and in an overhead console, like in a jet.

Although it won’t be seen on public roads, Mercedes-Benz has built a 1:1 scale model for the opening of their Research & Development Centre in Sunnyvale, California.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo will be available as downloadable content exclusively for Gran Turismo 6 which will come out on December 6.

Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo gallery

Comprehensive New Vehicle Sales Info In South Africa – October 2013

The month of October 2013 experienced 3.89% more sales than September 2013. The lower percentage increase was expected following the recent automotive industry labour strike.

However, new vehicle sales have decreased by 2.9% to 56 927 units, when compared with October 2012. Also in October 2013, passenger vehicles recorded an increase of only 0.40%, while Light Commercial Vehicles grew by 14.30% – contributing to this year’s growth with 2.58%.

Vehicle exports were also down 15.1%, to 21 125 vehicles, while Year to Date (January – October 2013) sales grew 3.87% in 2013 compared to the same period last year, equating to 20553 more vehicles sold for the ten months of 2013 compared to last year.

Top 5 Brands In South Africa

whole year sales
*Click the graph to view in full
1. Earlier in the year when Toyota sales started to pick up, they had just introduced their 2013 Auris model and later the HSD Hybrid variant which both contributed to total sales of 11 027 units.

2. Volkswagen sales went through a dip of about 1411 in February, but the introduction of the Golf 7 in the middle of the year slowly spiked sales up in both June and July.

3. In August, GMSA reported its highest sales to date, with demand across its Chevrolet Spark range which achieved  record sales of 1086 units.

4. Ford experienced a slow start to the year with the first two months not even hitting the 5000 sales mark. However they still managed to be in the top 5 best selling brands in South Africa. The launch of their all-new Eco Boost SUV in August helped up sales as the vehicle recorded 522 units in first month of selling.

5. Nissan experienced serious sales drop in April, but the brand saw massive growth in March which has been their best to date this year.

Passenger Vehicle’s Segment

During October 2013, 40 102 new passenger cars left showroom floors – a 4.4% drop compared with the same month last year. 2012 had maintained upward momentum and at 41 621 units reflected an improvement of 4795 units or 13.0% compared to the 36 826 new cars sold during October 2011.  Year to date new car sales remained 11.7% ahead of the corresponding ten months of 2011.
The graph bellow illustrates that in the passenger vehicle segment this October, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo climbed back on top, while the Toyota Etios finally managed to regain second place at the expense of the Volkswagen Polo. The Ford Figo is steady in fourth place, while last year at this time it grew 14.8% – in a market that grew 5.4%. The BMW 3 Series makes a huge leap from tenth best selling passenger car in South Africa in September to fifth in October, with total sales of 1066.

Top 5 Passenger Cars In SA For October 2013 (Compared to October 2012)

Passenger sales
*Click the graph to view in full

Light Commercial Vehicle’s Segment

The graph below shows the growth or decline that these five vehicles had in the corresponding month last year.

Toyota South Africa returned to full production and delivered 2894 locally produced Hilux bakkies and 1540 locally assembled Quantum’s to customers, despite some imbalances in model mix and colour availability due to the strike. There was also good recovery in Ranger sales with 1516 units sold to South African customers. The Isuzu KB also made its way back to the top 5 with strong sales of 1232 units delivered.

Top 5 Light Commercial Vehicles In SA For October 2013 (Compared to October 2012)

Light commercial sales
*Click the graph to view in full
 

According to NAAMSA, the Year on Year monthly sales comparison shows a decrease of 2.91% in October 2013 compared to October 2012. The average sales per day in October 2013 (2108) were less than October 2012 (2142).

Further, the average number of sales for October since 2010 have been 51 400 (excl October 2013) and on average, October has ranked as the best month since 2010. Further more, October surpassed the average number of sales, (56 927 to 46 401) and has been the 2nd best month for sales this year.

Despite the unfortunate slow down in vehicle sales growth, Year to date sales have dropped to 4.2% in October. Sales are unlikely to reach the 10%+ targets set by various market analysts at the start of 2013. However 2013 is still expected to be one of the three best years in South Africa’s motor sales history.