2014 BMW 2-Series Coupe Coming To SA

The 2014 BMW 2-Series Coupe which replaces the 1-Series Coupe, was one of the luxury models the German automaker showcased at this year’s Detroit Motor Show, promising to raise the bar in terms of “dynamic ability, aesthetic appeal and emotional allure.”

Emotionally appealing aesthetics

The sporty model has a distinctive front fascia with a unique grille, bespoke headlights, short overhangs and large air intakes. There’s also subtle contours, a sweeping roofline, doors with frameless windows and L-shaped taillights.

The 2-series is slightly larger than its predecessor. Its wheelbase has been stretched by 30mm, which results in a cabin that boasts additional head- and legroom as well as a larger trunk that can hold up to 390 litres of luggage.

The interior comes equipped with cloth seats and satin silver trim, with optional Dakota leather upholstery, brushed aluminium or fineline stream wood trim and a 6.5- or 8.8-inch iDrive display as well as large storage compartments.

The structure of the surfaces for the instrument panel, centre console and door trim is dominated by the “layering” effect created by various overlapping surfaces.

BMW Lines

The BMW Lines available as an alternative to standard specification for the coupe include Sport Line, Modern Line and the M Sport trim. The latter adds an aerodynamic body kit, a revised grille and a chrome exhaust finisher. There’s also a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch M light alloy wheels, sport seats, aluminium hexagon trim, M-brand sill plates and revised instrumentation.

Standard-fitted BMW EfficientDynamics technology include Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand operation of ancillary units, Electric Power Steering, an Optimum Shift Indicator and the Auto Start Stop function, which can also be used in conjunction with an automatic gearbox.

Powerful engine line-up

First up, the 220i is equipped with a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder that develops 135 kW and 270 Nm of torque. It enables the coupe to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.0 seconds and hit a top speed of up to 235 km/h.

Diesel variants include the 218d which has a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine that produces 105 kW and 320 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km takes only just 8.9 seconds (8.6 seconds with the optional eight-speed automatic) and to reach a top speed of 213 km/h.

The 220d features a 2.0-litreTwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine with 135 kW and 380 Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h is completed in 7.2 seconds (7.1 seconds with the optional eight-speed automatic) and top out at 230 km/h.

While the 225d uses the same 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine but produces 160 kW and 450 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes place in just 6.3 seconds and hit to reach a top speed of 242 km/h.

The 2014 BMW 2-Series can be expected in South Africa around February-March.

2014 BMW 2-Series gallery

Honda Vision XS-1 Concept Scheduled For Delhi Debut

The Honda Vision XS-1 Concept will be the second concept to be shown along with the NSX at the Dehli Auto Expo next month.

A wide range of exhibits

Honda has not released any images yet, but have described the concept as a new crossover model which “features sporty styling and outstanding utility space based on Honda’s unique packaging technologies.”

The NSX Concept is a profusely hi-tech, two-seater, four-wheel-drive hybrid supercar utilizing a petrol engine as well an electric motor to propel itself. The production version of NSX has recently gone on sale in the UK, ahead of a planned 2015 launch.

Additionally, the Japanese manufacturer will be showcasing cutting edge technologies and new models including the Accord Hybrid, Honda Mobilio, and the 4th generation all-new City.

The company will also showcase the Amaze model equipped with advanced i-DTEC diesel engine, as well as the all-new 3rd generation Honda Jazz which makes use of q brand new system called the Sport Hybrid Intelligent Dual Clutch, developed under the Earth Dreams initiative and has styling influences from the 2012 Insight.

More details will be made available when the Delhi Auto Expo kicks off in February.

Mini pricing for South Africa confirmed

Mini pricing for South Africa has been confirmed by BMW/Mini SA, and it looks like the legend will continue.

We briefly touched on the all-new Mini towards the end of last year and it looks good. The third generation Mini will be arriving on our shores in March 2014.

The main feature of the all-new Mini will be the eco-friendly engine. Gone are the days of naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engines and the new Cooper makes do with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. Its priority is fuel economy and Mini claims this new engine will get through just 4.5l/100km, while gas emissions are rated at 105g/km. Performance is rated at 7.9 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint. Not bad for a 100 kW / 220 Nm motor! We think this Mini will be the one to have…

On the other end of the scale is the all-new Cooper S, which has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged motor with 141 kW and 280 Nm (Overboost: 300 Nm). The 0-100km/h dash is completed in 6.8 seconds, while fuel consumption is claimed to be pegged at 5.8l/100km.

The Cooper will have  16-inch alloy wheels, manual air-conditioning, a multifunction steering wheel and a basic audio system. The Cooper S will have sport seats, auto wipers and headlamps, climate control, 17-inch wheels as well as cruise control.

Mini pricing for South Africa

Cooper –      R274 000 (Automatic – R16 900 option)
Cooper S –  R340 642 (Automatic – R16 900 option)

McLaren Planning Powerful 12C To Rival Ferrari 458 Speciale

Apparently McLaren is working on a powerful and lighter version of the 12C said to rival the new recently launched Ferrari 458 Speciale.

Although McLaren has declined to confirm this story, rumours are that the model is expected to come out later this year.

The new model will apparently make use of an improved version of the twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 engine with an estimated power output of 478 kW.

Standard carbon-ceramic brakes and a host of other performance-enhancing modifications are expected including the same carbon fibre MonoCell as the regular 12C.

It is also expected that the new car will come with different design features to the exterior and interior and styling cues coming from the range-topping McLaren P1 hypercar. Exterior changes are said to benefit the car with improved aerodynamic performance.

We will keep you updated on any new developments regarding this story. For now you can enjoy reading our review of the McLaren MP4 12C.

Top 5 Concept Cars Of The 2014 Detroit Auto Show

The 2014 Detroit Auto Show or North American International Motor Show saw a number of exciting new vehicle introductions from concepts to production cars and some ultra-performance vehicles.

We’ve picked our top 5 concept cars of the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. Read through the list and let us know which cars were your favourites.

2014 Audi Allroad Shooting Brake Concept Unleashed

2014 Audi Allroad Shooting Brake Concept

The concept presented in an Ice Blue finish marks the first time the German automaker has combined the Allroad and e-tron languages together, and has equipped it with a transverse-mounted 4-cylinder 2.0-litre TSFI turbocharged engine with 215 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque.

Volvo Concept XC Coupe Wins Best Concept Car In Detroit

Volvo Concept XC Coupe

The Swedish automaker presented the Concept XC Coupe which was named the best designed concept and is supposedly the second of three design studies that preview Volvo’s new styling direction.

Nissan Sport Sedan Concept Officially Unveiled

Nissan Sport Sedan Concept

The Sport Sedan Concept is designed to preview an upcoming production model and showcases a new design direction for Nissan where sports car principles are applied to regular models like sedans and crossovers.

Kia GT4 Stinger Concept Introduced in Detroit

Kia GT4 Stinger Concept

The sleek sculpted “Ignition Yellow” Kia GT4 Concept drew a lot of attention in Detroit with its eye-catching 2+2 sports coupe design. There’s been some speculation that the 235 kW concept might make it to production and not much of it’s detailing will be changed if it does.

Toyota FT-1 Concept Unleashed In Detroit

Toyota-FT-Concept

Toyota took the wraps off an exciting new concept car at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. The stunning FT-1 concept designed by a Californian-based Toyota design team is a showcase and inspiration for future sportscars from the Japanese manufacturer.

For more coverage of the 2014 Detroit Auto Show click here

Bugatti Galibier and SuperVeyron cancelled

Bugatti Galibier has been cancelled. Hypercar manufacturer Bugatti has officially confirmed it won’t be producing the anticipated four-door Veyron-based Galibier as well as the rumoured SuperVeyron.

“We have talked many, many times about the Bugatti Galibier, but this car will not come because it would confuse our customers. With the Veyron, we placed Bugatti on top of all super-sportscar brands in the whole world. Everyone knows that Bugatti is the ultimate super sportscar. It’s easier for current owners, and others who are interested, to understand if we do something similar to the Veyron. And that is what we will do. There will not be a four-door Bugatti,” said Bugatti boss Dr Wolfgang Schreiber in an interview.

The Bugatti Galibier concept was shown off in 2009 and was claimed to be the most exclusive, elegant and powerful four-door automobile. Unlike the quad-turbo Veyron, the Galibier featured an eight-litre 16-cylinder engine with two-stage supercharging. What made this concept unique was its ability to be a flex-fuel motor which could be run on both petrol or ethanol.

“We will not produce a ‘SuperVeyron’ or Veyron Plus, definitely,” said Dr Wolfgang Schreiber who was Bugatti’s Technical Director during the Veyron’s development. “There will be no more power. 1200hp is enough for the chapter of Veyron and its derivatives,” he added.

The SuperVeyron was intended to be the ultimate incarnation of the Veyron. Rumours were rife the ultimate model would be lighter, thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber, as well as faster. Thanks to modifications to the existing 883 kW motor, power would climb to 1 118kW. You would think the standard Veyron SuperSport offered enough performance, and Bugatti finally saw the light and realised this would be going too far.

Bugatti Galibier Concept photo gallery

 

Lamborghini Urus Concept Set To Launch In 2017

Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann has announced that the much anticipated production version of the Lamborghini Urus Concept SUV can be expected in 2017.

The Urus will be the company’s first SUV since the LM002, with an estimated sales potential of 3000 units per year.

Winkelmann remarked in an interview at the Detroit Auto Show that the “the luxury SUV market is poised to continue to grow.” Hence the decision to produce the Urus.

Lamborghini discontinued the LM002 SUV known as the Rambo Lambo  in 1993 after a failed effort to make military vehicles. It was in 2012 that the automaker unveiled the Urus concept featuring a 5.2-litre V10 turbocharged engine that includes an electric motor with plug-in capability.

The Urus is also rumoured to ride on the same MLB platform as the next-generation Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Toureg as well as the Bentley SUV.

Winkelmann also said in the interview, they plan to start deliveries of the new Huracan sports car, which replaces the Gallardo as the entry into the brand’s lineup.

Lamborghini Urus Concept gallery

Jaguar C-X17 Concept Shown In Brussels

An updated version of the Jaguar C-X17 Concept Sports Crossover has been seen on display at a Brussels Motor Show appearing in a new colour dubbed Italian Racing Red.

All-new advanced aluminium architecture

Designed to preview Jaguar’s all-new advanced aluminium architecture vehicle platform, which the company says it will use on a new range of future Jaguars starting with a mid-size premium sedan that will be introduced in 2015.

The concept is said to be powered by a range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines including an optional V8 supercharged engine from the Jaguar XKR. Rear-wheel-drive is said to be available as standard while four-wheel-drive will be available as an option.

The C-X17 concept’s first official debut was at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, and has since been shown in various forms all over the world including as a special five seat variant at the Guangzhou motor show in China late last year.

The interior also apparently carries over from that of the original Frankfurt concept and features a full-length centre console and a futuristic infotainment system. There’s also a two-tone leather upholstery, aluminium trim and black brushed anodized metal accents.

“As a sports crossover, it combines the character and driving experience of a sports car with increased presence and flexibility – all imbued with the sleek lines and luxurious sophistication Jaguar is renowned for,” says Jaguar.

Jaguar C-X17 concept gallery

Volvo Concept XC Coupe Wins Best Concept Car In Detroit

The Volvo Concept XC Coupe has been named the best designed production model and concept vehicle at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show.

Volvo’s latest concept vehicle also won the award for best use of colour, graphics and materials, further raising the brand’s stance on its new design language. Including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) which will underpin most Volvo cars in the future – like the XC90, expected to launch later this year.

“I’m honoured and very happy of course. This is very encouraging and it shows that Volvo’s new design direction is appreciated not only by the general public and the press, but also by the leading people in the car design business. And Volvo Cars has only just started its exciting new journey with a brand new design language,” says Thomas Ingenlath, senior vice president design at Volvo Cars.

The EyesOn Design Award ceremony are the officially-sanctioned design awards that take place annually in conjunction with the Detroit Motor Show. They are prominently displayed in design studios around the world and are merchandised as industry validation of great design.

Some worthy contenders which stole the show in Detroit include Toyota’s eye-catching FT1 concept and Nissan’s Sport Sedan Concept, as well as the Q50 Eau Rouge from Infiniti. Kia also rolled out a sports car concept – the GT4 Stinger.

The 2015 Ford Mustang which also won an award for best production vehicle, had a couple of models to contend with, including the Lexus RC-F, the new Subaru WRX STI, the new Corvette Z06 and the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

The South African-bound Mustang debutted about a month ago before the show, and promises SA customers an all-new sleek design, innovative technologies and world-class performance.

2015 Mercedes-Benz S600 Revealed In Detroit

The 2015 Mercedes S600 celebrated its world premiere at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show this week.

The model, designed to be the “pinnacle of automotive excellence”, is part of the growing S-Class lineup and is available exclusively as a long-wheelbase model equipped with the LED Intelligent Light System.

Top of the range engine

Power comes from a twin-turbo 6.0-litre V12 engine that develops 390 kW and 830 Nm of torque. Mercedes confirmed the model has a start/stop system which enables it to average 11.1-litres/100 km.

Additional features in the new S-Class

Mercedes says a touch pad will be available to control the infotainment system and mimic current smartphone controls. Users will also be able to enter text with handwriting gestures in any language available on the screen.

A head-up display will also be introduced, as well as an updated version of the “Collision Prevention Assist” currently packaged in the CLA.

Named “Collision Prevention Assist Plus,” the system is able to brake autonomously at up to 200 km/h. It can also stop the car completely at speeds up to 80 km/h. It can also respond to stationary vehicles at up to 50 km/h and will prevent rear-end collisions at up to 40 km/h.

In addition, there will be an optional heated windshield designed to work in conjunction with the air-conditioning blower and ensures clear forward visibility.

According to Mercedes’ Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Ola Kallenius, “The S-Class has always been the embodiment of our claim to deliver the very best in terms of both technology and design and our flagship model, the S 600, epitomizes the focus of our development work, the ‘Essence of Luxury’, in a way that no other model can.

The S600 will go on sale in March in the US. It is not yet clear when or if the model will be available in South Africa.

2015 Mercedes-Benz S600 gallery