Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Final Edition Set For Los Angeles Debut

According to a report, Mercedes-Benz will be bidding farewell to its SLS sports car at the Los Angeles Motor Show with an introduction of a SLS AMG Final Edition model to be available in limited numbers.

The last edition of the SLS AMG ‘Gullwing’

The prototype camouflaged images suggest the SLS AMG Final Edition will feature slightly restyled front and rear ends, as well as adopt new air vents, and styling updates around the bonnet and grille. The rear, diffuser and exhaust pipes will probably be updated too. We can also expect some interior changes including special edition plaques.

The limited edition models will be produced from February 2014 until the middle of the year and will be available for standard SLS AMG Coupe and Roadster, as well as the SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG Black Series.

Theres been no word on what the model will pack under its hood, but with the automaker pushing focus towards smaller, turbocharged powerplants, it might be the last time we see the 6.2-litre V8 engine.

A direct replacement for the SLS isnt expected – however, a smaller, lighter, faster and cheaper sports car known as the GT AMG is due to be introduced later in 2014 or early 2015, and will be powered by a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine.

More details to follow when the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Final Edition model debuts at the Los Angeles Motor Show next week.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Final Edition Prototype Images

Toyota To Introduce Driver Attention Research Vehicle In LA

Toyota has announced that it will debut a concept Driver Attention Research Vehicle at the Los Angeles Motor Show.

Reducing driver distraction

The company has released very few details about the mysterious concept, however they mentioned that it is a joint project between MIT and Toyota and aims to shed light on driver distractions associated with voice command systems. The automaker also said the concept was designed to reduce driver distraction before ever putting a key in the ignition.

South Africans would definitely benefit from this technology. Earlier this year, a survey by Goodyear revealed that young motorists in our country were among the most aggressive drivers in the world, and another survey further pointed out that our youth are also the most likely to be easily distracted while behind the wheel, because they are constantly on their phones updating statuses, sending texts or answering phone calls.

The solution to the problem might just be the developing of the Driver Attention Research Vehicle. Toyotas Director of the Collaborative Safety Research Center said the LA Motor Show will give them a platform to discuss “important research findings” from an MIT-Toyota partnership on driver distractions associated with voice command systems. Chuck Gulash will also unveil a “groundbreaking study” from Stanford University that shows how a driving simulator can “enhance our understanding of how drivers and cars interact as we move closer to fully automated forms of driving.”

We will have more details on the Driver Attention Research Vehicle concept when it makes its debut at the Motor Show next week.

The Cars.co.za October Motoring Report Infographic

The Cars.co.za October infographic has launched and features all the important information you need in the South African motor industry.

This months report focuses on the release of the BMW 4-Series coupe, which we got to drive just recently. Read our driving impressions on the BMW 4-Series coupe in South Africa. The other features of the report include:

Top 5 motoring brands
Results of our poll
New car market share
Most popular new cars in South Africa
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

View last month’s report: September 2013 Motoring Report Infographic

Click the image to open full size in a new window

Production Ready 2014 Ford Ka Concept Revealed

The first images with the 2014 Ford Ka concept have been published online, following the car’s reveal in Brazil – and the car looks nothing like the miniature Ka we have here in SA.

Its said the production model will be very similar to the concept, slightly larger than the second-generation Ka and will come with an Aston Martin-like front grille along with Fiesta-inspired taillights, sharp bonnet lines and an attractive headlamp cluster. The side profile reveals a muscular character line running across the shoulder and the roofline reflects a sporty hatchback stance.

There has been no official mention of this, but its rumoured that the Brazilian Ford Ka will also replace the Ford Figo in India. Therell apparently also be a sedan version.

Full specifications were not released however its reported that the car will have a naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine with 59kW, along with a 1.5-litre rated at 82kW when running on ethanol and 79kW when using petrol.

The production ready 2014 Ford Ka is scheduled to go on sale at first in Brazil and after that in other emerging markets. We’ll have more details for you if we get word that the car will make it to our shores.

2014 Ford Ka Concept gallery

Honda FCEV Concept To Make World Debut In LA

Honda will present a hydrogen fuel cell concept at the 2013 Los Angeles Motor Show which expresses a potential styling direction for Honda’s next-generation fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) launching in the U.S and Japan in 2015 and later in other countries.

The future of personal mobility

The Japanese brand released a teaser sketch this week saying the Honda FCEV Concept demonstrates their vision for the future of personal mobility and commitment to developing advanced alternative fuel vehicles. Also that their long-term experience with fuel-cell technologies will help them pave a way towards a zero-emissions future.”

Apart from this stylized teaser image, no other details have been released on the concept. The image shows a futuristic design with an angular grille and a raffish windscreen. FCEV Concept is meant as a preview of futuristic and aerodynamic designs bound for its next fuel-cell electric car.

In 2002, Honda was the first automaker to begin a retail initiative with the leasing of its fuel-cell electric vehicles to fleet customers. The company also claims to have sold the first fuel cell vehicle to a retail customer in 2005, and says that around 24 customers currently lease its FCX Clarity model.

However, limited infrastructure is one of the biggest challenges fuel cell vehicles will face. There currently are only a handful of fueling stations for hydrogen vehicles – the majority of these are in California, where fast-fill hydrogen filling stations are available. Automakers will need to co-operate for there to be any chance at the technology finding mass market success.

Toyota and Hyundai are also working to bring out fuel cell vehicles. Just last week, Toyota revealed its FCV fuel cell vehicle which is scheduled to debut at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show

Honda also revealed today that they will announce more details on the vehicle and further enhancements for the 2014 Civic during the Los Angeles Auto Show happening next week.

Lexus ES South African Prices Announced

Lexus South Africa has just announced prices for their all-new ES which made its first public appearance last month at the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show.

Priced just below the IS range, with this new Lexus ES you are getting a car that is dramatically styled and offers luxury with ample space close to that of the GS. Luggage space is a generous 490 litres for the ES 350 while the hybrid offers 425 litres.

Equipped with a new 2.5-litre Dual VVT-i twin-cam four-cylinder engine that runs to 100km/h in less than 10 seconds, the LExus ES 250 can also exceed 200 km/h. While the Lexus ES 300h is powered by a 2.5-litre single VVT-i twin-cam Atkinson cycle four-cylinder unit delivering 118kW, and does 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 180 km/h.

Click here to read more about both the Lexus ES variants.

Lexus ES price in South Africa

Lexus ES 250 R435 900

Lexus 300h R515 000

As with the rest of the Lexus range, all models in the ES range are covered by a four-year/100 000 km warranty. On the maintenance front, the ES 250 and 300h come standard with the Lexus Distance Plan Plus.

Lexus ES 250 gallery

Ken Block Releases Action Packed Gymkhana Six Video

Ken Block has officially unveiled Gymkhana Six – the Ultimate Grid Obstacle Course.

In the video we see Block thrashing his tyres through a series of obstacles in his Ford Fiesta ST RX43 race car. Unlike Gymkhana 5 which took place on the open streets of San Franscisco, 6 is a more compact and purpose built course and features more gaming style elements. And as part of the promotional theme, he drifts circles around a pair of Lamborghinis in police livery.

Recognized by ESPN as one of the most influential action sports athletes in the world, Block has reached global fame for his skill and car control and pushed the sport of rally across the line and into the mainstream. The award-winning Gymkhana video series has garnered more than 250 million views worldwide to date.

This Gymkhana Six video was also designed to showcase the “sheer speed, fun and exhilarating action of driving and serve as a promo for the Need For Speed: Rivals – headed to both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

Ken Block’s Gymkhana Six Video

2013 Joburgs Finest Toyota

In association with cars.co.za, the Toyota Twin Cam Club (TTCC) is hosting yet another Joburgs Finest Toyota event set to be an exciting action packed day for every type of car enthusiast.

Last year, the club showcased some of their finest Toyotas in all shapes, sizes, models and designations. They even had some of the rarest models you can find in SA. On the upper-level showcase were three brand new 86s complemented by just about every Corolla incarnation from an SR5 to the latest Auris TRD.

Happening at the Rand Stadium Toyota , the TTCC team promises that this years event will be just as action packed. Featuring a Show n Shine, db Battle, and a Rev-it Exhaust db competition. There will also be one of only four Lexus LFAs in SA on show, the Toyota Advanced Driving team will be giving rides through the Urban Trax, while the TTCC members will have some of their best Toyotas in the TTCC showcase.

Event details

Entrance is free, but for prices to enter your car in various competitions view the image below.

Venue: Rand Stadium Toyota, 4A Amanda Road, Glen Eagles Johannesburg

GPS: S2627.0347″ E28043.718

Time: 9am-2pm

Date: Saturday 16 November 2013

The New Nissan Navara Safari Built To Be Wild

The Nissan Navara range has been expanded with a modified special edition Safari model which has been designed particularly for over-landing excursions.

The Navara Safari benefits from additions and modifications suitable for a safari environment. Built under the guidance and advice of 4×4 expert Glyn Demmer, he says the Nissan Navara in 4×4 guise remains a formidable off-road vehicle. We decided to specialise the Safari version and create a vehicle that is utterly suitable for overland trips.

The long-distance bundu-basher

Based on the Navara 2.5 dCi Double Cab 4×4 LE, the Safari doesnt lose any of its normal off-road capabilities, the addition of specialised extras adds to its prowess as a long-distance bundu basher. The new Navara Safari is available with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic gearbox, and comes with quite a few additional special features.

These include all-terrain tyres, a front-mounted nudge bar, hard-wearing seat covers, Safari-branded carpets, and a rubberised load-box with tonneau cover. As well as standard spot-lights, underbody protection plates for the engine, gearbox and transfer case, custom-built protective rocksliders, and a removable tow bar.

“In creating the Navara Safari we wanted to ensure that specialised extras were fitted not only to add value but to make off-road excursions even easier for our more adventurous customers,” concludes Nissan SA Product Manager (Marketing), Marinus Venter.

Nissan Navara Safari price in South Africa

Nissan Navara Safari 2.5 dCi Double Cab 4×4 LE 6MT – R490 000

Nissan Navara Safari 2.5 dCi Double Cab 4×4 LE AT – R496 000

As with the rest of the Navara range, the Safari is available with a three-year or 100 000km warranty and three-year or 90 000km service plan (service intervals of 15 000km).

Nissan Navara Safari gallery

The New Daihatsu Terios Diva Deluxe In SA – Specs and Prices

Daihatsu have come out with a new Diva Deluxe vehicle that complements the 2012 Terios Diva which has been well received by women in South Africa, who have welcomed the concept of a car designed specifically for female drivers.

Pedro Perreira, general manager of Daihatsu goes on to say that another reason for this model creation is the sports utility market is one of the most active sectors of the South African marketplace, with dozens of competitors within this segment. It is important to stand out in this sector, and to offer an innovative package – something that is unique and truly special within this segment.

Enhanced exterior features

The Daihatsu Terios Diva Deluxe carries some of the styling from the previous Terios with a number of enhanced features. These include a new colour for the exterior and interior decals, and four new exterior paint colours as there was only one colour available previously.

There is also a new set of halogen headlamps, funky rear boot spoiler and silver door handles, and the Daihatsu badge now appears on the hard wheel cover.

Interior features

The interior boasts the existing CASKA entertainment system which now has two DVD screens incorporated in the headrests with independent wireless headphones. Other interior features include the new multi-info display/on-board computer (which displays fuel range, average fuel consumption, temperature and time), an all-new glovebox (which comes with a lock and lighting), chrome handles, a holder for sunglasses, a 12V AC socket in the boot and a stylish new gear lever.

Additional safety features which have earned a four-star Euro NCAP safety rating include a reversing camera, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, smash and grab, Isofix baby seat mounting points, a crash-sensing, front and rear seatbelts, and a high-level brake light.

Engine capability

The Daihatsu Terios Diva Deluxe retains the existing 1.5-litre petrol engine, which delivers 77kW of power and 140Nm of torque. This engine is coupled to a five-speed manual transmission.

Daihatsu Terios Diva Deluxe price in South Africa

The Daihatsu Terios Diva Deluxe costs R269 995, and is available with a service plan for every 15000 km or once a year, and is covered by a three-year/75 000 km warranty.