Audi RS Q3 to debut at Geneva Motor Show

The new high performance Audi RS Q3 will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The Audi RS Q3 is the first RS model to feature in the successful Q model line-up and is the fourth RS model released in 2013 alongside the RS 5 Cabriolet, RS 6 Avant and the RS 7 Sportback.

Audi RS Q3 boasts impressive performance

Engine Capability

As the first RS model in the Q series, the Audi RS Q3 is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre, five-cylinder petrol engine that produces 228kW between 5 200 and 6 700rpm with a maximum torque figure of 420Nm available between 1 500 and 5 200rpm.

The model is connected to a 7-speed S tronic transmission and a Quattro all wheel drive system. The Audi RS Q3 can sprint from 0-100km in 5.5 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at up to 8.8-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 206g/km. A stop-start system is fitted as standard.

Exterior Styling Features

The Audi RS Q3 comes with body accents and roof rails in matt aluminium, special door sill plates and door trim strips, a high-gloss black honeycomb front grille, RS front bumper and a Quattro emblem in the front air intake.

Other new features include a large roof spoiler, rear bumper with distinctive diffuser insert, a large elliptical tailpipe and an RS Q3 logo that accentuates the rear. The model can also be customised in either matt aluminium or black styling packages which include the flaps in the side air intakes, the trim on the diffuser and the fins on the roof spoiler.

The Audi RS Q3 is available in eight exterior colours, including the exclusive Sepang Blue pearl effect.

Interior Styling Features

The interior styling features sport seats with embossed RS Q3 logos as standard and are upholstered in black Alcantara/leather and the instrument panel features gray gauges with white scales and red pointers. The three-spoke multi-function steering wheel is finished in contrasting stitching in rock gray as well as the gear lever.

The infotainment area includes a wide range of options such as the hard-drive based navigation system and MMI Navigation Plus. The Bose surround sound system features 14 loud speakers with a power output of up to 465 watts. The Bluetooth car phone online feature together with WLAN hotspot connects the car to the Internet to bring the online services of Audi into the vehicle.

Additional RS Q3 features include an RS specific driver information system, park assist plus, and xenon plus headlights and LED tail lights which display a dark red tint mark when they are not lit.

The Audi RS Q3 can be expected in South Africa towards the end of 2013.

New Bentley Flying Spur headed for 2013 Geneva Motor Show

The new Flying Spur, Bentley’s most powerful four-door model ever, will make its global debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show on 5 March. According to Bentley, the Flying Spur offers ‘a new blend of effortless driveability, exquisite luxury and craftsmanship’ and comes with state-of-the-art technology.

“Bentley’s new Flying Spur is the ultimate luxury performance sedan. Our engineers have worked tirelessly to ensure that the Flying Spur is the perfect combination of power, comfort, refinement and hand-crafted quality. Fitted with the very latest technology, the new Flying Spur is equipped both for business and relaxation whilst remaining a car to enjoy from behind the wheel.” said Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Wolfgang Schreiber.

New Bentley Flying Spur – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The Bentley Flying spur is fitted with a 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine that is mated to a ZF eight-speed gearbox and delivers 456kW at 6000rpm with a maximum torque figure of 800Nm from 2000rpm. The Flying Spur sprints from zero to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 322km/h.

Combined fuel consumption is rated at 14.7 l/100km, with a CO2 emissions figure of 343g/km. The Flying Spur features all-wheel drive with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split for enhanced handling in all road and weather conditions.

Interior Styling Features

The all-new Bentley Flying Spur features sleek and elegant styling that includes softer and more durable seats trimmed in natural premium quality leather, available in 12 different colours and can be adjusted in 14 ways.

The cabin is finished in wood veneer and the grab handles, armrests and parts of the front console are carried over from the previous generation. The roof lining and pillars are also trimmed in natural leather, while layers of supple foam are applied to all tactile surfaces beneath the hide, harmonising the touch and feel of all areas of the cabin. The wood is cured for 72 hours and clear-lacquered to enhance its natural beauty.

Rear passengers will enjoy the Multi Media Specification with Wi Fi connectivity, wireless headphones and two 10-inch displays. The Rear Seat Entertainment suite also includes a new hand held Touch Screen Remote which controls entertainment, connectivity and how comfortable the seats should be. The audio system comprises of an eight-channel, eight-speaker system, with the 1100W Naim for Bentley available as an option.

Exterior Styling Features

The new body structure includes reinforcement to the B-posts, sills and front crossmemebers together with deformable components in the floorplan for optimal load transfer. It also has a lower and sharper appearance with new rear lights and a longer boot and a more swept side profile.

The bonnet, constructed in aluminium, includes reinforced panels and deformation elements to help improve pedestrian impact performance. The front fenders have a new wing vent with a classy Bentley ‘B’ badge and the LED daytime running lights, dipped headlights and taillights personify the front and rear profiles.

The Flying Spur also comes in a range of 17 standard exterior paint colours and a new 19-inch Classic wheel is fitted exclusively in either bright painted or diamond turned finish. The new design combines a wider range of 20-inch five spoke, 21-inch six-spoke and 21-inch ten-spoke wheels available as cost options. Drilled alloy foot pedals, a knurled sports gear lever, jewel filler cap and 21 two-piece five spoke alloy wheels in painted or polished finish complete the Mulliner suite of options.

McLaren P1 powertrain details revealed

McLaren has revealed powertrain details for its upcoming P1 supercar which will make its production debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show on 5 March. The P1 will be fitted with a hybrid powertrain that includes a mid-mounted 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine and an electric motor, emitting less than 200g/km of CO2.

Hybrid powertrain for McLaren P1

Together, the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine and the electric motor, produce a power output of 674 kW with a maximum torque figure of 900Nm. CO2 emissions will be less than 200g/km on the combined cycle and will be reduced to zero in full electric mode.

The 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine alone produces 542kW and 720Nm of torque and is a new, upgraded version of the familiar M838T unit. The engine block has a unique casting to incorporate the electric motor. The lightweight electric motor is unique to the P1 supercar and produces 132kW and 260Nm of torque from standstill which increases the throttle response of the P1 dramatically. The McLaren-developed ‘boost’ system, IPAS, offers 132kW instantly while the enhanced air-charging system allows for more top-end power. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a dual-clutch 7-speed tranmission.

The P1 can be driven with either both the petrol engine and electric motor or the electric engine alone. Maximum power is possible when using both the engine and the electric motor. In electric mode, or E-mode, the P1 can travel for distances of more than 10km with zero tailpipe emissions, which is perfect for short urban runs. When the battery is empty, the petrol engine automatically takes over and recharges the battery.

Power is enhanced with two steering wheel mounted buttons that activate the Drag Reduction System (DRS) and the Instant Power Assist System (IPAS). The DRS reduces drag on the rear wing which helps increase speed. IPAS is designed to deliver power rapidly using a lightweight, high-density battery pack. The P1 is also equipped with a plug-in charger that is able to charge the battery in two hours.

Further detsails will be made avaialble when the McLaren P1 makes its production debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show on 5 March.

Peugeot 208 Hybrid FE concept announced for Geneva

Peugeot has joined forces with Total with the objective of improving vehicle energy performance by developing a gas concept car called the Peugeot 208 HYbrid FE that provides an enhanced driving experience with a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. The Peugeot 208 HYbrid FE will be showcased at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

Peugeot 208 HYbrid FE – Features

The Peugeot 208 HYbrid FE is fitted with a 1.0-litre VTi three-cylinder petrol engine, a Electronic Gearbox Control (EGC) and an electric motor that produces 51kW. Acceleration from zero to 100km/h is achieved in 8 seconds with CO2 emissions of only 49g/km.

Both Peugeot and Total have built the 208 HYbrid FE and designed it to capitalise on the research conducted and produce better aerodynamics, weight savings and drivetrains. The Peugeot 208 HYbrid FE is expected to shed up to 200kg in weight and will also feature special tyres and wheels that will contribute to reducing rolling resistance.

Peugeot and Total have worked together since 1995 to reduce fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Total and several of its entities are actively involved alongside Peugeot in numerous R&D projects to develop environmentally friendly vehicles.

More details for the Peugeot 208 HYbrid FE will be made available at the Geneva Motor Show.

Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4 Summit Review

Suzuki is a brand better known for its range of bikes and small city cars like the Swift. Recently, the Japanese company face-lifted its Suzuki Grand Vitara.

Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4 Summit Review by David Taylor

Despite the big name, the Suzuki Grand Vitara when compared to its rivals is a medium SUV. With an all-new redesigned face, the vehicle gains some brownie points in the looks department. It wasn’t exactly the ugliest of offroaders, but this new midlife nip-and-tuck has turned it into quite a looker.

Under the hood of the Suzuki Grand Vitara

The engine is a 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated petrol motor with 122kW and 225Nm. It’s not the fastest thing around but there’s enough power for most types of driving. Power is delivered to all four wheels through a five-speed gearbox and it’s here where I picked up my first gripe. Perhaps I’ve been spoilt with too many six-speeders, but the five-speed unit feels a little long, which means you’re going to be changing down a gear when it comes to overtaking on the open road. A close-range six-speed will work wonders here and I can’t help but think it’ll aid the fuel consumption too.

The Suzuki Grand Vitara off-road capability

If you think that the Suzuki Grand Vitara is ‘just another one of those mommy offroaders that can’t actually go offroad’, then think again. Admittedly I wasn’t aware of the Grand Vitara’s offroad credentials, but after I noticed the dashboard drivetrain selection switch, I had to try it out. I headed for the thickest dunes, where I promptly got stuck. Once I’d engaged low-range/diff locks, the Grand Vitara pulled itself out with ease. It’s deceptively capable offroad and if you’re after a city slicker that can be relied upon to go anywhere, this is your car.

Interior features

Interiors are where Suzuki excels itself and the Grand Vitara is no exception. There’s a premium and well-built feel to the dashboard and while there are no fancy LCD screens to dominate the middle cluster, the ergonomics are near perfect. Everything you need is within reach. However, unlike other Suzuki models, I was surprised to see the lack of a USB audio input.

The ‘Summit’ specification gives you cruise control, leather seats, keyless go, automatic HID headlights, fog lamps, traction control as well as attractive 18-inch wheels for around R60,000 above the ‘Dune’ derivative. The back seats fold forward not once, but twice giving you a massive boot, which enables things like furniture to be carried with ease. Keep the rear seats down and passengers will enjoy plenty of legroom.

Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4 Summit – Conclusion

The Suzuki Grand Vitara, like most of Suzuki’s range of passenger cars, is underrated. Not only is it a great offroad vehicle, perfect for those trips to the middle of nowhere, but it’s also quite at home sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic. It’s comfortable, well appointed and has most of the creature comforts you need. On the open road, it’s an absolute pleasure to drive, and is one of the few cars where you don’t go numb after an hour in the same position. It is well priced too, which I think is a big feather in its cap.

Suzuki Grand Vitara – Price

Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4 Summit price as tested: R362 900

  • Why you should: Surprisingly capable off-roader, practical, excellent ride, value for money offering.
  • Why you shouldn’t: Engine is a little thirsty considering its size. No diesel option.
  • It would be better if: There was USB connectivity, a 6-speed gearbox and a diesel engine option.
  • View the Suzuki Grand Vitara: New / Used
  • Competitors worth checking out: Toyota Rav4, Nissan X-Trail, Subaru Forester, Chevrolet Captiva

Nissan LEAF smashes 50 000 global sales target

The Nissan LEAF has broken a global sales milestone with 50 000 units sold worldwide, making it the best selling electric vehicle of all time since its introduction in December 2010.

Nissan LEAF goes the distance

Owners of the Nissan LEAF have travelled a total distance of 260-million kilometres which is a greater than the distance from the earth to the sun. These kilometres were covered with zero tailpipe emissions contributing to efforts to reduce levels of harmful NOx and particulate matter in cities.

The Nissan Leaf is sold in 17 European countries with 7 000 vehicles driven every day. The biggest distance covered in a LEAF was by a Japanese customer who has covered more than 175 000km in a car that has only been on sale for two years and another customer in Spain has reached up to 43 000 kilometres in one year.

Figures are based on all Leafs registered with the Carwings telemetry system, which is not mandatory and not all vehicles are registered. The Nissan LEAF is expected in South Africa later in 2013.

2014 Chevrolet SS V8 performance car unleashed

Official details of the 2014 Chevrolet SS have been revealed. The Chevrolet SS made its debut at the Daytona International Speedway this past weekend at the Nascar Daytona 500. The SS is Chevrolet’s first V8, rear-wheel drive performance sedan since 1996.

“The Chevrolet brand was largely built on the strength of rear-drive performance sedans, yet it’s been 17 years since we’ve offered one.” said Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America. “The all-new Chevrolet SS fills that void and fills it better than any other vehicle in the brand’s rich history. The comfort, convenience, spaciousness and V8 power make the SS a total performance package unlike any other on the road today.” he added

2014 Chevrolet SS is big on power

Engine Capability

The 2014 Chevrolet SS is powered by the LS3 Chevrolet V8 engine which delivers 415kW of power and a maximum torque figure of 563Nm. The LS3 displaces 6.2 litres, more than the 5.5-litre V8 powering the Chevrolet SS NASCAR competitors. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in about five seconds, making it one of the quickest sedans on the market.

Exterior Styling Features

The 2014 Chevrolet SS features staggered front and rear wheels that are pushed out to the corners, giving the vehicle a powerful stance. The aluminium hood features a ‘power bulge’ which hints at the engine under the hood. The tapering ‘tear drop’ shape towards the rear improves aerodynamic performance. Chrome accents and high-density discharge headlamps with light-emitting diode Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) form part of the overall exterior design.

The Chevrolet SS is fitted with 19-inch aluminium wheels that are wrapped in ultra-high performance Bridgestone tyres.

Interior Styling Features

On the inside there is space for five people with 42-inches of front legroom. The seats are covered in leather and eight-way power adjustable front bucket seats with additional side bolstering provide comfort for the driver and front passenger in tight handling situations.

The SS logo is stitched onto the soft touch dashboard which features a satin gloss and bright chrome finish. The interior is illuminated with ice blue ambient lighting at night. The SS also offers a list of technology features such as the colour in-dashboard touchscreen that supports Chevrolet MyLink and the next-generation navigation system, Bose nine-speaker premium sound system, colour heads-up display, push-button start, StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control and Automatic Park Assist.

The 2014 Chevrolet SS will go on sale in the U.S. later in the year and it will not be available in South Africa.

Citroen DS3 range expands with entry level model

Citroen has expanded its DS range with the addition of the Citroen DS3 VTi 82 Design which represents a new entry-point to the range. The Citroen DS3 VTi DS3 82 Design introduces Citroen’s PureTech petrol engine technology which delivers greater levels of efficiency with less impact on the environment.

Citroen DS3 VTi 82 Design has lots to offer

Engine Capability

The Citroen DS3 VTi 82 Design is fitted with a 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine that produces 60kW of power and 118Nm of torque. Fuel consumption for this engine is rated at 4.6-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 107g/km. This engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Acceleration to 100km/h will take 14.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 174km/h.

Citroen’s General Manager, Marketing, Grant Bowring said, “The Citroen DS3 is a highly desirable car, with unrivalled emotional appeal and now it is far more attainable thanks to the introduction of the 1.2 VTi Design. It is a worthy bearer of the DS badge, and combines style, innovation and technology in equal measure.”

Design Features

The Citroen DS3 range is offered with a wide range of colour choices including the new Moondust metallic grey and Infini blue for the roof, over and above the black and white roof options. A key differentiator for this model is the striking 3-D effect of the LED lighting for the rear light clusters.

In terms of space, the boot offers 285-litres of luggage space which increases to 980-litres with the rear seats folded down.

Citroen DS3 VTi 82 Design – Price

Citroen DS3 VTi 82 Design – R199 900

The price includes a 4-year/60 000km service plan as standard. A Freedrive programme maintenance plan is available as an option.

Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG set for Geneva Motor Show debut

The Mercedes-Benz  A 45 AMG has been added to the range of unique high-performance AMG vehicles. The entry level A-Class hatchback with full AMG features will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show which kicks off on 5 March 2013.

Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG is dynamite in a small package

The Mercedes Benz A 45 AMG is fitted with an AMG 2.0-litre turbo engine that produces 268kW and a torque figure of 450Nm, making it the most powerful four-cylinder series production engine in the world. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.9-litres/100km on the combined cycle. Using the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, 0-100km/h is achieved in 4.6 seconds, taking the A 45 AMG to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. The exclusive AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive features a 3-stage ESP with ESP Curve Dynamic Assist.

Exterior Features

The exterior of the Mercedes Benz A 45 AMG is enhanced by a sporty and muscular design with a sculptural character with feature lines on the sides. Painted in matt titanium grey, the front view is characterised by the AMG ‘twin blade’ radiator grille and the cross strut in the AMG front apron.

Also finished in matt titanium grey are AMG light-alloy wheels fitted with 235/40 R18 tyres in twin-spoke design with red-painted brake calipers. Two square, chrome-plated tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system with an exhaust flap add an appropriately bold finishing touch. ‘TURBO AMG’ lettering on the wing is exclusive to the top model of the A-Class.

Interior Features

Inside, the A 45 AMG boasts ARTICO man-made leather seats in DINAMICA microfibre with red contrasting stitching and red seat belts. A multi function steering wheel with shift paddles and the AMG DRIVE UNIT set new standards in both appearance and quality.

The dashboard trim comes in a carbon fibre look, matching the five air vents in black/red and AMG door sill panels. Information is presented by means of a central colour display with an AMG main menu and RACETIMER.

Optional Features

Optional features include a selection of individual AMG products like the AMG Aerodynamics package with rear aerofoil, additional flics in the front apron, larger front splitter, carbon-fibre exterior mirror housing and 19-inch wheels with 235/35 R 19 tyres available in two variants including titanium grey with a high-sheen finish or in matt black with a high-sheen rim flange.

The AMG Night package includes privacy glass, a black anodised waistline trim strip, black tailpipe trims with a chrome finish, radiator fins in silver chrome and a high-gloss black painted finish for the front splitter, exterior mirrors, side sill panel inserts and the rear apron trim.

The Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG will be available in South Africa later in 2013.

Alfa Romeo Gloria concept for Geneva Motor Show

The Alfa Romeo Gloria concept will be showcased at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show on 5 March 2013. The Gloria concept was developed by the European Design Institute (IED) of Turin with the assistance of the Alfa Romeo Style Centre where young car designers were tasked with ‘conceiving an Alfa Romeo saloon to communicate to the American and Asian markets’.

Alfa Romeo Gloria concept comes to life

The Alfa Romeo Gloria concept is 4.7 metres long, 1.92 metres wide and 1.32 metres tall with a wheelbase of 2.9 metres. The sports saloon features lines running the length of the vehicle towards the rear and would be powered by either a V6 or V8 turbo engine, according to Alfa Romeo. While the bonnet evokes the Alfa Romeo shield through the lines of the car, highlighting its 3-D form, the leather strips at the front are reminders of the leather straps used for the luggage compartments of the brand’s historic cars.

The Alfa Romeo Gloria concept is a result of the work of 20 students on the Master programme from Italy and other countries. The Alfa Romeo Centre provided the brief for the concept and twenty design proposals were presented as 1:4-scale clay models. The model that corresponded most closely to the brief was chosen. The class, divided into groups, then set out to work on the final project, in full scale.

“The possibility of developing a concept car in collaboration with the Alfa Romeo Style that we were offered was a great opportunity to demonstrate that the IED is, first of all, an Italian school that aims to generate beauty,” states César Mendoza, Director of IED, Turin. “What better brand than Alfa Romeo to teach our students how form and volume can convey strong emotions, fuelling the desire to design a car. The passion that the brand evokes had a powerful impact on the students and teaching staff, allowing them to push themselves within tight deadlines to achieve the final delivery of a project which was unquestionably complex. Today, the European Design Institute is proud to represent Italian teaching excellence internationally.”

Interactive display for Alfa Romeo Gloria Concept

The model will be reproduced on an iPad in a virtual environment where interaction with the concept will be possible by choosing between five models of rims and five body colours. The five rims are a result of a teaching project developed in collaboration with OZ Racing, who sponsored Gloria’s 20-inch rims, and asked Master students to design a series of proposals, where the best five rims were chosen for interactivity. The five rims will also feature in a talent contest that will be launched by IED and OZ Racing at the Geneva Motor Show via an app to decide on the winning project.