Toyota and Lexus showcase advanced active safety research vehicle

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) and its Lexus Division have unveiled its advanced active safety research vehicle at the international Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Los Angeles which demonstrates ongoing efforts around automated vehicle safety technologies and outlines Toyota’s approach to reducing global traffic fatalities and injuries. The advanced active safety research vehicle is based on a Lexus LS and seeks to advance the industry towards a new era of integrated safety management technologies.

??Toyota works towards improving safety

Toyota’s guiding strategy is called the Integrated Safety Management Concept and incorporates a holistic vision which includes people, vehicles and the driving environment. The strategy is carried through the following five phases of operation.

  • Initial time the driver and car begin a journey from a parked position
  • Active safety systems designed to avoid a crash
  • Pre-crash aimed at preparing for a collision
  • Passive safety to help survive a crash
  • Rescue and response after a crash has occurred

Although the key components of this research could lead to a fully autonomous vehicle in the future, Toyota and Lexus envision technologies that enhance the skills of the driver, which is based on the belief that a more skillful driver is a safer driver.

“In our pursuit of developing more advanced automated technologies, we believe the driver must be fully engaged,” said Mark Templin, Toyota group vice president and general manger of the Lexus Division.”For Toyota and Lexus, a driverless car is just a part of the story. Our vision is a car equipped with an intelligent, always-attentive co-pilot whose skills contribute to safer driving.”

Advanced Active Safety Vehicle

The Lexus advanced active safety vehicle is fitted with an array of sensors and automated control systems used to observe, process and respond to the driving environment. Some of the technologies used includes GPS, stereo cameras, radar, Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) laser tracking.

This technology is able to scan movements of objects, identify traffic light colours and can measure the trajectory of the vehicle on the road. The 360-degree LIDAR laser detects objects around the vehicle up to 70 metres away. Three colour cameras can detect objects more than 150 metres away. Radars are used to determine the location and speed of objects at intersections while a distance measurement indicator measures the travel distance and speed of the vehicle. An inertial measurements unit measures acceleration and angle changes to monitor vehicle behaviour and GPS antenna’s estimate angle and orientation even before the vehicle is in motion.

The advanced active safety vehicle serves as a platform for developing systems that will help enhance the driver’s perception of the driving environment as well in assisting in the decision making process while improving driving skills.

This initiative forms part of Toyota’s new research toward an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) which integrates the car with the driving environment. Toyota began operation at its 8.6 acre ITS proving ground in Japan in November 2012, which is modelled after a typical urban driving environment and incorporates the use of other vehicles, pedestrians and control devices.

“The real value of research projects like this is reinforcing our focus on what a few years ago seemed an impossible dream and is now becoming more plausible,” Templin said. “We, at TMC and Lexus, consider the elimination of traffic fatalities and injuries the ultimate goal of a society that values mobility.”

New Ford models ready for launch in South Africa

South Africa will see the introduction of numerous new Ford models in 2013 that will offer style, fuel efficient engines and smart technologies. South African car buyers will see the introduction of the new Fiesta, Transit and Tourneo, Fiesta ST, Kuga and EcoSport throughout 2013.

Ford Marketing Manager, Gavin Golightly said “It’s going to be an exciting year for us with an exciting variety of models being introduced locally. From driving enthusiasts to young families and small business owners, we have something for everyone. We’ve also gone further to provide an enjoyable driving experience, be it with driver assistance technologies or smart in-car features.”

Ford’s award winning SYNC in-car connectivity system will be available on all new models and will allow drivers to make calls and select music from devices connected via Bluetooth or USB without being distracted.

New Ford Models coming soon:

New Ford Fiesta ??

The new Ford Fiesta will arrive in South Africa in the next few weeks and will feature Ford’s award winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine that will deliver a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 4.3-litres/100km. This small displacement engine rivals engines of much larger displacement and will deliver 92kW and 170Nm of torque.

New Ford Transit and Tourneo

The Transit and Tourneo models feature car-like design features and driving dynamics as well as smart technologies and notable fuel economy. These two models bring new levels of style and function to the one-tonne commercial vehicle market.

Both models are powered by the fuel efficient 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine. The Tourneo can seat up to eight passengers and the rear seats can be easily folded into numerous configurations or removed in segments or completely making the Tourneo extremely versatile.

All-new Ford Fiesta ST

The highly anticipated Ford Fiesta ST is powered by Ford’s 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine that produces 132kW and 240Nm of torque. The Fiesta ST will complete the 0-100km/h dash in less than seven seconds and reach a top speed of more than 220km/h. The Fiesta ST was developed by Ford’s Team RS and sits 15mm lower than the standard Fiesta and features standard Recaro sports seats as well as a large trapezoidal grille.

All-new Ford Kuga??

The new Ford Kuga combines appealing design and functionality and features a hands-free automatic tailgate which can be opened and closed by sweeping a foot under the rear bumper. Features for the Kuga include Active Park Assist and the sensor-based Blind Spot Information System. The Kuga’s All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system will readjust the AWD power split to give the driver the best combination of handling and traction. Two engine options will be available including Ford’s 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine or the 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine.

All-new Ford EcoSport

The Ford EcoSport is based on Ford’s global B-segment platform and was developed in South America combining small car practicality with the flexibility, spaciousness, agility and style of an SUV. The Ford EcoSport will be powered by Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. Features include a large grille, detailed headlights and cladding on the bumpers and side sills. Safety features will include ABS, Electronic Stability Program and Hill Launch Assist.

Further details will be made available when the new Ford models are launched in South Africa throughout 2013.

Jeep sales set record in 2012

Jeep had a phenomenal year in 2012 with global Jeep sales increasing by 19 percent to an all time annual record of 701, 626 units, surpassing the 1999 sales record of 675, 494 units sold.

Jeep sales increase worldwide

“The Jeep brand has achieved double-digit percentage sales increases in each of the past three years, both globally and in the U.S. market,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC.

“We expect to continue our sales momentum in 2013 with the introduction of an all-new mid-size Jeep SUV, as well as the new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which will be available with a new, clean-diesel engine,” Manley added.

In 2012, each major global region recorded increases in Jeep sales compared to sales in 2011. In the Asia-Pacific region sales rose by 94 percent, Europe by 29 percent and in China, which is the largest automobile market in the world, with Jeep sales up by 107 percent in 2012.

Jeep sales – nameplate records

Jeep sales performance in 2012 marks the second year in a row that the brand has seen double-digit percentage sales increases.

New Audi SQ5 headed for Detroit Motor Show

The Detroit Motor Show kicks off on 14 January 2013 and the new Audi SQ5 SUV will be making an appearence. The SQ5 has been specifically designed for markets including the US, Canada, Russia, China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Ukraine, Germany and South Africa.

?New ?Audi SQ5 to take on SUV market

Engine Capability

The new Audi SQ5 is powered by a free-revving, supercharged, 3.0-litre TFSI V6 petrol engine that develops 260kW and 470Nm of torque. This engine is mated to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission. The SQ5 sprints from zero to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. Fuel consumption for the SQ5 is rated at 8.5-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 199g/km. The SQ5 also features quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

??Exterior Styling Features??

The new Audi SQ5 features a platinum grey radiator grille with horizontal double bars in aluminium look. The bumpers and roof spoiler further add to the SQ5’s appeal. In addition, V6 T badges can be found on the front fenders while the gloss package and exterior mirrors in aluminium look complement the windows. The new Audi SQ5 will be available in two crystal-effect finishes including Estoril Blue and Panther Black. The SQ5 is fitted with 20-inch wheels with 21-inch wheels available as an option.

??Interior Styling Features

The sporty character of the new Audi SQ5 is carried over into the interior where the instruments feature grey dials and white numerals while the pedals and shift paddles have a shiny aluminium-look finish. The interior is predominantly black with headlining available in Moon Silver. The standard power-adjustable sport seats are covered with a combination of Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara. The luggage compartment is spacious and offers up to 1 560-litres of space.

South Africans can expect to see the new Audi SQ5 later in 2013 and further details regarding South African specifications and price will be made available closer to launch.

Giniel De Villiers and von Zitzewitz fight back at Dakar

South Africa’s Giniel de Villiers has come back with a fight and has shown why he is one of the world’s top endurance off road drivers after having an excellent run in Tuesday’s special stage four of the Dakar Rally between Nazca and Arequipa in Peru.

Giniel De Villiers back on track

After suffering a 30 minute navigational set back on special Stage 3 of the Dakar Rally, Giniel de Villiers and navigator Dirk von Zitzewitz have managed to master the longest and toughest stage of the rally so far and finished fourth in their Imperial Toyota Hilux #301 and have improved their overall position to third.

The 2009 Dakar champions performed well on the 288km stage which features lots of sand, dunes and fesh fesh and arrived at the Arequipa bivouac after more than six hours on the road at 3:00 AM South African time.

“We had a good day today,” said De Villiers. “It was a very long stage, over three and a half hours of hard driving and navigating, the first really hard stage of the rally so far. The Hilux ran well.”

2012 Dakar winner Stephane Peterhansel and Jean Paul Cottret (Mini) are leading ahead of 2011 Dakar winner Nasser Al-Attiyah of Qatar and Spanish co-driver Lucas Cruz (Buggy) by five minutes, with De Villiers and von Zitzewitz 33 minutes behind.

Other competitors not so lucky??

After four stages, several potential race winners have succumbed to the challenging driving conditions. Krzysztof Holowczyc of Poland and Portuguese co-driver Filipe Palmeiro in their MINI, retired on special stage 3 after Holowczyc injured his back whilst going over a sand dune.

Argentine duo Lucio Alvarez and Roland Graue started Monday’s stage in third place overall in their South African-built Toyota Hilux and by the end of the day the pair had lost over three hours after severely damaging their suspension going over a big jump. In stage 4, the pair finished 67th and are now placed 27th overall and nearly four hours behind the leaders.

2010 Dakar winner Carlos Sainz of Spain and German co-driver Timo Gottschalk in their Buggy dropped from first place after stage 2 to 24th after a crippling 3 hour 28 minute deficit due to electrical problems on Monday and a leaking fuel tank on Tuesday.

Americans Robbie Gordon and Kellon Walch fell into a hole in the sand dunes on stage 4 and put their Hummer on its back, resulting in over five hours lost leaving them placed 43rd and almost six hours behind the leaders.

??Dakar Rally – Stage 5??

Stage 5 starts on Wednesday at 4:25 PM (SA Time). The route starts with a 337km liaison section and a crossing of the Andes Mountains into Chile. This is followed by a 172km special stage that will see a big change in the terrain with stony tracks, river crossings and a series of valleys to keep both driver and navigator on their toes.

Team Imperial Toyota in Dakar Rally onslaught

The Dakar rally which is currently underway in Peru has proved to be tough for competitors in challenging conditions. South Africa’s Team Imperial Toyota with Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz taking advantage of a trouble-free second stage in their Imperial Toyota Hilux to claim second place, 2 minutes 35 seconds behind 2012 champions Stephane Peterhansel and Jean Paul Cottret of France (MINI). Third place is currently held by SMG of France, piloted by Ronan Chabot and Gilles Pillot.

“Today’s special stage was more difficult than we expected. It was very hot – 40 degrees Centigrade outside and 60 degrees in the car. Navigation was tricky, especially with the sun making it difficult to see the tops of the dunes,” reported De Villiers. “So I didn’t go very fast in the first part of the stage, but then things got better. At the end we’re happy because the Hilux is working well and we didn’t have any problems. This is a good sign for the next few days, which should be very difficult.”

??Tough Driving Conditions for Team Imperial Toyota

??Toyota Motorsport team-mates Duncan Vos and Rob Howie are currently in 13th place overall after rolling their Imperial Toyota Hilux while cresting a dune too fast. The pair was able to continue immediately after the Hilux landed on its wheels and are currently 22 minutes 40 seconds behind the leaders.

Vos commented, “The day didn’t go according to plan. We struggled to climb a tall sand dune and on the third attempt we carried too much speed and crested the dune too fast, with the Hilux rolling end over end. Luckily it landed on its wheels and we lost very little time as we were able to continue straight away. It was extremely hot and there were many, many dunes. Overall we felt much better than last year, but the next couple of days are going to be very tough for everyone. We have to maintain a high level of concentration and keep pushing.”

Dakar Rally – Stage 3

Stage 3 of the Dakar Rally will take place from Pisco to Nazca and includes a 100km liaison section before reaching the 243km special stage. A sequence of dunes called Ergs in Africa awaits the drivers and will prove to be a tough challenge for all the competitors. The second half of the special stage will include a route along the coast with tracks at the end of the stage which will require skill and vigilance to navigate.

Stage 3 of the Dakar Rally starts at 5:11 PM (SA time) on Monday 7 January 2013.

Peugeot 2008 Urban Crossover Revealed

Details of the Peugeot  2008 Urban Crossover have been revealed and will go on sale in Europe in the first half of 2013 and can be expected in South Africa in the first quarter of 2014. The 2008 is Peugeot’s first vehicle that was designed and developed simultaneously by several geographic markets, including France, China and Brazil.

Unique style for Peugeot 2008 Urban Crossover

The Peugeot 2008 Urban Crossover combines the driving characteristics of a hatchback with the strength of an SUV. The 2008 is perfectly suited to urban driving and is equally capable on longer journeys. The Peugeot 2008 features 17” ‘Diamond’ wheels with a matt finish while the bumpers, body sills, front and rear body protection and side mouldings offer protection from abrasions.

The front-end features a ‘floating grille’ that gives the 2008 a solid exterior appearance. The headlights are sharp and precise and mimic a cat’s pupil, adding to the 2008’s allure. LED daytime running lights are also included.

Although interior details have not been revealed, the Peugeot 2008 will feature a panoramic sunroof. Engine details remain sketchy at this point but the 2008 will make use of the e-HDi Diesel engine and a new 3-cylinder petrol engine that will ensure a CO2 emissions figure of 99g/km.

Further details regarding the Peugeot 2008 launch in South Africa will be made at a later date.

Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series gets upgrade

The hard-working Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series range has received a significant upgrade for the 2013 model year and sees the addition of a new Double Cab version and all models now feature Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard along with a range of additional improvements.

Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series improved for 2013

Engine Capability

The Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series range is offered with a 4.2-litre diesel engine across the range and produces 96kW at 3 800rpm with a maximum torque figure of 285Nm available from 2 200rpm. The Land Cruiser 79 Single Cab and Double Cab are powered by a 4.0-litre petrol engine that produces 170kW at 5 600rpm with a maximum torque figure of 360Nm available from 3 800rpm. All models feature differential lock, a 5-speed manual gearbox and a four-wheel drive system.

Standard Features??

All models in the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series range come with power steering, tilt and telescopic steering adjustment, air conditioning, electric windows, electric mirrors, a 12V accessory connecter and remote central locking. The 5-seater 76 Station Wagon is fitted with carpeted flooring, on-board Satellite Navigation and a stereo system with a CD player and auxiliary USB port. The 76 variant is fitted with colour coded and chrome bumpers, grille and over fenders, aluminium side steps and 16” alloy wheels. ?A new 130-litre fuel tank replaces the outgoing 90-litre tank and a spare wheel cover is included as standard.

The three-door 78 Wagon is equipped with two 90-litre fuel tanks (180-litre total capacity) and is differentiated with twin front fog lamps. The 79 Land Cruiser Single Cab features colour coded and chromed exterior trim, front fog lamps and colour-matched over fenders with a fuel capacity of 180-litres. The new 79 Land Cruiser Double Cab features two additional rear doors and excludes over fenders and 16” alloy wheels, which are available as an option. This model benefits from on-board Satellite Navigation, a stereo system and USB port. Fuel capacity for this new model is 130-litres.

Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series – Price

Model Price
Toyota Land Cruiser 76 Station Wagon (4.2 Diesel) R506 700
Toyota Land Cruiser 78 Wagon (4.2 Diesel) R484 000
Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Pick-Up Single Cab (4.0 Petrol) R417 900
Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Pick-Up Single Cab (4.2 Diesel) R444 800
Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Pick-Up Double Cab (4.0 Petrol) R463 900
Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Pick-Up Double Cab (4.2 Diesel) R487 000

The new Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series models come with Toyota’s comprehensive 3-year/100 000 km warranty. These models are also supported by the ToyotaCare Roadside Assistance Programme and entitles customers to 24-hour roadside assistance.

Dakar Rally takes its toll

The Dakar Rally which started in Lima, Peru on 5 January 2013 has already taken its toll with many experienced competitors succumbing to challenging conditions. Stage 3 of the world’s toughest motor racing challenge was no different, with the Toyota Imperial Team South Africa experiencing critical setbacks.

Vos and Howie forced to retire



South African off-road champions Duncan Vos and Rob Howie have been forced to retire with a damaged roll cage after rolling their Imperial Toyota Hilux on special stage three between Pisco and Nazca in Peru. Vos and Howie finished 10th overall in 2012 and this year saw the pair finish 48th. They were officially classified as 25th overall but after inspection, it was evident that the roll cage was too badly damaged for Vos and Howie to continue.

De Villiers and von Zitzewitz fall behind



Team-mates and 2009 Dakar champions Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz suffered a navigational setback that cost them over 30 minutes, dropping them from third overall to fifth place, 30 minutes 22 seconds behind leaders Stephane Peterhansel and Jean Paul Cottret of France in a Mini.



Giniel de Villiers said, “Today was anything but good for us! It wasn’t the car’s fault, it’s just that we made a huge navigational mistake which added almost 20 kilometres to our route. It got so bad that Dirk had to get out several times to see where we were and what direction we had to take. This is one of those mistakes which cost you dearly and in the end we must have lost nearly half an hour. That’s the way it is. This is just the third special and there’s still a long road before us, so we’ll stay focused and try to do much better tomorrow. In the last few days we’ve already seen that things can change overnight at the Dakar.

”

Stage 3 was won by 2011 Dakar champion Nasser Al-Attiyah of Qatar and Lucas Cruz of Spain in a Buggy, who improved their overall position from seventh to second. Lucio Alvarez and Roland Graue of Argentina are currently placed third overall in their South African-built Toyota Hilux.

Dakar Rally – Stage 4 – Nazca (Peru) to Arequipa (Argentina)



Stage 4 of the Dakar Rally takes place between Nazca in Peru and Arequipa in Argentina and the route is twice as long as stage 3, totalling 717 kilometres. Stage 4 starts with a 429 km liaison section before the competitors tackle a 288 km special stage which includes a thousand and one dunes in a never-ending desert that will most likely unsettle the best technical specialists. |



Stage 4 begins at 12:32 PM (SA time).

New Jaguar F-TYPE put to the test

The new Jaguar F-TYPE has been put to the test at UK’s Snetterton 300 circuit and on surrounding Norfolk roads. It was the F-TYPE’s first dynamic challenge outside of Jaguar’s internal development program, with three world-renowned drivers namely Martin Brundle, Christian Danner and Justin Bell getting a chance to put the 279kW V6 and 364kW V8 prototype models to the test.

New ?Jaguar F-TYPE makes dynamic development milestone

The three drivers, who are resident in the UK, Germany and the US, were able to experience the performance of the new Jaguar F-TYPE in full while Mike Cross, Chief Engineer Vehicle Integrity, Jaguar, witnessed their efforts.

“It’s been a fascinating day,” said Mike. “The entire F-TYPE development programme has, from a vehicle development perspective, been focused on delivering a connected sports car driving experience. To witness three respected drivers take to the track and to hear their positive comments validate our work has been great.

”??The camouflaged F-TYPE S and F-TYPE V8 S used in the test were fully representative of production intent in terms of dynamics and powertrain features. The 279kW F-TYPE S accelerates to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 275km/h. The 364kW F-TYPE V8 S on the other hand accelerates to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 300km/h. Both models feature all-aluminium construction, Adaptive Dynamics suspension and an Active Exhaust system.