Cars.co.za raises money for charity

Cars.co.za was one of the main sponsors in the 5th Wide Horizon Hospice Charity 12 Hour Endurance Race that took place at the Vereeniging Kart Circuit on 27 and 28 October 2012. The event was hosted by Action Karting in association with Prokart, F400 Karting Challenge and Wide Horizon Hospice.

Raising Money for Charity


The annual Wide Horizon Hospice Charity 12 Hour Endurance Race aims to raise much needed funds for the Wide Horizon Hospice based in the Vaal Triangle. The Wide Horizon Hospice cares for the terminally ill and relies on the goodwill of the community to fund operating costs. Over the past five years the endurance karting community has raised over R234 000 in funds for the Wide Horizon Hospice. This year’s event raised a total of R48 400. Cars.co.za contributed R5 000 to sponsor the pits for the duration of the race.

The Race



The Wide Horizon Hospice Charity 12 Hour Endurance Race saw a total of 37 teams driving through the night from 8pm to 8am to determine the overall winner for the event.

Celebrity South African female racing sensation, Fabienne Lanz, joined the field to support the worthy cause and at the end of a long night behind the wheel, the following three teams came out on top for this year’s event:

  • Prokart Containerforce finished in first place after completing 670 laps in a winning time of 12:00:47.
  • Second place was awarded to SSS Black Mamba who completed 667 laps in a time of 12:00:48
  • Third place was awarded to F400 LJ 2 who completed 638 laps in a time of 12:01:32.


The Clerk Of Course, Rob Fouche said “I think it was the most people we have ever had on the grid just before the race started, with high-fives going on everywhere and team mates jumping up and down. I had to blow my whistle three times to clear the start grid of all the team mates and enthusiastic fans. Then, as the flag dropped for the start of the race, there was a huge cheer from all the teams and fans once again. I then realized that this series must be one of the best family and friends series there is in South Africa”.




New Subaru Forester confirmed for South Africa in March 2013

The new Subaru Forester SUV has been confirmed to arrive in South African showrooms in March 2013. The Forester features a new design while the interior exhibits various design and quality improvements as well as improved fuel efficiency and overall practicality.

New ??Subaru Forester SUV – Specifications and Features

??Engine Capability

Five Forester models will complete the new South African range and all will employ Subaru Boxer petrol engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The range will include the new entry-level 2.0-litre X which is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and the 2.5-litre X with Lineartronic CVT transmission. The mid-grade 2.5-litre XS will also be available with a Lineartronic transmission. The high-grade 2.5-litre XS Premium benefits from luxury items while the 2.0-litre XT Lineartronic delivers 186kW from its boxer engine.

Exterior and Interior Styling Features

The new Subaru Forester benefits from larger door openings and lower sills, making it easier to get in and out of the vehicle. A newly crafted interior offers improvements in terms of quality and functionality including a higher driving position which improves all-round visibility. Technological highlights include a powered tailgate with remote controllability, SI-DRIVE and X-Mode. Premium models feature start/stop technology to help improve fuel efficiency.

Safety Features??

The new Subaru Forester will come fitted with seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag and Subaru’s Ring-Shaped Reinforcement which has provided the Forester with a five-star ANCAP and EuroNCAP safety rating. Other technologies include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) fitted as standard. ??South African prices for the Subaru Forester will be announced closer to its launch in March 2013.

Audi R8 China Edition is rare perfection

The Audi R8 China Edition is a supercar built specifically for the Chinese market. The Audi R8 China Edition features exclusive interior and exterior characteristics and only 80 units have been produced.

Audi R8 China Edition is built for speed

?Engine Capability

The Audi R8 China Edition is powered by a mid-mounted 5.2-litre V10 FSI engine that develops 386kW with a maximum torque figure of 530Nm. This engine is mated to an R tronic manual transmission with automatic control. Acceleration to 100km/h will take only 3.9 seconds. The R8 China Edition features the new generation quattro permanent all-wheel drive system which offers an enhanced driving experience and better safety.

Exterior Styling Features

The Audi R8 China Edition is available in two colours, either Malibu Blue with Suzuka Grey side blades or a Suzuka Grey body with Malibu Blue side blades. The R8 China Edition was built using ultra-light, high-strength carbon fibre, Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP), Audi Space Frame (ASF) and aluminium-magnesium alloy. The R8 China Edition rides on 19-inch high-gloss black rims with a 5-spoke ‘Y’ design. Other features include a unique carbon matt fixed spoiler and round tailpipes.

Interior Styling Features

The Audi R8 China Edition is the first Audi to feature Chinese characters and numbers on the aluminium gear lever. Exclusive interior features include shark skin upholstery with coloured stitching. The steering wheel and handbrake are wrapped in Alcantara while the instrument shield is finished in carbon matt. The seats are electrically adjustable and a heating function is also available while the race-sourced cockpit forms an independent control platform.

Most popular car brands in South Africa for November 2012

According to NAAMSA, in November 2012, a total of 53 134 new vehicles were sold in South Africa compared to the 57 844 new vehicles sold in October 2012, representing a decline of 11.9%. New passenger car sales in November declined by 15.4% compared to October with sales totalling 36 686 units. Volkswagen (8 300) continued to dominate the new passenger car market with Toyota (6 350) in a distant second place. However, Toyota remains on top of the overall market in November with total sales amounting to 11 240 units. The top 3 most popular car brands in South Africa are as follows.

Car Brand Volume Compared to Oct ‘12 Market Share %
1. Toyota 11 240 &#9660 899 21.2
2. Volkswagen Group SA 9 056 &#9660 1 069 17
3. General Motors SA 5 997 &#9660 719 11.3

Top 3 most popular car brands in South Africa for November 2012


1. Toyota – 11 240 units



Toyota is South Africa’s most popular car brand for November 2012 and although behind Volkswagen in the passenger car market, is the standout leader in the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment with total sales in this segment amounting to 4 545 units.

The Toyota Hilux once again proved its popularity with 3 100 sales, making it South Africa’s best selling vehicle in November. Also in the LCV segment, the Quantum sold particularly well with 1 318 units delivered. Toyota’s best selling passenger car was the Etios which sold 2 132 units while the popular Corolla sold 1 268 units in November.



Toyota – best selling models – November 2012

Model Sales: November 2012
1. Toyota Hilux 3 100 (&#9650 817)
2. Toyota Etios 2 132 (&#9660 493)
3. Toyota Quantum 1 318 (&#9650 80)
4. Toyota Corolla 1 268 (&#9660 283)
5. Toyota Yaris 976 (&#9650 146)



2. Volkswagen – 9 056 units



Volkswagen had another solid month in November and once again proved to be the best selling brand in the new passenger car market. The VW Polo Vivo and the Polo were the best selling passenger cars in South Africa only to be trumped by the Toyota Hilux which was the best selling vehicle in South Africa for November.



Volkswagen – best selling models – November 2012

Model Sales: November 2012
1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo 2 697 (&#9660 644)
2. Volkswagen Polo 2 376 (&#9660 507)
3. Volkswagen Golf A6 469(&#9660 157)
4. VW Jetta 6 462(&#9650 94)
5. Audi A4 Avant 447 (&#9660 94)

3. General Motors South Africa (GMSA) – 5 997 units



GMSA again performed equally well in both the passenger and LCV segments with sales of 2 845 and 2 908 units respectively for each segment in November. The Chevrolet Utility was GMSA’s best selling vehicle with sales totalling 1 667 units and was closely followed by the Isuzu KB which sold 1 208 units. 



General Motors South Africa (GMSA) – best selling models – November 2012

Model Sales: November 2012
1. Chevrolet Utility 1 667 (&#9660 96)
2. Isuzu KB 1 208 (&#9650 9)
3. Chevrolet Cruze 543 (&#9660 128)
4. Chevrolet Aveo 539 (&#9660 135)
5. Chevrolet Sonic 512 (&#9660 457)

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake in South Africa

The 5-door coupe-like Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake has been launched in South Africa. The CLS Shooting Brake is available with a choice of three petrol engines in the CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY, CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY and the CLS 63 AMG.

“Functionality is obligatory for a vehicle – our customers take this for granted. What sets a car apart is a special fascinating quality. The CLS Shooting Brake combines functionality and fascination in a unique and stylish way,” says Selvin Govender, Divisional Manager, Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake is a beast of a wagon

??Engine Capability??

The CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY is fitted with a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine that develops 225kW at 6 500rpm with a maximum torque figure of 370Nm available between 3 500 and 5 250rpm. Fuel Consumption is rated at 8.1-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 188g/km. Acceleration to 100km/h will take 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 250km/h. This unit makes use of a 7-speed automatic transmission.

The CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY is powered by a 4.6-litre V8 bi-turbo engine that develops 300kW at 5 000rpm with a maximum toque figure of 600Nm available from between 1 600 and 4 750rpm. This unit is also mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission and fuel consumption is rated at 9.2-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 214g/km. Acceleration to 100km/h will take 5.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 250km/h. The ECO start/stop function is fitted as standard.

The top-end CLS 63 AMG however is fitted with a 5.5-litre V8 bi-turbo engine that produces 386kW between 5 250 and 5 750rpm with a maximum torque figure of 700Nm available between 1 750 and 5 250rpm. This unit is mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission and ECO start/stop function is fitted as standard. Acceleration to 100km/h will take only 5.3 seconds and will reach a top speed of 250km/h which can be increased to 300km/h with the AMG Drivers Pack. The ‘Edition 1’ derivative produces 410kW and 800Nm of torque.

??Exterior Styling Features

The Mercedes=-Benz CLS Shooting Brake features a crouched posture and takes on distinct coupe styling with a long bonnet, narrow window profile with frameless windows, sloping roofline and a large tailgate. The doors are made of aluminium which are 32kg lighter than standard steel doors. The tailgate, bonnet, front wings and other components are also made of aluminium. The CLS Shooting Brake features LED high performance headlights with Intelligent Light System in combination with LED technology.

?Interior Features

On the inside, the CLS Shooting Brake features a wrap-around effect of the cockpit with a high line sweeping from the driver’s side, across the instrument panel to the passenger door and the centre display is neatly integrated into the upper part of the instrument panel. A combination of satin and high-gloss finishes are used on the metal surfaces. The stitched PASSION leather seat covers are handcrafted and exude a classic feel. The cargo floor is finished in American cherry wood with aluminium rails for an extravagant touch to an already luxurious interior.

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake – Price

Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY Shooting Brake ?R 835 000
Mercedes-Benz CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY Shooting Brake ?R1 044 000
Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake ?R1 380 000
Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake “Edition 1” R1 472 800

BMW Concept 4 Series Coupe details revealed

BMW has released details of its new Concept 4 Series Coupe, following on from the successful 3 Series Coupe and Convertible. The BMW Concept 4 Series Coupe,  “adds a new dimension to the qualities of the BMW 3 Series Coupe in terms of aesthetics, dynamics and elegance.” The Concept 4 Series Coupe will make its debut in 2013 at the Detroit Motor Show.

BMW Concept 4 Series Coupe is a style master

Unfortunately BMW has not revealed powertrain specifications for the Concept 4 Series Coupe but these details will become available when it makes its debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. However, when compared to the 3 Series Coupe, the Concept 4 Series Coupe has a 50mm longer wheelbase, while the front track has increased by 45mm and the rear by 80mm. The Concept 4 Series Coupe is 1.826m wide which is 44mm wider than the 3 Series Coupe. Its roofline is also 16mm lower at a height of 1.362m and is longer at 4.641m.

From the outside, the Concept 4 Series takes on both elegant and sporty proportions. The front-end features a BMW kidney grille with circular headlights with a slim, sporty design. The kidney grille is closed off to enhance aerodynamics and fuel efficiency and the areas between the satin-finish grille slats are blanked off by dark surfaces. The full-LED headlights are hexagonal in shape and offer a new perspective on BMW’s twin circular headlight design.

The large front air intake in the front apron is an eye-catching feature while the two vent surrounds on either side of the intake replicate the contours of the hexagonal headlights graphics. The intake is finished with three satin-finish trim elements.

At the rear, the stretched tail lights emphasise the width and muscular nature of the Concept 4 Series Coupe. The inner rear-light elements form the BMW signature ‘double L’ in 3-D. The rear bumper, in satin-finish aluminium, defines the rear-end and adopts a similar three-way split like the front air intake and incorporates the two exhaust tailpipes. The exterior is finished in Liquid Metal Silver and was specifically developed for the concept.

Interior styling has the driver in mind

The interior of the Concept 4 Series Coupe is intently focused on the driver with the controls grouped ergonomically around the driver. The interior design takes on a ‘layering’ approach where volumes are arranged into layers with the use of lines and surfaces. This approach underpins the dynamic feel of the Concept 4 Series Coupe’s interior.

This approach is used throughout and continues into the door design, side walls and window sills with lines streaking towards the rear, emphasising the driving cabin. This approach gives passengers the feeling of being in a cocoon while the rear seats appear like two individual seats joined together.

The interior, developed by BMW Individual, features two-tone Black and Schiaparelli Brown leather trim with light contrasting stitching. ‘BMW Individual’ lettering is found on the seats and door sill strips and the seats feature hand-braided leather trim elements which run vertically down the seats, increasing the feeling of class. The leather cup holders and floor mats adopt the same braided theme. The interior is finished off with a Natural Chestnut fine wood trim strip.

BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition celebrates racing return

BMW Motorsport returned to the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) in 2012 after an absence of almost 20 years and is celebrating its success this year by producing the M3 DTM Champion Edition. Canadian driver, Bruno Spengler won the drivers’ title while BMW Team Schnitzer came first in the team standings and BMW won the manufacturers title. Only 54 BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition models will be produced.

BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition wears racing flair

The BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition mimics Spengler’s racing car and is finished in Frozen Metallic Black while the carbon flaps and gurney, dark chrome elements, matt black wheels and sections of the race car’s livery portray close links to the winning BMW M3 DTM.

The BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition features a BMW M stripe design over the Carbon Fibre Reinforced-Plastic (CFRP) roof and boot lid with the BMW M logo seen to the rear and front wheel arches and decals in the rear side windows.

On the inside, the door sill strips replicate Spengler’s helmet design while the carbon fibre interior trim strip features Spengler’s signature and the car’s serial number. The interior also features an Alcantara steering wheel, a handbrake lever embroidered with ‘M Power’ lettering and extended black Novillo leather trim with contrasting Palladium Silver features.

Technical elements such as the Competition package, M Drive, M DCT Drivelogic and the M Driver’s Package underpins the high performance credentials of the vehicle. The BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition also features the Professional navigation system, heated seats and Park Distance Control.

The M3 DTM Champion Edition will be available in various markets and owners will have the chance to attend the BMW M Fascination Nordschleife driver training course under the watchful eye of Bruno Spengler at the famous Nürburgring’s Nordschleife track.

The BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition will be built at BMW’s Regensburg plant and the BMW M GmbH factory from February 2013. Unfortunately, the BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition will not be available in South Africa.

2013 Fiat 500C Abarth at LA Auto Show

Adding even more excitement to Karl Abarth’s line of small cars is the new 2013 Fiat 500C Abarth which recently made its debut at the 2012 LA Motor Show. The 500c Abarth combines turbocharged, track-capable performance with an open top design and features notable space for four passengers. Unfortunately, the 2013 Fiat Abarth 500c will not be available in South Africa.

?2013 Fiat 500C Abarth boasts exciting performance

Engine Capability?

The 2013 Fiat 500C Abarth is fitted with a 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine that produces 119kW with a maximum torque figure of 230Nm. This engine is mated to a track-proven C510 5-speed manual transmission. Acceleration to 100km/h will take just over 7 seconds.

Exterior Styling Features

The exterior features of the 2013 Fiat 500C Abarth include a retractable, power-operated cloth roof top, triple-stripe, exterior mirrors available in four colours, bi-function halogen projector headlamps, front fog lights, 16 inch cast aluminium or 17-inch forged aluminium wheels available in Hyper Black or optional Bianco paint and a stiffer front and rear suspension set-up for improved handling.

Interior Styling Features

On the inside, the 2013 Fiat 500C Abarth features a perforated leather and flat-bottomed steering wheel, high-back performance bucket seats available in leather trim or high-grip cloth and firm side bolsters assembled with unique Rosso stitching. Further enhancements include aluminium covered pedals, an analogue turbo-boost gauge with an integrated LED shift light and a leather wrapped shift knob. Sound entertainment comes in the form of a New Beats by Dr. Dre audio system that includes six premium speakers, an 8-inch Dual-Voice Coil (DVC) subwoofer with the Beats Audio® Digital Sound Processing (DSP) algorithm.

Safety Features

Offering enhanced protection to all occupants in the event of a collision are seven standard air bags and a unique three-mode electronic stability control (ESC) system which is fitted as standard for improved braking performance in wet or panic conditions.

New Ford Fiesta ST confirmed for South Africa

Ford South Africa has confirmed that the new high performance Fiesta ST will be available in South Africa in the second quarter of 2013. The new Ford Fiesta ST will be powered by Ford’s 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine and according to Ford, will feature ‘unprecedented levels of equipment and specification’.

New Ford Fiesta ST packs performance punch

??Engine Capability

The 1.6-litre EcoBoost used in the new Fiesta ST will deliver 132kW with a maximum torque output of 240Nm. The Ford Fiesta St will accelerate to 100km/h in under seven seconds and reach a top speed of more than 220km/h.

The new Ford Fiesta ST was developed by Ford Team RS and delivers enhanced ride-and-handling with the introduction of a specially tuned chassis that sits 15mm lower than the standard Fiesta, Ford’s Torque Vectoring Control system and three Electronic Stability Control modes. These technologies were tested over 5 000km’s at Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife.

New Features

The new Ford Fiesta ST is fitted with Recaro sports seats as standard and will be equipped with MyKey and the Ford SYNC in-car connectivity system. The exterior will feature Ford’s latest design signatures including a large trapezoidal grille.

“We’re delighted to be bringing a new generation Fiesta ST to South African performance enthusiasts in 2013,” said Ford Marketing Manager Gavin Golightly. “With the Fiesta ST joining the new Focus ST, we will again be able to deliver a choice of affordable small performance cars that are designed to deliver a unique blend of stand-out styling and dynamic on-road performance with true practicality for everyday use.”

Third generation Porsche Cayman Coupe rolled out at LA Auto Show

The newly developed two-seat, Porsche Cayman Coupe made its debut at the 2012 LA Auto Show and will be launched in two versions namely the Cayman and Cayman S. According to Porsche, the new Cayman is lower, longer, lighter, faster and more efficient and powerful than before.

Porsche Cayman Coupe – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability?

The base model Porsche Cayman  Coupe is powered by a 2.7-litre flat six-cylinder engine that produces 205kW and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds depending on the equipment, and reaches a top speed of 266 km/h. Fuel consumption for this model is rated at 7.7-litres/100km when mated to Porsche’s PDK transmission.

The Cayman S produces 242kW with a 3.4-litre engine and accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 283 km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 8.0-litres/100 km with Porsche’s PDK transmission. A six-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard and the PDK transmission is available as an option.

New Features?

The exterior is marked by precise lines and razor sharp sculpted edges which emphasize the car’s low, extended silhouette with the windscreen shifted forward and the roofline extending far back. The new Porsche Cayman Coupe rides on 18 and 19-inch diameter wheels.and features an extended wheelbase to enhance grip.

For the first time the Porsche Cayman Coupe will be available with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and a specially developed Burmester sound system. The keyless entry and drive system is available as an option.