Custom Ford GT sets 456kmh Guinness World Record

Performance Power Racing, based in West Palm Beach, USA, has re-set the Guinness World Record for the fastest Standing Mile for a road legal street car, in this case a custom Ford GT, by reaching a speed of 455.82km/h at NASA’s Shuttle Landing Facility Runway.

Breakthrough materials used for custom Ford GT

The custom BADD Ford GT produces 1 267kW and incorporates Pandalloy which is a high strength, high temperature tolerant Aerospace Aluminium Alloy that effectively reduces emissions, fuel consumption and the vehicle’s carbon footprint. ?Parts were specifically designed and manufactured out of Pandalloy Aluminium Alloys for the record-breaking custom Ford GT.

“Automotive Racing is the perfect channel to introduce some of the new technologies we are working on in to the mainstream market. The Pandalloy™ Aluminum Alloys Project through Performance Power Materials, Inc is very exciting. The multiple series of Aluminums are vastly outperforming what is on the market today and we are excited to see how far we can push the limits of performance, and more importantly efficiency to have a positive impact worldwide. We break records to prove that these systems and designs really do function and can be implemented on vehicles of all types.” said Johnny Bohmer, owner of Performance Power Racing. Bohmer and Lead Design Tech, Matt Lundy piloted the custom Ford GT to break the record.

“Our entire team has worked very hard to get here and we are proud to be able to put an American car in the record books as the fastest street car in the world. By NASA allowing us access to a one of a kind facility, we are given the opportunity to explore these technologies and share their benefits. An immense amount of research and development went in to this 3-year project and we are just scratching the surface of where these systems can be utilized outside of the racing arena.”

2013 Nissan GT-R gets performance enhancing updates

Nissan will be applying performance enhancing updates to its 2013 Nissan GT-R that will, according to Nissan, feature ‘improved response, better stability and sharper handling’. The suspension system has also been upgraded to improve ride quality and handling.

2013 Nissan GT-R better than ever before

?Engine

The 405kW twin turbo 3.8-litre V6 will feature new high-output injectors to concisely control fuel injection to improve mid-range and high-rpm response. The engine will also feature a new relief valve for the turbocharger bypass which will help sustain engine response as well as a new oil pan baffle which will help maintain a more stable oil pressure and reduce rotational friction during high-performance driving.

Chassis?

The suspension system has been updated with revised dampers, springs and a front anti-roll bar to lower the GT-R’s centre of gravity. New cam bolts have been installed on the front suspension to improve camber accuracy and stability when cornering. The torque carrying capacity of the driveshafts to the hub bearings has also been increased to enhance reliability, particularly under race track conditions.

Body??

The rigidity of the Nissan GT-R has been increased with reinforcements added to the dash panel and instrument panel member. The increased body rigidity also enhances suspension control.

Nissan will reveal exact performance details before the 2013 Nissan GT-R goes on sale in the UK early in 2013. The updated 2013 Nissan GT-R can be expected in South Africa after its UK launch.

Ford Focus range gets new Models, Tech

The Ford Focus range has expanded to a total of 12 models with the addition of four new models to complete the range. The Ford SYNC software platform is now also available for the Trend and Sport derivatives and a capless refuelling system is available across the range.

Ford Focus offers more choice for customers

?Engine Options??

The Ford Focus range offers a choice of both petrol and diesel engines. The 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT petrol unit produces a maximum power output of 92kW at 6 000rpm with a maximum torque figure of 159Nm at 4 000rpm. Fuel consumption for this unit is rated at 6.2-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 145g/km.

The 2.0-litre GDi petrol engine produces 125kW and 200Nm of torque with a fuel consumption figure of 6.6-litres/100km and a CO2 emissions figure of 154g/km. The 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine produces 120kW and 340Nm of torque. Fuel consumption for this unit is rated at 5.1-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 134g/km. All engine options can be mated to Ford’s PowerShift transmission.

New Models and Standard Features??

Joining the Ford Focus range is the 2.0-litre TDCi Trend hatchback with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed PowerShift automatic transmission, the 1.6 Ti-VCT Ambiente sedan with a 6-speed PowerShift automatic transmission and the 2.0 GDi Trend with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Ambiente is the entry-level trim option and standard features include manual air conditioning, front power windows with driver one touch up/down functionality, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Launch Assist, Torque Vectoring Control and dual front airbags. Ambiente models will now also feature body colour door handles and mirrors, while the PowerShift transmission system is now available in Ambiente guise.

The Trend trim level, which features curtain airbags, front and rear power windows with driver one touch up/down functionality, will now offer Ford’s SYNC In-Car Entertainment system. Customers can also opt for the Trend Option Pack which includes rain sensing wipers, auto headlamps, follow-me-home lighting, and an automatic dimming rearview mirror. The Trend Option Pack has been further enhanced with the addition of a styling pack including a sporty spoiler, 17- inch alloy wheels and a full leather interior.

The Sport trim level features sport suspension, partial leather sports seats, keyless entry with Power Start button, dual zone air conditioning, auto dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlamp feature, follow-me-home lighting, rain sensing wipers, global close on front windows as standard and front and rear 12V power points. Ford’s SYNC system is now available on the sport range as well as a sporty styling pack which includes body colour side skirts, front and rear bumper extensions an a ST-inspired spoiler.

Ford SYNC In-Car Entertainment System??

Ford SYNC is a software platform that offers hands-free, voice-activated in-car connectivity. Customers can connect a mobile phone or digital media player via Bluetooth or USB and the system recognises up to 150 voice commands and allows the driver to make voice activated phone calls and adjustments to the audio controls mounted on the steering wheel.

SYNC also retrieves text messages and reads them out aloud while the driver can reply using voice activation and 15 pre-determined responses. “SYNC has enjoyed a huge uptake globally with more than three million Ford Motor Company vehicles running the system. It’s smart yet simple technology that ensures a safer driving experience for Focus customers,” says Gavin Golightly, Ford Marketing Manager.

2013 VW Amarok gets Power Boost

The Volkswagen Amarok will receive a number of updates for the 2013 model year. The VW Amarok will benefit from a more powerful BiTDI engine, increased towing capacity, an 8-speed automatic transmission and the introduction of BlueMotion Technology models and new features.

2013 VW Amarok gets more powerful engine

The 2013 VW Amarok will see its 120kW BiTDI engine replaced with a more powerful 132kW BiTDI engine. This engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission in Startline, Trendline and Highline trim levels with selectable 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

The VW Amarok with BlueMotion Technology, which includes low rolling resistance tyres, Stop/Start and regenerative braking, will be 10% more powerful than the previous model and 3.9% more economical with a combined fuel consumption figure of 7.6-litres/100km. CO2 emissions are rated at 199g/km, 10g/km less than before. The 8-speed automatic transmission is available only for the Amarok Highline with BlueMotion Technology and torque for this model is rated at 420Nm at 1 750rpm.

New Features

New features for the 2013 VW Amarok include Bluetooth, front and rear parking sensors, heated washer jets, tachograph preparation, cornering fog lights and 19-inch alloy wheels. Towing limits have also been increased from 2 800kg to 3 000kg for the manual models and the 8-speed automatic variant now has a towing capacity of 3 200kg.

The updates are currently being rolled out in Europe and South Africans can expect the updated Amarok in 2013.

BMW 1 Series achieves 2.3 litres per 100km

The 2012 RAC Future Car Challenge took place in the UK on 3 November 2012 to showcase low energy use vehicles including electric, hybrid, hydrogen, petrol and diesel vehicles which travelled a 102km route from Brighton to London.

BMW 1-Series impresses with low fuel consumption

The five-door BMW 1 Series 116d Efficient Dynamics hatchback won the Best Internal Combustion Engine class by achieving 2.3-litres/100km, with a 39% improvement on the official 3.1-litres/100km. The route included uphill sections and busy London traffic and the BMW 116d was driven by Green-Car-Guide.com editor Paul Clarke and Oaktec engineering specialist Paul Andrews who between them have won nine eco-driving events and 24 class wins in special stage rallies.

The Green-Car-Guide team also drove the BMW 1 series 116d Efficiency Dynamics over 800km from north-western England to the southern coast returning an impressive fuel consumption figure of 2.6-litres/100km.

Paul Clarke said, “It is an incredible achievement for a BMW to achieve over 100mpg on a busy Saturday morning drive from Brighton into central London. Hybrids and electric cars certainly have an important future, but it shows that people shouldn’t write off the internal combustion engine yet, as its efficiency is improving all the time.”

The BMW 116d Efficient Dynamics accelerates to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 195km/h. CO2 emissions is rated at 99g/km. The BMW 116d Efficient Dynamics was the only premium brand vehicle in its class.

Mahindra XUV500 gets Micro-Hybrid Technology

Mahindra has announced that its XUV500 SUV will now be fitted with fuel-saving ‘micro-hybrid’ technology as standard. The Mahindra XUV500 will also receive a black interior compared to the previous beige colour as per customer feedback.

Mahindra XUV500 – Features

Engine Capability

The Mahindra XUV500 is fitted with a 2.2-litre common rail diesel engine with a Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT). This unit produces 103kW at 3 750rpm with a maximum torque figure of 330Nm and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

Micro-Hybrid Technology??

The new fuel-saving system, which saves fuel and cuts emissions, automatically activates a stop-start operation when the vehicle is standing still and when the gearbox is in neutral. The engine stops after 2.5 seconds and restarts when the clutch pedal is engaged. A button on the dashboard disengages the system when required.

“The introduction of the seven-seater XUV500 to the range of vehicles marketed by Mahindra SA provided a positive boost for the company’s overall brand image last year, as well as increased the company’s monthly retail sales significantly, according to the CEO of Mahindra SA, Ashok Thakur. “Prior to the launch of this striking new model at the end of September and its display at the Johannesburg Motor Show in October, our range was largely populated by vehicles that were aimed more at utility, durability and reliability. The XUV500, with its stylish, feature-packed looks has helped redefine this image to a large extent,” said Thakur.

Mahindra XUV500 – Price

Mahindra XUV500 DE W6 4×2 MT R249 900
Mahindra XUV500 DE W8 4×2 MT R279 900
Mahindra XUV500 DE W AWD MT R299 900

South African new car sales for October 2012

South African new car sales for October 2012 has reflected another ‘encouraging performance’ according to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA). NAAMSA also stated that disruptions at various industrial manufacturing plants caused by transport sector strikes in October have affected vehicle production and exports.

South African Vehicle Sales Summary for October 2012

  • Total October sales – 57 845 units (September 2012 – 55 097 units)
  • October sales up by 10.5% or 5 519 units compared to October 2011
  • Year-To-Date sales 10.1% ahead compared to 2011
  • October export sales down by 3.3% or 859 units.
  • New car sales up 13% compared to October 2011 to 41 621 units
  • New car sales Year-To –Date 11.7% ahead compared to 2011
  • Car rental industry accounted for 18.4% of new car sales

Despite weak momentum in the overall economy, the South African car market performed well in the month of October 2012. Numerous factors would continue to support domestic sales and these include historically low interest rates, replacement demand, competitive trading environment, attractive incentives and variety of choice and new model introductions. The South African automotive industry remains on track to achieve growth of 10% for 2012. NAAMSA also stated that rising inflationary pressures and the rand weakness on modest vehicle price increases may impact the market negatively in the remainder of 2012 and into 2013.

Top selling vehicles – October 2012

Model Units Sold Sales compared to September Position change
1. VW Polo Vivo 3 341 -45 Same
2. VW Polo 2 883 +500 ↑1
3. Toyota Etios 2 625 +889 ↑1
4. Toyota Hilux 2 283 -530 ↓2
5. Chevrolet Utility 1 763 +347 ↑2

Most popular car brands – October 2012

Car Brand Volume Market Share %
1. Toyota 12 139 21
2. Volkswagen Group SA 10 125 17.5
3. General Motors SA 6 716 11.6
4. Nissan 4 641 8
5. Ford Motor Company 4 474 7.7

For the full release from Naamsa click here

2014 Subaru Forester to Debut at LA Auto Show

Details of the 2014 Subaru Forester crossover SUV have been revealed and it will make its international debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show which will take place from 30 November to 9 December 2012. The fourth generation Forester features a bolder profile as well as a more spacious interior compared to its predecessors.

2014 Subaru Forester – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The 2014 Subaru Forester will be offered with a choice of two engines. A 2.0-litre, 4 –cylinder engine with direct injection, turbocharging and intercooler will offer 186kW and 349Nm of torque and will be mated to either a 6-speed CVT or 8-speed manual transmission. The 2.5-litre normally aspirated engine will produce 126kW with a maximum torque figure of 235Nm and will be mated to either a 6-speed manual or Lineartronic CVT transmission.

New Features

The new five-seater Forester features a new suspension system to provide car-like handling and improved ride quality. The 2014 Subaru Forester has a ground clearance of 221mm inches making it suitable for ‘off-pavement’ driving capability.

On the inside, the Forester will offer a roomy interior with increased rear seat legroom and a larger cargo area. Other features will include smartphone integration, navigation, rear view camera and a Harman Kardon audio system with amplifier and speakers.

Reports indicate that the new 2014 Subaru Forester can be expected in South Africa in the second quarter of 2013.

New Audi A3 coming to South Africa

Audi South Africa has published details of its new Audi A3 which is due to launch in South Africa in November 2012. Seven models will complete the new Audi A3 range and these include the 1.2T FSI manual, 1.4 TSI manual, 1.4 TSI S Tronic, 1.6 TDI S tronic, 1.8T FSI manual, 1.8T FSI S tronic and the 1.8T FSI quattro S tronic.

New Audi A3 ready to rock SA

??Engine Capability

Power varies from 77kW in the 1.2T FSI manual variant to 132kW in the top-end 1.8T FSI quattro with S tronic transmission. The 1.8T quattro with S tronic has a maximum torque figure of 280Nm and will accelerate to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 228km/h. Combined fuel consumption for this model is rated at 6.6-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 131g/km.

The 1.8T FSI with a 6-speed manual transmission produces 132kW and 250Nm of torque. Combined fuel consumption is 5.8-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 113g/km. 100km/h is achieved in 7.1 seconds with a top speed of 232km/h.

The 1.6 TDI with S tronic transmission delivers 77kW with a maximum torque figure of 250Nm. Acceleration to 100km/h will take 10.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 195km/h. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 3.9-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 89g/km.

The 1.4T TSI with a 6-speed manual transmission produces 90kW and 200Nm of torque and consumes 5.2-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 102g/km. 100km/h is achieved in 9.3 seconds while reaching a top speed of 203km/h.

Details for the 1.2T FSI manual, 1.4 TSI S tronic and the 1.8T FSI S tronic are yet to be made available.

Exterior Styling Features

The exterior design of the new Audi A3 is slim and masculine with a tornado line below the side windows and above the side sills. The new A3 also features a flatter coupe-like roofline to emphasise its sporty demeanour. The front-end features narrow headlights which are optionally available as xenon plus headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) with a choice of adaptive lights with variable headlight range.

The side mirrors are attached to the doors rather than to the body, further enhancing the sportiness of the new A3. The rear-end features slim divided rear lights available with LED technology in combination with xenon plus. The rear-end also includes an integrated roof edge spoiler.

Interior Styling Features

The interior features a horizontal instrument panel and 3D inlays that embrace the driver. The air vents are in jet design and can be adjusted according to preference. Optional deluxe automatic air conditioning and leather sports seats are available as an option. A key interior feature is the optional MMI Navigation Plus with MMI touch which incorporates a touch-sensitive control panel and rotary/push –button for easy control and information is presented on a 7-inch colour display. A large panoramic sunroof is also available as an option as well as the 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with LED lighting.

??Audi A3 – Price

Audi A3 1.2T FSI manual (S) R267 000
Audi A3 1.4 TSI manual (S) R274 500
Audi A3 1.4 TSI S Tronic (S) R291 500
Audi A3 1.6 TDI S tronic (S) R302 500
Audi A3 1.8T FSI manual (SE) R305 000
Audi A3 1.8T FSI S tronic (SE) R322 000
Audi A3 1.8T FSI quattro S tronic (SE) R351 500

New Renault Fluence Revealed

The new Renault Fluence sedan has been revealed at the Istanbul Motor Show today. The new Fluence features improved styling bringing it in line with Renault’s latest design cues as well as a range of in-car technologies and a new 1.6-litre engine.

New Renault Fluence packed with features

??Engine Capability

The new Renault Fluence is powered by a new 1.6-litre, 16-valve petrol engine that now produces 86kW compared to the previous 81kW. This engine is mated to the new X-Tronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automatic transmission. Fuel consumption has improved to 6.4-litres/100km, an improvement of 1.3-litres compared to its predecessor. The Fluence also has a reduced CO2 emissions figure of 149g/km, an improvement of 15%.

Depending on the market, the Fluence will also feature a new 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 97kW. This diesel variant consumes only 4.6-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 119g/km.

??Styling Upgrades

The new Renault Fluence features a revised front-end which now incorporates a vertically set logo against a black strip with chrome beading. LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) with chrome and gloss black inserts add to the dynamic appeal of the Fluence.

On the inside, digital instrumentation is now available for all models and the Fluence benefits from the use of new upholsteries. The Fluence is also equipped with the Renault R-Link multimedia system that incorporates a touch screen display with voice commands. The Renault R-Link system features navigation and telephony functions and can be connected to portable music devices. Access to the R-Link Store catalogue for downloadable automotive applications will be made available soon after launch. ?All Renault Fluence models are equipped with Bluetooth radios with USB and jack sockets.

The new Renault Fluence will go on sale in Turkey in January 2013 before it’s launched in 55 other countries throughout 2013. The new Fluence can be expected in South Africa in the first half of 2013.