Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale to debut at Geneva Motor Show

The new four-seater Maserarti GranTurismo MC Stradale at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show next week. The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale will be built in Viale Ciro Menotti, Modena Italy.

Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale is fitted with a 4.7-litre V8 engine, the same engine found in the GranTurismo Sport, which produces 338kw and 520Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a robotised MC Race Shift 6-speed manual gearbox and takes the car to a top speed of 302km/h.

Styling Features

The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale features a carbon fibre bonnet that frames the central air intake along with two rear extractors and newly forged 20-inch alloy rims. The interior features four comfortable seats and makes use of new materials and styles.

New Nissan Pathfinder SE ready to order in South Africa

Nissan has added the SE specification level to its Pathfinder SUV range which is now available in South Africa. The new Nissan Pathfinder SE serves as an affordable entry point to the medium SUV segment and is both a capable off-roader as well as a comfortable on-road vehicle.

New Nissan Pathfinder SE hits SA roads

Engine Capability

The new Nissan Pathfinder SE is fitted with Nissan’s proven 2.5-litre dCi common-rail turbocharged diesel engine that delivers 140kW and 450Nm of torque. This unit is mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. In terms of fuel consumption, the manual version consumes 8.5-litres/100km while the automatic variant consumes 9.0-litres/100km on the combined cycle. Towing capacity for the Pathfinder is 3 000kg for additional practicality.

Styling Features

The  Pathfinder SE’s independent suspension with multi-link suspension at the rear makes the vehicle suitable for all environments while still being a capable urban vehicle. The new Nissan Pathfinder SE offers 515-litres of boot space while the total cargo volume is 2 091-litres. The SE features a ground clearance of 232mm, with critical angles kept to a minimum with short front and rear overhangs.

Standard Features

The new Nissan Pathfinder SE is fitted with cruise control, privacy glass, hands-free Bluetooth and dual-zone climate control as standard. The intelligent ALL-MODE 4×4 system features several drive modes and come with Active-Brake Limited-Slip (ABLS). Safety features include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and six airbags.

New Nissan Pathfinder SE – Price

Nissan Pathfinder 2.5 dCi 4×4 SE – R450 900

Land Rover introduces world’s first 9 speed transmission

Land Rover will demonstrate the world’s first 9-speed transmission for a passenger car at the Geneva Motor Show next week. Developed by ZF, in partnership with Land Rover, the ZF 9HP transmission was designed for transverse applications and is one of the most efficient and technically advanced transmissions ever used in a production vehicle.

New Land Rover ZF 9HP Transmission – Features

The Land Rover ZF 9HP gearbox benefits from the increase in the number of gear ratios from six to nine which helps reduce emissions and improves efficiency and response during acceleration while also improving shift quality and refinement.

The ZF 9HP transmission is 6mm longer and weighs 7.5kg less than the outgoing six-speed transmission. The compact packaging is accomplished by using a number of innovative design features such as a new hydraulic vane-type pump, two patented dog clutches, and a nested gear set.

The lowest ratio in the ZF 9HP is lower than the existing six-speed transmission and is designed for off-road use, towing and on-road conditions like steep gradients.

Other benefits include an adaptive shift system that matches and ‘remembers’ customer driving style for a tailored driving experience and a skip-shift function for speedy down shifting to meet rapid deceleration demands.

The ‘Fast-Off’ mode measures the rate of throttle release and anticipates further requests by the driver for high power and then holds the gear if necessary. Additionally, the torque converter incorporates a multi-stage damper system for smoother pull-away and improved refinement.

Land Rover and ZF have jointly developed transmission solutions for the Range Rover, Land Rover LR4 and Range Rover Sport. The new 9-speed transmission will be produced at ZF’s Grey Court facility in South Carolina, USA.

New 2014 Jeep Cherokee Shown

Jeep has revealed what the new 2014 Jeep Cherokee will look like with the release of official images. The new 2014 Jeep Cherokee will make its debut at the New York Auto Show at the end of March 2013.

Plenty to look forward to in the new 2014 Jeep Cherokee

Jeep states that the new Cherokee offers ‘best-in-class capability, exemplary on-road driving dynamics and fuel economy improvements of more than 45% versus the outgoing mid-size SUV model.’

The new 2014 Jeep Cherokee will be built in the United States at Chrysler Group’s Toledo Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio. Further details will be made available when the 2014 Jeep Cherokee makes its debut at the New York Auto show.

McLaren P1 supercar revealed ahead of Geneva debut

McLaren has officially revealed all the details pertaining to its P1 supercar ahead of its production debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 5 March 2013. For the purpose of maintaining exclusivity, McLaren says only 375 units will be produced.

McLaren P1 supercar – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The hybrid powertrain of the P1 consists of an enhanced mid-mounted 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and an electric motor that together produce 674kW and 900Nm of torque. The race-inspired Instant Power Assist System (IPAS) allows for impressive performance. The P1 will accelerate to 100km/h in less than 3 seconds, 200km/h in less than 7 seconds and 300km/h will be achieved in no more than 17 seconds, five seconds faster than the McLaren F1 road car. The P1 has an electronically-limited top speed of 350km/h.

Styling remains largely unchanged

The only difference between the P1 concept car shown at the Paris Motor Show last year and the production version, is the addition of LTR ducts ahead of the front wheels which further aid cooling and optimise downforce.

The P1 is equipped with specification that is suitable for use on both the road and track. The P1 comes with a choice of various colours and trim alternatives and carbon-fibre trim is visible throughout the cabin.

The price for the McLaren P1 starts at approximately R11.6-million.

New Volkswagen Golf 7 GTI revving up for Geneva

The new Volkswagen Golf 7 GTI will be making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 5 March and will for the first time be available with a choice of two power options.

New Volkswagen Golf 7 GTI improved for the better

The new Volkswagen Golf 7 GTI is fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine that produces 162kW and 350Nm of torque in its basic form. If the performance pack is chosen, power output is increased to 169kW. This engine is mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission. In manual guise, the Golf 7 GTI consumes 6.0-litres/100km and expels 139g/km of CO2. With the DSG transmission, the standard version consumes 6.4-litres/100km while the uprated performance version consumes 6.5-litres/100km. The Golf 7 GTI therefore offers an 18% improvement in fuel economy when compared to the outgoing model. In terms of performance, the new GTI will reach 100km/h in 6.5 seconds before clocking a top speed of 246km/h.

Design Features

The new Volkswagen Golf 7 GTI features red-painted brake calipers, twin-chrome exhaust tailpipes and a lowered sport suspension. The new GTI rolls on 17-inch ‘Brooklyn’ GTI wheels and also features special side skirts, a rear diffuser, smoked LED tailights and LED illumination for the license plate holder.

On the inside, the GTI gets sport seats with a ‘Clark’ tartan pattern, a black headliner and red ambient lighting. A GTI sports steering wheel is also included along with a GTI gear lever and instrument cluster, special trim inserts, stainless-steel pedals and a foot support.

Standard Features

The Golf 7 GTI comes standard with a progressive steering system, ‘Climatronic’ automatic climate control, Park Assist and the latest touchscreen infotainment system. The winter pack includes heatable front seats and customers can choose from three body colours including Tornado Red, Black and Pure White.

The South African launch of the VW Golf 7 GTI will be announced at a later date.

VW Polo Vivo Maxx now available in South Africa

The VW Polo Vivo Maxx is the latest addition to the Polo Vivo range with up-sized features to boot. The Polo Vivo Maxx is manufactured at Volkswagen South Africa’s plant in Uitenhage and is available in the hatchback body version only.

Volkswagen Polo Vivo Maxx is up-sized

The VW Polo Vivo Maxx is powered by a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder engine that produces 77kW of power at 5 250rpm with a maximum torque figure of 155Nm at 3 500rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and sprints from 0-100km/h in 10.6 seconds, reaching a top speed of 187km/h and has a CO2 emissions figure of 157g/km. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 6.6-litres/100km.

Exterior and Interior Features

The VW Polo Vivo Maxx is differentiated with a raised suspension, 17-inch ‘Budapest’ alloy wheels, painted exterior mirrors, twin exhaust tailpipes and aluminium roof rails.

The interior features pedals with aluminium inserts, a centre console in titanium paint, front electric windows, manual air-conditioning, a 3-spoke leather steering wheel with a chrome insert and grey stitching, a Radio/CD/MP3/Bluetooth with 4-speakers and floor mats with grey stitching.

Standard safety and security features include driver and front passenger airbags, ABS with EBD as well as an immobiliser and central locking.

VW Polo Vivo Maxx – Price

Volkswagen Polo Vivo Maxx – R160 300

The Polo Vivo Maxx is available with a fully comprehensive 3-year / 120 000km warranty with service intervals at 15 000km. Customers will also benefit from a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty.

Fiat 500 GQ Special Edition headed to Geneva Motor Show

Fiat will be showcasing a special edition Fiat 500 GQ at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show on 5 March. The sporty-looking Fiat 500 GQ was developed in collaboration with Gentlemen’s Quarterly magazine (GQ) and according to Fiat, it is a “Gentleman’s Car, a special series for the metropolitan man of the third millenium.”

Fiat 500 GQ built with men in mind

Engine Capability

The Fiat 500 GQ Special Edition will be offered with a number of engine options including a 0.9-litre TwinAir engine that produces 62kW, a 1.2-litre engine that produces 51kW, a 1.4-litre engine producing 73kW and a 1.3 litre MultiJet diesel which delivers 70kW.

Design Features

While the Fiat 500 GQ is based on the 500S, the exterior differs in that it features two-tone matt grey/carbon black livery. It also comes with chrome plated mirror covers, 16-inch alloy rims with the GQ logo on the pillar, an orange 500 logo on the hub caps, orange brake callipers and a grey aesthetic liner.

Various GQ logos can be spotted around the car, on the dashboard and on the leather seats that have matching stitching. Completing the internal look is the sport pedal unit with aluminium effect and the leather gear knob. The Fiat 500 GQ model will also come in two body styles including a saloon and a convertible.

Citroen DS4 Electro Shot headed for Geneva

The limited edition Citroen DS4 Electro Shot has been added to the line-up for the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. The Citroen DS4 Electro Shot is based on the ‘D Style’ trim and features the classic two-tone finish of the DS line.

Citroen DS4 Electro Shot set to impress

The Citroen DS4 Electro Shot features a gloss black roof and spoiler and rides on 17-inch alloy wheels while the exterior mirrors are finished in chrome. The DS4 is the first Citroen model produced by the customisation program at the Mulhouse production house in France, which produces ‘unique, high quality products with a high level of customisation content’.

Further details will be made available at the Geneva Motor Show on 5 March 2013.

Chrysler 300C V6 Review

The essential gangster rap “large sedan”, is now available with a Fiat sourced V6 diesel engine. Economy-toting rappers unite, the Chrysler 300C V6 is here.

“This is Motor City. And this is what we do” Chrysler’s new marketing direction harkens to the glory and powerhouse that once was Detroit. With that comes the second generation 300 C.What is the essential gangster rap “large sedan”, it is now available with (what all Hip-Hop mega stars have been hoping for) a Fiat sourced V6 diesel engine, tested here.

 Chrysler 300C V6 review by John Beale

300C exterior styling

The new signature Chrysler grille and LED’s dominate the massive flat front end in what always looks like an un-badged Audi to me. Huge chunks of metal and strips of chrome (5m long, and just under 2m wide) cover the Chrysler 300C V6 and wrap around the very 60’s rear and huge 20inch rims. It’s not to everyone’s taste, and it is in your face, take notice and look-at-me chrome and oversized accents make it painfully American.

Performance

Driving the rear wheels is a Fiat sourced V6 diesel, that sadly, is mated to the old 5-speed automatic. I would have loved to see the 8-speed ZF that does justice in the SRT8, but alas. Pushing out 176kW and 550NM at 1800RPM the diesel returned just under 12l/100km (claimed 7.2l/100) in a mixed cycle and 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds with a top speed of 230km/h. Turbo lag is evident pulling away but there’s massive shove just above 2200RPM. Refined and silent, the V6 does a good job once up at speed. The short gearing and heavy mass means you really do end up taking it easy instead of mashing the throttle, cruise rather than bruise.

Handling and Ride

Considering those 20inch polished rims and hunkered down firm suspension I was expecting the Chrysler 300C V6 to crash over every bump. None of that. The suspension is compliant without wafting with a solid feel and is incredibly well insulated. However, if you do push on, the weight really comes into play and you can feel it shifting fore and aft which can unsettle the ride a bit. It isn’t light on its feet and steering feel can be a bit too unnatural at times, but again, this is more about luxury than sportiness.

Interior and features

Huge improvements to the interior include one of the largest touch screens with U-Connect (Voice activated Bluetooth) and integrated Garmin navigation. The system is touch screen and easy to operate housing everything from seat heating and cooling functions to vehicle settings. Bright blue dials dominate the interior with a welcome updated centre screen for vehicle info.

Novel touch is the cup-holders that both heat and cool! The Safety Tech Package is available on the Luxury Series vehicles and this includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Rear Cross Path Detection (RCP). The expected safety features of airbags, ABS and Electric Stability Control are all there. Reverse camera and front and rear Park Distance Control is standard, which really helps when parking the barge. The 800W sound system has excellent reproduction, but is not the top spec system in the 300C.

Although it is a luxurious interior with nappa leather wrapped (heated) steering wheel and comfortable electrically adjustable seating, there is still too many Mercedes E-class carry over bits in my view. Fake wood and plastic lids are also not up to the quality of the rest of the cabin or competition. That said it does still give the feeling of luxury.

Chrysler 300C V6 – Conclusion

It is a big burly cruiser, and a huge leap over the previous generation, but still far off from the German competition when it comes to quality and refinement and the amount of E-Class parts used in the Chrysler 300 C V6 isn’t a bad thing. At the price, it’s good value considering all the standard equipment on offer.

The looks certainly aren’t for everyone, but if it fills your pimp cup and you appreciate rollin’ instead of ballin’ and sheer presence, then this is the luxury sedan for you.

Chrysler 300C V6 – Price

Chrysler 300C V6 Turbodiesel – R539 990