Porsche Cayenne S Diesel Launched

The Porsche Cayenne S Diesel has been launched and is the most powerful diesel model on the market. The Porsche Cayenne S Diesel will be launched in Germany in January 2013 and can be expected to reach South Africa in the same year.

Porsche Cayenne S Diesel – Features

Engine Capability

The Porsche Cayenne S Diesel is fitted with a 4.2-litre V8 diesel engine with bi-turbo charging that produces 281kW and a maximum torque figure of 850Nm. 0-100km/h is completed in 5.7 seconds while reaching a top speed of 252km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 8.3-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 218g/km. With a 100-litre fuel tank, the Porsche Cayenne S Diesel can travel up to 1 200km before re-fuelling. Efficiency can be largely attributed to the automatic start/stop function and the Cayenne S Diesel is the only SUV to offer this function.

The Porsche Cayenne S Diesel also features PTM active all-wheel drive which produces the qualities of a rear-wheel drive vehicle with its benefits of handling and precision, while front-wheel drive actions are adapted to the driving situation to offer stability and traction. The optional Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) further enhances driving dynamics. The Cayenne S Diesel has a maximum towing capacity of 3.5 metric tonnes.

Further details of the Porsche Cayenne S Diesel will be released when the information becomes available.

Nissan TeRRA SUV Concept Revealed

Details have been revealed of the Nissan TeRRA SUV concept that will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show at the end of the month. Combining Nissan’s strengths in SUV’s and EV’s, the TeRRA SUV concept showcases an innovative 4×4 fuel-cell powertrain and an athletic exterior that takes sustainable motoring into a new dimension.

Zero emissions for Nissan TeRRA SUV Concept

The Nissan TeRRA SUV concept is envisioned as the “one and only zero emission SUV” and was designed as a functional and flexible choice for the youthful consumer who seek eco-friendliness and a secure driving feel under any road conditions.

The interior combines the use of blond wood trim, coloured acrylic and metal to provide a sense of warmth and security. The unique instrument cluster functions much like a portable tablet. The driver docks the tablet when entering the vehicle and can view key performance indicators and browse numerous views including entertainment, communications and navigation. Upon leaving the vehicle, the driver can remove the tablet and use it independently.

The driver sits almost centre in a unique diagonal layout that positions rear passengers over the shoulders of those in front, rather than directly behind. “For the driver to be nearly centered, not seated off to one side, provides a fresh, enlightened perspective with exceptional visibility. The diagonal layout allows all passengers to share the vision of adventures up ahead” says Shiro Nakamura, Nissan senior vice president and chief creative officer. With the passenger seats folded down, the cabin deck is completely flat and creates storage space for almost any object.

Although only a concept, the TeRRA’s proposed 4×4 fuel cell powertrain is impressive. The front wheels are powered by the same electric propulsion system used in the Nissan LEAF. Each back wheel features an in-wheel electric motor based on working prototypes featured in three successive PIVO concepts. Nissan’s hydrogen fuel cell stack is found under the hood and exhibits world-leading power density of 2.5kW/L. The Nissan TeRRA is purely a concept car but is indicative that Nissan is ready to mass produce fuel cell electric vehicles whenever hydrogen becomes widely available.

MINI JCW GP on route to South Africa

The MINI JCW GP will be on show at the Paris Motor Show at the end of this month. The MINI JCW GP with race track-developed technology is the sportiest and fastest production model ever built by MINI. Only 2 000 units will be built and a limited number will be available in South Africa in the first quarter of 2013.

MINI JCW GP – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The two-seater MINI JCW GP derives its racy performance ability from its turbocharged 1.6-litre, four cylinder petrol engine that produces 160kW at 6 000rpm with a maximum torque figure of 260Nm from 1 750 rpm. Power is transferred using a 6-speed manual transmission. An overboost function increases peak torque to 280Nm for short periods of time while accelerating.

Acceleration to 100km/h is achieved in 6.3 seconds with a top speed of 242km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.1-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 165g/km. The MINI JCW GP features individually adjustable coilover suspension which allows ride height to be lowered by 20mm, offering superb handling capability both on and off the track.

Exterior Styling

The MINI JCW GP is fitted with light 17-inch alloy wheels with sports tyres while standard tyres are available as an option. The body is painted in exclusive Thunder Grey metallic with red edging around the bonnet, exterior mirror caps and side air intakes in the front apron. The MINI JCW GP features xenon headlights in black shells and foglamps. The front and rear aprons, side sills and roof spoiler add to its striking appeal and also control air flow. The rear diffuser, underside panelling and roof edge spoiler reduce lift and improve handling.

Interior Styling

The interior offers a distinct racy feel with the omission of the rear bench. The two-seater offers Recaro sports seats with special GP stitching for the driver and ‘co-driver’. A cargo guard prevents items from sliding forward from the luggage compartment. The MINI JCW GP also features a thick-rimmed leather steering wheel and gearshift lever with a chrome ring and red shift diagram. The interior is finished in piano black while the roof liner, rev counter and speedometer are finished in anthracite.

MINI JCW Countryman coming to South Africa

Details of the MINI JCW Countryman has been revealed and features the ALL4 all-wheel drive system and a newly developed turbocharged four-cylinder engine, making it the most powerful model in the MINI JCW range.

MINI JCW Countryman takes power to the road

Engine Capability

The MINI JCW Countryman is fitted with a four-cylinder 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine that is capable of 160kW at 6 000rpm with a maximum torque figure of 280Nm at between 1 900 and 5 000rpm (300Nm with overboost). A 6-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard while a 6-speed automatic with Steptronic function and steering wheel shift paddles are available as an option. 0-100km/h is achieved in 7 seconds and its top speed is rated at 225km/h for the manual and 223km/h for the automatic.

The manual version displays a fuel consumption figure of 7.4-litres/100km and 7.9-litres/100km for the automatic. CO2 emissions are rated at 172g/km and 184g/km respectively.

Exterior and Interior Styling

The MINI JCW Countryman draws its design inspiration from the time-honoured MINI template with styling cues such as the characteristic radiator grille contours, large headlights set into the bonnet, voluminous wheel arches and vertical rear light clusters. Seven exterior paint finishes are available with red, white and black on offer for the contrasting roof. Sport Stripes are also available in the same colours. The MINI JCW Countryman rides on 18-inch light-alloy wheels.

The interior features a special John Cooper Works cockpit design with sports seats and a sports steering wheel. The seats are adorned in Diagonal Track John Cooper Works Carbon Black cloth trim with red contrast stitching. Exclusive Lounge Leather trim in Carbon Black Championship Red is also available. The trim strips, door panels and centre console come in Piano Black as standard. The rear compartment can be ordered as a three-seater bench or two individual seats and boot capacity is rated at between 350-1 170-litres.

Optional Extras

Optional extras for the MINI JCW Countryman include Xenon Adaptive Headlights, Comfort Access, Automatic Climate Control, Park Distance Control, Multi-function buttons for the steering wheel, electric tilting/sliding sunroof, rain sensors and automatic dimming rear-view and exterior mirrors. Apart from the standard MINI Boost CD, customers can also opt for the Harman Kardon hi-fi loudspeaker system, radio MINI Visual Boost and the MINI navigation system. A voice control system, DAB tuner and a hands-free system is also available.

The MINI JCW Countryman will go on sale in South Africa in the first quarter of 2013. However, customers may start ordering from November 2012.

New 2013 Ford Fiesta Revealed

Ford has unveiled the new 2013 Ford Fiesta that features a sharper exterior design and a host of exclusive technology features. The first Ford Fiesta was launched in 1976 and has since sold over 15-million models worldwide.

New 2013 Ford Fiesta gets EcoBoost technology

The new 2013 Ford Fiesta is equipped with the 2012 International Engine of the Year, the acclaimed 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and is expected to deliver the best-in-class fuel economy. In terms of design, the new 2013 Ford Fiesta features a prominent trapezoidal front grille that’s complemented with ‘laser-cut’ headlamps and a power-dome bonnet design.

On the inside, the new Ford Fiesta benefits from a voice-activated, in-car connectivity system called Ford SYNC, which allows owners to voice-activate phone calls and music selection from devices connected via Bluetooth or USB.

“Fiesta has been one of the world’s best-loved small cars across five decades, and the sporty appeal of the last generation Fiesta inspired real passion among global compact car customers, contributing to its status as the world’s most successful small car,” said Martin Smith, Ford of Europe executive design director. “We had to keep that vital part of Fiesta’s make-up – but we also wanted to give it a more sophisticated look.”

The new 2013 Ford Fiesta will be available in South Africa in 2013.

Mercedes-Benz CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY details

Details of the Mercedes-Benz CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY have emerged, and for the first time makes use of a CDI four cylinder engine in the luxury Coupé segment. The CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY boasts significantly reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Mercedes-Benz CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY boasts low consumption

Engine Capability

The four-door CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is fitted with a 2.1-litre, four cylinder, direct injection diesel engine that produces 150kW with a maximum torque figure of 500Nm. Fuel consumption is impressive at between 5.1 and 5.3-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 134g/km.

The CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is fitted with the enhanced 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission as standard and comes with ECO start/stop which further enhances efficiency.

Exterior Styling

The Mercedes-Benz CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY features a radiator grille that is not integrated into the bonnet, but rather formed separately, which highlights the long sporty bonnet. The CLS outline with its long, elegant proportions is the dominating attribute of the new model. A total of 11 paint colours can be combined with four interior colours including black, alpaca grey, almond beige and black/aubergine.

Interior Styling

The CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY interior is distinctly elegant with an intriguing wrap-around cockpit. The central display has been well incorporated into the upper part of the instrument panel. Four leather trim designs are available and customers have the choice of two exclusive wood trim options which include high-gloss brown burr walnut and high-gloss black ash at no additional charge.

Entertainment comes in the form of the COMAND APS multimedia system which includes a DVD Player for video and audio as well as a navigation system with a 40GB hard drive. Information is displayed on a 17.7cm colour display in the centre of the instrument panel. The COMAND APS system is combined with the voice-operated LINGUATRONIC and text-to-speech function as standard and allows SMS’s, address book entries, radio station names and relevant traffic reports to be read out to the driver.

Optional Extras

The CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY can be personalised with the following features which include active multi-contour seats, heated front seats, LED High Performance headlamps, Keyless Go and a Harman/Kardon sound system. Optional support systems in the Driving Assist package include DISTRONIC PLUS, new Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist with brake actuation.

The AMG Sports package is also available and includes a multi-function sports steering wheel in Nappa leather with 3-spoke design and flattened bottom section, aluminium pedals, AMG bumpers on the front (with single-louvred grille) and rear, 18” or 19” AMG alloy wheels, AMG floor mats and visible tailpipes. The interior benefits from black leather seats, light-coloured felled seams on the seats, headrests and armrests. With the AMG Sports package, the automatic transmission has a third shift programme, M, which allows the gear to be selected manually using the paddles on the steering wheel. In addition to this, the adaptive suspension is more sportily tuned.

Mercedes-Benz CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY – Price

Mercedes-Benz CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY R700 000
AMG Sports Package R28 700

The CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY comes standard with the MobiloDrive 120 maintenance package of 6-years/120 000 km with and a 2-year / unlimited vehicle warranty.

New Peugeot 208 GTi to debut at Paris Motor Show

The new Peugeot 208 GTi will be revealed to the world at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September 2012. The three-door 208 GTi aims to ‘regenerate’ the values of the 205 GTi. The new Peugeot 208 GTi offers striking design coupled with a powerful but economical engine that will make it an attractive option in the hot-hatch segment.

New Peugeot 208 GTi – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The new Peugeot 208 GTi is fitted with a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine that is capable of 147kW with a maximum torque figure of 275Nm. Transmission comes in the form of a 6-speed manual gearbox with close gear ratios to enhance driving performance. Acceleration to 100km/h will take the 208 GTi less than seven seconds to achieve with a top speed of 225km/h. CO2 emissions are rated at 145g/km. The 208 GTi only weighs 1160kg.

Exterior and Interior Styling

The new Peugeot 208 GTi stands lower and wider than the standard 208 which is due in South Africa in October 2013. The 208 GTi features new halogen headlamps with the latest generation light guide. LED technology is used for the indicators and Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). A gloss black grille with chrome inserts imitates a 3D chequered flag. The 208 GTi rides on 17-inch diamond Carbon wheels with Storm paint and matt varnish.

The new Peugeot 208 GTi features a refined, sporty interior with a high mounted instrument panel. The dials are surrounded with satin chrome beads that are backlit with LED’s. The sporty interior is further enhanced with the combination of Club Nappa Leather and Caro Weave cloth upholstery with red line details. Interior colour schemes include red, black, satin chrome and red GTi overstitching throughout.

The new Peugeot 208 GTi is expected in South Africa towards the end of 2013.

Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE Luxury Limited Edition in South Africa

The Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE Luxury Limited Edition makes its debut in South Africa with only 100 units on offer and 2 000 units available globally.

New look for Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE

The Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE Luxury Limited Edition is powered with 3.0-litre LR-SDV6 engine that produces 180kW and is mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission with command shift that delivers improved fuel efficiency and enhanced low-end torque.

The Limited Edition Discovery 4 features a new exterior look with the use of bright silver detailing along the full length of the roof rails and complements the satin chrome plated mirror caps, silver bonnet script and tailgate badge. The grille treatment is the opposite of the existing style with the grille surround and fender vents finished in Indus Silver and the grille veins in body colour.

The rear-end is enhanced with a bright, stainless steel bumper tread strip and a bright metal badge showcasing ‘HSE Luxury’. The door handles are in body colour and the Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE Luxury Limited Edition rides on 20-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels. Three body colours are available and include Santorini Black, Orkney Grey and for the first time on the Discovery 4, Havana. The Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE Luxury Limited Edition also features Xenon Adaptive Front Headlamps which include Cornering Lamps.

The interior is adorned in Premium Windsor Leather, showcasing Ivory with contrasting stitching for the first time. The Arabica seat colour, inspired by the Range Rover, is also a first for the Discovery 4 HSE Luxury Limited Edition. The fascia top, instrument panel binnacle, door top rolls, armrests and pull benefit from an extended Windsor Leather Pack. The perforated heated steering wheel is finished in Arabica or Ebony with bright switch tips from the Range Rover Sport Autobiography. The interior is completed with a dark Zabrano wood veneer and twist pile luxury carpet mats with contrasting edging. A Harmon/Kardon LOGIC7 Premium Audio system offers 825W of power.

Land Rover Defender gets Upgrades

The iconic Land Rover Defender now comes with additional options for customers who are seeking a higher level of specification. Options include two new body colours, four new contrasting roof colours, premium seat design and an upgraded Alpine sound system.

Land Rover Defender – Specifications and Features

The Land Rover Defender is fitted with a 2.2-litre diesel which replaced the 2.4-litre diesel engine in 2012 and produces 90kW at 3 500rpm with a maximum torque figure of 360Nm at 2 000rpm. The Defender 90 displays a CO2 emissions figure of 266g/km while the Defender 110 and 130 emit 295g/km. The Land Rover Defender transfers power using a GFT MT 82 6-speed gearbox.

Upgrade Features

Two new body colours are available for the Defender namely Barolo Black and Havana. In addition to the standard Fuji White, four new contrasting roof colours are now available and these include Santorini Black, Indus Silver, Orkney Grey and Firenze Red.

Premium part leather seats are available for the driver and front passenger seats and exhibit the Land Rover logo on the backrest. The new seats offer enhanced driving support and comfort. A leather steering wheel is also available for all body styles except 130 derivatives. The Alpine sound system now offers the option for Bluetooth connectivity with a remote microphone and features a single-slot CD player, USB, Auxiliary compatibility and 4x50W amplification.

2013 Volkswagen Golf 7 unveiled

The 2013 Volkswagen Golf 7 has been unveiled ahead of its official debut at the Paris Motor Show at the end of the month. The new Golf 7, according to Volkswagen, offers more features, better safety, more performance and is significantly lighter than the current model.

2013 Volkswagen Golf 7 is lighter and more fuel efficient

The 2013 Volkswagen Golf 7 is 56mm longer, 13mm wider and 28mm lower than the outgoing model and is 100kg lighter. Careful attention has been paid to saving weight in all aspects of the car’s construction, from electrical architecture to engines and the body-in-white. A significant portion of the weight loss can be attributed to the extensive use of high and ultra-high strength steel for the bodyshell.

Less weight means better fuel economy and the European market 1.4 TSI petrol unit displays a combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of 4.9-litres/100km. The 1.6-litre TDI engine exhibits a combined-cycle fuel consumption figure 4.1-litres/100km.

The 2013 Volkswagen Golf 7 interior benefits from more space for both front and back seat passengers and comes with a new infotainment system incorporating a five-inch touchscreen while top-end models will benefit from a navigation system with a large eight-inch touchscreen.

More details will be made available when the new Golf 7 makes its debut at the Paris Motor Show on 27 September 2012.