Kia Cross GT concept teased ahead of 2013 Chicago Auto Show

Kia has provided a sneak peek of the Kia Cross GT concept that will be making its appearance at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show next week. According to Kia, the Cross GT concept is inspired by nature and driven by technology and hints at the future of Kias design language in the form of a premium Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) that is larger than the new 2014 Sorento.

Unfortunately, Kia has not provided any further details. More information will become available when the Kia GT Cross Concept is unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show which starts on 7 February 2013, so stay tuned.

Kia Motors goes solar in South Africa

Kia Motors South Africa will be opening its first eco friendly solar powered dealership in Weltevreden Park. This will be Kias flagship dealership and a first on the local automotive industry.

The official construction for this new Kia Motors dealership started in January 2012 and will be completed at the end of January 2013.

Kia Motors solar-powered dealership – Details

The new Kia Motors dealership will be powered by 288 roof mounted solar panels which will create a daily maximum power of 69kW, enough to power an average of 22 households per day. Then as required, the panels will generate energy between three converters which will go directly into the load providing electricity at a capacity of 50Hertz and 240 Volts. The remaining electricity will be stored in three state of the art battery banks. Should the load be affected by a power outage or bad weather conditions, the banks will serve as a back up system.

The building is fitted with low wattage fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps, used in the major areas of the dealership. Standard high base 400 watt lamps are replaced with 4 x 54 Watt lamps which provide the same light but use less energy. To further save energy, occupancy sensors have been installed which will automatically switch on and off if no movement is detected.

Eco-friendly Kia Motors dealership will also save water

As an additional contribution to eco-friendliness, Kia has fitted a filtration system to recycle rain water collected from the facilitys roof. This water will then be distributed into six containers each with a holding capacity of 10000 litres. The filtered water will be used at the facilitys car wash. Thereafter it will be pumped back into the water filtration system which purifies the water from oil, soap or any other dirt. This water is then filtered and pumped back into the containers, to be re-used in the car wash bay.

Kias move to eco-friendly products is well underway with vehicles ranging from electrical, hybrid electric and fuel derivatives. As the demand for eco dynamic vehicles increases, these will be made available to markets outside of North America and Europe.

Although these vehicles are not currently available to the South African market, we have decided to focus our efforts on making the operational side of Kia Motors South Africa as eco-friendly as possible, with Kia Weltevreden being the blueprint for future eco-friendly dealerships. We are very excited about the opening of this new solar-powered dealership, and look forward to Kia consumers experiencing the brands true power to surprise, Said David Sieff, National Marketing Manager of Kia Motors South Africa.

Revised Mitsubishi ASX Crossover launched in South Africa

The revised 2013 Mitsubishi ASX Crossover has been launched in South Africa. The 2013 Mitsubishi ASX combines a sleeker, more contemporary design with a smarter interior while improved specification levels provide a better value-for-money offering. Three trim levels are offered for the Mitsubishi ASX and these include the GL, GLX and GLS.

Mitsubishi ASX Compact Crossover offers more value

Engine Capability

The 2013 Mitsubishi ASX is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine that delivers 110kW at 6 000rpm with a peak torque figure of 197Nm at 4 200rpm. Acceleration to 100km/h will take 9.6 seconds before reaching a top speed of 196km/h. A 5-speed manual transmission is offered on the GL and GLX models while the GLS flagship version gets a 6-speed CVT transmission. Combined fuel consumption for the manual GL and GLX derivatives is 7.5-litres/100km while the CVT-equipped GLS consumes 7.6-litres/100km. The Mitsubishi ASX compact crossover is equipped with a 63-litre fuel tank with an approximate range of more than 800km.

Exterior Styling Features

The revised Mitsubishi ASX features a re-designed front grille along with new front and rear bumpers with chrome accents and revised fog light surrounds. The revised rear styling matches the smoother lines towards the front while the new bumper and contrasting lower apron add further appeal. The 2013 ASX retains its raised SUV-inspired stance and features a pronounced shoulder line, sculpted flanks and bold wheel arches. Generous glass areas and a high seating position enhance all-round visibility and the GLX and GLS models are fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels.

Interior Styling Features

The 2013 Mitsubishi ASX sees the addition of soft-touch surfaces and chrome detailing for a more sophisticated interior. Ergonomic efficiency is enhanced with an all-new steering wheel with multi-function controls including Bluetooth telephony controls across the range while the GLX and GLS models gain cruise control switchgear. A honeycomb knit fabric is standard upholstery for the GL version while the GLX and GLS derivatives feature leather upholstery.

The Mitsubishi ASX features a five-seat layout with front bucket seats. The rear bench splits in a 60/40 configuration to offer versatile seating and loading options. Luggage capacity is at 442-litres with the seats upright and expands to 1 193-litres with the rear bench folded down. A full size spare wheel is standard.

Hands-free Bluetooth connectivity is standard across the ASX range as is USB-based iPod/iPhone and flash drive functionality. All these features are in sync with Mitsubishis voice-activated Link system which allows control of the radio and phone via voice commands. The GL and GLX models incorporate an improved CD receiver sound system while the GLS is fitted with an infotainment system featuring a 6-inch touch screen display. A class leading, 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium sound system is offered as an option.

Safety Features

The Mitsubishi ASX has been awarded with a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. The ASX features Mitsubishis Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body construction resulting in improved collision safety for all occupants, regardless of the impact direction.

The ASX includes no less than seven airbags across the range and includes two front airbags, two side airbags, two curtain airbags and a knee airbag. Dynamic safety features include all-disc ABS brakes with Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) across the range. The flagship GLS includes Active Stability Control (ASC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA).

2013 Mitsubishi ASX Price

Model	Price
Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 GL	R279 900
Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 GLX	R304 900
Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 GLS	R334 900
Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 GLS with Rockford	R342 900

Prices include a 5-year/90 000km service plan, a 3-year/100 000km warranty with service intervals set at 15 000km.

Bosch helps make autonomous driving a reality

Bosch, the global supplier of automotive technology and services, is set to expand its range of driver assistance systems in the years to come and will play a growing role in guiding vehicles through traffic jams. The traffic jam assistant will brake, accelerate and steer completely autonomously and will step in when the vehicle is moving at speeds of up to 50km/h and will operate in most stop-and-go traffic situations. The first generation of the traffic jam assistant is expected to enter series production in 2014.

The traffic jam assistant helps drivers arrive more relaxed at their destination, even in dense traffic, says Gerhard Steiger, president of the Bosch Chassis Systems Control division.

  A step closer to autonomous driving

  In the next few years the traffic jam assistant will be enhanced to cover even faster speeds and more complex driving situations. Eventually the traffic jam assistant will serve as a highway pilot, making fully autonomous driving a reality, according to Bosch.

Today, Adaptive Cruise Control already tracks vehicles ahead and adapts the distance and speed of the vehicle accordingly. Acting in combination with the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) system and with the additional support of lane-detection cameras and electromechanical steering, this forms the technical basis for autonomous driving. Automatic lane changing is the next logical step and calls for two additional features including a rear-mounted radar sensor that detects fast-moving vehicles and a dynamic navigation map which keeps the driver informed of current roadwork sites and local speed limits. Although drivers remain responsible for driving, they can limit themselves to monitoring the actions of the driver assistance system.

However, two major challenges remain, with the first being-inner city driving, since automated vehicle functions have to deal with dense traffic involving a large number of road users travelling in every direction. Secondly, a concept needs to be developed to ensure that the systems functions operate reliably in all types of driving situations.

  Fully autonomous driving will come about one step at a time, Steiger says.

Kia Superman Optima Hybrid for 2013 Chicago Auto Show

Kia, in partnership with DC Entertainment, will be unveiling a new Justice-League-inspired vehicle at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. The Kia Superman Optima Hybrid will take to the stage from the 9-18 February 2013.

Kia Superman Optima Hybrid supports a good cause

The 10-month long partnership between Kia and DC Entertainment has already resulted in five character-themed Kia vehicles including the Batman Optima, Aquaman Rio, The Flash Forte Koup, Cyborg Forte and the Green Lantern Soul. The partnership is in support of DC Entertainments giving campaign called We Can Be Heroes which aims to help and provide hope to the children, women and families affected by drought and famine in the Horn of Africa.

Although only one teaser image has been provided of the Kia Superman Optima Hybrid, more information and images will become available when the Kia Superman Optima Hybrid is unveiled at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, so stay tuned.

Lamborghini Aventador Roadster gives high speed demo at Miami Airport?

Five new Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadsters sped down the south runway at the Miami International Airport on Tuesday 29 January 2013. Special authorisation was obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration (F.A.A) and the Miami-Dade County. The five 515kW Lamborghinis, for the first time ever, exceeded the passenger airliner take-off speed on a runway which is between 241 and 290km/h by clocking a speed of 338km/h.

Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster launched

Prior to the high-speed demonstration, the five Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadsters were joined on the runway by an American Airlines Boeing 777 for an exclusive photo shoot. The high-speed demonstration formed part of a 10-day media launch and dealer education program which began with an unveiling press conference in Lummus Park in Miami Beach. The press conference was followed by a 50-vehicle parade down Collins Avenue in South Beach before the high-speed demonstration commenced.

Lamborghini executives hosting the press conference included Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini as well as Maurizio Reggiani, Director of Research and Development, Raffaello Porro, Director of Communications and External Relations and Filippo Perini, Chief Designer.??

It has been a great pleasure to work with the Miami-Dade Aviation Department and South Beach teams on todays amazing demonstrations. I have never seen something similar at a Lamborghini event, said Stephan Winkelmann. The Aventador Roadster is our most exciting production car ever and I can think of no better place to celebrate its launch than here in Miami.

Big power for Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster

The Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster is the companys newest open-top version of the Aventador and is powered by a 6.5-litre V12 engine that develops 515kW and 690Nm of torque. Acceleration to 100km/h is achieved in 3 seconds before claiming a top speed of 350km/h. The Aventador Roadster features a removable top made from high-tech, lightweight carbon fibre technologies and weighs 11.8kgs.

Lamborghini is a forward-thinking brand, and todays event on our runway was an all-around success, said Ken Pyatt, Miami-Dade Deputy Aviation Director. Both our organizations are focused on efficient performance and providing our customers with innovations.

Toyota best selling car brand in the world

Toyota has been recognised as being the worlds best-selling vehicle brand with sales totalling 9.75 million in 2012. This translates into one new vehicle sale every three seconds somewhere in the world in 2012. Total group sales, including Hino, Lexus and Daihatsu reached a record of 9 748 000 units which is and improvement of 22.6% compared to 2011 and surpasses Toyotas previous sales record of 9 367 000 units sold in 2007.

Toyota production and market share on the rise

Toyota also experienced increases in production and market share in its major markets. Production increased for the first time in two years as a result of increases in virtually all regions.

Exports from Japan to North America, Latin America, Asia, Oceania, the Middle East and Africa, which was severely interrupted by the March 2011 tsunami, increased dramatically and added to the overall increase.

In South Africa, Toyota improved its market share to 19.4% after selling 121 276 cars and trucks in 2012. Toyota was therefore crowned as the market leader for the 33rd consecutive year.

In 2011 we launched our new global vision, which built on Toyotas strengths of quality, durability and reliability and put our ultimate focus on customer satisfaction. I believe that our sales success in 2012 proves that we are on target, but in the spirit of kaizen (continuous improvement) we will work hard to improve it in 2013, says Dr Johan van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors.

In 2013, Toyota aims to sell 9.91 million vehicles worldwide which is an expected improvement of 1.6% over 2012. Toyota believes that its exciting next-generation of products including the Toyota 86, the new Auris, the forthcoming RAV4 and the new Lexus IS will help achieve its goal in 2013.

New Audi TT Coupe launched in South Africa

Audi South Africa has announced the launch of a new, cheaper entry-level Audi TT Coupe in South Africa. The new Audi TT Coupe provides customers with a more affordable entry into the compact sports car segment. The Audi TT was first introduced in South Africa in 2000 with the second-generation launched in 2006 and was named the World Design Car of the Year in 2007.

New Audi TT Coupe gives bang for your bucks

??Engine Capability

The new Audi TT Coupe is powered by a 1.8-litre TFSI petrol engine that develops 118kW and 250Nm of torque. Thanks to its lightweight aluminium body, the 1.8T FSI Audi TT delivers a combined fuel consumption figure of 6.4-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 149g/km. The 1.8T FSI Audi TT Coupe is now available with both manual or S tronic transmission and is only available in Coupe body style.

Exterior and Interior Styling Features

Weighing only 1 240kg in total, the 1.8T FSI Audi TT Coupe exhibits lightweight construction with the body weighing 206kg. The body is made from 140kg of aluminium (68%) and 66kg of steel (32%). The Audi Space Frame used on the TT is extremely light but also very strong with low-vibration properties, providing the foundation for precise handling, a quiet ride and high passive safety.

The radiator grille is finished with black polish and features a re-styled single-frame grille. Xenon Plus headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are part of the package. The 1.8T FSI Audi TT Coupe rides on 17-inch alloy wheels. On the inside, the TT Coupe will benefit from Bluetooth as standard and is equipped with a multi-function steering with paddle shifters available on the S tronic model.

New Audi TT Coupe – Price

Model	Price
Audi TT Coupe 1.8T FSI M/T	R392 000
Audi TT Coupe 1.8T FSI S tronic	R409 000

Kia hot hatches to debut at 2013 Geneva Motor Show

New Kia hot hatches will be showcased in the form of the pro_ceed GT and ceed GT models at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The pro_ceed GT and ceed GT are the most performance-focused models to come from the Kia stable and will be manufactured at Kias Zilina plant in Slovakia.

Kia Hot Hatches – Special Features

The two models will feature athletic styling, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), dual exhaust pipes, Recaro seats and 18-inch alloy wheels with red brake callipers.Both the Kia pro_ceed GT and ceed GT will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre GDI petrol engine that produces 150kW and 265Nm of torque that will result in a 0-100km/h time of 7.2 seconds.

The Kia hot hatches were designed in Europe under the direction of Kia president and Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer. Production of the Kia pro_ceed GT and ceed GT is due to start in mid-May with UK delivery expected by mid-2013. There is no indication whether the Kia pro_ceed GT and the five-door ceed GT will be available in South Africa.

Volkswagen Golf 4MOTION launched

The new Volkswagen Golf 4MOTION expands the new Golf range following the launch of the front-wheel drive models in 2012. Volkswagen is therefore continuing the tradition of four-wheel drive Golf models, with the first all-wheel drive Golf making its debut back in 1986. The permanent four-wheel drive system with an enhanced fifth-generation Haldex coupling is one of the most modern and efficient of its kind in the world.

??Volkswagen Golf 4MOTION – Special Features

The Volkswagen Golf 4MOTION all-wheel drive system weighs 1.4kg less than the previous system and requires no pressure accumulator and reacts extremely quickly to every conceivable influence on it, according to Volkswagen. The result is greater active safety and improved handling.

The Golf 4MOTION is being offered with a choice of two turbo diesel engines in Europe with trim levels including the Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. The 1.6-litre TDI produces 77kW and 250Nm of torque with an average fuel consumption figure of 4.5-litres/100km. The 2.0-litre TDI engine on the other hand produces 110kW and 320Nm of torque with an average fuel consumption figure of 4.7-litres/100km.

The Volkswagen Golf 4MOTION is equipped with a Stop/Start system and battery regeneration as standard. Other features include the four-wheel EDS (Electronic Differential Locks on both axles), XDS front and rear axle transverse lock, Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP), Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, seven airbags, Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), air conditioning, front and rear electric windows, multi-function display and a TFT display with touchscreen operation.

The Volkswagen Golf 4MOTION is currently on sale in Europe and there is no indication whether it will become available in South Africa.