Giniel de Villiers holds second place at 2013 Dakar Rally?

Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz consolidated their overall second place standing after finishing the difficult 353km special stage 10 between Cordoba and Rioja in Argentina in fourth place in their Imperial Toyota Hilux on Tuesday.

??Leaders widen gap?? between Giniel de Villiers and von Zitzewitz

Defending champions Stephane Peterhansel and Jean Paul Cottret of France (Mini) extended their lead over De Villiers and Von Zitzewitz to 52 minutes 38 seconds after finishing third on the special stage. Giniel De Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz however cemented their position by extending their lead over Russians Leonid Novitskiy and Konstantin Zhiltsov who are placed third, to just over 16 minutes.

The South African/German duo started the morning in fourth and got caught in the dust of Americans Robbie Gordon and Kellon Walch (Hummer) but De Villiers was content to defend his second place position and not risk it all trying to pass the Americans.

Giniel de Villiers had the following to say, “After our exciting Monday we enjoyed a comparatively quiet day today. It was a good feeling, particularly as tomorrow sees us head into the dunes around Fiambalá. Although we were slightly hampered by Robby Gordon’s dust today, we are pleased we managed to extend the gap to third place. It gives us a useful cushion between us and the next car.

”??Dirk von Zitzewitz commented, “We are extremely satisfied with today. Navigation was comparatively simple, so we were able to drive consistently through the stage. We know the 11th stage to Fiambalá well, so we are very optimistic, and aim to post another good performance on Wednesday. We also have a good starting position (fourth), which makes it a lot easier.”

Dakar Rally – Stage 11

Wednesday’s special stage from La Rioja to Fiambala is relatively short covering a distance of 217km, sandwiched between a 256km opening liaison section and a 6km link to the overnight bivouac. This stage is the most feared stage on the Dakar and has been a significant day in each of the editions since the rally moved from Africa to South America in 2009. The stage includes forestry sections and some very fast stretches before reaching the big white dunes of Fiambala and later a labyrinth of canyons and dry river beds leading towards the end of the stage. Maximum concentration will be required by both driver and co-driver with tempretures expected to reach 40 degrees Centigrade.

The cars start Wednesday’s stage at 4:53PM (SA Time).

To read the previous days coverage click the link below:

Dakar Rally stage 9

Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible unveiled

The world’s fastest four-seat convertible, the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible  has been unveiled at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. The Continental GT Speed Convertible combines supercar performance with the thrill of open top motoring.

Dr.Wolfgang Schreiber, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley said, “The new Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible is a truly breath-taking Grand Tourer, promising supercar performance and high end luxury, with the added thrill of open top motoring. This unveiling maintains our position as the largest producer of high-end luxury cars in the world, with our market share continuing to grow.”

Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible sets the bar high

Engine Capability

The Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible is powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 engine that delivers an impressive 460kW with a maximum torque figure of 800Nm. This powerful engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and a permanent all-wheel drive system that accelerates the GT Continental Speed Convertible to 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds while reaching a top speed of 325km/h. ?Fuel efficiency has been improved by up to 15% and the Continental GT Speed Convertible has a combined fuel consumption figure of 14.5-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 347g/km.

??Exterior and Interior Styling Features

The Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible features a matrix radiator grille and bumper air intakes in a dark-tint chrome finish. Exclusive 21-inch alloy wheels are available in silver or optional dark tint. Large elliptical exhaust tailpipes feature a ‘rifled’ interior.

On the inside, the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible features the Mulliner Driving Specification as standard which blends contemporary luxury with a distinct sporting character. The seats are adorned in distinctive diamond-quilted hide upholstery. The infotainment system features Bentley’s latest software upgrades and includes point of interest mapping, optional satellite landscape imagery, live traffic data and digital radio. Also included is 15Mb of music space and the ability to play music using an iPod, MP3 player, CD’s or an SD card.

The Bentley Continental GT V8 is also currently on display at the Detroit Auto Show and is powered by a new 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 engine that produces 373kW with a maximum torque output of 660Nm. Both models are capable of driving more than 800km on a single tank of fuel.

Audi RS 7 Sportback expands lineup at 2013 Detroit Auto Show

The Audi RS 7 Sportback unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show is the new member of the RS line up. The new Audi RS 7 five-door coupe features aesthetic design with innovative technology and impressive sportiness.

Audi RS 7 Sportback set to impress

Engine Capability

The Audi RS 7 Sportback comes complete with a twin-turbo 4.0-litre TFSI V8 engine that produces 412kW at 5 700 and 6 700rpm with a maximum torque figure of 750Nm available at between 1750 and 5500rpm. This engine is mated to a standard 8-speed tiptronic transmission with shift paddles.

The Audi RS 7 Sportback sprints from zero to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds. In the standard configuration, the top speed limit is 250km/h while with the optional dynamic package the top speed is limited to 280km/h. If the dynamic package plus is chosen, the RS 7 will reach a top speed of 305km/h. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 9.8litres/100km.

Exterior Styling Features

The exterior features include standard polished 20-inch forged lightweight wheels in a seven twin-spoke design with optional 21-inch cast wheels available in a choice of three designs. Four internally vented discs feature a weight saving wave design and offer notable braking power while black painted six-piston callipers which are optionally available in red, grip the discs. Carbon fibre ceramic discs with anthracite gray callipers are offered as an option.

Distinctive bumpers and a high gloss black protective grille with honeycomb structure at the front give the Audi RS 7 Sportback a sporty edge to its flowing coupe design. The body comprises 20% aluminium and includes many parts made of high-strength and ultra high-strength steels. The rear-end features a power extending spoiler, a diffuser and two large elliptical tailpipe trims for the exhaust system.

Other optional features include exterior mirrors with carbon fibre housings, all-LED headlights with tinted designer trims and a front centre air inlet that sports a quattro badge, all part of two styling packages – matt aluminium and carbon.

The Audi RS 7 Sportback is available in ten exterior colours including the new shade Nardo grey and the exclusive Daytona grey in matt effect.

Interior Styling Features

Elegance is carried over inside with dial instruments in black faces, white scales and red needles. A 3-D RS 7 logo in the tachometer is a further accent and the steering wheel is in a flat-bottomed three-spoke leather design. The illuminated door entry sills and driver information system also sport RS badges. The footrest, pedals and soft keys in the standard MMI navigation plus terminal have an aluminium look finish while the trim below the retractable monitor sports a piano finish.

RS sport seats feature side bolsters, integrated head restraints and RS 7 logos. They are covered in a combination of black Alcantara and leather, and the centre sections feature diamond quilting. The seats can also be covered alternatively in high-grade, honeycomb quilted Valcona leather in either black or lunar silver. The two rear seats are powerfully contoured and luggage capacity ranges from 535 to 1 390 litres depending on the position of the rear seat backs.

Standard and Optional Features

Carbon inlays are standard with four additional materials available as options. Included in the list of standard equipment are xenon plus headlights, a tire pressure monitoring system, the parking system plus, three-zone automatic air conditioning, cruise control and the Audi sound system. High-end options include a head-up display, a comfort package, dynamic package and the dynamic package plus.

Volkswagen Passat Performance Concept debuts in Detroit

The Volkswagen Passat Performance Concept has officially been unveiled at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. The VW Passat Performance Concept hints at Volkswagen’s efforts to explore the sportier side of the Passat sedan.

Volkswagen Passat Performance Concept gets sporty

Engine Capability

The Volkswagen Passat Performance Concept is fitted with a modified 1.8-litre turbocharged, four-cylinder, direct-injected TSI engine that produces 184kW and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Exterior and Interior Styling Features?

The Passat Performance Concept is differentiated by a dual exhaust, 19-inch ‘Luxor’ alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights including AFS (Advanced Front Lighting System), LED taillights and carbon applications on its mirror caps.

The inside features carbon-like touches that dominate the dashboard which match the carbon-style inserts on two colour leather seating surfaces and complements the black headliner and side pillars. A lowered sport suspension and electro-mechanical steering enhance the handling of the Volkswagen Passat Performance Concept.

Nissan Resonance Concept debuts at 2013 Detroit Auto Show

The Nissan Resonance Concept showing at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show is presented strictly as a design concept and signals Nissan’s future direction for its crossovers. Its futuristic aerodynamic styling and fuel efficient hybrid-electric powertrain proposes a new dynamic and edgy design that aims to set the trend in the popular crossover segment.

Nissan Resonance Concept is a stunner

Engine Capability

Although technical specifications haven’t been revealed, the Nissan Resonance Concept boasts all-wheel drive and a ‘one-motor, two clutch’ system that combines a smaller displacement internal combustion petrol engine with an electric motor/lithium-ion battery as well as an advanced management system. The Resonance also features Nissan’s next generation Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Exterior Styling Features

The Nissan Resonance Concept was designed to express an aerodynamic feel that is lightweight and protective, drawing inspiration from the ‘futuristic allure of hypersonic travel’. The exterior of the Nissan Resonance Concept shows the V-Motion which starts from the front grille and moves through the hood where it resonates with the iconic boomerang shaped headlights.

The use of thin steeply raked A-pillars, a large full-length glass panel and flowing D-pillar design creates the roof’s unique ‘floating’ design. These design attributes contribute to a spacious feel. The body is finished in Flare Orange and is strengthened by powerful surfaces and provocative lines, accented by the flow through the car to the kick-up shape around the D-pillar.

Other exterior features include a tinted acrylic grille with Satin Chrome accents and 22- inch full dynamic flow aluminum alloy wheels.

Interior Features

Exuding elegance and sophistication, the interior features light buttery leather and premium stitched seats, sequential welcome lightning, and natural wood pattern in the modern cabin.

The futuristic ‘VIP lounge’ sports an open glass roof to give passengers a panoramic view and elements like the roof lining add to the sense of space and airy lightness which is enhanced by the sculpted door panels and elegant, deep shape of the centre console. Other details include an advanced instrument panel that floats on a console creating a forum where a driver can access all infotainment and communication features. Technology is graphically layered to give a holographic experience and visual depth is used to separate information in order of importance.

“Resonance is meant to be provocative, energetic and engaging – even polarizing. Its edgy yet sophisticated design, combined with an environmentally sensitive powertrain and intelligent utility provides a clear, exciting view into the future of crossover innovation,” said Francois Bancon, Nissan Motor Co. division general manager, Product Strategy and Planning.

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Alpine Edition in South Africa?

Chrysler South Africa, importer of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brand vehicles is now offering the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Alpine Limited Edition to customers in South Africa. Only 95 units of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Alpine Edition will be made available.

??Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Alpine Limited Edition – Special Features

In addition to the standard Grand Cherokee SRT8 specifications, the Alpine Edition features a unique Bright White paintwork and a Black Vapor Chrome finish on the standard split 5-spoke, 20-inch alloy wheels. Other unique exterior appointments include a Jeep hood badge, Grand Cherokee door badge, front grille surround and inserts, rear light bar and step pad as well as a SRT8 badge accent on the rear liftgate.

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Alpine Edition – Price

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Alpine Edition – R864 990

New Chevrolet Corvette Stingray shown at 2013 Detroit Motor Show

The new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is being showcased at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show. The Stingray incorporates an all-new frame structure and chassis, a new powertrain and supporting technologies, as well as a completely new exterior and interior design.

“Like the ’63 Sting Ray, the best Corvettes embodied performance leadership, delivering cutting-edge technologies, breathtaking design and awe-inspiring driving experiences,” said GM North America President Mark Reuss. “The all-new Corvette goes farther than ever, thanks to today’s advancements in design, technology and engineering.”

New Chevrolet Corvette Stingray takes performance to new heights

Engine Capability

The 2014 Corvette Stingray is powered by an all-new, 6.2-litre LT1 small block V-8 direct fuel injection engine which produces an estimated 335kW and 610Nm of torque. The Corvette Stingray races from zero to 100km/h in less than four seconds. This engine is mated to either a six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission or an industry-exclusive TREMEC TR6070 seven-speed manual with active Rev Matching.

Exterior Styling Features

The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray features a carbon fibre hood and removable roof panel, composite fenders, doors and rear quarter panels, carbon-nano composite under-body panels and new aluminium frame that help shift weight rearward for an optimal 50/50 weight balance that supports a world-class power-to-weight ratio.

Signature lighting that includes frosted light-emitting diode Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), high intensity discharge headlamps and indirect white LED tail-lamps. The tail-lamps integrate functional aircraft-style air outlets for the available differential and transmission coolers.

The Corvette Stingray rides on new Michelin Pilot Super Sport 18 inch front and 19 inch rear wheels.

Interior Styling Features

The inside of the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray continues to feature the craftiness of real carbon fibre, aluminum and hand-wrapped leather materials, two new seat choices that each feature a lightweight magnesium frame for exceptional support available in Nappa leather trim, dual eight inch configurable driver infotainment screens and electric power steering.

At the core of the Corvette Stingray’s driver-focused technologies is the cockpit-mounted Driver Mode Selector, which allows drivers to optimise the car for their driving preference and road conditions via five settings: Weather, Eco, Tour, Sport and Track. Also, a premium 10 speaker audio system includes a bass box and two subwoofer and speakers with rare earth magnets that deliver greater sound quality with reduced weight and size.

2014 BMW Z4 Roadster shown in Detroit

BMW has lifted the wraps off the 2014 Z4 Roadster at the Detroit Auto Show which represents ‘the interplay of classical proportions and state-of-the-art technology’ according to BMW. The new BMW Z4 Roadster comes with new exterior features, detailed interior refinements, a new Hyper Orange design package and the availability of the full range of BMW ConnectedDrive features.

??2014 BMW Z4 Roadster offers choice of three powerful engines

The Z4 Roadster uses BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with three output levels available. The BMW sDrive28i is powered by a TwinPower Turbo 2.0-litre engine that produces 179kW with a maximum torque figure of 353Nm. Zero to 100km/h is achieved in about 5.5 seconds when mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and about 5.6 seconds with the 8-speed automatic transmission. Combined fuel consumption for this variant is rated at 9-litres/100km.

The sDrive35i variant is powered by a N54 TwinPower Turbo 3.0-litre engine that produces 224kW and 407Nm of torque. This variant accelerates to 100km/h in about 5 seconds when mated to a 7-speed DCT transmission (5.1 seconds with 6-speed manual). Combined fuel consumption is rated at 11.2-litres/100km. The top-end sDrive35 is is powered by a higher-output N54 engine that produces 250kW with a maximum torque figure of 450Nm. Acceleration to 100km/h will take about 4.8 seconds when mated to the 7-speed DCT transmission.

2014 ??BMW Z4 Roadster is stylish and sporty

The Z4 Roadster features a sweeping hood, long wheelbase, a low beltline and a low-slung rear end with a low seating position just ahead of the rear axle, which gives the driver and passenger an intense driving experience. The Z4’s hardtop is accommodated in the Roadster’s boot and when closed, seals the smooth flowing roofline while the large windows provide a sense of space in the cabin. The hardtop can be opened by pushing a button while the car is moving at speeds of up to 40km/h and takes 19 seconds to open.

Four round headlights complement the BMW kidney grille and the standard Xenon headlights have a slim design and feature LED light rings which emit daytime running light. The 3-D design of the headlights are further complemented with LED accent lights across the top of the headlights with the metal inserts bearing BMW lettering. Integrated indicators feature chrome-coloured surrounds while the side indicators feature a newly designed tapered surround adding to the appeal of the lights.

Eleven external paint finishes are available for the new Z4 including the new Mineral Grey metallic, Glacier Silver metallic and Valencia Orange metallic which can only be ordered together with the Hyper Orange package. The Z4 Roadster rides on newly designed V-Spoke 18-inch alloy wheels. An M Sport package is also available for the Z4.

BMW Z4 Roaster interior 

The 2014 BMW Z4 Roadster’s interior features a lively contrast of black and orange with the Alcantara door panel trim and the lower section of the instrument panel in orange. The black leather seats feature contrasting Valencia Orange stitching with an accent orange stripe flanked by two thin white lines, running down the centre section of the backrests and seat cushions. The Hyper Orange package also includes a metal weave trim strip which can be combined with decorative elements in high-gloss black for the door openers and gear lever. The central air vents are finished with high-gloss black surrounds and the iDrive control system’s folding Control Display are new features in the Z4’s interior. Kansas leather trim is offered on all three Z4 variants.

The new BMW Z4 can be expected in South Africa later in 2013.

Imperial Toyota Hilux in second place at 2013 Dakar Rally

Giniel de Villiers and co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz had a excellent start to Stage 9 of the Dakar Rally when they led the first half of the two-part 593km special stage between San Miguel de Tucuman and Cordoba in Argentina on Monday. The pair have now moved into second place overall in their Imperial Toyota Hilux, 49 minutes behind leaders Stephane Peterhansel and Jean Paul Cottret (Mini).

??Technical problems provide challenge for Imperial Toyota Hilux

Despite an excellent performance by De Villiers and Von Zitzewitz, they experienced a faulty front brake disc that caused them to slow down in the second half of the stage which was followed by a puncture, which saw them narrowly miss their 14th career Dakar special stage win. After losing 10 minutes, the pair finished the stage in fifth place, 9 minutes 39 seconds behind the winners Nani Roma of Spain and French co-driver Michel Perin (Mini). Peterhansel and Cottret finished in third place.

Stage 9 was a nightmare for Qatar’s Nasser Al-Attiyah and Spanish co-driver Lucas Cruz (Buggy) who started the stage in second overall but had to stop numerous times due to technical problems, leaving their dream of a second Dakar victory in the dust.

Giniel de Villiers had the following to say, “Phew, what a day! It had started super for us, but again proved the old adage: the Dakar is unpredictable. It was a challenging stage which pushed our equipment to the limit, but our South African-built Imperial Toyota Hilux handled it well and I am very satisfied. I am naturally happy that we are now in second place. Even on bad days you can be strong.

Dirk von Zitzewitz commented, “At the beginning everything went well for us. Then on the second section a defective brake disc forced us to slow. Giniel kept a cool head and had the situation under control. The later tyre damage was simply bad luck. We gave it our all through to the finish in order to end the day on a positive note. Now we can look ahead, and are looking forward to the stage to La Rioja

??Dakar Rally – Stage 10

The 632km Stage 10 will take the field north from Cordoba to La Rioja in Argentina. The stage will start with a short 37km liaison section followed by a 353km special stage and a 243km liaison section to the overnight bivouac. This stage is expected to be fast with twisty roads on hard surfaces and with gravel and stones the order of the day as the track passes through wooded areas and barren plateaus. De Villiers and Von Zitzewitz hold fond memories in this area when they drove through it to victory in the 2009 Dakar Rally.

Read up on the previous days action at the link below

Dakar stage 8

MINI JCW Paceman debuts at 2013 Detroit Auto Show

The stylish Mini JCW Paceman showing at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show will be available in four versions including the MINI Cooper S Paceman, and as the seventh unique member to the MINI family, it will sell alongside the Hatch, Clubman, Convertible, Countryman, Coupe and Roadster variants. The MINI JCW Paceman features a new exterior design, lowered suspension and a redesigned interior.

MINI JCW Paceman – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The MINI Paceman will be offered with four engine options, including two diesel options and two petrol options. The petrol variants are powered by a 1.6-litre unit that produces 91kW with a zero-100km/h sprint time of 10.4 seconds and a fuel consumption figure of 6-litres/100km/h. The MINI Cooper S Paceman uses the same engine but has been uprated to deliver 137kW with a zero-100km/h sprint time of 7.5 seconds. Fuel consumption for this variant is rated at 6.1-litres/100km. Finally, the JCW Paceman offers 160 kW.

The diesel variant is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre diesel unit that produces 84kW with a zero-100km/h sprint time of 10.8 seconds. Fuel consumption is rated at 4.4-litres/100km. The flagship diesel MINI Cooper SD Paceman is powered by a 2.0-litre unit that produces 107kW. Zero-100km/h will take 9.2 seconds and this model has a fuel consumption figure of 4.6-litres/100km.

All models can be ordered with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard or a six-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic available as an alternative.

Exterior Styling Features

The contemporary and expressive body shape of the MINI JCW Paceman features prominent horizontal lines and dynamic curved surfaces. The upright front grille is completed with a hexagonal radiator grille and broad chrome surround. The side profile features long doors, while the blacked out pillars create a ‘floating’ roof concept.

Available in either black, white or body colour, the roof slopes towards the rear of the car ending at the integrated spoiler. The horizontal arrangement of the rear lights accentuate the car’s width which is a first for MINI and the Paceman is the only member of the brands line-up to be identified by a rear nameplate.

Interior Styling Features

The MINI JCW Paceman is a four-seater, with rear seats that fold down to expand the rear load-carrying capacity to a maximum of 1080 litres. Armrests have been integrated into the rear trim and front seats offer the driver a raised seating position.

The instrument panel includes a large central speedometer with black surround and decorative inner rings in high gloss black or chrome. The redesigned air vent surrounds are also a new feature while buttons for the windows have been moved to the door trim panel.

Safety Features?

The MINI JCW Paceman provides an extensive range of safety equipment which includes front and side airbags, side curtain airbags fitted in both the front and back of the car. ISOFIX child seat attachments are fitted in the rear and a tyre pressure warning system features on every Paceman.

Standard and Optional Features

Standard features include air conditioning, powered door mirrors and front sports seats, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system that also comprises of a DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) mode including EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) and light alloy wheels in 16-inch and 17-inch sizes.

Optional features include Xenon Adaptive Headlights, Park Distance Control, an electrically operated glass roof and the MINI navigation system. Advanced infotainment functions will be available via MINI Connected.

The MINI JCW Paceman can be expected to reach South Africa in June 2013.