Lexus LS 600h L Landaulet drives down the aisle

It takes quite a special occasion for an company like Lexus to design and build a one of a kind custom car but the wedding of the Prince of Monaco to our very own Charlene Wittstock is just such an occasion. The wedding will take place on Saturday the 2nd of July and the Lexus LS 600h L Landaulet, which will be used to tour the principality after the wedding ceremony.

Lexus LS 600h L Landaulet boasts impressive technology

This L Landaulet is based on the Lexus LS 460 and LS 600h L and is described by Lexus as being: “the pinnacle of technology in the luxury segment”. The Lexus LS 600h L Landaulet was designed by Belgian coachbuilders Carat Duchatelet along with a team of engineers from Lexus and took over 2000 hours to complete. In order to shape and mold the necessary custom parts, the car was completely dismantled and then re-assembled. These custom parts needed to be “cooked” onto the bare chassis of the car in a specially prepared oven.

The one-piece transparent polycarbonate roof was a particular challenge as it has no reinforcements or pillars. The roof had to be specially built in France and is similar in composition to windshields used in helicopters as well as jet fighter canopies. All of this design and ingenuity has resulted in a car that maintains the same standards as the car it has been based on, while at the same time providing a great view for the new couple as well as the many onlookers.

Citroen DS3 Racing Limited Edition revealed

Following on from Fiat’s special edition 500 150th edition, Citroen bring us the DS3 Racing, another special edition to get your heart pumping. As far as limited editions go, the Citroen DS3 Racing is particularly limited, with only 1000 units being produced and of that only 10 will be available in South Africa.

Citroen DS3 Racing offers a sporty drive

The Citroen DS3 Racing is based on the top of the range DS3 Sport THP 150 and has been modified and developed by the Citroen Racing Team. The sporty engine is a 1.6 litre 4-cylinder THP (high pressure turbo) petrol. It develops 152 kW (207 hp) which is almost 30% more than the standard unit. This allows it to complete 0-100km/h in just 6.5 seconds with a maximum speed of 235km/h.

Also on the list of changes; the powertrain’s components have been modified and optimized, the turbo has been tuned for performance and the engine control unit has been re-mapped. Also a special tail-pipe and muffler have been added. The steering has been made more precise, the suspension has been stiffened, front and rear shock-absorbers have been fitted to deal with the increased power and the front and rear tracks have been widened. Lastly, the Citroen DS3 Racing has been lowered by 15mm, something of a prerequisite when it comes to sporty cars.

Looks-wise, the car has a sporty carbon finish along with chrome door handles and exhaust pipe. The body trim has also been lowered and now sits on large 18 inch alloy wheels. The interior continues the same theme, with carbon trim on the dashboard, centre console, steering wheel embellisher, armrests and door side mouldings. The sport seats contain orange elements and are embossed with “Citroen Racing”.

Citroen DS3 Racing – Price

Citroen DS3 Racing Edition – R399 900.

Fiat 500 150th Limited Edition Revealed

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Italy’s unification, Fiat bring us the special Fiat 500 150th Limited Edition. This new limited edition was on display at the Piazza in Monte Casino from the 16th to the 19th of June. This Fiat 500 150th Limited Edition is so limited though, that only 28 of them have been made.

Special appointments for Fiat 500 150th Limited Edition

As to what exactly separates this limited edition from the standard Fiat 500; the 150th edition will be available in Bossa Nova White, Pasadoble Red or Funk white. There is also a commemorative badge on the B-pillar as well as a similar carpet set and unique key ring. Added to this, there are 5-spoke 15 inch sport alloy wheels, the rear spoiler matches the body colour and the roof is fixed metal, as apposed to the glass sunroof in the standard Fiat 500.

Engine Performance

Under the hood the engine has remained unchanged from the standard Fiat 500. It still has the 1.4 16 valve engine that produces 73.5 kW of power and 131 Nm of torque at 4250 rpm. This allows it to complete 0-100km/h in 10.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 182 km/h. Fuel consumption is also decent, clocking in at just 6.1 litres / 100km in a mixed cycle.

Fiat 500 150th Limited Edition – Price

Fiat 500 150th Limited Edition – R152 480 (including CO2 Tax).

Mini Coupe spices up segment

Mini continues to impose itself on different segments of the small car market, this time bringing us the new Mini Coupe. This is Mini’s first outing into the 2-seater segment with its current model lineup and it looks promising. Mini describe the car as cutting-edge with a new interpretation of the super-compact sports car class.

New style for Mini Coupe

The distinctive Mini “helmet roof” design is obviously present in the Mini Coupe while the rear has the classic style of a gran turismo. The Mini Coupe is up to 52 millimetres lower than the current Mini to emphasize the sporty feel even further. The new Mini Coupe’ is also the first Mini with an active rear spoiler which optimizes airflow at high speeds; it extends automatically at 80km/h.

Even for the super-compact class, Mini have still maximized storage in the Coupe. With only two seats, extra storage space has become available behind the driver and passenger seats. Loading has also been made easier thanks to a wide and high-opening tailgate, allowing for some much needed utility.

Engine Power

The new Mini Coupe comes with the latest generation, BMW developed, 4-cylinder engine, which is the most powerful in the Mini range. The top of the line Mini John Cooper Works Coupe produces 155 kW (211 hp), while the Cooper S Coupe produces 135 kW (184 hp). The Mini Cooper Coupe and SD Coupe round off the range with the latter producing 105 kW (143 hp). The vehicle is extremely efficient thanks in large to what Mini calls a range of standard Minimalism technologies. A 6-speed manual gearbox comes as standard, with an automatic available as an option for the Cooper S, the SD and the standard Coupe.

New BMW M5 unleashed

The 5th generation BMW M5, the most successful high-performance saloon in the premium segment of the executive class has been let out of its cage. The high-performance and dynamic 4-door sports car has received a number of improvements but none as much as the improvement in fuel economy.

New BMW M5 is powerful, fast and economical

Under the hood, the new BMW M5 comes fitted with a newly developed high-performance 4.4 litre V8 engine with a M TwinPower Turbo package. The turbo package consists of Twin Scroll Twin Turbo technology, cross-bank exhaust manifold, high precision direct injection and Valvetronic full variable valve control. All of this results in 412 kW power output at 6 000 to 7 000 rpm and a maximum torque of 680Nm from 1 500 rpm of lag-free power. This allows the new BMW M5 to complete 0-100km/h in just 4.4 seconds and 0-200km/h in 13 seconds, with a top speed of 250km/h (305 km/h with the M Drivers package).

The new BMW M5’s fuel economy has received the most love though, with the average fuel consumption clocking in at 9.9 litres/100km, which is close to a 30% improvement over the previous model. Improvements have been made to the Efficient Dynamics technology, as well as including Auto Start-Stop function and Brake Energy Regeneration.

To top off the package, the new BMW M5 comes with a number of driver assistance systems, including BMW ConnectedDrive, M-specific HUD (as standard), BMW Night Vision (with pedestrian recognition), Lane changing and lane departure warning system as well as internet connectivity.

Look for more information and details on a local release date as they become available.

Ford Eco Driving Challenge wraps up

The final leg of the Ford Eco Driving Challenge ended last weekend in Cape Town. The challenge involved 3 groups of 6 participants who would race the Ford Figo TDCi across South Africa. The challenge involved a number of journalists from the likes of Cosmopolitan magazine, Seventeen magazine and participants from Ford South Africa’s Facebook page.

Fuel economy test for Ford Eco Driving Challenge

The first stage saw the drivers making their way from Johannesburg to Durban on a single tank of fuel, with the second group driving from Durban to East London and the final leg seeing the drivers head to Cape Town from Port Elizabeth. In the end the challenge was won by two of Ford South Africa’s Facebook fans; Crystle-Lynne Moore and her brother Bryce. They will now go on to join the Ford team in the 2011 Total Economy Run, happening later this year.

The drivers in the challenge clocked their Figo’s fuel consumption in at just 4.58 litres/100km which is lower than the rate set by professional drivers over the same course.

Mazda2 gets a facelift

Mazda in Japan have released details on the updated Mazda2 or as it’s called in Japan, the Mazda Demio. The look has been given a slight sport facelift and it is the first vehicle to be equipped with Mazda’s direct injection 1.3 litre SkyAcriv petrol engine. The fuel economy has also been looked at and improved via a number of new features.

Improved efficiency for new Mazda2

These new efficiency figures are thanks to the world’s highest compression ratio of 14.0:1 as well as being equipped with Mazda’s i-stop, a unique idling stop system. The i-stop system has been improved and updated to operate more frequently and requires less fuel to restart. This has resulted in a fuel economy of 3.4 litres/100km, a seriously impressive stat.

Another new feature in the updated Mazda2 13-SkyActiv is the i-DM (intelligent-Drive Master), a driver aid system that encourages comfortable driving for the passengers as well as a driving style that will improve fuel economy. The system displays various statistics on the dashboard as the car is driven, providing real-time feedback on how the car is being driven and provides practical advice at the end of every trip. This is done by monitoring the movement of the steering wheel, the vehicle speed as well as the accelerator and the brakes.

Improved Ride Comfort

Ride comfort has also been addressed; the new Mazda2 has enhanced stability and ride comfort due to increased body rigidity, retuned dampers and improved bush characteristics on the rear-trailing arm mounts. The car also uses drive force control, which optimizes torque delivery from the engine and responds precisely to slight movements of the accelerator pedal to provide as smooth a ride as possible.

The new Mazda2 will be available in a choice of 11 exterior body colours, including Aquatic Blue Mica and Burgundy Red Mica. The Mazda2 is up for release in Japan at the moment. If it receives a local release, look for more information and details as they become available.

2011 Renault Sandero now in South Africa

The new 2011 Renault Sandero range is now available in South Africa and comes with a number of improvements on the previous range. As always though, the range focuses on affordability, value and spaciousness, with particular emphasis on spaciousness, something that is not always present in other hatchbacks in the segment. The new Sandero has the best-in-class interior accommodation and luggage space, a factor that should set it apart in its class.

Three engine options for 2011 Renault Sandero

The 1.4 Ambiance is the only car in its category to be fitted with ABS brakes, with electronic brake force distribution as well as driver and front passenger airbags. The 1.4 litre 4 cylinder engine produces 55kW at 5 500 r/min allowing it to complete 0-100km/h in 13 seconds and maxing out at 161km/h. The average fuel consumption comes in at 7 litres/100km and its CO2 emissions run at 164 g/km.

For some extra oomph, the 1.6 Dynamique is also available. It is the only car in its category to come with 15 inch alloy wheels as standard and has the largest dimensions in its class. It is powered by a 1 598cc 8-valve multi-point fuel injected engine that produces 64 kW at 5 500 r/min, this results in a 0-100km/h time of just 11.5 seconds and a top speed of 175km/h. The average fuel consumption is only slightly higher than the 1.4, clocking in at 7.2 litres/100km.

Topping off the 2011 Renault Sandero range is the more stylish 1.6 Stepway. Compared to the Dynamique; the Stepway’s ride height is increased by 20mm, the wheels are 16 inch alloy, front fog lights have been included along with black/satin chrome roof bars. Additional satin chrome finishes round off the door mirrors, door handles, front and back skid plates and exhaust outlet.

2011 Renault Sandero – Price

Renault Sandero 1.4 Amiance – R104 900
Renault Sandero 1.6 Dynamique – R124 900
Renault Sandero 1.6 Stepway – R149 900

New Opel Astra GTC Revealed

The new Opel Astra GTC will make its world premier on the 15th of September at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt. It will also make an appearance at the Goodwood festival of speed, happening next month.

Sporty design for new Opel Astra GTC

The exterior of the new Opel Astra GTC has been designed to emphasize “drama” by limiting the number of lines running down the side of the car. The direct relation of drama to number of lines is something that Opel will need to clarify at some point. That said, the car looks slick and sporty and is certainly pleasing to look at.

Improved handling

The front suspension architecture of the new Opel Astra GTC, which is similar to that of the Opel Insignia OPC, improves the handling performance of the car with sharper steering. All Astra GTC models will come with front suspension High Performance Strut (HiPerStrut). This improves the wheel-guidance and grip as well as reducing torque-steering and improving cornering power.

Compared to the standard 5-door Astra, the ride height of the GTC has been lowered by 15mm, the wheelbase has increased by 10mm and the tracks are also wider. This has allowed the GTC to use sport wheels that have enhanced tyre diameter and create improved stability and road stance.

Engine Choice

At launch the car will be available with a choice of 3 petrol and 1 diesel engine options. The engine options include a 2.0 CDTI common-trail turbo diesel which produces 121 kW/165 hp and is fitted to a 6-speed manual transmission, which completes 0-100km/h in 8.9 seconds. Start/Stop technology comes as standard and results in a combined fuel economy of just 4.9 litres/100km.

The two 1.4 litre turbo-compressed petrol options produce 99 kW/120 hp and 103 kW/140 hp, both with a 6-speed manual transmission. Their fuel economy stats clock in at 5.9 litres/100km. The top of the line petrol engine is the 1.6 litre turbo which produces 132 kW/180 hp, also with a 6-speed transmission and a top speed of 220km/h.

VW Golf GTI Cabriolet Concept Uncovered

More details of the VW Golf GTI Cabriolet concept have surfaced at its world debut at lake Worthersee in Austria. Unlike the Golf cabriolet though, the VW Golf GTI cabriolet is still just a concept car for the time being and figures may change should the car reach the production lines.

Sporty look and feel for VW Golf GTI Cabriolet Concept

The sport feel is emphasized by razor-sharp lines and styling, with the front and rear spoilers, as well as the side sills bearing motor-sport design elements. The front fog lights have been replaced by air vents that cool the high-performance brakes. The wheels are Glendale 19” alloys, with the brake calipers painted in “Tornado red”.

The interior is decked out with Nappa leather seats and GTI logos on the headrests. The gear shift, parking brake, leather steering wheel and many other areas of the interior continue the “Flash red” styling all the way to the piping on the floor mats.

The VW Golf GTI cabriolet concept is no slouch on performance, the engine produces 155 kW / 210 PS which is equal to the standard GTI. This enables it to complete 0-100km/h in just 7 seconds, with a maximum speed of 240km/h.

Look for more information on the VW Golf GTI Cabriolet if it makes it into production.