Chevrolet Utility Club 1.8 Review

The sub-one ton bakkie market in South Africa is understandably huge, with a massive need for something that offers passenger car features yet has the ability of carrying just about anything and everything. Let’s check out the Chevrolet Utility.

Chevrolet Utility Club 1.8 – Review by Dave Taylor

Bye Bye Opel Corsa, hello Chevrolet Utility

If you’re reading this you’ll probably know about this vehicle’s heritage. It’s an Opel Corsa Utility. Or it was, until Chevrolet got their hands on it. This is the third generation of the working-class hero and despite it being labelled a commercial vehicle, is actually rather popular amongst the recreation addicts as well as the youth.

Attractive for a light commercial

A lot has changed when you compare this to the previous version. Gone is the curvy front end and in its place is a face which is not too dissimilar to the bigger and brawnier Lumina SS Ute. It’s about time commercial vehicles had a bit of personality added to the design, as opposed to some form-follows-function bean counter’s business plan.

Gutsy performance from the 1.8-litre

On test is a white Chevrolet Utility Club 1.8 which I reckon has both bases of power and economy covered. The 1.8-litre 8-valve engine pushes out 77kW and 161Nm which offers respectable unladen performance. The engine revs freely and it feels slightly racy. I put this down to a short-ratio gearbox, which gives it plenty of low down grunt. There’s a smaller 1.4-litre as well as a 1.3-litre diesel in the range. This engine is good in terms of performance and fuel economy, with Chevrolet claiming 8.1L/100km.

Due to the small size, the Utility is quite fun to drive and the suspension is adequate when it comes to soaking up the road’s imperfections. Once you start loading it up, performance does drop slightly.

Load bay takes everything, and the kitchen sink

The load bay of the Utility is very good, and this is probably one of the reasons why this vehicle sells well. The 1.8 Club version is able to haul 733kg worth of cargo. This vehicle is popular with all walks of life, and the load bay will see a huge variety of stuff thrown in. Florists, plumbers, builders and surfers would love this vehicle. Personally, I think the Utility is best suited to carrying surfboards, a Weber braai and cooler boxes to the beach. In terms of versatility, the Utility is a winner.

Passenger car spec in a bakkie

The Utility’s cabin feels a lot like a passenger car as opposed to a light commercial vehicle. The features list is impressive and seeing Bluetooth/USB/iPod audio system was a pleasant surprise. There’s a digital air conditioning unit, remote central locking and the dashboard looks like something out of the Tron movie with its blue-green lighting. The car comes standard with an airbag for both driver and passenger.

Space in the cabin is to be commended too. One of the big problems I often encounter with bakkies is that there is no space to store things like laptop bags out of sight. We all know what happens when you’re driving in town and you leave a laptop bag or a mobile phone lying on the passenger seat…
However, there’s just enough room behind the driver and passenger seats to squeeze in some luggage

Chevrolet Utility – Conclusion

It may have a light commercial vehicle sticker on it, but you cannot help but think about how good this car would be for students. You don’t need to be a plumber or electrician to consider one of these. You could still fulfill your business obligations if you need a small bakkie, but I reckon this is just perfect for someone’s first car. It’s safe, offers good performance plus there’s a practical load bay which would be very handy.

Then there’s that price. Chevrolet has priced it exceptionally well and your Rands get you something decent. This is a very good package, and now you know why there are so many of them on the roads.

View the new Chevrolet Utility

Chevrolet Utility Club – Price

Chevrolet Utility – R161 200

  • Why you should: Cheap to buy, cheap to run, good performance, decent spec, useful payload
  • Why you shouldn’t: Some aspects of the cabin feel a little too cheap.
  • It would be better if: the safety features were present across the entire range. Not every Ute model receives ABS with EBD.
  • Competitors worth checking out: Nissan NP200

New Toyota 86 now in South Africa

The new Toyota 86 sports car is now available in South Africa with three models on offer, namely the 86 Standard 6-speed manual, 86 High 6-speed manual and the 86 High 6-speed automatic. The new Toyota 86 offers a spirited sport driving experience along with an eye-catching design and accessible pricing to make it a well-rounded product for sport car enthusiasts.

New Toyota 86 brings fun back in driving

Engine Capability

The new Toyota 86 is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre Subaru engine with Toyota’s D-4S technology that produces 147kW at 7 000rpm and displays a maximum torque figure of 205Nm available between 6 400 to 6 600rpm. This translates into a 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.6 seconds for the manual while the automatic variant will take 8.2 seconds. The top speed for the manual variant is 226km/h while the automatic will reach 210km/h.

Combined-cycle fuel consumption is rated at 7.8-litres/100km for the manual and 7.1-litres/100km for the automatic. Corresponding CO2 emission figures are 181g/km and 164g/km respectively.

Exterior Styling

The new Toyota 86 is 4.24m long, 1.285m tall with a wheelbase of 2.57m, making it the “world’s most compact four-seater sports car”. The 86 takes on a road hugging stance with a 400mm driver hip-point, the lowest for any Toyota thus far. The new Toyota 86 only weighs 1220 and its lightweight design means that it is more than capable of handling tighter bends. The 86 incorporates two key design elements namely ‘Under Priority’ and ‘Keen Look’. ‘Under Priority’ places emphasis on an enlarged lower grille with attention paid to the lower sections for a more assertive appearance. ‘Keen Look’ expresses vibrancy and clarity throughout the 86’s design.

Interior Styling

The new Toyota 86 displays a distinctly driver-focused cockpit with functional instrument arrangements to make driving as ‘natural’ as possible. The horizontal dashboard design helps communicate the 86’s roll posture to the driver while its symmetrical construction allows the driver to perceive the centre line while driving. The 365mm buckskin steering wheel is also the smallest steering wheel ever fitted in a Toyota.

The seats are designed for maximum comfort during spirited driving and under normal driving conditions. The High models feature a combination of Alcantara and leather while the standard model benefits from newly designed non-slip, suede-like fabric that is both breathable and durable. The one-piece rear seatback can also be folded to create more space. All models have seven airbags including driver, passenger, side, curtain and driver knee airbags.

Standard Features

The Standard 86 includes 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, remote central locking, electric windows, multi-information system, leather steering wheel, six speaker CD sound system with USB, MP3 and Auxiliary compatibility, ABS and Stability Control. The High 86 models add HID headlamps with LED accents, 17-inch alloy wheels and headlamp cleaners fitted as standard. The High 86 models also include a frameless rear-view mirror, digital speedometer, cruise control, Smart Start with push start button and fully automatic climate control.

New Toyota 86 – Price

Toyota 86 Standard 6-speed Manual R298 500
Toyota 86 High 6-speed Manual R329 400
Toyota 86 High 6-speed Automatic R346 500

All models include a 4-year/60 000km Service Plan with service intervals at 15 000km, 3-year/100 000km warranty and 24hr ToyotaCare roadside assistance.

New Chrysler 300C Luxury Series in South Africa

Chrysler has revealed details of its all-new flagship Luxury Series sedan that is now available in South Africa. The new Chrysler 300C Luxury Series includes the petrol-powered 3.6-litre V6, the diesel-powered 3.0-litre V6 and the high performance SRT8 6.4-litre V8.

New Chrysler 300C Luxury Series set to impress

Engine Capability

The 3.6-litre V6 Pentastar engine produces 210kW at 6 350rpm and displays a maximum torque figure of 340Nm at 4 650rpm. The combined-cycle fuel consumption figure for this model is 9.7-litres/100km with a CO2 emission rating of 227g/km. 0-100km/h is achieved in 7.7 seconds with a top speed of 240km/h. This engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel variant is mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission and produces 176kW at 4 000rpm with a maximum torque figure of 550Nm available from 1 800 and 2 800rpm. The 0-100km/h sprint is accomplished in 7.8 seconds with a top speed of 232km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.2-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 192g/km.

The SRT8 on the other hand is fitted with a powerful 6.4-litre HEMI V8 that produces 347kW at 6 100rpm and has a maximum torque figure of 631Nm available at 4 150rpm. The SRT8 makes use of a 5-speed automatic transmission and will sprint to 100km/h in 5.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 280km/h. Fuel consumption for the SRT8 is rated at 13-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 303g/km.

Styling Features

Interior features for the new Chrysler 300C Luxury Series Sedan includes a leather wrapped instrument cluster, cluster brow, centre console side panels and door panels. Nappa leather covers the door armrest, bolster and centre console armrest. The seats are wrapped in Nappa Leather. Natural Pore Mocha wood trim finishes off the interior.

On the outside, 20-inch aluminium wheels add to the 300C’s design along with platinum chrome fascia accents, exterior mirror caps and door handle accents. The platinum-chrome mesh grille gives the Luxury Series a distinct appearance.

Standard Features

Features for the new Chrysler 300C Luxury Series sedan include a large 8.4-inch touchscreen with Uconnect infotainment system, LED-illuminated instrument cluster, power tilt and telescoping steering column with memory, power sunshade, ambient lit foot well lighting, power mirrors, LED-illuminated interior door handles, front and rear map pockets and dual heated and cooled cup holders.

Safety features include ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Brake Assistance, Hill Start Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Rear Cross Path Detection (RCP) and seven airbags.

New Chrysler 300C Luxury Series – Price

Chrysler 300C Luxury Series 3.6L V6 8spd R479 990
Chrysler 300C Luxury Series 3.0L CRD V6 5spd R539 990
Chrysler 300C SRT8 6.4L V8 R629 990

New Lexus LS Range coming to South Africa

The new Lexus LS range will be introduced to South Africa at the end of 2012. However, details regarding the model line-up and pricing will only be available closer to launch. The new Lexus LS range has undergone a remarkable revamp that incorporates a refreshing bold design with high levels of luxury, refinement and enhanced driving dynamics. Possible models on offer are the LS 460, LS 460L, LS 600hL Hybrid and the first-ever LS 460 F SPORT.

New Lexus LS Range – Styling and Features

Exterior Styling

According to Lexus, more than 3 000 detail changes were made to the new LS range. Similar to the recently launched Lexus GS, the LS also incorporates Lexus’ ‘spindle’ grille design which adds to its road presence and perpetuates Lexus’ bold design language.

The ‘spindle’ grille is accented with new headlights and vertical L-shaped fog lights. LED lights are available all-round, including head, tail, fog lights and daytime running lights. The new Lexus LS range also benefits from a sharper and more refined exterior design. Using laser screw welding, body adhesives and other reinforcements, the body of the LS is more rigid which enhances its stability on the road as well as handling and steering feel. The LS also makes use of adaptive variable suspension that improves handling along with revised steering that enhances accuracy and turn-in response. The new Drive Mode Select offers five driving modes including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+ modes.

Interior Styling

The driver-orientated interior is divided into two distinct zones. The upper zone incorporates a large 12.3-inch LCD multi-display screen while the lower zone allows access to system controls such as the second generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI). The all-new Lexus Climate Concierge offers maximum comfort for all passengers. The customisable system uses multiple sensors to automatically regulate the cabin temperature as well as the climate control seats and heated steering wheel.

Safety Features

The new Lexus LS range offers an Advanced Pre-Collision Safety System (APCS) that can detect stationary or moving pedestrians and brings the vehicle to a stop if an imminent collision is detected. An upgraded Lane-Keep Assist system (LKA) assists the driver to remain in the intended lane.

New to the LS is the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) which uses radar to detect vehicles in blind spot areas which includes Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) which helps detect vehicles while reversing from a parking bay. The Automatic High Beam system uses a camera that detects light sources in front of the vehicle and automatically switches the high beams on and off.

Further details regarding the launch of the new Lexus LS range will be made later in the year.

Chevrolet Lumina SS Ute Review

Chevrolet is a brand more commonly known for its dinky rentals and little commercial bakkies, but amidst the sensibility lies an outrageous, hooligan of a vehicle. It’s called the Chevrolet Lumina SS Ute and follows a stupidly simple recipe for hedonistic behaviour. What would happen if you combined a 6.0-litre V8 engine from a Corvette with a low-slung pickup truck?
You get the biggest and baddest bakkie on sale in South Africa. How does the brute Ute fare?

Chevrolet Lumina SS Ute – Review by Dave Taylor

Monster Corvette-sourced power

This is the result and it’s frankly quite hilarious. Originally from Australia under the Holden badge, this monster looks purpose-built for power thanks to its massive alloy wheels and four exhaust pipes out the back. Those pipes aren’t just for show either, as underneath that big bonnet lies the heart of an American muscle car. The 6.0-litre V8 has 270kW and 530Nm which sound a lot like sports car figures. Hang on, this is a bakkie we’re reviewing here.

It’s rather nimble off the line and you’ll see 100km/h come up in about 6.5 seconds, but the fun doesn’t stop there as all that torque will keep thrusting you along until you reach startling figures. This vehicle has tremendous amounts of in-gear torque, which in English means overtaking is most entertaining as you effortlessly leave slower traffic behind. Then there’s that sound. While most small cars have a distinctly mechanical and appliance-like sound to them, this sounds like there’s a thunderstorm trapped inside the engine bay.

Chevrolet Lumina SS Ute is a hands-on driving machine

The Lumina may be a bakkie, but there’s no four-wheel drive. This is rear-wheel drive only and with that monster engine upfront, it all makes for interesting moments when negotiating corners. See, there’s no weight on the back and the rear end likes to break traction and the car gets a little sideways.

This is exaggerated when it’s wet, but the car’s clever traction control keeps it manageable. If you were to own one, just drive with your wits about you when it’s raining. The big downside to all this is the fuel consumption. That V8 is powerful, but it needs to considerable amounts of unleaded. During my time with the vehicle I averaged around the 14L/100km.

Now this may all sound like childish behaviour (it is a little), but when you take your foot off the loud pedal, the Lumina SS Ute actually offers rather decent ride quality. It’s smooth on the open road and the engine rev counter barely registers 2000rpm as you trundle along at the national speed limit. It’s a hands-on vehicle when in bumper-to-bumper traffic though, due to the heavy action of the clutch and gearbox.

Crazy on the outside, sensible interior

It may have hooligan traits, but inside the cabin it is quite grown up and comfortable. It may only seat two, but these are comfortable features which rival most midrange sedans. There’s a touchscreen radio with iPod/USB/Mp3 connectivity, satellite navigation, climate control, automatic windscreen wipers, a comprehensive trip computer, cruise control as well as automatic headlamps.

There’s also neat stowage compartments located behind the driver and passenger seats. These power seats are leather, by the way. It also boasts numerous safety features and I can complement the brakes for being exceptionally strong. There are six airbags fitted too.

Summary – Chevrolet Lumina SS Ute

This Lumina SS Ute is an oddball in the motoring world. It’s a bakkie which can’t go offroad, drinks a lot of petrol, seats two and snacks on boy racers in their GTI hatchbacks. Or, if you look at it from my point-of-view it’s a fun sports car with a massive tarpaulin-covered boot. Despite its craziness, there’s no shortage of Lumina Utes on the road and they clearly have their fans as many have been customised to go even faster.

View the new Chevrolet Lumina SS Ute

Chevrolet Lumina SS Ute – Price

Chevrolet Lumina SS Ute – R467 800

  • Why you should: The closest we’ll get to a muscle car. Loud, proud and fast. Surprisingly comfortable highway cruiser. Rear load bay can swallow a lot of cargo.
  • Why you shouldn’t: Can be a handful to drive if you’re inexperienced, drinks fuel and will go through rear tyres if you’re heavy-footed.
  • It would be better if: Leave it alone. It’s such a special and unique vehicle.
  • Competitors worth checking out: To be honest, it has this corner of the market all by itself as it’s a niche product.

All-Round Success at Total Economy Run

The 36th Total Economy Run was held in White River, Mpumalanga from 27 July to 28 July 2012 that covered a distance of 1 105km with 53 crews and 21 manufacturers battling it out to determine South Africa’s most fuel efficient passenger vehicle.

Overall winners included the 1.6-litre Diesel Ford Fiesta Trend Auto driven by Stuart Greig and Wynand Gerber came first in the L Class with an average fuel consumption of 4.485-litres/100km. The lowest consuming petrol passenger car in South Africa is the Peugeot 107 that was driven by Jeanette Kok Kritzinger and Riette Wannenburg who recorded a fuel consumption figure of 5.063-litres/100km.

The Toyota Yaris Hybrid is South Africa’s most economical hybrid car and was driven by Willie Nel and Willie Nel Jnr with an average fuel consumption figure of 5.068-litres/100km.

All vehicles that participated in the Total Economy Run were standard vehicles with no alterations to assist fuel efficiency. An assigned observer for each vehicle ensured that all road and competition rules were adhered to.

Wireless Pedestrian Detection Technology for General Motors

Researchers at General Motors are currently developing a driver assistance feature that is capable of detecting pedestrians and bicyclists before the driver is aware of them, particularly on congested streets or in poor visibility conditions.

The feature relies on Wi-Fi Direct, the peer-to-peer wireless standard, which can be integrated with sensor-based object detection and driver alert systems that are already available on many production vehicles and will help detect pedestrians and bicyclists who are carrying smartphones with Wi-Fi Direct. General Motors also plans to develop a complementary app for Wi-Fi Direct capable smartphones that frequent road users can download, allowing Wi-Fi Direct-equipped vehicles to identify them.

Wireless pedestrian detection forms part of GM’s ongoing development of vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication systems that aim to provide advance warning about hazards on the road such as slow moving vehicles, slippery roads or intersections and stop signs.

“This new wireless capability could warn drivers about pedestrians who might be stepping into the roadway from behind a parked vehicle, or bicyclists who are riding in the car’s blind spot,” said Nady Boules, GM Global R&D director of the Electrical and Control Systems Research Lab. “Wi-Fi Direct has the potential to become an integral part of the comprehensive driver assistance systems we offer on many of our Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC vehicles.”

Live Brilliant with the Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS

The Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS is testament to Hyundai’s commitment to provide quality and emotionally inspired products. It’s no surprise then that the Elantra 1.8 GLS was crowned South Africa’s Car of the Year for 2012 with its laudable styling that combines luxury and elegance while offering an exciting motoring package at an affordable price.

Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS

Engine Capability

The Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS sedan is fitted with a 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol unit that is made of lightweight aluminium and features Continuously Variable Valve Timing which contributes to lower fuel consumption. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission that allows for smooth gear changing. Power output is rated at 110kW with a fuel consumption figure of only 6.5-litres/100km. The Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS also boasts a low CO2 emissions figure of only 155g/km.

Exterior and Interior Styling

The Elantra’s stylish curves and sleek demeanour are attributed to Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design philosophy. The low roofline along with its curvy lines, project a dynamic yet sporty persona that sets the Elantra apart from its competitors. As if crafted by the force of wind, the Elantra adopts a specific design concept called ‘Wind Craft’ and can be seen in its sharply creased character lines that flow from the A-pillar along the hood and into the front bumper.

The interior is equally impressive and exudes a refined look. The use of high-gloss black and metallic colours offers a high-tech appeal to an already well finished interior. The interior cabin is both luxurious and spacious offering comfortable seating for five people and the luggage compartment offers a roomy 420-litres of space. The instrument cluster uses the latest display technology and offers a 4-speaker audio system with two tweeters and a Radio/CD Player that is USB, MP3, iPod and iPhone compatible.

Safety Features

The Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS offers a high level of safety features which include an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) which uses sensors that feed data to a microprocessor that brakes wheels individually to help maintain control during sudden braking or in sharp turns. Six airbags offer passive safety and include dual front and dual seat-mounted side impact airbags as well as dual side curtain airbags. Isofix child seat attachments are also included.

The Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS comes with a 5-year/150 000km warranty and a 5-year/90 000km service plan with roadside assistance for five years or 150 000km.

New BMW X6 available in South Africa

The new BMW X6 is now available in South Africa and features a wide range of design and equipment modifications. The BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupé now includes the new M50d in the range alongside familiar models such as the xDrive40d, xDrive35i , xDrive30d, xDrive50i and the X6 M.

New BMW X6 range introduces M performance diesel model

The new X6 makes use of BMW’s TwinPower Turbo Technology which contributes to pulling power and helps achieve improved fuel consumption figures. The X6 xDrive50i features a 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine that delivers 300kW of power with a maximum torque figure of 600Nm available at between 1 750 and 4 500rpm. Overall fuel consumption is rated at 12.5-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 292g/km. 0-100km/h is achieved in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 250km/h.

The xDrive40d is equipped with a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder diesel engine that produces 225kW with a maximum torque figure of 600Nm available between 1 500 and 2 500rpm. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.5-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions rating of 198g/km. The 0-100km/h sprint is done in 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 236km/h.

The xDrive35i is fitted with a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder petrol engine that develops 225kW with a maximum torque figure of 400Nm available between 1 200 and 5 000rpm. It will reach a top speed of 240km/h with a 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.7 seconds. Fuel consumption is rated at 10.1-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions rating of 236g/km.

The new BMW M Performance X6 M50d features a newly developed 3.0-litre in-line 6-cylinder diesel engine that produces 280kW with an impressive maximum torque figure of 740Nm available at between 2 000 and 3 000rpm. The top speed for this model is 250km/h and will sprint to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.7-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 204g/km. The X6 M model delivers 408kW from its V8 engine and is mated to a 6-speed M Sport automatic transmission. All other models make use of an 8-speed sports transmission with shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel.

New BMW X6 boasts new advanced features

The new BMW X6 features ‘precisely modified details’ which include re-positioned fog lights set in matt finish surrounds, a revised BMW kidney grille and optional adaptive LED headlamps (bi-xenon headlamps standard). Adaptive LED headlights are fitted as standard on the X6 M. New horizontally aligned LED lights are also found on the rear-end. The standard Navada leather trim is now also available in Vermilion Red.

Standard features for the new BMW X6 include two non-metallic and eight metallic paint finishes. 19-inch alloy wheels come standard for the new X6 while the xDrive 50i now features a new double spoke design in bi-colour. Optional 20-inch alloy wheels in Y-spoke bi-colour design are also available. Exclusive Nappa leather is available as an option in either Black or Ebony White. The four-seater X6 can also include a three-seater rear bench as an option. Luggage space is estimated at 570 litres that can be extended to 1 450 litres by folding down the rear seats.

The optional M Sport Edition is also offered for the new X6 and includes 20-inch M light alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlamps, BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line, black fog light surrounds and M door sill cover strips. The interior benefits from electrically adjustable sports seats with memory function, M-specific Alacantara/Nappa leather combination with contrasting stitching, M leather steering wheel with shift paddles, M driver footrest, stainless steel pedals, Aluminium Flywheel black interior strips and the BMW Individual roof liner in anthracite.

New BMW X6 Price

BMW X6 xDrive35i R 790 500
BMW X6 xDrive40d R 847 000
BMW X6 xDrive50i R 978 500
BMW X6 M50d R 1 057 000
BMW X6 M R 1 398 528

Audi R8 gets makeover

The Audi R8 has undergone a styling revamp for 2013 and now includes the new R8 V10 plus in the range. The updated R8 range also benefits from a new 7-speed S Tronic dual clutch transmission alongside the 6-speed manual transmission. The Audi R8 is available in Coupé or Spyder guise with the new R8 V10 plus only available as a coupé.

Audi R8 delivers remarkable performance

Engine Capability

The entry-level 4.2-litre V8 engine offers 316kW at 7 900rpm with a maximum torque figure of 430Nm available between 4 500 and 6 000rpm. As a coupé with S Tronic, the R8 V8 will accelerate to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 300km/h. In manual guise the figures are 4.6 seconds and 302km/h respectively. The R8 V8 Spyder also achieves a top speed of 300km/h with acceleration at 4.5 seconds to 100km/h with S Tronic and 4.8 seconds with the six-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is in the region of 12.4-litres/100km.

The 5.2-litre V10 engine produces 386kW at 8 000rpm with a maximum torque figure of 530Nm. The Audi R8 V10 Coupé with S Tronic will accelerate to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 314km/h. In manual guise, the R8 V10 Coupé accelerates to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 316km/h. The R8 V10 Spyder with S Tronic completes the 100km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 311km/h. In manual guise the R8 V10 Spyder achieves 100km/h in 4.1 seconds with a top speed of 313km/h. Fuel consumption is in the region of 13.1-litres/100km for the R8 V10 variant.

The new flagship Audi R8 V10 plus Coupé develops 404kW with a maximum torque figure of 540Nm available at 6 500rpm. With S Tronic, the R8 V10 plus accelerates to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of 317km/h. In manual guise, 0-100km/h is achieved in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 319km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 12.9-litres/100km.

Styling Upgrades

Styling upgrades include a high-gloss black single-frame grille with horizontal chrome inserts for the V10 variants as well as a new bumper with air inlets bearing three crossbars each. An optional front splitter made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) is available and is fitted as standard on the Audi R8 V10 Plus. LED headlights are now fitted as standard across the R8 range. The rear-end is also defined with the inclusion of LED lights as well as large round tailpipes.

On the inside, adjustable sport seats are optional for the V8 variants and fitted as standard on the V10 models. Depending on the model, the upholstery includes a combination of Alcantara and leather or Fina Nappa. Bucket seats are also available as an option and are fitted as standard on the R8 V10 plus. Interior equipment includes the navigation system plus as well as a Bang & Olufsen Sound System fitted as standard.

The updated Audi R8 range will reach European customers at the end of 2012 and can be expected in South Africa in 2013.