Trumpchi GS8 is a Chinese crossover with Toyota tech
A seven-seater crossover with global appeal, from China.
You have probably never heard of Trumpchi, but they make an interesting Fortuner-sized crossover, called the GS8.
Originally debuting back in 2016, the GS8 was updated in 2020, and now benefits from a comprehensive exterior redesign. Its first design was the work of former Mercedes-Benz designer, Fan Zhang.
The 2021 look is bold, with a huge grille, and stacked headlamps. It has grown in size too, now measuring 4.9m bumper-to-bumper, which should give plenty of cabin space to its seven occupants.
Trumpchi’s also reshaped the GS8’s front bumper, with larger corner air ducts and a meaningful air inlet under the grille.
Viewed side-on, the GS8 went for the floating roof look, with blacked-out pillars. The tailgate is quite conventional in appearance and overall, the GS8 has less ridiculous surfacing than some other crossovers of its size.
Designed to project presence, without all the associated awkwardness that afflicts many other Chinese luxury crossovers, the new GS8 might look like a big vehicle, but it has a very small engine.
Chinese traffic means that cruising speeds are low – and the demand for power, too. Trumpchi is offering the new GS8 with a 2-litre turbopetrol engine, shifting via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Trumpchi hasn’t confirmed the exact power outputs, but the GS8’s legacy 2-litre engine has been good for 150kW and 300Nm. Expect numbers that are similar, or slightly better, with this new facelift.
The most significant news with this new GS8, is the Toyota connection. Trumpchi’s holding company is Guangzhou Auto (GAC), which has successfully negotiated the licensing of Toyota’s latest hybrid drivetrain technology.
Toyota hasn’t been specific about what the exact outputs would be, but the hybridized GS8 will add battery integration to the standard 2-litre turbopetrol engine. We’d estimate a considerable performance improvement, and lower crawling speed fuel consumption, with the hybrid.
Trumpchi will be offering both front- and all-wheel-drive versions of the GS8.
Spy Shots: 2022 Mercedes-AMG A45 S
Work has begun on the 2022 Mercedes-AMG A45.
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer’s request, have watermarked them.
With more torque, a trick differential and more tricks up its sleeve, the Audi RS3 looks like its more than a match for the 45 range. We guarantee that engineers at Mercedes-AMG have been paying close attention and the updated 2022 Mercedes-AMG A45 S will need something special if its move the goalposts yet again.
Our spy photographers say this is a minor facelift, with new headlights and taillights and the front grille will receive some updates. Apparently, the cabin will stay largely the same as the interior didn’t have any camouflage.
But what about the under the skin changes and how much more power can be extracted from that 2.0 engine? In it’s current state of tune, there’s 310 kW and 500 Nm giving it a claimed 0-100 kph time of 3.9 seconds. While it set new records for performance and outputs, it also set a new peak for pricing, with the base-price A45 S coming in at a hefty R1.1 million before options ticked.
AMG engineers have said they can deliver more power, but that will come at the expense of longevity. How much power could that 2.0-litre 4-cylinder motor reliably develop without compromise? That being said, we’re pretty sure the 2022 Mercedes-AMG A45 will get a power boost, just to keep its rivals on their toes.
We’ll keep an eye on the development of the 2022 Mercedes-AMG A45.
The limited-edition Ford Mustang Mach 1 has arrived in South Africa and we had a chance to sample the newcomer in Cape Town this week. Take a look at some cool facts about the Mustang Mach 1 below…
The Ford Mustang Mach 1 has arrived in South Africa! Since the South African introduction of the Ford Mustang back in 2016, the iconic sports car has been a huge success. Nearly 3 500 Mustangs have been sold in South Africa, giving Ford the lion’s share of the sports car market. In fact, the Mustang’s success is global and it’s been the best-selling sports car in the world for 6 years on the trot!
In 2019, Ford launched the Mustang Bullitt in South Africa which pays homage to the 1968 Mustang GT Fastback which was famously driven by Steve McQueen in the movie Bullitt. Only 55 Mustang Bullitts came to South Africa and all of them were quickly snapped up by local enthusiasts.
Now, in 2021, Ford is once again conjuring up the past by reviving the Mustang Mach 1 nameplate. The Mach 1 dates back to 1969 when it first went on sale.
We sampled the limited-edition, track-focused muscle car in Cape Town this week and here are some noteworthy facts about the car that you should know…
5 Cool Facts about the Ford Mustang Mach 1
1. It’s sold out!
Only 90 Ford Mustang Mach 1 units were allocated to the South African market and each one of them is spoken for. The allocation includes 75 units equipped with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission and just 15 units equipped with a 6-speed TREMEC manual transmission. All 90 units are finished in Fighter Jet Grey paint finish which is enhanced with satin black and reflective orange stripes and orange brake calipers. The Mustang Mach 1 automatic carries a price tag of R1 203 800 while the manual Mustang Mach 1 is priced at R1 182 100.
Using the standard Mustang GT Fastback as a base, Ford created the Mach 1 to be the most track-focused Mustang to date. Visually speaking, the Mach 1 wears an enhanced upper and lower grille with the circular grill cut-outs being the most obvious visual differentiator. The model also gains a new front splitter and undertray as well as a single-deck rear spoiler and rear diffuser plucked from the Mustang Shelby GT500. Ford says that downforce has been improved by 20% as a result of these improvements. The Mach 1 rides on exclusive five-spoke 19-inch wheels in a low-gloss Dark Tarnish finish and they are shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber. Numerous Mach 1 badges also highlight that this isn’t just an ordinary Mustang.
3. The Mustang Mach 1 is fast!
The Mach 1 is powered by the familiar naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 but not only has it been modified to develop 7kW more than the standard V8 engine but it also features enhanced cooling to keep the Mach 1 fighting fit for sustained performance runs on track. Total output is pegged at 338 kW with maximum torque at 529 Nm.
Ford claims 4.4 seconds in the zero to 100kph sprint and during our drive of the Mustang Mach 1, we can vouch for its performance credentials. It piles on the pace at a furious but refined rate and the glorious sound of the Active Valve Performance Exhaust note is utterly addictive under full bore acceleration. This car gives the driver all the right feels…
It’s also worth mentioning that the manual Mach 1 is a touch slower in the sprint to 100kph with a claimed time of 4.8 seconds but its top speed of 267 kph is better than the 249 kph claimed for its automatic counterpart.
4. It handles better
Mustangs are generally perceived to be blunt straight-line weapons and they’re not typically praised for offering fast, sharp and responsive dynamic cornering ability. The Mach 1, however, is arguably the sharpest and most responsive Mustang on the road thanks to a number of mechanical enhancements. These include a recalibrated electric-assisted steering, electronically controlled MagneRide adjustable suspension with stiffer front springs and model-specific anti-roll bars. The suspension’s subframes and toe-link components are also borrowed from the Shelby GT350 and GT500 in an effort to reduce squat, dive and lift under hard acceleration.
Ford has also fitted an uprated brake booster for sharper braking ability which is realised with 6-piston Brembo brake calipers. A limited-slip differential further ensures that the driver of the Mach 1 is able to exploit and extract the full performance capability of the engine and chassis.
We drove the Mach 1 in less-than-ideal conditions with lots of rain and wet tar so we weren’t able to explore the Mustang Mach 1’s full handling ability but steering and throttle response is definitely more lively compared to the standard Mustang GT. Also, the suspension isn’t overly firm which means the Mustang Mach 1 can be used as a daily vehicle too…
5. It has some cool features
Apart from featuring Ford’s impressive 12-inch SYNC3 infotainment system, the Mach 1 also offers a host of driving modes including Sport, Sport+ and if you happen to be on a track, Track mode. Using Track Apps, you can record metrics such as acceleration, braking and lap times.
You can also set the tone for the Active Valve Performance Exhaust. If you don’t want to wake up your neighbors before you head out to work then the ‘Quiet’ setting would be most appropriate, or you can just keep the exhaust set to ‘Sport’, which is what we recommend. The saying “if it’s too loud, you’re too old” applies here…
Porsche has added a slew of 911 GTS derivatives to its acclaimed 992-generation range for 2021 – including Carrera and Carrera 4 coupes and cabriolets, as well as a Targa 4 version. Connoisseurs of the Zuffenhausen-based brand’s iconic sportscar regard the 911 GTS as a highly desirable mid-ranger in the 911 line-up…
Apart from offering slightly higher peak engine outputs than their Carrera S siblings, the head-turning 911 GTS derivatives are equipped with the Sport Design package (including bespoke trim for the front-, rear- and side sills) as standard, as well as upgraded suspensions and additional stopping power.
Visually, the newcomers to the range can be distinguished by their multitude of noir exterior details, including the darkened rims of the standard LED headlights (equipped with the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus) and daytime running-light surrounds. The tail-light clusters are unique to the GTS too.
Additional elements painted in black silk gloss include the spoiler lip, the centre-lock alloy wheels, the engine cover louvres, and the GTS script on the doors and rear of the cars (plus the Targa lettering on the hoop of the Targa 4 version). An exterior package with details executed in high-gloss black is optional.
Meanwhile, the 3.0-litre flat-6 turbopetrol in 911 GTS derivatives produces 353 kW and 570 Nm of torque, which is 22 kW and 40 Nm respectively than the outputs produced by current Carrera S-spec 911s. The 0-to-100 kph sprint takes just 3.3 seconds in the 911 Carrera 4 GTS coupe with the 8-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK), for example, which is 3 tenths faster than its predecessor.
A 7-speed manual gearbox with a shortened throw (by 10 mm) is available for all 911 GTS derivatives.
The newcomers’ suspension is derived from that of the 911 Turbo, Porsche says. Coupe and cabriolet 911 GTS derivatives feature Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard, in combination with a 10-mm lower sport chassis. The Zuffenhausen-based brand claims the concept of helper springs at the rear, through which the main springs remain under tension under all driving conditions, comes from the Turbo (rebound remains the same). The 911 Targa 4 S chassis with PASM features on the Targa 4 GTS.
The 911 Turbo has also leant its high-performance braking system and 20-inch (front) and 21-inch (rear) black centre-lock alloy wheels to the 911 GTS. The standard sports exhaust system is said to emit “a more emotive soundtrack” thanks to its GTS-specific setup and the omission of some interior insulation…
The sporty details continue inside, where Race-Tex trim (Porsche’s version of “Alcantara”) abounds. A GT Sport multifunction steering wheel, the Sport Chrono package with mode switch, Sport Seats Plus (with 4-way electric adjustment), the Porsche Track Precision app and a tyre temperature display are standard.
Race-Tex features on the central sections of the seats, steering-wheel rim, door handles and armrests, storage compartment lid, as well as the gear lever. Contrast stitching and embroidered GTS lettering on the headrests are in Carmine Red (or Crayon, optionally), matched with accents on the seatbelts, rev counter and Sport Chrono clock. The decorative dashboard and door trim inserts are in matt Carbon.
Lastly, Porsche will offer a Lightweight Design package, which shaves up to 25 kg from the 911 GTS derivatives’ kerb weight, from late in 2021. It includes lighter carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) full bucket seats, lightweight glass for the side and rear windows and a lightweight battery. The rear seats are removed and other enhancements include rear-axle steering and additional aerodynamic addenda.
Porsche 911 GTS price in South Africa:
911 Carrera GTS
R2 290 000
911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet
R2 490 000
911 Carrera 4 GTS
R2 400 000
911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet
R2 600 000
911 Targa 4 GTS
R2 600 000
Pricing for the new Porsche 911 GTS range includes a 3-year/100 000 km Driveplan (maintenance plan). Local deliveries will commence in the 4th quarter of 2021.
Honda South Africa has launched its Fit, effectively replacing the Jazz.
Physically, the new Honda Fit is longer, wider and the cabin space is grown through clever packaging.
The new Honda Fit is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine developing 89 kW and 145 Nm. As far as fuel consumption is concerned, Honda SA is claiming its Fit is good for 5.5 L/100 km.
Honda SA has also introduced a flagship hybrid version of its new Fit and that features electric motors. These electric motors do most of the work while the vehicle is driving at slow urban speeds of under 40 kph.
*We’re currently at the launch of the 2021 Honda Fit and will share more information as it comes*
2021 Honda Fit Model Line-up
Comfort
Push button start Halogen headlights TFT Driver Display Auto aircon 5-inch display audio 15-inch steel wheels Cruise control Basic fabric upholstery 4-speaker sound system Front, side, curtain SRS airbags
Elegance
16-inch alloy wheels LED headlights, taillights and fog lights 9-inch infotainment system Reverse parking camera Premium fabric upholstery Leather wrapped steering wheel and gear lever
Executive
16-inch alloy wheels Smart keyless entry Front heated seats Front and rear parking sensors Chrome decorative inserts Leather upholstery
Hybrid
Hybrid powertrain Adaptive cruise control Collision mitigation braking Road departure mitigation Lane keeping assist Auto high beam
How much does the new Honda Fit cost in South Africa?
The Honda Fit is sold with a 5-year/200 000 km warranty, while the Hybrid model comes with an 8-year/220 000 km warranty.
2022 Audi RS3 Features Trick Differential and Drift Mode
The all-new 2022 Audi RS3 is another step closer to being revealed as the German carmaker announces a few of the car’s talents.
These lightly-disguised Audi RS3 prototypes give us an idea of what’s to come towards the end of July 2021 when the performance duo are fully revealed. We know the same body styles will be available, with a 5-door hatchback and a 4-door sedan being offered.
Audi Sport has released some technical details about the dynamic capabilities of its new product. The best news is the magical 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbocharged engine has been retained, but straight-line performance is not the priority for the Audi Sport engineers as the new 2022 Audi RS3 will feature some radical technology to enhance its corner-carving ability.
But, if you’re a numbers-based petrolhead, you’ll be delighted to hear that Audi Sport is not content with having the Mercedes-AMG 45 S range stealing all the limelight. While the 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine still produces 294 kW as before, the torque figure has been ramped up to 500 Nm, which is 20 Nm more than the outgoing model. Audi Sport claims 0-100 kph in 3.8 seconds and has an optional top speed of 290 kph, which should shake the segment up a bit as the goalposts have been moved.
The new handling technology is called the RS Torque Splitter and it’s quite remarkable. Essentially, it’s one electronically-controlled multiple disc clutch each on the respective drive shaft. During dynamic driving, the torque splitter increases the drive torque to the outer rear wheel with the higher wheel load, which significantly reduces the tendency to understeer.
In left-hand curves, it transmits the torque to the right rear wheel, in right-hand curves to the left rear wheel, and when driving straight ahead to both wheels. It gets better, as the RS Torque Splitter can send all engine power to just one wheel, resulting in hilarious sideways smoking action you see here.
That’s a lot to take in, but what are the benefits? Audi Sport claims the new 2022 Audi RS3 turns into the curve even better and follows the steering angle more precisely. This results in less understeer, earlier and faster acceleration when exiting corners, and particularly precise and agile handling – for added safety in everyday use and faster lap times on the racetrack. The torque splitter also compensates for oversteer by directing the torque to the wheel on the inside of the curve or, if necessary, to both wheels.
While it sounds complicated on paper, we reckon it’ll address the reputation of the previous generations of Audi RS3 as being natural understeering performers. Throw in some trick Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tyres which are being made available as an optional extra and you have the recipe for a very nimble machine.
The plucky and charming Renault Duster has been given a mild facelift. Here’s what’s changed.
Granted, what you see here has a Dacia badge on it, but the differences between the Dacia Duster and Renault Duster are miniscule. It’s fair to assume the updates seen here will make their way into the Renault-badged versions.
The Renault Duster has been a phenomenal success both locally and internationally. Since its introduction in 2010, the European sales have almost reach the 2 million mark. Thanks to its value-for-money proposition, capabilities and practicality, the Renault Duster has quite the cult following.
Visually, the updated Duster comes with a new look. The look of the grille and daytime running lights have been refreshed, and the design brings the Duster in line with the new-look Renault Sandero Stepway. The indicators have been replaced by LED direction units and there are now LED headlights too.
The new-look front isn’t just for show as the aerodynamics have been improved too. The new 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels as well as the rear spoiler all contribute to improved efficiency.
Updated Duster cabin changes
The cabin has been given a refresh too, with new upholstery on the seats which is said to offer improved ergonomics, new headrests and a new centre console with retracting armrest. The updated Duster also gains a new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Standard spec on the updated Duster appears generous, but we’ll have to see what the SA-spec entails. This Euro model features an onboard computer screen, automatic main beam activation and cruise control and speed limiter with backlit controls on the steering wheel. Automatic climate control with a digital display, heated front seats and a hands-free card are available on higher specification versions.
The updated Duster will continue offer offroad capability thanks to its 217 mm ground clearance on the 4×2 and 214 mm for the 4×4 derivative. The vehicle features a breakover angle of 21-degrees, approach angle of 30-degrees and a departure angle of 34-degrees on the 4×2 and 33-degrees on the 4×4.
The updated Duster 4×4 version features a 4×4 monitor that displays info like the lateral angle of the vehicle on uneven surfaces, pitch angle, compass and altimeter.
The European market updated Duster finally sees the introduction of the 6-speed EDC transmission, something the SA market has had for some time. The updated Duster features a range of petrol, diesel and LPG powertrains which are Euro 6D compliant. We’ll have to wait and see what the SA market will get.
Renault South Africa has confirmed the facelifted Duster is coming to SA. Expect the newcomer to land in the 3rd quarter of 2021.
The Ford Mustang Mach 1 has touched down in SA, bringing more power, performance and trick aerodynamics for the most engaging Mustang experience. See detailed specs and pricing.
The Ford Mustang has proven popular since its arrival in South Africa, but if you couldn’t get your hands on the Bullitt for that ultimate pony car experience, then this special track-focused Mach 1 is your next best bet.
Under the bonnet is the 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine, but in Mach 1 iteration power has been bumped to 338 kW and 529 Nm. The additional power comes from a high-performance open air induction system, intake manifold and 87mm throttle bodies with low-pressure port fuel injection and high-pressure direct fuel injection.
As far as performance goes, the new Ford Mustang Mach 1 is good for a 0-100 in 4.4 seconds for the auto, but straight-line performance is just one of its party pieces. The car also features increased downforce for high-speed stability and enhanced corner carving ability. The manual gearbox Mach 1 is fractionally slower at 4.8 seconds to 100 kph.
The aerodynamic package is impressive with vents for cooling and downforce. There’s also the bonus of image, with the front splitter and rear spoiler really adding to the appeal.
Customers have the choice of a 6-speed manual gearbox from the Shelby GT350 as well as the Ford 10-speed automatic transmission with upraded torque converter and software mapping. Both gearboxes feature a dedicated oil cooler, axle cooling system and limited-slip differential. The brakes are six-piston Brembo units.
The magic doesn’t stop there as the Ford Mustang Mach 1 features electric power-assisted steering, electronically-controlled MagneRide 2 adjustable suspension, and stiffer front springs and anti-roll bars. Some of the suspension components are shared with the Shelby GT350 and GT500. The car rides on 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber.
Inside the cabin of the Ford Mustang Mach 1, you’ll find Metal Grey stitching and a build number. The car comes with convenience features such as heated and cooled seats, SYNC3 connectivity and a 10-speaker audio system from B&O, whether you’d use the latter when you have that lovely V8 engine snarling away is debatable.
How much does the Ford Mustang Mach 1 cost in SA?
All Mustang models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A six-year/90 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals.
Brabus has taken a Mercedes-AMG G63 and kitted it out with an aggressive body kit that will make many supercars look demure. This is an SUV, remember?
Massive outputs for Brabus 900 Rocket Edition
Is this the ultimate G Wagon?
Note the beefed-up bodywork, power bonnet scoop and yes, that wing on the roof… Those wheels are large too, 24-inches in fact. The details on this Brabus 900 Rocket Edition is, in a word, spectacular.
However, it’s not just about the looks as this Brabus has been tuned to go fast, very fast. Brabus says it’s a “limited-edition supercar” and the firm claims a zero to 100 kph sprint time of 3.7 seconds with a limited top speed of 280 kph.
To achieve these hugely impressive claims, Brabus increased the capacity of the G63’s thumping 4.0-litre V8 to 4.5-litres and outputs have increased to a staggering 662 kW. Maximum torque is claimed at 1 250 Nm but it’s limited to 1 050 Nm in an effort to prevent damaging the powertrain. To put those numbers into perspective, the standard G63 produces 430 kW and 850 Nm of torque.
As for the interior, carbon fibre trim and quilted leather abound and, if you must, red detailing can also be specified for that extra dollop of sportiness.
Only 25 will be built. How much does all this cost you ask? Well, in Germany, you will pay no less than R9.7-million. Is it worth it? We’re not so sure…
Following the announcement from Land Rover concerning its hydrogen Defender, BMW is also recommitting to the alternative fuel source.
The company’s R&D department has revealed details of an extensive hydrogen testing programme, using the BMW X5 architecture.
BMW’s i Hydrogen NEXT SUV needs to prove that storage and refuelling with hydrogen can be viable. At least, in Europe.
An interesting aspect of this hydrogen BMW SUV is the involvement of Toyota. The Japanese company has collaborated with BMW before (Z4/Supra) and is known to be a strong believer in hydrogen.
Toyota has shared some of the development burden regarding hydrogen fuel tanks and fuel mixture technology, present on the i Hydrogen NEXT. The fuel cells are from Toyota, while the stack and drivetrain system is BMW.
Even companies of the size and stature of BMW, and Toyota, no longer have the resources to launch independent R&D into new technologies, such as hydrogen.
BMW’s i Hydrogen NEXT is all about showing how applicable hydrogen is, to an existing vehicle platform – in this case, X5. The fuel source is not meant as a replacement for its battery-powered cars but as an additional offering that could be sold alongside its i models.
Is it powerful enough to power a large SUV? The hydrogen and oxygen reaction creates 125 kW of primary driving electricity, but this can be boosted to 275 kW, by using a buffer battery function. And yes, that 275 kW peak output number, even for short bursts, is not accidental. It is exactly what you get from a 3-litre turbopetrol BMW six-cylinder engine.
Hydrogen proponents champion is low fuel mass, as a big advantage. Although BMW has not divulged any range targets for the i Hydrogen NEXT, the total hydrogen fuel storage is only 6 kg.
