Maserati unveils its 463-kW MC20 supercar

Powered by Maserati’s first in-house-designed engine in 20 years, the new carbon fibre-tubbed and butterfly-doored MC20 is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6. It utilises its lightweight body and advanced aerodynamics to accelerate from standstill to 100 kph in less than 2.9 sec and on to a top speed of 325 kph.

Like the now discontinued Alfa Romeo 4C, the MC20 is packaged around a carbon-fibre monocoque (this one was developed in partnership with racing-car builder Dallara), which Maserati has designed to underpin not only this version of its newcomer (the coupe), but future roadster and electrified variants of the car as well.

In an era in which aerodynamic addenda can make a car's design look fussy, the MC20 is sinewy and eminently elegant.

The Maserati’s beautifully simple exterior design, which references the revered MC12 hypercar, is the work of FCA chief designer Klaus Busse as well as the result of more than 2 000 man-hours in the Dallara wind tunnel and more than a 1 000 computational fluid dynamics simulations. The brand’s Trident sits in the low, wide grille, while large air intakes sit beneath restrained LED headlights. At the back, slim, elongated LED tail-light clusters accentuate the car’s width, while a pair of exhaust ends protrude below and to either side of the number plate just above the diffuser.

The aerodynamic addenda are very subtle. The MC20’s sculpted front end incorporates a system of vortex generators and its fully-encased floor gradually rises in the centre. Channels behind the front wheels effectively push the front axle downwards, while door-sill ducts channel air to cool the motor and the rear diffuser and discreet spoiler utilise the up-washed air to create downforce.

You can see the side-sill vents and elaborate rear diffuser in detail from this angle.

Meanwhile, the Maserati’s twin-turbo 3.0-litre powerplant utilises twin-combustion and F1-derived pre-combustion technology to produce peak outputs of 463 kW at 7 500 rpm and 730 Nm of torque from 3 000 to 5 500 rpm. Named the Nettuno, the motor is, according to the Modenese brand, the most powerful 6-cylinder petrol engine in production with a specific output of 157 kW/litre.

The highlights of the motor’s construction are: pre-combustion chambers placed between the respective primary spark plugs and conventional combustion chambers, additional side spark plugs that facilitate smooth combustion when the use of the pre-chamber is not necessary (it reminds of twin-spark technology of Alfa Romeo's of yore), as well as a dual (indirect and direct) injection system, which, in combination with the fuel-delivery pressure of 350 bar, lowers mechanical noise at low rpm and contributes to reduced fuel consumption/emissions.

In MC20, MC is the abbreviation for Maserati Corse – or Maserati Racing – while the 20 refers to 2020.

The MC20’s motor is mated with an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, as well as a limited-slip diff. Thanks to the liberal use of carbon-fibre composites in its construction, the Maserati tips the scales at under 1 500 kg, which gives it a weight/power ratio of 2.33 kg/hp, the firm says. Thanks to a drag coefficient of under 0.38, the car’s said to sprint from 0 to 200 kph in under 8.8 sec.

Meanwhile, the newcomer’s adaptive suspension features double wishbones fore and aft, replete with a virtual steering axle; Maserati says 97% cent of the car’s dynamic development was done digitally, but the brand has begun a road-and-track testing programme to refine the car’s handling feel.

The Maserati's cabin is sporty, but not overly so. There is no shortage of carbon-fibre and the switchgear is marvellously ornate.

Inside, the MC20 is sportily-clad in leather and Alcantara with bright contrast stitching and no shortage of carbon-fibre finishes, especially on the steering wheel (which is endowed with large paddle shifters) and centre console, where drivers can switch between Wet, GT, Sport and Corsa drive modes via a rotary switch. There are also buttons to select automatic/manual and reverse.

There is a pair of 10-inch screens in the cabin – the digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen multimedia system (it is said that drivers can connect to the car through a phone or watch app), while a wireless charging pad and multimedia control console are provided and connectivity services include web-based navigation, Alexa and a wifi hotspot.

The MC20 will be produced on new production line has been created at the Viale Ciro Menotti plant outside Modena (where the GranTurismo and GranCabrio cars used to be assembled). We'll bring you details on the newcomer's expected date of arrival in South Africa (as well as pricing info) as soon as they become available…

Chinese Qoros7 has BMW Valvetronic

Chery's premium division keeps ticking over.

As their build quality, design sensibility and component sourcing improve, Chinese car companies are realising that marketing bias is not an easy issue to defeat.

Borrowing from the Japanese premium branding strategy of the early 1990s (think Toyota/Lexus and Nissan/Infiniti), most of the better Chinese car companies have created sub-brands of their own.

For Chery, that entails Qoros. Positioned as a Chinese premium vehicle brand, it was founded in 2007 with Israeli partners and in 2017, received additional American funding – before the US/Chinese trade conflict started in earnest.

With a complicated corporate structure of global partners and stakeholders, Qoros has not delivered a linear and organic range of new products. But what the Chinese car company has revealed, when it does happen, it has been impressive.

The latest images and details concept its Qoros 7, which is a luxury five-door SUV. Featuring a relatively independent design without obvious copying of any European model, the Qoros 7 looks ‘interesting’, with its huge grille and odd headlights.

Dimensionally this new Chinese SUV is slightly longer than a VW Tiguan but shorter than a Tiguan AllSpace.

Inside there is some inspired cabin architecture and a generous digital screen offering. The traditional instrumentation binnacle is replaced with a 12.3-inch display, whilst a huge 14.6-inch portrait orientated central touchscreen services the Qoros7’s infotainment. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are coded into the SUV’s digital offering.

Powering this new Chinese SUV are two turbopetrol engine options, both featuring Valvetronic continuously variable valve technology, which would indicate an agreement of some sort with BMW. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder is good for 150 kW and 280 Nm, whilst Qoros 7’s 1.8-litre boosts 170 kW and 300 Nm.

Throttle inputs should convert to relatively brisk responses thanks to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and handling is kept tidy by Macpherson struts up front and a multilink rear suspension, with electric power steering harmonized by Bosch.

Qoros says that its new SUV will launch in Europe and China simultaneously.

The Cars.co.za Podcast, Ep5 – Juliet McGuire on freelancing in the motoring media industry

Welcome to our podcast with a difference, as you get to watch us in-studio as well as listen to our pearls of wisdom.

In episode 5 of the Cars.co.za podcast, we're joined by Juliet McGuire.

Juliet McGuire is a stalwart of the local motoring media industry, having worked for multiple magazine titles, as well as holding the title of editor of Women on Wheels. For the last four years she has been freelancing, and it has been quite a ride. She joins Ciro De Siena in studio for a very frank and honest discussion about the challenges facing freelancers, and especially female freelancers hoping to get into the industry.

Find the Cars.co.za Podcast on your favourite platforms:

https://anchor.fm/carscoza

https://www.breaker.audio/the-cars-dot-co-dot-za-podcast

https://overcast.fm/itunes1529024173/the-cars-co-za-podcast

https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMGM1MTZkYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1529024173

https://pca.st/16wawq06

https://radiopublic.com/the-carscoza-podcast-G4Pv3k

https://open.spotify.com/show/5GS1tMrrL2T3fufOBlDVJS

Suzuki Jimny Commercial Announced

Suzuki UK has introduced a version of its Jimny that will focus on light-commercial applications. Check it out.

The Suzuki Jimny is a charming yet capable compact SUV. One of its biggest faults is its tiny boot – there's precious little space back there.

Suzuki UK has introduced a version of the Jimny that will address this major shortcoming and it's being marketed as a commercial vehicle. The removal of the second row of seats has opened up considerable space and we suspect the loss of the rear bench is massively offset by the gains in practicality. Suzuki claims this version of the Jimny has a luggage capacity of 863 litres. The Japanese brand says that's 33 litres more than the 4-door version with its rear seats folded.

Suzuki is offering the newcomer with a flat floor as well as a safety cargo partition, so your belongings don't come flying into the front cabin under heavy braking.

Under the bonnet is the same 1.5-litre petrol engine with 75 kW and 130 Nm. In this commercial application, the Suzuki Jimny is offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Has it lost any of its appeal or capability? Not at all, as Suzuki says its 2-seater commercial Jimny retains its ladder frame setup, 3-link axle suspension and its AllGrip Pro 4-wheel drive system with low range.

As an interesting proposition this is, we're more interested in a bakkie version of the Suzuki Jimny. There are already companies doing conversions, with one, aptly named Suzuki Jimny PickUp, offering suspension lifts as well as dedicated offroad tyres. Despite its small size and small engine, the Suzuki Jimny will continue to endear itself to many, us included.

With the removal of the rear bench, the luggage capacity and space has increased dramatically.

Go anywhere Defender now requires a plug

Land Rover’s new Defender gains a Plug-in hybrid model as well as a new straight-six turbodiesel.

The new Defender has started to make its mark on SA car buyers by jumping to the top of Jaguar Land Rover’s sales chart in August 2020. It sold some 125 units, more than double any other model in its local lineup. New engine versions and additional packs were always part of the expansion plan for Defender and it’s now time for the plug-in Hybrid model to make an appearance in the range. The plug-in hybrid model is likely to be sold in SA with JLR making an announcement next month as to its arrival.

The plug-in model uses the same running gear as the Range Rover Sport hybrid, bolting a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine to a battery-powered electric motor. The total power output of the engine is a combined 301 kW, with the combustion engine delivering 220 kW. A 19.2 kWh battery can be used to drive the new Defender 43 km before requiring a recharge. It can also be used in low-range, which could make for an ultra-silent game viewing vehicle. Fuel economy benefits from the plug-in hybrid amount to impressive claimed figures of 3.3L/100 km while its 0-100 kph sprint time of 5.6 seconds will have every GTI driver worried.

The plug-in model is also joined by the news of a new straight-six turbodiesel engine. It uses mild-hybrid technology to improve fuel economy for short periods such as when accelerating. The system is able to recuperate energy when braking and then redeploy it to assist during accelerating, thereby reducing the load on the diesel engine at low speeds.

The six-cylinder turbodiesel is good for 220 kW and 650 Nm of torque in D300 specification level. This same engine could also replace the current D240 locally and be renamed the D250 but with power outputs of 183 kW and 570 Nm. There is also talks of an entry D200, using the same straight-six but with 147 kW and 500 Nm of torque. That would mean 3 versions of the same engine. Fuel efficiency claims for the D200 and D250 are said to be 8.8L/100 km on the Defender 110.

We should hear from the local arm of JLR on the 18th October as to which models will be available locally.

VW unveils Golf 8 Estate & Alltrack

Volkswagen has unveiled station-wagon variants (ahem) of the Golf 8 and, even though the South African subsidiary of the Wolfsburg-based brand has sold estate versions of its compact premium hatchback before, the pair of newcomers are unfortunately unlikely to be offered in our market… and, arguably, that is our loss.

In Mzansi, the popularity of station wagons has waned throughout the past few decades. If our market’s rampant uptake of double-cab bakkies signed estate cars’ death warrant, the proliferation of compact family cars (SUVs/crossovers) was effectively the executioner. In his video review of the outgoing Subaru Levorg, which ultimately never came to our market, Ciro De Siena lamented the scourge of anti-stationwagonism.

The R-Line treatment gives the Golf Estate a purposeful presence; not the tail-light designs, which are unique to the variant.

Would Volkswagen South Africa reconsider launching the Golf 8 Estate here if the brand produced a GTI version (there’s been an R model before, although, again, it never left Europe)? The newcomer certainly looks particularly attractive in R-Line trim… at 4 630 mm in length, the new Estate is 66 mm longer, by virtue of an extended wheelbase, but similar in width and height to its Golf 7-based predecessor.

Endowed by purposefully sporty bumpers (replete with GTI-esque fog lamp clusters on the Alltrack), as well as upsized alloy wheels, the newcomers resemble their 5-door hatchback siblings up to the B-pillars, from where the pair’s roofline slopes downwards towards the edge of the tailgate. A steeply raked rear screen and variant-specific tail-light clusters further distinguish them from their hatchback siblings.

When specified with Active Info Display, the Golf Estate's cabin feels tech-dominated. The brightwork's tasteful, though.

But whereas the Estate is a more practical alternative to the Golf 8, the Alltrack offers 4Motion all-wheel drive, extra ground clearance, subtle black body cladding. To put it in context, it’s a Hyundai Kona rival – but would it stand a chance against a horde of fashionable compact family cars in our market, however? Maybe not, but bear in mind all-wheel-drive is the exception, rather than the rule, at the top of the light crossover/SUV segment.

An extra 38 mm of rear legroom, plus a more-than-useful luggage bay capacity of 611 litres and a claimed 1 642 litres of utility space (with the 60:40 rear seatback folded) might sweeten the deal for buyers whose children are teens who are going through their respective growth spurts.

The Golf Allroad's hot hatch-like tyres and rims suggest it may never traverse anything tougher than icy- or mild dirt roads.

Volkswagen has further equipped the newcomers’ load bays with shopping bag hooks and tie-down loops, while 12V and 230V power outlets, an electrically-extending tow hook and a powered tailgate, which can be opened with a swipe of a foot underneath the rear bumper, are optional.

The Estate’s line-up of 3- and 4-cylinder turbopetrol and diesel engines will mirror that of the Golf Mk8 hatchback in Europe. Volkswagen claims the Alltrack can tow up to 2 000 kg (braked) up a 12% slope, but we'll bring you more details of the ranges' line-ups when they become available.

The newcomers are said to offer 1 642 litres of utility space with the 60:40 rear seatback folded.

Now the only question remains whether the Wolfburg-based brand is planning GTI, GTE (petrol-electric hybrid), GTD (turbodiesel) and R versions of its Golf 8-based station wagon. Autocar speculates that VW will be eager to leverage the reduced CO2 emissions of the GTE package and install that in the Estate. Would you be interested in buying a Golf 8 Estate (in either GTI or R guise) should they become available in our market?

Tesla boss test drives VW’s ID.3

Is Tesla going to play nice with VW in future?

Elon Musk has never reserved any diplomacy when referring to legacy car companies. The billionaire technology entrepreneur and electric vehicle visionary has called the traditional car industry’s bluff and won.

With Tesla’s share price making it the world’s most valuable car company and strong global demand for his products, Musk is in a position to be gloriously indifferent to the broader car industry. But as he is seemingly enveloped by success, a trace of humility might be showing.

For Tesla, commercial success is important but the company’s greater goal is a cleaner environment, without having to sacrifice personal transport and enjoyment. And Musk has realised that his revolution in this regard, cannot be an army of one.

VW has invested enormously in its electric vehicle architecture and battery technology, making it by far the most committed traditional car company, with regards to an electrified future. The Germany auto giant’s CEO, Herbert Diess, has expressed open admiration for Tesla’s technology and on a recent visit to the American brand’s new Berlin factory, Musk made a detour.

The Tesla corporate jet also made a stop at Braunschweig Airport, near Wolfsburg. VW has its own dedicated terminal here, to facilitate expeditated travel for its executives and engineers. Musk was met at the terminal by Diess and went for a drive in an ID.3, the electric car which VW is due to launch soon.

After a short test drive, Diess fielded questions about the ID.3’s technical specifications before Musk had to depart, in keeping with his crushingly demanding schedule.

In a world where Tesla’s share price and market influence can often move, merely by Musk’s social media behaviour or a video recording of him doing anything, this meeting is potentially symbolic. Whilst Tesla shows no interest in partnering with any legacy car companies, Musk’s brief drive in VW ID.3 could be the start of something.

GR-parts make GR Yaris look fiercer

Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division has released a catalogue of cosmetic addenda for the Japanese brand’s eagerly-awaited GR Yaris all-wheel-drive hot hatchback, which is on course to be released in South Africa in 2021.

We recently reported that the GR (Gazoo Racing) Yaris had gone into production at Toyota's Motomachi factory, in a dedicated section of the plant that is reserved for the production of GR sportscars.

White seems to be the go-to colour for the GR Yaris; it makes the contrasting GR Parts really stand out.

Aided by a scrawny 1 280-kg kerb weight and a trick all-wheel-drive system that can split torque between the hot hatchback’s front and rear axle via modes such as Normal (60:40), Sport (30:70) and Track (50:50), the GR Yaris is said to zip from 0 to 100 kph in 5.5 sec.

The newcomer is powered by a 1.6-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine that produces 192 kW and 360 Nm or 200 kW and 370 Nm (depending on specification), and we’ve heard a rumour that the South African market is likely to be availed the more potent version of the two.

Upon the release of the GR Yaris, Toyota announced it would offer an optional Circuit Pack, which comprises a pair of Torsen limited-slip differentials, a performance-tuned suspension, red brake callipers and 18-inch alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.

But what if buyers wanted to specify a host of go-faster accoutrements to make their GR Yaris stand out from the rest of the compact hot hatch brigade? Well, Toyota now also offers a host of optional GR Parts to beef up the kerb appeal of the WRC-inspired all-wheel-driven pocket rocket, including a front splitter, side-skirt extensions and a chunkier rear diffuser with a quad-exhaust setup.

Although the body stripes, carbon-fibre number plate frame, GR wheel valve caps, branded load bay mat and carbon-fibre-look interior inserts won’t improve performance, Gazoo Racing has also made available a front-strut tower bar, which is likely to improve handling to some extent.

To recap, Toyota South Africa recently told us the GR Yaris was "still on the cards for SA for 2021", but expressed some concern over timing and the exchange rate, the latter not being particularly favourable. So, there you have it, GR Yaris is still very much on Toyota SA's radar, but its arrival will depend on the South African Rand's performance against foreign currency. Watch this space.

Ford Mustang RTR (2020) Specs & Price

If you own a Ford Mustang and want to enhance that iconic muscle car, RTR Vehicles is confirmed for distribution in South Africa. Here's how much you can expect to pay for the hardcore Mustang conversion, plus what the tuning packages entail.

The Ford Mustang with its 5.0-litre V8 is a fun performance offering. Not only does it look the part, but there's some big American muscle under the hood. In its current iteration, there's 331 kW and 529 Nm – plenty of performance for most people. What if you wanted more though? If you've spent some time online, you will have lusted after the absolute beasts being offered Stateside and wondered if there was a chance you could get such in South Africa.

Performance Centre in Pretoria is a Ford-approved distributor of Ford Performance parts and has been given the rights to sell RTR Mustang conversion kits in SA. If you're not aware of RTR Vehicles, its a performance brand owned by muscle car guru Vaughn Gittin Jr. “I’m excited to announce that we have partnered with Performance Centre in South Africa, to be our exclusive RTR vehicles distributor in the country. This means that all of our turn-key Mustangs, as well as all of our aftermarket parts, can now be purchased through the crew at the Performance Centre,” says Gittin Jr.

The RTR Vehicles Series 1 Mustang was developed by Ford Performance and RTR and looks to be quite a weapon. Claimed to focus on 'precise street performance, intense agility on the track as well as a driver-centric experience', the RTR Vehicles Series 1 Mustang has been substantially upgraded.

The suspension has been thoroughly reworked, with Ford Performance adjustable sway bars and the installation of the Track Handling Pack, which lowers the car by around 25 mm. Of course there's a big power upgrade too, with a Ford Performance supercharger on the 5.0-litre V8, which pushes power up to 529 kW and 820 Nm.

Visually, there are new wheels as well as custom lighting like the cool daytime running lights in the grille as well as some aerodynamic wings and other bodywork. If you own the 2.3-litre Mustang, fear not as you can get all the visual accessories too. However, the supercharger is exclusive to the 5.0-litre V8.

Ford Mustang RTR Upgrades

Performance

Ford Performance Track Handling Pack
Ford Performance Hood Struts
Ford Performance Aluminium Strut Tower Brace
Ford Performance 19"x 9.5" Front and 19”x10" Rear Wheels
Ford Performance 529kW Supercharger (5.0L only)
Ford Performance Intake Manifold with Software (5.0L only)

Exterior

RTR Windshield Banner
RTR Upper and Lower Grille with LED's
RTR Front Splitter
RTR Rocker Splitters
Rear Quarter Splitters
RTR Gurney Flap
RTR Rear Diffuser
RTR Powered by Ford Performance Deck Lid Trim Panel with Badges
RTR Fender Badges
RTR Body Graphics
RTR Logo Centre Caps Black PVD Lug Nuts
RTR Puddle Lamps

Interior

Serialised Illuminated Sill Plates
Serialised Dash Plaque Radiator Cover with Serialized Badge
RTR Embroidered Floor Mats
Certificate of Authenticity

Ford Mustang RTR Price in South Africa (September 2020)

The below conversion costs include installation and VAT.

2.3 Mustang R280 000

5.0 Mustang GT R280 000

5.0 Mustang GT plus Ford Performance Supercharger R565 000

Toyota Updates Land Cruiser for 2021

Toyota has given its iconic Land Cruiser a small update. Here is a list of the changes.

If there's a list of iconic vehicles, the Toyota Land Cruiser is surely right up. It has been around for almost 70 years, sold in more than 190 countries and given its success, it's vital the Japanese brand doesn't mess with what's clearly a winning formula.

For 2020, Toyota has upped the power of the Land Cruiser. The 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel motor now produces 147 kW and 500 Nm. Previously, it made 130 kW and 450 Nm. The additional shove is most welcome, as its acceleration figure to 100 kph has dropped down to 9.9 seconds – a 3-second improvement. Toyota also claims a fuel consumption improvement with the 2021 Land Cruiser said to consume 7.4 L/100 km.

Inside, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser receives an updated infotainment system that features new software, a newer touchscreen and introduces Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into the mix. In terms of safety, Toyota offers the 2nd generation Toyota Safety Sense which features things like Pre-Collision System (PCS) with both nighttime pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection and Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control.

Toyota is offering a Black Pack styling package to the portfolio. The optional package includes sportier front and rear bumpers, a dark chrome front grille, dark alloy wheels and clear tail lamps. Plus, you get a badge.

These updates form part of a Toyota Europe model strategy. As soon as we hear from Toyota South Africa regarding the updated Land Cruiser, we'll update this piece.

Want a Toyota Land Cruiser? Browse stock.

Maserati unveils its 463-kW MC20 supercar

Related content:

Chinese Qoros7 has BMW Valvetronic

Chery's premium division keeps ticking over.

Related content

The Cars.co.za Podcast, Ep5 – Juliet McGuire on freelancing in the motoring media industry

Welcome to our podcast with a difference, as you get to watch us in-studio as well as listen to our pearls of wisdom.

Find the Cars.co.za Podcast on your favourite platforms:

Suzuki Jimny Commercial Announced

Suzuki UK has introduced a version of its Jimny that will focus on light-commercial applications. Check it out.

Further Reading

Go anywhere Defender now requires a plug

Land Rover’s new Defender gains a Plug-in hybrid model as well as a new straight-six turbodiesel.

Related content

VW unveils Golf 8 Estate & Alltrack

Related content:

Tesla boss test drives VW’s ID.3

Is Tesla going to play nice with VW in future?

Related content

GR-parts make GR Yaris look fiercer

Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division has released a catalogue of cosmetic addenda for the Japanese brand’s eagerly-awaited GR Yaris all-wheel-drive hot hatchback, which is on course to be released in South Africa in 2021.

Further Reading

Ford Mustang RTR (2020) Specs & Price

If you own a Ford Mustang and want to enhance that iconic muscle car, RTR Vehicles is confirmed for distribution in South Africa. Here's how much you can expect to pay for the hardcore Mustang conversion, plus what the tuning packages entail.

Ford Mustang RTR Upgrades

Ford Mustang RTR Price in South Africa (September 2020)

Further Reading

Toyota Updates Land Cruiser for 2021

Toyota has given its iconic Land Cruiser a small update. Here is a list of the changes.

Further Reading