Ford F-150 Coming to SA?

A Ford product presentation has revealed that the forthcoming Bronco and F-150 bakkie might be produced for right-hand-drive markets. Should you get excited?

Ford is due to launch the new Bronco in the U.S. soon and we have already seen and covered the new F-150 which was revealed last week and provides some useful insight into what we can expect from the new Ford Ranger bakkie.

Many local bakkie fans are clamouring for a full-size double cab bakkie such as the F-150 to be offered in South Africa but the main prohibiting factor is that the F-150 and indeed the Bronco are left-hand-drive only models and are not offered in right-hand-drive markets such as South Africa.

Australia is right-hand-drive though and often an indicator of what’s to come for South Africa and a report from CarExpert has suggested that both the new Bronco and F-150 might be produced in right-hand-drive for the IMG market which includes Australia, New Zealand, India, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, the Middle East, Africa and ASEAN.

The product presentation you see here indicates that ‘plant preparedness’ is a key driver of success which means that Ford will either have to build a new plant dedicated to producing the Bronco and F-150 in right-hand-drive or a current plant needs to be expanded and retooled for the job. The Bronco will be built on a modified version of the Ford Ranger’s T6 platform which already caters for right-hand-drive markets.

You will recall that Ford and Volkswagen recently joined forces to collaborate on a number of new products including the next-generation Volkswagen Amarok which Ford will engineer and build in South Africa for the local and export markets. We also know that Ford is focusing more of its efforts into commercial vehicles and by offering a vehicle such as the F-150 and even the Bronco for right-hand-drive markets could indeed represent huge profits for the Blue Oval.

We know bakkies are hugely popular in South Africa and even the faint possibility of seeing the large-and-in-charge Ford F-150 in South Africa should get enthusiasts frothing.

At this stage, neither the Bronco nor the F-150 have been confirmed for right-hand-drive but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen and if this product slide is anything to go by, maybe there is a glimmer of hope out there, somewhere…

The new Ford Bronco will be revealed on 13 July 2020.

As always, we will keep you updated as soon as more details become available.

Buy a Ford Ranger on Cars.co.za

Ford Gives Ranger Performance Packages

The Ford Ranger gets some goodies to give it even more capability and desirability.

Sadly this is for the American market right now, but we're hoping Ford SA gets the message that customers want to accessorise their bakkies and bakkie modification is a way of life. “Our goal is to inspire customers by giving them capabilities and styling options from the aftermarket brands they love,” Eric Cin, global director of Ford Vehicle Personalization, comments. “The three new Ford Performance Packs empower our adventure-loving Ranger customers to explore even further with even more freedom with the added off-roading capability right from the dealership.”

These upgrades are great as they're OEM and therefore do not compromise your warranty. There are 3 packages which offer mechanical, hardware and graphic upgrades. All kits include Fox shocks, new 17-inch Dyno gray wheels, and special graphics for the bed and windscreen.

Performance Level 1 package

FOX “Tuned by Ford Performance" 2.0 Performance Series internal floating piston monotube front and rear shocks tuned by Ford Performance Engineers to optimize on and off-road performance
Ford Performance bedside graphics and Ford Performance windshield banner
$2,495 MSRP / R43 041.48 (before installation)

Performance Level 2 package (on top of Level 1 content)

Ford Performance engine calibration, which increases power to 235 kW and torque to 501 Nm.
BFGoodrich KO2 265/70-17 tires
Rigid off-road fog light kit
Blue tow hooks
Ford Performance stainless steel license plate frame
$4,495 MSRP / R77 543.66 for Level 2

Performance Level 3 package (on top of Levels 1 and 2 content)

Rigid 40-inch LED lightbar kit
Red tow hooks
Ford Performance by ARB winch-capable front bumper
Ford Performance chase rack
2.3-liter Ford Performance sport exhaust
$8,995 MSRP / R155 173.58 for Level 3

Potent new Volkswagen Tiguan R Revealed

Sharper looks and dramatic exhaust acoustics give the Volkswagen Tiguan R a performance focus.

VW has revealed the updated version of its second-generation Tiguan and followers of the brand who value performance, will be pleased.

Aware of its importance to VW’s global business – where Tiguan is now more popular than Golf – the designers have been subtle in their approach. The Tiguan gains a broader grille with four horizontal slats and VW’s latest signature LED headlights.

Inside there are is a 10.25-inch digital cockpit, supported by VW’s 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Drivers of the new Tiguan will grip a redesigned helm with greater ergonomic intuition, thanks to haptic sensitive satellite controls.

For those new Tiguan customers who are given to mood sensitivity by proxy of colour, this latest version of VW’s mid-sized SUV offers no less than 15 ambient cabin light variations. Music and media influences the mood for all, and new Tiguan will be offering a premium sound system supplied by Fender. Although the new Tiguan is targeted as a family vehicle, VW has released details and images of its high-performance derivative – and the numbers are impressive.

The Volkswagen Tiguan R is powered by a potent 2-litre turbocharged engine, managing to boost 235 kW and 420 Nm from its 4-cylinder setup. Those outputs are channelled to all four wheels, via VW’s renowned DSG dual-clutch transmission.

No performance claims have been made, as yet, but there is no doubt that Tiguan R will deliver a very rewarding experience for owners who value driving dynamics. Interesting details pertaining to the new Tiguan R are its model-specific 21-inch alloy wheels, which feature slim spokes and an open design, whilst at the rear, there are Akrapovic exhaust ends.

For VW to upgrade the new Tiguan to an R-specification which includes the raucous Slovenian-sourced Akrapovic performance exhaust, is a sure indication of its importance to the brand.

Volkswagen SA confirmed the facelifted Tiguan is due in the first quarter of 2021, while the performance Tiguan R will arrive towards the end of 2021.

With big wheels, quad exhausts and blue paint, there's no mistaking this for anything other than a Tiguan R.

Ineos Reveals Defender Rival

Ineos Automotive has finally taken the covers off its Grenadier – a rugged and capable 4×4 that's designed for the world's toughest and harshest environments.

We've been tracking the story of the Ineos Grenadier for some time and being fans of startups, are fascinated by its gestation. The quick summary thus far is one of the UK's wealthiest men Jim Ratcliffe (founder of Ineos, the chemical giants) announced bold plans to make a vehicle as rugged and capable as the previous-generation Land Rover Defender.

Given how the market has moved away from the hardcore offroad and semi-military applications and there are just a handful of models playing in this space (think of your non-AMG Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Toyota Land Cruisers), Ratcliffe and Ineos reckon they're onto something. Impressively, BMW is the engine supplier and the Grenadier will be powered by Munich's petrol and diesel 3.0 straight-6 engines. Production will be in the United Kingdom.

Commercial director Mark Tennant explained the Ineos Grenadier will be an “uncompromising 4×4 with a ladder chassis, beam axles and locking differentials.” It would initially be in station wagon guise, but other bodies would follow, starting with a twin-cab bakkie. “Aftermarket specialists would be encouraged to come up with their own configurations and accessories. There will be long and short wheelbases.” Expect some solid offroad credibility with a low-range transfer case, differentials and impressive approach and departure angles.

It looks like a blend of classic Land Rover Defender and classic Mercedes-Benz G-Class, both vehicles renowned for their offroad prowess.

Now we're finally getting to take a look at the Ineos Grenadier, which the brand claims will be a "capable, durable and reliable 4×4 designed and built to handle the world’s harshest environments." There's a focus here on creating a vehicle that's to do a job, as opposed to being a lifestyle accessory – a workhorse if you will. There's no denying the hints of Defender in there and we expect the design to be overshadowed by the array of abilities.

“The brief was simple. We set out to design a modern, functional, and highly capable 4×4 vehicle with utility at its core”, said Toby Ecuyer, Head of Design. “A design that is ‘easy-to-read’, with no ambiguity about the Grenadier’s role in life. There to do everything you need, and nothing you don’t. Nothing is for show. Modern engineering and production techniques ensure the Grenadier is highly capable, but we have been able to stay true to the essence of creating a utilitarian vehicle that will stand the test of time”.

With the design formally revealed and we can look at the shape and style of the Ineos Grenadier in great detail, attention now turns to the prototypes, which will be sent to the far-flung regions of the world to complete a claimed 1.8 million kilometres for testing. The Ineos Grenadiers will be put through their paces in all conditions to see if they live up to expectations.

It's an interesting project as it's quite unlike any mainstream vehicle. Think of it as a blank canvas or open-source even, with the hope customers will tailor their Grenadier to suit their requirements. The details are terrific, things like the front lights are the same units on the left and the right, making service and parts availability easier. There'll be accessories galore, both from Ineos itself and for 3rd party companies to make compatible componentry. It will be practical too, with space for a Euro-spec pallet.

It's expected the Ineos Grenadier will go into production towards the end of 2021 and if you as a South African reader are wondering why this matters, there's been considerable local interest in this vehicle and Ineos is already talking to potential importers. The best part? It's not going to be too expensive, with Ineos confirming it will be aiming at the Toyota Fortuner/Ford Everest price point.

A double-cab bakkie is on the cards too.

Bentley Reveals New-Look Bentayga SUV

Luxury carmaker Bentley has shown off its updated Bentayga SUV, which is the first vehicle launched under its Beyond100 business plan. Here's all you need to know about it.

Despite being priced highly, Bentley has sold more than 20 000 units since the car's launch in 2015. Impressively, 45% of Bentley's sales in 2019 were just Bentaygas showing how much demand there was for a high-end luxury SUV.

Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, comments: "From its moment of launch nearly five years ago, the Bentayga has been the very definition of the luxury SUV. Like the Continental GT, the Bentayga created an entirely new part of the market, and since we set the benchmark many others have joined the sector, but no other car can offer a breadth of ability to rival the Bentley Bentayga. With the new Bentayga, we're repositioning the pinnacle of the luxury SUV segment to be even higher, even further away from the competition. We've listened to our customers and made improvements to the areas most important to them, and the new Bentayga is a thoroughly modern and beautiful extension of the original car's abilities and achievements."

The looks have changed considerably and with elements clearly inspired by the 3rd generation Continental GT and all-new Flying Spur, the new Bentley Bentayga is unmistakable. The front gains LED Matrix headlamps, new-look grille while the rear gains new taillamps, repositioned licence plate and new-look performance exhaust tips. There's also an increase of 20mm to the rear track and there are new wheel designs. Inside, there's a new fascia, steering wheel, door trims, as well as new seats.

A new infotainment system has been installed and this features a 10.9-inch display. The car gains an all-new digital display too, plus there's wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Rear passengers get more legroom (depending on the configuration) as well as a new, larger touchscreen remote control tablet.

Under the bonnet is the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 404 kW and 770 Nm, with a plug-in hybrid and W12-powered Speed versions to be revealed before the year is out. The V8-powered Bentayga is good for a 0-100 kph in a claimed 4.4 seconds and boasts a top speed of 290 kph.

These new taillights look like they're straight from the Continental GT.

Fuel Price Pain for July 2020

Brace yourselves as the fuel price is increasing for the month of July 2020. Here are the changes.

Update: Petrol will increase by R1.63 for unleaded 93 and R1.72 for unleaded 95 per litre. Diesel will increase by R1.69 (0.005%) and R1.73 (0.05%).

On the back of the price of international crude oil prices which have been increasing, sadly we have to report there will be substantial increases to the price petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin. "The rebound in international oil prices has been as remarkable as their fall earlier in the year. The basic fuel price for petrol and diesel in South Africa jumped from around R3 a litre on 1 May to nearly R6 a litre by 25 June,” the AA says.

The AA is forecasting that petrol will be increasing by around R1.73 a litre, diesel by R1.74, and illuminating paraffin by a massive R2.14 when fuel prices are adjusted next week.

Despite our Rand strengthening, the increase was inevitable and that paraffin increase is particularly bad news. “This will be an especially huge blow to citizens who use paraffin for cooking, lighting, and especially heating during Winter," the Association notes. "We cannot overstate the effect that the Rand's collapse is currently having on fuel users: if the Rand had remained at its pre-COVID-19 levels, fuel users would likely be seeing a reduction in fuel prices in the order of 75 cents a litre next month," the AA says.

562 kW Electric Rivian Bakkie Goes Desert Drifting [w/video]

California-based electric bakkie startup, Rivian, has released a series of videos showing its forthcoming electric bakkie, the R1T, testing (and drifting) in the Arizona desert and it’s performance looks mighty impressive.

How far has the world come that we can watch a 562 kW electric bakkie drifting at high speed in the desert? Isn’t it just wonderful?

Rivian is preparing to bring its R1T to market towards the end of 2020 and the Tesla-rivalling electric bakkie has been doing performance testing in the Arizona desert. If you have ever doubted the performance of an electric bakkie, just watch the videos below before passing judgment too soon.

Apart from its impressive electric road presence, the Rivian R1T features a quad motor system with an electric motor at each wheel and with a total output of 563 kW 1 124 Nm of torque and equipped with active torque vectoring, the R1T is able to adapt to the demands of the terrain it finds itself in. A battery pack size of up to 180 kWh (105 kWh and 135 kWh also offered) allows for an electric range of over 644 km. In terms of acceleration, Rivian says the R1T can sprint from zero to 100 kph in just over 3 seconds which is incredibly fast for a bakkie. More so, the R1T is said to have a towing capacity of 4 990 kg!

Of interest to outdoor enthusiasts, and in particular, those of you who like to take the kitchen with you when you go camping, well, with the Rivian, you can. The R1T can be equipped with a pull-out kitchen with a dual hotplate, a sink, countertop and a set of drawers. Very cool indeed!

Anyway, watch the 4 short videos below to see how the Rivian R1T performs in the dirt.

Also see: Ford Invests In Rivian: What It Means

Ford’s 7.3L V8 now direct-to-public

Customer direct, for the single camshaft wonder.

If you need a huge production V8 engine in your life, then Ford could provide the solution.

The American auto giant is now offering its massive 7.3-litre petrol V8 as an engine-only purchase option. Although the current 7.3-litre V8 is a three-decade evolution of Ford’s original modular V8 architecture, launched in the late 1980s, it still features a single camshaft.

Displacing a significant 7.3-litres between its eight-cylinders, this engine would appear strangely out of date compared to modern overhead camshaft designs. Fans of the pushrod valve-gear configuration will point to its reliability and more compact size, as primary design benefits.

Without having to accommodate camshafts atop the cylinder banks, Ford’s 7.3-litre V8 is actually not that tall, for an engine of its capacity. That enables it to potentially be fitted to a diverse array of vehicles, which is why Ford is now offering it as a direct purchase.

For R140 000 (estimated price) Ford will ship you one of its 7.3-litre V8s, complete with exhaust manifolds, ignition coils, flex plate and a throttle body. In factory tune, your 7.3-litre V8 will arrive capable of 320 kW and 644 Nm, with the potential for much more.

Those who prefer to keep their 7.3-litre pushrod V8s unmodified will have the use of a petrol engine which could run huge mileages as a bakkie workhorse and hauling powerplant, with negligible wear or reliability issues.

Mopar Flavour for Fiat Strada

The Fiat Strada compact bakkie has been given the Mopar treatment and the range of accessories is comprehensive.

Our love for the bakkie in all shapes and sizes in South Africa is something of a phenomenon. We'd love this Fiat Strada to make its way to SA as we think there's a fantastic opportunity for a sub-1 tonner in the market.

Nevertheless, despite it not being earmarked for our country, we can't help but be fascinated by what FCA's tuning arm Mopar has done to the Fiat Strada. There are over 50 accessories for this vehicle and Mopar teams up with the Design Center of FCA Latin America to create a show car. Essentially this vehicle you see here is a brochure for what's on offer. “The main objective is to make this unique example a mobile showcase of the enormous growth in the possibilities of personalization obtained with the work done to significantly expand the portfolio of original accessories for the New Fiat Strada”, says Luís Santamaria, director of Mopar for Latin America.

Things like a removable trailer hitch, bucket divider, boot extension, rubberisation, bike holder, side stirrups, custom paint finish, ladder holders, internal spare tyre holder and much more can be fitted to the Strada. As for rivals, you can consider the Nissan NP200 and Renault Duster Oroch, the later of which was confirmed for a South African market introduction.

Land Rover revives Defender Hard Top

The new Land Rover Defender will arrive in South Africa soon and the Coventry-based firm’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division is expanding the range by launching Hard Top commercial derivatives that evoke memories of workhorse iterations of the iconic off-roader.

With asking prices of the new Defender beginning at just over the R1-million mark, some may be forgiven for thinking of the newcomer as little more than a luxury off-roader that merely shares its famous name and some derived design cues with the boxy, utilitarian original model – but little else. View New Defender Specs & Prices in South Africa

However, apart from reportedly working on a V8-engined version that should set the Defender up for a showdown with the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) is determined to develop more applications for the aluminium-intensive D7x platform, of which the body architecture is claimed to “to be 3 times stiffer than the best body-on-frame designs”, the British marque claims.

We don't believe the white "Hard Top" is detachable this time around, but it's tastefully matched with the minimalist wheels.

Land Rover will introduce new commercial Defender 90 and 110 Hard Top derivatives later this year, which will “combine unstoppable all-terrain capability with 21st-century connectivity to give professionals a unique combination of cargo space, practicality and premium comfort,” the firm says.

The Hard Top name dates back to 1950, when demountable Hard Tops were introduced to add security and protection from the elements to early Land Rovers. Remember, Defenders aren’t only highly regarded in the off-roading/overlanding fraternity; many workhorse iterations were often put to work as recovery vehicles in remote areas, to tow heavy trailers and in other commercial roles. Much like the Professional-spec of previous Mercedes-Benz G-Class ranges, the Hard Top versions of the Defender range are shorn of luxury features and trims (as well as 2nd or 3rd-row seats, to increase loading space), but can accommodate up to 3 occupants with the optional front-row jump seat.

Land Rover has yet to reveal the official payload of the Hard Top derivatives, but maximum towing capacity will be 3 500 kg.

They’re not completely stripped out inside, it must be said. Hard Top derivatives will feature Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment system, which is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible and supports Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) update capability courtesy of Twin eSIM technology. The ClearSight Rear-view mirror system, meanwhile, preserves rearward visibility when the jump seat is occupied, or when the load space is full, by relaying a feed from a rear-facing camera to give drivers an unobstructed view.

In addition, “a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems” will be offered, such as Land Rover’s 3D surround camera system, which helps drivers manoeuvre safely in tight spaces. In addition, a remote smartphone app allows businesses to keep track of the location, fuel level and journey history of their vehicle(s) remotely.

The 90 Hard Top has oodles of Tonka Toy appeal, it's a practically-minded product, but also a great marketing opportunity…

The 90 and 110 Hard Tops will feature independent coil-sprung suspension, with an air suspension setup available on the latter version. Both configurations will provide “outstanding off-road geometry”, Land Rover says, with ground clearance of 291 mm, while the 110 Hard Top will have approach-, breakover- and departure angles of up to 38-, 28- and 40 degrees respectively (in Off-Road height). The maximum wading depth of 900 mm is supported by a new Wade programme in the Terrain Response 2 system.

Apart from “an impressive payload”, which will be probably confirmed when the newcomers are officially launched, the Hard Top derivatives will have a towing capacity of up 3 500 kg, with a suite of technologies to help hitch, drive and reverse safely while towing a trailer. Land Rover’s intelligent Advanced Tow Assist system, for example, makes it easier for drivers to execute tricky reversing manoeuvres by allowing them to steer trailers with their fingertips using a rotary controller on the centre console.

ICYMI: We drive new Defender on one of the world’s toughest 4×4 terrains: Namibia’s Kaokoland

“New Defender 90 and 110 Hard Top will be the toughest, most capable and most connected commercial 4x4s we have ever produced,” Nick Collins, Land Rover Vehicle Line Director, said. Although the products are sure to appeal to high-end businesses, both in workhorse applications – not least as rolling marketing vehicles, the SVO division's new creations also set the scene for upcoming derivatives, which should include more hardcore off-roader versions kitted out with 4×4 accessories and associated paraphernalia…

Ford F-150 Coming to SA?

A Ford product presentation has revealed that the forthcoming Bronco and F-150 bakkie might be produced for right-hand-drive markets. Should you get excited?

Related Content

Ford Gives Ranger Performance Packages

The Ford Ranger gets some goodies to give it even more capability and desirability.

Performance Level 1 package

Performance Level 2 package (on top of Level 1 content)

Performance Level 3 package (on top of Levels 1 and 2 content)

Further Reading

Potent new Volkswagen Tiguan R Revealed

Sharper looks and dramatic exhaust acoustics give the Volkswagen Tiguan R a performance focus.

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Ineos Reveals Defender Rival

Ineos Automotive has finally taken the covers off its Grenadier – a rugged and capable 4×4 that's designed for the world's toughest and harshest environments.

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Bentley Reveals New-Look Bentayga SUV

Luxury carmaker Bentley has shown off its updated Bentayga SUV, which is the first vehicle launched under its Beyond100 business plan. Here's all you need to know about it.

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Fuel Price Pain for July 2020

Brace yourselves as the fuel price is increasing for the month of July 2020. Here are the changes.

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562 kW Electric Rivian Bakkie Goes Desert Drifting [w/video]

California-based electric bakkie startup, Rivian, has released a series of videos showing its forthcoming electric bakkie, the R1T, testing (and drifting) in the Arizona desert and it’s performance looks mighty impressive.

Ford’s 7.3L V8 now direct-to-public

Customer direct, for the single camshaft wonder.

Related content

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The Fiat Strada compact bakkie has been given the Mopar treatment and the range of accessories is comprehensive.

Further Reading

Land Rover revives Defender Hard Top

The new Land Rover Defender will arrive in South Africa soon and the Coventry-based firm’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division is expanding the range by launching Hard Top commercial derivatives that evoke memories of workhorse iterations of the iconic off-roader.

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