More photos and details of the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series have emerged. This is going to be one of AMG's most hardcore models!
Update: Leaked images showing the all-new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series have hit the internet. The looks are very racecar-like!
This is not the first time we've spotted the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. We first saw a prototype cruising on the Nurburgring back in August 2019 and it was essentially a standard GT R with a big wing. Now as we move further along the development process, the refining is underway and we're much closer to a production model. What's changed? Now we can see in detail the aerodynamics and a bit more of the body shape. There's a new bonnet, with massive intakes over the front wheels, a huge 2-stage wing at the back, as well as four exhausts built into a rear diffuser.
As we've mentioned before, the engine choice for the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is likely to be the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 motor. However, to be worthy of the Black Series name, the outputs need to be substantial. We do know this motor is available in various states of tune, ranging from the non-S C63 with 350 kW to the GT63 S, which punches out 470 kW and 900 Nm. For the record, the standard AMG GT R produces 430 kW and 700 Nm, with power going to the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
We should see the production reveal of the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series before the end of 2020 and given how much testing has taken place at the Nurburgring, it would not surprise us if there was an attempt at a record.
Lamborghini has whipped the roof off its 602-kW Sian hybrid hypercar, which is powered by a free-breathing – but supercapacitor-assisted – 6.5-litre V12 engine. Only 19 units of the Roadster, the St’Agata-based firm’s most powerful open-topped machine to date, will be built.
In local Bolognese dialect, Sian means “flash” or “lightning” and the newcomer is being billed as a harbinger of “Lamborghini’s route to future hybridisation”. By itself, the V12 motor, which incorporates titanium intake valves, produces 577 kW at 8 500 rpm, but the firm has combined it with a 48V e-motor and a supercapacitor located in the bulkhead.
The Sian Roadster looks resplendent in Uranus Blue with liberal applications of Electrum Orange accents.
The supercapacitor is said to store 10 times the power of a lithium-ion battery and is 3 times lighter than a battery producing the same output. It allows the e-motor, which is incorporated into the Sian Roadster’s transmission, to deliver an instantaneous extra 25 kW (for a total output of 602 kW) and supports low-speed parking manoeuvers.
The electric system weighs only 34 kg and its symmetric power flow ensures the same efficiency in both charging and discharging cycles. As a result, the regenerative braking system fully charges the energy storage system every time the vehicle brakes. Not only does the system facilitate instant acceleration in low gears – traction force is improved by up to 10% in 3rd gear, for example – it allows the Sian Roadster to travel at up to 130 kph for 10 km on pure-electric power alone.
Hexagonal shapes abound in the Lamborghini's sheet metal; note the swathes of carbon-fibre in the vaned rear section.
For the record, Lamborghini’s newcomer is claimed to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in less than 2.9 seconds, while its top speed is said to be in excess of 350 kph.
This Sian Roadster has a Uranus Blue paint finish contrasted with eye-catching Electrum Orange wheels, while its interior is trimmed in white leather with Glauco Blue detailing and Electrum Orange aluminium elements. The newly-designed air vents are notable because they’re produced via 3D printing and can be customised with a buyer’s initials.
The new Lamborghini’s front end is distinguished by an integrated carbon-fibre splitter and the brand’s characteristic Y-shape headlights, while the aerial view evokes the iconic periscopio line inspired by the first Countach, which runs diagonally from the cockpit to the rear and culminates in the air-streamers behind driver and passenger. The rear aspect is dominated by a sextet of protruding hexagonal taillights (also inspired by the Countach) as well as a V-shaped retractable spoiler.
The V-shaped rear spoiler extends elegantly from the rear deck and bears the stylised Sian detailing as shown in the interior.
From an aerodynamic point of view, airflow is directed through the front splitters, bonnet and side air intakes/outlets and over the rear spoiler, “with no loss of aerodynamic efficiency from the roadster’s roofless design”, Lamborghini says. The operation of the active cooling vanes on the rear is triggered by the reaction of smart-material elements to the temperature generated by the exhaust system, causing them to rotate and providing an elegant, lightweight cooling solution.
Furthermore, the St’Agata-based firm says the Sián Roadster also offers a heightened level of driving comfort (compared with other hypercars) by virtue of its hybrid system: “The momentary sensation of deceleration “and missing torque” felt during gear changes powered by a traditional combustion engine is eliminated by the torque-upshift fill provided by the hybrid’s e-motor,” the company says.
The only downside (apart from the fact that all Sian Roadsters have already been pre-sold) is that the newcomer is a hardcore roadster; it has no retractable roof section!
Ford has expanded on its local Tourneo Custom range in South Africa with the addition of a new engine, transmission and SYNC 3 infotainment technology. See details and pricing below…
Ford’s people-moving Tourneo Custom range now benefits from the addition of a turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel engine that offers either 96 kW/385 Nm in Trend guise or 136 kW/415 Nm in the range-topping Limited trim. That’s not all though as this new engine choice is now also paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission for the first time.
It’s also the first time that Ford’s AdBlue technology features locally which converts nitrogen oxide emissions from the exhaust gas into nitrogen and water using a non-toxic urea/water solution. A particulate filter further reduces emitted solid particulates from the exhaust system resulting in less harmful emissions being emitted into the environment.
Ford's SYNC3 infotainment system is now offered on the Tourneo Custom for the first time.
While the exterior styling of the new Tourneo Custom automatic derivatives remains unchanged, Ford has installed a new dashboard and instrument panel, as well as a 3-spoke steering wheel with multifunction controls.
The range-topping Tourneo Custom Limited automatic now benefits from an integrated 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Ford’s SYNC 3 system which provides full smartphone integration as well as offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. The Trend derivative is fitted with a 4.0-inch screen with a simpler version of SYNC 3. Both derivatives, however, are equipped with no less than 8 USB ports.
The Tourneo Custom is equipped with 6 airbags as standard as well as Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Hill Launch Assist (HLA), Roll-Over Mitigation (ROM), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).
A number of optional features are also on offer including front and rear parking sensors, a rear parking camera, Lane Keeping Aid and Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert and Trailer Assist. Adaptive Cruise Control is also offered as an option.
Ford Tourneo Custom – Price in South Africa
2.2 TDCi Ambiente 6MT – R621 500
2.2 TDCi Trend 6MT – R646 000
2.2 TDCi Limited 6MT – R695 600
2.0 SiT Trend 6AT – R700 200
2.0 SiT Limited 6AT – R740 900
The Tourneo Custom is sold with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty, 6-year/90 000 km service plan, 3-year/unlimited km Roadside Assistance and a 5-year/unlimited corrosion warranty.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is regarded as the benchmark in the luxury sedan segment and it usually debuts the next generation of technology which will trickle down to the rest of the range. While the full reveal of the S-Class is yet to happen, Mercedes-Benz showcased the all-new infotainment system.
Mercedes-Benz has revealed the next-generation of MBUX which will make an appearance in the all-new S-Class.
The features are impressive, with the German brand claiming things like being able to view presentations, host telephone conferences, watch online films and more. Before you worry about drivers being distracted, it's important to note the majority of S-Class customers make extensive use of the rear passenger entertainment and this is where they'll be found.
There will be up to 3 touchscreens and the 2nd-gen MBUX introduces an array of connectivity and digital options like a 3D driver display, more Hey Mercedes features as well new authentication methods. It's clear that Mercedes-Benz is determined to remove buttons and move the vast majority of functionality onto the touchscreen interface.
Mercedes-Benz is claiming you can now verify digital payments from inside the new vehicle. “Our overarching goal is to offer the utmost in comfort, personalization and convenience for our customers. A system that is more detailed, thoughtful and individual than ever before. So I would even call it My MBUX. Through even more ease-of-use, our customers gain extra time and added value. This goes beyond just displays and voice control. My MBUX now becomes the spinal cord, or even the central brain of the vehicle.” Sajjad Khan, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG.
Japanese customers have always been the first amongst equals, for Subaru.
Subaru has proven this, yet again, with its new WRX S4 STI Sport#. And yes, the naming convention does include a social media hashtag.
Differentiating this new limited edition WRX is a grey grille, blackened front spoiler and darkened 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside Subaru has been a touch more inspired, adding Recaro semi-bucket front seats with STI embroidery. The automatic transmission’s shifter also gains gloss black surface detailing and drivers take hold of a suede-trimmed steering wheel.
One of the updates on this WRX S4 STI Sport# which you can’t see is the added sound deadening material. Subaru’s engineers opted to make its latest performance car quieter at cruising speeds, to increase passenger comfort. The claim is that road noise has been reduced by 0.6 decibels, which is marginal.
Powering the WRX S4 STI Sport# is Subaru’s familiar 2-litre horizontally-opposed turbocharged engine, which manages to boost 221 kW and 400 Nm, from four-cylinders. Those outputs are distributed to all four wheels, via a CVT transmission.
Although the choice of transmission might rankle Subaru traditionalists, the WRX S4 STI Sport# does have some neat component upgrades. There is a strut tower brace which spans the engine bay, which should slightly improve dynamic turn-in behaviour and a sports exhaust system, to amplify that characteristic flat-four warble, seemingly contrary to the extra sound deadening that has been added.
All 500 of these WRX S4 STI Sport# units have been pre-sold in Japan, at an estimated price of R750 000.
Audi South Africa has announced a service plan aimed at vehicles which are 6-13 years old. Typically servicing vehicles out of warranty can be a costly affair, but AudiSmart hopes to remove some of that burden.
Audi SA has unveiled its AudiSmart Service plan which aims to look after Audi cars that are 6 to 13 years old (or within a maximum mileage threshold of 270 000 km). AudiSmart includes 2 years worth of cover/30 000 and 2 minor oil change services at a reduced cost. That means you could get 2 minor oil changes done inside that period. The service includes oil drain plug, vehicle oil, oil filter, seal ring and seal bolt and labour associated with the oil change.
The plan can also be topped up at any Audi Dealership. Plus, Audi has thrown in comprehensive roadside assistance.
“The AudiSmart Service offering allows older Audi models to continue being serviced or return their servicing history at a franchised Audi Dealership which prides itself in offering the best and most comprehensive care for an Audi, said Hassan Salie, Head of Aftersales and Dealer Development at Audi South Africa. “There are many, older Audi vehicles in the market which are not covered by the Audi Freeway Plan or Freeway Plan Extension. The AudiSmart Service plan thereby gives those drivers an affordable Audi servicing option based on experienced labour and brand assurance,” he added.
In terms of price, the AudiSmart Service plans retail from R4 800 and are available at any Audi Dealership around South Africa.
For S and RS models, the pricing starts from R6 000.
For the A8 and S8 models, pricing starts from R7 850.
Are you a super-wealthy car nut with a penchant for solving puzzles? If so, Rolls-Royce has released the Wraith Kryptos Collection – 50 special-edition units of the British marque’s coupe that feature a cryptic message encoded in each of the cars’ detailing.
A character in Ellen Raskin’s book, The Westing Game, famously said: “The poor are crazy, the rich just eccentric.”
The quote has several interpretations, but suffice to say very few budget-minded car buyers would ever consider buying a car for the opportunity to decode a mysterious code hidden in that vehicle’s bodywork or interior panels because, well, most people would consider that… crazy.
The special-edition Wraith features eye-catching Kryptos Green exterior detailing on the bumper, sides and alloy wheels.
But for well-heeled car buyers, who would enjoy owning a Rolls-Royce just as much as trying to make head or tail of “a labyrinth of complex ciphers in (the car’s) beguiling façade” (that's how Rolls-Royce describes it), the Wraith Kryptos offers an opportunity to express their, well… eccentricity.
“The Wraith Kryptos… carries within it an encrypted cipher. (It) appears, on the surface at least, to be an alluring design purely for aesthetic purposes. However, those who look closer, those few who hold the key, will embark on an experience that leads to an enlightening conclusion,” the firm says.
The "cipher" Rolls-Royce refers to are mysterious patterns, such as the detail on the black fascia next to the infotainment screen.
The mysterious Rolls’ “cryptographic journey” begins with an engraving (with green enamel detailing) on the base of the Spirit of Ecstasy figurine. The bespoke exterior finish is Delphic Grey, which consists of a solid Anthracite base colour with blue and green mica flakes. The front bumper features bespoke Kryptos Green inserts, a hand-painted double coach line (in Kryptos Green and Dark Grey) appears on the flanks and the part-polished alloys have Orbit Grey coloured centres and matching green pin-striping.
Once they’ve stepped over the illuminated treadplates, occupants are greeted by a sumptuous dual-tone interior in either Selby Grey or Anthracite, contrasted by accented bespoke Kryptos Green leather trim. Elements of the cipher are embroidered into the headrests, while an intricately-patterned screenprint flows across the black metal fascia.
The overhead data-stream-inspired light show is a purposely spellbinding interpretation of the British marque's Starlight headliner.
The highlight of the Wraith Kryptos's bespoke detailing is arguably the elaborate, bi-coloured illuminated headliner which depicts an in-motion data-stream inspired motif. The door pockets continue this theme with woven leather and Kryptos Green threads to reveal a subtle illumination that fades towards the base of the pocket. The centre tunnel is also exquisitely stitched, which repeats the horizontal lines of the door pockets.
Answers on the app, please…
Only 2 people know the answer to the car’s code – Rolls-Royce Bespoke designer Katrin Lehmann and the firm’s chief executive Torsten Müller-Ötvös. Besides the distinction of having no fewer than 3 umlauts in his surname, the CEO keeps the solution to the puzzle in a sealed envelope in a safe in his office at the firm’s Goodwood headquarters.
Rolls-Royce Wraith Kryptos buyers will be invited to submit their efforts at cracking the code via the tantalisingly-named and members-only (of course) Rolls-Royce smartphone app named Whispers. And, no, we’ve haven't made that up…
The Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron Concept has just been revealed and previews a vehicle that will be going into production in 2021.
When the first Audi Q4 concept was revealed back at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, we were impressed by its futuristic looks and electric powertrain. Now that concept has been joined by the Q4 Sportback e-tron concept and Audi claims these concepts "gives potential Q4 customers the opportunity to start thinking about which version they prefer roughly a year before the first vehicles will be delivered". This means that what you're looking at here will turn into a production car in 2021.
Under that visually striking body are 2 electric motors with 225 kW driving all 4 wheels. Each axle boasts an electric motor, which should mean excellent traction. In terms of acceleration performance, Audi is claiming a figure of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 180 kph, which is pretty brisk. The battery boasts a capacity of 82 kW/h which means it will have a theoretical range of over 450 km based on a WLTP claim. There will be rear-wheel drive versions that will be capable of 500 km on a single charge. The battery can be charged with a maximum of 125 kW, meaning it'll take around 30 minutes to get to 80%.
The Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron concept is assembled on the VW Group Modular Electrification Platform (MEB) which underpins things like the ID.3 and soon to be revealed ID.4.
Inside, the Audi Q4 Sportback's cabin is spacious due to the lack of a transmission tunnel. Audi says the cabin is made of sustainable and recycled materials. The next-generation of Audi Virtual Cockpit is on display and the new heads-up display features augmented reality functionality.
Audi is forging ahead with its electric plans and by 2025, the German brand will have more than 20 vehicles with all-electric drive on sale.
The cabin of the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tronc concept.
Reports from Australia indicate that Toyota is set to soon do the obvious and boost engine performance relating to its Prado turbodiesels.
With both Hilux and Fortuner having shown updated designs and an evolved version of the 2.8 GD engine, it would be unusual for Toyota not to apply those powertrain changes to Prado.
The baby Land Cruiser is certainly due for another specification upgrade, which will give the J150 Prado a little bit more time in the market. It is amazing that Toyota’s fourth-generation Prado was launched in 2009 and continues to sell strongly in markets where customers demand a rugged luxury SUV with proven durability.
Engine performance has been a Prado weakness over the last few years as most rivals have introduced more sophisticated and powerful engine options.
Although the 120 kW version of Toyota’s 2.8-litre turbodiesel is wonderfully usable at crawling speeds, when navigating technical off-road terrain it is simply underpowered to roll the Prado along at reasonable inter-provincial cruising speeds.
By upgrading the engine to 150 kW and 500 Nm, Toyota will deliver that missing element of dynamic driving ability to its customers.
It is unclear what the global deployment schedule for this Prado engine upgrade will be, but giving the compact Land Cruiser more power and torque should ensure a surge in demand.
South African customers, who use their Prados both as urban family vehicles and as off-road touring 4x4s, will be mighty keen on a more potent Prado.
Toyota South Africa has confirmed that the 2.8 will be added to the Prado range, however, due to the impact of COVID19 the timing of its arrival is unconfirmed.
A new, affordable small SUV could be coming to SA. Is it a cross between a Kwid and a Triber (Kiger)?
*Kiger Image not of final product.
Renault is considering another small or compact SUV to add to its current SA lineup. The current lineup includes the Triber, Captur and Duster. The Kiger is being built on the same platform as the Triber (CMF-A+) which is also shared with the upcoming Nissan Magnite. The Kiger will only be offered as a 5-seater as opposed to the Triber which can seat 7.
The engines for the new Kiger will be carried over from the Kwid meaning a naturally aspirated 1.0 petrol engine with 52 kW and 96 Nm and a 1.0 turbopetrol variant. Understanding is that the 1.0-litre turbopetrol will be updated with more power and torque for the Kiger and will eventually be introduced into Triber. Currently, the turbopetrol (which isn’t yet offered in SA) makes 74 kW and 160 Nm of torque. Figures for the version that will go under the bonnet of the Kiger are assumed to be 86 kW and 180 Nm, which makes it more in line with what competitors from Hyundai and VW are currently offering.
In India, the Kiger will be offered with a 5-speed manual transmission, 5-speed AMT ‘box and possibly a 6-step CVT.
Not much is known about the interior yet as the car is only set to be launched in India during October 2020. In order to reduce cost, the interior parts from the Triber are likely to be transplanted into the Kiger. That includes a decent infotainment system complete with Apple Carplay and Android auto. Safety spec hasn’t been determined yet and has been somewhat of an Achilles heel for the platform. It hasn’t hindered local sales by any count though.
The Kiger is said to compete with the likes of the Hyundai Venue and Volkswagen T-Cross in the Indian market, however, based on these specifications we expect it to be priced below both of those offerings by some margin.
