The Automobile Association has been monitoring the data and it looks like we're in for some substantial fuel price hikes in July 2020.
The oil price is slowly regaining its value after a massive dip early in 2020 and this unfortunately means we're heading for some fuel price increases. Based on the current data, the Automobile Association of SA says, "petrol is set to climb by up to R1.59 a litre, diesel by R1.48, and illuminating paraffin by a massive R1.94."
Since the oil price plummeted after the past 4 months resulting in great price reductions for SA consumers, it was only a matter of time before it would bounce back. Unfortunately this rebound is happening and will undo many of the savings. It's not all doom and gloom however, as the AA says it will take some time for the oil price to fully recover, which gives SA motorists some breathing space.
"South Africans are also benefiting from increasing Rand strength, with the local currency having made up 60c against the US dollar since the start of June, and briefly breaching the psychological R17 to the dollar mark. In fact, the Rand's firmer performance in June has offset the fuel price increases by around 36 cents a litre to date," the AA notes.
We'll have the final changes as we draw closer to the end of June 2020 and will update our SA petrol price.
When it comes to bakkies, Thailand is very much like South Africa. People love bakkies and bakkie customisation is big business in the land of smiles.
While the love for bakkies is certainly strong in South Africa, it might just be a little stronger over in Thailand. What the 2 countries have in common though, is that the Ford F-150 Raptor is not sold in either market.
But the Thai people are a resourceful bunch and they have found a solution. If you can’t buy a Ford F-150 Raptor, build a fake one…
Using a Ford Ranger Raptor as a starting point, a company called TTN Hypersport, is creating F-150 Raptors of its own.
A beefed-up body kit is bolted to a standard Ranger Raptor which brings it closer to the look of an F-150 Raptor. These customised Ranger Raptors are fitted with F-150 headlights and a huge grille that does a pretty good job of convincing onlookers. More so, the modification includes bespoke front and rear wheel arches as well as quarter panels that convey the sense of width that the F-150 Raptor commands. A wide range of wheel options are also offered along with suspension adjustments to make your fake F-150 Raptor stand out from the rest.
Do you like the look of these Ford F-150 Raptor lookalikes?
A German tuning company has gone to town on the new Golf 8 to make it look wilder.
Only a few months into the new Golf 8’s life and German tuning company Ingo Noak Tuning Factory has begun sales of an aftermarket body kit. The body kit turns the standard Golf 8 into a proper street thug with front spoiler lip, side skirts rear diffuser and extra rear fins if you wish to add them.
The kit is purely a cosmetic upgrade so power outputs are identical to the standard Golf 8. The kit is also only available for the standard Golf. There is no mention of it, but the Ingo Noak Golf does look like its been significantly dropped and specced with a selection of aftermarket rims.
It’s not a subtle look, but gives an indication of how aggressive the new Golf could look when we see further iterations down the road – think Clubsport and R. For those looking for something a little understated, VW has just launched a Life spec model in Europe which is considered the most entry-level Golf you can buy.
The Golf 8 is officially due in SA at the end of this year, but that date may be moved further back considering the logistical effect of Covid19. The local Golf 8 launch will also see the introduction of the GTI model as VW South Africa has chosen to launch the 2 variants together for maximum impact.
Apart from the odd splashes of colour-stitching and -inserts in its models, Hyundai doesn’t usually dabble in funky detailing (it tends to leave that to sister brand Kia). With the Venue Flux edition, however, Hyundai has added youthful appeal to its compact family car.
Launched late in the South African late in 2019, the Hyundai Venue has proved instantly popular in the local market. Although based on a compact hatchback platform, the small crossover’s “baby SUV” – replete with its blocky, retro design cues – appeals to young buyers by virtue of being fashionable and affordable, but the model has also proved popular with older buyers who are looking to buy down and drive a compact car that's both easy to manoeuvre and offers the benefit of a slightly-raised driving position.
A fresh "hot-stamped" grille makes the Venue Flux look instantly upmarket.
One of the Venue’s most distinguishing features is its upright egg-crate-patterned grille, but following the introduction of the new Elantra and new-look Santa Fe, for example, both of which feature shapely grilles with geometric-patterned mesh – integral to Hyundai’s new "Sensuous Sportiness" design language – it suddenly looks a little dated.
However, Hyundai has now introduced a new Flex derivative in its home market of South Korea. The newcomer features a “hot-stamped” grille that brings the frontal aspect of the firm’s compact family car in line with the those of newer models… it is a cue that could preview a mild facelift or just a bold model-year update in the near future.
Is that contrast colour yellow or green… or yellow-green? Whichever it is, it complements the dark-grey body colour smartly.
But the makeover doesn’t end with a fresh grille design, however. Hyundai has given the Flex edition's roof and side-mirror housings an acid yellow (or dayglow/neon yellow, as that hue is also commonly called) finish and fitted similarly-hued accents to the lower bumper inserts and wheel-arch cladding. To complete the look, the firm has applied matching acid yellow pin-striping on the side skirts, as well as circular badges (bearing a V) to the C-pillars.
During our recent review of the Hyundai i30 N, the brand’s maiden hot hatch and the first N model to be made available in South Africa, our testers lamented the lack of distinctive detailing inside the vehicle to set it apart as special derivative in the marque's line-up. By contrast, the Venue Flux’s cabin features a multitude of sporty touches…
The sporty black/grey combination seat upholstery is highlighted by yellow piping and stitching.
The interior features yellow highlights on the temperature and ventilation control dials, drive-mode dial and air-vent adjusters. White and yellow contrast stitching (complemented by piping on the black/grey seat upholstery) feature on the door cards, outer armrests, gear-shift boot and the inner rim of the steering wheel.
Otherwise, the Venue is unchanged mechanically from its sibling derivatives. The Flux edition is liberally equipped in Korea; it comes with, inter alia, forward collision avoidance- and lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot collision- and driver-attention warning, high-beam assist and tyre a pressure monitoring system.
The yellow interior highlighting is most prominent on the Hyundai's climate control dials.
For now, the Flex edition is reserved for the Korean market. In South Africa, Hyundai’s compact family car comes standard with a 5-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty, 7-year/200 000 km drivetrain warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan. Pricing for the range begins R279 900 and tops out at R378 500 for the 1.0T Glide.
The Ford Ranger bakkie is a popular subject for making modifications and Polish-based tuning firm, Carlex Design, has gone all out to make a mean-looking Ranger. Check it out!
The broad and chiselled look of the Ford Ranger has provided the perfect canvas for avid modifiers and tuners to show off their creativity. This latest creation from Carlex Design shows just how mean the Ford Ranger can really look if you are willing to throw lots of time and money at it.
The blacked-out grille and heavily modified front bumper give this Ford Ranger an imposing presence and Carlex has also fitted a steel kid plate to protect the Ranger from dame while traversing tough terrain. The flared wheel arch extensions provide visual width to the vehicle and chunky BF Goodrich All-Terrain tyres wrapped over black rims further adds to the menacing appearance of this wild Ranger. Rock sliders are also fitted.
At the rear Carlex has fitted a new bumper as well as a uniquely angular, powder-coated sports bar fitted to the load bed. The exterior look is rounded off with a Carlex Design graphics.
On the inside, sporty seats are wrapped in a leather and Alcantara combination with silver contrasting stitching and the obligatory Carlex badging throughout. You’ll also notice the new leather-bound steering wheel that is much thicker and more stylised than the standard steering wheel found in the Ranger.
What do you think of the look? Do you think you would be able to live with this Ford Ranger every day?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments below…
Mitsubishi has finally installed a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine in its angularly-styled Eclipse Cross. We were pleasantly surprised by the naturally-aspirated derivative of the Japanese compact family car, so does a punchier powertrain make it an even stronger proposition?
We like: Great engine, smooth ride, surprisingly economical, standard spec.
We don’t like: Limited luggage capacity, CVT lacks engagement, 1.5-litre turbopetrol only available in 2WD.
Fast Facts:
Price: R459 995 (June 2020)
Engine: 1.5-litre turbopetrol
Power/Torque: 110 kW/250 Nm
Transmission: CVT
Fuel consumption: 7.7 L/100 km (claimed)
Boot capacity: 378-1159 litres
What is it?
Now with a new turbocharged engine, the Eclipse Cross can compete with newer competitors.
This is not our first foray with the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross; we've had considerable experience with it already. The derivative you see here, however, is powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, which we've keenly awaited. While Mitsubishi has sold quite a few of the naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre derivatives, the Japanese firm has been keen to demonstrate exactly what its new powertrain is capable of. As the engine-downsizing trend continues amid increasingly stricter emissions regulations, adversity has forced innovation – we've encountered impressive compact engines. Granted, some have been a bit limp and thirstier than claimed, so the 1.5 Turbo GLS will have to prove itself.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is the Japanese brand's take on a compact family car. Like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, it's one of the larger models in its segment. In an embattled new vehicle market, demand for compact crossovers and SUVs have been resilient and, seeing as downsized forced-induction powerplants are de rigueur at the upper end of the segment, we're hoping to get the full Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross experience thanks to its promising new turbopetrol motor.
How it performs in terms of…
Exterior styling
In a way, it's unfortunate we live an era in which car styling has become such a controversial topic on social media. If a car's exterior design is too challenging (or "out there"), it gets slammed; alternatively, if designers play it too safe, it's boring. Smartphone-wielding critics tend to forget just how many fiery hoops designers need to jump through before a design is given the green light. Consider aspects such as safety and aerodynamics, to name but 2 examples. We'd bet many designers would happily incorporate flamboyant cues into vehicles, but remember those cars' production versions should minimise harm if they collide with pedestrians and have low drag coefficients to optimise efficiency, etc.
The rear of the Eclipse shows off its most unique styling attribute – the tailgate-mounted light bar.
We've said this before but it warrants repeating: a vehicle's styling is completely subjective and the Eclipse Cross' distinctive rear 3-quarter aspect is particularly divisive. Many have expressed their dislike of the Mitsubishi's split rear screen and outlandish lighting signature and the Cars.co.za testers did not reach consensus about its effectiveness (or failure), but there's no denying the cues make you take a second look. If nothing else, the angular and progressive styling gives the Eclipse Cross a standout presence in a segment in which design flair is rather limited. Most compact crossovers look remarkably similar; there are only so many ways in which you can dress up a blocky SUV…
Interior execution and features
At this price point, a compact family car's interior specification list needs to be comprehensive and the Eclipse Cross 1.5 Turbo (exclusively available in GLS trim) doesn't disappoint. We evaluated this car in winter, so those heaters for the front leather seats were most welcome. Other noteworthy features include a head-up (speed) display, dual-zone climate control, automatically activated lights and wipers, front and rear park distance control, a reverse-view camera, 7 airbags as well as stability control.
In terms of connectivity, the Mitsubishi's touchscreen infotainment system is the same as the one in the Datsun Go budget car, but that's not to say it's rudimentary; it has all the functionality you're likely to ever need, including satnav, hands-free Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, as well as Android Auto/Apple CarPlay compatibility, which is great.
It's nicely specced inside with contrast-stitched leather, brushed metal-look accents and a few soft-touch surfaces.
As for the cabin's layout and perceived quality, well, it's not as flashy as the exterior design… Mitsubishi has adopted a more traditional, ergonomically-sound design with solid-feeling (if less-than-grand or glamorous) finishes, including piano black inserts and a healthy helping of brushed metal-look accents. Everything is right where you'd expect it.
In terms of practicality, the rear bench can slide fore and aft and its backrest reclines. Should you require utility space, the aft seats can fold down in a 60/40 split. One of the aspects of the Eclipse Cross we've criticised before is its limited luggage space… at 378 litres, the load bay is small compared with those of family cars and it's also shallower than one might expect (due to the fitment of a full-size spare wheel). However, given the conditions of our roads, we'd happily sacrifice some packing space.
Performance, handling and fuel economy
The real point of this review was to gauge the merits of the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine. It's torquier than the 2.0 litre (250 Nm versus 198 Nm) but has an identical peak power output. The big difference is drivability. For those who aren't mechanically-minded, the turbo motor may have a comparatively smaller capacity, but it delivers all its torque low in the rev range (2 000 to 3 500 rpm), resulting in more immediate responses to throttle inputs; there's no need (or point) to rev the engine hard to exact spirited acceleration.
The sloping shoulder- and swage lines of the Eclipse Cross are immediately noticeable thanks to the metallic paint finish.
As there is no need to accelerate hard to get the best out of the 1.5 Turbo GLS, we saw an admirable indicated fuel consumption of around 7 L/100 km while cruising on the open road. A stint of urban commuting pushed that figure up, of course, but we were quite happy to register an average of 8.7 L/100 km. So, to sum it up, not only does the new 1.5-litre turbo motor make the Eclipse Cross adequately punchy and smooth to drive, it proved notably more efficient than its siblings' naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre powerplant.
The Mitsubishi's continuously variable transmission (CVT) deserves some credit for the refined on-road progress. CVTs are loathed by some petrolheads for the droning sound they emit at full throttle – and their generally uninvolving nature is widely bemoaned, yet we believe that the technology has come a long way. If you drive the vehicle in a manner that you use measured pedal inputs (in other words, you don't treat the accelerator like it's an on/off switch), you'll be rewarded with notably refined forward progress. There are shift paddles mounted at the back of the steering wheel, which feel great, but we didn't feel inclined to use them; we left the powertrain to its own devices instead.
The overall driving experience of the Eclipse Cross is quite pleasant. It doesn't feel like a big vehicle to manoeuvre within urban confines and its solid build quality – in combination with a refined powertrain – contribute to a hushed cabin. Handling is surefooted, thanks to the light, but accurate, steering and the ride quality is generally good.
Being a Mitsubishi, you'd expect some level of off-road prowess from the 1.5 Turbo GLS, but unlike its 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated sibling, which is available in all-wheel-drive guise, the newcomer is exclusively available with a front-wheel-drive configuration. It's more suited to climbing pavements than indulging in serious offroading. That being said, the compact family car offers 180 mm of ground clearance and its suspension soaks up road imperfections well – it should handle jaunts on gravel routes with ease.
Pricing and warranty
The Eclipse Cross 1.5 Turbo GLS costs R459 995. It comes with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty, a 5-year/90 000 km service plan and 5-year/unlimited km roadside assistance.
The Mitsubishi's certainly a reliable choice, but then there are many models to choose from in this segment.
If you've had your eye on the Eclipse Cross for a while, but were waiting for this engine to become available, well, it's arguably been worth the wait. Not only is the new powerplant punchier and more responsive than the 2.0-litre, but it's lighter on fuel. It costs R10k more than the all-wheel-drive version of its naturally-aspirated sibling and a full R50 000 more than the front-wheel-drive 2.0 GLS, but in our opinion, it offers a more flexible and satisfying driving experience by comparison. The 1.5 Turbo GLS sits at the upper end of the compact family car market – in the territory of (larger) entry-level family cars – but, in its defence, its standard specification is more comprehensive.
The Mitsubishi's design won't be to everyone's taste, but, like its recently introduced Kia Seltos rival, the Eclipse Cross offers nonconformist appeal. Its performance is willing, yet frugal, it's well made and reasonably refined, plus it's well specified. If the limited luggage capacity is not a deal-breaker, consider adding this vehicle to your shortlist.
Mitsubishi South Africa has launched the Triton Xtreme, a hardcore-looking double-cab bakkie aimed at the enthusiasts. Here's how much it costs, plus details on what's new.
The Mitsubishi Triton is a capable double-cab bakkie that also happens to look quite attractive. However, Mitsubishi South Africa has introduced a fully-kitted version that's aimed at owners who want something extreme. It's no coincidence the newcomer is called the Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme. Mitsubishi SA says the Triton Xtreme boasts upgrades to the value of R100 000, but the actual price increase over the standard model comes to just R40 000.
Just look at it, it looks ready to take on everything. Available in 4×4 double-cab automatic trim, it's not just a cosmetic upgrade as the 4×4 capabilities have been upgraded as it now features a 28-degree approach angle, 23-degree departure angle and 25-degree break-over angle.
Under the bonnet, the 2.4-litre MIVEC turbo diesel engine does duty and it produces 133 kW and 430 Nm. The Super Select II 4WD system offers the option of full-time all-wheel drive with high and low range and a centre diff-lock option as well as a selectable two-wheel drive.
The cabin gains Android Auto/Apple CarPlay as well as a sport automatic gearshift knob. The rear tailgate also features the 'Ezydown' hydraulic dampers, making tailgate operation easy. The load box has also been professionally rubberised and there's a tonneau cover.
The exterior of the Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme really looks the part. The Xtreme kit comprises a new black bumper with grille, bonnet protector, headlight covers, fender flares, roof rack supports, taillight covers, style bar, A-line Hazard mag wheels wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain tyres as well as a Bosal tow bar.
Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme Price in South Africa (June 2020)
The Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme is covered by the original Mitsubishi Motors' Manufacturer's Warranty of 3 years or 100 000km, a 5-year/ 90 000 km Service Plan and a 5-year/unlimited mileage Roadside Assistance. Service intervals are scheduled at every 15 000 km or once a year.
Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme Double Cab 4WD Auto R639 995
Alpina has revealed its latest take on BMW’s 5 Series, and it includes a wonderfully potent station wagon. Alpina has had a prolific May 2020, showcasing both the XB7 and the DS 3.
The German engineering specialist is renowned for adding power, pace and a sense of grace to BMW’s products. With its new B5 package, Alpina also addresses an issue which has haunted BMW ever since the e60 range was discontinued: the question of an M5 station wagon.
Styling upgrades for the B5 are subtle and stylish. Alpina adds a reshaped front bumper with 40% larger air intakes than you’d find on a factory 5 Series and its B5 rolls multi-spoke 20-inch wheels which are a signature style item, on all Alpinas.
What really qualifies this B5 station wagon as the true successor to BMW’s M5 estate car heritage, is under the bonnet. Alpina’s technicians have managed to liberate some tidy numbers from the BMW 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine.
Power peaks at 457 kW, supported by 800 Nm of torque. Those numbers compare very favourably with the M5 Competition figures of 460 kW and 750 Nm. To ensure the required acoustic drama, there are Alpina dual-outlet sports exhausts, which exit at each corner of the remoulded rear bumper.
Performance claims are dramatic, as one would expect. Alpina says that its B5 station wagon will run a benchmark 0-100 kph in only 3.6 seconds, before reaching a true top speed of 322 kph. Those numbers conclusively settle any argument that this Alpina B5 is anything but a true M5 station wagon substitute.
To improve the B5’s high-speed tracking stability, it is equipped with adaptive dampers and utilizes rear-wheel steering. With an ability to turn the rear wheels 2.3-degrees to the left or right, Alpina’s B5 should make the best of its inherently more stable station wagon aerodynamics, guaranteeing excellent steering feedback at very high speeds.
Pricing
The price for this ‘all-but-in-name’ M5 station wagon? European orders are due for fulfilment in October, at an estimated R2.2m per five-door B5.
The next Volkswagen Amarok will be based on the Ford Ranger and it will be produced at Ford's Silverton facility in Gauteng, South Africa. Take a look at we know about the new Amarok below!
Renders courtesy of Duwyne Aspeling, Cars.co.za
Considering it was launched in South Africa in 2011, the Volkswagen Amarok is, by now, quite long in the tooth. There have been some mild updates along the way, like the addition of a beefy 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel, as well as the introduction of the range-topping Canyon edition. In 2020, we're expecting an even more potent V6 motor (with a peak output of 190 kW) to make its way into the local market in the 3rd quarter (although, we hasten to add that VW has been promising this engine for a few years already). The V6 turbodiesel has been a hit for VWSA, with most lifestyle customers favouring the bigger engine over the 2.0-litre biturbo. While it may not sell in the volumes that its Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger rivals do, the Volkswagen Amarok has proven itself more than capable and bagged 3 consecutive #CarsAwards – powered by WesBank category wins in the Leisure Bakkie category.
A product lifespan of a decade is long compared those of passenger vehicles, which are renewed completely every 5 to 7 years. Volkswagen recently presented a sketch of the 2022 Amarok at its annual media conference. Granted, it was a true teaser: the bakkie was proportionally over the top with outrageously huge tyres and a pedestrian-unfriendly bonnet. As wild as it looks, it confirms the German brand is working on a successor to the Amarok. We've created two renders, which we think take the elements from the concept sketch and put them into a more production-ready body.
Using an existing Amarok body shape, we've taken inspiration from the latest VW design cues such as the headlights and illuminated grille
However, there's been a significant development in the new Amarok's gestation: Volkswagen and Ford signed an agreement to develop and share costs on the new generation of commercial vehicles, which includes bakkies, as well as vans. The agreement essentially means the next-generation Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok will be developed as part of a collaborative effort and it has now been confirmed that the next Amarok will be produced locally at Ford's Silverton production facility as of 2022. Interestingly, the collaboration has ensured the future of the Amarok and without this alliance in place, the Amarok would have in all likelihood been shelved as pointed out by Thomas Sedran, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, who commented, "Ultimately it is our customers who will benefit, as without the cooperation we would not have developed a new Amarok.”
Think of it as the bakkie version of the Toyota Supra/BMW Z4 project, with the Blue Oval and its Wolfsburg-based collaborator pooling their resources. Right now, the current iteration of the Ford Ranger is arguably the most digitally-connected of all the bakkies on the market, plus it boasts impressive levels of safety technology, something we're sure Volkswagen will want to incorporate into a new Amarok.
Inspired by the Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak Concept, our 2nd render adopts a more masculine approach.
Now, this is where things get really interesting… Ford South Africa's top business priority is not the sale of vehicles, but to produce engines and vehicles for the local, as well as export, market. The Silverton facility in Pretoria is utilised to produce body panels and for the final assembly of vehicles, while the Struandale engine facility doesn't just make engines to supply South Africa… Ford produces Rangers, Ranger Raptors and Everest adventure SUVs for the right-hand drive markets of the world, while some of the engines are earmarked for products like the Transit.
Ford South Africa will be desperately keen to retain the business of building vehicles and given how popular the Ranger is in South Africa, the local sales numbers that come with it. The Ford Motor Company has made it clear this collaboration focuses on the European, African and SA markets. Interestingly, the USA was not mentioned, presumably as the F-150 dominates that (major) market.
Much of the Ranger's development and testing is done by the Blue Oval's Thai and Australian subsidiaries, whereas Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) doesn't have all that much say in the final product that is released into the market. Once it begins assembly of the new model, it can localise certain aspects or fix faults quite quickly, if need be.
2022 Volkswagen Amarok
While it's very early in the development phase, speculation based on trends and past experience means we do have some idea of what could happen. Despite the Dieselgate scandal, turbodiesel will remain critical in commercial vehicles and, given how slowly the fuel quality has improved in Sub-Saharan Africa, we wouldn't be surprised if VW's current engine portfolio of 2.0-litre biturbo diesel and 3.0-litre TDI V6 diesel motors are carried over, albeit with minor revisions. For this bakkie to be sold in Europe, it's going to need to comply with harsh emissions regulations, so there's a massive question mark for that market. South Africa's emissions regulations are much less stringent. Perhaps Volkswagen will shove its Touareg R's hybrid 3.0 V6 turbopetrol motor into the engine bay?
There's is absolutely no doubt that Volkswagen is aware of how well the Ford Ranger Raptor has been received, plus there's the imminent arrival of the GR Hilux. While an Amarok V6 with monstrous tyres and offroad-racing suspension may be a bit far-fetched, Volkswagen would probably consider an R-Line body kit for its next-gen double-cab bakkie, having noted how successful that trim level has been on its other passenger-vehicle products. When last did you see a non-R Line Volkswagen Tiguan? Let's not forget this is a shared collaborative effort with Ford, so there's no reason why we couldn't see Ford engines making their way into the next-gen Amarok, similar to the Z4/Supra overlap, which sees a BMW powerplant feature in both the German roadster and Japanse coupe.
Summary
Both brands have heavily invested in their South African production operations and bakkies are such an integral part of South African motoring culture. With this in mind, the idea of next-gen Ford Ranger ladder-frame chassis units leaving the Silverton factory and heading for Volkswagen's Uitenhage plant for next-gen Amarok bodywork and final assembly is not as radical as you might think. The next-generation Amarok and Ranger are due to be revealed in their final form in 2022. Watch this space, as we're very likely to spot prototype mules undergoing testing in South Africa.
German tuning firm Novitec is renowned for extracting much more performance (let alone attitude) from exotic cars; its latest project sees the already-rapid Ferrari F8 Tributo gain more power and torque, as well as a wilder exhaust note. Have a look… and a listen.
The F8 Tributo – an evolution of the 488 – made its South African debut about a year ago, and its roadster sibling arrived on local soil as recently as March. Maranello's mid-engined supercar is still very new to the market, but Novitec has wasted no time to develop a number of initial upgrades for the 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8-engined machine.
We say initial, because apart from riding on sports springs that lower the car’s ride height by 35 mm and being shod with bespoke Vossen-Novitec rims and tyres – 21-inch at the front, with 22-inch at the back – the Novitec F8 Tributo looks much like it did when it rolled out of the factory. However, the tuning firm has a series of aerodynamic addenda under development, so we can expect the tuning firm to release a melange of visual upgrades for this Prancing Horse in, um, due course.
By lowering the F8 Tributo's ride height and fitting different-sized alloys fore and aft, Novitec has given the Ferrari a meaner stance.
Up to this point, the focus of Novitec's development programme has been an upgrade of the power and torque outputs – and therefore, performance – of the F8 Tributo.
The most notable upgrade is the installation of a Novitec N-Tronic control module, which tweaks the Ferrari’s engine mapping, ignition and boost pressure. As a result, whereas the standard car generates 530 kW at 7 000 rpm and peak torque of 770 Nm at 3 250 rpm – it’s the most powerful V8 engine that Ferrari has ever produced, remember – the modified F8 Tributo produces a heady 579 kW (at 8 000 rpm) and 882 Nm at 3 000 rpm – improvements of 49 kW and 112 Nm respectively.
Look closely and you'll notice the Novitec F8 Tributo features custom black fog lamps; aerodynamic parts are in the pipeline.
The Novitec F8 Tributo can sprint from 0 to 100 kph in 2.7 seconds, which is 0.2 sec faster than its standard sibling, and, along with more ferocious in-gear acceleration and “improved throttle response”, the fettled Ferrari’s top speed is said to be “beyond 340 kph”, the tuning firm claims.
But, in the time-honoured tradition of infomercial product0pitches: wait, there’s more. Novitec has developed a bespoke exhaust "to optimise the performance further and give the engine a more thrilling exhaust note" – in fact, it’s claimed to be lighter than Ferrari's factory-fitted installation.
Black 22-inch Vossen-Novitec rims are fitted at the rear.
With the Power Stage 2 update, which combines the N-Tronic control module with the optimised stainless-steel exhaust system (replete with catalyst-replacement pipes), the Novitec F8 Tributo is said to produce 590 kW at 7 950 rpm and 898 Nm at 3 100 rpm… that’s if you want another 11 kW and 16 Nm – plus a whole lot more expensive noise.
Finally, the Novitec exhaust system can be paired with the F8 Tributo’s standard tips or the company’s bespoke carbon/stainless steel ends. Should you require to occasionally dampen the level of the mechanical din generated by the custom-piped setup, a remote-controlled flap-regulation system is also optionally available.
