Bollinger bakkie is not only powerful, but it also holds double the Land Cruiser bakkie's load capacity.
American electric vehicle bakkie specialist, Bollinger, has revealed yet another adaption of its B2.
The Michigan company has already revealed its double-cab B2s, but Bollinger is now hastening the development of its workhorse variant: the B2CC.
Classed as a chassis cab, the B2CC would be known to South Africans as a single-cab and it has some amazing features. If you desire a battery-powered bakkie with superior off-road ability and a great load-carrying configuration, this is it.
The B2CC platform features hydropneumatic suspension, which can self-level and balance the bakkie, even when loaded to capacity – and this single-cab can move more than most. Bollinger claims the B2CC is rated to carry 2.25 tonnes on its rear axle, which is twice what most rival bakkies can haul.
With a flat rear chassis, the B2CC allows for many different utilitarian bakkie applications. You can rig it as a tow-vehicle or place a water-drilling platform on the rear. Bollinger also envisions a rear scaffolding and racking system, which would be perfect for building and maintenance contractors.
Beyond the significant payload and generous wheelbase that allows this B2CC such adaptability, there is the promise of excellent all-terrain ability. Lockable portal-axles enable 500 mm of ground clearance (most regular bakkies are half that) and should provide traction in all off-road conditions.
Powering the B2CC is a massive 120 kWh battery pack, spinning two electric motors – one at each axle. Total system output is an outrageously impressive 452 kW and 906 Nm, which means that even with 2.25 tonnes of whatever you need to move on the back, you’ll never be late.
Bollinger claims the B2CC will run 0-100 kph in only 4.5 seconds, which makes it faster than most hot hatches. For bakkie owners, the appeal of all that performance is in its surplus power capacity, with the B2CC having a 10 kW onboard charger/inverter system to power work tools.
The first Bollinger B2-series bakkies are expected to reach customers in Q2 of 2021.
Mercedes-AMG has already introduced an AMG version of its A-Class in South Africa in 2020, but there is more to come from the Three-pointed Star – Benz's Affalterbach-based performance division plans to introduce several more AMGs to the local market this year.
2020 is a big year for Mercedes-AMG, which has lined up a host of new products to unleash across the globe. While the Covid-19 pandemic has put a hold on the fanfare Benz wanted to stir up to mark the local arrival of the CLA45- and A45 4Matic+, there is still more to come in the form of big and small SUVs, and well as one almighty supercar. Here's what we can expect to arrive soon.
Mercedes-AMG GT R Black Series
Mercedes-AMG has been working on this: the most hardcore performance car it has produced for quite some time. It has undergone extensive testing at the Nurburgring and boasts notable aerodynamic upgrades over the standard GT-R. We are expecting a power upgrade from the standard GT R's 430 kW and possibly some extreme weight-saving measures to optimise the Black Series for track use. From exterior details, we can tell there is a new bonnet, with massive intakes over the front wheels, a huge 2-stage wing at the back, as well as a quartet of exhausts built into a rear diffuser. Mercedes-Benz SA has this model pencilled in for the 4th quarter, or early 2021 (if things don't quite go to plan). That means we should see a global reveal of the Black Series in due course.
Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+
Production of the GLE 53 4Matic+ premium SUV is only expected to commence in July, but it should make it to South Africa by September 2020. It is planned to go on sale before the Coupe variant. Our first experience of the 53's 3.0-litre inline-6 engine was in the E53 Cabrio and we rate it as one of best of the current crop of Mercedes-Benz engines. Why? It's one of the very few modern forced-induction powerplants that can hit the high notes (with its finely-tuned exhaust pipes) when revved hard. It also uses a 48V electric to supply an additional 16 kW and 250 Nm of torque, but more importantly, it spins up a supercharger that cuts out lag before handing over to (an exhaust-driven) turbocharger that increases the top-end grunt. Total outputs weigh in at 320 kW and 520 Nm.
In S guise (the version that we'll get here in South Africa), the GLE 63 churns out a mammoth 450 kW and 850 Nm from its tried and tested turbocharged 4.0-litre V8. That makes it good for a 3.8-second 0-100 kph launch thanks to its 4-Matic all-wheel drivetrain. This should make for some shootout at the end of the year, right?
Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe (53- and 63 4Matic+)
The Coupe variants of the GLE AMGs are set to arrive in Q4, which should be a rather busy time for the Mercedes-AMG crew in South Africa. We expect these 2 derivatives to be launched in tandem with the above-mentioned 63 S SUV. The Coupes use the same hardware and software as the standard versions and are claimed to produce identical performance figures too.
Hyundai has released its first official images of the forthcoming i20 N testing in Arjeplog, Sweden.
Exciting developments are taking place at Hyundai’s N division as more performance-orientated products are expected to come to market in the very near future. The next N model to follow on from the i30 N, i30 N Fastback and Veloster N is the compact i20 N hatchback which has been cold-weather testing in Sweden.
Apart from releasing official images of the i20 N prototype testing in the snow, Hyundai has also released 2 videos which not only feature the i20 N prototype, but also the i20 WRC rally car and the awesome RM19 with Hyundai WRC driver, Thierry Neuville, behind the wheel.
Is this what the production version of the i20 N could look like? Render by Duwyne Aspeling, Cars.co.za
Engine and transmission details for the i20 N have yet to be officially confirmed but a 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine with at least 150 kW and 300 Nm is expected and a 6-speed manual transmission sending power to the front wheels is likely. It’s worth noting that Hyundai has developed a new 8-speed N Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) which will be offered on the Veloster N and i30 N, is also a possibility for the i20 N.
The Hyundai i20 N will rival products such as the new Toyota Yaris GR, Volkswagen Polo GTI and Renault Clio RS, to name a few.
Thierry Neuville had this to say about the i20 N prototype, “Very interesting car. Very precise. Very easy handling. The engine is revving nicely and the noise is very interesting as well. I’m looking forward to get this one to drive in WRC!”
Alpina puts its team to work on subtle styling with lots of speed for the 3 Series diesel.
BMW’s latest M340d is a wonderfully potent blend of performance and long-distance driving economy, but Alpina thought it could be even better.
The renowned BMW engineering specialist has now launched both a sedan and station wagon upgrade of the M340d. These new high-performance models carry the D3 S badge and are true to Alpina’s heritage of combining subtle styling with outrageous power, delivering what could be considered M3-levels of performance, with the benefit of diesel range.
Alpina’s D3 S exterior design alterations are very slight, with the most noticeable being those 20-inch multispoke alloy wheels, which reduce unsprung weight by 14 kg.
The anchor theme of these new D3 S cars concerns Alpina’s modification of the BMW 3-litre turbodiesel engine. Alpina’s technicians have managed to boost power to 261 kW and torque surges up by 30 Nm, to a new peak of 730 Nm.
Transmission software upgrades ensure that ZF’s eight-speed automatic gearbox is not undone by the increase in engine power. An electronically controlled limited-slip differential ensures sufficient traction and although these D3 S variants retain all-wheel drive, Alpina has reprogrammed the torque-slit sensitivity to be rear-axle biased.
Performance is predictably swift, with the Alpina D3 S sedan claimed to run 0-100 kph in only 4.6 seconds, whilst the station wagon is only two tenths slower, at 4.8 seconds. Top speed is slated at 273 kph for the sedan and 270 kph for the load-friendly station wagon.
Mindful of the speeds that its D3 S models can attain, Alpina has enacted suspension and brake system upgrades, to guarantee a balanced driving experience. Eibach coils are added to each wheel corner, to resist brake dive and provide bodyroll mitigation through corners.
Brakes are upsized to 395 mm at the front wheels, actuated by four-piston callipers, which make them 15% larger and better at heat dissipation than the M340d’s standard 345 mm front rotors.
Pricing
The Alpina D3 S sedan prices at and an estimated R1 390 000 (converted from Euros), whilst the station wagon version is set to retail for R1 430 000.
Hyundai’s N performance arm is gaining steady momentum as its portfolio of performance models continue to grow. A new Hyundai Elantra sedan was recently revealed and a hotter Elantra N is reportedly on the way. Is this what the Elantra N will look like?
Render courtesy of Duwyne Aspeling, Cars.co.za
Hyundai’s N division is redefining the brand’s image in the world of performance and with an increasing range of performance models coming to market and in development, enthusiasts have much to look forward to from the Korean automotive powerhouse.
In addition to the i30 N, other N models currently include the i30 N Hatchback and Veloster N. Hyundai is also developing new N models such as the Kona N and i20 N. A range of stylised N Line derivatives are also currently on offer in selected markets and these include the i10 N Line, Tucson N Line, i30 N Line and i30 N Line Hatchback.
New Elantra forms the base for Elantra N
The new Elantra features sharper and sportier styling, providing a good base for the Elantra N…
Earlier this year Hyundai revealed its new 7th-generation Elantra which is undoubtedly the most striking Elantra ever. Much of the new Elantra’s boldness can be seen in its new design language known as ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ which is evident in not only its vast cascading grille which merges seamlessly into the sleek headlight clusters but also in the body lines which meet at one point which Hyundai calls ‘Parametric Dynamics’. The new Elantra also adopts a sportier stance over its predecessor and it’s not only longer but it also sits lower and wider while also being lighter.
Based on what we know from current Hyundai N models, from a styling perspective, the Elantra N is expected to feature a number of unique exterior styling treatments to match its performance intentions. These additions include a sporty front spoiler along with red detailing also seen bordering the cascading grille. The Elantra N is also likely to ride on larger and sportier alloy wheels shod with low-profile rubber along with obligatory red N brake callipers which add a sporty touch. Front and rear N badges will further differentiate the Elantra N from its standard sibling.
More than this, the Elantra N will also feature an uprated suspension system to allow for enhanced dynamic handling ability and dual exhaust with a variable-valve system is expected to deliver a sporty engine note. Talking about engines…
What will power the Elantra N?
A 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated with Hyundai's new 8-speed DCT is likely…
The same turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine found under the bonnet of the i30 N hatchback, which we sampled on local soil earlier this year, could very well make it into the Elantra N.
In the i30 N, this powerplant is offered in 2 states of tune including a 184 kW/353 Nm version and a high-power derivative with 202 kW/353 Nm, the latter of which is currently on sale in South Africa.
While currently only offered with a 6-speed manual transmission, Hyundai recently introduced a new N DCT to the Veloster N which is an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with a wet (oil-lubricated) configuration. This new transmission is expected to find its way into the i30 N but it’s also expected to be the transmission of choice for the Elantra N.
What makes this transmission particularly interesting is the modes on offer which includes N Power Shift (NPS), N Track Sense Shift (NTS) and N Grin Shift (NGS), which interestingly allows for the delivery of additional torque overboost for 20 seconds and in the case of the Veloster N, amounting to an additional 24 Nm.
As an alternative engine possibility, we also recently reported that Hyundai was testing a larger-capacity 2.5-litre turbocharged engine in a Veloster N prototype. If that is indeed the case, this new engine could offer significant gains and outputs could very well jump up to 223 kW and 421 Nm. That would make for a very powerful and entertaining drive in the Elantra N…
What about the interior?
The Elantra N's interior will be based on the new Elantra's design seen here, but with sportier finishes to match.
The interior of the Elantra N will follow on from the new Elantra, albeit with sporty accoutrements such as an N performance steering wheel (with shift paddles) wrapped in leather and suede, bolstered sport seats and sports pedals.
As seen in the new Elantra, the cabin design is far more sleek, sophisticated and indeed minimalist in its design. The Elantra N is expected to feature a pair of 10.25-inch screens which combine to form an extended display housing the digital instrument cluster and the touchscreen infotainment system which will offer Apple Carplay and Android Auto while also communicating key performance data to the driver.
From a practicality perspective, the Elantra is claimed to offer best-in-class rear legroom thanks to an extended wheelbase and the Seoul-based firm claims that boot space is some 8% larger than that of its Toyota Corolla rival.
Availability?
The Elantra N is not likely to be offered in South Africa…
We know that Hyundai is also working on an Elantra N Line derivative, which will likely be revealed before the end of the year. Logic, therefore, dictates that the Elantra N will follow thereafter which means a reveal in 2021 is likely.
It’s far too early to tell whether the Elantra N will be offered locally but it’s unlikely as Hyundai no longer sells the Elantra sedan in South Africa. Demand for C-segment sedans has dropped-off sharply in recent years as consumers continue to flock to crossovers and compact SUVs and unsurprisingly, there's even less demand for a performance-orientated C-segment sedan in our market. This segment is currently dominated by the likes of the Toyota Corolla and the Corolla Quest. Interestingly, while it hasn’t been confirmed just yet, there is a possibility that Toyota’s Gazoo Racing arm will develop a Corolla GR sedan which will be a sizzling rival to this Elantra N. Let’s hope it happens!
Volkswagen Plant to Become Covid-19 Medical Facility
Volkswagen, in partnership with the German government, will convert its plant in Neave, Port Elizabeth, into a temporary medical facility that will treat COVID-19 patients.
In collaboration with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Volkswagen South Africa, the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and the Eastern Cape Department of Health, Volkswagen’s Neave plant will be converted into a temporary overflow medical facility that will accommodate up to 4 000 beds to assist in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Neave plant was previously used by Volkswagen for the manufacture of component parts but the facility is no longer in use and has been standing vacant for several months. With a funding injection of 5.2-million Euros or R107-million from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the 66 000m² facility will be converted and the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be procured for the regional tertiary hospitals, primary care clinics and COVID-19 test centres in the region.
The Eastern Cape Department of Health in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality will manage and operate the facility and the plant will be made available to government until March 2021.
Volkswagen South Africa has committed R28-million to the project while also providing project management for the conversion and management of the procurement of PPE.
The conversion of the facility will take place in phases and the first preparation phase is expected to take between 6 to 8 weeks to complete. Volkswagen has also produced ventilators, respirators and masks in partnership with local businesses to bolster medical care in the greater Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.
Thomas Schaefer, Chairman and Managing Director: VWSA commented, “Solidarity is crucial in a crisis – and Covid-19 is an unprecedented global threat. Through collaboration we will be able to achieve the position of strength we will need to fight the Covid-19 virus.
“VWSA has devoted its time to finding innovative ways in which we can combat the scourge of Covid-19 and prepare the Metro to care for those who are infected. We are highly appreciative of the financial support from the BMZ/GIZ as it will help us to continue to offer support to protect our citizens and our country.”
Dr Gerd Müller, the German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, commented: "We will either beat Covid-19 worldwide together or not at all. That is why I support Volkswagen South Africa's plan to turn a currently unused factory into a facility for Covid-19 patients. Our contribution forms part of our worldwide Emergency Covid-19 Support Programme. It aims to strengthen and expand health infrastructure, provide emergency aid to stabilise regions in crisis and refugee camps, safeguard jobs and food supply."
Toyota Corolla Altis GR Sport Previews Hotter Models
The Toyota Corolla Altis has been given the GR Sport treatment, giving us a small taste of what the future holds when it comes to performance Corolla sedans.
What you see here is the Taiwanese-spec Toyota Corolla Altis GR Sport. Altis is the name given to the Corolla in some markets and this sporty version gives us a great idea of what a performance model will look like.
In terms of GR Sport badging, this is the visual and sporty drive upgrade, not to be confused with GR and GRMN which focus more on more potent engines. Visually, it looks the part with sporty touches everywhere. There's a nice grille, 17-inch alloy wheels, dark tinted tail lights, a rear diffuser and an upgraded cabin. Inside, there's 2-tone red/black leather seats, GR logos on the headrests, red stitching and gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.
The suspension upgrades include thicker front and rear anti-roll bars, which Toyota claims will improve stability and reduces body roll. In terms of engines, it has the current 1.8 naturally-aspirated petrol engine developing 103 kW and 172 Nm, as well as the hybrid 1.8 petrol engine. Power goes the front wheels via a Super CVT-i gearbox with seven virtual ratios.
We know Toyota is investing heavily into its GR family, with many of its portfolio already getting GR, GR Sport nomenclature. The new Yaris GR looks to be one of 2020's most exciting performance models, with its compact turbo engine and all-wheel drive. While a fully-fledged Corolla sedan with big power is some way away, this GR Sport-badged Corolla sedan whets our appetite as we eagerly await the return of high-performance Toyotas.
The lockdown in South Africa in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the automotive sector to a grinding halt and figures released by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) have revealed a depressing, but expected, decline in new car sales and exports.
The South African economy has been hit hard in the month of April 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic forced a nationwide lockdown.
Few sectors have been spared and the automotive industry has suffered a crushing blow as production lines came to a stop and dealerships closed their doors.
The result makes for sad reading.
Passenger car sales for the month of April 2020 totalled just 105 units (down by 99.6% compared to April 2019) while Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales racked up a meagre 318 units (down by 96.8% compared with April 2019). Aggregate new vehicles sales stood at 574 units.
Exports totalled 901 units, which represents a decline of 97.3% compared with April 2019.
Lebogang Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank commented, “In this unprecedented time, the motor industry is experiencing unchartered conditions and grappling with the solutions to address it. The global consequences of this pandemic will be immense for some time to come, from the economic impacts to the way corporations work and the manner in which consumers behave. How the motor industry adapts now will define just how drastic the changes will be, but one of the few certainties from this crisis is that the industry will be different.”?
Despite the bleak outlook, South Africa has moved into Level 4 lockdown, regulations now permit automotive manufacturing to scale up to 50% and car sales have been permitted ‘under specific directions’ which have yet to be clarified. As such, and provided that the lockdown levels continue to be reduced, improvements in May 2020 are expected. However, the economic ramifications of restrictions on manufacturing and trade will continue to affect the state of the industry for the foreseeable future.
“While government’s risk-adjusted and phased approach to unlocking economic activity is broadly supported, the motor industry will be looking to start operations sooner rather than later,” says Gaoaketse. “The industry’s significant 6.9% contribution to GDP means that many jobs are potentially impacted, across manufacturing and retail, as is foreign currency revenue from exports. Mobility plays a vital role in providing the necessary stimulus to all sectors of the economy to literally get moving.”
There are however some positive aspects for consumers to take from the crisis. Fuel prices are dropping steadily and the low-interest-rate environment will help stimulate the economy, encourage car sales and provide some relief to indebted consumers.
Gaoaketse, however, warns that a return to normality isn't likely anytime soon as “there are simply too many unknowns, from both a pandemic and economic perspective. We should expect consumers to be slow in their return to the car market as they adapt to social distancing measures and remain cautious about their own budgets given the uncertainty.”
The dismal failure of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class won't be forgotten and we'd bet the Stuttgart-based manufacturer would be keen to make amends. How about a G-Class based bakkie then?
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class factory will stop making this model in May 2020, instead focusing on producing the Nissan Navara. It was not a success at all, with dismal sales globally. Mercedes-Benz is likely a tad embarrassed by this blatant failure and potentially, could offer something that would actually find favour in the hearts and minds of the bakkie market. While not official, these Mercedes-Benz G-Class bakkie renders look fantastic.
Thanks to artist j.b cars on Instagram, we get a good idea of what a Mercedes-Benz G-Class single cab bakkie would look like. We know Mercedes-Benz can do a G-Class bakkie, there's been one on sale in Australia and Brabus has made a double-cab version which you can check out here.
What you see here is the AMG version, packing a twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine – something the X-Class was never offered with, despite the Internet begging for one. Should Mercedes-Benz use the G-Class as a base for a new high-end bakkie version?
New supercars are probably going to be become a rarity, in the post-corona world.
As uncertainty remains about how the global economy will restructure itself in the coming months, brands who have invested in new ‘sustainable’ supercars, are shelving the projects.
The latest of these is BMW. When it revealed its Vision M concept vehicle, traditional fans of the Bavarian brand were excited. Vision M blended dramatic styling and compact packaging, promising an agile supercar driving experience.
BMW had cleverly configured the Vision M’s technical specification. It was powered by a plug-in hybridized petrol drivetrain, which meant that in a stringent emissions future, it would not be taxed into ruin. The company even commissioned Hans Zimmer to produce an augmented sound signature, for the car.
With the Vision M, designers had wished to revive the drama of BMW’s legendary M1, with an evolved i8 driving experience. But that possibility has now faded to nothing.
The Vision M was always going to be a marginal business case, for BMW. Low-volume supercars need enormous per-unit pricing to be profitable, especially when they are debuting new technology. And BMW was always going to struggle with pricing the Vision M at Lamborghini levels.
With an unstable technology supply chain and massive doubts concerning demand in some of its global markets, BMW’s board has made the decision to cancel its Vision M production plans.
For the remainder of 2020, survival is the aim. BMW must, therefore, consolidate the production of vehicles it is guaranteed to profit from, and Vision M was not considered to be one of those.
The car will remain in prototype form and become a storied part of BMW’s museum curation.
