South African Mustang owners who are keen followers of Jack Roush’s performance tuning legacy, can now have an even more potent version of Ford’s pony car.
The Roush stage 3 it is now locally available and boosts the Mustang’s performance into a supercar realm of statistical comparison.
Anchoring the stage 3 upgrade of the Mustang 5-litre V8 is a Roush Phase 2 supercharger kit. With a Roush quad black tip exhaust system and choice of optional X- or H-pipes, the sound signature is significantly more distinctive that a factory V8 Mustang.
Peak power is claimed at 600 kW, supported by 908 Nm of torque. Those numbers are impressive and convert to some crushing acceleration statistics. Roush claims that its latest Mustang upgrade is capable of 0-100 kph in only 3.6 seconds.
Balancing the engine performance is improved thermal management of the Roush Mustang’s mechanical components. It features a higher-volume engine cooling system and drivetrain coolers, for both the automatic transmission and rear differential.
Roush recodes its own parameters for the Ford MagnaRide adaptive dampers, to provide a bit more compression. The result should be less bodyroll during high-speed cornering and reduced dive when drivers are using maximum braking force. Roush is also offering a Brembo brake disc and callipers upgrade, for those Mustang drivers who seek superior stopping power and pedal feel.
No Roush Mustang would be complete with some external styling trinkets and the stage 3 package adds fender vents and some graphics. Cabin upgrades include Recaro semi-bucket seats, which could be useful for those Roush stage 3 Mustang owners who are track day regulars.
Roush provides its own warranty on the upgraded power unit, offering a 3-yr/60 000 km warranty.
Introducing a brand and business promise which delivers value at a very relevant time. As consumers re-evaluate their purchasing decisions, Audi Pre-owned offers vehicle buyers access to the quality, integrity and confidence associated with a premium automotive brand, but on reasonable terms… and with complete peace of mind.
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As the world collectively reflects during these uncertain times, businesses are rethinking their plans and objectives. Our relationship with mobility also requires a rethink; many of us have begun questioning what is really important to us and trying to find the most efficient, effective and sustainable way of making those values form part of our daily lives.
Apractical solution that provides premium value
In the premium-motoring space, Audi Pre-owned offers a fitting business promise to service this new reality. It includes a practical motoring solution, giving customers the opportunity to access the brand quality, integrity and confidence associated with a premium brand, on reasonable terms, and with complete peace of mind.
The Audi Pre-owned promise is completely integrated within the brand’s value proposition, which is built on trust, assurance and integrity. This ensures that customers are not compromised when transacting with Audi Pre-owned: from purchasing an Audi Pre-owned vehicle, or trading in/selling their current Audi within the brand's dealership network.
In times of uncertainty, customers value certainty
Customers can be assured that when they buy an Audi Pre-owned vehicle, it has undergone (and comprehensively passed) an 80-point integrity check and that its service and maintenance history, as well as the provenance of the car/crossover/SUV, have been validated. Therefore, Audi Pre-owned customers can be sure that they’re buying a vehicle that has been previously loved and well cared for, again reinforcing the uncompromising quality that Audi models are known for.
Audi Pre-owned also guarantees that the vehicle has been part of an unbroken chain of care in the Audi ecosystem throughout its life. Every service interaction has been carried out at an Audi workshop, by Audi-trained technicians using Audi Genuine Parts and specialised equipment.
Additionally – and for added peace of mind – Audi Pre-owned includes the Audi Freeway Plan with a minimum cover of 1 year and/or 25 000 km or the balance remaining of the original Audi Freeway Plan up to 5 years and 100 000 km (whichever is the greater), to address any service and maintenance needs within the policy parameters.
So, it’s very apparent that an Audi Pre-owned vehicle’s age or history doesn’t define the quality parameters due to the Audi Pre-owned promise inherent in every vehicle. It’s an excellent, premium and practical mobility choice regardless of its model year or ownership cycle.
Nobody loves your Audi, more than Audi
Audi Pre-owned also offers a reassuring way of trading in or selling your vehicle back to Audi. Keeping this within the Audi family means that a franchised Audi dealership is likely to pay a premium for your Audi. As the custodians of the Audi brand, Audi dealerships hold the expertise in trading with Audi vehicles, which means that they should be the obvious first choice when considering the sale of your current Audi.
Trading in your Audi at Audi Pre-owned also ensures that other consumers are granted affordable access to the Audi brand, which is backed completely by the Audi brand promise, which is great for Audi brand fans who have always held the aspiration to be part of the Four Rings family.
We all appreciate the luxury and comfort of a premium vehicle, but at a time when consumers are looking for value and sustainability, Audi Pre-owned provides an accessible and practical purchase solution, without compromise. In South Africa, driving an Audi is a unique motoring adventure and a powerful statement of personal identity. Now, owning a premium car and being part of the Audi family is well within reach and still a relevant consideration, at Audi Pre-owned.
You can search for available models and body types across all Audi Pre-owned dealerships in South Africa by using the Audi Pre-owned locator. From the Audi A1 premium city car all the way through to the Audi Q7 SUV, you can sort the results according to price/year/mileage, engine (including fuel type, gearbox and drivetrain), body colour and location. Alternatively, you can use the Locate a Dealer function to find an Audi dealership near you that has Audi Pre-owned models available for purchase at their premises.
Mahindra has refreshed its Pik Up S6 Single Cab bakkie. Here are the specifications and pricing for this model.
The Mahindra S6 Single Cab has been given some updates for 2020. It's available in 4×2 and 4×4 flavours and for those requiring a real commercial application, there's the option of a dropside load bay.
What's new for 2020? The Mahindra S6 Single Cab gets the same design elements which were first seen on the S11 Double Cab. There's a new grille, reworked bumper as well as a redesigned styling bar which adds rigidity as well as tie-down functionality.
In terms of features, Mahindra has added remote opening for the fuel tank, electric rearview mirror adjustment, 1-touch lane change indicators and cruise control. There are new seats with armrests as well as driver seat height adjustment. The standard equipment list is already comprehensive with rain-sensitive wipers, automatic self-levelling headlamps and a fuel-saving start-stop system.
Under the bonnet is the 2.2-litre mHawk turbodiesel. It has 103 kW and 320 Nm and boasts a real-world consumption figure of 7.7 L/100 km. With this powertrain, the S6 single cab can tow a braked trailer weighing up to 2 500 kilogrammes, while also being able to take a payload of up to 1 195 kg on the 4×2 model (1 095 kg on the 4×4).
"The upgraded S6 single cab is one of the first models to benefit from our internal working group. In this group, we are looking at ways to further improve our reputation for producing the Reliable and Capable yet Affordable vehicles that Mahindra has become known for," says Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.
Mahindra Pik Up S6 Single Cab Price in South Africa (June 2020)
All Mahindra Pik Up S6 models are sold with a comprehensive 4-year / 120 000 km mechanical warranty and roadside assistance plan and 5-year / 90 000 km service plan. Service intervals, barring the initial 10 000 km lubrication service, are set at 20 000 km.
There’s a new ‘Big Dog’ on the block and it’s Haval’s latest addition to its SUV family.
First up, let’s clear up the name. Haval reportedly ran a public poll on WeChat to determine the name of this vehicle and the options included DaGou (Big Dog), Yuanxingzhe (Hiker), Zhanfu (Battle Axe), Lantu (Billow Journey) and Lang (Wolf). DaGou came out on top and is the official name in China, but we think Big Dog just sounds cool.
The Haval Big Dog or DaGou, stands some 4 620 mm long, 1 890 mm wide, 1 780 mm high and has a wheelbase of 2 738 mm, making it roughly the same size as a Toyota Prado.
In terms of design, the Haval Big Dog adopts a boxy design with a bold, 3-tier grille flanked with round headlights set in dark trim housing. An under-body skid plate is also fitted along with rugged-looking black plastic wheel arches, hinting that the Big Dog can run offroad if need be which is further emphasised with its 200 mm ground clearance. Roof rails, running boars and all-terrain tyres further add to the ruggedness of the new model. The rear benefits from inverted L-shaped taillights along with a rear skid plate and a bold Haval badge.
The Big Dog's interior is vibrant and comes equipped with all the bells and whistles.
Moving inside, the Big Dog is equipped with a digital instrument cluster and large touchscreen infotainment system as well as a neat multi-function steering wheel. A wireless charging pad is also fitted. The dashboard is equipped with vertical air vents as well as a large grab handle for the front passenger as well as on the A-pillars.
In China, the Big Dog will be powered by 2 turbocharged engine choices including a 125 kW/285 Nm 1.5-litre engine as well as a larger 2.0-litre engine offering 165 kW and 385 Nm. All-wheel-drive derivatives are also expected.
The Haval DaGou will go on sale in China in the coming months. We reached out to Haval South Africa to find out if the Big Dog will make it to South Africa and it has not been confirmed or denied, which means there might be a chance that it will be offered in South Africa at some point.
Do you want to see the Haval Big Dog in South Africa?
Having recently delivered its 20 000th Bentayga, Bentley is preparing to introduce a facelifted version of its popular first-class SUV. Judging from these leaked brochure- (or perhaps, press-) images that have popped up on Instagram, the luxury off-roader's mid lifecycle update will be subtle.
Although some regarded the Bentayga in conflict with Bentley’s traditional values at the time of its launch, it has become a vital product in the company’s portfolio. The first-class SUV is the Crewe-based brand’s bestseller; it represented almost half of all new Bentleys sold in 2019 – a record year for the VW Group’s most luxurious MLBevo-based model.
The Bentayga made its South African debut in mid-2018, but the model was introduced overseas as long ago as 2016.
These (regrettably grainy) images of the facelifted Bentayga were posted by Instagram user Wilco Blok and partly reveal the first-class SUV's refreshed styling and interior.
The most noticeable exterior update is the new headlight design that’s reminiscent of those of the Continental GT and Flying Spur. The significantly revised bumper's recesses are covered by the same mesh pattern as the grille; it further features a larger lower air dam and (what appear to be) enlarged fog-light housings.
The Bentayga is based on the same platform as the Audi Q7/Q8, Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg.
Apart from the obvious new alloy wheel design, the Bentayga’s rear end is most likely to sport a reshaped bumper and new-look (and probably enlarged) LED tail-light clusters.
The changes to the interior are subtle too… and appear to be largely technology-based. Bentley has fitted the updated Bentayga with a reshaped all-digital instrument cluster (it effectively inserts contemporary electronic display into an old-school instrument pod), while the decluttered centre console sports the wider touchscreen infotainment system from the Flying Spur.
With the enlarged touchscreen, Bentley is looking to improve the Bentayga's infotainment functionality.
Under the sheet metal, the revised first-class SUV should receive a number of technical updates, such as an upgraded semi-autonomous cruise control system, but the current engine line-up of a 320 kW/900 Nm 4.0-litre V8 turbodiesel, 404 kW/770 Nm 4.0-litre V8 turbopetrol and 447-467 kW 6.0-litre W12 turbopetrol is likely to remain unchanged, although some ‘sites are reporting that the W12 engine will be more fuel-efficient.
5 reasons Hilux and Ranger should worry about a Korean bakkie onslaught
Hyundai and Kia are preparing to launch bakkies, but given the myriad double cabs that have been revealed, launched and updated of late, the Koreans will clearly have their work cut out. However, adversity is something the companies are quite used to. Here's why the bakkie stalwarts should take notice of the upcoming models.
Santa Cruz. What images does that name conjure up for you? It's a coastal county of Southern California, so… sun, surf, and sandy flesh? Or, perhaps the name evokes the famous mountain bike brand and with it the notion of bombing down tree-lined single trails. In truth, the name harks to both scenarios, which we'll bundle under that well-used umbrella term "lifestyle".
In South Africa, for example, we already associate that particular word with the double-cab bakkie. So then, enter the Hyundai Santa Cruz. What started as a tease, then evolved into a concept, will soon go into production. Even during these Covid-19-addled times, the idea of strapping a bicycle or canoe onto the back of a double-cab and charging down some gravel for a solo (read socially-distanced) adventure, seems wonderfully enticing.
1. They’ve done this before
The Koreans have a worthy fighter in every segment of the market, except the bakkie segment.
Hyundai – and Kia, by extension – already know how to churn out cars with mainstream appeal, so there’s no telling the damage they can do in the most popular vehicle segment in the Republic. For every segment they’ve entered, the Korean sibling companies have sent a combatant to rival the champion – most recently with the Golf GTI challenger, the 130 N. Crossovers? They’ve pretty much usurped the category with the Creta, Seltos, Tucson and Sportage. There’s no reason to believe a lifestyle truck won’t steal some real estate in the bakkie segment…
The Picanto has become an SA favourite, selling in large numbers locally.
Ten years ago, we were invited to the Hyundai and Kia operations in South Korea. We witnessed a truly self-sufficient operation from mining to milling, to rolling out body shells before our eyes. Here we informed that the goal of the firm had changed from mastering the art of mass production to churning out affordable, competent passenger vehicles to ultimately building cars you and I will love. Mission accomplished.
3. This affects you
Hyundai and Kia share tech, probably better than an Isuzu/Mazda or Ford/VW collaboration would.
A Hyundai or a Kia is no longer the go-to option for those looking to buy a new vehicle on a tight budget; Chinese manufacturers have cornered that market. In other words, the success of any Korean double cab is largely going to depend on you. Of course, there’s no reason to assume they won’t be competitive from the get-go, which means you stand to gain a very competitively-priced product loaded with spec, even it has no track record.
Remember when VW bravely waded into this segment with its Amarok. Much was the fuss, with many a negative comment strewn across the web (and bandied about around braai fires) about its "puny" 2.0-litre engine, but the VW nevertheless garnered awards and thrived. Yet, despite its favourable debut, the next Amarok will be built by segment-champion Ford. There’s a lesson here, one that Hyundai and Kia are sure to learn from.
4. They have the segment champions in their sights
A ladder frame version is being built specifically for markets like South Africa.
Just like in every other segment, Hyundai will take on the stalwarts, so watch out Messrs Hilux, Ranger and D-Max. And it’s true that Hyundai already has a lifestyle truck based on its Santa Fe SUV in the pipeline for the USA market. A more affordable ladder-framed one-tonner most likely destined for South Africa and Australia is coming too and the rumours suggest the newcomer and its Kia equivalent may feature a 137 kW/241 Nm naturally-aspirated 2.4-litre- and 175 kW/352 Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines and possibly a 142 kW/440 Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel motor.
Styling will surely follow the aforementioned premium Yank tank’s cues. The more luxurious versions (which may be the only kind they'll make, mind you) should feature Hyundai’s 8-speed automatic transmission… and that makes sense in 2020, when every manufacturer worth its salt steers their trucks ever closer to road comfort. We’ll bet anything you’ll be able to have one in both Hyundai and Kia flavours with 4×4 and 4×4 capability.
They aren't just stopping there either, they are going after the Ranger Raptor segment too. There is speculation that an N bakkie could feature the same potent, turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that powers the i30N and could offer as much as 225 kW!
5. They'll be here soon
The BT-50 and Isuzu D-Max only arrive in 2021. The Hyundai/Kia Bakkie could be hot on its heels.
When can I have one? It could be as early as next year, we’re waiting with bated breath for an official announcement, but if the rumour mill is to be believed, it's likely to happen in 2021.
Would you buy one? Or does the newly revealed Mazda BT-50 do a better job of enticing you? How about the radical new Isuzu D-Max that the Mazda's based on, or China's most compelling entry yet, the GWM P-Series (possibly called the Cannon) pickup? There are interesting times ahead.
McLaren has revealed a special-edition 720S and we think it's the most beautiful version yet! Check it out.
This limited-edition McLaren 720S was created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the iconic McLaren F1 win in the 1995 Le Mans race. There will be just 50 examples built, and each will come with a special Le Mans dedication plate as well as McLaren 25 Anniversary Le Mans logos.
It's the attention to detail which we love and each vehicle's VIN will start with 298 – a tribute to the number of laps completed by the McLaren F1 back in 1995. The vehicle is available in 2 exterior paint themes, Sarthe Grey and Mclaren Orange (which you see here). There's a gloss black roofscoop, carbon fibre-louvred front fenders, unique 5-spoke Le Mans wheels (which look remarkably like the F1's wheels), and gold-coloured brake callipers. That roofscoop is not just cosmetic either as it helps cool the powertrain during high-performance driving, while the louvres provide an aerodynamic benefit.
The cabin gains a choice of 2 bespoke black Alcantara themes with accents in either McLaren Orange or Dove Grey. Customers also get carbon fibre racing seats, embroidered headrests with Le Mans 25 logo, 12 o clock steering wheel marker, dedication plate and unique floor mats.
The engine is unchanged. For the record, the M840T 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 produces 529 kW and 770 Nm and the 720S is capable of 0-100 kph in 2.9 seconds, 0-200 kph in 7.8 seconds and will run to a top speed of 341 kph.
Mercedes-AMG has introduced a new AMG GT 43 Coupe to its 4-door Coupe range. See details below…
The Mercedes-AMG GT range is currently offered as a GT Coupe, GT 4-door Coupe and GT Roadster.
Locally, the AMG GT 4-door Coupe came to market last year and is spearheaded by the AMG GT63 S 4Matic with 470 kW and 900 Nm of torque on offer from its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine. Sitting below the AMG GT63 S, is the AMG GT 53 4Matic which offers 320 kW and 520 Nm of torque from its 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder turbocharged engine.
Now, Mercedes-AMG welcomes a new member to the GT 4-door Coupe fold in the form of the AMG GT 43 which offers 270 kW and 500 Nm from its 6-cylinder, 3.0-litre turbopetrol engine. Power is directed to its 4Matic all-wheel-drive system via a 9-speed automatic transmission. AMG Ride Control suspension system is also standard which strikes a good balance between performance and comfort.
On the inside, the AMG GT 43 benefits from a Burmester sound system as well as the latest MBUX infotainment system.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa has confirmed that the AMG GT 43 will not be introduced in South Africa.
VW is finally taking full control of Audi, after a 56-year investment journey.
The two brands first had contact way back in 1964, when VW took a 50% ownership position in Auto Union, which had just built a new factory in the German city of Ingolstadt.
History has been kind to the VW and Audi ownership structure. After being purged from Porsche, Ferdinand Piëch went to Audi and built it into a technologically advanced automotive company, one which has powered a strong current of the VW Group’s profits over the last decade.
Over time, VW has steadily increased its ownership of Audi in order to have access to its profits and reinvest those into the greater VW Group’s R&D. Complete ownership has alluded VW for quite some time, but this issue is now being resolved.
The VW Group has announced that it will pay a 48% premium for shares, buying out minority shareholders, to increase its current 99.64% stake to 100% of Audi.
"Volkswagen AG announced and specified that it has set the cash settlement to be paid to the minority shareholders in return for the transfer of their shares at 1 551.53 euros per Audi AG share.” The transaction will cost VW R4.6bn and consist of accumulating the last 152 749 Audi shares that it does not own.
Why has the VW Group decided to take 100% now? Minority shareholders were definitely not being a source of disagreement to any management decisions, but there are advantages with 100% ownership.
The VW Group will now be able to make much swifter decisions, without being required to comply with the often tedious shareholder engagement and notification requirement under German law. This reduced administrative friction is perhaps the driving force behind VW AG taking full control of Audi.
Although Mercedes-AMG has kept its facelifted E63 S’ peak power and torque outputs unchanged, it has refreshed its super sedan’s appearance, improved its aerodynamics and suspension, plus updated the cabin.
Incidentally, the updated E63 S’ arrival follows a mere day after the debut of the Life Cycle Impulse (facelifted) version of its archrival, the BMW M5 Competition. Whereas the Benz delivers 10 kW less than its BMW rival (450 kW vs 460 kW), its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 – with dynamic engine mounts, Mercedes-AMG reminds us – delivers 100 Nm of torque (850 Nm, from 2 500 to 4 500 rpm) more than the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 in the BMW.
The reshaped front bumper and Panamericana grille (with enlarged Three-pointed Star) complement the E63 S' bulging bonnet.
The Benz’s powerplant is still mated with an AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed transmission, which works in conjunction with an AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system, appended by an electronically regulated rear-axle locking differential. Performance-wise, the combatants are neck and neck: The Benz is said to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 3.4 sec, while the BMW reportedly accomplishes the same 3.3 sec. It’s that close! Watch our drag race between the pre-facelift versions.
Even though Mercedes-AMG has beefed up the appearance of its headlining E-Class derivative, the E63 S arguably remains more understated than its Munich rival from an aesthetic point of view…
As Mercedes-AMG plans to discontinue its 4.0-litre V8 in the C-Class, its presence in the E-Class becomes more exclusive.
In addition to featuring the updated E-Class’ slimmer LED headlamps, the E63 S’s wheel arches are more elaborately flared – by 27 mm, to be exact – to accommodate the sedan's greater track width and larger wheels (aerodynamically optimised 20-inch 5-twin-spoke alloys, finished in either matt black or high-gloss tantalum grey), while the sedan’s AMG-specific Panamericana grille sports an enlarged Three-pointed Star.
The reshaped front apron has a trio of air intakes (of which the central one has been enlarged), while the revised splitter is said to significantly reduce lift at the front axle. A further striking visual feature is a harmoniously fitting flap (with a high-gloss black finish), which extends across the length of the apron.
The E63 S has lost none of its potency; it is said to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 3.4 sec.
At the rear, newly-designed tail-light clusters extend into the boot lid and are visually linked with a high-gloss chrome strip. The reshaped rear apron has a high-gloss black finish and is edged by a Silver Shadow trim strip that traces the contours of the pair of reshaped twin-tailpipe housings. And, in between the quartet of 90-mm trapezoidal tailpipes (with a matt titanium finish) sits a new high-gloss black diffuser, replete with a pair of longitudinal fins.
If the look of the standard E63 S isn't purposeful enough, which it might be – for some, customers can additionally specify optional high-gloss black detailing with the AMG Night Package or really go to town with the (self-explanatory) AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre Packages I or II.
Mercedes-AMG has gone to great lengths to enhance the visual presentation of the E63 S' titanium matt trapezoidal exhaust tips.
As far as the super sedan's interior update is concerned, the most noticeable revision is the new double-horizontal-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel, which features seamlessly integrated buttons (aided by haptic sensing aids), a pair of round AMG controllers located on either side of the tiller's bottom spoke and slightly bigger aluminium shift paddles that are located further down than in the pre-facelift E63 S.
Apart from additionally featuring Nappa leather trim on its dashboard and door trims (compared with its predecessor), as well as new crystal grey seat belts, the Benz comes fitted with the latest MBUX infotainment system with intelligent voice control plus AMG-specific displays and settings. The accurately-named Widescreen Cockpit consists of a pair of 12.25-inch screens, one for the instrument cluster and the other for the touchscreen infotainment system.
The elaborate steering wheel of the E63 S might require more familiarisation than its infotainment system's menus…
Meanwhile, the E63 S still features the AMG Ride Control+ suspension with a multi-chamber air suspension and adaptive adjustable damping ADS+ (Adaptive Damping System), but Mercedes-AMG claims the “comfort characteristics of the suspension have been tangibly increased thanks to retuning and revised elastokinematics”, which has, in effect, made the difference between the super sedan’s comfortable and sporty suspension settings “more clearly perceptible”.
Meanwhile, among the myriad drive modes and ESP settings afforded by AMG Dynamic Select and AMG Dynamics, the flagship E-Class derivative’s fully variable torque distribution supports Drift Mode, which can be activated in the "Race" drive mode program by using the shift paddles (provided that ESP is deactivated and the transmission is in manual mode). When Drift Mode is activated, the E63 S becomes a purely rear-wheel-driven “hooning machine” for as long as its fortunate driver may require…
